bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new interactive design method for carbon fibres laminate component
Authors: Landi Daniele
Published: July 2024

Carbon fibre is the most common reinforcing phase in composite materials. However, it is difficult to determine the performance parameters of a monofilament. This paper provides an efficient method for performing the global layup optimization of composite laminates, considering the relationship between material characteristics and process parameters. In particular, a new method is proposed that, by integrating commercial tools, can support designers in the design and construction of carbon fibre components. The approach involves four functional groups that interact with each other: requirements and specifications, material definition, process implementation, and design and simulation. The idea is to create a continuous process to realize continuous product optimization. The approach was applied to the optimization of the front wing of a Formula 4 vehicle. After the validation method phase, through a comparison between real data and numerical simulations, product optimization was conducted. Different optimized solutions were obtained, and the solution minimizing the mass but ‘allowing the vehicle to bear stress and strain values within the required limits was chosen. This methodology can be applied to support the designer during both the early design phase and the optimization phase of laminated products.
Early Intravenous Beta-Blockade with Esmolol in Adults with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Phase 2a Intervention Design Study
Authors: Thomas Matt , Hayes Kati , White Paul , Baumer Thomas , Beattie Clodagh , Ramesh Aravind , Culliford Lucy , Ackland Gareth L. , Pickering Anthony E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Targeted beta-blockade after severe traumatic brain injury may reduce secondary brain injury by attenuating the sympathoadrenal response. The potential role and optimal dosage for esmolol, a selective, short-acting, titratable beta-1 beta-blocker, as a safe, putative early therapy after major traumatic brain injury has not been assessed.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, open-label dose-finding study using an adaptive model-based design. Adults (18 years or older) with severe traumatic brain injury and intracranial pressure monitoring received esmolol within 24 h of injury to reduce their heart rate by 15% from baseline of the preceding 4 h while ensuring cerebral perfusion pressure was maintained above 60 mm Hg. In cohorts of three, the starting dosage and dosage increments were escalated according to a prespecified plan in the absence of dose-limiting toxicity. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as failure to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure, triggering cessation of esmolol infusion. The primary outcome was the maximum tolerated dosage schedule of esmolol, defined as that associated with less than 10% probability of dose-limiting toxicity. Secondary outcomes include 6-month mortality and 6-month extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score.

Results

Sixteen patients (6 [37.5%] female patients; mean age 36 years [standard deviation 13 years]) with a median Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6.5 (interquartile range 5–7) received esmolol. The optimal starting dosage of esmolol was 10 μg/kg/min, with increments every 30 min of 5 μg/kg/min, as it was the highest dosage with less than 10% estimated probability of dose-limiting toxicity (7%). All-cause mortality was 12.5% at 6 months (corresponding to a standardized mortality ratio of 0.63). One dose-limiting toxicity event and no serious adverse hemodynamic effects were seen.

Conclusions

Esmolol administration, titrated to a heart rate reduction of 15%, is feasible within 24 h of severe traumatic brain injury. The probability of dose-limiting toxicity requiring withdrawal of esmolol when using the optimized schedule is low.

Trial registrationI SRCTN, ISRCTN11038397, registered retrospectively January 7, 2021 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11038397).
Evolving pathways towards water security in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: An adaptive management perspective
Authors: Tran Thong Anh , Tran Dung Duc , Van Vo Oc , Pham Van Huynh Thanh , Van Tran Hieu , Yong Ming Li , Le Phu Viet , Dang Phu Thanh
Published: July 2024

The interplay of climate change, upstream hydropower development, and local water engineering interventions for agricultural production contributes substantially to the transformation of waterscapes and water scarcity in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. This paper aims to examine how these dynamics are linked to the paradigm shift in water management in An Giang and Ben Tre, the two ecologically distinct provinces that face serious water scarcity in the delta. We used the adaptive management concept to examine how state-led policy directions from food security towards water security enable change in water management that gives priority to water retention. While policy learning is evident, questions remain about how this ad-hoc solution could help address the presently acute water scarcity and water security over the long term. The paper advocates achieving water security should focus not only on diplomatic interventions into upstream climate-development complexities but also local water-livelihood politics.
Evaluation of antifungal activity of plant extracts against plant pathogen associated with sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.), in Jimma, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Amenu Desalegn , Desalegn Ra’el , Nugusa Ayantu , Tolera Chimdesa , Tafesse Temesgen
Published: July 2024

Background

Sweet oranges are a vital agricultural commodity, but they are susceptible to various pathogenic fungi that can cause significant economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of plant extracts against pathogenic fungi attacking sweet oranges in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

Various plant extracts were obtained from locally available plant species and tested against selected pathogenic fungi using standard in vitro antifungal assays. The results revealed varying degrees of antifungal activity among the plant extracts, with some showing promising inhibitory effects against the targeted fungi. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in antifungal efficacy among the tested extracts.

Results

The study found that Penicilium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., and Fusarium spp, were the predominant fungal species. The study found that the extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Ginger oficealae, and Pterolobium stalatam were effective in inhibiting mycelial growth against these pathogens. This suggests the use of these medicinal plants for the preservation and control of sweet orange fruit in most of the Ethiopian region.

Conlusion

These findings suggest the potential of certain plant extracts as natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for managing fungal diseases in sweet orange cultivation. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these plant extracts and optimize their application in agricultural practices. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly strategies for plant disease management in the region.
Iteration-Free quantum approximate optimization algorithm using neural networks
Authors: Amosy Ohad , Danzig Tamuz , Lev Ohad , Porat Ely , Chechik Gal , Makmal Adi
Published: July 2024

The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) is a leading iterative variational quantum algorithm for heuristically solving combinatorial optimization problems. A large portion of the computational effort in QAOA is spent by the optimization steps, which require many executions of the quantum circuit. Therefore, there is active research focusing on finding better initial circuit parameters, which would reduce the number of required iterations and hence the overall execution time. While existing methods for parameter initialization have shown great success, they often offer a single set of parameters for all problem instances. We propose a practical method that uses a simple, fully connected neural network that leverages previous executions of QAOA to find better initialization parameters tailored to a new given problem instance. We benchmark state-of-the-art initialization methods for solving the MaxCut problem of Erdős-Rényi graphs using QAOA and show that our method is consistently the fastest to converge while also yielding the best final result. Furthermore, the parameters predicted by the neural network are shown to match very well with the fully optimized parameters, to the extent that no iterative steps are required, thereby effectively realizing an iteration-free QAOA scheme.
Healthcare workers’ perspectives on a prescription phone program to meet the health equity needs of patients in the emergency department: a qualitative study
Authors: Hodwitz Kathryn , Ginocchio Galo F. , Fedorovsky Tali , Girdler Hannah , Bossin Brielle , Juando-Prats Clara , Dell Evelyn , Somers Andrea , Hulme Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Objectives

People experiencing homelessness and marginalization face considerable barriers to accessing healthcare services. Increased reliance on technology within healthcare has exacerbated these inequities. We evaluated a hospital-based prescription phone program aimed to reduce digital health inequities and improve access to services among marginalized patients in Emergency Departments. We examined the perceived outcomes of the program and the contextual barriers and facilitators affecting outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a constructivist qualitative program evaluation at two urban, academic hospitals in Toronto, Ontario. We interviewed 12 healthcare workers about their perspectives on program implementation and outcomes and analyzed the interview data using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Our analyses generated five interrelated program outcomes: building trust with patients, facilitating independence in healthcare, bridging sectors of care, enabling equitable care for marginalized populations, and mitigating moral distress among healthcare workers. Participants expressed that phone provision is critical for adequately serving patients who face barriers to accessing health and social services, and for supporting healthcare workers who often lack resources to adequately serve these patients. We identified key contextual enablers and challenges that may influence program outcomes and future implementation efforts.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that providing phones to marginalized patient populations may address digital and social health inequities; however, building trusting relationships with patients, understanding the unique needs of these populations, and operating within a biopsychosocial model of health are key to program success.
Carbon emission efficiency and regional synergistic peaking strategies in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
Authors: Gao Zixing , Xia Erman , Lin Sirui , Xu Jiaxin , Tao Chenlu , Yu Chang
Published: July 2024

In the context of China's resolute advancement of dual carbon goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), urban agglomerations emerge as pivotal areas for carbon emission mitigation due to their dense economic activities and rapid urbanization. Previous studies overlook regional disparities in carbon emission prediction, disregarding the variations and policy directives across different provinces or cities. Therefore, this study addresses the research gap by investigating synergistic strategies to foster regional carbon peaking within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Employing a novel approach tailored to regional segmentation policies, we provide more accurate predictions reflecting real-world conditions and distinct policy landscapes. Meanwhile, we integrate carbon emission efficiency into our analysis, emphasizing the dual goals of emission reduction and quality economic growth. Our empirical investigation in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, utilizing the Super-SBM and extended STIRPAT models, reveals upward trends in carbon emission efficiency, with varying trajectories across cities. Scenario simulations informed by the "14th Five-Year Plan" demonstrate that under the green development scenario, carbon peaking accelerates, alongside enhanced efficiency, supporting long-term emission reduction. Moreover, we design seven regional synergy carbon peak strategies for scenario simulations to facilitate the rational layout of dual carbon policies for collaborative development. We find that synergistic strategies have proven more effective in reducing regional carbon emission and increasing efficiency than strategies focusing solely on economic development or energy conservation. This innovative finding emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive green development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and provides strong evidence for policymakers. Our research contributes to targeted strategies for improving carbon emission efficiency and reducing emissions, emphasizing the importance of synergistic approaches for regional carbon reduction.
Kaizen: A Street Smart Low Latency-Aware Resource Choreography Scheme for Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) and Non-DAO Based Application Execution Over Blockchain and MEC Empowered 6 G Network
Authors: Chowdhury Mahfuzulhoq
Published: July 2024

Decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)-based applications can revolutionize traditional centralized decision-making procedures and services by enabling scalable, decentralized, autonomous, and democratized decision-making processes. Unlike traditional applications, DAO-based decentralized applications use Ethereum blockchain-based smart contract programs to execute policies or make automated decisions. To that end, 6 G technologies can improve the latency and reliability of many existing blockchain-based DAOs. Previous research did not investigate the execution of DAO and non-DAO-based applications, as well as an adaptive resource choreography scheme, while accounting for various 6 G technologies, blockchain, and mobile-edge cloud (MEC). To prevail over the previous shortcomings, this article supplies a street smart multi-platform coordination, application scheduling, and low-latency-aware resource choreography scheme for both DAO and non-DAO-based application execution over blockchain and MEC-enabled 6 G networks by taking heterogenous DAO and non-DAO application count, application requirements, physical worker, virtual worker, and communication resource status into account. The results verified that the proposed kaizen scheme delivers at least 11.26% app work completion delay gain, 7.2% user energy overhead gain, 6.55% user economic charge gain, and 21% service provider profit than the compared schemes.
Opportunities and implementation pathway for China’s forestry development under the “Dual Carbon” strategy
Authors: Liu Houzhou , Wang Hui , Nong Huazhan , He Yutong , Chen Yinglong , Wang Hailong , Yu Min
Published: July 2024

The “Dual Carbon” initiative is a two-stage carbon reduction goal proposed by China, with significant implications for global climate change mitigation. This article examines the impact of the “Dual Carbon” strategy on China's forestry development and explores how to leverage this strategy to facilitate the transformation and advancement of the forestry sector. Current review indicated that forestry has the advantage of achieving higher emission reduction targets at a low cost. Starting with an overview of the “Dual Carbon” strategy, this paper analyzes the carbon sequestration potential of plants and soil, and the challenges and opportunities faced by forestry development under this framework. Furthermore, we outline implementation pathways for forestry development, aiming to provide insights for the progress of China's forestry sector. Overall, it should be noted that the priority is to vigorously develop timber resources, and we also need to vigorously develop and protect forestry talent with the support of China's policies. By trapping into the carbon storage capabilities and leveraging carbon trading mechanisms of forests, a favorable ecological environment can be created, thus achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.
Medical negligence and disclosure of alternative treatments
Authors: Tan Ming Ren
Published: July 2024

Recent years have witnessed significant developments in medical negligence jurisprudence. In 2015, the Supreme Court in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board famously departed from the House of Lords decision in Sidaway v Board of Governors of the Bethlem Royal Hospital and the Maudsley Hospital by ruling that the professional practice test set out in Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee no longer applied to the doctor's duty to give advice to the patient. In particular, the Supreme Court in Montgomery held as follows:

The doctor is … under a duty to take reasonable care to ensure that the patient is aware of any material risks involved in any recommended treatment, and of any reasonable alternative or variant treatments. The test of materiality is whether, in the circumstances of the particular case, a reasonable person in the patient's position would be likely to attach significance to the risk, or the doctor is or should reasonably be aware that the particular patient would be likely to attach significance to it.
Sex and gender in sports nutrition research: bridging the gap
Authors: Madigan Sharon M.
Published: July 2024

The Olympic Games have grown to be the largest, gender-equal sporting event in the world, and the International Olympic Committee is committed to gender equality in sports encouraging and supporting the promotion of women in sports at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women (IOC, 2023). Women competed for the first time at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, and the number of women competing has grown exponentially over the last 100 years, so an estimated 5494 female athletes (48 %) competed in the Summer Olympic Games 2021 in Tokyo. Supporting women (alongside men) in achieving optimum performance is crucial, and understanding that there are sex and gender gaps in sports nutrition research is important. One reason for this gap is the historical bias in sports and exercise science research towards male participants. This has led to a poor understanding of the unique physiological and nutritional needs of female athletes. In summary, a balanced approach is crucial to address the nutritional needs of both male and female athletes. Researchers should continue exploring this important area to optimise performance and health for all athletes. The aim of this review is to summarise current sports nutrition literature and highlight research that seeks to understand and address where the gaps are with respect to several key areas in sports nutrition recommendations that can impact advice and practice with both males and females.
Enacting Reproductive Justice
Authors: Ida Macleod Catriona , Kalyanaraman Yamini , Mogonong Laurah
Published: July 2024

Abstract: How may reproductive justice be enacted in services and provider training to further the sustainable development goals of healthy lives and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights? We argue for careful baseline qualitative research infused with feminist and reproductive justice theory and, based on the findings of this research, the development and refinement of healthcare provider training through action research. We report on our implementation of this process in developing an in-service person-centered abortion counseling training course aimed at South African abortion healthcare providers. The baseline research consisted of recordings of abortion counseling sessions and interviews with healthcare providers and users. Several problematic directive and anti-abortion interactions were surfaced, which led to the development of a policy brief and step-by-step guidelines for providers. Subsequently, action research was employed to operationalize these guidelines into an in-service person-centered abortion counseling training course, and an iterative process enabled course improvement. Data collected for the course refinement included recordings of various sessions during the course, participants’ reflective journals, case presentations, and feedback forms, as well as interviews conducted two months post the first course. Comparing baseline findings with data collected as part of the action research shows some shifts in healthcare providers’ actions. We report on a shift in respecting bodily autonomy and encouraging autonomous decision-making. Structural and normative barriers continue, however. The enactment of reproductive justice through in-service training shows promise but must be supplemented with advocacy around other barriers.
Determinants of p53 DNA binding, gene regulation, and cell fate decisions
Authors: Fischer Martin , Sammons Morgan A.
Published: July 2024

The extent to which transcription factors read and respond to specific information content within short DNA sequences remains an important question that the tumor suppressor p53 is helping us answer. We discuss recent insights into how local information content at p53 binding sites might control modes of p53 target gene activation and cell fate decisions. Significant prior work has yielded data supporting two potential models of how p53 determines cell fate through its target genes: a selective target gene binding and activation model and a p53 level threshold model. Both of these models largely revolve around an analogy of whether p53 is acting in a “smart” or “dumb” manner. Here, we synthesize recent and past studies on p53 decoding of DNA sequence, chromatin context, and cellular signaling cascades to elicit variable cell fates critical in human development, homeostasis, and disease.
Effect of cross-platform gene-expression, computational methods on breast cancer subtyping in PALOMA-2 and PALLET studies
Authors: Cheang Maggie Chon U , Rimawi Mothaffar , Johnston Stephen , Jacobs Samuel A. , Bliss Judith , Pogue-Geile Katherine , Kilburn Lucy , Zhu Zhou , Schuster Eugene F. , Xiao Hui , Swaim Lisa , Deng Shibing , Lu Dongrui R. , Gauthier Eric , Tursi Jennifer , Slamon Dennis J. , Rugo Hope S. , Finn Richard S. , Liu Yuan
Published: July 2024

Intrinsic breast cancer molecular subtyping (IBCMS) provides significant prognostic information for patients with breast cancer and helps determine treatment. This study compared IBCMS methods on various gene-expression platforms in PALOMA-2 and PALLET trials. PALOMA-2 tumor samples were profiled using EdgeSeq and nanostring and subtyped with AIMS, PAM50, and research-use-only (ruo)Prosigna. PALLET tumor biopsies were profiled using mRNA sequencing and subtyped with AIMS and PAM50. In PALOMA-2 (n = 222), a 54% agreement was observed between results from AIMS and gold-standard ruoProsigna, with AIMS assigning 67% basal-like to HER2-enriched. In PALLET (n = 224), a 69% agreement was observed between results from PAM50 and AIMS. Different IBCMS methods may lead to different results and could misguide treatment selection; hence, a standardized clinical PAM50 assay and computational approach should be used.

Trial number: NCT01740427
Automated design of hybrid halide perovskite monolayers for band gap engineering
Authors: Hu Jie , Wang Jianwei , Chen Haiyuan , Niu Xiaobin
Published: July 2024

The recent experimental confirmation of perovskite monolayers has sparked ongoing efforts in their prediction and synthesis, showcasing their flexible tunable band gap and potential in advanced functional devices. Although large-scale computational designs have been successfully performed for inorganic perovskite monolayers, the complexity introduced by organic cations hinders the same approaches applied to the hybrid halide perovskite monolayers. To address this challenge, we have proposed a high-throughput first-principles computational workflow that automates the design of hybrid halide perovskite monolayers. We strategically reduce the complexity of the configurations by analyzing the orientation of cations and the structural symmetry. Over 400 hybrid halide perovskite monolayers have been designed, and their structures and fundamental properties are stored in the database. Correlation analyses show a strong correlation between band gaps and metal-halogen-metal bond angles or metal-halogen bond lengths, consistent with prior studies for bulk and layered perovskites. The underlying physics that the band gap is modulated by the antibonding in the metal-halogen bond makes band gap engineering of hybrid halide perovskite monolayers feasible. Accordingly, initial research on lateral heterojunctions and solar cells has been conducted to explore the potential practical applications of the designed hybrid halide perovskite monolayers. Our study lays the foundation for further exploration of hybrid halide perovskite monolayers and highlights promising opportunities for their potential applications in electronic and optical devices.
Property-guided generation of complex polymer topologies using variational autoencoders
Authors: Jiang Shengli , Dieng Adji Bousso , Webb Michael A.
Published: July 2024

The complexity and diversity of polymer topologies, or chain architectures, present substantial challenges in predicting and engineering polymer properties. Although machine learning is increasingly used in polymer science, applications to address architecturally complex polymers are nascent. Here, we use a generative machine learning model based on variational autoencoders and data generated from molecular dynamics simulations to design polymer topologies that exhibit target properties. Following the construction of a dataset featuring 1342 polymers with linear, cyclic, branch, comb, star, or dendritic structures, we employ a multi-task learning framework that effectively reconstructs and classifies polymer topologies while predicting their dilute-solution radii of gyration. This framework enables the generation of polymer topologies with target size, which is subsequently validated through molecular simulation. These capabilities are then exploited to contrast rheological properties of topologically distinct polymers with otherwise similar dilute-solution behavior. This research opens avenues for engineering polymers with more intricate and tailored properties with machine learning.
Deploying an asthma dashboard to support quality improvement across a nationally representative sentinel network of 7.6 million people in England
Authors: Mukherjee Mome , Okusi Cecilia , Jamie Gavin , Byford Rachel , Ferreira Filipa , Fletcher Monica , de Lusignan Simon , Sheikh Aziz
Published: July 2024

Every year, there are ~100,000 hospital admissions for asthma in the UK, many of which are potentially preventable. Evidence suggests that carefully conceptualised and implemented audit and feedback (A&F) cycles have the potential to improve clinical outcomes for those with chronic conditions. We wanted to investigate the technical feasibility of developing a near-real time asthma dashboard to support A&F interventions for asthma management in primary care. We extracted cross-sectional data on asthma from 756 participating GP practices in the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre (RCGP RSC) database in England comprising 7.6 million registered people. Summary indicators for a GP practice were compared to all participating RCGP RSC practices using practice-level data, for the week 6–12th-Mar-2023. A weekly, automated asthma dashboard with features that can support electronic-A&F cycles that compared key asthma indicators for a GP practice to RCGP RSC could be created (https://tinyurl.com/3ydtrt85): 12-weeks-incidence 0.4% vs 0.4%, annual prevalence 6.1% vs 6.7%, inhaled relievers to preventer 1.2 vs 1.1, self-management plan given 83.4% vs 60.8%, annual reviews 36.8% vs 57.3%, prednisolone prescriptions 2.0% vs 3.2%, influenza vaccination 56.6% vs 55.5%, pneumococcal vaccination ever (aged ≥65 years) 90.2% vs 84.1% and current smokers 14.9% vs 14.8%. Across the RCGP RSC, the rate of hospitalisations was 0.024%; comparative data had to be suppressed for the study practice because of small numbers. We have successfully created an automated near real-time asthma dashboard that can be used to support A&F initiatives to improve asthma care and outcomes in primary care.
Extant and extinct bilby genomes combined with Indigenous knowledge improve conservation of a unique Australian marsupial
Authors: Hogg Carolyn J. , Edwards Richard J. , Farquharson Katherine A. , Silver Luke W. , Brandies Parice , Peel Emma , Escalona Merly , Jaya Frederick R. , Thavornkanlapachai Rujiporn , Batley Kimberley , Bradford Tessa M. , Chang J. King , Chen Zhiliang , Deshpande Nandan , Dziminski Martin , Ewart Kyle M. , Griffith Oliver W. , Marin Gual Laia , Moon Katherine L. , Travouillon Kenny J. , Waters Paul , Whittington Camilla M. , Wilkins Marc R. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Lo Nathan , Ho Simon Y. W. , Ruiz Herrera Aurora , Paltridge Rachel , Marshall Graves Jennifer A. , Renfree Marilyn , Shapiro Beth , Ottewell Kym ,   Kiwirrkurra Rangers, Gibson Conway , Maxwell Raymond , Spencer Zecharia , Napangati Yalti , Butler Mary , West Janine , West John , James Mantua , Napangati Nolia , Gibson Loretta , West Payu , Gibson Angus , West Scott , West Kim , Japaltjari Walimpirri , Blackwood Ed , Rachel Paltridge  , Belov Katherine
Published: July 2024

Ninu (greater bilby, Macrotis lagotis) are desert-dwelling, culturally and ecologically important marsupials. In collaboration with Indigenous rangers and conservation managers, we generated the Ninu chromosome-level genome assembly (3.66 Gbp) and genome sequences for the extinct Yallara (lesser bilby, Macrotis leucura). We developed and tested a scat single-nucleotide polymorphism panel to inform current and future conservation actions, undertake ecological assessments and improve our understanding of Ninu genetic diversity in managed and wild populations. We also assessed the beneficial impact of translocations in the metapopulation (N = 363 Ninu). Resequenced genomes (temperate Ninu, 6; semi-arid Ninu, 6; and Yallara, 4) revealed two major population crashes during global cooling events for both species and differences in Ninu genes involved in anatomical and metabolic pathways. Despite their 45-year captive history, Ninu have fewer long runs of homozygosity than other larger mammals, which may be attributable to their boom–bust life history. Here we investigated the unique Ninu biology using 12 tissue transcriptomes revealing expression of all 115 conserved eutherian chorioallantoic placentation genes in the uterus, an XY1Y2 sex chromosome system and olfactory receptor gene expansions. Together, we demonstrate the holistic value of genomics in improving key conservation actions, understanding unique biological traits and developing tools for Indigenous rangers to monitor remote wild populations.
Direct observation of atmospheric turbulence with a video-rate wide-field wavefront sensor
Authors: Guo Yuduo , Hao Yuhan , Wan Sen , Zhang Hao , Zhu Laiyu , Zhang Yi , Wu Jiamin , Dai Qionghai , Fang Lu
Published: July 2024

Turbulence is a complex and chaotic state of fluid motion. Atmospheric turbulence within the Earth’s atmosphere poses fundamental challenges for applications such as remote sensing, free-space optical communications and astronomical observation due to its rapid evolution across temporal and spatial scales. Conventional methods for studying atmospheric turbulence face hurdles in capturing the wide-field distribution of turbulence due to its transparency and anisoplanatism. Here we develop a light-field-based plug-and-play wide-field wavefront sensor (WWS), facilitating the direct observation of atmospheric turbulence over 1,100 arcsec at 30 Hz. The experimental measurements agreed with the von Kármán turbulence model, further verified using a differential image motion monitor. Attached to an 80 cm telescope, our WWS enables clear turbulence profiling of three layers below an altitude of 750 m and high-resolution aberration-corrected imaging without additional deformable mirrors. The WWS also enables prediction of the evolution of turbulence dynamics within 33 ms using a convolutional recurrent neural network with wide-field measurements, leading to more accurate pre-compensation of turbulence-induced errors during free-space optical communication. Wide-field sensing of dynamic turbulence wavefronts provides new opportunities for studying the evolution of turbulence in the broad field of atmospheric optics.
Cryptic enzymatic assembly of peptides armed with β-lactone warheads
Authors: Xu Guangcai , Torri Daniele , Cuesta-Hoyos Sebastian , Panda Deepanjan , Yates Luke R. L. , Zallot Rémi , Bian Kehan , Jia Dongxu , Iorgu Andreea I. , Levy Colin , Shepherd Sarah A. , Micklefield Jason
Published: July 2024

Nature has evolved biosynthetic pathways to molecules possessing reactive warheads that inspired the development of many therapeutic agents, including penicillin antibiotics. Peptides armed with electrophilic warheads have proven to be particularly effective covalent inhibitors, providing essential antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer agents. Here we provide a full characterization of the pathways that nature deploys to assemble peptides with β-lactone warheads, which are potent proteasome inhibitors with promising anticancer activity. Warhead assembly involves a three-step cryptic methylation sequence, which is likely required to reduce unfavorable electrostatic interactions during the sterically demanding β-lactonization. Amide-bond synthetase and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-grasp enzymes couple amino acids to the β-lactone warhead, generating the bioactive peptide products. After reconstituting the entire pathway to β-lactone peptides in vitro, we go on to deliver a diverse range of analogs through enzymatic cascade reactions. Our approach is more efficient and cleaner than the synthetic methods currently used to produce clinically important warhead-containing peptides.
Transition transferases prime bacterial capsule polymerization
Authors: Litschko Christa , Di Domenico Valerio , Schulze Julia , Li Sizhe , Ovchinnikova Olga G. , Voskuilen Thijs , Bethe Andrea , Cifuente Javier O. , Marina Alberto , Budde Insa , Mast Tim A. , Sulewska Małgorzata , Berger Monika , Buettner Falk F. R. , Lowary Todd L. , Whitfield Chris , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Schubert Mario , Guerin Marcelo E. , Fiebig Timm
Published: July 2024

Capsules are long-chain carbohydrate polymers that envelop the surfaces of many bacteria, protecting them from host immune responses. Capsule biosynthesis enzymes are potential drug targets and valuable biotechnological tools for generating vaccine antigens. Despite their importance, it remains unknown how structurally variable capsule polymers of Gram-negative pathogens are linked to the conserved glycolipid anchoring these virulence factors to the bacterial membrane. Using Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as an example, we demonstrate that CpsA and CpsC generate a poly(glycerol-3-phosphate) linker to connect the glycolipid with capsules containing poly(galactosylglycerol-phosphate) backbones. We reconstruct the entire capsule biosynthesis pathway in A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 3 and 7, solve the X-ray crystal structure of the capsule polymerase CpsD, identify its tetratricopeptide repeat domain as essential for elongating poly(glycerol-3-phosphate) and show that CpsA and CpsC stimulate CpsD to produce longer polymers. We identify the CpsA and CpsC product as a wall teichoic acid homolog, demonstrating similarity between the biosynthesis of Gram-positive wall teichoic acid and Gram-negative capsules.
Role of Pacific Ocean climate in regulating runoff in the source areas of water transfer projects on the Pacific Rim
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Shijie , Dong Qianjin , Esper Jan , Büntgen Ulf , Meko David , Linderholm Hans W. , Wang Tao , Yue Weipeng , Zhao Xiaoen , Hadad Martín , González-Reyes Álvaro , Chen Fahu
Published: July 2024

Over the past two decades, more frequent and intense climate events have seriously threatened the operation of water transfer projects in the Pacific Rim region. However, the role of climatic change in driving runoff variations in the water source areas of these projects is unclear. We used tree-ring data to reconstruct changes in the runoff of the Hanjiang River since 1580 CE representing an important water source area for China’s south-north water transfer project. Comparisons with hydroclimatic reconstructions for the southwestern United States and central Chile indicated that the Pacific Rim region has experienced multiple coinciding droughts related to ENSO activity. Climate simulations indicate an increased likelihood of drought occurrence in the Pacific Rim region in the coming decades. The combination of warming-induced drought stresses with dynamic El Niño (warming ENSO) patterns is a thread to urban agglomerations and agricultural regions that rely on water transfer projects along the Pacific Rim.
Urbanization-induced warming amplifies population exposure to compound heatwaves but narrows exposure inequality between global North and South cities
Authors: Gao Shengjun , Chen Yunhao , Chen Deliang , He Bin , Gong Adu , Hou Peng , Li Kangning , Cui Ying
Published: July 2024

Urban populations face heightened extreme heat risks attributed to urban heat islands and high population densities. Although previous studies have examined global urban population exposure to heatwaves, the influence of urbanization-induced warming is still not quantified. Here, leveraging satellite-derived near-surface air temperature data, we assess the impacts of urbanization-induced warming on heat exposure in 1028 cities worldwide. Additionally, we investigate its role in shaping disparities in heat exposure between global North and South cities. Our findings reveal that urbanization-amplified compound heatwaves exacerbate heat exposure risk in more than 90% of cities, and that this amplification is stronger in high urbanization areas. Moreover, our analysis highlights the potential for overestimating disparities between global North and South cities if urbanization-induced warming is overlooked. The inequality of higher heat exposure in the global South cities than in the global North cities will be narrowed in real scenarios due to more intense urbanization-induced warming in the global North cities. We emphasize the pivotal role of urbanization-induced heatwave intensification in heat exposure assessments and call for its inclusion in future population vulnerability evaluations to extreme heat.
CCL11/CCR3-dependent eosinophilia alleviates malignant pleural effusions and improves prognosis
Authors: Zhang Min , Xia Lixia , Peng Wenbei , Xie Guogang , Li Fei , Zhang Chao , Syeda Madiha Zahra , Hu Yue , Lan Fen , Yan Fugui , Jin Zhangchu , Du Xufei , Han Yinling , Lv Baihui , Wang Yuejue , Li Miao , Fei Xia , Zhao Yun , Chen Kaijun , Chen Yan , Li Wen , Chen Zhihua , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Min , Ying Songmin , Shen Huahao
Published: July 2024

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common occurrence in advanced cancer and is often linked with a poor prognosis. Eosinophils were reported to involve in the development of MPE. However, the role of eosinophils in MPE remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted studies using both human samples and mouse models. Increased eosinophil counts were observed in patients with MPE, indicating that the higher the number of eosinophils is, the lower the LENT score is. In our animal models, eosinophils were found to migrate to pleural cavity actively upon exposure to tumor cells. Intriguingly, we discovered that a deficiency in eosinophils exacerbated MPE, possibly due to their anti-tumor effects generated by modifying the microenvironment of MPE. Furthermore, our experiments explored the role of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) and its receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) in MPE pathology. As a conclusion, our study underscores the protective potential of eosinophils against the development of MPE, and that an increase in eosinophils through adoptive transfer of eosinophils or increasing their numbers improved MPE.
Male and female contributions to diversity among birdwing butterfly images
Authors: Hoyal Cuthill Jennifer F. , Guttenberg Nicholas , Huertas Blanca
Published: July 2024

Machine learning (ML) newly enables tests for higher inter-species diversity in visible phenotype (disparity) among males versus females, predictions made from Darwinian sexual selection versus Wallacean natural selection, respectively. Here, we use ML to quantify variation across a sample of > 16,000 dorsal and ventral photographs of the sexually dimorphic birdwing butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Validation of image embedding distances, learnt by a triplet-trained, deep convolutional neural network, shows ML can be used for automated reconstruction of phenotypic evolution achieving measures of phylogenetic congruence to genetic species trees within a range sampled among genetic trees themselves. Quantification of sexual disparity difference (male versus female embedding distance), shows sexually and phylogenetically variable inter-species disparity. Ornithoptera exemplify high embedded male image disparity, diversification of selective optima in fitted multi-peak OU models and accelerated divergence, with cases of extreme divergence in allopatry and sympatry. However, genus Troides shows inverted patterns, including comparatively static male embedded phenotype, and higher female than male disparity – though within an inferred selective regime common to these females. Birdwing shapes and colour patterns that are most phenotypically distinctive in ML similarity are generally those of males. However, either sex can contribute majoritively to observed phenotypic diversity among species.
Proton-pumping photoreceptor controls expression of ABC transporter by regulating transcription factor through light
Authors: Shim Jin-gon , Chuon Kimleng , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Lee Sang-ji , Song Myung-chul , Cho Shin-Gyu , Hour Chenda , Jung Kwang-Hwan
Published: July 2024

Light is a significant factor for living organisms with photosystems, like microbial rhodopsin—a retinal protein that functions as an ion pump, channel, and sensory transduction. Gloeobacter violaceus PCC7421, has a proton-pumping rhodopsin gene, the Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR). The helix-turn-helix family of transcriptional regulators has various motifs, and they regulate gene expression in the presence of various metal ions. Here, we report that active proton outward pumping rhodopsin interacted with the helix-turn-helix transcription regulator and regulated gene expression. This interaction is confirmed using ITC analysis (KD of 8 μM) and determined the charged residues required. During in vitro experiments using fluorescent and luciferase reporter systems, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and the self-regulation of G. violaceus transcriptional regulator (GvTcR) are regulated by light, and gene regulation is observed in G. violaceus using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. These results expand our understanding of the natural potential and limitations of microbial rhodopsin function.
Universal mechanism of shear thinning in supercooled liquids
Authors: Mizuno Hideyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Kawasaki Takeshi , Miyazaki Kunimasa
Published: July 2024

Soft glassy materials experience a significant reduction in viscosity η when subjected to shear flow, known as shear thinning. This phenomenon is characterized by a power-law scaling of η with the shear rate $$\dot{\gamma }$$

γ

°

, $$\eta \propto {\dot{\gamma }}^{-\nu }$$
η
∝

γ

°

−
ν

, where the exponent ν is typically around 0.7 to 0.8 across different materials. Two decades ago, the mode-coupling theory (MCT) suggested that shear thinning occurs due to the advection. However, it predicts too large ν = 1 ( > 0.7 to 0.8) and overestimates the onset shear rate by orders of magnitude. Recently, it was claimed that a minute distortion of the particle configuration is responsible for shear thinning. Here we extend the MCT to include the distortion, and find that both advection and distortion contribute to shear thinning, but the latter is dominant. Our formulation works quantitatively for several different glass formers. We explain why shear thinning is universal for many glassy materials.
Machine learning of knot topology in non-Hermitian band braids
Authors: Chen Jiangzhi , Wang Zi , Tan Yu-Tao , Wang Ce , Ren Jie
Published: July 2024

The deep connection among braids, knots and topological physics has provided valuable insights into studying topological states in various physical systems. However, identifying distinct braid groups and knot topology embedded in non-Hermitian systems is challenging and requires significant efforts. Here, we demonstrate that an unsupervised learning with the representation basis of su(n) Lie algebra on n-fold extended non-Hermitian bands can fully classify braid group and knot topology therein, without requiring any prior mathematical knowledge or any pre-defined topological invariants. We demonstrate that the approach successfully identifies different topological elements, such as unlink, unknot, Hopf link, Solomon ring, trefoil, and so on, by employing generalized Gell-Mann matrices in non-Hermitian models with n=2 and n=3 energy bands. Moreover, since eigenstate information of non-Hermitian bands is incorporated in addition to eigenvalues, the approach distinguishes the different parity-time symmetry and breaking phases, recognizes the opposite chirality of braids and knots, and identifies out distinct topological phases that were overlooked before. Our study shows significant potential of machine learning in classification of knots, braid groups, and non-Hermitian topological phases.
Healthy dietary patterns are associated with exposure to environmental chemicals in a pregnancy cohort
Authors: Yu Guoqi , Lu Ruijin , Yang Jiaxi , Rahman Mohammad L. , Li Ling-Jun , Wang Dong D. , Sun Qi , Pang Wei Wei , Guivarch Claire , Birukov Anna , Grewal Jagteshwar , Chen Zhen , Zhang Cuilin
Published: July 2024

Healthy dietary patterns, such as the alternate Mediterranean diet and alternate Healthy Eating Index, benefit cardiometabolic health. However, several food components of these dietary patterns are primary sources of environmental chemicals. Here, using data from a racially and ethnically diverse US cohort, we show that healthy dietary pattern scores were positively associated with plasma chemical exposure in pregnancy, particularly for the alternate Mediterranean diet and alternate Healthy Eating Index with polychlorinated biphenyls and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. The associations appeared stronger among Asian and Pacific Islanders. These findings suggest that optimizing the benefits of a healthy diet requires concerted regulatory efforts aimed at lowering environmental chemical exposure.
The challenge of closing the climate adaptation gap for water supply utilities
Authors: Becher Olivia , Smilovic Mikhail , Verschuur Jasper , Pant Raghav , Tramberend Sylvia , Hall Jim
Published: July 2024

Many drinking water utilities face immense challenges in supplying sustainable, drought-resilient services to households. Here we propose a quantified framework to perform drought risk analysis on ~5600 potable water supply utilities and evaluate the benefit of adaptation actions. We identify global hotspots of present-day and mid-century drought risk under future scenarios of climate change and demand growth (namely, SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). We estimate the mean rate of unsustainable or disrupted utility supply at 15% (interquartile range, 0–26%) and project a global increase in risk of between 30–45% under future scenarios. Implementing the most cost-effective adaptation action identified per utility would mitigate additional future risk by 75–80%. However, implementing the subset of cost-effective options that generate sufficient tariff revenue to provide a benefit-cost ratio that is greater than 1 would only achieve 5–20% of this benefit. The results underline the challenge of attracting the financing required to close the climate adaptation gap for water supply utilities.