bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Important is European Integration for Pro-European Voters in Times of Politicization?
Authors: Rapp Milena
Published: June 2024

The increasing success of Eurosceptic parties and multiple European crises have fostered the politicization of European integration. However, we know little about how pro-European voters behave in this politicized environment. How important is European integration for pro-European voters? Do they care more about European integration when their vision of Europe is increasingly contested? The past 15 years have been characterized by persistent politicization of Eurosceptic parties and an increasing willingness of Europhile parties to engage with European topics. Moreover, European crises illustrated potential consequences of political disintegration. I expect these developments to be reflected in an increasing salience of European integration among pro-European voters. I derive salience estimates from spatial vote models encompassing four issue dimensions to track the development of salience. I use data from the European Social Survey, the European Election Studies, and the Chapel Hill Expert Survey, which cover many EU member states between 2008 and 2019. The results show that the salience of the European integration issue is most pronounced among Eurosceptic voters, while it is less pronounced among pro-European voters. However, in countries with a successful Eurosceptic party, it is more likely that the European integration issue also matters to pro-European voters. Moreover, there has been an increasing trend over time that European integration is not only important for anti- but also for pro-European voters across Europe.
A Methodology to Assess Directional and Spatial Variations of Tensile and Fracture Properties in Fabricated Nuclear Components
Authors: Vanapalli Viswa Teja , Dutta B. K. , Chattopadhyay J. , Samal M. K.
Published: June 2024

In the present study, directional and spatial variations in the mechanical properties are calculated in two nuclear-grade materials. In practice, multiple ASTM standard specimens are tested to measure mechanical properties of any material. The variations obtained in the properties during the tests are generally neglected assuming such variations are due to experimental uncertainties. However, such variations may indicate some degree of anisotropy and spatial inhomogeneity in the material due to component fabrication. In the present study, multiple miniaturized tensile specimens are tested. These specimen materials are taken across the thickness and at different geometrical locations in the two manufactured nuclear-grade components. The experimental load versus displacement data of all the specimens are then used to evaluate stress-strain data and cohesive zone parameters. These parameters are determined for each tested specimen separately to gather variations over the geometries of the components. Subsequently, TPB specimens are analyzed employing these parameters to calculate variations in fracture initiation toughness over the geometry. The key findings of the present work include higher strengths in circumferential direction in comparison to the longitudinal direction for SA333 Gr6 steel. A new equation is developed to correlate the material toughness with the fracture toughness with a proportionality constant of 2.7778 for low-alloy carbon steels. The study showed that directional and spatial variations in Jini are less pronounced in 20MnMoNi55 compared to SA333Gr6 materials. This finding is crucial for safety analyses in nuclear components and indicates that this methodology can be applied more widely across different materials.
From Pixels to Principles: A Decade of Progress and Landscape in Trustworthy Computer Vision
Authors: Huang Kexin , Teng Yan , Chen Yang , Wang Yingchun
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of computer vision technologies and applications has brought forth a range of social and ethical challenges. Due to the unique characteristics of visual technology in terms of data modalities and application scenarios, computer vision poses specific ethical issues. However, the majority of existing literature either addresses artificial intelligence as a whole or pays particular attention to natural language processing, leaving a gap in specialized research on ethical issues and systematic solutions in the field of computer vision. This paper utilizes bibliometrics and text-mining techniques to quantitatively analyze papers from prominent academic conferences in computer vision over the past decade. It first reveals the developing trends and specific distribution of attention regarding trustworthy aspects in the computer vision field, as well as the inherent connections between ethical dimensions and different stages of visual model development. A life-cycle framework regarding trustworthy computer vision is then presented by making the relevant trustworthy issues, the operation pipeline of AI models, and viable technical solutions interconnected, providing researchers and policymakers with references and guidance for achieving trustworthy CV. Finally, it discusses particular motivations for conducting trustworthy practices and underscores the consistency and ambivalence among various trustworthy principles and technical attributes.
Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS): a new approach for IFC to CityJSON conversion
Authors: Şenol Halil İbrahim , Gökgöz Türkay
Published: June 2024

Within the contemporary urban development discourse, the paradigm of smart cities has gained prominence over the past two decades. Ensuring sustainability in smart cities requires coherent orchestration of processes that span design, construction, operations, and management. Central to this orchestration are technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), which provides detailed architectural data, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which provide comprehensive geographic intelligence. However, a significant challenge remains: data degradation during BIM-GIS integration. This data inconsistency, exacerbated by the different data structures of BIM and GIS, is a barrier to true interoperability. One promising solution to this conundrum is the use of Semantic Web technologies. In this study, we leverage Semantic Linked Data and geometric conversion tools to develop an algorithm that mitigates the loss of semantic information during the BIM-to-GIS conversion process. The effectiveness of this approach is underscored by a 95% accuracy rate of the converted semantic information.
An update on the molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 as a prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic biomarker in cancers
Authors: Mehrab Mohseni Mahdieh , Zamani Hedyeh , Momeni Mina , Shirvani-Farsani Zeinab
Published: June 2024

Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a newly discovered long noncoding RNA, is expressed in various tissues and organs and has been introduced an oncogenic gene in human malignancies. In various cancers, ZFAS1 regulates apoptosis, cell proliferation, the cell cycle, migration, translation, rRNA processing, and spliceosomal snRNP assembly; targets signaling cascades; and interacts with transcription factors via binding to key proteins and miRNAs, with conflicting findings on its effect on these processes. ZFAS1 is elevated in different types of cancer, like colorectal, colon, osteosarcoma, and gastric cancer. Considering the ZFAS1 expression pattern, it also has the potential to be a diagnostic or prognostic marker in various cancers. The current review discusses the mode of action of ZFAS1 in various human cancers and its regulation function related to chemoresistance comprehensively, as well as the potential role of ZFAS1 as an effective and noninvasive cancer-specific biomarker in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We expected that the current review could fill the current scientific gaps in the ZFAS1-related cancer causative mechanisms and improve available biomarkers.
The quest for a sustainable industry: mining, path dependency and post-carbon regime in the European Arctic
Authors: Vidal Florian
Published: June 2024

The goal of the European Union’s Green Deal industrial plan is to achieve an ecological transition over the next three decades. This transition includes the electrification of energy and transport systems. Achieving such a transformation requires access to critical raw materials for the technologies that will enable the post-carbon transition of European societies. In this context, the European Arctic (also referred to as the Barents region) is seen as a key asset that can contribute to the EU’s green plan, in particular due to its high potential for mineral resources. Since the 19th century, Europe’s northernmost regions have developed a long tradition of mining activities (e.g., Swedish iron ore, which has been mined by LKAB). Fennoscandia’s mineral potential opens up new prospects for the industry. However, fundamental challenges lie ahead, such as the impact of climate change, pollution management, and social acceptability. Although the Nordic countries have based the economic development of their northern regions on sustainable principles, the concept of sustainable mining and its operational implementation have their shortcomings, such as sustained land use conflicts with the Sámi people. In addition, the possibility of missing some key governance linkages may lead to new path dependencies due to a lack of a systemic vision. Once these issues are addressed, the Nordic mining industry could spearhead this defining process for Europe’s ecological transition.
Association between screen time and self-reported balance disorders in middle-aged and older adults: national health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Fu Minjun , Zhang Lingju , Zhao Xiaoyu , Lv Zhijun , Tang Pei
Published: June 2024

Background

Balance disorders can give rise to sensations of instability, lightheadedness, vertigo, disequilibrium, or syncope, ultimately leading to grave medical, physical, emotional, and societal ramifications. These conditions are highly prevalent among individuals aged 40 and above. Screen time encompasses activities associated with television viewing, video game playing, and non-work-related computer usage. Prolonged screen exposure may engender a spectrum of health issues and even elevate overall mortality rates. However, the available evidence on the potential link between excessive screen time and balance dysfunction remains limited.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to explore the possible association between prolonged screen exposure and impaired balance function.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from participants who completed a comprehensive questionnaire in the NHANES database between 1999 and 2002, all of whom were aged over 40 and under 85 years. Participants’ screen time was categorized into two groups (< 4 h/d and  ≥4 h/d) for subsequent data analysis. Logistic regression, combined with propensity score matching (PSM), was employed to investigate the correlation between screen time and balance disorders.

Results

A total of 5176 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising 2,586 men and 2,590 women, with a prevalence rate of balance disorders at 25.7% (1331/5176). The incidence of balance disorders was found to be significantly higher among individuals who spent 4 hours or more per day on screen time compared to those with less screen time (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis conducted on the unmatched cohort revealed a significant association between screen time and balance disorders, with an odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (95%CI 1.57 ∼ 2.05). These findings remained consistent even after adjusting for confounding factors, yielding an OR 1.43 (95%CI 1.24 ∼ 1.66). Moreover, the association persisted when employing various multivariate analyses such as propensity score matching adjusted model, standardized mortality ratio weighting model and pairwise algorithmic model; all resulting in ORs ranging from 1.38 to 1.43 and p-values < 0.001.

Conclusions

After controlling for all covariates, screen time (watching TV, playing video games, and using computers outside of work) was associated with balance dysfunction among middle-aged and older adults. This finding may offer a possible idea for the prevention of dizziness and balance disorders. Nevertheless, additional research is imperative to further validate these results.
The EPICOVID19-BS study: a web-based epidemiological survey in bariatric patients
Authors: Prinelli F. , Adorni F. , Giovanelli A. , Ravelli M. , Ceresoli S. , Asteria C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To assess the occurrence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19, frequency of symptoms, clinical manifestations and behaviours in a sample of patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS).

Methods

The EPICOVID19-BS is an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Italy during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2021-February 2022). Patients with severe/extreme obesity undergoing BS were asked to complete an online multiple-choice questionnaire and to provide additional clinical information and blood biochemistry. Positive COVID-19 cases were defined by the combination of positive nasopharyngeal swab test results and/or positive serological test results. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics were compared between positive and negative COVID-19 cases.

Results

A total of 745 participants were enrolled (mean age 44.5 ± 10.5 years SD, 78% female). The proportion of positive COVID-19 cases was 20.4%. They were more likely to be health care workers, to have close contacts with confirmed cases, to use anti-inflammatory drugs, to have immune system disorders, to have previous CMV infection, to have lower cholesterol levels and to have less metabolic syndrome than negative cases. Infected participants significantly increased their use of national health resources for minor health problems. The majority of participants experienced flu-like symptoms and taste and smell disturbances. Only 9.6% were hospitalised and none required intubation.

Conclusions

Our results seem to support the evidence that patients undergoing BS have a low rate of severe SARS-CoV2. Further longitudinal studies in multiple obesity treatment centres are needed to more effectively monitor and control obesity in this specific population.

Graphical Abstract
Comparing STEM and Non-STEM Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Multicultural Classrooms: Insights from TALIS 2018 U.S. Data
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Zhang Shaoan , Shi Qingmin , Shen Jinkun
Published: June 2024

Drawing on U.S. data from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018, this study first compared STEM and non-STEM teachers’ self-efficacy in multicultural classrooms (TSMC), then identified the factors related to TSMC for each group of teachers, and lastly explored the similarities and differences among the factors. Results from general linear model univariate analysis revealed that STEM teachers scored significantly lower in TSMC than their non-STEM counterparts. Results from multilevel modeling analysis indicated that gender and professional development needs were significant predictors of TSMC for both groups; factors such as initial teacher preparation, professional development topics, and school instructional leadership emerged as significant predictors only for non-STEM teachers. The implications and significance of these results were discussed.
Can Empathy and Compassion Activation Affect Adolescents’ Empathic Responses, Compassion, and Behavioral Intentions When Witnessing Bullying?
Authors: Steinvik Henriette R. , Duffy Amanda L. , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J.
Published: June 2024

Bullying remains a significant social problem among youth and many school interventions focus on increasing bystander defending in order to reduce bullying. In this study, we employed a between-groups experimental design to examine the differential effects of brief empathy and compassion activation on different bystander responses to bullying, including (1) empathic distress, empathic anger, compassion, and (2) intended bystander behaviors (i.e., passive bystanding, aggressive defending, and prosocial defending). Participants were 110 adolescents (Mage = 13.99, SD = 0.88, age range = 13–16 years; 49.1% females), randomly assigned to an experimental group that involved a 10-min visualization exercise that focused on increasing empathy [EM] or compassion [CM], or to an active control condition [FI]. Following the visualization exercise, students viewed four short bullying videos, followed by completing self-report measures of empathy-related responses and intended bystander behaviors. Analysis of variance [ANOVAs] revealed that adolescents in the CM condition reported less empathic distress and empathic anger in response to the bullying videos than the EM and FI groups. Yet, there were no further differential effects between the three conditions on responses to the bullying videos, which emphasizes the need for future research to assess more comprehensive interventions for increasing adolescents’ compassion and prosocial defending.
Deep learning for quadratic hedging in incomplete jump market
Authors: Agram Nacira , Øksendal Bernt , Rems Jan
Published: June 2024

We propose a deep learning approach to study the minimal variance pricing and hedging problem in an incomplete jump diffusion market. It is based on a rigorous stochastic calculus derivation of the optimal hedging portfolio, optimal option price, and the corresponding equivalent martingale measure through the means of the Stackelberg game approach. A deep learning algorithm based on the combination of the feed-forward and LSTM neural networks is tested on three different market models, two of which are incomplete. In contrast, the complete market Black–Scholes model serves as a benchmark for the algorithm’s performance. The results that indicate the algorithm’s good performance are presented and discussed. In particular, we apply our results to the special incomplete market model studied by Merton and give a detailed comparison between our results based on the minimal variance principle and the results obtained by Merton based on a different pricing principle. Using deep learning, we find that the minimal variance principle leads to typically higher option prices than those deduced from the Merton principle. On the other hand, the minimal variance principle leads to lower losses than the Merton principle.
How will early onset scoliosis surgery affect my child’s future as a young adult? A follow-up study using patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Falkner Dmitri A. , Miller Kyle J. , Emans John B. , Thompson George H. , Smith John T. , Flynn Jack M. , Sawyer Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), this study was undertaken to determine how well patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) fare in adulthood.

Methods

Among eight healthcare centers, 272 patients (≥ 18 years) surgically managed for EOS (≥ 5 years) completed the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-10 (FACIT-Dyspnea-10), and Short Form (SF)-12. Functional and demographic data were collected.

Results

The response rate was 40% (108/272). EOS etiologies were congenital (45%), neuromuscular (20%), idiopathic (20%) syndromic (11%), and unknown (4%). All patients scored within normal limits on the FACIT-Dyspnea-10 pulmonary (no breathing aids, 78%; no oxygen, 92%). SF-12 physical health scores and most SRS-22r domains were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared with normative values. SF-12 and SRS-22r mental health scores (MHS) were lower than normative values (p < 0.05 and p < 0.02, respectively). Physical health PROMs varied between etiologies. Treatment varied by etiology. Patients with congenital EOS were half as likely to undergo definitive fusion. There was no difference between EOS etiologies in SF-12 MHS, with t scores being slightly lower than normative peers.

Conclusion

Good long-term physical and social function and patient-reported quality of life were noted in surgically managed patients. Patients with idiopathic EOS physically outperformed those with other etiologies in objective and PROM categories but had similar MHS PROMs. Compared to normative values, EOS patients demonstrated decreased long-term physical capacity, slightly lower MHS, and preserved cardiopulmonary function.

Level of evidence

Level IV Case Series.
Responsibility before freedom: closing the responsibility gaps for autonomous machines
Authors: MirzaeiGhazi Shervin , Stenseke Jakob
Published: June 2024

The introduction of autonomous machines (AMs) in human domains has raised challenging questions about the attribution of responsibility; referred to as the responsibility gap. In this paper, we address the gap by arguing that entities should not be granted the freedom of action unless they can also recognise the same right for others—and be subject to blame or punishment in cases of undermining the rights of others. Since AMs fail to meet this criterion, we argue that the users who utilize an AM to pursue their goals can instead grant the machine their (the user’s) right to act autonomously on their behalf. In this way, an AM’s right to act freely hinges on the user’s duty to recognise others’ right to be free. Since responsibility should be attributed before an entity is given the freedom to act, the responsibility gap only arises when we ignore the fact that AMs have no right of acting freely on their own. We also discuss some attractive features of the approach, address some potential objections, and compare our theory to existing proposals. We conclude by arguing that holding users responsible for the behaviour of AMs promotes a responsible use of AI while it indirectly motivates companies to make safer machines.
Just “Culture”? A qualitative study on stressors impacting surgical clerkship student learning and well-being
Authors: Bacon Daniel R. , Wang Theresa N. , Ackah Ruth , Ejaz Aslam , Traugott Amber , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Transition into the surgery clerkship is stressful and challenging for third-year medical students. We conducted this study to explore medical students’ learning stressors during the surgery clerkship which may diminish their learning and well-being. Findings will help to identify targets for future educational well-being interventions to enhance students’ preparedness to enter surgery clerkship.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with medical students who had completed their surgery clerkship in 2022 at a university-based hospital system using convenience sampling. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Investigators iteratively coded and analyzed transcripts using a framework method for emerging themes until reaching data saturation.

Results

We performed 17 interviews with medical students rotating on main campus and community sites from 2 consecutive clerkship cohorts. Each interview was approximately 30 min. Three dominant themes emerged regarding stressors that negatively influenced medical student learning and well-being: 1) expectation mismatch (e.g., student felt incompetent at driving a laparoscope and believed this was a skill she was expected to have), 2) exclusion from the team (e.g., perceiving that their questions are burdensome to the team, and 3) logistical challenges (e.g., where and when to arrive on the first day of clerkship or how to navigate the complexities of the operating room schedule).

Conclusion

Our study suggests three predominant stressor themes that may jeopardize medical student surgery clerkship learning and well-being. Interventions during clerkship orientation are recommended to establish expectations, clarify logistical confusion, and build a welcoming and supportive surgical culture to facilitate student integration within the medical team.
Attention Pyramid Convolutional Neural Network Optimized with Big Data for Teaching Aerobics
Authors: Chen Chunmei
Published: June 2024

Aerobics has emerged as a widely embraced cardiovascular exercise, fostering improved fitness through rhythmic movements that enhance heart rate, stamina, endurance, and cardiovascular health. Effective instruction by skilled professionals is crucial for maximizing the benefits of aerobics, ensuring participants' correct and safe performance. This study introduces the concept of Aerobics Movement Teaching, emphasizing its pivotal role in college physical education. The proposed method, Attention Pyramid Convolutional Neural Network optimized with big data for teaching Aerobics (AP-CNN-BTA), focuses on enhancing aesthetic ability and overall human development. Data from the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation Data Set are collected, preprocessed, and utilized in the teaching process using the Attention Pyramid Convolutional Neural Network, specifically designed for efficient aerobics instruction in coastal areas. The resulting data are stored in the cloud and accessed through a human interface unit. The implementation, carried out in Python, undergoes evaluation using various metrics, including accuracy, computational time, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and ROC analysis. The simulation results demonstrate a remarkable improvement, with the proposed technique achieving 36.52%, 39.55%, and 43.75% higher accuracy compared to existing methods such as Exploration on and thinking about aesthetic infiltration in aerobics teaching in colleges and universities(ETAI-AT-CU), sea level height depending on big data of the Internet of Things along aerobics teaching in coastal regions(SLH-BD-IOT-ATC), and impact of deep learning-based curriculum's ideological and political integration on sports aerobics instruction design(IP-CDL-TDTA), respectively. This research contributes to advancing the efficacy of aerobics instruction, particularly in coastal regions, and underscores the significance of comprehensive student development through high-quality education.
Visual Ship Image Synthesis and Classification Framework Based on Attention-DCGAN
Authors: Xiao Yuqing , Luo Liang , Yu Boxiang , Ji Shengchen
Published: June 2024

To improving ship image generation and classification tasks, a deep convolution generative adversarial network based on attention mechanism (ADCGAN) model was constructed. The rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function was adopted, and three Deconv layers and Conv layers were added to both the generator and discriminator. Subsequently, an attention mechanism was added to the generator, while spectral normalization (SN) was added to the discriminator. Mean squared error (MSE) was used as loss function to stabilize the training process. Furthermore, ship classification tasks were performed using the generated ship images by end-to-end training of the classification network, enabling ship data augmentation and co-learning with other tasks. Experimental results on the Ship700 and Seaship7000 datasets demonstrate that the ADCGAN model can generate clear and robust ship images, with PSNR, LIPIPS, MS-SSIM values of 20.279 and 27.523, 0.596 and 0.096, 0.781 and 0.947, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method in ship image classification tasks was also verified, providing a data foundation for other collaborative tasks.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Arabian Gulf Region Over a 12-Year Period (2010–2021)
Authors: Alatoom A. , Alattas M. , Alraddadi B. , Moubareck C. Ayoub , Hassanien A. , Jamal W. , Kurdi A. , Mohamed N. , Senok A. , Somily A. M. , Ziglam H.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To evaluate literature from a 12-year period (2010–2021) on the antimicrobial resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the Arabian Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted for articles on antimicrobial resistance in P. aeruginosa and associated phenotypes, covering the period of 1st January 2010 to 1st December 2021.

Results

Antimicrobial resistance in the Arabian Gulf was highest to meropenem (10.3–45.7%) and lowest to colistin (0.0–0.8%), among the agents tested. Annual data showed that ceftazidime resistance (Kuwait), piperacillin-tazobactam non-susceptibility (Qatar), and aztreonam, imipenem, and meropenem resistance (Saudi Arabia) increased by 12–17%. Multiple mechanisms of carbapenem resistance were identified and multiple clones were detected, including high-risk clones such as ST235. The most common carbapenemases detected were the VIM-type metallo-β-lactamases.

Conclusions

Among P. aeruginosa in the Arabian Gulf countries, resistance to meropenem was higher than to the other agents tested, and meropenem resistance increased in Saudi Arabia during the study period. Resistance to colistin, a classic antibiotic used to treat Pseudomonas spp. infections, remained low. The VIM-type β-lactamase genes were dominant. We recommend local and regional antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs to detect the emergence of resistance genes and to monitor antimicrobial resistance trends in P. aeruginosa.
Implementation of electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) in science laboratory classes: student response and lessons learned
Authors: Chen Stefanie H. , Garcia Christina B. , Lazear Eric , Lentz Thomas B. , Robertson Sabrina D. , Li Zhen , Goller Carlos C.
Published: June 2024

As data and protocols are increasingly generated, accessed, and manipulated electronically, many labs are shifting to storing data in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs). ELNs provide clear advantages in readability, shareability, searchability, accessibility, and data security over their paper counterparts. Our interdisciplinary program implemented ELNs across several sections of our gateway molecular biology laboratory course and analyzed the impact on 384 students (13 sections total from Fall 2016 to Spring 2018) using surveys, focus groups, and grade data. We found that students prefer the electronic format, citing the ease of transitioning to lab reports and the longevity of their data. Course grades overall were not affected by the change. Based on our experience, we offer suggestions for smoothing the transition to an ELN system in undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses, including use during remote teaching.
Assessing the ecological impact of beach tourism on crustacean abundance: a case study from West Coast of India
Authors: Teerthala Meghana , Patankar Vardhan Jayant , Chatakonda Murali Krishna
Published: June 2024

Sandy beaches are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances like coastal hydrological disasters, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, pollution, and land degradation. Apart from these, at the habitat level, tourism and recreation activities impact the sandy beach ecosystem in countless ways. Several studies indicate that trampling caused due to human visitation negatively impacts the macrobenthic communities. In this study, along with the trampling effect, we assessed the impact of human visitation on the sandy beach ecosystem using factors like littering and human-induced predation pressure. The study was conducted on three sandy beaches in the Udupi district of Indian coastal state, Karnataka. We used human presence, predation pressure, and total litter as response variables; against sand crabs and ghost crabs as indicator species. The results indicated a significant correlation between response variables. Sand crabs were less affected by the human presence (r = 0.07, p = 0.14); however, ghost crab abundance was negatively influenced by human presence (r = − 0.36, p < 0.05), predation pressure (r = − 0.28, p < 0.05), and by litter presence (r = − 0.28, p < 0.05) at the beaches. We observed that human presence impacts sand crabs and ghost crabs directly (trampling) and indirectly (attracting human commensal predators through beach litter). We highlight the impacts of tourism on often neglected crab assemblages and emphasise the importance of deriving appropriate conservation measures for sandy beach ecosystems.
Calculation algorithm for electromagnetic wave processes in multi-wire intersystem ETL
Authors: Huseyn Rashad , Hashimov Arif , Shokri Ali , Mukalazi Herbert
Published: June 2024

The nature of the transient process and the magnitude of the overvoltages are determined by a large number of factors in the HV/EHV AC transmission networks. The paper presents the study of mathematical modelling of electromagnetic wave processes in long-distance electric transmission line (ETL). The mathematical model is based on electromagnetic processes occurring on distributed parameter lines that are characterized by specific derivatives of the system of differential equations. The application of a spline-interpolation technique enables the calculation of currents and voltages at the nodes of the scheme, which obtains the unknown coordinates of the overhead line mode at the beginning of the ETL to solve the transmission line equation. The following results are derived from computer simulations of transients during switching on. With a simulation model, the importance of intelligent control of shunt reactor (SR) and ungrounded reactor (UR) was demonstrated and considered for a 500 kV power networks.
Impact of natural antioxidant (silybin) on the thermal stability of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene: a thermogravimetric study
Authors: Khattar Nidhi , Jagriti  , Kainth Shagun , Sharma Piyush , Ahlawat Vishal , Berar Urmila , Diwan Pawan K.
Published: June 2024

The natural antioxidant (Silybin), with different concentrations, is introduced in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and impact on thermal stability is observed. For this, thermograms are recorded at 5 ℃/min heating rate in temperature region 50–600 ℃ through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) technique. The model fitting (Coats and Redfern) kinetic approach is adopted to determine activation energy of each recorded thermograms to identify optimum silybin concentration. UHMWPE, with optimum silybin concentration, are further subjected to three other heating rates (10, 15 and 20 ℃) in the same temperature region. By employing deconvolution (bi-Gaussian asymmetric function) approach, two iso-conversional kinetic models (Starink (SR) and Friedman (FR)) are utilized to obtain activation energies of the deconvoluted peaks. Further, the reaction mechanism involved in thermal decomposition, change in entropy $$\left({\Delta \text{S}}^{\#}\right)$$

Δ
S

#

, change in enthalpy $$\left({\Delta \text{H}}^{\#}\right)$$

Δ
H

#

and change in Gibbs free energy $$\left(\Delta {\text{G}}^{\#}\right)$$

Δ

G

#

are determined.
The Genesis of A‐Type Granites in Lower Yangtze River Belt: Evidence From Calcium Isotopes
Authors: Luo Zebin , Ling Mingxing , Lu Wenning , Li Xin , Li He , Zhu Hongli , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: June 2024

A‐type granite is a favorable rock for the study of crustal evolution, crust‐mantle interaction and metallogenesis. However, the origin of A‐type granite remains controversial. In this study, we report high‐precision Ca isotopic compositions of a co‐genetic suite of A‐type granites from the Lower Yangtze River Belt (LYRB) in eastern China. Our results show that the δ44/40Ca of the A‐type granites ranges from 0.55 ± 0.11‰ to 1.44 ± 0.06‰, and is negatively correlated with CaO, Sr and Ba contents and Eu/Eu*, indicating that the Ca isotope fractionation of A‐type granites is dominated by plagioclase and potassium feldspar. There is kinetic fractionation of Ca isotopes during A‐type granite magma evolution. Sample BSL‐7, the least evolved sample, revealed that it had a low δ44/40Ca of 0.59‰, which is significantly lower than that of the upper continental crust (δ44/40Ca = 0.71–0.72‰) and the bulk silicate earth (δ44/40Ca = 0.94‰). The low δ44/40Ca can be best explained by partial melting of the enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction material. Combined with the geodynamic background of the LYRB, we propose that the formation of A‐type granites in the LYRB originates from partial melting of the enriched mantle, triggered by early Cretaceous ridge subduction of the Pacific and Izanagi plates.
Nitrification in a Subterranean Estuary: An Ex Situ and In Situ Method Comparison Determines Nitrate Is Available for Discharge
Authors: Wilson Stephanie J. , Song Bongkeun , Anderson Iris C. , Tobias Craig R.
Published: June 2024

Subterranean estuaries (STEs) form in the subsurface where fresh groundwater and seawater meet and mix. Subterranean estuaries support a variety of biogeochemical processes including those transforming nitrogen (N). Groundwater is often enriched with dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and transformations in the STE determine the fate of that DIN, which may be discharged to coastal waters. Nitrification oxidizes ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate, making DIN available for N removal via denitrification. We measured nitrification at an STE, in Virginia, USA using in situ and ex situ methods including conservative mixing models informed by in situ geochemical profiles, an in situ experiment with 15NH4+ tracer injection, and ex situ sediment slurry incubations with 15NH4+ tracer addition. All methods indicated nitrification in the STE, but the ex situ sediment slurries revealed higher rates than both the in situ tracr experiment and mixing model estimations. Nitrification rates ranged 55.0–183.16 μmol N m−2 d−1 based on mixing models, 94.2–225 μmol N m−2 d−1 in the in situ tracer experiment, and 36.6–109 μmol N m−2 d−1 slurry incubations. The in situ tracer experiment revealed higher rates and spatial variation not captured by the other methods. The geochemical complexity of the STE makes it difficult to replicate in situ conditions with incubations and calculations based on chemical profiles integrate over longer timescales, therefore, in situ approaches may best quantify transformation rates. Our data suggest that STE nitrification produces NO3−, altering the DIN pool discharged to overlying water via submarine groundwater discharge.
Estimating the CO2 Fertilization Effect on Extratropical Forest Productivity From Flux‐Tower Observations
Authors: Zhan Chunhui , Orth René , Yang Hui , Reichstein Markus , Zaehle Sönke , De Kauwe Martin G. , Rammig Anja , Winkler Alexander J.
Published: June 2024

The land sink of anthropogenic carbon emissions, a crucial component of mitigating climate change, is primarily attributed to the CO2 fertilization effect on global gross primary productivity (GPP). However, direct observational evidence of this effect remains scarce, hampered by challenges in disentangling the CO2 fertilization effect from other long‐term confounding drivers, particularly climatic changes. Here, we introduce a novel statistical approach to separate the CO2 fertilization effect on photosynthetic carbon uptake using eddy covariance (EC) records across 38 extratropical forest sites. We find the median stimulation rate of GPP to be 3.2 ± 0.9 gC m−2 yr−1 ppm−1 (or 16.4 ± 4.2% per 100 ppm) under increasing atmospheric CO2 across these sites, respectively. To validate the robustness of our findings, we test our statistical method using factorial simulations of an ensemble of process‐based land surface models. We address additional factors, including nitrogen deposition and land management, that may impact plant productivity, potentially confounding the attribution to the CO2 fertilization effect. Assuming these site‐specific effects offset to some extent across sites as random factors, the estimated median value still reflects the strength of the CO2 fertilization effect. However, disentanglement of these long‐term effects, often inseparable by timescale, requires further causal research. Our study provides direct evidence that the photosynthetic stimulation is maintained under long‐term CO2 fertilization across multiple EC sites. Such observation‐based quantification is key to constraining the long‐standing uncertainties in the land carbon cycle under rising CO2 concentrations.
Measurements of Cosmic Rays by a Mini‐Neutron Monitor at Neumayer III From 2014 to 2017
Authors: Walter M. , Gnebner C. , Heber B. , Herbst K. , Krüger H. , Krüger H. G. , Kühl P. , Prokoph H. P. , Strauss R. D.
Published: June 2024

A mini‐neutron monitor (MNM) was installed at the German Antarctic Neumayer III station, measuring the variation of galactic cosmic rays and searching for Forbush Decreases (FDs) caused by solar activities. Running continuously from 2014 until the end of 2017, the long‐term stability of the detector could be investigated. After correcting the air pressure and normalization to the 27 days running mean averages of the SANAE and TERA Neutron Monitors (NMs), the daily running mean count rates are compared with the SANAE and TERA NMs also installed in Antarctica. For most of the 14 FDs with magnitudes greater than 3, taken from the list compiled by the IZMIRAN group (http://spaceweather.izmiran.ru/eng/dbs.html), the three detectors show consistent particle flux variation, although the average rate of the MNM is more than a hundred times smaller. The light and low‐cost MNM is an ideal alternative to heavy and old NMs, especially at high altitudes and remote environments.
A Splashy Meteorite Was Forged in Multiple Collisions
Authors: Benningfield Damond
Published: June 2024

The Winchcombe meteorite was recovered, largely from a driveway, just hours after it fell to Earth, preserving evidence that its early relatives could have filled Earth’s oceans.
Vitamin D is involved in the effects of the intestinal flora and its related metabolite TMAO on perirenal fat and kidneys in mice with DKD
Authors: Zheng Xiaodi , Huang Yuhong , Yang Mengxue , Jin Lulu , Zhang Xuemeng , Zhang Rui , Wu Yueyue , Yan Cuili , Gao Yuan , Zeng Miao , Li Fei , Zhou Xue , Zhang Neng , Liu Jun , Zha Bingbing
Published: June 2024

Background

Vitamin D was shown to directly exert a protective effect on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in our previous study. However, whether it has an effect on perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) or the intestinal flora and its metabolites (trimethylamine N-oxide, TMAO) is unclear.

Methods

DKD mice were received different concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 2 weeks. Serum TNF-α levels and TMAO levels were detected. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota. qPCR was used to detect the expression of TLR4, NF-Κb, PGC1α, and UCP-1 in kidney and adipose tissue. Histological changes in kidney and perirenal adipose tissue were observed using HE, PAS, Masson and oil red staining. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of VDR, PGC1α, podocin, and UCP-1 in kidney and adipose tissue. Electron microscopy was used to observe the pathological changes in the kidney. VDR knockout mice were constructed to observe the changes in the gut and adipose tissue, and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of UCP-1 and collagen IV in the kidney.

Results

1,25-(OH)2D3 could improve the dysbiosis of the intestinal flora of mice with DKD, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria, reduce the pathological changes in the kidney, reduce fat infiltration, and downregulate the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in kidneys. The serum TMAO concentration in mice with DKD was significantly higher than that of the control group, and was significantly positively correlated with the urine ACR. In addition, vitamin D stimulated the expression of the surface markers PGC1α, UCP-1 and VDR in the PRAT in DKD mice, and TMAO downregulated the expression of PRAT and renal VDR.

Conclusions

The protective effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in DKD mice may affect the intestinal flora and its related metabolite TMAO on perirenal fat and kidneys.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase signaling stabilizes SLC3A2 expression via MARCH11 to promote neuroblastoma cell growth
Authors: Lai Wei-Yun , Chuang Tzu-Po , Borenäs Marcus , Lind Dan E. , Hallberg Bengt , Palmer Ruth H.
Published: June 2024

Solute Carrier Family 3, Member 2 (SLC3A2 or 4F2hc) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that mediates integrin-dependent signaling, acts as a trafficking chaperone for amino acid transporters, and is involved in polyamine transportation. We identified SLC3A2 as a potential Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) interacting partner in a BioID-proximity labeling screen in neuroblastoma (NB) cells. In this work we show that endogenous SLC3A2 and ALK interact in NB cells and that this SLC3A2:ALK interaction was abrogated upon treatment with the ALK inhibitor lorlatinib. We show here that loss of ALK activity leads to decreased SLC3A2 expression and reduced SLC3A2 protein stability in a panel of NB cell lines, while stimulation of ALK with ALKAL2 ligand resulted in increased SLC3A2 protein levels. We further identified MARCH11, an E3 ligase, as a regulator of SLC3A2 ubiquitination downstream of ALK. Further, knockdown of SLC3A2 resulted in inhibition of NB cell growth. To investigate the therapeutic potential of SLC3A2 targeting, we performed monotreatment of NB cells with AMXT-1501 (a polyamine transport inhibitor), which showed only moderate effects in NB cells. In contrast, a combination lorlatinib/AMXT-1501 treatment resulted in synergistic inhibition of cell growth in ALK-driven NB cell lines. Taken together, our results identify a novel role for the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), working in concert with the MARCH11 E3 ligase, in regulating SLC3A2 protein stability and function in NB cells. The synergistic effect of combined ALK and polyamine transport inhibition shows that ALK/MARCH11/SLC3A2 regulation of amino acid transport is important for oncogenic growth and survival in NB cells.
Aberrant ER-mitochondria communication is a common pathomechanism in mitochondrial disease
Authors: Morcillo Patricia , Kabra Khushbu , Velasco Kevin , Cordero Hector , Jennings Sarah , Yun Taekyung D. , Larrea Delfina , Akman H. Orhan , Schon Eric A.
Published: June 2024

Genetic mutations causing primary mitochondrial disease (i.e those compromising oxidative phosphorylation [OxPhos]) resulting in reduced bioenergetic output display great variability in their clinical features, but the reason for this is unknown. We hypothesized that disruption of the communication between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria at mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAM) might play a role in this variability. To test this, we assayed MAM function and ER-mitochondrial communication in OxPhos-deficient cells, including cybrids from patients with selected pathogenic mtDNA mutations. Our results show that each of the various mutations studied indeed altered MAM functions, but notably, each disorder presented with a different MAM “signature”. We also found that mitochondrial membrane potential is a key driver of ER-mitochondrial connectivity. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that disruption in ER-mitochondrial communication has consequences for cell survivability that go well beyond that of reduced ATP output. The findings of a “MAM-OxPhos” axis, the role of mitochondrial membrane potential in controlling this process, and the contribution of MAM dysfunction to cell death, reveal a new relationship between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, as well as providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of these devastating disorders.