bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Loss of Surface Roughness Following the Use of Four Different Instruments for Mechanical Debridement of Dental Implants: An In-vitro Pilot Study
Authors: Kumar Santhosh , Yewale Manasi , Parthasarathi N. L. , Balasundaram Rajasekaran , Gopalkrishna Pratibha , Bhat Subraya Giliyar
Published: July 2024

To compare the dental implant surface properties such as mean surface roughness, roughness depth, and the surface loss produced by different prophylactic instrument types. Twenty-four surfaces of twelve dental implants were treated using titanium curettes, titanium-coated curettes, an air abrasion unit, and titanium brushes. The dental implants were inserted partially into a Styrofoam base, exposing one-third to simulate cases of peri-implantitis. The exposed surface was coated with artificial dental calculus (ADC) and divided into four groups for treatment. The arithmetic mean surface roughness (Ra) and the mean roughness depth (Rz) were assessed using the confocal microscope, and the surface loss (SL) area was calculated from the scanning electron microscopic images using an image analysis software. The Ra value varied between 1.08 to 0.29 µm, the Rz value between 10.3 to 70.5 µm, and the mean surface loss area between 154 to 9410 µm2. The One-way ANOVA analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the four groups (P < 0.05). The air abrasion unit showed the highest mean roughness value of 1.08 ± 0.14 µm, mean roughness depth of 70.5 ± 2.21 µm, and a minor surface area loss of 154 ± 132 µm2. In comparison, the titanium brushes showed the least Ra and Rz of 0.29 ± 0.05 µm and 10.3 ± 2.32 µm, respectively, whereas the titanium-coated curettes showed the highest loss of surface area 9410 ± 91.6 µm2. The air abrasion unit was shown to have the least detrimental effect on the implant surface when removing the artificial dental calculus compared to the other three methods.
MPOCSR: optical chemical structure recognition based on multi-path Vision Transformer
Authors: Lin Fan , Li Jianhua
Published: July 2024

Optical chemical structure recognition (OCSR) is a fundamental and crucial task in the field of chemistry, which aims at transforming intricate chemical structure images into machine-readable formats. Current deep learning-based OCSR methods typically use image feature extractors to extract visual features and employ encoder-decoder architectures for chemical structure recognition. However, the performance of these methods is limited by their image feature extractors and the class imbalance of elements in chemical structure representation. This paper proposes MPOCSR (multi-path optical chemical structure recognition), which introduces the multi-path Vision Transformer (MPViT) and the class-balanced (CB) loss function to address these two challenges. MPOCSR uses MPViT as an image feature extractor, combining the advantages of convolutional neural networks and Vision Transformers. This strategy enables the provision of richer visual information for subsequent decoding processes. Furthermore, MPOCSR incorporates CB loss function to rebalance the loss weights among different categories. For training and validation of our method, we constructed a dataset that includes both Markush and non-Markush structures. Experimental results show that MPOCSR achieves an accuracy of 90.95% on the test set, surpassing other existing methods.
Delivering Microrobots in the Musculoskeletal System
Authors: Cao Mumin , Sheng Renwang , Sun Yimin , Cao Ying , Wang Hao , Zhang Ming , Pu Yunmeng , Gao Yucheng , Zhang Yuanwei , Lu Panpan , Teng Gaojun , Wang Qianqian , Rui Yunfeng
Published: July 2024

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are the major contributors to the global burden of disease and current treatments show limited efficacy. Patients often suffer chronic pain and might eventually have to undergo end-stage surgery. Therefore, future treatments should focus on early detection and intervention of regional lesions. Microrobots have been gradually used in organisms due to their advantages of intelligent, precise and minimally invasive targeted delivery. Through the combination of control and imaging systems, microrobots with good biosafety can be delivered to the desired area for treatment. In the musculoskeletal system, microrobots are mainly utilized to transport stem cells/drugs or to remove hazardous substances from the body. Compared to traditional biomaterial and tissue engineering strategies, active motion improves the efficiency and penetration of local targeting of cells/drugs. This review discusses the frontier applications of microrobotic systems in different tissues of the musculoskeletal system. We summarize the challenges and barriers that hinder clinical translation by evaluating the characteristics of different microrobots and finally point out the future direction of microrobots in the musculoskeletal system.
Identitätsarbeit und kollektive Beziehungsgestaltung im WhatsApp-Gruppenchat
Authors: Frick Karina
Published: July 2024

Digitale Alltagskommunikation in Messengerdiensten findet nicht nur in dyadischen, sondern inzwischen auch in vielfältigen Gruppenkonstellationen statt. Deren kommunikative Dynamiken und die Frage, wie Nutzer:innen persönliche Erfahrungen in einer klar identifizierbaren Gruppe von Teilnehmer:innen erzählen, sind bisher nur in Ansätzen untersucht worden. Mithilfe des Small-Story-Ansatzes werden in diesem Beitrag Praktiken der Identitätsarbeit und kollektiven Beziehungsgestaltung im Gruppenchat eines adoleszenten Basketballteams untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass sowohl die Etablierung als auch die Aufrechterhaltung der Gruppenidentität eine komplexe Aufgabe ist, die sowohl auf der sprachlichen Ebene, z. B. durch Angleichungsstrategien, als auch auf der inhaltlich-thematischen Ebene bearbeitet werden muss.
Safety Issues and Improvement Measures of Ni-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Baichuan , Xiao Zhenxue , Cui Shaolun , Liu Sheng , Gao Xueping , Li Guoran
Published: July 2024

Ni-rich layered oxide cathode materials hold great promise for enhancing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their impressive specific capacity. However, the chemical and structural stability issues associated with the materials containing a high Ni content have emerged as a primary safety concern, particularly in the context of traction batteries for electric vehicles. Typically, when these materials are in a highly charged state, their metastable layered structure and highly oxidized transition metal ions can trigger detrimental phase transitions. This leads to the generation of oxygen gas and the degradation of the material’s microstructure, including the formation of cracks, which can promote the interactions between Ni-rich materials and electrolytes, further generating flammable gases. Consequently, various strategies have been devised at the material level to mitigate potential safety hazards. This review begins by providing an in-depth exploration of the sources of instability in Ni-rich layered oxides, drawing from their crystal and electronic structures, and subsequently outlines the safety issues that arise as a result. Subsequently, it delves into recent advancements and approaches aiming at modifying Ni-rich cathode materials and electrolytes to enhance safety. The primary objective of this review is to offer a concise and comprehensive understanding of why Ni-rich cathode materials are susceptible to safety incidents and to present potential methods for improving the safety of Ni-rich cathode materials in high-density LIBs.

Graphical Abstract

Safety risk origin of Ni-rich cathode materials, potential safety issues, and possible measures to improve safety are summarized.
Novel insights into acetylation kinetics in a continuous Flow milli-reactor for chemo-enzymatic separation of silybin A/B
Authors: Fortunato Michele Emanuele , Pagano Rita , Romanucci Valeria , Licenziato Chiara , Zarrelli Armando , Di Serio Martino , Di Fabio Giovanni , Russo Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

The separation of silybin A (SilA) and B (SilB) diastereomers in optically pure compounds is challenging due to their very similar physical and chemical properties. However, such separation is crucial for evaluating the biological activity of the diasteroisomers SilA and SilB, which show very different performance in pharmacological applications like treating prostate cancer, liver diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. The most common isolation method is based on high-performance liquid chromatography, but it is slow and has a yield in pure SilB of hundreds of milligrams per day. An alternative chemo-enzymatic separation method, utilizing an immobilized lipase CALB catalyst to stereoselectively acetylate silybin B (1b), offers advantages in terms of higher productivity, selectivity, and scalability, particularly when applied in flow reactors. This study delves into the kinetics of Sil acetylation catalyzed by Novozym 435 in a continuous flow milli-reactor, investigated at various temperatures, volumetric flow rates, and Sil initial concentrations. It is noteworthy that, at the current state of the art, there is a lack of kinetic studies on this reaction, emphasizing the novelty and significance of this work. The kinetic and fluid dynamic parameters were estimated using a non-linear regression analysis of experimental data. The examined reaction showed a null apparent activation energy, explaining the temperature insensitivity of the final acetylated silybin B (1b) concentration. Furthermore, the decrease in steady-state concentrations of the acetylated products with increasing volumetric flow rates indicated that the reaction was occurring in a kinetic regime. Interestingly, a maximum starting Sil concentration was identified, above which there was no favorable impact on conversion.
Geriatricians’ role in the management of aortic stenosis in frail older patients: a decade later
Authors: Ungar Andrea , Rivasi Giulia , Testa Giuseppe Dario , Boureau Anne Sophie , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Martínez-Sellés Manuel , Bo Mario , Petrovic Mirko , Werner Nikos , Benetos Athanase ,   on behalf of the EuGMS Special Interest Group on Cardiovascular Medicine
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Increasing evidence supports the implementation of geriatric assessment in the workup of older patients with aortic stenosis (AS). In 2012, an online European survey revealed that geriatricians were rarely involved in the assessment of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). After a “call to action” for early involvement of geriatricians in AS evaluation, the survey was repeated in 2022. Our aim was to investigate whether geriatricians’ role changed in the last decade.

Methods

Online survey conducted between December 16th, 2021, and December 15th, 2022. All members of the European Geriatric Medicine Society were invited to participate. The survey included 26 questions regarding geriatricians’ experience with AS and TAVI.

Results

Among 193 respondents (79.8% geriatricians), 73 (38%) reported to be involved in AS evaluation at least once a week. During 2 years prior to the survey, 43 (22.3%) had referred > 50% of their patients with severe AS for TAVI. Age influenced TAVI referral in a considerable proportion of respondents (36.8%). TAVI candidates were mainly referred to specialised cardiac centres with multidisciplinary teams (91.8%), including (47.2%) or not including (44.6%) a geriatrician. A total of 38.9% of respondents reported to be part of a multidisciplinary heart team. Geriatricians were less frequently involved (37%) than cardiologists (89.6%) and surgeons (53.4%) in pre-procedural TAVI management. Cardiologists were more frequently involved (85.5%) than geriatricians (33.7%) and surgeons (26.9%) in post-procedural management.

Conclusions

Geriatricians’ involvement in AS management and multidisciplinary heart teams remains scarce. More efforts should be devoted to implement geriatricians’ role in AS decision-making.
A unified approach for breast cancer discrimination using metasurface-based microwave technology
Authors: Youssef Kyrillos , Abo-Zahhad Mohammed , Kanaya Haruichi , Abd El-Malek Ahmed H.
Published: July 2024

Multifocal (MF) and multicentric (MC) breast cancers are more likely to be aggressive than unifocal (UF) breast tumors, and they are linked to high recurrence probability, lymph node metastases, and low survival rates. Metastasis is the process through which cancer cells spread to different body areas. Although the longevity of patients with metastatic breast cancer is high, it is restricted by the growth of brain metastases. Medical imaging techniques have inherent limits. Hence, a precise and sensitive substitution is required. Because microwave imaging is portable, non-ionizing, and affordable, it has become a viable method for the detection of breast cancer. As far as we know, this is the first research aiming at discriminating MF and MC breast cancers from UF ones. This proposal presents a $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

planar metasurface-based array antenna in the Industrial Scientific Medical frequency band at 2.4 GHz. The proposed array configuration significantly enhanced the gain to 4 dBi rather than a single element at 50 Ω. The geometric arrangement of the four antenna elements is optimized to discriminate the critical stage of breast cancers (UF, MF, or MC). As the proposed structure does not surround the breast, it contributes to a higher degree of comfort than the conventional antenna configurations. The magnitude and phase of S-parameters of the backscattered signals are analyzed in this research.
Insights of ecological resilience in Caatinga assemblages – landscape configuration drives Chrysomeloidea (Coleoptera) diversity in a seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Salomão Renato Portela , Alvarado Fredy , Dália Maia Artur Campos , Oliveira Denize Wgliana Gervasio de , Linzmeier Adelita Maria , Iannuzzi Luciana
Published: July 2024

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) have long suffered from chronic, intensive and extensive landscape transformations due to human activities, challenging biodiversity conservation in this biome. The Caatinga is the largest Neotropical SDTF, serving as an excellent model to understand how land use changes modulate ecological communities. In this study, we assessed the effects of landscape configuration and composition on the abundance and diversity of Chrysomeloidea in a region of Caatinga. We sampled beetles in 10 landscape units, in which we measured landscape configuration (patch size, edge density) and composition (landscape diversity, patch richness). Hill numbers (q0, q1, q2) were used to analyze the diversities of Chrysomeloidea. A total of 484 individuals belonging to 82 species were collected. Landscape configuration affected Chrysomeloidea assemblages with a positive correlation between edge density and Chrysomeloidea diversity. We provide a new perspective regarding the spatial distribution of Chrysomeloidea in Caatinga and conclude that landscape configuration, but not composition, directly affects Chrysomeloidea assemblages.
Inertial oscillation modelling of low-level jets: an application to the complex terrain and double-nosed wind profiles
Authors: Barbano Francesco , Leo Laura Sandra , Brogno Luigi , Di Sabatino Silvana
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the role of inertial oscillations in the evolution of a nocturnal Low-Level Jet (LLJ) in complex terrain and explores the impacts of local perturbations on wind dynamics. Specifically, a conceptual model based on inertial oscillations (Van de Wiel et al. J Atmos Sci 67(8):2679–2689 (2010)) is used to replicate the evolution of an LLJ in a gentle-sloping valley ensuring to capture its long-period dynamics under weak synoptic forcing. The analysis is performed on an already-analysed case study from the Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling and Observations (MATERHORN) data set, taking advantage of the known local flow characteristics and the existence of a temporary anomaly in the LLJ shape called double-nosed LLJ. In an attempt to capture this last flow feature, a model modification is introduced, revealing appropriate to capture the double-nosed shape of the LLJ. Further observational studies will be needed to corroborate the operational use of this model and explore its application potential in different wind and energy sectors.
Product Quality in the Circular Economy: A Systematic Review of its Definition and Contexts in Scientific Literature
Authors: Bayram Berfin , Deserno Linda , Greiff Kathrin
Published: July 2024

In the context of the Circular Economy (CE), quality is one of the most widely used keywords, but generally perceived as an ambiguous term without further definition or explanation. The present paper analyzes the use of the term product quality in the context of the CE through a systematic literature review including 132 peer-reviewed journal articles. The results reveal that the term quality, although not always explicitly defined, is associated with a variety of topics, namely market value, customer perspective, functionality, technical attributes, longevity, R-strategies and design, and environmental aspects. The aforementioned topics are used in different application contexts and partly show reciprocal relationships amongst each other. They further refer to the three sustainability perspectives (environmental, economic and social). The quantification of quality is observed to be rather limited and mainly based on assumptions. When it is quantified, technical properties, functionality and longevity are most frequently mentioned aspects, which are used within circularity or environmental impact assessment. While acknowledging the limitations arising from the scope of the included studies, which may be influenced by the keywords chosen, the review revealed that quality in the CE literature is complex and ambiguous. Therefore, for future research, we recommend authors to clearly define quality and its characteristics in the context of their respective research. By doing so, a better interpretation and comparability of the results can be achieved.

Graphical Abstract
Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome: genotype–phenotype review and case of intra-familial heterogeneity
Authors: Wakim Victor , Dassouki Mohammad El , Azar Ahlam , Hani Abeer , Mehawej Cybel , Chouery Eliane , Baroudi Marie-Jeanne , Wakim Gerard
Published: July 2024

Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome (WSS) is a rare eponymous disease described by Drs. Woodhouse and Sakati in 1983 as a syndrome of hypogonadism, alopecia, diabetes mellitus, intellectual disability, and ECG abnormalities. A couple of years later, a variant in the gene DCAF17 (DDB1 and CUL4-associated factor 17) was labeled as the founder mutation in most cases of WSS in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. Reports around the world started to emerge on variable presentations of the syndrome, expanding its phenotypic spectrum. In addition, the discovery of new variants in the same gene grew our understanding of this multi-systemic syndrome. Genotype and phenotype expansion is increasing with the growing number of diagnosed cases owing to the availability and advances in clinical genetic testing. This review describes the current understanding of the DCAF17 gene with its molecular implication in WSS. We also provide an extensive analysis of the documented genetic changes associated with the syndrome, describing the geographical prevalence of these genetic variations. Additionally, we examine the disorder’s extensive manifestations and clinical presentations and describe a case of intra-familial phenotypic heterogeneity.
An overview on occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food chain with special emphasis on human health ailments
Authors: Sombiri Sombiri , Balhara Namrata , Attri Deepak , Kharb Isha , Giri Arup
Published: July 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pervasive organic compounds stemming from combustion processes and industrial activities, have raised significant concerns due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and potential impact on human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological effects of PAHs on diverse human body systems. Extensively studied for their respiratory toxicity, inhalation exposure to PAHs is associated with asthma, bronchitis, and impaired lung function. Moreover, certain PAHs are identified as carcinogens, heightening the risk of lung cancer. The cardiovascular system is also vulnerable to PAH exposure, as evidence suggests their contribution to oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, pivotal in cardiovascular disease development. PAHs exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties, influencing hormone levels and disrupting reproductive health, correlating with fertility issues, adverse birth outcomes, and developmental abnormalities. Understanding PAH-induced toxicity mechanisms is crucial for developing mitigation strategies. PAHs can directly interact with cellular components, modulate gene expression, induce oxidative stress, and cause DNA damage, leading to cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. This review underscores the ongoing need for research to fully elucidate the physiological effects of PAH exposure on human health. By synthesizing current knowledge, it aims to raise awareness of potential health risks associated with PAHs and stress the importance of preventive measures to reduce exposure. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of PAH-induced physiological impacts will inform the development of effective interventions and policies to safeguard human health in environments where PAH contamination is prevalent.

Graphical Abstract
Constructing emotional meanings about Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic on twitter
Authors: Giacomozzi Andréia Isabel , Vitali Marieli Mezari , Presotto Gabrielle Cristine , Vidal Gabriela Pereira , de Andrade Gomes Marcela
Published: July 2024

Aiming to debate the the power of the counter-mobilization that emerged on Twitter during the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil, we carried out a documental study on Twitter collecting texts and images associated with the #BolsonaroGenocida hashtag, between March 13 and June 6 of 2021, a period in which intense public demonstrations took place against the Bolsonaro’s government in the country. We analysed 1243 tweets and 503 images, identifying the main contents anchored and objectified by the hashtags, revealing the various dimensions that compose the social representations associated with Bolsonaro and his management during the pandemic. The tweets’ contents comprehend the social and political demonstration arising from part of the Brazilian people against the actions taken by the president of Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to thousands of deaths that could have been avoided; regarding the images, the results point out an emotional anchoring of Bolsonaro’s image to death. It is therefore important to demarcate the nature of Twitter as an specific platform for the mobilization of SR through the sharing of images and texts, which ends up evoking emotions that contribute to accentuating the social identity of the group that is expressed.
Evidence of humpback whale calving in south-west Western Australia
Authors: Jolliffe Capri , Russell Grace , McPherson Craig , Elsdon Brodie
Published: July 2024

An understanding of the spatial and temporal range of marine mammals, and identification of habitats that support critical behaviours is fundamental for effective species management and conservation. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), while considered to be recovered in Australian waters, is subject to increasing levels of anthropogenic pressure across its migratory range. Historically, the Western Australian (WA) population has been known to calf in the north-west of WA in the Kimberley region (15–18° S), with recent records of calving extending as far south as Exmouth, Western Australia (21–22° S). This paper presents recent evidence of humpback whale calves being born over 1500 km further south in southwest WA (33–34° S), along their northern migratory route, including live sightings of neonates, and strandings of deceased neonate calves. The presence of neonates outside of known calving grounds presents challenges for species conservation and management with effective mitigation and management of anthropogenic pressures contingent on a contemporary understanding of species presence and behaviour. Further, there is considerable concern for the viability of calves this far south on their migratory route where water temperatures are cooler and sheltered areas for resting are more limited.
Effect of abiotic and biotic elicitors on vincristine accumulation in endosperm derived in vitro cultures in Catharanthus roseous (L.) G. Don
Authors: Patil Jitendra Gopichand , Nikam Tukaram Dayaram , Shinde Rohini Avinash , Ahire Mahendra Laxman
Published: July 2024

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocynaceae) is a well-studied herb renowned for its in vitro culture as a source of the anti-cancer alkaloid, vincristine. However, despite the recognized advantages of triploid cells over diploid cells in terms of productivity, the triploid endosperm tissue of this important medicinal plant has not been utilized for in vitro culture initiation. In this investigation, zygotic embryos and endosperm tissues were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various combinations of auxins and cytokinins. The medium containing 2.50 µM 6-Benzyladenine (BA) and 1.25 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) proved to be the most effective for callus and cell culture formation. Ploidy analysis using ploidy analyzer confirmed that the endosperm-derived callus exhibited mixoploid, while the embryo-derived callus remained diploid. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of callus and cell cultures grown on MS media with different combinations of auxins, cytokinins, elicitors, and precursors (both biotic and abiotic) revealed the accumulation of vincristine. Notably, treatment with a biotic elicitor derived from Aspergillus niger (300 mg/l) demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting the maximum accumulation of vincristine in endosperm-derived callus and cell biomass. These findings hold promise for the sustainable production of the anti-cancer alkaloid vincristine from endosperm-derived callus and cell cultures of Catharanthus roseus.
New middle Eocene radiolarian species (Rhizaria, Polycystinea) from Blake Nose, subtropical western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Meunier Mathias , Danelian Taniel
Published: July 2024

Diverse and well-preserved radiolarian assemblages were recovered from the middle Eocene sedimentary sequences drilled at Ocean Drilling Program Site 1051 (Leg 171B; western subtropical Atlantic). In addition to biostratigraphically important species, several unknown morphotypes were observed in this material, leading to the description of three new spumellarian species and 18 new nassellarian species. Described herein are: Periphaena petrushevskayae n. sp. (Phacodiscidae), Stylodictya oligodonta n. sp. (Trematodiscidae), Excentrosphaerella delicata n. sp. (Heliodiscidae), Eucyrtidium granatum n. sp. (Eucyrtidiidae), Dictyoprora echidna n. sp., Spirocyrtis matsuokai n. sp. (Artostrobiidae), Elaphospyris cordiformis n. sp., Elaphospyris quadricornis n. sp. (Cephalospyrididae), Ceratocyrtis oconnori n. sp. (Lophophaenidae), Botryocella? alectrida n. sp., Pylobotrys? bineti n. sp. (Pylobotrydidae), Lychnocanium cheni n. sp., Lychnocanium cingulatum n. sp., Lychnocanium croizoni n. sp., Lychnocanium forficula n. sp. (Lithochytrididae), Apoplanius hyalinus n. sp., Apoplanius cryptodirus n. sp. (Lophocyrtiidae), Albatrossidium messiaeni n. sp., Phormocyrtis microtesta n. sp., Cryptocarpium? judoka n. sp. (Pterocorythidae), and Thyrsocyrtis kamikuri n. sp. (Theocotylidae). Biostratigraphic information is provided for each new species. In addition, we re-describe and illustrate the morphological variability of a remarkable Pterocyrtidium species formerly published by Bütschli (1882a).

UUID: http://zoobank.org/a01f7f03-73b0-458a-af7b-b85dc4666cc2
Does Urbanization Exacerbate Asymmetrical Changes in Precipitation at Divergent Time Scales in China?
Authors: Li Fanggang , Pan Xin , Xu Nan , Meng Xiangjin , Li Zhiqing , Guluzade Rufat , Dai Yang , Yang Yingbao
Published: July 2024

Urbanization alters the thermal and dynamic environment of the local climate system, resulting in significant impacts on precipitation in both urban and adjacent areas. Nevertheless, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of urbanization‐induced effects on asymmetrical, symmetrical, and other precipitation patterns in urban agglomerations (UAs) with divergent background climates and geographic regions at different timescales. Specifically, this asymmetrical change pattern is characterized by an increase in heavy (or light) rainfall and a decrease in light (or heavy) rainfall. Here, we assessed the effects of urbanization on precipitation patterns across 18 UAs situated in diverse background climates and geographical areas in China at different timescales. The results demonstrate that urbanization predominantly alters precipitation patterns in UAs located in the humid region. Specifically, urbanization amplified asymmetrical changes in Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, Beibu Gulf, Middle Yangtze River, and Guanzhong, but exacerbated symmetrical changes in precipitation in some regions such as Chengdu‐Chongqing. Notably, the urbanization effect demonstrates greater significance at the hourly scale, as exemplified in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Middle Yangtze River, where the urban impact is nearly twice as pronounced when compared to the daily scale. Moreover, urbanization had either no effect or has a negative impact on precipitation patterns in UAs located within continental and arid regions. This is related to the intensity of urbanization, background climate and complex topography. This finding implies that urban managers should consider the impact of urbanization on precipitation patterns in different contexts to provide scientific guidance for urban planning.
A Sediment Budget for a Sand Bed River Partitioned by Sand Fractions
Authors: Leonard Christina M. , Schmidt John C.
Published: July 2024

Sediment budgets are widely used to measure reach‐scale sediment accumulation and evacuation. Such measurements, however, cannot determine when the disturbance is major and the measured sediment mass imbalance is reflective of a river adjusting to a new equilibrium state, as opposed to situations when the disturbance is minor, and the mass imbalance is reflective of a river adjusting within its existing behavioral regime. Sediment sorting among channels and floodplains can have a large effect on how a river responds to a disturbance. Fine sediment may accumulate in the floodplains while coarser sediment erodes from the channel bed. We demonstrate that if a sediment budget does not account for the different behavior and destination of grain sizes, the budget cannot reveal important channel adjustments. In this study, we evaluated how a sand bed river responded to increases in sediment supply by partitioning a sediment budget among silt/clay and five sand fractions. On average, 12 metric tons/meter (downstream)/year of sand was evacuated from the system, but sorting caused channel margins to behave differently from vegetated islands, revealing how a river can slightly narrow while in deficit. Floodplain shaving and bed coarsening evacuated sediment while channel geometry barely changed, consistent with a river adjusting to a minor disturbance within its behavioral regime. This study is an important reminder that sediment mass imbalance does not always lead to channel change. Mechanisms such as floodplain shaving and bed textural change help rivers absorb minor disturbances and resist channel change.
New Drag Force Formula of Bending Stems in Deriving Analytical Solutions of Velocity Profile for Flow Through Flexible Vegetation
Authors: Li Jin‐Jin , Wang Wei‐Jie , Dong Fei , Peng Wen‐Qi , Fan Jing‐Jing , Zhao Han‐Qing , Chou Qing‐Chuan , Huang Ai‐Ping
Published: July 2024

Investigations of water flow movements affected by vegetation is a research hotspot in vegetation ecological restoration. The theory and equations of the flow velocity distribution under the influence of rigid vegetation are relatively mature. This study proposes a new drag force equation that varies with the vegetation bending angle and a new analytical solution of the velocity profile. Comparisons between the model calculation and experimental data, results showed that this new proposed model produced accurate simulations for flow through flexible vegetation for various deflections. In addition, this analytical model was verified to be applicable to rigid vegetation without a bending angle. Moreover, the features of the parameters adopted in this analytical equation are discussed, and the empirical equation for these parameters are presented. This study further improves the research in the field of environmental fluid mechanics and can serve as a theoretical underpinning for the ecological restoration of river courses.
How Has the Ferrel Cell Contributed to the Maintenance of Antarctic Sea Ice at Low Levels From 2016 to 2022?
Authors: Wang Shaoyin , Liu Jiping , Wei Zixin , Yang Dongxia , Li Hua , Ding Suoyi , Hui Fengming , Cheng Xiao
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the specific circulation anomalies that have sustained the low Antarctic sea ice state since 2016. Firstly, we find a significant strengthening and southward shift in the Ferrel Cell (FC) during 2016–2022, resulting in a marked increase in southward transport of heat and moisture. Secondly, this enhanced FC is closely associated with a stronger mid‐latitude wave pattern. This pattern is zonally asymmetric and greatly amplifies the poleward advections of heat and moisture, leading to the increased downward longwave radiation, more liquid precipitation and sea ice retreat in specific regions, including the western Pacific and Indian Ocean sectors, Ross and northern Weddell Seas. The mechanism deduced from the short‐term period is further supported by the results of 40 ensemble members of simulations. The southward expansion of the FC and sea ice decline are closely linked to La Niña‐like conditions but may also be driven by anthropogenic global warming.
The South Pole‐Aitken Basin: Constraints on Impact Excavation, Melt, and Ejecta
Authors: Citron R. I. , Smith D. E. , Stewart S. T. , Hood L. L. , Zuber M. T.
Published: July 2024

The formation and evolution of the South Pole‐Aitken (SPA) basin is critical to relating large impact basin formation and modification to lunar geophysical evolution. Most prior models of the SPA impact were conducted in 2D, making it difficult to compare model output to the 3D crustal structure and ejecta distribution. In order to better constrain the parameters of the SPA impactor and the expected post impact distribution of crust and ejecta, we conducted numerical simulations of the SPA impact in 3D. We tested a wide range of impact parameters and constrained model results with recent geophysical data. We found the crustal structure of the SPA basin is best fit by an oblique impact (30–45°) of a 350–400 km diameter projectile impacting at 12–16 km/s. The impact excavated material from as deep as 80–120 km, and ejecta was deposited in a butterfly pattern with a forbidden region uprange of the impact.
Intranasal adenovirus-vectored Omicron vaccine induced nasal immunoglobulin A has superior neutralizing potency than serum antibodies
Authors: Chen Si , Zhang Zhengyuan , Wang Qian , Yang Qi , Yin Li , Ning Lishan , Chen Zhilong , Tang Jielin , Deng Weiqi , He Ping , Li Hengchun , Shi Linjing , Deng Yijun , Liu Zijian , Bu Hemeng , Zhu Yaohui , Liu Wenming , Qu Linbing , Feng Liqiang , Xiong Xiaoli , Sun Baoqing , Zhong Nanshan , Li Feng , Li Pingchao , Chen Xinwen , Chen Ling
Published: July 2024

The upper respiratory tract is the initial site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nasal spike-specific secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) correlates with protection against Omicron breakthrough infection. We report that intranasal vaccination using human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectored Omicron spike in people who previously vaccinated with ancestral vaccine could induce robust neutralizing sIgA in the nasal passage. Nasal sIgA was predominantly present in dimeric and multimeric forms and accounted for nearly 40% of total proteins in nasal mucosal lining fluids (NMLFs). A low-level IgG could also be detected in NMLFs but not IgM, IgD, and IgE. After a complete nasal wash, sIgA in the nasal passage could be replenished rapidly within a few hours. A comparison of purified paired serum IgA, serum IgG, and nasal sIgA from the same individuals showed that sIgA was up to 3-logs more potent than serum antibodies in binding to spikes and in neutralizing Omicron subvariants. Serum IgG and IgA failed to neutralize XBB and BA.2.86, while nasal sIgA retained potent neutralization against these newly emerged variants. Further analysis showed that sIgA was more effective than IgG or IgA in blocking spike-mediated cell-to-cell transmission and protecting hACE2 mice from XBB challenge. Using a sIgA monoclonal antibody as a reference, we estimated that the total nasal sIgA contains about 2.6–3.9% spike-specific sIgA in NMLFs collected approximately one month after intranasal vaccination. Our study provided insights for developing intranasal vaccines that can induce sIgA to build an effective and mutation-resistant first-line immune barrier against constantly emerging variants.
Onvansertib treatment overcomes olaparib resistance in high-grade ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Chiappa Michela , Decio Alessandra , Guarrera Luca , Mengoli Ilaria , Karki Anju , Yemane Divora , Ghilardi Carmen , Scanziani Eugenio , Canesi Simone , Barbera Maria C. , Craparotta Ilaria , Bolis Marco , Fruscio Robert , Grasselli Chiara , Ceruti Tommaso , Zucchetti Massimo , Patterson Jesse C. , Lu Robin A. , Yaffe Micheal B. , Ridinger Maya , Damia Giovanna , Guffanti Federica
Published: July 2024

Occurrence of resistance to olaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor (PARPi) approved in ovarian carcinoma, has already been shown in clinical settings. Identifying combination treatments to sensitize tumor cells and/or overcome resistance to olaparib is critical. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a master regulator of mitosis, is also involved in the DNA damage response promoting homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair and in the recovery from the G2/M checkpoint. We hypothesized that PLK1 inhibition could sensitize tumor cells to PARP inhibition. Onvansertib, a highly selective PLK1 inhibitor, and olaparib were tested in vitro and in vivo in BRCA1 mutated and wild-type (wt) ovarian cancer models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) resistant to olaparib. The combination of onvansertib and olaparib was additive or synergic in different ovarian cancer cell lines, causing a G2/M block of the cell cycle, DNA damage, and apoptosis, much more pronounced in cells treated with the two drugs as compared to controls and single agents treated cells. The combined treatment was well tolerated in vivo and resulted in tumor growth inhibition and a statistically increased survival in olaparib-resistant-BRCA1 mutated models. The combination was also active, although to a lesser extent, in BRCA1 wt PDXs. Pharmacodynamic analyses showed an increase in mitotic, apoptotic, and DNA damage markers in tumor samples derived from mice treated with the combination versus vehicle. We could demonstrate that in vitro onvansertib inhibited both HR and non-homologous end-joining repair pathways and in vivo induced a decrease in the number of RAD51 foci-positive tumor cells, supporting its ability to induce HR deficiency and favoring the activity of olaparib. Considering that the combination was well tolerated, these data support and foster the clinical evaluation of onvansertib with PARPis in ovarian cancer, particularly in the PARPis-resistant setting.
N6-methyladenosine-modified ALDH9A1 modulates lipid accumulation and tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through the NPM1/IQGAP2/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Diaoyi , Miao Daojia , Zhao Chuanyi , Shi Jian , Lv Qingyang , Lu Feiyi , Ruan Hailong , Xiong Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: July 2024

Aldehyde dehydrogenases superfamily (ALDHs), which are ubiquitously present in various organisms with diverse subcellular localizations, play a crucial role in regulating malignant tumor progression; Nevertheless, their involvement in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been elucidated. In this study, we performed comprehensive bioinformatics analyses on the 19 ALDHs genes, and identified ALDH9A1 as a key contributor in ccRCC. Expression patterns and clinical relevance of ALDH9A1 were determined using bioinformatics analyses, real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. To explore the underlying mechanism behind the tumor suppressor role of ALDH9A1, RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, mass spectroscopy, immunoprecipitation, mutational studies and immunofluorescence were employed. The impact of ALDH9A1 in ccRCC progression and metabolic programming was assessed through both in vitro and in vivo. Here, this study revealed ALDH9A1 as a tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC. The fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO) was identified as a demethylase for ALDH9A1 mRNA, resulting in its reduced stability and expression levels in ccRCC. Functional experiments demonstrated that the deficiency of ALDH9A1 in ccRCC promoted tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and lipid accumulation. Mechanistic insights illustrated that the diminished levels of ALDH9A1 resulted in the failure to sequester nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) within cytoplasm, thereby suppressing the transcription of IQ motif containing the GTPase-activating protein 2 (IQGAP2), subsequently activating the AKT-mTOR signaling, ultimately fostering tumor progression and lipid accumulation. In conclusion, the present study highlights the robust prognostic significance of ALDH9A1 and delivers a comprehensive understanding of ALDH9A1-NPM1-IQGAP2-AKT axis in ccRCC. These findings established a solid research foundation for novel therapeutic strategies for ccRCC patients.
Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation and management of pituitary disease
Authors: Wang Michael T. M. , Meyer Juliette A. , Danesh-Meyer Helen V.
Published: July 2024

Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation is a crucial component of the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of pituitary disease and compressive chiasmopathy, and can inform the timing of vision-restoring tumour resection surgery. The most common disease affecting the pituitary with neuro-ophthalmic implications are pituitary adenomas. Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations include decreased vision, abnormal colour vision and impaired visual field or diplopia. The recognition of these syndromes is critical to achieve early diagnosis and treatment and to improve prognosis. The pattern of vision loss in chiasmal compression is determined by the anatomical relationship between the pituitary lesion and optic chiasm, and potential visual field defects include bitemporal deficits, junctional scotomas, monocular cecocentral defects, and incongruous homonymous hemianopias. Rarer neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of pituitary disease include ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, and obstructive hydrocephalus. There is growing evidence that demonstrates the strong diagnostic utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in detecting the presence of compressive chiasmopathy, as well as the prognostic ability to predict the rate and degree of visual recovery following decompression surgery. Long-term neuro-ophthalmic monitoring is critical for detecting delayed vision loss following resection surgery, which may represent tumour recurrence or secondary complications.
Vasopressin and cardiovascular autonomic adjustment in chronic hypertensive pregnancy
Authors: Jovanović Mirjana , Stevanović Bojana , Pajović Vladislav , Tasić Tatjana , Lozić Maja , Đukić Ljiljana , Kosić Marija , Murphy David , Japundžić-Žigon Nina
Published: July 2024

Chronic hypertensive pregnancy (CHP) is a growing health issue with unknown etiology. Vasopressin (VP), a nonapeptide synthesized in paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON), is a well-known neuroendocrine and autonomic modulator of the cardiovascular system, related to hypertension development. We quantified gene expression of VP and its receptors, V1aR and V1bR, within the PVN and SON in CHP and normal pregnancy, and assessed levels of secreted plasma VP. Also, we evaluated autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to CHP using spectral indices of blood pressure (BPV) and heart rate (HRV) short-term variability, and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Experiments were performed in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and in normotensive Wistar rats (WRs). Animals were equipped with a radiotelemetry probe for continuous hemodynamic recordings before and during pregnancy. BPV, HRV and BRS were assessed using spectral analysis and the sequence method, respectively. Plasma VP was determined by ELISA whilst VP, V1aR, and V1bR gene expression was analyzed by real-time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results show that non-pregnant SHRs exhibit greater VP, V1aR, and V1bR gene expression in both PVN and SON respectively, compared to Wistar dams. Pregnancy decreased VP gene expression in the SON of SHRs but increased it in the PVN and SON of WRs. Pregnant SHRs exhibited a marked drop in plasma VP concentration associated with BP normalization. This triggered marked tachycardia, heart rate variability increase, and BRS increase in pregnant SHRs. It follows that regardless of BP normalization in late pregnancy, SHRs exhibit cardiovascular vulnerability and compensate by recruiting vagal mechanisms.
Protective alleles and precision healthcare in crewed spaceflight
Authors: Rutter Lindsay A. , MacKay Matthew J. , Cope Henry , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Kim JangKeun , Overbey Eliah , Tierney Braden T. , Muratani Masafumi , Lamm Ben , Bezdan Daniela , Paul Amber M. , Schmidt Michael A. , Church George M. , Giacomello Stefania , Mason Christopher E.
Published: July 2024

Common and rare alleles are now being annotated across millions of human genomes, and omics technologies are increasingly being used to develop health and treatment recommendations. However, these alleles have not yet been systematically characterized relative to aerospace medicine. Here, we review published alleles naturally found in human cohorts that have a likely protective effect, which is linked to decreased cancer risk and improved bone, muscular, and cardiovascular health. Although some technical and ethical challenges remain, research into these protective mechanisms could translate into improved nutrition, exercise, and health recommendations for crew members during deep space missions.