bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Lightning Spots: Where Lightning Strikes More Than Twice
Authors: Sola G. , López J. A. , Montanyà J. , Pineda N. , Williams E. R.
Published: March 2024

The expression “lightning never strikes twice” is questioned in this paper because, among the randomness of lightning impacts, some spots are hit even more than twice year after year. This article introduces the recurrent lightning spots (RLS) concept, which are locations periodically impacted by cloud‐to‐ground lightning every consecutive year over a certain period. RLS are investigated in two regimes, with markedly different lightning climatology but similar orography, for 10 consecutive years: Catalonia (North East of Spain, Europe) and Barrancabermeja (North Central Colombia, South America). Results revealed 148 and 916 RLS in Catalonia and Barrancabermeja, respectively. RLS in both regions are typically found to be related to tall structures, mountain peaks, and steep terrain. The method allowed us to identify those tall towers and orographic relief frequently affected by lightning that are not detected with the mere computation of the ground flash density. In the case of Catalonia, some RLS are found offshore. Besides the scientific interest in understanding lightning, the new concept of RLS provides additional and valuable information applicable to lightning protection engineering.
Difference in the Contribution of Driving Factors to Nitrogen Loss With Surface Runoff Between the Hill and Plain Agricultural Watersheds
Authors: Cui Zhen , Chen Cheng , Chen Qiuwen , Huang Jiacong
Published: March 2024

Identifying the factors and quantifying their contributions to nitrogen (N) loss associated with surface runoff is of great significance to the control of non‐point source N pollution. However, the distinct geographical units, such as hills and plains, may lead to great differences in the contribution of these driving factors, which has been rarely investigated. This study developed an effective framework, which simulated the N loss with surface runoff in hills and plains by SWAT and NDP, and analyzed their spatial distribution variations by spatial autocorrelation analysis, and distinguished the contribution of their driving factors by multi‐scenario simulation and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA). The framework was instantiated in a hill and a plain agricultural watershed, respectively, in the upper Taihu Lake Basin, China. We found the contribution of fertilization to N loss with surface runoff in the hills (10.4%) was greater than that in the plains (6.4%), which may be due to the N increment effect of paddy land. The contribution of rainfall to N loss with surface runoff in the plains (93.2%) was greater than that in the hills (74.3%), which may be due to the N increment effect of urban land. The developed framework could provide a viable way to study the environmental impacts of natural and anthropogenic drivers in different types of agricultural watersheds, thus offer scientific references for nutrient control measures.
Data‐Driven Equation Discovery of a Cloud Cover Parameterization
Authors: Grundner Arthur , Beucler Tom , Gentine Pierre , Eyring Veronika
Published: March 2024

A promising method for improving the representation of clouds in climate models, and hence climate projections, is to develop machine learning‐based parameterizations using output from global storm‐resolving models. While neural networks (NNs) can achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance within their training distribution, they can make unreliable predictions outside of it. Additionally, they often require post‐hoc tools for interpretation. To avoid these limitations, we combine symbolic regression, sequential feature selection, and physical constraints in a hierarchical modeling framework. This framework allows us to discover new equations diagnosing cloud cover from coarse‐grained variables of global storm‐resolving model simulations. These analytical equations are interpretable by construction and easily transferable to other grids or climate models. Our best equation balances performance and complexity, achieving a performance comparable to that of NNs (R2 = 0.94) while remaining simple (with only 11 trainable parameters). It reproduces cloud cover distributions more accurately than the Xu‐Randall scheme across all cloud regimes (Hellinger distances < 0.09), and matches NNs in condensate‐rich regimes. When applied and fine‐tuned to the ERA5 reanalysis, the equation exhibits superior transferability to new data compared to all other optimal cloud cover schemes. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of symbolic regression in discovering interpretable, physically‐consistent, and nonlinear equations to parameterize cloud cover.
Mechanical overload-induced release of extracellular mitochondrial particles from tendon cells leads to inflammation in tendinopathy
Authors: Chen Ziming , Li Mengyuan , Chen Peilin , Tai Andrew , Li Jiayue , Bassonga Euphemie Landao , Gao Junjie , Liu Delin , Wood David , Kennedy Brendan F. , Zheng Qiujian , Zheng Ming H.
Published: March 2024

Tendinopathy is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, and mechanical overload is considered its primary cause. However, the underlying mechanism through which mechanical overload induces tendinopathy has not been determined. In this study, we identified for the first time that tendon cells can release extracellular mitochondria (ExtraMito) particles, a subtype of medium extracellular particles (mEPs), into the environment through a process regulated by mechanical loading. RNA sequencing systematically revealed that oxygen-related reactions, extracellular particles, and inflammation were present in diseased human tendons, suggesting that these factors play a role in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy. We simulated the disease condition by imposing a 9% strain overload on three-dimensional mouse tendon constructs in our cyclic uniaxial stretching bioreactor. The three-dimensional mouse tendon constructs under normal loading with 6% strain exhibited an extended mitochondrial network, as observed through live-cell confocal laser scanning microscopy. In contrast, mechanical overload led to a fragmented mitochondrial network. Our microscopic and immunoblot results demonstrated that mechanical loading induced tendon cells to release ExtraMito particles. Furthermore, we showed that mEPs released from tendon cells overloaded with a 9% strain (mEP9%) induced macrophage chemotaxis and increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, CXCL1, and IL-18, from macrophages compared to mEP0%, mEP3%, and mEP6%. Partial depletion of the ExtraMito particles from mEP9% by magnetic-activated cell sorting significantly reduced macrophage chemotaxis. N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment preserved the mitochondrial network in overloaded tendon cells, diminishing overload-induced macrophage chemotaxis toward mEP9%. These findings revealed a novel mechanism of tendinopathy; in an overloaded environment, ExtraMito particles convey mechanical response signals from tendon cells to the immune microenvironment, culminating in tendinopathy.
Probing impact on magnetic behavior of cobalt layer grown on thick MoS$$_{2}$$ layer
Authors: Hussain Zainab , Patole Shashikant P. , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Lokhande P. E. , Pathan Habib M.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the metal-semiconductor heterostructure interface is crucial for the development of spintronic devices. One of the prospective candidates and extensively studied semiconductors is molybdenum disulfide (MoS$$_{2}$$

2

). Herein, utilizing Kerr microscopy, we investigated the impact of thick MoS$$_{2}$$

2

on the magnetic properties of the 10 nm Co layer. A comparative study on $$\hbox {Co}/\hbox {MoS}_{2}$$

Co
/

MoS
2

and Co/Si shows that coercivity increased by 77% and the Kerr signal decreased by 26% compared to Co grown on Si substrate. In addition, the Co domain structure significantly changed when grown on MoS$$_{2}$$

2

. The plausible reason for the observed magnetic behavior can be that the Co interacts differently at the interface of MoS$$_{2}$$

2

as compared to Si. Therefore, our studies investigate the interfacial effect on the magnetic properties of Co grown on thick MoS$$_{2}$$

2

layer. Furthermore, our results will help in developing next-generation spintronic devices.
Global dynamics and computational modeling approach for analyzing and controlling of alcohol addiction using a novel fractional and fractal–fractional modeling approach
Authors: Li Shuo , Samreen  , Ullah Saif , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Awwad Fuad A. , Teklu Shewafera Wondimagegnhu
Published: March 2024

In recent years, alcohol addiction has become a major public health concern and a global threat due to its potential negative health and social impacts. Beyond the health consequences, the detrimental consumption of alcohol results in substantial social and economic burdens on both individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, a proper understanding and effective control of the spread of alcohol addictive behavior has become an appealing global issue to be solved. In this study, we develop a new mathematical model of alcohol addiction with treatment class. We analyze the dynamics of the alcohol addiction model for the first time using advanced operators known as fractal–fractional operators, which incorporate two distinct fractal and fractional orders with the well-known Caputo derivative based on power law kernels. The existence and uniqueness of the newly developed fractal–fractional alcohol addiction model are shown using the Picard–Lindelöf and fixed point theories. Initially, a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the alcohol addiction fractional model is presented. The possible equilibria of the model and the threshold parameter called the reproduction number are evaluated theoretically and numerically. The boundedness and biologically feasible region for the model are derived. To assess the stability of the proposed model, the Ulam–Hyers coupled with the Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability criteria are employed. Moreover, utilizing effecting numerical schemes, the models are solved numerically and a detailed simulation and discussion are presented. The model global dynamics are shown graphically for various values of fractional and fractal dimensions. The present study aims to provide valuable insights for the understanding the dynamics and control of alcohol addiction within a community.
Study on settlement prediction of soft ground considering multiple feature parameters based on ISSA-RF model
Authors: Sun Changshuai , Yu Tianwen , Li Min , Wei Huanwei , Tan Fang
Published: March 2024

By collecting a large amount of data from various preloading engineering projects, a settlement prediction database was established including up to 15 feature parameters, such as final measured time, magnitude of surcharge loading, porosity ratio, internal friction angle, and others. Furthermore, a settlement prediction model of soft foundation based on random forest (RF) model was also developed. To enhance the accuracy of settlement prediction, the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA), which incorporates several enhancements such as the use of Logistic-tent chaotic mapping, adaptive nonlinear inertia-decreasing weight parameters, and Levy flight strategy, was proposed to optimize the hyperparameters of the RF model. The optimization results of various algorithms on benchmark functions revealed that the ISSA algorithm excelled in terms of accuracy and stability when compared to conventional algorithms such as particle swarm optimization and butterfly optimization. The ISSA-RF settlement prediction model was subsequently constructed and applied to practical projects. The results demonstrated that the ISSA-RF model exhibited superior prediction accuracy and applicability compared to the RF model. It can therefore provide valuable guidance for the planning and implementation of preloading engineering projects.
Effects of different colors of plastic-film mulching on soil temperature, yield, and metabolites in Platostoma palustre
Authors: Chen Hao , Huang Suhua , Quan Changqian , Chen Zhining , Xu Meihua , Wei Fan , Tang Danfeng
Published: March 2024

Platostoma palustre is an annual herb and an important medicinal and edible plant in southern China. Plastic-film mulching is an effective agronomic practice in the cultivation system of P. palustre, of which black-film mulching is the most common. However, fewer researches have been focused on the use of other colors of plastic films in P. palustre cultivation. In this study, different colors (white, black, red, and green) of plastic film were adopted, and the effects of different colors of plastic film mulching on the soil temperature, yield, and metabolites of P. palustre were investigated. The results showed that the fresh weight of a single plant of the green film treatment was significantly higher than that of the white film treatment (n = top 28). Based on the results of three temperature measurements, the soil temperature was almost the highest in the red film treatment and lowest in the white film treatment. The metabolomic analysis revealed that a total of 103 differential metabolites were identified. Among these, the gluconic acid, deoxyribose, and N-Acetylmannosamine in the red film treatment presented the highest abundance compared with the other treatments, meanwhile, the abundances of the five monosaccharides in the red film treatment were significantly higher than those of the green film treatment. Moreover, the sucrose, trehalose, and D-(+)-trehalose in the green film treatment exhibited the highest abundance, and the abundances of eight different amino acids in the red film treatment were almost the lowest while those in the black film treatment were almost the highest. Further analysis of the membership function values indicated that the black and red film treatments might be more suitable for the cultivation and quality production of P. palustre in comparison with the other two treatments. This study will provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficient cultivation technology of P. palustre and forming a theoretical system of P. palustre film mulching cultivation.
The effects of delayed annealing on the luminescent activity of heavy metal cadmium zinc phosphate glasses activated by: Er3+ and Tb3+ ions
Authors: Marzouk M. A. , Elbatal F. H. , Elbatal H. A. , Elkashef I. M.
Published: March 2024

The luminescent spectra of the RE2O3-doped P2O5–CdO–ZnO glasses (RE = Er, and Tb) were investigated to separate the effects of two studied rare-earth elements and the annealing regime on the emission performance of the prepared glasses. The glasses undergo a series of collective measurements including UV–visible absorption, luminescence, thermal expansion, XRD, TEM, and FTIR. The optical UV–visible spectra of the two doped glasses reveal a UV band due to undoped glass beside and extra extended 11 peaks with the Er3+ ions with high distinct features while the Tb3+ ions samples exhibit peaks within the visible region. These peaks are correlated with transitions from the ground state in each case to specific energy transitions. The overall optical data indicate that the two rare earth ions are present in a stable trivalent state. Under UV excitation, both Er3+ and Tb3+ emit a characteristic green light corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions, respectively. The performance of the green light was identified to be enhanced by increasing the concentration of rare earth and the effect of annealing temperature. Moreover, the intensity of the infrared emission of Er3+ at 1532 nm corresponds to the (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) transition which is assumed to be developed with the effect of heating. The resultant IR spectra show distinct vibrational peaks due to phosphate groups that undergo only minor modifications when doped with rare earth elements or over-annealed.
Deformation characteristics and mechanism of Mala paleo-landslide during the Miaowei reservoir initial impoundment period
Authors: Mai Zhijie , Hu Xi , Li Lianke , Hou Jiacheng
Published: March 2024

This study employs a multifaceted approach, encompassing field investigations, borehole surveys, surface deformation displacement monitoring, deep-seated deformation monitoring, and numerical simulation analysis, to conduct an exhaustive examination of the deformation processes and characteristics exhibited by the Mala Landslide. The findings elucidate a close correlation between the deformation of the Mala Landslide and the elevation of the reservoir water level. During the escalation of the reservoir water level, the landslide body progressively developed surface cracks, spanning from the frontal edge to the rear edge. The centre of the sliding body is situated in the central-lower downstream region, and presently, the landslide is undergoing a phase of comprehensive creep deformation. Due to the reservoir water level fluctuation rate being greater than the permeability coefficient, the deformation of the landslide displays a delayed response. As the reservoir water level reaches 1401 m during high-water operation, the two important ingredients, the buoyancy weight reduction effect and the influence of submerged reservoir water, significantly reduce the sliding resistance of the sliding mass, thereby exacerbating the deformation of the landslide. Following a comprehensive analysis of the findings, it can be firmly concluded that this landslide conforms to the characteristic traits of a typical buoyant force reduction type-retrogressive type landslide.
Moderate mechanical stress suppresses chondrocyte ferroptosis in osteoarthritis by regulating NF-κB p65/GPX4 signaling pathway
Authors: Han Juanjuan , Zhan Li-nan , Huang Yue , Guo Shijia , Zhou Xiaoding , Kapilevich Leonid , Wang Zhuo , Ning Ke , Sun Mingli , Zhang Xin-an
Published: March 2024

Ferroptosis is a recently identified form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, we investigated the protective effect of moderate mechanical stress on chondrocyte ferroptosis and further revealed the internal molecular mechanism. Intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate (MIA) was conducted to induce the rat model of OA in vivo, meanwhile, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was treated to chondrocytes to induce the OA cell model in vitro. The OA phenotype was analyzed by histology and microcomputed tomography, the ferroptosis was analyzed by transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescence. The expression of ferroptosis and cartilage metabolism-related factors was analyzed by immunohistochemical and Western blot. Animal experiments revealed that moderate-intensity treadmill exercise could effectively reduce chondrocyte ferroptosis and cartilage matrix degradation in MIA-induced OA rats. Cell experiments showed that 4-h cyclic tensile strain intervention could activate Nrf2 and inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, increase the expression of Col2a1, GPX4, and SLC7A11, decrease the expression of MMP13 and P53, thereby restraining IL-1β-induced chondrocyte ferroptosis and degeneration. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway relieved the chondrocyte ferroptosis and degeneration. Meanwhile, overexpression of NF-κB by recombinant lentivirus reversed the positive effect of CTS on chondrocytes. Moderate mechanical stress could activate the Nrf2 antioxidant system, inhibit the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, and inhibit chondrocyte ferroptosis and cartilage matrix degradation by regulating P53, SLC7A11, and GPX4.
Association between urinary uric acid excretion and kidney outcome in patients with CKD
Authors: Asahina Yuta , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Oka Tatsufumi , Hattori Koki , Kawaoka Takayuki , Doi Yohei , Yamamoto Ryohei , Matsui Isao , Mizui Masayuki , Kaimori Jun-Ya , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: March 2024

Inhibiting tubular urate reabsorption may protect the kidney from urate-induced tubular injury. However, this approach may promote intratubular uric acid crystallization, especially in acidified urine, which could be toxic to the kidney. To assess how tubular urate handling affects kidney outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study including 1042 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) of 15–60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The exposures were fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) and urinary uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (UUCR). The kidney outcome was defined as a halving of eGFR from baseline or initiating kidney replacement therapy. The median FEUA and UUCR were 7.2% and 0.33 g/gCre, respectively. During a median follow-up of 1.9 years, 314 kidney outcomes occurred. In a multivariate Cox model, the lowest FEUA quartile exhibited a 1.68-fold higher rate of kidney outcome than the highest FEUA quartile (95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.50; P = 0.01). Similarly, lower UUCR was associated with a higher rate of kidney outcome. Notably, patients in the highest quartile of FEUA and UUCR were at the lowest risk of kidney outcome even among those with aciduria. In conclusion, lower FEUA and UUCR were associated with a higher risk of kidney failure, suggesting that increased urate reabsorption is harmful to the kidney.
Eosinophil extracellular traps in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis induce Charcot–Leyden crystal formation and eosinophil recruitment
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Wang Zhenlin
Published: March 2024

Eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) are implicated in various eosinophil-associated diseases; however, their role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. In the present study, 57 CRS patients were enrolled, and immunofluorescence was used to analyze EETs in eosinophilic (eCRS) and non-eosinophilic (Non-eCRS) tissues. MSD was used to examine IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 concentrations in tissue homogenates. Charcot–Leyden crystals (CLCs) protein expression was detected in PMA, PMA+DNase I, and blank control eosinophils using ELISA. Eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein levels were measured in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) cultured with EETs, EETs+DNase I, DNase I, and unstimulated eosinophils using PCR and ELISA. EETs were significantly increased in eCRS tissues compared with Non-eCRS (P<0.001), and correlated with VAS and Lund–Mackay CT scores. IL-5 expression was related to EETs formation (r = 0.738, P<0.001). PMA-stimulated eosinophils exhibited higher CLCs protein levels (P<0.01). Co-culturing HNECs with EETs significantly increased eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein levels (P<0.0001, P<0.001) compared with other groups. The study suggests EETs formation is elevated in eCRS patients and is involved in CLCs formation and chemokine secretion, promoting eosinophilic inflammation.
Growth of Complex Syntax: Coordinate and Subordinate Clause Use in Elementary School–Aged Children
Authors: Owens Robert E. , Pavelko Stacey L. , Hahs-Vaughn Debbie
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Production of complex syntax is a hallmark of later language development; however, most of the research examining age-related changes has focused on adolescents or analyzed narrative language samples. Research documenting age-related changes in the production of complex syntax in elementary school–aged children in conversational language samples is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine age-related changes in the production of coordinate and subordinate clauses in children between 5 and 10 years of age obtained from 50-utterance conversational language samples.

Method:

The analytic sample included 196 children with typical language development, who ranged in age from 5;0 to 10;11 (years;months; girls = 103; boys = 96; three cases were excluded). Fifty-utterance conversational language samples were examined for use of coordinate and subordinate clauses.

Results:

Results of regression analyses indicated that the production of coordinate and subordinate clauses could be predicted from age. The proportion of utterances that included subordinate clauses increased 0.20% for every month increase in age (
p
< .001). Coordinate clauses also continued to grow, although at a slower rate (0.10% increase for every month increase in age,
p
< .001). Finally, the proportion of simple utterances (i.e., utterances without coordinate or subordinate clauses) decreased with age (0.40% decrease for every month increase in age,
p
< .001).

Conclusions:

This study indicated that as children's age increased, they used fewer, simple, one-clause sentences and more utterances that included subordinate clauses, with or without coordinate clauses. These results were obtained from 50-utterance language samples, further supporting use of language sampling to develop intervention goals and monitor progress in therapy.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25262725
A backstepping sliding mode control algorithm of electro-hydraulic position servo system of valve-controlled symmetric cylinder based on extended state observer
Authors: Chen Hongsheng
Published: March 2024

Electro-hydraulic position servo system of valve-controlled symmetrical cylinder (EPSSVCS) is a very important and widely used electro-hydraulic servo system, the performance of which is often affected by friction nonlinearity and external random disturbances together with unmodeled dynamic factors such as parameter uncertainty in practical work. To improve the tracking performance of the system, a backstepping sliding mode control algorithm (BSMC) based on an extended state observer was presented in this paper. Firstly, a nonlinear mathematical model of the EPSSVCS was established which takes into account the composite disturbance induced by the systematic friction nonlinearity, external disturbances and unmodeled dynamic factors. Then, an extended state observer (ESO) was designed which can effectively estimate the velocity, acceleration, and composite disturbance of the valve-controlled cylinder online. Furthermore, a kind of BSMC was presented based on the online ESO estimates and the displacement feedback signals. The control law was given and the system stability was proved. The analysis results showed that the output signal of the system can effectively track the input signal under the influence of typical external disturbances and unmodeled dynamic factors, which illustrated the effectiveness of the established nonlinear mathematical model and the stability of the designed control system. Moreover, by taking the parameters of the electro-hydraulic servo system of a certain type of CNC machine tool as a real example, the proposed algorithm (BSMC) was compared with the conventional PID control algorithm, the backstepping sliding mode control algorithm (BSC), and the adaptive robust control algorithm (ARC), and the results verified the superiority of the BSMC. This work may provide a useful reference for the research in the field of related control systems.
Les gènes de la taille chez les chevaux : application à la production de poneys de sport
Authors: Dhorne-Pollet Sophie , Barrey Éric
Published: March 2024

L’élevage des poneys de sport fait souvent appel à des croisements entre poney et cheval de sport. Ces croisements se font traditionnellement de manière très intuitive. Si cette pratique de croisement améliore l’aptitude à l’obstacle, elle rend très aléatoire le respect de la hauteur maximale au garrot dont les limites sont fixées à 1,48 m non ferré et 1,49 m ferré.

Au cours des dernières années, plusieurs études génétiques ont mis en évidence des gènes majeurs (QTL) significativement associés à la taille au garrot des équidés. Plus récemment, une étude Française menée dans le cadre du projet SOGEN (Génomique du Saut d’Obstacles / 2015-2018), a confirmé les QTL précédemment identifiés mais a également permis d’identifier d’autres marqueurs génétiques (SNP) très significativement associés à la taille. Parmi ces marqueurs, trois SNP, localisés sur le chromosome 3, expliquent à eux seuls une très grande partie de la taille chez les chevaux de sport.

Pour chacun de ces trois SNP, des tests de génotypage par PCR quantitative à l’aide de sondes d’hydrolyse sont disponibles au laboratoire LABÉO. La maitrise des génotypes des parents mis à la reproduction devrait rendre moins aléatoire le respect de la hauteur au garrot des poneys de sport.
L’Observatoire des anomalies équines : recenser les anomalies et identifier celles d’origine génétique
Authors: Delerue Marie , Lupo Coralie , Marcillaud-Pitel Christel , Sabbagh Margot
Published: March 2024

L’Observatoire des anomalies équines, géré par l’IFCE, a pour objectif de centraliser les données concernant des anomalies détectées en élevage ou chez des équidés adultes afin, dans le futur, de déterminer si ces anomalies ont une origine génétique et, si oui, identifier le ou les gènes en cause ainsi que les schémas de transmission. Malgré les problématiques remontées par les associations d’éleveurs vis-à-vis de certaines affections (mélanomes chez les chevaux gris, lymphœdème chronique progressif chez les chevaux de trait par exemple), seuls 20 cas sont déclarés par an à l’Observatoire, depuis sa création en 2008, probablement du fait d’une faible information des vétérinaires. L’Observatoire fonctionne grâce aux remontées de terrain. Lorsqu’il est en présence d’une anomalie, le vétérinaire déclare l’anomalie en ligne : le questionnaire est disponible en parallèle sur les sites de l’IFCE et du RESPE. Il envoie également des prélèvements biologiques (sang ou éventuellement crins) au laboratoire LABÉO-Frank Duncombe à Caen. Les anomalies qui peuvent être déclarées dans cet observatoire sont très variées : maladies génétiques bien identifiées (ex : épidermolyse bulleuse jonctionnelle), malformations congénitales (ex : microphtalmie), affections chroniques pour lesquelles une origine génétique est suspectée (ex : syndrome de Wobbler), ou encore des signes cliniques chroniques ou récidivants sans cause identifiée (ex : temps de saignement augmenté). Une banque de données et d’ADN est ainsi constituée et servira ensuite aux chercheurs en génétique. Le rôle des vétérinaires est primordial pour recenser et décrire finement les anomalies observées et engranger un nombre de données suffisant. Cette coopération entre les vétérinaires et les chercheurs permettra, à l’avenir, d’apporter des solutions concrètes aux éleveurs : mise au point de tests génétiques par les laboratoires d’analyses vétérinaires, conseils en croisements.
Les nouveaux défis de la politique énergétique française
Authors: Percebois Jacques , Pommeret Stanislas
Published: March 2024

La France doit aujourd’hui affronter trois nouveaux défis dans la mise en œuvre de sa politique énergétique.

Elle doit sortir des énergies fossiles carbonées afin de respecter l’objectif de neutralité carbone à l’horizon 2050, et cela passe notamment par un renchérissement du prix du carbone. Elle doit en second lieu investir massivement dans la production d’électricité pour faire face à une demande croissante d’électricité liée à (l’électrification des usages, et cela requiert des investissements dans le nucléaire pilotable et décarboné. La France doit enfin relever le défi du stockage-déstockage à grande échelle des énergies renouvelables et regarder dans quelle mesure la mobilité électrique peut y contribuer.

Il faut également repenser le fonctionnement des marchés de l’électricité si l’on veut que le financement de ces défis soit assuré.
Scénarios pour une transition énergétique
Authors: Bobin Jean-Louis
Published: March 2024

Élaborés pour le compte de décideurs ou de lanceurs d’alerte, les scénarios décrivent des histoires qui pourraient advenir. Ils impliquent des hypothèses quant au devenir socio-économique de l’humanité et doivent tenir compte de contraintes, dont la principale est imposée par la menace d’un changement climatique d’origine anthropique.
Énergies océaniques
Authors: Babarit Aurélien , Pinon Grégory , Achard Jean-Luc , Corre Christophe
Published: March 2024

Dans cet article, on présente les principes et technologies permettant de convertir en électricité les principales ressources d’énergies océaniques renouvelables (énergie thermique des mers, énergie des vagues et énergie marémotrice). Leur potentiel de production d’énergie est mis en perspective par rapport à l’enjeu de la transition énergétique.
Des sels fondus pour la 4e génération de réacteurs nucléaires ?
Authors: Merle Elsa , Allibert Michel , Heuer Daniel , Laureau Axel
Published: March 2024

Pour pouvoir lutter significativement contre le changement climatique, un recours massif à l’énergie nucléaire est indispensable. Cela requiert de gérer en amont les risques liés au nucléaire ainsi que son acceptabilité sociétale. La production nucléaire devra aussi pouvoir assurer le suivi de charge d’un parc comportant une grande part d’énergies renouvelables.

Cet article présente et discute une nouvelle filière à la hauteur de ces enjeux : les réacteurs à combustible liquide, dits à sels fondus, qui rencontrent un intérêt grandissant. On expose ici les développements effectués en France avec le concept MSFR (réacteur à sel fondu en spectre neutronique rapide) du CNRS, qui offre des perspectives pour l’incinération des transuraniens et l’aide à la gestion des sources intermittentes d’énergie.
Dans quelles conditions fonctionnerait le mix électrique prévu pour la France par la loi sur la transition énergétique ?
Authors: Grand Dominique , Le Brun Christian , Latrobe André , Vidil Roland
Published: March 2024

La transition énergétique prévoit de réduire à 50 % la part du nucléaire dans le mix électrique, pour augmenter celles de l’éolien et du solaire. Or, ces énergies intermittentes nécessitent des moyens pour rééquilibrer le réseau. Nous en dégageons les ordres de grandeur, grâce à une méthode initiée pour la transition énergétique allemande (Energiewende).

En ce qui concerne le mix retenu pour la France, un quart de la production intermittente, 44 TWh, devrait être transféré entre périodes de surplus et de manque. Ce serait possible avec un stockage de grande taille – 15 TWh de volume et 45 GW de puissance – qui malheureusement dépasse largement les moyens connus (barrages hydroélectriques, batteries…). Sans ce stockage, les centrales à combustibles fossiles pallieraient la demande, dégradant ainsi l’empreinte carbone. Ceci se voit déjà dans les résultats de la décennie écoulée en Allemagne et en Europe.
Quelle place pour les batteries dans une transition bas carbone ?
Authors: Perdu Fabien
Published: March 2024

Plusieurs pans de la « transition énergétique », en particulier l’évolution du secteur électrique et l’électrification des transports, reposent sur le stockage d’énergie et notamment sur les batteries.

Après avoir décrit la constitution et le fonctionnement d’une batterie lithium-ion, nous analysons les progrès espérés et l’impact environnemental de ces batteries dans le cas d’un déploiement massif. Enfin, nous tentons de mieux cerner les usages pour lesquels les batteries sont vraiment pertinentes et ceux pour lesquels il convient de trouver des solutions complémentaires.
Motifs d’engagement : freins et leviers à la pratique du football. Étude exploratoire auprès des jeunes footballeur/ses de haut niveau
Authors: Rivrais Cassandre , Nicaise Virginie , Ottogalli-Mazzacavallo Cécile
Published: March 2024

L’objectif est d’analyser les motifs d’engagement des joueurs et joueuses de football, ayant entre 14 et 18 ans et évoluant dans deux filières de haut-niveau, ainsi que de caractériser leur perception des obstacles et des leviers à leur pratique. Cette étude est exploratoire, et s’appuie sur des données collectées en novembre 2018, auprès de 40 footballeurs (Mâge = 15 ans) et de 37 footballeuses (Mâge = 16,4 ans), interrogé · es à partir de groupes de discussions en non-mixité. L’analyse des résultats permet de dresser une typologie des motifs d’engagement et des barrières à la pratique. Si les joueurs et joueuses ont en commun d’être majoritairement influencé · es par un ou des hommes de leur entourage pour commencer la pratique et de vouloir accéder au haut-niveau en s’identifiant à des joueurs ils et elles se distinguent quant à leur volonté à vouloir gagner leur vie grâce au football et quant aux obstacles rencontrés dans leur progression de carrière. Alors que les joueurs semblent craindre les blessures et l’éloignement familial ; les joueuses, en plus de ces difficultés, évoquent la prégnance des remarques sexistes, un manque de considération et de reconnaissance de la part de l’encadrement technique et sportif, et des moins bonnes conditions de pratique.
A rare germline BMP15 missense mutation causes hereditary ovarian immature teratoma in human
Authors: Liu Yakun , Fan Hongwei , Kang Xi , Hao Yuntao , Wang Na , Zheng Hui , Li Yan , Kang Shan
Published: March 2024

Ovarian immature teratomas (OITs) are malignant tumors originating from the ovarian germ cells that mainly occur during the first 30 y of a female’s life. Early age of onset strongly suggests the presence of susceptibility gene mutations for the disease yet to be discovered. Whole exon sequencing was used to screen pathogenic mutations from pedigrees with OITs. A rare missense germline mutation (C262T) in the first exon of the BMP15 gene was identified. In silico calculation suggested that the mutation could impair the formation of mature peptides. In vitro experiments on cell lines confirmed that the mutation caused an 84.7% reduction in the secretion of mature BMP15. Clinical samples from OIT patients also showed a similar pattern of decrease in the BMP15 expression. In the transgenic mouse model, the spontaneous parthenogenetic activation significantly increased in oocytes carrying the T allele. Remarkably, a mouse carrying the T allele developed the phenotype of OIT. Oocyte-specific RNA sequencing revealed that abnormal activation of the H-Ras/MAPK pathway might contribute to the development of OIT. BMP15 was identified as a pathogenic gene for OIT which improved our understanding of the etiology of OIT and provided a potential biomarker for genetic screening of this disorder.
The multimodal translation workshop as a method of creative inquiry
Authors: Campbell Madeleine , Vidal Ricarda
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the role of affective perception in the development of translation and experiential literacy through the medium of a multimodal translation workshop held with twelve arts practitioners, academics, and translators. Both the rationale for the workshop format and the interpretation of workshop outputs draw on a transdisciplinary framework spanning theories of intermediality and multimodality, the study of acousmatic sound, acoustic atmospheres, and corporeal music/sound reception. Adopting a phenomenographic approach, we discuss the role of the body and the senses in communication and how the sensory exercises developed for our workshop can provide access to the prenoetic nature of perception from both a cognitive and affective standpoint. Recognizing the narrative quality of participants’ comments, a deductive approach was taken to analyze their translations and reflections through the lens of narrative modes of acousmatic music. The article concludes with pedagogical implications on the basis of participants’ reflections. Our findings support the use of a multimodal online translation workshop as both a research method to investigate meaning-making and a pedagogical resource to develop experiential literacy for both practitioners and developing translators.
Interactions of moisture and light drive lichen growth and the response to climate change scenarios: experimental evidence for Lobaria pulmonaria
Authors: Borge Martine , Ellis Christopher J
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

There is growing interest in the functional ecology of poikilohydric non-vascular photoautotrophs (NVPs), including ‘cryptogamic’ bryophytes and lichens. These organisms are structurally important in many ecosystems, contributing substantially to ecosystem function and services, while also being sensitive to climate change. Previous research has quantified the climate change response of poikilohydric NVPs using predictive bioclimatic models with standard climate variables including precipitation totals and temperature averages. This study aimed for an improved functional understanding of their climate change response based on their growth rate sensitivity to moisture and light.

Methods

We conducted a 24-month experiment to monitor lichen hydration and growth. We accounted for two well-known features in the ecology of poikilohydric NVPs, and exemplified here for a structurally dominant lichen epiphyte, Lobaria pulmonaria: (1) sensitivity to multiple sources of atmospheric moisture including rain, condensed dew-formation and water vapour; and (2) growth determined by the amount of time hydrated in the light, driving photosynthesis, referred to as the Iwet hypothesis.

Key Results

First, we found that even within an oceanic high-rainfall environment, lichen hydration was better explained by vapour pressure deficit than precipitation totals. Second, growth at a monthly resolution was positively related to the amount of time spent hydrated in the light, and negatively related to the amount of time spent hydrated in the dark.

Conclusions

Using multimodel averaging to project growth models for an ensemble of future climate change scenarios, we demonstrated reduced net growth for L. pulmonaria by the late 21st century, explained by extended climate dryness and lichen desiccation for periods when there is otherwise sufficient light to drive photosynthesis. The results further emphasize a key issue of photoperiodism when constructing functionally relevant models to understand the risk of climate change, especially for poikilohydric NVPs.
Fire effects on pollination and plant reproduction: a quantitative review
Authors: Carbone Lucas M , Tavella Julia , Marquez Victoria , Ashworth Lorena , Pausas Juli G , Aguilar Ramiro
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Fire may favour plant flowering by opening up the vegetation and increasing abiotic resource availability. Increased floral display size can attract more pollinators and increase absolute fruit and seed production immediately after a fire. However, anthropogenic increases in fire frequency may alter these responses. We aim to assess the effects of fire on the pollination and reproductive success of plants at the global scale.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analyses to examine overall fire effects as well as different fire parameters on pollination and on plant reproduction. We also explored to what extent the responses vary among pollinators, pollination vectors, plant regeneration strategies, compatibility systems, vegetation types and biomes.

Key Results

Most studies were conducted in fire-prone ecosystems. Overall, single fires increased pollination and plant reproduction but this effect was overridden by recurrent fires. Floral visitation rates of pollinators were enhanced immediately following a wildfire, and especially in bee-pollinated plants. Fire increased the absolute production of fruits or seeds but not fruit or seed set. The reproductive benefits were mostly observed in wind-pollinated (graminoids), herbaceous and resprouter species. Finally, fire effects on pollination were positively correlated with fire effects on plant reproductive success.

Conclusions

Fire has a central role in pollination and plant sexual reproduction in fire-prone ecosystems. The increase in the absolute production of fruits and seeds suggests that fire benefits to plant reproduction are probably driven by increased abiotic resources and the consequent floral display size. However, reproduction efficiency, as measured by fruit or seed set, does not increase with fire. In contrast, when assessed on the same plant simultaneously, fire effects on pollination are translated into reproduction. Increased fire frequency due to anthropogenic changes can alter the nature of the response to fire.
CRISPRlnc: a machine learning method for lncRNA-specific single-guide RNA design of CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Yang Zitian , Zhang Zexin , Li Jing , Chen Wen , Liu Changning
Published: March 2024

CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising RNA-guided genome editing technology, which consists of a Cas9 nuclease and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA). So far, a number of sgRNA prediction softwares have been developed. However, they were usually designed for protein-coding genes without considering that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes may have different characteristics. In this study, we first evaluated the performances of a series of known sgRNA-designing tools in the context of both coding and non-coding datasets. Meanwhile, we analyzed the underpinnings of their varied performances on the sgRNA’s specificity for lncRNA including nucleic acid sequence, genome location and editing mechanism preference. Furthermore, we introduce a support vector machine-based machine learning algorithm named CRISPRlnc, which aims to model both CRISPR knock-out (CRISPRko) and CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) mechanisms to predict the on-target activity of targets. CRISPRlnc combined the paired-sgRNA design and off-target analysis to achieve one-stop design of CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs for non-coding genes. Performance comparison on multiple datasets showed that CRISPRlnc was far superior to existing methods for both CRISPRko and CRISPRi mechanisms during the lncRNA-specific sgRNA design. To maximize the availability of CRISPRlnc, we developed a web server (http://predict.crisprlnc.cc) and made it available for download on GitHub.
Limited interspecific gene flow in the evolutionary history of the icefish genus Chionodraco
Authors: Schiavon Luca , Ceballos Santiago G , Matschiner Michael , Trucchi Emiliano , La Mesa Mario , Riginella Emilio , Lucassen Magnus , Mark Felix C , Bilyk Kevin , Franch Rafaella , Wallberg Andreas , Boscari Elisa , Zane Lorenzo , Papetti Chiara
Published: March 2024

Hybridization and introgression are recognized as mechanisms promoting genetic variability during evolutionary radiations. We examined the impact of introgression in the process of speciation, focusing on the Antarctic icefish genus Chionodraco. Our analyses confirmed that the three Chionodraco species (Chionodraco hamatus, Chionodraco myersi, and Chionodraco rastrospinosus) were genetically distinctive, despite signals of past interspecific gene flow between C. hamatus and C. myersi that likely occurred during interglacial periods. However, in this study, no recent hybrids were identified. The lack of contemporary hybridization may be due to life-history traits and the type of marker used in the analysis. Our study emphasizes the importance of genomic approaches to detect subtle patterns of past hybridization accurately and highlights the significance of historical climate events in the demographic and evolutionary history of Antarctic notothenioids. Polar regions, and especially the Antarctic Peninsula, are now experiencing the fastest climate changes due to global warming. Understanding the impact of past climate events is fundamental to trace current modifications in species’ genetic variability and distributions and predict future evolutionary trajectories. This knowledge is also vital for conservation efforts, including the implementation of marine protected areas.