bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wake Structures and Performance of Wind Turbine Rotor With Harmonic Surging Motions Under Laminar and Turbulent Inflows
Authors: Li YuanTso , Yu Wei , Sarlak Hamid
Published: October 2024

This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of a full‐scale horizontal‐axis floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) rotor subjected to harmonic surging motions under both laminar and turbulent inflow conditions. Utilizing high‐fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, namely, large eddy simulation (LES) with actuator line model (ALM), this research investigates the rotor performance, wake characteristics, and wake structures of a surging FOWT in detail. The study delves into the influence of varying inflow turbulence intensities, surging settings, and their interplay on the aerodynamic performance and the wake aerodynamics of a FOWT rotor. The results show that, through employing the phase‐averaging technique, surge‐induced periodic coherent structures (SIPeCS) can be identified in the wake of all the surging cases studied, irrespective of the inflow conditions and the surging settings. Additionally, the findings show that the faster wake recovery observed in the surging cases is not caused by enhancing the instability‐induced turbulence level, a previously accepted hypothesis. Instead, the results indicate that it is due to the enhanced advection process resulting from the induction fields of SIPeCS that causes the wake to recover faster. The analysis of rotor performance shows that the time‐averaged rotor performances are affected by the intricate aerodynamics arising from the surging motions. With certain surging settings, the time‐averaged thrust and the time‐averaged power of a surging rotor are found to be simultaneously lower and higher compared with those of a fixed rotor. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of considering both the magnitude of surging and the rate of surging simultaneously to fully characterize the hysteresis load on a surging rotor.
Status and associated factors of health insurance enrollment among women in Nepal
Authors: Giri Surendra , Acharya Devaraj , Adhikari Ramesh , Sharma Mohan K. , Ranabhat Chhabi L.
Published: October 2024

The Government of Nepal (GoN) introduced a Health Insurance Program (HIP) in 2016 aiming to ensure quality healthcare for all Nepalese citizens without financial hardship. However, the HIP has not attracted as many people as expected. It shows low enrollment and high dropout rates. Studies on this issue are scarce, particularly regarding women. To identify the factors associated with women enrollment in health insurance (HI), this study utilized a cross‐sectional design, analyzing secondary data (n = 14,845) from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Chi‐square test and logistic regression were used to identify associations with women participation in the HIP. Women enrollment in HI was positively and significantly associated with province, age, ethnicity, educational level, religion, place of residence, ecological region, wealth index, women's autonomy in household decisions, household head status, and current employment (p < 0.01). Socioeconomic and demographic factors of the respondents, such as being over 35 years old (aOR = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65–2.39), having a secondary or higher education (aOR = 2.96; 95% CI: 2.43–3.64), being currently employed in a paid job (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.17–1.47), and belonging to the richest wealth status (aOR = 5.64; 95% CI: 4.33–7.34), were more likely to be enrolled in the HIP compared to their respective reference groups. In conclusion, being of privileged socioeconomic status, belonging to a specific ethnic group, having a higher educational level, being employed, and living in the Mountain region are all associated with women enrollment in HIP. Policymakers may consider these findings when planning and implementing future interventions.
Characterization, Pathogenesis, and Immuno-Biological Control of Singapore Grouper Iridovirus (SGIV)
Authors: Huang Youhua , Wang Shaowen , Huang Xiaohong , Wei Jingguang , Qin Qiwei
Published: October 2024

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) was first isolated from diseased cultured groupers in Singapore and has been identified as a novel species within the genus Ranavirus (family Iridoviridae; subfamily Alphairidovirinae). SGIV infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality in many economically important fish species, such as grouper and seabass. In this chapter, we describe virus isolation in cell culture, virion purification, ultrastructural analysis, virion morphogenesis, and molecular identification of SGIV. SGIV has been molecularly characterized based on the SGIV genome, transcriptome, proteome, and viral miRNAs. Various aspects of pathogenesis resulting from SGIV infection were investigated, including cytopathology, virus entry and transport, paraptosis, autophagy, and signaling pathways. Functions of host immune and metabolism-related genes during SGIV infection are evaluated and discussed. Immuno-biological control strategies, including antibody-based flow cytometry and microfluidic chip detection technology, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and nucleic acid aptamer detection methods, were developed. Efficient SGIV vaccines have also been developed. These research approaches provide the basis for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SGIV and other ranaviruses and offer technical support to control fish ranaviruses.
Pathology and Diagnostics
Authors: Miller Debra L. , Pessier Allan P. , Hick Paul , Whittington Richard J. , Forzán María J.
Published: October 2024

Although no lesion is pathognomonic for ranavirosis, some lesions are common and occur across classes: hemorrhage, swelling (generally due to edema), epithelial and hematopoietic necrosis, and occasional intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Microscopic evaluation of the tissues, along with laboratory testing such as PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, is key to confirmatory diagnosis. Surveillance for subclinical infections in captive and wild populations is important for disease prevention and control. This is most readily achieved by real-time PCR on target tissues collected at necropsy using an epidemiological framework for sample size calculation and selection. As ranavirosis is reportable in fish and amphibians, the WOAH (formerly OIE) generally provides up-to-date information regarding appropriate confirmatory diagnostic tests.
Design and Analysis of Ranavirus Studies: Insights into Planning Surveillance, Modeling Host-Pathogen Dynamics, and Performing Risk Analyses
Authors: Gray Matthew J. , Brunner Jesse L. , Earl Julia E. , Wirth Wytamma , Peace Angela , Ariel Ellen
Published: October 2024

This chapter is divided into three major sections: surveillance (Sect. 1), modeling (Sect. 2), and risk analyses (Sect. 3). Section 1 is designed to provide practical guidance on how to set up, collect, analyze, and interpret basic data that can be collected during pathogen surveillance in field or captive settings. We also discuss the economics of surveillance. Section 2 introduces typical models used to model pathogen transmission and methods used to estimate invasion potential,R0. Section 3 focuses on strategies that can be used to estimate the risk of ranavirus invading into a novel area. While detail is provided in these sections, our intent is not to discuss all surveillance, modeling, or risk analysis scenarios. If readers need additional guidance, we welcome you to reach out to the chapter authors or authors of the papers and books we cite.
GPS observables in Newtonian spacetime or why we do not need ‘physical’ coordinate systems
Authors: Mozota Frauca Álvaro
Published: October 2024

Some authors have defended the claim that one needs to be able to define ‘physical coordinate systems’ and ‘observables’ in order to make sense of general relativity. Moreover, in Rovelli (Physical Review D,65(4), 044017 2002), Rovelli proposes a way of implementing these ideas by making use of a system of satellites that allows defining a set of ‘physical coordinates’, the GPS coordinates. In this article I oppose these views in four ways. First, I defend an alternative way of understanding general relativity which implies that we have a perfectly fine interpretation of the models of the theory even in the absence of ‘physical coordinate systems’. Second, I analyze and challenge the motivations behind the ‘observable’ view. Third, I analyze Rovelli’s proposal and I conclude that it does not allow extracting any physical information from our models that wasn’t available before. Fourth, I draw an analogy between general relativistic spacetimes and Newtonian spacetimes, which allows me to argue that as ‘physical observables’ are not needed in Newtonian spacetime, then neither are they in general relativity. In this sense, I conclude that the ‘observable’ view of general relativity is unmotivated.
Recent Advancements in Cardiac Implantable Devices for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kumthekar Rohan N. , Howard Taylor S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

We highlight recent advances in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) that are applicable and can be beneficial for pediatric patients.

Recent Findings

Progress in pacemakers includes the widespread use of leadless pacemakers, development of tools for left bundle area pacing, and the design of novel miniaturized pacemakers and minimally invasive approaches for epicardial device implantation. For implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), there has been more utilization of the subcutaneous ICD in smaller patients or those with congenital heart disease, and significant improvements in ICD programming as well.

Leadless pacemakers have been safely utilized in children, even those under 30 kg with acute and medium-term success. Left bundle area pacing may provide a reduction in pacing-induced cardiomyopathy in the future. Novel miniature pacemakers and approaches to epicardial lead implantation can reduce complications for our smallest patients. Subcutaneous ICDs have been used effectively in the pediatric cohort with similar results to the adult population. ICD programming has been improved to reduce the risk of inappropriate shocks.
MoS2 Lubricate-Toughened MXene/ANF Composites for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Wang Jiaen , Ming Wei , Chen Longfu , Song Tianliang , Yele Moxi , Zhang Hao , Yang Long , Sarula Gegen , Liang Benliang , Yan Luting , Wang Guangsheng
Published: October 2024

The design and fabrication of high toughness electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite films with diminished reflection are an imperative task to solve electromagnetic pollution problem. Ternary MXene/ANF (aramid nanofibers)–MoS2 composite films with nacre-like layered structure here are fabricated after the introduction of MoS2 into binary MXene/ANF composite system. The introduction of MoS2 fulfills an impressive “kill three birds with one stone” improvement effect: lubrication toughening mechanical performance, reduction in secondary reflection pollution of electromagnetic wave, and improvement in the performance of photothermal conversion. After the introduction of MoS2 into binary MXene/ANF (mass ratio of 50:50), the strain to failure and tensile strength increase from 22.1 $$\pm$$
±
1.7% and 105.7 $$\pm$$
±
6.4 MPa and to 25.8 $$\pm$$
±
0.7% and 167.3 $$\pm$$
±
9.1 MPa, respectively. The toughness elevates from 13.0 $$\pm$$
±
4.1 to 26.3 $$\pm$$
±
0.8 MJ m−3 (~ 102.3%) simultaneously. And the reflection shielding effectiveness (SER) of MXene/ANF (mass ratio of 50:50) decreases ~ 10.8%. EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) elevates to 41.0 dB (8.2–12.4 GHz); After the introduction of MoS2 into binary MXene/ANF (mass ratio of 60:40), the strain to failure increases from 18.3 $$\pm$$
±
1.9% to 28.1 $$\pm$$
±
0.7% (~ 53.5%), the SER decreases ~ 22.2%, and the corresponding EMI SE is 43.9 dB. The MoS2 also leads to a more efficient photothermal conversion performance (~ 45 to ~ 55 °C). Additionally, MXene/ANF–MoS2 composite films exhibit excellent electric heating performance, quick temperature elevation (15 s), excellent cycle stability (2, 2.5, and 3 V), and long-term stability (2520 s). Combining with excellent mechanical performance with high MXene content, electric heating performance, and photothermal conversion performance, EMI shielding ternary MXene/ANF–MoS2 composite films could be applied in many industrial areas. This work broadens how to achieve a balance between mechanical properties and versatility of composites in the case of high-function fillers.
Artemisia afra and COVID-19, the Media Storm Versus the Current State-of-the-Art
Authors: Van der Kooy Frank
Published: October 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional herbal medicine Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Asteraceae, was widely used as a remedy, and a true media storm erupted in (South) Africa regarding this matter. Throughout the pandemic, A. afra was not only extensively used, but the herb was also exceedingly difficult to find, which is reminiscent of its historical popularity during the influenza pandemic of 1918. This popularity was further fueled by the launch of Covid-Organics in Madagascar, containing Artemisia annua L., which led to international media attention regarding Artemisia as a treatment for COVID-19. In 2020, millions in research funding were made available in South Africa to study promising traditional medicines, including A. afra, and for the development of an effective remedy which was lacking at the time. Due to its popularity and widespread use, this updated overview of A. afra aimed to collate all scientific data on its chemistry, general in vitro and in vivo biological bioactivity, and its antiviral and Sars-Cov-2 activity reported since 2019. Several studies reported good in vitro antiparasitic activity and in vivo antispasmodic activity. However, many studies reported on biological activities that were many orders of magnitude less active than their positive controls. Surprisingly, not a single in vivo study, patent, or (registered) clinical trial could be found regarding A. afra and COVID-19. Only one study, conducted by a German-Danish research group, reported on the in vitro activity of A. afra extracts against Sars-Cov-2. The results indicated that there was relatively weak activity of 0.09 mg/ml ± 0.03 (selectivity index of 26.22), but the context cannot be established due to the absence of a positive control, which did not exist at the time. Artemisia afra is still widely used as a general antiviral remedy, and in-depth research in this field must be conducted. Several promising results regarding antispasmodic and antischistosomal activity should also be further explored.

Graphical Abstract
Enabling laboratory readiness and preparedness for the evaluation of suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers: development of a laboratory toolkit
Authors: Turbett Sarah E. , Lazarus Jacob E. , Nardini Mia A. , Braidt Joseph E. , Lane Stefanie A. , Searle Eileen F. , Biddinger Paul D. , Shenoy Erica S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), such as Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, and Lassa fever, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and the potential for person-to-person transmission. While most individuals in whom VHF is suspected will ultimately be diagnosed with a non-VHF illness, such patients may present to any United States healthcare facility (HCF) for initial evaluation; therefore, all HCFs must be prepared to evaluate and initiate care for suspect VHF patients, especially if they are acutely ill. Included within this evaluation is the ability to perform basic routine laboratory testing before VHF-specific diagnostic test results are available, as well as rapid malaria testing to assess for a common, dangerous “VHF mimic.”

Objective:

To improve laboratory preparedness and readiness in the initial care of suspect VHF patients who may present to acute care hospitals.

Design:

Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement model.

Setting:

Frontline healthcare facilities and their clinical laboratories.

Methods:

We describe the development of a laboratory testing toolkit for a suspect VHF patient that can assist frontline HCFs in providing basic laboratory testing required for the care of these patients.

Results:

The toolkit provides guidance on infection prevention and control, waste management, occupational health, laboratory test collection, processing, and resulting, in the context of suspect VHF patient evaluation.

Conclusions:

The toolkit is designed to be readily adapted by any frontline HCF in the US. With the guidance provided, facilities will be able to support safer initial evaluation of VHF suspects and ensure high-quality patient care.
The Personal Identity Dilemma for Transhumanism
Authors: Weir Ralph Stefan
Published: October 2024

Transhumanists claim that futuristic technologies will permit you to live indefinitely as a nonbiological ‘posthuman’ with a radically improved quality of life. Philosophers have pointed out that whether some radically enhanced posthuman is really you depends on perplexing issues about the nature of personal identity. In this paper, I present an especially pressing version of the personal-identity challenge to transhumanism, based on the ideas of Derek Parfit. Parfit distinguishes two main views of personal identity, an intuitive, nonreductive view and a revisionary, reductive view. I argue that the standard rationale for wanting to become a posthuman makes sense only if the intuitive view is correct, but that the standard rationale for thinking that it is possible to become a posthuman makes sense only if the revisionary view is correct. Following this, I explain why the obvious responses are unsatisfactory or imply the need to rethink transhumanism in ways that make it much less radical and less appealing.
When Paintings Argue
Authors: Plumer Gilbert
Published: October 2024

My thesis is that certain non-verbal paintings such as Picasso's Guernica make (simple) arguments. If this is correct and the arguments are reasonably good, it would indicate one way that non-literary art can be cognitively valuable, since argument can provide the justification needed for knowledge or understanding. The focus is on painting, but my findings seem applicable to comparable visual art forms (a sculpture is also considered). My approach largely consists of identifying pertinent features of viable literary cognitivism and then showing how they or close analogues can be applied to non-verbal painting. The two main features are the requirements, first, that the relevant knowledge is provided significantly in virtue of the distinctive essential feature of literary fictions, i.e., their fictionality, and second, that the knowledge stems primarily from the content of the work, not from what the auditor brings to the work. Some ways that literary fiction has been taken to be argumentative are explained, and striking similarities are found between argumentative literary fiction and argumentative painting. Potential objections are addressed, and I examine a proposed way to express, in a schematized format, both the power of an argumentative painting and its relatively simple associated propositional content.
Sampling repulsive Gibbs point processes using random graphs
Authors: Friedrich Tobias , Göbel Andreas , Katzmann Maximilian , Krejca Martin S. , Pappik Marcus
Published: October 2024

We study computational aspects of repulsive Gibbs point processes, which are probabilistic models of interacting particles in a finite-volume region of space. We introduce an approach for reducing a Gibbs point process to the hard-core model, a well-studied discrete spin system. Given an instance of such a point process, our reduction generates a random graph drawn from a natural geometric model. We show that the partition function of a hard-core model on graphs generated by the geometric model concentrates around the partition function of the Gibbs point process. Our reduction allows us to use a broad range of algorithms developed for the hard-core model to sample from the Gibbs point process and approximate its partition function. This is, to the extent of our knowledge, the first approach that deals with pair potentials of unbounded range.
Native North America in Motion
Authors: Barnett Ashlyn King
Published: October 2024

Two Indigenous long-distance walking performances, by the Mother Earth Water Walkers and by the Standing Rock Youth Runners, employ walking as a performance of Indigenous sovereignty, generating tribal knowledge, resistance, and cultural resurgence. What can these acts of long-distance walking tell us about the ways in which Indigenous people create, embody, and perform cultural sovereignty in North America?
SITI and SCOT—30 Years of Collaboration and Training
Authors: Tetsuya Motohashi
Published: October 2024

Upon ending his 30-year collaboration with Anne Bogart and SITI company, Suzuki Tadashi reflects on the unprecedented longevity and success of the SITI collective in the US, an economically driven, capitalist country.
Artistic Living for the Elderly of Shanghai
Authors: Fei Yong
Published: October 2024

Over-60 seniors in Shanghai have at their disposal arts courses, community activities, and arts education, all geared toward their physical and mental well-being, according to the traditional Chinese theory of “artistic living.” If current university programs for the elderly accurately identify the artistic needs of the elderly, further individualizing curricula and holding more varied events at community centers, it would help to solve elderly people’s anxieties around loneliness and social marginalization, while allowing them to live in harmony with nature.
Determination of digital biomarkers of disease progression for	digital phenotyping of patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Kasimovskaya Nataliya , Fomina Elena , Krivetskaya Maria , Diatlova Ekaterina , Egorova Elena , Pavlov Dmitry
Published: October 2024

Summary: Background: To compare the effectiveness of digital phenotyping of patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension with traditional monitoring methods over a three-year period. Patients and methods: The study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2024 among 800 patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension at 6 clinics in Moscow, Russia, evenly divided into experimental (identification of digital biomarkers of disease progression for digital phenotyping) and control (standard monitoring methods) groups. The intervention included lifestyle changes focused on increasing physical activity, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and modifying diet. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 10 mmHg ( p<0.001), pulse by 5 beats per minute ( p<0.001), and stress level by 2 points ( p<0.001) in the experimental group. Additionally, physical activity increased by 15 minutes per day ( p<0.001), and sleep quality improved by 2 points on a scale from 1 to 10 ( p<0.001). Results: Multiple regression analysis showed a decrease in the significance of digital biomarkers over the study period, indicating a positive response to the intervention. Conclusions: The obtained results emphasize the importance of comprehensive interventions in managing arterial hypertension and its related conditions. Implementing comprehensive lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements and serve as an effective preventive strategy. Further research is needed to explore optimal intervention strategies for promoting societal health.
Proton Temperature Anisotropy Constraint Associated With Alpha Beam Instability in the Solar Wind
Authors: Xiang L. , Lee K. H. , Lee L. C. , Wu D. J. , Chen L. , Feng H. Q. , Li Q. H. , Zhao G. Q.
Published: October 2024

Solar wind observations in the space of the proton temperature anisotropy versus parallel proton beta always show a distorted rhomboid‐like pattern, where the boundaries of this plot are associated with several instabilities. However, the specific mechanism on the constraint of the proton temperature anisotropy is unclear in the low‐beta plasma. In this work, we study the kinetic instabilities driven by proton temperature anisotropy and alpha beam with the Vlasov theory and investigate the nonlinear evolution of these instabilities with hybrid simulations. We also compare the theoretical and simulation results with Wind observations. The alpha beam with drift velocity leads to a new kind of Alfvén/ion‐cyclotron instability (A/IC instability) in the region of . In the region of and , the nonlinear wave‐particle interaction through the A/IC instability can decelerate alpha beams to and result in the anti‐correlation between and . In the region of and , the nonlinear wave‐particle interaction through the A/IC instability further leads to slight increase of . The present results provide a potential mechanism for regulating the proton temperature anisotropy in the low‐beta plasma with in the solar wind.
Tides in Complex Coastal Regions: Early Case Studies From Wide‐Swath SWOT Measurements
Authors: Hart‐Davis M. G. , Andersen O. B. , Ray R. D. , Zaron E. D. , Schwatke C. , Arildsen R. L. , Dettmering D. , Nielsen K.
Published: October 2024

Studying ocean tides with satellite altimetry has traditionally been difficult in coastal regions. The 1 day repeat of the Cal/Val phase of SWOT provides a unique dataset that can be exploited for tidal analysis. In this work, KaRIn data from the SWOT Cal/Val phase are analyzed in two coastal regions to present a first look at the possibilities for tidal analysis from SWOT. The areas are: (a) Bristol Channel and (b) Great South Bay. When benchmarked against in situ measurements in these regions, substantial improvements over tide models, which typically report errors exceeding tens of centimeters and degrees, are seen. Specifically, the SWOT ocean‐tide estimates exhibit amplitude discrepancies ranging from 1.75 to 3 cm and phase lag discrepancies between 1.75° and 2.75° when compared with in situ tide gauge data. These findings underscore the value of SWOT for tidal research in complex coastal regions.
Low Thermal Conductivity of Epidote and Its Cooling Effect on the Oceanic Crust
Authors: Han Kenan , Wang Duojun , Cao Chunjie , Zhang Ruixin , Cai Nao , Chen Peng , Shen Kewei
Published: October 2024

Epidote is a potential water carrier in subducting oceanic crust, and it is involved in temperature records from blueschist and eclogite exhumed from subduction zones. Thermal conductivity (κ) and thermal diffusivity (D) of epidote were measured at 303–1,473 K and 0.5–3.0 GPa using the transient plane‐source method. κ and D values decreased with temperature before dehydration, but increase anomalously with temperature after dehydration, and finally decreased with crystallization of the decomposition products. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of epidote exhibited a positive pressure dependence. The obtained κ and D values of epidote were significantly smaller than those of nominally anhydrous minerals and other hydrous minerals. X‐ray computed tomography analysis revealed that the pores inside the recovered samples were partially connected. κ and D values were dominated by conductive heat transport before dehydration, while the anomalous increase in the thermal parameters after dehydration may have been caused by the fluid inside the connected pores. Using variable thermal conductivity obtained in this study, the thermal structures of warm subducting slabs associated with epidote‐blueschist and epidote‐eclogite facies were modeled. Our estimations revealed that the temperatures of warm slabs below the forearc with the epidote‐blueschist and epidote‐eclogite facies may be lower 7–10 and ∼40–50 K compared to those determined using a constant thermal conductivity value. This implies that the presence of epidote‐blueschist and epidote‐eclogite could reduce the temperature of the slab, which may alter the dehydration depth of the slab.
Drought Timing Differentiates the Drought Responses of Vegetation Growth on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Meng Zekai , Wu Xiuchen , Li Yang , Wang Xiaona
Published: October 2024

The Tibetan Plateau, with its great hydrothermal gradients and diverse ecosystems, is considered vulnerable to climate change. Extreme drought can have detrimental effects on carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems by disrupting plant eco‐hydrological processes. Such effects are presumed to vary and depend on the vegetation types, environmental factors and drought properties. The drought timing has been widely highlighted in drought studies at both regional and site scales. However, the systematic insight into the impact of drought timing on the ecosystem functioning over the Tibetan Plateau remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the responses of vegetation greenness to meteorological drought and attributed them to the drought properties, climatic and edaphic factors. We found that the timing of drought plays a predominant role in regulating vegetation drought responses on the Tibetan Plateau. Notably, we observed significant differences in vegetation responses between late growing season drought and non‐late growing season drought. In addition to drought timing, soil moisture and long‐term hydrothermal conditions also played a significant role. Furthermore, our study revealed that alpine grassland was more sensitive to the drought timing, soil moisture and sand content than woody plants. We discovered a significant interplay between rainfall at hottest quarter and drought timing, with the role of drought timing weakening as the rainfall at hottest quarter increases. These findings underscore the crucial role of drought timing in shaping ecosystem functioning in response to the changing climate regime over the Tibetan Plateau and provide crucial insights into the improvement of land surface models.
White matter alterations associated with chronic cannabis use disorder: a structural network and fixel-based analysis
Authors: Maleki Suzan , Hendrikse Joshua , Richardson Karyn , Segrave Rebecca A. , Hughes Sam , Kayayan Edouard , Oldham Stuart , Syeda Warda , Coxon James P. , Caeyenberghs Karen , Domínguez D Juan F. , Solowij Nadia , Lubman Dan I. , Suo Chao , Yücel Murat
Published: October 2024

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is associated with adverse mental health effects, as well as social and cognitive impairment. Given prevalence rates of CUD are increasing, there is considerable efforts, and need, to identify prognostic markers which may aid in minimising any harm associated with this condition. Previous neuroimaging studies have revealed changes in white matter (WM) organization in people with CUD, though, the findings are mixed. In this study, we applied MRI-based analysis techniques that offer complimentary mechanistic insights, i.e., a connectome approach and fixel-based analysis (FBA) to investigate properties of individual WM fibre populations and their microstructure across the entire brain, providing a highly sensitive approach to detect subtle changes and overcome limitations of previous diffusion models. We compared 56 individuals with CUD (median age 25 years) to a sample of 38 healthy individuals (median age 31.5 years). Compared to controls, those with CUD had significantly increased structural connectivity strength (FDR corrected) across 9 edges between the right parietal cortex and several cortical and subcortical regions, including left orbitofrontal, left temporal pole, and left hippocampus and putamen. Utilizing FBA, WM density was significantly higher in those with CUD (FWE-corrected) across the splenium of the corpus callosum, and lower in the bilateral cingulum and right cerebellum. We observed significant correlation between cannabis use over the past month and connectivity strength of the frontoparietal edge, and between age of regular use and WM density of the bilateral cingulum and right cerebellum. Our findings enhance the understanding of WM architecture alterations associated with CUD.
cNEK6 induces gemcitabine resistance by promoting glycolysis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via the SNRPA/PPA2c/mTORC1 axis
Authors: Li Ge , She Fei-Fei , Liao Cheng-Yu , Wang Zu-Wei , Wang Yi-Ting , Wu Yong-Din , Huang Xiao-Xiao , Xie Cheng-Ke , Lin Hong-Yi , Zhu Shun-Cang , Chen Yin-Hao , Wu Zhen-heng , Chen Jiang-Zhi , Chen Shi , Chen Yan-Ling
Published: October 2024

Resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) leads to ineffective chemotherapy and, consequently, delayed treatment, thereby contributing to poor prognosis. Glycolysis is an important intrinsic reason for gemcitabine resistance as it competitively inhibits gemcitabine activity by promoting deoxycytidine triphosphate accumulation in PDAC. However, biomarkers are lacking to determine which patients can benefit significantly from glycolysis inhibition under the treatment of gemcitabine activity, and a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote glycolysis in PDAC will contribute to the development of a strategy to sensitize gemcitabine chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to identify a biomarker that can robustly indicate the intrinsic resistance of PDAC to gemcitabine and guide chemotherapy sensitization strategies. After establishing gemcitabine-resistant cell lines in our laboratory and collecting pancreatic cancer and adjacent normal tissues from gemcitabine-treated patients, we observed that circRNA hsa_circ_0008383 (namely cNEK6) was highly expressed in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues of patients and xenografts with gemcitabine-resistant PDAC. cNEK6 enhanced resistance to gemcitabine by promoting glycolysis in PDAC. Specifically, cNEK6 prevented K48 ubiquitination of small ribonucleoprotein peptide A from the BTRC, a ubiquitin E3 ligase; thus, the accumulated SNRPA stopped PP2Ac translation by binding to its G-quadruplexes in 5′ UTR of mRNA. mTORC1 pathway was aberrantly phosphorylated and activated owing to the absence of PP2Ac. The expression level of cNEK6 in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues correlated significantly and positively with the activation of the mTORC1 pathway and degree of glycolysis. Hence, the therapeutic effect of gemcitabine is limited in patients with high cNEK6 levels, and in combination with the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, can enhance sensitivity to gemcitabine chemotherapy.
Glycolysis-mTORC1 crosstalk drives proliferation of patient-derived endometrial cancer spheroid cells with ALDH activity
Authors: Ueda Haruka , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Mori Yutaro , Yamawaki Kaoru , Okamoto Koji , Enomoto Takayuki , Yoshihara Kosuke
Published: October 2024

Cancer stem cells are associated with aggressive phenotypes of malignant tumors. A prominent feature of uterine endometrial cancer is the activation of the PI3K–Akt–mTOR pathway. In this study, we present variations in sensitivities to a PI3K–Akt–mTORC1 inhibitor among in vitro endometrial cancer stem cell-enriched spheroid cells from clinical specimens. The in vitro sensitivity was consistent with the effects observed in in vivo spheroid-derived xenograft tumor models. Our findings revealed a complementary suppressive effect on endometrial cancer spheroid cell growth with the combined use of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and PI3K–Akt inhibitors. In the PI3K–Akt–mTORC1 signaling cascade, the influence of ALDH on mTORC1 was partially channeled through retinoic acid-induced lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) activation. LDHA inhibition was found to reduce endometrial cancer cell growth, aligning with the effects of mTORC1 inhibition. Building upon our previous findings highlighting ALDH-driven glycolysis through GLUT1 in uterine endometrial cancer spheroid cells, curbing mTORC1 enhanced glucose transport via GLUT1 activation. Notably, elevated LDHA expression correlated with adverse clinical survival and escalated tumor grade, especially in advanced stages. Collectively, our findings emphasize the pivotal role of ALDH–LDHA–mTORC1 cascade in the proliferation of endometrial cancer. Targeting the interaction between mTORC1 and ALDH-influenced glycolysis holds promise for developing novel strategies to combat this aggressive cancer.
Mussel-inspired thermo-switchable underwater adhesive based on a Janus hydrogel
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Yoshihara Daichi , Tottori Soichiro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: October 2024

On-demand underwater adhesives with excellent adhesive and gentle detachment properties enable stable connections to various biomedical devices and biointerfaces and avoid the risk of harmful tissue damage upon detachment. Herein, we present a Janus hydrogel adhesive that can reversibly switch its adhesion strength, which is controlled by temperature, using a thermoresponsive polymer and mussel-inspired molecules. This thermoswitchable adhesive (TSA) hydrogel displays both strong adhesion and gentle detachment with an over 1000-fold gap in underwater adhesion strength onto glass, titanium, aluminum, and Teflon substrates when exposed to temperatures above and below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The adhesion switch is possibly caused by the change in toughness of the TSA hydrogels with temperature because the Janus hydrogel possesses gradient crosslinked structures. Moreover, the lowermost surface is sufficiently soft to gently detach from the substrate below the LCST. The electrode-integrated hydrogel remains on human skin, and electrical signals are continuous over 10 min above the LCST. In contrast, commercially available hydrogel electrodes quickly swell and detach from the skin. The thermoswitchability of the TSA hydrogel, with its robust adhesion and gentle detachment, offers significant potential for biomedical applications characterized by minimally invasive procedures.
Hydrogen diffusion and trapping in a cryogenic processed high-Cr ferrous alloy
Authors: Jovičević-Klug Patricia , Prabhakar J. Manoj , Giesbrecht Cristiano Kasdorf , Schwarz Tim M. , Bonnekoh Carsten , Rieth Michael , Rohwerder Michael
Published: October 2024

The effect of hydrogen diffusion and trapping was studied in a high-Cr ferrous alloy using an inverted scanning Kelvin probe and thermal desorption spectroscopy in correlation with microstructure and residual stress study. In addition, different processing of ferritic/martensitic 9Cr1WTaV alloy (EUROFER97) was tested in correlation with observed selected properties to observe induced changes in material degradation and surface. The activation energies for hydrogen traps were shown to have distinct peaks corresponding to different trapping mechanisms, including matrix dislocations and grain boundaries. For the cryogenically treated sample, an additional peak was also identified and correlated with increased carbide precipitation.
An investigation of the direct and indirect effects of desire for independence and perceived level of achievement on singlehood status
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos , Kagialis Antonios , Lajunen Timo Juhani
Published: October 2024

The present study aimed to examine the associations between the desire for independence, perceived level of achievement, and relationship status. Specifically, we conducted the study with a sample of 667 Greek-speaking participants (389 women, 275 men, and three participants who did not indicate their sex) who were either single or in an intimate relationship. We employed close-ended questionnaires that included instruments developed using AI. We found that men and women who desired more independence were more likely to be voluntarily single than in an intimate relationship. Additionally, a higher desire for independence was associated with more years being single, but this effect was significant only for men. Furthermore, we found that the perceived level of achievement was not significantly associated with relationship status directly; however, higher scores in this dimension were associated with fewer years spent as single for men. Moreover, a higher perceived level of achievement was associated with a decreased probability of being involuntarily single rather than in an intimate relationship and fewer years spent as single indirectly, by being associated with higher self-esteem, which was associated with higher flirting capacity. These paths were significant for both men and women. Our findings suggest that the desire for independence and perceived achievement play an important role in explaining why some people are single and others in an intimate relationship.
Targeted metabolomic profiling of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Markin Sergey S. , Ponomarenko E. A. , Romashova Yu. A , Pleshakova T. O. , Ivanov S. V. , Beregovykh V. V. , Konstantinov S. L. , Stryabkova G. I. , Chefranova Zh. Yu. , Lykov Y. A. , Karamova I. M. , Koledinskii A. G. , Shestakova K. M. , Markin P. A. , Moskaleva N. E. , Appolonova S. A.
Published: October 2024

Myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Metabolomic investigations may be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI patients were comprehensively examined via targeted metabolomic profiling, machine learning and weighted correlation network analysis. A total of 195 subjects, including 68 STEMI patients, 84 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 43 non-CVD patients, were enrolled in the study. Metabolomic profiling involving the quantitative analysis of 87 endogenous metabolites in plasma was conducted. This study is the first to perform targeted metabolomic profiling in patients with STEMI. We identified 36 significantly altered metabolites in STEMI patients. Increased levels of four amino acids, eight acylcarnitines, six metabolites of the NO–urea cycle and neurotransmitters, and three intermediates of tryptophan metabolism were detected. The following metabolites exhibited decreased levels: six amino acids, three acylcarnitines, three components of the NO–urea cycle and neurotransmitters, and three intermediates of tryptophan metabolism. We found that the significant changes in tryptophan metabolism observed in STEMI patients—the increase in anthranilic acid and tryptophol and decrease in xanthurenic acid and 3-OH-kynurenine—may play important roles in STEMI pathogenesis. On the basis of the differences in the constructed weighted correlation networks, new significant metabolite ratios were identified. Among the 22 significantly altered metabolite ratios identified, 13 were between STEMI patients and non-CVD patients, and 17 were between STEMI patients and SAP patients. Seven of these ratios were common to both comparisons (STEMI patients vs. non-CVD patients and STEMI patients vs. SAP patients). Additionally, two ratios were consistently observed among the STEMI, SAP and non-CVD groups (anthranilic acid: aspartic acid and GSG (glutamine: serine + glycine)). These findings provide new insight into the diagnosis and pathogenesis of STEMI.
Deletion of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β suppresses tumorigenesis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) mice with diabetes
Authors: Wada Tsutomu , Takeda Yuki , Okekawa Akira , Komatsu Go , Iwasa Yuichi , Onogi Yasuhiro , Takasaki Ichiro , Hamashima Takeru , Sasahara Masakiyo , Tsuneki Hiroshi , Sasaoka Toshiyasu
Published: October 2024

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family contributes to the progression of steatohepatitis; however, changes in and the characteristics of isoform-specific expression remain unclear. Since diabetes is a major driver of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), we characterized the mouse model of diabetic MASH (dMASH) by focusing on PDGF signaling. Pdgfa-d expression was markedly higher in hepatic stellate cells among flow-sorted cells in control mice and also increased in dMASH. In contrast, a reanalysis of human single-cell RNA-Seq data showed the distinct distribution of each PDGF isoform with disease progression. Furthermore, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver were less severe in diabetic MASH using tamoxifen-induced PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ)-deficient mice (KO) than in control dMASH using floxed mice (FL) at 12 weeks old. Despite the absence of tumors, the expression of tumor-related genes was lower in KO than in FL. Tumorigenesis was significantly lower in 20-week-old KO. An Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of differentially expressed miRNA between FL and KO identified functional networks associated with hepatotoxicity and cancer. Therefore, PDGFRβ signals play important roles in the progression of steatohepatitis and tumorigenesis in MASH, with the modulation of miRNA expression posited as a potential underlying mechanism.
Contemporary fires are less frequent but more severe in dry conifer forests of the southwestern United States
Authors: McClure Emma J. , Coop Jonathan D. , Guiterman Christopher H. , Margolis Ellis Q. , Parks Sean A.
Published: October 2024

Wildfires in the southwestern United States are increasingly frequent and severe, but whether these trends exceed historical norms remains contested. Here we combine dendroecological records, satellite-derived burn severity, and field measured tree mortality to compare historical (1700-1880) and contemporary (1985-2020) fire regimes at tree-ring fire-scar sites in Arizona and New Mexico. We found that contemporary fire frequency, including recent, record fire years, is still <20% of historical levels. Since 1985, the fire return interval averages 58.8 years, compared to 11.4 years before 1880. Fire severity, however, has increased. At sites where trees historically survived many fires over centuries, 42% of recent fires resulted in high tree mortality. Suppressed wildfires tended to burn more severely than prescribed burns and wildfires managed for resource benefit. These findings suggest that expanded use of low-severity prescribed and managed fire would help restore forest resilience and historical fire regimes in dry conifer forests.
Targeting USP11 regulation by a novel lithium-organic coordination compound improves neuropathologies and cognitive functions in Alzheimer transgenic mice
Authors: Guo Yi , Cai Chuanbin , Zhang Bingjie , Tan Bo , Tang Qinmin , Lei Zhifeng , Qi Xiaolan , Chen Jiang , Zheng Xiaojiang , Zi Dan , Li Song , Tan Jun
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), as the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, severely impairs patients’ cognitive functions. Although its exact etiology remains unclear, the abnormal aggregations of misfolded β-amyloid peptide and tau protein are considered pivotal in its pathological progression. Recent studies identify ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) as the key regulator of tau deubiquitination, exacerbating tau aggregation and AD pathology. Thereby, inhibiting USP11 function, via either blocking USP11 activity or lowering USP11 protein level, may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy against AD. Our research introduces IsoLiPro, a unique lithium isobutyrate-L-proline coordination compound, effectively lowers USP11 protein level and enhances tau ubiquitination in vitro. Additionally, long-term oral administration of IsoLiPro dramatically reduces total and phosphorylated tau levels in AD transgenic mice. Moreover, IsoLiPro also significantly lessens β-amyloid deposition and synaptic damage, improving cognitive functions in these animal models. These results indicate that IsoLiPro, as a novel small-molecule USP11 inhibitor, can effectively alleviate AD-like pathologies and improve cognitive functions, offering promise as a potential multi-targeting therapeutic agent against AD.