bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An image of what I want to achieve: How visions motivate goal pursuit
Authors: Voigt Julian , Jais Marius , Kehr Hugo M.
Published: April 2024

In a rapidly changing world, leaders are constantly searching for effective ways to motivate employees and drive change. Management scholars agree that an essential tool for inspiring and motivating employees is to communicate a clear vision of the future. Yet, there remains a significant gap in understanding how and why visions actually move individuals to action. The current study investigated the effects of visions on goal-pursuit in comparison to merely listing a “superordinate goal.” We argue that visions, that are high in mental imagery, are motivationally effective because (a) visions evoke positive affect, (b) vision-evoked positive affect spills over to goals derived from the vision, leading to affectively charged goals, (c) affectively charged goals are predictive of increased commitment, and (d) increased commitment contributes to goal progress. In a first experimental study (N = 128), the findings suggest that visions and vision-derived goals were both higher in positive affect than our control condition. In a second experimental study (N = 323), we replicated our results from Study 1. In addition, we extended these findings and showed that visions predict goal progress via vision-evoked positive affect, positive anticipatory affect related to prospective vision-derived goal attainment, and goal commitment. Taken together, our studies contribute to research on visions and goals by showing that visions exert their motivational effects by affectively charging activities related to them. From a practical perspective, our studies highlight the importance of visions as an effective tool in motivating work-related behaviors.
Promoting Young Children’s Right to Participate in the Classroom through Picture Books
Authors: Akyol Tuğçe
Published: April 2024

Practices to promote the right of children to participate in the classroom can benefit from picture books that encourage children to be involved in different settings that reflect the qualities of participation. This study aims to examine the effects of the processes planned regarding children’s right to participation with picture books on preschoolers’ perceptions of their right to participate in the classroom. The study employed a pretest–posttest design, a quasi-experimental research design with a control group. A random sampling method was employed to determine the study sample. The sample consisted of a total of 42 children (21 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group), attending classes of 5-year-olds in a public kindergarten affiliated with the Directorate of National Education in a province located in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey. A “Personal Information Form” and the “Participation Right Scale in Preschool Classes” developed by Koran (2017) and Şallı İdare (2018) were used as data collection tools. Twice a week during eight weeks, the researcher conducted activities with children in the experimental group, which were prepared with picture books and integrated with classroom activities. As the data obtained in the study show a normal distribution, a two-factor ANOVA test was performed with measurements repeated in one factor, and the the t test for the dependent groups and intergroup comparisons. After the experimental study, it was determined that the children in the experimental group started to participate more in classroom activities and decision-making processes, whereas there was no change in the involvement of the children in the control group. Based on this result, to promote preschoolers’ right to participate in the classroom, teachers should place more emphasis on processes that are designed to use quality children’s books and that the use of such books is integrated with classroom activities.
Problematic Smartphone Use among Young People and the Use of Additional Social Networking Software—an Example from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Tomczyk Łukasz , Lizde Elma Selmanagic , Mascia Maria Lidia , Bonfiglio Natale Salvatore , Renati Roberta , Guillén-Gámez Francisco D. , Penna Maria Pietronilla
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to reveal the level of problematic smartphone use (PSU) among young people, with an additional aim being to diagnose the level of use of applications offering ready access to popular social networks (SNS—e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest). The text fills a gap related to the scale and mechanisms of PSUs. The research was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, and is the first study of its kind in the country. A total of 1,024 young people participated in the study (age range 14–19 years; Female 627, Male 397). From the data collected, it was noted that: 1) Loss of control of the duration of smartphone use is the most common symptom of PSU; 2) Around 40% of respondents report having problems with self-control of duration of smartphone use; 3) 17.19% of the sample have high intensity of almost all diagnostic criteria of PSU; 4) About 1/3 of respondents declare no symptoms of PSU; 5) High intensity of PSU is more common in girls than in boys; 6) Instagram and TikTok are the most frequently used applications on smartphones; 7) More than half of the respondents use Instagram software constantly or almost constantly during the day, while less than 40% use TikTok-enabled software; 8) Girls are slightly more likely to use Instagram-enabled and TikTok-enabled software on smartphones; 9) Frequency of use of SNS software on smartphones is a poor predictor of PSU rates.
Why a strategic shift in action is needed to recognise and empower Indigenous plant pathology knowledge and research
Authors: Ehau-Taumaunu H. , Williams N. M. , Marsh A. , Waipara N. W. , Higgins C. M. , Geering A. D. W. , Mesarich C. H. , Rigano L. A. , Summerell B. A. , Johnson G. I. , Williamson P. , MacDiarmid R. M.
Published: April 2024

Plant pathology researchers play a pivotal role in thought leadership and its translation to action regarding the recognition and demonstration of the value of Indigenous knowledge and science. For many scientists, navigating the space of Indigenous rights and perspectives is challenging. In pursuit of a cultural shift in research and development within the field of plant pathology, the 2019–2021 Management Committee of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) undertook a review and modernization of the Society’s Constitution. The aim was to ensure its alignment with principles that foster inclusivity of Indigenous peoples in the development and implementation of relevant research projects impacting their communities. Additionally, a dynamic repository of guidelines and resources was compiled. These resources are designed to assist plant pathologists, while respecting and not superseding the guidance provided by local Indigenous researchers, practitioners, and advisors. The collective efforts of plant pathologists hold immense potential in championing Indigenous Peoples and their rights, steering the field toward a more inclusive and equitable future. This paper builds upon the thesis presented in the APPS Presidential Address at the Biennial APPS Conference in 2021, held virtually in lutruwita (Tasmania) on the unceded lands of the Palawa people. It underscores the potential impact when plant pathologists unite in advocating for Indigenous Peoples and their rightful place within the field.
Spelt wheat resistance to rusts, powdery mildew, leaf blotch and common bunt
Authors: Dumalasová Veronika , Grausgruber Heinrich , Zelba Ondřej , Hanzalová Alena , Buerstmayr Hermann , Weyermann Verena , dell’Avo Franca , Cuendet Catherine , Koppel Reine , Sooväli Pille , Muellner Almuth Elise
Published: April 2024

A spelt diversity panel including 80 genotypes of winter spelt was tested for resistance to common bunt, leaf blotch, powdery mildew, leaf rust, stem rust and yellow rust. The reaction to diseases was investigated in field trials carried out at multiple European locations between 2013 and 2019. Resistance was assessed after artificial inoculation or natural infestation by visual scoring of symptoms. The presence of rust resistance genes was postulated using molecular markers. It was found that the presence of hulls plays a role as a passive resistance factor against common bunt. The risk of fungal diseases in spelt is not negligible. Genotypes with low disease severity in all environments as well as combined resistance to multiple diseases were determined. Across all test environments, spelt genotypes ʻSofia 1ʼ and ʻAlbinʼ showed a very low disease infestation by common bunt, ʻSofia 1ʼ, ʻRiniken Weißkornʼ, ʻZürcher Oberländer Rotkornʼ and ʻToess 5Bʼ by leaf blotch, ʻSpeltvete från Gotlandʼ by yellow rust and ʻSofia 1ʼ by leaf rust and stem rust. The influence of the breeding period was examined, and differences between modern and old varieties/landraces have not been proven. The results obtained can be used for the selection of suitable parental material for breeding spelt with improved disease resistance.
Current progress and limitations of research regarding the therapeutic use of adipose-derived stem cells: literature review
Authors: Skrypnyk Maksym
Published: April 2024

Background

Adipose tissue has recently become one of the most promising and predominant sources of mesenchymal stem cells owing to its high accessibility, culturing properties, regenerative potential, and relatively fewer ethical considerations. From the time of the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) discovery, many beneficial properties have been found, including their regenerative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. The number of publications and clinical trials using ADSCs has increased significantly worldwide, attesting to the promising nature of the therapeutic properties of ADSCs.

Main body of the abstract

In clinical studies, ADSCs are mainly used to treat wounds, multiple sclerosis, soft tissue trauma, aging, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, bone and cartilage regeneration, strokes, and spinal cord injuries. Few and insignificant adverse effects after ADSC treatment have been documented, suggesting their relative safety for clinical use. Despite significant progress in ADSC-related studies, several issues are yet to be addressed, including a lack of standardization of ADSC-associated protocols and the methods used to obtain them, inconsistent dosages, small numbers of patients in each treatment group, and variable graft purity. This severely complicates our ability to compare these studies, making the results even of similar studies controversial.

Short conclusion

This review described the current stage of ADSCs-based treatment outcomes and their limitations, associated with standardization of ADSCs.
Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomes of treatment-resistant depression subtypes and ketamine response: a pilot study
Authors: Berner Jon , Acharjee Animesh
Published: April 2024

Depression is a disorder with variable presentation. Selecting treatments and dose-finding is, therefore, challenging and time-consuming. In addition, novel antidepressants such as ketamine have sparse optimization evidence. Insights obtained from metabolomics may improve the management of patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether compounds in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolome correlate with scores on questionnaires and response to medication. We performed a retrospective pilot study to evaluate phenotypic and metabolomic variability in patients with treatment-resistant depression using multivariate data compression algorithms. Twenty-nine patients with treatment-resistant depression provided fasting CSF samples. Over 300 metabolites were analyzed in these samples with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chart review provided basic demographic information, clinical status with self-reported questionnaires, and response to medication. Of the 300 metabolites analyzed, 151 were present in all CSF samples and used in the analyses. Hypothesis-free multivariate analysis compressed the resultant data set into two dimensions using Principal Component (PC) analysis, accounting for ~ 32% of the variance. PC1 accounted for 16.9% of the variance and strongly correlated with age in one direction and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, homocarnosine, and depression and anxiety scores in the opposite direction. PC2 accounted for 15.4% of the variance, with one end strongly correlated with autism scores, male gender, and cognitive fatigue scores, and the other end with bipolar diagnosis, lithium use, and ethylmalonate disturbance. This small pilot study suggests that complex treatment-resistant depression can be mapped onto a 2-dimensional pathophysiological domain. The results may have implications for treatment selection for depression subtypes.
Asymptotic distribution for pairs of linear and quadratic forms at integral vectors
Authors: HAN JIYOUNG , LIM SEONHEE , MALLAHI-KARAI KEIVAN
Published: April 2024

We study the joint distribution of values of a pair consisting of a quadratic form
${\mathbf q}$
and a linear form
${\mathbf l}$
over the set of integral vectors, a problem initiated by Dani and Margulis [Orbit closures of generic unipotent flows on homogeneous spaces of
$\mathrm{SL}_3(\mathbb{R})$
. Math. Ann.286 (1990), 101–128]. In the spirit of the celebrated theorem of Eskin, Margulis and Mozes on the quantitative version of the Oppenheim conjecture, we show that if
$n \ge 5$
, then under the assumptions that for every
$(\alpha , \beta ) \in {\mathbb {R}}^2 \setminus \{ (0,0) \}$
, the form
$\alpha {\mathbf q} + \beta {\mathbf l}^2$
is irrational and that the signature of the restriction of
${\mathbf q}$
to the kernel of
${\mathbf l}$
is
$(p, n-1-p)$
, where
${3\le p\le n-2}$
, the number of vectors
$v \in {\mathbb {Z}}^n$
for which
$\|v\| < T$
,
$a < {\mathbf q}(v) < b$
and
$c< {\mathbf l}(v) < d$
is asymptotically
$ C({\mathbf q}, {\mathbf l})(d-c)(b-a)T^{n-3}$
as
$T \to \infty $
, where
$C({\mathbf q}, {\mathbf l})$
only depends on
${\mathbf q}$
and
${\mathbf l}$
. The density of the set of joint values of
$({\mathbf q}, {\mathbf l})$
under the same assumptions is shown by Gorodnik [Oppenheim conjecture for pairs consisting of a linear form and a quadratic form. Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.356(11) (2004), 4447–4463].
A generalization of Bondy’s pancyclicity theorem
Authors: Draganić Nemanja , Munhá Correia David , Sudakov Benny
Published: April 2024

The bipartite independence number of a graph
$G$
, denoted as
$\tilde \alpha (G)$
, is the minimal number
$k$
such that there exist positive integers
$a$
and
$b$
with
$a+b=k+1$
with the property that for any two disjoint sets
$A,B\subseteq V(G)$
with
$|A|=a$
and
$|B|=b$
, there is an edge between
$A$
and
$B$
. McDiarmid and Yolov showed that if
$\delta (G)\geq \tilde \alpha (G)$
then
$G$
is Hamiltonian, extending the famous theorem of Dirac which states that if
$\delta (G)\geq |G|/2$
then
$G$
is Hamiltonian. In 1973, Bondy showed that, unless
$G$
is a complete bipartite graph, Dirac’s Hamiltonicity condition also implies pancyclicity, i.e., existence of cycles of all the lengths from
$3$
up to
$n$
. In this paper, we show that
$\delta (G)\geq \tilde \alpha (G)$
implies that
$G$
is pancyclic or that
$G=K_{\frac{n}{2},\frac{n}{2}}$
, thus extending the result of McDiarmid and Yolov, and generalizing the classic theorem of Bondy.
Using Temporal Deep Learning Models to Estimate Daily Snow Water Equivalent Over the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Duan Shiheng , Ullrich Paul , Risser Mark , Rhoades Alan
Published: April 2024

In this study we construct and compare three different deep learning (DL) models for estimating daily snow water equivalent (SWE) from high‐resolution gridded meteorological fields over the Rocky Mountain region. To train the DL models, Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) station‐based SWE observations are used as the prediction target. All DL models produce higher median Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values than a conceptual SWE model and interpolated gridded data sets, although mean squared errors also tend to be higher. Sensitivity of the SWE prediction to the model's input variables is analyzed using an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) method, yielding insight into the physical relationships learned by the models. This method reveals the dominant role precipitation and temperature play in snowpack dynamics. In applying our models to estimate SWE throughout the Rocky Mountains, an extrapolation problem arises since the statistical properties of SWE (e.g., annual maximum) and geographical properties of individual grid points (e.g., elevation) differ from the training data. This problem is solved by normalizing the SWE with its historical maximum value to alleviate extrapolation for all tested DL models. Our work shows that the DL models are promising tools for estimating SWE, and sufficiently capture relevant physical relationships to make them useful for spatial and temporal extrapolation of SWE values.
Toward Improved Simulations of Disruptive Reservoirs in Global Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Shrestha P. K. , Samaniego L. , Rakovec O. , Kumar R. , Mi C. , Rinke K. , Thober S.
Published: April 2024

Accurate simulation of reservoirs has been a challenge for global hydrological models due to highly discontinuous water management and uncertainties in reservoir shape representation. In addition, at a global scale, it is crucial to consider those reservoirs that disrupt the downstream flow regime. We augment the mesoscale Hydrological Model with a newly developed lake module (LM) that incorporates an existing reservoir regulation scheme with non‐consumptive demand predictions from random forest. We also evaluate the sensitivity of reservoir shape on streamflow and evaporation for three shape approximations of varying complexities. We tested the LM across 31 non‐consumptive reservoirs covering an extensive range of hydroclimatic characteristics and demonstrate the applicability by using freely available global reservoir information. Streamflow simulations with reservoirs and model calibration show a median Kling‐Gupta Efficiency improvement of +0.94 (calibration) and +0.77 (validation) when compared against model simulations without reservoirs and default parameter set. We find reservoir evaporation highly sensitive to reservoir shape with half‐pyramid approximation consistently resulting in best fit at reservoirs with surveyed bathymetry. In contrast, the linear approximation (rectangular prism) produced a median bias of +114% relative to half‐pyramid, for estimating evaporation, across all the reservoirs. Streamflow simulations were insensitive to the reservoir shape. Our analysis shows that 30% of the non‐consumptive hydropower reservoirs of the GRanD data set are non‐disruptive and can be excluded without loss to model realism. Further work is necessary for testing the regulation approach in reservoirs with consumptive water usage.
Genetic evidence for involvement of β2-adrenergic receptor in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in humans
Authors: Ishida Yuka , Matsushita Mami , Yoneshiro Takeshi , Saito Masayuki , Fuse Sayuri , Hamaoka Takafumi , Kuroiwa Miyuki , Tanaka Riki , Kurosawa Yuko , Nishimura Takayuki , Motoi Midori , Maeda Takafumi , Nakayama Kazuhiro
Published: April 2024

Background

Sympathetic activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis can ameliorate obesity and related metabolic abnormalities. However, crucial subtypes of the β-adrenergic receptor (AR), as well as effects of its genetic variants on functions of BAT, remains unclear in humans. We conducted association analyses of genes encoding β-ARs and BAT activity in human adults.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in β1-, β2-, and β3-AR genes (ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3) were tested for the association with BAT activity under mild cold exposure (19 °C, 2 h) in 399 healthy Japanese adults. BAT activity was measured using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). To validate the results, we assessed the effects of SNPs in the two independent populations comprising 277 healthy East Asian adults using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS) or infrared thermography (IRT). Effects of SNPs on physiological responses to intensive cold exposure were tested in 42 healthy Japanese adult males using an artificial climate chamber.

Results

We found a significant association between a functional SNP (rs1042718) in ADRB2 and BAT activity assessed with FDG-PET/CT (p < 0.001). This SNP also showed an association with cold-induced thermogenesis in the population subset. Furthermore, the association was replicated in the two other independent populations; BAT activity was evaluated by NIRTRS or IRT (p < 0.05). This SNP did not show associations with oxygen consumption and cold-induced thermogenesis under intensive cold exposure, suggesting the irrelevance of shivering thermogenesis. The SNPs of ADRB1 and ADRB3 were not associated with these BAT-related traits.

Conclusions

The present study supports the importance of β2-AR in the sympathetic regulation of BAT thermogenesis in humans. The present collection of DNA samples is the largest to which information on the donor’s BAT activity has been assigned and can serve as a reference for further in-depth understanding of human BAT function.
miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway via ROR2 in medulloblastoma progression
Authors: Wang Chen , Fu Runxi , Wang Yunkun , Wei Jia , Yu Ying , Hu Liuhua , Zhang Chenran
Published: April 2024

Medulloblastoma (MB), a prevalent pediatric central nervous system tumor, is influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs) that impact tumor initiation and progression. However, the specific involvement of miRNAs in MB tumorigenesis remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified ROR2 expression in normal human fetal cerebellum. Subsequent analyses, including immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot, assessed ROR2 expression in MB tissues and cell lines. We investigated miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p and their regulatory role in ROR2 expression through the dual-luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR, and western blot assays. Mechanistic insights were gained through functional assays exploring the impact of miR-124-3p, miR-194-5p, and ROR2 on MB growth in vitro and in vivo. We observed significantly reduced miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p expression and elevated ROR2 expression in MB tissues and cell lines. High ROR2 expression inversely correlated with overall survival in WNT and SHH subgroups of MB patients. Functionally, overexpressing miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p and inhibiting ROR2 suppressed in vitro malignant transformation and in vivo tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p synergistically regulated the ROR2/PI3K/Akt pathway, influencing MB progression. Our findings indicate that miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p function as tumor suppressors, inhibiting MB progression via the ROR2/PI3K/Akt axis, suggesting a key mechanism and therapeutic targets for MB patients.
Dynamics of early-stage oxide formation on a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy
Authors: Larsson Alfred , Gericke Sabrina , Grespi Andrea , Koller Volkmar , Eidhagen Josefin , Yue Xiaoqi , Frampton Eleanor , Appelfeller Stephan , Generalov Alexander , Preobrajenski Alexei , Pan Jinshan , Over Herbert , Lundgren Edvin
Published: April 2024

Corrosion results in large costs and environmental impact but can be controlled by thin oxide films that passivate the metal surfaces and hinder further oxidation or dissolution in an aqueous environment. The structure, chemistry, and thickness of these oxide films play a significant role in determining their anti-corrosion properties and the early-stage oxidation dynamics affect the properties of the developed oxide. Here, we use in situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to study the early-stage oxidation of a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy at room temperature and up to 400 °C. Cr and Mo begin to oxidize immediately after exposure to O2, and Cr3+, Mo4+, and Mo6+ oxides are formed. In contrast, Ni does not contribute significantly to the oxide film. A self-limiting oxide thickness, which did not depend on temperature below 400 °C, is observed. This is attributed to the consumption of available Cr and Mo near the surface, which results in an enrichment of metallic Ni under the oxide. The self-limited oxide thickness is 6–8 Å, which corresponds to 3–4 atomic layers of cations in the oxide. At 400 °C, sublimation of Mo6+ oxide is observed, resulting in the formation of an almost pure layer of Cr2O3 on the alloy surface. Lastly, a mechanism is presented that explains the formation of the bi-layer oxide structure observed for Ni-Cr-Mo alloys, which involves the enhanced migration of hexavalent Mo ions in the electric field, which drives mass transport during oxidation according to both the Cabrera Mott model and the Point Defect Model.
Streptomyces umbrella toxin particles block hyphal growth of competing species
Authors: Zhao Qinqin , Bertolli Savannah , Park Young-Jun , Tan Yongjun , Cutler Kevin J. , Srinivas Pooja , Asfahl Kyle L. , Fonesca-García Citlali , Gallagher Larry A. , Li Yaqiao , Wang Yaxi , Coleman-Derr Devin , DiMaio Frank , Zhang Dapeng , Peterson S. Brook , Veesler David , Mougous Joseph D.
Published: April 2024

Streptomyces are a genus of ubiquitous soil bacteria from which the majority of clinically utilized antibiotics derive1. The production of these antibacterial molecules reflects the relentless competition Streptomyces engage in with other bacteria, including other Streptomyces species1,2. Here we show that in addition to small-molecule antibiotics, Streptomyces produce and secrete antibacterial protein complexes that feature a large, degenerate repeat-containing polymorphic toxin protein. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of these particles reveals an extended stalk topped by a ringed crown comprising the toxin repeats scaffolding five lectin-tipped spokes, which led us to name them umbrella particles. Streptomyces coelicolor encodes three umbrella particles with distinct toxin and lectin composition. Notably, supernatant containing these toxins specifically and potently inhibits the growth of select Streptomyces species from among a diverse collection of bacteria screened. For one target, Streptomyces griseus, inhibition relies on a single toxin and that intoxication manifests as rapid cessation of vegetative hyphal growth. Our data show that Streptomyces umbrella particles mediate competition among vegetative mycelia of related species, a function distinct from small-molecule antibiotics, which are produced at the onset of reproductive growth and act broadly3,4. Sequence analyses suggest that this role of umbrella particles extends beyond Streptomyces, as we identified umbrella loci in nearly 1,000 species across Actinobacteria.
Integrative common and rare variant analyses provide insights into the genetic architecture of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Ghouse Jonas , Sveinbjörnsson Gardar , Vujkovic Marijana , Seidelin Anne-Sofie , Gellert-Kristensen Helene , Ahlberg Gustav , Tragante Vinicius , Rand Søren A. , Brancale Joseph , Vilarinho Silvia , Lundegaard Pia Rengtved , Sørensen Erik , Erikstrup Christian , Bruun Mie Topholm , Jensen Bitten Aagaard , Brunak Søren , Banasik Karina , Ullum Henrik ,   DBDS Genomic Consortium, Verweij Niek , Lotta Luca , Baras Aris ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, Lotta Luca A. , Mirshahi Tooraj , Carey David J. ,   Geisinger-Regeneron DiscovEHR Collaboration,   VA Million Veteran Program, Kaplan David E. , Lynch Julie , Morgan Timothy , Schwantes-An Tae-Hwi , Dochtermann Daniel R. , Pyarajan Saiju , Tsao Philip S. ,   Estonian Biobank Research Team, Laisk Triin , Mägi Reedik , Kozlitina Julia , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Jones David , Knowlton Kirk U. , Nadauld Lincoln , Ferkingstad Egil , Björnsson Einar S. , Ulfarsson Magnus O. , Sturluson Árni , Sulem Patrick , Pedersen Ole B. , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Stefansson Kari , Olesen Morten Salling , Chang Kyong-Mi , Holm Hilma , Bundgaard Henning , Stender Stefan
Published: April 2024

We report a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study on liver cirrhosis and its associated endophenotypes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transferase. Using data from 12 cohorts, including 18,265 cases with cirrhosis, 1,782,047 controls, up to 1 million individuals with liver function tests and a validation cohort of 21,689 cases and 617,729 controls, we identify and validate 14 risk associations for cirrhosis. Many variants are located near genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. One of these, PNPLA3 p.Ile148Met, interacts with alcohol intake, obesity and diabetes on the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We develop a polygenic risk score that associates with the progression from cirrhosis to HCC. By focusing on prioritized genes from common variant analyses, we find that rare coding variants in GPAM associate with lower ALT, supporting GPAM as a potential target for therapeutic inhibition. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the genetic underpinnings of cirrhosis.
Efficacy of a new refractive multifocal contact lens for presbyopia
Authors: Kim Do Young , Ahn Hyunmin , Lee Sukyung , Jun Ikhyun , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Sang Yeop , Kim Tae-Im
Published: April 2024

This prospective single-arm study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a refractive multifocal contact lens for the correction of presbyopia in 22 patients. The participants underwent clinical examinations before and 1 week after wearing a refractive multifocal contact lens (OptaCon ZOOM). The primary endpoints were the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA). Defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were analyzed. A slit-lamp examination was performed for safety analysis. Contact lens comfort and patient satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. No significant difference in CDVA was observed before and 1 week after refractive multifocal contact lens use (p = 0.127), whereas DCNVA was significantly improved after 1 week (p < 0.001). The contrast sensitivity was not significantly affected at any spatial frequency under mesopic or photopic conditions. OSDI was significantly increased (p = 0.023). The patient-reported satisfaction scores were 96.2, 91.9, and 85.0 out of 100 at far, intermediate, and near distances, respectively. No significant adverse events were observed. Refractive multifocal contact lenses improved near vision while maintaining distance vision in presbyopic patients, without compromising contrast sensitivity. The study results suggest that OptaCon ZOOM can be considered safe and effective for the correction of presbyopia.
Application of evolutionary algorithms to design economic flat slab buildings based on the intended function
Authors: Rady Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies revealed optimization techniques' applicability in minimizing the costs of reinforced concrete buildings. However, the existing literature has narrowly focused on optimizing buildings with a single function, such as residential or office buildings, hindering the generalization of the results. This paper aims to bridge the gap between optimization and structural engineering by obtaining the minimum-cost design of flat slab buildings with different intended functions. In this context, the optimal designs of 120 alternatives were obtained, considering various spans (4–8 m), live loads (2–10 kPa), and concrete compressive strength (25–40 MPa). The optimization was executed using the evolutionary algorithm provided in Microsoft Excel’s Solver tool. The optimization model permits the utilization of drop panels to resist punching stresses developed from the slab-column interaction. The objective function is the cost of materials and labor involved in constructing floors and columns. The decision variables are the floor dimensions and column configurations in dimensions and reinforcement. The structural constraints were applied per the Egyptian design code (ECP203-2020). Eventually, guidelines were developed to help the designers choose the economic floor system and quantities of materials based on the building's intended function.
Glyphosate-induced changes in the expression of galanin and GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3 receptors in the porcine small intestine wall
Authors: Palus Katarzyna , Chmielewska-Krzesińska Małgorzata , Jana Barbara , Całka Jarosław
Published: April 2024

Glyphosate is the active ingredient of glyphosate-based herbicides and the most commonly used pesticide in the world. The goal of the present study was to verify whether low doses of glyphosate (equivalent to the environmental exposure) evoke changes in galanin expression in intramural neurons in the small intestine in pigs and to quantitatively determine changes in the level of galanin receptor encoding mRNA (GALR1, GALR2, GALR3) in the small intestine wall. The experiment was conducted on 15 sexually immature gilts divided into three study groups: control (C)—animals receiving empty gelatin capsules; experimental 1 (G1)—animals receiving a low dose of glyphosate (0.05 mg/kg b.w./day); experimental 2 (G2)—animals receiving a higher dose of glyphosate (0.5 mg/kg b.w./day) orally in gelatine capsules for 28 days. Glyphosate ingestion led to an increase in the number of GAL-like immunoreactive intramural neurons in the porcine small intestine. The results of RT-PCR showed a significant increase in the expression of mRNA, which encodes the GAL-receptors in the ileum, a decreased expression in the duodenum and no significant changes in the jejunum. Additionally, intoxication with glyphosate increased the expression of SOD2-encoding mRNA in the duodenum and decreased it in the jejunum and ileum, but it did not affect SOD1 expression. The results suggest that it may be a consequence of the cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic properties of glyphosate and/or its ability to induce oxidative stress.
Randomized feature selection based semi-supervised latent Dirichlet allocation for microbiome analysis
Authors: Pais Namitha , Ravishanker Nalini , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar , Weinstock George , Tran Dong-Binh
Published: April 2024

Health and disease are fundamentally influenced by microbial communities and their genes (the microbiome). An in-depth analysis of microbiome structure that enables the classification of individuals based on their health can be crucial in enhancing diagnostics and treatment strategies to improve the overall well-being of an individual. In this paper, we present a novel semi-supervised methodology known as Randomized Feature Selection based Latent Dirichlet Allocation (RFSLDA) to study the impact of the gut microbiome on a subject’s health status. Since the data in our study consists of fuzzy health labels, which are self-reported, traditional supervised learning approaches may not be suitable. As a first step, based on the similarity between documents in text analysis and gut-microbiome data, we employ Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a topic modeling approach which uses microbiome counts as features to group subjects into relatively homogeneous clusters, without invoking any knowledge of observed health status (labels) of subjects. We then leverage information from the observed health status of subjects to associate these clusters with the most similar health status making it a semi-supervised approach. Finally, a feature selection technique is incorporated into the model to improve the overall classification performance. The proposed method provides a semi-supervised topic modelling approach that can help handle the high dimensionality of the microbiome data in association studies. Our experiments reveal that our semi-supervised classification algorithm is effective and efficient in terms of high classification accuracy compared to popular supervised learning approaches like SVM and multinomial logistic model. The RFSLDA framework is attractive because it (i) enhances clustering accuracy by identifying key bacteria types as indicators of health status, (ii) identifies key bacteria types within each group based on estimates of the proportion of bacteria types within the groups, and (iii) computes a measure of within-group similarity to identify highly similar subjects in terms of their health status.
Multi-scale attention network (MSAN) for track circuits fault diagnosis
Authors: Tao Weijie , Li Xiaowei , Liu Jianlei , Li Zheng
Published: April 2024

As one of the three major outdoor components of the railroad signal system, the track circuit plays an important role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of train operation. Therefore, when a fault occurs, the cause of the fault needs to be found quickly and accurately and dealt with in a timely manner to avoid affecting the efficiency of train operation and the occurrence of safety accidents. This article proposes a fault diagnosis method based on multi-scale attention network, which uses Gramian Angular Field (GAF) to transform one-dimensional time series into two-dimensional images, making full use of the advantages of convolutional networks in processing image data. A new feature fusion training structure is designed to effectively train the model, fully extract features at different scales, and fusing spatial feature information through spatial attention mechanisms. Finally, experiments are conducted using real track circuit fault datasets, and the accuracy of fault diagnosis reaches 99.36%, and our model demonstrates better performance compared to classical and state-of-the-art models. And the ablation experiments verified that each module in the designed model plays a key role.
Genetic barriers more than environmental associations explain Serratia marcescens population structure
Authors: Sterzi Lodovico , Nodari Riccardo , Di Marco Federico , Ferrando Maria Laura , Saluzzo Francesca , Spitaleri Andrea , Allahverdi Hamed , Papaleo Stella , Panelli Simona , Rimoldi Sara Giordana , Batisti Biffignandi Gherard , Corbella Marta , Cavallero Annalisa , Prati Paola , Farina Claudio , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Bandi Claudio , Comandatore Francesco
Published: April 2024

Bacterial species often comprise well-separated lineages, likely emerged and maintained by genetic isolation and/or ecological divergence. How these two evolutionary actors interact in the shaping of bacterial population structure is currently not fully understood. In this study, we investigate the genetic and ecological drivers underlying the evolution of Serratia marcescens, an opportunistic pathogen with high genomic flexibility and able to colonise diverse environments. Comparative genomic analyses reveal a population structure composed of five deeply-demarcated genetic clusters with open pan-genome but limited inter-cluster gene flow, partially explained by Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems incompatibility. Furthermore, a large-scale research on hundred-thousands metagenomic datasets reveals only a partial habitat separation of the clusters. Globally, two clusters only show a separate gene composition coherent with ecological adaptations. These results suggest that genetic isolation has preceded ecological adaptations in the shaping of the species diversity, an evolutionary scenario coherent with the Evolutionary Extended Synthesis.
Synthetic Lagrangian turbulence by generative diffusion models
Authors: Li T. , Biferale L. , Bonaccorso F. , Scarpolini M. A. , Buzzicotti M.
Published: April 2024

Lagrangian turbulence lies at the core of numerous applied and fundamental problems related to the physics of dispersion and mixing in engineering, biofluids, the atmosphere, oceans and astrophysics. Despite exceptional theoretical, numerical and experimental efforts conducted over the past 30 years, no existing models are capable of faithfully reproducing statistical and topological properties exhibited by particle trajectories in turbulence. We propose a machine learning approach, based on a state-of-the-art diffusion model, to generate single-particle trajectories in three-dimensional turbulence at high Reynolds numbers, thereby bypassing the need for direct numerical simulations or experiments to obtain reliable Lagrangian data. Our model demonstrates the ability to reproduce most statistical benchmarks across time scales, including the fat-tail distribution for velocity increments, the anomalous power law and the increased intermittency around the dissipative scale. Slight deviations are observed below the dissipative scale, particularly in the acceleration and flatness statistics. Surprisingly, the model exhibits strong generalizability for extreme events, producing events of higher intensity and rarity that still match the realistic statistics. This paves the way for producing synthetic high-quality datasets for pretraining various downstream applications of Lagrangian turbulence.
The buzz about honey-based biosurveys
Authors: Vuong Paton , Griffiths Anna Poppy , Barbour Elizabeth , Kaur Parwinder
Published: April 2024

Approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes of honey are produced globally every year. The key source behind this output, the honey bee (Apis mellifera), works tirelessly to create the delicious condiment that is consumed worldwide. The honey that finds its way into jars on store shelves contains a myriad of information about its biogeographical origins, such as the bees that produced it, the botanical constituents, and traces of other organisms or pathogens that have come in contact with the product or its producer. With the ongoing threat of honey bee decline and overall global biodiversity loss, access to ecological information has become an key factor in preventing the loss of species. This review delves into the various molecular techniques developed to characterize the collective DNA harnessed within honey samples, and how it can be used to elucidate the ecological interactions between honey bees and the environment. We also explore how these DNA-based methods can be used for large-scale biogeographical studies through the environmental DNA collected by foraging honey bees. Further development of these techniques can assist in the conservation of biodiversity by detecting ecosystem perturbations, with the potential to be expanded towards other critical flying pollinators.
Phase transitions of civil unrest across countries and time
Authors: Braha Dan
Published: April 2024

Phase transitions, characterized by abrupt shifts between macroscopic patterns of organization, are ubiquitous in complex systems. Despite considerable research in the physical and natural sciences, the empirical study of this phenomenon in societal systems is relatively underdeveloped. The goal of this study is to explore whether the dynamics of collective civil unrest can be plausibly characterized as a sequence of recurrent phase shifts, with each phase having measurable and identifiable latent characteristics. Building on previous efforts to characterize civil unrest as a self-organized critical system, we introduce a macro-level statistical model of civil unrest and evaluate its plausibility using a comprehensive dataset of civil unrest events in 170 countries from 1946 to 2017. Our findings demonstrate that the macro-level phase model effectively captures the characteristics of civil unrest data from diverse countries globally and that universal mechanisms may underlie certain aspects of the dynamics of civil unrest. We also introduce a scale to quantify a country’s long-term unrest per unit of time and show that civil unrest events tend to cluster geographically, with the magnitude of civil unrest concentrated in specific regions. Our approach has the potential to identify and measure phase transitions in various collective human phenomena beyond civil unrest, contributing to a better understanding of complex social systems.
A computational topology-based spatiotemporal analysis technique for honeybee aggregation
Authors: Gharooni-Fard Golnar , Byers Morgan , Deshmukh Varad , Bradley Elizabeth , Mayo Carissa , Topaz Chad M. , Peleg Orit
Published: April 2024

A primary challenge in understanding collective behavior is characterizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of the group. We employ topological data analysis to explore the structure of honeybee aggregations that form during trophallaxis, which is the direct exchange of food among nestmates. From the positions of individual bees, we build topological summaries called CROCKER matrices to track the morphology of the group as a function of scale and time. Each column of a CROCKER matrix records the number of topological features, such as the number of components or holes, that exist in the data for a range of analysis scales, at a given point in time. To detect important changes in the morphology of the group from this information, we first apply dimensionality reduction techniques to these matrices and then use classic clustering and change-point detection algorithms on the resulting scalar data. A test of this methodology on synthetic data from an agent-based model of honeybees and their trophallaxis behavior shows two distinct phases: a dispersed phase that occurs before food is introduced, followed by a food-exchange phase during which aggregations form. We then move to laboratory data, successfully detecting the same two phases across multiple experiments. Interestingly, our method reveals an additional phase change towards the end of the experiments, suggesting the possibility of another dispersed phase that follows the food-exchange phase.
Development of a novel X-ray fluorescence instrument equipped with a noble gas filter
Authors: Matsuyama Tsugufumi , Miyahara Tomoya , Yoshii Hiroshi , Wah Lim Lee , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: April 2024

In this study, we developed a unique gas filter-XRF (GF-XRF) instrument to easily reduce the BG effect by changing the pressure of the gas to ensure that absorption edge of gas element is slightly lower than the energy of the XRF peak of the target element.
The oxygen evolution reaction on cobalt atom embedded nitrogen doped graphene electrocatalysts: a density functional theory study
Authors: Liao Meijing , Zhao Bing , Zhang Guangsong , Peng Junhao , Zhang Yuexing , Liu Bin , Wang Xinfang
Published: April 2024

N-doped graphenes containing variable numbers of embedded cobalt atoms were designed and the OER electrocatalytic activities were systematically studied.
Theoretical insights into the adsorption and gas sensing performance of Fe/Cu-adsorbed graphene
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Tri , Ho Dai Q. , Trung Nguyen Tien
Published: April 2024

Adding Fe/Cu to graphene enhances the adsorption ability and gas-sensing performance of VOCs.
Bidentate boron Lewis acids: synthesis by tin boron exchange reaction and host–guest complex formation
Authors: Beckmann J. Louis , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Lamm Jan-Hendrik , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: April 2024

Three bidentate Lewis acids with different substituents were synthesized and their complexation with pyridine, pyrimidine and TMEDA as neutral guest molecules has been studied by NMR and XRD experiments.
A detailed density functional theory exploration of the photodissociation mechanism of ruthenium complexes for photoactivated chemotherapy
Authors: Belletto Daniele , Ponte Fortuna , Mazzone Gloria , Sicilia Emilia
Published: April 2024

All the mechanistic aspects of the photodissociation process of a recently synthesized trisheteroleptic Ru(ii) complex as a PACT agent have been computationally explored in depth together with the subsequent water molecule coordination.
Sunlight-driven photocatalytic conversion of furfural and its derivatives
Authors: Zhang Qizhao , Gu Bang , Fang Wenhao
Published: April 2024

Sunlight-driven photocatalytic conversion of furfural and its derivatives enables activation and transformation of the target chemical bonds under very mild conditions using photoexcited charge carriers or photogenerated reactive species.
Segregation in epoxy/amine systems on iron oxide surfaces
Authors: Harris Kieran , Wand Charlie R. , Visser Peter , Siperstein Flor R.
Published: April 2024

Preferential adsorption of amine crosslinkers leads to composition heterogeneity in coatings which is strongly influenced by the surface structure.