bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Automatic Method for Detection and Naive Classification of the Martian Ionospheric Irregularities
Authors: Wan Xin , Zhong Jiahao , Hao Yongqiang , Cao Yutian , Cui Jun , Xiong Chao , Wang Hui , Liu Yiwen , Kuai Jiawei , Li Qiaoling
Published: March 2024

The abundant observations and research established a detailed category of the terrestrial ionospheric irregularities, which significantly advanced our understanding of how the Earth system's complicated physical and chemical process generates the intermediate‐scale structures of the charged particles. Motivated by a future attempt at categorizing the Martian ionospheric irregularity, this study designs a method for naive classification of the plasma density depletion, enhancement, and oscillation based on the in situ measurements of the Martian ionosphere. The technique consists of several procedures: trend estimation, detrending and candidate extraction, and parameterization. The classification is achieved through a machine‐learning‐like process using some testing artificial density profiles. A preliminary credence test shows a good performance in separating the terrestrial low‐latitude Equatorial Plasma bubble (depletion) and mid‐latitude Median‐scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance (oscillation). Another detection experiment of the Martian plasma depletion events (collected by Basuvaraj et al. (2022a, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022je007302)) showed a recall rate (i.e., true positive) of 38% but with a high precision of 67.8%. Therefore, we believe the proposed method could convincingly extract different Martian ionospheric irregularities and help uncover the climatological characteristics in the future.
Impact of the Eurasian Zonal Circulation on the Interannual Variability of Winter Surface Air Temperature and Subseasonal Temperature Reversal in North China
Authors: Chen Zhen , Xue Xin , Liu Yingying , Wu Yanxing , Cai Zijiong , Cui Zhenyuan , Liu Run
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the interannual variability of winter mean surface air temperature (SAT) and subseasonal SAT reversal in North China, which have profound impacts on national life and economic activities. The analysis explores the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of these variations and their relationship with the Eurasian Zonal Circulation (EZ). The findings reveal distinct interdecadal changes in North China’s winter mean SAT, along with a general subseasonal reversal of cold and warm conditions. In comparison to the North Atlantic oscillation/Arctic Oscillation, the EZ has a more significant influence on the interannual variability of winter and subseasonal reversals. Strong EZ years are associated with the weakening of the Siberian High and the Ural Blocking High, causing the East Asian Trough to move eastward, which leads to the retention of cold air from the north and increased SAT in North China. Conversely, weak EZ years exhibit opposite circulation patterns. The winter mean EZ is influenced by preceding autumn Arctic sea ice concentrations (SIC). Reduced autumn SIC results in decreased heat flux and reduced eddy energy, leading to substantial attenuation of the winter storm track across Scandinavia and Western Asia. This attenuation, mediated through the interaction between eddies and mean flow, triggers a slowdown of Eurasian zonal circulation and intensification of the Siberian High. These conditions favor a positive phase of the winter Scandinavia pattern, facilitating the transport of cold Arctic air into North China. Likewise, subseasonal reversals in SIC influence corresponding alterations in the EZ.
20th Century Changes of DOC and Its 14C Signature Archived in Caucasus Ice‐Core: Implications for Past Sources of Organic Carbon Aerosol in South‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Legrand Michel , Preunkert Susanne , Kutuzov Stanislav , Siour Guillaume , Mikhalenko Vladimir , Dolgova Ekaterina , Friedrich Ronny
Published: March 2024

To reconstruct the history of organic carbon (OC) aerosol over south‐eastern Europe, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its 14C signature (DO14C) were investigated along an ice core drilled at the Mount Elbrus (ELB) in Caucasus. In summer, compared to pre‐1945 levels, the DOC concentrations increased by 45% after 1960, the mean DO14C depletion in recent ELB ice relative to atmospheric 14CO2 of 32% being attributed to fossil‐fuel sources. DO14C content of ice deposited during the bomb‐peak era (1955–1980) closely followed atmospheric 14CO2 changes caused by atmospheric nuclear tests, suggesting the living biosphere as the main biogenic source of DOC in summer in this region. ELB data contrast with those previously obtained in summer Alpine (western Europe) ice in which a post‐1950 doubling of DOC was observed and attributed to enhanced emissions of organic compounds from vegetation in France. This regional difference is discussed with respect to changes of biogenic organic compound emissions in response to past change of use‐land and global warming. ELB data document, for the first time, changes of DOC and DO14C in winter mountain ice showing an increase by 44% of DOC levels associated with a 14C signature being 47% lower than that of atmospheric 14CO2 in ELB ice deposited after 1960. The 14C winter ELB ice record followed atmospheric 14CO2 changes with a delay of ∼3 years, suggesting that remaining emissions from the living biosphere, together with a small contribution from wood burning, are the main biogenic sources of DOC in winter in this region.
Characterization of the Ionospheric Vertical Error Correlation Lengths Based on Global Ionosonde Observations
Authors: Yuan L. , Kodikara Timothy , Hoque M. M.
Published: March 2024

Data assimilation is one of the most important approaches to monitoring the variations of ionospheric electron densities. The construction of the background error covariance matrix is an important component of ionospheric data assimilations. To construct the background error covariance matrix, the information about the spatial ionospheric correlations is required. We present a statistical analysis on the ionospheric vertical error correlation length (VCL) based on a global network of ionosondes and the Neustrelitz Electron Density Model. We show that the locally derived VCL is well‐defined and the VCL does not show a considerable dependency on the geographical seasons while local time dependencies of the VCL are shown to be present. A novel VCL model is also established based on the ionospheric scale heights. We show that the ionospheric VCL can be characterized by the variance ratio between the ionosphere model and ionospheric measurements. The altitudinal variations of VCLs are controlled by the interactions between the inherent VCLs of the ionosphere model and the measurements. Two experiments are conducted at two different latitudes based on the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model is stable and well‐correlated with the observed VCLs, which implies a potential to be generalized for a global correlation model. The proposed model can be used in the temporal evolution of error covariance matrices in the ionospheric 4D‐Variational (4D‐Var) assimilations, which may overcome the main drawbacks of the static error covariance specifications in the ionospheric 4D‐Var assimilations.
Bridging the gap between omics research and dental practice
Authors: Kabbashi S. , Roomaney IA. , Chetty M.
Published: March 2024

Aim

The burgeoning field of omics research has witnessed exponential growth in both medicine and dentistry. However, despite more than a decade of advancements, clinical dentistry, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), has seen limited progress in integrating omics-based approaches into routine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the integration of omics approaches in dentistry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for translating research findings into clinical practice.

Methods

we conducted a literature review using key databases to provide a brief overview of the history of genomics in dentistry. Additionally, we summarised recent breakthroughs in omics relevant to oral health practitioners, emphasising the inadequate translation of omics research into clinical practice.

Results

Despite significant growth in omics research in both medicine and dentistry, its translation into routine clinical practice in dentistry remains limited. We summarise recent breakthroughs in omics and highlight the gap between research advancements and clinical implementation.

Discussion and conclusion

The integration of omics approaches holds promise for enhancing diagnostics, personalised treatment strategies, and preventive measures in dental practice, ushering in a new era of precision oral healthcare. However, several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, cost-effectiveness, and education gaps, hinder the widespread adoption of omics-based approaches in clinical dentistry. A strong commitment to transforming dentistry is required to embrace this transition. This shift has the potential to revolutionise oral healthcare by advancing precision diagnostics and treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
Frontier knowledge and future directions of programmed cell death in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fei Cao , Zhen Xu , Shiqiang Zhang , Jun Pang
Published: March 2024

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common renal malignancies of the urinary system. Patient outcomes are relatively poor due to the lack of early diagnostic markers and resistance to existing treatment options. Programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis, is a highly regulated and orchestrated form of cell death that occurs ubiquitously throughout various physiological processes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and the balance of cellular activities. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus targeted therapies is the first-line therapy to advanced RCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) targeted CTLA-4 and PD-1 have been demonstrated to prompt tumor cell death by immunogenic cell death. Literatures on the rationale of VEGFR inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors to suppress RCC also implicate autophagic, apoptosis and ferroptosis. Accordingly, investigations of cell death modes have important implications for the improvement of existing treatment modalities and the proposal of new therapies for RCC. At present, the novel modes of cell death in renal cancer include ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, netotic cell death, cuproptosis, lysosomal-dependent cell death, autophagy-dependent cell death and mpt-driven necrosis, all of which belong to programmed cell death. In this review, we briefly describe the classification of cell death, and discuss the interactions and development between ccRCC and these novel forms of cell death, with a focus on ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, and apoptosis, in an effort to present the theoretical underpinnings and research possibilities for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of ccRCC.
Mapping crossover events of mouse meiotic recombination by restriction fragment ligation-based Refresh-seq
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Yijun , Gao Junpeng , Xie Haoling , Guo Yuqing , Yang Jingwei , Liu Jun’e , Chen Zonggui , Li Qingqing , Li Mengyao , Ren Jie , Wen Lu , Tang Fuchou
Published: March 2024

Single-cell whole-genome sequencing methods have undergone great improvements over the past decade. However, allele dropout, which means the inability to detect both alleles simultaneously in an individual diploid cell, largely restricts the application of these methods particularly for medical applications. Here, we develop a new single-cell whole-genome sequencing method based on third-generation sequencing (TGS) platform named Refresh-seq (restriction fragment ligation-based genome amplification and TGS). It is based on restriction endonuclease cutting and ligation strategy in which two alleles in an individual cell can be cut into equal fragments and tend to be amplified simultaneously. As a new single-cell long-read genome sequencing method, Refresh-seq features much lower allele dropout rate compared with SMOOTH-seq. Furthermore, we apply Refresh-seq to 688 sperm cells and 272 female haploid cells (secondary polar bodies and parthenogenetic oocytes) from F1 hybrid mice. We acquire high-resolution genetic map of mouse meiosis recombination at low sequencing depth and reveal the sexual dimorphism in meiotic crossovers. We also phase the structure variations (deletions and insertions) in sperm cells and female haploid cells with high precision. Refresh-seq shows great performance in screening aneuploid sperm cells and oocytes due to the low allele dropout rate and has great potential for medical applications such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Genetic overlap between schizophrenia and cognitive performance
Authors: Zhang Jianfei , Qiu Hao , Zhao Qiyu , Liao Chongjian , Guoli Yuxuan , Luo Qi , Zhao Guoshu , Zhang Nannan , Wang Shaoying , Zhang Zhihui , Lei Minghuan , Liu Feng , Peng Yanmin
Published: March 2024

Schizophrenia (SCZ), a highly heritable mental disorder, is characterized by cognitive impairment, yet the extent of the shared genetic basis between schizophrenia and cognitive performance (CP) remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to explore the polygenic overlap between SCZ and CP. Specifically, the bivariate causal mixture model (MiXeR) was employed to estimate the extent of genetic overlap between SCZ (n = 130,644) and CP (n = 257,841), and conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) approach was used to identify shared genetic loci. Subsequently, functional annotation and enrichment analysis were carried out on the identified genomic loci. The MiXeR analyses revealed that 9.6 K genetic variants are associated with SCZ and 10.9 K genetic variants for CP, of which 9.5 K variants are shared between these two traits (Dice coefficient = 92.8%). By employing conjFDR, 236 loci were identified jointly associated with SCZ and CP, of which 139 were novel for the two traits. Within these shared loci, 60 exhibited consistent effect directions, while 176 had opposite effect directions. Functional annotation analysis indicated that the shared genetic loci were mainly located in intronic and intergenic regions, and were found to be involved in relevant biological processes such as nervous system development, multicellular organism development, and generation of neurons. Together, our findings provide insights into the shared genetic architecture between SCZ and CP, suggesting common pathways and mechanisms contributing to both traits.
Oxygen production from dissociation of Europa’s water-ice surface
Authors: Szalay J. R. , Allegrini F. , Ebert R. W. , Bagenal F. , Bolton S. J. , Fatemi S. , McComas D. J. , Pontoni A. , Saur J. , Smith H. T. , Strobel D. F. , Vance S. D. , Vorburger A. , Wilson R. J.
Published: March 2024

Jupiter’s moon Europa has a predominantly water-ice surface that is modified by exposure to its space environment. Charged particles break molecular bonds in surface ice, thus dissociating the water to ultimately produce H2 and O2, which provides a potential oxygenation mechanism for Europa’s subsurface ocean. These species are understood to form Europa’s primary atmospheric constituents. Although remote observations provide important global constraints on Europa’s atmosphere, the molecular O2 abundance has been inferred from atomic O emissions. Europa’s atmospheric composition had never been directly sampled and model-derived oxygen production estimates ranged over several orders of magnitude. Here, we report direct observations of H2+ and O2+ pickup ions from the dissociation of Europa’s water-ice surface and confirm these species are primary atmospheric constituents. In contrast to expectations, we find the H2 neutral atmosphere is dominated by a non-thermal, escaping population. We find 12 ± 6 kg s−1 (2.2 ± 1.2 × 1026 s−1) O2 are produced within Europa’s surface, less than previously thought, with a narrower range to support habitability in Europa’s ocean. This process is found to be Europa’s dominant exogenic surface erosion mechanism over meteoroid bombardment.
A dataset of recorded electricity outages by United States county 2014–2022
Authors: Brelsford Christa , Tennille Sarah , Myers Aaron , Chinthavali Supriya , Tansakul Varisara , Denman Matthew , Coletti Mark , Grant Joshua , Lee Sangkeun , Allen Karl , Johnson Evelyn , Huihui Jonathan , Hamaker Alec , Newby Scott , Medlen Kyle , Maguire Dakotah , Dunivan Stahl Chelsey , Moehl Jessica , Redmon Daniel , Sanyal Jibonananda , Bhaduri Budhendra
Published: March 2024

In this Data Descriptor, we present county-level electricity outage estimates at 15-minute intervals from 2014 to 2022. By 2022 92% of customers in the 50 US States, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico are represented. These data have been produced by the Environment for Analysis of Geo-Located Energy Information (EAGLE-ITM), a geographic information system and data visualization platform created at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to map the population experiencing electricity outages every 15 minutes at the county level. Although these data do not cover every US customer, they represent the most comprehensive outage information ever compiled for the United States. The rate of coverage increases through time between 2014 and 2022. We present a quantitative Data Quality Index for these data for the years 2018–2022 to demonstrate temporal changes in customer coverage rates by FEMA region and indicators of data collection gaps or other errors.
Subjective feelings associated with expectations and rewards during risky decision-making in impulse control disorder
Authors: Liebenow Brittany , Jiang Angela , DiMarco Emily K. , Sands L. Paul , Moya-Mendez Mary , Laxton Adrian W. , Siddiqui Mustafa S. , ul Haq Ihtsham , Kishida Kenneth T.
Published: March 2024

Impulse Control Disorder (ICD) in Parkinson’s disease is a behavioral addiction induced by dopaminergic therapies, but otherwise unclear etiology. The current study investigates the interaction of reward processing variables, dopaminergic therapy, and risky decision-making and subjective feelings in patients with versus without ICD. Patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 12) ICD performed a risky decision-making task both ‘on’ and ‘off’ standard-of-care dopaminergic therapies (the task was performed on 2 different days with the order of on and off visits randomized for each patient). During each trial of the task, participants choose between two options, a gamble or a certain reward, and reported how they felt about decision outcomes. Subjective feelings of ‘pleasure’ are differentially driven by expectations of possible outcomes in patients with, versus without ICD. While off medication, the influence of expectations about risky-decisions on subjective feelings is reduced in patients with ICD versus without ICD. While on medication, the influence of expected outcomes in patients with ICD versus without ICD becomes similar. Computational modeling of behavior supports the idea that latent decision-making factors drive subjective feelings in patients with Parkinson’s disease and that ICD status is associated with a change in the relationship between factors associated with risky behavior and subjective feelings about the experienced outcomes. Our results also suggest that dopaminergic medications modulate the impact expectations have on the participants' subjective reports. Altogether our results suggest that expectations about risky decisions may be decoupled from subjective feelings in patients with ICD, and that dopaminergic medications may reengage these circuits and increase emotional reactivity in patients with ICD.
Effects of exercise combined with cervicothoracic spine self-mobilization on chronic non-specific neck pain
Authors: Sun Ximei , Chai Liangwei , Huang Qiuyu , Zhou Hua , Liu Hua
Published: March 2024

To investigate the short-term effects and differences between exercise alone and exercise combined with self-mobilization training on chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP). Thirty subjects who met the criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to the exercise training group, the exercise combined with cervical self-mobilization training group (ECCM), and the exercise combined with cervicothoracic self-mobilization training group (ECCTM). The exercise training group received 6 weeks of deep neck flexor under biofeedback and scapular stability training, and the other two groups received 6 weeks of cervical self-mobilization and cervicothoracic self-mobilization, respectively, in addition to exercise training. Neck pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability, strength and endurance of deep neck flexor and quality of life were assessed before and after 6 weeks of training. The study results showed that all the three training programs for 6 weeks increased the strength and endurance of deep neck flexor, increased cervical ROM, reduced pain, and improved neck function (P < 0.05). The exercise combined with self-mobilization two groups compared with only the exercise training group had better improvement in ROM of extension, lateral flexion, rotation and quality of life (P < 0.05). Compared with exercise alone and exercise combined with cervical self-mobilization training, the exercise combined with cervicothoracic self-mobilization training was the best in improving ROM of right lateral flexion (exercise training group vs ECCTM: P < 0.01, d = 1.61, ECCM vs ECCTM: P < 0.05, d = 1.14) and pain (exercise training group vs ECCTM: P < 0.05, d = 1.34, ECCM vs ECCTM: P < 0.05, d = 1.23). Deep flexor muscle and shoulder stability training can improve the endurance and strength of the deep flexor muscles of the neck and coordinate the movement patterns of the shoulder and neck. Self-mobilization techniques can promote improvements in cervical lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, alleviate neck disability and further improve quality of life. A combination of exercise and cervicothoracic self-mobilization training appears beneficial for the management of neck pain.
Dynamics of a diffusive model for cancer stem cells with time delay in microRNA-differentiated cancer cell interactions and radiotherapy effects
Authors: Essongo Frank Eric , Mvogo Alain , Ben-Bolie Germain Hubert
Published: March 2024

Understand the dynamics of cancer stem cells (CSCs), prevent the non-recurrence of cancers and develop therapeutic strategies to destroy both cancer cells and CSCs remain a challenge topic. In this paper, we study both analytically and numerically the dynamics of CSCs under radiotherapy effects. The dynamical model takes into account the diffusion of cells, the de-differentiation (or plasticity) mechanism of differentiated cancer cells (DCs) and the time delay on the interaction between microRNAs molecules (microRNAs) with DCs. The stability of the model system is studied by using a Hopf bifurcation analysis. We mainly investigate on the critical time delay $$\tau _{c}$$

τ
c

, that represents the time for DCs to transform into CSCs after the interaction of microRNAs with DCs. Using the system parameters, we calculate the value of $$\tau _{c}$$

τ
c

for prostate, lung and breast cancers. To confirm the analytical predictions, the numerical simulations are performed and show the formation of spatiotemporal circular patterns. Such patterns have been found as promising diagnostic and therapeutic value in management of cancer and various diseases. The radiotherapy is applied in the particular case of prostate model. We calculate the optimum dose of radiation and determine the probability of avoiding local cancer recurrence after radiotherapy treatment. We find numerically a complete eradication of patterns when the radiotherapy is applied before a time $$t < \tau _{c}$$

t
<

τ
c

. This scenario induces microRNAs to act as suppressors as experimentally observed in prostate cancer. The results obtained in this paper will provide a better concept for the clinicians and oncologists to understand the complex dynamics of CSCs and to design more efficacious therapeutic strategies to prevent the non-recurrence of cancers.
A novel tumor-associated neutrophil gene signature for predicting prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, and therapeutic response in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jianyou , Wang Xinbo , Zhang Zhonglai , Ma Fuyi , Wang Feng
Published: March 2024

Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can promote tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the molecular signature that predict the prognosis and immune response of breast cancer (BRCA) based on TAN-related gene (TANRG) expression data. The RNA-seq data of BRCA were gathered from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator for selecting prognostic genes. A neo-TAN-related risk signature was constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to validate the signature in GEO cohorts and the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. We constructed an independent prognostic factor model with 11 TANRGs. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the TCGA training cohorts for 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival were 0.72, 0.73, and 0.73, respectively. The AUCs of the GEO test cohorts for 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival were 0.83, 0.89, and 0.94 (GSE25066) and 0.67, 0.69, and 0.73 (GSE58812), respectively. The proportion of immune subtypes differed among the different risk groups. The IC50 values differed significantly between risk groups and can be used as a guide for systemic therapy. The prognostic model developed by TANRGs has excellent predictive performance in BRCA patients. In addition, this feature is closely related to the prediction of survival, immune activity and treatment response in BRCA patients.
Secular trend in age at menarche among Indian women
Authors: Meher Trupti , Sahoo Harihar
Published: March 2024

Age at menarche is not only a parameter that signifies biological characteristics for women but is also considered as an indicator to measure the quality of life of a population. Moreover, menarche has significant implications on women’s health and information about menarcheal age is crucial for health policymakers. However, little is known about the trends in menarcheal age in India. Thus, in order to fill this research gap, the present study aimed to explore the age at menarche, its trend and regional heterogeneity among Indian women. A birth cohort approach was used by polling data from the 1st (1992–93), 4th (2015–16) and 5th (2019–21) rounds of NFHS. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed to present the distribution of age at menarche and mean age at menarche across birth cohorts and each category of covariates. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to examine the trend in age at menarche and further to investigate the association of covariates with menarcheal age among Indian women. The analysis demonstrated that a majority of women (66.2%) attained menarche between the ages of 13–14 years. Moreover, about 17.2% of women experienced an early age at menarche, whereas 16.7% of women had a late age at menarche. The mean age at menarche for the sampled women was 13.49 years. The analysis also observed a secular declining trend in menarcheal age among Indian women and a significant variation in the mean age at menarche across birth cohorts. It also highlighted significant socio-economic patterning in menarcheal age among women.
Long-term outcome of uniport vs. multiport video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Ruan Yingding , Cao Wenjun , Xue Hongsheng , You Maoduan , Zhao Zhilong
Published: March 2024

This study aims to compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of U-VATS lobectomy for NSCLC with multiportal VATS (M-VATS, involving two ports or more) lobectomy. A total of 339 patients who underwent intentional VATS lobectomy for lung cancer between 2012 and 2017 were included in the analysis. Perioperative outcomes and long-term survival were evaluated. Propensity score matching was utilized to minimize baseline characteristic differences between the two groups. Out of the total cases, 17 (5.01%) were converted to open thoracotomy. The conversion rates were 4.96% (7/141) in the U-VATS group and 5.05% (10/198) in the M-VATS group. A total of 322 consecutive patients underwent VATS lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. After propensity matching, 106 pairs were obtained, consisting of 83 males and 129 females. Intraoperative bleeding volume, number of retrieved lymph nodes, explored nodal stations, drainage time and volume, and postoperative hospital stay were similar between the two groups. Both groups exhibited comparable morbidity and mortality rates. From the multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference observed in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two patient cohorts. U-VATS demonstrated comparable perioperative outcomes and long-term efficacy to M-VATS. However, further confirmation of these findings is required.
Comparison of the CASA and InVEST models’ effects for estimating spatiotemporal differences in carbon storage of green spaces in megacities
Authors: Wang Ruei-Yuan , Mo Xueying , Ji Hong , Zhu Zhe , Wang Yun-Shang , Bao Zhilin , Li Taohui
Published: March 2024

Urban green space is a direct way to improve the carbon sink capacity of urban ecosystems. The carbon storage assessment of megacity green spaces is of great significance to the service function of urban ecosystems and the management of urban carbon zoning in the future. Based on multi-period remote sensing image data, this paper used the CASA model and the InVEST model to analyze the spatio-temporal variation and driving mechanism of carbon storage in Shenzhen green space and discussed the applicability of the two models to the estimation of carbon storage in urban green space. The research results showed that, from 2008 to 2022, in addition to the rapid expansion of construction land, the area of green space and other land types in Shenzhen showed a significant decrease trend. The estimation results of the carbon storage model showed that the carbon storage of green space shows a significant trend of reduction from 2008 to 2022, and the reduction amounts are 0.8 × 106 t (CASA model) and 0.64 × 106 t (InVEST model), respectively. The evaluation results of the model show that, in megacities, the spatial applicability of InVEST model is lower than that of CASA model, and the CASA model is more accurate in estimating the carbon storage of urban green space. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the assessment of the carbon sink capacity of megacity ecosystems with the goal of "dual carbon".
Effects of acute phase intensive electrical muscle stimulation in COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation: an observational case-control study
Authors: Tsuchikawa Yohei , Tanaka Shinya , Kasugai Daisuke , Nakagawa Riko , Shimizu Miho , Inoue Takayuki , Nagaya Motoki , Nasu Takafumi , Omote Norihito , Higashi Michiko , Yamamoto Takanori , Jingushi Naruhiro , Numaguchi Atsushi , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: March 2024

We investigated the effects of acute-phase intensive electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on physical function in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consecutive COVID-19 patients requiring IMV admitted to a university hospital ICU between January and April 2022 (EMS therapy group) or between March and September 2021 (age-matched historical control group) were included in this retrospective observational case–control study. EMS was applied to both upper and lower limb muscles for up to 2 weeks in the EMS therapy group. The study population consisted of 16 patients undergoing EMS therapy and 16 age-matched historical controls (median age, 71 years; 81.2% male). The mean period until initiation of EMS therapy after ICU admission was 3.2 ± 1.4 days. The EMS therapy group completed a mean of 6.2 ± 3.7 EMS sessions, and no adverse events occurred. There were no significant differences between the two groups in Medical Research Council sum score (51 vs. 53 points, respectively; P = 0.439) or ICU mobility scale at ICU discharge. Addition of upper and lower limb muscle EMS therapy to an early rehabilitation program did not result in improved physical function at ICU discharge in severe COVID-19 patients.
Relative contributions of taxonomic and functional diversity to the assembly of plant communities hosting endemic Dianthus species in a mountain steppe
Authors: Behroozian Maryam , Pierce Simon , Ejtehadi Hamid , Memariani Farshid , Rafiee Fahime , Joharchi Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Plant community assembly is the outcome of long-term evolutionary events (evident as taxonomic diversity; TD) and immediate adaptive fitness (functional diversity; FD); a balance expected to shift in favour of FD in ‘harsh’ habitats under intense selection pressures. We compared TD and FD responses along climatic and edaphic gradients for communities of two species (Dianthus pseudocrinitus and D. polylepis) endemic to the montane steppes of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province, NE Iran. 75 plots at 15 sites were used to relate TD and FD to environmental gradients. In general, greater TD was associated with variation in soil factors (potassium, lime, organic matter contents), whereas FD was constrained by aridity (drought adaptation). Crucially, even plant communities hosting different subspecies of D. polylepis responded differently to aridity: D. polylepis subsp. binaludensis communities included a variety of broadly stress-tolerant taxa with no clear environmental response, but TD of D. polylepis subsp. polylepis communities was directly related to precipitation, with consistently low FD reflecting a few highly specialized stress-tolerators. Integrating taxonomic and functional diversity metrics is essential to understand the communities hosting even extremely closely related taxa, which respond idiosyncratically to climate and soil gradients.
Hazardous heat exposure among incarcerated people in the United States
Authors: Tuholske Cascade , Lynch Victoria D. , Spriggs Raenita , Ahn Yoonjung , Raymond Colin , Nigra Anne E. , Parks Robbie M.
Published: March 2024

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of potentially hazardous heat conditions across the United States, putting the incarcerated population of 2 million at risk for heat-related health conditions. We evaluate the exposure to potentially hazardous heat for 4,078 continental US carceral facilities during 1982–2020. Results show that the number of hot days per year increased during 1982–2020 for 1,739 carceral facilities, primarily located in the southern United States. State-run carceral facilities in Texas and Florida accounted for 52% of total exposure, despite holding 12% of all incarcerated people. This highlights the urgency for enhanced infrastructure, health system interventions and treatment of incarcerated people, especially under climate change.
Genetic algorithm-enhanced microcomb state generation
Authors: Mazoukh Celine , Di Lauro Luigi , Alamgir Imtiaz , Fischer Bennet , Perron Nicolas , Aadhi A. , Eshaghi Armaghan , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T. , Moss David J. , Morandotti Roberto
Published: March 2024

Microcavities enable the generation of highly efficient microcombs, which find applications in various domains, such as high-precision metrology, sensing, and telecommunications. Such applications generally require precise control over the spectral features of the microcombs, such as free spectral range, spectral envelope, and bandwidth. Most existing methods for customizing microcomb still rely on manual exploration of a large parameter space, often lacking practicality and versatility. In this work, we propose a smart approach that employs genetic algorithms to autonomously optimize the parameters for generating and tailoring stable microcombs. Our scheme controls optical parametric oscillation in a microring resonator to achieve broadband microcombs spanning the entire telecommunication C-band. The high flexibility of our approach allows us to obtain complex microcomb spectral envelopes corresponding to various operation regimes, with the potential to be directly adapted to different microcavity geometries and materials. Our work provides a robust and effective solution for targeted soliton crystal and multi-soliton state generation, with future potential for next-generation telecommunication applications and artificial intelligence-assisted data processing.
A phase diagram structure determines the optimal sensitivity-precision trade-off in signaling systems
Authors: Kong Ka Kit , Luo Chunxiong , Liu Feng
Published: March 2024

Signal transduction is crucial for many biological functions. However, it is still unclear how signaling systems function accurately under noisy situations. More specifically, such systems operate in a regime of low response noise, while maintaining high sensitivity to signals. To gain further insight on this regime, here we derive a fundamental trade-off between response sensitivity and precision in biological signaling processes under the static noise condition. We find that the optimal trade-off in signaling networks can be better characterized by a phase diagram structure rather than topological structures. We confirm that the patterning network of early Drosophila embryos agrees with our derived relationship, and apply the optimal phase diagram structure to quantitatively predict the patterning position shifts of the downstream genes, including hunchback, Krüppel, giant, knirps and even-skipped, upon the dosage perturbation of the morphogen Bicoid.
Neuron–astrocyte metabolic coupling facilitates spinal plasticity and maintenance of inflammatory pain
Authors: Marty-Lombardi Sebastián , Lu Shiying , Ambroziak Wojciech , Schrenk-Siemens Katrin , Wang Jialin , DePaoli-Roach Anna A. , Hagenston Anna M. , Wende Hagen , Tappe-Theodor Anke , Simonetti Manuela , Bading Hilmar , Okun Jürgen G. , Kuner Rohini , Fleming Thomas , Siemens Jan
Published: March 2024

Long-lasting pain stimuli can trigger maladaptive changes in the spinal cord, reminiscent of plasticity associated with memory formation. Metabolic coupling between astrocytes and neurons has been implicated in neuronal plasticity and memory formation in the central nervous system, but neither its involvement in pathological pain nor in spinal plasticity has been tested. Here we report a form of neuroglia signalling involving spinal astrocytic glycogen dynamics triggered by persistent noxious stimulation via upregulation of the Protein Targeting to Glycogen (PTG) in spinal astrocytes. PTG drove glycogen build-up in astrocytes, and blunting glycogen accumulation and turnover by Ptg gene deletion reduced pain-related behaviours and promoted faster recovery by shortening pain maintenance in mice. Furthermore, mechanistic analyses revealed that glycogen dynamics is a critically required process for maintenance of pain by facilitating neuronal plasticity in spinal lamina 1 neurons. In summary, our study describes a previously unappreciated mechanism of astrocyte–neuron metabolic communication through glycogen breakdown in the spinal cord that fuels spinal neuron hyperexcitability.
A systematic review of the methodology of trade-off analysis in agriculture
Authors: Breure Timo S. , Estrada-Carmona Natalia , Petsakos Athanasios , Gotor Elisabetta , Jansen Boris , Groot Jeroen C. J.
Published: March 2024

Trade-off analysis (TOA) is central to policy and decision-making aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural landscapes. Yet, a generic methodological framework to assess trade-offs in agriculture is absent, largely due to the wide range of research disciplines and objectives for which TOA is used. In this study, we systematically reviewed 119 studies that have implemented TOAs in landscapes and regions dominated by agricultural systems around the world. Our results highlight that TOAs tend to be unbalanced, with a strong emphasis on productivity rather than environmental and socio-cultural services. TOAs have mostly been performed at farm or regional scales, rarely considering multiple spatial scales simultaneously. Mostly, TOAs fail to include stakeholders at study development stage, disregard recommendation uncertainty due to outcome variability and overlook risks associated with the TOA outcomes. Increased attention to these aspects is critical for TOAs to guide agricultural landscapes towards sustainability.
A deep learning model of tumor cell architecture elucidates response and resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Park Sungjoon , Silva Erica , Singhal Akshat , Kelly Marcus R. , Licon Kate , Panagiotou Isabella , Fogg Catalina , Fong Samson , Lee John J. Y. , Zhao Xiaoyu , Bachelder Robin , Parker Barbara A. , Yeung Kay T. , Ideker Trey
Published: March 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) have revolutionized breast cancer therapy. However, <50% of patients have an objective response, and nearly all patients develop resistance during therapy. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we constructed an interpretable deep learning model of the response to palbociclib, a CDK4/6i, based on a reference map of multiprotein assemblies in cancer. The model identifies eight core assemblies that integrate rare and common alterations across 90 genes to stratify palbociclib-sensitive versus palbociclib-resistant cell lines. Predictions translate to patients and patient-derived xenografts, whereas single-gene biomarkers do not. Most predictive assemblies can be shown by CRISPR–Cas9 genetic disruption to regulate the CDK4/6i response. Validated assemblies relate to cell-cycle control, growth factor signaling and a histone regulatory complex that we show promotes S-phase entry through the activation of the histone modifiers KAT6A and TBL1XR1 and the transcription factor RUNX1. This study enables an integrated assessment of how a tumor’s genetic profile modulates CDK4/6i resistance.
Description of an activity-based enzyme biosensor for lung cancer detection
Authors: Dempsey Paul W. , Sandu Cristina-Mihaela , Gonzalezirias Ricardo , Hantula Spencer , Covarrubias-Zambrano Obdulia , Bossmann Stefan H. , Nagji Alykhan S. , Veeramachaneni Nirmal K. , Ermerak Nezih O. , Kocakaya Derya , Lacin Tunc , Yildizeli Bedrittin , Lilley Patrick , Wen Sara W. C. , Nederby Line , Hansen Torben F. , Hilberg Ole
Published: March 2024

Background

Lung cancer is associated with the greatest cancer mortality as it typically presents with incurable distributed disease. Biomarkers relevant to risk assessment for the detection of lung cancer continue to be a challenge because they are often not detectable during the asymptomatic curable stage of the disease. A solution to population-scale testing for lung cancer will require a combination of performance, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity.

Methods

One solution is to measure the activity of serum available enzymes that contribute to the transformation process rather than counting biomarkers. Protease enzymes modify the environment during tumor growth and present an attractive target for detection. An activity based sensor platform sensitive to active protease enzymes is presented. A panel of 18 sensors was used to measure 750 sera samples from participants at increased risk for lung cancer with or without the disease.

Results

A machine learning approach is applied to generate algorithms that detect 90% of cancer patients overall with a specificity of 82% including 90% sensitivity in Stage I when disease intervention is most effective and detection more challenging.

Conclusion

This approach is promising as a scalable, clinically useful platform to help detect patients who have lung cancer using a simple blood sample. The performance and cost profile is being pursued in studies as a platform for population wide screening.
Transcriptomics-driven metabolic pathway analysis reveals similar alterations in lipid metabolism in mouse MASH model and human
Authors: Tsouka Sofia , Kumar Pavitra , Seubnooch Patcharamon , Freiburghaus Katrin , St-Pierre Marie , Dufour Jean-François , Masoodi Mojgan
Published: March 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and can rapidly progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Accurate preclinical models and methodologies are needed to understand underlying metabolic mechanisms and develop treatment strategies. Through meta-analysis of currently proposed mouse models, we hypothesized that a diet- and chemical-induced MASH model closely resembles the observed lipid metabolism alterations in humans.

Methods

We developed transcriptomics-driven metabolic pathway analysis (TDMPA), a method to aid in the evaluation of metabolic resemblance. TDMPA uses genome-scale metabolic models to calculate enzymatic reaction perturbations from gene expression data. We performed TDMPA to score and compare metabolic pathway alterations in MASH mouse models to human MASH signatures. We used an already-established WD+CCl4-induced MASH model and performed functional assays and lipidomics to confirm TDMPA findings.

Results

Both human MASH and mouse models exhibit numerous altered metabolic pathways, including triglyceride biosynthesis, fatty acid beta-oxidation, bile acid biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. We confirm a significant reduction in mitochondrial functions and bioenergetics, as well as in acylcarnitines for the mouse model. We identify a wide range of lipid species within the most perturbed pathways predicted by TDMPA. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and bile acids are increased significantly in mouse MASH liver, confirming our initial observations.

Conclusions

We introduce TDMPA, a methodology for evaluating metabolic pathway alterations in metabolic disorders. By comparing metabolic signatures that typify human MASH, we show a good metabolic resemblance of the WD+CCl4 mouse model. Our presented approach provides a valuable tool for defining metabolic space to aid experimental design for assessing metabolism.
Strategies for monitoring and evaluation of climate change adaptation: localizing global approaches into Andean realities
Authors: Dupuits Emilie , Garcés Alexandra , Llambí Luis Daniel , Bustamante Macarena
Published: March 2024

While there is increasing progress made at the global scale on understanding climate change (CC) impacts and implementing adaptation solutions, there is still a major gap in documenting and assessing the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for CC adaptation. This is particularly challenging if we consider the diversity of local perceptions and interpretations of what CC adaptation concretely means and how to measure it. We evaluate how global approaches on M&E to CC adaptation are being localized in the design and implementation of public policies and territorial strategies for CC adaptation in the Andes in four national and local case studies in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The analysis is based on a review of the status of national programs for M&E of CC adaptation and the implementation in those countries of the project “Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in Water Resources in the Andes” (AICCA). The M&E systems in the four case studies differed widely in the way in which global M&E approaches are localized, reflecting the diversity of conceptions, goals, strategies and contexts in which adaptation is being implemented as well as power relations among actors and scales. Despite the diversity of implementation contexts and the complexity of monitoring the responses of socio-ecological systems, the M&E proposals share a focus on biophysical indicators over sociopolitical and institutional indicators. In addition, this study emphasizes the need to further implement participatory M&E systems from the community, to improve the territorial articulation of M&E proposals in the Andean region.