bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic performance of HECC/RC beam–column external joint with no stirrup and reduced anchorage length in core region
Authors: Mao Wei-Hao , Liu Jie-Peng , Ou Xing-Jian , Qi Hong-Tuo , Nishiwaki Tomoya , Ding Yao
Published: May 2024

In this paper, steel–polyethylene hybrid fiber-reinforced strain-hardening cementitious composites (HECC) are applied in beam–column external joint core region to form a novel HECC/reinforced concrete (RC) composite beam–column joint with reduced anchorage length of beam longitudinal rebar and eliminated transverse rebar, and thus to alleviate rebar congestion and simplify the construction process efficiently especially for precast RC frame structures. Five external beam–column joint specimens are constructed and tested under cyclic loading to illustrate the influences of the anchorage length of beam longitudinal rebar and longitudinal rebar ratio on the seismic performance of beam–column joint. The effects of design parameters on seismic performance, including hysteresis behavior, degradation of strength, energy dissipation capacity, and cracking patterns are discussed in detail. Experimental results indicate that the replacement of normal concrete with HECC in beam–column joint core region could apparently reduce the amount of stirrups in the joint core area while maintaining reliable seismic behavior. Remarkably, specimen with no stirrups in the core area exhibits nearly equivalent seismic behavior to that of the control RC specimen. Furthermore, the application of HECC in joint core area allows for a substantial reduction of the required anchorage length for the beam longitudinal rebar to 9d, which further simplifies the construction process considerably.
Preliminary microstructural research of clay solid bricks taken from historic buildings located in Poland
Authors: Hoła Anna , Kierzek Krzysztof , Żak Andrzej
Published: May 2024

The article presents the results of the preliminary experimental research and analysis of the structure of samples of clay solid bricks from six historical buildings erected in Poland in the years 1300 to 1910. Images obtained with a scanning electron microscope; parameters characterizing the pore space of the ceramic material, which were obtained using mercury porosimetry; and chemical composition identified using an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, were analyzed. The test results showed that as the age of the brick increases, the homogeneity of its structure decreases, the chemical composition of all samples is quite similar, and in the tested samples, large disproportions in the percentage of pore width in individual ranges can be observed. An indicator P-index useful in comparing the studied structures was proposed, based on the knowledge of the share of the pores’ width within the adopted ranges.
Wading through crises: the lived experiences of social work students through the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Oni-Eseleh Ohiro , McGuirk Shannon
Published: May 2024

This qualitative case study explored the lived experiences of social work students through the Covid-19 pandemic. In the weeks following the detection of Covid-19 in the United States, educational institutions closed down on very short notice and administrators scrambled to develop plans that would ensure as little disruption as possible to faculty teaching and student learning. For social work students, the consequent developments were extensive, affecting learning in the classroom and field. Nineteen social work students at a university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States were interviewed about their lived experiences during the pandemic. The findings revealed that students had significant concerns at the beginning of the pandemic, most of which abated with time because of decisions and adjustments made by university administrators, faculty and students. Field education produced extensive demands on university administrators, students and field agencies to innovate in ways that they had not previously prepared for. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of students developed new perceptions of their own abilities having successfully navigated the challenges and responsibilities of the period.
Management of safety and health hazards associated with construction and demolition waste in Zimbabwe
Authors: Jerie Steven , Shabani Takunda , Shabani Tapiwa
Published: May 2024

The management of safety and health hazards associated with construction and demolition waste in Zimbabwe is a critical issue that requires comprehensive attention. Purpose: This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of safety and health hazards associated with construction and demolition waste management sector in Zimbabwe. Methods: Literature was searched from various databases for example African Journals Online, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Sage Publications, Google Scholar and Scopus. Key words such as construction and demolition waste, waste management, safety hazards, health hazards and risk assessment were used to retrieve data from different databases. Results: The paper finds that construction and demolition waste management is associated with physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards. The review posits that there are existing regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms related to safety and health in construction and demolition waste management in Zimbabwe for example Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] and Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15]. Risk assessment and use of personal protective equipment were highlighted as strategies to manage safety and health hazards associated with construction and demolition waste in Zimbabwe. Proper handling, storage, transportation and disposal of construction and demolition waste reduce its impacts to the people and the environment. Challenges affecting Zimbabwe in managing safety and health hazards associated with construction and demolition waste include economic constraints, lack of awareness and education as well as limited recycling and waste treatment facilities. Conclusion: Overall, this paper aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, researchers and other stakeholders to enhance safety and health standards in construction and demolition waste management practices in Zimbabwe.
Effectuation
Authors: Sarasvathy Saras
Published: May 2024

Effectuation has become the basis for educating entrepreneurs and managers. Derived from cognitive and behavioral economic studies of expert entrepreneurs, effectuation shows how to cocreate value in highly uncertain situations. The framework of effectuation consists in techniques that minimize the use of predictive information and ways to turn control itself into strategy. In doing so, the effectual process opens up radically new ways to rethink a variety of fundamental concepts in all the social sciences. This ranges from risk and return to markets and governments in economics; attitudes toward ends and means in psychology; opportunism and altruism in social psychology; and even success and failure in strategic management. Effectuation theory inverts several older approaches in what Herbert Simon referred to as the 'sciences of the artificial'. These inversions suggest an entrepreneurial method based on non-predictive control that complements the predictive control techniques of the scientific method.
The Relationship Between Electron Precipitation and the Population of Trapped Electrons in LEO: New Evidence Supporting a Natural Limit to the Flux of Energetic Electrons
Authors: Ozeke L. G. , Mann I. R. , Olifer L. , Chakraborty S. , Pettit J. M.
Published: May 2024

Energetic particle precipitation into the atmosphere has been identified as a key loss process for electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt region. However, direct measurements of the electron flux precipitating into the atmosphere are challenging from high altitude low inclination spacecraft, such as the Van Allen Probes, due to the small angular size of the loss cone along the orbital path of these high‐altitude spacecraft. Here we use data from the Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES)/Space Environment Monitor in low‐Earth orbit to assess the relationship between the trapped and precipitating electron flux in integral energy channels >30, >100, and >300 keV. Our results highlight that there is a strong non‐linear relationship between the flux of trapped and precipitating electrons, with the ratio of precipitating to trapped flux only becoming significantly enhanced once the trapped flux reaches a critical level. This transition from low to high levels of precipitation is consistent with the theory proposed by Kennel and Petschek (K‐P) (1966) https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ071i001p00001, whereby intense chorus waves are excited and trigger pitch angle diffusion, resulting in energetic particle precipitation and limiting the trapped flux. Using electron flux data from POES and chorus wave data from the Van Allen Probes, we further test the observations against predictions from the K‐P theory. A particle tracing model is also utilized to illustrate a direct link between the drift paths of injected electrons, the occurrence of chorus waves and the spatial distribution of strong electron precipitation into the atmosphere at different energies.
Modeling Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Larval Transport and Recruitment Dynamics in a Shallow Lagoon‐Inlet‐Coastal Ocean System
Authors: Mao Miaohua , Xia Meng
Published: May 2024

Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) supports lucrative Mid‐Atlantic crustacean fisheries and plays an important role in estuarine ecology, so their larval transport and recruitment dynamics in the Maryland Coastal Bays system were investigated using simulated and observed surface drifters. Relative contributions of winds, tides, density gradients, and waves to larval recruitment success were identified during the spawning season, particularly under hurricane conditions in 2014. Based on temperature (e.g., 19–29°C) and salinity conditions (e.g., 23–33 PSU), particles representing virtual blue crab larvae were released into the model domain from early June to late October 2014. During the spawning season, variations in the larval recruitment success caused by wind speed and direction, tides (e.g., affecting through inlets), density gradients (e.g., salinity variations), and surface gravity waves were 17%, 4%, −9%, and 17%, respectively. During Hurricane Arthur (2014), variability of self‐recruitment success caused by density gradients are negligible while by other three factors are comparable at 3%–4%. Surface drifter experiments support the modeling results that larval recruitment success is strongly associated with the coastal circulation. The high (low) self‐recruitment success in the Assawoman and Chincoteague Bays (Sinepuxent Bay) is related to the locally weak (strong) circulation; released larvae escape from inlets are likely recruited to southern Fenwick and northern Assateague Islands, and the coastal regions outside the Chincoteague Inlet. Understanding physical factors influencing larval recruitment success helps resource managers make informed decisions about habitat restoration and harvest regulations, in addition to seafood‐related food security.
Illuminating Snow Droughts: The Future of Western United States Snowpack in the SPEAR Large Ensemble
Authors: Schmitt Julian , Tseng Kai‐Chih , Hughes Mimi , Johnson Nathaniel C.
Published: May 2024

Seasonal snowpack in the Western United States (WUS) is vital for meeting summer hydrological demands, reducing the intensity and frequency of wildfires, and supporting snow‐tourism economies. While the frequency and severity of snow droughts (SD), that is, anomalously low snowpacks, are expected to increase under continued global warming, the uncertainty from internal climate variability remains challenging to quantify with observations alone. Using a 30‐member large ensemble from a state‐of‐the‐art global climate model, the Seamless System for Prediction and EArth System Research (SPEAR), and an observations‐based data set, we find WUS SD changes are already significant. By 2100, SPEAR projects SDs to be nearly 9 times more frequent under shared socioeconomic pathway 5‐8.5 (SSP5‐8.5) and 5 times more frequent under SSP2‐4.5, compared to a 1921–2011 average. By investigating the influence of the two primary drivers of SD, temperature and precipitation amount, we find the average WUS SD will become warmer and wetter. To assess how these changes affect future summer water availability, we track late winter and spring snowpack across WUS watersheds, finding differences in the onset time of a “no‐snow” threshold between regions and large internal variability within the ensemble that are both on the order of decades. We attribute the inter‐regional variability to differences in the regions' mean winter temperature and the intra‐regional variability to irreducible internal climate variability which is not well‐explained by temperature variations alone. Despite strong scenario forcing, internal climate variability will continue to drive variations in SD and no‐snow conditions through 2100.
Sharing the Geology of the Tour de France
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: May 2024

In short broadcasts, a team of educators brings geological knowledge to the cycling world.
Constraining Shear Strength of Fault Damage Zone Using Geodetic Data and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Li Chenglong , Ma Zhangfeng , Xi Xi , Zhang Guohong , Shan Xinjian
Published: May 2024

Shear strength of damage zone, representing the stress threshold for rupture initiation, is a critical parameter in faulting mechanics. Despite its significance, the damage‐zone's shear strength has not been estimated in natural earthquake ruptures. Here we employed coseismic deformation and strain, kinematic slip model, and finite element modeling to determine the elastic properties and peak shear stress of coseismic damage zones along the 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo earthquake. Through the analysis of the lowest shear stress resulting in surface ruptures and the highest stress without surface rupture, we constrained the strength within a range of 7–17 MPa. Our result is consistent with strength (5–16 MPa) of sandstone samples from laboratory tests, demonstrating the validity of this estimation. Although factors such as fault maturity and confining pressure influence strength variation, the strength can directly reflect the stress threshold required for macroscopic surface rupture formation in fault damage zones dominated by sandstone.
A Predictive Theory for Heat Transport Into Ice Shelf Cavities
Authors: Finucane G. , Stewart A. L.
Published: May 2024

Antarctic ice shelves are losing mass at drastically different rates, primarily due to differing rates of oceanic heat supply to their bases. However, a generalized theory for the inflow of relatively warm water into ice shelf cavities is lacking. This study proposes such a theory based on a geostrophically constrained inflow, combined with a threshold bathymetric elevation, the Highest Unconnected isoBath (HUB), that obstructs warm water access to ice shelf grounding lines. This theory captures ∼ 90% of the variance in melt rates across a suite of idealized process‐oriented ocean/ice shelf simulations with quasi‐randomized geometries. Applied to observations of ice shelf geometries and offshore hydrography, the theory captures ∼80% of the variance in measured ice shelf melt rates. These findings provide a generalized theoretical framework for melt resulting from buoyancy‐driven warm water access to geometrically complex Antarctic ice shelf cavities.
Exploring the Relative Importance of the MJO and ENSO to North Pacific Subseasonal Predictability
Authors: Mayer Kirsten J. , Chapman William E. , Manriquez William A.
Published: May 2024

Here we explore the relative contribution of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to midlatitude subseasonal predictive skill of upper atmospheric circulation over the North Pacific, using an inherently interpretable neural network applied to pre‐industrial control runs of the Community Earth System Model version 2. We find that this interpretable network generally favors the state of ENSO, rather than the MJO, to make correct predictions on a range of subseasonal lead times and predictand averaging windows. Moreover, the predictability of positive circulation anomalies over the North Pacific is comparatively lower than that of their negative counterparts, especially evident when the ENSO state is important. However, when ENSO is in a neutral state, our findings indicate that the MJO provides some predictive information, particularly for positive anomalies. We identify three distinct evolutions of these MJO states, offering fresh insights into opportune forecasting windows for MJO teleconnections.
Observation of Energetic Electron Near the Electron Diffusion Region of Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Yu Xiancai , Lu Quanming , Wang Rongsheng , Zhang Xianguo , Zhu Changbo
Published: May 2024

Magnetic reconnection can effectively convert magnetic energy into plasma energy, and accelerate electrons. In this article, the electrons with energies up to 150 keV are observed in the separatrix region and near the electron diffusion region (EDR) detected by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission in the magnetotail. Combined with the electron pitch‐angle distribution, the electrons in these two regions have a striking behavior: the low‐energy electrons (<∼10 keV) move mainly toward the X‐line, while the energetic electrons (69–139 keV) move mainly away from the X‐line. In the EDR, the energy of electrons can reach up to 10 keV and there is a notable enhancement in the flux of electrons in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field, which implies the presence of acceleration processes occurring in the EDR, leading to the energization of electrons. Furthermore, the energy spectrum of non‐thermal electron with energies above 6 keV shows a power law distribution in this event, suggesting the occurrence of multiple acceleration processes rather than a single energization mechanism. These findings underscore the EDR's role as a crucial region for electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection. The study provides essential clues about the mechanisms driving electron acceleration, contributing to our understanding of space weather phenomena and the broader dynamics of plasma physics in space environments.
Poynting Flux Input to the Auroral Ionosphere: The Impact of Subauroral Polarization Streams and Dawnside Auroral Polarization Streams
Authors: Liu Jiang , Lyons L. R. , Knipp Delores , Zhang Qiang , Wang Chih‐Ping , Shen Yangyang , Angelopoulos V. , Ma Yuzhang , Tian Sheng , Artemyev A. , Qian Chengyu , Liang Jun , Wang Hui , Zou Ying
Published: May 2024

The Poynting vector (Poynting flux) from Earth's magnetosphere downward toward its ionosphere carries the energy that powers the Joule heating in the ionosphere and thermosphere. The Joule heating controls fundamental ionospheric properties affecting the entire magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere system, so it is necessary to understand when and where the Poynting flux is significant. Taking advantage of new data sets generated from DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) observations, we investigate the Poynting flux distribution within and around the auroral zone, where most magnetosphere‐ionosphere (M‐I) dynamics and thus Joule heating occurs. We find that the Poynting flux, which is generally larger under more active conditions, is concentrated in the sunlit cusp and near the interface between Region 1 and 2 currents. The former concentration suggests voltage generators drive the cusp dynamics. The latter concentration shows asymmetries with respect to the interface between the Region 1 and 2 currents. We show that these reflect the controlling impact of subauroral polarization streams and dawnside auroral polarization streams on the Poynting flux.
Modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by targeting GPR55 – new approaches in the treatment of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Apweiler Matthias , Saliba Soraya Wilke , Sun Lu , Streyczek Jana , Normann Claus , Hellwig Sabine , Bräse Stefan , Fiebich Bernd L.
Published: May 2024

Pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders remains challenging in clinical, pharmacological, and scientific practice. Even if many different substances are established for treating different psychiatric conditions, subgroups of patients show only small or no response to the treatment. The neuroinflammatory hypothesis of the genesis of psychiatric disorders might explain underlying mechanisms in these non-responders. For that reason, recent research focus on neuroinflammatory processes and oxidative stress as possible causes of psychiatric disorders. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the biggest superfamily of membrane-bound receptors and are already well known as pharmacological targets in various diseases. The G-protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), a receptor considered part of the endocannabinoid system, reveals promising modulation of neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes. Different agonists and antagonists reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release, enhance the synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators, and protect cells from oxidative damage. For this reason, GPR55 ligands might be promising compounds in treating subgroups of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders related to neuroinflammation or oxidative stress. New approaches in drug design might lead to new compounds targeting different pathomechanisms of those disorders in just one molecule.
Oxytocin attenuates hypothalamic injury-induced cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting hippocampal ERK signaling and Aβ deposition
Authors: Wu Guangsen , Ou Yichao , Feng Zhanpeng , Xiong Zhiwei , Li Kai , Che Mengjie , Qi Songtao , Zhou Mingfeng
Published: May 2024

In clinical settings, tumor compression, trauma, surgical injury, and other types of injury can cause hypothalamic damage, resulting in various types of hypothalamic dysfunction. Impaired release of oxytocin can lead to cognitive impairment and affect prognosis and long-term quality of life after hypothalamic injury. Hypothalamic injury-induced cognitive dysfunction was detected in male animals. Behavioral parameters were measured to assess the characteristics of cognitive dysfunction induced by hypothalamic–pituitary stalk lesions. Brains were collected for high-throughput RNA sequencing and immunostaining to identify pathophysiological changes in hippocampal regions highly associated with cognitive function after injury to corresponding hypothalamic areas. Through transcriptomic analysis, we confirmed the loss of oxytocin neurons after hypothalamic injury and the reversal of hypothalamic-induced cognitive dysfunction after oxytocin supplementation. Furthermore, overactivation of the ERK signaling pathway and β-amyloid deposition in the hippocampal region after hypothalamic injury were observed, and cognitive function was restored after inhibition of ERK signaling pathway overactivation. Our findings suggest that cognitive dysfunction after hypothalamic injury may be caused by ERK hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampal region resulting from a decrease in the number of oxytocin neurons, which in turn causes β-amyloid deposition.
Mitochondrial iron deficiency triggers cytosolic iron overload in PKAN hiPS-derived astrocytes
Authors: Santambrogio Paolo , Cozzi Anna , Balestrucci Chiara , Ripamonti Maddalena , Berno Valeria , Cammarota Eugenia , Moro Andrea Stefano , Levi Sonia
Published: May 2024

Disease models of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) offer the possibility to explore the relationship between iron dyshomeostasis and neurodegeneration. We analyzed hiPS-derived astrocytes from PANK2-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), an NBIA disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and high iron accumulation in the globus pallidus. Previous data indicated that PKAN astrocytes exhibit alterations in iron metabolism, general impairment of constitutive endosomal trafficking, mitochondrial dysfunction and acquired neurotoxic features. Here, we performed a more in-depth analysis of the interactions between endocytic vesicles and mitochondria via superresolution microscopy experiments. A significantly lower number of transferrin-enriched vesicles were in contact with mitochondria in PKAN cells than in control cells, confirming the impaired intracellular fate of cargo endosomes. The investigation of cytosolic and mitochondrial iron parameters indicated that mitochondrial iron availability was substantially lower in PKAN cells compared to that in the controls. In addition, PKAN astrocytes exhibited defects in tubulin acetylation/phosphorylation, which might be responsible for unregulated vesicular dynamics and inappropriate iron delivery to mitochondria. Thus, the impairment of iron incorporation into these organelles seems to be the cause of cell iron delocalization, resulting in cytosolic iron overload and mitochondrial iron deficiency, triggering mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, the data elucidate the mechanism of iron accumulation in CoA deficiency, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of disease.
Reanalysis of genomic data in rare disease: current practice and attitudes among Australian clinical and laboratory genetics services
Authors: Best Stephanie , Fehlberg Zoe , Richards Christopher , Quinn Michael C. J. , Lunke Sebastian , Spurdle Amanda B. , Kassahn Karin S. , Patel Chirag , Vears Danya F. , Goranitis Ilias , Lynch Fiona , Robertson Alan , Tudini Emma , Christodoulou John , Scott Hamish , McGaughran Julie , Stark Zornitza
Published: May 2024

Reanalyzing stored genomic data over time is highly effective in increasing diagnostic yield in rare disease. Automation holds the promise of delivering the benefits of reanalysis at scale. Our study aimed to understand current reanalysis practices among Australian clinical and laboratory genetics services and explore attitudes towards large-scale automated re-analysis. We collected audit data regarding testing and reanalysis volumes, policies and procedures from all Australian diagnostic laboratories providing rare disease genomic testing. A genetic health professionals’ survey explored current practices, barriers to reanalysis, preferences and attitudes towards automation. Between 2018 and 2021, Australian diagnostic laboratories performed over 25,000 new genomic tests and 950 reanalyses, predominantly in response to clinician requests. Laboratory and clinical genetic health professionals (N = 134) identified workforce capacity as the principal barrier to reanalysis. No specific laboratory or clinical guidelines for genomic data reanalysis or policies were identified nationally. Perceptions of acceptability and feasibility of automating reanalysis were positive, with professionals emphasizing clinical and workflow benefits. In conclusion, there is a large and rapidly growing unmet need for reanalysis of existing genomic data. Beyond developing scalable automated reanalysis pipelines, leadership and policy are needed to successfully transform service delivery models and maximize clinical benefit.
Do chewing gums and sweets containing xylitol prevent caries in children?
Authors: Ramasubbu Darshini , Duane Brett
Published: May 2024

Data sources

Three electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library) were searched in December 2022, and again for additional literature on 3–5th January 2023. Reference lists of relevant systematic reviews were hand searched for other eligible studies for inclusion.

Study selection

Randomised controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials conducted on children (aged ≤ 18 years), conducted between 1974–2022 and available in English, were eligible for inclusion. Studies were excluded if caries was not an outcome, the control group was not sufficient, they were lab-based studies or studies where xylitol delivery was not a sweet or chewing gum and where the xylitol product contained a component such as fluoride which may influence the outcomes.

Data extraction and synthesis

Four calibrated reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, and disagreements were resolved via group discussion. Preventative effect was determined by comparing the mean caries increment in the control and intervention groups, producing a preventative fraction. A total of 617 titles were initially screened for relevance. After duplicate removal, 268 abstracts were screened and 16 full text articles reviewed, with one more study then excluded. 10 studies investigated xylitol-containing chewing gum, and six looked at xylitol candy (one did both). Eight included studies were randomised controlled trials. Data extraction was undertaken by two reviewers.

Results

3466 participants were included in the 10 studies that investigated xylitol chewing gum, and all 10 studies reported a statistically significant preventive effect compared to a no chewing gum or placebo control. In 9 studies, the preventive fraction was clinically significant. The six studies investigating xylitol candies contained a total of 1023 participants, and only one study demonstrated a significant preventative effect.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that incorporating xylitol chewing gum daily has a caries-reducing effect in those with a moderate-to-high baseline caries level. This effect was not present for xylitol sweets.
Steering and cloaking of hyperbolic polaritons at deep-subwavelength scales
Authors: Teng Hanchao , Chen Na , Hu Hai , García de Abajo F. Javier , Dai Qing
Published: May 2024

Polaritons are well-established carriers of light, electrical signals, and even heat at the nanoscale in the setting of on-chip devices. However, the goal of achieving practical polaritonic manipulation over small distances deeply below the light diffraction limit remains elusive. Here, we implement nanoscale polaritonic in-plane steering and cloaking in a low-loss atomically layered van der Waals (vdW) insulator, α-MoO3, comprising building blocks of customizable stacked and assembled structures. Each block contributes specific characteristics that allow us to steer polaritons along the desired trajectories. Our results introduce a natural materials-based approach for the comprehensive manipulation of nanoscale optical fields, advancing research in the vdW polaritonics domain and on-chip nanophotonic circuits.
Neuronal activation sequences in lateral prefrontal cortex encode visuospatial working memory during virtual navigation
Authors: Busch Alexandra , Roussy Megan , Luna Rogelio , Leavitt Matthew L. , Mofrad Maryam H. , Gulli Roberto A. , Corrigan Benjamin , Mináč Ján , Sachs Adam J. , Palaniyappan Lena , Muller Lyle , Martinez-Trujillo Julio C.
Published: May 2024

Working memory (WM) is the ability to maintain and manipulate information ‘in mind’. The neural codes underlying WM have been a matter of debate. We simultaneously recorded the activity of hundreds of neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex of male macaque monkeys during a visuospatial WM task that required navigation in a virtual 3D environment. Here, we demonstrate distinct neuronal activation sequences (NASs) that encode remembered target locations in the virtual environment. This NAS code outperformed the persistent firing code for remembered locations during the virtual reality task, but not during a classical WM task using stationary stimuli and constraining eye movements. Finally, blocking NMDA receptors using low doses of ketamine deteriorated the NAS code and behavioral performance selectively during the WM task. These results reveal the versatility and adaptability of neural codes supporting working memory function in the primate lateral prefrontal cortex.
Lipidome atlas of the adult human brain
Authors: Osetrova Maria , Tkachev Anna , Mair Waltraud , Guijarro Larraz Patricia , Efimova Olga , Kurochkin Ilia , Stekolshchikova Elena , Anikanov Nickolay , Foo Juat Chin , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Mitina Aleksandra , Ogurtsova Polina , Guo Song , Potashnikova Daria M. , Gulin Alexander A. , Vasin Alexander A. , Sarycheva Anastasia , Vladimirov Gleb , Fedorova Maria , Kostyukevich Yury , Nikolaev Evgeny , Wenk Markus R. , Khrameeva Ekaterina E. , Khaitovich Philipp
Published: May 2024

Lipids are the most abundant but poorly explored components of the human brain. Here, we present a lipidome map of the human brain comprising 75 regions, including 52 neocortical ones. The lipidome composition varies greatly among the brain regions, affecting 93% of the 419 analyzed lipids. These differences reflect the brain’s structural characteristics, such as myelin content (345 lipids) and cell type composition (353 lipids), but also functional traits: functional connectivity (76 lipids) and information processing hierarchy (60 lipids). Combining lipid composition and mRNA expression data further enhances functional connectivity association. Biochemically, lipids linked with structural and functional brain features display distinct lipid class distribution, unsaturation extent, and prevalence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid residues. We verified our conclusions by parallel analysis of three adult macaque brains, targeted analysis of 216 lipids, mass spectrometry imaging, and lipidome assessment of sorted murine neurons.
Above-room-temperature chiral skyrmion lattice and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in a van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3−xGaTe2
Authors: Zhang Chenhui , Jiang Ze , Jiang Jiawei , He Wa , Zhang Junwei , Hu Fanrui , Zhao Shishun , Yang Dongsheng , Liu Yakun , Peng Yong , Yang Hongxin , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: May 2024

Skyrmions in existing 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials have primarily been limited to cryogenic temperatures, and the underlying physical mechanism of the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), a crucial ingredient for stabilizing chiral skyrmions, remains inadequately explored. Here, we report the observation of Néel-type skyrmions in a vdW ferromagnet Fe3−xGaTe2 above room temperature. Contrary to previous assumptions of centrosymmetry in Fe3−xGaTe2, the atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that the off-centered FeΙΙ atoms break the spatial inversion symmetry, rendering it a polar metal. First-principles calculations further elucidate that the DMI primarily stems from the Te sublayers through the Fert–Lévy mechanism. Remarkably, the chiral skyrmion lattice in Fe3−xGaTe2 can persist up to 330 K at zero magnetic field, demonstrating superior thermal stability compared to other known skyrmion vdW magnets. This work provides valuable insights into skyrmionics and presents promising prospects for 2D material-based skyrmion devices operating beyond room temperature.
A variational expectation-maximization framework for balanced multi-scale learning of protein and drug interactions
Authors: Rao Jiahua , Xie Jiancong , Yuan Qianmu , Liu Deqin , Wang Zhen , Lu Yutong , Zheng Shuangjia , Yang Yuedong
Published: May 2024

Protein functions are characterized by interactions with proteins, drugs, and other biomolecules. Understanding these interactions is essential for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes and developing new therapeutic strategies. Current computational methods mostly predict interactions based on either molecular network or structural information, without integrating them within a unified multi-scale framework. While a few multi-view learning methods are devoted to fusing the multi-scale information, these methods tend to rely intensively on a single scale and under-fitting the others, likely attributed to the imbalanced nature and inherent greediness of multi-scale learning. To alleviate the optimization imbalance, we present MUSE, a multi-scale representation learning framework based on a variant expectation maximization to optimize different scales in an alternating procedure over multiple iterations. This strategy efficiently fuses multi-scale information between atomic structure and molecular network scale through mutual supervision and iterative optimization. MUSE outperforms the current state-of-the-art models not only in molecular interaction (protein-protein, drug-protein, and drug-drug) tasks but also in protein interface prediction at the atomic structure scale. More importantly, the multi-scale learning framework shows potential for extension to other scales of computational drug discovery.
Emergence of decadal linkage between Western Australian coast and Western–central tropical Pacific
Authors: Ding Yuewen , Lin Pengfei , Liu Hailong , Wu Bo , Li Yuanlong , Chen Lin , Zhang Lei , Hu Aixue , Wang Yiming , Yao Yiyun , Zhao Bowen , Bai Wenrong , Han Weiqing
Published: May 2024

The impact of interbasin linkage on the weather/climate and ecosystems is significantly broader and profounder than that of only appearing in an individual basin. Here, we reveal that a decadal linkage of sea surface temperature (SST) has emerged between western Australian coast and western–central tropical Pacific since 1985, associated with continuous intensification of decadal variabilities (8–16 years). The rapid SST changes in both tropical Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific warm pool in association to greenhouse gases and volcanoes are emerging factors resulting in enhanced decadal co-variabilities between these two regions since 1985. These SST changes induce enhanced convection variability over the Maritime Continent, leading to stronger easterlies in the western–central tropical Pacific during the warm phase off western Australian coast. The above changes bring about cooling in the western–central tropical Pacific and strengthened Leeuwin Current and anomalous cyclonic wind off western Australian coast, and ultimately resulting in enhanced coupling between these two regions. Our results suggest that enhanced decadal interbasin connections can offer further understanding of decadal changes under future warmer conditions.
Widespread 2013-2020 decreases and reduction challenges of organic aerosol in China
Authors: Chen Qi , Miao Ruqian , Geng Guannan , Shrivastava Manish , Dao Xu , Xu Bingye , Sun Jiaqi , Zhang Xian , Liu Mingyuan , Tang Guigang , Tang Qian , Hu Hanwen , Huang Ru-Jin , Wang Hao , Zheng Yan , Qin Yue , Guo Song , Hu Min , Zhu Tong
Published: May 2024

High concentrations of organic aerosol (OA) occur in Asian countries, leading to great health burdens. Clean air actions have resulted in significant emission reductions of air pollutants in China. However, long-term nation-wide trends in OA and their causes remain unknown. Here, we present both observational and model evidence demonstrating widespread decreases with a greater reduction in primary OA than in secondary OA (SOA) in China during the period of 2013 to 2020. Most of the decline is attributed to reduced residential fuel burning while the interannual variability in SOA may have been driven by meteorological variations. We find contrasting effects of reducing NOx and SO2 on SOA production which may have led to slight overall increases in SOA. Our findings highlight the importance of clean energy replacements in multiple sectors on achieving air-quality targets because of high OA precursor emissions and fluctuating chemical and meteorological conditions.
Metabolism of l-arabinose converges with virulence regulation to promote enteric pathogen fitness
Authors: Cottam Curtis , White Rhys T. , Beck Lauren C. , Stewart Christopher J. , Beatson Scott A. , Lowe Elisabeth C. , Grinter Rhys , Connolly James P. R.
Published: May 2024

Virulence and metabolism are often interlinked to control the expression of essential colonisation factors in response to host-associated signals. Here, we identified an uncharacterised transporter of the dietary monosaccharide ʟ-arabinose that is widely encoded by the zoonotic pathogen enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), required for full competitive fitness in the mouse gut and highly expressed during human infection. Discovery of this transporter suggested that EHEC strains have an enhanced ability to scavenge ʟ-arabinose and therefore prompted us to investigate the impact of this nutrient on pathogenesis. Accordingly, we discovered that ʟ-arabinose enhances expression of the EHEC type 3 secretion system, increasing its ability to colonise host cells, and that the underlying mechanism is dependent on products of its catabolism rather than the sensing of ʟ-arabinose as a signal. Furthermore, using the murine pathogen Citrobacter rodentium, we show that ʟ-arabinose metabolism provides a fitness benefit during infection via virulence factor regulation, as opposed to supporting pathogen growth. Finally, we show that this mechanism is not restricted to ʟ-arabinose and extends to other pentose sugars with a similar metabolic fate. This work highlights the importance integrating central metabolism with virulence regulation in order to maximise competitive fitness of enteric pathogens within the host-niche.
Enantioselective nickel-catalyzed anodic oxidative dienylation and allylation reactions
Authors: Zhang Qinglin , Zhang Jiayin , Zhu Wangjie , Lu Ruimin , Guo Chang
Published: May 2024

Precision control of stereochemistry in radical reactions remains a formidable challenge due to the prevalence of incidental racemic background reactions resulting from undirected substrate oxidation in the absence of chiral induction. In this study, we devised an thoughtful approach—electricity-driven asymmetric Lewis acid catalysis—to circumvent this impediment. This methodology facilitates both asymmetric dienylation and allylation reactions, resulting in the formation of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters and demonstrating significant potential in the modular synthesis of functional and chiral benzoxazole-oxazoline (Boox) ligands. Notably, the involvement of chiral Lewis acids in both the electrochemical activation and stereoselectivity-defining radical stages offers innovative departures for designing single electron transfer-based reactions, significantly underscoring the relevance of this approach as a multifaceted and universally applicable strategy for various fields of study, including electrosynthesis, organic chemistry, and drug discovery.
The SPECTRAL Perfusion Arm Clamping dAtaset (SPECTRALPACA) for video-rate functional imaging of the skin
Authors: Ayala Leonardo , Mindroc-Filimon Diana , Rees Maike , Hübner Marco , Sellner Jan , Seidlitz Silvia , Tizabi Minu , Wirkert Sebastian , Seitel Alexander , Maier-Hein Lena
Published: May 2024

Spectral imaging has the potential to become a key technique in interventional medicine as it unveils much richer optical information compared to conventional RBG (red, green, and blue)-based imaging. Thus allowing for high-resolution functional tissue analysis in real time. Its higher information density particularly shows promise for the development of powerful perfusion monitoring methods for clinical use. However, even though in vivo validation of such methods is crucial for their clinical translation, the biomedical field suffers from a lack of publicly available datasets for this purpose. Closing this gap, we generated the SPECTRAL Perfusion Arm Clamping dAtaset (SPECTRALPACA). It comprises ten spectral videos (∼20 Hz, approx. 20,000 frames each) systematically recorded of the hands of ten healthy human participants in different functional states. We paired each spectral video with concisely tracked regions of interest, and corresponding diffuse reflectance measurements recorded with a spectrometer. Providing the first openly accessible in human spectral video dataset for perfusion monitoring, our work facilitates the development and validation of new functional imaging methods.
The AusTraits plant dictionary
Authors: Wenk Elizabeth H. , Sauquet Hervé , Gallagher Rachael V. , Brownlee Rowan , Boettiger Carl , Coleman David , Yang Sophie , Auld Tony , Barrett Russell , Brodribb Timothy , Choat Brendan , Dun Lily , Ellsworth David , Gosper Carl , Guja Lydia , Jordan Gregory J. , Le Breton Tom , Leigh Andrea , Lu-Irving Patricia , Medlyn Belinda , Nolan Rachael , Ooi Mark , Sommerville Karen D. , Vesk Peter , White Matthew , Wright Ian J. , Falster Daniel S.
Published: May 2024

Traits with intuitive names, a clear scope and explicit description are essential for all trait databases. The lack of unified, comprehensive, and machine-readable plant trait definitions limits the utility of trait databases, including reanalysis of data from a single database, or analyses that integrate data across multiple databases. Both can only occur if researchers are confident the trait concepts are consistent within and across sources. Here we describe the AusTraits Plant Dictionary (APD), a new data source of terms that extends the trait definitions included in a recent trait database, AusTraits. The development process of the APD included three steps: review and formalisation of the scope of each trait and the accompanying trait description; addition of trait metadata; and publication in both human and machine-readable forms. Trait definitions include keywords, references, and links to related trait concepts in other databases, enabling integration of AusTraits with other sources. The APD will both improve the usability of AusTraits and foster the integration of trait data across global and regional plant trait databases.
DCTPep, the data of cancer therapy peptides
Authors: Sun Xin , Liu Yanchao , Ma Tianyue , Zhu Ning , Lao Xingzhen , Zheng Heng
Published: May 2024

With the discovery of the therapeutic activity of peptides, they have emerged as a promising class of anti-cancer agents due to their specific targeting, low toxicity, and potential for high selectivity. In particular, as peptide-drug conjugates enter clinical, the coupling of targeted peptides with traditional chemotherapy drugs or cytotoxic agents will become a new direction in cancer treatment. To facilitate the drug development of cancer therapy peptides, we have constructed DCTPep, a novel, open, and comprehensive database for cancer therapy peptides. In addition to traditional anticancer peptides (ACPs), the peptide library also includes peptides related to cancer therapy. These data were collected manually from published research articles, patents, and other protein or peptide databases. Data on drug library include clinically investigated and/or approved peptide drugs related to cancer therapy, which mainly come from the portal websites of drug regulatory authorities and organisations in different countries and regions. DCTPep has a total of 6214 entries, we believe that DCTPep will contribute to the design and screening of future cancer therapy peptides.