bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium euwallaceae, symbiont of the paninvasive polyphagous shot hole borer, is pathogenic to cultivated but not wild olive trees in South Africa
Authors: Crous Casparus J. , Roets Francois
Published: June 2024

Fusarium euwallaceae, vectored by the paninvasive polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (Euwallacea fornicatus), is an emerging threat to trees globally. Proven pathogenic to cultivated deciduous fruits in South Africa, it recently has been isolated from cultivated European (Olea europaea subsp. europaea) and native African (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) olive. This potentially threatens both commercial production and native species conservation. However, pathogenicity to these trees is unknown. Three isolates were used in pathogenicity trials of F. euwallaceae towards cultivated European and African olives. Fusarium euwallaceae caused significantly longer lesions than the controls in vascular tissues of inoculated European olive trees, whereas no difference was observed for African olive. We therefore report for the first time that F. euwallaceae is pathogenic to cultivated European olive but not to African olive. As this fungus occludes affected xylem tissues, and thus water flow, olive fruit and oil production might be hampered during droughts, which are predicted to increase in severity and frequency in the main region olives are planted in in South Africa.
Predicting critical shear stress using multivariate adaptive regression splines and genetic expression programming for cohesive soils on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Rahimnejad Reza , Vosoughifar Hamid Reza , Bateni Sayed M. , Ooi Phillip S. K. , Rezaie Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

31 undisturbed cohesive silts with plasticity indices ranging from 3 to 55% were tested in an erosion function apparatus to obtain their erodibility curves. The critical shear stress ($${\tau }_{cr})$$

τ

cr

)

was estimated by fitting a hyperbolic function to the erodibility curves. Tests were also conducted to obtain the index properties of each sample. Existing regression-based approaches cannot capture the complex and highly nonlinear relationship between $${\tau }_{cr}$$

τ

cr

and other common parameters of cohesive soils with great accuracy. Hence, two robust approaches, namely multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and genetic expression programming (GEP) are utilized to estimate the $${\tau }_{cr}$$

τ

cr

from easily measurable index soil properties. These soil properties are selected based on a literature review and correlation analysis between the $${\tau }_{cr}$$

τ

cr

and other parameters [e.g., water content, plastic limit, liquid limit, plasticity index, liquidity index, activity, median grain size, percent fines (particles smaller than 0.075 mm), percent clay (particles smaller than 2 μm), undrained shear strength, compression and recompression indices, soil unit weight, consolidation pressure, pre-consolidation pressure and void ratio]. Three statistical metrics namely coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. Results indicate that the MARS approach outperformed GEP based on: (1) estimates from MARS (R2 = 0.992, MAE = 0.483 N/m2, and RMSE = 0.641 N/m2) were better than those from GEP (R2 = 0.906, MAE = 1.445 N/m2 and RMSE = 1.686 N/m2); and (2) the MARS approach was able to detect the change in rate of variations of $${\tau }_{cr}$$

τ

cr

(i.e., points where the trend showed a change in slope) when samples from different locations were compared. Also, a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the importance of each selected model parameter on $${\tau }_{cr}$$

τ

cr

.
The itchy bottom: causes and treatment
Authors: St-Amour Pénélope , Hahnloser Dieter
Published: June 2024

Anal pruritus is a frequent disorder accounting for many proctological consultations, affecting mainly middle-aged males. It is believed that it implies a vicious circle of itching and scratching, increasing irritation and inflammation, and thus symptoms. The most frequent causes are irritant factors such as anal over-hygiene and some foods, faecal soiling due to incontinence, and proctological diseases such as haemorrhoids. Candida infections of the anus and dermatological diseases including contact dermatitis are also frequent. Treatment depends principally on the underlying aetiology.
A Drifting and Blowing Snow Scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model
Authors: Saigger Manuel , Sauter Tobias , Schmid Christina , Collier Emily , Goger Brigitta , Kaser Georg , Prinz Rainer , Voordendag Annelies , Mölg Thomas
Published: June 2024

Wind‐driven redistribution of surface snow is one of the key factors leading to heterogeneous accumulation of snow at small scales. Understanding the processes that lead to this heterogeneous accumulation is, therefore, of great importance to many glaciological and hydrological questions. High‐quality information on the wind field is necessary to realistically represent drifting snow. Here, we introduce a novel, intermediate‐complexity drifting and blowing snow module for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model that integrates seamlessly into the standard WRF infrastructure. The module also accounts for snow particle sublimation and considers the thermodynamic feedback on the atmospheric fields. In an idealized model environment the module was tested for physical consistency. Sensitivity experiments showed that drifting snow sublimation has on the one hand local effects on the erosion and deposition patterns and on the other hand non‐local effects on the larger‐scale atmosphere. The simple and computationally efficient implementation allows this module to be used for small‐scale and large‐scale simulations in polar and glaciated regions.
Warming Reduces Priming Effect of Soil Organic Carbon Decomposition Along a Subtropical Elevation Gradient
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Lyu Maokui , Zhang Qiufang , Feng Jiguang , Liu Xiaofei , Zhu Biao , Wang Xiaohong , Yang Yusheng , Xie Jinsheng
Published: June 2024

The priming effects (PEs) of soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition is a crucial process affecting the C balance of terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is uncertainty about how PEs will respond to climate warming. In this study, we sampled soils along a subtropical elevation gradient in China and conducted a 126‐day lab‐incubation experiment with and without the addition of 13C‐labeled high‐bioavailability glucose or low‐bioavailability lignin. Based on the mean annual temperature (MAT) of each elevation (9.3–16.4°C), a temperature increase of 4°C was used to explore how PEs mediate the decomposition of SOC in response to warming. Our results showed that the magnitude of glucose‐induced PEs (PEglucose) was higher than lignin‐induced PEs (PElignin), with both PEs linearly increasing with MAT. Across the MAT (i.e., elevation) gradient, short‐term warming had a constant magnitude of negative effects on PEglucose, whereas rising MAT exacerbated the negative effects of short‐term warming on PElignin. Moreover, the temperature sensitivity of SOC decomposition decreased after adding glucose and lignin across the MAT gradient, suggesting that fresh C inputs may prime the microbial breakdown of labile SOC under warming. Taken together, warming alleviated SOC loss due to PEs through varying mechanisms depending on substrate bioavailability. Warming mediated the PEglucose by increasing available nitrogen and weakening microbial nitrogen‐mining but inhibited the PElignin by shifting from microbial nitrogen‐mining to microbial co‐metabolization. Our findings highlight the role of warming in regulating the PEs and suggest that incorporating the suppression effect of warming on PEs can contribute to the accurate prediction of soil C dynamics in a warming world.
Potential Ozone Depletion From Satellite Demise During Atmospheric Reentry in the Era of Mega‐Constellations
Authors: Ferreira José P. , Huang Ziyu , Nomura Ken‐ichi , Wang Joseph
Published: June 2024

Large constellations of small satellites will significantly increase the number of objects orbiting the Earth. Satellites burn up at the end of service life during reentry, generating aluminum oxides as the main byproduct. These are known catalysts for chlorine activation that depletes ozone in the stratosphere. We present the first atomic‐scale molecular dynamics simulation study to resolve the oxidation process of the satellite's aluminum structure during mesospheric reentry, and investigate the ozone depletion potential from aluminum oxides. We find that the demise of a typical 250‐kg satellite can generate around 30 kg of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, which may endure for decades in the atmosphere. Aluminum oxide compounds generated by the entire population of satellites reentering the atmosphere in 2022 are estimated at around 17 metric tons. Reentry scenarios involving mega‐constellations point to over 360 metric tons of aluminum oxide compounds per year, which can lead to significant ozone depletion.
CHK1 inhibitor induced PARylation by targeting PARG causes excessive replication and metabolic stress and overcomes chemoresistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Acharya Ganesh , Mani Chinnadurai , Sah Naresh , Saamarthy Karunakar , Young Robert , Reedy Mark B. , Sobol Robert W. , Palle Komaraiah
Published: June 2024

Chemoresistance contributes to the majority of deaths in women with ovarian cancer (OC). Altered DNA repair and metabolic signaling is implicated in mediating therapeutic resistance. DNA damage checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) integrates cell cycle and DNA repair in replicating cells, and its inhibition causes replication stress, repair deficiency and cell cycle dysregulation. We observed elevated Poly-ADP-ribosylation (PAR) of proteins (PARylation) and subsequent decrease in cellular NAD+ levels in OC cells treated with the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib, indicating activation of NAD+ dependent DNA repair enzymes poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARP1/2). While multiple PARP inhibitors are in clinical use in treating OC, tumor resistance to these drugs is highly imminent. We reasoned that inhibition of dePARylation by targeting Poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) would disrupt metabolic and DNA repair crosstalk to overcome chemoresistance. Although PARG inhibition (PARGi) trapped PARylation of the proteins and activated CHK1, it did not cause any significant OC cell death. However, OC cells deficient in CHK1 were hypersensitive to PARGi, suggesting a role for metabolic and DNA repair crosstalk in protection of OC cells. Correspondingly, OC cells treated with a combination of CHK1 and PARG inhibitors exhibited excessive replication stress-mediated DNA lesions, cell cycle dysregulation, and mitotic catastrophe compared to individual drugs. Interestingly, increased PARylation observed in combination treatment resulted in depletion of NAD+ levels. These decreased NAD+ levels were also paralleled with reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, which requires NAD+ to maintain cancer stem cells. Furthermore, prexasertib and PARGi combinations exhibited synergistic cell death in OC cells, including an isogenic chemoresistant cell line and 3D organoid models of primary patient-derived OC cell lines. Collectively, our data highlight a novel crosstalk between metabolism and DNA repair involving replication stress and NAD+-dependent PARylation, and suggest a novel combination therapy of CHK1 and PARG inhibitors to overcome chemoresistance in OC.
Harmonizing heterogeneous transcriptomics datasets for machine learning-based analysis to identify spaceflown murine liver-specific changes
Authors: Ilangovan Hari , Kothiyal Prachi , Hoadley Katherine A. , Elgart Robin , Eley Greg , Eslami Parastou
Published: June 2024

NASA has employed high-throughput molecular assays to identify sub-cellular changes impacting human physiology during spaceflight. Machine learning (ML) methods hold the promise to improve our ability to identify important signals within highly dimensional molecular data. However, the inherent limitation of study subject numbers within a spaceflight mission minimizes the utility of ML approaches. To overcome the sample power limitations, data from multiple spaceflight missions must be aggregated while appropriately addressing intra- and inter-study variabilities. Here we describe an approach to log transform, scale and normalize data from six heterogeneous, mouse liver-derived transcriptomics datasets (ntotal = 137) which enabled ML-methods to classify spaceflown vs. ground control animals (AUC ≥ 0.87) while mitigating the variability from mission-of-origin. Concordance was found between liver-specific biological processes identified from harmonized ML-based analysis and study-by-study classical omics analysis. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying ML methods on integrated, heterogeneous datasets of small sample size.
Near-field microwave sensing technology enhanced with machine learning for the non-destructive evaluation of packaged food and beverage products
Authors: Darwish Ali , Ricci Marco , Tobon Vasquez Jorge A. , Migliaccio Claire , Vipiana Francesca
Published: June 2024

In the food industry, the increasing use of automatic processes in the production line is contributing to the higher probability of finding contaminants inside food packages. Detecting these contaminants before sending the products to market has become a critical necessity. This paper presents a pioneering real-time system for detecting contaminants within food and beverage products by integrating microwave (MW) sensing technology with machine learning (ML) tools. Considering the prevalence of water and oil as primary components in many food and beverage items, the proposed technique is applied to both media. The approach involves a thorough examination of the MW sensing system, from selecting appropriate frequency bands to characterizing the antenna in its near-field region. The process culminates in the collection of scattering parameters to create the datasets, followed by classification using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) learning algorithm. Binary and multiclass classifications are performed on two types of datasets, including those with complex numbers and amplitude data only. High accuracy is achieved for both water-based and oil-based products.
Factors determining tropical upper-level cloud radiative effect in the radiative-convective equilibrium framework
Authors: Kang Hyoji , Choi Yong-Sang , Jiang Jonathan H.
Published: June 2024

Investigation of the major factors determining tropical upper-level cloud radiative effect (TUCRE) is crucial for understanding cloud feedback mechanisms. We examined the TUCRE inferred from the outputs of historical runs and AMIP runs from CMIP6 models employing a radiative-convective equilibrium (RCE). In this study, we incorporated the RCE model configurations of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics from the climate models, while simplifying the intricate systems. Using the RCE model, we adjusted the global mean surface temperature to achieve energy balance, considering variations in tropical cloud fraction, regional reflectivity, and emission temperature corresponding to each climate model. Subsequently, TUCRE was calculated as a unit of K/%, representing the change in global mean surface temperature (K) in response to an increment in the tropical upper-level clouds (%). Our RCE model simulation indicates that the major factors determining the TUCRE are the emission temperatures of tropical moist-cloudy and moist-clear regions, as well as the fraction of tropical upper-level clouds. The higher determination coefficients between TUCRE and both the emission temperature of tropical moist regions and the upper-level cloud fraction are attributable to their contribution to the trapping effect on the outgoing longwave radiations, which predominantly determines TUCRE. Consequently, the results of this study underscore the importance of accurately representing the upper-level cloud fraction and emission temperature in tropical moist regions to enhance the representation of TUCRE in climate models.
An EEG study on artistic and engineering mindsets in students in creative processes
Authors: Yin Yuan , Han Ji , Childs Peter R. N.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to take higher-education students as examples to understand and compare artistic and engineering mindsets in creative processes using EEG. Fifteen Master of Fine Arts (MFA) visual arts and fifteen Master of Engineering (MEng) design engineering students were recruited and asked to complete alternative uses tasks wearing an EEG headset. The results revealed that (1) the engineering-mindset students responded to creative ideas faster than artistic-mindset students. (2) Although in creative processes both artistic- and engineering-mindset students showed Theta, Alpha, and Beta wave activity, the active brain areas are slightly different. The active brain areas of artistic-mindset students in creative processes are mainly in the frontal and occipital lobes; while the whole brain (frontal, oriental, temporal, and occipital lobes) was active in creative processes of engineering-mindset students. (3) During the whole creative process, the brain active level of artistic-mindset students was higher than that of engineering-mindset students. The results of this study fills gaps in existing research where only active brain areas and band waves were compared between artistic- and engineering-mindset students in creative processes. For quick thinking in terms of fluency of generating creative ideas, engineering students have an advantage in comparison to those from the visual arts. Also, the study provided more evidence that mindset can affect the active levels of the brain areas. Finally, this study provides educators with more insights on how to stimulate students’ creative ability.
Unforeseen cascading effects of an inlet opening
Authors: Ferreira Óscar
Published: June 2024

The opening of the Cacela Inlet (southern Portugal) in 2010 led to unforeseen effects observed after 2017, including an extreme acceleration of the retreat of the inland lagoon margin from about 0.2 to 2 m/year. This was a consequence of the development of a large flood delta in an area of limited accommodation space, forcing the main tidal channel to move inland. The coastal retreat currently affects a flat sandy area that separates the old and inactive Cacela cliff from the lagoon. Between 2035 and 2040, the currently inactive Cacela cliff is likely to become active again, posing a potential risk of damage to a medieval fortress and the existing settlement of Cacela Velha, an unforeseen cascading effect of the opening of the inlet. In order to prevent instability and damage to this legally protected area of national and public interest, several coastal management measures will be required.
Relationship between the cost of illness and quality of life among adolescents with type 1 diabetes—a mixed method study
Authors: Chakrashali Sulochanadevi B. , Madhu B. , Sree M. Mounika , Chaithra M. , Sahana K. S. , Nagendra K.
Published: June 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a major problem worldwide that affects the quality of life, well-being of patients and their families. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the cost of illness and quality of life among patients with T1DM. A concurrent, parallel, mixed-method study of 113 adolescents with T1DM registered in public and private hospitals in the Mysore district was conducted by obtaining data related to the cost of illness and quality of life using a validated Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life (DSQoL) questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to identify the themes. There was a significant association amonghealth insurance status, treatment facility type, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and cost of illness. The CHE proportion was32.7%. Financial sources for treatment were met primarily by borrowing money with interest (58 patients, 51.3%), followed by individualincome (40 patients, 35.3%), contributions from friends and relatives (10 patients, 8.8%), and selling of assets (5 patients, 4.4%). The monthly health expenditures of approximately 22 (19.46%) households were greater than their monthly incomes. There was a positive correlation (rvalue of 0.979) between the cost of treatment and the DSQoL score, and this correlation was statistically significant, with a p value < 0.001. The higher theDSQoL score was, the worse the quality of life and the worse the well-being of T1DM patients. Three themes were identified: the impact of financial cost on family coping, the impact of financial cost on seeking care and the emotional burden of financial cost. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the cost of treatment and the DSQoLscore. Adolescents with T1DM who had greatertreatment costs had worseDSQoL, and significantly lower health expenses were observed among adolescentswho had health insurance. Cost of illness acts as a barrier to treatment and placesa burden on patients and their families.
Detection of capillary abnormalities in early diabetic retinopathy using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography combined with adaptive optics
Authors: Torm Marie Elise Wistrup , Pircher Michael , Bonnin Sophie , Johannesen Jesper , Klefter Oliver Niels , Schmidt Mathias Falck , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup , Lefaudeux Nicolas , Andilla Jordi , Valdes Claudia , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Brea Luisa Sanchez , De Jesus Danilo Andrade , Grieve Kate , Paques Michel , Larsen Michael , Gocho Kiyoko
Published: June 2024

This study tested if a high-resolution, multi-modal, multi-scale retinal imaging instrument can provide novel information about structural abnormalities in vivo. The study examined 11 patients with very mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 10 healthy subjects using fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO), adaptive optics OCT and OCTA (AO-OCT(A)). Of 21 eyes of 11 patients, 11 had very mild NPDR, 8 had mild NPDR, 2 had moderate NPDR, and 1 had no retinopathy. Using AO-SLO, capillary looping, inflections and dilations were detected in 8 patients with very mild or mild NPDR, and microaneurysms containing hyperreflective granular elements were visible in 9 patients with mild or moderate NPDR. Most of the abnormalities were seen to be perfused in the corresponding OCTA scans while a few capillary loops appeared to be occluded or perfused at a non-detectable flow rate, possibly because of hypoperfusion. In one patient with moderate NPDR, non-perfused capillaries, also called ghost vessels, were identified by alignment of corresponding en face AO-OCT and AO-OCTA images. The combination of multiple non-invasive imaging methods could identify prominent microscopic abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy earlier and more detailed than conventional fundus imaging devices.
Agent-based modeling to estimate the impact of lockdown scenarios and events on a pandemic exemplified on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nitzsche Christian , Simm Stefan
Published: June 2024

In actual pandemic situations like COVID-19, it is important to understand the influence of single mitigation measures as well as combinations to create most dynamic impact for lockdown scenarios. Therefore we created an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in an abstract city model with several types of places and agents. In comparison to infection numbers in Germany our ABM could be shown to behave similarly during the first wave. In our model, we implemented the possibility to test the effectiveness of mitigation measures and lockdown scenarios on the course of the pandemic. In this context, we focused on parameters of local events as possible mitigation measures and ran simulations, including varying size, duration, frequency and the proportion of events. The majority of changes to single event parameters, with the exception of frequency, showed only a small influence on the overall course of the pandemic. By applying different lockdown scenarios in our simulations, we could observe drastic changes in the number of infections per day. Depending on the lockdown strategy, we even observed a delayed peak in infection numbers of the second wave. As an advantage of the developed ABM, it is possible to analyze the individual risk of single agents during the pandemic. In contrast to standard or adjusted ODEs, we observed a 21% (with masks) / 48% (without masks) increased risk for single reappearing participants on local events, with a linearly increasing risk based on the length of the events.
Uncovering the genetic diversity in Aedes aegypti insecticide resistance genes through global comparative genomics
Authors: Spadar Anton , Collins Emma , Messenger Louisa A. , Clark Taane G. , Campino Susana
Published: June 2024

Aedes aegypti is vector of many arboviruses including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, and Chikungunya. Its control efforts are hampered by widespread insecticide resistance reported in the Americas and Asia, while data from Africa is more limited. Here we use publicly available 729 Ae. aegypti whole-genome sequencing samples from 15 countries, including nine in Africa, to investigate the genetic diversity in four insecticide resistance linked genes: ace-1, GSTe2, rdl and vgsc. Apart from vgsc, the other genes have been less investigated in Ae. aegypti, and almost no genetic diversity information is available. Among the four genes, we identified 1,829 genetic variants including 474 non-synonymous substitutions, some of which have been previously documented, as well as putative copy number variations in GSTe2 and vgsc. Global insecticide resistance phenotypic data demonstrated variable resistance in geographic areas with resistant genotypes. Overall, our work provides the first global catalogue and geographic distribution of known and new amino-acid mutations and duplications that can be used to guide the identification of resistance drivers in Ae. aegypti and thereby support monitoring efforts and strategies for vector control.
Effect of scutellarin on BV-2 microglial-mediated apoptosis in PC12 cells via JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Duan Zhao-Da , Zheng Li-Yang , Jia Qiu-Ye , Chen Hao-Lun , Xu Dong-Yao , Yang Yu-Jia , Qi Zhi , Yang Li , Wu Chun-Yun
Published: June 2024

Previous studies have shown that scutellarin inhibits the excessive activation of microglia, reduces neuronal apoptosis, and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, whether scutellarin regulates activated microglia-mediated neuronal apoptosis and its mechanisms remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether scutellarin can attenuate PC12 cell apoptosis induced by activated microglia via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Microglia were cultured in oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) medium, which acted as a conditioning medium (CM) to activate PC12 cells, to investigate the expression of apoptosis and JAK2/STAT3 signalling-related proteins. We observed that PC12 cells apoptosis in CM was significantly increased, the expression and fluorescence intensity of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and apoptosis-related protein cleaved caspase-3 were increased, and expression of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was decreased. Phosphorylation levels and fluorescence intensity of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway-related proteins JAK2 and STAT3 decreased. After treatment with scutellarin, PC12 cells apoptosis as well as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax protein expression and fluorescence intensity decreased. The expression and fluorescence intensity of Bcl-2, phosphorylated JAK2, and STAT3 increased. AG490, a specific inhibitor of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, was used. Our findings suggest that AG490 attenuates the effects of scutellarin. Our study revealed that scutellarin inhibited OGD-activated microglia-mediated PC12 cells apoptosis which was regulated via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.
Association between sex hormones and erectile dysfunction in men without hypoandrogenism
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Mikami Tatsuya , Itoh Ken , Ohyama Chikara , Hatakeyama Shingo
Published: June 2024

In addition to testosterone, various endocrine hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and estradiol, may be involved in erectile function. However, the role of these sex hormones in the erectile function of men without hypoandrogenism remains unclear. This cross-sectional study included 398 community-dwelling men without hypoandrogenism. The participants were categorized into the non-ED and ED groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between ED and serum sex hormone levels, including total testosterone, DHEA-S, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin. Among the 398 men, 66 (17%) and 332 (83%) were categorized into the non-ED and ED groups, respectively. In the multivariable analyses, serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels were significantly associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 0.996, P = 0.030; OR: 1.082, P = 0.002; respectively), whereas serum total testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin levels did not demonstrate significant association. After adjusting for age, none of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels, and skin advanced glycation end-products levels demonstrated significant correlation with serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels. In conclusion, lower testosterone levels did not affect ED in men with normal testosterone levels, whereas serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels were significantly associated with ED.
Identification of a founder effect involving n.197C>T variant in RMRP gene associated to cartilage-hair hypoplasia syndrome in Brazilian patients
Authors: Gomes Maria Eduarda , Kehdy Fernanda , de Neves-Manta Fernanda Saloum , Horovitz Dafne Dain Gandelman , Sanseverino Maria Teresa , Leal Gabriela Ferraz , Felix Têmis Maria , Cavalcanti Denise Pontes , Llerena Juan Clinton , Gonzalez Sayonara
Published: June 2024

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia syndrome (CHH) is an autosomal recessive disorder frequently linked to n.72A>G (previously known as n.70A>G and n.71A>G), the most common RMRP variant worldwide. More than 130 pathogenic variants in this gene have already been described associated with CHH, and founder alterations were reported in the Finnish and Japanese populations. Our previous study in Brazilian CHH patients showed a high prevalence of n.197C>T variant (former n.195C>T and n.196C>T) when compared to other populations. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible founder effect of the n.197C>T variant in the RMRP gene in a series of CHH Brazilian patients. We have selected four TAG SNPs within chromosome 9 and genotyped the probands and their parents (23 patients previously described and nine novel). A common haplotype to the n.197C>T variant carriers was identified. Patients were also characterized for 46 autosomal Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs). European ancestry was the most prevalent (58%), followed by African (24%) and Native American (18%). Our results strengthen the hypothesis of a founder effect for the n.197C>T variant in Brazil and indicate that this variant in the RMRP gene originated from a single event on chromosome 9 with a possible European origin.
Topical and oral peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α agonist ameliorates diabetic corneal neuropathy
Authors: Mansoor Hassan , Lee Isabelle Xin Yu , Lin Molly Tzu-Yu , Ang Heng Pei , Xue Yao Cong , Krishaa L. , Patil Moushmi , Koh Siew-Kwan , Tan Hong Chang , Zhou Lei , Liu Yu-Chi
Published: June 2024

Diabetic corneal neuropathy (DCN) is a common diabetic ocular complication with limited treatment options. In this study, we investigated the effects of topical and oral fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α agonist, on the amelioration of DCN using diabetic mice (n = 120). Ocular surface assessments, corneal nerve and cell imaging analysis, tear proteomics and its associated biological pathways, immuno-histochemistry and western blot on PPARα expression, were studied before and 12 weeks after treatment. At 12 weeks, PPARα expression markedly restored after topical and oral fenofibrate. Topical fenofibrate significantly improved corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD) and tortuosity coefficient. Likewise, oral fenofibrate significantly improved CNFD. Both topical and oral forms significantly improved corneal sensitivity. Additionally, topical and oral fenofibrate significantly alleviated diabetic keratopathy, with fenofibrate eye drops demonstrating earlier therapeutic effects. Both topical and oral fenofibrate significantly increased corneal β-III tubulin expression. Topical fenofibrate reduced neuroinflammation by significantly increasing the levels of nerve growth factor and substance P. It also significantly increased β-III-tubulin and reduced CDC42 mRNA expression in trigeminal ganglions. Proteomic analysis showed that neurotrophin signalling and anti-inflammation reactions were significantly up-regulated after fenofibrate treatment, whether applied topically or orally. This study concluded that both topical and oral fenofibrate ameliorate DCN, while topical fenofibrate significantly reduces neuroinflammation.
Remotely sensed BC columns over rapidly changing Western China show significant decreases in mass and inconsistent changes in number, size, and mixing properties due to policy actions
Authors: Liu Zhewen , Cohen Jason Blake , Wang Shuo , Wang Xinying , Tiwari Pravash , Qin Kai
Published: June 2024

Rapid economic and energy growth in Asia has led to change in the loadings of black carbon (BC) in the last two decades. This work uses remotely sensed column absorbing aerosol optical depth to quantify BC loading day-by-day and grid-to-grid. Variance maximization is used to uniquely compute an unbiased set of observations of remotely sensed NO2 in space and time of urban and suburban sources, including regions with changing energy and industry. An inversely applied probabilistic MIE algorithm constrains the size, mixing state, and number of BC using four spectral observations. Significant differences in the particle size and mixing state are identified and attributed including: a drop around 2012 when China’s national air pollution policies were adopted, a drop ahead of the 2008 Olympics, and flattening from 2015 onward. A case of simultaneous reduction in BC mass and increase in BC number demonstrates PM2.5 controls may not fully control BC.
Knockout of the longevity gene Klotho perturbs aging and Alzheimer’s disease-linked brain microRNAs and tRNA fragments
Authors: Dubnov Serafima , Bennett Estelle R. , Yayon Nadav , Yakov Or , Bennett David A. , Seshadri Sudha , Mufson Elliott , Tzur Yonat , Greenberg David , Kuro-o Makoto , Paldor Iddo , Abraham Carmela R. , Soreq Hermona
Published: June 2024

Overexpression of the longevity gene Klotho prolongs lifespan, while its knockout shortens lifespan and impairs cognition via perturbation of myelination and synapse formation. However, comprehensive analysis of Klotho knockout effects on mammalian brain transcriptomics is lacking. Here, we report that Klotho knockout alters the levels of aging- and cognition related mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and tRNA fragments. These include altered neuronal and glial regulators in murine models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease and in human Alzheimer’s disease post-mortem brains. We further demonstrate interaction of the knockout-elevated tRNA fragments with the spliceosome, possibly affecting RNA processing. Last, we present cell type-specific short RNA-seq datasets from FACS-sorted neurons and microglia of live human brain tissue demonstrating in-depth cell-type association of Klotho knockout-perturbed microRNAs. Together, our findings reveal multiple RNA transcripts in both neurons and glia from murine and human brain that are perturbed in Klotho deficiency and are aging- and neurodegeneration-related.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals molecular alterations underpinning spaceflight dermatology
Authors: Cope Henry , Elsborg Jonas , Demharter Samuel , McDonald J. Tyson , Wernecke Chiara , Parthasarathy Hari , Unadkat Hriday , Chatrathi Mira , Claudio Jennifer , Reinsch Sigrid , Avci Pinar , Zwart Sara R. , Smith Scott M. , Heer Martina , Muratani Masafumi , Meydan Cem , Overbey Eliah , Kim Jangkeun , Chin Christopher R. , Park Jiwoon , Schisler Jonathan C. , Mason Christopher E. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Willis Craig R. G. , Salam Amr , Beheshti Afshin
Published: June 2024

Background

Spaceflight poses a unique set of challenges to humans and the hostile spaceflight environment can induce a wide range of increased health risks, including dermatological issues. The biology driving the frequency of skin issues in astronauts is currently not well understood.

Methods

To address this issue, we used a systems biology approach utilizing NASA’s Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) on space flown murine transcriptomic datasets focused on the skin, biochemical profiles of 50 NASA astronauts and human transcriptomic datasets generated from blood and hair samples of JAXA astronauts, as well as blood samples obtained from the NASA Twins Study, and skin and blood samples from the first civilian commercial mission, Inspiration4.

Results

Key biological changes related to skin health, DNA damage & repair, and mitochondrial dysregulation are identified as potential drivers for skin health risks during spaceflight. Additionally, a machine learning model is utilized to determine gene pairings associated with spaceflight response in the skin. While we identified spaceflight-induced dysregulation, such as alterations in genes associated with skin barrier function and collagen formation, our results also highlight the remarkable ability for organisms to re-adapt back to Earth via post-flight re-tuning of gene expression.

Conclusion

Our findings can guide future research on developing countermeasures for mitigating spaceflight-associated skin damage.
Modeling students’ epistemic cognition in undergraduate chemistry courses: a review
Authors: DeGlopper Kimberly S. , Stowe Ryan L.
Published: June 2024

Thinking about knowledge and knowing (i.e., epistemic cognition) is an important part of student learning and has implications for how they apply their knowledge in future courses, careers, and other aspects of their lives. Three classes of models have emerged from research on epistemic cognition: developmental models, dimensional models, and resources models. These models can be distinguished by how value is assigned to particular epistemic ideas (hierarchy), how consistent epistemic ideas are across time and/or context (stability), and the degree to which people are consciously aware of their own epistemic ideas (explicitness). To determine the extent to which these models inform research on epistemic cognition in chemistry education specifically, we reviewed 54 articles on undergraduate chemistry students’ epistemologies. First, we sought to describe the articles in terms of the courses and unit of study sampled, the methods and study designs implemented, and the means of data collection utilized. We found that most studies focused on the epistemic cognition of individual students enrolled in introductory chemistry courses. The majority were qualitative and employed exploratory or quasi-experimental designs, but a variety of data collection methods were represented. We then coded each article for how it treated epistemic cognition in terms of hierarchy, stability, and explicitness. The overwhelming majority of articles performed a hierarchical analysis of students’ epistemic ideas. An equal number of articles treated epistemic cognition as stable versus unstable across time and/or context. Likewise, about half of the studies asked students directly about their epistemic cognition while approximately half of the studies inferred it from students’ responses, course observations, or written artifacts. These codes were then used to infer the models of epistemic cognition underlying these studies. Eighteen studies were mostly consistent with a developmental or dimensional model, ten were mostly aligned with a resources model, and twenty-six did not provide enough information to reasonably infer a model. We advocate for considering how models of epistemic cognition—and their assumptions about hierarchy, stability, and explicitness—influence the design of studies on students’ epistemic cognition and the conclusions that can be reasonably drawn from them.
Conductance and assembly of quasi-1D coordination chain molecular junctions with triazole derivatives
Authors: Miao Zelin , Pan Xiaoyun , Kamenetska Maria
Published: June 2024

Binding site electron density in σ-type molecular orbitals is the decisive factor in the in situ assembly of quasi-1D coordination chains using triazole (Tr) isomer ligands in molecular junctions.
Accelerated design of L12-strengthened single crystal high entropy alloys based on machine learning and multi-objective optimization
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Lin Shunsheng , Wang Qiang , Liu Chen , Qin Jiarun , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2024

A predictive model combining machine learning and multi-objective optimization developed to optimize multiple properties simultaneously.
Facile covalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes via coupling reaction
Authors: Huynh Thang Quoc , Kang Minsung , Kim Jeung Gon , Ahn Seokhoon
Published: June 2024

A novel and straightforward method for the covalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) using simple coupling reactions is presented.
High-density polyethylene composites filled with micro- and nano-particles of nickel ferrite: magnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties
Authors: Baayyad Sarah , Esshouba Youssef , Barhoumi Soufiane , Hlil El Kébir , Ez-Zahraoui Siham , Semlali Fatima-Zahra , Mahfoud Tarik , El Moussaoui Hassan , El Achaby Mounir
Published: June 2024

With the increasing demand of new magnetic materials for modern technological application alternatives to conventional magnetic materials, the development of lightweight polymer magnetic composites has become a prominent research area.
Heterogeneous photocatalytic valorization of lignocellulose biomass for chemical and fuel production via reductive pathways
Authors: Ghalta Rajat , Chauhan Arzoo , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2024

The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass through reductive photocatalysis is emerging as a sustainable route for obtaining valuable chemical and fuel additives.
Design and mechanism of photothermal soft actuators and their applications
Authors: Sutar Rajaram S. , Latthe Sanjay S. , Wu Xinna , Nakata Kazuya , Xing Ruimin , Liu Shanhu , Fujishima Akira
Published: June 2024

This article discusses the fundamentals and progress of photothermal actuators, and their applications from bionic design to intelligent robots in detail.
Advancing anode-less lithium metal batteries: ZnF2 modification and in situ structural regulation for enhanced performance
Authors: Tao Jing , Zhang Can , Li Xueyang , Chen Xinlong , Ji Chenzhen , Wan Wang , Wang Chao
Published: June 2024

A novel LiF@LiZn10/Li composite foil was developed as an effective anode for lithium metal batteries. The uniform lithiophilic substrate and the LiF-rich SEI optimize Li+ deposition.
A phthalocyanine-based polycrystalline interlayer simultaneously realizing charge collection and ion defect passivation for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ohsawa Tatsuya , Shibayama Naoyuki , Nakamura Nobuhiro , Tamura Shigeto , Hayakawa Ai , Murayama Yohei , Makisumi Kohei , Kitahara Michitaka , Takayama Mizuki , Matsui Takashi , Okuda Atsushi , Nakamura Yuiga , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: June 2024

Perovskite solar cells are efficient and cost-effective but have issues with ion migration from light irradiation. This study uses OHGaPc as a passivation layer to improve light stability and charge transport, increasing efficiency.
Photophysical properties and excited-state dynamics of donor–acceptor–heavy-atom molecules and their application in triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion
Authors: Yoon Jun Ho , Park Jeong-Min , Lee Jae Moon , Kim Hong Mo , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Hyun Kyu , Kim Suhyeon , Kim Wan Soo , Kim Min Sung , Kim Yoo Sang , Lee Dong Jun , Noh Yoona , Oh Juwon , Kim Jae-Hyuk , Kim Jae Pil
Published: June 2024

A novel series of donor–acceptor–heavy-atom (D–A–H) molecules that simultaneously implement both photoinduced electron transfer and heavy atom effect strategies.
Highly efficient and stable Cs4PbBr6@KBr color conversion films constructed through inkjet printing technology
Authors: Zhai Yue , Dai Kecheng , Xuan Tongtong , Bai Wenhao , Shi Shuchen , Zhang Hong , Xie Rongjun , Wang Le
Published: June 2024

In situ crystallized Cs4PbBr6@KBr color conversion films have been obtained, showing an average pixel diameter of 16.7 μm, an impressive PLQY of 94%, and excellent stability against thermal and light irradiation.
Dynamical traceback age of the Octans young stellar association
Authors: Galli P. A. B. , Miret-Roig N. , Bouy H. , Olivares J. , Barrado D.
Published: June 2024

Context. Octans is one of the most distant (d ∼ 150 pc) young stellar associations of the solar neighbourhood, and it has not yet been sufficiently explored. Its age is still poorly constrained in the literature and requires further investigation.

Aims. We take advantage of the state-of-the-art astrometry delivered by the third data release of the Gaia space mission combined with radial velocity measurements obtained from high-resolution spectroscopy to compute the 3D positions and 3D spatial velocities of the stars and derive the dynamical traceback age of the association.

Methods. We created a clean sample of cluster members by removing potential outliers from our initial list of candidate members. We then performed an extensive traceback analysis using different subsamples of stars, different metrics to define the size of the association, and different models for the Galactic potential to integrate the stellar orbits in the past.

Results. We derive a dynamical age of $ 34^{+2}_{-2} $ Myr that is independent from stellar models and represents the most precise age estimate currently available for the Octans association. After correcting the radial velocity of the stars for the effect of gravitational redshift, we obtain a dynamical age of $ 33^{+3}_{-1} $ Myr, which is in very good agreement with our first solution. This shows that the effect of gravitational redshift is small for such a distant young stellar association. Our result is also consistent with the less accurate age estimates obtained in previous studies from lithium depletion (30–40 Myr) and isochrones (20–30 Myr). By integrating the stellar orbits in time, we show that the members of Octans and Octans-Near had different locations in the past, which indicates that the two associations are unrelated despite the close proximity in the sky.

Conclusions. This is the first reliable and precise dynamical age result for the Octans young stellar association. Our results confirm that it is possible to derive precise dynamical ages via the traceback method for ∼30 Myr old stellar clusters at about ∼150 pc with the same precision level that has been achieved in other studies for young stellar groups within 50 pc of the Sun. This represents one more step towards constructing a self-consistent age scale based on the 3D space motion of the stars in the young stellar clusters of the solar neighbourhood.