bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human OPA1delTTAG mutation induces adult onset and progressive auditory neuropathy in mice
Authors: Affortit Corentin , Coyat Carolanne , Saidia Anissa Rym , Ceccato Jean-Charles , Charif Majida , Sarzi Emmanuelle , Flamant Frédéric , Guyot Romain , Cazevieille Chantal , Puel Jean-Luc , Lenaers Guy , Wang Jing
Published: February 2024

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is one of the most prevalent forms of hereditary optic neuropathies and is mainly caused by heterozygous variants in OPA1, encoding a mitochondrial dynamin-related large GTPase. The clinical spectrum of DOA has been extended to a wide variety of syndromic presentations, called DOAplus, including deafness as the main secondary symptom associated to vision impairment. To date, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the deafness in DOA remain unknown. To gain insights into the process leading to hearing impairment, we have analyzed the Opa1delTTAG mouse model that recapitulates the DOAplus syndrome through complementary approaches combining morpho-physiology, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology. We found that Opa1delTTAG mutation leads an adult-onset progressive auditory neuropathy in mice, as attested by the auditory brainstem response threshold shift over time. However, the mutant mice harbored larger otoacoustic emissions in comparison to wild-type littermates, whereas the endocochlear potential, which is a proxy for the functional state of the stria vascularis, was comparable between both genotypes. Ultrastructural examination of the mutant mice revealed a selective loss of sensory inner hair cells, together with a progressive degeneration of the axons and myelin sheaths of the afferent terminals of the spiral ganglion neurons, supporting an auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Molecular assessment of cochlea demonstrated a reduction of Opa1 mRNA level by greater than 40%, supporting haploinsufficiency as the disease mechanism. In addition, we evidenced an early increase in Sirtuin 3 level and in Beclin1 activity, and subsequently an age-related mtDNA depletion, increased oxidative stress, mitophagy as well as an impaired autophagic flux. Together, these results support a novel role for OPA1 in the maintenance of inner hair cells and auditory neural structures, addressing new challenges for the exploration and treatment of OPA1-linked ANSD in patients.
Anästhesie bei Aortenklappenstenose
Authors: Billig Sebastian , Hein Marc , Uhlig Moritz , Schumacher David , Thudium Marcus , Coburn Mark , Weisheit Christina K.
Published: February 2024

Die Aortenklappenstenose ist eine häufige Erkrankung, die dem behandelnden Anästhesisten profundes Wissen über die Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und die perioperativen Besonderheiten der Erkrankung abverlangt. Eine neu aufgetretene Aortenklappenstenose wird vielfach erst durch klinische Leitsymptome (Dyspnoe, Synkopen, Angina pectoris) bzw. einen auffälligen Auskultationsbefund im Rahmen der anästhesiologischen Prämedikationsvisite entdeckt und erfordert ein interdisziplinäres Management, um die optimale Behandlung der Patienten im perioperativen Setting zu gewährleisten. Für die individuelle Auswahl des Anästhesieverfahrens ist eine präzise Befunderhebung im Rahmen der Prämedikationsvisite erforderlich, und darüber hinaus eine genaue Kenntnis der hämodynamischen Besonderheiten der Aortenklappenstenose. Der folgende Übersichtsartikel führt nach einer kurzen Rekapitulation der allgemeinen Pathophysiologie der Erkrankung durch die anästhesiologischen Besonderheiten, die Risikofaktoren für Komplikationen und das perioperative Management bei nichtkardiochirurgischen Operationen von Patienten mit Aortenklappenstenose.
Surveillance of the liver in type 2 diabetes: important but unfeasible?
Authors: Qadri Sami , Yki-Järvinen Hannele
Published: February 2024

Fatty liver plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. According to an updated classification, any individual with liver steatosis and one or more features of the metabolic syndrome, without excess alcohol consumption or other known causes of steatosis, has metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Up to 60–70% of all individuals with type 2 diabetes have MASLD. However, the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis in type 2 diabetes remains uncertain, with reported estimates of 10–20% relying on imaging tests and likely overestimating the true prevalence. All stages of MASLD impact prognosis but fibrosis is the best predictor of all-cause and liver-related mortality risk. People with type 2 diabetes face a two- to threefold increase in the risk of liver-related death and hepatocellular carcinoma, with 1.3% progressing to severe liver disease over 7.7 years. Because reliable methods for detecting steatosis are lacking, MASLD mostly remains an incidental finding on imaging. Regardless, several medical societies advocate for universal screening of individuals with type 2 diabetes for advanced fibrosis. Proposed screening pathways involve annual calculation of the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, followed by a secondary test such as transient elastography (TE) for intermediate-to-high-risk individuals. However, owing to unsatisfactory biomarker specificity, these pathways are expected to channel approximately 40% of all individuals with type 2 diabetes to TE and 20% to tertiary care, with a false discovery rate of up to 80%, raising concerns about feasibility. There is thus an urgent need to develop more effective strategies for surveying the liver in type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, weight loss through lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery remains the cornerstone of management, proving highly effective not only for metabolic comorbidities but also for MASLD. Emerging evidence suggests that fibrosis biomarkers may serve as tools for risk-based targeting of weight-loss interventions and potentially for monitoring response to therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Functional interactions between coat structure and colour in the determination of solar heat load on arid living kangaroos in summer: balancing crypsis and thermoregulation
Authors: Dawson Terence J. , Maloney Shane K.
Published: February 2024

Interactions of solar radiation with mammal fur are complex. Reflection of radiation in the visible spectrum provides colour that has various roles, including sexual display and crypsis, i.e., camouflage. Radiation that is absorbed by a fur coat is converted to heat, a proportion of which impacts on the skin. Not all absorption occurs at the coat surface, and some radiation penetrates the coat before being absorbed, particularly in lighter coats. In studies on this phenomenon in kangaroos, we found that two arid zone species with the thinnest coats had similar effective heat load, despite markedly different solar reflectances. These kangaroos were Red Kangaroos (Osphranter rufus) and Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus).

Here we examine the connections between heat flow patterns associated with solar radiation, and the physical structure of these coats. Also noted are the impacts of changing wind speed. The modulation of solar radiation and resultant heat flows in these coats were measured at wind speeds from 1 to 10 m s−1 by mounting them on a heat flux transducer/temperature-controlled plate apparatus in a wind tunnel. A lamp with a spectrum like solar radiation was used as a proxy for the sun. The integrated reflectance across the solar spectrum was higher in the red kangaroos (40 ± 2%) than in the grey kangaroos (28 ± 1%). Fur depth and insulation were not different between the two species, but differences occurred in fibre structure, notably in fibre length, fibre density and fibre shape. Patterns of heat flux within the species’ coats occurred despite no overall difference in effective solar heat load. We consider that an overarching need for crypsis, particularly for the more open desert-adapted red kangaroo, has led to the complex adaptations that retard the penetrance of solar radiation into its more reflective fur.
Exploring substitution random functions composed of stationary multi-Gaussian processes
Authors: Straubhaar Julien , Renard Philippe
Published: February 2024

Simulation of random fields is widely used in Earth sciences for modeling and uncertainty quantification. The spatial features of these fields may have a strong impact on the forecasts made using these fields. For instance, in flow and transport problems the connectivity of the permeability fields is a crucial aspect. Multi-Gaussian random fields are the most common tools to analyze and model continuous fields. Their spatial correlation structure is described by a covariance or variogram model. However, these types of spatial models are unable to represent highly or poorly connected structures even if a broad range of covariance models can be employed. With this type of model, the regions with values close to the mean are always well connected whereas the regions of low or high values are isolated. Substitution random functions (SRFs) belong to another broad class of random functions that are more flexible. SRFs are constructed by composing ($$Z=Y\circ T$$

Z
=
Y
∘
T

) two stochastic processes: the directing function T (latent field) and the coding process Y (modifying the latent field in a stochastic manner). In this paper, we study the properties of SRFs obtained by combining stationary multi-Gaussian random fields for both T and Y with bounded variograms. The resulting SRFs Z are stationary, but as T has a finite variance Z is not ergodic for the mean and the covariance. This means that single realizations behave differently from each other. We propose a simple technique to control which values (low, intermediate, or high) are connected. It consists of adding a control point on the process Y to guide every single realization. The conditioning to local values is obtained using a Gibbs sampler.
Inconsistency between Human Observation and Deep Learning Models: Assessing Validity of Postmortem Computed Tomography Diagnosis of Drowning
Authors: Zeng Yuwen , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wang Jiaoyang , Usui Akihito , Ichiji Kei , Bukovsky Ivo , Chou Shuoyan , Funayama Masato , Homma Noriyasu
Published: February 2024

Drowning diagnosis is a complicated process in the autopsy, even with the assistance of autopsy imaging and the on-site information from where the body was found. Previous studies have developed well-performed deep learning (DL) models for drowning diagnosis. However, the validity of the DL models was not assessed, raising doubts about whether the learned features accurately represented the medical findings observed by human experts. In this paper, we assessed the medical validity of DL models that had achieved high classification performance for drowning diagnosis. This retrospective study included autopsy cases aged 8–91 years who underwent postmortem computed tomography between 2012 and 2021 (153 drowning and 160 non-drowning cases). We first trained three deep learning models from a previous work and generated saliency maps that highlight important features in the input. To assess the validity of models, pixel-level annotations were created by four radiological technologists and further quantitatively compared with the saliency maps. All the three models demonstrated high classification performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.94, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively. On the other hand, the assessment results revealed unexpected inconsistency between annotations and models’ saliency maps. In fact, each model had, respectively, around 30%, 40%, and 80% of irrelevant areas in the saliency maps, suggesting the predictions of the DL models might be unreliable. The result alerts us in the careful assessment of DL tools, even those with high classification performance.
Systematic Study on the Microstructures of Biomedical Co–20Cr–15W–10Ni Alloys with Carbon Contents Ranging from 0 to 0.2 mass pct
Authors: Friandani Sukma Suci , Ueda Kyosuke , Narushima Takayuki
Published: February 2024

Herein, the effect of carbon content on the microstructures of Co–20Cr–15W–10Ni (mass pct, CCWN) alloys was systematically studied. For this, CCWN alloys with carbon contents of 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mass pct, i.e., 0C, 0.05C, 0.10C, and 0.20C alloys, respectively, were prepared using an induction melting furnace. The as-cast alloys were solution treated at 1523 K for 7.2 ks, followed by cold swaging and heat treatment at 1173 K–1473 K for 0.15–7.2 ks. Consequently, η-phase (M6C-M12C type, M: metallic element) precipitates were detected in the as-cast 0.10C and 0.20C alloys, whereas no precipitates were observed in the 0C and 0.05C alloys. These precipitates were dissolved via a solution treatment. After cold swaging, the ε-phase formed through a strain-induced martensitic transformation in the 0C and 0.05C alloys. Following heat treatment, a single γ-phase matrix was observed in all the alloys, and μ-phase (Co7W6-type) and η-phase precipitates were observed in the 0C and carbon-added alloys, respectively. The precipitation temperature range of the η-phase increased with increasing carbon content. The stability of the precipitates qualitatively conformed with that of the calculated phase diagram. This is the first paper that reports the microstructural changes in CCWN alloys with varying carbon contents.
Via burgers de beste manier ontdekken om eenzaamheid te bestrijden
Authors: van Leersum Catharina M. , Ottink Jeroen
Published: February 2024

Samenvatting

Inleiding

Eenzaamheid is een gezondheidsprobleem dat van invloed is op het dagelijks leven van de betrokkene. Vernauwing van het sociale netwerk is een van de oorzaken van eenzaamheid, een probleem voor veel ouderen. Het is nodig om de bewustwording rond eenzaamheid te vergroten en om eenzaamheid te bestrijden. Dit onderzoek had als doel om samen met oudere inwoners en vrijwilligers uit Nijverdal, Rossum, Albergen en Glanerbrug inzicht te vergroten in methoden van burgerwetenschap om eenzame ouderen te bereiken en eenzaamheid te bestrijden.

Methode

In dit onderzoek is gebruikgemaakt van burgerwetenschap, wetenschappelijk onderzoek waarbij burgeronderzoekers en professionele onderzoekers actief samenwerken. In samenwerking met ouderen, vrijwilligers en andere partners in de vier Twentse gemeenten zijn verschillende onderzoeken opgezet en uitgevoerd, in de vorm van bijvoorbeeld interviews, groepsbijeenkomsten, photovoice-discussies en evaluatiegesprekken. Aan de hand van de resultaten hebben vrijwilligers activiteiten georganiseerd met de ouderen. Met een inductieve gegevensanalyse kwamen verschillende thema’s naar voren: eenzaamheid, het bereiken van eenzame ouderen, motivaties om aan vrijwilligerswerk te doen of deel te nemen aan burgerwetenschap, en de invloed van vrijwilligerswerk of burgerwetenschap op eenzaamheid.

Resultaten

Wanneer ouderen, vrijwilligers en onderzoekers samenwerken in de vorm van burgerwetenschap is het noodzakelijk om een vertrouwensrelatie op te bouwen en een persoonlijke aanpak te realiseren.

Conclusie

Burgerwetenschap kan als methode bijdragen aan eenzaamheidsbestrijding doordat ze het mogelijk maakt eenzame ouderen te bereiken en te betrekken.
Relationship between cognitive function and weight-adjusted waist index in people ≥ 60 years old in NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Wang Xue-li , Feng Hong-lin , Xu Xiao-zhuo , Liu Jing , Han Xu
Published: February 2024

Background

Widespread attention has been given to the detrimental effects of obesity on cognitive function. However, there is no evidence on the connection between low cognitive performance and the WWI (weight-adjusted waist index). This study looked into the connection between poor cognitive performance and the WWI in senior Americans.

Methods

A cross-sectional research study was carried out with information from the NHANES 2011–2014. With multivariate linear regression models, the pertinence between the WWI and low cognitive function in persons older than 60 years was examined. The nonlinear link was described using threshold effect analyses and fitted smoothed curves. Interaction tests and subgroup analysis were also conducted.

Results

The study had 2762 individuals in all, and subjects with higher WWI values were at greater risk for low cognitive function. In the completely adjusted model, the WWI was positively connected with low cognitive performance assessed by CERAD W-L (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.03–1.45, p = 0.0239), AFT (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.09–1.54, p = 0.0029), and DSST (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.30–1.94, p < 0.0001). The effect of each subgroup on the positive correlation between the WWI and low cognitive performance was not significant. The WWI and low cognitive performance as determined by CERAD W-L and AFT had a nonlinear connection (log-likelihood ratio < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among older adults in the United States, the risk of low cognitive performance may be positively related to the WWI.
Shapley-Shubik Agents Within Superstructure-Based Recycling Model: Circular Economy Approaches for Fish Waste Eco-Industrial Park
Authors: Tan Adeline Shu Ting , Uthayakumar Haripriyan , Yeo Lip Siang , Kong Karen Gah Hie , Lo Shirleen Lee Yuan , Andiappan Viknesh , Loy Adrian Chun Minh , Teng Sin Yong , How Bing Shen
Published: February 2024

The tremendous production of fish has resulted in an increased fish waste generation, which ultimately led to the current triple planetary crises on climate, biodiversity, and pollution. In this study, a Fish Waste-based Eco-Industrial Park (FWEIP) model is developed in an attempt to convert the linear economy in existing fish waste management into a circular economy model. Process Graph (P-graph) is used for combinatorial optimization to synthesize optimal FWEIP with the consideration of economic and environmental aspects. The model favors the production of biofuel using the gasification process (Rank 1) with a promising economic benefit of $2.28 million/y without proposing circular synergy within the FWEIP ecosystem. On the other hand, suboptimal solutions—suboptimal 1 (black soldier fly (BSF)) and suboptimal 2 (pyrolysis and gasification) solutions—exhibit gross profit of 17.98% and 24.12% lower than that of the optimal solution. Both suboptimal solutions offer greater circularity with self-sustaining resources (e.g., fish feed, chitosan, and energy). The sensitivity analysis indicates the potential debottlenecking of suboptimal 2 with the use of a catalyst to improve the conversion of bio-oil in the pyrolysis pathway and exhibits a gross profit of 22.54% higher than that of the optimal solution. Following the Shapley-Shubik power index analysis, the hydroponics facility is identified as the pivotal player for both optimal and suboptimal 2 cases with the exception of suboptimal 1 indicating both BSF and hydroponics as a pivotal player. In brief, this research provides the fish waste-based industry with insights and strategies for the implementation of a circular economy as a step toward sustainable development.
Sustainable degradation of ciprofloxacin in water by the electro-peroxone process via a graphite felt electrode system
Authors: Srinivasan Ramya
Published: February 2024

Excessive, unregulated usage and reckless disposal of antibiotics have led to the formation of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Additionally, untreated or partially treated pharmaceutical effluents are discharged into water bodies. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance across the globe, previously curable diseases are becoming challenging to handle due to the advent of superbugs. It is crucial to ensure complete treatment and removal of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals before discharging them into water bodies. Conventional treatment plants are not specialized in removing such complex, emerging contaminants. The advanced oxidation process is an emerging and promising treatment strategy for the abatement of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical compounds. This study explores an electrochemical advanced oxidation process, viz., electro-peroxone for treating ciprofloxacin, a model antibiotic drug. The electro-peroxone system houses electrodes of graphite felt that helps form hydrogen peroxide, an oxidant, in situ. The viability of the carbon-based graphite felt system in reactive oxygen species generation and ciprofloxacin degradation is investigated. A comparison of the electro-peroxone with two benchmark processes, namely, electrolysis and ozonation, is also carried out. Electro-peroxone and ozonation are both quite promising in removing the model contaminant. The in situ generation of H2O2 and •OH is estimated. This is a one-of-a-kind study involving graphite felt as both anode and cathode and achieves an in situ generation of H2O2 of 47 mg/L in 120 min and •OH of 140 µM within 60 min of electro-peroxone. Besides, the efficacy of the system in contaminant degradation is examined at voltammetric and galvanostatic modes of operation. Ozonation and electro-peroxone processes achieved an efficiency between 97% and complete removal of ciprofloxacin in less than an hour. This novel system generates several times higher hydrogen peroxide than the existing graphite electrode system, making it more efficient in radical generation and pollutant abatement. This graphite felt-based electro-peroxone system, on further optimization and up-scaling, can be a promising strategy for abating pharmaceutical compounds and effluents.

Graphical Abstract
Activated Opuntia ficus-indica as an efficient adsorbent for iodine and heavy metals Cr(III), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions uptake for wastewater treatment
Authors: Alzharani Ahmed A.
Published: February 2024

Water pollution by heavy metals or iodine is a serious environmental issue that poses a threat to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, there is a need for developing efficient and low-cost methods for removing heavy metals and iodine from water sources. Activated Opuntia ficus-indica (AOFI) has been used for various purposes such as food, medicine, cosmetics, biofuel, and soil stabilization. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using AOFI as an adsorbent for removing heavy metals; e.g. Cr(III), Pb(II), and Cu(II) and iodine from water. The leaves of AOFI that were collected from Al-Baha city, KSA, were carbonized and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis. Then uptake experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of various parameters such as pH, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the removal uptake by AOFI. Also the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the adsorption process had been calculated. The adsorption capacity of AOFI and OFI against iodine, Cr(III), Pb(II), and Cu(II) had been calculated. The results showed that; AOFI has adsorption capacity 1.14, 1.14, and 1.16 times higher than OFI, for Cr(III), Pb(II), and Cu(II), respectively, and 1.05 times higher than OFI, for iodine uptake. The findings indicated that AOFI exhibited remarkable efficacy in the metal ions uptake, achieving uptake efficiency up to 70%. Additionally, AOFI demonstrated notable efficiency in iodine uptake, reaching up to 60%. These results underscore the high uptake efficiency of AOFI for both metal ions and iodine, emphasizing its potential as an effective adsorbent for water treatment applications. This study is novel because it is the first to report the adsorption of heavy metals; such as Cr(III), Pb(II), and Cu(II) and iodine by AOFI.
Spatial disparities in risk management in China: application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Wang Xiaotong , Sun Yingying , Yang Lijiao , Lv Zuheng , Samaddar Subhajyoti
Published: February 2024

The application of risk management strategies is a common approach in emergency response scenarios. However, scant knowledge exists regarding its utilization in the specific context of an outbreak, both theoretically and practically. This study delves into the realm of risk management during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on four key measurements: risk avoidance (RA), risk reduction (RD), risk transfer (RT), and risk retention (RR). Using 800 valid responses collected from 31 provinces across China between August 1 and September 30, 2020, this study investigates spatial disparities in individuals’ intentions towards risk management. To achieve this, an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (E-TPB) is applied. The Structural Equation Model’s path analyses revealed several findings: (1) discernible spatial disparities in RR, RA, and RD intentions between large and small cities; (2) RD and RR intentions were significantly associated with attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and risk perception; (3) RA and RT intentions were significantly associated with attitude and risk perception; (4) risk perception exihibiting both direct and indirect effects on RA and RR intentions. This study contributs to the urban studies literature by extending the theoretical framework of risk management in the context of COVID-19. It enhances the measurement tools employed in the TPB model and scrutinizes spatial disparities in the adoption of preventative measures against COVID-19. The findings underscore the importance for local policymakers to consider geographical differences when formulating effective strategies for COVID-19 prevention.
PFOA and PFOS induces mineralization of soil organic carbon by accelerating the consumption of dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Li Yulong , Lv Bowei , Chen Zhendong , Xue Jianming , Wu Li , He Xiaoman , Yang Lie
Published: February 2024

The wide spread of Perfluoroalkyl substances (e.g., PFOA and PFOS) in soil can alter native soil geochemical properties and microbial communities through various approaches. Nonetheless, it is unclear that how PFOA and PFOS in soil affect the mineralization of soil organic carbon (SOC). A laboratory-scale culture experiment (180 d) was performed to explore the contribution of PFOA and PFOS to SOC dynamics and soil geochemical processes. Results showed that positive priming effect (PE) occurred in the short term (i.e., 30 days after PFOA and PFOS addition) and subsequently shifted to a slightly negative PE (i.e., 90 days) and remained in a significant negative PE thereafter (i.e., > 180 days). The PEs caused by PFOA and PFOS both accelerated the consumption of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), resulting in a significant increase in SOC mineralization (10.45%–127.36%) under the short-term incubation (30 d). As for long-term exposure (> 90 d), the organic carbon mineralization rate was significantly reduced (58.30%–65.24%) due to the excessive DOC consumption in the initial stage. High throughput analysis indicated that both PFOA and PFOS changed soil bacterial and fungal community structures, altered the relevant metabolic pathways and resulted in the enrichment of specific taxa.

Graphical Abstract
Three-dimentional reconstruction of underwater side-scan sonar images based on shape-from-shading and monocular depth fusion
Authors: Ju Yakun , Zhou Jingchun , Zhou Shitong , Xie Hao , Zhang Cong , Xiao Jun , Yang Cuixin , Sun Jianyuan
Published: February 2024

Modern marine research requires high-precision three-dimensional (3D) underwater data. Underwater environments experience severe visible light attenuation, which leads to inferior imaging compared with air. In contrast, sound waves are less affected underwater; hence side-scan sonar is used for underwater 3D reconstruction. Typically, the shape-from-shading algorithm (SfS) is widely used to reconstruct surface normal or heights from side-scan sonar images. However, this approach has challenges because of global information loss and noise. To address these issues, this study introduces a surface-normal fusion method. Specifically, we propose a frequency separation SfS algorithm using a discrete cosine transform, which provides a surface-normal map with less noise. We then fuse the surface-normal map with a novel depth estimation network to achieve high-precision 3D reconstruction of underwater side-scan sonar images. We conducted experiments on synthetic, NYU-depth-v2, and real side-scan sonar datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Development and reform of marine spatial planning in China under the new territorial spatial planning system
Authors: Gao Jinzhu , An Taitian , Zhang Kuncheng , Zhao Rui
Published: February 2024

Over the last two decades, countries worldwide have become increasingly aware of the potential of marine space, which has led to a significant development in marine spatial planning (MSP) and the proliferation of studies and practical exploration of MSP issues. In China, MSP is undergoing a new series of reforms. Despite discussions in the academic community on the methods and mechanisms of MSP, issues related to planning, system designs, and implementation priorities for the next stage of MSP in China remain unresolved. This study describes the multiplan integration characterization of MSP in China. It intends to address these issues by presenting a potential MSP system and defining the specific contents and tools that need to be applied to coastal spatial planning (CSP). CSP will be at the core of MSP in China in the future.
Comparison of Forecasting Biases Over New York State Mesonet: A Wet Summer Versus a Dry Summer
Authors: Min Lanxi , Min Qilong , Wang Chiming
Published: February 2024

Extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequent due to the climate change. This increasing frequency may introduce more uncertainty in weather forecasting model performance, particularly when considering the intricate relationship of the land surface and atmosphere coupling system. In this study, we utilize data from the sophisticated New York State Mesonet to evaluate the performance of a forecasting system based on WRF Version 4 model, drawing insights from both dry and wet summers. Additionally, the model's performance is assessed on two land surface types: forest and farmland, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of impact of land surface heterogeneity. The surface meteorology, fluxes, and cloud development are assessed. The coupling between surface and atmosphere is diagnosed using a mixing diagram which serves to represent surface thermodynamic properties. The results reveal a systematic increase in warm season dry and warm biases, especially for forested sites during a drought year. The model exhibits heightened sensitivity to drought conditions, resulting in a substantial underestimation of latent heat fluxes during such period. During days with boundary layer clouds, the mixing diagram shows a notably slower growth of moist static energy in the model compared to observation. It is possible that these biases partly attribute to the underestimation of cloud optical depth due to not enough energy for the cloud development.
Windows into the past: recent scientific techniques in dental analysis
Authors: Forshaw Roger
Published: February 2024

Teeth are the hardest and most chemically stable tissues in the body, are well-preserved in archaeological remains and, being resistant to decomposition in the soil, survive long after their supporting structures have deteriorated. It has long been recognised that visual and radiographic examination of teeth can provide considerable information relating to the lifestyle of an individual. This paper examines the latest scientific approaches that have become available to investigate recent and ancient teeth. These techniques include DNA analysis, which can be used to determine the sex of an individual, indicate familial relationships, study population movements, provide phylogenetic information and identify the presence of disease pathogens. A stable isotopic approach can shed light on aspects of diet and mobility and even research climate change. Proteomic analysis of ancient dental calculus can reveal specific information about individual diets. Synchrotron microcomputed tomography is a non-invasive technique which can be used to visualise physiological impactful events, such as parturition, menopause and diseases in cementum microstructure - these being displayed as aberrant growth lines.
The small molecule raptinal can simultaneously induce apoptosis and inhibit PANX1 activity
Authors: Santavanond Jascinta P. , Chiu Yu-Hsin , Tixeira Rochelle , Liu Zonghan , Yap Jeremy K. Y. , Chen Kaiwen W. , Li Chen-Lu , Lu Yi-Ru , Roncero-Carol Joan , Hoijman Esteban , Rutter Stephanie F. , Shi Bo , Ryan Gemma F. , Hodge Amy L. , Caruso Sarah , Baxter Amy A. , Ozkocak Dilara C. , Johnson Chad , Day Zoe I. , Mayfosh Alyce J. , Hulett Mark D. , Phan Thanh K. , Atkin-Smith Georgia K. , Poon Ivan K. H.
Published: February 2024

Discovery of new small molecules that can activate distinct programmed cell death pathway is of significant interest as a research tool and for the development of novel therapeutics for pathological conditions such as cancer and infectious diseases. The small molecule raptinal was discovered as a pro-apoptotic compound that can rapidly trigger apoptosis by promoting the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and subsequently activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. As raptinal is very effective at inducing apoptosis in a variety of different cell types in vitro and in vivo, it has been used in many studies investigating cell death as well as the clearance of dying cells. While examining raptinal as an apoptosis inducer, we unexpectedly identified that in addition to its pro-apoptotic activities, raptinal can also inhibit the activity of caspase-activated Pannexin 1 (PANX1), a ubiquitously expressed transmembrane channel that regulates many cell death-associated processes. By implementing numerous biochemical, cell biological and electrophysiological approaches, we discovered that raptinal can simultaneously induce apoptosis and inhibit PANX1 activity. Surprisingly, raptinal was found to inhibit cleavage-activated PANX1 via a mechanism distinct to other well-described PANX1 inhibitors such as carbenoxolone and trovafloxacin. Furthermore, raptinal also interfered with PANX1-regulated apoptotic processes including the release of the ‘find-me’ signal ATP, the formation of apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles, as well as NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Taken together, these data identify raptinal as the first compound that can simultaneously induce apoptosis and inhibit PANX1 channels. This has broad implications for the use of raptinal in cell death studies as well as in the development new PANX1 inhibitors.
Conserved mechanisms of self-renewal and pluripotency in mouse and human ESCs regulated by simulated microgravity using a 3D clinostat
Authors: Ye Ying , Xie Wenyan , Ma Zhaoru , Wang Xuepeng , Wen Yi , Li Xuemei , Qi Hongqian , Wu Hao , An Jinnan , Jiang Yan , Lu Xinyi , Chen Guokai , Hu Shijun , Blaber Elizabeth A. , Chen Xi , Chang Lei , Zhang Wensheng
Published: February 2024

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit unique attributes of boundless self-renewal and pluripotency, making them invaluable for fundamental investigations and clinical endeavors. Previous examinations of microgravity effects on ESC self-renewal and differentiation have predominantly maintained a descriptive nature, constrained by limited experimental opportunities and techniques. In this investigation, we present compelling evidence derived from murine and human ESCs, demonstrating that simulated microgravity (SMG)-induced stress significantly impacts self-renewal and pluripotency through a previously unidentified conserved mechanism. Specifically, SMG induces the upregulation of heat shock protein genes, subsequently enhancing the expression of core pluripotency factors and activating the Wnt and/or LIF/STAT3 signaling pathways, thereby fostering ESC self-renewal. Notably, heightened Wnt pathway activity, facilitated by Tbx3 upregulation, prompts mesoendodermal differentiation in both murine and human ESCs under SMG conditions. Recognizing potential disparities between terrestrial SMG simulations and authentic microgravity, forthcoming space flight experiments are imperative to validate the impact of reduced gravity on ESC self-renewal and differentiation mechanisms.
Effects of vasodilators on beat-to-beat and every fifteen minutes blood pressure variability induced by noradrenaline infusion in rats
Authors: Jiang Danfeng , Matsuzaki Minami , Ida Takanori , Kitamura Kazuo , Kato Johji
Published: February 2024

Increased blood pressure variability (BPV) was shown to be associated with cardiovascular morbidities and/or mortalities. There are various types of BPV depending on time intervals of BP measurements, ranging from beat-to-beat to visit-to-visit or year-to-year. We previously found that continuous infusion of noradrenaline (NA) for 14 days increased short-term BPV every 15 min in rats. The aims of this study were to examine (1) whether NA infusion increases very short-term beat-to-beat BPV, (2) the effects of azelnidipine and hydralazine on NA-induced BPV, and (3) whether baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) is affected by NA or NA plus those vasodilators. Nine-week-old Wistar rats infused subcutaneously with 30 μg/h NA were orally treated with or without 9.7 mg/day azelnidipine or 5.9 mg/day hydralazine over 14 days. BP levels were continuously monitored via abdominal aortic catheter with a telemetry system in an unrestrained condition. Standard deviations (SDs) were used to evaluate beat-to-beat BPV and BPV every 15 min which was obtained by averaging BP levels for 10-s segment at each time point. BRS was determined by a sequence analysis. Continuous NA infusion over 14 days increased average BP, beat-to-beat BPV, and BPV every 15 min, lowering BRS. Comparing the two vasodilators, hydralazine reduced BP elevation by NA; meanwhile, azelnidipine alleviated BPV augmentation, preserving BRS, despite a smaller BP reduction. Thus, NA infusion increased both very short- and short-term BPV concomitantly with impaired BRS, while azelnidipine had an inhibitory effect, possibly independent of BP-lowering, on those types of BPV and impairment of BRS.
Mediating trade-off between activity and selectivity in alkynes semi-hydrogenation via a hydrophilic polar layer
Authors: Xiong Jinqi , Mao Shanjun , Luo Qian , Ning Honghui , Lu Bing , Liu Yanling , Wang Yong
Published: February 2024

As a crucial industrial process for the production of bulk and fine chemicals, semi-hydrogenation of alkynes faces the trade-off between activity and selectivity due to undesirable over-hydrogenation. By breaking the energy linear scaling relationships, we report an efficient additive-free WO3-based single-atom Pd catalytic system with a vertical size effect of hydrogen spillover. Hydrogen spillover induced hydrophilic polar layer (HPL) with limited thickness on WO3-based support exhibits unconventional size effect to Pd site, in which over-hydrogenation is greatly suppressed on Pd1 site due to the polar repulsive interaction between HPL and nonpolar C=C bonds, whereas this is invalid for Pd nanoparticles with higher altitudes. By further enhancing the HPL through Mo doping, activated Pd1/MoWO3 achieves recorded performance of 98.4% selectivity and 10200 h−1 activity for semi-hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 26-fold increase in activity of Lindlar catalyst. This observed vertical size effect of hydrogen spillover offers broad potential in catalytic performance regulation.
Evaluating vector competence for Yellow fever in the Caribbean
Authors: Gabiane Gaelle , Bohers Chloé , Mousson Laurence , Obadia Thomas , Dinglasan Rhoel R. , Vazeille Marie , Dauga Catherine , Viglietta Marine , Yébakima André , Vega-Rúa Anubis , Gutiérrez Bugallo Gladys , Gélvez Ramírez Rosa Margarita , Sonor Fabrice , Etienne Manuel , Duclovel-Pame Nathalie , Blateau Alain , Smith-Ravin Juliette , De Lamballerie Xavier , Failloux Anna-Bella
Published: February 2024

The mosquito-borne disease, Yellow fever (YF), has been largely controlled via mass delivery of an effective vaccine and mosquito control interventions. However, there are warning signs that YF is re-emerging in both Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Imported from Africa in slave ships, YF was responsible for devastating outbreaks in the Caribbean. In Martinique, the last YF outbreak was reported in 1908 and the mosquito Aedes aegypti was incriminated as the main vector. We evaluated the vector competence of fifteen Ae. aegypti populations for five YFV genotypes (Bolivia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda). Here we show that mosquito populations from the Caribbean and the Americas were able to transmit the five YFV genotypes, with YFV strains for Uganda and Bolivia having higher transmission success. We also observed that Ae. aegypti populations from Martinique were more susceptible to YFV infection than other populations from neighboring Caribbean islands, as well as North and South America. Our vector competence data suggest that the threat of re-emergence of YF in Martinique and the subsequent spread to Caribbean nations and beyond is plausible.
Convergent evolutionary patterns of heterostyly across angiosperms support the pollination-precision hypothesis
Authors: Simón-Porcar Violeta , Escudero Marcial , Santos-Gally Rocío , Sauquet Hervé , Schönenberger Jürg , Johnson Steven D. , Arroyo Juan
Published: February 2024

Since the insights by Charles Darwin, heterostyly, a floral polymorphism with morphs bearing stigmas and anthers at reciprocal heights, has become a model system for the study of natural selection. Based on his archetypal heterostylous flower, including regular symmetry, few stamens and a tube, Darwin hypothesised that heterostyly evolved to promote outcrossing through efficient pollen transfer between morphs involving different areas of a pollinator’s body, thus proposing his seminal pollination-precision hypothesis. Here we update the number of heterostylous and other style-length polymorphic taxa to 247 genera belonging to 34 families, notably expanding known cases by 20%. Using phylogenetic and comparative analyses across the angiosperms, we show numerous independent origins of style-length polymorphism associated with actinomorphic, tubular flowers with a low number of sex organs, stamens fused to the corolla, and pollination by long-tongued insects. These associations provide support for the Darwinian pollination-precision hypothesis as a basis for convergent evolution of heterostyly across angiosperms.
Generating active metal/oxide reverse interfaces through coordinated migration of single atoms
Authors: Zhang Lina , Wan Shaolong , Du Congcong , Wan Qiang , Pham Hien , Zhao Jiafei , Ding Xingyu , Wei Diye , Zhao Wei , Li Jiwei , Zheng Yanping , Xie Hui , Zhang Hua , Chen Mingshu , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , Wang Shuai , Lin Jingdong , Huang Jianyu , Lin Sen , Wang Yong , Datye Abhaya K. , Wang Ye , Xiong Haifeng
Published: February 2024

Identification of active sites in catalytic materials is important and helps establish approaches to the precise design of catalysts for achieving high reactivity. Generally, active sites of conventional heterogeneous catalysts can be single atom, nanoparticle or a metal/oxide interface. Herein, we report that metal/oxide reverse interfaces can also be active sites which are created from the coordinated migration of metal and oxide atoms. As an example, a Pd1/CeO2 single-atom catalyst prepared via atom trapping, which is otherwise inactive at 30 °C, is able to completely oxidize formaldehyde after steam treatment. The enhanced reactivity is due to the formation of a Ce2O3-Pd nanoparticle domain interface, which is generated by the migration of both Ce and Pd atoms on the atom-trapped Pd1/CeO2 catalyst during steam treatment. We show that the generation of metal oxide-metal interfaces can be achieved in other heterogeneous catalysts due to the coordinated mobility of metal and oxide atoms, demonstrating the formation of a new active interface when using metal single-atom material as catalyst precursor.
Synergistic-potential engineering enables high-efficiency graphene photodetectors for near- to mid-infrared light
Authors: Jiang Hao , Fu Jintao , Wei Jingxuan , Li Shaojuan , Nie Changbin , Sun Feiying , Wu Qing Yang Steve , Liu Mingxiu , Dong Zhaogang , Wei Xingzhan , Gao Weibo , Qiu Cheng-Wei
Published: February 2024

High quantum efficiency and wide-band detection capability are the major thrusts of infrared sensing technology. However, bulk materials with high efficiency have consistently encountered challenges in integration and operational complexity. Meanwhile, two-dimensional (2D) semimetal materials with unique zero-bandgap structures are constrained by the bottleneck of intrinsic quantum efficiency. Here, we report a near-mid infrared ultra-miniaturized graphene photodetector with configurable 2D potential well. The 2D potential well constructed by dielectric structures can spatially (laterally and vertically) produce a strong trapping force on the photogenerated carriers in graphene and inhibit their recombination, thereby improving the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and photogain of the device with wavelength-immunity, which enable a high responsivity of 0.2 A/W–38 A/W across a broad infrared detection band from 1.55 to 11 µm. Thereafter, a room-temperature detectivity approaching 1 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W−1 is obtained under blackbody radiation. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of electric and light field in the 2D potential well enables high-efficiency polarization-sensitive detection at tunable wavelengths. Our strategy opens up alternative possibilities for easy fabrication, high-performance and multifunctional infrared photodetectors.
Regulation of TRI5 expression and deoxynivalenol biosynthesis by a long non-coding RNA in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Huang Panpan , Yu Xiao , Liu Huiquan , Ding Mingyu , Wang Zeyi , Xu Jin-Rong , Jiang Cong
Published: February 2024

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most frequently detected mycotoxin in cereal grains and processed food or feed. Two transcription factors, Tri6 and Tri10, are essential for DON biosynthesis in Fusarium graminearum. In this study we conduct stranded RNA-seq analysis with tri6 and tri10 mutants and show that Tri10 acts as a master regulator controlling the expression of sense and antisense transcripts of TRI6 and over 450 genes with diverse functions. TRI6 is more specific for regulating TRI genes although it negatively regulates TRI10. Two other TRI genes, including TRI5 that encodes a key enzyme for DON biosynthesis, also have antisense transcripts. Both Tri6 and Tri10 are essential for TRI5 expression and for suppression of antisense-TRI5. Furthermore, we identify a long non-coding RNA (named RNA5P) that is transcribed from the TRI5 promoter region and is also regulated by Tri6 and Tri10. Deletion of RNA5P by replacing the promoter region of TRI5 with that of TRI12 increases TRI5 expression and DON biosynthesis, indicating that RNA5P suppresses TRI5 expression. However, ectopic constitutive overexpression of RNA5P has no effect on DON biosynthesis and TRI5 expression. Nevertheless, elevated expression of RNA5P in situ reduces TRI5 expression and DON production. Our results indicate that TRI10 and TRI6 regulate each other’s expression, and both are important for suppressing the expression of RNA5P, a long non-coding RNA with cis-acting inhibitory effects on TRI5 expression and DON biosynthesis in F. graminearum.