bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Tsunamis Generated by Volcanoes (TGV) Source Mechanism, Modelling, Monitoring and Warning Systems
Authors: Schindelé François , Kong Laura , Lane Emily M. , Paris Raphaël , Ripepe Maurizio , Titov Vasily , Bailey Rick
Published: June 2024

Tsunamis generated by volcanic eruptions have risen to prominence since the December 2018 tsunami generated by the flank collapse of Anak Krakatau during a moderate eruption and then the global tsunami generated by the explosive eruption of the Hunga volcano in the Tongan Archipelago in January 2022. Both events cause fatalities and highlight the lack in tsunami warning systems to detect and warn for tsunamis induced by volcanic mechanisms. Following the Hunga Tonga—Hunga Ha’apai eruption and tsunami, an ad hoc working group on Tsunamis Generated by Volcanoes was formed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Volcanic tsunamis differ from seismic tsunamis in that there are a wide range of source mechanisms that can generate the tsunamis waves and this makes understanding, modelling and monitoring volcanic tsunamis much more difficult than seismic tsunamis. This paper provides a review of both the mechanisms behind volcanic tsunamis and the variety of modelling techniques that can be used to simulate their effects for tsunami hazard assessment and forecasting. It gives an example of a volcanic tsunami risk assessment undertaken for Stromboli, outlines the requirement of volcanic monitoring to warn for tsunami hazard and provides examples of volcanic tsunami warning systems in Italy, the Hawaiian Island (USA), Tonga and Indonesia. The paper finishes by highlighting the need for implementing monitoring and warning systems for volcanic tsunamis for locations with submarine volcanoes or near-shore volcanoes which could potentially generate tsunamis.
Predictive analysis visualization component in simulated data streams
Authors: Dudáš Adam , Demian Daniel
Published: June 2024

One of the most significant problems related to Big Data is their analysis with the use of various methods from the area of descriptive statistics or machine and deep learning. This process is interesting in both—static datasets containing various data sources which do not change over time, and dynamic datasets collected with the use of ambient data sources, which measure a number of attribute values over long periods. Since access to actual dynamic data systems is demanding, the focus of this work is put on the design and implementation of a framework usable in a simulation of data streams, their processing and subsequent dynamic predictive and visual analysis. The proposed system is experimentally verified in the context of a case study conducted on an environmental variable dataset, which was measured with the use of a real-life sensor network.
Cancer survivor preferences for breast cancer follow-up care: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Senanayake Sameera , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Brain David , Allen Michelle , Hettiarachchi Ruvini M. , Hart Nicolas H. , Koczwara Bogda , Ee Carolyn , Chan Raymond J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To identify the key attributes of breast cancer follow-up care models preferred by cancer survivors in Australia.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit preferences for attributes of breast cancer follow-up care. Respondents were presented with two hypothetical scenarios, known as choice sets, and asked to select a preference. Respondents were individuals living in Australia who were diagnosed with breast cancer within the past five years prior to survey completion and were recruited through the Breast Cancer Network of Australia and other community or consumer networks. Latent class modelling (LCM) approach under a random utility framework was used for the analysis.

Results

123 breast cancer survivors completed the DCE survey. LCA revealed two latent classes, those with older age and lower quality of life (class 1) and younger women with higher quality of life (class 2). Class 2 preferred a care team comprising specialists, nurses and GPs and emphasised the importance of shared survivorship care plans. Class 1 remained neutral regarding the team’s composition but was notably concerned about the out-of-pocket costs per consultation, a finding not seen in Class 2.

Conclusions

Age and quality of life status are associated with patient preference for types and attributes of breast cancer follow-up care. The health system can work towards enhancing flexibility of follow-up care delivery, ultimately achieving person-centred care.

Implications for cancer survivors.

Efforts need to be made by policymakers to ensure consumer preferences are taken into consideration to implement tailored person-centred follow-up care pathways.
Quantum signal processing and nonlinear Fourier analysis
Authors: Alexis Michel , Mnatsakanyan Gevorg , Thiele Christoph
Published: June 2024

Elucidating a connection with nonlinear Fourier analysis (NLFA), we extend a well known algorithm in quantum signal processing (QSP) to represent measurable signals by square summable sequences. Each coefficient of the sequence is Lipschitz continuous as a function of the signal.
Strigolactone insensitivity affects differential shoot and root transcriptome in barley
Authors: Korek Magdalena , Uhrig R. Glen , Marzec Marek
Published: June 2024

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of plant architecture, such as shoot and root branching. However, the knowledge of SL-responsive genes and transcription factors (TFs) that control the shaping of plant architecture remains elusive. Here, transcriptomic analysis was conducted using the SL-insensitive barley mutant hvd14.d (carried mutation in SL receptor DWARF14, HvD14) and its wild-type (WT) to unravel the differences in gene expression separately in root and shoot tissues. This approach enabled us to select more than six thousand SL-dependent genes that were exclusive to each studied organ or not tissue-specific. The data obtained, along with in silico analyses, found several TFs that exhibited changed expression between the analyzed genotypes and that recognized binding sites in promoters of other identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In total, 28 TFs that recognize motifs over-represented in DEG promoters were identified. Moreover, nearly half of the identified TFs were connected in a single network of known and predicted interactions, highlighting the complexity and multidimensionality of SL-related signalling in barley. Finally, the SL control on the expression of one of the identified TFs in HvD14- and dose-dependent manners was proved. Obtained results bring us closer to understanding the signalling pathways regulating SL-dependent plant development.
Fabrication of Microstructure Arrays via Localized Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Wang Manfei , Xu Jinkai , Ren Wanfei , Yang Zhengyi
Published: June 2024

Localized electrochemical deposition microadditive manufacturing (AM) (LECD-µAM) technology represents a nontraditional manufacturing method applied for the layer-by-layer fabrication of metal microstructures via a fully automatic feedback mechanism. In terms of material utilization and complex structure formation, the proposed technology exhibits great potential for microstructure fabrication. The LECD-µAM technology introduced in this study involves the reduction of metal cations in the electrolyte to form metal microstructures. This study showed the flow simulation of an electrolyte in the cantilever probe and pressure distribution at the probe tip. In addition, the effect of extrusion pressure on the deposition structure was investigated experimentally. Combined with the experimental results, we discussed the effects of LECD-µAM technology on deposition outcomes and optimized parameters and designed a printing route for the deposition of complex metal microstructure arrays with smooth surfaces. The proposed technology attained a deposition rate and a microstructural copper content of 0.961 µm/s and 99.5%. In addition, LECD-µAM technology can be performed at room temperature, has low environmental requirements and cost, provides a good deposition surface, and holds great potential for the manufacture of three-dimensional and other complex microstructure arrays.
Midterm survival after aortic repair versus conservative treatment in	patients with penetrating aortic ulcer
Authors: Wolk Steffen , Prange Lena-Sophie , Kapalla Marvin , Schaab Felix , Weiss Norbert , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Reeps Christian
Published: June 2024

Summary: Background: The clinical outcomes and survival of patients with penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) were evaluated in a tertiary care hospital, comparing those who underwent aortic repair to those treated conservatively. Patients and methods: A retrospective single-centre analysis included all patients that underwent a computed tomography angiography (CT-A) scan with the diagnosis of a PAU between January 2009 and May 2019. “PAU” was identified in 1,493 of 112,506 CT-A scan reports in 576 patients. Clinical and angiomorphological data were collected. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), with secondary outcomes focusing on identifying risk factors for poor OS. Survival probabilities were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test. A Cox hazard model using survival as dependent variable with stepwise backward eliminations based on the likelihood ratios was employed. Results: 315 PAUs were identified in 278 patients. The prevalence in the cohort was 0.8%. The mean age of the patients was 74.4 years, and they were predominantly male (n = 208, 74.8%). The mean ulcer depth was 11.8 mm (range 2–50 mm). Out of the patients, 232 were asymptomatic (83.5%). Among 178 PAUs (56.5%), high-risk factors, such as ulcer depth >10 mm, aortic diameter >40 mm, and ulcer length >20 mm, were observed. Aortic repair was associated with a better mean OS compared to conservatively managed patients (72.6 versus 32.2 months, p = 0.001). The Cox hazard model showed that ulcer depth >1 mm was associated with poor OS (HR 0.67, p = 0.048), while aortic repair was related to a better OS (HR 4.365, p<0.013). Conclusions: Aortic repair is associated with better OS, but this finding should be interpreted with caution because of differences in age and comorbidities between the groups. Further evaluation is warranted through prospective studies with randomized groups. Further assessment for angiomorphological parameters is recommended to identify patients at increased risk for poor OS.
Consumption‐Based Carbon Emissions of 85 Federal Entities in Russia
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Jinglei , Tian Kailan , Zhao Weichen , Zhang Zeyi , Zhang Han , Zheng Heran , Li Yuan
Published: June 2024

As the fourth largest CO2 emitter, Russia's constituent entities collectively contribute with vast territory and regional heterogeneity. Existing studies only present production‐based inventories; state‐level consumption‐based emissions patterns and driving forces remain rare. Here, we built the Russia state‐level Multi‐regional input‐output table to ascertain heterogeneity in consumption‐based emissions and track carbon flows in the inter‐state. We found that 60% of consumption‐based emissions coming from affluent areas (top 20% of the GRP), including Moscow (139.1 Mt) and St. Petersburg (50.5 Mt). Energy‐intensive regions also had huge consumption‐based emissions (31.6 Mt in Khanty‐Mansi Autonomous Okrug and 29.4 Mt in Republic of Tatarstan). Household consumption emissions accounted for 41%–73% of consumption‐based emissions in the 83 regions, except for Tula and Lipetsk, where fixed capital formation dominated. In addition, the major contributor of embodied emissions in households were power and services sectors, which contributed about 8%–61% (0.03 Mt–12.7 Mt) and 12%–40% (0.1 Mt–20.1 Mt). In Russia's low carbon transition, policymakers should not only focus on a local mitigation policy in developed states (such as Moscow and St. Petersburg), but on key sectors to curb the consumption. Regions with high carbon intensity should switch to renewable energy and implement cleaner production techniques in high‐emission industries.
Recent Water Constraints Mediate the Dominance of Climate and Atmospheric CO2 on Vegetation Growth Across China
Authors: Song Yang , Penuelas Josep , Ciais Philippe , Wang Songhan , Zhang Yao , Gentine Pierre , McCabe Matthew F. , Wang Lixin , Li Xing , Li Fei , Wang Xiaoping , Jin Zhenong , Wu Chaoyang , Jin Xiuliang
Published: June 2024

Multiple lines of evidence confirm a widespread increase in vegetation growth across China over the past few decades. The relationship between vegetation growth and water availability is thought to be becoming stronger under climate change, that is, water constraints on vegetation growth have been increasing. However, our understanding of how water constraints have influenced these vegetation greening trends, especially those climate change‐driven ones, remains limited. Here, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of recent water constraints and their implications for vegetation growth in China between 1982 and 2015. By analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of the relationship between vegetation growth and water availability, we reveal recent water constraints and their changes hidden within an overall greening trend in China. Further analysis demonstrates that two climate change‐related categories, defined broadly as “climate” (e.g., air temperature, precipitation, and so on) and “CO2” (i.e., atmospheric carbon dioxide), have exerted varying levels of importance in regulating vegetation growth across different water constraints. With increasing water constraints, the proportion of the climate‐dominated area has significantly risen, while that of the CO2‐dominated area has sharply declined. Our findings highlight that water constraints can mediate the dominance of climate and atmospheric CO2 on vegetation growth. This has the great potential to exacerbate the uncertainty surrounding current and future sustainable vegetation greening trends.
Hydrological Extremes Heighten Vulnerability to Schistosomiasis
Authors: Levia Delphis F. , Bergquist Robert , Meydani Amirreza , Hu Yao , Hannah David M.
Published: June 2024

Climate change is altering precipitation regimes that amplify hydrological extremes and increase vulnerability to schistosomiasis, a water‐related parasitic disease with hundreds of millions at risk globally. Explicit recognition of the elements of hydrological variability and linkages with extreme precipitation is necessary to combat the spread of schistosomiasis. We call for the use of a vulnerability framework to account holistically for the dynamic interplay among environmental and human factors that influence susceptibility to schistosomiasis infection across spatial scales.
To Rotate or to Link? The Connection Between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Rifts in Central Afar
Authors: Muluneh Ameha , Brune Sascha , Pagli Carolina , La Rosa Alessandro , Keir Derek , Neuharth Derek , Corti Giacomo
Published: June 2024

Central Afar is shaped by the interaction between the Red Sea (RS) and Gulf of Aden (GoA) rifts. While there have been several studies conducted in the region, we know surprisingly little about the mechanism of connection between these two rift branches. Here we use high‐resolution 3D lithospheric scale geodynamic modeling to capture the evolution of linkage between the RS and GoA rifts in central Afar. Our results demonstrate that the two rifts initially overlap and interact across a broad zone of faulting and vertical axis block rotation. However, through time, rift overlap is abandoned in favor of direct linkage which generates a series of localized en‐echelon basins. The present‐day direct linkage between the two rifts is supported by geodetic observations. Our study reconciles previously proposed models for the RS and GoA rift connection by considering spatial and temporal evolution of the rifts.
Dissolved Oxygen Recovery in the Oxygen Minimum Zone of the Arabian Sea in Recent Decade as Observed by BGC‐Argo Floats
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Qiu Yun , Lin Xinyu , Ni Xutao , Wang Lei , Li Hongliang , Jing Chunsheng
Published: June 2024

The Arabian Sea (AS) hosts the world's thickest and most intense oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), and previous studies have documented a dramatic decline of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the northeastern AS in recent decades. In this study, using the recently released data from Biogeochemical‐Argo floats, we found a surprising trend of recovery in deoxygenation within the core region of the OMZ in the AS (ASOMZ) since 2013. The average DO concentration increased by approximately threefold, from ∼0.63 μM in 2013 to ∼1.68 μM in 2022, and the thickness of the ASOMZ decreased by 13%. We find that the weakening of Oman upwelling resulting from the weakening of the summer monsoon is the main driver of oxygenation in the ASOMZ. In addition, the reduction of primary production linked to warming‐driven stratification reinforces deoxygenation recovery at depth.
Cryospheric Excitation on the Earth's Chandler Wobble and Implications From a Warming World
Authors: Xu CanCan , Chen Fang , Huang ChengLi , Zhou YongHong , Shi QiQi , Duan PengShuo , Xu XueQing
Published: June 2024

Leveraging Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment mascon products spanning from April 2002 to September 2023, we, for the first time, ascertain the substantial influence of cryospheric mass variations on Earth's Chandler wobble (CW). Further, in contrast to traditional analysis conducted in the excitation domain, this study focuses on the polar motion domain and incorporates the wavelet analysis technique. Our findings reveal some intriguing phenomena: Between 2006 and 2020, the cryosphere contributed an average amplitude of approximately 4.85 mas to CW, equivalent to 5.05%, with its impact escalating to about 11 mas from 2018 to 2022, representing a fourfold rise in its contribution ratio to approximately 20%. This marked surge can be attributed to the more erratic glacier mass balance results from ongoing climate change. Moreover, there is a pronounced decrease in the CW signal post‐2018, which starkly contrasts with cryospheric contribution, suggesting a potential linkage to climate change yet warrants further investigation.
Elucidation of how the Mir-23-27-24 cluster regulates development and aging
Authors: Yap Xin Le , Chen Jun-An
Published: June 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of gene expression and are involved in biological processes spanning from early developmental stages to the intricate process of aging. Extensive research has underscored the fundamental role of miRNAs in orchestrating eukaryotic development, with disruptions in miRNA biogenesis resulting in early lethality. Moreover, perturbations in miRNA function have been implicated in the aging process, particularly in model organisms such as nematodes and flies. miRNAs tend to be clustered in vertebrate genomes, finely modulating an array of biological pathways through clustering within a single transcript. Although extensive research of their developmental roles has been conducted, the potential implications of miRNA clusters in regulating aging remain largely unclear. In this review, we use the Mir-23-27-24 cluster as a paradigm, shedding light on the nuanced physiological functions of miRNA clusters during embryonic development and exploring their potential involvement in the aging process. Moreover, we advocate further research into the intricate interplay among miRNA clusters, particularly the Mir-23-27-24 cluster, in shaping the regulatory landscape of aging.
CryoEM reveals the structure of an archaeal pilus involved in twitching motility
Authors: Gaines Matthew C. , Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Isupov Michail N. , Haque Risat Ul , McLaren Mathew , Hanus Cyril , Gold Vicki A. M. , Albers Sonja-Verena , Daum Bertram
Published: June 2024

Amongst the major types of archaeal filaments, several have been shown to closely resemble bacterial homologues of the Type IV pili (T4P). Within Sulfolobales, member species encode for three types of T4P, namely the archaellum, the UV-inducible pilus system (Ups) and the archaeal adhesive pilus (Aap). Whereas the archaellum functions primarily in swimming motility, and the Ups in UV-induced cell aggregation and DNA-exchange, the Aap plays an important role in adhesion and twitching motility. Here, we present a cryoEM structure of the Aap of the archaeal model organism Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. We identify the component subunit as AapB and find that while its structure follows the canonical T4P blueprint, it adopts three distinct conformations within the pilus. The tri-conformer Aap structure that we describe challenges our current understanding of pilus structure and sheds new light on the principles of twitching motility.
Cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphorylation as a function of multiple protein kinase and phosphatase activities
Authors: Kampourakis Thomas , Ponnam Saraswathi , Campbell Kenneth S. , Wellette-Hunsucker Austin , Koch Daniel
Published: June 2024

Phosphorylation of cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is a determinant of cardiac myofilament function. Although cMyBP-C phosphorylation by various protein kinases has been extensively studied, the influence of protein phosphatases on cMyBP-C’s multiple phosphorylation sites has remained largely obscure. Here we provide a detailed biochemical characterization of cMyBP-C dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases 1 and 2 A (PP1 and PP2A), and develop an integrated kinetic model for cMyBP-C phosphorylation using data for both PP1, PP2A and various protein kinases known to phosphorylate cMyBP-C. We find strong site-specificity and a hierarchical mechanism for both phosphatases, proceeding in the opposite direction of sequential phosphorylation by potein kinase A. The model is consistent with published data from human patients and predicts complex non-linear cMyBP-C phosphorylation patterns that are validated experimentally. Our results suggest non-redundant roles for PP1 and PP2A under both physiological and heart failure conditions, and emphasize the importance of phosphatases for cMyBP-C regulation.
Sex classification of 3D skull images using deep neural networks
Authors: Noel Lake , Fat Shelby Chun , Causey Jason L. , Dong Wei , Stubblefield Jonathan , Szymanski Kathryn , Chang Jui-Hsuan , Wang Paul Zhiping , Moore Jason H. , Ray Edward , Huang Xiuzhen
Published: June 2024

Determining the fundamental characteristics that define a face as "feminine" or "masculine" has long fascinated anatomists and plastic surgeons, particularly those involved in aesthetic and gender-affirming surgery. Previous studies in this area have relied on manual measurements, comparative anatomy, and heuristic landmark-based feature extraction. In this study, we collected retrospectively at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) a dataset of 98 skull samples, which is the first dataset of this kind of 3D medical imaging. We then evaluated the accuracy of multiple deep learning neural network architectures on sex classification with this dataset. Specifically, we evaluated methods representing three different 3D data modeling approaches: Resnet3D, PointNet++, and MeshNet. Despite the limited number of imaging samples, our testing results show that all three approaches achieve AUC scores above 0.9 after convergence. PointNet++ exhibits the highest accuracy, while MeshNet has the lowest. Our findings suggest that accuracy is not solely dependent on the sparsity of data representation but also on the architecture design, with MeshNet's lower accuracy likely due to the lack of a hierarchical structure for progressive data abstraction. Furthermore, we studied a problem related to sex determination, which is the analysis of the various morphological features that affect sex classification. We proposed and developed a new method based on morphological gradients to visualize features that influence model decision making. The method based on morphological gradients is an alternative to the standard saliency map, and the new method provides better visualization of feature importance. Our study is the first to develop and evaluate deep learning models for analyzing 3D facial skull images to identify imaging feature differences between individuals assigned male or female at birth. These findings may be useful for planning and evaluating craniofacial surgery, particularly gender-affirming procedures, such as facial feminization surgery.
Improved predictions of total kidney volume growth rate in ADPKD using two-parameter least squares fitting
Authors: Hu Zhongxiu , Sharbatdaran Arman , He Xinzi , Zhu Chenglin , Blumenfeld Jon D. , Rennert Hanna , Zhang Zhengmao , Ramnauth Andrew , Shimonov Daniil , Chevalier James M. , Prince Martin R.
Published: June 2024

Mayo Imaging Classification (MIC) for predicting future kidney growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients is calculated from a single MRI/CT scan assuming exponential kidney volume growth and height-adjusted total kidney volume at birth to be 150 mL/m. However, when multiple scans are available, how this information should be combined to improve prediction accuracy is unclear. Herein, we studied ADPKD subjects ($$n = 36$$

n
=
36

) with 8+ years imaging follow-up (mean = 11 years) to establish ground truth kidney growth trajectory. MIC annual kidney growth rate predictions were compared to ground truth as well as 1- and 2-parameter least squares fitting. The annualized mean absolute error in MIC for predicting total kidney volume growth rate was $$2.1\% \pm 2\%$$

2.1
%
±
2
%

compared to $$1.1\% \pm 1\%$$

1.1
%
±
1
%

($$p = 0.002$$

p
=
0.002

) for a 2-parameter fit to the same exponential growth curve used for MIC when 4 measurements were available or $$1.4\% \pm 1\%$$

1.4
%
±
1
%

($$p = 0.01$$

p
=
0.01

) with 3 measurements averaging together with MIC. On univariate analysis, male sex ($$p = 0.05$$

p
=
0.05

) and PKD2 mutation ($$p = 0.04$$

p
=
0.04

) were associated with poorer MIC performance. In ADPKD patients with 3 or more CT/MRI scans, 2-parameter least squares fitting predicted kidney volume growth rate better than MIC, especially in males and with PKD2 mutations where MIC was less accurate.
A novel algorithm to differentiate between primary lung tumors and distant liver metastasis in lung cancers using an exosome based multi gene biomarker panel
Authors: Shah Kanisha A. , Rawal Rakesh M.
Published: June 2024

The lack of non-invasive methods for detection of early metastasis is a crucial reason for the poor prognosis of lung cancer (LC) liver metastasis (LM) patients. In this study, the goal was to identify circulating biomarkers based on a biomarker model for the early diagnosis and monitoring of patients with LCLM. An 8-gene panel identified in our previous study was validated in CTC, cfRNA and exosomes isolated from primary lung cancer with & without metastasis. Further multivariate analysis including PCA & ROC was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the biomarker panel. Model validation cohort (n = 79) was used to verify the stability of the constructed predictive model. Further, clinic-pathological factors, survival analysis and immune infiltration correlations were also performed. In comparison to our previous tissue data, exosomes demonstrated a good discriminative value with an AUC of 0.7247, specificity (72.48%) and sensitivity (96.87%) for the 8-gene panel. Further individual gene patterns led us to a 5- gene panel that showed an AUC of 0.9488 (p =  < 0.001) and 0.9924 (p =  < 0.001) respectively for tissue and exosomes. Additionally, on validating the model in a larger cohort a risk score was obtained (RS > 0.2) for prediction of liver metastasis with an accuracy of 95%. Survival analysis and immune filtration markers suggested that four exosomal markers were independently associated with poor overall survival. We report a novel blood-based exosomal biomarker panel for early diagnosis, monitoring of therapeutic response, and prognostic evaluation of patients with LCLM.
Study of the mechanical properties and propagation mechanisms of non-coplanar and discontinuous joints via numerical simulation experiments
Authors: Liu Yuanming , Ya Lankai , Wang Wei , Chen Qingzhi , Wang Zhongxing , Teng Zhaolei , Cheng Jiajun
Published: June 2024

Non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses are more complex than coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses. The mechanical properties and propagation mechanisms of non-coplanar and discontinuous joints were studied via direct shear tests with microscopic numerical simulation experiments. The numerical simulation tests were performed under different normal stresses, joint inclination angles, and shear rates. The numerical experimental results show that the microscale failure of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses is mainly caused by tensile cracks. Additionally, when the peak shear stress is reached, the growth rate of cracks increases rapidly, and the number of cracks increases with increasing normal stress. The shear strength of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses increases with increasing normal stress. Under the same normal stress, the variation curves of the shear strength of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses with respect to the dip angle exhibit an “S”-shaped nonlinear pattern. Rock masses with joint inclination angles of approximately 15° and 65° have minimum and maximum shear strengths, respectively. The joint dip angle has a significant impact on the final failure mode of rock bridges in the rock mass. As the joint dip angle increases, the final failure modes of rock bridges change from “end-to-end” connection to a combination of “head-to-head” and “tail-to-tail” connections. The shear rate has a certain impact on the peak shear stress, but the impact is not significant. The spatial distribution of the tensile force chains changes as shearing progresses, and stress concentration occurs at the tips of the original joints, which is the reason for the development of long tensile cracks in the deeper parts.
Ratiometric fluorescence nanoscopy and lifetime imaging of novel Nile Red analogs for analysis of membrane packing in living cells
Authors: Lauritsen Line , Szomek Maria , Hornum Mick , Reinholdt Peter , Kongsted Jacob , Nielsen Poul , Brewer Jonathan R. , Wüstner Daniel
Published: June 2024

Subcellular membranes have complex lipid and protein compositions, which give rise to organelle-specific membrane packing, fluidity, and permeability. Due to its exquisite solvent sensitivity, the lipophilic fluorescence dye Nile Red has been used extensively to study membrane packing and polarity. Further improvement of Nile Red can be achieved by introducing electron-donating or withdrawing functional groups. Here, we compare the potential of derivatives of Nile Red with such functional substitutions for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy of lipid packing in model membranes and living cells. All studied Nile Red derivatives exhibit cholesterol-dependent fluorescence changes in model membranes, as shown by spectrally resolved stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. STED imaging of Nile Red probes in cells reveals lower membrane packing in fibroblasts from healthy subjects compared to those from patients suffering from Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease, a lysosomal storage disorder with accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids in late endosomes and lysosomes. We also find small but consistent changes in the fluorescence lifetime of the Nile Red derivatives in NPC1 cells, suggesting altered hydrogen-bonding capacity in their membranes. All Nile Red derivatives are essentially non-fluorescent in water but increase their brightness in membranes, allowing for their use in MINFLUX single molecule tracking experiments. Our study uncovers the potential of Nile Red probes with functional substitutions for nanoscopic membrane imaging.
Rhinoceros horn mineral and metal concentrations vary by sample location, depth, and color
Authors: Roth Terri L. , Rebolloso Sarah L. , Donelan Elizabeth M. , Rispoli Louisa A. , Buchweitz John P.
Published: June 2024

Poaching is again driving rhinos to the brink of extinction due to the demand for rhino horn products consumed for cultural, medicinal, and social purposes. Paradoxically, the same horn for which rhinos are killed may contain valuable clues about the species’ health. Analyses of horn composition could reveal such useful bioindicators while elucidating what people actually ingest when they consume horn derivatives. Our goals were to quantify minerals (including metals) in rhino horn and investigate sampling factors potentially impacting results. Horns (n = 22) obtained during necropsies of white (n = 3) and black (n = 13) zoo rhinos were sampled in several locations yielding 182 specimens for analysis. Initial data exposed environmental (soil) contamination in the horn’s exterior layer, but also confirmed that deep (≥ 1 cm), contaminant-free samples contained measurable concentrations of numerous minerals (n = 18). Of the factors examined in deep samples, color-associated mineral differences were the most profound with dark samples higher in zinc, copper, lead, and barium (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that rhino horns contain both essential and potentially toxic minerals that could be relevant to rhino health status, but low concentrations make their human health benefits or risks unlikely following consumption.
Rapid, equipment-free extraction of DNA from skin biopsies for point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Manning Jason Cade , Boza Juan Manuel , Cesarman Ethel , Erickson David
Published: June 2024

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a cancer affecting skin and internal organs for which the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a necessary cause. Previous work has pursued KS diagnosis by quantifying KSHV DNA in skin biopsies using a point-of-care (POC) device which performs quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These previous studies revealed that extracting DNA from patient biopsies was the rate limiting step in an otherwise rapid process. In this study, a simplified, POC-compatible alkaline DNA extraction, ColdSHOT, was optimized for 0.75 mm human skin punch biopsies. The optimized ColdSHOT extraction consistently produced 40,000+ copies of DNA per 5 µl reaction from 3 mg samples—a yield comparable to standard spin column extractions—within 1 h without significant equipment. The DNA yield was estimated sufficient for KSHV detection from KS-positive patient biopsies, and the LAMP assay was not affected by non-target tissue in the unpurified samples. Furthermore, the yields achieved via ColdSHOT were robust to sample storage in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer prior to DNA extraction, and the DNA sample was stable after extraction. The results presented in this study indicate that the ColdSHOT DNA extraction could be implemented to simplify and accelerate the LAMP-based diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma using submillimeter biopsy samples.
Environmental exposures to organophosphorus flame retardants in early pregnancy and risks of gestational diabetes mellitus: a nested case–control study
Authors: Lang Qi , Sun Jiali , Yu Xiangyuan , Wei Shudan , Wei Jinyan , Zhang Min , Zhao Chaochao , Zhang Jun , Zeng Dingyuan , Huang Bo
Published: June 2024

OPFRs are emerging environmental pollutants with reproductive and endocrine toxicity. This study aimed to examine the association between environmental exposure to OPFRs during early pregnancy and GDM. This nested case–control study was based on a birth cohort that was constructed at a maternal and child health hospital, including 74 cases of GDM among 512 pregnant women. The OPFRs, including TBP, TBEP, TCEP, TDCPP, TMCP, TOCP, and TPHP during 10–14 weeks of pregnancy were determined using GC–MS. The association between the OPFRs and GDM was assessed using WQS and BKMR models. The levels of OPFRs were significantly elevated in GDM patients (60) compared with the controls (90). The WQS analysis showed that mixtures of the OPFRs were significantly associated with GDM (OR 1.370, 95% CI 1.036–1.810, P = 0.027), and TBP, TPHP, and TMCP were the major contributors to the mixed exposure effect. In the BKMR model, individual exposure to TBP, TPHP, and TMCP, and the interaction of TMCP with TBP and TPHP were significantly associated with GDM. Environmental exposure to OPFRs is positively associated with GDM. These findings provide evidence for the adverse effects of OPFR exposure on the health of pregnant women.
Off-season survival and life history of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) on various host plants
Authors: Rajesh Chowdary L. , Suneel Kumar G. V. , Bharathi S. , Sarada O. , Nagaraju Yalavarthi , Manikyanahalli Chandrashekara Keerthi , Naga Harish Giri
Published: June 2024

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has become a significant pest of chickpea in recent years. The polyphagous nature allows it to survive on various hosts during the off-season, creating a great menace to the crop in the following season. To assess the incidence and document the alternate hosts of S. exigua, a rapid roving survey was conducted in 11 chickpea-growing areas of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Additionally, the life history traits of S. exigua were studied on major alternate host plants under laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 2% RH) to understand the survival, life expectancy and potential contribution to future populations. The results show that, among the different crops surveyed, the maximum larval incidence was noticed in maize (1.93 larvae/plant), cowpea (1.73 larvae/plant), and sunflower (1.68 larvae/plant) during the off-season. Life history studies of S. exigua showed that highest larval survival percentage was observed on chickpea (83.6%), while the lowest was on maize (44.5%). The mean developmental time for larvae was longest on maize (27.1 days) and shortest on chickpea (14.9 days). Larvae did not develop beyond the third instar when fed with chilli. The growth index statistics showed chickpea (9.2) was the most suitable host plant, whereas maize (0.9) was the least suitable host. The age-stage-specific survival rate (Sxj) varied across developmental stages, and the survival curves overlapped, indicating different growth rates among individuals. The life expectancy (exj) at age zero was highest on groundnut (37.06 days). The intrinsic rate of increase (r) of S. exigua was lowest on maize (0.10 ± 0.0013) and highest on chickpea (0.22 ± 0.0010). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (R0) was highest on chickpea (846.39 ± 18.22) and lowest on maize (59.50 ± 2.06). The population doubled every 3.08 ± 0.011 days on chickpea compared to 7.22 ± 0.80 days on maize. The study conclusively indicates that chickpea and sunflower, primarily cultivated during the rabi season in India, are the most preferred hosts for S. exigua. In contrast, maize and cotton, mainly grown during the kharif season, are less preferred and merely support the pest's survival. Consequently, S. exigua switches hosts between different crops growing seasons, so effective management of S. exigua during the kharif season can help prevent pest outbreaks during the rabi season.
Residents’ future residential preference and its affecting factors in the rapid urbanization zone of rural China from a family life cycle perspective
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Tong Yan , Ge Yuhang , Guo Jin , Nie Hanlin , Wang Zhijun , Fan Liangxin
Published: June 2024

Understanding farmers’ future residential preferences and the factors affecting these choices is crucial for tackling the issues related to hollow village management and rural planning. Despite limited research on the role of the family life cycle, this study explores how the family life cycle, characteristics of the household head, livelihood strategies, and resource availability shape farmers’ future residential preferences. Data were collected from 777 households in China’s main grain-producing area. The findings reveal that 52.90% of households prefer to stay in their current rural residences. Other favored options are elderly care facilities (13.90%), living with children in the village (12.36%), and ancestral homes (11.68%). The family life cycle significantly affects these preferences (p < 0.01), with changes in family structure and age leading to different living choices. Specifically, households in the initial (71.29%), burden (70.32%), and stable stages (40.14%) prefer their current rural residences, while those in the maintenance and empty-nest stages opt for living with their children’s residences (22.22% and 16.96%, respectively) or in elderly care facilities (30.00% and 33.93%). Meanwhile, age, health, income, livelihood strategies, and land ownership also markedly influence the choice of residence. Recommendations include educational programs for elderly rural residents, improving older individuals’ adaptability to rural changes, creating more rural employment opportunities, and enhancing medical and infrastructural services for the sustainable rural development.
Photocatalytic H2O2 production over photocatalysts prepared by phosphine-protected Au101 nanoparticles on WO3
Authors: Abd Rahim Imran Hakim , Lee Xuan Yin , Alotabi Abdulrahman S. , Osborn D. J. , Adhikari Sunita Gautam , Andersson Gunther G. , Metha Gregory F. , Adnan Rohul H.
Published: June 2024

Highly photoactive and stable photocatalysts derived from monodisperse phosphine-protected Au101 on WO3 for sustainable H2O2 production.
Wacker-type oxidation of styrenes with Markovnikov selectivity using copper as a site-selective sequential photooxidant–photoreductant
Authors: Abderrazak Youssef , Chinchole Anurag , Reiser Oliver
Published: June 2024

Copper acts as a site-selective photooxidant and photoreductant, thus enabling the Wacker-type oxidation of styrenes to acetophenones.
Confined tandem catalytic quasi-solid sulfur reversible conversion for all-solid-state Na–S batteries
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Song Bin , Wang Mingli , Miao Tingting , Huang Xiang-Long , Zhang Erhuan , Zhan Xiaowen , Yang Yue , Zhang Hong , Lu Ke
Published: June 2024

The designed york–shell structured MnHCF/PPy@MnO2 coaxial nanotubes cooperatively catalyze the conversion of interchannel encapsulated active species within the confined environment, regulating the reversible quasi-solid sulfur conversion.
Exploring unconventional ferromagnetism in hole-doped LaCrAsO: insights into charge-transfer and magnetic interactions
Authors: Liu Zhao , Medhekar Nikhil V.
Published: June 2024

Canonical double exchange mechanism at low doping, new mechanism at high doping.
Thermoresponsive ionogels
Authors: Zhou Qianxi , Men Yongjun
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the innovative realm of thermoresponsive ionogels, which leverage the unique properties of ionic liquids, such as high ionic conductivity, robust stability, and minimal volatility.
Flash precipitation of random copolymers in a micro-mixer for controlling the size and surface charge of nanoparticles
Authors: Joo Jeong-Un , Park Chae-Hyeon , Yang Jianwen , Ko Yoonseok , Jee Sang Soo , Ahn Hyungju , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: June 2024

The flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method enables the synthesis of size and surface charge-controllable nanoparticles from random copolymers under three flow regimes.
Crack-induced abrupt capacity degradation in commercial LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)/SiOx-graphite pouch batteries
Authors: Zhang Xianying , Wang Qiyu , Li Yu , Sun Guochen , Yu Xiqian , Li Hong
Published: June 2024

Reasons for abrupt capacity fading in commercial LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)/SiOx-graphite pouch batteries were evaluated using electrochemical methods and some advanced verification techniques.
Hydrothermally synthesized biofunctional ceria nanoparticles using orange peel extract: optimization, characterization, and antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Mohammadi Pegah , Yaghoobi Maliheh , Bahaghighat Elnaz Keshavarz , Asjadi Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

The compounds of orange peel extract attach to the surface of the synthesized nanoparticles, enhancing the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the nanoparticles. However, these activities decrease with heat treatment.
Repurposing a supramolecular iridium catalyst via secondary Zn⋯OC weak interactions between the ligand and substrate leads to ortho-selective C(sp2)–H borylation of benzamides with unusual kinetics
Authors: Trouvé Jonathan , Delahaye Vanessa , Tomasini Michele , Rajeshwaran Purushothaman , Roisnel Thierry , Poater Albert , Gramage-Doria Rafael
Published: June 2024

Supramolecular catalysts based on a zinc-porphyrin molecular recognition site and a catalytically active iridium site enabled the selective ortho-C–H borylation of benzamides under a regime in which the C–H activation step is not rate-determining.
NSPs: chromogenic linkers for fast, selective, and irreversible cysteine modification
Authors: Hua Yong , Zou Zhi , Prescimone Alessandro , Ward Thomas R. , Mayor Marcel , Köhler Valentin
Published: June 2024

o-Nitrostyryl-pyridinium ions (NSPs) are easily accessible electrophiles that react rapidly and irreversibly with sulfhydryl groups accompanied by a large bathochromic shift.
RETRACTED: Identification and contouring of anomolies in the heat flux density and surface temperature
Authors: Khayitov Odiljon , Umirzokov Azamat , Rakhmatov U.N. , Gafurov Shuxrat , Abdurakhmonova Surayyo
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Technology of stabilizing parameters of twocolor light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kuldashov Obbozjon , Ismoilov Ma’murjon , Komilov Abdullajon , Ergashev Shokhboz , Maxmudov Isroiljon , Tadjibayev Ilxomjon , Madaminov Muhriddin
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Modernization of existing infrastructure, heat supply systems
Authors: Khujaev Parviz , Abdulkhaev Zokhidjon , Numonjonov Shohkzodbek , Karimov Nematulla , Akhunov Kambarali
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Estimation the state of power quality in distribution networks using fuzzy logic
Authors: Kholiddinov Ilkhombek , Eraliyev Abdunabi , Sharobiddinov Mirzokhid , Tukhtashev Alisher , Qodirov Afzal , Khaqiqov Anvar
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Determination of thermal stress and strain in plates by the direct method
Authors: Khamzaev Inomjon , Umarov Elmurad , Khaidarova Ozoda , Abdullayev Shukhratjon , Gapparov Kadirjon
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Enhancing service quality: Key approaches
Authors: Arabov Nurali , Yekimov Sergey , Utemuratova Gulnarakhan , Khamidova Aziza , Tukhliev Bakhtiyor , Sultonov Sanjar
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: The role of key behavioral events in managing employee behavior at hotel-restaurant enterprises
Authors: Hakova Mira , Teslenko Tatyana
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Programming and processing of big data using python language in medicine
Authors: Ergashev Otabek , Mamadaliev Nurillo , Khonturaev Sardorbek , Sobirov Muzaffar
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001
RETRACTED: Boundary value problems of degenerate integro-differential equations on the boundary of the region with application in filtration
Authors: Abdurazakov Abdujabbor , Fozilov Anvarjon , Makhmudova Nasiba , Mirzamakhmudova Nilufar
Published: June 2024

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 538, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202453800001