bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for classification of chest motion base on time-domain signals of IR-UWB radar
Authors: Huang Zhitong , Ma Yongtao , Han Yuxiang
Published: December 2024

As an instrument for wireless sensing and measurement, radar is widely used in target tracking and localization. And Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) radar, with its excellent characteristics of high resolution and large bandwidth, has become a research hotspot in the fields of perception and ranging, smart home and so on. However, when radar sampling rates are low, it is often difficult to obtain accurate time domain information. Also when the amplitude of human movement is too tiny, It’s hard to recognize human activity only based on radar images. This paper proposes a novel method to classify small amplitude human chest motions by time-domain signal from IR-UWB radar with a low sampling rate. Based on the energy and phase of the radar echoes, our method can detect the onset of human’s motion and differentiate between normal breathing and apnea. Additionally, the amplitude of human’s motion can be distinguished based on the distance range spanned by the echoes. Finally, a two-step classification method is employed to distinguish between yawning and coughing in small motions. The paper reports a classification precision of 0.9186, recall rate of 0.9163, and F1 score of 0.9172 for the proposed method under experimental conditions. The experimental performance outperformed the adopted comparison method based on ResNet50, MobileNetV3 and MobileViT. We also tested the performance of the proposed method under different angle and distance conditions, which demonstrates the feasibility of our method.
Denoising proton reference dosimetry spectrum using a large area ionization chamber—physical basis and type A uncertainty
Authors: Tan Hong Qi , Lew Kah Seng , Koh Calvin Wei Yang , Lee Kang Hao , Chua Clifford Ghee Ann , Wibawa Andrew , Master Zubin , Lee James Cheow Lei , Park Sung Yong
Published: December 2024

Objective. Reference dosimetry measurement in a pencil beam scanning system can exhibit dose fluctuation due to intra-spill spot positional drift. This results in a noisy reference dosimetry measurement against energy which could introduce errors in monitor unit calibration. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of smoothing the reference dosimetry measurements on the type A uncertainty. Methods. The reference dosimetry measurement (

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/

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with a PTW 34045 advanced Markus chamber placed at 2 cm depth and a 10 × 10

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m

2

scanned field are performed for 98 energy layers on five non-consecutive days using a water tank. The PTW 34089 large area ionization chamber (LAIC) is placed at the same depth and the charges are measured with a single spot irradiation (

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spot

LAIC

). (

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and

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spot

LAIC

are fitted with a linear and quadratic function to obtain a smooth plot of (

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against the proton energy (reference dosimetry curve). Type A uncertainty of the measured reference dosimetry curve is compared against the de-noised fitted curve. Results. The repeatability of reference dosimetry measurement shows relative difference of up to 2.3% across the five days. The linear and quadratic fits between LAIC charges and the (

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from PTW 34045 show a high

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values of more than 0.95. The maximum type A uncertainty of the de-noised reference dosimetry curve is lower (0.69% at 70.2 MeV) compared to the measured one (0.88% at 77.5 MeV). However, the average type A uncertainty of the denoised curve across all energies is higher compared to the measurements (0.50% versus 0.43%). Conclusion. We have presented the physical basis and procedure for fitting the charges measured with a LAIC to the reference dosimetry curve. The fitted reference dosimetry curve avoids large error in any energy layer but increases the average type A uncertainty across energies and should be used with caution.
A piezoelectric coded-excitation scanning acoustic transducer for Lamb wave inspections
Authors: Dibiase Marco , Mohammadgholiha Masoud , De Marchi Luca
Published: December 2024

Several techniques for Guided Wave (GW) inspections have already been developed. Most of them rely on extensive sensor deployment and damage localization algorithms characterized by significant computational costs. However, there is a growing demand for simpler, more autonomous, and more affordable systems across various fields. In particular, the implementation of wireless, battery-powered systems with a reduced number of sensor nodes and simpler processing would greatly facilitate the transition of this inspection technology on the field. Following this direction, this work presents the design of a novel piezoelectric transducer composed of four different patches, i.e. with only four input/output channels, to scan a given area. The peculiar piezo-load distributions allow the association of different spectral binary sequences for each 6∘ discrete angular step. By evaluating the distance-of-flights (DoFs) of detected peaks, the range coordinates for multiple defects are identified. Meanwhile, the angular information is extracted by demodulating binary sequences of peaks with comparable DoFs across several frequency bands. Since the transducer is designed as an encoder, it is referred to as coded-excitation scanning acoustic transducer (CESAT). More specifically, the Gray code is used to generate spectral patterns to reduce the uncertainty between two adjacent angular steps. A new quantization procedure for the optimal generation of the piezo distributions is also proposed. Ad hoc signal processing algorithms, suitable for embedded applications, were developed to extract multi-target range and angle information. The processing is based on the frequency decomposition of the recorded signal using an FIR filter bank and on dispersion compensation procedures for pulse ‘re-compression’. The transducer encoder behavior is validated through a finite element analysis. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to assess the effectiveness of the CESAT and associated signal processing in multi-defect detection and localization tasks.
Adaptive stiffness structures via additively manufactured fluid accumulators
Authors: Saxena Ankit , Manogharan Guha , Rahn Christopher
Published: December 2024

Lightweight mechanical structures often have low stiffness that prevents their use in structural applications. The demand for lightweight mechanical structures that operate under wide-ranging loading conditions motivates the development of adaptive stiffness structures. The ability to control the stiffness of a mechanical structure allows for tailored static and dynamic properties, including resonant frequencies. However, adaptive stiffness structures that are low cost, offer design flexibility, and can be additively manufactured still remain a challenge. To this end, we introduce adaptive stiffness devices called pressure-actuated adaptive structural cells (PASCells) with controllable axial stiffness. The proposed PASCells consist of four, flat arches that seal at the edges to contain a working fluid. The axial stiffness of the PASCell increases when the enclosed working fluid is compressed due to volume reduction under an axial load. Axial compression of a PASCell creates large internal volume change and internal pressure that resists this compression, increasing stiffness when the fluid volume is constrained by, for example, closing an outlet valve. Designed for additive manufacturing, PASCells can be integrated with mechanical structures to enable adaptive stiffness. In this paper, we derive the governing equations that describe the static deformation of PASCells under an axial load and internal pressurization and experimentally evaluate the stiffness of the PASCells in empty (or open valve) and filled (or closed valve) configurations. Single, series-connected, and parallel-connected PASCells are additively manufactured and experimentally tested, verifying the model predictions, and experimentally demonstrating a 70% stiffness increase.
Dynamically switchable multifunctional device for terahertz application using vanadium dioxide and graphene-based metasurface
Authors: Mistri Hiranmay , Ghosh Anumoy , Sardar Abdur Rahaman , Roy Pabitra
Published: December 2024

In this article, a dynamically switchable and multifunctional metasurface is realized using a combination of vanadium dioxide (VO2) and graphene-based structures. The device can be tuned using the temperature transition property of vanadium dioxide from a wideband linear-to-circular polarization converter (LTCPC) to a wideband linear-to-linear cross polarization converter (LTLPC) and a dual-band absorber. The unit cell is designed with a gold-backed lossy-silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrate with a permittivity of 3.9, and the top metasurface layer is designed with a graphene-based dual triangle loaded split ring (DTLSR) and two stripes of vanadium oxide to cover the split partially. The proposed device can be used as a wideband LTCPC at normal temperature (298 K) from 1.43 THz to 2.85 THz, i.e., 66.35% fractional bandwidth (FBW). At temperatures greater than 341 K, VO2 exhibits metallic properties, and the structure functions as LTLPC from 1.82 THz to 3.31 THz (PCR ≥ 80%), i.e., 58.08% FBW and maximum polarization conversion ratio (PCR) reported as high as 99.65%. Furthermore, at this metallic condition, two absorption peaks are obtained at 1.22 THz and 3.30 THz with absorptivity of 93.5% and 100%, respectively. The device offers incident angle invariability up to 40° for LTCPC and up to 50° for LTLPC operation. Further insight into the mechanism of operation is developed using the surface current density and electric field distribution analysis. The advantage of the proposed metasurface over other similar structures is assessed with respect to multifunctional behavior, bandwidth, and stability under oblique incidence.
Extra-cavity modulating a dark bisoliton
Authors: Wang Dayu , Zhang Yusong , Wang Haoming , Tang Daqian , Zhan Junxiao , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2024

Although the concept of modulating optical solitons out of fiber laser cavities has already been proposed, to more flexibly change optical solitons’ time or frequency domain properties, compared with traditional intra-cavity modulation. The extra-cavity modulation of dark bisolitons has seldom been touched upon. In this manuscript, we theoretically conduct the research about modulating a dark bisoliton at 1 μm wavelength regime, in an extra-cavity modulation system. The modulation system is composed of different modulation elements. In the simulation, we consider the variations of different parameters. And modulated dark bisoliton’s orthogonal polarization components will show unique variation properties as these soliton parameters vary. For example, as time delay in orthogonal directions varies, a new small pulse peak appears at the position of continuous wave background in vertical polarization direction at output port, when time delay reaches to a specific value. These simulation results further explore the extra-cavity modulation of dark pulses in nonlinear optical fiber modulation systems, which are useful to understand the dark bisolitons’ dynamics in extra-cavity modulation systems. And these results have potential applications in the field of high-speed and long-distance optical fiber communication.
Disentangling electronic and phononic thermal transport across two-dimensional interfaces
Authors: Zhai 翟 Linxin 麟鑫 , Xu 徐 Zhiping 志平
Published: December 2024

Electrical and thermal transport at two-dimensional (2D) interfaces is critical for semiconductor technology, yet their interplay remains unclear. We report a theoretical proposal to separate electronic and phononic contributions to thermal conductance at 2D interfaces with graphene, which is validated by non-equilibrium Green’s function calculations and molecular dynamics simulations for graphene–gold contacts. Our results reveal that while metal–graphene interfaces are transparent for both electrons and phonons, non-covalent graphene interfaces block electronic tunneling beyond two layers but not phonon transport. This suggests that the Wiedemann–Franz law can be experimentally tested by measuring transport across interfaces with varying graphene layers.
Enhanced Indonesian Throughflow heat transport prolongs the recharge process during triple La Niña events
Authors: Cao Ziyang , Li Mingting , Gordon Arnold L , Wang Dongxiao
Published: December 2024

The Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) serves as the only tropical branch of the Great Ocean Conveyer Belt, and plays an important role in Indo-Pacific Basin interactions. By calculating the heat budget during single and triple La Niña events (1973–1976, 1998–2000, 2020–2023), we quantified the contribution of enhanced ITF heat transport to prolonging the recharge process during triple La Niña events. During triple La Niña events, the accumulated heat transported by the ITF is about −15.01 ZJ (more than twice that for single events), nearly offsetting the positive contribution of net heat flux from the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Single La Niña events are confined to thermal processes within the Pacific Ocean, while triple events are products of basin interactions, and the ITF serves as a crucial oceanic link between the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. The enhanced heat transport of the ITF is concentrated in the subsurface layer (100–200 m), significantly during the second year of a triple La Niña event. The accumulation of enhanced ITF heat transport in the subsurface layer effectively expands the recharge–discharge area from the western Pacific to the eastern Indian Ocean, with the ensuing discharge process of the tropical Indian Ocean along with sustained La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
Evaluation of artificial intelligence and optical image recognition techniques used in OneIso, an off-axis Winston-Lutz quality assurance phantom
Authors: Grafil Elliot M , De Jean Paul , Capaldi Dante P I , Skinner Lawrie B , Xing Lei , Yu Amy S
Published: December 2024

Single-isocenter multitarget (SIMT) stereotactic-radiosurgery (SRS) has recently emerged as a powerful treatment regimen for intracranial tumors. With high specificity, SIMT SRS allows for rapid, high-dose delivery while maintaining integrity of adjacent healthy tissues and minimizing neurocognitive damage to patients. Highly robust and accurate quality assurance (QA) tests are critical to minimize off-targets and damage to surrounding healthy tissues. We have developed a novel QA phantom, named OneIso, to accurately and precisely measure off-axis accuracy, via off-axis Winston-Lutz (OAWL), to assist SIMT SRS programs. In this study, a comparison of three different quantitative numerical methods were performed for isolating and measuring the position of ball-bearings (BBs) used in the OAWL measurement. The three methods evaluated were: 1) feature extraction technique combined with manual intervention 2) a proprietary software utilizing optical image recognition (OIR) techniques, and 3) a machine learning (ML) model employing convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These methods were used to analyze OAWL datasets gathered from a OneIso phantom deployed on a Varian TrueBeam. The precision of localizing positional BBs within the OneIso QA phantom, analysis speed, and robustness were compared across the methods. Significantly, the trained ML model utilizing CNNs was found to exhibit superior precision, analysis speed, and efficiency compared to the other two methods. These results highlight the benefit in shifting from manual and OIR methods to that of ML techniques. The incorporation of CNNs in automated QA analysis can achieve improved precision, allowing for more rapid and wider adoption of SIMT SRS for treating intracranial metastases while preserving integrity of surrounding healthy tissues.
Enhancing performance of antimony selenide solar cell with different back surface field configurations
Authors: Chaudhary Pooja , Chauhan R K , Mishra Rajan
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on optimization of solar cells using antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) as absorber layer. A novel solar cell structure, designed and simulated with configuration ZnO/i-ZnO/Sb2Se3/NiO or SnS, demonstrates a notable efficiency improvement. The performance of this solar cell was rigorously evaluated using the SCAPS simulation tool. Key structural parameters were optimized as follows: ZnO at 30 nm, i-ZnO at 20 nm, Sb2Se3 as active layer at 100 nm, and NiO at 20 nm. NiO & SnS, utilized as a back surface field (BSF), effectively minimizes recombination. Various parameters were analyzed, including the band diagram, thickness, bandgap, doping concentration, effect of concentration on electric field, recombination and generation rates, temperature effects, and series and shunt resistance of proposed structure. The proposed model achieved an efficiency of up to 31.4%, highlighting the potential of NiO & SnS as BSF in antimony selenide solar cells. The metal work functions for front and back contacts are 4.4 eV and 5.1 eV respectively. This breakthrough suggests a transformative path toward significantly enhanced solar cell performance, showcasing the latent potential of NiO BSF in optimizing Sb2Se3-based solar cells.
How I diagnose high-grade B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Moore Erika M , Gibson Sarah E
Published: December 2024

Objectives

High-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL), introduced in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) revised fourth edition classification, included cases defined by MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements or by high-grade morphology. Diagnostic criteria and nomenclature for these lymphomas were refined in the 2022 WHO fifth edition (WHO-5) classification and International Consensus Classification (ICC). This review describes our approach to the diagnosis of HGBL.

Methods

Two cases are presented illustrating how we diagnose HGBL, including 1 case harboring MYC and BCL6 rearrangements and a second showing TdT expression in an HGBL with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements. The ways in which these cases are distinguished from other lymphomas with high-grade features and the appropriate nomenclature using WHO-5 and ICC classifications are emphasized.

Results

An HGBL diagnosis requires integration of morphology, immunophenotype, and genetics and exclusion of other lymphomas with high-grade morphology, including Burkitt lymphoma, B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-LBL/ALL), and blastoid mantle cell lymphoma. A diagnosis of HGBL/large B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberration should also be considered in certain patient populations.

Conclusions

High-grade B-cell lymphomas are subclassified based on morphologic and genetic features. There are differences in the nomenclature and definition of these lymphomas in the WHO-5 and ICC classifications. Distinguishing HGBLs from other mature B-cell lymphomas and B-LBL/ALL is critical so that patients receive appropriate treatment.
Evolutionary diversification of C2 photosynthesis in the grass genus Homolepis (Arthropogoninae)
Authors: Alvarenga Joyce Pereira , Stata Matt , Sage Rowan F , Patel Ria , das Chagas Mendonca Ane Marcela , Della Torre Felipe , Liu Hongbing , Cheng Shifeng , Weake Samantha , Watanabe Emile J , Lage Viana Pedro , de Castro Arruda Iago Augusto , Ludwig Martha , Delfino Barbosa João Paulo Rodrigues Alves , Sage Tammy L
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

To better understand C4 evolution in monocots, we characterized C3–C4 intermediate phenotypes in the grass genus Homolepis (subtribe Arthropogoninae).

Methods

Carbon isotope ratio (δ13C), leaf gas exchange, mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) tissue characteristics, organelle size and numbers in M and BS tissue, and tissue distribution of the P-subunit of glycine decarboxylase (GLDP) were determined for five Homolepis species and the C4 grass Mesosetum loliiforme from a phylogenetic sister clade. We generated a transcriptome-based phylogeny for Homolepis and Mesosetum species to interpret physiological and anatomical patterns in an evolutionary context, and to test for hybridization.

Key Results

Homolepis contains two C3 species (H. glutinosa, H. villaricensis), one species with a weaker form of C2 termed sub-C2 (H. isocalycia), and two C2 species (H. longispicula, H. aturensis). Homolepis longispicula and H. aturensis express over 85 % of leaf glycine in centripetal mitochondria within the BS, and have increased fractions of leaf chloroplasts, mitochondria and peroxisomes within the BS relative to H. glutinosa. Analysis of leaf gas exchange, cell ultrastructure and transcript expression show M. loliiforme is a C4 plant of the NADP-malic enzyme subtype. Homolepis comprises two sister clades, one containing H. glutinosa and H. villaricensis and the second H. longispicula and H. aturensis. Homolepis isocalycia is of hybrid origin, its parents being H. aturensis and a common ancestor of the C3  Homolepis clade and H. longispicula.

Conclusions

Photosynthetic activation of BS tissue in the sub-C2 and C2 species of Homolepis is similar to patterns observed in C3–C4 intermediate eudicots, indicating common evolutionary pathways from C3 to C4 photosynthesis in these disparate clades. Hybridization can diversify the C3–C4 intermediate character state and should be considered in reconstructing putative ancestral states using phylogenetic analyses.
Life expectancy in ants explains variation in helpfulness regardless of phylogenetic relatedness
Authors: Turza Filip , Stec Daniel , Fontaneto Diego , Miler Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Rescue behavior aims to free a relative from danger. Ants are particularly known for such helpfulness and, perhaps not coincidentally, also show the highest level of social organization in the animal kingdom, i.e., eusociality. However, even among social species such as ants, there is a huge variation in rescue proneness and little is understood about the underlying causes of this variation. In this study, we explore the relationship between helpfulness in the form of rescue and life expectancy, focusing on 14 ant species with diverse phylogenetic backgrounds. We posit that species with longer worker life expectancies are more prone to engaging in rescue actions. To test this, we assessed worker lifespan in each species and conducted behavioral tests simulating entrapment scenarios involving a nestmate ensnared by an artificial obstacle. Observed behaviors involved contact with the nestmate, digging around it, pulling at its body parts, and biting the entrapping obstacle. Our findings reveal that species with longer worker life expectancies exhibit higher proneness to rescue endangered nestmates, irrespective of phylogenetic relatedness. Furthermore, we found no trace of a phylogenetic signal in the life expectancies or helpfulness of workers belonging to different species. The results underscore the significance of life expectancy as a key factor influencing the likelihood of rescue behavior in ants. This phenomenon warrants further investigation, given the varied physiologies, life histories, and ecologies observed among species. Nevertheless, the impact of life expectancy on behavioral patterns in social insects suggests that this parameter is likely significant across diverse taxa.
Biallelic NDUFA13 variants lead to a neurodevelopmental phenotype with gradual neurological impairment
Authors: Kaiyrzhanov Rauan , Thompson Kyle , Efthymiou Stephanie , Mukushev Askhat , Zharylkassyn Akbota , Prasad Chitra , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Alvi Javeria Raza , Niyazov Dmitriy , Alahmad Ahmad , Babaei Meisam , Tajsharghi Homa , Albash Buthaina , Alaqeel Ahmad , Charif Majida , Hashemi Narges , Heidari Morteza , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Lenaers Guy , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M , Gowda Vykuntaraju K , Mirabutalebi Seyed Hamidreza , Carere Deanna Alexis , Movahedinia Mojtaba , Murphy David , McFarland Robert , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S , Elhossini Rasha M , Alavi Shahryar , Napier Melanie , Belanger-Quintana Amaya , Prasad Asuri N , Jakobczyk Jessica , Roubertie Agathe , Rupar Tony , Sultan Tipu , Toosi Mehran Beiraghi , Sazanov Leonid , Severino Mariasavina , Houlden Henry , Taylor Robert W , Maroofian Reza
Published: December 2024

Biallelic variants in NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H))-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13 have been linked to mitochondrial complex I deficiency, nuclear type 28, based on three affected individuals from two families. With only two families reported, the clinical and molecular spectrum of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13–related diseases remains unclear. We report 10 additional affected individuals from nine independent families, identifying four missense variants (including recurrent c.170G > A) and three ultra-rare or novel predicted loss-of-function biallelic variants. Updated clinical–radiological data from previously reported families and a literature review compiling clinical features of all reported patients with isolated complex I deficiency caused by 43 genes encoding complex I subunits and assembly factors are also provided. Our cohort (mean age 7.8 ± 5.4 years; range 2.5–18) predominantly presented a moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental syndrome with oculomotor abnormalities (84%), spasticity/hypertonia (83%), hypotonia (69%), cerebellar ataxia (66%), movement disorders (58%) and epilepsy (46%). Neuroimaging revealed bilateral symmetric T2 hyperintense substantia nigra lesions (91.6%) and optic nerve atrophy (66.6%). Protein modeling suggests missense variants destabilize a critical junction between the hydrophilic and membrane arms of complex I. Fibroblasts from two patients showed reduced complex I activity and compensatory complex IV activity increase. This study characterizes NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13–related disease in 13 individuals, highlighting genotype–phenotype correlations.
SerpinB1 targeting safeguards against pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling by suppressing cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and inflammation initiation
Authors: Lan Cong , Fang Guangyao , Li Xiuchuan , Chen Xiao , Chen Yingmei , Hu Tao , Wang Xuenan , Cai Huiling , Hao Jiajin , Li Haoran , Zhang Yan , Peng Ke , Xu Zaicheng , Yang Dachun , Kang Xia , Xin Qian , Yang Yongjian
Published: December 2024

Aims

While the pivotal role of inflammation in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling is widely acknowledged, the mechanisms triggering inflammation initiation remain largely obscure. This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanism of serpin family B member 1 (SerpinB1) in pro-inflammatory cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, heart inflammation, and cardiac remodelling.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J wild-type, inducible cardiac-specific SerpinB1 overexpression or knockout mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. Cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling were assessed through echocardiography and histology. Cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and heart inflammation were monitored. Adeno-associated virus 9 -mediated gene manipulations and molecular assays were employed to explore the mechanisms through which SerpinB1 regulates cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and heart inflammation. Finally, recombinant mouse SerpinB1 protein (rSerpinB1) was administrated both in vivo through osmotic minipump delivery and in vitro to investigate the therapeutic potential of SerpinB1 in cardiac remodelling. Myocardial SerpinB1 overexpression was up-regulated shortly upon TAC or phenylephrine challenge, with no further elevation during prolonged hypertrophic stimuli. It is important to note that cardiac-specific overexpression of SerpinB1 markedly attenuated TAC-induced cardiac remodelling, while deletion of SerpinB1 exacerbated it. At the mechanistic level, SerpinB1 gain-of-function inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and inflammation in hypertrophic hearts; the protective effect was nullified by overexpression of either cleaved N-terminal gasdermin D or cleaved caspase-1. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal assays confirmed that SerpinB1 directly interacts with caspase-1 in cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, rSerpinB1 replicated the cardioprotective effect against cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling.

Conclusion

SerpinB1 safeguards against pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling by impeding cardiomyocyte pyroptosis to suppress inflammation initiation, achieved through interaction with caspase-1 to inhibit its activation. Targeting SerpinB1 could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling.
Simulated winter climate change reveals greater cold than warm temperature tolerance in Chrysolina polita (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Palvi Anni , Lindström Leena , Margus Aigi
Published: December 2024

Climate change is expected to lead to rising winter temperatures in temperate zones, coinciding with a decrease in winter snow cover. Insects adapted to winter conditions in the temperate zone might be exposed to changing winter conditions and higher temperature fluctuations, which can affect diapause and mortality. We studied the effects of climate change on Chrysolina polita, a temperate zone species overwintering as an adult in the shallow surface of the soil. We tested the effects of increased and fluctuating temperature on the mortality and body composition of the beetles in a laboratory environment, as well as the effects of snow cover removal on the mortality and body mass in field conditions. We found that in the laboratory study, a 2 °C increase in mean temperature increased mortality and resulted in increased lipid consumption, whereas temperature fluctuation caused desiccation of the beetles but did not affect mortality compared to the control condition. In the field study, the snow removal caused the mean soil temperature to decrease by 3 °C and fluctuate (ranging from −26.4 to 2.5 °C compared to a range of −1.7 to 0.5 °C in the control), yet these differences did not affect beetle mortality or body mass. We conclude that C. polita exhibits greater resistance to cold temperatures than to higher temperatures during diapause. Therefore, the rising temperatures associated with climate change can pose challenges for overwintering.
Phenology and voltinism of the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in South Carolina, United States
Authors: Schmitt Lena R , Trotter R Talbot , Bishop Crystal J , Crout Katy E , Pfister Scott E , Coyle David R
Published: December 2024

A new population of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky), an invasive species in North America since 1996, was discovered in Charleston County, South Carolina, in 2020. This population is the furthest south Asian longhorned beetle has established in North America. Previous models only estimate development time at this latitude; as such, we examined Asian longhorned beetle phenology in this novel climate. Over 24 consecutive months, we collected 153 eggs, 878 larvae, 37 pupae, and 1 unemerged adult (1,009 total specimens) from the federal quarantine zone in South Carolina and used larval head capsule width to determine development rate and voltinism. The presence of Asian longhorned beetle adults was determined via visual field observations. Asian longhorned beetle in South Carolina appears to have a synchronous univoltine life cycle, in contrast to populations in the northern United States and Canada that typically develop in 2–3 yr. This information will be useful for future model development to determine Asian longhorned beetle life cycles, for implementing novel management methods, and will aid in predictions to benefit visual survey efficacy.
Insights into the genetic landscape of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in a Brazilian cohort
Authors: Fagundes Gustavo F C , Freitas-Castro Felipe , Santana Lucas S , Ledesma Felipe L , Petenuci Janaina , Afonso Ana Caroline F , Pereira Caio A A , Maciel Ana Alice W , Soares Ibere C , Gomes Nathalia L , Lourenço Delmar M , Pereira Maria Adelaide A , Srougi Victor , Tanno Fabio Y , Chambo Jose L , Fragoso Maria Candida B V , Hoff Ana O , Mendonca Berenice B , Latronico Ana Claudia , Almeida Madson Q
Published: December 2024

Objective

Germline and somatic drivers are identified in 30% and 40% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), respectively. In this study, we investigated the genetic landscape of PPGLs in a Brazilian cohort.

Methods

We studied 182 index patients with PPGLs (116 females and 66 males), comprising 118 pheochromocytoma and 70 paraganglioma cases. Our optimized sequencing strategy included SANGER sequencing, targeted next-generation sequencing panel, and whole-exome sequencing.

Results

Germline and somatic pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in susceptibility genes were identified in 88 (48.4%) and 18 (10.4%) cases, respectively. SDHB was the most frequently affected gene, identified in 30 patients (16.5%), with a germline SDHB exon 1 deletion present in 46.7% of these cases. The Brazilian cohort exhibited a higher rate of germline diagnoses when compared to the European (31%), American (27%), and Chinese (21%) cohorts (P < .001). Five germline variants in new susceptibility genes were identified: (1) Three CHEK2 likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants (c.475T > C/p.Tyr159His; c.362G > A/p.Cys121Tyr; c.319 + 2T > A); and (2) Two BRCA2 pathogenic variants (c.3680_3681delTG/p.Leu1227fs and c.7806-2A > C). These variants are unreported in the Brazilian genomic variant repository. CHEK2 immunostaining was negative in the three tumors, with one case exhibiting CHEK2 loss of heterozygosity. Moreover, the prevalence of CHEK2 or BRCA2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in our cohort was significantly higher compared to global population databases (P < .0001 and P = .0004, respectively).

Conclusion

Our cohort of PPGLs demonstrated a high frequency of germline diagnoses. Additionally, our findings suggest CHEK2 and BRCA2 as potential susceptibility genes for PPGLs.
Does within-school between-class ability grouping harm the educational outcomes of socio-economically disadvantaged children? International evidence
Authors: Jerrim John , Alejandro Lopez-Agudo Luis , David Marcenaro-Gutierrez Oscar
Published: December 2024

Grouping students into different classes based upon their academic achievement or ability is a relatively common practice across the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Yet some argue that teaching students in mixed-ability classes is a better approach, with important benefits for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Unfortunately, existing evidence comparing outcomes across these approaches is scant. This paper hence provides new international evidence on this matter, drawing upon data from the 2015 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study study. Our results point towards null effects; neither approach leads to demonstrably better outcomes for students than the other. This also holds true for young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, suggesting that between-class ability grouping does not harm the educational prospects of these children. Some limited evidence does emerge, however, that primary school teachers believe they are better able to support struggling students—and challenge the highest achievers—when ability grouping is used.
Who becomes a parent while jobless? On the importance of limited opportunities and the normalization of disadvantage
Authors: van Wijk Daniël , de Valk Helga A G , Liefbroer Aart C
Published: December 2024

In many developed countries, men and women postpone parenthood when they are jobless, but this relationship differs between subgroups. We hypothesize that stronger embeddedness in structures of disadvantage engenders a weaker adaptation of fertility behaviour to joblessness due to more limited opportunities in the labour market and the normalization of a disadvantage when it is widespread among relevant others. Using Dutch full-population register data, we select all persons born in the Netherlands between 1988 and 1990 and follow them from 2006 to 2019. An innovative combination of sources in the registers is used to measure the prevalence of joblessness among parents, siblings, neighbourhood peers, and former school peers. Event history models show that jobless men and women postpone first childbearing, but they do so to a lesser extent when they are lower educated and when disadvantage is more prevalent in the social environment.
Automated plasmid design for marker-free genome editing in budding yeast
Authors: Stojković Lazar , Gligorovski Vojislav , Geramimanesh Mahsa , Labagnara Marco , Rahi Sahand Jamal
Published: December 2024

Scarless genome editing in budding yeast with elimination of the selection marker has many advantages. Some markers such as URA3 and TRP1 can be recycled through counterselection. This permits seamless genome modification with pop-in/pop-out, in which a DNA construct first integrates in the genome and, subsequently, homologous regions recombine and excise undesired sequences. Popular approaches for creating such constructs use oligonucleotides and PCR. However, the use of oligonucleotides has many practical disadvantages. With the rapid reduction in price, synthesizing custom DNA sequences in specific plasmid backbones has become an appealing alternative. For designing plasmids for seamless pop-in/pop-out gene tagging or deletion, there are a number of factors to consider. To create only the shortest DNA sequences necessary, avoid errors in manual design, specify the amount of homology desired, and customize restriction sites, we created the computational tool PIPOline. Using it, we tested the ratios of homology that improve pop-out efficiency when targeting the genes HTB2 or WHI5. We supply optimal pop-in/pop-out plasmid sequences for tagging or deleting almost all S288C budding yeast open reading frames. Finally, we demonstrate how the histone variant Htb2 marked with a red fluorescent protein can be used as a cell-cycle stage marker, alternative to superfolder GFP, reducing light toxicity. We expect PIPOline to streamline genome editing in budding yeast.
High-Resolution Genome Assembly and Population Genetic Study of the Endangered Maple Acer pentaphyllum (Sapindaceae): Implications for Conservation Strategies
Authors: Li Xiong , Jiang Li-Sha , Deng Heng-Ning , Yu Qi , Ju Wen-Bin , Chen Xiao-Juan , Feng Yu , Xu Bo
Published: December 2024

Acer pentaphyllum Diels (Sapindaceae), a highly threatened maple endemic to the dry-hot valleys of the Yalong River in western Sichuan, China, represents a valuable resource for horticulture and conservation. This study presents the first chromosomal-scale genome assembly of A. pentaphyllum (~626 Mb, 2n = 26), constructed using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technologies. Comparative genomic analyses revealed significant recent genomic changes through rapid amplification of transposable elements, particularly long terminal repeat retrotransposons, coinciding with the dramatic climate change during recent uplift of the Hengduan Mountains. Genes involved in photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction showed expansion and/or positive selection, potentially reflecting adaptation to the species’ unique dry-hot valley habitat. Population genomic analysis of 227 individuals from 28 populations revealed low genetic diversity (1.04 ± 0.97 × 10-3) compared to other woody species. Phylogeographic patterns suggest an unexpected upstream colonization along the Yalong River, while Quaternary climate fluctuations drove its continuous lineage diversification and population contraction. Assessment of genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load across populations revealed concerning levels of inbreeding and accumulation of deleterious mutations in small, isolated populations, particularly those at range edges (TKX, CDG, TES). Based on these results, we propose conservation strategies, including the identification of management units and recommendations for genetic rescue. These findings not only facilitate the conservation of A. pentaphyllum but also serve as a valuable resource for future horticultural development and as a model for similar studies on other endangered plant species adapted to extreme environments.
Incorporating Incubation Period Distributions to Precisely Estimate the Association Between Rainfall and Legionella Infection
Authors: Cassell Kelsie , Warren Joshua L , Heneghan Christopher , Weinberger Daniel M
Published: December 2024

Background

Multiple studies have shown a positive relationship between weather events and, 1 to 2 weeks later, Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases. Narrowing this time window of association can help determine whether the mechanism linking rainfall and relative humidity to sporadic LD is direct or indirect. Due to the large number of daily water interactions and low incidence of LD, we propose a new Bayesian modeling approach to disentangle the potential for a direct versus indirect exposure to precipitation.

Methods

Incubation period distributions were used to redistribute LD cases to their estimated day of exposure. Then Bayesian distributed lag models were fit to estimate cases per day of exposure with predictor variables for rainfall and absolute humidity. Sensitivity analyses explored the impact of relatively humidity, rainfall after the estimated date of exposure, and randomized rainfall to validate our results.

Results

One standard deviation increase in rainfall 2 and 3 days prior to the date of estimated exposure was associated with an approximately 15% increase in LD risk (per day). When heavy rainfall occurred 0 to 3 days prior to estimated exposure, risk increased by more than 40%, peaking at a 51% increased risk of LD 2 days after heavy rainfall.

Discussion

Our findings of a 2- and 3-day lag between rainfall and the date of estimated exposure is consistent with an indirect link with rainfall, rather than a same-day exposure. Potential pathways that can indirectly link rainfall to LD cases include rainfall-mediated declines in public water supplies, but greater environmental sampling research is needed.
Reforming and repurposing agricultural subsidies to facilitate trade and sustainability
Authors: Cahill Carmel
Published: December 2024

The 1994 Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture was innovative in the attempt to measure, codify and discipline domestic support to the agricultural sector in a multilateral setting. However, it has proven to be extremely difficult to take the reform process forward in the intervening years. The urgent need for action on agricultural subsidies to improve environmental outcomes and to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation could provide a new impetus. This paper suggests some pathways for win–win solutions, which would reduce distortions in agricultural trade arising from subsidies and simultaneously reduce the harm to the environment and climate that they cause.
China’s regulations on the attribution of AI-generated content: an exploration based on the open-ended approach
Authors: He Xinhang , Shan Pingji
Published: December 2024

This article examines the issue of copyright ownership for AI-generated content under China’s current copyright law, with a particular focus on the open-ended classification system introduced by the 2020 Copyright Law amendment and its practical implications. This amendment marks a shift in Chinese copyright law from a closed-list approach to an open-ended approach, thereby extending copyright protection to non-traditional works, such as AI-generated content. Despite including catch-all provisions and refining the criteria for work classification, ambiguities persist regarding the requirements for originality and the categorical hierarchy, continuing to fuel debates on the copyrightability of AI-generated content. This article analyses representative copyright dispute cases involving AI-generated content to illustrate the adjudicative stance of Chinese courts. Significant differences exist among courts regarding standards for originality and intellectual achievement, with rulings often heavily reliant on individual judges’ interpretations of technology and the creative process, which results in considerable discretion. Additionally, the ambiguous relationship between traditional work categories and catch-all provisions facilitates the classification of AI-generated content as a new type of work, potentially leading to an undue expansion of copyright protection. This article offers recommendations from both legislative and judicial perspectives, proposing the establishment of a ‘priority application for traditional work categories’ principle in legislation, issuing judicial interpretations to clarify AI’s instrumental role in creation and advocating for a cautious and substantive assessment in court to determine whether AI-generated content meets the characteristics of a protected work.
Mertk signaling and immune regulation in T cells
Authors: Varsanyi Christopher , Birge Raymond B
Published: December 2024

While widely viewed as inhibitory receptors that drive efferocytosis and immune resolution on myeloid cells, TAM family members, particularly Mertk, have emerged as promising targets in immune-oncology to help stimulate host antitumor immunity. A recent study shows that Mertk expressed on human T cells, including CD8+ T cells and differentiated central memory T cells, has a co-stimulatory function for the T Cell Receptor. These new findings reveal the complexity and diversification of Mertk in immune regulation and its implications to cancer therapeutics.
Molecular and niche modeling approaches to identify potential amplifying hosts for an emerging tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia rickettsii subsp. californica, the causative agent of Pacific Coast tick fever
Authors: Mai Vincent , Boria Robert A , Padgett Kerry , Koo Michelle S , Saunders Megan E M , Billeter Sarah , Asin Javier , Shooter Savannah , Zambrano Maria , Karpathy Sandor , Paddock Christopher D , Swei Andrea
Published: December 2024

Pacific Coast tick fever is a recently described zoonotic disease in California caused by a spotted fever group rickettsia, Rickettsia rickettsii subsp. californica (formerly Rickettsia 364D) and transmitted by the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis. Like many emerging vector-borne diseases, knowledge regarding the transmission cycle, contribution from potential amplifying hosts, and geographic distribution of R. rickettsii californica is limited. We paired molecular analysis with comparative spatial niche modeling to identify vertebrate hosts potentially involved in the transmission cycle of this pathogen. We identified R. rickettsii californica DNA in three mammal species (Otospermophilus beecheyi, Lepus californicus, and Sylvilagus audubonii). This is the first record of R. rickettsii californica detected in mammals and may indicate potential amplifying hosts for this human pathogen. Species niche modeling of uninfected and infected D. occidentalis identified areas of high suitability along the coast and Sierra Nevada foothills of California. These findings support the hypothesis that amplifying host(s) may support higher infection prevalence in the infected tick regions compared to other parts of the tick’s range. Potential host species distribution models (SDMs) were constructed from museum records and niche overlap statistics were used to compare habitat suitability with R. rickettsii californica-infected tick SDMs. We found higher than null overlap of infected ticks with California ground squirrels (O. beecheyii) and trending, but nonsignificant, overlap with two lagomorph species. Pairing molecular and niche modeling may be a useful approach to identify species that are involved in the maintenance of emerging tick-borne zoonoses.