bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-regional coordination of activity in the human brain during autobiographical self-referential processing
Authors: Stieger James R. , Pinheiro-Chagas Pedro , Fang Ying , Li Jian , Lusk Zoe , Perry Claire M. , Girn Manesh , Contreras Diego , Chen Qi , Huguenard John R. , Spreng R. Nathan , Edlow Brian L. , Wagner Anthony D. , Buch Vivek , Parvizi Josef
Published: July 2024

For the human brain to operate, populations of neurons across anatomical structures must coordinate their activity within milliseconds. To date, our understanding of such interactions has remained limited. We recorded directly from the hippocampus (HPC), posteromedial cortex (PMC), ventromedial/orbital prefrontal cortex (OFC), and the anterior nuclei of the thalamus (ANT) during two experiments of autobiographical memory processing that are known from decades of neuroimaging work to coactivate these regions. In 31 patients implanted with intracranial electrodes, we found that the presentation of memory retrieval cues elicited a significant increase of low frequency (LF < 6 Hz) activity followed by cross-regional phase coherence of this LF activity before select populations of neurons within each of the four regions increased high-frequency (HF > 70 Hz) activity. The power of HF activity was modulated by memory content, and its onset followed a specific temporal order of ANT→HPC/PMC→OFC. Further, we probed cross-regional causal effective interactions with repeated electrical pulses and found that HPC stimulations cause the greatest increase in LF-phase coherence across all regions, whereas the stimulation of any region caused the greatest LF-phase coherence between that particular region and ANT. These observations support the role of the ANT in gating, and the HPC in synchronizing, the activity of cortical midline structures when humans retrieve self-relevant memories of their past. Our findings offer a fresh perspective, with high temporal fidelity, about the dynamic signaling and underlying causal connections among distant regions when the brain is actively involved in retrieving self-referential memories from the past.
Ultra-high frequency repetitive TMS at subthreshold intensity induces suprathreshold motor response via temporal summation
Authors: Nguyen Hieu , Li Charlotte Qiong , Hoffman Samantha , Deng Zhi-De , Yang Yihong , Lu Hanbing
Published: July 2024

Objective. The transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil induces an electric field that diminishes rapidly upon entering the brain. This presents a challenge in achieving focal stimulation of a deep brain structure. Neuronal elements, including axons, dendrites, and cell bodies, exhibit specific time constants. When exposed to repetitive TMS pulses at a high frequency, there is a cumulative effect on neuronal membrane potentials, resulting in temporal summation. This study aims to determine whether TMS pulse train at high-frequency and subthreshold intensity could induce a suprathreshold response. Approach. As a proof of concept, we developed a TMS machine in-house that could consistently output pulses up to 250 Hz, and performed experiments on 22 awake rats to test whether temporal summation was detectable under pulse trains at 100, 166, or 250 Hz. Main results. Results revealed that TMS pulses at 55% maximum stimulator output (MSO, peak dI/dt = 68.5 A/μs at 100% MSO, pulse width = 48 μs) did not induce motor responses with either single pulses or pulse trains. Similarly, a single TMS pulse at 65% MSO failed to evoke a motor response in rats; however, a train of TMS pulses at frequencies of 166 and 250 Hz, but not at 100 Hz, successfully triggered motor responses and MEP signals, suggesting a temporal summation effect dependent on both pulse intensities and pulse train frequencies. Significance. We propose that the temporal summation effect can be leveraged to design the next-generation focal TMS system: by sequentially driving multiple coils at high-frequency and subthreshold intensity, areas with the most significant overlapping E-fields undergo maximal temporal summation effects, resulting in a suprathreshold response.
Development of high-efficiency X-ray detectors based on 1 mm thick monolithic SDD arrays
Authors: Toscano L.G. , Deda G. , Borghi G. , Carminati M. , Samusenko A. , Vignali M.C. , Demenev E. , Zorzi N. , Iliescu M. , Sgaramella F. , Sirghi F. , Fiorini C.
Published: July 2024

We present the novel 2× 4 monolithic Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) array of 1 mm thickness developed within the context of the SIDDHARTA-2 experiment for high-energy X-ray spectroscopy measurements of light kaonic atom transitions. It represents a state-of-the-art advancement in terms of detection efficiency with respect to the previous generation of detectors, having a thickness of 450 μm. The sensor features eight square SDD units with an active area of 8 × 8 mm2 each, arranged in a 2 × 4 matrix. Therefore, the total active area of the array is 32 × 16 mm2 while the total chip area is 36 × 20 mm2, including a 2-mm dead region on each side of the array.
This new version of SDD arrays, manufactured by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), includes an additional electrode on its entrance window, designed to reduce charge sharing between adjacent channels and improve energy resolution. This article describes two different detection modules based on these arrays: the first module includes a single array, whereas the second one is composed of two 1 mm thick SDD arrays in a stacked configuration, in order to reach 2 mm of effective thickness and further increase the module detection efficiency.
The first spectroscopic measurements obtained with the two modules will be also reported in the paper, showing the spectroscopic improvements that can be obtained with the additional electrode on the window and the efficiency improvements that can be obtained with the stacked module.
Data processing algorithm of cone-cylinder forgings process based on spectral graph theory and Hungarian matching
Authors: Zhang Yucun , Wang Shijie , Li Qun , Mi Songtao
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a novel data processing algorithm. This
algorithm is used to solve the problem of incomplete and misaligned
of point cloud data due to the complexity of nuclear power
containment cone-cylinder forgings and the limitation of laser
scanner. Based on spectral graph theory and Hungarian matching, this
paper first introduces the lazy random walk, and point cloud state
vector is calculated during the walk to judge the local
information, thereby eliminate the influence of noise. Then,
characteristic edges are extracted using spectral graph
theory. Additionally, the feature descriptors are calculated and the
cost matrix is constructed using the feature descriptors. The
Hungarian algorithm is applied for feature matching, facilitating a
coarse registration of the point clouds. Finally, the improved
point-to-plane iteration closest point is used for fine registration
to ensure accurate alignment between point clouds. The experimental
results demonstrate the algorithm's effectiveness in the
registration of point clouds for nuclear power containment
cone-cylinder forgings.
A grafting approach for nisin-chitosan bio-based antibacterial films: preparation and characterization
Authors: Mujtaba Ayse Gunyakti , Toprak Özge , Karakeçili Ayşe
Published: July 2024

Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium, Lactococcus lactis and currently recognized in the Generally Recognızed as Safe (GRAS) category due to its non-toxicity. Herein, nisin has been grafted to chitosan structure to obtain natural bio-active films with enhanced antibacterial activity. Grafting was performed using ethyl ester lysine diisocyanate and dimer fatty acid-based diisocyanate (DDI); two different close to fully bio-based diisocyanates and Disuccinimidyl suberate; a homo-bifunctional molecule acting as a crosslinker between amino groups. The grafting process allowed the chemical immobilization of nisin to chitosan structure. Physicochemical characterization studies showed the successful grafting of nisin. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was evident for all nisin modified chitosan films and best pronounced when DDI was used as a crosslinker with a maximum zone of inhibition of ∼13 mm. All nisin grafted chitosan films were cytocompatible and the cell viability of L929 fibroblasts were >80% pointing out the non-toxic structure. Considering the results of the presented study, bio-based diisocyanates and homo-bifunctional crosslinkers are effective molecules in synthesis of nisin grafted chitosan structures and the new chitosan based antibacterial biopolymers obtained after nisin modification come forward as promising non-toxic and bioactive candidates to be applied in medical devices, implants, and various food coating products.
Concurrent extremes in mid-latitude Asia triggered by resonance of multi-scale zonal wind
Authors: Sun Yingxiao , Ma Qianrong , Feng Taichen , Qian Zhonghua , Zhu Zhiwei , Li Chao , Feng Guolin
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Climatic changes worsen concurrent extreme climate events. In July and August of 2022 and 2020, respectively, unexpected concurrent extreme events occurred in mid-latitude Asia. The sudden and severe consequences highlight the importance of a thorough understanding of the drivers of such extreme events, which is crucial for improving predictions and implementing preventive measures to mitigate future risks. By applying multi-scale window transform methodology, a unique mechanism of multi-scale zonal wind resonance is identified, which manifests as a quasi-stationary co-coupling with low-frequency zonal winds. This resonance leads to barotropic instability, triggering abnormal low-frequency Rossby wave behavior in the entrance and exit regions of the quasi-stationary jet stream. Simultaneously, the intensified meridional wind, coupled with adiabatic atmospheric warming, amplifies baroclinic instability, resulting in an enhanced wave pattern and the high concurrence events of 2022. Under long term future global warming levels of 4 °C, the concurrence, strengthened by multi-scale zonal wind resonance, is expected to persist. The mechanism evident in 2022 plays a broader and more significant role in concurrent events compared to the mechanism in 2020. Under the process of warming, resonance phenomena, as observed in 2022, are projected to become more frequent.
Thermodynamics of a collisional quantum-dot machine: the role of stages
Authors: Filho Fernando S , Fernández Noa C E , Fiore Carlos E , Wijns B , Cleuren B
Published: July 2024

Sequential (or collisional) engines have been put forward as an alternative candidate for the realisation of reliable engine setups. Despite this, the role of the different stages and the influence of the intermediate reservoirs is not well understood. We introduce the idea of conveniently adjusting/choosing intermediate reservoirs at engine devices as a strategy for optimizing its performance. This is done by considering a minimal model composed of a quantum-dot machine sequentially exposed to various reservoirs at each stage, and for which thermodynamic quantities (including power and efficiency) can be obtained exactly from the framework of stochastic thermodynamics, irrespective the number of stages. Results show that a significant gain can be obtained by increasing the number of stages and conveniently choosing their parameters.
Anomalous geomagnetic activities before the Karangasem - Bali, Indonesia earthquakes on December 13, 2022
Authors: Dewi CN , Febriani F , Anggono T , Syuhada  , Ramdhan M , Hasib M , Prasetio AD , Gaol KL , Septiadhi A , Siregar DV , Zubaidah T
Published: July 2024

A series of earthquakes occurred on Bali Island, Indonesia, on December 13, 2022. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded four shallow earthquakes around Karangasem - Bali with magnitude (M) > 4 at that time. The largest was the M 5.2 earthquake, which occurred at 10:38:21.67 UTC with 10 km of depth. We analyzed the anomalous geomagnetic activities during these earthquakes by utilizing the geomagnetic data from the Bayan geomagnetic station located on Lombok Island, less than 100 km from the earthquake’s epicenters. We conducted the polarization ratio analysis by applying the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the five hours of night geomagnetic data (16:00 - 21:00 UTC). The spectral power values of X, Y, and Z geomagnetic data at frequencies 0.04 - 0.06 Hz were calculated and compared with the disturbance storm time (Dst) to find their correlation. The Pearson correlation analysis indicates that they are significantly uncorrelated. Finally, we calculated the Sz/Sg to analyze the geomagnetic anomalies and found them 6 - 11 days before the earthquakes at frequencies 0.04 - 0.06 Hz. We consider that these anomalies are possibly caused by the M 5.2 earthquake since it had the highest magnitude, Es, and Kls values.
Study of groundwater flow patterns in landslide prone areas using the Self Potential Method
Authors: Santoso Budy , Hendarmawan  , Rosandi Yudi
Published: July 2024

The mapping of water content at a landslide sensitive area is important in order to identify the potency of ground motion. In such an area a minuscule amount of movement may lead to a catastrophic event. Water, which may act as a precursor of ground motion, changes the mechanical properties of the land, hence, changing the ability of the ground to resist gravitational force. In order to identify the water containment, as well as the flow of groundwater, we apply a geophysical method, namely the Self Potential (SP) measurement. Based on the analysis of Darcy’s law the measurement result is related directly to the flow velocity. Although the measurement was performed on top of soil, the measured quantity is a response due to the amount of water infiltration into the soil. The mapped profile of the measurement identifies the flow pattern of groundwater. The result can be used to estimate the soil instability and the potency of landslide events. Our data shows the distribution of the groundwater in the observed area, which can be used as a hint to design the drainage system, in order to divert water from the landslide prone areas. The main goal of this work is to minimize the risk to the community by preventing groundwater flow from targeting inhabited regions, thus ensuring the safety of the residents.
Origin of Groundwater in Kawung Carang Cold Spring, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java
Authors: An Nisaa Fania , Prakasa Eka Putra Doni
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of several springs around Slamet Volcano raised questions regarding their origin. Many studies have been conducted to understand the origin of hot spring water around Slamet Volcano. Meanwhile, there has not been any research on the origin and hydrogeological system of cold spring water around Slamet Volcano. Kawung Carang Spring is one of cold spring water that occurs on the southern flank of Slamet Volcano. It is situated in a quaternary volcanic deposit of Mt. Slamet formation. Field observation was conducted to identify local geological conditions and hydrogeological systems in the research area. Isotopic analysis was performed to help understand how to delineate the recharge area. This study used a physical-chemical analysis of Kawung Carang cold spring water and the ratio of deuterium (2H) and 18O stable isotopes to interpret its groundwater origin. The results of the analysis informed that the origin of Kawung Carang spring water was local meteoric water. The hydrogeological system was an unconfined aquifer that consisted of a lahar deposit on the top of a volcanic breccia layer. The physical-chemical characteristic of groundwater around the Kawung Carang cold spring shows low electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) values. EC and TDS values of groundwater vary from 92 to 253 µS/cm and 46 to 126 mg/L indicating that groundwater has a short time in water-rock interaction process and comes from shallow depth aquifer. Furthermore, the signature of stable isotopes of δ18O and δ2H shows the elevation of the Kawung Carang cold spring recharge area ranges from 386.08 to 441.37 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of the research area.
Digital Fracture Porosity Measurement using Digital Outcrop Modelling (DOM)
Authors: Cahya Fardana Yugi , Setianto Agung , Husein Salahuddin
Published: July 2024

Fracture measurements for porosity calculations often experience problems such as barely accessible locations, limited area coverage, and a long time to carry out field data measurements. Therefore, refined alternative methods are necessary to obtain the most favourable data. This study demonstrates fracture measurements through application of Digital Outcrop Modelling (DOM) using the Structure from Motion (SfM) method to utilize digital photogrammetry techniques. This method was chosen because data collection can be done remotely using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or digital photogrammetry to obtain point cloud data that is used to perform three-dimensional outcrop modeling. In addition, SfM also produces high-resolution data without the need for experts, is cost-efficient and safer than other methods. Hand-held platform Canon 700D digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera was used in this study to capture data from an area of a square meter located on the riverbed that requires detailed modeling. DOM using SfM is applied to conduct aperture measurements in fractures inside the scan window, later used as data for calculating basement fracture porosity predictions. Field data collection is also carried out to validate data generated by DOM. Calculations achieved from field data and DOM data will be compared to determine differences of the porosity prediction values. Field data collection was carried out on 3 scan windows, each one is an area of 1 m2 and in totals obtained 117 fracture data, consist of 44 extension joints, 34 release joints, 7 shear joints, and 32 non-systematic joints. In this study, 115 photos were taken from scanwindow 1, 162 photos from scanwindow 2, and 158 photos from scanwindow 3 to construct the DOM using agisoft metashape software. The difference in these values can be used as a correction formula or evaluation for further research. The results of measuring basement fracture porosity using data generated by DOM will remain in the range of less than 1%.
Women and Philosophy of Art in Nineteenth-Century Britain
Authors: Stone Alison
Published: July 2024

This chapter introduces the seven women that this book is about: Anna Barbauld, Joanna Baillie, Harriet Martineau, Anna Jameson, Frances Power Cobbe, Emilia Dilke, and Vernon Lee. Nineteenth-century British print and periodical culture enabled these women to publish influential and authoritative accounts of art despite certain sexist restrictions that they faced. They focused above all on art’s relations with morality and religion, but also tackled other philosophical questions regarding the arts. Like many of their male contemporaries, they produced a kind of philosophy of art which was interdisciplinary and shaded into artistic practice. The chapter then explains the book’s methodology and relation to existing scholarship. Part of the methodology is to reconstruct the intellectual relations amongst these seven women, locating women in relation to their female influences as well as male ones. Finally, the chapter explains the choice to concentrate on these seven women.
gwid: an R package and Shiny application for Genome-Wide analysis of IBD data
Authors: Mahmoudiandehkordi Soroush , Maadooliat Mehdi , Schrodi Steven J
Published: July 2024

Genome-wide identity by descent (gwid) is an R package developed for the analysis of identity-by-descent (IBD) data pertaining to dichotomous traits. This package offers a set of tools to assess differential IBD levels for the two states of a binary trait, yielding informative and meaningful results. Furthermore, it provides convenient functions to visualize the outcomes of these analyses, enhancing the interpretability and accessibility of the results. To assess the performance of the package, we conducted an evaluation using real genotype data derived from the SNPs to investigate rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility from the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project.

Availability and implementation

gwid is available as an open-source R package. Release versions can be accessed on CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/package=gwid) for all major operating systems. The development version is maintained on GitHub (https://github.com/soroushmdg/gwid) and full documentation with examples and workflow templates is provided via the package website (http://tinyurl.com/gwid-tutorial). An interactive R Shiny dashboard is also developed (https://tinyurl.com/gwid-shiny).
AssemblyQC: a Nextflow pipeline for reproducible reporting of assembly quality
Authors: Rashid Usman , Wu Chen , Shiller Jason , Smith Ken , Crowhurst Ross , Davy Marcus , Chen Ting-Hsuan , Carvajal Ignacio , Bailey Sarah , Thomson Susan , Deng Cecilia H
Published: July 2024

Genome assembly projects have grown exponentially due to breakthroughs in sequencing technologies and assembly algorithms. Evaluating the quality of genome assemblies is critical to ensure the reliability of downstream analysis and interpretation. To fulfil this task, we have developed the AssemblyQC pipeline that performs file-format validation, contaminant checking, contiguity measurement, gene- and repeat-space completeness quantification, telomere inspection, taxonomic assignment, synteny alignment, scaffold examination through Hi-C contact-map visualization, and assessments of completeness, consensus quality and phasing through k-mer analysis. It produces a comprehensive HTML report with method descriptions, tables, and visualizations.

Availability and implementation

The pipeline uses Nextflow for workflow orchestration and adheres to the best-practice established by the nf-core community. This pipeline offers a reproducible, scalable, and portable method to assess the quality of genome assemblies—the code is available online at GitHub: https://github.com/Plant-Food-Research-Open/assemblyqc.
Temporal maturation of Sertoli cells during the establishment of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium
Authors: Havel Shelby L , Griswold Michael D
Published: July 2024

Sertoli cells, omnipresent, somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules of the mammalian testis are essential to male fertility. Sertoli cells maintain the integrity of the testicular microenvironment, regulate hormone synthesis, and of particular importance, synthesize the active derivative of vitamin A, all trans retinoic acid (atRA), which is required for germ cell differentiation and the commitment of male germ cells to meiosis. Stages VIII–IX, when atRA synthesis occurs in the testis, coincide with multiple germ cell development and testicular restructuring events that rely on Sertoli cell gene products to proceed normally. In this study, we have synchronized and captured the mouse testis at four recurrent points of atRA synthesis to observe transcriptomic changes within Sertoli cells as mice age and the Sertoli cells are exposed to increasingly developed germ cell subtypes. This work provides comprehensive, high-resolution characterization of the timing of induction of functional Sertoli cell genes across the first wave of spermatogenesis, and outlines in silico predictions of germ cell derived signaling mechanisms targeting Sertoli cells. We have found that Sertoli cells adapt to their environment, especially to the needs of the germ cell populations present and establish germ-Sertoli cell and Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions early but gain many of their known immune-regulatory and protein secretory functions in preparation for spermiogenesis and spermiation. Additionally, we have found unique patterns of germ-Sertoli signaling present at each endogenous pulse of atRA, suggesting individual functions of the various germ cells in germ-Sertoli communication.
Can β-blockers prevent intracranial aneurysm rupture?: insights from Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis
Authors: Kliś Kornelia M , Krzyżewski Roger M , Kwinta Borys M , Stachura Krzysztof , Popiela Tadeusz J , Szydłowski Igor , Łasocha Bartłomiej , Grodzicki Tomasz , Gąsowski Jerzy
Published: July 2024

Aims

Hypertension is a risk factor for intracranial aneurysm rupture. We analysed whether the intake of drugs from specific classes of anti-hypertensive medications affects haemodynamic parameters of intracranial aneurysm dome.

Methods and results

We recorded medical history including medications and the in-hospital blood pressure values. We then obtained 3D reconstruction of each patients’ aneurysm dome and the feeding artery. Using OpenFOAM software, we performed Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of blood flow through the modelled structures. Blood was modelled as Newtonian fluid, using the incompressible transient solver. As the inlet boundary condition, we used the patient-specific Internal Carotid Artery blood velocity waves obtained with Doppler ultrasound. We calculated haemodynamic parameters of the aneurysm dome. All presented analyses are cross-sectional. We included 72 patients with a total of 91 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The history of β-blocker intake significantly influenced haemodynamic parameters of aneurysm dome. The patients on β-blockers had significantly smaller aneurysm domes (5.09 ± 2.11 mm vs. 7.41 ± 5.89 mm; P = 0.03) and did not have aneurysms larger than 10 mm (0% vs. 17.0%; P = 0.01). In the Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis, walls of aneurysms in patients who took β-blockers were characterized by lower Wall Shear Stress Gradient (1.67 ± 1.85 Pa vs. 4.3 ± 6.06 Pa; P = 0.03), Oscillatory Shear Index (0.03 ± 0.02 vs. 0.07 ± 0.10; P = 0.04), and Surface Vortex Fraction (16.2% ± 5.2% vs. 20.0% ± 6.8%; P < 0.01). After controlling for covariates, we demonstrated difference of Surface Vortex Fraction (F[1, 48] = 4.36; P = 0.04) and Oscillatory Shear Index (F[1, 48] = 6.51; P = 0.01) between patients taking and not taking β-blockers, respectively.

Conclusion

Intake of β-blockers might contribute to more favourable haemodynamics inside aneurysmal sac. Other anti-hypertensive medication classes were not associated with differences in intracranial aneurysm parameters.
More on the scoring of Josquin’s Huc me sydereo and the manuscript St Gallen 464
Authors: Kostrzewski Brett
Published: July 2024

The motet Huc me sydereo by Josquin des Prez appears in both five- and six-voice versions, having led scholars to debate which version is authentic to the composer’s original conception. The authoritative New Josquin Edition presents the motet in its six-voice version; in the critical commentary, editor Bonnie Blackburn defended it as Josquin’s original. More recently, Joshua Rifkin has demonstrated on stylistic and source-critical grounds that the five-voice version was original, with a sixth voice having been added later. In this article, I present new findings on the manuscript St Gallen 464, an important early source for Huc me sydereo, which reinforce arguments defending the authenticity of the five-voice version. I show that the origin of the sixth voice can be isolated to a trio of sources produced on the Italian peninsula in the 1510s, all but eliminating Josquin as a candidate as its author. Moreover, through a new identification of the original scribe and owner of St Gallen 464, I shed new light on that manuscript’s date and provenance. In so doing, I demonstrate how the study of musical sources and transmission can carry direct importance for essential performance decisions.
Influence of furfural on the physiology of Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1
Authors: Arteaga José Eduardo , Rivera-Becerril Ernesto , Le Borgne Sylvie , Sigala Juan-Carlos
Published: July 2024

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass produces growth inhibitory substances such as furfural which is toxic to microorganisms. Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 cannot use furfural as a carbon source, instead it biotransforms this compound into difurfuryl ether using the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent dehydrogenases AreB and FrmA during aerobic acetate catabolism. However, NADH consumption for furfural biotransformation compromises aerobic growth of A. baylyi ADP1. Depending on the growth phase, several genes related to acetate catabolism and oxidative phosphorylation changed their expression indicating that central metabolic pathways were affected by the presence of furfural. During the exponential growth phase, reactions involved in the formation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) (icd gene) and NADH (sfcA gene) were preferred when furfural was present. Therefore a higher NADH and NADPH production might support furfural biotransformation and biomass production, respectively. In contrast, in the stationary growth phase genes of the glyoxylate shunt were overexpressed probably to save carbon compounds for biomass formation, and only NADH regeneration was appreciated. Finally, disruption of the frmA or areB gene in A. baylyi ADP1 led to a decrease in growth adaptation and in the capacity to biotransform furfural. The characterization of this physiological behavior clarifies the impact of furfural in Acinetobacter metabolism.
A new perspective on the performance comparison of pure electric buses versus converted electric buses in public transportation systems
Authors: Topal Orhan
Published: July 2024

The utilization of electric buses presents a viable solution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the concomitant decrease in fossil fuel consumption. Furthermore, their low-noise operation has the additional benefit of reducing noise pollution, which is a particular issue in large urban areas. This constitutes a significant advantage for public transport systems. Additionally, they provide cost savings in operations and maintenance, which represent a substantial proportion of expenditure for public transport operators. However, the initial purchase cost of electric buses is higher than that of conventional buses (diesel and CNG). This discrepancy can be attributed primarily to the absence of economies of scale in the manufacturing of electric bus subsystems and the substantial expenses associated with non-standardized, disparate technologies, most notably the high-voltage traction battery. The considerable disparity in the upfront cost of electric buses (in comparison to their internal combustion counterparts of equivalent specifications) has prompted a novel strategy among local authorities responsible for the provision of public transportation services: Retrofit! This paper presents, for the first time, a comparison between all-electric buses constructed from the ground up and retrofitted diesel-electric buses in actual public transportation operations. The results obtained will facilitate an evaluation of the retrofit approach within the context of sustainable transport policies, with the ultimate objective of raising awareness among relevant audiences and decision-making mechanisms.
Average surface wind pressure surrounding tall buildings with cruciform shapes
Authors: Yan Li , He Bao-Jie
Published: July 2024

Building shape affects wind pressure on building surfaces, while limited studies have examined how building shape affects the wind pressure on cruciform-shaped tall buildings. This article investigated the variation of the average wind pressure coefficient (AWPC) on cruciform-shaped tall buildings with the height–width ratio (HWR) and height–thickness ratio (HTR). The results demonstrated the occurrence of building blockage, wind separation, wind re-circulation, and wind re-attachment on building surfaces. The frontal surface of the main building was always the windward surface with positive wind pressure. At 2/3 of the building height (H), the peak AWPCs in all scenarios were ~0.70. However, in the case with an HWR of 3.66, the side surfaces of the main building and the frontal surfaces of the branch building, wind pressure was all negative. With the HWR reduction by building width increase, wind pressure on these surfaces became positive, where the AWPCs in the HWR = 1.41 case were 0.60–0.63 and 0.64–0.69 on side and frontal surface, respectively. With the HWR decrease, both positive and negative wind pressure intensified. Along the central axis (M1) in the vertical direction, wider buildings had stronger positive wind pressure on the frontal surfaces below 0.10H, while narrower buildings had stronger positive wind pressure above 0.82H. In comparison, HTR made limited differences to the wind pressure on the frontal surface. Overall, vertical results showed that scenarios with smaller HWR underwent stronger positive and negative wind pressures. On the HTR cases, wind pressure on top surfaces showed complicated results, while thicker buildings had weaker negative wind pressure on the back surface. Overall, this study is important to understand the characteristics of wind load on cruciform-shaped tall buildings and generate implications for wind resistance, natural ventilation design, and wind electricity generation over tall buildings.
Assessing marginal effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 across Africa: a hybrid modeling study
Authors: Montcho Yvette , Dako Sidoine , Salako Valère Kolawole , Tovissodé Chénangnon Frédéric , Wolkewitz Martin , Glèlè Kakaï Romain
Published: July 2024

Since 2019, a new strain of coronavirus has challenged global health systems. Due its fragile healthcare systems, Africa was predicted to be the most affected continent. However, past experiences of African countries with epidemics and other factors, including actions taken by governments, have contributed to reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to assess the marginal impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions in fifteen African countries during the pre-vaccination period. To describe the transmission dynamics and control of SARS-CoV-2 spread, an extended time-dependent SEIR model was used. The transmission rate of each infectious stage was obtained using a logistic model with NPI intensity as a covariate. The results revealed that the effects of NPIs varied between countries. Overall, restrictive measures related to assembly had, in most countries, the largest reducing effects on the pre-symptomatic and mild transmission, while the transmission by severe individuals is influenced by privacy measures (more than $10\%$). Countries should develop efficient alternatives to assembly restrictions to preserve the economic sector. This involves e.g. training in digital tools and strengthening digital infrastructures.
Integrated overview of stramenopile ecology, taxonomy, and heterotrophic origin
Authors: Jirsová Dagmar , Wideman Jeremy G
Published: July 2024

Stramenopiles represent a significant proportion of aquatic and terrestrial biota. Most biologists can name a few, but these are limited to the phototrophic (e.g. diatoms and kelp) or parasitic species (e.g. oomycetes, Blastocystis), with free-living heterotrophs largely overlooked. Though our attention is slowly turning towards heterotrophs, we have only a limited understanding of their biology due to a lack of cultured models. Recent metagenomic and single-cell investigations have revealed the species richness and ecological importance of stramenopiles—especially heterotrophs. However, our lack of knowledge of the cell biology and behaviour of these organisms leads to our inability to match species to their particular ecological functions. Because photosynthetic stramenopiles are studied independently of their heterotrophic relatives, they are often treated separately in the literature. Here, we present stramenopiles as a unified group with shared synapomorphies and evolutionary history. We introduce the main lineages, describe their important biological and ecological traits, and provide a concise update on the origin of the ochrophyte plastid. We highlight the crucial role of heterotrophs and mixotrophs in our understanding of stramenopiles with the goal of inspiring future investigations in taxonomy and life history. To understand each of the many diversifications within stramenopiles—towards autotrophy, osmotrophy, or parasitism—we must understand the ancestral heterotrophic flagellate from which they each evolved. We hope the following will serve as a primer for new stramenopile researchers or as an integrative refresher to those already in the field.
Goal-directed osteoporosis treatment: ASBMR/BHOF task force position statement 2024
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Lewiecki E Michael , Eastell Richard , Ebeling Peter R , Jan De Beur Suzanne , Langdahl Bente , Rhee Yumie , Fuleihan Ghada El-Hajj , Kiel Douglas P , Schousboe John T , Borges Joao Lindolfo , Cheung Angela M , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Hadji Peyman , Tanaka Sakae , Thomasius Friederike , Xia Weibo , Cummings Steven R
Published: July 2024

The overarching goal of osteoporosis management is to prevent fractures. A goal-directed approach to long-term management of fracture risk helps ensure that the most appropriate initial treatment and treatment sequence is selected for individual patients. Goal-directed treatment decisions require assessment of clinical fracture history, vertebral fracture identification (using vertebral imaging as appropriate), measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), and consideration of other major clinical risk factors. Treatment targets should be tailored to each patient’s individual risk profile and based on the specific indication for beginning treatment, including recency, site, number and severity of prior fractures, and BMD levels at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine. Instead of first-line bisphosphonate treatment for all patients, selection of initial treatment should focus on reducing fracture risk rapidly for patients at very high and imminent risk, such as in those with recent fractures. Initial treatment selection should also consider the probability that a BMD treatment target can be attained within a reasonable period of time and the differential magnitude of fracture risk reduction and BMD impact with osteoanabolic versus antiresorptive therapy. This position statement of the ASBMR/BHOF Task Force on Goal-Directed Osteoporosis Treatment provides an overall summary of the major clinical recommendations about treatment targets and strategies to achieve those targets based on the best evidence available, derived primarily from studies in older postmenopausal women of European ancestry.
Effects of drilling parameters on stress relief performance during mining
Authors: Li Guofu , Hao Dingyi , Wang Zheng , Zheng Chunshan , Huang Jiaxin , Sun Dongling
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the effects of borehole diameter and borehole interval on the stress relief performance of coal seams during mining. A discrete element numerical model was established based on the Voronoi and block models, and the stress relief performance was investigated in terms of axial stress, vertical displacement, and plastic zone development using the control variates method. The results showed that a decrease in the distance from the workface was accompanied by an increase in the effects of mining, the stress concentration, and the vertical displacement of the roof. Coal mining had positive effects on fracture propagation in front of the workface. As the borehole interval increased, the density of boreholes in the coal seams decreased, reducing the stress concentration and fracture propagation in front of the workface. The stress relief performance of the boreholes in the coal seams was improved at a borehole interval of 8 m. However, as the borehole diameter increased, the stress concentration near the boreholes decreased, reducing the effects of the workface mining on stress relief through the boreholes. Meanwhile, increasing the borehole diameter decreased the vertical displacement of the roof but exacerbated fracture propagation in front of the workface, which improved the stress relief performance of the boreholes in the coal seams. This study provides a reference for arranging boreholes in coal seams during mining.
Anthony Collins’s Non-Vindication of the Divine Attributes
Authors: Pearce Kenneth L
Published: July 2024

Anthony Collins’s 1710 pamphlet A Vindication of the Divine Attributes is not a vindication of the divine attributes. But what precisely is it? I argue that Collins’s Vindication is best interpreted as a kind of prelude to his later Discourse of Free-Thinking (1713). The Vindication aims to show that our beliefs about the existence and nature of God cannot rest on the authority of the clergy. Instead we must, as Collins puts it, ‘impartially examine every thing (how Sacred soever it may appear … before [being] examin’d)’. Freethinking, Collins argues, must extend even so far as questioning the foundational principles of natural religion.
Effects of Different Light Conditions on Anatomical and Histological Features of Galls in Bacterial Gall Disease of Cerasus × yedoensis
Authors: Ikeda Takefumi , Okuda Misaki , Ishihara Makoto , Kon-no Yasuo
Published: July 2024

Cerasus × yedoensis (cherry ‘Somei-yoshino’ Fujino) is affected by bacterial gall disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. cerasicola (PSC). C. × yedoensis is often infected with PSC under weak light intensity, which indicates that susceptibility of C. × yedoensis to PSC is affected by light. To evaluate the effects of white light intensity and different light qualities, white or blue, on bacterial gall disease development, we quantitatively assessed the anatomical and histological features of bacterial-inoculated sites on branches of 2-year-old potted C. × yedoensis seedlings grown under different light intensities and qualities. The stronger the white light intensity, the less severe the gall symptoms. Gall formation was suppressed more by blue than white light of the same intensity. The validity of a simple gall index for assessing gall development with the naked eye, via quantitative evaluation of gall shape by measuring gall height, width, and volume, showed that the gall index could be used as a practical method for on-site assessments of gall development. The ratio of degeneration area in the gall remained constant, suggesting the presence of some regulatory mechanism preventing PSC from affecting the entire gall within the plant. Microscopy showed that the gall tissue is composed primarily of callus cells and has voids containing gummy material that is exuded from cracks in the gall, and the periderm develops at the gall foot but not at the gall apex, so the cells at the gall apex were necrotic or collapsed.
The psychological side of menopause: evidence from the comorbidity network of menopausal, anxiety, and depressive symptoms
Authors: Wen Jie , Wang Wei , Liu Kexin , Sun Xiaole , Zhou Jianghua , Hu Hongxia , Liang Juyan , Bi Xianmin , Li Rong , Miao Miao
Published: July 2024

Objective

Numerous studies have uncovered a correlation between menopausal, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. How these symptoms interrelate and influence each other, however, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the associations between menopausal, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using network analysis.

Methods

The participants comprised 423 women (M
age = 49.21 ± 4.01 y; range, 40-60 y) recruited from a menopause clinic at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Demographic characteristics and menopausal, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were obtained through self-report questionnaires. Two networks were established: a partial correlation network and a Bayesian network.

Results

The menopausal symptom of nervousness exhibited a robust association with anxiety symptoms in both networks. Within the partial correlation network, the depressive symptom of tiredness emerged as a pivotal symptom, facilitating the co-occurrence of menopausal and depressive symptoms. Bayesian network analysis exhibited that the depressive symptom of a loss of interest was related to certain menopausal symptoms through depressive symptoms of tiredness and motor problems, both serving as critical links between menopausal symptoms and depression. Notably, four menopausal symptoms—arthralgia/myalgia, formication, sexual complaints, and urinary tract infection—appeared independent of other menopausal, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Both psychological (eg, fatigue) and somatic (eg, hot flashes, headaches, and dizziness) menopausal symptoms demonstrate strong associations with depression. In providing optimal support for women's health during menopause, psychological interventions aimed at depression, particularly among those experiencing a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, should complement conventional therapies.
Dietary choline and betaine intake minimally impacts rate of annualized cognitive performance throughout the menopause transition: data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation
Authors: Cowan-Pyle Alexandra E. , Wallace Taylor C. , Klatt Kevin C. , Slavin Margaret , Bailey Regan L.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Dietary choline is associated with lower risk of dementia in older adults, yet this association during mid-life remains unknown. Given that menopause reflects a nutrition-sensitive time point where prevention strategies may mitigate cognitive deficits, we examined the relationship of choline, betaine, and egg intakes (ie, dietary exposures) with cognitive performance in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) cohort (N = 1,006).

Methods

SWAN is a longitudinal study of women across the menopause transition. Diet was assessed via modified Block food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive function was examined using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Digits Backward Test, and East Boston Memory Test (EBMT). Annualized rate of cognitive scores and quartiles of diet were computed using linear mixed models overall (all diet exposures) and by baseline menopausal status (choline, betaine only).

Results

Among all women, higher choline (P-for-trend = 0.006) and betaine (P-for-trend = 0.005) intakes, independently and combined (ie, choline + betaine; P-for-trend = 0.001), were significantly associated with reduced rate of change on the EBMT–Delayed Recall (DR), but egg intake did not consistently impact cognitive function. By menopausal status, higher betaine, but not choline, was associated with a lower annualized rate of change in cognitive performance on the EBMT-DR (mean difference [95% confidence interval]; Q1: referent vs Q4: −0.071 [−0.17, 0.03]; P-for-trend = 0.006) for early perimenopausal women; nevertheless, choline and betaine were not associated with cognitive function among premenopausal women.

Conclusions

Higher dietary betaine intake among early perimenopausal women and higher dietary intakes of betaine and choline, independently and combined, among all women, were minimally associated with the trajectory of verbal episodic memory, yet no associations between diet and cognition were observed among premenopausal women. Future research should address the relationship between dietary intake and cognition during menopause in other research settings and cohorts.