bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire‐Pollutant‐Atmosphere Components and Its Impact on Mortality in Portugal During Wildfire Seasons
Authors: de Souza Fernandes Duarte Ediclê , Salgueiro Vanda , Costa Maria João , Lucio Paulo Sérgio , Potes Miguel , Bortoli Daniele , Salgado Rui
Published: October 2023

This study analyzed fire‐pollutant‐meteorological variables and their impact on cardio‐respiratory mortality in Portugal during wildfire season. Data of burned area, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 or 2.5 μm (μm) or less (PM10, PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, aerosol optical depth and mortality rates of Circulatory System Disease (CSD), Respiratory System Disease (RSD), Pneumonia (PNEU), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Asthma (ASMA), were used. Only the months of 2011–2020 wildfire season (June–July–August–September‐October) with a burned area greater than 1,000 ha were considered. Principal component analysis was used on fire‐pollutant‐meteorological variables to create two indices called Pollutant‐Burning Interaction (PBI) and Atmospheric‐Pollutant Interaction (API). PBI was strongly correlated with the air pollutants and burned area while API was strongly correlated with temperature and relative humidity, and O3. Cluster analysis applied to PBI‐API divided the data into two Clusters. Cluster 1 included colder and wetter months and higher NO2 concentration. Cluster 2 included warmer and dried months, and higher PM10, PM2.5, CO, and O3 concentrations. The clusters were subjected to Principal Component Linear Regression to better understand the relationship between mortality and PBI‐API indices. Cluster 1 showed statistically significant (p‐value < 0.05) correlation (r) between RSDxPBI (rRSD = 0.58) and PNEUxPBI (rPNEU = 0.67). Cluster 2 showed statistically significant correlations between RSDxPBI (rRSD = 0.48), PNEUxPBI (rPNEU = 0.47), COPDxPBI (rCOPD = 0.45), CSDxAPI (rCSD = 0.70), RSDxAPI (rCSD = 0.71), PNEUxAPI (rPNEU = 0.49), and COPDxAPI (rPNEU = 0.62). Cluster 2 analysis indicates that the warmest, driest, and most polluted months of the wildfire season were associated with cardio‐respiratory mortality.
Methods of Assessing Health Care Costs in a Changing Climate: A Case Study of Heatwaves and Ambulance Dispatches in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Campbell Sharon L. , Remenyi Tomas , Johnston Fay H.
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic climate change is causing a rise in global temperatures, with this trend projected to increase into the future. Rising temperatures result in an increase in the frequency and severity of heatwave events, with an associated increase in poor health outcomes for vulnerable individuals. This places an increasing strain on health care services. However, methods calculating future health care costs associated with this trend are poorly understood. We calculated health care costs attributable to heatwave events in Tasmania 2009–2019, using ambulance dispatches as a case study. We also modeled the expected health and economic burden for projected heatwave frequencies between 2010 and 2089. We developed our models based on two possible approaches to describing population adaptation to heatwaves—an adapted population calculated by determining heatwave episodes using a rolling baseline, and a non‐adapted population calculated by determining heatwave episodes using a static baseline. Using a rolling baseline calculation for 2010 to 2089, we estimated additional ambulance costs averaging AUD$57,147 per year and totaling AUD$4,571,788. For the same period using a static baseline, we estimated additional ambulance costs averaging AUD$517,342 per year and totaling AUD$41,387,349. While this method is suitable for estimating the health care costs associated with heatwaves, it could be utilized for estimating health care costs related to other climate‐related extreme events. Different methods of estimating heatwaves, modeling an adapted versus non‐adapted population, provide substantial differences in projected costs. There is potential for considerable health system cost savings when a population is supported to adapt to extreme heat.
The Role of Interactive Soil Moisture in Land Drying Under Anthropogenic Warming
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Leung L. Ruby , Lu Jian
Published: October 2023

Relative humidity (RH) is projected to increase over ocean but decrease over land under anthropogenic warming. The land RH decrease was previously attributed to ocean influences on land changes. Here, we show that interactive soil moisture (SM) is necessary and may be sufficient for anthropogenic warming to reduce the land RH. The land RH decrease is absent in simulations with realistic land‐ocean geometry but fixed SM, and present in simulations with interactive SM but no oceans or changes in precipitation minus evaporation. The land RH decrease is coupled to the SM decline and the latter could be understood as a natural response of interactive SM to anthropogenic warming. Specifically, prior to adjustments in SM and RH, evaporation would increase by ∼6% K−1 following the Clausius–Clapeyron relation, outpacing the radiatively constrained ∼2% K−1 precipitation increase. This prior imbalance depletes SM and consequently reduces RH through the coupling between SM and RH.
Quantifying the Absorption Loss of Radiation Belt Energetic Particles by Saturn's Inner Moons
Authors: Wang Shaobei , Si Chaoyue , Long Minyi , Lu Peng , Cao Xing , Ni Binbin , Yang Guanglei
Published: October 2023

Saturn owns various moons embedded in the magnetosphere, which results in the absorption loss of energetic particles in Saturn's radiation belts when they encounter the body of moons. In the present study, we perform a quantitative analysis of radiation belt energetic electron and proton lifetimes due to the absorption loss by five of inner moons of Saturn (Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, and Rhea). Our results show that the resultant averaged lifetimes of energetic particles generally range from ∼0.01 days to infinity, depending strongly on particle energy, equatorial pitch angle, and moon orbit. The averaged lifetimes of energetic electrons increase with increasing electron energy at energies of <1 MeV and peak at the resonance energy, at which the electron drift velocities approach the Kepler velocities of moons. For >1 MeV electrons, the corresponding electron lifetimes decrease as electron energy increases. The averaged lifetimes of protons decrease monotonically with increasing equatorial pitch angles and kinetic energies. We find that the absorption loss by Tethys is the strongest, with the corresponding electron lifetimes shorter than 1 day and the corresponding proton lifetimes shorter than 10 days. The moon absorption effects due to Mimas are the weakest. Our results of energetic particle lifetimes due to the absorption loss by Saturn's moons can be incorporated into future modeling efforts of the radiation belt particle dynamics at Saturn.
Accelerating Large‐Eddy Simulations of Clouds With Tensor Processing Units
Authors: Chammas Sheide , Wang Qing , Schneider Tapio , Ihme Matthias , Chen Yi‐fan , Anderson John
Published: October 2023

Clouds, especially low clouds, are crucial for regulating Earth's energy balance and mediating the response of the climate system to changes in greenhouse gas concentrations. Despite their importance for climate, they remain relatively poorly understood and are inaccurately represented in climate models. A principal reason is that the high computational expense of simulating them with large‐eddy simulations (LES) has inhibited broad and systematic numerical experimentation and the generation of large data sets for training parametrization schemes for climate models. Here we demonstrate LES of low clouds on tensor processing units (TPUs), application‐specific integrated circuits that were originally developed for machine learning applications. We show that TPUs in conjunction with tailored software implementations can be used to simulate computationally challenging stratocumulus clouds in conditions observed during the Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus (DYCOMS) field study. The TPU‐based LES code successfully reproduces clouds during DYCOMS and opens up the large computational resources available on TPUs to cloud simulations. The code enables unprecedented weak and strong scaling of LES, making it possible, for example, to simulate stratocumulus with 10× speedup over real‐time evolution in domains with a 34.7 km × 53.8 km horizontal cross section. The results open up new avenues for computational experiments and for substantially enlarging the sample of LES available to train parameterizations of low clouds.
Snapshot Mueller spectropolarimeter imager
Authors: Dai Tianxiang , Phan Thaibao , Wang Evan W. , Kwon Soonyang , Son Jaehyeon , Lee Myungjun , Fan Jonathan A.
Published: October 2023

We introduce an imaging system that can simultaneously record complete Mueller polarization responses for a set of wavelength channels in a single image capture. The division-of-focal-plane concept combines a multiplexed illumination scheme based on Fourier optics together with an integrated telescopic light-field imaging system. Polarization-resolved imaging is achieved using broadband nanostructured plasmonic polarizers as functional pinhole apertures. The recording of polarization and wavelength information on the image sensor is highly interpretable. We also develop a calibration approach based on a customized neural network architecture that can produce calibrated measurements in real-time. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we use our calibrated system to accurately reconstruct a thin film thickness map from a four-inch wafer. We anticipate that our concept will have utility in metrology, machine vision, computational imaging, and optical computing platforms.
Muscle-inspired soft robots based on bilateral dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Yang Yale , Li Dengfeng , Sun Yanhua , Wu Mengge , Su Jingyou , Li Ying , Yu Xinge , Li Lu , Yu Junsheng
Published: October 2023

Muscle groups perform their functions in the human body via bilateral muscle actuation, which brings bionic inspiration to artificial robot design. Building soft robotic systems with artificial muscles and multiple control dimensions could be an effective means to develop highly controllable soft robots. Here, we report a bilateral actuator with a bilateral deformation function similar to that of a muscle group that can be used for soft robots. To construct this bilateral actuator, a low-cost VHB 4910 dielectric elastomer was selected as the artificial muscle, and polymer films manufactured with specific shapes served as the actuator frame. By end-to-end connecting these bilateral actuators, a gear-shaped 3D soft robot with diverse motion capabilities could be developed, benefiting from adjustable actuation combinations. Lying on the ground with all feet on the ground, a crawling soft robot with dexterous movement along multiple directions was realized. Moreover, the directional steering was instantaneous and efficient. With two feet standing on the ground, it also acted as a rolling soft robot that can achieve bidirectional rolling motion and climbing motion on a 2° slope. Finally, inspired by the orbicularis oris muscle in the mouth, a mouthlike soft robot that could bite and grab objects 5.3 times of its body weight was demonstrated. The bidirectional function of a single actuator and the various combination modes among multiple actuators together allow the soft robots to exhibit diverse functionalities and flexibility, which provides a very valuable reference for the design of highly controllable soft robots.
CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1 functions as a housekeeping chimeric RNA and regulates cell proliferation through SERPINE2
Authors: Chen Chen , Qin Fujun , Singh Sandeep , Tang Yue , Li Hui
Published: October 2023

The conventional understanding that chimeric RNAs are unique to carcinoma and are the products of chromosomal rearrangement is being challenged. However, experimental evidence supporting the function of chimeric RNAs in normal physiology is scarce. We decided to focus on one particular chimeric RNA, CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1. We examined its expression in various tissues and cell types and compared it quantitatively among cancer and noncancer cells. We further investigated its role in a panel of noncancer cells and investigated the functional mechanism. We found that this fusion transcript is expressed in almost all tissues and a wide range of cell types, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, stem cells, vascular endothelial cells, and hepatocytes. In addition, the CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1 expression level in noncancerous cell lines was not evidently different from that in cancer cell lines. Furthermore, in at least three cell types, silencing CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1 significantly reduced the cell proliferation rate by inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, rescue experiments confirmed that cell cycle arrest was restored by exogenous expression of the chimera but not the wild-type parental gene. Further evidence is provided that CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1 regulates cell proliferation through SERPINE2. Thus, CTNNBIP1-CLSTN1 is an example of a new class of fusion RNAs, dubbed “housekeeping chimeric RNAs”.
Ecological network analysis reveals cancer-dependent chaperone-client interaction structure and robustness
Authors: Galai Geut , He Xie , Rotblat Barak , Pilosof Shai
Published: October 2023

Cancer cells alter the expression levels of metabolic enzymes to fuel proliferation. The mitochondrion is a central hub of metabolic reprogramming, where chaperones service hundreds of clients, forming chaperone-client interaction networks. How network structure affects its robustness to chaperone targeting is key to developing cancer-specific drug therapy. However, few studies have assessed how structure and robustness vary across different cancer tissues. Here, using ecological network analysis, we reveal a non-random, hierarchical pattern whereby the cancer type modulates the chaperones’ ability to realize their potential client interactions. Despite the low similarity between the chaperone-client interaction networks, we highly accurately predict links in one cancer type based on another. Moreover, we identify groups of chaperones that interact with similar clients. Simulations of network robustness show that this group structure affects cancer-specific response to chaperone removal. Our results open the door for new hypotheses regarding the ecology and evolution of chaperone-client interaction networks and can inform cancer-specific drug development strategies.
Warming-induced contraction of tropical convection delays and reduces tropical cyclone formation
Authors: Zhang Gan
Published: October 2023

The future risk of tropical cyclones (TCs) strongly depends on changes in TC frequency, but models have persistently produced contrasting projections. A satisfactory explanation of the projected changes also remains elusive. Here we show a warming-induced contraction of tropical convection delays and reduces TC formation. This contraction manifests as stronger equatorial convection and weaker off-equatorial convection. It has been robustly projected by climate models, particularly in the northern hemisphere. This contraction shortens TC seasons by delaying the poleward migration of the intertropical convergence zone. At seasonal peaks of TC activity, the equatorial and off-equatorial components of this contraction are associated with TC-hindering environmental changes. Finally, the convection contraction and associated warming patterns can partly explain the ensemble spread in projecting future TC frequency. This study highlights the role of convection contraction and provides motivation for coordinated research to solidify our confidence in future TC risk projections.
Reactive wetting enabled anchoring of non-wettable iron oxide in liquid metal for miniature soft robot
Authors: Shen Yifeng , Jin Dongdong , Fu Mingming , Liu Sanhu , Xu Zhiwu , Cao Qinghua , Wang Bo , Li Guoqiang , Chen Wenjun , Liu Shaoqin , Ma Xing
Published: October 2023

Magnetic liquid metal (LM) soft robots attract considerable attentions because of distinctive immiscibility, deformability and maneuverability. However, conventional LM composites relying on alloying between LM and metallic magnetic powders suffer from diminished magnetism over time and potential safety risk upon leakage of metallic components. Herein, we report a strategy to composite inert and biocompatible iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles into eutectic gallium indium LM via reactive wetting mechanism. To address the intrinsic interfacial non-wettability between Fe3O4 and LM, a silver intermediate layer was introduced to fuse with indium component into AgxIny intermetallic compounds, facilitating the anchoring of Fe3O4 nanoparticles inside LM with improved magnetic stability. Subsequently, a miniature soft robot was constructed to perform various controllable deformation and locomotion behaviors under actuation of external magnetic field. Finally, practical feasibility of applying LM soft robot in an ex vivo porcine stomach was validated under in-situ monitoring by endoscope and X-ray imaging.
Integrin signaling is critical for myeloid-mediated support of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lyu Aram , Humphrey Ryan S. , Nam Seo Hee , Durham Tyler A. , Hu Zicheng , Arasappan Dhivya , Horton Terzah M. , Ehrlich Lauren I. R.
Published: October 2023

We previously found that T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) requires support from tumor-associated myeloid cells, which activate Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) signaling in leukemic blasts. However, IGF1 is not sufficient to sustain T-ALL in vitro, implicating additional myeloid-mediated signals in leukemia progression. Here, we find that T-ALL cells require close contact with myeloid cells to survive. Transcriptional profiling and in vitro assays demonstrate that integrin-mediated cell adhesion activates downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/ proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), which are required for myeloid-mediated T-ALL support, partly through activation of IGF1R. Blocking integrin ligands or inhibiting FAK/PYK2 signaling diminishes leukemia burden in multiple organs and confers a survival advantage in a mouse model of T-ALL. Inhibiting integrin-mediated adhesion or FAK/PYK2 also reduces survival of primary patient T-ALL cells co-cultured with myeloid cells. Furthermore, elevated integrin pathway gene signatures correlate with higher FAK signaling and myeloid gene signatures and are associated with an inferior prognosis in pediatric T-ALL patients. Together, these findings demonstrate that integrin activation and downstream FAK/PYK2 signaling are important mechanisms underlying myeloid-mediated support of T-ALL progression.
Metabolic phenotyping of BMI to characterize cardiometabolic risk: evidence from large population-based cohorts
Authors: Beyene Habtamu B. , Giles Corey , Huynh Kevin , Wang Tingting , Cinel Michelle , Mellett Natalie A. , Olshansky Gavriel , Meikle Thomas G. , Watts Gerald F. , Hung Joseph , Hui Jennie , Cadby Gemma , Beilby John , Blangero John , Moses Eric K. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Magliano Dianna J. , Meikle Peter J.
Published: October 2023

Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, a substantial proportion of patients with these conditions have a seemingly normal body mass index (BMI). Conversely, not all obese individuals present with metabolic disorders giving rise to the concept of “metabolically healthy obese”. We use lipidomic-based models for BMI to calculate a metabolic BMI score (mBMI) as a measure of metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity. Using the difference between mBMI and BMI (mBMIΔ), we identify individuals with a similar BMI but differing in their metabolic health and disease risk profiles. Exercise and diet associate with mBMIΔ suggesting the ability to modify mBMI with lifestyle intervention. Our findings show that, the mBMI score captures information on metabolic dysregulation that is independent of the measured BMI and so provides an opportunity to assess metabolic health to identify “at risk” individuals for targeted intervention and monitoring.
Immunosuppression causes dynamic changes in expression QTLs in psoriatic skin
Authors: Xiao Qian , Mears Joseph , Nathan Aparna , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Baglaenko Yuriy , Lim Noha , Cooney Laura A. , Harris Kristina M. , Anderson Mark S. , Fox David A. , Smilek Dawn E. , Krueger James G. , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: October 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition primarily affecting skin. While the role of the immune compartment (e.g., T cells) is well established, the changes in the skin compartment are more poorly understood. Using longitudinal skin biopsies (n = 375) from the “Psoriasis Treatment with Abatacept and Ustekinumab: A Study of Efficacy”(PAUSE) clinical trial (n = 101), we report 953 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Of those, 116 eQTLs have effect sizes that were modulated by local skin inflammation (eQTL interactions). By examining these eQTL genes (eGenes), we find that most are expressed in the skin tissue compartment, and a subset overlap with the NRF2 pathway. Indeed, the strongest eQTL interaction signal – rs1491377616-LCE3C– links a psoriasis risk locus with a gene specifically expressed in the epidermis. This eQTL study highlights the potential to use biospecimens from clinical trials to discover in vivo eQTL interactions with therapeutically relevant environmental variables.
Spectroscape enables real-time query and visualization of a spectral archive in proteomics
Authors: Wu Long , Hoque Ayman , Lam Henry
Published: October 2023

In proteomics, spectral archives organize the enormous amounts of publicly available peptide tandem mass spectra by similarity, offering opportunities for error correction and novel discoveries. Here we adapt an indexing algorithm developed by Facebook for organizing online multimedia resources to tandem mass spectra and achieve practically instantaneous retrieval and clustering of approximate nearest neighbors in a large spectral archive. An interactive web-based graphical user interface enables the user to view a query spectrum in its clustered neighborhood, which facilitates contextual validation of peptide identifications and exploration of the dark proteome.
Open structure and gating of the Arabidopsis mechanosensitive ion channel MSL10
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Maksaev Grigory , Yuan Peng
Published: October 2023

Plants are challenged by drastically different osmotic environments during growth and development. Adaptation to these environments often involves mechanosensitive ion channels that can detect and respond to mechanical force. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the mechanosensitive channel MSL10 plays a crucial role in hypo-osmotic shock adaptation and programmed cell death induction, but the molecular basis of channel function remains poorly understood. Here, we report a structural and electrophysiological analysis of MSL10. The cryo-electron microscopy structures reveal a distinct heptameric channel assembly. Structures of the wild-type channel in detergent and lipid environments, and in the absence of membrane tension, capture an open conformation. Furthermore, structural analysis of a non-conductive mutant channel demonstrates that reorientation of phenylalanine side chains alone, without main chain rearrangements, may generate the hydrophobic gate. Together, these results reveal a distinct gating mechanism and advance our understanding of mechanotransduction.
An airlock concept to reduce contamination risks during the human exploration of Mars
Authors: Vrankar Daniel , Verseux Cyprien , Heinicke Christiane
Published: October 2023

Protecting the Martian environment from contamination with terrestrial microbes is generally seen as essential to the scientific exploration of Mars, especially when it comes to the search for indigenous life. However, while companies and space agencies aim at getting to Mars within ambitious timelines, the state-of-the-art planetary protection measures are only applicable to uncrewed spacecraft. With this paper, we attempt to reconcile these two conflicting goals: the human exploration of Mars and its protection from biological contamination. In our view, the one nominal mission activity that is most prone to introducing terrestrial microbes into the Martian environment is when humans leave their habitat to explore the Martian surface, if one were to use state-of-the-art airlocks. We therefore propose to adapt airlocks specifically to the goals of planetary protection. We suggest a concrete concept for such an adapted airlock, believing that only practical and implementable solutions will be followed by human explorers in the long run.
Effects of sodium nitrite reduction, removal or replacement on cured and cooked meat for microbiological growth, food safety, colon ecosystem, and colorectal carcinogenesis in Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Guéraud Françoise , Buisson Charline , Promeyrat Aurélie , Naud Nathalie , Fouché Edwin , Bézirard Valérie , Dupuy Jacques , Plaisancié Pascale , Héliès-Toussaint Cécile , Trouilh Lidwine , Martin Jean-Luc , Jeuge Sabine , Keuleyan Eléna , Petit Noémie , Aubry Laurent , Théodorou Vassilia , Frémaux Bastien , Olier Maïwenn , Caderni Giovanna , Kostka Tina , Nassy Gilles , Santé-Lhoutellier Véronique , Pierre Fabrice
Published: October 2023

Epidemiological and experimental evidence indicated that processed meat consumption is associated with colorectal cancer risks. Several studies suggest the involvement of nitrite or nitrate additives via N-nitroso-compound formation (NOCs). Compared to the reference level (120 mg/kg of ham), sodium nitrite removal and reduction (90 mg/kg) similarly decreased preneoplastic lesions in F344 rats, but only reduction had an inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes growth comparable to that obtained using the reference nitrite level and an effective lipid peroxidation control. Among the three nitrite salt alternatives tested, none of them led to a significant gain when compared to the reference level: vegetable stock, due to nitrate presence, was very similar to this reference nitrite level, yeast extract induced a strong luminal peroxidation and no decrease in preneoplastic lesions in rats despite the absence of NOCs, and polyphenol rich extract induced the clearest downward trend on preneoplastic lesions in rats but the concomitant presence of nitrosyl iron in feces. Except the vegetable stock, other alternatives were less efficient than sodium nitrite in reducing L. monocytogenes growth.
Homologous Pairs of Low and High Temperature Originating Proteins Spanning the Known Prokaryotic Universe
Authors: Komp Evan , Alanzi Humood N. , Francis Ryan , Vuong Chau , Roberts Logan , Mosallanejad Amin , Beck David A. C.
Published: October 2023

Stability of proteins at high temperature has been a topic of interest for many years, as this attribute is favourable for applications ranging from therapeutics to industrial chemical manufacturing. Our current understanding and methods for designing high-temperature stability into target proteins are inadequate. To drive innovation in this space, we have curated a large dataset, learn2thermDB, of protein-temperature examples, totalling 24 million instances, and paired proteins across temperatures based on homology, yielding 69 million protein pairs - orders of magnitude larger than the current largest. This important step of pairing allows for study of high-temperature stability in a sequence-dependent manner in the big data era. The data pipeline is parameterized and open, allowing it to be tuned by downstream users. We further show that the data contains signal for deep learning. This data offers a new doorway towards thermal stability design models.
A comprehensive dataset of animal-associated sarbecoviruses
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhao Peng , Xu Panpan , Han Yelin , Wang Yuyang , Chen Lihong , Wu Zhiqiang , Yang Jian
Published: October 2023

Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses (SarbeCoVs) from non-human animals to humans under natural conditions has led to two large-scale pandemics, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge of the genetic diversity, geographical distribution, and host specificity of SarbeCoVs is therefore of interest for pandemic surveillance and origin tracing of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. This study presents a comprehensive repository of publicly available animal-associated SarbeCoVs, covering 1,535 viruses identified from 63 animal species distributed in 43 countries worldwide (as of February 14,2023). Relevant meta-information, such as host species, sampling time and location, was manually curated and included in the dataset to facilitate further research on the potential patterns of viral diversity and ecological characteristics. In addition, the dataset also provides well-annotated sequence sets of receptor-binding domains (RBDs) and receptor-binding motifs (RBMs) for the scientific community to highlight the potential determinants of successful cross-species transmission that could be aid in risk estimation and strategic design for future emerging infectious disease control and prevention.
Creating a dataset of historic roads in Sydney from scanned maps
Authors: Turner Hamish , Lahoorpoor Bahman , Levinson David M.
Published: October 2023

This study creates a historic dataset of road opening dates in Sydney. A method was developed for map digitization to extract spatial data from historic maps and place them in a collective vector layer. The method includes extensive georeferencing of the maps, as well as editing and cleaning the maps through raster and vector analysis. Preferred methods for map digitization used in the project were identified. For a considerable area of Sydney, in which approximately 52000 road links were included, almost half of the links were identified with an open date by the start of the twentieth century. A further half of these links were confined to opening within a thirty-year period. The project has established a strong foundation for a historic road dataset for Sydney. It has also outlined methods and procedures that can be followed to progress the dataset further.
Formation of multiple complex light structures simultaneously in 3D volume using a single binary phase mask
Authors: Kumar Amit , Thakur Sarvesh , Biswas S. K.
Published: October 2023

Complex structure formation inside or through turbid media is a challenging task due to refractive index inhomogeneity, random light scattering, and speckle noise formation. In this article, we have coupled the data regression model in the R-squared metric and used its advantages as a fitness function in the genetic algorithm to advance the resolution and structural uniformity. As a compatible system with the binary genetic algorithm, we have presented a cost-effective iterative wavefront shaping system-design with binary phase modulation using an affordable ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) based binary-phase spatial light modulator (SLM). R-squared metric in the genetic algorithm is analyzed to optimize the binary phase mask, and the prototype system based on iterative binary phase modulation has been validated with a 120-grit ground glass diffuser and fresh chicken tissues of thickness 307 $${\upmu }\text {m}$$

μ
m

and 812 $${\upmu }\text {m}$$

μ
m

. The detailed results show that the proposed cost-effective wavefront shaping system with data regression model assisted R-squared fitness function can construct high-resolution multiple complex hetero-structures simultaneously in 3D volume using an optimized single phase-mask.
Increase on environmental seasonality through the European Early Pleistocene inferred from dental enamel hypoplasia
Authors: Fidalgo Darío , Rosas Antonio , Bartolini-Lucenti Saverio , Boisserie Jean-Renaud , Pandolfi Luca , Martínez-Navarro Bienvenido , Palmqvist Paul , Rook Lorenzo , Madurell-Malapeira Joan
Published: October 2023

An in-depth study of the Early Pleistocene European remains of Hippopotamus has allowed the first detailed description of the incidence and types of dental alterations related to palaeopathologies and potentially linked to climatic and environmental factors. The results of a long-term qualitative and quantitative assessment highlight the importance of nutrient deficiencies on the development of dental enamel hypoplasia in Hippopotamus. Glacial cyclicity and the resulting changes in humidity and plant community structure conditioned the local environments critical for the survival of this taxon. Two main intervals of putative constrained nutritionally restrictions were detected at ca. 1.8 Ma and ca. 0.86 Ma (i.e., MIS63 and MIS21, respectively). Statistical comparisons show an increase in the frequency of dental hypoplasia between these two chronological periods, thus reinforcing the idea of increased seasonality in the circum-Mediterranean environments during the Early Pleistocene.
The prevalence of SCT in China, its comorbidity with ADHD and its association with life events and parental-rearing behaviors
Authors: Li Fenghua , Luo Jie , Qi Yanjie , Huang Huanhuan , Wu Yuanzhen , Xu Gaoyang , Liu Zhengkui , He Fan , Zheng Yi
Published: October 2023

Although sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms are often observed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an increasing number of studies have highlighted its uniqueness. Nevertheless, no national survey on SCT among children and adolescents has been conducted in China. Hence, this research aims to study SCT in China and to evaluate the differences between SCT and ADHD symptoms by comparing their risk factors in terms of life events (LE) and parental rearing behaviors (PRB). This cross-sectional study used data from a survey on 71,929 children and adolescents in 5 province-level regions in China to study the incidence and demographic information of SCT in the Chinese population. Subsequently, the study investigated the comorbidity of ADHD and SCT, and conducted three logistic regressions on the LE and PRB scores to predict whether participants develop symptoms of ADHD or SCT, or neither symptom. 6658 participants were allocated into the SCT group, and the weighted point prevalence of SCT was 9.78%. 36.34% of participants with ADHD (n = 676) were found to demonstrate SCT symptoms, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in its comorbidity to the three ADHD subtypes (χ2 = 1.668, p > 0.05, Δ = 2). The regression results on the presence or absence of ADHD revealed paternal excessive-interference and rejection, and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD diagnosis, whereas paternal punishment and favoring and maternal emotional warmth was related to the absence of ADHD symptoms. Academic stress and maternal excessive-interference were associated with SCT symptoms, and maternal emotional warmth associated with SCT absence. Concerning the presence of ADHD-only or SCT-only symptoms, LE adaptation was found to relate to SCT-only symptoms, while PRB paternal rejection and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD-only symptoms. While evidencing the high prevalence of SCT in China, our findings supported that although ADHD and SCT were highly comorbid, they may be considered two independent disorders with different risk factors. Specifically, participants with SCT symptoms are more vulnerable to stress from LE and tend to face more maladjustment than ADHD and normally-developing participants, and maternal rearing behaviours are the key factors to SCT symptoms. SCT brings global challenges in its diagnosis and treatment, and the challenge is more severe in a mentally stressful environment. Therefore, stress management and SCT etiology studies are recommended.
A phenomenological model of whole brain dynamics using a network of neural oscillators with power-coupling
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anirban , Ghosh Sayan , Biswas Dipayan , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa , S. Bapi Raju
Published: October 2023

We present a general, trainable oscillatory neural network as a large-scale model of brain dynamics. The model has a cascade of two stages - an oscillatory stage and a complex-valued feedforward stage - for modelling the relationship between structural connectivity and functional connectivity from neuroimaging data under resting brain conditions. Earlier works of large-scale brain dynamics that used Hopf oscillators used linear coupling of oscillators. A distinctive feature of the proposed model employs a novel form of coupling known as power coupling. Oscillatory networks based on power coupling can accurately model arbitrary multi-dimensional signals. Training the lateral connections in the oscillator layer is done by a modified form of Hebbian learning, whereas a variation of the complex backpropagation algorithm does training in the second stage. The proposed model can not only model the empirical functional connectivity with remarkable accuracy (correlation coefficient between simulated and empirical functional connectivity- 0.99) but also identify default mode network regions. In addition, we also inspected how structural loss in the brain can cause significant aberration in simulated functional connectivity and functional connectivity dynamics; and how it can be restored with optimized model parameters by an in silico perturbational study.
A protein kinase C α and β inhibitor blunts hyperphagia to halt renal function decline and reduces adiposity in a rat model of obesity-driven type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Ju , Casimiro-Garcia Agustin , Johnson Bryce G. , Duffen Jennifer , Cain Michael , Savary Leigh , Wang Stephen , Nambiar Prashant , Lech Matthew , Zhao Shanrong , Xi Li , Zhan Yutian , Olson Jennifer , Stejskal James A. , Lin Hank , Zhang Baohong , Martinez Robert V. , Masek-Hammerman Katherine , Schlerman Franklin J. , Dower Ken
Published: October 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications can have debilitating, sometimes fatal consequences for afflicted individuals. The disease can be difficult to control, and therapeutic strategies to prevent T2D-induced tissue and organ damage are needed. Here we describe the results of administering a potent and selective inhibitor of Protein Kinase C (PKC) family members PKCα and PKCβ, Cmpd 1, in the ZSF1 obese rat model of hyperphagia-induced, obesity-driven T2D. Although our initial intent was to evaluate the effect of PKCα/β inhibition on renal damage in this model setting, Cmpd 1 unexpectedly caused a marked reduction in the hyperphagic response of ZSF1 obese animals. This halted renal function decline but did so indirectly and indistinguishably from a pair feeding comparator group. However, above and beyond this food intake effect, Cmpd 1 lowered overall animal body weights, reduced liver vacuolation, and reduced inguinal adipose tissue (iWAT) mass, inflammation, and adipocyte size. Taken together, Cmpd 1 had strong effects on multiple disease parameters in this obesity-driven rodent model of T2D. Further evaluation for potential translation of PKCα/β inhibition to T2D and obesity in humans is warranted.
A robust optimal scheduling system based on multi-performance driving for complex manufacturing systems
Authors: Yu Qingyun , Zhang Yaxuan , Zhao Hui , Yu Tingyi , Li Li
Published: October 2023

A robust optimal scheduling method driven by multi-objects is proposed for the collaborative optimization problem between dynamic scheduling, preventive maintenance of equipment, and robustness of scheduling schemes in a complex manufacturing system. Firstly, the equipment maintenance task is mapped to the process level, and composite dispatching rules with weight parameters are designed, which flexibly consider equipment maintenance and system processing status. Secondly, the performance-driven ideology is analyzed through two models based on the IWOA-MLP algorithm. Thirdly, the feedback mechanism ideology facilitates adaptive closed-loop optimizations. Finally, a series of experiments were carried out on the simulation platform of a semiconductor manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai. The experimental results show that the proposed robust optimal scheduling system can effectively deal with mixed uncertainty, improve production performances, and maintain highly robust measures.
Inequalities in the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition among mother–child dyads in India
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Shri Neha , Singh Akancha
Published: October 2023

In the midst of rapid urbanization and economic shifts, the global landscape witnesses a surge in overweight and obese individuals, even as child malnutrition persists as a formidable public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study seeks to unravel the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) within the context of India and delve into the associated disparities rooted in wealth. This study leverages data from the fifth wave of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5), a nationally representative survey conducted in the year 2019–21 in India. This study focuses on mother–child dyads with children under the age of 3 years. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis is used to decipher the intricate web of DBM’s prevalence and risk factors, as underscored by socio-demographic attributes. Wagstaff decomposition analysis is applied to quantify the contribution of each inequality in the social determinants on the observed income-related inequality in the DBM. Result from bivariate and logistic regression indicated a heightened risk of DBM within households marked by C-section births, affluence, ongoing breastfeeding practices, advanced maternal age, and larger household sizes. Additionally, households harbouring women with abdominal obesity emerge as hotspots for elevated DBM risk. Notably, the interplay of abdominal obesity and geographical disparities looms large as drivers of substantial inequality in DBM prevalence, whereas other factors exert a comparably milder influence. As India grapples with the burgeoning burden of DBM, a conspicuous imbalance in its prevalence pervades, albeit inadequately addressed. This juncture warrants the formulation of dual-purpose strategies, and a slew of innovative actions to deftly navigate the complex challenges poised by the dual burden of malnutrition. Amidst these exigencies, the imperative to forge a holistic approach that encompasses both sides of the malnutrition spectrum remains a beacon guiding the quest for equitable health and nutrition outcomes.
Heat transfer analysis of generalized second-grade fluid with exponential heating and thermal heat flux
Authors: Jan Saeed Ullah , Haq Sami Ul , Ullah Naseeb , Ullah Wasi , Sehra  , Khan Ilyas
Published: October 2023

The aim of present work is to apply the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative in the constitutive equations of heat transfer. Natural convection flow of an unsteady second grade fluid over a vertical plate with exponential heating is discussed. The generalized Fourier law is substituted in temperature profile. A portion of the dimensionless factors are utilized to make the governing equations into dimensionless structures. The solutions for temperature and velocity profiles of Caputo–Fabrizio model are acquired through the Laplace transform method. These solutions are greatly affected through the variation of different dimensionless variables like Prandtl number, Grashof number, and second-grade fluid parameter. Finally, the influence of embedded parameters is shown by plotting graphs through Mathcad. From the graphical results it is concluded that, the temperature of the fluid decreases with the increasing values of the Prandtl number and Second grade fluid parameter and increases with the passage of time. The velocity of the fluid increases with increasing values of the Grashof number, second grade parameter and time while decreases with increasing values of fractional parameter and Prandtl number.
Fat quantification in the sacroiliac joint syndesmosis: a new semi-automatic volumetric approach
Authors: Poilliot Amélie , Zeissloff Louis , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels
Published: October 2023

Fat is physiologically embedded within the interosseous ligaments in the posterior part of the sacroiliac joint (PSIJ). This composite of fat and ligaments is hypothesized to serve a shock-absorbing, stabilizing function for the sacroiliac joint and the lumbopelvic transition region. Using a novel Python-based software (VolSEQ), total PSIJ volume and fat volume were computed semi-automatically. Differences within the cohort and the viability of the program for the quantification of fat in routine computed tomography (CT) scans were assessed. In 37 CT scans of heathy individuals, the PSIJ were first manually segmented as a region of interest in OSIRIX. Within VolSEQ, ‘fat’ Hounsfield units (− 150 to − 50 HU) are selected and the DICOM file of the patient scan and associated region of interest file from OSIRIX were imported and the pixel sub volumes were then automatically computed. Volume comparisons were made between sexes, sides and ages (≤ 30, 31–64 and > 65 years). PSIJ volumes in both software (VolSeq vs. OSIRIX) were non-different (both 9.7 ± 2.8cm3; p = 0.9). Total PSIJ volume (p = 0.3) and fat volume (p = 0.7) between sexes were non-different. A significant difference in total PSIJ volume between sexes (p < 0.01) but not in fat volume (p = 0.3) was found only in the ≥ 65 years cohort. Fat volume within the PSIJ remains unchanged throughout life. PSIJ volume is sex-dependent after 65 years. VolSEQ is a viable and user-friendly method for sub-volume quantification of tissues in CT.
Differentially expressed circRNAs in peripheral blood samples as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Guan Ruijuan , Angxiu Suonan , Li Ling , Kang Zefeng , Yan Xin
Published: October 2023

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in various biological processes as microRNA (miRNA) sponges and, thus, have been investigated as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in numerous human diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of glaucoma remain unclear. Therefore, transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify relevant circRNAs in peripheral blood samples from patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate the potential roles of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. In total, 481 differentially expressed genes in addition to 345 DEcircRNAs were identified in patients with glaucoma. Based on a public database, targeted gene analysis identified 11 DEcircRNAs that potentially regulate the expression of five genes as miRNA sponges in glaucoma. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis verified that expression of the circRNA hsa-circ-0000745 was positively correlated with the expression of NEAT1 as a potential target gene. These results suggest that DEcircRNAs are involved in a gene expression regulatory network related to immune cell function and progression of glaucoma. Thus, DEcircRNAs in peripheral blood are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for glaucoma.