bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent organic pollutants in sediment of a tropical river: the case of N’djili River in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Tshibanda Joseph B. , Atibu Emmanuel K. , Malumba Augustin M. , Otamonga Jean-Paul , Mulaji Crispin K. , Mpiana Pius T. , Carvalho Fernando P. , Poté John
Published: June 2024

Surface sediments collected in several areas along the N’djili River, in the Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and also organophosphorus and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides. High values of POPs were determined in the DIGUE area of the river reaching 710 µg kg−1 for ∑12 PCBs, 397 µg kg−1 for ∑6 DDTs, 1138 µg kg−1 for ∑16 PAHs, and 23 µg kg−1 for ∑6 PBDEs. Regarding toxic effects on aquatic biota, the Total PCBs (∑7 × 4.3) were above the Threshold Effect Level (TEL) value of 34.1 μg kg−1 and above the Probable Effect Level (PEL) value of 277 μg kg−1 in most sampling sites. ∑16 PAHs values were, in general, below the TEL value of 610 μg kg−1, but with exceptions for several sampling sites where values exceeded the TEL value. The ∑6 DDTs in all sampling sites were higher than both TEL and PEL values of 6.15 and 20.03 μg kg−1, respectively. These values above TEL and PEL indicate potential adverse effects on benthic organisms. In general, the ratio values of (DDD + DDE)/DDT were higher than 0.5 reflecting past DDT use mostly, and Fluo/(Fluo + Pyr), IDP/(IDP + BghiP) and BaA/(BaA + Chry) ratios indicated several PAHs origins including petrogenic and pyrolytic sources, petroleum, grass, wood and coal combustion. Globally, the results of this research showed high contamination of N´djili River sediments by a plethora of organic pollutants and at toxic levels to the aquatic biota. Furthermore, the river water quality might be not suitable for human consumption.
Residual Effects of Compost and Manure Fertilizers on Quinoa Production and Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Taaime Nawal , El Mejahed Khalil , Oukarroum Abdallah , Choukr-Allah Redouane , Pittelkow Cameron , Bouabid Rachid , Gharous Mohamed El
Published: June 2024

Organic fertilizers have the potential to improve soil quality and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) yields, but their long-standing benefits are unknown. Therefore, a three-years field experiment (2019–2022) was conducted in Morocco to investigate the residual effects of organic fertilizers on the productivity and mineral status of quinoa. Compost and manure were applied during the first season at 5, 10, and 20 t ha− 1 and 10, 20, and 40 t ha− 1, respectively. Soil organic matter (SOM), plant growth, and quinoa yield were monitored during the year of organic fertilizer applications and two and three years after the applications. 40 t ha− 1 of manure produced the highest SOM, plant height, and chlorophyll content index. Compost at 20 t ha− 1 produced the highest grain yield (4.6 t ha− 1) during the first year, but the residual effect of 40 t ha− 1 of manure exceeded other treatments in the second and third years (3.4 t ha− 1 and 1.4 t ha− 1, respectively). Average quinoa grain yield over the three years was highest with 10 and 20 t ha− 1 of compost and 20 and 40 t ha− 1 of manure and average quinoa nutrient content was 1.8 kg N, 0.3 kg P, 4.1 kg K, 0.5 kg Ca, 0.6 kg Mg, 0.5 g Cu, 1.9 g Zn, 7.9 g Mn, and 7.9 g Fe per 100 kg of total biomass. A single application of manure at 20 t ha− 1 was optimal to increase quinoa productivity for three growing seasons, promoting agricultural sustainability in arid regions.
First Impressions of the Sapphire Rapids Processor with HBM for Scientific Workloads
Authors: Siegmann Eva , Harrison Robert J. , Carlson David , Chheda Smeet , Curtis Anthony , Coskun Firat , Gonzalez Raul , Wood Daniel , Simakov Nikolay A.
Published: June 2024

The landscape of high performance computing (HPC) has witnessed exponential growth in processor diversity, architectural complexity, and performance scalability. With an ever-increasing demand for faster and more efficient computing solutions to address an array of scientific, engineering, and societal challenges, the selection of processors for specific applications becomes paramount. Achieving optimal performance requires a deep understanding of how diverse processors interact with diverse workloads, making benchmarking a fundamental practice in the field of HPC. Here, we present preliminary results observed over such benchmarks and applications and a comparison of Intel Sapphire Rapids and Skylake-X, AMD Milan, and Fujitsu A64FX processors in terms of runtime performance, memory bandwidth utilization, and energy consumption. The examples focus specifically on the Sapphire Rapids processor with and without high-bandwidth memory (HBM). An additional case study reports the performance gains from using Intel’s Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) instructions, and how they along with HBM can be leveraged to accelerate AI workloads. These initial results aim to give a rough comparison of the processors rather than a detailed analysis and should prove timely and relevant for researchers who may be interested in using Sapphire Rapids for their scientific workloads.
Skeletal microstructures of cheilostome bryozoans (phylum Bryozoa, class Gymnolaemata): crystallography and secretion patterns
Authors: Grenier Christian , Griesshaber Erika , Schmahl Wolfgang , Berning Björn , Checa Antonio G.
Published: June 2024

Gymnolaemata bryozoans produce CaCO3 skeletons of either calcite, aragonite, or both. Despite extensive research, their crystallography and biomineralization patterns remain unclear. We present a detailed study of the microstructures, mineralogy, and crystallography of eight extant cheilostome species using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and micro-computed tomography. We distinguished five basic microstructures, three calcitic (tabular, irregularly platy, and granular), and two aragonitic (granular-platy and fibrous). The calcitic microstructures consist of crystal aggregates that transition from tabular or irregularly platy to granular assemblies. Fibrous aragonite consists of fibers arranged into spherulites. In all cases, the crystallographic textures are axial, and stronger in aragonite than in calcite, with the c-axis as the fiber axis. We reconstruct the biomineralization sequence in the different species by considering the distribution and morphology of the growth fronts of crystals and the location of the secretory epithelium. In bimineralic species, calcite formation always predates aragonite formation. In interior compound walls, growth proceeds from the cuticle toward the zooecium interior. We conclude that, with the exception of tabular calcite, biomineralization is remote and occurs within a relatively wide extrapallial space, which is consistent with the inorganic-like appearance of the microstructures. This biomineralization mode is rare among invertebrates.
Maturation of the vertebral ring apophysis is delayed in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to the normal population
Authors: Costa Lorenzo , van Lange Agnes , Seevinck Peter R. , Chu Winnie , Vavruch Ludvig , Kruyt Moyo C. , Castelein René M. , Schlosser Tom P. C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The ring apophysis is a secondary ossification center on both sides of each vertebral body, to which the annulus of the intervertebral disc inserts. Recently, its pattern of ossification and fusion to the vertebral body was described for the normal growing spine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ossification and fusion of the ring apophysis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and compare it to the normal growing population.

Methods

Ring apophysis maturation along the entire thoracic and lumbar spine was analyzed on CT scans of 99 female, pre-operative AIS patients and compared to 134 CT scans of non-scoliotic girls, aged 12 to 20.

Results

The ring apophysis maturation in AIS patients was delayed at all spinal levels in AIS patients compared to non-scoliotic controls. Ossification starts at T4–T11 at age 12, followed by T1–T5 and L3–S1 at age 15. The fusion process in AIS patients continues longer in the midthoracic region as compared to the other regions and as compared to non-scoliotic controls, with many incomplete fusions still at age 20.

Conclusion

The ring apophysis maturation in AIS is delayed compared to that in the normal population and lasts longer in the mid/low thoracic spine. Delayed maturation of the spine’s most important stabilizer, while the body’s dimensions continue to increase, could be part of the patho-mechanism of AIS.
Barriers and Facilitators to Co-Creating Interventions with Refugee and Migrant Youth: A Process Evaluation with Implementors
Authors: Maiorano Nicole , McQuillan Katie , Swords Lorraine , Vallières Frédérique , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

The rise in children experiencing forced displacement and the associated negative mental health effects have led to the proliferation of novel interventions targeting their educational development and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs. To improve the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions for refugee communities, co-creation is often used. However, there is a need to understand the mechanisms that support the co-creation process. This paper explores the process of co-creation within the REFUGE-ED project: an international consortium identifying, co-creating, and implementing educational and MHPSS interventions for refugee youth. The data are drawn from consortium members and site staff who participated in a range of meetings, focus groups, and interviews which occurred before, during, and after the implementation. A qualitative content analysis grounded in the (updated) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was then used to identify barriers to and facilitators of the co-creation process. Although numerous barriers and facilitators were identified only two traversed both categories and every stage of the co-creation process: namely, the quality of interpersonal relationships and the clarity of the implementation plan. We discuss relevance of these two factors to the field of co-creation as a means to adapt health interventions targeting youth refugee populations. Considerations, needs, and recommendations for future co-creation interventions are also outlined.
Air quality monitoring device to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in educational buildings
Authors: Quiroga Diego , Diaz Sergio , Pastrana Homero F.
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant consequences on healthcare systems, economy, and politics. Nowadays, we know that the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 is transmitted mainly by aerosol droplets exhaled by infected individuals, which remain suspended in indoor air. There has been widespread interest in monitoring the $$CO_2$$

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levels in indoor spaces since an infected patient exhales $$CO_2$$

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and infectious aerosols when breathing. So, we designed and built an Air Quality Monitoring Device (AQMD) that measures and analyzes the levels of $$CO_2$$

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and particulate matter in the classrooms of a university with the aim of mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We divided the AQMD design into 2 phases: (i) data measurement and (ii) estimation of infection risk. Specifically, we measured the air quality in 3 classrooms of a university during different types of activities. Using these data, we calculated the recommended $$CO_2$$

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threshold for our classroom setting and estimated the probability of COVID-19 infection of a susceptible person. Our research shows that indoor $$CO_2$$

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concentrations and the probability of COVID-19 infection are influenced mainly by the type of activity and the number of windows open; besides, the number of students does not significantly impact the indoor $$CO_2$$

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concentrations levels because the range of students in the test scenario (18 to 31) was relatively small.
Evaluation of geosynthetic encased columns in Zambian heterogenous soils
Authors: Shaba Ada Farai , Masheka Goodson
Published: June 2024

The development of Zambia has brought increased large-scale infrastructure construction that has necessitated the need for improved foundation techniques that are both economical and adequate in capacity. Clay and soft soils with low bearing capacities and high compressibility could render structural foundations to perform poorly and shorten the design life of the bridges and structures. This study used a bridge case study in Northern Province, Zambia to investigate the use of geosynthetic encased columns (GECs) to support the bridge embankments to reduce differential settlements. End bearing fully encased columns were compared to floating columns of varying lengths by numerical modelling in PLAXIS 3D. The Hardening Soil and Mohr–Coulomb soil models were used for the column surrounding soil and the GECs in the finite element analysis. The results showed that the end bearing columns had the least differential settlements at the soil surface, whilst the reduction in floating column length increased the punching settlements. Moreover, the shear stress along the interface of the GECs and surrounding soil varied from 20 kN/m2 to 142 kN/m2, where the end bearing GEC had the least shear stress.
Preoperative consultation for determining the appropriate transfusion strategy
Authors: Kang Ka-Won
Published: June 2024

Surgical patients are at risk of postoperative complications and mortality, necessitating preoperative patient optimization through the identification and correction of modifiable risk factors. Although preoperative platelet transfusions aim to reduce the risk of bleeding, their efficacy remains uncertain. Similarly, red blood cell transfusion in patients with anemia does not reduce the risk of postoperative mortality and may exacerbate complications. Therefore, developing individualized strategies that focus on correcting preoperative complete blood count abnormalities and minimizing transfusion requirements are essential. This review aimed to examine complete blood count abnormalities and appropriate transfusion strategies to minimize postoperative complications.
Algebraic Varieties: Minimal Models and Finite Generation
Authors: Kawamata Yujiro
Published: June 2024

The finite generation theorem is a major achievement in modern algebraic geometry. Based on the minimal model theory, it states that the canonical ring of an algebraic variety defined over a field of characteristic 0 is a finitely generated graded ring. This graduate-level text is the first to explain this proof. It covers the progress on the minimal model theory over the last 30 years, culminating in the landmark paper on finite generation by Birkar‒Cascini‒Hacon‒McKernan. Building up to this proof, the author presents important results and techniques that are now part of the standard toolbox of birational geometry, including Mori's bend-and-break method, vanishing theorems, positivity theorems, and Siu's analysis on multiplier ideal sheaves. Assuming only the basics in algebraic geometry, the text keeps prerequisites to a minimum with self-contained explanations of terminology and theorems.
Macro‐ and Microphysical Characteristics of Extreme Hourly Precipitation Over the Pearl River Delta on the Monsoon Coast (South China)
Authors: Qiu Juliao , Luo Yali , Wu Chong , Gao Yanyu , Yu Shuting
Published: June 2024

In this study, the Extreme Hourly Precipitation Areas (EHPAs) of three extreme levels (i.e., between the 95th and 99th percentiles, between the 99th and 99.9th percentiles, beyond the 99.9th percentile) in the Pearl River Delta over South China are identified; then the related events and associated Convective Cores (CCs) are tracked, and their macro‐and‐microphysical characteristics are analyzed using multi‐year dual‐polarization radar observations. Results show that >90% of EHPAs are smaller than 10 km2, and 65%–75% of EHPA events last only one hour. They tend to be more localized and persist longer with increasing hourly‐precipitation extremity. The EHPAs overlap with the CCs during 50%–64% of the EHPAs' life span. Their occurrence frequencies are nearly quadrupled after the monsoon onset over South China Sea (SCS), with a major (secondary) peak at about 1400 LST (0600 LST) in the diurnal variations. The CCs are non‐linear shaped with about 65% being meso‐γ‐scale and embedded within mostly meso‐β or α‐scale 20 dBZ regions. The CCs generally contain active warm‐rain processes and about 70% possess moderate‐to‐intense mixed‐phase microphysical processes. The ratios of ice water path to liquid water path are about 0.37, and coalescence dominates (about 68%) the liquid‐phase processes. The average size of raindrop is slightly larger than the “maritime‐like” regime and the average concentration is much higher than the “continental‐like” regime. These CCs' characteristics roughly resemble those of the convection producing extreme instantaneous precipitation, except for a larger horizontal scale and less evident variations with the increasing hourly‐precipitation extremity.
Methods of identifying surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bethell George S. , Jones Ian H. , Battersby Cheryl , Knight Marian , Hall Nigel J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Current data suggests potential benefit of earlier surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) however this requires accurate prognostication early in the disease course. This study aims to identify and determine the effectiveness of previously reported methods or tests for the identification of surgical NEC.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis with registration on PROSPERO including articles describing a method of identifying surgical NEC. Outcomes of interest were effectiveness and repeatability of index test.

Results

Of the 190 full-text articles screened, 90 studies were included which contained 114 methods of identifying surgical NEC in 9546 infants. Of these methods, 44 were a scoring system, 37 a single biomarker, 24 an imaging method, and 9 an invasive method. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 12.8–100% to 13–100%, respectively. Some methods (9.6%) provided insufficient methods for repeatability within clinical practice or research. Meta-analyses were possible for only 2 methods, the metabolic derangement 7 score and abdominal ultrasound.

Conclusions

A range of methods for identifying surgical NEC have been identified with varying overall performance and uncertainties about reproducibility and superiority of any method. External validation in large multicentre datasets should allow direct comparison of accuracy and prospective study should evaluate impact on clinical outcomes.

Impact

Earlier identification of need for surgery in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has the potential to improve the unfavourable outcomes in this condition. As such, many methods have been developed and reported to allow earlier identification of surgical NEC.

This study is the first synthesis of the literature which identifies previously reported methods and the effectiveness of these.

Many methods, including scoring systems and biomarkers, appear effective for prognostication in NEC and external validation is now required in multicentre datasets prior to clinical utility.
Involvement of Siglec-15 in regulating RAP1/RAC signaling in cytoskeletal remodeling in osteoclasts mediated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor
Authors: Kobayashi Hideyuki , Terkawi M. Alaa , Ota Masahiro , Hasegawa Tomoka , Yamamoto Tomomaya , Shimizu Tomohiro , Sato Dai , Fujita Ryo , Murakami Toshifumi , Amizuka Norio , Iwasaki Norimasa , Takahata Masahiko
Published: June 2024

Abstract

DNAX-associated protein 12 kD size (DAP12) is a dominant immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-signaling adaptor that activates costimulatory signals essential for osteoclastogenesis. Although several DAP12-associated receptors (DARs) have been identified in osteoclasts, including triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), C-type lectin member 5 A (CLEC5A), and sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec)-15, their precise role in the development of osteoclasts and bone remodeling remain poorly understood. In this study, mice deficient in Trem-2, Clec5a, Siglec-15 were generated. In addition, mice double deficient in these DAR genes and FcεRI gamma chain (FcR)γ, an alternative ITAM adaptor to DAP12, were generated. Bone mass analysis was conducted on all mice. Notably, Siglec-15 deficient mice and Siglec-15/FcRγ double deficient mice exhibited mild and severe osteopetrosis respectively. In contrast, other DAR deficient mice showed normal bone phenotype. Likewise, osteoclasts from Siglec-15 deficient mice failed to form an actin ring, suggesting that Siglec-15 promotes bone resorption principally by modulating the cytoskeletal organization of osteoclasts. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed that Sigelc-15 activates macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-induced Ras-associated protein-1 (RAP1)/Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) pathway through formation of a complex with p130CAS and CrkII, leading to cytoskeletal remodeling of osteoclasts. Our data provide genetic and biochemical evidence that Siglec-15 facilitates M-CSF-induced cytoskeletal remodeling of the osteoclasts.
IRGM/Irgm1 increases autophagy to inhibit activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammatory injury induced acute liver failure
Authors: Zhang Xing , Hu Yangyang , Wang Wei , Ji Ru , Li Ziyue , Yu Weiyan , Wu Zhinian , Xiao Ying , Guo Tingyu , Qi Zeqiang , Wang Yadong , Zhao Caiyan
Published: June 2024

Immune-related GTPase M (IRGM) induces autophagy and suppresses inflammation, but its putative role and signaling mechanism remain undefined in the pathogenesis of liver failure. This study aimed to address how IRGM attenuates inflammatory injury by regulating autophagy in liver failure. In this study, a total of 10 patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and 10 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Intrahepatic expression of IRGM/Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1), autophagy-related proteins (LC3II, P62), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured. Autophagy was activated by rapamycin (4 mg/kg) in an acute liver failure (ALF) mouse model, which was used to further study the expression of Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome, autophagy-related proteins, and inflammatory cytokines using both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Irgm1 expression was knocked down using Irgm1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AML12 cells to investigate the effects of Irgm1 deletion on autophagy and inflammation. We found that the expression of IRGM and autophagy-related proteins was significantly downregulated while the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in the livers of HBV-ACLF patients and the ALF mouse model (all P < 0.05). Rapamycin-induced autophagy ameliorated intrahepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and decreased inflammation and necrosis in the ALF mice. Irgm1 knockdown decreased autophagy and significantly upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in AML12 cells (all P < 0.05). Rapamycin-induced autophagy also protected against hepatocyte injury following LPS stimulation in vitro by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, IRGM/Irgm1 alleviates inflammation-mediated hepatocyte injury by regulating autophagy. This study provides new insight into potential molecular targets to treat liver failure.
A GABAergic system in atrioventricular node pacemaker cells controls electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles
Authors: Liang Dandan , Zhou Liping , Zhou Huixing , Zhang Fulei , Fang Guojian , Leng Junwei , Wu Yahan , Zhang Yuemei , Yang Anqi , Liu Yi , Chen Yi-Han
Published: June 2024

Physiologically, the atria contract first, followed by the ventricles, which is the prerequisite for normal blood circulation. The above phenomenon of atrioventricular sequential contraction results from the characteristically slow conduction of electrical excitation of the atrioventricular node (AVN) between the atria and the ventricles. However, it is not clear what controls the conduction of electrical excitation within AVNs. Here, we find that AVN pacemaker cells (AVNPCs) possess an intact intrinsic GABAergic system, which plays a key role in electrical conduction from the atria to the ventricles. First, along with the discovery of abundant GABA-containing vesicles under the surface membranes of AVNPCs, key elements of the GABAergic system, including GABA metabolic enzymes, GABA receptors, and GABA transporters, were identified in AVNPCs. Second, GABA synchronously elicited GABA-gated currents in AVNPCs, which significantly weakened the excitability of AVNPCs. Third, the key molecular elements of the GABAergic system markedly modulated the conductivity of electrical excitation in the AVN. Fourth, GABAA receptor deficiency in AVNPCs accelerated atrioventricular conduction, which impaired the AVN’s protective potential against rapid ventricular frequency responses, increased susceptibility to lethal ventricular arrhythmias, and decreased the cardiac contractile function. Finally, interventions targeting the GABAergic system effectively prevented the occurrence and development of atrioventricular block. In summary, the endogenous GABAergic system in AVNPCs determines the slow conduction of electrical excitation within AVNs, thereby ensuring sequential atrioventricular contraction. The endogenous GABAergic system shows promise as a novel intervention target for cardiac arrhythmias.
Mapping and annotating genomic loci to prioritize genes and implicate distinct polygenic adaptations for skin color
Authors: Kim Beomsu , Kim Dan Say , Shin Joong-Gon , Leem Sangseob , Cho Minyoung , Kim Hanji , Gu Ki-Nam , Seo Jung Yeon , You Seung Won , Martin Alicia R. , Park Sun Gyoo , Kim Yunkwan , Jeong Choongwon , Kang Nae Gyu , Won Hong-Hee
Published: June 2024

Evidence for adaptation of human skin color to regional ultraviolet radiation suggests shared and distinct genetic variants across populations. However, skin color evolution and genetics in East Asians are understudied. We quantified skin color in 48,433 East Asians using image analysis and identified associated genetic variants and potential causal genes for skin color as well as their polygenic interplay with sun exposure. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 12 known and 11 previously unreported loci and SNP-based heritability was 23–24%. Potential causal genes were determined through the identification of nonsynonymous variants, colocalization with gene expression in skin tissues, and expression levels in melanocytes. Genomic loci associated with pigmentation in East Asians substantially diverged from European populations, and we detected signatures of polygenic adaptation. This large GWAS for objectively quantified skin color in an East Asian population improves understanding of the genetic architecture and polygenic adaptation of skin color and prioritizes potential causal genes.
Design and synthesis of broadband absorption covalent organic framework for efficient artificial photocatalytic amine coupling
Authors: Fang Yuanding , Liu Youxing , Huang Haojie , Sun Jianzhe , Hong Jiaxing , Zhang Fan , Wei Xiaofang , Gao Wenqiang , Shao Mingchao , Guo Yunlong , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yunqi
Published: June 2024

Developing highly active materials that efficiently utilize solar spectra is crucial for photocatalysis, but still remains a challenge. Here, we report a new donor-acceptor (D-A) covalent organic framework (COF) with a wide absorption range from 200 nm to 900 nm (ultraviolet-visible-near infrared light). We find that the thiophene functional group is accurately introduced into the electron acceptor units of TpDPP-Py (TpDPP: 5,5’-(2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)−3,6-dioxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydropyrrolo [3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-diyl)bis(thiophene-2-carbaldehyde), Py: 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)pyrene) COFs not only significantly extends its spectral absorption capacity but also endows them with two-photon and three-photon absorption effects, greatly enhancing the utilization rate of sunlight. The selective coupling of benzylamine as the target reactant is used to assess the photocatalytic activity of TpDPP-Py COFs, showing high photocatalytic conversion of 99% and selectivity of 98% in 20 min. Additionally, the TpDPP-Py COFs also exhibit the universality of photocatalytic selective coupling of other imine derivatives with ~100% conversion efficiency. Overall, this work brings a significant strategy for developing COFs with a wide absorption range to enhance photocatalytic activity.
Bending skyrmion strings under two-dimensional thermal gradients
Authors: Ran Kejing , Tan Wancong , Sun Xinyu , Liu Yizhou , Dalgliesh Robert M. , Steinke Nina-Juliane , van der Laan Gerrit , Langridge Sean , Hesjedal Thorsten , Zhang Shilei
Published: June 2024

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected magnetization vortices that form three-dimensional strings in chiral magnets. With the manipulation of skyrmions being key to their application in devices, the focus has been on their dynamics within the vortex plane, while the dynamical control of skyrmion strings remained uncharted territory. Here, we report the effective bending of three-dimensional skyrmion strings in the chiral magnet MnSi in orthogonal thermal gradients using small angle neutron scattering. This dynamical behavior is achieved by exploiting the temperature-dependent skyrmion Hall effect, which is unexpected in the framework of skyrmion dynamics. We thus provide experimental evidence for the existence of magnon friction, which was recently proposed to be a key ingredient for capturing skyrmion dynamics, requiring a modification of Thiele’s equation. Our work therefore suggests the existence of an extra degree of freedom for the manipulation of three-dimensional skyrmions.
Ion migration mechanisms in the early stages of drying and degradation of oil paint films
Authors: Gnemmi Margherita , Fuster-Lòpez Laura , Mecklenburg Marion , Murray Alison , Sands Sarah , Watson Greg , Izzo Francesca Caterina
Published: June 2024

The study of film-formation processes of oil paints has been extensively addressed over the last decade and the influence of metal ions in the drying and degradation stages of oil paints has been demonstrated. This research aimed to determine a suitable methodology for monitoring the early drying stages of selected commercial oil paint films and to gain an insight into the migration mechanisms of material degradation taking place between adjacent paint films, with special attention to the influence of the lead white. For this purpose, a hybrid approach was adopted to characterize the composition of the paint and highlight failure mechanisms in the paint films through a wide range of time. The methods included scribe tests, percentage weight variation (ΔW%), attenuated reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (ATR-FTIR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and thermal analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The results show how metal ions interact with the oil binder and the pigment in the adjacent paint film: the transverse migration of lead white is shown to affect the reactivity of polyunsaturated triglycerides, increasing the rate of oxygen uptake and promoting the formation of radicals and bonds between polymer chains, depending on the pigment with which it interacts.
A de novo designed coiled coil-based switch regulates the microtubule motor kinesin-1
Authors: Cross Jessica A. , Dawson William M. , Shukla Shivam R. , Weijman Johannes F. , Mantell Judith , Dodding Mark P. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: June 2024

Many enzymes are allosterically regulated via conformational change; however, our ability to manipulate these structural changes and control function is limited. Here we install a conformational switch for allosteric activation into the kinesin-1 microtubule motor in vitro and in cells. Kinesin-1 is a heterotetramer that accesses open active and closed autoinhibited states. The equilibrium between these states centers on a flexible elbow within a complex coiled-coil architecture. We target the elbow to engineer a closed state that can be opened with a de novo designed peptide. The alternative states are modeled computationally and confirmed by biophysical measurements and electron microscopy. In cells, peptide-driven activation increases kinesin transport, demonstrating a primary role for conformational switching in regulating motor activity. The designs are enabled by our understanding of ubiquitous coiled-coil structures, opening possibilities for controlling other protein activities.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of high latitude bamboo coral via X-ray microfocus Computed Tomography
Authors: Williams Thomas J. , Basford Philip J. , Katsamenis Orestis L. , Solan Martin , Foster Gavin L. , Standish Christopher , Godbold Jasmin A. , Archambault Philippe
Published: June 2024

The skeletons of long-lived bamboo coral (Family Keratoisididae) are promising archives for deep-water palaeoceanographic reconstructions as they can record environmental variation at sub-decadal resolution in locations where in-situ measurements lack temporal coverage. Yet, detailed three dimensional (3D) characterisations of bamboo coral skeletal architecture are not routinely available and non-destructive investigations into microscale variations in calcification are rare. Here, we provide high-resolution micro-focus computed tomography (µCT) data of skeletal density for two species of bamboo coral (Acanella arbuscula: 5 specimens, voxel size, 15 µm (central branch scans) and 50 µm (complete structure scan); Keratoisis sp.: 4 specimens, voxel size, 15 µm) collected from the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay deep-water basins, Eastern Canadian Arctic. These data provide reference models useful for developing methods to assess structural integrity and other fine-scale complexities in many biological, geological, and industrial systems. This will be of wider value to those investigating structural composition, arrangement and/or composition of complex architecture within the fields and subdisciplines of biology, ecology, medicine, environmental geology, and structural engineering.
A harmonized global gridded transpiration product based on collocation analysis
Authors: Li Changming , Han Juntai , Liu Ziwei , Tu Zhuoyi , Yang Hanbo
Published: June 2024

Transpiration (T) is pivotal in the global water cycle, responding to soil moisture, atmospheric stress, climate changes, and human impacts. Therefore, establishing a reliable global transpiration dataset is essential. Collocation analysis methods have been proven effective for assessing the errors in these products, which can subsequently be used for multisource fusion. However, previous results did not consider error cross-correlation, rendering the results less reliable. In this study, we employ collocation analysis, taking error cross-correlation into account, to effectively analyze the errors in multiple transpiration products and merge them to obtain a more reliable dataset. The results demonstrate its superior reliability. The outcome is a long-term daily global transpiration dataset at 0.1°from 2000 to 2020. Using the transpiration after partitioning at FLUXNET sites as a reference, we compare the performance of the merged product with inputs. The merged dataset performs well across various vegetation types and is validated against in-situ observations. Incorporating non-zero ECC considerations represents a significant theoretical and proven enhancement over previous methodologies that neglected such conditions, highlighting its reliability in enhancing our understanding of transpiration dynamics in a changing world.
Time series of freshwater macroinvertebrate abundances and site characteristics of European streams and rivers
Authors: Welti Ellen A. R. , Bowler Diana E. , Sinclair James S. , Altermatt Florian , Álvarez-Cabria Mario , Amatulli Giuseppe , Angeler David G. , Archambaud Gaït , Arrate Jorrín Iñaki , Aspin Thomas , Azpiroz Iker , Baker Nathan Jay , Bañares Iñaki , Barquín Ortiz José , Bodin Christian L. , Bonacina Luca , Bonada Núria , Bottarin Roberta , Cañedo-Argüelles Miguel , Csabai Zoltán , Datry Thibault , de Eyto Elvira , Dohet Alain , Domisch Sami , Dörflinger Gerald , Drohan Emma , Eikland Knut A. , England Judy , Eriksen Tor E. , Evtimova Vesela , Feio Maria J. , Ferréol Martial , Floury Mathieu , Forcellini Maxence , Forio Marie Anne Eurie , Fornaroli Riccardo , Friberg Nikolai , Fruget Jean-François , Garcia Marquez Jaime R. , Georgieva Galia , Goethals Peter , Graça Manuel A. S. , House Andy , Huttunen Kaisa-Leena , Jensen Thomas Correll , Johnson Richard K. , Jones J. Iwan , Kiesel Jens , Larrañaga Aitor , Leitner Patrick , L’Hoste Lionel , Lizée Marie-Hélène , Lorenz Armin W. , Maire Anthony , Manzanos Arnaiz Jesús Alberto , Mckie Brendan , Millán Andrés , Muotka Timo , Murphy John F. , Ozolins Davis , Paavola Riku , Paril Petr , Peñas Silva Francisco Jesús , Polasek Marek , Rasmussen Jes , Rubio Manu , Sánchez Fernández David , Sandin Leonard , Schäfer Ralf B. , Schmidt-Kloiber Astrid , Scotti Alberto , Shen Longzhu Q. , Skuja Agnija , Stoll Stefan , Straka Michal , Stubbington Rachel , Timm Henn , Tyufekchieva Violeta G. , Tziortzis Iakovos , Uzunov Yordan , van der Lee Gea H. , Vannevel Rudy , Varadinova Emilia , Várbíró Gábor , Velle Gaute , Verdonschot Piet F. M. , Verdonschot Ralf C. M. , Vidinova Yanka , Wiberg-Larsen Peter , Haase Peter
Published: June 2024

Freshwater macroinvertebrates are a diverse group and play key ecological roles, including accelerating nutrient cycling, filtering water, controlling primary producers, and providing food for predators. Their differences in tolerances and short generation times manifest in rapid community responses to change. Macroinvertebrate community composition is an indicator of water quality. In Europe, efforts to improve water quality following environmental legislation, primarily starting in the 1980s, may have driven a recovery of macroinvertebrate communities. Towards understanding temporal and spatial variation of these organisms, we compiled the TREAM dataset (Time seRies of European freshwAter Macroinvertebrates), consisting of macroinvertebrate community time series from 1,816 river and stream sites (mean length of 19.2 years and 14.9 sampling years) of 22 European countries sampled between 1968 and 2020. In total, the data include >93 million sampled individuals of 2,648 taxa from 959 genera and 212 families. These data can be used to test questions ranging from identifying drivers of the population dynamics of specific taxa to assessing the success of legislative and management restoration efforts.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of oil-tea tree Camellia crapnelliana
Authors: Zhang Fen , Feng Li-ying , Lin Pei-fan , Jia Ju-jin , Gao Li-zhi
Published: June 2024

Camellia crapnelliana Tutch., belonging to the Theaceae family, is an excellent landscape tree species with high ornamental values. It is particularly an important woody oil-bearing plant species with high ecological, economic, and medicinal values. Here, we first report the chromosome-scale reference genome of C. crapnelliana with integrated technologies of SMRT, Hi-C and Illumina sequencing platforms. The genome assembly had a total length of ~2.94 Gb with contig N50 of ~67.5 Mb, and ~96.34% of contigs were assigned to 15 chromosomes. In total, we predicted 37,390 protein-coding genes, ~99.00% of which could be functionally annotated. The chromosome-scale genome of C. crapnelliana will become valuable resources for understanding the genetic basis of the fatty acid biosynthesis, and greatly facilitate the exploration and conservation of C. crapnelliana.
Development of a novel self-healing Zn(II)-metallohydrogel with wide bandgap semiconducting properties for non-volatile memory device application
Authors: Roy Arpita , Dhibar Subhendu , Karmakar Kripasindhu , Bhattacharjee Subham , Saha Bidyut , Ray Soumya Jyoti
Published: June 2024

A rapid and effective strategy has been devised for the swift development of a Zn(II)-ion-based supramolecular metallohydrogel, termed Zn@PEH, using pentaethylenehexamine as a low molecular weight gelator. This process occurs in an aqueous medium at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The mechanical strength of the synthesized Zn@PEH metallohydrogel has been assessed through rheological analysis, considering angular frequency and oscillator stress dependencies. Notably, the Zn@PEH metallohydrogel exhibits exceptional self-healing abilities and can bear substantial loads, which have been characterized through thixotropic analysis. Additionally, this metallohydrogel displays injectable properties. The structural arrangement resembling pebbles within the hierarchical network of the supramolecular Zn@PEH metallohydrogel has been explored using FESEM and TEM measurements. EDX elemental mapping has confirmed the primary chemical constituents of the metallohydrogel. The formation mechanism of the metallohydrogel has been analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, zinc(II) metallohydrogel (Zn@PEH)-based Schottky diode structure has been fabricated in a lateral metal–semiconductor-metal configuration and  it’s charge transport behavior has also been studied. Notably, the zinc(II) metallohydrogel-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) device (Zn@PEH) demonstrates bipolar resistive switching behavior at room temperature. This RRAM device showcases remarkable switching endurance over 1000 consecutive cycles and a high ON/OFF ratio of approximately 270. Further, 2 × 2 crossbar array of the RRAM devices were designed to demonstrate OR and NOT logic circuit operations, which can be extended for performing higher order computing operations. These structures hold promise for applications in non-volatile memory design, neuromorphic and in-memory computing, flexible electronics, and optoelectronic devices due to their straightforward fabrication process, robust resistive switching behavior, and overall system stability.
Improvisation and live accompaniment increase motor response and reward during a music playing task
Authors: Palumbo Anna , Groves Karleigh , Munoz-Vidal Eva Luna , Turry Alan , Codio Robert , Raghavan Preeti , Schambra Heidi , Voelbel Gerald T. , Ripollés Pablo
Published: June 2024

Music provides a reward that can enhance learning and motivation in humans. While music is often combined with exercise to improve performance and upregulate mood, the relationship between music-induced reward and motor output is poorly understood. Here, we study music reward and motor output at the same time by capitalizing on music playing. Specifically, we investigate the effects of music improvisation and live accompaniment on motor, autonomic, and affective responses. Thirty adults performed a drumming task while (i) improvising or maintaining the beat and (ii) with live or recorded accompaniment. Motor response was characterized by acceleration of hand movements (accelerometry), wrist flexor and extensor muscle activation (electromyography), and the drum strike count (i.e., the number of drum strikes played). Autonomic arousal was measured by tonic response of electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR). Affective responses were measured by a 12-item Likert scale. The combination of improvisation and live accompaniment, as compared to all other conditions, significantly increased acceleration of hand movements and muscle activation, as well as participant reports of reward during music playing. Improvisation, regardless of type of accompaniment, increased the drum strike count and autonomic arousal (including tonic EDA responses and several measures of HR), as well as participant reports of challenge. Importantly, increased motor response was associated with increased reward ratings during music improvisation, but not while participants were maintaining the beat. The increased motor responses achieved with improvisation and live accompaniment have important implications for enhancing dose of movement during exercise and physical rehabilitation.
Task-irrelevant semantic relationship between objects and scene influence attentional allocation
Authors: Nah Joseph C. , Malcolm George L. , Shomstein Sarah
Published: June 2024

Recent behavioral evidence suggests that the semantic relationships between isolated objects can influence attentional allocation, with highly semantically related objects showing an increase in processing efficiency. This semantic influence is present even when it is task-irrelevant (i.e., when semantic information is not central to the task). However, given that objects exist within larger contexts, i.e., scenes, it is critical to understand whether the semantic relationship between a scene and its objects continuously influence attention. Here, we investigated the influence of task-irrelevant scene semantic properties on attentional allocation and the degree to which semantic relationships between scenes and objects interact. Results suggest that task-irrelevant associations between scenes and objects continuously influence attention and that this influence is directly predicted by the perceived strength of semantic associations.
Software cost estimation predication using a convolutional neural network and particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Draz Moatasem. M. , Emam Osama , Azzam Safaa. M.
Published: June 2024

Over the past decades, the software industry has expanded to include all industries. Since stakeholders tend to use it to get their work done, software houses seek to estimate the cost of the software, which includes calculating the effort, time, and resources required. Although many researchers have worked to estimate it, the prediction accuracy results are still inaccurate and unstable. Estimating it requires a lot of effort. Therefore, there is an urgent need for modern techniques that contribute to cost estimation. This paper seeks to present a model based on deep learning and machine learning techniques by combining convolutional neural networks (CNN) and the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) in the context of time series forecasting, which enables feature extraction and automatic tuning of hyperparameters, which reduces the manual effort of selecting parameters and contributes to fine-tuning. The use of PSO also enhances the robustness and generalization ability of the CNN model and its iterative nature allows for efficient discovery of hyperparameter similarity. The model was trained and tested on 13 different benchmark datasets and evaluated through six metrics: mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), mean magnitude relative error (MMRE), root mean square error (RMSE), median magnitude relative error (MdMRE), and prediction accuracy (PRED). Comparative results reveal that the performance of the proposed model is better than other methods for all datasets and evaluation criteria. The results were very promising for predicting software cost estimation.
An experimental study of the process of felt understanding in intergroup relations: Japanese and Chinese relations in Japan
Authors: Ioku Tomohiro , Watamura Eiichiro
Published: June 2024

“Felt understanding” is a crucial determinant of positive interpersonal and intergroup relationships. However, the question of why felt understanding shapes intergroup relations has been neglected. In a pre-registered test of the process in intergroup relations with a sample from East Asia, we manipulated felt understanding (understood versus misunderstood by an outgroup) in an experimental study (N = 476). The results supported the expectation that felt understanding would lead to a more positive intergroup orientation and action intention. The results of parallel mediation analyses showed that felt understanding indirectly predicted intergroup outcomes through felt positive regard, intergroup overlap, and outgroup stereotypes. Furthermore, the results of post-hoc sequential mediation analyses indicated that felt understanding indirectly predicted intergroup outcomes sequentially through felt positive regard and intergroup overlap, followed by outgroup stereotypes.