bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated GIS-based decision tool for rehabilitation of a drinking water infrastructure in Tlemcen, Algeria
Authors: Berrezel Yacine Abdelbaset , Abdelbaki Chérifa , Rouissat Bouchrit , Boumaaza Tarik , Saber Mohamed , Goosen Matheus , Kumar Navneet
Published: May 2024

Water resource management relies heavily on the utilization of decision-making systems to guide the strategic rehabilitation and renovation of infrastructure within water distribution networks (WDNs). This study aims to develop and apply a scripting tool in ArcGIS for decision-making in WDN. It combines a collection of decision support systems, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis, for infrastructure renovation and rehabilitation. The research is divided into two main sections. The first focuses on creating and implementing the analytic hierarchy process tool in ArcGIS, while the second discusses its application in the study area, which is the drinking water distribution network of an urban area in Tlemcen, located in the Northwest of Algeria. The study’s results reveal that 25% of the network is in critical condition and require immediate rehabilitation. Sixty-two percentage of the network is classified as moderately urgent, indicating a pressing but less immediate need for intervention. Finally, the remaining 13% of the network requires attention over a longer timeframe for rehabilitation. The main criteria influencing pipe prioritization are material (26% of total weight), laying date (26% of total weight), and pressure (20% of total weight). This developed tool can be easily adapted and applied by engineers and water management officers. It serves as a guide for decision-makers and planners in urban water management in Tlemcen and can be replicated and applied to other areas worldwide.
Automatic arrival-time picking of P- and S-waves of micro-seismic events based on relative standard generative adversarial network and GHRA
Authors: Cai Jianxian , Duan Zhijun , Yan Fenfen , Zhang Yuzi , Mu Ruwang , Cai Huanyu , Ding Zhefan
Published: May 2024

Rapid, high-precision pickup of microseismic P- and S-waves is an important basis for microseismic monitoring and early warning. However, it is difficult to provide fast and highly accurate pickup of micro-seismic P- and S-waves arrival-time. To address this, the study proposes a lightweight and high-precision micro-seismic P- and S-waves arrival times picking model, lightweight adversarial U-shaped network (LAU-Net), based on the framework of the generative adversarial network, and successfully deployed in low-power devices. The pickup network constructs a lightweight feature extraction layer (GHRA) that focuses on extracting pertinent feature information, reducing model complexity and computation, and speeding up pickup. We propose a new adversarial learning strategy called application-aware loss function. By introducing the distribution difference between the predicted results and the artificial labels during the training process, we improve the training stability and further improve the pickup accuracy while ensuring the pickup speed. Finally, 8986 and 473 sets of micro-seismic events are used as training and testing sets to train and test the LAU-Net model, and compared with the STA/LTA algorithm, CNNDET+CGANet algorithm, and UNet++ algorithm, the speed of each pickup is faster than that of the other algorithms by 11.59ms, 15.19ms, and 7.79ms, respectively. The accuracy of the P-wave pickup is improved by 0.221, 0.01, and 0.029, respectively, and the S-wave pickup accuracy is improved by 0.233, 0.135, and 0.102, respectively. It is further applied in the actual project of the Shengli oilfield in Sichuan. The LAU-Net model can meet the needs of practical micro-seismic monitoring and early warning and provides a new way of thinking for accurate and fast on-time picking of micro-seismic P- and S-waves.
An Inhomogeneous Weibull–Hawkes Process to Model Underdispersed Acoustic Cues
Authors: Van Helsdingen Alec B. M. , Marques Tiago A. , Jones-Todd Charlotte M.
Published: May 2024

A Hawkes point process describes self-exciting behaviour where event arrivals are triggered by historic events. These models are increasingly becoming a popular choice in analysing event-type data. Like all other inhomogeneous Poisson point processes, the waiting time between events in a Hawkes process is derived from an exponential distribution with mean one. However, as with many ecological and environmental data, this is an unrealistic assumption. We, therefore, extend and generalise the Hawkes process to account for potential under- or overdispersion in the waiting times between events by assuming the Weibull distribution as the foundation of the waiting times. We apply this model to the acoustic cue production times of sperm whales and show that our Weibull–Hawkes model better captures the inherent underdispersion in the interarrival times of echolocation clicks emitted by these whales.
To close, not to close, or to act bigger? Managing the defect of large direct inguinal hernia to reduce the risk of recurrence during laparoscopic TAPP repair: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Brucchi F. , Ferraina F. , Masci E. , Ferrara D. , Cassini D. , Faillace G.
Published: May 2024

Hernia recurrence is a common complication after inguinal hernia repair. Recent studies suggest that laparoscopic mesh repair with closure of direct hernia defects can reduce recurrence rates. Our study examines the effectiveness of this approach. A retrospective, multi-center cohort study was conducted on cases performed from January 2013 to April 2021. Patients with direct inguinal hernias (M3 according to EHS classification) undergoing TAPP were included. Three groups were present: closed-defect group, non-closed placing a standard-sized mesh group or non-closed placing an XL-sized mesh group. A 2-year follow-up was recorded. A total of 158 direct M3 inguinal hernias in 110 patients who underwent surgery were present. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 22 patients for each group were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 62 years (41–84); with the majority being male (84.8%). 22 patients (40 hernias) underwent closure of the defect; 22 patients (39 hernias) did not undergo closure and used a standard-sized mesh; 22 patients (27 hernias) did not undergo closure and used an XL-sized mesh. There were 5 recurrences at 1 year post-operatively: all in the non-closure group with standard-sized mesh. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.044). There were 7 recurrences (6.6%) at 2 years post-operatively: 6 in the non-closure group with standard-sized mesh and 1 in the non-closure group with XL-sized mesh (p = 0.007). Closing large direct inguinal hernia defects has shown promise in reducing early recurrence rates. However, conducting larger RCTs in the future could provide more conclusive evidence that might impact the way we approach laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
Bernstein–Kantorovich operators, approximation and shape preserving properties
Authors: Acu Ana-Maria , Raşa Ioan , Şteopoaie Ancuţa Emilia
Published: May 2024

Inspired by the construction of Bernstein and Kantorovich operators, we introduce a family of positive linear operators $$\mathcal{K}_n$$

K
n

preserving the affine functions. Their approximation properties are investigated and compared with similar properties of other operators. We determine the central moments of all orders of $${{\mathcal {K}}}_n$$

K
n

and use them in order to establish Voronovskaja type formulas. A special attention is paid to the shape preserving properties. The operators $${{\mathcal {K}}}_n$$

K
n

preserve monotonicity, convexity, strong convexity and approximate concavity. They have also the property of monotonic convergence under convexity. All the established inequalities involving convex functions can be naturally interpreted in the framework of convex stochastic ordering.
Vitamin C: Is it Relevant or Obsolete in the Modern Era?
Authors: Ramanujan Suruchi , Yadav Sanu , Adler Andrea , Bewley Sara , Radhakrishnan Kadakkal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this review, we discuss the historic background of vitamin C, vitamin C’s physiology, its dietary sources, and how deficiency can manifest. We also discuss modern studies investigating the role of Vitamin C in immunity, in cardiovascular disease, and in chronic conditions.

In the body, vitamin C acts as an essential cofactor in several enzymatic reactions including, but not limited to, neurotransmitter synthesis, hormone amidation, collagen synthesis, hypoxic transcription factor modification, and epigenetic modifications. Scurvy, caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, is an infamous disease recorded in historical documents, with patients presenting with joint ache, bleeding gums, depression, and hysteria. Since humans are unable to naturally synthesize ascorbic acid, they must rely on dietary sources such as fruits and vegetables in order to maintain their vitamin C levels and avoid such manifestations. Maintaining stable vitamin C levels remains increasingly important in the modern era, particularly for the vulnerable pediatric patient with chronic conditions or critical illness. Regulating vitamin C levels could decrease morbidity and mortality in the chronic and critically ill pediatric population. Moving forward, there is a need for more head-to-head trials pertaining to vitamin C’s role in improving immunity, modifying cardiovascular risk, and altering cancer prognosis.
EMC+GD_C: circle-based enhanced motion consistency and guided diffusion feature matching for 3D reconstruction
Authors: Cai Zhenjiao , Zhang Sulan , Zhang Jifu , Li Xiaoming , Hu Lihua , Cai Jianghui
Published: May 2024

Robust matching, especially the number, precision and distribution of feature point matching, directly affects the effect of 3D reconstruction. However, the existing methods rarely consider these three aspects comprehensively to improve the quality of feature matching, which in turn affects the effect of 3D reconstruction. Therefore, to effectively improve the quality of 3D reconstruction, we propose a circle-based enhanced motion consistency and guided diffusion feature matching algorithm for 3D reconstruction named EMC+GD_C. Firstly, a circle-based neighborhood division method is proposed, which increases the number of initial matching points. Secondly, to improve the precision of feature point matching, on the one hand, we put forward the idea of enhancing motion consistency, reducing the mismatch of high similarity feature points by enhancing the judgment conditions of true and false matching points; on the other hand, we combine the RANSAC optimization method to filter out the outliers and further improve the precision of feature point matching. Finally, a novel guided diffusion idea combining guided matching and motion consistency is proposed, which expands the distribution range of feature point matching and improves the stability of 3D models. Experiments on 8 sets of 908 pairs of images in the public 3D reconstruction datasets demonstrate that our method can achieve better matching performance and show stronger stability in 3D reconstruction. Specifically, EMC+GD_C achieves an average improvement of 24.07% compared to SIFT-based ratio test, 9.18% to GMS and 1.94% to EMC+GD_G in feature matching precision.
Socio-economic geography and the land rights of indigenous peoples in Paraguay
Authors: Ioris Antonio A. R.
Published: May 2024

The article investigates the long-term tendencies of Paraguayan political-economy, in particular the mounting impacts of export-oriented agribusiness on its indigenous peoples. The analysis is based on the theorisation of the geographical force of subtraction, that is, the evanescent properties of capitalist development, in which economic growth takes place via an interconnected elimination of rights, opportunities and alternatives. The discussion is focussed on the land struggle of the Paĩ Tavyterã in the northeast of Paraguay and members of the same ethnic group who live in Brazil (called Guarani-Kaiowa). It is a relational narrative that draws insights from various actors, communities and situations. The main conclusions are that, despite the fact that Paraguay is now a major exporter of agribusiness commodities, what has prevailed is the accumulation of multiple forms of political, environmental, social and economic violence. At the same time, the decolonising reaction of indigenous peoples, in alliance with other sectors of the working class, aims at reverting the deficit caused by systemic socio-economic subtraction and in pursuit of transformative additions.
From the Reflex Machine to the Changeable Brain
Authors: Chirimuuta Mazviita
Published: May 2024

The brain is exceedingly complex. Neuroscientists have used the tried and tested simplification methods of physics, such as mathematical idealization, in order to deal with neural complexity. This paper queries the appropriateness of certain physics-derived strategies within this biological science by presenting a historical case study (the reflex theory) in which scientists fell into the trap of over-simplifying the brain and nervous system. It then considers whether more recent computational and dynamical systems approaches in neuroscience are also at risk of abstracting away from critical features of neural functionality related to the inherent changeability of those systems.
Enhanced Bearing Fault Diagnosis Through Trees Ensemble Method and Feature Importance Analysis
Authors: Alhams Amir , Abdelhadi Ahmed , Badri Yousif , Sassi Sadok , Renno Jamil
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research introduces a groundbreaking method for bearing defect detection. It leverages ensemble machine learning (ML) models and conducts comprehensive feature importance analysis. The key innovation is the training and benchmarking of three tree ensemble models—Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—on an extensive experimental dataset (QU-DMBF) collected from bearing tests with seeded defects of varying sizes on the inner and outer raceways under different operating conditions.

Method

The dataset was meticulously prepared with categorical variable encoding and Min–Max data normalization to ensure consistent class distribution and model accuracy. Implementing the ML models involved a grid search method for hyperparameter tuning, focusing on reporting the models’ accuracy. The study also explores applying ensemble methods and using supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms for bearing fault detection. It underscores the value of feature importance analysis in understanding the contributions of specific inputs to the model’s performance. The research compares the ML models to traditional methods and discusses their potential for advanced fault diagnosis in bearing systems.

Results and Conclusions

The XGBoost model, trained on data from actual bearing tests, outperformed the others, achieving 92% accuracy in detecting bearing health and fault location. However, a deeper analysis of feature importance reveals that the models weigh certain experimental conditions differently—such as sensor location and motor speed. This research’s primary novelties and contributions are comparative evaluation, experimental validation, accuracy benchmarking, and interpretable feature importance analysis. This comprehensive methodology advances the bearing health monitoring field and has significant practical implications for condition-based maintenance, potentially leading to substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Sociotechnical Imaginaries of Sharing and Emerging Postdigital Meaning-Making Practices in the Astronomy Community
Authors: Durán del Fierro Francisco , Littlejohn Allison , Kennedy Eileen
Published: May 2024

For decades, science communities have had digital technology embedded in their everyday work. However, new research infrastructures are amplifying the presence and use of digital technologies for scientists. In that respect, radio astronomy is undergoing a major transformation causing the community to enter a phase of postdigital work, due to the construction of the most sensitive telescope, the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), which scales the presence of digital technology and the amount of data generated. As new digital research infrastructure is set up, sociotechnical imaginaries—symbols and visions of a shared future—emerge, while others become obsolete thus impacting structures and practices of meaning-making. In this paper, we explore the disruptive potential of sociotechnical imaginaries and how astronomers using SKA pathfinder and precursor telescope data respond to these imaginaries and incorporate them into their meaning-making. The analysis shows that postdigital imaginaries related to data circulation, storage, archiving, and reuse have been amplified as SKA facilities and services are set up. Two changes are highlighted regarding a new postdigital condition within the astronomy community. Firstly, as astronomers engage in new postdigital forms of collaboration, they need to reach a consensus on what types of analyses to use by agreeing which methods are appropriate. This affects how scientific questions and research proposals are negotiated collectively, impacting the agency of astronomers. Secondly, as digital tools are increasingly part of astronomers’ daily work, they have to rely on new data analysis methods, which determine what evidence is uninteresting. Overall, these changes pose new questions regarding how meaning-making processes are altered and the way science is undertaken because of these new entanglements of human and non-human actors.
Case study: reducing heating energy consumption in a high tunnel greenhouse with renewable energy and microclimate control by bench-top root-zone heating, bench covers, and under-bench insulation
Authors: Kim Hei-Young , Yu Ok-Youn , Ferrell Jeremy
Published: May 2024

Appalachian State University's Nexus project designed an efficient greenhouse heating system that integrated renewable energy and root zone heating technology to reduce the greenhouse heating energy burden on local farmers and installed it at local cooperative farms. This study analyzed 5 years of data from 2018 to 2022 to investigate the energy savings and microclimate control effectiveness of the Nexus heating system installed at Springhouse Farm in North Carolina, USA. By varying bench cover materials, bottom insulation, and the number of loops of root zone tubing, the different soil temperatures required for plant types and growth stages were achieved with a single temperature controller. A root zone heating fluid of 32.2 ℃ satisfactorily maintained the germination soil between 20 and 25 ℃ in March 2019 with an average outside temperature of 4.8 ℃ and an average low temperature of − 0.4 ℃. Growing soil maintained an average temperature of 15 ℃ with bottom insulation and an average of 11–12 ℃ without bottom insulation. Compared to the conventional heating system (a forced-air propane unit heater alone), weather-adjusted propane consumption (propane usage divided by heating degree days) was reduced by 65% with the Nexus system alone and 45% with the Nexus system and unit heater together. It shows that the Nexus system has significantly reduced greenhouse heating energy consumption and maintained productive conditions. The renewable energy fraction ranged only 9–13% of the total thermal energy used due to the high inlet temperature entering the solar thermal collector. This can be improved by separating the heat storage and backup heat source.
A systematic review of primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Qingyuan
Published: May 2024

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a kind of extranodal lymphoma with high degree of malignancy, hidden onset and strong invasion. It is a special type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and very rare in clinic. Due to little understanding of the pathogenesis and high risk factors of the disease, there are great differences in the prevention, staging and treatment plan of the disease, and there is no strict standard. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the clinical characteristics of PCNSL and the promising clinical treatment strategies for PCNSL to date.
Electronic medical record-based prediction models developed and deployed in the HIV care continuum: a systematic review
Authors: Endebu Tamrat , Taye Girma , Addissie Adamu , Deksisa Alem , Deressa Wakgari
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the methodological issues in prediction models developed using electronic medical records (EMR) and their early-stage clinical impact on the HIV care continuum.

Methods

A systematic search of entries in PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted between January 1, 2010, and January 17, 2022, to identify studies developing and deploying EMR-based prediction models. We used the CHARMS (Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modeling Studies), PROBAST (Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool), and TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis) statements to assess the methodological issues. In addition, we consulted reporting guidelines for early-stage clinical evaluation of decision support systems to assess the clinical impact of the models.

Results

The systematic search yielded 35 eligible articles: 24 (68.6%) aimed at model development and 11 (31.4%) for model deployment. The majority of these studies predicted an individual's risk of carrying HIV (n = 12/35, 34.3%), the risk of interrupting HIV care (n = 9/35), and the risk of virological failure (n = 7/35). The methodological assessment for those 24 studies found that they were rated as high risk (n = 6/24), some concerns (n = 14/24), and a low risk of bias (n = 4/24). Several studies didn't report the number of events (n = 14/24), missing data management (n = 12/24), inadequate reporting of statistical performance (n = 18/24), or lack of external validation (n = 21/24) in their model development processes. The early-stage clinical impact assessment for those 9/11-deployed models showed improved care outcomes, such as HIV screening, engagement in care, and viral load suppression.

Conclusions

EMR-based prediction models have been developed, and some are practically deployed as clinical decision support tools in the HIV care continuum. Overall, while early-stage clinical impact is observed with those deployed models, it is important to address methodological concerns and assess their potential clinical impact before widespread implementation.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023454765.
‘Ethiopia’ and the World, 330–1500 CE
Authors: Binyam Yonatan , Krebs Verena
Published: May 2024

This Cambridge Element offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the histories of the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands from late antiquity to the late medieval period, updating traditional Western academic perspectives. Early scholarship, often by philologists and religious scholars, upheld 'Ethiopia' as an isolated repository of ancient Jewish and Christian texts. This work reframes the region's history, highlighting the political, economic, and cultural interconnections of different kingdoms, polities, and peoples. Utilizing recent advancements in Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies as well as Medieval Studies, it reevaluates key instances of contact between 'Ethiopia' and the world of Afro-Eurasia, situating the histories of the Christian, Muslim, and local-religious or 'pagan' groups living in the Red Sea littoral and the Eritrean-Ethiopian highlands in the context of the Global Middle Ages.
A new ring nematode, Xenocriconemella costaricense sp. nov., (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Costa Rica
Authors: Peraza-Padilla W. , Aráuz-Badilla J. , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete C. , Palomares-Rius J.E. , Archidona-Yuste A. , Castillo P.
Published: May 2024

During nematode surveys of natural vegetation in forests of La Cima de Copey de Dota, San José, San José province, Costa Rica, a Xenocriconemella species closely resembling X. macrodora and related species was found. Integrative taxonomical approaches demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as X. costaricense sp. nov. The new species is parthenogenetic (only females have been detected) and characterised by a short body (276–404 μm); lip region with two annuli, not offset, not separated from body contour; first lip annulus partially covering the second lip annulus. Stylet thin, very long (113–133 μm) and flexible, occupying 30.5–47.8% of body length. Excretory pore located from one or two annuli anterior to one or two annuli posterior to level of stylet knobs, at 42 (37–45) μm from anterior end. Female genital tract monodelphic, prodelphic, outstretched, and occupying 35–45% of body length, with vagina slightly ventrally curved (14–18 μm long). Anus located 6–11 annuli from the tail terminus. Tail conoid and bluntly rounded terminus, the last 2–3 annuli oriented dorsally. Results of molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS, and partial 18S rRNA, as well as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences further characterised the new species and clearly separated it from X. macrodora and other related species (X. iberica, X. paraiberica, and X. pradense).
Testing a Hyperspectral, Bio‐Optical Approach to Identification of Phytoplankton Community Composition in the Chesapeake Bay Estuary
Authors: McKibben S. M. , Schollaert Uz S. , Palacios Sherry L.
Published: May 2024

The multi‐to hyperspectral evolution of satellite ocean color sensors is anticipated to enable satellite‐based identification of phytoplankton biodiversity, a key factor in aquatic ecosystem functioning and upper ocean biogeochemistry. In this work the bio‐optical Phytoplankton Detection with Optics (PHYDOTax) approach for deriving taxonomic (class‐level) phytoplankton community composition (PCC, e.g. diatoms, dinoflagellates) from hyperspectral information is evaluated in the Chesapeake Bay estuary on the U.S. East Coast. PHYDOTax is among relatively few optical‐based PCC differentiation approaches available for optically complex waters, but it has not yet been evaluated beyond the California coastal regime where it was developed. Study goals include: (a) testing the approach in a turbid estuary including novel incorporation of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and non‐algal particles (NAP), and (b) performance assessment with both synthetic mixture and field data sets. Algorithm skill was robust on synthetic mixtures. Using field data, cryptophyte and/or cyanophyte phytoplankton groups were predicted, but diatom and dinoflagellate detection was not conclusive. For one field data set, small but significant improvements were observed in predicted PCC groups when tested with incorporation of CDOM and NAP into the algorithm, but not for the second field data set. Sensitivity to three hyperspectral‐relevant spectral resolutions (1, 5, 10 nm) was low for all field and synthetic data. PHYDOTax can identify some phytoplankton groups in the estuary using hyperspectral, field‐collected measurements, but validation‐quality data with broad temporospatial coverage are needed to determine whether the approach is robust enough for science applications.
Stresses Induced by Magma Chamber Pressurization Altered by Mechanical Layering and Layer Dip
Authors: Clunes Matías , Browning John , Cortez Jorge , Cembrano José , Marquardt Carlos , Kavanagh Janine L. , Gudmundsson Agust
Published: May 2024

Understanding the stress distribution around shallow magma chambers is vital for forecasting eruption sites and magma propagation directions. To achieve accurate forecasts, comprehensive insight into the stress field surrounding magma chambers and near the surface is essential. Existing stress models for pressurized magma chambers often assume a homogenous elastic half‐space or a heterogeneous crust with varying mechanical properties in horizontal layers. However, as many volcanoes have complex, non‐horizontal, and heterogeneous layers, we enhance these assumptions by considering mechanically stratified layers with varying dips. We employed the Finite Element Method (FEM) to create numerical models simulating three chamber geometries: circular, sill‐like and prolate. The primary condition was a 10 MPa excess pressure within the magma chamber, generating the stress field. Layers dips by 20‐degree increments, with differing elastic moduli, represented by stiffness ratios of the successive layers (EU/EL) ranging from 0.01 to 100. Our findings validate prior research on heterogeneous crustal modeling, showing that high stiffness ratios disrupt stress within layers and induce local stress rotations at mismatched interfaces. Layer dip further influences stress fields, shifting the location of maximum stress concentration over varying distances. This study underscores the significance of accurately understanding mechanical properties, layer dip in volcanoes, and magma chamber geometry. Improving forecasting of future eruption vents in active volcanoes, particularly in the Andes with its deformed, folded, and non‐horizontal stratified crust, hinges on this knowledge. By expanding stress models to incorporate complex geological structures, we enhance our ability to forecast eruption sites and magma propagation paths.
Century‐Long Records of Sedimentary Input on a Caribbean Reef From Coral Ba/Ca Ratios
Authors: Shaw Kathryn M. M. , Standish Christopher D. , Fowell Sara E. , Stewart Joseph A. , Castillo Karl D. , Ries Justin B. , Foster Gavin L.
Published: May 2024

Coral reef ecosystems are delicately balanced and are thus prone to disruption by stressors such as storms, disease, climate variability and natural disasters. Most tropical coral populations worldwide are now in rapid decline owing to additional anthropogenic pressures, such as global warming, ocean acidification and a variety of local stressors. One such problem is the addition of excess sediment and nutrients flux to reefs from increased soil erosion from land use changes. Here we present century‐long Ba/Ca records from two Siderastrea siderea colonies as a proxy for local riverine discharge and sediment flux to the southern Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS). The coral colonies have linear extension trends, which can be seen as a first‐order indicator for coral health and response. The coral colony that exhibits a decline in linear extension rate from the forereef of the MBRS, mainly receives riverine input from Honduras, whilst the coral from the backreef, which does not exhibit a decline in extension rate, primarily receives riverine input from more sparsely populated regions of Belize. Coral Ba/Ca increased (>70%) through time in the forereef colony, while the backreef colony showed little long‐term increase in Ba/Ca over the last century. Our results suggest that increasing sediment supply may have played a role in the decline of forereef skeletal extension in the southernmost MBRS region, likely stemming from increasing land‐use changes in Honduras.
Maternal obesity, interpregnancy weight changes and congenital heart defects in the offspring: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hedermann Gitte , Hedley Paula L. , Gadsbøll Kasper , Thagaard Ida N. , Krebs Lone , Hagen Christian M. , Sørensen Thorkild. I. A. , Christiansen Michael , Ekelund Charlotte K.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between maternal BMI and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in the offspring when including live births, stillbirths, aborted and terminated pregnancies and to investigate if maternal interpregnancy weight changes between the first and second pregnancy influences the risk of foetal CHDs.

Methods

A nationwide cohort study of all singleton pregnancies in Denmark from 2008 to 2018. Data were retrieved from the Danish Foetal Medicine Database, which included both pre- and postnatal diagnoses of CHDs. Children or foetuses with chromosomal aberrations were excluded. Odds ratios were calculated with logistic regression models for CHDs overall, severe CHDs and five of the most prevalent subtypes of CHDs.

Results

Of the 547 105 pregnancies included in the cohort, 5 442 had CHDs (1.0%). Risk of CHDs became gradually higher with higher maternal BMI; for BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.17 (95% CI 1.10-1.26), for BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2, aOR 1.21 (95% CI 1.09-1.33), for BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2, aOR 1.29 (95% CI 1.11-1.50) and for BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, aOR 1.85 (95% CI 1.54-2.21). Data was adjusted for maternal age, smoking status and year of estimated due date. The same pattern was seen for the subgroup of severe CHDs. Among the atrioventricular septal defects (n = 231), an association with maternal BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was seen, OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.13-2.44). 109 654 women were identified with their first and second pregnancies in the cohort. Interpregnancy BMI change was associated with the risk of CHDs in the second pregnancy (BMI 2 to < 4 kg/m2: aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.53; BMI ≥ 4 kg/m2: aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08-1.68).

Conclusion

The risk of foetal CHDs became gradually higher with higher maternal BMI and interpregnancy weight increases above 2 BMI units were also associated with a higher risk of CHDs.
A 3D In-vitro model of the human dentine interface shows long-range osteoinduction from the dentine surface
Authors: Macalester William , Boussahel Asme , Moreno-Tortolero Rafael O. , Shannon Mark R. , West Nicola , Hill Darryl , Perriman Adam
Published: May 2024

Emerging regenerative cell therapies for alveolar bone loss have begun to explore the use of cell laden hydrogels for minimally invasive surgery to treat small and spatially complex maxilla-oral defects. However, the oral cavity presents a unique and challenging environment for in vivo bone tissue engineering, exhibiting both hard and soft periodontal tissue as well as acting as key biocenosis for many distinct microbial communities that interact with both the external environment and internal body systems, which will impact on cell fate and subsequent treatment efficacy. Herein, we design and bioprint a facile 3D in vitro model of a human dentine interface to probe the effect of the dentine surface on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) encapsulated in a microporous hydrogel bioink. We demonstrate that the dentine substrate induces osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated hMSCs, and that both dentine and β-tricalcium phosphate substrates stimulate extracellular matrix production and maturation at the gel-media interface, which is distal to the gel-substrate interface. Our findings demonstrate the potential for long-range effects on stem cells by mineralized surfaces during bone tissue engineering and provide a framework for the rapid development of 3D dentine-bone interface models.
Enhancing crystal integrity and structural rigidity of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets to achieve a narrow color-saturated blue emission
Authors: Huang Qianqian , Yin Wenxu , Gao Bo , Zeng Qingsen , Yao Dong , Zhang Hao , Zhao Yinghe , Zheng Weijia , Zhang Jiaqi , Yang Xuyong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: May 2024

Quantum-confined CsPbBr3 perovskites are promising blue emitters for ultra-high-definition displays, but their soft lattice caused by highly ionic nature has a limited stability. Here, we endow CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) with atomic crystal-like structural rigidity through proper surface engineering, by using strongly bound N-dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA). A stable, rigid crystal structure, as well as uniform, orderly-arranged surface of these NPLs is achieved by optimizing intermediate reaction stage, by switching from molecular clusters to mono-octahedra, while interaction with DBSA resulted in formation of a CsxO monolayer shell capping the NPL surface. As a result, both structural and optical stability of the CsPbBr3 NPLs is enhanced by strong covalent bonding of DBSA, which inhibits undesired phase transitions and decomposition of the perovskite phase potentially caused by ligand desorption. Moreover, rather small amount of DBSA ligands at the NPL surface results in a short inter-NPL spacing in their closely-packed films, which facilitates efficient charge injection and transport. Blue photoluminescence of the produced CsPbBr3 NPLs is bright (nearly unity emission quantum yield) and peaks at 457 nm with an extremely narrow bandwidth of 3.7 nm at 80 K, while the bandwidth of the electroluminescence (peaked at 460 nm) also reaches a record-narrow value of 15 nm at room temperature. This value corresponds to the CIE coordinates of (0.141, 0.062), which meets Rec. 2020 standards for ultra-high-definition displays.
SARS-CoV-2 aberrantly elevates mitochondrial bioenergetics to induce robust virus propagation
Authors: Shin Hye Jin , Lee Wooseong , Ku Keun Bon , Yoon Gun Young , Moon Hyun-Woo , Kim Chonsaeng , Kim Mi-Hwa , Yi Yoon-Sun , Jun Sangmi , Kim Bum-Tae , Oh Jong-Won , Siddiqui Aleem , Kim Seong-Jun
Published: May 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a ‘highly transmissible respiratory pathogen, leading to severe multi-organ damage. However, knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular alterations is limited. In this study, we report that SARS-CoV-2 aberrantly elevates mitochondrial bioenergetics and activates the EGFR-mediated cell survival signal cascade during the early stage of viral infection. SARS-CoV-2 causes an increase in mitochondrial transmembrane potential via the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-nucleocapsid cluster, thereby abnormally promoting mitochondrial elongation and the OXPHOS process, followed by enhancing ATP production. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 activates the EGFR signal cascade and subsequently induces mitochondrial EGFR trafficking, contributing to abnormal OXPHOS process and viral propagation. Approved EGFR inhibitors remarkably reduce SARS-CoV-2 propagation, among which vandetanib exhibits the highest antiviral efficacy. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells with vandetanib decreases SARS-CoV-2-induced EGFR trafficking to the mitochondria and restores SARS-CoV-2-induced aberrant elevation in OXPHOS process and ATP generation, thereby resulting in the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 propagation. Furthermore, oral administration of vandetanib to SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2 transgenic mice reduces SARS-CoV-2 propagation in lung tissue and mitigates SARS-CoV-2-induced lung inflammation. Vandetanib also exhibits potent antiviral activity against various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including alpha, beta, delta and omicron, in in vitro cell culture experiments. Taken together, our findings provide novel insight into SARS-CoV-2-induced alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and EGFR trafficking during the early stage of viral infection and their roles in robust SARS-CoV-2 propagation, suggesting that EGFR is an attractive host target for combating COVID-19.
Valrubicin-loaded immunoliposomes for specific vesicle-mediated cell death in the treatment of hematological cancers
Authors: Georgievski Aleksandra , Bellaye Pierre-Simon , Tournier Benjamin , Choubley Hélène , Pais de Barros Jean-Paul , Herbst Michaële , Béduneau Arnaud , Callier Patrick , Collin Bertrand , Végran Frédérique , Ballerini Paola , Garrido Carmen , Quéré Ronan
Published: May 2024

We created valrubicin-loaded immunoliposomes (Val-ILs) using the antitumor prodrug valrubicin, a hydrophobic analog of daunorubicin. Being lipophilic, valrubicin readily incorporated Val-lLs that were loaded with specific antibodies. Val-ILs injected intravenously rapidly reached the bone marrow and spleen, indicating their potential to effectively target cancer cells in these areas. Following the transplantation of human pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in immunodeficient NSG mice, we generated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, which were treated with Val-ILs loaded with antibodies to target CD19, CD7 or CD33. Only a small amount of valrubicin incorporated into Val-ILs was needed to induce leukemia cell death in vivo, suggesting that this approach could be used to efficiently treat acute leukemia cells. We also demonstrated that Val-ILs could reduce the risk of contamination of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells by acute leukemia cells during autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, which is a significant advantage for clinical applications. Using EL4 lymphoma cells on immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, we also highlighted the potential of Val-ILs to target immunosuppressive cell populations in the spleen, which could be valuable in impairing cancer cell expansion, particularly in lymphoma cases. The most efficient Val-ILs were found to be those loaded with CD11b or CD223 antibodies, which, respectively, target the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) or the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3 or CD223) on T4 lymphocytes. This study provides a promising preclinical demonstration of the effectiveness and ease of preparation of Val-ILs as a novel nanoparticle technology. In the context of hematological cancers, Val-ILs have the potential to be used as a precise and effective therapy based on targeted vesicle-mediated cell death.
Mono-ADP-ribosylation, a MARylationmultifaced modification of protein, DNA and RNA: characterizations, functions and mechanisms
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Anqi , Yuan Jiuzhi , Yu Yang , Lv Chongning , Lu Jincai
Published: May 2024

The functional alterations of proteins and nucleic acids mainly rely on their modifications. ADP-ribosylation is a NAD+-dependent modification of proteins and, in some cases, of nucleic acids. This modification is broadly categorized as Mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation (MARylation) or poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation). MARylation catalyzed by mono(ADP-ribosyl) transferases (MARTs) is more common in cells and the number of MARTs is much larger than poly(ADP-ribosyl) transferases. Unlike PARylation is well-characterized, research on MARylation is at the starting stage. However, growing evidence demonstrate the cellular functions of MARylation, supporting its potential roles in human health and diseases. In this review, we outlined MARylation-associated proteins including MARTs, the ADP-ribosyl hydrolyses and ADP-ribose binding domains. We summarized up-to-date findings about MARylation onto newly identified substrates including protein, DNA and RNA, and focused on the functions of these reactions in pathophysiological conditions as well as speculated the potential mechanisms. Furthermore, new strategies of MARylation detection and the current state of MARTs inhibitors were discussed. We also provided an outlook for future study, aiming to revealing the unknown biological properties of MARylation and its relevant mechanisms, and establish a novel therapeutic perspective in human diseases.
Enhancing genome editing in hPSCs through dual inhibition of DNA damage response and repair pathways
Authors: Park Ju-Chan , Kim Yun-Jeong , Hwang Gue-Ho , Kang Chan Young , Bae Sangsu , Cha Hyuk-Jin
Published: May 2024

Precise genome editing is crucial for establishing isogenic human disease models and ex vivo stem cell therapy from the patient-derived hPSCs. Unlike Cas9-mediated knock-in, cytosine base editor and prime editor achieve the desirable gene correction without inducing DNA double strand breaks. However, hPSCs possess highly active DNA repair pathways and are particularly susceptible to p53-dependent cell death. These unique characteristics impede the efficiency of gene editing in hPSCs. Here, we demonstrate that dual inhibition of p53-mediated cell death and distinct activation of the DNA damage repair system upon DNA damage by cytosine base editor or prime editor additively enhanced editing efficiency in hPSCs. The BE4stem system comprised of p53DD, a dominant negative p53, and three UNG inhibitor, engineered to specifically diminish base excision repair, improves cytosine base editor efficiency in hPSCs. Addition of dominant negative MLH1 to inhibit mismatch repair activity and p53DD in the conventional prime editor system also significantly enhances prime editor efficiency in hPSCs. Thus, combined inhibition of the distinct cellular cascades engaged in hPSCs upon gene editing could significantly enhance precise genome editing in these cells.
Cavity-enhanced photon indistinguishability at room temperature and telecom wavelengths
Authors: Husel Lukas , Trapp Julian , Scherzer Johannes , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Peng , Fortner Jacob , Nutz Manuel , Hümmer Thomas , Polovnikov Borislav , Förg Michael , Hunger David , Wang YuHuang , Högele Alexander
Published: May 2024

Indistinguishable single photons in the telecom-bandwidth of optical fibers are indispensable for long-distance quantum communication. Solid-state single photon emitters have achieved excellent performance in key benchmarks, however, the demonstration of indistinguishability at room-temperature remains a major challenge. Here, we report room-temperature photon indistinguishability at telecom wavelengths from individual nanotube defects in a fiber-based microcavity operated in the regime of incoherent good cavity-coupling. The efficiency of the coupled system outperforms spectral or temporal filtering, and the photon indistinguishability is increased by more than two orders of magnitude compared to the free-space limit. Our results highlight a promising strategy to attain optimized non-classical light sources.
Coherent optical coupling to surface acoustic wave devices
Authors: Iyer Arjun , Kandel Yadav P. , Xu Wendao , Nichol John M. , Renninger William H.
Published: May 2024

Surface acoustic waves (SAW) and associated devices are ideal for sensing, metrology, and hybrid quantum devices. While the advances demonstrated to date are largely based on electromechanical coupling, a robust and customizable coherent optical coupling would unlock mature and powerful cavity optomechanical control techniques and an efficient optical pathway for long-distance quantum links. Here we demonstrate direct and robust coherent optical coupling to Gaussian surface acoustic wave cavities with small mode volumes and high quality factors (>105 measured here) through a Brillouin-like optomechanical interaction. High-frequency SAW cavities designed with curved metallic acoustic reflectors deposited on crystalline substrates are efficiently optically accessed along piezo-active directions, as well as non-piezo-active (electromechanically inaccessible) directions. The precise optical technique uniquely enables controlled analysis of dissipation mechanisms as well as detailed transverse spatial mode spectroscopy. These advantages combined with simple fabrication, large power handling, and strong coupling to quantum systems make SAW optomechanical platforms particularly attractive for sensing, material science, and hybrid quantum systems.
An integrated multi-omics approach reveals polymethoxylated flavonoid biosynthesis in Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis
Authors: Wen Jiawen , Wang Yayu , Lu Xu , Pan Huimin , Jin Dian , Wen Jialing , Jin Canzhi , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Su Jianmu , Luo Xinyue , Jin Xiaohuan , Zhao Jiao , Wu Hong , Liu E-Hu , Liu Huan
Published: May 2024

Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis (CRC) is an important medicinal plant, its dried mature peels named “Guangchenpi”, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat cough, indigestion, and lung diseases for several hundred years. However, the biosynthesis of the crucial natural products polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) in CRC remains unclear. Here, we report a chromosome-scale genome assembly of CRC with the size of 314.96 Mb and a contig N50 of 16.22 Mb. Using multi-omics resources, we discover a putative caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (CcOMT1) that can transfer a methyl group to the 3-hydroxyl of natsudaidain to form 3,5,6,7,8,3’,4’-heptamethoxyflavone (HPMF). Based on transient overexpression and virus-induced gene silencing experiments, we propose that CcOMT1 is a candidate enzyme in HPMF biosynthesis. In addition, a potential gene regulatory network associated with PMF biosynthesis is identified. This study provides insights into PMF biosynthesis and may assist future research on mining genes for the biosynthesis of plant-based medicines.