bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformable mathematical modeling of the COVID‐19 transmission dynamics: A more general study
Authors: Thabet Hayman , Kendre Subhash
Published: July 2023

Many challenges are still faced in bridging the gap between mathematical modeling and biological sciences. Measuring population immunity to assess the epidemiology of health and disease is a challenging task and is currently an active area of research. However, to meet these challenges, mathematical modeling is an effective technique in shaping the population dynamics that can help disease control. In this paper, we introduce a susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model and a susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered–deceased (SEIRD) model based on conformable space‐time partial differential equations (PDEs) for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. As efficient analytical tools, we present new modifications based on the fractional exponential rational function method (ERFM) and an analytical technique based on the Adomian decomposition method for obtaining the solutions for the proposed models. These analytical approaches are more efficacious for obtaining analytical solutions for nonlinear systems of PDEs with conformable derivatives. The interesting result of this paper is that it yields new exact and approximate solutions to the proposed COVID‐19 pandemic models with conformable space‐time partial derivatives.
Deep learning‐based local SAR prediction using B1 maps and structural MRI of the head for parallel transmission at 7 T
Authors: Gokyar Sayim , Zhao Chenyang , Ma Samantha J. , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To predict subject‐specific local specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions of the human head for parallel transmission (pTx) systems at 7 T.

Theory and methods

Electromagnetic energy deposition in tissues is nonuniform at 7 T, and interference patterns due to individual channels of pTx systems may result in increased local SAR values, which can only be estimated with very high safety margins. We proposed, designed, and demonstrated a multichannel 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to predict local SAR maps as well as peak‐spatial SAR (ps‐SAR) levels. We hypothesized that utilizing a three‐channel 3D CNN, in which each channel is fed by a map, a phase‐reversed map, and an MR image, would improve prediction accuracies and decrease uncertainties in the predictions. We generated 10 new head–neck body models, along with 389 3D pTx MRI data having different RF shim settings, with their B1 and local SAR maps to support efforts in this field.

Results

The proposed three‐channel 3D CNN predicted ps‐SAR10g levels with an average overestimation error of 20%, which was better than the virtual observation points–based estimation error (i.e., 152% average overestimation). The proposed method decreased prediction uncertainties over 20% (i.e., 22.5%–17.7%) compared to other methods. A safety factor of 1.20 would be enough to avoid underestimations for the dataset generated in this work.

Conclusion

Multichannel 3D CNN networks can be promising in predicting local SAR values and perform predictions within a second, making them clinically useful as an alternative to virtual observation points–based methods.
Regulating the self‐assembly of AB/CD diblock copolymer blends via secondary interactions
Authors: Xie Jiayu , Lai Chi To , Shi An‐Chang
Published: July 2023

Designed multiblock copolymers with complex architectures offer unlimited opportunities to obtain novel nanostructured phases, however, their synthesis could be challenging and expensive. An alternative approach to access desired nanostructures is to use blends of block copolymers with simple chain architectures and designed block‐block interactions. We use binary blends composed of AB and CD diblock copolymers as a model system to establish design principles of polymeric blends containing block copolymers. Specifically, we explore the phase behavior of AB/CD blends by using the polymeric self‐consistent field theory to construct phase diagrams of the blends focusing on the sphere‐forming regions in the phase space. We predict the formation of various spherical packing phases composed of either core‐shell‐structured spheres or binary spheres resembling metallic alloys. We demonstrate that the equilibrium morphology can be regulated by adjusting the blend composition and molecular parameters such as block fractions, conformational asymmetry, and segment‐segment interactions. The strategy of using secondary interaction in polymeric blends to control the phase behavior explored in the current study can also be generalized to other soft matter systems.
Enclosing control for nonholonomic mobile agents with a moving target of unknown velocity
Authors: Ju Shuang , Wang Jing , Dou Li‐Ya
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an enclosing control problem is investigated for nonholonomic mobile agents with a moving target of unknown velocity. An adaptive observer containing two internal variables is first designed for each agent to compensate for the lack of the target velocity information. One variable is designed to estimate the unknown target velocity and further its estimation error is assessed by the other internal variable to subsequently guarantee the control performance. Then using the estimated information from the adaptive observer, a dynamic control law for circular formation of nonholonomic agents around the moving target is designed by a backstepping process. The global asymptotical stability of the closed‐loop system is achieved under the proposed dynamic control law with the adaptive observer. Finally, a simulation is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Localized Phase Transformation Triggering Lattice Matching of Metal Oxide and Carbonate Hydroxide for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Yang Bixia , Jiang Xingpeng , Zheng Yanting , Zhou Linxin , Yan Jiawei , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: July 2023

Orderly heterostructured catalysts, which integrate nanomaterials of complementary structures and dimensions into single‐entity structures, have hold great promise for sustainability applications. In this work, it is showcased that air as green reagent can trigger in situ localized phase transformation and transform the metal carbonate hydroxide nanowires into ordered heterostructured catalyst. In single‐crystal nanowire heterostructure, the in situ generated and nanosized Co3O4 will be anchored in single‐crystal Co6(CO3)2(OH)8 nanowires spontaneously, triggered by the lattice matching between the (220) plane of Co3O4 and the (001) plane of Co6(CO3)2(OH)8. The lattice matching allows intimate contact at heterointerface with well‐defined orientation and strong interfacial coupling, and thus significantly expedites the transfer of photogenerated electrons from tiny Co3O4 to catalytically active Co6(CO3)2(OH)8 in single‐crystal nanowire, which elevates the catalytic efficiency of metal carbonate catalyst in the CO2 reduction reaction (VCO = 19.46 mmol g−1 h−1 and VH2 = 11.53 mmol g−1 h−1). The present findings add to the growing body of knowledge on exploiting Earth‐abundant metal‐carbonate catalysts, and demonstrate the utility of localized phase transformation in constructing advanced catalysts for energy and environmental sustainability applications.
The Third Cohomology 2-Group
Authors: Cigoli Alan S. , Mantovani Sandra , Metere Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

In this paper we show that a finite product preserving opfibration can be factorized through an opfibration with the same property, but with groupoidal fibres. If moreover the codomain is additive, one can endow each fibre of the new opfibration with a canonical symmetric 2-group structure. We then apply such factorization to the opfibration that sends a crossed extension of a group C to its corresponding C-module. The symmetric 2-group structure so obtained on the fibres, defines the third cohomology 2-group of C, with coefficients in a C-module. We show that the usual third and second cohomology groups are recovered as its homotopy invariants. Furthermore, even if all results are presented in the category of groups, their proofs are valid in any strongly protomodular semi-abelian category, once one adopts the corresponding internal notions.
Multi-echelon inventory optimization using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Geevers Kevin , van Hezewijk Lotte , Mes Martijn R. K.
Published: July 2023

This paper studies the applicability of a deep reinforcement learning approach to three different multi-echelon inventory systems, with the objective of minimizing the holding and backorder costs. First, we conduct an extensive literature review to map the current applications of reinforcement learning in multi-echelon inventory systems. Next, we apply our deep reinforcement learning method to three cases with different network structures (linear, divergent, and general structures). The linear and divergent cases are derived from literature, whereas the general case is based on a real-life manufacturer. We apply the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm, with a continuous action space, and show that it consistently outperforms the benchmark solution. It achieves an average improvement of 16.4% for the linear case, 11.3% for the divergent case, and 6.6% for the general case. We explain the limitations of our approach and propose avenues for future research.
Long-Term Impact of Historical Mining on Water Quality at Mount Lyell, Western Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Nascimento Sibele C. , Cooke David R. , Townsend Ashley T. , Davidson Garry , Parbhakar-Fox Anita , Cracknell Matthew J. , Miller Clare B.
Published: July 2023

During the twentieth century, inadequate management of mine waste at the Mount Lyell Copper Mine affected the ecology of the Queen–King Rivers and Macquarie Harbour, western Tasmania, Australia. Over the past two decades, the water quality of the river system has been measured semi-annually to investigate the long-term hydrochemical and environmental impacts caused by these historical mine practices and the waste associated with the Mount Lyell mine to the Queen–King Rivers. At sample sites below the confluence of Haulage Creek, the water pH was below pH 3.5, remaining below pH 5 across all sites to Macquarie Harbour. Local baseline rivers ranged from pH 4.0 to 8.4. Elemental concentrations of dissolved metals in water samples downstream of Haulage Creek were above the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) water quality guidelines. Copper, Fe, and Zn were not attenuated along the length of the river, with concentrations remaining elevated to the King River Delta. Mineralogical analyses demonstrated secondary minerals in sediments at Haulage Creek and pyrite concentrated at the King River Delta. Static tests on mining-affected sediments indicated risk of AMD and metal(loid) leaching in the river system. Since 2016, after flooding of the Prince Lyell mine, dissolved metal levels in the Queen–King Rivers have decreased; however, concentrations remain above guidelines. Almost three decades after legacy mine waste disposal ended, it still poses a long-term risk to the downstream environment, implying that without effective management of these historical mine wastes, the Queen–King Rivers will continue to be severely impacted.

Graphical Abstract
Growth and carbon sequestration in biomass of Cordia alliodora in Andean agroforestry systems with coffee
Authors: Andrade Hernán J. , Segura Milena A. , Suárez Juan Carlos
Published: July 2023

Timber production and carbon sequestration in trees in agroforestry systems (AFS) are key to productivity and climate change mitigation. There are no studies about dynamics of growth and carbon sequestration of Cordia alliodora during all plantation cycle. The objective of this study was to develop models for diametric growth and carbon sequestration in aboveground biomass of C. alliodora in AFS with coffee in Líbano, Tolima, Colombia. Nonlinear models of growth and carbon sequestration in aboveground biomass of C. alliodora in AFS with coffee were developed. A total of 90 trees, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years, were randomly selected in farms and measured (diameter at breast height -dbh- and total height -h) in AFS with a basal area of C. alliodora between 0.22 and 17.8 m2/ha. Timber volume and aboveground biomass were estimated with allometric models, while carbon was estimated by multiplying aboveground biomass by 0.47. The best-fit models were selected according to the coefficient of determination (R2), Akaike's information criterion (AIC), predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS), biological logic and a residual analysis. The highest growth rate of this species was reached at 4–6 years for dbh and h (3.6 cm/year and 2.9 m/year, respectively) and at 20 years for timber and carbon (0.60 m3/tree/year and 88.9 kg C/tree/year, respectively). In 20 years, a C. alliodora tree would store 1.1 Mg C and a AFS with 60 trees/ha would sequester between 260 Mg CO2/ha in aboveground biomass. The results show that C. alliodora trees could be maintained in the field for more than 20 years, thus increasing the volume per individual and carbon sequestration for a longer time. This demonstrates the importance of this species mainly when timber production and carbon sequestration are priorities for its profitability.
Beta-glucan production of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Monodopsis subterranea and Cylindrotheca fusiformis during nitrogen depletion
Authors: Frick Konstantin , Ebbing Tobias , Yeh Yen-Cheng , Schmid-Staiger Ulrike , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: July 2023

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides that can be used for different applications, for example as an immunomodulator in food or feed or for managing high cholesterol levels. Certain microalgae species use beta-glucans as energy storage, accumulating them during nutrient depletion. In this study, we examined and compared beta-glucan production during nitrogen depletion in three different algae species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Monodopsis subterranea and Cylindrotheca fusiformis, grown in artificially illuminated flat panel airlift reactors, in order to determine the most promising microalgae species for beta-glucan production. Co-products such as fatty acids (especially eicosapentaenoic acid) and the carotenoid fucoxanthin (not produced by M. subterranea) were also considered. Biomass analysis showed that P. tricornutum cultures reached a maximal beta-glucan content of 317 ± 9 mg gDW−1, M. subterranea cultures reached 188 ± 6 mg gDW−1 and C. fusiformis cultures reached 129 ± 13 mg gDW−1. Furthermore, beta-glucan production was faster in P. tricornutum cultures. However, the maximum volumetric beta-glucan concentration reached was higher in M. subterranea cultures compared to P. tricornutum cultures as M. subterranea cultures produced more biomass during nitrogen depletion. In terms of possible co-products, P. tricornutum produced fucoxanthin and EPA, whereas M. subterranea did not produce fucoxanthin. However, M. subterranea exhibited a higher EPA content, which remained above 45 mg g−1 even after several days of nitrogen depletion. Overall, our results suggest that P. tricornutum and M. subterranea are both suitable species for beta-glucan production in flat panel airlift reactors.
Psychosocial well-being in Long-Term Care in the Wake of COVID-19: Findings from a Qualitative Study in New Zealand
Authors: Frey Rosemary , Balmer Deborah
Published: July 2023

Drawing on Mason Durie’s (1985) New Zealand Whare Tapa Whā model of health (spiritual, emotional, physical, and family domains), the goal was to link a model of well-being with the lived reality for long-term care residents and bereaved family members during COVID-19. Interviews were conducted with five residents and six family members of previous residents of one long-term care in one urban centre between July and September 2020. The increased demands imposed by the pandemic highlighted the gaps in well-being for residents and families. In particular, the inability to connect with family during COVID-19 restrictions reduced perceptions of well-being for residents. Study findings indicate that the provision of well-being for older adults and families in long-term care extends beyond the narrow bounds of the biomedical model. The Whare Tapa Whā model provides a valuable framework describing the holistic balance needed between the four health domains.
Real-Time Nonlinear Control Allocation Framework for Vehicles with Highly Nonlinear Effectors Subject to Saturation
Authors: Mancinelli Alessandro , Remes Bart D. W. , De Croon Guido C. H. E. , Smeur Ewoud J. J.
Published: July 2023

Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAV are vehicles capable of take-off and landing vertically like helicopters while maintaining the long-range efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft. Unfortunately, due to their wing area, these vehicles are sensitive to wind gusts when hovering. One way to increase the hovering wind-rejection capabilities of hybrid UAV is through the addition of extra actuators capable of directing the thrust of the rotors. Nevertheless, the ability to control UAVs with many actuators is strictly related to how well the Control Allocation problem is solved. Generally, to reduce the problem complexity, conventional (CA) methods make use of linearized control effectiveness in order to optimize the inputs that achieve a certain control objective. We show that this simplification can lead to oscillations if it is applied to thrust vectoring vehicles, with pronounced non-linear actuator effectiveness. When large control objectives are requested or actuators saturate, the linearized effectiveness based CA methods tend to compute a solution far away from the initial actuator state, invalidating the linearization. A potential solution could be to impose limits on the solution domain of the linearized CA algorithm. However, this solution only reduces the oscillations at the expense of a lag in the vehicle acceleration response. To overcome this limitation, we present a fully nonlinear CA method, which uses an Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm to solve the CA problem. The method is tested and implemented on a single board computer that computes the actuator solution in real time onboard a dual axis tilting rotor quad-plane. Flight test experiments confirm the problem of severe oscillations in the linearized effectiveness CA algorithms and show how the only algorithm able to optimally solve the CA problem is the presented Nonlinear method.
Measuring Moral Injury: Further Validation of the MIES-C and EMIS-C in a Civilian Population
Authors: Morriss Margaux , Berle David
Published: July 2023

Moral injury among civilians has garnered increased recognition in recent years. However, most moral injury measures have focused on military experiences, with language being military specific. This study aimed to further validate two self-report measures of civilian moral injury, the Moral Injury Events Scale - Civilian (MIES-C) and Expressions of Moral Injury Scale - Civilian (EMIS-C). Participants were 312 adults (99 males, 212 females, Mage = 37.24) who completed the MIES-C, EMIS-C, and a battery of associated measures on two occasions. For the MIES-C, four Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) models were examined. A three-factor model, with covaried items, provided the best fit to the data. For the EMIS-C, three CFAs were examined. A two-factor model, with covaried items, and the bi-factor model provided the best fit to the data, with the two-factor model being preferred for reasons of parsimony and its absence of weak and negative item loadings. Both measures demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability and convergent validity with associated measures of psychological distress. This study provides psychometrically sound tools for clinicians and researchers of civilian moral injury.
Reinventing Patient Support and Continuity of Care Using Innovative Physician-staffed Hotline: More than 60,000 Patients Served Across 15 Medical and Surgical Specialties During the First Wave of COVID-19 Lockdown in Qatar
Authors: Arafa Mohamed , El Ansari Walid , Qasem Fadi , Al Ansari Abdulla , Al Dosari Mohammed Al Ateeq , Mukhtar Khalid , Alhabash Mohamed Ali , Awad Khalid , Al Rumaihi Khalid
Published: July 2023

Rising disease prevalence early during the COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Qatar led to stoppage of all non-emergency health care services. To maintain continuity of care and information exchanges for non-emergency patients, a physician-operated telephone hotline was set up that involved triage followed by immediate consultation with a specialized physician. We describe the initiation and evaluate the operations of the Urgent Consultation Centre (UCC) hotline manned by 150 physicians and aimed at urgent non-life-threatening consultations at Hamad Medical Corporation, the public health provider in Qatar. UCC established a hotline to triage inbound patient calls related to 15 medical and surgical specialties. For calls between April-August 2020, we describe call volume, distribution by specialty, outcomes, performance of UCC team, as well as demographics of callers. During the study period, UCC received 60229 calls (average 394 calls/day) from Qatari nationals (38%) and expatriates (62%). Maximum total daily calls peaked at 1670 calls on June 14, 2020. Call volumes were the highest from 9 AM to 2 PM. Response rate varied from 89% to 100%. After an initial telephone triage, calls were most often related to and thus directed to internal medicine (24.61%) and geriatrics (11.97%), while the least percentage of calls were for pain management and oncology/hematology (around 2% for each). By outcome of consultation, repeat prescriptions were provided for 60% of calls, new prescriptions (15%), while referrals were to outpatient department (17%), emergency department/pediatric emergency center (5%), and primary health care centres (3%). We conclude that during a pandemic, physician-staffed telephone hotline is feasible and can be employed in innovative ways to conserve medical resources, maintain continuity of care, and serve patients requiring urgent care.
High-dimensional order-free multivariate spatial disease mapping
Authors: Vicente Gonzalo , Adin Aritz , Goicoa Tomás , Ugarte María Dolores
Published: July 2023

Despite the amount of research on disease mapping in recent years, the use of multivariate models for areal spatial data remains limited due to difficulties in implementation and computational burden. These problems are exacerbated when the number of areas is very large. In this paper, we introduce an order-free multivariate scalable Bayesian modelling approach to smooth mortality (or incidence) risks of several diseases simultaneously. The proposal partitions the spatial domain into smaller subregions, fits multivariate models in each subdivision and obtains the posterior distribution of the relative risks across the entire spatial domain. The approach also provides posterior correlations among the spatial patterns of the diseases in each partition that are combined through a consensus Monte Carlo algorithm to obtain correlations for the whole study region. We implement the proposal using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) in the R package and use it to jointly analyse colorectal, lung, and stomach cancer mortality data in Spanish municipalities. The new proposal allows for the analysis of large datasets and yields superior results compared to fitting a single multivariate model. Additionally, it facilitates statistical inference through local homogeneous models, which may be more appropriate than a global homogeneous model when dealing with a large number of areas.
Efficiently computing alternative paths in game maps
Authors: Li Lingxiao , Cheema Muhammad Aamir , Ali Mohammed Eunus , Lu Hua , Li Huan
Published: July 2023

Alternative pathfinding requires finding a set of k alternative paths (including the shortest path) between a given source s and a target t. Intuitively, these paths should be significantly different from each other and meaningful/natural (e.g., must not contain loops or unnecessary detours). While finding alternative paths in road networks has been extensively studied, to the best of our knowledge, we are the first to formally study alternative pathfinding in game maps which are typically represented as Euclidean planes containing polygonal obstacles. First, we adapt the existing techniques designed for road networks to find alternative paths in the game maps. Then, based on our web-based system that visualises alternative paths generated by different approaches, we conduct a user study that shows that the existing road network approaches generate high-quality alternative paths when adapted for the game maps. However, these existing approaches are computationally inefficient especially when compared to the state-of-the-art shortest path algorithms. Motivated by this, we propose novel data structures and exploit these to develop an efficient algorithm to compute high-quality alternative paths. that shows that the existing road network approaches generate high-quality alternative paths in game maps. Our extensive experimental study demonstrates that our proposed algorithm is more than an order of magnitude faster than the existing approaches and returns alternative paths of comparable quality. Furthermore, our algorithm is comparable to a state-of-the-art shortest path algorithm in terms of running time.
New polymeric matrix of polylactic acid/sodium alginate/carbon nanoparticles (PLA/SA/CNP) for efficient removal of methylene blue
Authors: Fathy Reem , Ragab Eman , Ali Korany A.
Published: July 2023

For the adsorption of methylene blue (MB), novel bio-polymeric matrices prepared from polylactic acid/sodium alginate (PLA/SA) and polylactic acid/sodium alginate/carbon nanoparticle (PLA/SA/CNP) as green adsorbates were prepared in the form of beads. The developed adsorbent was analyzed using scanning electron microscopes and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers. The percentage of adsorbed dye increased with increasing CNP content, and the optimum ratio was 5% wt. The efficiency of the beads' removal and adsorption capacity were evaluated concerning with (adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial pH, and concentration of adsorbate). After 120 min using 50 mg of PLA/SA/CNP beads, the adsorptive removal process for MB dye was determined to have the maximum rate at pH 9. The models of Langmuir and Freundlich were used to illustrate the experimental data. Langmuir models determined the highest adsorption capacity to be 304.88 mg/g.
Electroacupuncture Inhibits Pain Memory and Related Anxiety-Like Behaviors by Blockading the GABAB Receptor Function in the Midcingulate Cortex
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhu Yichen , Sun Haiju , Shen Zui , Sun Jing , Xiao Siqi , He Xiaofen , Liu Boyu , Wang Yifang , Hu Yuxin , Liu Boyi , Liang Yi , Jiang Yongliang , Du Junying , Xu Chi , Fang Jianqiao , Shao Xiaomei
Published: July 2023

Pain memory is commonly considered an underlying cause of chronic pain and is also responsible for a range of anxiety. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate pain memories and exert anti-anxiety effects. Previous research has indicated that GABAergic neurons and/or GABA receptors (GABARs) in the midcingulate cortex (MCC) have potential associations with chronic pain and anxiety. However, there is no known empirical research that has specifically studied the effects of EA on the GABAergic system in the MCC. Here, we used cross-injection of carrageenan to establish the pain memory rats model. Immunofluorescence were used to detect the excitability of GABAergic neurons within MCC. Von Frey filament, elevated zero maze, and open field tests were used to measure mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors, combined with chemogenetic and pharmacologic technologies. Finally, this study provides evidence that pain memories contribute to generalized negative emotions and that downregulating the activity of GABAergic neurons within MCC could block pain memories and reverse anxiety emotion. Specifically, GABABR is involved in pain memory and related anxiety-like behaviors. Activation of GABAergic neurons in the MCC did not reverse the effects of EA on pain memories and related anxiety-like behaviors, whereas these effects could be reversed by a GABABR agonist. These findings highlight the functional significance of GABABR in the EA-mediated attenuation of pain memories and related anxiety-like behaviors in rats.
Integrative approaches to methods training for early-career scientists: Rationale and process evaluation of the first cohort of the Michigan Integrative Well-Being and Inequality Training Program
Authors: Mezuk Briana , Zhong Chuwen , Firestone Monica
Published: July 2023

Background:

The Michigan Integrative Well-Being and Inequality (MIWI) Training Program aims to provide state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary training to enhance the methodological skills of early-career scientists interested in integrative approaches to understanding health disparities. The goals of this paper are to describe the scientific rationale and core design elements of MIWI, and to conduct a process evaluation of the first cohort of trainees (called “scholars”) to complete this program.

Methods:

Mixed methods process evaluation of program components and assessment of trainee skills and network development of the first cohort (n = 15 scholars).

Results:

The program drew 57 applicants from a wide range of disciplines. Of the 15 scholars in the first cohort, 53% (n = 8) identified as an underrepresented minority, 60% (n = 9) were within 2 years of completing their terminal degree, and most (n = 11, 73%) were from a social/behavioral science discipline (e.g., social work, public health). In the post-program evaluation, scholars rated their improvement in a variety of skills on a one (not at all) to five (greatly improved) scale. Areas of greatest growth included being an interdisciplinary researcher (mean = 4.47), developing new research collaborations (mean = 4.53), and designing a research study related to integrative health (mean = 4.27). The qualitative process evaluation indicated that scholars reported a strong sense of community and that the program broadened their research networks.

Conclusions:

These findings have implications for National Institutes of Health (NIH) efforts to train early-career scientists, particularly from underrepresented groups, working at the intersection of multiple disciplines and efforts to support the formation of research networks.
Tundra Browning in the Indigirka Lowlands (North‐Eastern Siberia) Explained by Drought, Floods and Small‐Scale Vegetation Shifts
Authors: Magnússon Rúna Í. , Groten Finn , Bartholomeus Harm , van Huissteden Ko , Heijmans Monique M. P. D.
Published: July 2023

Contrary to the general “greening of the Arctic”, the Siberian Indigirka Lowlands show strong “browning” (a decrease in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index or “NDVI”) in various recent satellite records. Since greening and browning are generally indicative of increases and losses in photosynthetically active biomass, this browning trend may have implications for the carbon balance and vegetation of this Arctic tundra region. To explore potential mechanisms responsible for this trend break from general Arctic greening, we studied timeseries of Landsat summer maximum NDVI, weather data, and high‐resolution maps of vegetation compositional change, topography, geomorphology and hydrology. We find that a significant proportion of browning (lower summer NDVI) is explained by moisture dynamics, with high snow depths and resulting floods as well as summer drought coinciding with low NDVI. Relations between seasonal weather variables and NDVI are spatially heterogeneous, with floodplains, drained thaw lake basins and Yedoma ridges showing different patterns of association with weather variables. Low summer NDVI after high snowfall was particularly evident in floodplains, likely explained by early summer floods. Local small‐scale vegetation changes explained only small amounts of variance in browning rates in Landsat NDVI. Local expansion of Sphagnum vegetation in particular may have contributed to recent browning of our study site, but higher resolution NDVI timeseries are necessary to accurately constrain the role of small‐scale vegetation shifts. Overall, associations identified in this study suggest that future increases in Arctic precipitation variability and extremes may limit tundra greening, but to different extents even across comparatively small topographical contrasts.
CAMK2D serves as a molecular scaffold for RNF8-MAD2 complex to induce mitotic checkpoint in glioma
Authors: Chuah You Heng , Tay Emmy Xue Yun , Grinchuk Oleg V. , Yoon Jeehyun , Feng Jia , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Robert Matius , Jakhar Rekha , Liang Yajing , Lee Bernice Woon Li , Wang Loo Chien , Lim Yan Ting , Zhao Tianyun , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Lu Guang , Low Boon Chuan , Crasta Karen Carmelina , Verma Chandra Shekhar , Lin Zhewang , Ong Derrick Sek Tong
Published: July 2023

MAD2 is a spindle assembly checkpoint protein that participates in the formation of mitotic checkpoint complex, which blocks mitotic progression. RNF8, an established DNA damage response protein, has been implicated in mitotic checkpoint regulation but its exact role remains poorly understood. Here, RNF8 proximity proteomics uncovered a role of RNF8-MAD2 in generating the mitotic checkpoint signal. Specifically, RNF8 competes with a small pool of p31comet for binding to the closed conformer of MAD2 via its RING domain, while CAMK2D serves as a molecular scaffold to concentrate the RNF8-MAD2 complex via transient/weak interactions between its p-Thr287 and RNF8’s FHA domain. Accordingly, RNF8 overexpression impairs glioma stem cell (GSC) mitotic progression in a FHA- and RING-dependent manner. Importantly, low RNF8 expression correlates with inferior glioma outcome and RNF8 overexpression impedes GSC tumorigenicity. Last, we identify PLK1 inhibitor that mimics RNF8 overexpression using a chemical biology approach, and demonstrate a PLK1/HSP90 inhibitor combination that synergistically reduces GSC proliferation and stemness. Thus, our study has unveiled a previously unrecognized CAMK2D-RNF8-MAD2 complex in regulating mitotic checkpoint with relevance to gliomas, which is therapeutically targetable.
Compulsive sexual behavior and paraphilic interests in adults with chronic tic disorders and Tourette syndrome: a survey-based study
Authors: Kurvits Lille , Tozdan Safiye , Mainka Tina , Münchau Alexander , Müller-Vahl Kirsten R. , Cavanna Andrea E. , Briken Peer , Ganos Christos
Published: July 2023

Early research suggested that compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and paraphilic interests (PI) are more prevalent in adults with primary tic disorders compared to the general population. However, recent data on this topic remain scarce. We conducted an anonymous online survey capturing data on CSB and PI in adult patients with primary tic disorders. We also explored the role of antipsychotic tic medication and the impact of neuropsychiatric comorbidities like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression. In total, 62 participants (26 females/36 males) completed the survey. The prevalence of CSB and PI were 12.9% and 19.4%, respectively. There was no association with antipsychotic medication nor with symptoms of depression. However, the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was associated with a higher prevalence of both CSB and PI. The current results contrast with earlier reports and show that in adults with primary tic disorders, the prevalence of CSB and PI is not overly prominent.
A common allele of HLA is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Augusto Danillo G. , Murdolo Lawton D. , Chatzileontiadou Demetra S. M. , Sabatino Joseph J. , Yusufali Tasneem , Peyser Noah D. , Butcher Xochitl , Kizer Kerry , Guthrie Karoline , Murray Victoria W. , Pae Vivian , Sarvadhavabhatla Sannidhi , Beltran Fiona , Gill Gurjot S. , Lynch Kara L. , Yun Cassandra , Maguire Colin T. , Peluso Michael J. , Hoh Rebecca , Henrich Timothy J. , Deeks Steven G. , Davidson Michelle , Lu Scott , Goldberg Sarah A. , Kelly J. Daniel , Martin Jeffrey N. , Vierra-Green Cynthia A. , Spellman Stephen R. , Langton David J. , Dewar-Oldis Michael J. , Smith Corey , Barnard Peter J. , Lee Sulggi , Marcus Gregory M. , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Pletcher Mark J. , Maiers Martin , Gras Stephanie , Hollenbach Jill A.
Published: July 2023

Studies have demonstrated that at least 20% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain asymptomatic1–4. Although most global efforts have focused on severe illness in COVID-19, examining asymptomatic infection provides a unique opportunity to consider early immunological features that promote rapid viral clearance. Here, postulating that variation in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci may underly processes mediating asymptomatic infection, we enrolled 29,947 individuals, for whom high-resolution HLA genotyping data were available, in a smartphone-based study designed to track COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes. Our discovery cohort (n = 1,428) comprised unvaccinated individuals who reported a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2. We tested for association of five HLA loci with disease course and identified a strong association between HLA-B*15:01 and asymptomatic infection, observed in two independent cohorts. Suggesting that this genetic association is due to pre-existing T cell immunity, we show that T cells from pre-pandemic samples from individuals carrying HLA-B*15:01 were reactive to the immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 S-derived peptide NQKLIANQF. The majority of the reactive T cells displayed a memory phenotype, were highly polyfunctional and were cross-reactive to a peptide derived from seasonal coronaviruses. The crystal structure of HLA-B*15:01–peptide complexes demonstrates that the peptides NQKLIANQF and NQKLIANAF (from OC43-CoV and HKU1-CoV) share a similar ability to be stabilized and presented by HLA-B*15:01. Finally, we show that the structural similarity of the peptides underpins T cell cross-reactivity of high-affinity public T cell receptors, providing the molecular basis for HLA-B*15:01-mediated pre-existing immunity.
Diverse modes of H3K36me3-guided nucleosomal deacetylation by Rpd3S
Authors: Guan Haipeng , Wang Pei , Zhang Pei , Ruan Chun , Ou Yutian , Peng Bo , Zheng Xiangdong , Lei Jianlin , Li Bing , Yan Chuangye , Li Haitao
Published: July 2023

Context-dependent dynamic histone modifications constitute a key epigenetic mechanism in gene regulation1–4. The Rpd3 small (Rpd3S) complex recognizes histone H3 trimethylation on lysine 36 (H3K36me3) and deacetylates histones H3 and H4 at multiple sites across transcribed regions5–7. Here we solved the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rpd3S in its free and H3K36me3 nucleosome-bound states. We demonstrated a unique architecture of Rpd3S, in which two copies of Eaf3–Rco1 heterodimers are asymmetrically assembled with Rpd3 and Sin3 to form a catalytic core complex. Multivalent recognition of two H3K36me3 marks, nucleosomal DNA and linker DNAs by Eaf3, Sin3 and Rco1 positions the catalytic centre of Rpd3 next to the histone H4 N-terminal tail for deacetylation. In an alternative catalytic mode, combinatorial readout of unmethylated histone H3 lysine 4 and H3K36me3 by Rco1 and Eaf3 directs histone H3-specific deacetylation except for the registered histone H3 acetylated lysine 9. Collectively, our work illustrates dynamic and diverse modes of multivalent nucleosomal engagement and methylation-guided deacetylation by Rpd3S, highlighting the exquisite complexity of epigenetic regulation with delicately designed multi-subunit enzymatic machineries in transcription and beyond.
Carbonaceous dust grains seen in the first billion years of cosmic time
Authors: Witstok Joris , Shivaei Irene , Smit Renske , Maiolino Roberto , Carniani Stefano , Curtis-Lake Emma , Ferruit Pierre , Arribas Santiago , Bunker Andrew J. , Cameron Alex J. , Charlot Stephane , Chevallard Jacopo , Curti Mirko , de Graaff Anna , D’Eugenio Francesco , Giardino Giovanna , Looser Tobias J. , Rawle Tim , Rodríguez del Pino Bruno , Willott Chris , Alberts Stacey , Baker William M. , Boyett Kristan , Egami Eiichi , Eisenstein Daniel J. , Endsley Ryan , Hainline Kevin N. , Ji Zhiyuan , Johnson Benjamin D. , Kumari Nimisha , Lyu Jianwei , Nelson Erica , Perna Michele , Rieke Marcia , Robertson Brant E. , Sandles Lester , Saxena Aayush , Scholtz Jan , Sun Fengwu , Tacchella Sandro , Williams Christina C. , Willmer Christopher N. A.
Published: July 2023

Large dust reservoirs (up to approximately 108 M⊙) have been detected1–3in galaxies out to redshiftz ≃ 8, when the age of the Universe was only about 600 Myr. Generating substantial amounts of dust within such a short timescale has proven challenging for theories of dust formation4,5and has prompted the revision of the modelling of potential sites of dust production6–8, such as the atmospheres of asymptotic giant branch stars in low-metallicity environments, supernova ejecta and the accelerated growth of grains in the interstellar medium. However, degeneracies between different evolutionary pathways remain when the total dust mass of galaxies is the only available observable. Here we report observations of the 2,175 Å dust attenuation feature, which is well known in the Milky Way and galaxies atz ≲ 3 (refs.9–11), in the near-infrared spectra of galaxies up toz ≃ 7, corresponding to the first billion years of cosmic time. The relatively short timescale implied for the formation of carbonaceous grains giving rise to this feature12suggests a rapid production process, possibly in Wolf–Rayet stars or supernova ejecta.
The mechanism of visible light-induced C–C cross-coupling by Csp3–H bond activation
Authors: Maity Bholanath , Dutta Sayan , Cavallo Luigi
Published: July 2023

The chemistry and the reaction mechanisms behind the four catalytic protocols currently available for visible light-induced C–C cross-coupling by activation of Csp3–H bonds are described.
Design of a label-free aptasensor for electrochemical determination of hemoglobin: investigation of the peroxidase-like activity of hemoglobin for the sensing of different substrates
Authors: Teniou Ahlem , Rhouati Amina , Rabai Selma , Catanante Gaëlle , Marty Jean-Louis
Published: July 2023

An aptasensing platform was employed for Hb determination. The catalytic activity of the bound Hb was explored by measuring H2O2 and nitrite. The developed platform was highly sensitive and selective.
Diverse SARS-CoV-2 aptamers overcome variant antigenic shift
Authors: Huang Yihao , Zhang Jialu , Wang Wencheng , Yang Chaoyong , Song Yanling
Published: July 2023

Unlike antibodies, most of 14 aptamers selected against wild SARS-CoV-2 retained binding activity against the target as it mutated from wild type to Omicron.
Photoswitchable nonlinear optical properties of azobenzene-based supramolecular complexes: insights from density functional theory
Authors: Nisar Aqsa , Tabassum Sobia , Ayub Khurshid , Mahmood Tariq , AlMohamadi Hamad , Khan Asim Laeeq , Yasin Muhammad , Nawaz R. , Gilani Mazhar Amjad
Published: July 2023

Highly efficient photoswitchable frequency doublers, based on noncovalent interactions between azobenzene and alkoxystilbazole, are explored using DFT calculations.
Fabrication and optical properties of garnet ceramics based on Y3−xScxAl5O12 doped with ytterbium and erbium
Authors: Tarala V. A. , Kuznetsov S. V. , Chapura O. M. , Malyavin F. F. , Brazhko E. A. , Kravtsov A. A.
Published: July 2023

For the first time, YSAG:Yb:Er optical ceramics with concentrations of scandium cations in the dodecahedral position up to 50 at % were fabricated. Ceramics exhibit Stokes and anti-Stokes luminescence and are promising for different photonic devices.
Spin-state switching: chemical modulation and the impact of intermolecular interactions in manganese(iii) complexes
Authors: Bagchi Sukanya , Kamilya Sujit , Mehta Sakshi , Mandal Subhankar , Bandyopadhyay Arka , Narayan Awadhesh , Ghosh Subrata , Mondal Abhishake
Published: July 2023

This work unravels the magneto-structural correlation of mononuclear manganese(iii) complexes via chemical modulation, showcasing the role of ligand substitutions, counter anion, and intermolecular interactions on spin-state switching.
Glycosyl benzoates as novel substrates for glycosynthases
Authors: de Lorenzo Sabrina , Pillet Lauriane , Lim David , Paradisi Francesca
Published: July 2023

An engineered glycosidase from H. orenii showcases for the first time that glycosyl benzoates are better donors than p-nitrophenyl glucoside in enzyme-catalysed thioglucosylations. The thioglycoside products were formed with conversions up to 94%.
Defending against social engineering attacks: A security pattern‐based analysis framework
Authors: Li Tong , Song Chuanyong , Pang Qinyu
Published: July 2023

Social engineering attacks are a growing threat to modern complex systems. Increasingly, attackers are exploiting people's "vulnerabilities" to carry out social engineering attacks for malicious purposes. Although such a severe threat has attracted the attention of academia and industry, it is challenging to propose a comprehensive and practical set of countermeasures to protect systems from social engineering attacks due to its interdisciplinary nature. Moreover, the existing social engineering defence research is highly dependent on manual analysis, which is time‐consuming and labour‐intensive and cannot solve practical problems efficiently and pragmatically. This paper proposes a systematic approach to generate countermeasures based on a typical social engineering attack process. Specifically, we systematically ‘attack’ each step of social engineering attacks to prevent, mitigate, or eliminate them, resulting in 62 countermeasures. We have designed a set of social engineering security patterns that encapsulate relevant security knowledge to provide practical assistance in the defence analysis of social engineering attacks. Finally, we present an automatic analysis framework for applying social engineering security patterns. We applied the case study method and performed semi‐structured interviews with nine participants to evaluate our proposal, showing that our approach effectively defended against social engineering attacks.