bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Characteristics of Wavelike Banded Convection Associated With Ducted Gravity Waves Over Southern China
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Du Yu , Wei Junhong , Chen Zijian , Yang Hongpei
Published: October 2024

Wavelike banded convection occurs frequently and persistently in southern China, significantly impacting local weather. This study presents the first multi‐year investigation of wavelike banded convection associated with ducted gravity waves in southern China from 2013 to 2021 using radar mosaic maps. These convective bands are highly dependent on the wave ducting environment, which typically exhibits a three‐layer stratification structure. Out of 112 identified cases, two types were further classified based on the presence of a wave ducting vertical structure in the soundings: WaveDuct and nonWaveDuct type. Unlike nonWaveDuct type, the WaveDuct type predominantly happens on winter or spring nights. The phase speeds of WaveDuct convective bands also show a highly positive correlation with the depth of the ducting layer, consistent with wave ducting theory. This study provides a climatological understanding of the frequencies, movements, and environment conditions of wavelike banded convection related to ducted gravity waves over southern China.
Back‐Propagating Rupture: Nature, Excitation, and Implications
Authors: Ding Xiaotian , Xu Shiqing , Fukuyama Eiichi , Yamashita Futoshi
Published: October 2024

Recent observations show that certain rupture phase can propagate backward relative to the earlier one during a single earthquake event. Such back‐propagating rupture (BPR) was not well considered by the conventional earthquake source studies and remains a mystery to the seismological community. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of BPR, by combining theoretical considerations, numerical simulations, and observational evidences. First, we argue that BPR in terms of back‐propagating stress wave is an intrinsic feature during dynamic ruptures; however, its signature can be easily masked by the destructive interference behind the primary rupture front. Then, we propose an idea that perturbation to an otherwise smooth rupture process may make some phases of BPR observable. We test and verify this idea by numerically simulating rupture propagation under a variety of perturbations, including a sudden change of stress, bulk or interfacial property and fault geometry along rupture propagation path. We further cross‐validate the numerical results by available observations from laboratory and natural earthquakes, and confirm that rupture “reflection” at free surface, rupture coalescence and breakage of prominent asperity are very efficient for exciting observable BPR. Based on the simulated and observed results, we classify BPR into two general types: interface wave and high‐order re‐rupture, depending on the stress recovery and drop before and after the arrival of BPR, respectively. Our work clarifies the nature and excitation of BPR, and can help improve the understanding of earthquake physics, the inference of fault property distribution and evolution, and the assessment of earthquake hazard.
Stochastic Analysis of Epithelial/Absorbed Power Density in Multilayered Planar Skin Model With Uncertain Tissue Electric Properties
Authors: Šušnjara Nejašmić Anna , Poljak Dragan
Published: October 2024

Stochastic analysis of the absorbed power density (APD) on skin surface exposed to radiation of halfwave dipole at 10, 30 and 90 GHz and for different antenna‐body distances is presented. Skin tissue is modeled as a half‐space consisting of one layer (skin) or three layers (skin, fat and muscle) whose permittivities and conductivities are uncertain. Deterministic part is based on numerical solution of Pocklington equation via Galerkin Bubnov Indirect Boundary Element method (GB‐IBEM) and numerical integration of the corresponding field integrals. Uncertainty from tissue electric parameters is propagated to APD via non‐intrusive Stochastic Collocation method (SCM) in order to compute stochastic moments of APD. For 1‐layered model APD stochastic moments are computed with 3 deterministic simulations. On the other hand APD mean and variance for 3 layered model are successfully computed with 13 deterministic simulations while skewness and kurtosis require 85 deterministic simulations. The ratio of APD standard deviation and mean decreases with frequency thus indicating that the uncertainty in the tissue electric properties has smaller effect on APD uncertainty at higher frequencies. Finally, sensitivity analysis carried out for both 1‐layered and 3‐layered models indicates the same conclusions. At 10 GHz skin permittivity and conductivity are the two most important parameters. However, as frequency increases the impact of skin conductivity prevails. This indicates that in frequency range 10–90 GHz the APD uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis can be carried out by using only 2‐dimensional stochastic model.
Channel Estimation for Deep Space Communications Under the Effect of Solar Scintillation
Authors: Xu Guanjun , Cai Lianning , Li Xianqiang , Shao Yanli , Song Zhaohui
Published: October 2024

During probe‐to‐Earth superior conjunction, deep space communication channels will suffer from solar scintillation, leading to amplitude attenuation of received signals. This study aims to obtain the channel state information (CSI) on deep space channels affected by solar scintillation. Classical least squares (LS) and minimum mean squared error (MMSE) methods are adopted to perform channel estimation and compensate for the channel fading. Simulation results indicate that under the effect of solar scintillation, performing channel estimation technology can significantly improve bit error rate (BER) performance compared to systems without CSI, and the MMSE algorithm outperforms the LS for both BER and normalized mean squared error (NMSE). In addition, we also find that pilot density, geometric parameters, and the outer scale of solar wind turbulence has great influence on the estimation performance.
Active Fault Interaction in the Eastern Betic Cordillera: A Model of Coseismic and Postseismic Stress Transfer Following Historical Earthquakes in SE Spain
Authors: Yazdi Pouye , García‐Mayordomo Julián
Published: October 2024

The Spanish historical earthquake catalog reveals a significant number of destructive earthquakes (Mw 6.0) that have occurred along the Eastern Betic Shear Zone (EBSZ), a major active fault system at the Eastern Betic Cordillera. However, during the last century, seismic activity in this region has been characterized by the absence of large‐magnitude events, complicating yet underlining the importance of understanding active fault interaction in the EBSZ. In this work, we focus on the northeastern half of the EBSZ and apply a similar method to Yazdi et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023tc007917). We model a series of consecutive earthquakes ( VII; Mw 5.0) between the and centuries occurring along the Alhama de Murcia, Carrascoy and Bajo Segura faults, and assess their coseismic impact as well as explore the evolution of Coulomb stress changes due to the postseismic viscoelastic relaxation on the surrounding faults. Our results support a stress‐triggering connection between subsequent events and shed light on identifying the responsible faults for some. Our findings indicate that 1673 Mw 6.0 Orihuela and 1674 Mw 6.2 Lorca earthquakes, seemingly unrelated, could have both contributed to the forthcoming Mw 5.0 earthquake clustering along the Carrascoy fault. We show that attributing the 1829 Mw 6.6 Torrevieja earthquake to the Bajo Segura fault better describes the occurrence of earthquake sequences between the mid‐ and early centuries. Finally, we propose the Alhama de Murcia and the Carrascoy faults as responsible initiators for the early ‐century earthquake sequence in the Segura Medio valley. These findings provide valuable insights for seismic hazard modeling in the region.
The effect of polygenic risk score and childhood adversity on transdiagnostic symptom dimensions at first-episode psychosis: evidence for an affective pathway to psychosis
Authors: Alameda Luis , Rodriguez Victoria , Di Forti Marta , Spinazzola Edoardo , Trotta Giulia , Arango Celso , Arrojo Manuel , Bernardo Miguel , Bobes Julio , de Haan Lieuwe , Del-Ben Cristina Marta , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Sideli Lucia , Jones Peter B. , Kirkbride James B. , La Cascia Caterina , Tripoli Giada , Ferraro Laura , La Barbera Daniele , Lasalvia Antonio , Tosato Sarah , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Menezes Paulo Rossi , van Os Jim , Rutten Bart P. , Santos Jose Luis , Sanjuán Julio , Selten Jean-Paul , Szöke Andrei , Tarricone Ilaria , Tortelli Andrea , Velthorst Eva , Jongsma Hannah E. , Vassos Evangelos , Quattrone Diego , Murray Robin M. , Aas Monica
Published: October 2024

Childhood adversity is associated with various clinical dimensions in psychosis; however, how genetic vulnerability shapes the adversity-associated psychopathological signature is yet to be studied. We studied data of 583 First Episode Psychosis (FEP) cases from the EU-GEI FEP case-control study, including Polygenic risk scores for major depressive disorder (MDD-PRS), bipolar disorder (BD-PRS) and schizophrenia (SZ-PRS); childhood adversity measured with the total score of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ); and positive, negative, depressive and manic psychopathological domains from a factor model of transdiagnostic dimensions. Genes and environment interactions were explored as a departure from a multiplicative effect of PRSs and total CTQ on each dimension. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, 10 PCA, site of recruitment and for medication. A childhood adversity and PRS multiplicative interaction was observed between A) the CTQ and MDD-PRS on the predominance of positive (β = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.155, 0.682], p = 0.004); and depressive (β = 0.33, 95% CI = [0.071, 0.591], p = 0.013) dimensions; B) between the CTQ and BD-PRS on the positive dimension (β = 0.45, 95% CI = [0.106, 0.798], p = 0.010), and C) with the CTQ and SZ-PRS on the positive dimension (β = −0.34, 95% CI = [−0.660, −0.015], p = 0.040). Bonferroni corrected p-value of significance was set at 0.0125. In conclusion, despite being underpowered, this study suggests that genetic liability for MDD and BD may have a moderating effect on the sensibility of childhood adversity on depressive and positive psychotic dimensions. This supports the hypothesis of an affective pathway to psychosis in those exposed to childhood adversity.
Metabolic gatekeepers: harnessing tumor-derived metabolites to optimize T cell-based immunotherapy efficacy in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zheng Yucheng , Xu Rongwei , Chen Xu , Lu Ye , Zheng Jiarong , Lin Yunfan , Lin Pei , Zhao Xinyuan , Cui Li
Published: October 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) orchestrates a complex interplay between tumor cells and immune cells, crucially modulating the immune response. This review delves into the pivotal role of metabolic reprogramming in the TME, highlighting how tumor-derived metabolites influence T lymphocyte functionality and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Focusing on the diverse roles of these metabolites, we examine how lactate, lipids, amino acids, and other biochemical signals act not only as metabolic byproducts but as regulatory agents that can suppress or potentiate T cell-mediated immunity. By integrating recent findings, we underscore the dual impact of these metabolites on enhancing tumor progression and inhibiting immune surveillance. Furthermore, we propose innovative therapeutic strategies that target metabolic pathways to restore immune function within the TME. The insights provided in this review pave the way for the development of metabolic interventions aimed at enhancing the success of immunotherapies in oncology, offering new hope for precision medicine in the treatment of cancer.
Miro2 sulfhydration by CBS/H2S promotes human trophoblast invasion and migration via regulating mitochondria dynamics
Authors: Feng Hao , Sun Zongxin , Han Baoshi , Xia Huitang , Chen Lumei , Tian Chunlei , Yan Suhua , Shi Yugen , Yin Jie , Song Wengang , Gong Peipei , Wang Shuanglian , Li Yan
Published: October 2024

Insufficient cytotrophoblast (CTB) migration and invasion into the maternal myometrium leads to pregnancy related complications like Intra-uterus Growth Restriction (IUGR), and pre-eclampsia (PE). We previously found that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) enhanced CTB migration without knowing the mechanism(s) and the pathophysiological significance. By studying human samples and cell line, we found that H2S levels were lower in PE patients’ plasma; H2S synthetic enzyme cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) was reduced in PE extravillious invasive trophoblasts. GYY4137 (H2S donor, 1 µM) promoted CBS/H2S translocation onto mitochondria, preserved mitochondria functions, enhanced cell invasion and migration. CBS knockdown hindered the above functions which were rescued by GYY4137, indicating the vital roles of CBS/H2S signal. Disturbance of mitochondria dynamics inhibited cell invasion and migration. The 185 and 504 cysteines of Mitochondrial Rho GTPase 2 (Miro2C185/C504) were highly sulfhydrated by H2S. Knockdown Miro2 or double mutation of Miro2C185/C504 to serine fragmented mitochondria, and inhibited cell invasion and migration which can’t be rescued by H2S. The present study showed that human cytotrophoblast receives low dose H2S regulation; CBS/H2S sustained mitochondria functions via Miro2C185/C504 sulfhydration to enhance cytotrophoblast mobility. These findings established a new regulatory pathway for cytotrophoblast functions, and provided new targets for IUGR and PE.
Atypical rhizobia trigger nodulation and pathogenesis on the same legume hosts
Authors: Magne Kévin , Massot Sophie , Folletti Tifaine , Sauviac Laurent , Ait-Salem Elhosseyn , Pires Ilona , Saad Maged M. , Eida Abdul Aziz , Bougouffa Salim , Jugan Adrien , Rolli Eleonora , Forquet Raphaël , Puech-Pages Virginie , Maillet Fabienne , Bernal Gautier , Gibelin Chrystel , Hirt Heribert , Gruber Véronique , Peyraud Rémi , Vailleau Fabienne , Gourion Benjamin , Ratet Pascal
Published: October 2024

The emergence of commensalism and mutualism often derives from ancestral parasitism. However, in the case of rhizobium-legume interactions, bacterial strains displaying both pathogenic and nodulation features on a single host have not been described yet. Here, we isolated such a bacterium from Medicago nodules. On the same plant genotypes, the T4 strain can induce ineffective nodules in a highly competitive way and behave as a harsh parasite triggering plant death. The T4 strain presents this dual ability on multiple legume species of the Inverted Repeat-Lacking Clade, the output of the interaction relying on the developmental stage of the plant. Genomic and phenotypic clustering analysis show that T4 belongs to the nonsymbiotic Ensifer adhaerens group and clusters together with T173, another strain harboring this dual ability. In this work, we identify a bacterial clade that includes rhizobial strains displaying both pathogenic and nodulating abilities on a single legume host.
Optogenetic dissection of transcriptional repression in a multicellular organism
Authors: Zhao Jiaxi , Lammers Nicholas C. , Alamos Simon , Kim Yang Joon , Martini Gabriella , Garcia Hernan G.
Published: October 2024

Transcriptional control is fundamental to cellular function. However, despite knowing that transcription factors can repress or activate specific genes, how these functions are implemented at the molecular level has remained elusive, particularly in the endogenous context of developing animals. Here, we combine optogenetics, single-cell live-imaging, and mathematical modeling to study how a zinc-finger repressor, Knirps, induces switch-like transitions into long-lived quiescent states. Using optogenetics, we demonstrate that repression is rapidly reversible (~1 min) and memoryless. Furthermore, we show that the repressor acts by decreasing the frequency of transcriptional bursts in a manner consistent with an equilibrium binding model. Our results provide a quantitative framework for dissecting the in vivo biochemistry of eukaryotic transcriptional regulation.
Competing effects of wind and buoyancy forcing on ocean oxygen trends in recent decades
Authors: Hollitzer Helene A. L. , Patara Lavinia , Terhaar Jens , Oschlies Andreas
Published: October 2024

Ocean deoxygenation is becoming a major stressor for marine ecosystems due to anthropogenic climate change. Two major pathways through which climate change affects ocean oxygen are changes in wind fields and changes in air-sea heat and freshwater fluxes. Here, we use a global ocean biogeochemistry model run under historical atmospheric forcing to show that wind stress is the dominant driver of year-to-year oxygen variability in most ocean regions. Only in areas of water mass formation do air-sea heat and freshwater fluxes dominate year-to-year oxygen dynamics. The deoxygenation since the late 1960s has been driven mainly by changes in air-sea heat and freshwater fluxes. Part of this deoxygenation has been mitigated by wind-driven increases in ventilation and interior oxygen supply, mainly in the Southern Ocean. The predicted slowdown in wind stress intensification, combined with continued ocean warming, may therefore greatly accelerate ocean deoxygenation in the coming decades. The fact that the model used here, along with many state-of-the-art forced ocean models, underestimates recent ocean deoxygenation indicates the need to use forcing fields that better represent pre-industrial conditions during their spin-up.
Emerging many-to-one weighted mapping in hippocampus-amygdala network underlies memory formation
Authors: Liu Jun , Hall Arron F. , Wang Dong V.
Published: October 2024

Memories are crucial for daily life, yet the network-level organizing principles governing neural representations of experiences remain unknown. Employing dual-site in vivo recording in freely behaving male mice, here we show that hippocampal dorsal CA1 (dCA1) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) utilize distinct coding strategies for novel experiences. A small assembly of BLA neurons emerged active during memory acquisition and persisted through consolidation, whereas most dCA1 neurons were engaged in both processes. Machine learning decoding revealed that dCA1 population spikes predicted BLA assembly firing rate, suggesting that most dCA1 neurons concurrently index an episodic event by rapidly establishing weighted communication with a specific BLA assembly – a process we term “many-to-one weighted mapping.” We also found that dCA1 reactivations preceded BLA assembly activity preferably during elongated and enlarged dCA1 ripples. Using a closed-loop strategy, we demonstrated that suppressing BLA activity after large dCA1 ripples impaired memory. These findings highlight a many-to-one weighted mapping mechanism underlying both the acquisition and consolidation of new memories.
Surface treatments on commercial glasses: durable impact on the retention of lead, barium and boron
Authors: Brunswic L. , Angeli F. , Gin S. , van Hullebusch E. D. , Tarrago M. , Gautron L. , Neuville D. R.
Published: October 2024

Glass durability is one of the properties that can be affected by surface treatments such as coatings or chemical attacks. These treatments can be used to reduce the quantities of potentially toxic elements contained in glass that may be released in solution. Five surface treatments were selected: three different coatings (SnO2, TiO2, SiO2) and two acidic attacks (SO2 dealkalization and acid polishing). These treatments were performed on five glass compositions (soda-lime, borosilicate, barium silicate, opal, and lead crystal). Their effects on alteration rates and mechanisms were investigated through a single protocol (acetic acid 4%, 70 °C) simulating accelerated aging conditions for containers of beverages or food. The data collected over 1.3 years showed significant reduction of lead leaching with all treatments except acid polishing. The best reduction factor was obtained with SO2 dealkalization, which also demonstrated beneficial effects towards the retention of Ba by reducing the diffusion of alkalis.
Randomized crossover trial on motor and non-motor outcome of directional deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gharabaghi Alireza , Cebi Idil , Leavitt Dallas , Scherer Maximilian , Bookjans Patrick , Brunnett Bastian , Milosevic Luka , Weiss Daniel
Published: October 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) with electric field steering may avoid areas responsible for side effects. This prospective randomized cross-over trial compared omnidirectional (OS) and directional (DS) subthalamic DBS in 19 patients. Electromyographically measured rigidity was the primary outcome. Motor and non-motor scores were secondary outcomes. There were no significant differences between OS and DS. In the acute setting, both conditions improved motor scores compared to no stimulation. Motor symptoms improved after 3 weeks of OS relative to acute measurements, whereas they worsened under DS. The more ventral the active contact, and the less the motor improvement sweet spot was stimulated, the greater the benefit of DS over OS for executive function. Accurate OS of the dorsal subthalamic nucleus ensures motor and non-motor improvements. While DS can mitigate executive decline stemming from off-target stimulation, it may lead to worse motor outcomes. Larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Registration: subthalamic steering for therapy optimization in Parkinson’s Disease ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03548506, 2018-06-06).
Reentrant multiple-q magnetic order and a “spin meta-cholesteric” phase in Sr3Fe2O7
Authors: Andriushin N. D. , Muller J. , Pavlovskii N. S. , Grumbach J. , Granovsky S. , Tymoshenko Y. V. , Zaharko O. , Ivanov A. , Ollivier J. , Doerr M. , Keimer B. , Mostovoy M. , Inosov D. S. , Peets D. C.
Published: October 2024

Topologically nontrivial magnetic structures such as skyrmion lattices are well known in materials lacking lattice inversion symmetry, where antisymmetric exchange interactions are allowed. Only recently, topological multi-q magnetic textures that spontaneously break the chiral symmetry, for example, three-dimensional hedgehog lattices, were discovered in centrosymmetric compounds, where they are instead driven by frustrated interactions. Here we show that the bilayer perovskite Sr3Fe2O7, previously believed to adopt a simple single-q spin-helical order, hosts two distinct types of multi-q spin textures. Its ground state represents a novel multi-q spin texture with unequally intense spin modulations at the two ordering vectors. This is followed in temperature by a new “spin meta-cholesteric” phase, in which the chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken along one of the crystal directions, but the weaker orthogonal modulation melts, giving rise to intense short-range dynamical fluctuations. Shortly before the transition to the paramagnetic state, vortex-crystal order spanned by two equivalent q vectors emerges. This renders Sr3Fe2O7 an ideal material to study transitions among multiple-q spin textures in a centrosymmetric host.
Immunomodulation by the combination of statin and matrix-bound nanovesicle enhances optic nerve regeneration
Authors: Campbell Gregory P. , Amin Dwarkesh , Hsieh Kristin , Hussey George S. , St. Leger Anthony J. , Gross Jeffrey M. , Badylak Stephen F. , Kuwajima Takaaki
Published: October 2024

Modulating inflammation is critical to enhance nerve regeneration after injury. However, clinically applicable regenerative therapies that modulate inflammation have not yet been established. Here, we demonstrate synergistic effects of the combination of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, statin/fluvastatin and critical components of the extracellular matrix, Matrix-Bound Nanovesicles (MBV) to enhance axon regeneration and neuroprotection after mouse optic nerve injury. Mechanistically, co-intravitreal injections of fluvastatin and MBV robustly promote infiltration of monocytes and neutrophils, which lead to RGC protection and axon regeneration. Furthermore, monocyte infiltration is triggered by elevated expression of CCL2, a chemokine, in the superficial layer of the retina after treatment with a combination of fluvastatin and MBV or IL-33, a cytokine contained within MBV. Finally, this therapy can be further combined with AAV-based gene therapy blocking anti-regenerative pathways in RGCs to extend regenerated axons. These data highlight novel molecular insights into the development of immunomodulatory regenerative therapy.
Optimizing predictive models for evaluating the F-temperature index in predicting the π-electron energy of polycyclic hydrocarbons, applicable to carbon nanocones
Authors: Hayat Sakander , Malik Muhammad Yasir Hayat , Alanazi Seham J. F. , Fazal Saima , Imran Muhammad , Azeem Muhammad
Published: October 2024

In the fields of mathematics, chemistry, and the physical sciences, graph theory plays a substantial role. Using modern mathematical techniques, quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling predicts the physical, synthetic, and natural properties of substances based only on their chemical composition. For a chemical graph, the temperature of a vertex is a local property introduced by Fajtlowicz (1988). A temperature-based graphical descriptor is structured based on temperatures of vertices. Involving a non-zero real parameter $$\beta$$
β
, the general F-temperature index $$T_{\beta }$$

T
β

is a temperature index having strong efficacy. In this paper, we employ discrete optimization and regression analysis to find optimal value(s) of $$\beta$$
β
for which the prediction potential of $$T_{\beta }$$

T
β

and the total $$\pi$$
π
-electron energy $$E_{\pi }$$

E
π

of polycyclic hydrocarbons is the strongest. This, in turn, answers an open problem proposed by Hayat & Liu (2024). Applications of the optimal values for $$T_{\beta }$$

T
β

are presented a two-parametric family of carbon nanocones in predicting their $$E_{\pi }$$

E
π

with significantly higher accuracy.
Statistical inference and data analysis for inverted Kumaraswamy distribution based on maximum ranked set sampling with unequal samples
Authors: Hassan Amal S. , Atia Samah A.
Published: October 2024

A very useful modification to ranked set sampling (RSS) that allows a larger set size without significantly increasing ranking errors is the maximum ranked set sampling with unequal samples (MRSSU) approach. This article covers the parameter estimation of the inverted Kumaraswamy distribution using MRSSU and RSS designs. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation techniques are considered. The regarded Bayesian estimation technique is determined in the case of non-informative and informative priors represented by Jeffreys and gamma priors, respectively. Squared error and minimum expected are the two loss functions that are employed. We presented a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the recommended estimations using root mean squared error and relative bias. The Bayes point estimates were computed using the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm. Additional conclusions have been made based on actual geological data regarding the intervals between Kiama Blowhole’s 64 consecutive eruptions. Based on the same number of measured units, the results of simulation and real data analysis showed that MRSSU estimators performed much better than their RSS counterparts.
Quantitative magnetooptical analysis using indicator films for the detection of magnetic field distributions, temperature, and electrical currents
Authors: Path Michael P. , McCord Jeffrey
Published: October 2024

The accurate characterization of local magnetic fields and temperature is vital for the design of electronic systems. To meet this imperative, we present a novel non-contact approach for simultaneous quantitative magnetic field imaging and temperature sensing using magnetooptics and a bismuth-doped yttrium iron garnet film with out-of-plane anisotropy. For the direct signal quantification, a Stokes polarization camera is employed in a conventional magnetooptical microscope. The magnetization in the garnet is modulated with an external magnetic field to continuously image the Faraday rotation at four distinct points along the saturating magnetization loop. The method enables sensing of the magnetooptical signal in saturation, the magnetooptical susceptibility, the temperature, and self-calibrated driftfree imaging of the out-of-plane magnetic field component. A spatial resolution of magnetic field in the micrometer range with millisecond exposure time is demonstrated. The method is verified by analyzing the stray magnetic field distribution of electrical current in a wire simultaneously to the Joule heating induced by the applied current.
Task demands modulate distal limb handedness: A comparative analysis of prehensile synergies of the dominant and non-dominant hand
Authors: Shenoy Prajwal , M. Varadhan S. K.
Published: October 2024

The dynamic dominance hypothesis of handedness suggests a distinct control strategy for the dominant and the non-dominant limb. The hypothesis demonstrated that the dominant proximal limb is tuned for optimal trajectory control while the non-dominant limb is tuned for a stable grasp. Whether the hypothesis can be extended to distal segments like fingers, especially during a five-fingered grasp, has been studied little. To examine this, an attempt was made to compare the prehensile synergies and force magnitudes of the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant hands (NDOM) during a 5-fingered prehension task. Participants traced a trapezoidal and inverse trapezoidal path with their thumbs on a sliding platform while holding a handle in static equilibrium. The DOM hand performed better only in the inverse trapezoid condition, exhibiting a reduced grip force and increased synergy index aligning with the dynamic dominance hypothesis. No differences were observed for the trapezoid condition, likely due to reduced task demands. The study also explored changes in anticipatory synergy adjustments between the DOM and NDOM hands, but the differences were non-significant. Overall, the DOM hand demonstrated better force coordination than the NDOM hand in challenging conditions. Applications of the study in the objective assessment of handedness were proposed.
Magnetic ordering and dynamics in monolayers and bilayers of chromium trihalides: atomistic simulations approach
Authors: Stagraczyński S. , Baláž P. , Jafari M. , Barnaś J. , Dyrdał A.
Published: October 2024

We analyze magnetic properties of monolayers and bilayers of chromium iodide, $$\hbox {CrI}_3$$, in two different stacking configurations: AA and rhombohedral ones. Our main focus is on the corresponding Curie temperatures, hysteresis curves, equilibrium spin structures, and spin wave excitations. To obtain all these magnetic characteristic, we employ the atomistic spin dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The model Hamiltonian includes isotropic exchange coupling, magnetic anisotropy, and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. As the latter interaction is relatively weak in pristine $$\hbox {CrI}_3$$, we consider a more general case, when the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is enhanced externally (e.g. due to gate voltage, mechanical strain, or proximity effects). An important issue of the analysis is the correlation between hysteresis curves and spin configurations in the system, as well as formation of the skyrmion textures.
Adaptations in hepatic glucose metabolism after chronic social defeat stress in mice
Authors: Meijboom Fabiënne S. , Hasch Annika , Ruiz de Azua Inigo , Cologna Camila Takeno , Loopmans Shauni , Lutz Beat , Müller Marianne B. , Ghesquière Bart , van der Kooij Michael A.
Published: October 2024

Chronic stress has been shown to induce hyperglycemia in both peripheral blood and the brain, yet the detailed mechanisms of glucose metabolism under stress remain unclear. Utilizing 13C6-labeled glucose to trace metabolic pathways, our study investigated the impact of stress by chronic social defeat (CSD) on glucose metabolites in the liver and brain one week post-stress. We observed a reduction in 13C6-enrichment of glucose metabolites in the liver, contrasting with unchanged levels in the brain. Notably, hepatic glycogen levels were reduced while lactate concentrations were elevated, suggesting lactate as an alternative energy source during stress. Long-term effects were also examined, revealing normalized blood glucose levels and restored glycogen stores in the liver three weeks post-CSD, despite sustained increases in food intake. This normalization is hypothesized to result from diminished glucagon levels leading to reduced glycogen phosphorylase activity. Our findings highlight a temporal shift in glucose metabolism, with hyperglycemia and glycogen depletion in the liver early after CSD, followed by a later phase of metabolic stabilization. These results underscore the liver’s critical role in adapting to CSD and provide insights into the metabolic adjustments that maintain glucose homeostasis under prolonged stress conditions.
Aboriginal Australian weapons and human efficiency
Authors: Diamond Laura E. , Langley Michelle C. , Cornish Bradley , Pizzolato Claudio , Saxby David J.
Published: October 2024

Aggression—and its role in human societal development—continues to be hotly debated within both the sciences and the humanities. Whatever the evolutionary origins and repercussions of interpersonal and intergroup conflict for the human story, cultures around the globe have invested significant time and effort into designing deadly hand-held weaponry. Here, we describe for the first time, how humans deliver a deadly strike using two iconic and widespread Aboriginal Australian weapons: the kodj and the leangle with parrying shield. We present the world’s first evaluation of striking biomechanics and human and weapon efficiency regarding this class of implement. Results demonstrate the leangle is far more effective at delivering devastating blows to the human body, while the kodj—a multi-functional tool—is more efficient for a human to manoeuvre and still capable of delivering severe blows that can cause death. Together, these data provide the beginnings of an in-depth understanding of how hand-held weaponry has impacted the human body throughout the deep past.
Transpulmonary chemoembolization and microwave ablation for recurrent or advanced non-small cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Vogl Thomas J. , Chen Kuei-An , Li Hao , Fouad Mohamed E.M. , Afraz Zahra , Adwan Hamzah
Published: October 2024

To verify the treatment effect of the combination of transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE) and microwave ablation (MWA), targeting the treatment of recurrent or advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 53 patients were studied and grouped according to the diameter of the largest pulmonary nodule, defined as index tumor size (ITS). Patients with an ITS > 3 cm (n = 20) were treated with TPCE and MWA. Patients with an ITS ≤ 3 cm were treated either with a combination therapy (n = 24) or MWA alone (n = 9). The treatment response, including complications and survival outcome, was then analyzed. After TPCE, there was an average ITS reduction of 0.91 cm, and 25% of patients in ITS > 3 cm were downgraded to ITS ≤ 3 cm. After TPCE, there were 12 patients (27%) with PR status and 32 (73%) with SD status. No PD patient in our case series was noted before MWA.The complication rate of MWA was significantly higher in ITS ≤ 3 cm than in ITS > 3 cm (p = 0.013). The median survival time (MST) was 26.7 months, and the time to progression was 13.2 months. The patients in the ITS ≤ 3 cm had longer MST than the others (31.6 vs. 15.8 months, p = 0.003). The significant prognostic factor was ITS > 3 cm (HR: 1.18, p = 0.02). A combination of TPCE and MWA might be feasible to control non-operable, recurrent, or advanced NSCLC.
Perceptual discrimination of action formidableness and friendliness and the impact of autistic traits
Authors: Vlasceanu Alessia M. , de la Rosa Stephan , Barraclough Nick E.
Published: October 2024

The ability to determine whether the actions of other individuals are friendly or formidable are key decisions we need to make to successfully navigate our complex social environment. In this study we measured perceptual performance when discriminating actions that vary in their friendliness or formidableness, and whether performance was related to the autistic traits of individuals. To do this, we developed an action morphing method to generate novel actions that lied along the action quality dimensions of formidableness and friendliness. In Experiment 1 we show that actions that vary along the formidableness or friendliness continua were rated as varying monotonically along the respective quality. In Experiment 2 we measured the ability of individuals with different levels of autistic traits to discriminate action formidableness and friendliness using adaptive 2-AFC procedures. We found considerable variation in perceptual thresholds when discriminating action formidableness (~ 540% interindividual variation) or friendliness (~ 1100% interindividual variation). Importantly, we found no evidence that autistic traits influenced perceptual discrimination of these action qualities. These results confirm that sensory enhancements with autistic traits are limited to lower level stimuli, and suggest that the perceptual processing of these complex social signals are not affected by autistic traits.
One-year outcomes of a digital twin intervention for type 2 diabetes: a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Shamanna Paramesh , Erukulapati Ravi Sankar , Shukla Ashutosh , Shah Lisa , Willis Bree , Thajudeen Mohamed , Kovil Rajiv , Baxi Rahul , Wali Mohsin , Damodharan Suresh , Joshi Shashank
Published: October 2024

This retrospective observational study, building on prior research that demonstrated the efficacy of the Digital Twin (DT) Precision Treatment Program over shorter follow-up periods​​, aimed to examine glycemic control and reduced anti-diabetic medication use after one-year in a DT commercial program. T2D patients enrolled had adequate hepatic and renal function and no recent cardiovascular events. DT intervention powered by artificial intelligence utilizes precision nutrition, activity, sleep, and deep breathing exercises. Outcome measures included HbA1c change, medication reduction, anthropometrics, insulin markers, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics. Of 1985 enrollees, 132 (6.6%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 1853 participants who completed one-year. At one-year, participants exhibited significant reductions in HbA1c [mean change: -1.8% (SD 1.7%), p < 0.001], with 1650 (89.0%) achieving HbA1c below 7%. At baseline, participants were on mean 1.9 (SD 1.4) anti-diabetic medications, which decreased to 0.5 (SD 0.7) at one-year [change: -1.5 (SD 1.3), p < 0.001]. Significant reductions in weight [mean change: -4.8 kg (SD 6.0 kg), p < 0.001], insulin resistance [HOMA2-IR: -0.1 (SD 1.2), p < 0.001], and improvements in β-cell function [HOMA2-B: +21.6 (SD 47.7), p < 0.001] were observed, along with better CGM metrics. These findings suggest that DT intervention could play a vital role in the future of T2D care.
The prominent pervasive oncogenic role and tissue specific permissiveness of RAS gene mutations
Authors: Yi Ming , Soppet Daniel , McCormick Frank , Nissley Dwight V.
Published: October 2024

In cancer research, RAS biology has been focused on only a handful of tumor types. While RAS genes have long been suspected as common contributors to a wide spectrum of cancer types, robust evidence is required to firmly establish their critical oncogenic significance. We present a data mining study using DepMap genome-wide CRISPR screening data, which provide substantial evidence to support the prominent pervasive oncogenic role and tissue-specific permissiveness of RAS gene mutations. Differential analysis of CRISPR effect scores identifies K- or N-RAS genes as the most differential gene in contrasts of (K-, N-, combined) RAS mutant versus wild-type cell lines across multiple tissue types. The distinguished tissue-specific pattern of KRAS vs. NRAS as top differential genes in subsets of tissue types and evidence from genome data supported the idea of KRAS- and NRAS-engaged tissue types. To our knowledge, this is the first report of prominent pervasive oncogenic role of RAS mutations revealed by gene dependency data that is beyond the current understanding of the oncogenic role of RAS genes and their well-known involved tissue types. Our findings strongly support RAS mutations as primary oncogenic drivers beyond traditionally recognized cancer types and offer insights into their tissue-specific permissiveness.
Brazilian kefir fraction mitigates the Alzheimer-like phenotype in Drosophila melanogaster with β-amyloid overexpression model
Authors: Malta Serena Mares , Rodrigues Tamiris Sabrina , Silva Matheus Henrique , Marquez Alexandre Souza , Ferreira Rafael Bernardes , do Prado Mascarenhas Fernanda Naves Araújo , Zanon Renata Graciele , Bernardes Lucas Matos Martins , Batista Letícia Leandro , da Silva Murillo Néia Thomaz , de Oliveira Santos Débora , Santos Ana Carolina Costa , Mendes-Silva Ana Paula , Spindola Foued Salmen , Ueira-Vieira Carlos
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and the primary form of dementia among elderly people. The amyloidogenic hypothesis is the main theory that explains this phenomenon and describes the extracellular accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. Model organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster have been utilized to improve the understanding of this disease and its treatment. This study evaluated the effects of peptide and metabolic fractions of Brazilian kefir on a strain of D. melanogaster that expresses human Aβ peptide 1–42 in the eye. The parameters assessed included ommatidial organization, vacuole area, retinal thickness, and Aβ peptide quantification. The present study revealed that the fractions, particularly the peptidic fraction, significantly reduced the vacuole area and increased the retina thickness in treated flies, indicating an improvement in neurodegeneration phenotype. The peptidic fraction was also found to alter Aβ aggregation dynamics, inhibiting Aβ fibril formation, as revealed by dynamic light scattering. This study demonstrated that kefir fractions, particularly the peptidic fraction < 10 kDa, have the potential to regulate Aβ aggregation and alleviate neurodegeneration in a Drosophila melanogaster AD-like model. These findings suggest that kefir fractions could be viable for the bioprospection of novel drug prototypes for AD treatment, providing valuable insights into strategies targeting Aβ aggregation and neurodegeneration in AD.
A hybrid approach to investigating major management factors for effective highway preventive maintenance
Authors: Zhao Na , Liu Yijuan , Chen Huihua
Published: October 2024

To resolve the problem of the low management capacity of highway preventive maintenance (HPM), this paper identified and evaluated the major HPM management factors to improve management effectiveness and achieve sustainable highway development. The study conducted a literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the major HPM management factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to distinguish the degree of importance of these factors. A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to explore their patterns of influence. The research identified six dimensions of HPM management, including the management system, management resources, management cognition, management decisions, management technology, and external conditions, along with 26 major management factors. Moreover, information acquisition, system perfection, etc., are key factors; system execution, manager capability, etc., are hub factors; and route selection, machinery allocation, etc., are non-key factors. These factors have a positive impact on HPM management, leading to an upward trend in management effectiveness. The main innovation provided a hybrid and comprehensive approach to identify and evaluate the major management factors for effective HPM. This study can guide managers in developing effective HPM plans, allocating resources more efficiently, improving the overall quality of highway maintenance and forming a sustainable transportation system.
Detection of PIK3CA hotspot mutations in canine mammary tumors using droplet digital PCR: tissue validation and liquid biopsy feasibility
Authors: Seung Byung-Joon , Sur Jung-Hyang
Published: October 2024

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) serve as valuable translational models for human cancer research due to their biological similarities. Canine mammary tumors (CMTs), frequently diagnosed in female dogs, share various characteristics with human breast cancers. This study investigates the PIK3CA (H1047R) mutation in CMTs using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and explores the potential of liquid biopsy for non-invasive detection. We analyzed 80 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) CMT tissue samples and compared ddPCR results with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, achieving high concordance. Plasma and serum samples were also assessed for mutation concordance with tissue results. Our findings indicate a higher frequency of the PIK3CA (H1047R) mutations in benign and grade I malignant CMTs compared to more aggressive malignancies. The ddPCR assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, with plasma testing showing 78.6% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity, and serum testing showing 66.7% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. These results highlight the viability of liquid biopsy as a minimally invasive method for monitoring PIK3CA mutations in canine patients. The study suggests that liquid biopsy techniques hold significant promise for improving the early detection and monitoring of canine cancers, warranting further research to refine these methods and explore their applications in canine cancer diagnostics and treatment.