bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone as an environmental driver of influenza
Authors: Guo Fang , Zhang Pei , Do Vivian , Runge Jakob , Zhang Kun , Han Zheshen , Deng Shenxi , Lin Hongli , Ali Sheikh Taslim , Chen Ruchong , Guo Yuming , Tian Linwei
Published: May 2024

Under long-standing threat of seasonal influenza outbreaks, it remains imperative to understand the drivers of influenza dynamics which can guide mitigation measures. While the role of absolute humidity and temperature is extensively studied, the possibility of ambient ozone (O3) as an environmental driver of influenza has received scant attention. Here, using state-level data in the USA during 2010–2015, we examined such research hypothesis. For rigorous causal inference by evidence triangulation, we applied 3 distinct methods for data analysis: Convergent Cross Mapping from state-space reconstruction theory, Peter-Clark-momentary-conditional-independence plus as graphical modeling algorithms, and regression-based Generalised Linear Model. The negative impact of ambient O3 on influenza activity at 1-week lag is consistently demonstrated by those 3 methods. With O3 commonly known as air pollutant, the novel findings here on the inhibition effect of O3 on influenza activity warrant further investigations to inform environmental management and public health protection.
Targeting adipocyte ESRRA promotes osteogenesis and vascular formation in adipocyte-rich bone marrow
Authors: Huang Tongling , Lu Zhaocheng , Wang Zihui , Cheng Lixin , Gao Lu , Gao Jun , Zhang Ning , Geng Chang-An , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Huaiyu , Wong Chi-Wai , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Pan Haobo , Lu William Weijia , Guan Min
Published: May 2024

Excessive bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) accumulation often occurs under diverse pathophysiological conditions associated with bone deterioration. Estrogen-related receptor α (ESRRA) is a key regulator responding to metabolic stress. Here, we show that adipocyte-specific ESRRA deficiency preserves osteogenesis and vascular formation in adipocyte-rich bone marrow upon estrogen deficiency or obesity. Mechanistically, adipocyte ESRRA interferes with E2/ESR1 signaling resulting in transcriptional repression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1); yet positively modulates leptin expression by binding to its promoter. ESRRA abrogation results in enhanced SPP1 and decreased leptin secretion from both visceral adipocytes and BMAds, concertedly dictating bone marrow stromal stem cell fate commitment and restoring type H vessel formation, constituting a feed-forward loop for bone formation. Pharmacological inhibition of ESRRA protects obese mice against bone loss and high marrow adiposity. Thus, our findings highlight a therapeutic approach via targeting adipocyte ESRRA to preserve bone formation especially in detrimental adipocyte-rich bone milieu.
Giant dielectric tunability in ferroelectric ceramics with ultralow loss by ion substitution design
Authors: Li Ruitao , Xu Diming , Du Chao , Ma Qianqian , Zhang Feng , Liang Xu , Wang Dawei , Shi Zhongqi , Liu Wenfeng , Zhou Di
Published: May 2024

Due to their responsiveness to modulation by external direct current fields, dielectric tunable materials are extensively utilized in integrated components, such as ferroelectric phase shifters. Barium strontium titanate ceramics have been considered the most potential tunable materials for a long time. However, the significant dielectric loss and high voltage drive have limited their further applications. Recently, Bi6Ti5WO22 ceramic has regained attention for its high dielectric tunability with low loss. In this study, we judiciously introduce Nb5+ with a larger ionic radius, replacing Ti4+ and W6+. This successful substitution enables the modulation of the phase transition temperature of Bi6Ti5WO22 ceramics to room temperature, resulting in superior tunable properties. Specifically, the 0.7Bi6Ti5WO22−0.3Bi6Ti4Nb2O22 ceramics exhibit giant tunability (~75.6%) with ultralow loss (<0.002) under a low electric field (1.5 kV/mm). This tunability is twice that of barium strontium titanate ceramics with a similar dielectric constant and only one-tenth of the loss. Neutron powder diffraction and transmission-electron-microscopy illustrate the nanodomains and micro-strains influenced by ion substitution. Density functional theory simulation calculations reveal the contribution of ion substitution to polarization. The research provides an ideal substitute for tunable material and a general strategy for adjusting phase transition temperature to improve dielectric properties.
Effect of hydrogen embrittlement on mechanical characteristics of DLC-coating for hydrogen valves of FCEVs
Authors: Shin Dong-Ho , Kim Seong-Jong
Published: May 2024

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is a surface coating technology with excellent hydrogen permeation resistance and wear resistance. However, it is difficult to completely prevent hydrogen permeation, and when hydrogen penetrates into the coating layer, the DLC coating is adversely affected. Therefore, we investigated the effect of hydrogen embrittlement on the adhesion strength and wear resistance of the DLC coating layer. As the results of the research, the surface roughness of the DLC coating was increased by a maximum of 3.8 times with hydrogen charging, and the delamination ratio of the DLC coating reached about 58%. In addition, the Lc3, which refers to the adhesion strength corresponding to the complete delamination of the DLC coating, was decreased by a maximum of 2.0 N due to hydrogen permeation. In addition, the wear resistance decreased due to hydrogen permeation, and the exposed width of the substrate due to wear increased by more than 4 times. It was also determined that hydrogen blistering or hydrogen-induced cracking occurred at the interface between the DLC coating and the chromium buffer layer due to hydrogen permeation, which decreased the durability of the DLC coating.
Dense Al2O3 sealing inhibited high hydrostatic pressure corrosion of Cr/GLC coating
Authors: Li Shuyu , Li Hao , Zhang Yan , Yang Wei , Guo Peng , Li Xiaowei , Nishimura Kazuhito , Ke Peiling , Wang Aiying
Published: May 2024

The corrosion failure of amorphous carbon (a-C) coatings is commonly ascribed to the existence of growth microdefects, which serve as pathways for corrosive fluids to permeate the substrate. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is renowned for its ability to augment the corrosion resistance of metallic materials. Graphite-like carbon (GLC) is one of the amorphous carbon materials dominated by hybridized sp2-C bonds. In this study, an ALD-deposited Al2O3 layer is specially introduced on the Cr/GLC multilayer coating to solve the aforementioned corrosion risk of a-C by taking the sealing conception for defects. Compared to the as-deposited Cr/GLC coating, the coating encapsulated with Al2O3 layer depicts the reduction of corrosion current density over two orders of magnitude under a wide pressure range of 0.1 ~ 15 MPa. Particularly, the presence of released Crn+ and Fen+ in the corrosion solution is significantly diminished, accompanying with a small quantity of Aln+ generated in sealed coating during corrosion. Microstructural analysis and electrochemical results identified that both the dense Al2O3 layer offered strong safeguard for Cr elements released from multilayers, whilst amorphous carbon network inhibited the likelihood chloride penetration induced by partially infiltrated Al2O3, which made the synergistic contributions to the enhancement of corrosion resistance for Cr/GLC coating for deep-sea applications.
High-risk clones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa contaminate the drinking water networks of French cities
Authors: Horikian Ani , Jeanvoine Audrey , Amarache Abdallah , Tourtet Morgane , Ory Jérôme , Boulestreau Hélène , Van der Mee Marquet Nathalie , Lemaitre Nadine , Eveillard Matthieu , Lepelletier Didier , Bertrand Xavier , Valot Benoît , Hocquet Didier
Published: May 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The contamination of drinking water networks (DWNs) with this pathogen is underestimated, as it is mostly in the state of persister cells undetected by the recommended monitoring technique. We collected water samples from eight cities distant from each other and searched for P. aeruginosa using a culture-based method that resuscitates persister cells. The genomes of isolates were sequenced. Five DWNs of the eight tested (62.5%) were contaminated with P. aeruginosa, of which four were contaminated with high-risk clones (ST308, ST395). Surprisingly, the ST308 isolates retrieved from the four independent and distant DWNs were clonal. Most P. aeruginosa isolates shared a genomic island conferring tolerance to copper-ions. The population structure of the collection may result from both a common source of contamination by plumbing supplies and the selection of clones sharing genetic elements that presumably aided their propagation in DWNs.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Odontothrips loti Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Yingning Luo , Shuhua Wei , Wenting Dai , Miao Miao , Ying Wang , Rong Zhang , Liping Ban
Published: May 2024

As the predominant pest of alfalfa, Odontothrips loti Haliday causes great damages over the major alfalfa-growing regions of China. The characteristics of strong mobility and fecundity make them develop rapidly in the field and hard to be controlled. There is a shortage of bioinformation and limited genomic resources available of O. loti for us to develop novel pest management strategies. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level reference genome assembly of O. loti with a genome size of 346.59 Mb and scaffold N50 length of 18.52 Mb, anchored onto 16 chromosomes and contained 20128 genes, of which 93.59% were functionally annotated. The results of 99.20% complete insecta_odb10 genes in BUSCO analysis, 91.11% short reads mapped to the ref-genome, and the consistent tendency among the thrips in the distribution of gene length reflects the quality of genome. Our study provided the first report of genome for the genus Odontothrips, which offers a genomic resource for further investigations on evolution and molecular biology of O. loti, contributing to pest management.
An improved chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Echeneis naucrates
Authors: Gao Tianxiang , Liu Kai , Liu Qi , Wang Danyang
Published: May 2024

Echeneis naucrates, as known as live sharksucker, is famous for the behavior of attaching to hosts using a highly modified dorsal fin with oval-shaped sucking disc. Here, we generated an improved high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of E. naucrates using Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads and Hi-C data. Our assembled genome spans 572.85 Mb with a contig N50 of 23.19 Mb and is positioned to 24 pseudo-chromosomes. Additionally, at least one telomere was identified for 23 out of 24 chromosomes. Furthermore, we identified a total of 22,161 protein-coding genes, of which 21,402 genes (96.9%) were annotated successfully with functions. The combination of ab initio predictions and Repbase-based searches revealed that 15.57% of the assembled E. naucrates genome was identified as repetitive sequences. The completeness of the genome assembly and the gene annotation were estimated to be 97.5% and 95.4% with BUSCO analyses. This work enhances the utility of the live sharksucker genome and provides a valuable groundwork for the future study of genomics, biology and adaptive evolution in this species.
Analysis of quantum key distribution based on unified model of sequential state discrimination strategy
Authors: Namkung Min , Kwon Younghun
Published: May 2024

The quantum key distribution for multiparty is one of the essential subjects of study. Especially, without using entangled states, performing the quantum key distribution for multiparty is a critical area of research. For this purpose, sequential state discrimination, which provides multiparty quantum communication and quantum key distribution for multiple receivers, has recently been introduced. Moreover, the sequential state discrimination is applicable for the security analysis against an eavesdropper’s attack. In this work, we provide the security analysis of quantum key distribution by proposing a unified model of sequential state discrimination including an eavesdropper. In this model, the success probability of eavesdropping is used as a figure of merit for the security analysis. Moreover, we obtain a non-zero secret key rate between the sender and receiver, which implies that the sender and receiver can share a secret key despite the eavesdropper’s scheme that optimizing the success probability of eavesdropping. Further, we propose an experimental methodology for the proposed model, which is implementable with linear optics. We observe that the secret key between the sender and receiver can be non-zero, even with imperfections.
Effects of experimental drought and plant diversity on multifunctionality of a model system for crop rotation
Authors: Grange Guylain , Brophy Caroline , Vishwakarma Rishabh , Finn John A.
Published: May 2024

In low-diversity productive grasslands, modest changes to plant diversity (richness, composition and relative abundance) may affect multiple ecosystem functions (multifunctionality), including yield. Despite the economic importance of productive grasslands, effects of plant diversity and environmental disturbance on multifunctionality are very rarely quantified. We systematically varied species richness, composition, and relative abundance of grassland ley communities and manipulated water supply (rainfed and drought) to quantify effects of diversity and environmental disturbance on multifunctionality. We then replaced the grassland leys with a monoculture crop to investigate ‘follow-on’ effects. We measured six agronomy-related ecosystem functions across one or both phases: yield, yield consistency, digestibility and weed suppression (grassland ley phase), legacy effect (effect on follow-on crop yield), and nitrogen fertiliser efficiency (full rotation). Drought reduced most ecosystem functions, although effects were species- and function-specific. Increased plant diversity affected mean performance, and reduced variation, across the six functions (contributing to multifunctional stability). Multifunctionality index values across a wide range of mixture diversity were higher than the best monoculture under both rainfed and drought conditions (transgressive over-performance). Higher-diversity, lower-nitrogen (150N) mixtures had higher multifunctionality than a low-diversity, higher-nitrogen (300N) grass monoculture. Plant diversity in productive grasslands is a practical farm-scale management action to mitigate drought impacts and enhance multifunctionality of grassland-crop rotation systems.
Association of lncRNA MEG3 rs941576 polymorphism, expression profile, and its related targets with the risk of obesity-related colorectal cancer: potential clinical insights
Authors: Senousy Mahmoud A. , Shaker Olfat G. , Ayeldeen Ghada , Radwan Abdullah F.
Published: May 2024

The identification of novel screening tools is imperative to empower the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). The influence of the long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) rs941576 single nucleotide polymorphism on CRC susceptibility remains uninvestigated. This research appraised MEG3 rs941576 association with the risk and clinical features of CRC and obesity-related CRC and its impact on serum MEG3 expression and its targets miR-27a/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)/IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and miR-181a/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), along with the potential of these markers in obesity-related CRC diagnosis. 130 CRC patients (60 non-obese and 70 obese) and 120 cancer-free controls (64 non-obese and 56 obese) were enrolled. MEG3 targets were selected using bioinformatics analysis. MEG3 rs941576 was associated with magnified CRC risk in overall (OR (95% CI) 4.69(1.51–14.57),P = 0.0018) and stratified age and gender groups, but not with obesity-related CRC risk or MEG3/downstream targets’ expression. Escalated miR-27a and IGFBP3 and reduced IGF1 serum levels were concomitant with MEG3 downregulation in overall CRC patients versus controls and obese versus non-obese CRC patients. Serum miR-181a and SIRT1 were upregulated in CRC patients versus controls but weren’t altered in the obese versus non-obese comparison. Serum miR-181a and miR-27a were superior in overall and obesity-related CRC diagnosis, respectively; meanwhile, IGF1 was superior in distinguishing obese from non-obese CRC patients. Only serum miR-27a was associated with obesity-related CRC risk in multivariate logistic analysis. Among overall CRC patients, MEG3 rs941576 was associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis and tumor stage, serum MEG3 was negatively correlated with tumor stage, while SIRT1 was correlated with the anatomical site. Significant correlations were recorded between MEG3 and anatomical site, SIRT1 and tumor stage, and miR-27a/IGFBP3 and LN metastasis among obese CRC patients, while IGF1 was correlated with tumor stage and LN metastasis among non-obese CRC patients. Conclusively, this study advocates MEG3 rs941576 as a novel genetic marker of CRC susceptibility and prognosis. Our findings accentuate circulating MEG3/miR-27a/IGF1/IGFBP3, especially miR-27a as valuable markers for the early detection of obesity-related CRC. This axis along with SIRT1 could benefit obesity-related CRC prognosis.
Regional noise source location based on the time delays between station pairs from ambient noise interferometry
Authors: Lü Ziqiang , Liu Qian , Kong Qinghan , Sun Jingwen , Liu Zemin
Published: May 2024

Identifying the location of a potential noise source assists in understanding the characteristics of the seismic or volcanic activity and provides valuable information for hazard assessment. Unlike the conventional waveform-based techniques that rebuild the source energy into the possible source region, we apply a simplified method to determine the absolute location of the noise source based on the station-pair time-delays from ambient noise interferometry. Synthetic tests demonstrate the robustness of the method and the locating precision is mainly influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio of the synthetic waveforms, and the higher frequency bandwidth source signals are more likely to result in accurate detection of the source. An application at the Central Tien Shan indicates that our method is capable of locating the known virtual source from the empirical Green’s functions. Furthermore, assuming a surface wave velocity, the depth of the source can be generally recovered from ambient noise interferometry in a simplified 3-D homogeneous model. The new method sheds light on applications of ambient noise interferometry for locating potential sources, making it suitable for detecting time-dependent behavior.
Artificial neural network for enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and contrast in photothermal optical coherence tomography
Authors: Salimi Mohammadhossein , Tabatabaei Nima , Villiger Martin
Published: May 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a medical imaging method that generates micron-resolution 3D volumetric images of tissues in-vivo. Photothermal (PT)-OCT is a functional extension of OCT with the potential to provide depth-resolved molecular information complementary to the OCT structural images. PT-OCT typically requires long acquisition times to measure small fluctuations in the OCT phase signal. Here, we use machine learning with a neural network to infer the amplitude of the photothermal phase modulation from a short signal trace, trained in a supervised fashion with the ground truth signal obtained by conventional reconstruction of the PT-OCT signal from a longer acquisition trace. Results from phantom and tissue studies show that the developed network improves signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast, enabling PT-OCT imaging with short acquisition times and without any hardware modification to the PT-OCT system. The developed network removes one of the key barriers in translation of PT-OCT (i.e., long acquisition time) to the clinic.
An Elastin-like Polypeptide-fusion peptide targeting capsid-tegument interface as an antiviral against cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Beeton Komal , Mitra Dipanwita , Akinleye Adesanya A. , Howell John A. , Yu Christian S. , Bidwell Gene L. , Tandon Ritesh
Published: May 2024

The tegument protein pp150 of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is known to be essential for the final stages of virus maturation and mediates its functions by interacting with capsid proteins. Our laboratory has previously identified the critical regions in pp150 important for pp150-capsid interactions and designed peptides similar in sequence to these regions, with a goal to competitively inhibit capsid maturation. Treatment with a specific peptide (PepCR2 or P10) targeted to pp150 conserved region 2 led to a significant reduction in murine CMV (MCMV) growth in cell culture, paving the way for in vivo testing in a mouse model of CMV infection. However, the general pharmacokinetic parameters of peptides, including rapid degradation and limited tissue and cell membrane permeability, pose a challenge to their successful use in vivo. Therefore, we designed a biopolymer-stabilized elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) fusion construct (ELP-P10) to enhance the bioavailability of P10. Antiviral efficacy and cytotoxic effects of ELP-P10 were studied in cell culture, and pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and antiviral efficacy were studied in a mouse model of CMV infection. ELP-P10 maintained significant antiviral activity in cell culture, and this conjugation significantly enhanced P10 bioavailability in mouse tissues. The fluorescently labeled ELP-P10 accumulated to higher levels in mouse liver and kidneys as compared to the unconjugated P10. Moreover, viral titers from vital organs of MCMV-infected mice indicated a significant reduction of virus load upon ELP-P10 treatment. Therefore, ELP-P10 has the potential to be developed into an effective antiviral against CMV infection.
Current dialyzer classification in Japan and mortality risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Abe Masanori , Kikuchi Kan , Wada Atsushi , Nakai Shigeru , Kanda Eiichiro , Hanafusa Norio
Published: May 2024

Dialyzers are classified into five types based on their β2-microglobulin clearance rate and albumin sieving coefficient: Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb. In addition, a new classification system introduced a type S dialyzer. However, limited information is available regarding the impact of dialyzer type on patient outcomes. A cohort study was conducted using data from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry database. Total 181,804 patients on hemodialysis (HD) were included in the study, categorized into four groups (type Ia, IIa, IIb, and S). The associations between each group and two-year all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Furthermore, propensity score-matching analysis was performed. By the end of 2019, 34,185 patients on dialysis had died. After adjusting for all confounders, the risk for all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the type IIa, and S groups than in the type Ia group. These significant findings were consistent after propensity score matching. In conclusion, our findings suggest that super high-flux dialyzers, with a β2-microglobulin clearance of ≥ 70 mL/min, may be beneficial for patients on HD, regardless of their albumin sieving coefficient. In addition, type S dialyzers may be beneficial for elderly and malnourished patients on dialysis.

Trial registration number: UMIN000018641
The effect of exposure to RF-EMF from the laboratory simulator of 5G NR base station on physiological parameters and cognitive abilities of male wistar rats of different ages
Authors: Krivova Natalia A. , Kudabaeva Marina S. , Zaeva Olga B. , Borodina Svetlana V. , Lepekhina Tatiana B. , Pavlenko Olga A. , Makhmanazarov Ramdas M. , Kokin Dmitry S. , Shipilov Sergey E.
Published: May 2024

In this article, the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure from a simulated base station for the 5G New Radio (5G NR) telecommunication on rats was studied. The base station affects all age groups of the population, thus, for the first time, the experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats of three different ages (juvenile, adult, and presenile). The base station exposure parameters were chosen according to ICNIRP recommendations for limiting the exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field: frequency 2.4 GHz with an average specific absorption rate of 0.0076 W/kg and 0.0059 W/kg over the whole body of experimental animals. Throughout the experiment, body weight was examined weekly, and the dynamics of body weight gain was monitored. Rectal and skin surface temperature on the right hind limb was monitored weekly. Testing in the Morris water maze was performed during the last, Week 5, of RF-EMF exposure. After euthanasia, organ weights were determined in experimental and control animals. None of the investigated parameters did show any statistically significant differences between exposed and control animals of the same age. The data obtained can be used to assess the possible consequences of chronic exposure to RF-EMF from 5G NR base stations.
A novel design and analysis of hybrid fuzzy logic MPPT controller for solar PV system under partial shading conditions
Authors: Kumar Sunkara Sunil , Balakrishna K.
Published: May 2024

Renewable energy resources are more useful when associated with the thermal power generation network because of their high accessibility in the environment, good system response, easy manufacturing, plus high scalable. So, the present research is going on solar power to reduce consumer grid dependency. The running of the PV network is quite easier, plus less human sources are involved. However, the solar modules’ power generation is nonlinear fashion. So, the collection of peak power from the sunlight-dependent systems is a highly challenging task. In this article, a Modified Differential Step Grey Wolf Optimization with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller (MDSGWO with FLC) is developed for collecting the maximum power from renewable energy resources under diverse Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs). The introduced method comprehensive analysis has been done along with the other recently existing MPPT methods in terms of convergence speed, MPP tracking accuracy, operating efficiency of the introduced method, functioning duty value of the DC–DC boost power converter, dependence of MPPT on sunlight system, total number of sensing devices are needed, plus peak power extraction from the proposed system. Here, the sunlight power generation cost is more to limit this issue, a power converter is selected in the second objective to develop the voltage source capability of the PV network. The overall PV-interfaced power converter network is examined by utilizing the MATLAB environment.
Predicting the vertical density structure of oceanic gravity current intrusions
Authors: Rétif Sévan , Negretti Maria Eletta , Wirth Achim
Published: May 2024

Understanding the dynamics and structures in the deep ocean is one of the remaining challenges in oceanography and climate sciences. We present results from large-scale laboratory experiments of rotating down-slope gravity currents intruding into a two-layer stratified ambient, performed in the largest rotating tank in the world, the Coriolis Rotating Platform in Grenoble. By means of velocity and density measurements, we show that no mixing occurs once the current has detached from the boundary. The shape of the vertical density profile in the stratified receiving ambient enables to identify two distinct regimes: the first issued by laminar transport through Ekman dynamics, the second by turbulent transport due to intermittent dense water cascading. Vertical density gradients reveal a piece-wise linear dependence on the density anomaly for the turbulent transport, suggesting an advection-diffusion process. For the turbulent regime, the scale height is deduced and an analytical model based on the critical Froude number is proposed to predict its value. Results show that the total thickness of the intruding current is on average 2.5 times the scale height. For laminar intrusions the scale height diverges whereas the thickness of the intrusion is a few times the Ekman layer thickness. Comparing the intrusion scale height with its measured vertical extension has led to a criteria to distinguish between laminar and turbulent regimes, which is corroborated by two additional independent criteria, one based on the sign of the local vorticity and the other based on the local maxima of the vertical density gradient. The model allows us to connect laboratory experiments to deep sea observations, gravity currents and Meddies and emphasizes the importance of laboratory experiments in understanding climate dynamics.
Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules using heterogeneity quantification software on ultrasound images: correlation with the Bethesda system and surgical pathology
Authors: Ryu Young Jae , Kim Jin Woong , Park Sang Chun , Hur Young Hoe , Kim Hyung Joong , Kim Tae-Hoon
Published: May 2024

Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the primary modality for evaluating thyroid nodules. However, in cases of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), supplemental tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a non-invasive quantification software using the heterogeneity scores of thyroid nodules. This cross-sectional study retrospectively enrolled 188 patients who were categorized into four groups according to their diagnostic classification in the Bethesda system and surgical pathology [II-benign (B) (n = 24); III-B (n = 52); III-malignant (M) (n = 54); V/VI-M (n = 58)]. Heterogeneity scores were derived using an image pixel-based heterogeneity index, utilized as a coefficient of variation (CV) value, and analyzed across all US images. Differences in heterogeneity scores were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s test. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. The results of this study indicated significant differences in mean heterogeneity scores between benign and malignant thyroid nodules, except in the comparison between III-M and V/VI-M nodules. Among malignant nodules, the Bethesda classification was not observed to be associated with mean heterogeneity scores. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between heterogeneity scores and the combined diagnostic category, which was based on the Bethesda system and surgical cytology grades (R = 0.639, p < 0.001). AUROC for heterogeneity scores showed the highest diagnostic performance (0.818; cut-off: 30.22% CV value) for differentiating the benign group (normal/II-B/III-B) from the malignant group (III-M/V&VI-M), with a diagnostic accuracy of 72.5% (161/122). Quantitative heterogeneity measurement of US images is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for predicting the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules, including AUS or FLUS.
Decoding the impact of night/day shiftwork on well-being among healthcare workers
Authors: Ugwu Lawrence Ejike , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday , Onyedibe Maria-Chidi Christiana
Published: May 2024

This study delved into the complex effects of work schedules on the well-being of healthcare professionals, spotlighting Nigeria’s medical landscape. A diverse cohort of 387 participants, spanning doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians or scientists, formed the research base, with the majority being women (67.7%), with a mean age of 34.67 years. Professionals self-reported their predominant schedules to gauge work patterns, classifying them as day or night shifts. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) tool assessed the quality of life across the physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental domains. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS), and perceived social support was evaluated via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the study employed moderated mediation analysis using SmartPLS 4.0. The results underscored the significant ramifications of night shifts on environmental and physical well-being. Psychological health and social relationships were better among day shift than night shift workers. There was a pronounced correlation between night shifts and heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. The mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating influence of social support in these relationships were evident. This study offers invaluable insights into the role of work schedules in shaping the well-being of healthcare professionals, emphasising the protective role of social support and the unique challenges faced by migrant health workers.
Density functional theory study on the formation mechanism and electrical properties of two-dimensional electron gas in biaxial-strained LaGaO3/BaSnO3 heterostructure
Authors: Li Yuling , Huang Yuxi , Liu Xiaohua , Wang Yaqin , Yuan Le
Published: May 2024

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in BaSnO3-based heterostructure (HS) has received tremendous attention in the electronic applications because of its excellent electron migration characteristic. We modeled the n-type (LaO)+/(SnO2)0 interface by depositing LaGaO3 film on the BaSnO3 substrate and explored strain effects on the critical thickness for forming 2DEG and electrical properties of LaGaO3/BaSnO3 HS system using first-principles electronic structure calculations. The results indicate that to form 2DEG in the unstrained LaGaO3/BaSnO3 HS system, a minimum thickness of approximately 4 unit cells of LaGaO3 film is necessary. An increased film thickness of LaGaO3 is required to form the 2DEG for -3%-biaxially-strained HS system and the critical thickness is 3 unit cells for 3%-baxially-strained HS system, which is caused by the strain-induced change of the electrostatic potential in LaGaO3 film. In addition, the biaxial strain plays an important role in tailoring the electrical properties of 2DEG in LaGaO3/BaSnO3 HS syestem. The interfacial charge carrier density, electron mobility and electrical conductivity can be optimized when a moderate tensile strain is applied on the BaSnO3 substrate in the ab-plane.
Ovarian PERK/NRF2/CX43/StAR/progesterone pathway activation mediates female reproductive dysfunction induced by cold exposure
Authors: Ding Mengnan , Lu Yarong , Wen Qing , Xing Chen , Huang Xin , Zhang Yifan , Wang Wei , Zhang Chongchong , Zhang Min , Meng Fanfei , Liu Kun , Liu Guangchao , Song Lun
Published: May 2024

Ambient air temperature is a key factor affecting human health. Female reproductive disorders are representative health risk events under low temperature. However, the mechanism involving in cold-induced female reproductive disorders remains largely unknown. Female mice were intermittently exposed to cold conditions (4 °C) to address the health risk of low temperature on female reproductive system. Primary granulosa cells (GCs) were prepared and cultured under low temperature (35 °C) or exposed to β3-adrenoreceptor agonist, isoproterenol, to mimic the condition of cold exposure. Western-blot, RT-PCR, co-IP, ELISA, pharmacological inhibition or siRNA-mediated knockdown of target gene were performed to investigate the possible role of hormones, gap conjunction proteins, and ER stress sensor protein in regulating female reproductive disorders under cold exposure. Cold exposure induced estrous cycle disorder and follicular dysplasia in female mice, accompanying with abnormal upregulation of progesterone and its synthetic rate-limiting enzyme, StAR, in the ovarian granulosa cells. Under the same conditions, an increase in connexin 43 (CX43) expressions in the GCs was also observed, which contributed to elevated progesterone levels in the ovary. Moreover, ER stress sensor protein, PERK, was activated in the ovarian GCs after cold exposure, leading to the upregulation of downstream NRF2-dependent CX43 transcription and aberrant increase in progesterone synthesis. Most importantly, blocking PERK expression in vivo significantly inhibited NRF2/CX43/StAR/progesterone pathway activation in the ovary and efficiently rescued the prolongation of estrous cycle and the increase in follicular atresia of the female mice induced by cold stress. We have elucidated the mechanism of ovarian PERK/NRF2/CX43/StAR/progesterone pathway activation in mediating female reproductive disorder under cold exposure. Targeting PERK might be helpful for maintaining female reproductive health under cold conditions.
Mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with interferon-gamma attenuate renal fibrosis by enhancing regulatory T cell induction
Authors: Kurawaki So , Nakashima Ayumu , Ishiuchi Naoki , Kanai Ryo , Maeda Satoshi , Sasaki Kensuke , Masaki Takao
Published: May 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by secreting various humoral factors. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) can enhance these effects of MSCs, and enhancement of regulatory T (Treg) cell induction is thought to be an underlying mechanism. However, the extent to which Treg cell induction by MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ (IFN-γ MSCs) ameliorates renal fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of Treg cell induction by IFN-γ MSCs on renal inflammation and fibrosis using an siRNA knockdown system. Administration of IFN-γ MSCs induced Treg cells and inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells in ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) rats more drastically than control MSCs without IFN-γ pretreatment. In addition, administration of IFN-γ MSCs more significantly attenuated renal fibrosis compared with control MSCs. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression levels in conditioned medium from MSCs were enhanced by IFN-γ pretreatment. Moreover, IDO1 knockdown in IFN-γ MSCs reduced their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in IRI rats by reducing Treg cell induction. Our findings suggest that the increase of Treg cells induced by enhanced secretion of IDO by IFN-γ MSCs played a pivotal role in their anti-fibrotic effects. Administration of IFN-γ MSCs may potentially be a useful therapy to prevent renal fibrosis progression.
Inferring skin–brain–skin connections from infodemiology data using dynamic Bayesian networks
Authors: Scutari Marco , Kerob Delphine , Salah Samir
Published: May 2024

The relationship between skin diseases and mental illnesses has been extensively studied using cross-sectional epidemiological data. Typically, such data can only measure association (rather than causation) and include only a subset of the diseases we may be interested in. In this paper, we complement the evidence from such analyses by learning an overarching causal network model over twelve health conditions from the Google Search Trends Symptoms public data set. We learned the causal network model using a dynamic Bayesian network, which can represent both cyclic and acyclic causal relationships, is easy to interpret and accounts for the spatio-temporal trends in the data in a probabilistically rigorous way. The causal network confirms a large number of cyclic relationships between the selected health conditions and the interplay between skin and mental diseases. For acne, we observe a cyclic relationship with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an indirect relationship with depression through sleep disorders. For dermatitis, we observe directed links to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders and a cyclic relationship with ADHD. We also observe a link between dermatitis and ADHD and a cyclic relationship between acne and ADHD. Furthermore, the network includes several direct connections between sleep disorders and other health conditions, highlighting the impact of the former on the overall health and well-being of the patient. The average $$R^2$$

R
2

for a condition given the values of all conditions in the previous week is 0.67: in particular, 0.42 for acne, 0.85 for asthma, 0.58 for ADHD, 0.87 for burn, 0.76 for erectile dysfunction, 0.88 for scars, 0.57 for alcohol disorders, 0.57 for anxiety, 0.53 for depression, 0.74 for dermatitis, 0.60 for sleep disorders and 0.66 for obesity. Mapping disease interplay, indirect relationships, and the key role of mediators, such as sleep disorders, will allow healthcare professionals to address disease management holistically and more effectively. Even if we consider all skin and mental diseases jointly, each disease subnetwork is unique, allowing for more targeted interventions.
The effect of amorphous silica on soil–plant–water relations in soils with contrasting textures
Authors: Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Al Hamwi Wael , Abdalla Mohanned , Rahnemaie Rasoul , Schaller Jörg
Published: May 2024

This study investigates how amorphous silica (ASi) influences soil–plant–water interactions in distinct soil textures. A sandy loam and silty clay soil were mixed with 0 and 2% ASi, and their impact on soil retention and soil hydraulic conductivity curves were determined. In parallel, tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were grown in experimental pots under controlled conditions. When plants were established, the soil was saturated, and a controlled drying cycle ensued until plants reached their wilting points. Soil water content, soil water potential, plant transpiration rate, and leaf water potential were monitored during this process. Results indicate a positive impact of ASi on the sandy loam soil, enhancing soil water content at field capacity (FC, factor of 1.3 times) and at permanent wilting point (PWP, a factor of 3.5 times), while its effect in silty clay loam was negligible (< 1.05 times). In addition, the presence of ASi prevented a significant drop in soil hydraulic conductivity ($${K}_{h}$$

K
h

) at dry conditions. The $${K}_{h}$$

K
h

of ASi-treated sandy loam and silty clay at PWP were 4.3 times higher than their respective control. Transpiration rates in plants grown in ASi-treated sandy loam soil under soil drying conditions were higher than in the control, attributed to improved soil hydraulic conductivity. At the same time, no significant difference was observed in the transpiration of plants treated with ASi in silty clay soil. This suggests ASi boosts soil–plant–water relationships in coarse-textured soils by maintaining heightened hydraulic conductivity, with no significant effect on fine-textured soils.
Insights into the relationship between eye movements and personality traits in restricted visual fields
Authors: Xu Kuangzhe
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have suggested behavioral patterns, such as visual attention and eye movements, relate to individual personality traits. However, these studies mainly focused on free visual tasks, and the impact of visual field restriction remains inadequately understood. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the patterns of conscious eye movements induced by visual field restriction and to examine how these patterns relate to individual personality traits. Building on previous research, we aim to gain new insights through two behavioral experiments, unraveling the intricate relationship between visual behaviors and individual personality traits. As a result, both Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 revealed differences in eye movements during free observation and visual field restriction. Particularly, simulation results based on the analyzed data showed clear distinctions in eye movements between free observation and visual field restriction conditions. This suggests that eye movements during free observation involve a mixture of conscious and unconscious eye movements. Furthermore, we observed significant correlations between conscious eye movements and personality traits, with more pronounced effects in the visual field restriction condition used in Experiment 2 compared to Experiment 1. These analytical findings provide a novel perspective on human cognitive processes through visual perception.
Exploring the mechanism of Jinlida granules against type 2 diabetes mellitus by an integrative pharmacology strategy
Authors: Gu Haiyan , Zhong Liang , Zhang Yuxin , Sun Jinghua , Liu Lipeng , Liu Zanchao
Published: May 2024

Jinlida granule (JLD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanism of JLD treatment for T2DM is not fully revealed. In this study, we explored the mechanism of JLD against T2DM by an integrative pharmacology strategy. Active components and corresponding targets were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP), SwissADME and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (BATMAN-TCM) database. T2DM-related targets were obtained from Drugbank and Genecards databases. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed with STRING (Search Toll for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/proteins) and Cytoscape to get the key targets. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Lastly, the binding capacities and reliability between potential active components and the targets were verified with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. In total, 185 active components and 337 targets of JLD were obtained. 317 targets overlapped with T2DM-related targets. RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), Caspase-3 (CASP3) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were identified as seven key targets by the topological analysis of the PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the effects were primarily associated with gene expression, signal transduction, apoptosis and inflammation. The pathways were mainly enriched in PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation verified the good binding affinity between the key components and targets. The predicted results may provide a theoretical basis for drug screening of JLD and a new insight for the therapeutic effect of JLD on T2DM.
Immunoinformatics design of a structural proteins driven multi-epitope candidate vaccine against different SARS-CoV-2 variants based on fynomer
Authors: Sarvmeili Javad , Baghban Kohnehrouz Bahram , Gholizadeh Ashraf , Shanehbandi Dariush , Ofoghi Hamideh
Published: May 2024

The ideal vaccines for combating diseases that may emerge in the future require more than simply inactivating a few pathogenic strains. This study aims to provide a peptide-based multi-epitope vaccine effective against various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 strains. To design the vaccine, a library of peptides from the spike, nucleocapsid, membrane, and envelope structural proteins of various strains was prepared. Then, the final vaccine structure was optimized using the fully protected epitopes and the fynomer scaffold. Using bioinformatics tools, the antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, physicochemical properties, population coverage, and secondary and three-dimensional structures of the vaccine candidate were evaluated. The bioinformatic analyses confirmed the high quality of the vaccine. According to further investigations, this structure is similar to native protein and there is a stable and strong interaction between vaccine and receptors. Based on molecular dynamics simulation, structural compactness and stability in binding were also observed. In addition, the immune simulation showed that the vaccine can stimulate immune responses similar to real conditions. Finally, codon optimization and in silico cloning confirmed efficient expression in Escherichia coli. In conclusion, the fynomer-based vaccine can be considered as a new style in designing and updating vaccines to protect against coronavirus disease.