bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletonizing Caenorhabditis elegans Based on U-Net Architectures Trained with a Multi-worm Low-Resolution Synthetic Dataset
Authors: Layana Castro Pablo E. , García Garví Antonio , Navarro Moya Francisco , Sánchez-Salmerón Antonio-José
Published: June 2023

Skeletonization algorithms are used as basic methods to solve tracking problems, pose estimation, or predict animal group behavior. Traditional skeletonization techniques, based on image processing algorithms, are very sensitive to the shapes of the connected components in the initial segmented image, especially when these are low-resolution images. Currently, neural networks are an alternative providing more robust results in the presence of image-based noise. However, training a deep neural network requires a very large and balanced dataset, which is sometimes too expensive or impossible to obtain. This work proposes a new training method based on a custom-generated dataset with a synthetic image simulator. This training method was applied to different U-Net neural networks architectures to solve the problem of skeletonization using low-resolution images of multiple Caenorhabditis elegans contained in Petri dishes measuring 55 mm in diameter. These U-Net models had only been trained and validated with a synthetic image; however, they were successfully tested with a dataset of real images. All the U-Net models presented a good generalization of the real dataset, endorsing the proposed learning method, and also gave good skeletonization results in the presence of image-based noise. The best U-Net model presented a significant improvement of 3.32% with respect to previous work using traditional image processing techniques.
Narrationen als Datengrundlage für die erziehungswissenschaftliche Biografieforschung
Authors: Deppe Ulrike , Krüger Heinz-Hermann
Published: June 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird nach den methodologischen Annahmen der Biografieforschung und deren Relevanz für die Erziehungswissenschaft in Form von Narrationen gefragt. Ausgehend von der Feststellung, dass zwischen Narrationen, der Biografieforschung und der Erziehungswissenschaft eine zweifache Wahlverwandtschaft besteht, wird zunächst die historische Entwicklung des Verhältnisses von Narrationen, Biografieforschung und Erziehungswissenschaft in groben Umrissen skizziert. Denn zum einen sind Narrationen die zentrale Grundlage für die in der Biografieforschung untersuchten lebensgeschichtlichen Erzählungen und zum anderen hat die Biografieforschung eine besondere Affinität zur Erziehungswissenschaft aufgrund der gemeinsamen Arbeitsfelder Bildung, Erziehung, Lernen und Sozialisation. Anschließend wird die Entwicklung der theoretischen Diskurse in der erziehungswissenschaftlichen Biografieforschung auch mit Blick auf die Nachbardisziplinen dargestellt und dabei danach gefragt, auf welche unterschiedlichen Theoriebezüge zurückgegriffen wird, um auf der Basis von Narrationen das Wechselverhältnis zwischen individuellen Bildungs- und Sozialisationsprozessen und gesellschaftlichen Strukturen untersuchen zu können. In einem weiteren Schritt wird am Beispiel von Beiträgen, die ausgehend von unterschiedlichen theoretischen und methodischen Ansätzen das gleiche narrative Interview interpretiert haben, exemplarisch aufgezeigt, mit welchen methodologischen Annahmen und methodischen Auswertungsstrategien sie zu ihren empirischen Ergebnissen gelangen und wie dabei das Theorie-Empirie-Verhältnis unterschiedlich ausgestaltet wird. Abschließend werden theoretische und methodische Herausforderungen diskutiert, die sich für die primär auf Narrationen beziehende erziehungswissenschaftliche Forschung zukünftig ergeben.
cometrics: A New Software Tool for Behavior-analytic Clinicians and Machine Learning Researchers
Authors: Arce Walker S. , Walker Seth G. , Hurtz Morgan L. , Gehringer James E.
Published: June 2023

Cometrics is a Microsoft Windows compatible clinical tool for the collection and recording of frequency- and duration-based target behaviors, physiological signals, and video data. This software package is designed to record in-vivo observational and physiological data. In addition, we have included features that allow observers to capture video from real-time camera feeds and import saved video for retroactive data collection. By using Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheets, also called keystroke files, assessment and treatment sessions are exported into a single document using the click of a button. Integrated interobserver agreement metrics allow comparisons across primary and reliability observers, with the output exported into a spreadsheet for easy reference. All file system interactions are handled by the user interface, so files and folders are created and managed without manual intervention. This software is available free-of-charge through the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 and the source code is publicly available on GitHub.
Continuous Replanting Could Degrade Soil Health in Short-Rotation Plantation Forestry
Authors: Bose Tanay , Hammerbacher Almuth , Slippers Bernard , Roux Jolanda , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Continuous replanting of land with the same or similar plant species can result in the accumulation of harmful soil microbes, which can lead to crop failure. In this review, we explore the influence of constant replanting on the health of short-rotation forestry soil, focusing on the accumulation of deleterious microbes and the decline of beneficial microbes. We also suggest possible practical solutions to address this problem and consider future research that could be conducted to better understand and reduce the build-up of deleterious soil microbes in short-rotation forestry soil.

Recent Findings

Compelling evidence that continuous replanting of the same tree species in short-rotation plantation forestry might contribute to the build-up of deleterious soil microbes is still lacking. However, our assessment of existing soil microbiome data from global short-rotation plantation environments suggests a high risk of an accumulation of harmful microbes and a loss of beneficial microbes in plots that were continually replanted with the same tree species. Based on this evidence, and that from agriculture, we propose further research to acquire a better understanding of the build-up of harmful soil microbes in short-rotation plantation forestry, and suggest crop rotation and intercropping strategies to avoid this malady in the future.

The accumulation of microbes detrimental to plantation trees and the decline of microbes beneficial to these trees are realistic risks when plantations are continually replanted with the same tree species. Extensive research is necessary to evaluate the impact of short continuous planting rotations on the biodiversity of soil microbes in plantations and to develop strategies that would alleviate the build-up of detrimental microbes.
Deconstructing the anthropocentrism versus ecocentrism binary through Māori oral fire traditions
Authors: Berning Hannah , North Chris , Stevens Susannah , Clarke TeHurinui
Published: June 2023

At the heart of sustainability is the relationship between humans and the planet. The binary of anthropocentric or ecocentric worldviews appears to be powerful in defining this relationship. Sustainability requires nuanced approaches which go beyond simple binaries, and therefore a dialectic approach which works to synthesise the binaries may be helpful. This paper draws on Māori cultural understandings of fire to trouble the ecocentric versus anthropocentric binary. Māori oral traditions of fire identify the connections between people and the planet and see people as part of fire and fire as part of people. By exploring Māori oral traditions, it is possible to see fire as more than purely an element that contributes to environmental problems and reveals the pedagogical potential of campfires to reignite the relationship between humans and the planet.
De Novo Dissecting the Three-Dimensional Facial Morphology of 2379 Han Chinese Individuals
Authors: Qiao Hui , Tan Jingze , Wen Shaoqing , Zhang Menghan , Xu Shuhua , Jin Li
Published: June 2023

Phenotypic diversity, especially that of facial morphology, has not been fully investigated in the Han Chinese, which is the largest ethnic group in the world. In this study, we systematically analyzed a total of 14,838 facial traits representing 15 categories with both a large-scale three-dimensional (3D) manual landmarking database and computer-aided facial segmented phenotyping in 2379 Han Chinese individuals. Our results illustrate that homogeneous and heterogeneous facial morphological traits exist among Han Chinese populations across the three geographical regions: Zhengzhou, Taizhou, and Nanning. We identified 1560 shared features from extracted phenotypes, which characterized well the basic facial morphology of the Han Chinese. In particular, heterogeneous phenotypes showing population structures corresponded to geographical subpopulations. The greatest facial variation among these geographical populations was the angle of glabella, left subalare, and right cheilion (p = 3.4 × 10−161). Interestingly, we found that Han Chinese populations could be classified into northern Han, central Han, and southern Han at the phenotypic level, and the facial morphological variation pattern of central Han Chinese was between the typical differentiation of northern and southern Han Chinese. This result was highly consistent with the results revealed by the genetic data. These findings provide new insights into the analysis of multidimensional phenotypes as well as a valuable resource for further facial phenotype-genotype association studies in Han Chinese and East Asian populations.
A personalized mRNA vaccine has exhibited potential in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kang Ning , Zhang Si , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: June 2023

This commentary discusses a ground-breaking study on the use of personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly malignant form of cancer. The study, which capitalizes on lipid nanoparticles for mRNA vaccine delivery, aims to induce an immune response against patient-specific neoantigens and offers a potential ray of hope for improving patient prognosis. Initial results from a Phase 1 clinical trial indicated a significant T cell response in half of the subjects, opening new avenues for PDAC treatment. However, despite the promising nature of these findings, the commentary emphasizes the challenges that remain. These include the complexity of identifying suitable antigens, the possibility of tumor immune escape, and the requirement for extensive large-scale trials to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. This commentary underscores the transformative potential of mRNA technology in oncology while highlighting the hurdles that need to be overcome for its widespread adoption.
Mapping (Post)colonial Paris by Ear
Authors: Waltham-Smith Naomi
Published: June 2023

What does the urban (post)colonial condition sound like? To what extent and how is France's colonial history audible today on the streets, specifically in the Parisian quartiers populaires? Musical and sonic production has long been entangled with social movements in France and her overseas territories, and genres such as hip hop and raï have been closely associated with the urban spaces of Paris's racialized neighborhoods and with political resistance. This Element refines and extends these analyses up to contemporary antiracist and environmental struggles. Its novelty lies in telling these narratives from the perspective of the urban field recordist, reinventing the bourgeois figure of the flâneur as a feminist-decolonial activist and configuring listening as an expressly spatial practice of mapping the city. The discrete binaural microphones tucked in her ears capture everything from Franco-Maghrebi musical dissent through the sounds of police brutality and carceral capitalism to transcolonial reverberations with struggles elsewhere.
Introduction to Proofs and Proof Strategies
Authors: Fuchs Shay
Published: June 2023

Emphasizing the creative nature of mathematics, this conversational textbook guides students through the process of discovering a proof. The material revolves around possible strategies to approaching a problem without classifying 'types of proofs' or providing proof templates. Instead, it helps students develop the thinking skills needed to tackle mathematics when there is no clear algorithm or recipe to follow. Beginning by discussing familiar and fundamental topics from a more theoretical perspective, the book moves on to inequalities, induction, relations, cardinality, and elementary number theory. The final supplementary chapters allow students to apply these strategies to the topics they will learn in future courses. With its focus on 'doing mathematics' through 200 worked examples, over 370 problems, illustrations, discussions, and minimal prerequisites, this course will be indispensable to first- and second-year students in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Instructor resources include solutions to select problems.
Sex, age, and family structure influence dispersal behaviour after a forced migration
Authors: Kauppi Jenni J. , Chapman Simon N. , Pettay Jenni E. , Lahdenperä Mirkka , Lummaa Virpi , Loehr John
Published: June 2023

Dispersal does not only mean moving from one environment to another, but can also refer to shifting from one social group to another. Individual characteristics such as sex, age and family structure might influence an individual's propensity to disperse. In this study, we use a unique dataset of an evacuated World War II Finnish population, to test how sex, age, number of siblings and birth order influence an individual's dispersal away from their own social group at a time when society was rapidly changing. We found that young women dispersed more than young men, but the difference decreased with age. This suggests that young men might benefit more from staying near a familiar social group, whereas young women could benefit more from moving elsewhere to find work or spouses. We also found that having more younger brothers increased the propensity for firstborns to disperse more than for laterborns, indicating that younger brothers might pressure firstborn individuals into leaving. However, sisters did not have the same effect as brothers. Overall, the results show that individual characteristics are important in understanding dispersal behaviour, but environmental properties such as social structure and the period of flux after World War II might upend the standard predictions concerning residence and dispersal.

Social media summary:Individual characteristics influence dispersal away from social group after a forced migration in a Finnish population
Shadow Performance in Iran
Authors: Azarm Milad
Published: June 2023

This study argues, contrary to some opinions, that shadow performance existed in Iran from at least the tenth to the twentieth century. Through a textual analysis of newly discovered ancient texts, two plays specifically, this study shows how shadow performance originated in the Indian subcontinent, was transported from Iran to the historical region now known as Iraq, and then spread to Egypt, developing over time through its historical progression. This study also looks at the reasons for the decline of shadow performance in Iran, including the centuries-old Iranian Sufi criticism of the form and the establishment of the Safavid dynasty, which introduced Shiism as the official religion of Iran in the sixteenth century. Certain Iranian Sufisms considered shadow performance debaucherous until the fifteenth century. After the sixteenth century, influenced by the Turkish Karagöz, shadow performance was considered a theatrical form associated with Sunni infidels. Consequently, shadow performance was replaced with Muharram mourning rituals, ritualistic forms that reflect Shia identity.
WALLABY pilot survey: The diversity of HI structural parameters in nearby galaxies
Authors: Reynolds T. N. , Catinella B. , Cortese L. , Deg N. , Dénes H. , Elagali A. , For B.-Q. , Kamphuis P. , Kleiner D. , Koribalski B. S. , Lee-Waddell K. , Murugeshan C. , Raja W. , Rhee J. , Spekkens K. , Staveley-Smith L. , van der Hulst J. M. , Wang J. , Westmeier T. , Wong O. I. , Bigiel F. , Bosma A. , Holwerda B. W. , Leahy D. A. , Meyer M. J.
Published: June 2023

We investigate the diversity in the sizes and average surface densities of the neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) gas discs in

$\sim$

280 nearby galaxies detected by the Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind Survey (WALLABY). We combine the uniformly observed, interferometric H i data from pilot observations of the Hydra cluster and NGC 4636 group fields with photometry measured from ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared imaging surveys to investigate the interplay between stellar structure, star formation, and H i structural parameters. We quantify the H i structure by the size of the H i relative to the optical disc and the average H i surface density measured using effective and isodensity radii. For galaxies resolved by

$>$

$1.3$

beams, we find that galaxies with higher stellar masses and stellar surface densities tend to have less extended H i discs and lower H i surface densities: the isodensity H i structural parameters show a weak negative dependence on stellar mass and stellar mass surface density. These trends strengthen when we limit our sample to galaxies resolved by

$>$

2 beams. We find that galaxies with higher H i surface densities and more extended H i discs tend to be more star forming: the isodensity H i structural parameters have stronger correlations with star formation. Normalising the H i disc size by the optical effective radius (instead of the isophotal radius) produces positive correlations with stellar masses and stellar surface densities and removes the correlations with star formation. This is due to the effective and isodensity H i radii increasing with mass at similar rates while, in the optical, the effective radius increases slower than the isophotal radius. Our results are in qualitative agreement with previous studies and demonstrate that with WALLABY we can begin to bridge the gap between small galaxy samples with high spatial resolution H i data and large, statistical studies using spatially unresolved, single-dish data.
First record of the bush dog Speothos venaticus in the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Soto-Werschitz Alejandra , Mandujano Salvador , Passamani Marcelo
Published: June 2023

The bush dog Speothos venaticus is a highly social Neotropical canid categorized globally on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, as Vulnerable in Brazil and as Critically Endangered in Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil, and the Atlantic Forest as a result of human pressure. As part of the monitoring of this mammal, during January 2019–March 2020 we placed one camera trap in each of 22 forest fragments in various landscapes in 15 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais and one municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On average, each camera trap was active for 4.3 months in each fragment. In a total of 2,856 trap-days we obtained the first record of S. venaticus in south-eastern Minas Gerais, c. 2 km from Serra de Santa Rita Mítzi Brandão Biological Reserve. This is the northernmost record of S. venaticus in the Atlantic Forest and highlights the importance of forest remnants in a fragmented landscape for this species. Further monitoring of this area should be a priority, to increase knowledge regarding the distribution of this species and for developing conservation strategies appropriate to these fragmented landscapes.
The Impact of (In)Stability of Pension System on Retirement Timing: Macro-Level Analysis Based on “Certainty Effect”
Authors: Jurek Łukasz
Published: June 2023

Retirement timing is an issue of great political importance these days. Policy-makers develop various initiatives encouraging workers to postpone retirement beyond the statutory retirement age. This effort brings, however, just minimal outcomes. Although increasing opportunities and abilities to work in old age, in some countries people tend to retire as soon as it is possible. In economic terms, they make suboptimal (irrational) decisions.
Global‐Krigger: A Global Kriging Interpolation Toolbox With Paleoclimatology Examples
Authors: Cosentino N. J. , Opazo N. E. , Lambert F. , Osses A. , van 't Wout E.
Published: June 2023

Many applications in Earth sciences require spatial prediction, that is, obtaining a continuous scalar field from a set of discrete scalar data points on the Earth's surface. Such applications include model‐data comparisons and derivation of continuous scalar fields as input for Earth system models. The advantage of kriging as an interpolation method is that it provides predictions with confidence intervals for data sets of irregularly distributed points in space. However, the theory of kriging for non‐Euclidean domains such as oblate spheroids (e.g., the Earth's surface) is poorly developed, and existing kriging algorithms for global interpolation oftentimes cannot guarantee the validity of their predictions. Here, we present Global‐Krigger, a new kriging interpolation algorithm adapted for local to global applications that (a) incorporates a numerical check to guarantee that the necessary conditions for the kriging system of linear equations are met, and (b) derives a combined uncertainty field due both to spatial variations in data density and measurement error. The robustness of the method is demonstrated by cross‐validating predictions against reanalysis fields of traditional climatological scalar variables. We also show an example application in paleoclimatology for Holocene mineral dust deposition fluxes. The toolbox includes a user‐friendly graphical user interface that guides users through a range of choices during data pre‐interpolation analysis, kriging, and post‐processing.
Lowermost Mantle Structure Beneath the Central Pacific Ocean: Ultralow Velocity Zones and Seismic Anisotropy
Authors: Wolf Jonathan , Long Maureen D.
Published: June 2023

Ultralow velocity zones (ULVZs) and seismic anisotropy are both commonly detected in the lowermost mantle at the edges of the two antipodal large low velocity provinces (LLVPs). The preferential occurrences of both ULVZs and anisotropy at LLVP edges are potentially connected to deep mantle dynamics; however, the two phenomena are typically investigated separately. Here we use waveforms from three deep earthquakes to jointly investigate ULVZ structure and lowermost mantle anisotropy near an edge of the Pacific LLVP to the southeast of Hawaii. We model global wave propagation through candidate lowermost mantle structures using AxiSEM3D. Two structures that cause ULVZ‐characteristic postcursors in our data are identified and are modeled as cylindrical ULVZs with radii of ∼1° and ∼3° and velocity reductions of ∼36% and ∼20%. One of these features has not been detected before. The ULVZs are located to the south of Hawaii and are part of the previously detected complex low velocity structure at the base of the mantle in our study region. The waveforms also reveal that, to first order, the base of the mantle in our study region is a broad and thin region of modestly low velocities. Measurements of Sdiff shear wave splitting reveal evidence for lowermost mantle anisotropy that is approximately co‐located with ULVZ material. Our measurements of co‐located anisotropy and ULVZ material suggest plausible geodynamic scenarios for flow in the deep mantle near the Pacific LLVP edge.
Double Reservoirs Imaged Below Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska, Explain the Migration of Volcanic Seismicity
Authors: Yang Xiaotao , Roman Diana C. , Haney Matthew , Kupres Cody A.
Published: June 2023

Volcanic seismicity provides essential insights into the behavior of an active volcano across multiple time scales. However, to understand how magma moves as the eruption cycle develops, better knowledge of the geometry and physical properties of the magma plumbing system is required. In this study, using full‐wave ambient noise tomography, we image the three‐dimensional (3‐D) crustal shear‐wave velocity structure below Great Sitkin Volcano in the central Aleutian Arc. The velocity model reveals two low‐velocity anomalies correlating with the migration of volcanic seismicity. With a bulk melt fraction of about 2.5%–9%, these low‐velocity anomalies are interpreted as mushy magma reservoirs. We propose a six‐stage eruption cycle to explain the migration of seismicity and the alternating eruption of the two reservoirs with different recharging histories. These findings have broad implications for the dynamics of magma plumbing systems and the structural control of eruption behaviors.
The VLF Transmitter, Narrowband Receiver, and Tuner Investigation on the DSX Spacecraft
Authors: Reinisch B. W. , Song P. , Galkin I. A. , Stelmash S. S. , Roche K. , Khmyrov G. M. , Bibl K. , Kozlov A. V. , McEachen M. , Paznukhov V. V.
Published: June 2023

Artificially enhancing the pitch angle diffusion of the relativistic electrons trapped in the radiation belts with transmission of very‐low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic waves is the primary science objective of the wave‐particle interaction experiments (WPIx) on the Demonstration Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft. The pitch angle diffusion occurs due to the interaction of stimulated whistler‐mode waves with these extremely high energy electrons. The primary payload of the DSX spacecraft is a high‐power VLF transmitter paired with a matched tuner, a two‐channel narrowband receiver, and an 81.6 m tip‐to‐tip carbon fiber longeron dipole antenna, collectively known as Transmitter, Narrowband receiver, and Tuner (TNT) instrument. TNT can execute a wide variety of programmable WPIx experiments and provide supporting in situ and remote plasma characterizations. In its main high‐power mode, the whistler stimulation on selected frequencies between 2.5 and 34 kHz is done by applying a high‐voltage signal, up to nominally 5 kV, at each transmit antenna monopole feed. Maximum power is radiated when the antenna‐plasma circuit reactance is tuned out, leading to resonance conditions at the selected frequency. In the radiation belts, the unknown and varying contributions of the ambient plasma to the total reactance have to be determined automatically and tuned out adaptively, steering the overall VLF circuit within the resonance state as DSX orbits the Earth. Auxiliary to the main WPIx mode, the low‐power relaxation sounding, remote plasma sensing, and listen‐only VLF‐HF emission spectrographic operations are used to probe the surrounding and remote plasma density and the local magnetic field strength.
Rapid Cycling of Bacterial Particulate Organic Matter in the Upper Layer of the Western Pacific Warm Pool
Authors: Guo Jinqiang , Zhou Bu , Achterberg Eric P. , Yuan Huamao , Song Jinming , Duan Liqin , Li Xuegang
Published: June 2023

Bacterial metabolism largely drives the sequestration of refractory organic matter in the ocean. However, a lack of understanding exists regarding the abundance and reactivity of bacterial particulate organic matter (POM). Here we report the bacterial contributions to suspended POM collected in the oligotrophic Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP). Around 27% of particulate organic carbon (POC) and ∼39% of particulate nitrogen (PN) in the surface ocean were derived from bacteria. Most of the bacterial POM (∼87%) was labile or semi‐labile, and ∼85% of bacterial POM was removed between depths of ∼100–300 m. Bacterial POM constituted only ∼8% and ∼13% of refractory POC and PN, respectively. The rapid cycling of bacterial POM in upper waters was likely related to oligotrophic conditions and facilitated by higher temperatures in the WPWP. Taken together, these observations indicate that bacterial POM plays a crucial role in supplying energy for bacterial respiration.
Tropical Cyclone Genesis Potential Indices in a New High‐Resolution Climate Models Ensemble: Limitations and Way Forward
Authors: Cavicchia L. , Scoccimarro E. , Ascenso G. , Castelletti A. , Giuliani M. , Gualdi S.
Published: June 2023

Genesis Potential Indices (GPIs) link the occurrence of Tropical Cyclones (TCs) to large‐scale environmental conditions favorable for TC development. In the last few decades, they have been routinely used as a way to overcome the limitations of climate models (GCM), whose resolution is too coarse to produce realistic TCs. Recently, the first GCM ensemble with high enough horizontal resolution to realistically reproduce TCs was made available. Here, we address the questions of whether GPIs are still relevant in the era of TC‐permitting climate model ensembles, and whether they have sufficient predictive skills. The predictive skills of GPIs are assessed against the TCs directly simulated in a climate model ensemble. We found that GPIs have poor skill in two key metrics: inter‐annual variability and multi‐decadal trends. We discuss possible ways to improve the understanding of the predictive skill of GPIs and therefore enhance their applicability in the era of TC‐permitting GCMs.
Extreme Smog Challenge of India Intensified by Increasing Lower Tropospheric Stability
Authors: Gautam Ritesh , Patel Piyushkumar N. , Singh Manoj K. , Liu Tianjia , Mickley Loretta J. , Jethva Hiren , DeFries Ruth S.
Published: June 2023

Extreme smog in India widely impacts air quality in late autumn and winter months. While the links between emissions, air quality and health impacts are well‐recognized, the association of smog and its intensification with climatic trends in the lower troposphere, where aerosol pollution and its radiative effects manifest, are not understood well. Here we use long‐term satellite data to show a significant increase in aerosol exceedances over northern India, resulting in sustained atmospheric warming and surface cooling trends over the last two decades. We find several lines of evidence suggesting these aerosol radiative effects have induced a multidecadal (1980–2019) strengthening of lower tropospheric stability and increase in relative humidity, leading to over fivefold increase in poor visibility days. Given this crucial aerosol‐radiation‐meteorological feedback driving the smog intensification, results from this study would help inform mitigation strategies supporting stronger region‐wide measures, which are critical for solving the smog challenge in India.
Electron Acceleration by Interaction of Two Filamentary Currents Within a Magnetopause Magnetic Flux Rope
Authors: Wang Shimou , Wang Rongsheng , Lu Quanming , Burch J. L. , Cohen Ian J. , Jaynes A. N. , Ergun R. E.
Published: June 2023

Two types of filamentary currents (FCs) were observed inside a magnetic flux rope at the magnetopause by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. The first FC is identified as an electron vortex, while the other is a reconnecting current sheet. Stochastic electric fields were generated within the FCs, resulting in electron acceleration up to a few keV, similar to recent simulations of electron acceleration inside vortex, which is a second‐order Fermi acceleration. Furthermore, two FCs propagated at different speeds, causing compression in the region between them. Energetic electrons up to 200 keV were detected in the compressed region and displayed a double power‐law spectrum. Observations suggest that the electrons were mainly accelerated by betatron mechanism in the compressed region. The formation, evolution, and interaction of FCs provide a novel mechanism for electron acceleration. These results clearly show the significance of electron‐scale dynamics within flux rope.
The Most Effective Remote Forcing in Causing U.S.‐Wide Heat Extremes as Revealed by CESM Green's Function Experiments
Authors: Wu Yutian , Lu Jian , Ting Mingfang , Seager Richard , Liu Fukai
Published: June 2023

We make use of the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 Green's function q‐flux perturbation experiments to explore the most effective remote forcing in driving U.S.‐wide summer heat extremes. We find that positive q‐flux forcing over the western North Pacific Ocean is the most effective in causing an increased heat extreme frequency. This works by driving increased sea surface temperature and precipitation over western North Pacific and an eastward propagating Rossby wave train with an anomalous ridge over the contiguous U.S. In comparison, negative q‐flux forcing over the eastern tropical Pacific and its resulting surface cooling also leads to an increased heat extreme frequency but is less effective. Furthermore, guided by the Green's function results, we separate the role of western North Pacific warming and eastern tropical Pacific cooling in U.S. heat extremes in prescribed sea surface temperature experiments and ERA5 reanalysis data and find overall consistent conclusions.
Localized Strong Warming and Humidification Over Winter Japan Tied to Sea Ice Retreat
Authors: Tamura K. , Sato T.
Published: June 2023

East Asian winter weather has altered dramatically in response to progressing climate change. However, analysis of time‐averaged atmospheric fields might obscure climate change signals that could relate to specific types of events. This study aimed to detect climate change signals for various background atmospheric fields by applying classification to daily surface pressure patterns. We found a pronounced trend of increase in surface air temperature over Japan since the 1980s, stronger than the seasonal mean trend, when dominating cold air advection from the Sea of Okhotsk. This cold air was warmed and humidified by the retreat of sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. In contrast, the warming trend was mitigated when warm air advection was dominant. These results highlight the importance of daily background atmospheric conditions in amplifying and localizing the impact of regional climate change.
Evidence for Large Increases in Clear‐Air Turbulence Over the Past Four Decades
Authors: Prosser Mark C. , Williams Paul D. , Marlton Graeme J. , Harrison R. Giles
Published: June 2023

Clear‐air turbulence (CAT) is hazardous to aircraft and is projected to intensify in response to future climate change. However, our understanding of past CAT trends is currently limited, being derived largely from outdated reanalysis data. Here we analyze CAT trends globally during 1979–2020 in a modern reanalysis data set using 21 diagnostics. We find clear evidence of large increases around the midlatitudes at aircraft cruising altitudes. For example, at an average point over the North Atlantic, the total annual duration of light‐or‐greater CAT increased by 17% from 466.5 hr in 1979 to 546.8 hr in 2020, with even larger relative changes for moderate‐or greater CAT (increasing by 37% from 70.0 to 96.1 hr) and severe‐or‐greater CAT (increasing by 55% from 17.7 to 27.4 hr). Similar increases are also found over the continental USA. Our study represents the best evidence yet that CAT has increased over the past four decades.
Extreme Relativistic Electron Fluxes in GPS Orbit: Analysis of NS41 BDD‐IIR Data
Authors: Meredith Nigel P. , Cayton Thomas E. , Cayton Michael D. , Horne Richard B.
Published: June 2023

Relativistic electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt are a significant space weather hazard. Satellites in GPS‐type orbits pass through the heart of the outer radiation belt where they may be exposed to large fluxes of relativistic electrons. In this study we conduct an extreme value analysis of the daily average relativistic electron flux in Global Positioning System orbit as a function of energy and L using data from the US NS41 satellite from 10 December 2000 to 25 July 2020. The 1 in 10 year flux at L = 4.5, in the heart of the outer radiation belt, decreases with increasing energy ranging from 8.2 × 106 cm−2s−1sr−1 MeV−1 at E = 0.6 MeV to 33 cm−2s−1sr−1 MeV−1 at E = 8.0 MeV. The 1 in 100 year is a factor of 1.1–1.7 larger than the corresponding 1 in 10 year event. The 1 in 10 year flux at L = 6.5, on field lines which map to the vicinity of geostationary orbit, decrease with increasing energy ranging from 6.2 × 105 cm−2s−1sr−1 MeV−1 at E = 0.6 MeV to 0.48 cm−2s−1sr−1 MeV−1 at E = 8.0 MeV. Here, the 1 in 100 year event is a factor of 1.1–13 times larger than the corresponding 1 in 10 year event, with the value of the factor increasing with increasing energy. Our analysis suggests that the fluxes of relativistic electrons with energies in the range 0.6 ≤ E ≤ 2.0 MeV in the region 4.25 ≤ L ≤ 4.75 have an upper bound. In contrast, further out and at higher energies the fluxes of relativistic electrons are largely unbounded.
Inflammation and aging: signaling pathways and intervention therapies
Authors: Li Xia , Li Chentao , Zhang Wanying , Wang Yanan , Qian Pengxu , Huang He
Published: June 2023

Aging is characterized by systemic chronic inflammation, which is accompanied by cellular senescence, immunosenescence, organ dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Given the multidimensional complexity of aging, there is an urgent need for a systematic organization of inflammaging through dimensionality reduction. Factors secreted by senescent cells, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promote chronic inflammation and can induce senescence in normal cells. At the same time, chronic inflammation accelerates the senescence of immune cells, resulting in weakened immune function and an inability to clear senescent cells and inflammatory factors, which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and senescence. Persistently elevated inflammation levels in organs such as the bone marrow, liver, and lungs cannot be eliminated in time, leading to organ damage and aging-related diseases. Therefore, inflammation has been recognized as an endogenous factor in aging, and the elimination of inflammation could be a potential strategy for anti-aging. Here we discuss inflammaging at the molecular, cellular, organ, and disease levels, and review current aging models, the implications of cutting-edge single cell technologies, as well as anti-aging strategies. Since preventing and alleviating aging-related diseases and improving the overall quality of life are the ultimate goals of aging research, our review highlights the critical features and potential mechanisms of inflammation and aging, along with the latest developments and future directions in aging research, providing a theoretical foundation for novel and practical anti-aging strategies.
Targeted visual cortex stimulation (TVCS): a novel neuro-navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation mode for improving cognitive function in bipolar disorder
Authors: Wang Dandan , Tang Lili , Xi Caixi , Luo Dan , Liang Yin , Huang Qi , Wang Zhong , Chen Jingkai , Zhao Xudong , Zhou Hetong , Wang Fei , Hu Shaohua
Published: June 2023

A more effective and better-tolerated site for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating cognitive dysfunction in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is needed. The primary visual cortex (V1) may represent a suitable site. To investigate the use of the V1, which is functionally linked to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), as a potential site for improving cognitive function in BD. Seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis was used to locate targets in the V1 that had significant FC with the DLPFC and ACC. Subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups, namely, the DLPFC active-sham rTMS (A1), DLPFC sham-active rTMS (A2), ACC active-sham rTMS (B1), and ACC sham-active rTMS groups (B2). The intervention included the rTMS treatment once daily, with five treatments a week for four weeks. The A1 and B1 groups received 10 days of active rTMS treatment followed by 10 days of sham rTMS treatment. The A2 and B2 groups received the opposite. The primary outcomes were changes in the scores of five tests in the THINC-integrated tool (THINC-it) at week 2 (W2) and week 4 (W4). The secondary outcomes were changes in the FC between the DLPFC/ACC and the whole brain at W2 and W4. Of the original 93 patients with BD recruited, 86 were finally included, and 73 finished the trial. Significant interactions between time and intervention type (Active/Sham) were observed in the scores of the accuracy of the Symbol Check in the THINC-it tests at baseline (W0) and W2 in groups B1 and B2 (F = 4.736, p = 0.037) using a repeated-measures analysis of covariance approach. Group B1 scored higher in the accuracy of Symbol Check at W2 compared with W0 (p < 0.001), while the scores of group B2 did not differ significantly between W0 and W2. No significant interactions between time and intervention mode were seen between groups A1 and A2, nor was any within-group significance of FC between DLPFC/ACC and the whole brain observed between baseline (W0) and W2/W4 in any group. One participant in group B1 experienced disease progression after 10 active and 2 sham rTMS sessions. The present study demonstrated that V1, functionally correlated with ACC, is a potentially effective rTMS stimulation target for improving neurocognitive function in BD patients. Further investigation using larger samples is required to confirm the clinical efficacy of TVCS.
Oncotype DX results increase concordance in adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations for early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Licata Luca , Viale Giulia , Giuliano Mario , Curigliano Giuseppe , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Foldi Julia , Oke Oluchi , Collins Joseph , Del Mastro Lucia , Puglisi Fabio , Montemurro Filippo , Vernieri Claudio , Gerratana Lorenzo , Giordano Sara , Rognone Alessia , Sica Lorenzo , Gentilini Oreste Davide , Cascinu Stefano , Pusztai Lajos , Giordano Antonio , Criscitiello Carmen , Bianchini Giampaolo
Published: June 2023

Adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations for ER+/HER2− early-stage breast cancers (eBC) involve integrating prognostic and predictive information which rely on physician judgment; this can lead to discordant recommendations. In this study we aim to evaluate whether Oncotype DX improves confidence and agreement among oncologists in adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations. We randomly select 30 patients with ER+/HER2− eBC and recurrence score (RS) available from an institutional database. We ask 16 breast oncologists with varying years of clinical practice in Italy and the US to provide recommendation for the addition of chemotherapy to endocrine therapy and their degree of confidence in the recommendation twice; first, based on clinicopathologic features only (pre-RS), and then with RS result (post-RS). Pre-RS, the average rate of chemotherapy recommendation is 50.8% and is higher among junior (62% vs 44%; p < 0.001), but similar by country. Oncologists are uncertain in 39% of cases and recommendations are discordant in 27% of cases (interobserver agreement K 0.47). Post-RS, 30% of physicians change recommendation, uncertainty in recommendation decreases to 5.6%, and discordance decreases to 7% (interobserver agreement K 0.85). Interpretation of clinicopathologic features alone to recommend adjuvant chemotherapy results in 1 out of 4 discordant recommendations and relatively high physician uncertainty. Oncotype DX results decrease discordancy to 1 out of 15, and reduce physician uncertainty. Genomic assay results reduce subjectivity in adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations for ER +/HER2− eBC.
Roll-to-roll prelithiation of lithium-ion battery anodes by transfer printing
Authors: Yang Cheng , Ma Huachun , Yuan Ruichuan , Wang Kuangyu , Liu Kai , Long Yuanzheng , Xu Fei , Li Lei , Zhang Haitian , Zhang Yingchuan , Li Xiaoyan , Wu Hui
Published: June 2023

Prelithiation can boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A cost-effective prelithiation strategy with high quality and high industrial compatibility is urgently required. Herein we developed a roll-to-roll electrodeposition and transfer-printing system for continuous prelithiation of LIB anodes. By roll-to-roll calendering, pre-manufactured anodes could be fully transfer-printed onto electrodeposited lithium metal. The interface separation and adhesion during transfer printing were related to interfacial shear and compressive stress, respectively. With the facile transfer-printing prelithiation, high initial Coulombic efficiencies of 99.99% and 99.05% were achieved in graphite and silicon/carbon composite electrode half cells, respectively. The initial Coulombic efficiencies and energy densities in full cells were observed to be significantly improved with the prelithiated electrodes. The roll-to-roll transfer printing provides a high-performance, controllable, scalable and industry-adaptable prelithiation in LIBs.
Somatic mutations of CADM1 in aldosterone-producing adenomas and gap junction-dependent regulation of aldosterone production
Authors: Wu Xilin , Azizan Elena A. B. , Goodchild Emily , Garg Sumedha , Hagiyama Man , Cabrera Claudia P. , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio L. , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Kuan Jyn Ling , Tiang Zenia , David Alessia , Murakami Masanori , Mein Charles A. , Wozniak Eva , Zhao Wanfeng , Marker Alison , Buss Folma , Saleeb Rebecca S. , Salsbury Jackie , Tezuka Yuta , Satoh Fumitoshi , Oki Kenji , Udager Aaron M. , Cohen Debbie L. , Wachtel Heather , King Peter J. , Drake William M. , Gurnell Mark , Ceral Jiri , Ryska Ales , Mustangin Muaatamarulain , Wong Yin Ping , Tan Geok Chin , Solar Miroslav , Reincke Martin , Rainey William E. , Foo Roger S. , Takaoka Yutaka , Murray Sandra A. , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Beuschlein Felix , Ito Akihiko , Brown Morris J.
Published: June 2023

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are the commonest curable cause of hypertension. Most have gain-of-function somatic mutations of ion channels or transporters. Herein we report the discovery, replication and phenotype of mutations in the neuronal cell adhesion gene CADM1. Independent whole exome sequencing of 40 and 81 APAs found intramembranous p.Val380Asp or p.Gly379Asp variants in two patients whose hypertension and periodic primary aldosteronism were cured by adrenalectomy. Replication identified two more APAs with each variant (total, n = 6). The most upregulated gene (10- to 25-fold) in human adrenocortical H295R cells transduced with the mutations (compared to wildtype) was CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase), and biological rhythms were the most differentially expressed process. CADM1 knockdown or mutation inhibited gap junction (GJ)-permeable dye transfer. GJ blockade by Gap27 increased CYP11B2 similarly to CADM1 mutation. Human adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) expression of GJA1 (the main GJ protein) was patchy, and annular GJs (sequelae of GJ communication) were less prominent in CYP11B2-positive micronodules than adjacent ZG. Somatic mutations of CADM1 cause reversible hypertension and reveal a role for GJ communication in suppressing physiological aldosterone production.