bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating the Performance of Large-Scale TIMES Models in the Modelling of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Panos Evangelos , Hassan Aymane
Published: June 2024

Energy system models become very complex when introducing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in high spatial and temporal detail. This can challenge their solvability and may require aggregation or reformulation of the optimisation problem or even solver-based methods for accelerating the solution time of the models. We provide insights into two powerful solver-based methods using a European TIMES-based model to guide the modeller in applying these methods. The first method involves efficiently parametrising the Barrier interior point solver in a shared-memory system, e.g., a personal computer. We find that with a suitable set of Barrier solver options, the run time of our test model was reduced by 95%. The second solver-based method uses distributed computing systems to solve the model matrix in parallel and across several nodes. We find that by exploiting the new parallel interior point solver PIPS-IPM++, we can scale up the model size several times without increasing solution runtimes when solving across multiple nodes. By combining solver- methods with suitable model reformulations, the energy system modelling research community can accelerate the solution of large-scale models featuring the assessment of the complex interactions between several SDGs.
Surgeon-performed transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound for vocal cord assessment after total thyroidectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Rossi Leonardo , Papini Piermarco , De Palma Andrea , Fregoli Lorenzo , Becucci Chiara , Ambrosini Carlo Enrico , Morganti Riccardo , Materazzi Gabriele
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Assessing vocal cord mobility is crucial for patients undergoing thyroid surgery. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of surgeon-performed transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) compared to flexible nasolaryngoscopy.

Method

From February 2022 to December 2022, we conducted a prospective observational study on patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy at our Institution. All patients underwent TLUS followed by flexible nasolaryngoscopy by a blinded otolaryngologist. Findings were classified as normal or vocal cord movement impairment and then compared. Patients evaluable on TLUS were included in Group A, while those not evaluable were included in Group B, and their features were compared.

Results

Group A included 180 patients, while Group B included 21 patients. Male sex (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.034), BMI (p < 0.001), thyroid volume (p = 0.038), and neck circumference (p < 0.001) were associated with Group B. TLUS showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 100%, 99.4%, 94.4%, 100%, and 99.4%, respectively. Cohen’s K value was 0.984.

Conclusion

TLUS is a valid, easy-to-perform, non-invasive, and painless alternative for evaluating vocal cords in selected patients. It can be used either as a first level exam and as screening tool for selecting cases for flexible nasolaryngoscopy. TLUS should be integrated into routine thyroid ultrasound examination.
Evaluation of the clinical assessment scale for autoimmune encephalitis (CASE) in a retrospective cohort and a systematic review
Authors: Soellradl Eva , von Oertzen Tim J. , Wagner Judith N.
Published: June 2024

Background

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) poses significant challenges in clinical management, requiring effective monitoring tools for therapeutic success and relapse detection. This study aims to assess the Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE) as compared to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) in evaluating AE patients and to determine the real-world adoption of the CASE score.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 20 AE patients, assessing clinical data including symptomatology, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, we performed a systematic review on the test performance criteria and the real-world use of the CASE score.

Results

The CASE score showed a higher sensitivity in detecting clinical changes compared to the mRS, with a significant correlation between the two scales throughout the disease course (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). A systematic review of 150 articles revealed widespread adoption of the CASE score, especially in Asian populations, demonstrating high reliability and internal consistency.

Discussion

Despite limitations such as retrospective design and small sample size, our findings underscore the CASE score's utility in both clinical practice and research settings. The CASE score emerges as a valuable tool for monitoring AE patients, offering improved sensitivity over existing scales like the mRS. Further validation studies in diverse populations are warranted to establish its broader applicability and inform future therapeutic interventions.
Drivers and challenges of solar photovoltaics (PV) adoption by Turkish manufacturers
Authors: Tüzün Furkan , Derin-Güre Pınar , Zırh Besim Can
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the critical gap in literature caused by previous qualitative studies on PV adoption focusing primarily on households, which have limited access to specific industry sectors across different countries. As far as we know, no other research has investigated the manufacturing and industrial firms’ perspective on Renewable energy and, specifically, PV adaptation in Türkiye. We use a qualitative semi-structured survey approach accommodated in Turkish Organized Industrial Zones. According to the interviews carried out within the scope of this study, an increase in electricity prices and a decrease in the payback period by PV installment are seen as the most critical drivers of PV adoption in the manufacturing sector. Energy security concerns and climate change policies also help increase the pace of PV adaptation. One of the biggest challenges in PV adoption seems to be technical challenges due to the limited capacity of the transformer, bureaucratic problems due to PV applications, supply side problems due to long wait times by the suppliers, knowledge and information problems, architectural and space problem that are also linked to the legal constraints and financial difficulties due to the lack of access to credit due to the macroeconomic situation of the country.
Close Relationships Despite the Challenges: Sibling Relationships and Autism
Authors: Trew Sebastian
Published: June 2024

This study explores the experiences of siblings of autistic adolescents within families. Without the novel insights generated from engaging with siblings of autistic adolescents within a qualitative framework, it can be challenging to develop strategies for practicing effectively with this group or structuring interventions with these families. Using a social constructivist approach and qualitative participatory methodology, the exploratory study was conducted using in-depth interviews with ten non-autistic siblings, analyzed via a thematic analysis method. The results reveal a common feeling of uncertainty and apprehension in the relationships, leading siblings to physical and emotional detachment from their autistic brothers or sisters. The research emphasizes the caregiving roles predominantly taken up by sisters, especially when the autistic sibling is a brother with intellectual disability. These roles exert substantial demands, with unclear boundaries suggesting potential role confusion. The findings have important implications for family practice, necessitating the need to address role conflict and promote role clarity. They also underscore the gendered nature of caregiving, advocating for support to sister-siblings in these roles. This study revealed the complexities of sibling relationships in families with a member who is an autistic adolescent sibling. The study suggests interventions that promote open family dialogues for a balanced approach to family roles, providing valuable guidance to practitioners to enhance siblings and family well-being.
Integrated Data Processing Architecture Applied to Learning Objects Repository for Educational Robotics: Proposing Approach
Authors: Marques de Santana Costa Ryllari Raianne , Jales de Oliveira Victor Benoiston , Nunes de Melo Kefton David , Santos Costa Cleyton Carlos , Alves Filho Sebastião Emidio
Published: June 2024

Educational Robotics has emerged as a multidisciplinary field integrating Information and Communication Technologies, Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence areas in education. Furthermore, Educational Robotics offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning by incorporating the construction and programming of robots. However, the small number of platforms for sharing Educational Robotics Learning Objects with a large amount of well-described metadata poses a challenge for efficient search and retrieval of relevant educational content. This study presents an architecture for data processing and ingestion in the RepositORE system, a Learning Objects Repository for Educational Robotics that stores educational content and associated metadata based on the Dublin Core standard. Based on microservices architecture, the proposed system aims to facilitate the location and reuse of learning objects by adapting the RepositORE system to work as a client service. The theoretical framework explores the concepts of learning objects, repositories, and the significance of Educational Robotics in education, and reviews related works. The proposed architecture and system can potentially enhance the accessibility and discoverability of Educational Robotics Learning Objects, fostering effective teaching and learning experiences.
The Impact of Vacant and Abandoned Property on Health and Well-Being: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Roude Gabriella D. , Wu Kimberly , Richardson Lisa , Tucker Amber , Moss Lolita , Kondo Michelle , Morrison Christopher N. , Branas Charles C. , Gustat Jeanette , Theall Katherine P.
Published: June 2024

This qualitative study explored the role of neglected properties and neighborhood environment characteristics on a sample of New Orleans, Louisiana residents’ health and well-being, sense of community, sense of safety, and civic engagement. We hypothesized that residents would identify conditions of their neighborhood's physical environment, including neglected properties, as one factor that impacted their health and other aspects of well-being. Seventy-four (N = 74) participants, including women, men, youth, young adults, and community leaders, took part in 11 focus groups (n = 51) and 23 key informant interviews. Thematic content analysis through inductive and deductive coding cycles of interview transcripts revealed five main categories related to urban neighborhood-built and social environments: 1) health and well-being, 2) sense of community, 3) sense of safety, 4) civic engagement, and 5) youth and family violence. Ten themes were developed and included, for example, the role of neighborhoods in delineating access to health-promoting characteristics and resources; the role of neighborhood social networks as crime prevention strategies; resident-led decision-making in neighborhood improvements; the negative impact of neglected properties; and the role of the local government in improving physical infrastructure. These findings affirm that residents were aware of and impacted by the cyclical nature of built environment neglect on health and well-being, community violence, neighborhood cohesion, civic engagement, and youth violence. Participants recommended improving neighborhood conditions to shift resident mindsets about the health of neighborhoods, reduce violence, and improve quality of life.
Assessment of elite pepper breeding lines using molecular markers
Authors: Ekbiç Ercan , Okay Ceylan Özlem
Published: June 2024

In this study, 38 elite breeding pepper lines were genetically analyzed using SRAP markers and tested for resistance to PVY, TSWV, and PMMoV viruses using molecular markers. In the virus resistance tests, 1 line (37-H–D-6) from the Three-lobs population was found to be resistant to all 3 viruses tested. The 19 SRAP primer combinations used for genetic diversity yielded a total of 85 bands, 57 of which were polymorphic among pepper lines. While 2–8 bands per primer were obtained, the number of polymorphic bands ranged from 1 to 6. The average polymorphism rate of the primers was 66.44%. The PIC values ranged from 0.06 to 0.40 (with a mean of 0.18). In addition, the average gene diversity, effective allele number, and Shannon information index values of the primers were 0.21, 1.34, and 0.31, respectively. STRUCTURE analysis showed that the pepper lines were grouped into 4 clusters. PCoA and Q-matrix plots supported the cluster distribution. Some lines of the Sivri and Three-lobs pepper populations were observed as outliers in the plots. Kapia and Three-lobs were more similar to each other. This study showed that SRAP markers can be successfully used for genetic diversity of pepper breeding lines.
Circulating Chemokines and Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Klimiec-Moskal Elzbieta , Koceniak Piotr , Weglarczyk Kazimierz , Slowik Agnieszka , Siedlar Maciej , Dziedzic Tomasz
Published: June 2024

Chemokines are vital in post-cerebral ischemia inflammatory reactions. We investigate the possible relationship between plasma chemokines and short-term and long-term outcomes after stroke. This study included 235 patients (median age, 72 years; 49.8% female) suffering from ischemic stroke, or transient ischemic attack admitted to the hospital within 24 h of onset. We evaluated chemokines CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 in plasma samples collected upon admission. Further, we assessed functional outcomes at 3- and 12-months, all-cause fatality over 5 years, and episodes of delirium within the first 7 days of admission. Multivariate analysis revealed an association between higher CXCL10 levels and an increased risk of poor functional outcomes at 3 months (OR: 3.02, 95%CI: 1.22–7.46, p = 0.016) and 12 months (OR: 2.32, 95%CI: 1.03–5.26, p = 0.043), as well as an increased death risk (HR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.04–3.07, p = 0.036). High CXCL8 levels independently predicted poor functional outcomes at 12 months (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.39–6.31, p = 0.005) and a higher 5-year case fatality rate (HR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.23–2.93, p = 0.004). Elevated CXCL9 levels also predicted unfavourable functional outcomes at 12 months (OR: 2.45, 95%CI: 1.07–5.61, p = 0.034). In univariate analysis, increased levels of CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 showed an association with delirium, although this link was not evident in the multivariate analysis. Plasma CXCL8 and CXCL10 show potential as prognostic biomarkers for stroke outcomes and as therapeutic targets suitable for reverse translation.
Design and simulation investigations on charge transport layers-free in lead-free three absorber layer all-perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Guangdong , Xu Mingxiang , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2024

The multiple absorber layer perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with charge transport layers-free (CTLs-free) have drawn widespread research interest due to their simplified architecture and promising photoelectric characteristics. Under the circumstances, the novel design of CTLs-free inversion PSCs with stable and nontoxic three absorber layers (triple Cs3Bi2I9, single MASnI3, double Cs2TiBr6) as optical-harvester has been numerically simulated by utilizing wxAMPS simulation software and achieved high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.8834%. This is owing to the innovative architecture of PSCs favors efficient transport and extraction of more holes and the slender band gap MASnI3 extends the absorption spectrum to the near-infrared periphery compared with the two absorber layers architecture of PSCs. Moreover, the performance of the device with p-type-Cs3Bi2I9/p-type-MASnI3/n-type-Cs2TiBr6 architecture is superior to the one with the p-type-Cs3Bi2I9/n-type-MASnI3/n-type-Cs2TiBr6 architecture due to less carrier recombination and higher carrier life time inside the absorber layers. The simulation results reveal that Cs2TiF6 double perovskite material stands out as the best alternative. Additionally, an excellent PCE of 21.4530% can be obtained with the thicker MASnI3 absorber layer thickness (0.4 µm). Lastly, the highest-performance photovoltaic devices (28.6193%) can be created with the optimized perovskite doping density of around E15 cm3 (Cs3Bi2I9), E18 cm3 (MASnI3), and 1.5E19 cm3 (Cs2TiBr6). This work manifests that the proposed CTLs-free PSCs with multi-absorber layers shall be a relevant reference for forward applications in electro-optical and optoelectronic devices.

Graphical Abstract
Fish contributions toward nutritional security in Kenya
Authors: Omukoto Johnstone O. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Hicks Christina C.
Published: June 2024

Human nutrient deficiencies remain prevalent globally and are particularly common in low- and middle-income countries, such as Kenya. Fish holds potential to help address these deficiencies but remains barely incorporated in nutrition policies and strategies, partly due to a lack of supporting evidence. We address this gap by analyzing sixteen years of fisheries production and trade data from marine, freshwater, and aquaculture systems to evaluate fish nutrient supply, assess changes in supply, and determine the contributions the current supply could make to meet the nutritional needs of children under five years in Kenya. Despite an 11% increase, through time, in the total supply of fish, there was a 24% decline in per capita fish consumption due to fishery changes and increased fish demand. Furthermore, a 21% decline in supply of fish from inland freshwater systems resulted in a 25–40% decline in nutrient supply. Based on the current supply of fish, Kenya’s per capita consumption of 2.5 kg/yr is below WHO recommendations of 10.4 kg/yr. However, this supply has the potential to support nearly 13 million Kenyans at this WHO recommendation. If supply was targeted towards vulnerable groups, such as children under five years, it could supply all children in Kenya with one-third of their calcium, selenium, and protein and over 70% of children in Kenya with one-third of their iron, zinc, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids requirements. Therefore, fish can play an important role in supporting nutritional security in Kenya if strategic interventions involving all relevant sectors are considered, to reduce identified nutrient deficiencies.
Exploring Similarities and Differences Between Shyness and Social Anxiety: An Analysis of Their Relations with Social Emotional and Language Outcomes in Hong Kong Kindergarteners
Authors: Wong Stephanie Choi Yin , Shum Kathy Kar-man
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the similarities and differences between Hong Kong kindergarteners’ shyness and social anxiety and their possible relations with social emotional adjustment and the development of receptive language abilities. Data were collected from three kindergartens, with 71 children (mean age = 52.6 months, SD = 7.28; 48% boys) and their major caregivers participating at two time points, six months apart. Findings showed that children’s shyness and social anxiety levels were strongly correlated, and both were moderately correlated with children’s social emotional difficulties. Interestingly, children’s shyness uniquely predicted social emotional difficulties beyond social anxiety, but children’s social anxiety did not significantly predict their difficulties beyond shyness. Additionally, neither shyness nor social anxiety were found to be associated with children’s Cantonese receptive language skills. Our results highlight the strong similarities between shyness and social anxiety. Given the intricate interplay among the constructs examined in this study, more research is needed to further understand their relations and interactions. This knowledge may help educators to identify appropriate intervention targets to facilitate better language outcomes among shy and socially anxious kindergarteners.
Working memory and L2 gender agreement processing in structural distance conditions
Authors: Durand-López Ezequiel M.
Published: June 2024

Previous studies examining the role of executive function in L2 processing show that working memory (WM) facilitates the processing of agreement in local domains in adult second language (L2) learners. Furthermore, other studies explored whether L2 learners can establish the agreement operation across phrases (i.e., structural distance) and whether WM intervenes in the said linguistic computation. However, these studies have often included both syntactic and linear distance in their stimuli, making it impossible to discern whether WM effects emerge from physical or syntactic reasons. The present study assesses how verbal WM updating and L2 proficiency modulate syntactic processing. Beginner and advanced adult English L2 learners of Spanish and Spanish monolinguals completed a verbal WM updating task, and a self-paced reading task containing Spanish sentences with gender agreement and disagreement within and across phrases. Results show that Spanish monolinguals exhibited sensitivity to gender agreement violations in local domains and in structural distance conditions, while beginner L2 learners were not sensitive to violations in either condition. Advanced learners, on the other hand, detected violations in local domains, and their verbal WM updating spans were associated with sensitivity to violations across phrases. Taken together, the findings suggest that (a) morphosyntactically complex structures consume cognitive resources in great number, and (b) L2 processing is qualitatively similar albeit quantitatively different from native processing, thus providing evidence that late bilinguals may process the L2 in a native-like manner.
Cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis of slow pyrolysis biochar from forest harvest residues in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Desjardins Sabrina M. , Ter-Mikaelian Michael T. , Chen Jiaxin
Published: June 2024

Climate change mitigation technologies have been a focus in reducing atmospheric carbon levels for the past few years. One such mitigation technology is pyrolysis, where biomass feedstocks are combusted at elevated temperatures for varying durations to produce three main products: biochar, bio-oil, and biogas. While bio-oil and biogas are typically used to produce energy via further combustion, biochar can be used in several different applications. Furthermore, using forest harvest residues as a feedstock for biochar production helps use excess biomass from the forestry industry that was previously assumed unmarketable. In our study, we combined forest carbon analysis modelling with cradle-to-gate life cycle emissions to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of biochar produced from forest harvest residues. We examined three collection scenarios, spanning two harvesting methods in one forest management unit in northern Ontario, Canada. From our analysis, we observed immediate reductions (− 0.85 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1 in year 1) in CO2-equivalent emissions (CO2eq) when producing biochar from forest harvest residues that would have undergone controlled burning, without considering the end use of the biochar. For the forest harvest residues that would remain in-forest to decay over time, producing biochar would increase overall emissions by about 6 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1. Throughout the 100-year timeframe examined–in ascending order of cumulative emissions–scenario ranking was: full tree harvesting with slash pile burn < full tree harvesting with slash pile decay < cut-to-length/tree-length harvesting.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnosis of COVID-19 CT Scans Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Chang Victor , Mcwann Siddharth , Hall Karl , Xu Qianwen Ariel , Ganatra Meghana Ashok
Published: June 2024

Machine learning technology, particularly neural networks, provides useful tools for diagnosing diseases. This study focuses on how convolutional neural networks can be implemented to diagnose COVID-19 through the processing of x-ray images. This study demonstrates how the convolutional neural networks DenseNet201, ResNet152, VGG16, and InceptionV3 can aid healthcare providers in the diagnosis of COVID-19. The models returned accuracies of 98.73%, 97.23%, 91.25% and 98.38% respectively. The results from these experiments are compared to previous studies by evaluating F1-score, accuracy, precision and recall. Additionally, the important problems of hyperparameter tuning and data imbalance are explored and addressed. Areas for future research in this area are also suggested.
“There’s No Way of Growing”: Subjective Dimensions of Precarity Among Young Spanish Adults
Authors: Castrillo Concepción
Published: June 2024

This article analyses the subjective dimension of the experience of precarity among young Spanish adults, a group particularly affected by the 2008 crisis and the austerity policies that followed. Based on qualitative research, we analyse how precarity affects the ideas that young people construct of themselves and their situation. The results show their assumption of the normative aspects of the idea of transition to adulthood and their feeling of inadequacy with their own present. In interpreting their situation, two opposing discourses are revealed: one involving self-blame and the other pointing to social and structural factors as the cause of their malaise. Finally, the young people make some positive re-readings of their circumstances, which involve subjective work to cope with their situation of vulnerability and which is based on valuing the expressive aspects of work and a lifestyle that is more flexible and less standardised than that of past generations.
The role and impact of ChatGPT in educational practices: insights from an Australian higher education case study
Authors: Sandu Raj , Gide Ergun , Elkhodr Mahmoud
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, notably ChatGPT, are increasingly recognised for their transformative potential in higher education. This study employs a detailed case study approach complemented by a survey, delving into ChatGPT’s impact on pedagogical practices, student engagement, and academic performance. It involved 74 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in data analytics courses in Australia. The quantitative analysis highlights ChatGPT’s role in providing personalised and on-demand support, which is highly valued among users for its flexibility and responsiveness, meeting a critical demand in educational settings. Notably, the study identifies a medium effect size ($$\eta ^2 = 0.173$$

η
2

=
0.173

) in perceived benefits, indicating that ChatGPT accounts for approximately 17.3% of the variance in improved academic outcomes. However, challenges such as ChatGPT’s limited understanding of complex queries and the lack of human interactions are primary concerns, with a medium effect size ($$\eta ^2 = 0.289$$

η
2

=
0.289

) suggesting significant areas for improvement. Furthermore, statistical analyses reveal a clear relationship between the frequency of ChatGPT usage and the perception of its benefits, underscoring the transformative potential for users who have integrated it into their academic practices. Despite these challenges, the differential impact on users versus non-users highlights the potential for ChatGPT to foster more engaging and effective educational practices. The findings advocate for targeted strategies to epitomise ChatGPT’s integration into educational settings, emphasising the need for ongoing research and the development of comprehensive guidelines to navigate its complexities and maximise its educational benefits.
The Thermal Conductivity of Bridgmanite at Lower Mantle Conditions Using a Multi‐Technique Approach
Authors: Edmund Eric , Chuvashova Irina , Konôpková Zuzana , Husband Rachel , Strohm Cornelius , Appel Karen , Bähtz Carsten , Ball Orianna , Bouffetier Victorien , Brugman Kara , Buakor Khachiwan , Chantel Julien , Chariton Stella , Duff Matthew , Dwivedi Anand , Glazyrin Konstantin , Hosseini‐Saber S. M. A. , Jaisle Nicolas , Laurus Torsten , Li Xiang , Masani Bernhard , McHardy James , McMahon Malcolm , Merkel Sébastien , Mohrbach Katharina , Mondal Anshuman , Morard Guillaume , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Prescher Clemens , Ryu Young‐Jay , Schwinkendorf Jan‐Patrick , Tang Minxue , Younes Zena , Sanchez‐Valle Carmen , Liermann Hanns‐Peter , Badro James , Lin Jung‐Fu , McWilliams R. Stewart , Goncharov Alexander F.
Published: June 2024

The thermal conductivity of bridgmanite, the primary constituent of the Earth's lower mantle, has been investigated using diamond anvil cells at pressures up to 85 GPa and temperatures up to 3,100 K. We report the results of time‐domain optical laser flash heating and X‐ray Free Electron Laser heating experiments from a variety of bridgmanite samples with different Al and Fe contents. The results demonstrate that Fe or Fe,Al incorporation in bridgmanite reduces thermal conductivity by about 50% in comparison to end‐member MgSiO3 at the pressure‐temperature conditions of Earth's lower mantle. The effect of temperature on the thermal conductivity at 28–60 GPa is moderate, well described as , where a is 0.2–0.5. The results yield thermal conductivity of 7.5–15 W/(m × K) in the thermal boundary layer of the lowermost mantle composed of Fe,Al‐bearing bridgmanite.
Regulated cell death in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: recent development and mechanistic overview
Authors: Wu Lingzhi , Chang Enqiang , Zhao Hailin , Ma Daqing
Published: June 2024

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in termed infants remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. Depending on the cell type, cellular context, metabolic predisposition and insult severity, cell death in the injured immature brain can be highly heterogenous. A continuum of cell death exists in the H/I-injured immature brain. Aside from apoptosis, emerging evidence supports the pathological activation of necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis as alternative regulated cell death (RCD) in HIE to trigger neuroinflammation and metabolic disturbances in addition to cell loss. Upregulation of autophagy and mitophagy in HIE represents an intrinsic neuroprotective strategy. Molecular crosstalk between RCD pathways implies one RCD mechanism may compensate for the loss of function of another. Moreover, mitochondrion was identified as the signalling “hub” where different RCD pathways converge. The highly-orchestrated nature of RCD makes them promising therapeutic targets. Better understanding of RCD mechanisms and crosstalk between RCD subtypes likely shed light on novel therapy development for HIE. The identification of a potential RCD converging node may open up the opportunity for simultaneous and synergistic inhibition of cell death in the immature brain.
Current-driven fast magnetic octupole domain-wall motion in noncollinear antiferromagnets
Authors: Wu Mingxing , Chen Taishi , Nomoto Takuya , Tserkovnyak Yaroslav , Isshiki Hironari , Nakatani Yoshinobu , Higo Tomoya , Tomita Takahiro , Kondou Kouta , Arita Ryotaro , Nakatsuji Satoru , Otani Yoshichika
Published: June 2024

Antiferromagnets (AFMs) have the natural advantages of terahertz spin dynamics and negligible stray fields, thus appealing for use in domain-wall applications. However, their insensitive magneto-electric responses make controlling them in domain-wall devices challenging. Recent research on noncollinear chiral AFMs Mn3X (X = Sn, Ge) enabled us to detect and manipulate their magnetic octupole domain states. Here, we demonstrate a current-driven fast magnetic octupole domain-wall (MODW) motion in Mn3X. The magneto-optical Kerr observation reveals the Néel-like MODW of Mn3Ge can be accelerated up to 750 m s-1 with a current density of only 7.56 × 1010 A m-2 without external magnetic fields. The MODWs show extremely high mobility with a small critical current density. We theoretically extend the spin-torque phenomenology for domain-wall dynamics from collinear to noncollinear magnetic systems. Our study opens a new route for antiferromagnetic domain-wall-based applications.
Spatial multi-omics of human skin reveals KRAS and inflammatory responses to spaceflight
Authors: Park Jiwoon , Overbey Eliah G. , Narayanan S. Anand , Kim JangKeun , Tierney Braden T. , Damle Namita , Najjar Deena , Ryon Krista A. , Proszynski Jacqueline , Kleinman Ashley , Hirschberg Jeremy Wain , MacKay Matthew , Afshin Evan E. , Granstein Richard , Gurvitch Justin , Hudson Briana M. , Rininger Aric , Mullane Sean , Church Sarah E. , Meydan Cem , Church George , Beheshti Afshin , Mateus Jaime , Mason Christopher E.
Published: June 2024

Spaceflight can change metabolic, immunological, and biological homeostasis and cause skin rashes and irritation, yet the molecular basis remains unclear. To investigate the impact of short-duration spaceflight on the skin, we conducted skin biopsies on the Inspiration4 crew members before (L-44) and after (R + 1) flight. Leveraging multi-omics assays including GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler, single-cell RNA/ATAC-seq, and metagenomics/metatranscriptomics, we assessed spatial gene expressions and associated microbial and immune changes across 95 skin regions in four compartments: outer epidermis, inner epidermis, outer dermis, and vasculature. Post-flight samples showed significant up-regulation of genes related to inflammation and KRAS signaling across all skin regions. These spaceflight-associated changes mapped to specific cellular responses, including altered interferon responses, DNA damage, epithelial barrier disruptions, T-cell migration, and hindered regeneration were located primarily in outer tissue compartments. We also linked epithelial disruption to microbial shifts in skin swab and immune cell activity to PBMC single-cell data from the same crew and timepoints. Our findings present the inaugural collection and examination of astronaut skin, offering insights for future space missions and response countermeasures.
Transfer of sulfur and chalcophile metals via sulfide-volatile compound drops in the Christiana-Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field
Authors: Patten Clifford Georges Charles , Hector Simon , Kilias Stephanos , Ulrich Marc , Peillod Alexandre , Beranoaguirre Aratz , Nomikou Paraskevi , Eiche Elisabeth , Kolb Jochen
Published: June 2024

Efficient transfer of S and chalcophile metals through the Earth’s crust in arc systems is paramount for the formation of large magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits. The formation of sulfide-volatile compound drops has been recognized as a potential key mechanism for such transfer but their fate during dynamic arc magmatism remains cryptic. Combining elemental mapping and in-situ mineral analyzes we reconstruct the evolution of compound drops in the active Christiana-Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field. The observed compound drops are micrometric sulfide blebs associated with vesicles trapped within silicate phenocrysts. The compound drops accumulate and coalesce at mafic-felsic melt interfaces where larger sulfide ovoids form. These ovoids are subsequently oxidized to magnetite during sulfide-volatile interaction. Comparison of metal concentrations between the sulfide phases and magnetite allows for determination of element mobility during oxidation. The formation and evolution of compound drops may be an efficient mechanism for transferring S and chalcophile metals into shallow magmatic-hydrothermal arc systems.
Collection of biospecimens from the inspiration4 mission establishes the standards for the space omics and medical atlas (SOMA)
Authors: Overbey Eliah G. , Ryon Krista , Kim JangKeun , Tierney Braden T. , Klotz Remi , Ortiz Veronica , Mullane Sean , Schmidt Julian C. , MacKay Matthew , Damle Namita , Najjar Deena , Matei Irina , Patras Laura , Garcia Medina J. Sebastian , Kleinman Ashley S. , Wain Hirschberg Jeremy , Proszynski Jacqueline , Narayanan S. Anand , Schmidt Caleb M. , Afshin Evan E. , Innes Lucinda , Saldarriaga Mateo Mejia , Schmidt Michael A. , Granstein Richard D. , Shirah Bader , Yu Min , Lyden David , Mateus Jaime , Mason Christopher E.
Published: June 2024

The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from four crew members longitudinally before (Launch: L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (Flight Day: FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (Return: R + 1, R + 45, R + 82, R + 194 days) spaceflight, spanning a total of 289 days across 2021-2022. The collection process included venous whole blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies. Venous whole blood was further processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles and particles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In total, 2,911 sample aliquots were shipped to our central lab at Weill Cornell Medicine for downstream assays and biobanking. This paper provides an overview of the extensive biospecimen collection and highlights their processing procedures and long-term biobanking techniques, facilitating future molecular tests and evaluations.As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can aid future human spaceflight and space biology experiments.
Impact of keratocyte differentiation on corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery in male rats
Authors: Riau Andri K. , Look Zhuojian , Yam Gary H. F. , Boote Craig , Ma Qian , Han Evelina J. Y. , binte M. Yusoff Nur Zahirah , Ong Hon Shing , Goh Tze-Wei , binte Halim Nuur Shahinda Humaira , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: June 2024

Intrastromal cell therapy utilizing quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes (qCSKs) from human donor corneas emerges as a promising treatment for corneal opacities, aiming to overcome limitations of traditional surgeries by reducing procedural complexity and donor dependency. This investigation demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of qCSKs in a male rat model of corneal stromal opacity, underscoring the significance of cell-delivery quality and keratocyte differentiation in mediating corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery. Quiescent CSKs-treated rats display improvements in escape latency and efficiency compared to wounded, non-treated rats in a Morris water maze, demonstrating improved visual acuity, while stromal fibroblasts-treated rats do not. Advanced imaging, including multiphoton microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy, revealed that qCSK therapy replicates the native cornea’s collagen fibril morphometry, matrix order, and ultrastructural architecture. These findings, supported by the expression of keratan sulfate proteoglycans, validate qCSKs as a potential therapeutic solution for corneal opacities.
Single-cell multi-ome and immune profiles of the Inspiration4 crew reveal conserved, cell-type, and sex-specific responses to spaceflight
Authors: Kim JangKeun , Tierney Braden T. , Overbey Eliah G. , Dantas Ezequiel , Fuentealba Matias , Park Jiwoon , Narayanan S. Anand , Wu Fei , Najjar Deena , Chin Christopher R. , Meydan Cem , Loy Conor , Mathyk Begum , Klotz Remi , Ortiz Veronica , Nguyen Khiem , Ryon Krista A. , Damle Namita , Houerbi Nadia , Patras Laura I. , Schanzer Nathan , Hutchinson Gwyneth A. , Foox Jonathan , Bhattacharya Chandrima , Mackay Matthew , Afshin Evan E. , Hirschberg Jeremy Wain , Kleinman Ashley S. , Schmidt Julian C. , Schmidt Caleb M. , Schmidt Michael A. , Beheshti Afshin , Matei Irina , Lyden David , Mullane Sean , Asadi Amran , Lenz Joan S. , Mzava Omary , Yu Min , Ganesan Saravanan , De Vlaminck Iwijn , Melnick Ari M. , Barisic Darko , Winer Daniel A. , Zwart Sara R. , Crucian Brian E. , Smith Scott M. , Mateus Jaime , Furman David , Mason Christopher E.
Published: June 2024

Spaceflight induces an immune response in astronauts. To better characterize this effect, we generated single-cell, multi-ome, cell-free RNA (cfRNA), biochemical, and hematology data for the SpaceX Inspiration4 (I4) mission crew. We found that 18 cytokines/chemokines related to inflammation, aging, and muscle homeostasis changed after spaceflight. In I4 single-cell multi-omics data, we identified a “spaceflight signature” of gene expression characterized by enrichment in oxidative phosphorylation, UV response, immune function, and TCF21 pathways. We confirmed the presence of this signature in independent datasets, including the NASA Twins Study, the I4 skin spatial transcriptomics, and 817 NASA GeneLab mouse transcriptomes. Finally, we observed that (1) T cells showed an up-regulation of FOXP3, (2) MHC class I genes exhibited long-term suppression, and (3) infection-related immune pathways were associated with microbiome shifts. In summary, this study reveals conserved and distinct immune disruptions occurring and details a roadmap for potential countermeasures to preserve astronaut health.
Macroscopic tunneling probe of Moiré spin textures in twisted CrI3
Authors: Yang Bowen , Patel Tarun , Cheng Meixin , Pichugin Kostyantyn , Tian Lin , Sherlekar Nachiket , Yan Shaohua , Fu Yang , Tian Shangjie , Lei Hechang , Reimer Michael E. , Okamoto Junichi , Tsen Adam W.
Published: June 2024

Various noncollinear spin textures and magnetic phases have been predicted in twisted two-dimensional CrI3 due to competing ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) interlayer exchange from moiré stacking—with potential spintronic applications even when the underlying material possesses a negligible Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya or dipole–dipole interaction. Recent measurements have shown evidence of coexisting FM and AFM layer order in small-twist-angle CrI3 bilayers and double bilayers. Yet, the nature of the magnetic textures remains unresolved and possibilities for their manipulation and electrical readout are unexplored. Here, we use tunneling magnetoresistance to investigate the collective spin states of twisted double-bilayer CrI3 under both out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic fields together with detailed micromagnetic simulations of domain dynamics based on magnetic circular dichroism. Our results capture hysteretic and anisotropic field evolutions of the magnetic states and we further uncover two distinct non-volatile spin textures (out-of-plane and in-plane domains) at ≈1° twist angle, with a different global tunneling resistance that can be switched by magnetic field.
Immunological synapse formation between T regulatory cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumour development
Authors: Varveri Athina , Papadopoulou Miranta , Papadovasilakis Zacharias , Compeer Ewoud B. , Legaki Aigli-Ioanna , Delis Anastasios , Damaskou Vasileia , Boon Louis , Papadogiorgaki Sevasti , Samiotaki Martina , Foukas Periklis G. , Eliopoulos Aristides G. , Hatzioannou Aikaterini , Alissafi Themis , Dustin Michael L. , Verginis Panayotis
Published: June 2024

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as a dominant non-hematopoietic cell population in the tumour microenvironment, serving diverse functions in tumour progression. However, the mechanisms via which CAFs influence the anti-tumour immunity remain poorly understood. Here, using multiple tumour models and biopsies from cancer patients, we report that α-SMA+ CAFs can form immunological synapses with Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumours. Notably, α-SMA+ CAFs can phagocytose and process tumour antigens and exhibit a tolerogenic phenotype which instructs movement arrest, activation and proliferation in Tregs in an antigen-specific manner. Moreover, α-SMA+ CAFs display double-membrane structures resembling autophagosomes in their cytoplasm. Single-cell transcriptomic data showed an enrichment in autophagy and antigen processing/presentation pathways in α-SMA-expressing CAF clusters. Conditional knockout of Atg5 in α-SMA+ CAFs promoted inflammatory re-programming in CAFs, reduced Treg cell infiltration and attenuated tumour development. Overall, our findings reveal an immunosuppressive mechanism entailing the formation of synapses between α-SMA+ CAFs and Tregs in an autophagy-dependent manner.
Smooth muscle NF90 deficiency ameliorates diabetic atherosclerotic calcification in male mice via FBXW7-AGER1-AGEs axis
Authors: Xie Fei , Liu Bin , Qiao Wen , He Jing-zhen , Cheng Jie , Wang Zhao-yang , Hou Ya-min , Zhang Xu , Xu Bo-han , Zhang Yun , Chen Yu-guo , Zhang Ming-xiang
Published: June 2024

Hyperglycemia accelerates calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients, and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is closely related to the atherosclerotic calcification. Here, we show that hyperglycemia-mediated AGEs markedly increase vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) NF90/110 activation in male diabetic patients with atherosclerotic calcified samples. VSMC-specific NF90/110 knockout in male mice decreases obviously AGEs-induced atherosclerotic calcification, along with the inhibitions of VSMC phenotypic changes to osteoblast-like cells, apoptosis, and matrix vesicle release. Mechanistically, AGEs increase the activity of NF90, which then enhances ubiquitination and degradation of AGE receptor 1 (AGER1) by stabilizing the mRNA of E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7, thus causing the accumulation of more AGEs and atherosclerotic calcification. Collectively, our study demonstrates the effects of VSMC NF90 in mediating the metabolic imbalance of AGEs to accelerate diabetic atherosclerotic calcification. Therefore, inhibition of VSMC NF90 may be a potential therapeutic target for diabetic atherosclerotic calcification.
Red2Flpe-SCON: a versatile, multicolor strategy for generating mosaic conditional knockout mice
Authors: Wu Szu-Hsien Sam , Kim Somi , Lee Heetak , Lee Ji-Hyun , Park So-Yeon , Bakonyi Réka , Teriyapirom Isaree , Hallay Natalia , Pilat-Carotta Sandra , Theussl Hans-Christian , Kim Jihoon , Lee Joo-Hyeon , Simons Benjamin D. , Kim Jong Kyoung , Colozza Gabriele , Koo Bon-Kyoung
Published: June 2024

Image-based lineage tracing enables tissue turnover kinetics and lineage potentials of different adult cell populations to be investigated. Previously, we reported a genetic mouse model system, Red2Onco, which ectopically expressed mutated oncogenes together with red fluorescent proteins (RFP). This system enabled the expansion kinetics and neighboring effects of oncogenic clones to be dissected. We now report Red2Flpe-SCON: a mosaic knockout system that uses multicolor reporters to label both mutant and wild-type cells. We develop the Red2Flpe mouse line for red clone-specific Flpe expression, as well as the FRT-based SCON (Short Conditional IntrON) method to facilitate tunable conditional mosaic knockouts in mice. We use the Red2Flpe-SCON method to study Sox2 mutant clonal analysis in the esophageal epithelium of adult mice which reveal that the stem cell gene, Sox2, is less essential for adult stem cell maintenance itself, but rather for stem cell proliferation and differentiation.