bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of factors from practical workpieces on ultrasonic LCR method stress measurement
Authors: Lai Hsuan-Han , Yan Deng-Han , Chang Wei-Jheng , Chung Kun-Hsien , Xing Li-Xue , Chang Wei-Ting , Wu Weite
Published: June 2024

The non-destructive stress measurement method is the main trend in residual stress analysis. The ultrasonic method, which utilizes the acoustoelastic effect of the longitudinal critically refracted (LCR) wave, is one of the time-saving measurement techniques. During the practical stress measurement on a workpiece, various external factors may impact the transmission of acoustic waves and the resulting stress value. This study revealed and discussed the effects of four factors on the LCR wave: surface roughness of the examined material, temperature of the material, external mechanical vibration, and surface paint. The stress coefficient was determined by comparing the offset time of the acoustic wave with the stress measured by X-ray analyzer in the zero-stress specimens, which had undergone annealing and deep cryogenic treatment. The test results indicated that the surface roughness did not affect the transition time of the acoustic wave, but it did decrease the intensity of the signal. The increase in temperature and the transition time of the acoustic wave were in a linear relationship. Mechanical vibrations from the environment would not affect the transition time or signal intensity of the acoustic wave, whereas the application of surface paint increased the transition time. Although the effect of paint on the actual workpiece could not be easily modified during stress measurement, the ultrasonic method was still suitable for monitoring the stress of a specific position of the workpiece throughout its operational lifetime. The experiment data in this study were applied to measuring the residual stress of an aluminum ship component, and the result showed a good correspondence with X-ray stress analyzer results.
The effect of phencyclidine-mediated blockade of NMDA receptors in the early postnatal period on glutathione and sulfur amino acid levels in the rat brain as a potential causative factor of schizophrenia-like behavior in adulthood
Authors: Lorenc-Koci Elżbieta , Górny Magdalena , Chwatko Grażyna , Kamińska Kinga , Iciek Małgorzata , Rogóż Zofia
Published: June 2024

Background

Phencyclidine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, is frequently used to model behavioral and neurochemical changes correlated with schizophrenia in laboratory animals. The present study aimed to examine the effects of repeated administration of phencyclidine during early postnatal development on the contents of glutathione and sulfur-containing amino acids, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain of 12-day-old rats, and schizophrenia-like symptoms in adulthood.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley pups were administered phencyclidine (10 mg/kg) or saline subcutaneously on the postnatal days p2, p6, p9 and p12. In 12-day-old pups, 4 h after the last dose of phencyclidine, the levels of glutathione, cysteine, methionine, and homocysteine, and the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. In 70-72-day-old rats, schizophrenia-like symptoms were assessed using behavioral tests.

Results

Biochemical data showed that perinatal phencyclidine treatment significantly reduced glutathione and cysteine levels in all brain structures studied, methionine was diminished in the striatum, and homocysteine in both the frontal cortex and striatum. GR activity was increased in the frontal cortex while SODactivity was decreased in the hippocampus. Behaviorally, perinatal phencyclidine induced long-term deficits in social and cognitive function and a decrease in locomotor activity assessed as the time of walking. Finally, perinatal treatment with phencyclidine resulted in a significant reduction in body weight gain over time.

Conclusion

Our research provides further evidence for the usefulness of the phencyclidine-induced neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia for studying the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Come in and See: Translating a Design Pattern from the Courtroom into an Online Environment
Authors: Hakkarainen Jenni , Santuber Joaquín
Published: June 2024

Publicity is one of the core principles in procedural law and a fundamental right related to due process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chilean courts held judicial proceedings online and streamed them to comply with the publicity principle. One case especially sparked the interest of the public: a man was accused of seven sexually connotated crimes, trialled online and the hearings live streamed on social media. In this article, we approach the publicity of a court proceeding as a design pattern. We apply conceptual analysis to procedural law, social media studies and organization studies to (1) investigate the different materializations of the “come in and see” pattern; (2) analyse the factors that affect the translation of a design pattern from one domain (legal) to another (digital). Our focus is on a design pattern in the law, called “come in and see”, used whenever procedures and actions require legitimization by people. We argue that publicity in a courtroom is enacted by allowing people to step into a courtroom while allowing people inside an online trial has unintended and unwanted consequences. The case analysis shows how the “come in and see” is a context-dependent pattern whose effect is determined by the surrounding architecture and institution.
Evaluating the power of social media influencing mainstream media social representations of migrants in South African townships
Authors: Sitto-Kaunda Karabo
Published: June 2024

The relationship between mainstream media and social media for news reporting is a complex one. Mainstream media news is relied on as a source of information on key social issues, carrying and reproducing the social representations of a society. South African townships have been reported as a hotbed of anti-migrant unrest, with the growing reliance on the communities’ lens through their social media representations shared online often considered by mainstream media as authentic sources of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). Townships are spaces of contestation for belonging and despite the diversity of those communities, there remains stigmatizing social representation between migrants and citizens, with communities attributing social ills to migrants. This study analyses how social media has influenced the reproduction of social representations in mainstream media of anti-migrant township unrest. Through a qualitative exploratory approach, mainstream news articles were analyzed for how social representations from social media are reproduced in mainstream media reporting. Social media representations reproduced in mainstream media reporting may risk perpetuating communication risks of othering, affect social cohesion in those communities, and fuelling mistrust among citizens and migrants living in South African township communities.
Defining a vitamin A5/X specific deficiency – vitamin A5/X as a critical dietary factor for mental health
Authors: Bánáti Diána , Hellman-Regen Julian , Mack Isabelle , Young Hayley A. , Benton David , Eggersdorfer Manfred , Rohn Sascha , Dulińska-Litewka Joanna , Krężel Wojciech , Rühl Ralph
Published: June 2024

Abstract: A healthy and balanced diet is an important factor to assure a good functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system. Retinoid X receptor (RXR)-mediated signaling was identified as an important mechanism of transmitting major diet-dependent physiological and nutritional signaling such as the control of myelination and dopamine signalling. Recently, vitamin A5/X, mainly present in vegetables as provitamin A5/X, was identified as a new concept of a vitamin which functions as the nutritional precursor for enabling RXR-mediated signaling. The active form of vitamin A5/X, 9- cis-13,14-dehydroretinoic acid (9CDHRA), induces RXR-activation, thereby acting as the central switch for enabling various heterodimer-RXR-signaling cascades involving various partner heterodimers like the fatty acid and eicosanoid receptors/peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs), the cholesterol receptors/liver X receptors (LXRs), the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and the vitamin A(1) receptors/retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Thus, nutritional supply of vitamin A5/X might be a general nutritional-dependent switch for enabling this large cascade of hormonal signaling pathways and thus appears important to guarantee an overall organism homeostasis. RXR-mediated signaling was shown to be dependent on vitamin A5/X with direct effects for beneficial physiological and neuro-protective functions mediated systemically or directly in the brain. In summary, through control of dopamine signaling, amyloid β-clearance, neuro-protection and neuro-inflammation, the vitamin A5/X – RXR – RAR – vitamin A(1)-signaling might be “one of” or even “the” critical factor(s) necessary for good mental health, healthy brain aging, as well as for preventing drug addiction and prevention of a large array of nervous system diseases. Likewise, vitamin A5/X – RXR – non-RAR-dependent signaling relevant for myelination/re-myelination and phagocytosis/brain cleanup will contribute to such regulations too. In this review we discuss the basic scientific background, logical connections and nutritional/pharmacological expert recommendations for the nervous system especially considering the ageing brain.
A Heat Emergency: Urban Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge in Richmond, VA
Authors: Braun Peter , Lookingbill Todd , Zizzamia Beth , Hoffman Jeremy , Rosner Jessica , Banta Daisy
Published: June 2024

The urban heat island effect exacerbates independent climate change‐induced shifts toward longer, stronger, and more frequent heat extremes. Environmental inequity, driven by a history of racially motivated urban planning policies, has led particular demographics to bear the worst impacts of urban heat exposure and thus also climate change. These impacts cause adverse health outcomes in the form of heat emergencies. Through a novel demographic and spatial analysis of heat‐related illness Emergency Medical Services data from Richmond, Virginia, this study investigates the relationships between heat health emergencies and intra‐urban heat islands quantified through three heat exposure metrics. We also evaluate the accessibility of built refuge from urban heat in the form of public transit infrastructure, libraries, and government cooling centers in relation to these emergencies. We found that heat emergencies are inequitably distributed among racial, age, and socioeconomic groups in Richmond, particularly among residents identified as Male, Black or African American, 50+ years old, and experiencing mental health, intoxication, and/or homelessness. We found significant associations between the location of these heat emergencies and urban heat islands as estimated from remotely‐sensed surface and community science‐derived air temperature metrics, but not a co‐estimated heat index. We also found that available refuge facilities are insufficiently located to protect individuals with reduced mobility across areas with the highest number of heat‐related health emergencies. Community involvement in the mitigation and management of extreme heat threats, especially for those disproportionately impacted, is necessary to decrease the number of summertime heat illnesses.
Using Ocean Ambient Sound to Measure Local Integrated Deep Ocean Temperature
Authors: Ragland John , Abadi Shima , Sabra Karim
Published: June 2024

Measuring the temperature changes of the deep ocean will be critical to understanding how the earth system will respond to climate change. In this work, we present a method for measuring the depth‐averaged, deep ocean temperature at local (∼3 km) spatial scales using passive estimates of acoustic propagation. These passive acoustic estimates of deep ocean temperature can be used with existing and future passive acoustic monitoring infrastructure to provide complimentary observations of the ocean to in situ measurements, and could be particularly useful in areas of poor ocean observation coverage. Using 8 years of ambient sound data, we demonstrate that the passive estimates agree with global ocean models and measurements by ARGO floats. The rms difference between the HYCOM ocean model is shown to be 0.13°C, and the rms difference between ARGO measurements is shown to be 0.086°C.
Atmospheric River Rapids and Their Role in the Extreme Rainfall Event of April 2023 in the Middle East
Authors: Francis Diana , Fonseca Ricardo , Bozkurt Deniz , Nelli Narendra , Guan Bin
Published: June 2024

The mesoscale dynamics of a record‐breaking Atmospheric River (AR) that impacted the Middle East in mid‐April 2023 and caused property damage and loss of life are investigated using model, reanalysis and observational data. The high‐resolution (2.5 km) simulations revealed the presence of AR rapids, narrow and long convective structures embedded within the AR that generated heavy precipitation (>4 mm hr−1) as they moved at high speeds (>30 m s−1) from northeastern Africa into western Iran. Gravity waves triggered by the complex terrain in Saudi Arabia further intensified their effects. Given the rising frequency of ARs in this region, AR rapids may be even more impactful in a warming climate, and need to be accounted for in reanalysis and numerical models.
Enhanced Ion Acceleration Due To High‐Shear Tangential Discontinuities Upstream of Quasi‐Perpendicular Shocks
Authors: Steinvall K. , Gingell I.
Published: June 2024

Collisionless shock waves are efficient ion accelerators. Previous numerical and observational studies have shown that quasi‐parallel (Q‖) shocks are more effective than quasi‐perpendicular (Q⊥) shocks at generating energetic ions under steady upstream conditions. Here, we use a local, 2D, hybrid particle‐in‐cell model to investigate how ion acceleration at super‐critical Q⊥ shocks is modulated when tangential discontinuities (TDs) with large magnetic shear are present in the upstream plasma. We show that such TDs can significantly increase the ion acceleration efficiency of 2D Q⊥ shocks, up to a level comparable to Q‖ shocks. Using data from the hybrid model and test particle simulations, we show that the enhanced energization is related to the magnetic field change associated with the discontinuity. When shock‐reflected ions cross the TD during their upstream gyromotion, the sharp field change causes the ions to propagate further upstream, and gain additional energy from the convection electric field associated with the upstream plasma flow. Our findings illustrate that the presence of upstream discontinuities can lead to bursts of energetic ions, even when they do not trigger the formation of foreshock transients. These results emphasize the importance of time‐variable upstream conditions when considering ion energization at shocks.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Uncertainties on Reconnection Electric Field Estimates Using Ionospheric Measurements
Authors: Gasparini S. , Hatch S. M. , Reistad J. P. , Ohma A. , Laundal K. M. , Walker S. J. , Madelaire M.
Published: June 2024

Calculating the magnetic flux transfer across the open‐closed boundary (OCB) per unit time and distance—the reconnection electric field—is an important means of remotely monitoring magnetospheric dynamics. Ground‐based measurements of plasma convection velocities together with velocities of the OCB are commonly used to infer reconnection rates. However, this approach is limited by spatial coverage and often lacks robust uncertainty quantification. In this paper, we assimilate Super Dual Auroral Radar Network convection measurements, ground magnetometer data, and estimates of the conductance derived from the Imager for Magnetopause‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration satellite imagers, using the Local mapping of polar ionospheric electrodynamics (Lompe) framework over a region in North America. We present a new method to assess various contributions to uncertainties in the derived reconnection electric fields, including a novel approach to estimate uncertainties in conductance from global auroral imaging. Our method is demonstrated on a substorm event with an associated pseudobreakup during a period of favorable observational coverage. In this case study, the uncertainties in the reconnection electric field are ∼5–10 mV/m at the peak of substorm expansion, roughly 15% of the peak reconnection electric field. We find that the main contributor to the reconnection electric field estimates after substorm onset is the OCB motion, whereas during the pseudobreakup the main contributor is ionospheric plasma convection.
3D Simulation of an Extreme SAID Flow Channel
Authors: Díaz Peña Joaquín , Zettergren Matthew , Semeter Joshua , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Hirsch Michael , Walsh Brian M.
Published: June 2024

Space‐based observations of the signatures associated with STEVE show how this phenomenon might be closely related to an extreme version of a SAID channel. Measurements show high velocities (>4 km/s), high temperatures (>4,000 K), and very large current density drivers (up to 1 μA/m2). This phenomena happens in a small range of latitudes, less than a degree, but with a large longitudinal span. In this study, we utilize the GEMINI model to simulate an extreme SAID/STEVE. We assume a FAC density coming from the magnetosphere as the main driver, allowing all other parameters to adjust accordingly. We have two main objectives with this work: show how an extreme SAID can have velocity values comparable or larger than the ones measured under STEVE, and to display the limitations and missing physics that arise due to the extreme values of temperature and velocity. Changes had to be made to GEMINI due to the extreme conditions, particularly some neutral‐collision frequencies. The importance of the temperature threshold at which some collision frequencies go outside their respective bounds, as well as significance of the energies that would cause inelastic collisions and impact ionization are displayed and discussed. We illustrate complex structures and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of 3D simulations in capturing these phenomena. Longitudinal structure is emphasized, as the channel develops differently depending on MLT. However, these simulations should be viewed as approximations due to the limited observations available to constrain the model inputs and the assumptions made to achieve sensible results.
Quantifying Shock Effects of Mars Sample via Micro‐FTIR Spectra of Plagioclase
Authors: Yu Wen , Zeng Xiaojia , Li Xiongyao , Tang Hong , Liu Jianzhong
Published: June 2024

Precisely constraining the shock pressure of a Mars sample is critical for revealing the shock condition, geological process, and habitability of the Martian surface. The crystal structure of plagioclase is sensitive to the moderate shock pressure, such that its infrared spectra may record the shock state of Martian materials. In this study, we present a new way for quantifying the shock pressure via the micro‐FTIR spectra of plagioclase by re‐analyzing the published spectra of experimental shocked feldspars. Using the absorption area of micro‐FTIR in the range of ∼1,000–1,150 cm−1, the shock pressures of plagioclases from three types of Mars meteorites were constrained. The results show that the nakhlite Northwest Africa (NWA) 10645, shergottite Tindouf 002, and martian breccia NWA 11220 have the shock pressure of 18.5 ± 5.2 GPa, >30 GPa, and 0–24.2 GPa, respectively. Our work demonstrates that the micro‐FTIR spectra of plagioclase is not only a quantitative tool for constraining the moderate shock pressure (<30 GPa) of Martian materials but also a useful technique for recognizing the high‐pressure phase maskelynite from plagioclase‐glass and evaluating the shock effects of Mars samples. In the future, this method will be available for the analysis of Mars samples returned by China's Tianwen‐3 mission in around 2030.
Cross-ancestry genetic investigation of schizophrenia, cannabis use disorder, and tobacco smoking
Authors: Johnson Emma C. , Austin-Zimmerman Isabelle , Thorpe Hayley H. A. , Levey Daniel F. , Baranger David A. A. , Colbert Sarah M. C. , Demontis Ditte , Khokhar Jibran Y. , Davis Lea K. , Edenberg Howard J. , Di Forti Marta , Sanchez-Roige Sandra , Gelernter Joel , Agrawal Arpana
Published: June 2024

Individuals with schizophrenia frequently experience co-occurring substance use, including tobacco smoking and heavy cannabis use, and substance use disorders. There is interest in understanding the extent to which these relationships are causal, and to what extent shared genetic factors play a role. We explored the relationships between schizophrenia (Scz; European ancestry N = 161,405; African ancestry N = 15,846), cannabis use disorder (CanUD; European ancestry N = 886,025; African ancestry N = 120,208), and ever-regular tobacco smoking (Smk; European ancestry N = 805,431; African ancestry N = 24,278) using the largest available genome-wide studies of these phenotypes in individuals of African and European ancestries. All three phenotypes were positively genetically correlated (rgs = 0.17–0.62). Genetic instrumental variable analyses suggested the presence of shared heritable factors, but evidence for bidirectional causal relationships was also found between all three phenotypes even after correcting for these shared genetic factors. We identified 327 pleiotropic loci with 439 lead SNPs in the European ancestry data, 150 of which were novel (i.e., not genome-wide significant in the original studies). Of these pleiotropic loci, 202 had lead variants which showed convergent effects (i.e., same direction of effect) on Scz, CanUD, and Smk. Genetic variants convergent across all three phenotypes showed strong genetic correlations with risk-taking, executive function, and several mental health conditions. Our results suggest that both shared genetic factors and causal mechanisms may play a role in the relationship between CanUD, Smk, and Scz, but longitudinal, prospective studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship.
Postoperative complications and axial length growth after bilateral congenital cataract surgery: eyes with microphthalmos compared to a comparison group
Authors: Jiang Yiling , Zhao Yinying , Ni Jun , Yang Fuman , Wang Dandan , Lian Hengli , Zhao Yun-e
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate the postoperative clinical outcomes and axial length (AL) growth of infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos following first-stage cataract surgery.

Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Methods

Setting: Single centre. Infants with congenital cataract that met the inclusion criteria were classified into two groups: the microphthalmos and comparison groups. All infants underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination before surgery, and one week, 1 month, 3 months, and every 3 months after surgery.

Results

This study enrolled 21 infants (42 eyes) in the microphthalmos group and 29 infants (58 eyes) in the comparison group. More glaucoma-related adverse events were observed in the microphthalmos group (7 eyes, 16.7%) than in the comparison group (0 eyes, 0%) (p < 0.001). At each subsequent follow-up, the comparison group had a greater AL than the microphthalmos group (all p < 0.001), and AL growth was significantly higher in the comparison group than in the microphthalmos group (all p = 0.035). Visual acuity improvement in the microphthalmos group was similar to that of the comparison group.

Conclusion

Early surgical intervention improves visual function in infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos although with a higher incidence of glaucoma-related adverse events. After cataract removal, the AL growth of microphthalmic eyes is slower than that of normally developed eyes.
Patient perspectives on their outcomes from strabismus surgery undertaken for psychosocial reasons
Authors: Arblaster Gemma E. , Davis Helen , Buckley David , Barnes Sarah
Published: June 2024

Background

Strabismus surgery undertaken for psychosocial reasons aims to align the eyes in a straighter position, reduce the psychosocial symptoms experienced and improve health related quality of life (HRQoL). Greater evidence of the postoperative outcomes in adults undergoing strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons is required to inform funding and commissioning decisions about strabismus surgery.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults who had previously undergone strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons to explore their perceptions of their postoperative outcomes. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit males and females, younger and older participants. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis following the principles of grounded theory.

Results

Thirteen adults were recruited and interviewed, mean 12.2 months postoperatively (range 4.5–20 months). Participants reported a range of improvements in vision, task performance, physical symptoms and confidence and emotions. Some worsening of physical symptoms was reported.

Conclusion

Despite undergoing strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons, a range of improvements in vision, task performance and physical symptoms were reported by adult patients postoperatively, in addition to the expected improvements in confidence and emotions.
Cavity-enhanced single artificial atoms in silicon
Authors: Saggio Valeria , Errando-Herranz Carlos , Gyger Samuel , Panuski Christopher , Prabhu Mihika , De Santis Lorenzo , Christen Ian , Ornelas-Huerta Dalia , Raniwala Hamza , Gerlach Connor , Colangelo Marco , Englund Dirk
Published: June 2024

Artificial atoms in solids are leading candidates for quantum networks, scalable quantum computing, and sensing, as they combine long-lived spins with mobile photonic qubits. Recently, silicon has emerged as a promising host material where artificial atoms with long spin coherence times and emission into the telecommunications band can be controllably fabricated. This field leverages the maturity of silicon photonics to embed artificial atoms into the world’s most advanced microelectronics and photonics platform. However, a current bottleneck is the naturally weak emission rate of these atoms, which can be addressed by coupling to an optical cavity. Here, we demonstrate cavity-enhanced single artificial atoms in silicon (G-centers) at telecommunication wavelengths. Our results show enhancement of their zero phonon line intensities along with highly pure single-photon emission, while their lifetime remains statistically unchanged. We suggest the possibility of two different existing types of G-centers, shedding new light on the properties of silicon emitters.
Observation of Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes
Authors: Tschernig Konrad , Guacaneme David , Mhibik Oussama , Divliansky Ivan , Bandres Miguel A.
Published: June 2024

Stable laser resonators support three fundamental families of transverse modes: the Hermite, Laguerre, and Ince Gaussian modes. These modes are crucial for understanding complex resonators, beam propagation, and structured light. We experimentally observe a new family of fundamental laser modes in stable resonators: Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes. By studying the isomorphism between laser cavities and quadratic Hamiltonians, we design a laser resonator equivalent to a quantum two-dimensional anisotropic harmonic oscillator with a 2:1 frequency ratio. The generated Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes exhibit a parabolic structure and show remarkable agreement with our theoretical predictions. These modes are also eigenmodes of a 2:1 anisotropic gradient refractive index medium, suggesting their presence in any physical system with a 2:1 anisotropic quadratic potential. We identify a transition connecting Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes to Weber nondiffractive parabolic beams. These new modes are foundational for structured light, and open exciting possibilities for applications in laser micromachining, particle micromanipulation, and optical communications.
ATP biosensor reveals microbial energetic dynamics and facilitates bioproduction
Authors: Mu Xinyue , Evans Trent D. , Zhang Fuzhong
Published: June 2024

Adenosine-5’-triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency in cellular processes, drives metabolic activities and biosynthesis. Despite its importance, understanding intracellular ATP dynamics’ impact on bioproduction and exploiting it for enhanced bioproduction remains largely unexplored. Here, we harness an ATP biosensor to dissect ATP dynamics across different growth phases and carbon sources in multiple microbial strains. We find transient ATP accumulations during the transition from exponential to stationary growth phases in various conditions, coinciding with fatty acid (FA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, respectively. We identify carbon sources (acetate for E. coli, oleate for P. putida) that elevate steady-state ATP levels and boost FA and PHA production. Moreover, we employ ATP dynamics as a diagnostic tool to assess metabolic burden, revealing bottlenecks that limit limonene bioproduction. Our results not only elucidate the relationship between ATP dynamics and bioproduction but also showcase its value in enhancing bioproduction in various microbial species.
Adult microglial TGFβ1 is required for microglia homeostasis via an autocrine mechanism to maintain cognitive function in mice
Authors: Bedolla Alicia , Wegman Elliot , Weed Max , Stevens Messiyah K. , Ware Kierra , Paranjpe Aditi , Alkhimovitch Anastasia , Ifergan Igal , Taranov Aleksandr , Peter Joshua D. , Gonzalez Rosa Maria Salazar , Robinson J. Elliott , McClain Lucas , Roskin Krishna M. , Greig Nigel H. , Luo Yu
Published: June 2024

While TGF-β signaling is essential for microglial function, the cellular source of TGF-β1 ligand and its spatial regulation remains unclear in the adult CNS. Our data supports that microglia but not astrocytes or neurons are the primary producers of TGF-β1 ligands needed for microglial homeostasis. Microglia-Tgfb1 KO leads to the activation of microglia featuring a dyshomeostatic transcriptome that resembles disease-associated, injury-associated, and aged microglia, suggesting microglial self-produced TGF-β1 ligands are important in the adult CNS. Astrocytes in MG-Tgfb1 inducible (i)KO mice show a transcriptome profile that is closely aligned with an LPS-associated astrocyte profile. Additionally, using sparse mosaic single-cell microglia KO of TGF-β1 ligand we established an autocrine mechanism for signaling. Here we show that MG-Tgfb1 iKO mice present cognitive deficits, supporting that precise spatial regulation of TGF-β1 ligand derived from microglia is required for the maintenance of brain homeostasis and normal cognitive function in the adult brain.
Persistent activity of aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria in anoxic lake waters due to metabolic versatility
Authors: Schorn Sina , Graf Jon S. , Littmann Sten , Hach Philipp F. , Lavik Gaute , Speth Daan R. , Schubert Carsten J. , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Milucka Jana
Published: June 2024

Lacustrine methane emissions are strongly mitigated by aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) that are typically most active at the oxic-anoxic interface. Although oxygen is required by the MOB for the first step of methane oxidation, their occurrence in anoxic lake waters has raised the possibility that they are capable of oxidizing methane further anaerobically. Here, we investigate the activity and growth of MOB in Lake Zug, a permanently stratified freshwater lake. The rates of anaerobic methane oxidation in the anoxic hypolimnion reached up to 0.2 µM d−1. Single-cell nanoSIMS measurements, together with metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, linked the measured rates to MOB of the order Methylococcales. Interestingly, their methane assimilation activity was similar under hypoxic and anoxic conditions. Our data suggest that these MOB use fermentation-based methanotrophy as well as denitrification under anoxic conditions, thus offering an explanation for their widespread presence in anoxic habitats such as stratified water columns. Thus, the methane sink capacity of anoxic basins may have been underestimated by not accounting for the anaerobic MOB activity.
A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species
Authors: Zheng Jiajia , Freschet Grégoire T. , Tedersoo Leho , Li Shenggong , Yan Han , Jiang Lei , Wang Huimin , Ma Ning , Dai Xiaoqin , Fu Xiaoli , Kou Liang
Published: June 2024

To adapt to the complex belowground environment, plants make trade-offs between root resource acquisition and defence ability. This includes forming partnerships with different types of root associating microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. These trade-offs, by mediating root chemistry, exert legacy effects on nutrient release during decomposition, which may, in turn, affect the ability of new roots to re-acquire resources, thereby generating a feedback loop. However, the linkages at the basis of this potential feedback loop remain largely unquantified. Here, we propose a trait-based root ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ conceptual framework and test the strength of relevant linkages across 90 angiosperm tree species. We show that, at the plant species level, the root-fungal symbiosis gradient within the root economics space, root chemical defence (condensed tannins), and root decomposition rate are closely linked, providing support to this framework. Beyond the dichotomy between arbuscular mycorrhizal-dominated versus ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, we suggest a continuous shift in feedback loops, from ‘high arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis-low defence-fast decomposition-inorganic nutrition’ by evolutionarily ancient taxa to ‘high ectomycorrhizal symbiosis-high defence-slow decomposition-organic nutrition’ by more modern taxa. This ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ framework provides a foundation for testable hypotheses on multidimensional linkages between species’ belowground strategies and ecosystem nutrient cycling in an evolutionary context.
Co-targeting JAK1/STAT6/GAS6/TAM signaling improves chemotherapy efficacy in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Yu Le , Deng Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Santos Charlene , Davis Ian J. , Earp H. Shelton , Liu Pengda
Published: June 2024

Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone and soft tissue tumor treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite intensive multimodality therapy, ~50% patients eventually relapse and die of the disease due to chemoresistance. Here, using phospho-profiling, we find Ewing sarcoma cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents activate TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) kinases to augment Akt and ERK signaling facilitating chemoresistance. Mechanistically, chemotherapy-induced JAK1-SQ phosphorylation releases JAK1 pseudokinase domain inhibition allowing for JAK1 activation. This alternative JAK1 activation mechanism leads to STAT6 nuclear translocation triggering transcription and secretion of the TAM kinase ligand GAS6 with autocrine/paracrine consequences. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of either JAK1 by filgotinib or TAM kinases by UNC2025 sensitizes Ewing sarcoma to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Excitingly, the TAM kinase inhibitor MRX-2843 currently in human clinical trials to treat AML and advanced solid tumors, enhances chemotherapy efficacy to further suppress Ewing sarcoma tumor growth in vivo. Our findings reveal an Ewing sarcoma chemoresistance mechanism with an immediate translational value.
A multi-kingdom collection of 33,804 reference genomes for the human vaginal microbiome
Authors: Huang Liansha , Guo Ruochun , Li Shenghui , Wu Xiaoling , Zhang Yue , Guo Shumin , Lv Ying , Xiao Zhen , Kang Jian , Meng Jinxin , Zhou Peng , Ma Jie , You Wei , Zhang Yan , Yu Hailong , Zhao Jixin , Huang Guangrong , Duan Zuzhen , Yan Qiulong , Sun Wen
Published: June 2024

The human vagina harbours diverse microorganisms—bacteria, viruses and fungi—with profound implications for women’s health. Genome-level analysis of the vaginal microbiome across multiple kingdoms remains limited. Here we utilize metagenomic sequencing data and fungal cultivation to establish the Vaginal Microbial Genome Collection (VMGC), comprising 33,804 microbial genomes spanning 786 prokaryotic species, 11 fungal species and 4,263 viral operational taxonomic units. Notably, over 25% of prokaryotic species and 85% of viral operational taxonomic units remain uncultured. This collection significantly enriches genomic diversity, especially for prevalent vaginal pathogens such as BVAB1 (an uncultured bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterium) and Amygdalobacter spp. (BVAB2 and related species). Leveraging VMGC, we characterize functional traits of prokaryotes, notably Saccharofermentanales (an underexplored yet prevalent order), along with prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, offering insights into their niche adaptation and potential roles in the vagina. VMGC serves as a valuable resource for studying vaginal microbiota and its impact on vaginal health.
Quantum squeezing in a nonlinear mechanical oscillator
Authors: Marti Stefano , von Lüpke Uwe , Joshi Om , Yang Yu , Bild Marius , Omahen Andraz , Chu Yiwen , Fadel Matteo
Published: June 2024

Mechanical degrees of freedom are natural candidates for continuous-variable quantum information processing and bosonic quantum simulations. However, these applications require the engineering of squeezing and nonlinearities in the quantum regime. Here we demonstrate squeezing below the zero-point fluctuations of a gigahertz-frequency mechanical resonator coupled to a superconducting qubit. This is achieved by parametrically driving the qubit, which results in an effective two-phonon drive. In addition, we show that the resonator mode inherits a nonlinearity from the off-resonant coupling with the qubit, which can be tuned by controlling the detuning. We, thus, realize a mechanical squeezed Kerr oscillator, in which we demonstrate the preparation of non-Gaussian quantum states of motion with Wigner function negativities and high quantum Fisher information. This shows that our results can also have applications in quantum metrology and sensing.
Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab, dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAFV600-mutant resectable melanoma: the randomized phase 2 NeoTrio trial
Authors: Long Georgina V. , Carlino Matteo S. , Au-Yeung George , Spillane Andrew J. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Gyorki David E. , Hsiao Edward , Kapoor Rony , Thompson Jake R. , Batula Iris , Howle Julie , Ch’ng Sydney , Gonzalez Maria , Saw Robyn P. M. , Pennington Thomas E. , Lo Serigne N. , Scolyer Richard A. , Menzies Alexander M.
Published: June 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF-targeted therapy each improve survival in melanoma. Immune changes early during targeted therapy suggest the mechanisms of each drug class could work synergistically. In the non-comparative, randomized, phase 2 NeoTrio trial, we investigated whether targeted therapy could boost the proportion of patients achieving long-term recurrence-free survival with neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable stage III BRAFV600-mutant melanoma. Sixty patients (42% females) were randomized to pembrolizumab alone (n = 20), sequential therapy (dabrafenib plus trametinib followed by pembrolizumab; n = 20) or concurrent (triple) therapy (n = 20), followed by surgery and adjuvant therapy. The primary outcome was pathological response; secondary outcomes included radiographic response, recurrence-free survival, overall survival, surgical outcomes, peripheral blood and tumor analyses and safety. The pathological response rate was 55% (11/20; including six pathological complete responses (pCRs)) with pembrolizumab, 50% (10/20; three pCRs) with sequential therapy and 80% (16/20; ten pCRs) with concurrent therapy, which met the primary outcome in each arm. Treatment-related adverse events affected 75–100% of patients during neoadjuvant treatment, with seven early discontinuations (all in the concurrent arm). At 2 years, event-free survival was 60% with pembrolizumab, 80% with sequential therapy and 71% with concurrent therapy. Recurrences after major pathological response were more common in the targeted therapy arms, suggesting a reduction in response ‘quality’ when targeted therapy is added to neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Risking the curative potential of immunotherapy in melanoma cannot be justified. Pending longer follow-up, we suggest that immunotherapy and targeted therapy should not be combined in the neoadjuvant setting for melanoma. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02858921.
Carbon dioxide fluxes in Alpine grasslands at the Nivolet Plain, Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy 2017–2023
Authors: Parisi Angelica , di Valdengo Francesca Avogadro , Baneschi Ilaria , Baronetti Alice , Boiani Maria Virginia , Catania Maurizio , Lenzi Sara , Magnani Marta , Mosca Pietro , Provenzale Antonello , Raco Brunella , Vivaldo Gianna , Giamberini Mariasilvia
Published: June 2024

We introduce a georeferenced dataset of Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), Ecosystem Respiration (ER) and meteo-climatic variables (air and soil temperature, air relative humidity, soil volumetric water content, pressure, and solar irradiance) collected at the Nivolet Plain in Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP), western Italian Alps, from 2017 to 2023. NEE and ER are derived by measuring the temporal variation of CO2 concentration obtained by the enclosed chamber method. We used a customised portable non-steady-state dynamic flux chamber, paired with an InfraRed Gas Analyser (IRGA) and a portable weather station, measuring CO2 fluxes at a number of points (around 20 per site and per day) within five different sites during the snow-free season (June to October). Sites are located within the same hydrological basin and have different geological substrates: carbonate rocks (site CARB), gneiss (GNE), glacial deposits (GLA, EC), alluvial sediments (AL). This dataset provides relevant and often missing information on high-altitude mountain ecosystems and enables new comparisons with other similar sites, modelling developments and validation of remote sensing data.
Epidemiological exploration of the impact of bluetooth headset usage on thyroid nodules using Shapley additive explanations method
Authors: Zhou Nan , Qin Wei , Zhang Jia-Jin , Wang Yun , Wen Jian-Sheng , Lim Yang Mooi
Published: June 2024

With an increasing prevalence of thyroid nodules globally, this study investigates the potential correlation between the use of Bluetooth headsets and the incidence of thyroid nodules, considering the cumulative effects of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) emitted by these devices. In this study, we analyzed 600 valid questionnaires from the WenJuanXing platform using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and the XGBOOST model, supplemented by SHAP analysis, to assess the risk of thyroid nodules. PSM was utilized to balance baseline characteristic differences, thereby reducing bias. The XGBOOST model was then employed to predict risk factors, with model efficacy measured by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). SHAP analysis helped quantify and explain the impact of each feature on the prediction outcomes, identifying key risk factors. Initially, 600 valid questionnaires from the WenJuanXing platform underwent PSM processing, resulting in a matched dataset of 96 cases for modeling analysis. The AUC value of the XGBOOST model reached 0.95, demonstrating high accuracy in differentiating thyroid nodule risks. SHAP analysis revealed age and daily Bluetooth headset usage duration as the two most significant factors affecting thyroid nodule risk. Specifically, longer daily usage durations of Bluetooth headsets were strongly linked to an increased risk of developing thyroid nodules, as indicated by the SHAP analysis outcomes. Our study highlighted a significant impact relationship between prolonged Bluetooth headset use and increased thyroid nodule risk, emphasizing the importance of considering health impacts in the use of modern technology, especially for devices like Bluetooth headsets that are frequently used daily. Through precise model predictions and variable importance analysis, our research provides a scientific basis for the formulation of public health policies and personal health habit choices, suggesting that attention should be paid to the duration of Bluetooth headset use in daily life to reduce the potential risk of thyroid nodules. Future research should further investigate the biological mechanisms of this relationship and consider additional potential influencing factors to offer more comprehensive health guidance and preventive measures.
When population growth intensifies intergroup competition, female colobus monkeys free-ride less
Authors: Arseneau-Robar T. Jean , Teichroeb Julie A. , Macintosh Andrew J. J. , Saj Tania L. , Glotfelty Emily , Lucci Sara , Sicotte Pascale , Wikberg Eva C.
Published: June 2024

Intergroup aggression often results in the production of public goods, such as a safe and stable social environment and a home range containing the resources required to survive and reproduce. We investigate temporal variation in intergroup aggression in a growing population of colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) to ask a novel question: “Who stepped-up to produce these public goods when doing so became more difficult?”. Both whole-group encounters and male incursions occurred more frequently as the population grew. Males and females were both more likely to participate in whole-group encounters when monopolizable food resources were available, indicating both sexes engaged in food defence. However, only females increasingly did so as the population grew, suggesting that it was females who increasingly produced the public good of home range defence as intergroup competition intensified. Females were also more active in male incursions at high population densities, suggesting they increasingly produced the public good of a safe and stable social environment. This is not to say that males were chronic free-riders when it came to maintaining public goods. Males consistently participated in the majority of intergroup interactions throughout the study period, indicating they may have lacked the capacity to invest more time and effort.
A flexible dual-band 4 × 4 MIMO antenna for 5G mm-wave 28/38 GHz wearable applications
Authors: Tiwari Rakesh N. , Sharma Deepti , Singh Prabhakar , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a novel, dual-band, four-port multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) antenna for 28/38 GHz millimeter wave 5G wearable applications. In the proposed work, we have used a novel design approach to get the dual-band behavior from a MIMO design with a small footprint of 18 × 8.5 × 0.25 mm3. For this purpose, each MIMO element is designed as a composite form of a circular and elliptical structure connected with a narrow strip and fed by a tapered feedline. The peak realized gains and total efficiencies of the antenna, evaluated in free space, are 4.15 dBi, 7.73 dBi and 80.13%, 85.44% at 28 GHz and 38 GHz frequencies, respectively. To appraise the thorough behavior of the MIMO antenna, we have evaluated all the parameters of the antenna: Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), Diversity Gain (DG), Mean Effective Gain (MEG), Channel Capacity Loss (CCL), and Total Active Reflection Coefficient (TARC), and found them satisfactory. Channel capacity of the antenna at SNR = 20 dB is found to be 21.61 bps/Hz. For wearable applications, the proposed 4-port MIMO antenna is designed on a flexible Rogers 3003 substrate, and the performance is checked by evaluating bending analysis. The safety of the antenna is verified by analyzing the 1 g/10 g SAR at 28/38 GHz and the corresponding average SAR values are 0.11/0.08 W/kg and 0.05/0.04 W/kg, respectively. All the average SAR values for the proposed MIMO antenna are within the acceptable limits according to FCC/ICNIRP standards.