bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiently Approximating Vertex Cover on Scale-Free Networks with Underlying Hyperbolic Geometry
Authors: Bläsius Thomas , Friedrich Tobias , Katzmann Maximilian
Published: June 2023

Finding a minimum vertex cover in a network is a fundamental NP-complete graph problem. One way to deal with its computational hardness, is to trade the qualitative performance of an algorithm (allowing non-optimal outputs) for an improved running time. For the vertex cover problem, there is a gap between theory and practice when it comes to understanding this trade-off. On the one hand, it is known that it is NP-hard to approximate a minimum vertex cover within a factor of $$\sqrt{2}$$

2

. On the other hand, a simple greedy algorithm yields close to optimal approximations in practice. A promising approach towards understanding this discrepancy is to recognize the differences between theoretical worst-case instances and real-world networks. Following this direction, we narrow the gap between theory and practice by providing an algorithm that efficiently computes nearly optimal vertex cover approximations on hyperbolic random graphs; a network model that closely resembles real-world networks in terms of degree distribution, clustering, and the small-world property. More precisely, our algorithm computes a $$(1 + o(1))$$

(
1
+
o
(
1
)
)

-approximation, asymptotically almost surely, and has a running time of $${\mathcal {O}}(m \log (n))$$

O
(
m
log
(
n
)
)

. The proposed algorithm is an adaptation of the successful greedy approach, enhanced with a procedure that improves on parts of the graph where greedy is not optimal. This makes it possible to introduce a parameter that can be used to tune the trade-off between approximation performance and running time. Our empirical evaluation on real-world networks shows that this allows for improving over the near-optimal results of the greedy approach.
Association between posterior tibial slope and anatomic spinopelvic parameters: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Caffard Thomas , Awan Malik Hassan , Lutz Bernd , Dobrindt Oliver , Dornacher Daniel , Faschingbauer Martin , Strube Patrick , Reichel Heiko , Fuchs Michael , Zippelius Timo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Only a few publications considered the influence of the spinopelvic parameters on below-hip anatomy. There is a lack of evidence about the relationship between the anatomic spinopelvic parameters and the posterior tibial slope (PTS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between fixed anatomic spinopelvic parameters and PTS.

Methods

Adult patients presenting with lumbar, thoracic, or cervical complaints together with knee pain at a single hospital between 2017 to 2022 with available standing full-spine lateral radiograph and lateral knee radiograph were retrospectively reviewed. The measured parameters included the pelvic incidence (PI), the sacral kyphosis (SK), the pelvisacral angle, the sacral anatomic orientation (SAO), the sacral table angle, the sacropelvic angle and the PTS. Pearson’s correlations and linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 80 patients (44 women), median age 63 years were analyzed. A strong positive correlation was identified between PI and PTS (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation was observed between PI and SAO (r = − 0.74, p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between PI and SK (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). A univariable linear regression analysis showed that PTS can be deduced from PI according to the following formula: PTS = 0.174 × PI − 1.138.

Conclusion

This study is the first to support a positive correlation between the PI and the PTS. We demonstrate that knee anatomy is individually correlated to pelvic shape and therefore influences spinal posture.
A provable secure and lightweight ECC-based authenticated key agreement scheme for edge computing infrastructure in smart grid
Authors: Wang Cong , Huo Peng , Ma Maode , Zhou Tong , Zhang Yiying
Published: June 2023

With the gradual maturity of Smart Grid (SG), security challenges become the most important issues that need to be addressed urgently. In recent years, many schemes adopt mutual authentication and key agreement to ensure secure communication in SG. However, most existing methods have their own shortcomings in either security or efficiency which make them difficult to satisfy the security requirements of SG. In this paper, we propose a provable secure and lightweight authenticated key agreement scheme based on the Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ECC) for the cloud-edge-end collaboration SG communication network. The proposed scheme can guarantee the security of the communication and provide anonymity for both the edge server and the smart meters. The anonymity of the smart meters can be provided by a pseudonym mechanism. By rigorous security analysis, the proposed scheme can resist to the typical attacks including replay attacks and identity forgery attacks. The security properties are also evaluated by using the Canetti and Krawczyk (CK) adversary model. The performance simulation results denotes that the proposed scheme not only owns stronger security functions but also improves computation efficiency by 24.5% on average than other four schemes. By simulation results, the proposed scheme has been shown to hold high efficiency.
Taming the exoscope: a one-year prospective laboratory training study
Authors: Silva João M. , Rustemi Oriela , Vezirska Donika Ivova , Niemelä Mika , Lehecka Martin , Hafez Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Digital 3D exoscopes have been recently introduced as an alternative to a surgical microscope in microneurosurgery. We designed a laboratory training program to facilitate and measure the transition from microscope to exoscope. Our aim was to observe the effect of a one-year active training on microsurgical skills with the exoscope by repeating a standardized test task at several time points during the training program.

Methods

Two board-certified neurosurgeons with no previous exoscope experience performed the same test tasks in February, July, and November during a 12-month period. In between the test tasks, both participants worked with the exoscope in the laboratory and assisted during clinical surgeries on daily basis. Each of the test segments consisted of repeating the same task 10 times during one week. Altogether, 60 test tasks were performed, 30 each. The test task consisted of dissecting and harvesting the ulnar and radial arteries of the second segment of a chicken wing using an exoscope (Aesculap AEOS). Each dissection was recorded on video and analyzed by two independent evaluators. We measured the time required to complete the task as well as several metrics for evaluating the manual skills of the dissection and handling of the exoscope system.

Result

There was a clear reduction in dissection time between the first and the last session, mean 34 min (SD 5.96) vs. 26 min (SD 8.69), respectively. At the end of the training, both neurosurgeons used the exoscope more efficiently utilizing more available options of the device. There was correlation between the dissection time and several of the factors we used for evaluating the work flow: staying in focus, zoom control, reduction of unnecessary movements or repetitive manual motions, manipulation technique of the vessel under dissection, handling of the instruments, and using them for multiple dissection purposes (stretching, cutting, and splitting).

Conclusion

Continuous, dedicated long-term training program is effective for microsurgical skill development when switching from a microscope to an exoscope. With practice, the micromotor movements become more efficient and the use of microinstruments more versatile.
Evaluation of snow depth from multiple observation-based, reanalysis, and regional climate model datasets over a low-altitude Central European region
Authors: Varga Ákos János , Breuer Hajnalka
Published: June 2023

This study evaluates snow depth (SD) from several data sources: a combined satellite-based and in situ snow water equivalent product from the Copernicus Global Land Service (CGLS), a dataset constructed from temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity using a snow model (CARPATCLIM), two state-of-the-art reanalyses by ECMWF (ERA5 and ERA5-Land), and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate simulations at grid spacings of 50 km and 10 km. SD observations from weather stations are used as a reference for the pointwise comparison. The study area covers the Pannonian Basin region (part of Central and Eastern Europe). Results are presented for the 2006–2010 and 1985–2010 periods. All datasets adequately reproduce the average day-to-day variation of SD but with different error magnitudes. The ERA5 reanalysis and the CGLS product represent SD remarkably well, with correlation coefficients above 0.9 and mean errors close to zero. On the other hand, ERA5-Land and CARPATCLIM overestimate daily mean SD by 2–3 cm for some stations and display lower correlations (0.7–0.9) during the 26-year time span. The WRF simulations significantly overestimate SD in the melting period (February–March). Reduction of the grid spacing from 50 to 10 km does not improve the results. The excessive snow cover might negatively impact land–atmosphere interactions in the model and lead to biases like temperature underestimation found in previous regional climate model evaluation studies. The results indicate that even in regions where snow is not a major climatic factor, SD errors can be substantial and should be considered in model evaluation and adaptation. Over the Carpathian Mountain ranges, SD from the different data sources diverges to the extent that the sign of the monthly mean model bias changes depending on the choice of the reference dataset.
Water extracts of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris enhance tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) tolerance against saline water irrigation
Authors: Mostafa Maryam M. , Hammad Doaa M. , Reda Marwa M. , El-Sayed Abo El-Khair B.
Published: June 2023

The research aimed to examine the enhancement effect of Spirulina platensis (blue-green microalga or Cyanobacterium) and Chlorella vulgaris (green microalga) water extracts as biological stimulant in improving growth parameters, chlorophyll content, yield, and fruit quality of tomato plants under salinity stress. Tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum L. of cv. Agyad) were soaked in three microalgae water extracts at a 10% concentration (Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina platensis, and Chlorella:Spirulina at a ratio of 1:1). Chemical and biochemical analyses for the used materials and products were achieved. After germination, tomato transplants were irrigated with saline water at three levels of saline water (2, 4, and 7 dS/m) using sea salt. Successive grown tomato transplant at 7.0 dS/cm were infused in clayey soil. The grown plants were preyed by algal extract and irrigated by the same solution. Vegetative growth, yield, shelf life, and chlorophylls (a and b) were determined. It was found that the highest vegetative growth, yield, and chlorophyll content were measured in tomato transplants with the Spirulina:Chlorella mixture, followed by Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris water extracts; all of these measurements increased significantly in response to microalgae treatments. Experimental tomato fruits of Chlorella and mixture treatments can stay for 45 days at room temperature. Both algal extracts and their mixture enhanced the bioaccumulation of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu), compared with the control, while Chlorella extract surpassed Spirulina and mixture extracts. Concerning the used dried algae and their water extract, Spirulina platensis surpasses Chlorella vulgaris for protein and ash content.
“Heads Up” for Creatine Supplementation and its Potential Applications for Brain Health and Function
Authors: Candow Darren G. , Forbes Scott C. , Ostojic Sergej M. , Prokopidis Konstantinos , Stock Matt S. , Harmon Kylie K. , Faulkner Paul
Published: June 2023

There is emerging interest regarding the potential beneficial effects of creatine supplementation on indices of brain health and function. Creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine stores, which may help explain some of the positive effects on measures of cognition and memory, especially in aging adults or during times of metabolic stress (i.e., sleep deprivation). Furthermore, creatine has shown promise for improving health outcome measures associated with muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury (including concussions in children), depression, and anxiety. However, whether any sex- or age-related differences exist in regard to creatine and indices of brain health and function is relatively unknown. The purpose of this narrative review is to: (1) provide an up-to-date summary and discussion of the current body of research focusing on creatine and indices of brain health and function and (2) discuss possible sex- and age-related differences in response to creatine supplementation on brain bioenergetics, measures of brain health and function, and neurological diseases.
Simulation of a Subjected Rigid Body Motion to an External Force and Moment
Authors: Amer Asmaa , Amer T. S. , Galal A. A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This work intends to investigate the rigid body’s motion around a specific fixed point (analogous to Lagrange’s scenario) in the presence of a gyrostatic moment (GM) besides the attraction of a Newtonian force field (NFF). This task is carried out by presuming that the body is quickly rotating about one of the major or minor principal axes of the inertia ellipsoid.

Method

The controlling system of six nonlinear differential equations (DEs) along with three first integrals is boiled down to an appropriate system of two DEs in addition to only one integral. Therefore, the analytic solutions of this system are obtained utilizing the approach of Poincaré small parameter (APSP).

Results

Euler's angles for the motion under investigation are derived to assess this motion at any instant of time. Additionally, phase plane graphs are displayed using computer codes to depict the stability behavior of the dynamical motion at any time.

Conclusion

These achieved outcomes are thought of as a generalization of the ones that were found in some of previous works, in the absence of all applied forces and moments. This work presents a distinctive contribution in several crucial areas, particularly in engineering applications that have used the gyroscopic theory to determine the orientation and maintain the stability of various vehicles, such as spaceships, airplanes, submarines, and racing cars.
Good Rebel Governance
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Dipali , Howe Kimberly
Published: June 2023

When a revolutionary uprising erupted in Syria during the spring of 2011, pockets of local resistance and the nascent institutions therein transformed into clusters of rudimentary participatory politics and service delivery. Despite the collective fatigue induced by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States and its allies embarked on an effort to encourage liberal, democratic politics amid the Syrian conflict. As a result, the project of 'good rebel governance' became the latest attempt at Western democracy promotion. This book moves the scholarship on insurgent rule forward by considering how governing authority arises and evolves during violent conflict, and whether particular institutions of insurgent rule can be cultivated through foreign intervention. In so doing, the book theorizes not only about the nature of authoritative rebel governance but also tests the long-standing precepts that have undergirded Western promotion of democracy abroad.
Ocean literacy in Brazilian formal education: A tool for participative coastal management
Authors: Pazoto Carmen Edith , Duarte Michelle Rezende , Silva Edson Pereira
Published: June 2023

Ocean literacy (OL) proposes to include ocean and marine environment-related content in school curricula. Such a topic has been deemed effective for citizens to develop actions and attitudes towards the health of marine ecosystems. This study aimed to verify the presence and frequency of OL principles and concepts in the Brazilian high school curriculum at the federal (National Curricular Parameters-PCN) and regional (Rio de Janeiro - Curricular Reference-RC) levels. Both PCN and RC contained OL-related content. Moreover, Biology and Geography were the subjects with the highest numbers of OL concepts, both in the PCN (26 and 27, respectively) and in the RC-RJ documents (28 and 24, respectively), while OL concepts were very little represented in History subject. A Mann–Whitney U-test did not indicate statistically significant differences in the number of concepts between PCN and RC-RJ (p = 0.54). A principal component analysis discriminated the documents according to subjects, regardless of their origin (federal or regional). These results provide an unbiased assessment of the relationship between the curriculum and OL in a strongly affected area (Rio de Janeiro State coastal zone [CZ]). Therefore, these results provide valuable support for managers seeking to promote effective CZ management practices and public compliance.
Effects of antifreeze protein fromLolium perenneL. (LpAFP) in the vitrification ofin vitro-produced bovine embryos
Authors: Silva Júnior R.A. , Desenzi R. , Ramires M.M.S. , Souza A.F. , Donato M.A.M. , Peixoto C.A. , Nascimento T. , Bartolomeu C.C. , Batista A.M.
Published: June 2023

In the present study, the cryoprotective effects ofLolium perenneantifreeze protein (LpAFP) on the vitrification of bovine embryos were evaluated.In vitro-produced blastocysts were divided into two groups: the control group (CG) without the addition ofLpAFP and the treatment group (TG) with the addition of 500 ng/ml ofLpAFP in the equilibrium and vitrification solution. Vitrification was carried out by transferring the blastocysts to the equilibrium solution [7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) and 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] for 2 min and then to the vitrification solution (15% EG, 15% DMSO and 0.5M sucrose). The blastocysts were deposited on a cryotop device and submerged in liquid nitrogen. Warming was carried out in three steps in solutions with different sucrose concentrations (1.0, 0.5, and 0.0 M, respectively). Embryos were evaluated for re-expansion/hatching, the total cell count, and ultrastructural analysis. There was no significant difference in the re-expansion rate 24 h after warming; however, there was variation (P< 0.05) in the hatching rate in the TG and the total number of cells 24 h after warming was higher in the TG (114.87 ± 7.24) when compared with the CG (91.81 ± 4.94). The ultrastructural analysis showed changes in organelles related to the vitrification process but, in the TG, there was less damage to mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum compared with the CG. In conclusion, the addition of 500 ng/ml ofLpAFP during the vitrification ofin vitro-produced bovine embryos improved the hatching rate and total cell number of blastocysts after warming and mitigated intracellular damage.
Food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Singh Kelsall Tyson , DeBeck Kora , Grant Cameron , Gorbach Pamina , Milloy M-J , Hayashi Kanna
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To examine prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity among people who use drugs (PWUD) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overdose crisis.

Design:

This cross-sectional study employs multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with self-reported food insecurity.

Participants:

PWUD who are part of three community-recruited cohorts.

Setting:

Interviews conducted in Vancouver, Canada, via phone between July and November 2020 in adherence to COVID-19 safety procedures.

Results:

Among 765 participants, including 433 (56·6 %) men, eligible for this study, 146 (19·1 %; 95 % CI: 16·3 %, 21·9 %) reported food insecurity in the past month. Of the participants reporting food insecurity, 114 (78·1 %) reported that their hunger levels had increased since the beginning of the pandemic. In multivariable analyses, factors independently and positively associated with food insecurity included: difficulty accessing health or social services (adjusted OR (AOR) = 2·59; 95 % CI: 1·60, 4·17); having mobility difficulties (AOR = 1·59; 95 % CI: 1·02, 2·45) and engaging in street-based income generation (e.g. panhandling and informal recycling) (AOR = 2·31; 95 % CI: 1·45, 3·65).

Conclusion:

Approximately one in five PWUD reported food insecurity during this time. PWUD with mobility issues, who experienced difficulty accessing services and/or those engaged in precarious street-based income generation were more likely to report food insecurity. Food security is paramount to the success of interventions to prevent COVID-19 and drug toxicity deaths. These findings suggest a need for a more unified state response to food insecurity that prioritises and incorporates accessibility and autonomy of the communities they serve.
Physical activity service provision in hospice care: A national mixed-methods study
Authors: Burke Shaunna , Hopkins Natalie , Divine Alison , Ebenso Bassey , Allsop Matthew
Published: June 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) interventions help people with advanced incurable diseases to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, little is known about the extent to which PA is currently delivered in hospice care in England.

Objectives

To determine the extent of and intervention features of PA service provision in hospice care in England alongside barriers and facilitators to their delivery.

Methods

An embedded mixed-methods design using (1) a nationwide online survey of 70 adult hospices in England and (2) focus groups and individual interviews with health professionals from 18 hospices. Analysis of the data involved applying descriptive statistics to the numeric items and thematic analysis to the open-ended questions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed separately.

Results

The majority of responding hospices (n = 47/70, 67%) promoted PA in routine care. Sessions were most often delivered by a physiotherapist (n = 40/47, 85%) using a personalized approach (n = 41/47, 87%) and included resistance/thera bands, Tai Chi/Chi Qong, circuit exercises, and yoga. The following qualitative findings were revealed: (1) variation among hospices in their capacity to deliver PA, (2) a desire to embed a hospice culture of PA, and (3) a need for an organizational commitment to PA service provision.

Significance of results

While many hospices in England deliver PA, there is considerable variation in its delivery across sites. Funding and policy action may be needed to support hospices to initiate or scale up services and address inequity in access to high-quality interventions.
Between a republican and aBengaleestate: Confronting exclusionary constitutionalism in Bangladesh
Authors: Sayeed M A , Aktar Lima
Published: June 2023

The constitutional design of Bangladesh is characterized by an ambivalent choice: it aspires to establish a republican yet aBengaleestate by putting itself in the conflicting terrain within thedemos–ethnosbinary. This article aims to examine the implication of this problematic choice along all three axes of the constitution’s elemental parts: its identity, rights and structure. While the identity element of the Bangladesh Constitution embodies the ethno-nationalist vision of theBengaleestate that transformsdemosintoethnos, its rights and structural aspects reflect its republican promise to transformethnosintodemos.Contemporary scholarship seeks to confront the exclusionary dimension of the ethno-nationalistic choice in Bangladesh but ends up acceptingethnosas a politically superior value. Such an approach brings us to the politics of difference and, with that, undermines the integrationist potential of the republican constitution. In response, this article defends the republican promise of the Bangladesh Constitution while arguing that what we need in Bangladesh is the ‘de-ethnicization’ of the republic, one that can be achieved by transformingethnosintodemosand not the other way around.
Adolescents’ Social Goal Orientations
Authors: Goagoses Naska , Bäker Neele
Published: June 2023

Abstract: The current study examined the association between adolescents’ social goal orientations (i. e., what they want to achieve or avoid in social interactions with their peers) and their externalizing and prosocial behaviors as well as associations with parenting styles. Adolescents and their parents completed the questionnaires. Based on a path model with the data of 354 adolescents ( Mage = 14.11) and 121 parents from Germany, we found that (1) parental warmth had a direct effect on agentic goals (i. e., desire for authority, power, and appearing confident), (2) parental coercion had a direct effect on communal goals (i. e., desire for affiliation and closeness), (3) agentic goals had a direct effect on prosocial, rule-breaking, and aggressive behavior, and (4) communal goals had a direct effect on prosocial and aggressive behavior. In the discussion, we reflect on how the theoretical and practical significance of social goal orientations can guide future research.
Students’ Motivation in an Online and a Face-To-Face Semester
Authors: Bosch Eva , Spinath Birgit
Published: June 2023

Abstract: Challenges for university students were high during distance education in lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-regulation and motivation became more important, but motivation was possibly challenged more. To investigate motivational differences and possible positive effects of evidence-based learning activities, we followed two cohorts of preservice teachers over the course of one semester: One cohort was followed in 2019 in a face-to-face semester ( N2019 = 225), and another cohort was followed 1 year later during the first lockdown ( N2020 = 311). Students indicated their motivation at five measurement occasions and reported their use of learning activities twice. Multigroup linear change models indicated an overall decline of motivation in both cohorts. Surprisingly, neither initial motivation level nor motivational change differed between cohorts. Students who used more learning activities reported a more positive motivational development. This highlights the chance of evidence-based learning activities for students’ motivation in regular and distance education.
Subdaily Slow Fault Slip Dynamics Captured by Low‐Frequency Earthquakes
Authors: Mouchon Caroline , Frank William B. , Radiguet Mathilde , Poli Piero , Cotte Nathalie
Published: June 2023

Geodetic positioning is the geophysical record of reference for slow slip events, but typical daily solutions limit studies of the evolution of slow slip to its long‐term dynamics. Accompanying seismic low‐frequency earthquakes located precisely in time and space provide an opportunity to image slow slip dynamics at subdaily time scales. Here we show that a high‐resolution time history of low‐frequency earthquake fault slip alone can reproduce the geodetic record of slow slip that we observe to be dominated by subdaily fault slip dynamics. However, a simple linear model cannot accommodate the complex dynamics present throughout the slow slip cycle, and an analysis of different phases of the slow slip cycle shows that the ratio of geodetic to seismic fault slip varies as a function of time. This suggests that the low‐frequency earthquake source region saturates as slow slip grows in moment and area. We propose that rheological heterogeneities at the plate boundary associated with low‐frequency earthquakes do not play a significant role in the slow slip rupture process, thus implying that their activity is incidental to the driving aseismic slip.
The Policy of Science
Authors: Micalizio Caryl-Sue
Published: June 2023

The scientific community draws on effective strategies and innovative approaches to inform decisionmakers and influence academia.
Simulating the Effects of Regional Forest Cover and Windthrow‐Induced Cover Changes on Mid‐Latitude Boundary‐Layer Clouds
Authors: Noual G. , Brunet Y. , Le Moigne P. , Lac C.
Published: June 2023

Evidence has been provided that land‐cover changes such as deforestation can have an impact on cloudiness and precipitation. However, conflicting results have been obtained at different scales and places, highlighting our poor understanding of the physical processes involved. Here we focus on mesoscale summer cloudiness in a temperate region, as influenced by a large forest massif (the Landes forest in France). Our study is based on an up‐to‐date atmosphere‐surface mesoscale model (Meso‐NH coupled with SURFEX). Based on observational data, we first optimize the model configuration for our purpose, and show that with a 500 m horizontal resolution we can successfully simulate the higher summer cloud cover observed over the forest, compared to its surroundings. Second, we investigate the physical processes leading to cloud formation in a representative case study. Based on a comparative analysis of diagnostics and budgets over forest and non‐forest areas, we find that the larger sensible heat flux over the forest and its higher roughness are the main drivers of cloudiness, enhancing vertical velocity and boundary‐layer mixing. Third, we simulate the impact of the 2009 Klaus storm that led to the loss of about one third of the trees. Considering 15 representative convective summer days, we show that the model simulates well the resulting decrease in summer cloudiness that was reported in a previous study based on satellite observations. As a complementary tool, the mesoscale simulations allow to quantify the impacts of the Klaus storm windthrow on the diurnal cycle of the boundary layer.
Discovery of an OTUD3 inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Yonghui , Du Tongde , Liu Na , Wang Juan , Zhang Lingqiang , Cui Chun-Ping , Li Chaonan , Zhang Xin , Wu Bo , Zhang Jinhao , Jiang Wenli , Zhang Yubing , Zhang Yuting , Li Hongchang , Li Peiyu
Published: June 2023

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) controls protein turnover, and its dysfunction contributes to human diseases including cancer. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from proteins to maintain their stability. Inhibition of DUBs could induce the degradation of selected oncoproteins and has therefore become a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. The deubiquitylase OTUD3 was reported to promote lung tumorigenesis by stabilizing oncoprotein GRP78, implying that inhibition of OTUD3 may be a therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. Here, we report a small-molecule inhibitor of OTUD3 (named OTUDin3) by computer-aided virtual screening and biological experimental verification. OTUDin3 exhibited pronounced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects by inhibiting deubiquitinating activity of OTUD3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Moreover, OTUDin3 efficaciously inhibited growth of lung cancer xenografts in mice. In summary, our results support OTUDin3 as a potent inhibitor of OTUD3, the inhibition of which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Emerging roles of ferroptosis-related miRNAs in tumor metastasis
Authors: Jiang Zhongyi , Zhou Jing , Deng Junqi , Li Luohong , Wang Ruifeng , Han Yingying , Zhou Junyu , Tao Rui , Peng Lushan , Wang Dan , Huang Tao , Yu Yupei , Zhou Zongjiang , Li Jinghe , Ousmane Diabate , Wang Junpu
Published: June 2023

Ferroptosis, a novel mode of cell death dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species, has been extensively explored during malignant tumors metastasis. Ferroptosis can interact with multiple components of the tumor microenvironment to regulate metastasis. These interactions generally include the following aspects: (1) Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, which can help cancer cells increase their sensitivity to ferroptosis while they have multiple mechanisms to fight against it; (2) Disorder of iron metabolism in cancer stem cells which maintains their stem characteristics; (3) Polarization of M0 macrophages to M2. (4) The paradoxical effects of iron metabolism and CD8 + T cells induced by ferroptosis (5) Regulation of angiogenesis. In addition, ferroptosis can be regulated by miRNAs through the reprogramming of various intracellular metabolism processes, including the regulation of the glutathione- glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway, glutamic acid/cystine transport, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. Therefore, there are many potential interactions between ferroptosis-related miRNAs and tumor metastasis, including interaction with cancer cells and immune cells, regulating cytokines, and angiogenesis. This review focuses on the role of ferroptosis-related miRNA in tumor metastasis, aiming to help readers understand their relationship and provide a new perspective on the potential treatment strategies of malignant tumors.
SNORD6 promotes cervical cancer progression by accelerating E6-mediated p53 degradation
Authors: Li Qianhui , Xie Bumin , Chen Xi , Lu Bingfeng , Chen Shuo , Sheng Xiujie , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2023

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs widely distributed in eukaryotic nucleoli. In recent years, studies have revealed that snoRNAs can also participate in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors through different pathways. Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, and the high-risk HPV virus infection is its main pathogenic mechanism. However, the outcomes in different patients with malignant tumors vary, indicating that other factors might affect the pathogenic process of cervical cancer. In this study, we screened the poor prognosis indicator SNORD6 from the TCGA database to find the snoRNA that affects the disease outcome during the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. We discovered that SNORD6 expression in cervical cancer tissues was higher than that in normal cervical tissues. Cell phenotype experiments revealed that the knockdown of SNORD6 retarded cell proliferation and plate clone formation. Furthermore, G1-S phase cell cycle arrest was induced, DNA synthesis was decreased, cell migration and invasion were reduced, while the level of apoptosis increased, whereas the opposite results were obtained after SNORD6 overexpression. Moreover, after intratumoral injection of ASO-SNORD6, the tumor growth rate slowed down, and the tumor volume decreased compared with the control group. In the mechanism study, we found that SNORD6 concurrently acted as a binding “hub” to promote the formation of the tumor suppressor protein p53 degradation complex E6-E6AP-p53. This reaction enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of p53, thus influenced the regulation of p53 activities in the cell cycle and apoptosis. This study preliminarily clarified the biological role and specific mechanism of SNORD6 in the occurrence of cervical cancer, broadening the basic theoretical research of ovarian cancer and may provide a new perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Age-associated B cells predict impaired humoral immunity after COVID-19 vaccination in patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Yam-Puc Juan Carlos , Hosseini Zhaleh , Horner Emily C. , Gerber Pehuén Pereyra , Beristain-Covarrubias Nonantzin , Hughes Robert , Lulla Aleksei , Rust Maria , Boston Rebecca , Ali Magda , Fischer Katrin , Simmons-Rosello Edward , O’Reilly Martin , Robson Harry , Booth Lucy H. , Kahanawita Lakmini , Correa-Noguera Andrea , Favara David , Ceron-Gutierrez Lourdes , Keller Baerbel , Craxton Andrew , Anderson Georgina S. F. , Sun Xiao-Ming , Elmer Anne , Saunders Caroline , Bermperi Areti , Jose Sherly , Kingston Nathalie , Mulroney Thomas E. , Piñon Lucia P. G. ,   CITIID-NIHR COVID−19 BioResource Collaboration, Chapman Michael A. , Grigoriadou Sofia , MacFarlane Marion , Willis Anne E. , Patil Kiran R. , Spencer Sarah , Staples Emily , Warnatz Klaus , Buckland Matthew S. , Hollfelder Florian , Hyvönen Marko , Döffinger Rainer , Parkinson Christine , Lear Sara , Matheson Nicholas J. , Thaventhiran James E. D.
Published: June 2023

Age-associated B cells (ABC) accumulate with age and in individuals with different immunological disorders, including cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade and those with inborn errors of immunity. Here, we investigate whether ABCs from different conditions are similar and how they impact the longitudinal level of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicates that ABCs with distinct aetiologies have common transcriptional profiles and can be categorised according to their expression of immune genes, such as the autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Furthermore, higher baseline ABC frequency correlates with decreased levels of antigen-specific memory B cells and reduced neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-2. ABCs express high levels of the inhibitory FcγRIIB receptor and are distinctive in their ability to bind immune complexes, which could contribute to diminish vaccine responses either directly, or indirectly via enhanced clearance of immune complexed-antigen. Expansion of ABCs may, therefore, serve as a biomarker identifying individuals at risk of suboptimal responses to vaccination.
Multidimensional characterization of inducible promoters and a highly light-sensitive LOV-transcription factor
Authors: Gligorovski Vojislav , Sadeghi Ahmad , Rahi Sahand Jamal
Published: June 2023

The ability to independently control the expression of different genes is important for quantitative biology. Using budding yeast, we characterize GAL1pr, GALL, MET3pr, CUP1pr, PHO5pr, tetOpr, terminator-tetOpr, Z3EV, blue-light inducible optogenetic systems El222-LIP, El222-GLIP, and red-light inducible PhyB-PIF3. We report kinetic parameters, noise scaling, impact on growth, and the fundamental leakiness of each system using an intuitive unit, maxGAL1. We uncover disadvantages of widely used tools, e.g., nonmonotonic activity of MET3pr and GALL, slow off kinetics of the doxycycline- and estradiol-inducible systems tetOpr and Z3EV, and high variability of PHO5pr and red-light activated PhyB-PIF3 system. We introduce two previously uncharacterized systems: strongLOV, a more light-sensitive El222 mutant, and ARG3pr, which is induced in the absence of arginine or presence of methionine. To demonstrate fine control over gene circuits, we experimentally tune the time between cell cycle Start and mitosis, artificially simulating near-wild-type timing. All strains, constructs, code, and data (https://promoter-benchmark.epfl.ch/) are made available.
Interspecies exciton interactions lead to enhanced nonlinearity of dipolar excitons and polaritons in MoS2 homobilayers
Authors: Louca Charalambos , Genco Armando , Chiavazzo Salvatore , Lyons Thomas P. , Randerson Sam , Trovatello Chiara , Claronino Peter , Jayaprakash Rahul , Hu Xuerong , Howarth James , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Dal Conte Stefano , Gorbachev Roman , Lidzey David G. , Cerullo Giulio , Kyriienko Oleksandr , Tartakovskii Alexander I.
Published: June 2023

Nonlinear interactions between excitons strongly coupled to light are key for accessing quantum many-body phenomena in polariton systems. Atomically-thin two-dimensional semiconductors provide an attractive platform for strong light-matter coupling owing to many controllable excitonic degrees of freedom. Among these, the recently emerged exciton hybridization opens access to unexplored excitonic species, with a promise of enhanced interactions. Here, we employ hybridized interlayer excitons (hIX) in bilayer MoS2 to achieve highly nonlinear excitonic and polaritonic effects. Such interlayer excitons possess an out-of-plane electric dipole as well as an unusually large oscillator strength allowing observation of dipolar polaritons (dipolaritons) in bilayers in optical microcavities. Compared to excitons and polaritons in MoS2 monolayers, both hIX and dipolaritons exhibit ≈ 8 times higher nonlinearity, which is further strongly enhanced when hIX and intralayer excitons, sharing the same valence band, are excited simultaneously. This provides access to an unusual nonlinear regime which we describe theoretically as a mixed effect of Pauli exclusion and exciton-exciton interactions enabled through charge tunnelling. The presented insight into many-body interactions provides new tools for accessing few-polariton quantum correlations.
A unique van Hove singularity in kagome superconductor CsV3-xTaxSb5 with enhanced superconductivity
Authors: Luo Yang , Han Yulei , Liu Jinjin , Chen Hui , Huang Zihao , Huai Linwei , Li Hongyu , Wang Bingqian , Shen Jianchang , Ding Shuhan , Li Zeyu , Peng Shuting , Wei Zhiyuan , Miao Yu , Sun Xiupeng , Ou Zhipeng , Xiang Ziji , Hashimoto Makoto , Lu Donghui , Yao Yugui , Yang Haitao , Chen Xianhui , Gao Hong-Jun , Qiao Zhenhua , Wang Zhiwei , He Junfeng
Published: June 2023

Van Hove singularity (VHS) has been considered as a driving source for unconventional superconductivity. A VHS in two-dimensional (2D) materials consists of a saddle point connecting electron-like and hole-like bands. In a rare case, when a VHS appears at Fermi level, both electron-like and hole-like conduction can coexist, giving rise to an enhanced density of states as well as an attractive component of Coulomb interaction for unconventional electronic pairing. However, this van Hove scenario is often destroyed by an incorrect chemical potential or competing instabilities. Here, by using angle-resolved photoemission measurements, we report the observation of a VHS perfectly aligned with the Fermi level in a kagome superconductor CsV3-xTaxSb5 (x ~ 0.4), in which a record-high superconducting transition temperature is achieved among all the current variants of AV3Sb5 (A = Cs, Rb, K) at ambient pressure. Doping dependent measurements reveal the important role of van Hove scenario in boosting superconductivity, and spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy measurements indicate a distinct superconducting state in this system.
T cell infiltration into the brain triggers pulmonary dysfunction in murine Cryptococcus-associated IRIS
Authors: Kawano Tasuku , Zhou Jinyan , Anwar Shehata , Salah Haneen , Dayal Andrea H. , Ishikawa Yuzuki , Boetel Katelyn , Takahashi Tomoko , Sharma Kamal , Inoue Makoto
Published: June 2023

Cryptococcus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (C-IRIS) is a condition frequently occurring in immunocompromised patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. C-IRIS patients exhibit many critical symptoms, including pulmonary distress, potentially complicating the progression and recovery from this condition. Here, utilizing our previously established mouse model of unmasking C-IRIS (CnH99 preinfection and adoptive transfer of CD4+T cells), we demonstrated that pulmonary dysfunction associated with the C-IRIS condition in mice could be attributed to the infiltration of CD4+T cells into the brain via the CCL8-CCR5 axis, which triggers the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neuronal damage and neuronal disconnection via upregulated ephrin B3 and semaphorin 6B in CD4+T cells. Our findings provide unique insight into the mechanism behind pulmonary dysfunction in C-IRIS and nominate potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
A landscape of response to drug combinations in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nair Nishanth Ulhas , Greninger Patricia , Zhang Xiaohu , Friedman Adam A. , Amzallag Arnaud , Cortez Eliane , Sahu Avinash Das , Lee Joo Sang , Dastur Anahita , Egan Regina K. , Murchie Ellen , Ceribelli Michele , Crowther Giovanna S. , Beck Erin , McClanaghan Joseph , Klump-Thomas Carleen , Boisvert Jessica L. , Damon Leah J. , Wilson Kelli M. , Ho Jeffrey , Tam Angela , McKnight Crystal , Michael Sam , Itkin Zina , Garnett Mathew J. , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Haber Daniel A. , Thomas Craig J. , Ruppin Eytan , Benes Cyril H.
Published: June 2023

Combination of anti-cancer drugs is broadly seen as way to overcome the often-limited efficacy of single agents. The design and testing of combinations are however very challenging. Here we present a uniquely large dataset screening over 5000 targeted agent combinations across 81 non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Our analysis reveals a profound heterogeneity of response across the tumor models. Notably, combinations very rarely result in a strong gain in efficacy over the range of response observable with single agents. Importantly, gain of activity over single agents is more often seen when co-targeting functionally proximal genes, offering a strategy for designing more efficient combinations. Because combinatorial effect is strongly context specific, tumor specificity should be achievable. The resource provided, together with an additional validation screen sheds light on major challenges and opportunities in building efficacious combinations against cancer and provides an opportunity for training computational models for synergy prediction.
Predicting electronic structures at any length scale with machine learning
Authors: Fiedler Lenz , Modine Normand A. , Schmerler Steve , Vogel Dayton J. , Popoola Gabriel A. , Thompson Aidan P. , Rajamanickam Sivasankaran , Cangi Attila
Published: June 2023

The properties of electrons in matter are of fundamental importance. They give rise to virtually all material properties and determine the physics at play in objects ranging from semiconductor devices to the interior of giant gas planets. Modeling and simulation of such diverse applications rely primarily on density functional theory (DFT), which has become the principal method for predicting the electronic structure of matter. While DFT calculations have proven to be very useful, their computational scaling limits them to small systems. We have developed a machine learning framework for predicting the electronic structure on any length scale. It shows up to three orders of magnitude speedup on systems where DFT is tractable and, more importantly, enables predictions on scales where DFT calculations are infeasible. Our work demonstrates how machine learning circumvents a long-standing computational bottleneck and advances materials science to frontiers intractable with any current solutions.
Signing data citations enables data verification and citation persistence
Authors: Elliott Michael J. , Poelen Jorrit H. , Fortes José A. B.
Published: June 2023

Commonly used data citation practices rely on unverifiable retrieval methods which are susceptible to content drift, which occurs when the data associated with an identifier have been allowed to change. Based on our earlier work on reliable dataset identifiers, we propose signed citations, i.e., customary data citations extended to also include a standards-based, verifiable, unique, and fixed-length digital content signature. We show that content signatures enable independent verification of the cited content and can improve the persistence of the citation. Because content signatures are location- and storage-medium-agnostic, cited data can be copied to new locations to ensure their persistence across current and future storage media and data networks. As a result, content signatures can be leveraged to help scalably store, locate, access, and independently verify content across new and existing data infrastructures. Content signatures can also be embedded inside content to create robust, distributed knowledge graphs that can be cited using a single signed citation. We describe applications of signed citations to solve real-world data collection, identification, and citation challenges.