bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A travel demand modeling framework based on OpenStreetMap
Authors: Notelaers Lotte , Verstraete Jeroen , Vansteenwegen Pieter , Tampère Chris M. J.
Published: June 2024

Demand modeling is an important part of the setup of a traffic model for a city. All travel demand models rely on land use data as the demand for traveling fundamentally stems from activities occurring at different locations; however, many cities lack these data, or experience in estimating travel demand in their region. In response, this study develops a methodology for generating highly detailed land use data in the form of points of interest (POIs) specifically aimed at travel demand estimation purposes. The framework includes a procedure to extract, clean, enhance, and categorize freely available land use data from OpenStreetMap (OSM) into different POI categories, such as residences, schools, and shops. These residential and activity POIs, which are typical origins and/or destinations of trips, serve as the starting point for estimating travel demand. This paper demonstrates the framework’s utility through three case studies across different cities in Belgium. It validates the effectiveness of OSM-derived POIs for travel demand estimation by replicating Antwerp’s existing demand model, examines the POIs classification’s suitability for various travel demand purposes in Leuven, and assesses the transferability of correlations between OSM data and travel demand from Antwerp to Ghent. Beyond the applications illustrated in this paper, the framework provides opportunities for future research on the consistent disaggregation of existing zonal demand estimates and design-based research in which future demand is estimated given the development of POIs. The framework is openly available as a Python tool called Poidpy.
Game Violence and Moral Distress
Authors: Wagener Gary Lee , Melzer André
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Inflicting virtual violence on others violates internalized moral norms of social interaction and therefore usually triggers feelings of moral distress. However, people play and enjoy violent media, especially violent video games (VVG) in which they commit violent acts. In two experimental studies, we tested why people enjoy violent media and whether personality-related factors like the Dark Tetrad (i.e., Machiavellianism, everyday sadism, psychopathy, and narcissism) play a role in it. In Study 1 ( N = 313, online experiment), watching a violent video game clip or reading a violent text led to greater moral distress than watching a non-violent video. Although Dark Tetrad, VVG preference, and moral disengagement were all positively associated, none of these factors moderated moral distress. In Study 2 ( N = 69, laboratory experiment), participants either played a violent or a non-violent game version. Again, game violence led to comparably greater moral distress. However, in contrast to Study 1 in which participants only watched violent media, Dark Tetrad now significantly moderated the relationship between condition and moral distress. Participants with low Dark Tetrad expressions experienced significantly greater moral distress in the violent condition. Generally, participants with more gaming experience felt less morally distressed after gameplay than inexperienced participants. The present findings corroborate the moral implications of experiencing media violence and the important role of personality-related factors, thus further illustrating the complexity of mechanisms underlying violent media effects.
A Hybrid Normal Mode‐Collocation Method for Finding the Response of Laterally Homogeneous Compressible Maxwell Viscoelastic Earth Models
Authors: Brierley‐Green Connor , James Thomas S.
Published: June 2024

Normal mode analysis is a Laplace‐transform method for calculating the surface‐loading response of laterally homogeneous spherical Earth models with linear viscoelasticity which delivers modal decay times and amplitudes. It can locally fail owing to numerical singularities arising from the viscoelastic parameters, leading to an incomplete accounting of the surface‐loading response. Collocation methods were developed to circumvent this issue. The mixed collocation method includes least‐squares fitting to the Laplace‐transformed Earth response to determine amplitudes assuming the normal mode decay times are known, while the pure collocation method assumes a series of logarithmically regularly spaced inverse decay times for which amplitudes are determined numerically. Both collocation methods may determine amplitudes that are physically unrealistic and all three methods produce crustal motion predictions that differ significantly. The hybrid normal mode‐collocation method presented here applies the normal mode analysis, and then applies the pure collocation to the resulting residuals. This retains the modal structure, while providing an improved fit. Our implementation avoids numerical singularities that may arise from Rayleigh‐Taylor instabilities occurring at large times and can be automated. Vertical crustal motions predicted by the hybrid method for North America with the ICE‐6G_C loading model and the VM5a viscosity structure have a root mean square (RMS) of 4.49 mm/yr and RMS differences with the normal mode, pure, and mixed collocation method of 0.06, 0.23, and 0.25 mm/yr, respectively. Maximum differences reach 0.20, 0.87, and 0.63 mm/yr. The differences increase for a viscosity profile with a greater viscosity increase with depth that exhibits stronger singularity issues.
Toward a Unified Understanding of Estimating Evapotranspiration: The Linkage Between Three Effective Parsimonious Models
Authors: Wang Yi , Petrone Richard M. , Kompanizare Mazda
Published: June 2024

The maximum information entropy production model (MaxEnt), the relative humidity at equilibrium approach (ETRHEQ), and the Surface Flux Equilibrium model (SFE) are three recently developed models to estimate evapotranspiration. Although the connection between ETRHEQ and SFE is evident, no attempts have been made to investigate the congruence, distinctions, or potential complementarity between the two models and MaxEnt. Our mathematical analysis demonstrates that minimizing the vertical variance of RH in ETRHEQ is equivalent to minimizing the dissipation function of energy fluxes in MaxEnt, under the assumption of the same eddy diffusivity of heat and water vapor and with a specific expression for the ratio between the thermal inertia terms for H and LE. The connection between ETRHEQ, SFE, and MaxEnt is independent of Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory (MOST)’s extremum solution, and MOST's extreme solution can be viewed as equivalent to introducing a constant correction factor to account for atmospheric stability. While ETRHEQ and MaxEnt can be united within a single hydrometeorological framework, they diverge in their approaches to modeling evapotranspiration, particularly in how they address the roles of vegetation and land surface heterogeneity. More importantly, the unified framework suggests that turbulence fluxes within the atmospheric boundary layer adhere to the principles of maximum information entropy production. The way in which dissipation, along with its associated entropy production, is established using information entropy theory deviates from traditional thermodynamic entropy formulations. Exploring the connection between thermodynamic and information entropy and developing proper formulations of dissipation for energy fluxes presents an appealing avenue for prospective research.
Geochemical Signature of Deep Fluids Triggering Earthquake Swarm in the Noto Peninsula, Central Japan
Authors: Umeda Koji , Yamazaki Yukino , Sumino Hirochika
Published: June 2024

On New Year's Day 2024, a magnitude 7.6 event struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan. Prior to this event, an intense earthquake swarm had persisted beneath the northeastern peninsula for more than five years. Geophysical evidence provides insight into the upwelling of deep fluids from the uppermost mantle that triggers the seismic swarm activity. The noble gases and their isotopes have been used as geochemical indicators to determine the origin of the fluids associated with the swarms and their upwelling. Gas samples collected from boreholes around the seismic source region are characterized by anomalously high 3He/4He ratios (∼3.9 RAcor), indicating infiltration of mantle fluids from the subcrustal lithosphere. Using a steady‐state advection model, we calculated mantle helium fluxes of 1.1–2.4 × 10−15 mol cm−2 a−1, similar to those estimated for other representative fault zones, such as the San Andreas and North Anatolian faults.
Dynamic Component of the Asthenosphere: Lateral Viscosity Variations Due To Dislocation Creep at the Base of Oceanic Plates
Authors: Patočka V. , Čížková H. , Pokorný J.
Published: June 2024

The asthenosphere is commonly defined as an upper mantle zone with low velocities and high attenuation of seismic waves, and high electrical conductivity. These observations are usually explained by the presence of partial melt, or by a sharp contrast in the water content of the upper mantle. Low viscosity asthenosphere is an essential ingredient of functioning plate tectonics. We argue that a substantial component of asthenospheric weakening is dynamic, caused by dislocation creep at the base of tectonic plates. Numerical simulations of subduction show that dynamic weakening scales with the surface velocity both below the subducting and the overriding plate, and that the viscosity decrease reaches up to two orders of magnitude. The resulting scaling law is employed in an apriori estimate of the lateral viscosity variations (LVV) below Earth's oceans. The obtained LVV help in explaining some of the long‐standing as well as recent problems in mantle viscosity inversions.
Investigation and management of young-onset hypertension: British and Irish hypertension society position statement
Authors: Kulkarni Spoorthy , Faconti Luca , Partridge Sarah , Delles Christian , Glover Mark , Lewis Philip , Gray Asha , Hodson Emma , Macintyre Iain , Maniero Carmen , McEniery Carmel M. , Sinha Manish D. , Walsh Stephen B. , Wilkinson Ian B.
Published: June 2024

National and international hypertension guidelines recommend that adults with young-onset hypertension (aged <40 years at diagnosis) are reviewed by a hypertension specialist to exclude secondary causes of hypertension and optimise therapeutic regimens. A recent survey among UK secondary care hypertension specialist physicians highlighted variations in the investigation of such patients. In this position statement, the British and Irish Hypertension Society seek to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the investigation and management of adults with young-onset hypertension. We aim to ensure that individuals receive consistent and high-quality care across the UK and Ireland, to highlight gaps in the current evidence, and to identify important future research questions.
Association between initial ventilation mode and hospital outcomes for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Wild K. Taylor , Mathew Leny , Ades Anne M. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Soorikian Leane , Matthews Kelle , Lee Sura , Van Hoose K. Taylor , Kesler Erin , Flohr Sabrina , Bostwick Anna , Reynolds Tom , Hedrick Holly L. , Foglia Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the association between initial delivery room (DR) ventilator (conventional mechanical ventilation [CMV] versus high frequency oscillatory ventilation [HFOV] and hospital outcomes for infants with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Study design

Quasi-experimental design before/after introducing a clinical protocol promoting HFOV. The primary outcome was first blood gas parameters. Secondary outcomes included serial blood gas assessments, ECMO, survival, duration of ventilation, and length of hospitalization.

Results

First pH and CO2 were more favorable in the HFOV group (n = 75) than CMV group (n = 85), median (interquartile range (IQR)) pH 7.18 (7.03, 7.24) vs. 7.05 (6.93, 7.17), adjusted p-value < 0.001; median CO2 62.0 (46.0, 82.0) vs 85.9 (59.0, 103.0), adjusted p-value < 0.001. ECMO, survival, duration of ventilation, and length of hospitalization did not differ between groups in adjusted analysis.

Conclusion

Among infants with severe CDH, initial DR HFOV was associated with improved early gas exchange with no adverse differences in hospital outcomes.
Applications of functional neurotransmitter release imaging with genetically encoded sensors in psychiatric research
Authors: Wright Emily C. , Scott Erin , Tian Lin
Published: June 2024

Psychiatric research encompasses diverse methodologies to understand the complex interplay between neurochemistry and behavior in mental health disorders. Despite significant advancements in pharmacological interventions, there remains a critical gap in understanding the precise functional changes underlying psychiatric conditions and the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents. Genetically encoded sensors have emerged as powerful tools to address these challenges by enabling real-time monitoring of neurochemical dynamics in specific neuronal populations. This prospective explores the utility of neurotransmitter binding genetically encoded sensors in uncovering the nature of neuronal dysregulation underpinning mental illness, assessing the impact of pharmaceutical interventions, and facilitating the discovery of novel treatments.
Differential transcriptional invasion signatures from patient derived organoid models define a functional prognostic tool for head and neck cancer
Authors: Haughton Peter D. , Haakma Wisse , Chalkiadakis Theofilos , Breimer Gerben E. , Driehuis Else , Clevers Hans , Willems Stefan , Prekovic Stefan , Derksen Patrick W. B.
Published: June 2024

Clinical outcome for patients suffering from HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poor. This is mostly due to highly invasive tumors that cause loco-regional relapses after initial therapeutic intervention and metastatic outgrowth. The molecular pathways governing the detrimental invasive growth modes in HNSCC remain however understudied. Here, we have established HNSCC patient derived organoid (PDO) models that recapitulate 3-dimensional invasion in vitro. Single cell mRNA sequencing was applied to study the differences between non-invasive and invasive conditions, and in a collective versus single cell invading PDO model. Differential expression analysis under invasive conditions in Collagen gels reveals an overall upregulation of a YAP-centered transcriptional program, irrespective of the invasion mode. However, we find that collectively invading HNSCC PDO cells show elevated levels of YAP transcription targets when compared to single cell invasion. Also, collectively invading cells are characterized by increased nuclear translocation of YAP within the invasive strands, which coincides with Collagen-I matrix alignment at the invasive front. Using gene set enrichment analysis, we identify immune cell-like migratory pathways in the single cell invading HNSCC PDO, while collective invasion is characterized by overt upregulation of adhesion and migratory pathways. Lastly, based on clinical head and neck cancer cohorts, we demonstrate that the identified collective invasion signature provides a candidate prognostic platform for survival in HNSCC. By uncoupling collective and single cell invasive programs, we have established invasion signatures that may guide new therapeutic options.
Minimum effective dose of clemastine in a mouse model of preterm white matter injury
Authors: Odell Elizabeth P. , Jabassini Nora , Schniedewind Björn , Pease-Raissi Sarah E. , Frymoyer Adam , Christians Uwe , Green Ari J. , Chan Jonah R. , Ostrem Bridget E. L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Preterm white matter injury (PWMI) is the most common cause of brain injury in premature neonates. PWMI involves a differentiation arrest of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. Clemastine was previously shown to induce oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination in mouse models of PWMI at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The minimum effective dose (MED) of clemastine is unknown. Identification of the MED is essential for maximizing safety and efficacy in neonatal clinical trials. We hypothesized that the MED in neonatal mice is lower than 10 mg/kg/day.

Methods

Mouse pups were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia (10% FiO2) from postnatal day 3 (P3) through P10. Vehicle or clemastine at one of four doses (0.5, 2, 7.5 or 10 mg/kg/day) was given to hypoxia-exposed pups. Myelination was assessed at age P14 and 10 weeks to determine the MED. Clemastine pharmacokinetics were evaluated at steady-state on day 8 of treatment.

Results

Clemastine rescued hypoxia-induced hypomyelination with a MED of 7.5 mg/kg/day. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the MED revealed Cmax 44.0 ng/mL, t1/2 4.6 h, and AUC24 280.1 ng*hr/mL.

Conclusions

Based on these results, myelination-promoting exposures should be achievable with oral doses of clemastine in neonates with PWMI.

Impact

Preterm white matter injury (PWMI) is the most common cause of brain injury and cerebral palsy in premature neonates.

Clemastine, an FDA-approved antihistamine, was recently identified to strongly promote myelination in a mouse model of PWMI and is a possible treatment.

The minimum effective dose in neonatal rodents is unknown and is critical for guiding dose selection and balancing efficacy with toxicity in future clinical trials.

We identified the minimum effective dose of clemastine and the associated pharmacokinetics in a murine chronic hypoxia model of PWMI, paving the way for a future clinical trial in human neonates.
Mechanisms contributing to inhibition of retinal ganglion cell death by cell permeable peptain-1 under glaucomatous stress
Authors: Johnson Gretchen A. , Kodati Bindu , Nahomi Rooban B. , Pham Jennifer H. , Krishnamoorthy Vignesh R. , Phillips Nicole R. , Krishnamoorthy Raghu R. , Nagaraj Ram H. , Stankowska Dorota L.
Published: June 2024

This study assesses the neuroprotective potential of CPP-P1, a conjugate of an anti-apoptotic peptain-1 (P1) and a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) in in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo glaucoma models. Primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were subjected to either neurotrophic factor (NF) deprivation for 48 h or endothelin-3 (ET-3) treatment for 24 h and received either CPP-P1 or vehicle. RGC survival was analyzed using a Live/Dead assay. Axotomized human retinal explants were treated with CPP-P1 or vehicle for seven days, stained with RGC marker RBPMS, and RGC survival was analyzed. Brown Norway (BN) rats with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) received weekly intravitreal injections of CPP-P1 or vehicle for six weeks. RGC function was evaluated using a pattern electroretinogram (PERG). RGC and axonal damage were also assessed. RGCs from ocular hypertensive rats treated with CPP-P1 or vehicle for seven days were isolated for transcriptomic analysis. RGCs subjected to 48 h of NF deprivation were used for qPCR target confirmation. NF deprivation led to a significant loss of RGCs, which was markedly reduced by CPP-P1 treatment. CPP-P1 also decreased ET-3-mediated RGC death. In ex vivo human retinal explants, CPP-P1 decreased RGC loss. IOP elevation resulted in significant RGC loss in mid-peripheral and peripheral retinas compared to that in naive rats, which was significantly reduced by CPP-P1 treatment. PERG amplitude decline in IOP-elevated rats was mitigated by CPP-P1 treatment. Following IOP elevation in BN rats, the transcriptomic analysis showed over 6,000 differentially expressed genes in the CPP-P1 group compared to the vehicle-treated group. Upregulated pathways included CREB signaling and synaptogenesis. A significant increase in Creb1 mRNA and elevated phosphorylated Creb were observed in CPP-P1-treated RGCs. Our study showed that CPP-P1 is neuroprotective through CREB signaling enhancement in several settings that mimic glaucomatous conditions. The findings from this study are significant as they address the pressing need for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies to maintain RGC viability and functionality associated with glaucoma.
A panoptic segmentation dataset and deep-learning approach for explainable scoring of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Liu Shangke , Amgad Mohamed , More Deeptej , Rathore Muhammad A. , Salgado Roberto , Cooper Lee A. D.
Published: June 2024

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) have strong prognostic and predictive value in breast cancer, but their visual assessment is subjective. To improve reproducibility, the International Immuno-oncology Working Group recently released recommendations for the computational assessment of TILs that build on visual scoring guidelines. However, existing resources do not adequately address these recommendations due to the lack of annotation datasets that enable joint, panoptic segmentation of tissue regions and cells. Moreover, existing deep-learning methods focus entirely on either tissue segmentation or cell nuclei detection, which complicates the process of TILs assessment by necessitating the use of multiple models and reconciling inconsistent predictions. We introduce PanopTILs, a region and cell-level annotation dataset containing 814,886 nuclei from 151 patients, openly accessible at: sites.google.com/view/panoptils. Using PanopTILs we developed MuTILs, a neural network optimized for assessing TILs in accordance with clinical recommendations. MuTILs is a concept bottleneck model designed to be interpretable and to encourage sensible predictions at multiple resolutions. Using a rigorous internal-external cross-validation procedure, MuTILs achieves an AUROC of 0.93 for lymphocyte detection and a DICE coefficient of 0.81 for tumor-associated stroma segmentation. Our computational score closely matched visual scores from 2 pathologists (Spearman R = 0.58–0.61, p < 0.001). Moreover, computational TILs scores had a higher prognostic value than visual scores, independent of TNM stage and patient age. In conclusion, we introduce a comprehensive open data resource and a modeling approach for detailed mapping of the breast tumor microenvironment.
Resilience of anodic biofilm in microbial fuel cell biosensor for BOD monitoring of urban wastewater
Authors: Salvian Anna , Farkas Daniel , Ramirez-Moreno Marina , Torruella-Salas Daniela , Berná Antonio , Avignone-Rossa Claudio , Varcoe John R. , Esteve-Núñez Abraham , Gadkari Siddharth
Published: June 2024

Efficient wastewater treatment monitoring is vital for addressing water scarcity. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as real-time biosensors for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in urban wastewater. Discrepancies in signal generation may arise due to changes in the composition and metabolism of mixed-culture electroactive biofilms stemming from different wastewater compositions. In this study, 3D-printed MFC-based biosensors were employed to assess the BOD of sterile complex artificial wastewater and untreated urban wastewater. Alterations in the microbial composition of the anode were evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics analysis. Results show that MFC-based biosensors can be effectively recalibrated for diverse types of wastewater, maintaining consistent sensitivity (0.64 ± 0.10 mA L mg−1 m−2 with synthetic wastewater and 0.78 ± 0.13 mA L mg−1 m−2 with urban wastewater) and limit of detection (49 ± 8 mg L−1 for synthetic wastewater and 44 ± 7 mg L−1 for urban wastewater). Crucially, pre-sterilization, conductivity adjustments, and nitrogen purging of wastewater are not required before its introduction into the biosensor. However, the presence of native aerobic microorganisms in the wastewater might affect the current output. Metagenomics and taxonomic analyses revealed that the alterations in biofilm composition are predominantly in response to the varied chemical and microbiological compositions of different substrates. Despite variations in anodic biofilm composition, the MFC-based biosensor maintains a relative error comparable to the standard BOD test. This highlights the resilience and flexibility of the biosensor when directly used with a variety of wastewater types before full biofilm adjustment.
Comparison of arterial spin labeled MRI (ASL MRI) between ADHD and control group (ages of 6–12)
Authors: Lim You Bin , Song Huijin , Lee Hyunjoo , Lim Seungbee , Kwon Seo Young , Chun Jeeyoung , Kim Sujin , Tosun Ceren , Yoon Kyung Seu , Sohn Chul-Ho , Kim Bung-Nyun
Published: June 2024

This study utilized arterial spin labeling-magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) to explore the developmental trajectory of brain activity associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) data were acquired from 157 children with ADHD and 109 children in a control group, all aged 6–12 years old. Participants were categorized into the age groups of 6–7, 8–9, and 10–12, after which comparisons were performed between each age group for ASL analysis of cerebral blood flow (CBF). In total, the ADHD group exhibited significantly lower CBF in the left superior temporal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus regions than the control group. Further analysis revealed: (1) The comparison between the ADHD group (N = 70) aged 6–7 and the age-matched control group (N = 33) showed no statistically significant difference between. (2) However, compared with the control group aged 8–9 (N = 39), the ADHD group of the same age (N = 53) showed significantly lower CBF in the left postcentral gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus regions. (3) Further, the ADHD group aged 10–12 (N = 34) demonstrated significantly lower CBF in the left superior occipital region than the age-matched control group (N = 37). These age-specific differences suggest variations in ADHD-related domains during brain development post age 6–7.
Temporally aligned segmentation and clustering (TASC) framework for behavior time series analysis
Authors: Zinkovskaia Ekaterina , Tahary Orel , Loewenstern Yocheved , Benaroya-Milshtein Noa , Bar-Gad Izhar
Published: June 2024

Behavior exhibits a complex spatiotemporal structure consisting of discrete sub-behaviors, or motifs. Continuous behavior data requires segmentation and clustering to reveal these embedded motifs. The popularity of automatic behavior quantification is growing, but existing solutions are often tailored to specific needs and are not designed for the time scale and precision required in many experimental and clinical settings. Here we propose a generalized framework with an iterative approach to refine both segmentation and clustering. Temporally aligned segmentation and clustering (TASC) uses temporal linear alignment to compute distances between and align the recurring behavior motifs in a multidimensional time series, enabling precise segmentation and clustering. We introduce an alternating-step process: evaluation of temporal neighbors against current cluster centroids using linear alignment, alternating with selecting the best non-overlapping segments and their subsequent re-clustering. The framework is evaluated on semi-synthetic and real-world experimental and clinical data, demonstrating enhanced segmentation and clustering, offering a better foundation for consequent research. The framework may be used to extend existing tools in the field of behavior research and may be applied to other domains requiring high precision of time series segmentation.
Amyloid beta is associated with carotid wall echolucency and atherosclerotic plaque composition
Authors: Delialis Dimitrios , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Tual-Chalot Simon , Angelidakis Lasthenis , Aivalioti Evmorfia , Mavraganis Georgios , Sopova Kateryna , Argyris Antonios , Kostakou Peggy , Konstantaki Christina , Papaioannou Maria , Tsilimigras Diamantis , Chatoupis Konstantinos , Zacharoulis Achilleas A. , Galyfos George , Sigala Fragiska , Stellos Konstantinos , Stamatelopoulos Kimon
Published: June 2024

Circulating amyloid-beta 1–40 (Αb40) has pro-atherogenic properties and could serve as a biomarker in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the association of Ab40 levels with morphological characteristics reflecting atherosclerotic plaque echolucency and composition is not available. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed in consecutively recruited individuals without ASCVD (n = 342) by ultrasonography. The primary endpoint was grey scale median (GSM) of intima-media complex (IMC) and plaques, analysed using dedicated software. Vascular markers were assessed at two time-points (median follow-up 35.5 months). In n = 56 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, histological plaque features were analysed. Plasma Αb40 levels were measured at baseline. Ab40 was associated with lower IMC GSM and plaque GSM and higher plaque area at baseline after multivariable adjustment. Increased Ab40 levels were also longitudinally associated with decreasing or persistently low IMC and plaque GSM after multivariable adjustment (p < 0.05). In the histological analysis, Ab40 levels were associated with lower incidence of calcified plaques and plaques without high-risk features. Ab40 levels are associated with ultrasonographic and histological markers of carotid wall composition both in the non-stenotic arterial wall and in severely stenotic plaques. These findings support experimental evidence linking Ab40 with plaque vulnerability, possibly mediating its established association with major adverse cardiovascular events.
Cardiotoxicity of the diamide insecticide chlorantraniliprole in the intact heart and in isolated cardiomyocytes from the honey bee
Authors: Kaabeche Mahira , Charreton Mercedes , Kadala Aklesso , Mutterer Jérôme , Charnet Pierre , Collet Claude
Published: June 2024

In honey bees, circulation of blood (hemolymph) is driven by the peristaltic contraction of the heart vessel located in the dorsal part of the abdomen. Chlorantraniliprole (CHL) is an insecticide of the anthranilic diamide class which main mode of action is to alter the function of intracellular Ca2+release channels (known as RyRs, for ryanodine receptors). In the honey bee, it was recently found to be more toxic when applied on the dorsal part of the abdomen, suggesting a direct cardiotoxicity. In the present study, a short-term exposure of semi-isolated bee hearts to CHL (0.1–10 µM) induces alterations of cardiac contraction. These alterations range from a slow-down of systole and diastole kinetics, to bradycardia and cardiac arrest. The bees heart wall is made of a single layer of semi-circular cardiomyocytes arranged concentrically all along the long axis of tube lumen. Since the heart tube is suspended to the cuticle through long tubular muscles fibers (so-called alary muscle cells), the CHL effects inex-vivoheart preparations could result from the modulation of RyRs present in these skeletal muscle fibers as well as cardiomyocytes RyRs themselves. In order to specifically assess effects of CHL on cardiomyocytes, for the first time, intact heart cells were enzymatically dissociated from bees. Exposure of cardiomyocytes to CHL induces an increase in cytoplasmic calcium, cell contraction at the highest concentrations and depletion of intracellular stores. Electrophysiological properties of isolated cardiomyocytes were described, with a focus on voltage-gated Ca2+channels responsible for the cardiac action potentials depolarization phase. Two types of Ca2+currents were measured under voltage-clamp. Exposure to CHL was accompanied by a decrease in voltage-activated Ca2+currents densities. Altogether, these results show that chlorantraniliprole can cause cardiac defects in honey bees.
Th2-biased immune responses to body migrating Ascaris larvae in primary infection are associated with pathology but not protection
Authors: Elizalde-Velázquez Luis E. , Schlosser-Brandenburg Josephine , Laubschat Alexandra , Oser Larissa , Kundik Arkadi , Adjah Joshua , Groenhagen Saskia , Kühl Anja A. , Rausch Sebastian , Hartmann Susanne
Published: June 2024

Helminth infections lead to an overdispersion of the parasites in humans as well as in animals. We asked whether early immune responses against migrating Ascaris larvae are responsible for the unequal distribution of worms in natural host populations and thus investigated a susceptible versus a resistant mouse strain. In mice, the roundworm larvae develop until the lung stage and thus early anti-Ascaris immune responses against the migrating larvae in the liver and lung can be deciphered. Our data show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice respond to Ascaris larval migration significantly stronger compared to resistant CBA mice and the anti-parasite reactivity is associated with pathology. Increased eosinophil recruitment was detected in the liver and lungs, but also in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of susceptible mice on day 8 post infection compared to resistant mice. In serum, eosinophil peroxidase levels were significantly higher only in the susceptible mice, indicating functional activity of the recruited eosinophils. This effect was associated with an increased IL-5/IL-13 production by innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells and a pronounced type 2 macrophage polarization in the lungs of susceptible mice. Furthermore, a comparison of wildtype BALB/c and eosinophil-deficient dblGATA-1 BALB/c mice showed that eosinophils were not essential for the early control of migrating Ascaris larvae. In conclusion, in primary infection, a strong local and systemic type 2 immune response during hepato-tracheal helminth larval migration is associated with pathology rather than protection.
Restoration of vegetation in the Yellow River Basin of Inner Mongolia is limited by geographic factors
Authors: Wang Sinan , Xing Xigang , Wu Yingjie , Guo Xuning , Li Mingyang , Ma Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Studying the relationships between vegetation cover and geography in the Mongolian region of the Yellow River Basin will help to optimize local vegetation recovery strategies and achieve harmonious human relations. Based on MOD13Q1 data, the spatial and temporal variations in fractional vegetation cover (FVC) in the Mongolian Yellow River Basin during 2000–2020 were investigated via trend and correlative analysis. The results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the vegetation cover in the Mongolian section of the Yellow River Basin recovered well, the mean increase in the FVC was 0.001/a, the distribution of vegetation showed high coverage in the southeast and low coverage in the northwest, and 31.19% of the total area showed an extremely significant and significant increase in vegetation cover. (2) The explanatory power of each geographic factor significantly differed. Precipitation, soil type, air temperature, land use type and slope were the main driving factors influencing the spatial distribution of the vegetation cover, and for each factor, the explanatory power of its interaction with other factors was greater than that of the single factor. (3) The correlation coefficients between FVC and temperature and precipitation are mainly positive. The mean value of the FVC and its variation trend are characterized by differences in terrain and soil characteristics, population density and land use. Land use conversion can reflect the characteristics of human activities, and positive effects, such as returning farmland to forest and grassland and afforestation of unused land, promote the significant improvement of regional vegetation, while negative effects, such as urban expansion, inhibit the growth of vegetation.
Clinical subtypes of older adults starting long-term care in Japan and their association with prognoses: a data-driven cluster analysis
Authors: Ito Yuji , Iwagami Masao , Komiyama Jun , Hamasaki Yoko , Kuroda Naoaki , Suzuki Ai , Ito Tomoko , Goto Tadahiro , Wan Eric Y. F. , Lai Francisco T. T. , Tamiya Nanako
Published: June 2024

We aimed to identify the clinical subtypes in individuals starting long-term care in Japan and examined their association with prognoses. Using linked medical insurance claims data and survey data for care-need certification in a large city, we identified participants who started long-term care. Grouping them based on 22 diseases recorded in the past 6 months using fuzzy c-means clustering, we examined the longitudinal association between clusters and death or care-need level deterioration within 2 years. We analyzed 4,648 participants (median age 83 [interquartile range 78–88] years, female 60.4%) between October 2014 and March 2019 and categorized them into (i) musculoskeletal and sensory, (ii) cardiac, (iii) neurological, (iv) respiratory and cancer, (v) insulin-dependent diabetes, and (vi) unspecified subtypes. The results of clustering were replicated in another city. Compared with the musculoskeletal and sensory subtype, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for death was 1.22 (1.05–1.42), 1.81 (1.54–2.13), and 1.21 (1.00–1.46) for the cardiac, respiratory and cancer, and insulin-dependent diabetes subtypes, respectively. The care-need levels more likely worsened in the cardiac, respiratory and cancer, and unspecified subtypes than in the musculoskeletal and sensory subtype. In conclusion, distinct clinical subtypes exist among individuals initiating long-term care.
Research on shock wave driving technology of methane explosion
Authors: Huang Chao-yuan , Liu Fei , Xin Kai , Gao Yong-hong , Duan Ya-peng
Published: June 2024

In order to improve the driving ability of the explosion wave simulation equipment, reduce the erosion effect of condensed explosives on the explosion wave simulation equipment, improve the safety of the test process, and make better use of the meteorological detonation driving method, it is necessary to optimize the source of the shock wave load in the driving section. Based on the finite volume method of FLACS, a methane detonation driving model corresponding to the test is established to explore the feasibility of using methane as an explosion source to test the structure against explosion shock wave. A methane detonation drive test was carried out to verify the accuracy of the numerical model. Finally, an engineering model for attenuation of shock wave overpressure peak value in pipeline is established by dimensional analysis, and the model coefficient is determined by numerical simulation and test data. The results show that the blast pressure is the highest when the methane volume ratio reaches 9.5 vol% in the methane-air mixture. Simply increasing oxygen content has little effect on the peak overpressure and positive pressure duration of shock wave. In the pure oxygen environment, the detonation effect can be achieved when the volume ratio of methane to oxygen is 1:2, and the incident pressure of the shock wave is proportional to the volume of the gas cloud. When the gas cloud volume is constant, a reasonable selection of methane-oxygen mixture ratio can achieve a better detonation effect, which can effectively increase the peak overpressure of the shock wave in the test section. The research results can provide technical reference for the development of new explosion wave simulation equipment.
Information encoding and encryption in acoustic analogues of qubits
Authors: Ige Akinsanmi S. , Cavalluzzi David , Djordjevic Ivan B. , Runge Keith , Deymier Pierre A.
Published: June 2024

Cryptography is crucial in protecting sensitive information and ensuring secure transactions in a time when data security and privacy are major concerns. Traditional cryptography techniques, which depend on mathematical algorithms and secret keys, have historically protected against data breaches and illegal access. With the advent of quantum computers, traditional cryptography techniques are at risk. In this work, we present a cryptography idea using logical phi-bits, which are classical analogues of quantum bits (qubits) and are supported by driven acoustic metamaterials. The state of phi-bits displays superpositions similar to quantum bits, with complex amplitudes and phases. We present a representation of the state vector of single and multi-phi-bit systems. The state vector of multiple phi-bits system lies in a complex exponentially scaling Hilbert space and is used to encode information or messages. By changing the driving conditions of the metamaterial, the information can be encrypted with exceptional security and efficiency. We illustrate experimentally the practicality and effectiveness of encoding and encryption of a message using a 5 phi-bits system and emphasize the scalability of this approach to an N phi-bits system with the same processing time.
Pre-treatment of Cucurbita maxima ‘Hokkaido orange’ by Viscum album aqueous extracts in search of allelopathic potential
Authors: Strashok Oleksandra , Ziemiańska Monika , Czaplicka Marta , Strashok Vitalii
Published: June 2024

Viscum album L. (VA) is a unique plant with regard to its biological content. It is rich in many different metabolites with high potential in various spheres of human activity. We conducted a pilot study with 5 VA aqueous extracts of different host-tree species for pre-sowing treatment of Cucurbita maxima ‘Hokkaido orange’ seeds. We set the following objectives consisting of hypotheses (1) H01 is based on different effects of tested VA extracts depending on host trees and time of pre-treatment; (2) H02 focuses on the allopathic properties of the tested extracts affecting the plant growth and development by dose–response relationship; (3) A01 considers highly biologically active compounds of VA extracts also containing allelochemicals that can be used to regulate plant growth processes and create eco-friendly and resilient cities. The analysis of the stimulatory allelopathy index for 7 parameters demonstrates the direct effect of VA extracts in 62.3% of cases. The variability of the broad spectrum of effects of VA extracts of different host trees on the ontogenesis of C. maxima plants shows the presence of potential allelochemicals, resulting from the vital products of the host-parasite relationship. These effects are not fully explained by total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity as in previous studies of other mistletoe species. The authors consider this work a pilot study that expands the areas of application of VA extracts and knowledge about potential sources of allelochemicals.
Development and experimental validation of analytical models for water and mud inrushes through a filled karst conduit
Authors: Wu Xingjie , Yang Xuxu , Jing Hongwen
Published: June 2024

Water or mud inrush has become a common geological disaster during tunnel construction in karst areas. To study forming process and mechanism of water and mud inrushes through a filled karst conduit, water inrush and mud inrush model tests were carried out with a self-developed 3D model test system. The results show that the forming processes of water inrush and mud inrush have different forming modes. For water inrush, the forming process follows: flowing instability of filling material particles—formation of water inrush channel—water inrush occurring; while for mud inrush, the forming process follows: stability—sliding instability of the whole filling material suddenly—mud inrush occurring. Accordingly, a local instability model of critical hydraulic pressure causing water inrush and an integral sliding instability model of critical hydraulic pressure causing mud inrush were established respectively. The two analytical models reveal the mechanism of water inrush and mud inrush experiments to an extent. The calculated critical hydraulic pressures for water inrush and mud inrush are in good agreement with the test results. The distinguishment of water inrush and mud inrush through a karst conduit was discussed based on the critical hydraulic pressure and the evolution law of seepage water pressure in tests, and a criterion was given. The research results might provide guidance for the forecast of water and mud inrush disasters during the construction of tunnels in karst area.
Limited impact of bacterial virulence on early mortality risk factors in Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia observed in a Galleria mellonella model
Authors: Ham Sin Young , Chun June Young , Song Kyoung-Ho , Kang Chang Kyung , Park Jeong Su , Jo Hee Bum , Ryu Choong-Min , Choi Yunsang , Choi Seong Jin , Lee Eunyoung , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Moon Song Mi , Park Wan Beom , Bang Jihwan , Park Sang-Won , Park Kyoung Un , Kim Nam Joong , Oh Myoung-don , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin
Published: June 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) has emerged as a major pathogen in vulnerable and severely ill patients. It remains unclear whether early mortality (EM) due to AB bacteremia is because of worse clinical characteristics of the infected patients or the virulence of the pathogen. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of AB virulence on EM due to bacteremia. This retrospective study included 138 patients with AB bacteremia (age: ≥ 18 years) who were admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in South Korea between 2015 and 2019. EM was defined as death occurring within 7 days of bacteremia onset. The AB clinical isolates obtained from the patients’ blood cultures were injected into 15 Galleria mellonella larvae each, which were incubated for 5 days. Clinical isolates were classified into high- and low-virulence groups based on the number of dead larvae. Patients’ clinical data were combined and subjected to multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the risk factors for EM. In total, 48/138 (34.8%) patients died within 7 days of bacteremia onset. The Pitt bacteremia score was the only risk factor associated with EM. In conclusion, AB virulence had no independent effect on EM in patients with AB bacteremia.
Causal role of immune cells on cervical cancer onset revealed by two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Zicheng , Yan Pengxian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yu Xiaomin , Lv Fengchun , Gong Mingyu , Yang Xiu-An
Published: June 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) is a prevalent gynecological cancer worldwide that significantly impacts the quality of life and the physical and mental well-being of women. However, there have been limited studies utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the connection between immune cells and CC. This study is to investigate the causal effects of immune traits on CC and non-neoplastic conditions of the cervix. The GWAS data for 731 immunophenotypes and six GWAS data for CC from the FinnGen database were downloaded. Subsequently, a two-sample MR analysis was conducted using the MR Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods. Our study has identified the potential causal effects of immune traits on inflammatory diseases of the cervix, other noninflammatory disorders of the cervix uteri, carcinoma in situ of cervix uteri, adenocarcinomas of cervix, squamous cell neoplasms and carcinoma of cervix, as well as malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri, with the respective numbers being 8, 6, 11, 8, 23, and 12, respectively. A strong correlation between classic monocytes and various cervical diseases was revealed. Furthermore, we discovered that B cells expressing BAFF-R have the ability to impede the advancement of malignant CC, specifically squamous cell neoplasms and carcinoma of cervix. Our study has demonstrated a significant association between immune traits and both CC and non-neoplastic conditions of the cervix through two-sample Mendelian randomization, providing valuable insights for future clinical research.