bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of the Argo‐Era Ocean Heat Content Among Four Different Types of Data Sets
Authors: Liao Fanglou , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

We conducted a comparative study of ocean heat content (OHC) in the top 2,000 m during the Argo‐era using 12 latest and representative global ocean data sets. The differences in the global and basins‐wide OHC trends were minor among the observation‐based data sets, and remarkable among the ocean reanalyzes (RAs). Some RAs might exhibit much higher or lower basins‐wide warming rates than the observation‐based data sets. In the top 700 m, RAs suggested similar large‐scale warming and cooling patterns, in agreement with the observation‐based data sets. Below 700 m, the major warming and cooling features were significantly different between RAs and the observation‐based data sets. All data sets suffered from relatively larger uncertainties in the highly dynamic regions. Special caution is suggested when estimating the OHC using only a single data set, especially a RA. Differences of RAs' OHC from observation‐based data sets were significantly reduced when considering their ensemble mean, to be further confirmed with a larger sample of data sets.
Isotopically Heavy Micrometeorites—Fragments of CY Chondrite or a New Hydrous Parent Body?
Authors: Suttle M. D. , Folco L. , Dionnet Z. , Van Ginneken M. , Di Rocco T. , Pack A. , Scheel M. , Rotundi A.
Published: August 2022

Cosmic dust grains sample a diverse range of solar system small bodies. This includes asteroids that are not otherwise represented in our meteorite collections. In this work we obtained 3D images of micrometeorite interiors using tomography before collecting destructive high‐precision oxygen isotope measurements. These data allow us to link textures in unmelted micrometeorites to known chondrite groups. In addition to identifying particles from ordinary chondrites, CR and CM chondrites we report two micrometeorites derived from an anomalous 16O‐poor source (δ17O: +16.4‰, δ18O: +28.4‰, and Δ17O: +1.4‰). Their compositions overlap with a previously reported micrometeorite (TAM50‐25) from Suttle et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116444 (EPSL: 546:116444). These particles represent hydrated carbonaceous chondrite material derived either from a new group or from the CY chondrites (thereby extending the isotopic range of this group). In either scenario they demonstrate close petrographic and isotopic connections to the CO‐CM chondrite clan. Furthermore, their position in O‐isotope space makes them the most likely candidate for the parent body of the anomalous “group 4” cosmic spherules previously reported by Suavet et al. (2010), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.02.046 (EPSL: 293:313‐320) and several subsequent isotopic studies. We conclude that the “group 4” cosmic spherules originate from hydrated C‐type asteroid parents.
Tropical Cyclone Intensification and Fullness: The Role of Storm Size Configuration
Authors: Guo Xi , Tan Zhe‐Min
Published: August 2022

The relationships between the intensification rate (IR) and the size configuration of tropical cyclones (TCs) are investigated. Theoretically, the intensity, size configuration, and relative vorticity of TCs are intrinsically linked. TC fullness (TCF) is used to quantify the size configuration of TCs and can be expressed as the product of the critical fullness (TCF0) and the ratio of fullness (Rf). TCF0 represents the fundamental constraint on size configuration shared by TCs at a given intensity and is the lower limit of fullness, whereas Rf reveals a TC's unique wind structural feature. Intermediate TCF0 (∼0.55), moderate Rf (∼1.4), and thus high TCF (∼0.8) collectively facilitate the occurrence of a large IR of TC. Obtaining a stable and moderate Rf at low TCF0 favors the subsequent intensification of a TC. The TCF‐TCF0 diagram is proposed to illustrate the co‐evolution of TC size configuration and intensity, and to reveal how they modulate intensification.
First Simultaneous Lidar Observations of Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Sporadic Ni and Na (TISNi and TISNa) Layers (∼105–120 km) Over Beijing (40.42°N, 116.02°E)
Authors: Wu Fuju , Chu Xinzhao , Du Lifang , Jiao Jing , Zheng Haoran , Xun Yuchang , Feng Wuhu , Plane John M. C. , Yang Guotao
Published: August 2022

We report the first simultaneous lidar observations of thermosphere‐ionosphere sporadic nickel and Na (TISNi and TISNa) layers in altitudes ∼105–120 km over Yanqing (40.42°N, 116.02°E), Beijing. From two years of data spanning April 2019 to April 2020 and July 2020 to June 2021, TISNi layers in May and June possess high densities with a maximum of 818 cm−3 on 17 May 2021, exceeding the density of main layer peak (∼85 km) by ∼4 times. They correlate with strong sporadic E layers observed nearby. TISNa layers occur at similar altitudes as TISNi with spatial‐temporal correlation coefficients of ∼1. The enrichment of Ni in TISNi is evident as the [TISNi]/[TISNa] column abundance ratios are ∼1, about 10 times the main layer [Ni]/[Na] ratios. These results are largely explained by neutralization of converged Ni+ and Na+ ions via recombination with electrons. Calculations show direct recombination dominating over dissociative recombination above ∼105 km.
Lunar Heat Flow: Global Predictions and Reduced Heat Flux
Authors: Siegler Matthew , Warren Paul , Franco Katelyn Lehman , Paige David , Feng Jianqing , White Mackenzie
Published: August 2022

Geothermal heat flux of a body provides a unique look into its internal composition. The geothermal heat flux of the Moon is believed to vary primarily due to the distribution of radiogenic materials both spatially and vertically through the lunar crust. Here, we combine available global orbital, landed mission, returned sample, and meteorite data to produce a forward model of lunar heat flux consistent with present data. This provides a framework for future geothermal and geochemical measurements over the lunar surface, which can be tied back to global radiogenic and refractory element composition. We develop a model of the Moon as a single heat flux province represented by ∼60% of the Lunar Prospector Gamma‐Ray Spectrometer surface Th value or equivalently a 21.5 km thick layer with surface Th values. The zero‐thorium intercept, or “reduced heat flux,” of these models is approximately 5 m Wm−2, implying the net heat flux from the mantle is at or below this value. With an estimated Urey ratio between 0.65 and 0.73, this equates to a mantle thorium concentration of ∼19–∼25 ppb. This model suggests a bulk thorium concentration of approximately 50.5 ± 5.5 ppb. This value is based on the heat flux that would be obtained from a CTh/CU = 3.7, CK/CU = 2,000 = or equivalently 13.7 ± 1.5 ppb of uranium and 27.2 ± 3.0 ppm potassium.
Rapid homeostatic plasticity and neuropsychiatric therapeutics
Authors: Kavalali Ege T. , Monteggia Lisa M.
Published: August 2022

Neuronal and synaptic plasticity are widely used terms in the field of psychiatry. However, cellular neurophysiologists have identified two broad classes of plasticity. Hebbian forms of plasticity alter synaptic strength in a synapse specific manner in the same direction of the initial conditioning stimulation. In contrast, homeostatic plasticities act globally over longer time frames in a negative feedback manner to counter network level changes in activity or synaptic strength. Recent evidence suggests that homeostatic plasticity mechanisms can be rapidly engaged, particularly by fast-acting antidepressants such as ketamine to trigger behavioral effects. There is increasing evidence that several neuropsychoactive compounds either directly elicit changes in synaptic activity or indirectly tap into downstream signaling pathways to trigger homeostatic plasticity and subsequent behavioral effects. In this review, we discuss this recent work in the context of a wider paradigm where homeostatic synaptic plasticity mechanisms may provide novel targets for neuropsychiatric treatment advance.
Chronic adolescent exposure to cannabis in mice leads to sex-biased changes in gene expression networks across brain regions
Authors: Zuo Yanning , Iemolo Attilio , Montilla-Perez Patricia , Li Hai-Ri , Yang Xia , Telese Francesca
Published: August 2022

During adolescence, frequent and heavy cannabis use can lead to serious adverse health effects and cannabis use disorder (CUD). Rodent models of adolescent exposure to the main psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mimic the behavioral alterations observed in adolescent users. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we treated female and male C57BL6/N mice with high doses of THC during early adolescence and assessed their memory and social behaviors in late adolescence. We then profiled the transcriptome of five brain regions involved in cognitive and addiction-related processes. We applied gene coexpression network analysis and identified gene coexpression modules, termed cognitive modules, that simultaneously correlated with THC treatment and memory traits reduced by THC. The cognitive modules were related to endocannabinoid signaling in the female dorsal medial striatum, inflammation in the female ventral tegmental area, and synaptic transmission in the male nucleus accumbens. Moreover, cross-brain region module-module interaction networks uncovered intra- and inter-region molecular circuitries influenced by THC. Lastly, we identified key driver genes of gene networks associated with THC in mice and genetic susceptibility to CUD in humans. This analysis revealed a common regulatory mechanism linked to CUD vulnerability in the nucleus accumbens of females and males, which shared four key drivers (Hapln4, Kcnc1, Elavl2, Zcchc12). These genes regulate transcriptional subnetworks implicated in addiction processes, synaptic transmission, brain development, and lipid metabolism. Our study provides novel insights into disease mechanisms regulated by adolescent exposure to THC in a sex- and brain region-specific manner.
Multi-omics analysis reveals RNA splicing alterations and their biological and clinical implications in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Quanyou , Feng Lin , Wang Yaru , Mao Yousheng , Di Xuebing , Zhang Kaitai , Cheng Shujun , Xiao Ting
Published: August 2022

Alternative RNA splicing is one of the most important mechanisms of posttranscriptional gene regulation, which contributes to protein diversity in eukaryotes. It is well known that RNA splicing dysregulation is a critical mechanism in tumor pathogenesis and the rationale for the promising splice-switching therapeutics for cancer treatment. Although we have a comprehensive understanding of DNA mutations, abnormal gene expression profiles, epigenomics, and proteomics in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), little is known about its aberrant alternative splicing profiles. Here, based on the multi-omics data generated from over 1000 samples, we systematically studied the RNA splicing alterations in LUAD and revealed their biological and clinical implications. We identified 3688 aberrant alternative splicing events (AASEs) in LUAD, most of which were alternative promoter and exon skip. The specific regulatory roles of RNA binding proteins, somatic mutations, and DNA methylations on AASEs were comprehensively interrogated. We dissected the functional implications of AASEs and concluded that AASEs mainly affected biological processes related to tumor proliferation and metastasis. We also found that one subtype of LUAD with a particular AASEs pattern was immunogenic and had a better prognosis and response rate to immunotherapy. These findings revealed novel events related to tumorigenesis and tumor immune microenvironment and laid the foundation for the development of splice-switching therapies for LUAD.
The antileukemic activity of decitabine upon PML/RARA-negative AML blasts is supported by all-trans retinoic acid: in vitro and in vivo evidence for cooperation
Authors: Meier Ruth , Greve Gabriele , Zimmer Dennis , Bresser Helena , Berberich Bettina , Langova Ralitsa , Stomper Julia , Rubarth Anne , Feuerbach Lars , Lipka Daniel B. , Hey Joschka , Grüning Björn , Brors Benedikt , Duyster Justus , Plass Christoph , Becker Heiko , Lübbert Michael
Published: August 2022

The prognosis of AML patients with adverse genetics, such as a complex, monosomal karyotype and TP53 lesions, is still dismal even with standard chemotherapy. DNA-hypomethylating agent monotherapy induces an encouraging response rate in these patients. When combined with decitabine (DAC), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resulted in an improved response rate and longer overall survival in a randomized phase II trial (DECIDER; NCT00867672). The molecular mechanisms governing this in vivo synergism are unclear. We now demonstrate cooperative antileukemic effects of DAC and ATRA on AML cell lines U937 and MOLM-13. By RNA-sequencing, derepression of >1200 commonly regulated transcripts following the dual treatment was observed. Overall chromatin accessibility (interrogated by ATAC-seq) and, in particular, at motifs of retinoic acid response elements were affected by both single-agent DAC and ATRA, and enhanced by the dual treatment. Cooperativity regarding transcriptional induction and chromatin remodeling was demonstrated by interrogating the HIC1, CYP26A1, GBP4, and LYZ genes, in vivo gene derepression by expression studies on peripheral blood blasts from AML patients receiving DAC + ATRA. The two drugs also cooperated in derepression of transposable elements, more effectively in U937 (mutated TP53) than MOLM-13 (intact TP53), resulting in a “viral mimicry” response. In conclusion, we demonstrate that in vitro and in vivo, the antileukemic and gene-derepressive epigenetic activity of DAC is enhanced by ATRA.
SOCS2-enhanced ubiquitination of SLC7A11 promotes ferroptosis and radiosensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Qianping , Zheng Wang , Guan Jian , Liu Hongxia , Dan Yao , Zhu Lin , Song Yimeng , Zhou Yuchuan , Zhao Xinrui , Zhang Yuhong , Bai Yang , Pan Yan , Zhang Jianghong , Shao Chunlin
Published: August 2022

Radioresistance is a principal culprit for the failure of radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Insights on the regulation genes of radioresistance and underlying mechanisms in HCC are awaiting for profound investigation. In this study, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) were screened out by RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses as a potential prognosis predictor of HCC radiotherapy and then were determined to promote radiosensitivity in HCC both in vivo or in vitro. Meanwhile, the measurements of ferroptosis negative regulatory proteins of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), intracellular lipid peroxidation and Fe2+ concentration suggested that a high level of ferroptosis contributed to the radiosensitization of HCC. Moreover, SOCS2 and SLC7A11 were expressed oppositely in HCC clinical tissues and tumour xenografts with different radiosensitivities. Mechanistically, the N-terminal domain of SLC7A11 was specifically recognized by the SH2-structural domain of SOCS2. While the L162 and C166 of SOCS2-BOX region could bind elongin B/C compound to co-form a SOCS2/elongin B/C complex to recruit ubiquitin molecules. Herein, SOCS2 served as a bridge to transfer the attached ubiquitin to SLC7A11 and promoted K48-linked polyubiquitination degradation of SLC7A11, which ultimately led to the onset of ferroptosis and radiosensitization of HCC. In conclusion, it was demonstrated for the first time that high-expressed SOCS2 was one of the biomarkers predicting radiosensitivity of HCC by advancing the ubiquitination degradation of SLC7A11 and promoting ferroptosis, which indicates that targeting SOCS2 may enhance the efficiency of HCC radiotherapy and improve the prognosis of patients.
Ultra-strong spin–orbit coupling and topological moiré engineering in twisted ZrS2 bilayers
Authors: Claassen Martin , Xian Lede , Kennes Dante M. , Rubio Angel
Published: August 2022

We predict that twisted bilayers of 1T-ZrS2 realize a novel and tunable platform to engineer two-dimensional topological quantum phases dominated by strong spin-orbit interactions. At small twist angles, ZrS2 heterostructures give rise to an emergent and twist-controlled moiré Kagome lattice, combining geometric frustration and strong spin-orbit coupling to give rise to a moiré quantum spin Hall insulator with highly controllable and nearly-dispersionless bands. We devise a generic pseudo-spin theory for group-IV transition metal dichalcogenides that relies on the two-component character of the valence band maximum of the 1T structure at Γ, and study the emergence of a robust quantum anomalous Hall phase as well as possible fractional Chern insulating states from strong Coulomb repulsion at fractional fillings of the topological moiré Kagome bands. Our results establish group-IV transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers as a novel moiré platform to realize strongly-correlated topological phases in a twist-tunable setting.
Comparison of the 2021 COVID-19 roadmap projections against public health data in England
Authors: Keeling Matt J. , Dyson Louise , Tildesley Michael J. , Hill Edward M. , Moore Samuel
Published: August 2022

Control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic in England has relied on a combination of vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Some of these NPIs are extremely costly (economically and socially), so it was important to relax these promptly without overwhelming already burdened health services. The eventual policy was a Roadmap of four relaxation steps throughout 2021, taking England from lock-down to the cessation of all restrictions on social interaction. In a series of six Roadmap documents generated throughout 2021, models assessed the potential risk of each relaxation step. Here we show that the model projections generated a reliable estimation of medium-term hospital admission trends, with the data points up to September 2021 generally lying within our 95% prediction intervals. The greatest uncertainties in the modelled scenarios came from vaccine efficacy estimates against novel variants, and from assumptions about human behaviour in the face of changing restrictions and risk.
Double-Bilayer polar nanoregions and Mn antisites in (Ca, Sr)3Mn2O7
Authors: Miao Leixin , Hasin Kishwar-E , Moradifar Parivash , Mukherjee Debangshu , Wang Ke , Cheong Sang-Wook , Nowadnick Elizabeth A. , Alem Nasim
Published: August 2022

The layered perovskite Ca3Mn2O7(CMO) is a hybrid improper ferroelectric candidate proposed for room temperature multiferroicity, which also displays negative thermal expansion behavior due to a competition between coexisting polar and nonpolar phases. However, little is known about the atomic-scale structure of the polar/nonpolar phase coexistence or the underlying physics of its formation and transition. In this work, we report the direct observation of double bilayer polar nanoregions (db-PNRs) in Ca2.9Sr0.1Mn2O7using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM). In-situ TEM heating experiments show that the db-PNRs can exist up to 650 °C. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) studies coupled with first-principles calculations demonstrate that the stabilization mechanism of the db-PNRs is directly related to an Mn oxidation state change (from 4+ to 2+), which is linked to the presence of Mn antisite defects. These findings open the door to manipulating phase coexistence and achieving exotic properties in hybrid improper ferroelectric.
Muconic acid production from glucose and xylose in Pseudomonas putida via evolution and metabolic engineering
Authors: Ling Chen , Peabody George L. , Salvachúa Davinia , Kim Young-Mo , Kneucker Colin M. , Calvey Christopher H. , Monninger Michela A. , Munoz Nathalie Munoz , Poirier Brenton C. , Ramirez Kelsey J. , St. John Peter C. , Woodworth Sean P. , Magnuson Jon K. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Guss Adam M. , Johnson Christopher W. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: August 2022

Muconic acid is a bioprivileged molecule that can be converted into direct replacement chemicals for incumbent petrochemicals and performance-advantaged bioproducts. In this study, Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is engineered to convert glucose and xylose, the primary carbohydrates in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, to muconic acid using a model-guided strategy to maximize the theoretical yield. Using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and metabolic engineering in a strain engineered to express the D-xylose isomerase pathway, we demonstrate that mutations in the heterologous D-xylose:H+ symporter (XylE), increased expression of a major facilitator superfamily transporter (PP_2569), and overexpression of aroB encoding the native 3-dehydroquinate synthase, enable efficient muconic acid production from glucose and xylose simultaneously. Using the rationally engineered strain, we produce 33.7 g L−1 muconate at 0.18 g L−1 h−1 and a 46% molar yield (92% of the maximum theoretical yield). This engineering strategy is promising for the production of other shikimate pathway-derived compounds from lignocellulosic sugars.
Global systematic review with meta-analysis reveals yield advantage of legume-based rotations and its drivers
Authors: Zhao Jie , Chen Ji , Beillouin Damien , Lambers Hans , Yang Yadong , Smith Pete , Zeng Zhaohai , Olesen Jørgen E. , Zang Huadong
Published: August 2022

Diversified cropping systems, especially those including legumes, have been proposed to enhance food production with reduced inputs and environmental impacts. However, the impact of legume pre-crops on main crop yield and its drivers has never been systematically investigated in a global context. Here, we synthesize 11,768 yield observations from 462 field experiments comparing legume-based and non-legume cropping systems and show that legumes enhanced main crop yield by 20%. These yield advantages decline with increasing N fertilizer rates and crop diversity of the main cropping system. The yield benefits are consistent among main crops (e.g., rice, wheat, maize) and evident across pedo-climatic regions. Moreover, greater yield advantages (32% vs. 7%) are observed in low- vs. high-yielding environments, suggesting legumes increase crop production with low inputs (e.g., in Africa or organic agriculture). In conclusion, our study suggests that legume-based rotations offer a critical pathway for enhancing global crop production, especially when integrated into low-input and low-diversity agricultural systems.
Ferritin-mediated iron detoxification promotes hypothermia survival in Caenorhabditis elegans and murine neurons
Authors: Pekec Tina , Lewandowski Jarosław , Komur Alicja A. , Sobańska Daria , Guo Yanwu , Świtońska-Kurkowska Karolina , Małecki Jędrzej M. , Dubey Abhishek Anil , Pokrzywa Wojciech , Frankowski Marcin , Figiel Maciej , Ciosk Rafal
Published: August 2022

How animals rewire cellular programs to survive cold is a fascinating problem with potential biomedical implications, ranging from emergency medicine to space travel. Studying a hibernation-like response in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we uncovered a regulatory axis that enhances the natural resistance of nematodes to severe cold. This axis involves conserved transcription factors, DAF-16/FoxO and PQM-1, which jointly promote cold survival by upregulating FTN-1, a protein related to mammalian ferritin heavy chain (FTH1). Moreover, we show that inducing expression of FTH1 also promotes cold survival of mammalian neurons, a cell type particularly sensitive to deterioration in hypothermia. Our findings in both animals and cells suggest that FTN-1/FTH1 facilitates cold survival by detoxifying ROS-generating iron species. We finally show that mimicking the effects of FTN-1/FTH1 with drugs protects neurons from cold-induced degeneration, opening a potential avenue to improved treatments of hypothermia.
Phylogenetically and catabolically diverse diazotrophs reside in deep-sea cold seep sediments
Authors: Dong Xiyang , Zhang Chuwen , Peng Yongyi , Zhang Hong-Xi , Shi Ling-Dong , Wei Guangshan , Hubert Casey R. J. , Wang Yong , Greening Chris
Published: August 2022

Microbially mediated nitrogen cycling in carbon-dominated cold seep environments remains poorly understood. So far anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME-2) and their sulfate-reducing bacterial partners (SEEP-SRB1 clade) have been identified as diazotrophs in deep sea cold seep sediments. However, it is unclear whether other microbial groups can perform nitrogen fixation in such ecosystems. To fill this gap, we analyzed 61 metagenomes, 1428 metagenome-assembled genomes, and six metatranscriptomes derived from 11 globally distributed cold seeps. These sediments contain phylogenetically diverse nitrogenase genes corresponding to an expanded diversity of diazotrophic lineages. Diverse catabolic pathways were predicted to provide ATP for nitrogen fixation, suggesting diazotrophy in cold seeps is not necessarily associated with sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane. Nitrogen fixation genes among various diazotrophic groups in cold seeps were inferred to be genetically mobile and subject to purifying selection. Our findings extend the capacity for diazotrophy to five candidate phyla (Altarchaeia, Omnitrophota, FCPU426, Caldatribacteriota and UBA6262), and suggest that cold seep diazotrophs might contribute substantially to the global nitrogen balance.
Temperature-dependent dual-mode thermal management device with net zero energy for year-round energy saving
Authors: Zhang Quan , Lv Yiwen , Wang Yufeng , Yu Shixiong , Li Chenxi , Ma Rujun , Chen Yongsheng
Published: August 2022

Reducing needs for heating and cooling from fossil energy is one of the biggest challenges, which demand accounts for almost half of global energy consumption, consequently resulting in complicated climatic and environmental issues. Herein, we demonstrate a high-performance, intelligently auto-switched and zero-energy dual-mode radiative thermal management device. By perceiving temperature to spontaneously modulate electromagnetic characteristics itself, the device achieves ~859.8 W m−2 of average heating power (∼91% of solar-thermal conversion efficiency) in cold and ~126.0 W m−2 of average cooling power in hot, without any external energy consumption during the whole process. Such a scalable, cost-effective device could realize two-way temperature control around comfortable temperature zone of human living. A practical demonstration shows that the temperature fluctuation is reduced by ~21 K, compared with copper plate. Numerical prediction indicates that this real zero-energy dual-mode thermal management device has a huge potential for year-round energy saving around the world and provides a feasible solution to realize the goal of Net Zero Carbon 2050.
Phenotypic correlates of the working dog microbiome
Authors: Craddock Hillary A. , Godneva Anastasia , Rothschild Daphna , Motro Yair , Grinstein Dan , Lotem-Michaeli Yuval , Narkiss Tamar , Segal Eran , Moran-Gilad Jacob
Published: August 2022

Dogs have a key role in law enforcement and military work, and research with the goal of improving working dog performance is ongoing. While there have been intriguing studies from lab animal models showing a potential connection between the gut microbiome and behavior or mental health there is a dearth of studies investigating the microbiome-behavior relationship in working dogs. The overall objective of this study was to characterize the microbiota of working dogs and to determine if the composition of the microbiota is associated with behavioral and performance outcomes. Freshly passed stools from each working canine (Total n = 134) were collected and subject to shotgun metagenomic sequencing using Illumina technology. Behavior, performance, and demographic metadata were collected. Descriptive statistics and prediction models of behavioral/phenotypic outcomes using gradient boosting classification based on Xgboost were used to study associations between the microbiome and outcomes. Regarding machine learning methodology, only microbiome features were used for training and predictors were estimated in cross-validation. Microbiome markers were statistically associated with motivation, aggression, cowardice/hesitation, sociability, obedience to one trainer vs many, and body condition score (BCS). When prediction models were developed based on machine learning, moderate predictive power was observed for motivation, sociability, and gastrointestinal issues. Findings from this study suggest potential gut microbiome markers of performance and could potentially advance care for working canines.
Recent advances in biodegradable polymers for sustainable applications
Authors: Samir Aya , Ashour Fatma H. , Hakim A. A. Abdel , Bassyouni Mohamed
Published: August 2022

The interest in producing biodegradable polymers by chemical treatment, microorganisms and enzymes has increased to make it easier to dispose after the end of its use without harming the environment. Biodegradable polymers reported a set of issues on their way to becoming effective materials. In this article, biodegradable polymers, treatment, composites, blending and modeling are studied. Environmental fate and assessment of biodegradable polymers are discussed in detail. The forensic engineering of biodegradable polymers and understanding of the relationships between their structure, properties, and behavior before, during, and after practical applications are investigated.
Community lung health service design for COPD patients in China by the Breathe Well group
Authors: Pang Hui , Pan Zihan , Adams Rachel , Duncan Eleanor , Chi Chunhua , Kong Xia , Adab Peymané , Cheng Kar Keung , Cooper Brendan G. , Correia-de-Sousa Jaime , Dickens Andrew P. , Enocson Alexandra , Farley Amanda , Gale Nicola , Jolly Kate , Jowett Sue , Maglakelidze Mariam , Maghlakelidze Tamaz , Martins Sonia , Sitch Alice , Stavrik Katarina , Stelmach Raphael , Turner Alice , Williams Siân , Jordan Rachel E.
Published: August 2022

COPD is increasingly common in China but is poorly understood by patients, medications are not used as prescribed and there is no access to recommended non-pharmacological treatment. We explored COPD patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs) knowledge of COPD, views on its management and the acceptability of a flexible lung health service (LHS) offering health education, exercise, self-management, smoking cessation and mental health support. Using a convergent mixed methods design, data were collected from patients and GPs using focus groups (FGs) in four Chinese cities, questionnaires were also used to collect data from patients. FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, thematic framework analysis was used for the qualitative data. Two-hundred fifty-one patients completed the questionnaire; 39 patients and 30 GPs participated in ten separate FGs. Three overarching themes were identified: patients’ lack of knowledge/understanding of COPD, current management of COPD not meeting patients’ needs and LHS design, which was well received by patients and GPs. Participants wanted COPD education, TaiChi, psychological support and WeChat for social support. 39% of survey responders did not know what to do when their breathing worsened and 24% did not know how to use their inhalers. 36% of survey respondents requested guided relaxation. Overall, participants did not fully understand the implications of COPD and current treatment was sub-optimal. There was support for developing a culturally appropriate intervention meeting Chinese patients’ needs, health beliefs, and local healthcare delivery. Further research should explore the feasibility of such a service.
Ab initio predictions link the neutron skin of 208Pb to nuclear forces
Authors: Hu Baishan , Jiang Weiguang , Miyagi Takayuki , Sun Zhonghao , Ekström Andreas , Forssén Christian , Hagen Gaute , Holt Jason D. , Papenbrock Thomas , Stroberg S. Ragnar , Vernon Ian
Published: August 2022

Heavy atomic nuclei have an excess of neutrons over protons, which leads to the formation of a neutron skin whose thickness is sensitive to details of the nuclear force. This links atomic nuclei to properties of neutron stars, thereby relating objects that differ in size by orders of magnitude. The nucleus208Pb is of particular interest because it exhibits a simple structure and is experimentally accessible. However, computing such a heavy nucleus has been out of reach for ab initio theory. By combining advances in quantum many-body methods, statistical tools and emulator technology, we make quantitative predictions for the properties of208Pb starting from nuclear forces that are consistent with symmetries of low-energy quantum chromodynamics. We explore 109different nuclear force parameterizations via history matching, confront them with data in select light nuclei and arrive at an importance-weighted ensemble of interactions. We accurately reproduce bulk properties of208Pb and determine the neutron skin thickness, which is smaller and more precise than a recent extraction from parity-violating electron scattering but in agreement with other experimental probes. This work demonstrates how realistic two- and three-nucleon forces act in a heavy nucleus and allows us to make quantitative predictions across the nuclear landscape.
Dopamine D1-like receptor blockade and stimulation decreases operant responding for nicotine and food in male and female rats
Authors: Chellian Ranjithkumar , Behnood-Rod Azin , Wilson Ryann , Lin Karen , King Grace Wing-Yan , Ruppert-Gomez Marcella , Teter Alexandria Nicole , Febo Marcelo , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W.
Published: August 2022

Dopamine has been implicated in the reinforcing effects of smoking. However, there remains a need for a better understanding of the effects of dopamine D1-like receptor agonists on nicotine intake and the role of sex differences in the effects of dopaminergic drugs on behavior. This work studied the effects of D1-like receptor stimulation and blockade on operant responding for nicotine and food and locomotor activity in male and female rats. The effects of the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.003, 0.01, 0.03 mg/kg) and the D1-like receptor agonist A77636 (0.1, 0.3, 1 mg/kg) on responding for nicotine and food, and locomotor activity were investigated. The effects of SCH 23390 were investigated 15 min and 24 h after treatment, and the effects of the long-acting drug A77636 were investigated 15 min, 24 h, and 48 h after treatment. Operant responding for nicotine and food and locomotor activity were decreased immediately after treatment with SCH 23390. Treatment with SCH 23390 did not have any long-term effects. Operant responding for nicotine was still decreased 48 h after treatment with A77636, and food responding was decreased up to 24 h after treatment. Treatment with A77636 only decreased locomotor activity at the 48 h time point. There were no sex differences in the effects of SCH 23390 or A77636. In conclusion, the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 reduces nicotine intake and causes sedation in rats. Stimulation of D1-like receptors with A77636 decreases nicotine intake at time points that the drug does not cause sedation.
A real-world study assessing the impact of retinal fluid on visual acuity outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Hui , Sagong Min , Woo Se Joon , Kim Yu Cheol , Cho Heeyoon , Lee Young Hoon , Byon Iksoo , Jo Young Joon , Chin Hee Seung , Lee Youkyung , Chae Jae Eun , Kang Se Woong
Published: August 2022

To evaluate the real-world treatment outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Korea, focusing on retinal fluid resolution. This multi-institutional retrospective chart review study, analyzed medical records of patients with nAMD (age ≥ 50 years) who received their first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in ophthalmology clinics across South Korea between January 2017 and March 2019. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with retinal fluid after 12 months of anti-VEGF treatment. The association between fluid-free period and VA gains was also evaluated. A total of 600 patients were enrolled. At baseline, 97.16% of patients had retinal fluid; after 12 months of anti-VEGF treatment, 58.10% of patients had persistent retinal fluid. VA improvements were relatively better in patients with absence of retinal fluid compared with presence of retinal fluid (+ 12.29 letters vs. + 6.45 letters at month 12; P < .0001). Longer duration of absence of retinal fluid over first 12 months correlated with better VA gains at month 12 (P < .01). More than half of the study patients with nAMD had retinal fluid even after 12 months of treatment with their current anti-VEGF. Presence of retinal fluid was associated with relatively worse VA outcomes.
Functional optimization of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) using human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Ebrahim Abdul Shukkur , Ebrahim Thanzeela , Kani Hussein , Ibrahim Ahmed S. , Carion Thomas W. , Berger Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2022

An intact epithelium is key to maintaining corneal integrity and barrier function which can lead to impaired ocular defense and sight-threatening opacity when compromised. Electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing or ECIS is a non-invasive method to measure real-time cellular behaviors including barrier function and cell migration. The current study uses ECIS technology to assess and optimize human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells to generate quantifiable measurements that accurately reflect changes in cell behavior in vitro. Five cell densities were assessed in two different media to determine the optimal conditions for monitoring of cellular behavior over time. Parameters of evaluation included: overall impedance (Z), barrier resistance (R), cell capacitance (C), and mathematical modeling of the R data to further generate Rb (the electrical resistance between HUCLs), α (the resistance between the HUCLs and the substrate), and Cm (the capacitance of the cell membrane) measurements. All parameters of assessment strongly indicated DMEM/F12 at 60,000 cells as the optimal condition for ECIS assessment of HUCLs. Furthermore, this work highlights the ability of the sensitive ECIS biosensor technology to comprehensively and quantitatively assess corneal epithelial cell structure and function and the importance of optimizing not only cell density, but choice of media used for in vitro culturing.
Evaluating contributions of urbanization and global climate change to urban land surface temperature change: a case study in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Guo Liying , Di Liping , Zhang Chen , Lin Li , Chen Fei , Molla Alamin
Published: August 2022

This study develops a general method to evaluate the contributions of localized urbanization and global climate change to long-term urban land surface temperature (ULST) change. The method is based on the understanding that long-term annual ULST is controlled by three factors: (1) localized urbanization, (2) global climate change, and (3) interannual climate variation. Then the method removes the interannual climate fluctuations on long-term observed LST time series via linear regression and separates the contributions of urbanization and climate change to the impacts on long-term ULST via urban–rural comparison. The method is applied to Lagos, a fast-growing metropolis in the tropical West Africa, as an example for reference. Combined time-series daily daytime and nighttime MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) data over the years of 2003–2021 are used as the representation of land surface temperature. To avoid the potentioal interannual data biase due to uneven availability of data in the rainy seasons over years, only MODIS LST data from dry seasons are used in the study. The results are summarized as follows for Lagos: (1) long-term annual ULST is confirmed to be controlled by the three factors; (2) the proposed method can separate the contribution of the three factors to the ULST; (2) both localized urbanization and global warming are verified to contribute to the ULST increase with positive trends; (3) daytime ULST increased the most in the afternoon time at a mean rate of 1.429 °C per decade, with 0.985 °C (10 year)−1 contributed by urbanization and 0.444 °C (10 year)−1 contributed by climate warming; (4) nighttime ULST in Lagos increased the most after midnight at a rate of 0.563 °C (10 year)−1, with 0.56 °C (10 year)−1 contributed by urbanization and 0.003 °C (10 year)−1 contributed by climate warming; and (5) urbanization is generally responsible for around 60.97% of the urban warming in Lagos. Therefore, the increasing urbaniztion-induced urban heat island effect is the major cause for more heat-related health risks and climate extremes that many urban residents are suffering. The results of this study are of useful reference for both urbanization and climate change related issues in the geo-science field.
CNN-XGBoost fusion-based affective state recognition using EEG spectrogram image analysis
Authors: Khan Md. Sakib , Salsabil Nishat , Alam Md. Golam Rabiul , Dewan M. Ali Akber , Uddin Md. Zia
Published: August 2022

Recognizing emotional state of human using brain signal is an active research domain with several open challenges. In this research, we propose a signal spectrogram image based CNN-XGBoost fusion method for recognising three dimensions of emotion, namely arousal (calm or excitement), valence (positive or negative feeling) and dominance (without control or empowered). We used a benchmark dataset called DREAMER where the EEG signals were collected from multiple stimulus along with self-evaluation ratings. In our proposed method, we first calculate the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) of the EEG signals and convert them into RGB images to obtain the spectrograms. Then we use a two dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in order to train the model on the spectrogram images and retrieve the features from the trained layer of the CNN using a dense layer of the neural network. We apply Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier on extracted CNN features to classify the signals into arousal, valence and dominance of human emotion. We compare our results with the feature fusion-based state-of-the-art approaches of emotion recognition. To do this, we applied various feature extraction techniques on the signals which include Fast Fourier Transformation, Discrete Cosine Transformation, Poincare, Power Spectral Density, Hjorth parameters and some statistical features. Additionally, we use Chi-square and Recursive Feature Elimination techniques to select the discriminative features. We form the feature vectors by applying feature level fusion, and apply Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifiers on the fused features to classify different emotion levels. The performance study shows that the proposed spectrogram image based CNN-XGBoost fusion method outperforms the feature fusion-based SVM and XGBoost methods. The proposed method obtained the accuracy of 99.712% for arousal, 99.770% for valence and 99.770% for dominance in human emotion detection.
Compression complexity with ordinal patterns for robust causal inference in irregularly sampled time series
Authors: Kathpalia Aditi , Manshour Pouya , Paluš Milan
Published: August 2022

Distinguishing cause from effect is a scientific challenge resisting solutions from mathematics, statistics, information theory and computer science. Compression-Complexity Causality (CCC) is a recently proposed interventional measure of causality, inspired by Wiener–Granger’s idea. It estimates causality based on change in dynamical compression-complexity (or compressibility) of the effect variable, given the cause variable. CCC works with minimal assumptions on given data and is robust to irregular-sampling, missing-data and finite-length effects. However, it only works for one-dimensional time series. We propose an ordinal pattern symbolization scheme to encode multidimensional patterns into one-dimensional symbolic sequences, and thus introduce the Permutation CCC (PCCC). We demonstrate that PCCC retains all advantages of the original CCC and can be applied to data from multidimensional systems with potentially unobserved variables which can be reconstructed using the embedding theorem. PCCC is tested on numerical simulations and applied to paleoclimate data characterized by irregular and uncertain sampling and limited numbers of samples.
Biocompatibility and colorectal anti-cancer activity study of nanosized BaTiO3 coated spinel ferrites
Authors: Alfareed Tahani M. , Slimani Yassine , Almessiere Munirah A. , Nawaz Muhammad , Khan Firdos A. , Baykal Abdulhadi , Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam A.
Published: August 2022

In the present work, different nanoparticles spinel ferrite series (MFe2O4, Co0.5M0.5Fe2O4; M = Co, Mn, Ni, Mg, Cu, or Zn) have been obtained via sonochemical approach. Then, sol–gel method was employed to design core–shell magnetoelectric nanocomposites by coating these nanoparticles with BaTiO3 (BTO). The structure and morphology of the prepared samples were examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and zeta potential. XRD analysis showed the presence of spinel ferrite and BTO phases without any trace of a secondary phase. Both phases crystallized in the cubic structure. SEM micrographs illustrated an agglomeration of spherical grains with nonuniformly diphase orientation and different degrees of agglomeration. Moreover, HR-TEM revealed interplanar d-spacing planes that are in good agreement with those of the spinel ferrite phase and BTO phase. These techniques along with EDX analyses confirmed the successful formation of the desired nanocomposites. Zeta potential was also investigated. The biological influence of (MFe2O4, CoMFe) MNPs and core–shell (MFe2O4@BTO, CoMFe@BTO) magnetoelectric nanocomposites were examined by MTT and DAPI assays. Post 48 h of treatments, the anticancer activity of MNPs and MENCs was investigated on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) against the cytocompatibility of normal non-cancerous cells (HEK-293). It was established that MNPs possess anti-colon cancer capability while MENCs exhibited a recovery effect due to the presence of a protective biocompatible BTO layer. RBCs hemolytic effect of NPs has ranged from non- to low-hemolytic effect. This effect that could be attributed to the surface charge from zeta potential, also the CoMnFe possesses the stable and lowest zeta potential in comparison with CoFe2O4 and MnFe2O4 also to the protective effect of shell. These findings open up wide prospects for biomedical applications of MNPs as anticancer and MENCs as promising drug nanocarriers.
Multiple slip effects on time dependent axisymmetric flow of magnetized Carreau nanofluid and motile microorganisms
Authors: Faiz Muazzam , Habib Danial , Siddique Imran , Awrejcewicz Jan , Pawłowski Witold , Abdal Sohaib , Salamat Nadeem
Published: August 2022

This presented work investigate the bio-convections effects of the magnetized time dependent axisymmetric flow of Carreau-nanomaterial performances with multiple slip effects over a stretching sheet. The momentum, heat, concentration and density of motile micro-organism are renovated into the system of equation via using well known similarity revolution. Well known Mathematical computational techniques and software (i.e. bvp4c and MATLAB) are used to draw graphical and tabular results. Velocity profile equation $$f^{\prime}(\zeta )$$

f
′

(
ζ
)

, energy equation $$\theta (\zeta )$$

θ
(
ζ
)

, volumetric nanoparticles $$\phi \,(\zeta )$$

ϕ

(
ζ
)

, density motile microorganism $$\chi (\zeta )$$

χ
(
ζ
)

.The Carreau viscosity model is use to reduce the viscosity of fluid when $$W_{e} = 0\,\,\,$$

W
e

=
0

and $$\,n = 0$$

n
=
0

. Besides we moderate this into power law index with $$\,n = 0.5$$

n
=
0.5

and $$\,n = 1.5$$

n
=
1.5

partial slip condition of velocity is also instigated at the surface. Gravity dependent gyrotactic nanoparticles are utilized for well observing axisymmetric flow with convective boundary layer condition and comparatively better heat transfer rate result and applicable to maximum realistic approach.