bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic activity of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles from turmeric against cisplatin-induced oxido-inflammatory stress and cell death in mice kidney
Authors: ALRashdi Barakat M. , Mohamed Roaya A. , Mohamed Amal H. , Samoul Feryal A. , Mohamed Mazen I. , Moussa Mohsen M. , Alrashidi Saad M. , Dawod Bassel , Habotta Ola A. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Ramadan Shimaa S.
Published: October 2023

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agent; however, its associated nephrotoxicity limits its clinical efficacy and sometimes requires discontinuation of its use. The existing study was designed to explore the reno-therapeutic efficacy of turmeric (Tur) alone or conjugated with selenium nanoparticles (Tur-SeNPs) against CDDP-mediated renal impairment in mice and the mechanisms underlying this effect. Mice were orally treated with Tur extract (200 mg/kg) or Tur-SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg) for 7 days after administration of a single dose of CDDP (5 mg/kg, i.p.). N-acetyl cysteine NAC (100 mg/kg) was used as a standard antioxidant compound. The results revealed that Tur-SeNPs counteracted CDDP-mediated serious renal effects in treated mice. Compared with the controls, Tur or Tur-SeNPs therapy remarkably decreased the kidney index along with the serum levels of urea, creatinine, Kim-1, and NGAL of the CDDP-injected mice. Furthermore, Tur-SeNPs ameliorated the renal oxidant status of CDDP group demonstrated by decreased MDA and NO levels along with elevated levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, and gene expression levels of HO-1. Noteworthy, lessening of renal inflammation was exerted by Tur-SeNPs via lessening of IL-6 and TNF-α besides down-regulation of NF-κB gene expression in mouse kidneys. Tur-SeNPs treatment also restored the renal histological features attained by CDDP challenge and hindered renal apoptosis through decreasing the Bax levels and increasing Bcl-2 levels. Altogether, these outcomes suggest that the administration of Tur conjugated with SeNPs is effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy to guard against the renal adverse effects that are associated with CDDP therapy.
Quantifying Oropharyngeal Swallowing Impairment in Response to Bolus Viscosity
Authors: Garand Kendrea L. (Focht) , Armeson Kent , Hill Elizabeth G. , Blair Julie , Pearson William , Martin-Harris Bonnie
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility for quantifying changes in oropharyngeal swallowing impairment in response to alteration in bolus viscosity using a reliable and valid method of observational measurement—the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP).

Method:

This retrospective analysis included a heterogeneous cohort of 119 patients with suspected dysphagia that underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study as part of clinical care. Using consensus scoring, two expert clinicians assigned MBSImP scores to components related to oropharyngeal swallowing function between two bolus viscosities (thin liquid and pudding): epiglottic movement, laryngeal elevation, anterior hyoid excursion, tongue base retraction, pharyngeal stripping wave, and pharyngoesophageal segment opening (PESO). Comparisons between the two bolus viscosities were investigated for each component.

Results:

Higher (worse) scores were observed in the thin-liquid trial compared with the pudding trial for the following MBSImP components: anterior hyoid excursion (
p
= .03), epiglottic movement (
p
< .001), pharyngeal stripping wave (
p
< .001), and PESO (
p
= .002). Lower (better) scores were observed in the liquid trial compared with the pudding trial for one component—tongue base retraction (Component 15) only (
p
< .001).

Conclusion:

These findings provide further evidence for positive influences of viscosity on the swallow mechanism, including influences of sensory feedback on the sensorimotor swallow program.
Triple‐loss driven generative adversarial network for pansharpening
Authors: Huang Bo , Li Xiongfei , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

Pansharpening aims at fusing a panchromatic (PAN) image and a low‐resolution multispectral (LRMS) image into a high‐resolution multispectral (HRMS) image. In recent years, GAN‐based pansharpening methods have achieved excellent results, but they suffer from inadequate feature preservation and unstable training. To address these issues, a novel GAN‐based model named TriLossGAN is proposed. This method constructs three loss components with the help of the generator and the dual‐discriminator, which are calculated in both the original spatial domain and the transform domain to better preserve high‐frequency and low‐frequency information in the fused image. Additionally, a new training strategy is designed to stabilize the training process. In extensive experiments, the proposed method achieved satisfactory results on three datasets with QNR values of 0.9584 on GaoFen‐2, 0.9601 on QuickBird, and 0.9138 on WorldView‐3. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons demonstrate that TriLossGAN outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Optimising unplanned waste collection: An IoT‐enabled system for smart cities, a case study in Tangier, Morocco
Authors: Belhiah Meryam , El Aboudi Moaad , Ziti Soumia
Published: October 2023

An innovative approach to the collection of unplanned municipal waste through the integration of an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled system in urban settings is presented. Despite significant strides in waste management optimisation, traditional systems have largely overlooked the management of occasional or seasonal waste such as green waste, wild dump, and construction debris. The authors seek to address this gap by deploying an IoT‐enabled system to optimise resource utilisation and efficiency. Building on existing infrastructures for real‐time tracking of waste collection circuits, equipment, and bin filling levels, the system incorporates an additional module to manage unpredictable waste categories. The system collects field data leveraging existing resources with minimal investment. To manage the sporadic nature of these waste types, the system employs a flexible approach with the use of sensors and algorithms for dynamic route planning and waste collection. Using the city of Tangier, Morocco, as a case study, a comprehensive methodology for waste location capture, GIS mapping, priority‐based route identification, scenario testing, and operational cost estimation is implemented. A modified version of the Contraction Hierarchies algorithm is applied to compute optimal waste collection paths, ensuring timely and efficient waste removal while minimising environmental impact. The findings from this research promise significant implications for municipal waste collection, particularly in developing countries, opening new possibilities for sustainable waste management practices in smart cities.
Tracing Population III supernovae with extreme energies through the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy
Authors: Skúladóttir Á. , Vanni I. , Salvadori S. , Lucchesi R.
Published: October 2023

The Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy is old and metal-poor, making it ideal to study the earliest chemical enrichment in the Local Group. We followed up on the most metal-poor star known in this (or any external) galaxy, AS0039, with high-resolution ESO VLT/UVES spectra. Our new analysis confirmed its low metallicity, [Fe/H]LTE = −3.90 ± 0.15, and that it is extremely C-poor, with A(C) = + 3.60, which corresponds to [C/Fe]LTE = −0.33 ± 0.17 (accounting for internal mixing). This adds to the evidence of Sculptor being intrinsically C-poor at low [Fe/H] ≲ −3. However, here we also report a new discovery of a carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP-no) star in Sculptor, DR20080, with no enhancement of Ba, indicative of enrichment by zero-metallicity low-energy supernovae, ESN < 1 × 1051. This is the first piece of evidence of a dual population of CEMP-no and C-normal stars in Sculptor at [Fe/H] ≤ −3. The fraction of CEMP-no stars is still low, fCEMPScl = 9−8+11% at −4 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ −3, compared to the significantly higher fraction in the Milky Way halo, fCEMPMW ≈ 40%. To further investigate the early chemical enrichment of Sculptor, we re-derived chemical abundances of light, α, iron-peak, and neutron-capture elements in all Sculptor stars at [Fe/H] ≤ −2.8, with available high-resolution spectra. Our results show that at these low [Fe/H], Sculptor is deficient in light elements (e.g. C, Na, Al, Mg) relative to both the Milky Way halo, and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, pointing towards a significant contribution from high-energy supernovae. Furthermore, the abundance pattern of the star AS0039 is best fitted with a zero-metallicity hypernova progenitor, ESN = 10 × 1051, with a mass of M = 20 M⊙. Our results in Sculptor, at [Fe/H] ≤ −3, therefore suggest significant enrichment by both very low-energy supernovae and hypernovae, solidifying this galaxy as one of the benchmarks for understanding the energy distribution of the first supernova in the Universe.
Eigenbases for a force-constrained position control of adaptive shell mirrors
Authors: Vérinaud Christophe , Correia Carlos
Published: October 2023

Context. The deployment of meter-scale (hitherto pre-focal) adaptive deformable mirrors finds some prominent examples in the leading ground-based visible to near-infrared facilities (e.g. the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), or theMagellanTelescope) and is being adopted by several others (e.g. the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) or Subaru). Furthermore, two out of the three giant segmented-mirror telescopes now under design will feature them. In all these cases, the proprietary technology is based on voice-coils and is limited in force, stroke, and velocity.

Aims. Because of the nature of their purpose, that is, adaptive wave-front correction, any kind of optimality relies on the control of a subset of principal wave-front components or eigenmodes, for short, a basis of functions in a mathematical sense. Here we provide algorithmic procedures for generating such eigenbases, also called Karhunen–Loève (KL) modes, that integrate force limitations in their definitions whilst maintaining standard orthonormality, statistical independence, and deformable mirror span.

Methods. The double-diagonalisation method was revisited to build KL modes ranked by the force applied on the actuators.

Results. We analysed this new KL basis for von Kármán turbulence statistics and present the fitting error and the distribution of positions and forces. We further illustrate their use in the case of the quaternary mirror control for the European Extremely Large Telescope, and we include the outer actuator minioning and force policy constraints.
The Yarkovsky effect and bulk density of near-Earth asteroids from Gaia DR3
Authors: Dziadura Karolina , Oszkiewicz Dagmara , Spoto Federica , Carry Benoit , Tanga Paolo , Bartczak Przemysław
Published: October 2023

Aims. The primary objective of this study is to utilize Gaia DR3 asteroid astrometry to detect the Yarkovsky effect, a non-gravitational acceleration that affects the orbits of small asteroids. We then computed the bulk densities for the sample of objects for which we obtained an estimation of the Yarkovsky effect.

Methods. We used the version of the OrbFit software that is currently developed at the Minor Planet Center (MPC). We utilized the complete astrometric dataset from the MPC, encompassing all radar data and Gaia DR3 observations. The orbital computation was performed for a total of 446 Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs; including 93 Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs)), and 54094 Inner Main Belt Asteroids (IMBAs) as well as Mars Crossing asteroids. Furthermore, we used a new validation method which involved computing the A2 (the Yarkovsky effect) using different observational arcs to observe the stability of the result. We applied the Yarkovsky effect to determine the density of the studied asteroids.

Results. Thanks to Gaia DR3 we significantly constrained orbital uncertainties and determined reliable A2 values for 49 Near-Earth Asteroids, including 10 new detections and for all improvements in signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, we successfully determined the density, along with their uncertainties, for all of these objects. However, regarding IMBAs, although we have made progress, we do not detect Yarkovsky drift for any asteroid in the main belt.

Conclusions. Adding a relatively small amount of ultra-precise astrometry from Gaia DR3 to the observations from the Minor Planet Center (MPC) not only significantly improves the orbit of the asteroid but also enhances the detectability of non-gravitational parameters. Utilizing this improved dataset, we were able to determine the densities, along with their uncertainties, for the studied asteroids. Looking ahead, with the upcoming release of Gaia DR4, we anticipate even more detections for NEAs and new detections for IMBA and Mars Crossing Asteroids.
Genetic parameters and response to selection for thermal tolerance, summer survival and growth in hybrid oyster (Crassostrea gigas ♀ × C. angulata ♂)
Authors: Jiang Gaowei , Xu Chengxun , Li Qi
Published: October 2023

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is the most commonly farmed mollusks worldwide, while its production has been hindered by massive mortalities linked to high temperatures. Selective breeding focusing on thermal tolerance is an attractive option for reducing the impact of massive mortalities, but the genetic basis underlying this trait is currently unknown. Hybridization between C. gigas and C. angulata was conducted and followed by one generation of family selection for thermal tolerance. The genetic parameters for thermal resistance, summer survival and growth and selection response were investigated by using 50 full-sibling families. The mean survival of all families ranged from 30.2 to 69.5%, reflecting the large variation of thermal tolerance in the hybrid population. The estimates of heritability for thermal tolerance were low to moderate, ranging from 0.19 ± 0.03 to 0.27 ± 0.05, confirmed that there is genetic basis for thermal tolerance. The phenotypic (r = 0.537, P < 0.01) and genetic correlations (r = 0.546, P < 0.01) between thermal tolerance and summer survival were positive and significant, while the phenotypic and genetic correlations between growth and survival (including thermal tolerance and summer survival) were positive but low (P > 0.05). High response to selection (ΔG = 36.33%) was observed after one generation of selection for thermal tolerance, and there was also corresponding response (ΔG = 14.46%) for summer survival. These results demonstrated that genetic selection to improve summer survival of oyster may be facilitated by selecting highly heat-tolerant lines.
Dispersive determination of the HVP contribution to the muon g − 2
Authors: Hoferichter Martin
Published: October 2023

The determination of hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) from e+e− → hadrons cross-section data, in the energy region relevant for the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, has recently been challenged by lattice-QCD calculations, especially for the intermediate window in Euclidean time. In these proceedings we review some frequently-asked questions on the comparison between data-driven and lattice-QCD evaluations of the HVP contribution.
Flavor anomalies meet the LHC
Authors: Iguro Syuhei
Published: October 2023

Currently there are several discrepancies between the standard model (SM) prediction and experimental value in the flavor observables, e.g. RD* , BR(B̄ → D+K−), RK(*) and muon anomalous magnetic moment. If we interpret the deviation as a hint for the physics beyond the SM, $ \mathcal {O} $(1) TeV new particles are often implied. Therefore it is natural to search those new particles at the large hadron colliders. In this note we interplay the flavor anomalies and collider physics.
Post-realization phase of an interior green wall: A case study
Authors: Halaszova Ivana , Baskova Renata
Published: October 2023

One of the popular modern ways to bring greenery back into interiors are interior green walls, which are also known as vertical gardens. Along with the increase in awareness of green walls, their technical solutions are also increasing and their innovation is progressing rapidly. In recent years, green walls have rapidly moved from the simplest walls with the need for mechanical service to maintenance-free walls connected to the digital environment using various sensors. The contribution is focused on the inputs of monitoring in the post-implementation phase of the interior green wall located on the premises of the Technical University in Košice. The goal of the monitoring is to define the inputs for the transition to digitized maintenance of the green wall. The article analyses of the inputs of 3-month monitoring of a green wall with simple manual maintenance. At the end of the paper, the requirements for setting up a digital device ensuring suitable conditions for the sustainability of green construction are specified.
FEM analysis of the influence of reinforcing mesh on concrete pavement performance
Authors: Vesely Jakub , Panek Petr , Vebr Ludvik
Published: October 2023

Reinforcement of concrete pavement slabs with steel reinforcing mesh (KARI mesh) has been regularly used in the Czech Republic. Reinforcing mesh is used for atypical shapes and non-standard (larger) dimensions of pavement slabs (intersections, runways, transhipment areas, etc.). The placement of mesh across the thickness of the slab varies in designs (top, bottom or both surfaces, eventually in centre). The mesh has a positive effect on cracking occurrence during concrete hardening. It is assumed that the reinforcing meshes also contribute to the reduction of tensile stresses caused by cyclic loading from traffic and temperature. The amount of the reduction in concrete depends on the mesh positioning, but also on the specific loading conditions. In this paper, the FEM analysis of concrete pavements with steel reinforcing mesh is carried out. The reduction of maximal value of tensile stress induced by overweight vehicles, temperature and their combination is inspected while using different mesh positioning. The slab dimensions used in the simulation are larger than the usual highway slabs, the dimensions are based on the real transhipment area pavement. The contribution of the reinforcement to limitation of the maximum tensile stress in the pavement due to different reinforcing mesh positioning was determined.
Sensing technologies for construction productivity monitoring
Authors: Kempecova Daria , Kozlovska Maria
Published: October 2023

Construction is a complex and dynamic industry that requires constant monitoring and evaluation to ensure project success. In recent years, the need for accurate and real-time performance data has become more pressing, making traditional evaluation methods based on manual data collection and direct observation less effective. To address this challenge, sensor technologies have emerged as a promising solution for construction performance monitoring. The objective of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of sensor applications for construction performance monitoring, including recent advancements in this field. Additionally, the article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of sensor technologies in the context of construction performance monitoring.
HBIM: The digital transformation of cultural and existing heritage
Authors: Grazianova Maria , Mesaros Peter
Published: October 2023

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is the future of architecture, engineering, construction and operations. We very often associate this definition with new buildings, while 80% of buildings in 2050 already exist today. A significant part of them are historical buildings. It is important to know how we can use BIM in this context and how this modern design tool serves to model and manage the unpredictable situations and complexities of historic buildings. The dissimilarity, the difficulty of data exchange between interested parties and therefore the difficulty of standardization is in this regard the challenge to be overcome with older buildings. In connection with architectural heritage, information modelling of heritage buildings is referred to under the name of HBIM, which is a built architecture representation system composed of libraries of semantically structured and parameterized objects. The basic process is the processing of the data in our possession, which are all transferred to a BIM-type model. SCAN to BIM is an operation that allows you to connect a point cloud created by laser scanner or photogrammetry to develop historical building management models that can be used in different application areas: accessibility and improvement, archival documentation research, conservation and visualization of cultural heritage, reconstruction and management of heritage, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).The purpose of the paper is to provide an basic overview of the concept of HBIM. The contribution provides a brief overview of the regulatory framework and an overview of the methodology and workflow in the mentioned area with the appropriate conclusions.
Traitement orthodontico-chirurgical du patient en cours de croissance
Authors: Debize Clara , Le Gall Michel , Philip-Alliez Camille
Published: October 2023

Les patients présentant un décalage squelettique sévère dépassant les limites d’un traitement orthodontique conventionnel, avec ou sans potentiel de croissance, sont redevables d’une prise en charge orthodontico-chirurgicale. Pour la grande majorité des praticiens, l’adolescent présentant un tel diagnostic devra attendre la fin de sa croissance avant de bénéficier d’une chirurgie orthognathique, la raison principale évoquée étant le risque de récidive lié à une croissance résiduelle.

Une bonne connaissance de la croissance faciale et de la chirurgie en période de croissance permet d’intervenir autour du pic pubertaire afin d’équilibrer le cadre squelettique et fonctionnel tout en améliorant l’esthétisme du visage qui revêt une grande importance relationnelle durant l’adolescence. Il est capital pour l’orthodontiste et le chirurgien maxillofacial d’évaluer le rapport bénéfice-risque d’une chirurgie précoce afin de poser la bonne indication.
‘What they’re not telling you about ChatGPT’: exploring the discourse of AI in UK news media headlines
Authors: Roe Jasper , Perkins Mike
Published: October 2023

This study analyses the discursive representation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT in UK news media headlines from January to May 2023. A total of 671 headlines were collected and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, theoretically informed by Agenda-Setting theory and Framing theory. The results offer an initial picture of how recent technological advances in the fields of AI have been communicated to the public. The results show that there is a complex and at times paradoxical portrayal of AI in general and ChatGPT as well as other Large Language Models (LLMs), oscillating between promising potential for solving societal challenges while simultaneously warning of imminent and systemic dangers. Further to this, the analysis provides evidence for the claim that media representations of AI are often sensationalised and tend to focus more on warnings and caution to readers, as only a minority of headlines were related to helpful, useful, or otherwise positive applications of AI, ChatGPT, and other Large Language Models (LLMs). These findings underscore the pivotal role of media discourse in shaping public perceptions of AI. The study prompts reflections on news media practices in the United Kingdom and encourages future research to further examine the influence of social, cultural, and political contexts on AI representation during a period of technological change. This research provides relevant insights for policymakers, AI developers, and educators to support public engagement with AI technologies.
Dynamic simulation research on urban green transformation under the target of carbon emission reduction: the example of Shanghai
Authors: Shang Hua , Yin Hailei
Published: October 2023

This paper aimed to predict the trend of carbon emissions during the green transformation process in Shanghai, with a focus on the city’s urban system structure. Green development has become an inevitable trend in urban progress, as traditional urban development has led to severe environmental problems caused by the emissions of a large amount of carbon dioxide. This study was motivated by the need for cities to actively pursue green transformation and achieve carbon peaking targets. Through a literature analysis, it was found that urban green transformation is influenced by various factors such as economy, energy, population, technology, and policy. Furthermore, carbon dioxide emissions primarily arise from fossil fuels and are regulated by carbon emission trading (CET) policies. With this knowledge, the urban system was divided, and the flow of carbon was analyzed. Using the general methodology of the IPCC, the carbon production resulting from energy consumption in Shanghai from 2014 to 2019 is calculated to construct an urban system dynamic (SD) model, which is used to predict the carbon emissions expected during the green transformation from 2020 to 2025. The key findings of the study are as follows: (1) The dynamic model of the urban green transformation system proved to be effective in predicting carbon emissions. (2) Based on the current status of green transformation in Shanghai, the city is capable of achieving its expected carbon emission peaking target by 2025. (3) The progress and timing of green transformation and carbon peaking in Shanghai vary across different scenarios, highlighting the importance of collective adjustments to identify the most appropriate path for urban green transformation. These findings provide valuable insights for cities seeking to adopt green development measures, facilitating the acceleration of their green transformation efforts and early attainment of carbon peaking targets.
Wafer-scale MOCVD grown WS2 with normally off transistor behavior and its general application on different amorphous substrates
Authors: Wu Wen-Chia , Huang Kuan-Ning , Su Chien-Ying , Kei Chi-Chung , Kuo Cheng Huang , Chien Chao-Hsin
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated various approaches to manipulate the flake density, size, and thickness of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides by independently tuning the precursors and process conditions of the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition system. Normally off device characteristics were realized for both the as-grown and transferred cases. Furthermore, we demonstrated the versatility of our growth method by applying it to several commonly used gate dielectric materials, such as SiO2, SiNx, and AlOx.
Movement of Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) across different agricultural regions in Western Australia
Authors: Rycken Sam , Warren Kristin S , Yeap Lian , Jackson Bethany , Mawson Peter R. , Dawson Rick , Shephard Jill M.
Published: October 2023

Context Carnaby’s cockatoos in Western Australia are experiencing ongoing population declines. Despite being highly mobile and adaptable, this endangered species has been impacted by fragmentation of its habitat, with an ongoing need for research on its movements in regional areas across its range to gain an understanding of habitat requirements, and to inform conservation plans. Aims This study aimed to determine whether regional differences in movement (distances travelled, revisitations and home range) exist for foraging and roosting behaviour for this species. Methods Movement analysis of satellite-tagged Carnaby’s cockatoos (n = 11) across three agricultural regions was conducted. Key results When comparing distances between roosts and daily foraging behaviour, no significant differences were found between regions (P ≥ 0.05). Resident home ranges (home ranges in areas of resident daily movement) of flocks were much larger in the Esperance region, however, showing differences in movement patterns between regions. Conclusions Because flocks were similar in size (n = ±300) between regions and used a similar amount of native vegetation for foraging (±20%), we concluded that movement may have been influenced by the spatial separation of patches of native vegetation. In addition, key foraging habitat often occurred within patches of non-native foraging species. Implications The information derived from this research has proven valuable in assessing the use of native vegetation in the landscape, identifying key habitat and determining daily and seasonal movement patterns. In addition, the importance of non-native food sources must be recognised and protection of native and non-native food sources must play a critical role in the species’ conservation management.
Spatial prioritisation of survey and management efforts for a threatened pygopodid in south-western New South Wales
Authors: Waudby Helen P. , Turak Eren , Callister Kate , Florentine Singarayer , Westbrooke Martin , Palmer Grant , Dayman Ray
Published: October 2023

Determining species’ distributions is challenging for cryptic species that are difficult to detect using standard techniques. The mallee worm-lizard (Aprasia inaurita Kluge, 1974) is a cryptic reptile in the family Pygopodidae, listed as Endangered in New South Wales. We modelled the species’ potential distribution (Maxent) to improve understanding of the species’ distribution and surveyed potential habitat in the Scotia Mallee region (an area with suitable habitat) from 2018 to 2022, with pitfall traps and artificial refuges (terracotta roof tiles). We completed 11 587 pitfall trap-nights and 3200 tile checks over eight monitoring sessions. Over this period, we detected six vertebrate species (all lizards) using roof tiles and 40 species with pitfall traps, but no mallee worm-lizards. Evaluation of existing records of the mallee worm-lizard from NSW suggested that the state constitutes the north-eastern edge of its continental range, with the species apparently present in low numbers across a wide swathe of south-western NSW. Most records were located within or near to spinifex or porcupine grass (Triodia spp.) communities, on private land. Species distribution modelling provided outputs that are useful for spatial prioritisation of conservation efforts for the species, with region-wide maps showing that much of the Scotia Mallee study area contains potentially suitable habitat for the mallee worm-lizard. However, habitat suitability scores for individual cells in this area were low, in some instances, because of high maximum summer temperatures and soil available water capacity. We anticipate that increasing temperatures associated with climate change may further reduce the suitability of habitat in this area in the future.
Maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell niche homeostasis requires gap junction–mediated calcium signaling
Authors: Ho Kevin Y. L. , An Kevin , Carr Rosalyn L. , Dvoskin Alexandra D. , Ou Annie Y. J. , Vogl Wayne , Tanentzapf Guy
Published: October 2023

Regulation of stem cells requires coordination of the cells that make up the stem cell niche. Here, we describe a mechanism that allows communication between niche cells to coordinate their activity and shape the signaling environment surrounding resident stem cells. Using the
Drosophila
hematopoietic organ, the lymph gland, we show that cells of the hematopoietic niche, the posterior signaling center (PSC), communicate using gap junctions (GJs) and form a signaling network. This network allows PSC cells to exchange Ca
2+
signals repetitively which regulate the hematopoietic niche. Disruption of Ca
2+
signaling in the PSC or the GJ-mediated network connecting niche cells causes dysregulation of the PSC and blood progenitor differentiation. Analysis of PSC-derived cell signaling shows that the Hedgehog pathway acts downstream of GJ-mediated Ca
2+
signaling to modulate the niche microenvironment. These data show that GJ-mediated communication between hematopoietic niche cells maintains their homeostasis and consequently controls blood progenitor behavior.
A mechano- and heat-gated two-pore domain K
+
channel controls excitability in adult zebrafish skeletal muscle
Authors: Idoux Romane , Exbrayat-Héritier Chloé , Sohm Frédéric , Jaque-Fernandez Francisco , Vaganay Elisabeth , Berthier Christine , Bretaud Sandrine , Jacquemond Vincent , Ruggiero Florence , Allard Bruno
Published: October 2023

TRAAK channels are mechano-gated two-pore-domain K
+
channels. Up to now, activity of these channels has been reported in neurons but not in skeletal muscle, yet an archetype of tissue challenged by mechanical stress. Using patch clamp methods on isolated skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish, we show here that single channels sharing properties of TRAAK channels, i.e., selective to K
+
ions, of 56 pS unitary conductance in the presence of 5 mM external K
+
, activated by membrane stretch, heat, arachidonic acid, and internal alkaline pH, are present in enzymatically isolated fast skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish. The
kcnk4b
transcript encoding for TRAAK channels was cloned and found, concomitantly with activity of mechano-gated K
+
channels, to be absent in zebrafish fast skeletal muscles at the larval stage but arising around 1 mo of age. The transfer of the
kcnk4b
gene in HEK cells and in the adult mouse muscle, that do not express functional TRAAK channels, led to expression and activity of mechano-gated K
+
channels displaying properties comparable to native zebrafish TRAAK channels. In whole-cell voltage-clamp and current-clamp conditions, membrane stretch and heat led to activation of macroscopic K
+
currents and to acceleration of the repolarization phase of action potentials respectively, suggesting that heat production and membrane deformation associated with skeletal muscle activity can control muscle excitability through TRAAK channel activation. TRAAK channels may represent a teleost-specific evolutionary product contributing to improve swimming performance for escaping predators and capturing prey at a critical stage of development.
Agricultural intensification and childhood cancer in Brazil
Authors: Skidmore Marin Elisabeth , Sims Kaitlyn M. , Gibbs Holly K.
Published: October 2023

Over the last several decades, Brazil has become both the world’s leading soy producer and the world’s leading consumer of hazardous pesticides. Despite identified links between pesticide exposure and carcinogenesis, there has been little population-level research on the effects of pesticide intensification on broader human health in Brazil. We estimate the relationship between expanded soy production—and related community exposure to pesticides—on childhood cancer incidence using 15 y of data on disease mortality. We find a statistically significant increase in pediatric leukemia following expanded local soy production, but timely access to treatment mitigates this relationship. We show that pesticide exposure likely occurs via water supply penetration. Our findings represent only the tip of the iceberg for substantial health externalities of high-input crop production and land use change. Our results are of particular interest in developing contexts with demand for intensified food production systems and underscore the need for stronger regulation of pesticides and increased public health attention to exposure in the broader community.
Widespread support for a global species list with a formal governance system
Authors: Lien Aaron M. , Banki Olaf , Barik Saroj K. , Buckeridge John S. , Christidis Les , Cigliano María Marta , Conix Stijn , Costello Mark John , Hobern Donald , Kirk Paul M. , Kroh Andreas , Montgomery Narelle , Nikolaeva Svetlana , Orrell Thomas M. , Pyle Richard L. , Raz Lauren , Thiele Kevin , Thomson Scott A. , van Dijk Peter Paul , Wambiji Nina , Whalen Anthony , Zachos Frank E. , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: October 2023

Taxonomic data are a scientific common. Unlike nomenclature, which has strong governance institutions, there are currently no generally accepted governance institutions for the compilation of taxonomic data into an accepted global list. This gap results in challenges for conservation, ecological research, policymaking, international trade, and other areas of scientific and societal importance. Consensus on a global list and its management requires effective governance and standards, including agreed mechanisms for choosing among competing taxonomies and partial lists. However, governance frameworks are currently lacking, and a call for governance in 2017 generated critical responses. Any governance system to which compliance is voluntary requires a high level of legitimacy and credibility among those by and for whom it is created. Legitimacy and credibility, in turn, require adequate and credible consultation. Here, we report on the results of a global survey of taxonomists, scientists from other disciplines, and users of taxonomy designed to assess views and test ideas for a new system of taxonomic list governance. We found a surprisingly high degree of agreement on the need for a global list of accepted species and their names, and consistent views on what such a list should provide to users and how it should be governed. The survey suggests that consensus on a mechanism to create, manage, and govern a single widely accepted list of all the world’s species is achievable. This finding was unexpected given past controversies about the merits of list governance.
Dysregulated CD200-CD200R signaling in early diabetes modulates microglia-mediated retinopathy
Authors: Pfeifer Charles W. , Walsh James T. , Santeford Andrea , Lin Joseph B. , Beatty Wandy L. , Terao Ryo , Liu Yizhou A. , Hase Keitaro , Ruzycki Philip A. , Apte Rajendra S.
Published: October 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurovascular complication of diabetes. Recent investigations have suggested that early degeneration of the neuroretina may occur prior to the appearance of microvascular changes; however, the mechanisms underlying this neurodegeneration have been elusive. Microglia are the predominant resident immune cell in the retina and adopt dynamic roles in disease. Here, we show that ablation of retinal microglia ameliorates visual dysfunction and neurodegeneration in a type I diabetes mouse model. We also provide evidence of enhanced microglial contact and engulfment of amacrine cells, ultrastructural modifications, and transcriptome changes that drive inflammation and phagocytosis. We show that CD200-CD200R signaling between amacrine cells and microglia is dysregulated during early DR and that targeting CD200R can attenuate high glucose-induced inflammation and phagocytosis in cultured microglia. Last, we demonstrate that targeting CD200R in vivo can prevent visual dysfunction, microglia activation, and retinal inflammation in the diabetic mouse. These studies provide a molecular framework for the pivotal role that microglia play in early DR pathogenesis and identify a potential immunotherapeutic target for treating DR in patients.
Molecular basis for Nse5-6 mediated regulation of Smc5/6 functions
Authors: Li Shibai , Yu You , Zheng Jian , Miller-Browne Victoria , Ser Zheng , Kuang Huihui , Patel Dinshaw J. , Zhao Xiaolan
Published: October 2023

The Smc5/6 complex (Smc5/6) is important for genome replication and repair in eukaryotes. Its cellular functions are closely linked to the ATPase activity of the Smc5 and Smc6 subunits. This activity requires the dimerization of the motor domains of the two SMC subunits and is regulated by the six non-SMC subunits (Nse1 to Nse6). Among the NSEs, Nse5 and Nse6 form a stable subcomplex (Nse5-6) that dampens the ATPase activity of the complex. However, the underlying mechanisms and biological significance of this regulation remain unclear. Here, we address these issues using structural and functional studies. We determined cryo-EM structures of the yeast Smc5/6 derived from complexes consisting of either all eight subunits or a subset of five subunits. Both structures reveal that Nse5-6 associates with Smc6’s motor domain and the adjacent coiled-coil segment, termed the neck region. Our structural analyses reveal that this binding is compatible with motor domain dimerization but results in dislodging the Nse4 subunit from the Smc6 neck. As the Nse4-Smc6 neck interaction favors motor domain engagement and thus ATPase activity, Nse6’s competition with Nse4 can explain how Nse5-6 disfavors ATPase activity. Such regulation could in principle differentially affect Smc5/6-mediated processes depending on their needs of the complex’s ATPase activity. Indeed, mutagenesis data in cells provide evidence that the Nse6-Smc6 neck interaction is important for the resolution of DNA repair intermediates but not for replication termination. Our results thus provide a molecular basis for how Nse5-6 modulates the ATPase activity and cellular functions of Smc5/6.
Synaptophysin chaperones the assembly of 12 SNAREpins under each ready-release vesicle
Authors: Bera Manindra , Radhakrishnan Abhijith , Coleman Jeff , K. Sundaram R. Venkat , Ramakrishnan Sathish , Pincet Frederic , Rothman James E.
Published: October 2023

The synaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin (Syp) has long been known to form a complex with the Vesicle associated soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment receptor (v-SNARE) Vesicle associated membrane protein (VAMP), but a more specific molecular function or mechanism of action in exocytosis has been lacking because gene knockouts have minimal effects. Utilizing fully defined reconstitution and single-molecule measurements, we now report that Syp functions as a chaperone that determines the number of SNAREpins assembling between a ready-release vesicle and its target membrane bilayer. Specifically, Syp directs the assembly of 12 ± 1 SNAREpins under each docked vesicle, even in the face of an excess of SNARE proteins. The SNAREpins assemble in successive waves of 6 ± 1 and 5 ± 2 SNAREpins, respectively, tightly linked to oligomerization of and binding to the vesicle Ca
++
sensor Synaptotagmin. Templating of 12 SNAREpins by Syp is likely the direct result of its hexamer structure and its binding of VAMP2 dimers, both of which we demonstrate in detergent extracts and lipid bilayers.
Discursive positioning of doctors and e‑patients in online medical consultations in China
Authors: Zhang Yu
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the identity positioning of doctors and e‑patients in online medical consultations (OMCs)
in China from the perspective of poststructuralist discourse analysis. Adopting positioning theory as the analytical framework,
the study examines 100 asynchronous text-based OMCs with the purpose of identifying the positions of the OMC participants and the
pragmatic function of these positions. The study found that the identity of e‑patients and doctors reflects multiple positions
that are constructed and negotiated in the OMC discourse, including the emotional support seeker/giver position, the online
buyer/seller position, the peer position, and the ‘family member’ position. Taken together, these positions can help establish an
affective relationality between doctors and e‑patients, which contributes to a positive image of the participants and to the
empowerment of e‑patients in particular.
Segmented filamentous bacteria–induced epithelial MHCII regulates cognate CD4+ IELs and epithelial turnover
Authors: Brabec Tomáš , Schwarzer Martin , Kováčová Katarína , Dobešová Martina , Schierová Dagmar , Březina Jiří , Pacáková Iva , Šrůtková Dagmar , Ben-Nun Osher , Goldfarb Yael , Šplíchalová Iva , Kolář Michal , Abramson Jakub , Filipp Dominik , Dobeš Jan
Published: October 2023

Intestinal epithelial cells have the capacity to upregulate MHCII molecules in response to certain epithelial-adhesive microbes, such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB). However, the mechanism regulating MHCII expression as well as the impact of epithelial MHCII–mediated antigen presentation on T cell responses targeting those microbes remains elusive. Here, we identify the cellular network that regulates MHCII expression on the intestinal epithelium in response to SFB. Since MHCII on the intestinal epithelium is dispensable for SFB-induced Th17 response, we explored other CD4+ T cell–based responses induced by SFB. We found that SFB drive the conversion of cognate CD4+ T cells to granzyme+ CD8α+ intraepithelial lymphocytes. These cells accumulate in small intestinal intraepithelial space in response to SFB. Yet, their accumulation is abrogated by the ablation of MHCII on the intestinal epithelium. Finally, we show that this mechanism is indispensable for the SFB-driven increase in the turnover of epithelial cells in the ileum. This study identifies a previously uncharacterized immune response to SFB, which is dependent on the epithelial MHCII function.
Optimal design of strain sensor placement for distributed static load determination
Authors: Morris Benjamin K , Davis R Benjamin
Published: October 2023

In many applications it is desirable to inverse-calculate the distributed loading on a structure using a limited number of sensors. Yet, the calculated loads can be extremely sensitive to the placement of these sensors. In the case of predicting point loading applied at a known location, best results are typically achieved when one sensor is collocated with the force. However, the extension of this rule to distributed loading remains uncertain, and even simple sensor system design scenarios often require the designer to directly optimize the sensor placements using a numerical model. In an effort to provide designers with guidance, we identify optimal sensor configurations for predicting static distributed loads on beams with classical boundary conditions. An influence coefficient method, wherein the strain is related linearly to the static load, is used to estimate the applied forces. The loading distribution on the structure is assumed to be either a piece-wise linearly-distributed load or a uniformly-distributed load, allowing for distributed loads to be estimated using the magnitudes of a small number of control points. Given the simplicity of the beam structure, the equations of the influence coefficient method are derived analytically, which allows for the sensor placement to be specified using continuous optimization methods. The condition number of the influence coefficient matrix is used as a surrogate for error during optimization. ‘Rules of thumb’ for sensor placement are presented based on the optimization results. Results show that the optimal and rule-of-thumb sensor configurations are more resistant to input noise than naïve configurations, with the rule-of-thumb configurations yielding similar force predictions relative to the optimal configurations. We expect the rules of thumb to be useful guidelines for engineers designing tests on beam-like structures such as aircraft wings or marine propellers where the inverse calculation of distributed loads is of interest.