bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive and efficient verification for digital signatures: extensions and experimental results
Authors: Boschini Cecilia , Fiore Dario , Pagnin Elena , Torresetti Luca , Visconti Andrea
Published: August 2024

Digital signatures are widely deployed to authenticate the source of incoming information, or to certify data integrity. Common signature verification procedures return a decision (accept/reject) only at the very end of the execution. If interrupted prematurely, however, the verification process cannot infer any meaningful information about the validity of the given signature. This limitation is due to the algorithm design solely, and it is not inherent to signature verification. In this work, we provide a formal framework to extract information from prematurely interrupted signature verification, independently of why the process halts: we propose a generic verification procedure that progressively builds confidence on the final decision. Our transformation builds on a simple but powerful intuition and applies to a wide range of existing schemes considered to be post-quantum secure, including some lattice-based and multivariate equations based constructions. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach through an implementation on off-the-shelf resource-constrained devices. In particular, an intensive testing activity has been conducted measuring the increase of performance on three IoT boards—i.e., Arduino, Raspberry, and Espressif—and a consumer-grade laptop. While the primary motivation of progressive verification is to mitigate unexpected interruptions, we show that verifiers can leverage it in two innovative ways. First, progressive verification can be used to intentionally adjust the soundness of the verification process. Second, our transformation splits verification into a computationally intensive offline set-up (run once), and an efficient online verification that is faster than the original algorithm. We conclude showing how to tweak our compiler for progressive verification to work on a wide range of signatures with properties, on three real-life use cases, and in combination with efficient verification.
The effect of carbon coating on the arsenite sorption by magnetic carbon nanocomposites
Authors: Burbano A. A. , Lassalle V. L. , Horst M. F. , Gascó G. , Méndez A.
Published: August 2024

Arsenic pollution has emerged through anthropogenic activities and natural mineral leaching processes. This study aims to advance the use of magnetic carbon nanocomposites (MCNs) in the sorption of arsenic, studying the influence of feedstock and the presence of carbon coating on magnetic nanoparticles. Previous works have shown that post-pyrolysis treatment improves the stability of MCNs by reducing iron leaching due to the formation of a carbon coating that encapsulates the iron oxide nanoparticles. However, this carbon coating could influence the adsorption properties of MCNs. This investigation deals with arsenic adsorption by four MCNs prepared by co-precipitation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle into four carbonaceous matrixes, followed by a post-pyrolysis treatment. The pristine carbonaceous matrixes used in the present work were commercial activated carbon (CAC), charcoal (CC), hydrochar from the orange residue (HCOR), and biochar from sunflower husk (BCSFH). Pristine carbonaceous materials and MCNs without post-pyrolyzed were also used as arsenic sorbents in water solutions. Additionally, kinetic studies were carried out to explore the sorption properties of different MCNs and pristine materials, concerning the removal efficiencies (expressed as a percentage) and adsorption capacities, determining the equilibrium time. The results demonstrated that the presence of magnetite increases the adsorption of arsenic, being higher in the case of materials obtained by direct co-precipitation than in materials subjected to a post-pyrolysis process. The presence of a carbon layerprotecting the magnetite slightly decreases the adsorption of arsenic.
The use of doping control data to administer sex-based eligibility regulations: an analysis of how the World Anti-Doping Agency and international sport federations violate data protection laws
Authors: Mazzucco Marcus , Brehaut Jensen
Published: August 2024

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) provides that anti-doping organizations, such as international sport federations (IFs), may use data from a doping control test to monitor compliance with sex-based eligibility regulations that regulate the serum testosterone levels of transgender and intersex athletes. This contemplated use of doping control data has been incorporated into the regulations of several IFs and is facilitated by WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration Management System (ADAMS)—a web-based database managed by WADA in Canada that contains analytical results from doping control tests and is accessible by anti-doping organizations. WADA’s collection, use and disclosure of personal information through ADAMS is subject to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This paper examines WADA’s non-compliance with PIPEDA when it discloses doping control data in ADAMS to an IF for the purpose of the IF’s administration of sex-based eligibility regulations, and how a complaint about WADA’s data disclosures might be handled by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner. The paper also examines the application of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation to IFs that seek to use doping control data stored in or outside of ADAMS to administer sex-based eligibility regulations. The paper concludes with the perspective that data protection laws can be used to challenge the implementation of sex-based eligibility regulations, alongside other human rights-based legal strategies.
Fretting-corrosion mechanisms of Ti6Al4V against CoCrMo in simulated body fluid under various fretting states
Authors: Pu Jian , Zhang Zupei , Zhang Yali , Zhang Xiaogang , Yuan Xinlu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Guoxian , Cui Wen , Yang Shu , Jin Zhongmin
Published: August 2024

Ti6Al4V alloy–CoCrMo alloy pair is commonly applied for modular head–neck interfaces for artificial hip joint. Unfortunately, the fretting corrosion damage at this interface seriously restricts its lifespan. This work studied the fretting corrosion of Ti6Al4V–CoCrMo pair in calf serum solution. We established this material pair’s running condition fretting map (RCFM) regarding load and displacement, and revealed the damage mechanism of this material pair in various fretting regimes, namely partial slip regime (PSR), mixed fretting regime (MFR), and gross slip regime (GSR). The damage mechanism of Ti6Al4V alloy was mainly abrasive wear induced by CoCrMo alloy and tribocorrosion. Adhesive wear (material transfer) also existed in MFR. The damage mechanism of CoCrMo alloy was mainly abrasive wear induced by metal oxides and tribocorrosion in GSR and MFR, while no apparent damage in PSR. Furthermore, a dense composite material layer with high hardness was formed in the middle contacting area in GSR, which reduced the corrosion and wear of Ti alloys and exacerbated damage to Co alloys. Finally, the ion concentration maps for Ti and Co ions were constructed, which displayed the transition in the amount of released Ti and Co ions under different displacements and loads.
Self-selective receptive field network for person re-identification
Authors: Hou Shaoqi , liu Xueting , Wu Chenyu , Yin Guangqiang , Wang Xinzhong , Wang Zhiguo
Published: August 2024

Person Re-identification (Re-ID) technology aims to solve the matching problem of the same pedestrians at different times and places, which has important application value in the field of public safety. At present, most scholars focus on designing complex models to improve the accuracy of Re-ID, but the high complexity of the model further restricts the practical application of Re-ID algorithm. To solve the above problems, this paper designs a lightweight Self-selective Receptive Field (SRF) block instead of directly designing complex models. Specifically, the module can be plug-and-play on the general backbone network, so as to significantly improve the performance of Re-ID while effectively controlling the amount of its own parameter and calculation: (1) the SRF block encodes pedestrian targets and image contexts at different scales by constructing pyramidal convolution group and allows the module to independently select the size of the receptive field through training by means of self-adaptive weighting; (2) in order to reduce the complexity of SRF block, we introduce a "channel scaling factor" and design a "grouped convolution operation" by constraining the channels of the feature map and changing the structure of the convolution kernel respectively. Experiments on multiple datasets show that SRF Network (SRFNet) for Re-ID can achieve a good balance between performance and complexity, which fully demonstrates the effectiveness of SRF block.
Evaluation of waist-to-calf ratio as a diagnostic tool for sarcopenic obesity: a cross-sectional study from a geriatric outpatient clinic
Authors: Güner Merve , Öztürk Yelda , Ceylan Serdar , Okyar Baş Arzu , Koca Meltem , Balci Cafer , Doğu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem Gülhan
Published: August 2024

Background

Proponents argue that a high waist-to-calf ratio (WCR) may indicate an imbalance between muscle and fat in the body, making it a potential predictor for sarcopenic obesity (SO). The WCR is a new index incorporating both measurements, providing a reliable approach for assessing the imbalance between abdominal fat and leg muscle mass. The present study aimed to examine the association of WCR with SO and reveal the predictive effect of SO in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

The study population was composed of 234 geriatric outpatients with obesity. WCR was calculated by dividing the waist circumference (in cm) by the calf circumference (in cm). SO was defined according to the ESPEN and EASO Consensus Statement.

Results

The mean age was 72.7 ± 5.8 years, and 78.7% (n = 175) were female. Eighty-one patients (34.6%) were considered as sarcopenic obese. The WCR was 3.04 [Interquartile range (IQR), 2.88–3.32] in the sarcopenic obese group, and in the nonsarcopenic obese group, it was 2.82 [IQR, 2.7–3.0] (p < 0.001). Independent of age, sex, nutritional and frailty status WCR was associated with SO (OR 12.7, 95% CI 4.0–40.1 and p < 0.001). The cut-off value of WCR for SO was calculated as 2.94 with 72.8% sensitivity and 67.3% specificity (Area Under Curve: 0.72 and Positive likelihood ratio: 2.23, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

WCR, a simple and accessible method, indicates promise as a possible and potential diagnostic tool for SO in community-dwelling older adults.
Exploiting Soybean and Flaxseed Meal Byproducts as Safe Weed Management Approaches in Onion Field
Authors: El-Wakeel Mona A. , El-Metwally Ibrahim M. , Ahmed Salah A. A. , Akl Engy M.
Published: August 2024

The intensive and repeated use of chemical herbicides has led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, which, in addition to their environmental impacts, also pose significant threats to human and animal health. This study aimed to explore the potential of oilseed industrial wastes, specifically soybean and flaxseed meals, as safe and environmentally friendly bioherbicides for controlling weeds associated with onion crops. Two field experiments were conducted along two successive winter of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Treatments involved foliar spray of soybean and flaxseed meals in three different concentrations (15, 30 and 45%), mulching of seed meals, oxyfluorfen herbicide, two hand hoeing and untreated weedy check. The findings demonstrated that all weed control treatments significantly reduced weed density, biomass and nutrient uptake. Two hand hoeing, oxyfluorfen herbicide and the mulching of soybean and flaxseed meals alternated in the top rank for weed control, showing minimal significant differences among them. Following these effective treatments, soybean meal extracts at 45 and 30% exhibited notable weed control compared to the weedy check. The greatest enhancement in onion growth, yield characteristics and bulb quality was observed with the application of hand hoeing, soybean and flaxseed meal mulching treatments, with no significant differences between them. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fractionation of both meals identified various phenolic acids at different concentrations. Practically, these safe efficient treatments proved progress on chemical herbicide. Hence, onion farmers are advised to apply soybean and flaxseed meals mulching safe treatments as alternative to harmful chemical herbicides under all experimental conditions.
Working Individually and Collectively: Assisting Young People with Cognitive Disability Transitioning from Statutory Systems
Authors: Venables Jemma , Ellem Kathy , Nathanson Caitlin
Published: August 2024

Young people with cognitive disability exiting statutory child protection and/or youth justice systems are a particularly vulnerable group. They have varied, complex and dynamic needs. These are often poorly responded to, due in part to a lack of formal and informal supports. There remains a lack of specialised supports and a dearth of evidence regarding best practice in supporting this group. This paper explores social work practices which respond to the social isolation of this cohort and the gap in support as young people transition to adulthood. The paper focuses on a group program in Queensland (Australia) which was specifically designed to support young people with a cognitive disability leaving child protection and/or youth justice systems. It reports on a subset of data from a mixed-methods study. It presents the perspectives of the young people and their practitioners regarding the practices that supported the engagement of young people and created opportunities for connection and skill development within the group program. The findings highlight the importance of relationship-driven practices that are supported and resourced by the organisation, and the need for parallel individual and group work processes for achieving positive outcomes with young people with cognitive disability transitioning from statutory systems.
EFection: Effectiveness Detection Technique for Clustering Cloud Workload Traces
Authors: Ali Shallaw Mohammed , Kecskemeti Gabor
Published: August 2024

Clustering is widely used in cloud computing studies to extract vital information. These studies have ignored investigating the potential improvements in clustering quality from better selection of its dimensions and methods. Consequently, developing an automated technique to perform such a selection was not addressed thoroughly. Most of the recent attempts either relied on feature reduction or general non-automated techniques, which were deemed unreliable for sufficient selection. Therefore, we first conducted a comprehensive investigation to study the impact of selecting better clustering dimensions and methods. Our results indicate achieving significant improvement by 15–70% points through better selection. Then, we developed a novel technique (EFection) to detect the best selection in advance using a combination of internal validation metrics (Davies–Bouldin) and the Pearson correlation coefficient. We evaluate our technique’s accuracy by comparing the clustering quality of its suggestions with that of the optimal selection. We then compare EFection’s performance with recent attempts to measure its superiority. Finally, we validate its applicability when adopted in cloud clustering-based studies. The results show that EFection offers high accuracy, around 83%, and surpasses prior art by 11%.
Comprehensive climatic variability analysis and its significance on flood occurrences in the Middle Ganga Plain, India
Authors: Arora Aman , Siddiqui Masood A. , Geesupalli Purna Durga , Mishra Varun Narayan , Pandey Manish
Published: August 2024

Climate variability significantly affects rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. In subtropical regions like India, intense monsoon rainfall primarily causes floods. This study aims to analyze the climatic factors contributing to flood occurrence in the Middle Ganga Plain (MGP) by examining meteorological parameters through various analyses, including monthly and yearly trends, spatial variability, exceedance probability, historical highest intensity rainfall, and wind trajectory analysis. By establishing a strong link between climatic variables and flood events, this research provides valuable insights into the impact of climate variability on flood patterns in the MGP. Results indicate that monsoon rainfall peaks from July to October, correlating with major flood events. During these months, high relative humidity increases the likelihood of rainfall. Spatial analysis shows higher rainfall in the northern Middle Ganga Plain (MGP), which aligns with observed flood patterns. Trend detection tests reveal increasing annual rainfall and rising average temperatures. Geostatistical analysis identifies the western and eastern MGP as areas prone to extreme rainfall. Exceedance probability analysis confirms the occurrence of substantial monsoon rainfall events. Wind trajectory analysis uncovers seasonal shifts that lead to low-pressure systems and heavy monsoon rainfall. The study establishes a strong link between climatic variables and flood events in the MGP region.
Utility of hybrid whole genome sequencing in assessing potential nosocomial VIM transmission
Authors: Mahoney David Burke James , Li Xena , Aftanas Patryk , Vermeiren Christie , Kozak Robert , Katz Kevin , Maguire Finlay
Published: August 2024

Abstract (Narrative)

Hybrid whole genome sequencing was used to investigate if nosocomial Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) carbapenemase transmission occurred between two patients without epidemiological links or common pathogens. Challenges in genomic methodology and appropriate analytical depth for mobile carbapenemase outbreaks are described including how inappropriate choices can mislead results and impact infection control practices.
Improving Probabilistic Models In Text Classification Via Active Learning
Authors: BOSLEY MITCHELL , KUZUSHIMA SAKI , ENAMORADO TED , SHIRAITO YUKI
Published: August 2024

Social scientists often classify text documents to use the resulting labels as an outcome or a predictor in empirical research. Automated text classification has become a standard tool since it requires less human coding. However, scholars still need many human-labeled documents for training. To reduce labeling costs, we propose a new algorithm for text classification that combines a probabilistic model with active learning. The probabilistic model uses both labeled and unlabeled data, and active learning concentrates labeling efforts on difficult documents to classify. Our validation study shows that with few labeled data, the classification performance of our algorithm is comparable to state-of-the-art methods at a fraction of the computational cost. We replicate the results of two published articles with only a small fraction of the original labeled data used in those studies and provide open-source software to implement our method.
Turning Points in Vegetation Phenology Trends and Their Relationship to Climate in Arid Central Asia
Authors: Nie Xingyu , Zhang Xuan , Hao Fanghua , Li Xiran , De Boeck Hans J. , Fu Yongshuo H.
Published: August 2024

Grassland phenology is highly sensitive to climate change. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of start (start of season (SOS)) and end (end of season (EOS)) dates of the growing season and quantify changes in their climatic controls over the arid Central Asian grassland ecosystems during 1982–2015, which may improve the model performance by considering shifts in primary drivers under ongoing climate change. Our results suggest that temperature played a positive role in advancing the SOS date, with the control of temperature on SOS getting stronger as preseason conditions become warmer but not drier. For autumn phenology, rapid increase in temperature after 1999 in combination with reductions in precipitation jointly contributed to a shift from delayed to advanced EOS. The areas that EOS regulated by either temperature or precipitation have changed between the two subperiods. Our findings suggest that the dynamic controls of temperature and precipitation on grassland phenology and the difference between spring and autumn phenology should be built into phenological models more accurately.
Geographical Patterns in Mortality Impacts Due To Heatwaves of Different Characteristics in Spanish Cities
Authors: Paredes‐Fortuny Laura , Salvador Coral , Vicedo‐Cabrera Ana M. , Khodayar Samira
Published: August 2024

The impact of heatwaves (HWs) on human health is a topic of growing interest due to the global magnification of these phenomena and their substantial socio‐economic impacts. As for other countries of Southern Europe, Spain is a region highly affected by heat and its increase under climate change. This is observed in the mean values and the increasing incidence of extreme weather events and associated mortality. Despite the vast knowledge on this topic, it remains unclear whether specific types and characteristics of HW are particularly harmful to the population and whether this shows a regional interdependency. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between HW characteristics and mortality in 12 Spanish cities. We used separated time series analysis in each city applying a quasi‐Poisson regression model and distributed lag linear and non‐linear models. Results show an increase in the mortality risk under HW conditions in the cities with a lower HW frequency. However, this increase exhibits remarkable differences across the cities under study not showing any general pattern in the HW characteristics‐mortality association. This relationship is shown to be complex and strongly dependent on the local properties of each city pointing out the crucial need to examine and understand on a local scale the HW characteristics and the HW‐mortality relationship for an efficient design and implementation of prevention measures.
Effects of pharmacological and environmental manipulations on choice between fentanyl and shock avoidance/escape in male and female rats under mutually exclusive and non-exclusive choice conditions
Authors: Marcus Madison M. , Marsh Samuel A. , Arriaga Michelle , Negus S. Stevens , Banks Matthew L.
Published: August 2024

Substance use disorders are defined by persistent drug consumption despite adverse consequences. Accordingly, we developed two fentanyl-vs-shock avoidance/escape choice procedures in which male and female rats responded under a fixed-ratio (FR)1:FR1 concurrent schedule of shock avoidance/escape and IV fentanyl under either mutually exclusive or non-exclusive choice conditions. Initial experiments using a discrete-trial procedure determined behavioral allocation between mutually exclusive shock avoidance/escape and different fentanyl doses (0.32–18 μg/kg/infusion; Experiment 1). Shock intensity (0.1–0.7 mA) and shock avoidance/escape response requirement (FR1-16) were also manipulated (Experiment 2). Next, we used a free-operant procedure in which shock avoidance/escape and fentanyl were continuously available under non-exclusive conditions, and response-shock (R-S) interval (30–1000 s) was manipulated (Experiment 3). Finally, we tested the hypothesis that extended-access fentanyl self-administration would produce fentanyl dependence, establish fentanyl withdrawal as an endogenous negative reinforcer, and increase fentanyl choice in both procedures (Experiments 4 and 5). The shock avoidance/escape contingency decreased fentanyl self-administration, and rats consistently chose shock avoidance/escape over fentanyl in both choice conditions. Decreasing shock intensity or increasing shock avoidance/escape response requirement failed to increase fentanyl choice, suggesting that fentanyl and shock avoidance/escape are independent economic commodities. Increasing the R-S interval increased fentanyl choice but failed to increase shock delivery. Extended fentanyl access engendered high fentanyl intake and opioid withdrawal signs but failed to increase fentanyl choice under either choice condition. These results suggest that neither positive fentanyl reinforcement nor negative reinforcement by fentanyl withdrawal is sufficient to reduce shock avoidance/escape-maintained responding and increase foot shock as an adverse consequence.
Induction of osteoblast apoptosis stimulates macrophage efferocytosis and paradoxical bone formation
Authors: Batoon Lena , Koh Amy Jean , Millard Susan Marie , Grewal Jobanpreet , Choo Fang Ming , Kannan Rahasudha , Kinnaird Aysia , Avey Megan , Teslya Tatyana , Pettit Allison Robyn , McCauley Laurie K. , Roca Hernan
Published: August 2024

Apoptosis is crucial for tissue homeostasis and organ development. In bone, apoptosis is recognized to be a main fate of osteoblasts, yet the relevance of this process remains underexplored. Using our murine model with inducible Caspase 9, the enzyme that initiates intrinsic apoptosis, we triggered apoptosis in a proportion of mature osteocalcin (OCN+) osteoblasts and investigated the impact on postnatal bone development. Osteoblast apoptosis stimulated efferocytosis by osteal macrophages. A five-week stimulation of OCN+ osteoblast apoptosis in 3-week-old male and female mice significantly enhanced vertebral bone formation while increasing osteoblast precursors. A similar treatment regimen to stimulate osterix+ cell apoptosis had no impact on bone volume or density. The vertebral bone accrual following stimulation of OCN+ osteoblast apoptosis did not translate in improved mechanical strength due to disruption of the lacunocanalicular network. The observed bone phenotype was not influenced by changes in osteoclasts but was associated with stimulation of macrophage efferocytosis and vasculature formation. Phenotyping of efferocytic macrophages revealed a unique transcriptomic signature and expression of factors including VEGFA. To examine whether macrophages participated in the osteoblast precursor increase following osteoblast apoptosis, macrophage depletion models were employed. Depletion of macrophages via clodronate-liposomes and the CD169-diphtheria toxin receptor mouse model resulted in marked reduction in leptin receptor+ and osterix+ osteoblast precursors. Collectively, this work demonstrates the significance of osteoblast turnover via apoptosis and efferocytosis in postnatal bone formation. Importantly, it exposes the potential of targeting this mechanism to promote bone anabolism in the clinical setting.
Ageing-related bone and immunity changes: insights into the complex interplay between the skeleton and the immune system
Authors: Mi Bobin , Xiong Yuan , Knoedler Samuel , Alfertshofer Michael , Panayi Adriana C. , Wang Haixing , Lin Sien , Li Gang , Liu Guohui
Published: August 2024

Ageing as a natural irreversible process inherently results in the functional deterioration of numerous organ systems and tissues, including the skeletal and immune systems. Recent studies have elucidated the intricate bidirectional interactions between these two systems. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of molecular mechanisms of cell ageing. We further discuss how age-related skeletal changes influence the immune system and the consequent impact of immune system alterations on the skeletal system. Finally, we highlight the clinical implications of these findings and propose potential strategies to promote healthy ageing and reduce pathologic deterioration of both the skeletal and immune systems.
Partial asynchrony of coniferous forest carbon sources and sinks at the intra-annual time scale
Authors: Silvestro Roberto , Mencuccini Maurizio , García-Valdés Raúl , Antonucci Serena , Arzac Alberto , Biondi Franco , Buttò Valentina , Camarero J. Julio , Campelo Filipe , Cochard Hervé , Čufar Katarina , Cuny Henri E. , de Luis Martin , Deslauriers Annie , Drolet Guillaume , Fonti Marina V. , Fonti Patrick , Giovannelli Alessio , Gričar Jožica , Gruber Andreas , Gryc Vladimír , Guerrieri Rossella , Güney Aylin , Guo Xiali , Huang Jian-Guo , Jyske Tuula , Kašpar Jakub , Kirdyanov Alexander V. , Klein Tamir , Lemay Audrey , Li Xiaoxia , Liang Eryuan , Lintunen Anna , Liu Feng , Lombardi Fabio , Ma Qianqian , Mäkinen Harri , Malik Rayees A. , Martinez del Castillo Edurne , Martinez-Vilalta Jordi , Mayr Stefan , Morin Hubert , Nabais Cristina , Nöjd Pekka , Oberhuber Walter , Olano José M. , Ouimette Andrew P. , Paljakka Teemu V. S. , Peltoniemi Mikko , Peters Richard L. , Ren Ping , Prislan Peter , Rathgeber Cyrille B. K. , Sala Anna , Saracino Antonio , Saulino Luigi , Schiestl-Aalto Piia , Shishov Vladimir V. , Stokes Alexia , Sukumar Raman , Sylvain Jean-Daniel , Tognetti Roberto , Treml Václav , Urban Josef , Vavrčík Hanuš , Vieira Joana , von Arx Georg , Wang Yan , Yang Bao , Zeng Qiao , Zhang Shaokang , Ziaco Emanuele , Rossi Sergio
Published: August 2024

As major terrestrial carbon sinks, forests play an important role in mitigating climate change. The relationship between the seasonal uptake of carbon and its allocation to woody biomass remains poorly understood, leaving a significant gap in our capacity to predict carbon sequestration by forests. Here, we compare the intra-annual dynamics of carbon fluxes and wood formation across the Northern hemisphere, from carbon assimilation and the formation of non-structural carbon compounds to their incorporation in woody tissues. We show temporally coupled seasonal peaks of carbon assimilation (GPP) and wood cell differentiation, while the two processes are substantially decoupled during off-peak periods. Peaks of cambial activity occur substantially earlier compared to GPP, suggesting the buffer role of non-structural carbohydrates between the processes of carbon assimilation and allocation to wood. Our findings suggest that high-resolution seasonal data of ecosystem carbon fluxes, wood formation and the associated physiological processes may reduce uncertainties in carbon source-sink relationships at different spatial scales, from stand to ecosystem levels.
An improved SNAP-ADAR tool enables efficient RNA base editing to interfere with post-translational protein modification
Authors: Kiran Kumar Karthika Devi , Singh Shubhangi , Schmelzle Stella Maria , Vogel Paul , Fruhner Carolin , Hanswillemenke Alfred , Brun Adrian , Wettengel Jacqueline , Füll Yvonne , Funk Lukas , Mast Valentin , Botsch J. Josephine , Reautschnig Philipp , Li Jin Billy , Stafforst Thorsten
Published: August 2024

RNA base editing relies on the introduction of adenosine-to-inosine changes into target RNAs in a highly programmable manner in order to repair disease-causing mutations. Here, we propose that RNA base editing could be broadly applied to perturb protein function by removal of regulatory phosphorylation and acetylation sites. We demonstrate the feasibility on more than 70 sites in various signaling proteins and identify key determinants for high editing efficiency and potent down-stream effects. For the JAK/STAT pathway, we demonstrate both, negative and positive regulation. To achieve high editing efficiency over a broad codon scope, we applied an improved version of the SNAP-ADAR tool. The transient nature of RNA base editing enables the comparably fast (hours to days), dose-dependent (thus partial) and reversible manipulation of regulatory sites, which is a key advantage over DNA (base) editing approaches. In summary, PTM interference might become a valuable field of application of RNA base editing.
Multiplexed volumetric CLEM enabled by scFvs provides insights into the cytology of cerebellar cortex
Authors: Han Xiaomeng , Lu Xiaotang , Li Peter H. , Wang Shuohong , Schalek Richard , Meirovitch Yaron , Lin Zudi , Adhinarta Jason , Murray Karl D. , MacNiven Leah M. , Berger Daniel R. , Wu Yuelong , Fang Tao , Meral Elif Sevde , Asraf Shadnan , Ploegh Hidde , Pfister Hanspeter , Wei Donglai , Jain Viren , Trimmer James S. , Lichtman Jeff W.
Published: August 2024

Mapping neuronal networks is a central focus in neuroscience. While volume electron microscopy (vEM) can reveal the fine structure of neuronal networks (connectomics), it does not provide molecular information to identify cell types or functions. We developed an approach that uses fluorescent single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) to perform multiplexed detergent-free immunolabeling and volumetric-correlated-light-and-electron-microscopy on the same sample. We generated eight fluorescent scFvs targeting brain markers. Six fluorescent probes were imaged in the cerebellum of a female mouse, using confocal microscopy with spectral unmixing, followed by vEM of the same sample. The results provide excellent ultrastructure superimposed with multiple fluorescence channels. Using this approach, we documented a poorly described cell type, two types of mossy fiber terminals, and the subcellular localization of one type of ion channel. Because scFvs can be derived from existing monoclonal antibodies, hundreds of such probes can be generated to enable molecular overlays for connectomic studies.
Rare and highly destructive wildfires drive human migration in the U.S.
Authors: McConnell Kathryn , Fussell Elizabeth , DeWaard Jack , Whitaker Stephan , Curtis Katherine J. , St. Denis Lise , Balch Jennifer , Price Kobie
Published: August 2024

The scale of wildfire impacts to the built environment is growing and will likely continue under rising average global temperatures. We investigate whether and at what destruction threshold wildfires have influenced human mobility patterns by examining the migration effects of the most destructive wildfires in the contiguous U.S. between 1999 and 2020. We find that only the most extreme wildfires (258+ structures destroyed) influenced migration patterns. In contrast, the majority of wildfires examined were less destructive and did not cause significant changes to out- or in-migration. These findings suggest that, for the past two decades, the influence of wildfire on population mobility was rare and operated primarily through destruction of the built environment.
Contributions of network structure, chemoarchitecture and diagnostic categories to transitions between cognitive topographies
Authors: Luppi Andrea I. , Singleton S. Parker , Hansen Justine Y. , Jamison Keith W. , Bzdok Danilo , Kuceyeski Amy , Betzel Richard F. , Misic Bratislav
Published: August 2024

The mechanisms linking the brain’s network structure to cognitively relevant activation patterns remain largely unknown. Here, by leveraging principles of network control, we show how the architecture of the human connectome shapes transitions between 123 experimentally defined cognitive activation maps (cognitive topographies) from the NeuroSynth meta-analytic database. Specifically, we systematically integrated large-scale multimodal neuroimaging data from functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tractography, cortical morphometry and positron emission tomography to simulate how anatomically guided transitions between cognitive states can be reshaped by neurotransmitter engagement or by changes in cortical thickness. Our model incorporates neurotransmitter-receptor density maps (18 receptors and transporters) and maps of cortical thickness pertaining to a wide range of mental health, neurodegenerative, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnostic categories (17,000 patients and 22,000 controls). The results provide a comprehensive look-up table charting how brain network organization and chemoarchitecture interact to manifest different cognitive topographies, and establish a principled foundation for the systematic identification of ways to promote selective transitions between cognitive topographies.
Rapid, biochemical tagging of cellular activity history in vivo
Authors: Zhang Run , Anguiano Maribel , Aarrestad Isak K. , Lin Sophia , Chandra Joshua , Vadde Sruti S. , Olson David E. , Kim Christina K.
Published: August 2024

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is ubiquitous to cell signaling across biology. While existing fluorescent sensors and reporters can detect activated cells with elevated Ca2+ levels, these approaches require implants to deliver light to deep tissue, precluding their noninvasive use in freely behaving animals. Here we engineered an enzyme-catalyzed approach that rapidly and biochemically tags cells with elevated Ca2+ in vivo. Ca2+-activated split-TurboID (CaST) labels activated cells within 10 min with an exogenously delivered biotin molecule. The enzymatic signal increases with Ca2+ concentration and biotin labeling time, demonstrating that CaST is a time-gated integrator of total Ca2+ activity. Furthermore, the CaST readout can be performed immediately after activity labeling, in contrast to transcriptional reporters that require hours to produce signal. These capabilities allowed us to apply CaST to tag prefrontal cortex neurons activated by psilocybin, and to correlate the CaST signal with psilocybin-induced head-twitch responses in untethered mice.
Personalizing driver safety interfaces via driver cognitive factors inference
Authors: Sumner Emily S. , DeCastro Jonathan , Costa Jean , Gopinath Deepak E. , Kimani Everlyne , Hakimi Shabnam , Morgan Allison , Best Andrew , Nguyen Hieu , Brooks Daniel J. , ul Haq Bassam , Patrikalakis Andrew , Yasuda Hiroshi , Sieck Kate , Balachandran Avinash , Chen Tiffany L. , Rosman Guy
Published: August 2024

Recent advances in AI and intelligent vehicle technology hold the promise of revolutionizing mobility and transportation through advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Certain cognitive factors, such as impulsivity and inhibitory control have been shown to relate to risky driving behavior and on-road risk-taking. However, existing systems fail to leverage such factors in assistive driving technologies adequately. Varying the levels of these cognitive factors could influence the effectiveness and acceptance of ADAS interfaces. We demonstrate an approach for personalizing driver interaction via driver safety interfaces that are are triggered based on the inference of the driver’s latent cognitive states from their driving behavior. To accomplish this, we adopt a data-driven approach and train a recurrent neural network to infer impulsivity and inhibitory control from recent driving behavior. The network is trained on a population of human drivers to infer impulsivity and inhibitory control from recent driving behavior. Using data collected from a high-fidelity vehicle motion simulator experiment, we demonstrate the ability to deduce these factors from driver behavior. We then use these inferred factors to determine instantly whether or not to engage a driver safety interface. This approach was evaluated using leave-one-out cross validation using actual human data. Our evaluations reveal that our personalized driver safety interface that captures the cognitive profile of the driver is more effective in influencing driver behavior in yellow light zones by reducing their inclination to run through them.
Spacing effects on flows around two square cylinders in staggered arrangement via LBM
Authors: Refaie Ali Ahmed , Abbasi Waqas Sarwar , Bibi Bakhtawar , Rahman Hamid , Ul Islam Shams , Hussain Majeed Afraz , Ahmad Irshad
Published: August 2024

This study presents a computational analysis of fluid flow characteristics around two staggered arranged square cylinders using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). With Reynolds number (Re) fixed at 200, numerical simulations explore the influence of varying gap ratios (G) ranging from 0 to 10 times the cylinder size. Emphasis is placed on understanding the impact of cylinders spacing on flow structure mechanisms and induced forces. Investigation of fluid flow parameters includes vorticity behavior, pressure streamlines, and variations in drag and lift coefficients alongside the Strouhal number under different values of G. From the results, four distinct flow patterns emerge: single bluff body flow, flip flopping flow, modulated synchronized flow, and synchronized flow, each exhibiting unique characteristics. This study reveals the strong dependence of fluid forces on G, with low spacing values leading to complex vortex structures and fluctuating forces influenced by jet flow effects. At higher spacing values, proximity effects between cylinders diminish, resulting in a smoother periodic flow. The Strouhal number, average drag force and the rms values of drag and lift force coefficients vary abruptly at narrow gaps and become smooth at higher gap ratios. Unlike the tandem and side-by-side arrangements the staggered cylinders arrangement is found to have significant impact on the pressure variations around both cylinders. Overall, this research could contribute to a comprehensive understanding of staggered cylinder arrangements and their implications for engineering applications.
A latent class analysis of biosecurity attitudes and decision-making strategies of swine producers in the United States
Authors: Baye Richmond Silvanus , Zia Asim , Merrill Scott C. , Clark Eric M. , Smith Julia M. , Koliba Christopher
Published: August 2024

The 2018 African swine fever (ASF) outbreak highlighted the importance of biosecurity in food production systems. Despite the significant economic impacts, the sociopsychological consequences on decision-making have been overlooked. Previous studies have focused on algebraic models and simulation-based models without considering the complex psychological and social factors that influence farmers' biosecurity behaviors and decision-making processes. This study aims to classify livestock producers into distinct subgroups based on their attitudes towards biosecurity. We conducted a survey presenting producers with three scenarios to assess their willingness to report suspected ASF cases, trust in government agencies, risk perception, biosecurity knowledge, willingness to purchase livestock insurance, motivation to invest in biosecurity, readiness to report suspected infections, and intention to contact a veterinarian. Using latent class analysis, we identified three distinct classes: Biosecurity Sceptics, Biosecurity Compliant, and Biosecurity Ultra-Compliant. Our results show that producer characteristics significantly influence biosecurity attitudes and class membership, with small-scale producers less likely to adopt ultra-compliant biosecurity practices. Attending at least one eradication program encouraged biosecurity compliance. This research informs the design of targeted food policy and risk communication strategies that account for attitudes of livestock producers to encourage biosecurity adoption and reduce the likelihood of Tier 1 disease incursion.
A hybrid FeOx/CoOx/Pt ternary nanocatalyst for augmented catalysis of formic acid electro-oxidation
Authors: Mohammad Ahmad M. , Al-Qodami Bilquis Ali , Al-Akraa Islam M. , Allam Nageh K. , Alalawy Hafsa H.
Published: August 2024

Platinum-based catalysts that have long been used as the anodes for the formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO) in the direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) were susceptible to retrogradation in performance due to CO poisoning that impaired the technology transfer in industry. This work is designed to overcome this challenge by amending the Pt surface sequentially with nanosized cobalt (nano-CoOx, fibril texture of ca. 200 nm in particle size) and iron (nano-FeOx, nanorods of particle size and length of 80 and 253 nm, respectively) oxides. This enriched the Pt surface with oxygenated groups that boosted FAO and mitigated the CO poisoning. The unfilled d-orbitals of the transition metals and their tendency to vary their oxidations states presumed their participation in a faster mechanism of FAO. Engineering the Pt surface in this FeOx/CoOx/Pt hierarchy resulted in a remarkable activity toward FAO, that exceeded four times that of the Pt catalyst with up to ca. 2.5 times improvement in the catalytic tolerance against CO poisoning. This associated a ca. − 32 mV shift in the onset potential of FAO which increased to − 40 mV with a post-activation of the same catalyst at − 0.5  in 0.2 mol L–1 NaOH, displaying the catalyst's competitiveness in reducing overpotentials in DFAFCs. It also exhibited a favorable amelioration in the catalytic durability in long-termed chronoamperometric electrolysis. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the CO stripping voltammetry were employed to elucidate the origin of enhancement.
Synergistic effect of TiO2 nanoparticles and poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polylactic acid
Authors: El-Taweel Safaa H.
Published: August 2024

The impact of adding ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA 80) and 1 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid) blends was investigated using DSC, SEM, and POM. Thermal analysis revealed the enhancement of crystallinity of PLA in the presence of TiO2 and higher EVA 80 content in the blend. The PLA and EVA 80 components showed compatibility, as evidenced by the shift of the glass transition temperatures of the PLA phase in the blend to lower values compared to neat PLA. The lower temperature shift of the cold crystallization of the PLA and the formation of the small spherulites of the PLA in the blends indicated that the EVA 80 and TiO2 act as a nucleating agent for crystallization. The non-isothermal crystallization parameters of the composites were evaluated using Avrami's modified model, the MO approach, and Friedman’s isoconversional method. The Avrami’s modified rate constant (K) and the effective activation energy values significantly increased with the incorporation of EVA 80 and TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability of PLA by adding EVA 80 and TiO2.
Exploring green environmental composites as hosts for shielding materials using experimental, theoretical and Geant4 simulation methods
Authors: Alabsy Mahmoud T. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Sharaby Mahmoud A. , Elzaher Mohamed Abd , Doma A. S. , El-Khatib Ahmed M.
Published: August 2024

Rice straw is considered an agricultural waste harmful to the environment, which is abundant in most parts of the world. From this point, the present study is devoted to preparing new composites of two types of glue based on rice straw as a plentiful, low-cost matrix. Straw glue samples were prepared by mixing 20% wt. of rice straw with 80% wt. of animal glue (RS-An) and polyvinyl acetate (RS-PVAC) at different thicknesses of 1, 2, and 3 cm. The chemical composition of the prepared samples was identified by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and their morphology was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The mechanical test explored that RS-An and RS-PVAC respectively required a stress of 25.2 and 25.5 MPa before reaching the breaking point. γ-ray shielding performance was analyzed and determined at numerous photon energies from 0.059 to 1.408 MeV emitted from five-point γ-rays sources using NaI (Tl). Linear attenuation coefficient was calculated by obtaining the area under the peak of the energy spectrum observed from Genie 2000 software in the presence and absence of the sample. The experimental results of mass attenuation coefficient were compared with theoretical data of XCOM software with relative deviation ranging from 0.10 to 2.99%. Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation code was also employed to validate the experimental results. The relative deviation of XCOM and Geant4 outcomes was 0.09–1.77%, which indicates a good agreement between them. Other radiation shielding parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer, and mean free path were calculated in three ways: experimentally, theoretically from the XCOM database, and by simulation using Geant4 code. Additionally, effective atomic number (Zeff), effective atomic number (Neff), equivalent atomic number (Zeq), and buildup factors were evaluated. It was confirmed that the γ-ray shielding properties were further boosted by mixing rice straw with the animal glue compared to the synthetic one.