bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experts’ intuitive mathematical discourses about integration in complex analysis
Authors: Hanke Erik
Published: July 2024

Although complex analysis is part of the study programs of many mathematics undergraduates, little research has been done on how individuals interpret basic concepts from complex analysis. To address this gap, this paper investigates how experts individually think about complex path integrals. For this purpose, the commognitive framework is used to conceptualize experts’ interpretations of mathematical concepts discursively, namely in terms of so-called intuitive mathematical discourses. A total of nine interpretations of complex path integrals, so-called discursive images, as well as eight sets of rules governing their construction, so-called discursive frames, are derived from expert interviews. These interpretations range from a rejection of intrinsic meaning to connections with real and vector analysis, mean values, and individual formulations of theorems. The paper also raises questions for the inclusion of the results into teaching and addresses further research.
Biomonitoring of atmospheric heavy metals in native lichen Xanthoria parietina around Salda Lake (Burdur – Turkey), a special environmental protection area
Authors: Çobanoğlu Gülşah , Kaan Tuğçe
Published: July 2024

Exposure to air pollutants negatively affects human health as well as the ecosystem. The target study area, Salda Lake, which is a special environmental protection area with Turkey's and the world's geoheritage and unique natural values, has become one of the tourist attraction areas in recent years. However, quantitative data on airborne trace metals in the region remain poorly described. This study focuses on the spatial distribution of atmospheric heavy metals through lichen monitoring for the first time around Salda Lake. The concentration of airborne metals accumulated in Xanthoria parietina lichen thalli samples collected from 14 sites were evaluated by multi-element analysis with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The spatial distribution of toxic metals in the region was presented as separate pollution maps. Analysis data showed that Ni, Fe, Al, Cu and Zn accumulation levels in lichen thalli were significantly higher than reference. Visitor entrance, camping areas and the road line in the west and south of the lake were among the sample areas where metal contamination was evident. Due to the prevalence of chromium mineral deposits in the region, the high level of Cr content is also quite remarkable. It was concluded that Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the air are high enough to threaten human health and their levels vary depending on wind direction, human activities and traffic density. This study is important in terms of determining the level of air quality in this natural area and future perspectives.

Graphical Abstract
Development of Predictive Classification Models and Extraction of Signature Wavelengths for the Identification of Spoilage in Chicken Breast Fillets During Storage Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Siddique Aftab , Herron Charles B. , Wu Bet , Melendrez Katherine S. S. , Sabillon Luis J. G. , Garner Laura J. , Durstock Mary , Sanz-Saez Alvaro , Morey Amit
Published: July 2024

Technologies for rapid identification and prediction of food spoilage can be crucial in minimizing food waste and losses, although their efficiency requires further improvement. This study aimed to pinpoint specific near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths that could indicate spoilage in raw chicken breast fillets. In this study, commercial tray-packs of boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets stored in a walk-in cooler at 4 °C were periodically tested every other day until they reached the spoilage state (identified by > 7 log CFU/ml). A portable Hyper spectral spectroscopy device (Field Spec Hi-Res4), with a range of wavelengths of 350–2500 nm, was used to measure reflectance. In addition to hyper-spectral analysis, aerobic plate counts were conducted on the fillets. The data from these counts were then used to train a Back Propagation Neural Network (B.P.N.N.) with specific parameters (250,000 steps, a learning rate of 0.02, and 5 hidden layers) and Linear-Support Vector machines (SVM-Linear) with ten-fold cross-validation technique to categorize spoilage into three stages: baseline microbial count (up to 3 log CFU/ml) (Initiation), propagation (between 3 and 6.9 log CFU/ml), and spoiled (> 7 log CFU/ml). The feature extraction process successfully identified the most representative signature wavelengths of 385 nm, 400 nm, 432 nm, 1141 nm, 1321 nm, 1374 nm, 2241 nm, 2292 nm, 2311 nm, and 2412 nm from the whole hyper-spectral profile, which facilitated the classification of different phases of spoilage. The BPNN model demonstrated a high classification accuracy, with 93.7% for baseline counts, 95.2% for the propagation phase, and 98% for the spoiled category. These signature hyperspectral wavelengths hold the potential for developing cost-effective and rapid food spoilage detection systems, particularly for perishable items.
Recent Advances in Biorefinery of Tenebrio molitor Adopting Green Technologies
Authors: Muñoz-Seijas Nuno , Fernandes Helena , Domínguez José Manuel , Salgado José Manuel
Published: July 2024

Insects are promising alternatives to meet the world population’s demand for high-quality foods and to overcome important issues in animal farming practices. Novel and green biorefinery processes must be applied to insects, overcoming chemically based techniques. Eco-friendly approaches increase the nutritional value of insects, widening the commercial applications. This review addresses the rearing practices and nutritional composition of Tenebrio molitor, highlighting the green methodologies that can be applied to obtain value-added compounds, replacing unsustainable practices. Also, useful applications of pre-treated T. molitor biomass are presented with a thoughtful insight into their advantages and limitations. The nutritional richness of T. molitor is being successfully explored by resorting to physical and biological procedures, resulting in valuable compounds for food, feeding, and biomedical and biotechnological industries. Novel ingredients and additives of insect origin may upgrade food and feed formulation, while chitosan of T. molitor origin may upgrade the packaging industries of food and feed.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Promotes the Expansion of Human Myoblasts and Favors the In Vitro Generation of Human Muscle Reserve Cells in a Deeper State of Quiescence
Authors: Tollance Axel , Prola Alexandre , Michel Diego , Bouche Axelle , Turzi Antoine , Hannouche Didier , Berndt Sarah , Laumonier Thomas
Published: July 2024

Stem cell therapy holds significant potential for skeletal muscle repair, with in vitro-generated human muscle reserve cells (MuRCs) emerging as a source of quiescent myogenic stem cells that can be injected to enhance muscle regeneration. However, the clinical translation of such therapies is hampered by the need for fetal bovine serum (FBS) during the in vitro generation of human MuRCs. This study aimed to determine whether fresh allogeneic human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined or not with hyaluronic acid (PRP-HA) could effectively replace xenogeneic FBS for the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of human primary myoblasts. Cells were cultured in media supplemented with either PRP or PRP-HA and their proliferation rate, cytotoxicity and myogenic differentiation potential were compared with those cultured in media supplemented with FBS. The results showed similar proliferation rates among human myoblasts cultured in PRP, PRP-HA or FBS supplemented media, with no cytotoxic effects. Human myoblasts cultured in PRP or PRP-HA showed reduced fusion ability upon differentiation. Nevertheless, we also observed that human MuRCs generated from PRP or PRP-HA myogenic cultures, exhibited increased Pax7 expression and delayed re-entry into the cell cycle upon reactivation, indicating a deeper quiescent state of human MuRCs. These results suggest that allogeneic human PRP effectively replaces FBS for the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of human myoblasts and favors the in vitro generation of Pax7High human MuRCs, with important implications for the advancement of stem cell-based muscle repair strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Healthcare costs and medical utilization patterns associated with painful and severe painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Bromberg Todd , Gasquet Nicolas C. , Ricker Christine N. , Wu Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication in patients with diabetes. It is associated with a poor quality of life and high costs of care. This study investigated the impact of painful DPN on healthcare costs and resource utilization.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of administrative claims of adult patients with diabetes (type 1 or 2) from Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. Patients were assigned to four cohorts by presence of DPN and pain severity, based on diagnoses and prescription patterns in a one-year baseline. All-cause and diabetes-associated costs were calculated for the year following the index DPN diagnosis. Risk factors associated with presence of severely painful DPN were evaluated.

Results

Relative to those without DPN, patients who had DPN without pain, painful DPN (PDPN), or severe PDPN incurred respective increases of $3,093, $9,349, and $20,887 in average annual all-cause costs. More than half of costs from painful/severe DPN were for prescriptions and inpatient hospitalization. Severe PDPN was associated with elevated odds of diabetic amyotrophy (OR: 8.09; 95% CI: 6.84–9.56), diabetic foot ulcers (OR: 6.54, 95% CI: 6.32–6.76), and loss of mobility (OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 2.48–2.60), among other complications.

Conclusions

Painful DPN is associated with higher healthcare costs and resource utilization, and a greater risk of debilitating conditions that limit quality of life. Future research should focus on better treatment options and more aggressive pain management strategies to reduce the negative impacts of DPN.
Multiscale dimensions of the foreign working citizens participation to the Italian labour market: intra-regional heterogeneities across the North–South divide
Authors: Benassi Federico , Buonomo Alessio , Rabiei-Dastjerdi Hamidreza , Carella Maria
Published: July 2024

This article delves into the distinctive intra- and interregional geographical heterogeneity of Italy, emphasizing demographic and socio-economic variations and the role of foreign employment, considering the labour market as a fundamental driver for migration and local inclusion. The article identifies a gap in understanding the employed foreign population as a multiscale process in Lombardy and Campania, representative regions as case studies from the North and South divide using a MGWR approach. The results reveal contrasting effects of the Italian labour force’s unemployment rate (URI). In Lombardy, a positive effect suggests working competition between labour force components while, in Campania, the relation is less clear. The analysis underscores significant local heterogeneity, emphasizing the importance and urgency of employing local scale analysis for accurate statistics. The study emphasizes the multiscale nature of the analysed process, demonstrating variable effects across different regional contexts. While the study is limited to two regions and cross-sectional data, it marks the first attempt in Italy to address the foreign presence as a multiscale process, highlighting the need for localized and multiscale approaches in understanding spatial processes related to demography and population issues.
Korean Residents’ Experiences of Racism in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association with Life Satisfaction and Sense of Belonging
Authors: Park Joohyun Justine , Lee Ah-Hyun Angela , Park Lynne Soon-Chean , Jaung Rebekah , Song Changzoo
Published: July 2024

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, more incidents of anti-Asian racism have been reported in Europe. Asians in Germany have been directly and indirectly exposed to racism, with potential implications for their well-being and sense of belonging. This study aimed to explore racism experiences among Korean residents in Germany since the outset of the pandemic. It also examines how racism is associated with their life satisfaction and sense of belonging to the host society. Our online survey of 552 Koreans residing in Germany shows that since the beginning of the pandemic nearly 80% of them experienced direct and/or indirect racism mainly in public places, public transportation, social media, and mainstream media. Women, younger people, and temporary visa-holders were more likely to experience racism than other groups. While the experience(s) of racism was associated with lower life satisfaction, a stronger sense of belonging to local communities and German society as a whole appeared to alleviate the negative effect of the racism experience. This study shows the pervasiveness of anti-Asian racism in Germany, and thus urges German society and local communities to commit to creating inclusive and diverse environments alongside anti-racism efforts.
The effect of attachment style on mindfulness: findings from a weekly diary study using latent growth modeling
Authors: Yang Fan , Ren Menghao , Oshio Atsushi
Published: July 2024

The current study aimed to explore whether attachment style could predict the fluctuation of weekly mindfulness. A weekly diary design was adopted across one baseline week and five follow-up weeks. Data from 622 Chinese college students were subjected to latent growth modeling. Results showed attachment anxiety negatively predicted the intercept of acting with awareness, present moment attention, and nonjudging while positively predicting the slope of acting with awareness. Attachment avoidance negatively predicted the intercept of acting with awareness and present moment attention and positively predicted the slope of acting with awareness. These suggest that attachment style may impact the fluctuation of weekly mindfulness. Furthermore, both attachment avoidance and anxiety impact the rate of change of acting with awareness across five weeks. These support the idea that compared to securely attached people, insecurely attached people’s attention may fluctuate more according to their stress level, shifting between external tasks, other people, or themselves.
Scenario-based seismic hazard for horizontal and vertical ground motions in central Italy
Authors: Visini F. , Carafa M. M. C. , Valentini A. , Di Naccio D. , Kastelic V. , Doglioni C.
Published: July 2024

We propose an innovative methodology for seismic emergency planning and earthquake risk mitigation in central Italy by integrating three prototypal earthquake scenarios. The different scenarios derive maximum earthquake magnitudes from different input data. The first scenario utilizes local rheological, geological, and geophysical conditions; the second scenario considers the study area fault characteristics, while the third scenario relies on the cluster analysis of historical and instrumental earthquake records. The magnitudes and related uncertainties are combined using a conflation method to derive the expected ground motions for a grid of sites in central Italy. The resulting scenarios include peak ground acceleration and spectral ordinates, presented as maps and spectra for two selected localities. The vertical component of ground motion is also presented, because it is essential for accurately assessing the response of short-period structures. Our methodology complements the more classic seismic hazard analyses, offering additional insights for earthquake contingency planning and loss analysis. The proposed methodology is flexible; multiple models and ongoing advancements in scenario practice (near-field effects, vertical ground motion, and the choice of ground motion models) can be easily incorporated, increasing the effectiveness of seismic scenario modeling in seismic emergency planning and risk mitigation.
High-risk pathogenic germline variants in blood relatives of BRCA1/2 negative probands
Authors: Yoshida Reiko , Kaneyasu Tomoko , Ueki Arisa , Yamauchi Hideko , Ohsumi Shozo , Ohno Shinji , Aoki Daisuke , Baba Shinichi , Kawano Junko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Nagasaki Masao , Ueno Takayuki , Inari Hitoshi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Takei Junko , Gotoh Osamu , Nishi Mitsuyo , Okamura Miki , Kaneko Keika , Okawa Megumi , Suzuki Misato , Amino Sayuri , Inuzuka Mayuko , Noda Tetsuo , Mori Seiichi , Nakamura Seigo
Published: July 2024

Background

Tailored, preventive cancer care requires the identification of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) among potentially at-risk blood relatives (BRs). Cascade testing is carried out for BRs of probands who are positive for PGVs of an inherited cancer but not for negative probands. This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of PGVs for BRs of PGV-negative probands.

Methods

PGV prevalence was assessed for 682 BRs of 281 probands with BRCA1/BRCA2 wild-type hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome.

Results

PGVs were discovered in 22 (45.8%) of the 48 BRs of the PGV-positive probands and in 14 (2.2%) of 634 BRs of the PGV-negative probands. Eleven PGVs on high-risk BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 genes were present only in BRs and not in the probands (probands vs BRs in Fisher exact test; p = 0.0104; odds ratio [OR] = 0.000 [0.000–0.5489 of 95% confidence interval]), partly due to the nature of the selection criteria. The enrichment of high-risk PGVs among BRs was also significant as compared with a non-cancer East Asian population (p = 0.0016; OR = 3.0791 [1.5521–5.6694]). PGV prevalence, risk class of gene, and genotype concordance were unaffected by the cancer history among BRs.

Conclusion

These findings imply the necessity to construct a novel testing scheme to complement cascade testing.
Mindfulness in Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Can the Use of a Mindfulness Diary Positively Influence the Therapeutic Outcome of Orthopedic Rehabilitation?
Authors: Schäffer Franziska , Jansen Petra
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Mindfulness is a proven therapeutic practice for reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, which are factors that influence the success of hip/knee replacement surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness bibliotherapy in rehabilitation on anxiety, depression, and health status. The objective was to determine whether there is a connection between the level of mindfulness before rehabilitation and the health status after rehabilitation.

Method

Ninety-three patients (Mage = 63.34, SD = 10.49) from an outpatient rehabilitation clinic participated in the study. Forty-three patients were included in the mindfulness bibliotherapy group, and 45 were included in the waitlist control group. Anxiety, depression (both measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life (measured with the SF-36), and walking ability (measured with the Timed “Up and Go”-Test), as well as orthopedic measurements and dispositional mindfulness, were measured before and after the intervention. A follow-up measurement was carried out 4 weeks after the end of rehabilitation.

Results

A significant interaction effect between test time (pre- and post-test) and group (mindfulness bibliotherapy and waitlist control group) was detected for the measurement of Anxiety. The Anxiety score decreased in the intervention group from the pre-test to the post-test and the follow-up. In addition, the five subscales of dispositional mindfulness, age, and gender predicted mental health status (measured with the mental health scale of the SF-36) at the end of rehabilitation, F(7, 85) = 2.52, p = 0.021, even though no individual predictor reached significance.

Conclusions

Mindfulness diary practice can be a helpful therapy approach to support patients and to regain the goal of full capacity for working life and everyday life after surgery. Further studies need to investigate more intensively the relationships between the mode of action of mindfulness interventions in the setting of orthopedic rehabilitation.

Preregistration

This study was preregistered in OSF (https://osf.io/4tmwq/).
Market Resilience Unveiled: Insights from Quantile Time Frequency Connectedness into Emerging Countries Stock Indices
Authors: Kayral İhsan Erdem , Bozkurt Melike Aktaş , Loukil Sahar , Jeribi Ahmed
Published: July 2024

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic connectedness among BRICS-plus stock indices, focusing on three distinct periods: pre-COVID-19 era, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Utilizing the Quantile Vector Autoregressive (QVAR) connectivity approach, our methodology starts with the median quantile and systematically expands to various quantiles. This systematic progression allows us to comprehensively examine the temporal risk characteristics and interconnections across specific quantiles, enhancing our understanding through frequency domain analysis. Our findings reveal significant changes in the total connectedness index (TCI) and the roles of individual indices as either net transmitters or receivers of shocks during different crises. Particularly noteworthy is the resilience demonstrated by indices such as JTOPI, BVSP, TASI, and RTSI against risk transmission amidst the pandemic. Conversely, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, BSE30, JTOPI, and ADX exhibited varying level of resilience. These insights underscore the sensitivity of financial markets to geopolitical events and highlight the importance of tailored risk management and investment strategies. The implications of our study are crucial for financial entities and policymakers aiming to optimize frameworks for market stability and risk mitigation in the face of global crises.
Seeing Beyond the Individual: Unveiling the Hidden Dynamics of Sexual Revictimisation in Regional and Rural Areas
Authors: Corbett Emily , Power Jennifer , Theobald Jacqui , Hooker Leesa , Billett Paulina , Edmonds Lee , Fisher Christopher
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Sexual revictimisation has detrimental health outcomes for women; yet, little is known about this experience in regional/rural areas. Guided by a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, we explore sexual assault counsellor perspectives on the revictimisation experiences of their clients and consider what conditions enable sexual revictimisation to be perpetrated within regional/rural spaces.

Method

This paper reports findings from a workshop held in September 2021 with counsellors (N = 27) from a sexual violence response organisation servicing regional and rural communities in Victoria, Australia.

Results

Findings from this study reveal that geographically and socially isolated spaces, cultures of victim-blaming, structural disadvantage and systemic revictimisation facilitated men in perpetrating sexual violence in local and specific ways. These material-discursive forces were thereby involved in the co-constitution of sexual revictimisation as a phenomenon.

Conclusion

It is imperative that revictimisation research and policy examine the multiple and complex material-discursive forces that co-constitute sexual violence experiences.

Policy Implications

Investigating the complex network of forces prevalent in sexual revictimisation experiences prompts us to transcend potentially victim-blaming explanations and detrimental policy measures focused solely on the individual. Instead, this approach cultivates a deeper appreciation for the divergent dynamics, agents and processes at play. It underscores the demand for more sophisticated research and policy interventions that grasp the complexity of revictimisation experiences.
A strongly convergent algorithm for solving split equality problems beyond monotonicity
Authors: Mewomo Oluwatosin Temitope , Uzor Victor Amarachi , Gibali Aviv
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we focus on some split inverse problems, namely the split equality variational inequalities and common fixed point problems, and combine various operator theory techniques to establish minimum-norm strong convergence for our proposed method. We present two strong convergent results with (and without) reference to the monotonicity property of the cost operators. Our convergence analyses assume very mild conditions and thus generalize and extend recent related results in the literature. Furthermore, several numerical examples illustrate the practical potentials and advantages of our proposed algorithm.
Noise reduction mechanism of high-speed railway box-girder bridges installed with MTMDs on top plate
Authors: Zhang Xiaoan , Zhang Xiaoyun , Yang Jianjin , Yang Li , Shi Guangtian
Published: July 2024

The issue of low-frequency structural noise radiated from high-speed railway (HSR) box-girder bridges (BGBs) is a significant challenge worldwide. Although it is known that vibrations in BGBs caused by moving trains can be reduced by installing multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs) on the top plate, there is limited research on the noise reduction achieved by this method. This study aims to investigate the noise reduction mechanism of BGBs installed with MTMDs on the top plate. A sound radiation prediction model for the BGB installed with MTMDs is developed, based on the vehicle–track–bridge coupled dynamics and acoustics boundary element method. After being verified by field tested results, the prediction model is employed to study the reduction of vibration and noise of BGBs caused by the MTMDs. It is found that installing MTMDs on top plate can significantly affect the vibration distribution and sound radiation law of BGBs. However, its impact on the sound radiation caused by vibrations dominated by the global modes of BGBs is minimal. The noise reduction achieved by MTMDs is mainly through changing the acoustic radiation contributions of each plate of the bridge. In the lower frequency range, the noise reduction of BGB caused by MTMDs can be more effective if the installation of MTMDs can modify the vibration frequency and distribution of the BGB to avoid the influence of small vibrations and disperse the sound radiation from each plate.
Measured dynamic load distribution within the in situ axlebox bearing of high-speed trains under polygonal wheel–rail excitation
Authors: Hou Yu , Wang Xi , Wei Jiaqi , Zhao Menghua , Zhao Wei , Shi Huailong , Sha Chengyu
Published: July 2024

The dynamic load distribution within in-service axlebox bearings of high-speed trains is crucial for the fatigue reliability assessment and forward design of axlebox bearings. This paper presents an in situ measurement of the dynamic load distribution in the four rows of two axlebox bearings on a bogie wheelset of a high-speed train under polygonal wheel–rail excitation. The measurement employed an improved strain-based method to measure the dynamic radial load distribution of roller bearings. The four rows of two axlebox bearings on a wheelset exhibited different ranges of loaded zones and different means of distributed loads. Besides, the mean value and standard deviation of measured roller–raceway contact loads showed non-monotonic variations with the frequency of wheel–rail excitation. The fatigue life of the four bearing rows under polygonal wheel–rail excitation was quantitatively predicted by compiling the measured roller–raceway contact load spectra of the most loaded position and considering the load spectra as input.
COVID-19 ethics: unique aspects and a review as of early 2024
Authors: Shandera Wayne X.
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 presents a variety of ethical challenges in a set of arenas, arenas not always considered in past pandemics. These challenges include issues related to autonomy, distributive ethics, and the establishment of policies of equity and justice. Methods are a literature review based on regular editing of an online textbook during the COVID-19 outbreak and a literature review using key ethical terms. Patients are confronted with new issues related to autonomy. Providers need to expand their concepts of ethical issues to include decisions based on proportionality and public health ethics. The public health sector needs to assess the beneficence of alternative modes of disease control. The research community needs to redefine the concept of informed consent in emergent conditions. All elements of the medical spectrum—physicians, scientists, and the community-at-large including the pharmaceutical industry—need to consider the multifaceted methods for preventing future pandemics. This will require giving particular emphasis to public health funding and ending the documented discrimination that exists in the provision of proven therapies. The developing world is especially at risk for most of the ethical issues, especially those related to equity and justice. The ethical issues associated with the COVID-19 outbreak are not unique but provide a diverse set of issues that apply to patients, providers, social groups, and investigators. The further study of such issues can help with preventing future outbreaks.
Assessing Stray DC and AC Current-Induced Corrosion in Steel Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) in Railway Tunnelling Construction
Authors: Tang Kangkang
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses the uncertainties surrounding corrosion prompted by stray direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) interferences. The influence of railway stray DC interference was simulated through cyclic potentiodynamic (CP) polarization in a simulated concrete pore solution. Steel fibres exhibit excellent resistance to stray DC perturbations up to 1.0 V (vs. OCP or Open Circuit Potential) in the absence of chloride. However, when the electrolyte contains 0.6 mol/L chloride, a reduced DC perturbation of 0.4 V (vs. OCP) was sufficient to initiate pitting corrosion, indicating decreased corrosion resistance. The stray AC interference was simulated by applying an AC perturbation test to the embedded steel fibres which were polarized in simulated concrete pore solution as well. This approach allows for the effect of steel fibre orientations under stray AC interferences to be assessed. Following the AC interference test, the Tafel polarisation test shows a stochastic corrosion pattern in the embedded steel fibres. Notably, there is a significant reduction in the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and a corresponding increase in the corrosion current density (icorr) observed in one of the fibres. Ongoing research is being conducted to explore the stochastic corrosion phenomena identified in this research. Boundary element modelling (BEM) results show that the maximum voltage drops between steel fibres arranged in various configurations closely correspond to experimental measurements. The computer simulation approach applied in this study has the potential to further advance the development of more valuable predictive tools in forecasting the corrosion behaviours of reinforced concrete exposed to stray currents under complex built environments.
The acyl-CoA-binding protein VdAcb1 is essential for carbon starvation response and contributes to virulence in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Zhuang Jing , Zhang Ya-Duo , Sun Wei-Xia , Zong Juan , Li Jun-Jiao , Dai Xiao-Feng , Klosterman Steven J. , Chen Jie-Yin , Tian Li , Subbarao Krishna V. , Zhang Dan-Dan
Published: July 2024

In the face of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus starvation, microorganisms have evolved adaptive mechanisms to maintain growth. In a previous study, we identified a protein predicted to contain acyl-CoA-binding domains in the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. The predicted protein, designated VdAcb1, possesses an atypical signal peptide. However, the functions of this acyl-CoA-binding protein in V. dahliae are not clear. In this research, in vivo or in vitro assays confirmed that VdAcb1 is secreted extracellularly from V. dahliae, although it does not have the typical signal peptide. Furthermore, the unconventional secretion of VdAcb1 was dependent on VdGRASP, a member of the compartment for unconventional protein secretion (CUPS). The deletion mutant strain of VdAcb1 (ΔVdAcb1) exhibited significant sensitivity to carbon starvation. RNA-seq revealed that the expression of genes related to filamentous growth (MSB2 pathway) and sugar transport were regulated by VdAcb1 under conditions of carbon starvation. Yeast one-hybrid experiments further showed that the expression of VdAcb1 was positively regulated by the transcription factor VdMsn4. The ΔVdAcb1 strain showed significantly reduced virulence on Gossypium hirsutum and Nicotiana benthamiana. We hypothesize that under conditions of carbon starvation, the expression of VdAcb1 is activated by VdMsn4 and VdAcb1 is secreted into the extracellular space. In turn, this activates the downstream MAPK pathway to enhance filamentous growth and virulence of V. dahliae.
Light reception of Phycomyces revisited: several white collar proteins confer blue- and red-light sensitivity and control dynamic range and adaptation
Authors: Galland Paul , Corrochano Luis M.
Published: July 2024

The giant-fruiting body, sporangiophore, of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus grows toward near-UV/blue-light (phototropism). The blue-light photoreceptor, MadA, should contain FAD bound to the LOV domain, and forms a complex with MadB. Both proteins are homologs of white collar proteins WC-1 and WC-2 from the fungus Neurospora crassa and should be localized in nuclei, where they function as a light-sensitive transcription factor complex. The photoreceptor properties of two further Wc proteins, WcoA and WcoB, remain unclear because of lack of mutants. We propose that WcoA and/or WcoB play essential roles in photoreception by enlarging the dynamic range that help explain complex stimulus–response relationships. Even though red light does not elicit photo-movement or -differentiation in Phycomyces, it affects the effectiveness of blue light which indicates an underlying photochromic receptor. Protein sequence searches show that other fungal red-light receptors are absent in Phycomyces. The solution to the red-light riddle is thus sought in the ability of Wc complexes to generate after blue-light irradiation a neutral flavosemiquinone radical that absorbs red light and functions as primary photochemical signal. Phototropism requires Ras-GAP (MadC) as part of the signal transduction cascade and, we propose, to allocate photoreceptors in the plasmalemma of the growing zone, which allows for receptor dichroism, range adjustment and contrast recognition for spatial orientation. Phototropic signal chains must entail transduction networks between Wc receptors and small G-proteins and their associated Ras-GAP and Ras-GEF proteins. The interactions among these proteins should occur in trans-Golgi vesicles and the plasmalemma of the growing zone.

Graphical abstract
Exergy analysis of direct method for conversion of natural gas to methanol
Authors: Salahudeen N. , Ahmed O. U. , Rasheed A. A. , Ali A. F. , Abdullahi I. , Mudi S. Y.
Published: July 2024

The exergy analysis of a direct method for the conversion of natural gas to methanol is reported in this work. The study is part of a process development effort to identify areas of improvement to the technology of direct conversion of natural gas to methanol. Prior to the exergy analysis, different configurations of the direct conversion process were developed and simulated. Two heat-integrated configurations designated as Case I and Case II were considered plausible. The exergy efficiency, excluding exergy of the rejected heat, of Case I and Case II were determined as 33% and 36%, respectively. The 9% increase in efficiency of Case II relative to Case I did not justify the installation of an expander and was therefore screened out. Exergy balance in Case I showed that a total of 56% of the exergy input was lost to internal consumption. The majority of exergy destruction was found to be due to the methanol synthesis reactor (36.0%), heat exchangers (30.1%) and combustion (25.0%). Further analyses of the losses across all heat exchangers indicated a nonlinear relationship between exergy destruction contribution and minimum approach temperature (ΔTmin), with a minimal at ΔTmin of 10 °C. The methanol product was determined to represent 18% of exergy input, excluding the air separation unit. The overall process efficiencies were found to be 18% (LHV) and 24% (LHV) for recycle split fractions of 90% and 98%, respectively. The results of this work would provide further insight into the exergy viability of the technology of direct conversion of natural gas to methanol.
Resolving the Turkana Jet—Impact of Model Resolution in Simulating Channel Flow and Inversions
Authors: Warner James L. , Munday Callum , Engelstaedter Sebastian
Published: July 2024

The Turkana Jet plays a pivotal role in the meteorology of East Africa across timescales, and owes its existence to both large‐scale dynamics and the representation of intricate local‐scale processes. However, much of our understanding of the jet relies on reanalysis, and these along with climate models that produce important projections do not represent these local‐scale processes. We systematically investigate the impact of changing model horizontal and vertical resolution in simulating the Turkana Jet, and associated local and large‐scale processes. We perform simulations to coincide with the Radiosonde Investigation For the Turkana Jet (RIFTJet) campaign, enabling direct model‐sonde comparisons in unprecedented detail. We find that increasing horizontal model resolution significantly increases the strength of the jet throughout the channel by up to 30%, while vertical resolution changes have little impact. Horizontal resolutions finer than 2.2 km produce a nocturnal jet ∼2 m/s stronger than observed but perform better during the day. The elevated inversion, which is strongly tied to the strength of the jet, is much better represented in resolutions as high as 1.1 km, whereas the global model at resolution O(∼10 km) is unable to produce any nocturnal elevated inversion. Predictions of jet strength are improved at higher resolution, indicating an important role of local process given that models inherit the same large‐scale state. Despite further improvements at resolutions finer than 4.4 km, we recommend that 4.4 km is the minimum horizontal resolution required to capture realistic interactions between these processes. Underestimation of the Turkana Jet could cause considerable errors in moisture advection into Africa.
Improving CMIP6 Atmospheric River Precipitation Estimation by Cycle‐Consistent Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhao Yang , Li Jianping , Xu Hongxiong , Zhang Chi , Deng Lin , Wang Yinjun , Peng Min
Published: July 2024

Given the important role of Atmospheric River precipitation (ARP) in the global hydrological cycle, accurate representation of ARP is significant. However, general circulation models (GCMs) demonstrate bias in simulating ARP. The target of this study is to quantify the performance of ARP intensity/frequency for CMIP6 simulations, and further to improve ARP estimation of CMIP6 using Cycle‐Consistent Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN) with highlighting the more accurate ARP features under the global warming background. The findings of this study are as follows: (a) although ARP intensity/frequency in reserved‐optimal CMIP6 overall reproduces the observation, it is still underestimated at the stronger Atmospheric river (AR) scales, particularly for the AR highly active mid‐latitude regions. (b) The CycleGAN‐based bias correction approach markedly diminishes the bias of the CMIP6 simulations within most of the AR scales among both global and the four AR highly active regions. Moreover, the performance of the ARP in AR highly active regions is significant improvement, which is mainly due to the reduction of the bias at the strongest scale. (c) Relative to reference period (1986–2005), ARP intensity/frequency at the strongest scale increase notably under 3°C warming level, with an average value of 373.3% in intensity and 415.9% in frequency for global and the four key regions before correction, and the value is 451.9% and 492.5% after bias correction. The results illustrate that CycleGAN can effectively improve the ARP simulations of GCMs, and an early warning implies that future strong extreme ARP should potentially surpass the current expected.
How Liquid Is That Lava?
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: July 2024

A new device helps scientists measure lava viscosity during active flows.
Researchers Find Bacterial Communities Deep Beneath the Atacama
Authors: Pardo Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Extremophile microbes exist in the gypsum-rich “fringes” of the driest place on Earth.
Drinking water source and exposure to regulated water contaminants in the California Teachers Study cohort
Authors: Spaur Maya , Medgyesi Danielle N. , Bangia Komal , Madrigal Jessica M. , Hurwitz Lauren M. , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Fisher Jared A. , Spielfogel Emma S. , Lacey James V. , Sanchez Tiffany , Jones Rena R. , Ward Mary H.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pollutants including metals/metalloids, nitrate, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds contaminate federally regulated community water systems (CWS) and unregulated domestic wells across the United States. Exposures and associated health effects, particularly at levels below regulatory limits, are understudied.

Objective

We described drinking water sources and exposures for the California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective cohort of female California teachers and administrators.

Methods

Participants’ geocoded addresses at enrollment (1995–1996) were linked to CWS service area boundaries and monitoring data (N = 115,206, 92%); we computed average (1990–2015) concentrations of arsenic, uranium, nitrate, gross alpha (GA), five haloacetic acids (HAA5), total trihalomethanes (TTHM), trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). We used generalized linear regression to estimate geometric mean ratios of CWS exposures across demographic subgroups and neighborhood characteristics. Self-reported drinking water source and consumption at follow-up (2017–2019) were also described.

Results

Medians (interquartile ranges) of average concentrations of all contaminants were below regulatory limits: arsenic: 1.03 (0.54,1.71) µg/L, uranium: 3.48 (1.01,6.18) µg/L, GA: 2.21 (1.32,3.67) pCi/L, nitrate: 0.54 (0.20,1.97) mg/L, HAA5: 8.67 (2.98,14.70) µg/L, and TTHM: 12.86 (4.58,21.95) µg/L. Among those who lived within a CWS boundary and self-reported drinking water information (2017–2019), approximately 74% self-reported their water source as municipal, 15% bottled, 2% private well, 4% other, and 5% did not know/missing. Spatially linked water source was largely consistent with self-reported source at follow-up (2017–2019). Relative to non-Hispanic white participants, average arsenic, uranium, GA, and nitrate concentrations were higher for Black, Hispanic and Native American participants. Relative to participants living in census block groups in the lowest socioeconomic status (SES) quartile, participants in higher SES quartiles had lower arsenic/uranium/GA/nitrate, and higher HAA5/TTHM. Non-metropolitan participants had higher arsenic/uranium/nitrate, and metropolitan participants had higher HAA5/TTHM.

Impact

Though average water contaminant levels were mostly below regulatory limits in this large cohort of California women, we observed heterogeneity in exposures across sociodemographic subgroups and neighborhood characteristics. These data will be used to support future assessments of drinking water exposures and disease risk.
Buprenorphine vs. morphine: impact on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) outcomes in a single center retrospective study
Authors: Anbalagan Saminathan , Anderson Victoria , Favara Michael T. , Stark Daniela , Carola David , Solarin Kolawole , Adeniyi-Jones Susan , Kraft Walter K. , Aghai Zubair H.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To compare clinical outcomes for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) treated with buprenorphine or morphine.

Study design

Retrospective study of infants born ≥35 weeks’ gestation and admitted to the NICU for NOWS treatment between 2011 and 2022. Length of treatment, length of stay in the hospital, and the need for secondary medications were compared between buprenorphine and morphine treated neonates. Multiple regression analysis was performed, adjusting for baseline differences and confounders.

Results

417 neonates were treated with morphine and 232 with buprenorphine. The buprenorphine group had shorter treatment days [−10.8 days; 95% CI: −8.08 to −13.53] and shorter hospital stay [−11.8 days; 95% CI: −8.83 to −14.78]. The buprenorphine group was no more likely to receive phenobarbital or clonidine (26% vs. 29%).

Conclusion

In this large single-center study, buprenorphine was associated with shorter lengths of treatment and hospital stay in the treatment of NOWS compared to morphine.
Astrocytic Neuroligin-3 influences gene expression and social behavior, but is dispensable for synapse number
Authors: Qin Liming , Liu Zhili , Guo Sile , Han Ying , Wang Xiankun , Ren Wen , Chen Jiewen , Zhen Hefu , Nie Chao , Xing Ke-Ke , Chen Tao , Südhof Thomas C. , Sun Yuzhe , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2024

Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) is an autism-associated cell-adhesion molecule that interacts with neurexins and is robustly expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. Neuronal Nlgn3 is an essential regulator of synaptic transmission but the function of astrocytic Nlgn3 is largely unknown. Given the high penetrance of Nlgn3 mutations in autism and the emerging role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric disorders, we here asked whether astrocytic Nlgn3 might shape neural circuit properties in the cerebellum similar to neuronal Nlgn3. Imaging of tagged Nlgn3 protein produced by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing showed that Nlgn3 is enriched in the cell body but not the fine processes of cerebellar astrocytes (Bergmann glia). Astrocyte-specific knockout of Nlgn3 did not detectably alter the number of synapses, synaptic transmission, or astrocyte morphology in mouse cerebellum. However, spatial transcriptomic analyses revealed a significant shift in gene expression among multiple cerebellar cell types after the deletion of astrocytic Nlgn3. Hence, in contrast to neuronal Nlgn3, astrocytic Nlgn3 in the cerebellum is not involved in shaping synapses but may modulate gene expression in specific brain areas.