bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ perception of climate change: A study in Tulung Sub-District, Indonesia
Authors: Hidayah N , Perwithosuci W
Published: February 2024

Climate change has been a huge issue. Some studies found that climate change affects many sectors, including agriculture. Meanwhile, not all farmers know that climate change exists, which might affect their agricultural activities. This study explores farmers’ perception of climate change in Tulung Sub-district, Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The primary data were obtained using a close-ended questionnaire that covers 101 farmers. The results revealed that most farmers are aware of climate change. The 99% of farmers recognize that the air temperature is becoming warmer. Furthermore, 91 respondents answered that the seasons were unpredictable, and 62 respondents had noticed a water irrigation reduction A 79.2% of farmers agreed that crop failure is caused by climate change if there is no early mitigation. Then, 52 respondents stated that the long-term use of chemical pesticides causes environmental damage.
Coupling of surface and volume behaviors to understand the generation of TTS in pure magnesium proceeded by HPT
Authors: Heguib Hayet , Guetteche Youcef
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the formation of tribologically transformed structures (TTS) in pure magnesium (Mg) using high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing. Generally, studies conducted in such conditions do not focus on surface behaviors. The correlation between the friction and wear phenomena at the surface and the microstructural changes was investigated to supplement the knowledge on TTS formation during the first stage of rotation. An RHEOS apparatus was used to test the samples with an average grain size of 70 μm under a mean pressure of 1 GPa and a rotation speed of 0.5 rpm. The samples were conducted in an unconstrained setup at room temperature. Surface and microstructure changes were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the focused ion beam (FIB). Observation of surfaces shows that friction between the anvils and the surfaces of the sample was set to satisfy the sticking condition. Three different zones in surface contact are identified: the centre zone, the adhesion/sliding zones, and the edge zone, which generate consequently different behaviors. It was found that 0.5 turns of HPT produced a significant refinement in the grain size of the processed Mg. The TTS were considered a zone with a fine microstructure, where the initial grain size was reduced to the range of 300 nm to 1000 nm. The results show that TTS produced in these conditions are not homogenous. The deformation occurs differently, so the TTS were less or more refined. According to the different observations, a scenario of surface degradation was established. The accommodation mechanisms considered are the rupture and shear modes, which occurred, respectively, in the first material and the third body.
Aerosol jet printed temperature sensors using an environmentally friendly bilayer dielectric
Authors: Tousignant Mathieu N , Tischler Vanessa , Wagner Kaitlin , Lin Zheng Sonia , Brusso Jaclyn , Izquierdo Ricardo , Lessard Benoît H
Published: February 2024

With the rise of the internet of things and applications such as smart packaging, the need for low cost, disposable temperature sensors with minimum environmental impact are critical. In this study, we report fully printed capacitive temperature sensors made from bio-degradable dielectric materials. All layers were aerosol jet printed and the areal capacitance was characterized at several temperatures between room temperature (22 ˚C) and 80 °C. Using a bilayer dielectric structure, a layer of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was encapsulated with polycaprolactone (PCL) through interfacial crosslinking to protect it against humidity. Various concentrations and layer amounts of PVA were investigated, with the most effective capacitors consisting of a single layer of PVA deposited from a 5.0 mg ml−1 solution followed by a layer of the UV-crosslink-able PCL deposited from 2.0 mg ml−1 solution, achieving a 43 ± 6% increase in areal capacitance at 80 °C when compared to room temperature, measured at a frequency of 501 Hz.
Intelligent real-time prediction for shield machine position on the basis of BWO-LSTM-GRU
Authors: Xuanyu Liu , Mengting Jiang , Wenshuai Zhang , Yudong Wang
Published: February 2024

Due to the complexity and variability of shield machine working environment, it is very important to accurately control and regulate the position trajectory of shield machine. For that reason, an intelligent real-time prediction model of shield machine position based on BWO-LSTM-GRU (Beluga whale optimization-Long Short-term Memory-Gated recurrent unit) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the real-time data of shield machine are processed based on Pearson correlation analysis, and the tunneling parameters presenting medium-strong correlation with the position parameters are filtered to obtain, which were used to be input variables for prediction models. Secondly, LSTM-GRU position prediction model was established separately for shield machine position parameters, and four hyperparameters of the model were optimized separately using BWO. Finally, BWO-LSTM-GRU position prediction models are used to realize the intelligent real-time prediction of the motion trajectories at four positions for shield machine. The simulation results indicate that the prediction deviation in the position prediction model is within 3 mm, and it can accurately complete the task of real-time prediction, providing real-time data support for shield machine drivers.
Composite channel 100 nm InP HEMT with ultrathin barrier for millimetre wave applications
Authors: Nandi Soumak , Dubey Shashank Kumar , Kumar Mukesh , Islam Aminul
Published: February 2024

This study introduces a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) designed for millimeter-wave applications, utilizing a composite channel structure based on InP and InGaAs-InAs-InGaAs. The proposed device incorporates an ultra-thin 2 nm barsrier layer, a distinctive composite channel topology, and a judicious selection of III-V materials. These features collectively contribute to an improved confinement of electrons within the channel, thereby improving the concentration of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), and consequently, enhancing the mobility and speed of the device. The proposed device exhibits a unity current gain frequency (f
T) of 249 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency (f
MAX) of 523.9 GHz, accompanied by a current gain of 67.7 dB at 0.1 GHz. The off-state leakage current is maintained within the nanoampere range, and the minimum noise figure (NF
MIN) is merely 0.76 dB at 10 GHz. A comparative analysis of DC and RF performance, along with an examination of associated parasitic elements, is conducted among various composite channel HEMTs proposed in recent literature. A quantitative justification is provided for the superiority of InGaAs-InAs-InGaAs channel HEMTs, establishing their heightened f
T and f
MAX. The proposed InGaAs-InAs-InGaAs channel HEMTs exhibit 1.4 times improved f
T and f
MAX, coupled with only half the NF
MIN in comparison to their InGaAs-InP-InGaAs channel counterparts. To further comprehend the device’s behavior under varying RF conditions, a frequency-dependent intrinsic Field-Effect Transistor (FET) model is presented. This model facilitates the analysis of the device’s performance and allows the identification of the impact of individual parameters on the overall system.
Breaking the silence: the complex nexus of gender and climate change in Nepal
Authors: Upadhyay Bhawana , Bastola Aditya
Published: February 2024

Nepal recognizes climate change as a significant threat to its economy, communities, and environment. Climate variability is one of the major causes of food insecurity, poverty, and inequality in the country. Marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly women, suffer the most severe consequences of climate change. In this paper, we qualitatively analyze primary and secondary data to understand how gender considerations are integrated into agriculture and climate change policies. It aims to identify gaps in integrating gender considerations into policies and practices. Climate change’s challenges on agriculture and food security have been identified in most agricultural policies; however, those policies remain quiet on the gender-specific impacts of climate change. Representation mandates are not sufficiently linked with officials’ overall performance, resulting in limited representation of women in budget formulation, project and program design, planning, and resource and opportunity allocation. As a way forward, our analysis suggests addressing the gaps at the policy and institutional levels. For instance, to effectively address climate change, policies should be developed with a gender-inclusive approach, along with budgetary allocations that consider the gender-specific impact of climate change. Promoting gender equality in climate-resilient agriculture in Nepal requires measures such as empowering women’s networks, establishing linkages with extension services that focus on women-led cooperatives, and investing in affordable and climate-smart tools and machinery that are women-friendly. The study offers important insights for policymakers to create gender-inclusive policies. It highlights the opportunity to coordinate inter-agency responses among stakeholders and sustain ongoing national policy dialogues to identify actions required to meet the nationally determined contributions’ commitments.
State-of-the-art climate models reduce dominant dynamical uncertainty in projections of extreme precipitation
Authors: Ritzhaupt Nicole , Maraun Douglas
Published: February 2024

Extreme precipitation can lead to severe environmental and economic impacts. Thus, future changes in extreme precipitation and their uncertainties are of major interest. Changes in extreme precipitation can be decomposed into thermodynamic (temperature-related) and dynamic (vertical velocity related) contributions with a scaling approach for extreme precipitation. Applying this approach to the global climate model ensembles CMIP5 and CMIP6, we decompose projection uncertainties of extremes in daily precipitation into uncertainties of thermodynamic and dynamic changes. We analyze regional patterns of the total uncertainties in extreme precipitation projections, as well as the thermodynamic and dynamic contributions to these uncertainties. Total uncertainties relative to the projected multi model mean are dominated by the dynamical contributions, and are large over the tropics and subtropics, but smaller over the high and mid-latitudes. Uncertainties in the thermodynamic contribution are generally small. From CMIP5 to CMIP6, uncertainties in thermodynamic and dynamic changes are slightly reduced in the high and mid-latitudes, while there is a substantial reduction of the uncertainties of the dynamic changes in the tropics and subtropics.
Trends in air toxics cancer risk in Southern California, 1998-2018
Authors: Maestas Melissa May , Epstein Scott A , Schulte Nico , Li Xiang , Zhang Xinqiu , Lee Sang-Mi , Polidori Andrea , Low Jason , Ghosh Jo Kay
Published: February 2024

Air toxics are an important category of air pollutants that are known to cause adverse health effects, including increased cancer risk. Regulatory efforts at federal, state, and local levels have aimed to decrease air toxics emissions over the past several decades. This study evaluated trends in air toxics cancer risks in Southern California using data from 1998 to 2018. We estimated air toxics cancer risk for each of four iterations of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study, which included at least one year of measurements at 10 stations and air toxics modeling for each iteration. Cancer risks were calculated using the measured and modeled air toxics concentrations averaged over a one to two year period and multiplied by the corresponding cancer potency factor and combined exposure factor that accounted for multiple exposure pathways and children’s increased sensitivity to the health effects of air pollution. We examined temporal trends in overall air toxics cancer risks and evaluated changes in the air toxics species that contributed most to cancer risk in the region. Both measurement and modeling results show that air toxics cancer risk in Southern California decreased by more than 80% between 1998 and 2018, including a decrease of about 50% from 2012 to 2018. Diesel particulate matter was the main risk driver, followed by benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and formaldehyde. We found that more densely populated communities showed larger decreases than sparsely populated areas. The substantial decrease in air toxics levels over this 20-year period points to the success of air pollution policies aimed at addressing air toxics emissions and can inform future policy efforts to further reduce air toxics health impacts.
CR embeddings of nilpotent Lie groups
Authors: Cowling M. , Ganji M. , Ottazzi A. , Schmalz G.
Published: February 2024

In this note we show that a connected, simply connected nilpotent Lie group with an integrable left-invariant complex structure on a generating and suitably complemented subbundle of the tangent bundle admits a Cauchy-Riemann (CR) embedding in complex space defined by polynomials. We also show that a similar conclusion holds on suitable quotients of nilpotent Lie groups. Our results extend the CR embeddings constructed by Naruki [Publ. Res. Inst. Math. Sci. 6 (1970), pp. 113–187] in 1970. In particular, our generalisation to quotients allows us to see a class of Levi degenerate CR manifolds as quotients of nilpotent Lie groups.
The Dynamics of Rotating Fluids
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

This is a textbook on rotating fluid dynamics, aimed primarily at graduate students in geophysics, applied mathematics, and engineering science. However, it also serves as a reference text for professional researchers in geophysics and related fields. The book combines a deep but broad theoretical foundation with a description and analysis of many of the fascinating examples of rotating flows found in nature. The book is self-contained, starting in Part I with introductory chapters on fluid dynamics and waves. The largest section of the book is Part II, where a broad theoretical framework is developed for rotating flows, including Ekman layers, inertial waves, Taylor columns, Rossby waves, precession, instabilities, rotating convection, vortex breakdown, and rotating turbulence. The book ends, in Part III, with an analysis of some naturally occurring rotating flows, including tornadoes and dust devils, tidal vortices, tropical cyclones, convection in planetary cores, zonal winds in planetary atmospheres, and astrophysical accretion discs.
A Qualitative Introduction to Rotating Fluids
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides a brief overview of the importance of rotating flows in geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics, highlighting the role of rotation in tidal vortices, dust devils, tropical cyclones, and in the zonal winds on Jupiter and Saturn. The chapter also discusses how many of the key phenomena in rotating fluid dynamics, such as Ekman pumping, Taylor columns, and inertial waves, can be exposed using simple laboratory experiments. The emphasis throughout is on simple physical ideas, with mathematics taking a backseat. The discussion anticipates many of the phenomena which are exposed in subsequent chapters.
Inertial Waves II
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

Inertial waves can form inertial modes, or standing waves, in closed domains. Such modes can play an important role in planetary cores. This chapter starts by establishing the general properties of inertial modes, before going on to discuss the particularly accessible case of modes in a cylinder. The chapter closes with a discussion of the important practical case of modes in a sphere. The topic of inertial modes in confined domains tends to be rather mathematical, and so quickly extends beyond the scope of this text. However, suggestions for further reading are supplied for the more mathematically inclined reader.
Rotating, Shallow-Water Flow
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

Shallow-water models often provide the minimal description of large-scale motion in an atmosphere or an ocean. This chapter starts out by establishing the governing equations for shallow-water flow, with or without rotation. The focus then turns to the various kinds of wave motion that arise from small-amplitude perturbations to a rotating, shallow-water system. The chapter closes with a discussion of the quasi-geostrophic limit, which is characterized by the appearance of Rossby waves. These Rossby waves may be maintained by topographic effects, or by a latitudinal variation in the component of the earth’s rotation normal to the surface of the earth.
A Glimpse at Rapidly Rotating Turbulence
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

Laboratory experiments of rapidly rotating turbulence show that, shortly after the turbulence is created, columnar eddies aligned with the rotation axis emerge on a fast timescale that is associated with inertial wave propagation. In particular, the columnar vortices elongate along the rotation axis at the group velocity of low-frequency inertial waves. The experimental evidence in support of this statement is reviewed, both for inhomogeneous and homogeneous turbulence, and a physical interpretation for the emergence of columnar eddies is offered. These columnar vortices play an important role in many rotating flows, dominating the dynamics of the large turbulent eddies.
Tornadoes, Dust Devils, and Tidal Vortices
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

Tornadoes, waterspouts (tornadoes over water), dust devils, and tidal vortices are the four most striking examples of columnar vortices that can be found in the atmosphere and in the oceans. This chapter reviews the observational evidence as to the structure of these vortices, while discussing the conditions under which they form. The evidence in support of vortex breakdown in tornadoes and waterspouts is also examined. Despite almost a century of research, these vortices remain poorly understood, with very little in the way of a predictive theory.
Accretion Discs in Astrophysics
Authors: Davidson P A
Published: February 2024

Accretion discs are those vast swirling discs of gas that form around young and dying stars. They provide the essential mechanism by which mass accretes onto a star, a process that relies crucially on turbulent diffusion within the disc. Those accretion discs that surround young stars are of particular interest as they constitute the breeding ground for planets. This chapter provides an introduction to the classical theory of accretion discs, including the standard α-model, as well as the all-important sources of turbulence within such discs. As with planetary dynamos and the zonal winds of the gas giants, much remains poorly understood.
Geophysical and Climate Hazards: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: McGuire Bill
Published: February 2024

These are tempestuous times, and barely a day goes by without news of more geophysical mayhem splashed across our Twitter feeds, television screens, and front pages. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, floods and storms, and other deadly phenomena have always been with us and have taken a toll on communities for many thousands of years. But now things are changing—and fast. Global heating, unequivocally a consequence of humankind’s carbon-polluting activities, is building rapidly, and in recent years has translated faster than anyone could have imagined into an explosion of extreme weather. As the heat builds and sea levels climb, storms, floods, and wildfires are taking an increasing toll on lives and livelihoods, making our world a far more dangerous place. If we are to cope, we need to better understand the geophysical and climate hazards that now assail us, so as to both limit their impacts and build the resilience needed for people and communities to endure on a hotter and more dynamic planet.
Making mouse transcriptomics deconvolution accessible with immunedeconv
Authors: Merotto Lorenzo , Sturm Gregor , Dietrich Alexander , List Markus , Finotello Francesca
Published: February 2024

Transcriptome deconvolution has emerged as a reliable technique to estimate cell-type abundances from bulk RNA sequencing data. Unlike their human equivalents, methods to quantify the cellular composition of complex tissues from murine transcriptomics are sparse and sometimes not easy to use. We extended the immunedeconv R package to facilitate the deconvolution of mouse transcriptomics, enabling the quantification of murine immune-cell types using 13 different methods. Through immunedeconv, we further offer the possibility of tweaking cell signatures used by deconvolution methods, providing custom annotations tailored for specific cell types and tissues. These developments strongly facilitate the study of the immune-cell composition of mouse models and further open new avenues in the investigation of the cellular composition of other tissues and organisms.

Availability and implementation

The R package and the documentation are available at https://github.com/omnideconv/immunedeconv.
Associations between inflammatory and angiogenic proteomic biomarkers, and cardiovascular events and mortality in relation to kidney function
Authors: Salzinger Barbara , Lundwall Kristina , Evans Marie , Mörtberg Josefin , Wallén Håkan , Jernberg Tomas , Kahan Thomas , Lundman Pia , Tornvall Per , Erlinge David , Lindahl Bertil , Baron Tomasz , Rezeli Melinda , Spaak Jonas , Jacobson Stefan H
Published: February 2024

Background

The links between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the high burden of cardiovascular disease remain unclear. We aimed to explore the association between selected inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers, kidney function and long-term outcome in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to test the hypothesis that CKD status modifies this association.

Methods

A total of 1293 ACS patients hospitalized between 2008 and 2015 were followed until 31 December 2017. Plasma was collected on days 1–3 after admission. A total of 13 biomarkers were a priori identified and analysed with two proteomic methods, proximity extension assay or multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. Boxplots and multiple linear regression models were used to study associations between biomarkers and kidney function and adjusted standardized Cox regression with an interaction term for CKD was used to assess whether CKD modified the association between biomarkers and major adverse cardiovascular events and death (MACE+).

Results

The concentrations of nine biomarkers—endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), fractalkine (CX3CL1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-18 (IL-18), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), placenta growth factor (PlGF), transmembrane immunoglobulin 1 (TIM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)—were inversely associated with kidney function. ESM-1, FGF-23 and TIM-1 showed associations with MACE+. Only FGF23 remained independently associated after adjustment for the other biomarkers (hazard ratio per standard deviation increase 1.34; 95% Bonferroni corrected confidence interval 1.19–1.50). None of the biomarkers showed an interaction with CKD.

Conclusions

The concentrations of 9 of the 13 prespecified inflammatory and angiogenic proteomic biomarkers increased when kidney function declined. Only FGF-23 demonstrated an independent association with MACE+, and this association was not modified by CKD status. These findings further support FGF-23 as an independent prognostic marker in ACS patients with and without CKD.
Association between subclinical atherosclerosis burden and unrecognized myocardial infarction detected by cardiac magnetic resonance in middle-aged low-risk adults
Authors: Fernández-Friera Leticia , García-Alvarez Ana , Oliva Belen , García-Lunar Inés , García Iris , Moreno-Arciniegas Andrea , Gómez-Talavera Sandra , Pérez-Herreras Cristina , Sánchez-González Javier , de Vega Vicente Martinez , Rossello Xavier , Bueno Héctor , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Ibañez Borja , Sanz Javier , Fuster Valentín
Published: February 2024

Aims

Evidence on the association between subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) and cardiovascular (CV) events in low-risk populations is scant. To study the association between SA burden and an ischaemic scar (IS), identified by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), as a surrogate of CV endpoint, in a low-risk population.

Methods and results

A cohort of 712 asymptomatic middle-aged individuals from the Progression of Early SA (PESA-CNIC-Santander) study (median age 51 years, 84% male, median SCORE2 3.37) were evaluated on enrolment and at 3-year follow-up with 2D/3D vascular ultrasound (VUS) and coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS). A cardiac magnetic study (CMR) was subsequently performed and IS defined as the presence of subendocardial or transmural late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). On CMR, 132 (19.1%) participants had positive LGE, and IS was identified in 20 (2.9%) participants. Individuals with IS had significantly higher SCORE2 at baseline and higher CACS and peripheral SA burden (number of plaques by 2DVUS and plaque volume by 3DVUS) at both SA evaluations. High CACS and peripheral SA (number of plaques) burden were independently associated with the presence of IS, after adjusting for SCORE2 [OR for 3rd tertile, 8.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.85–24.2; P < 0.001; and 2.77; 95% CI, 1.02–7.51; P = 0.045, respectively] and provided significant incremental diagnostic value over SCORE2.

Conclusion

In a low-risk middle-aged population, SA burden (CAC and peripheral plaques) was independently associated with a higher prevalence of IS identified by CMR. These findings reinforce the value of SA evaluation to early implement preventive measures.

Clinical Trial Registration

Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) Study Identifier: NCT01410318.
Invasive vs. conservative management of older patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome: individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Kotanidis Christos P , Mills Gregory B , Bendz Bjørn , Berg Erlend S , Hildick-Smith David , Hirlekar Geir , Milasinovic Dejan , Morici Nuccia , Myat Aung , Tegn Nicolai , Sanchis Juan , Savonitto Stefano , De Servi Stefano , Fox Keith A A , Pocock Stuart , Kunadian Vijay
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Older patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) are less likely to receive guideline-recommended care including coronary angiography and revascularization. Evidence-based recommendations regarding interventional management strategies in this patient cohort are scarce. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of routine invasive vs. conservative management of NSTEACS by using individual patient data (IPD) from all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including older patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus were searched between 1 January 2010 and 11 September 2023. RCTs investigating routine invasive and conservative strategies in persons >70 years old with NSTEACS were included. Observational studies or trials involving populations outside the target range were excluded. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) at 1 year. One-stage IPD meta-analyses were adopted by use of random-effects and fixed-effect Cox models. This meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023379819).

Results

Six eligible studies were identified including 1479 participants. The primary endpoint occurred in 181 of 736 (24.5%) participants in the invasive management group compared with 215 of 743 (28.9%) participants in the conservative management group with a hazard ratio (HR) from random-effects model of 0.87 (95% CI 0.63–1.22; P = .43). The hazard for MI at 1 year was significantly lower in the invasive group compared with the conservative group (HR from random-effects model 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–0.87; P = .006). Similar results were seen for urgent revascularization (HR from random-effects model 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.95; P = .037). There was no significant difference in mortality.

Conclusions

No evidence was found that routine invasive treatment for NSTEACS in older patients reduces the risk of a composite of all-cause mortality and MI within 1 year compared with conservative management. However, there is convincing evidence that invasive treatment significantly lowers the risk of repeat MI or urgent revascularisation. Further evidence is needed from ongoing larger clinical trials.
Incorporating fossils into the joint inference of phylogeny and biogeography of the tree fern order Cyatheales
Authors: Ramírez-Barahona Santiago
Published: February 2024

Present-day geographic and phylogenetic patterns often reflect the geological and climatic history of the planet. Neontological distribution data are often sufficient to unravel a lineage’s biogeographic history, yet ancestral range inferences can be at odds with fossil evidence. Here, I use the fossilized birth–death process and the dispersal–extinction cladogenesis model to jointly infer the dated phylogeny and range evolution of the tree fern order Cyatheales. I use data for 101 fossil and 442 extant tree ferns to reconstruct the biogeographic history of the group over the last 220 million years. Fossil-aware reconstructions evince a prolonged occupancy of Laurasia over the Triassic–Cretaceous by Cyathealean tree ferns, which is evident in the fossil record but hidden from analyses relying on neontological data alone. Nonetheless, fossil-aware reconstructions are affected by uncertainty in fossils’ phylogenetic placement, taphonomic biases, and specimen sampling and are sensitive to interpretation of paleodistributions and how these are scored. The present results highlight the need and challenges of incorporating fossils into joint inferences of phylogeny and biogeography to improve the reliability of ancestral geographic range estimation.
The role of proteinaceous toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus in interbacterial competition
Authors: Garrett Stephen R , Palmer Tracy
Published: February 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is highly adapted to colonization of the mammalian host. In humans the primary site of colonization is the epithelium of the nasal cavity. A major barrier to colonization is the resident microbiota, which have mechanisms to exclude S. aureus. As such, S. aureus has evolved mechanisms to compete with other bacteria, one of which is through secretion of proteinaceous toxins. S. aureus strains collectively produce a number of well-characterized Class I, II, and IV bacteriocins as well as several bacteriocin-like substances, about which less is known. These bacteriocins have potent antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive organisms, with some also active against Gram-negative species. S. aureus bacteriocins characterized to date are sporadically produced, and often encoded on plasmids. More recently the type VII secretion system (T7SS) of S. aureus has also been shown to play a role in interbacterial competition. The T7SS is encoded by all S. aureus isolates and so may represent a more widespread mechanism of competition used by this species. T7SS antagonism is mediated by the secretion of large protein toxins, three of which have been characterized to date: a nuclease toxin, EsaD; a membrane depolarizing toxin, TspA; and a phospholipase toxin, TslA. Further study is required to decipher the role that these different types of secreted toxins play in interbacterial competition and colonization of the host.
Safety and feasibility of minimally invasive gastrectomy after neoadjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis in China
Authors: Cui Hao , Liang Wenquan , Cui Jianxin , Song Liqiang , Yuan Zhen , Chen Lin , Wei Bo
Published: February 2024

Background

The effect of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare short-term outcomes between MIG after neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy (NICT-MIG) and MIG after neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (NCT-MIG), and determine risk factors for post-operative complications (POCs).

Methods

This retrospective study included clinicopathologic data from 193 patients who underwent NCT-MIG or NICT-MIG between January 2020 and February 2023 in the Department of General Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital First Medical Center (Beijing, China). Propensity score-matched analysis at a ratio of 1:2 was performed to reduce bias from confounding patient-related variables and short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The baseline characteristics were comparable between 49 patients in the NICT-MIG group and 86 patients in the NCT-MIG group after propensity score matching. Objective and pathologic complete response rates were significantly higher in the NICT-MIG group than in the NCT-MIG group (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of treat-related adverse events, intraoperative bleeding, operation time, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to the first flatus, post-operative duration of hospitalization, overall morbidity, and severe morbidity were comparable between the NCT-MIG and NICT-MIG groups (P > 0.05). By multivariate logistic analysis, estimated blood loss of >200 mL (P = 0.010) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score of <45 (P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for POCs after MIG following neoadjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

Safety and feasibility of NICT were comparable to those of NCT in patients undergoing MIG for LAGC. Patients with an estimated blood loss of >200 mL or a PNI score of <45 should be carefully evaluated for increased POCs risk.
CarFreeMe™-Dementia: Potential Benefits of a Driving Retirement Intervention Supporting Persons With Dementia and Their Families
Authors: Peterson Colleen M , Ingvalson Stephanie , Birkeland Robyn W , Louwagie Katie W , Scott Theresa L , Pachana Nancy A , Liddle Jacki , Gustafsson Louise , Gaugler Joseph E
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Driving retirement can be a necessary but challenging and emotionally complex transition, especially for people living with dementia. This pilot study evaluated the utility of CarFreeMe™-Dementia (CFM™-D), a telehealth intervention providing tailored education and social support to those living with dementia and their care partners, as they prepare for or adjust to driving retirement. Delivered by empathetic health professionals, CFM™-D is a person-centric, flexible program tailored to address challenges specific to the participants’ driving retirement stage and individualized contexts.

Research Design and Methods

A single-arm, mixed-methods design was used to follow participants over a 6-month period. Participants received CFM™-D, a 7–8-module semistructured intervention, including education and planning support for driving retirement (impact of dementia, transportation options) and emotional adjustment (grief and loss, stress management). Surveys evaluated the perceived utility of intervention components as well as changes in well-being and readiness for driving retirement over time. An open-ended survey item and semistructured interviews provided additional feedback and a contextual understanding of the empirical data.

Results

A total of 50 families enrolled (17 care partners, 16 retiring/retired drivers with memory loss, and 17 care partner-retiring/retired driver dyads). Nearly all participants would recommend the intervention. Care partners reported significantly reduced (p < .05) isolation and relationship strain, and retiring drivers reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Driving retirement preparedness scores improved. Driving retirement phase, enrolling as a dyad, and retiring driver cognitive/functional impairment were associated with these outcomes. Participants also engaged in more driving retirement activities outside of the intervention (e.g., talking with health professionals).

Discussion and Implications

CFM™-D is a useful intervention for retiring drivers with dementia and their family members, with preliminary data suggesting it supports improved well-being and driving retirement preparedness. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the efficacy of the CFM™-D intervention and future translation needs.
Dissection of the spatial dynamics of biosynthesis, transport, and turnover of major amino acids in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Yu Shuwei , Zhu Mingzhi , Li Ping , Zuo Hao , Li Juan , Li Yingying , Peng Anqi , Huang Jianan , Fernie Alisdair R , Liu Zhonghua , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2024

High levels of free amino acids (AAs) in tea leaves are crucial for tea flavor and health function; however, the dynamic AA biosynthesis, transport, and turnover in tea plants remain elusive. Here we dissected whole tea plants for these dynamics by assessing AA profiles and transcriptomes of metabolic pathway genes in tea roots, stems, and leaves and revealing their distinctive features with regard to AA synthesis, transport, and degradation/recycling. Nitrogen assimilation dominated in the roots wherein glutamine (Gln), theanine, and arginine (Arg) were actively synthesized. Arg was transported into trunk roots and stems, together with Glu, Gln, and theanine as the major AAs in the xylem sap for long-distance root-to-leaf transport. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes involved in Arg synthesis were highly expressed in roots, but those for Arg transport and degradation were highly expressed in stems and young leaves, respectively. CsGSIa transcripts were found in root meristem cells, root, stem and leaf vascular tissues, and leaf mesophyll where it appeared to participate in AA synthesis, transport, and recycling. Overexpression of CsGSIa in tea transgenic hairy roots and knockdown of CsGSIa in transgenic hairy roots and tea leaves produced higher and lower Gln and theanine than wild-type roots and leaves, respectively. This study provides comprehensive and new insights into AA metabolism and transport in the whole tea plant.
Phosphorylation of birch BpNAC90 improves the activation of gene expression to confer drought tolerance
Authors: Wang Zhibo , He Zihang , Gao Caiqiu , Wang Chao , Song Xingshun , Wang Yucheng
Published: February 2024

The NAC transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in mediating abiotic stress tolerance; however, the mechanism is still not fully known. Here, an NAC gene (BpNAC90) from a gene regulatory network of Betula platyphylla (birch) that responded to drought was characterized. Overexpression and knockout of BpNAC90 displayed increased and reduced drought tolerance, respectively, relative to wild-type (WT) birch. BpNAC90 binds to different DNA motifs to regulate target genes in conferring drought tolerance, such as Eomes2, ABRE and Tgif2. BpNAC90 is phosphorylated by drought stress at Ser 205 by birch SNF1-related protein kinase 2 (BpSRK2A). Mutated BpNAC90 (termed S205A) with abolished phosphorylation, was transformed into birch for overexpression. The transgenic S205A plants displayed significantly reduced drought tolerance compared with plants overexpressing BpNAC90, but still showed increased drought tolerance relative to WT birch. At the same time, S205A showed a decreased capability to bind to motifs and reduced activation of target gene expression, which contributed to the reduced drought tolerance. Additionally, BpSRK2A and BpNAC90 can be induced by drought stress and form a complex to phosphorylate BpNAC90. The results together indicated that phosphorylation of BpNAC90 is necessary in conferring drought tolerance in birch.
Segmental analysis of aortic basal ring dimensions in normal and dilated tricuspid aortic roots
Authors: Jelenc Matija , Jelenc Blaž , Habjan Sara , Giebels Christian , Fries Peter , Michelena Hector I , Foley Thomas , Schäfers Hans Joachim
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

In patients with aortic root aneurysm, the aortic basal ring is frequently dilated. It has been speculated that the muscular part of the basal ring dilates most. The purpose of this study was to analyse the segmental dilatation of the basal ring, comparing normal and dilated roots in patients with tricuspid aortic valves.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of computed tomography studies in patients with normal and dilated aortic roots was performed. Lengths of segments of the basal ring corresponding to each of the 3 sinuses, and to the muscular and fibrous parts were measured. Fractions of these segments relative to the total basal ring perimeter were calculated.

RESULTS

We analysed 152 normal and 126 dilated aortic roots and 86 propensity-matched pairs. Basal ring dilatation was present in all segments of dilated aortic roots with subtle differences between the segments corresponding to the 3 sinuses. The muscular part of the basal ring dilated proportionately to its fibrous part, with no difference in fractions of measured muscular part in normal and dilated roots [42.2% (interquartile range 4.3%) vs 42.1% (interquartile range 6.3%)].

CONCLUSIONS

Basal ring dilatation was present in all segments corresponding to the 3 sinuses in dilated aortic roots. Both muscular and fibrous parts dilated equally, supporting the need to stabilize the entire basal ring when performing aortic valve repair surgery.
Biotic interactions explain seasonal dynamics of the alpine soil microbiome
Authors: Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Freudenthal Jule , Dahl Mathilde Borg , Rixen Christian , Urich Tim , Bonkowski Michael
Published: February 2024

While it is acknowledged that alpine soil bacterial communities are primarily driven by season and elevation, there is no consensus on the factors influencing fungi and protists. Here we used a holistic approach of the microbiome to investigate the seasonal dynamics in alpine grasslands, focusing on soil food web interactions. We collected 158 soil samples along elevation transects from three mountains in the Alps, in spring during snowmelt and in the following summer. Using metatranscriptomics, we simultaneously assessed prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, further classified into trophic guilds. Our findings reveal that the consumers’ pressure increases from spring to summer, leading to more diverse and evenly distributed prey communities. Consequently, consumers effectively maintain the diverse soil bacterial and fungal communities essential for ecosystem functioning. Our research highlights the significance of biotic interactions in understanding the distribution and dynamics of alpine microbial communities.
A framework for understanding an open scientific community using automated harvesting of public artifacts
Authors: Liu Star , Golozar Asieh , Buesgens Nathan , McLeggon Jody-Ann , Black Adam , Nagy Paul
Published: February 2024

Background

The Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) community has emerged as a leader in observational research on real-world clinical data for promoting evidence for healthcare and decision-making. The community has seen rapid growth in publications, citations, and the number of authors. Components of its successful uptake have been attributed to an open science and collaborative culture for research and development. Investigating the adoption of OHDSI as a field of study provides an opportunity to understand how communities embrace new ideas, onboard new members, and enhance their impact.

Objective

To track, study, and evaluate an open scientific community’s growth and impact.

Method

We present a modern architecture leveraging open application programming interfaces to capture publicly available data (PubMed, YouTube, and EHDEN) on open science activities (publication, teaching, and engagement).

Results

Three interactive dashboard were implemented for each publicly available artifact (PubMed, YouTube, and EHDEN). Each dashboard provides longitudinal summary analysis and has a searchable table, which differs in the available features related to each public artifact.

Conclusion

We discuss the insights enabled by our approach to monitor the growth and impact of the OHDSI community by capturing artifacts of learning, teaching, and creation. We share the implications for different users based on their functional needs. As other scientific networks adopt open-source frameworks, our framework serves as a model for tracking the growth of their community, driving the perception of their development, engaging their members, and attaining higher impact.
Analysis of Secondary Metabolites of Elaeagnus Angustifolia Leaves Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Liao Jinfa , Liu Liyan , Yang Lu , Sheng Wei , Zhang Ke , Zhou Bin , Yu Silin , Yin Yongzhi , Wang Jinhui
Published: February 2024

Background

The leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, belonging to the Elaeagnaceae Juss. family, are known for their medicinal properties for relieving cough and asthma, as well as treating dysentery and diarrhea.

Objective

To establish a rapid qualitative method for the detection of secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, including the identification and analysis of various secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia.

Method

Samples were separated using a Waters ACQUITY H-Class ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system (FTN autosampler, quaternary LC pump) and ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm). The flow rate was set to 0.4 mL/min, the injection volume was 1.0 μL, and the column temperature was set to 45°C. The mobile phase was methanol (A) with −0.1% formic acid in water (B). Samples were analyzed by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS).

Results

A total of 182 different secondary metabolites were detected from 10 varieties of leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, including 77 flavonoids, 20 steroids, 7 alkaloids, 15 amino acids, 18 organic acids, and 45 other compound types.

Conclusions

A method for the rapid analysis of leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was established, and the secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia were identified. The enrichment of secondary metabolites in leaves of different varieties of Elaeagnus angustifolia was clarified.

Highlights

The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method is very fast and possesses a high degree of selectivity, precision, and sensitivity. These findings provide a reliable foundation for the development of medicinal resources derived from Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves.