bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volcanic Ash Classification Through Machine Learning
Authors: Benet Damià , Costa Fidel , Widiwijayanti Christina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVolcanic ash provides information that can help understanding the evolution of volcanic activity during the early stages of a crisis and possible transitions toward different eruptive styles. Ash consists of particles from a range of origins within the volcanic system and its analysis can be indicative of the processes driving the eruptive activity. However, classifying ash particles into different types is not straightforward. Diagnostic observations for particle classification are not standardized and vary across samples. Here we explore the use of machine learning (ML) to improve the classification accuracy and reproducibility. We use a curated database of ash particles (VolcAshDB) to optimize and train two ML‐based models: Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) that uses the measured physical attributes of the particles, from which predictions are interpreted by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method, and a Vision Transformer (ViT) that classifies binocular, multi‐focused, particle images. We find that the XGBoost has an overall classification accuracy of 0.77 (macro F1‐score), and specific features of color (hue_mean) and texture (correlation) are the most discriminant between particle types. Classification using the particle images and the ViT is more accurate (macro F1‐score of 0.93), with performances varying from 0.85 for samples of dome explosions, to 0.95 for phreatic and subplinian events. Notwithstanding the success of the classification algorithms, the training dataset is limited in number of particles, ranges of eruptive styles, and volcanoes. Thus, the algorithms should be tested further with additional samples, and it is likely that classification for a given volcano is more accurate than between volcanoes.
A Comparative Analysis of Gravity Waves in He and Ar Densities in the Martian Thermosphere
Authors: Leelavathi V. , Rao N. V. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of gravity waves (GWs) in the Martian upper thermosphere, utilizing He and Ar densities measured by the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer aboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft. Our investigation revealed that GWs are a persistent phenomenon in Martian thermospheric He densities, akin to their presence in heavier species like Ar and CO2. Intriguingly, we observed that local time and seasonal variations in He GW amplitudes exhibit an almost opposite pattern compared to those in Ar. A significant breakthrough was the identification of a temperature‐dependent transition wavelength distinctly demarcating short and long wavelengths. This transition wavelength, which increases with increasing background temperatures, profoundly influences the dominance of GW amplitudes in He and Ar. In the short‐wavelength limit, GW amplitudes in He prevail, while GW amplitudes in Ar take precedence in the long‐wavelength limit. During periods of lower temperatures during midnight and the dawn terminator, transition wavelengths fall within the observed wavelength range enabling the study of dominance of GWs in He and Ar. Conversely, higher temperatures (>180 K) during daytime and the dusk terminator eliminate transition wavelengths within our observational range. Consequently, the amplitudes of GWs in He dominate over those in Ar. Furthermore, under nominal dust conditions, GWs in both He and Ar exhibit an inverse relationship with their respective background densities. During global dust storm, this inverse relationship is maintained for GWs in He, while GWs in Ar display a slight positive correlation with background Ar densities.
Participation in Organized Physical Activity and Discomfort with Locker Rooms Among Youth Across Sexual, Gender, and Racial Identities
Authors: Parchem Benjamin , Poquiz Jonathan , Rahm-Knigge Ryan L. , Panetta Elizabeth , Watson Ryan J. , Rider G. Nic 
Published: March 2024

Objective: Participation in organized physical activity contributes to well-being and positive youth development. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, across racial identities, experience barriers to organized physical activity, including discomfort with locker rooms. The current quantitative analysis expands existing qualitative evidence to understand the relation between discomfort with locker rooms and participation in organized physical activity among youth across diverse sexual, gender, and racial identities. Method: High school students ( N = 13,469) in the Midwestern United States completed questions about physical activity and discomfort with locker rooms. Independent sample t tests assessed differences in mean participation in organized physical activity by discomfort with locker rooms across LGBTQ+ and racial identities. Results: LGBTQ+ youth endorsed half the participation and eight times the discomfort with locker rooms as cisgender/heterosexual peers. Discomfort with locker rooms was less impactful for LGBTQ+ youth of color than white LGBTQ+ youth. Locker rooms were also less of a concern for white LGBTQ+ youth who were active in organized physical activity relative to white LGBTQ+ youth who were not active in organized physical activity. Conclusions: Locker rooms may be a larger barrier to any engagement in organized physical activity rather than frequency of activity, and strategies to promote engagement must consider the intersection of LGBTQ+ and racial identities. Pediatric psychologists can intervene through supporting youth’s problem-solving and self-advocacy skills while also advocating directly with schools and community spaces for the restructuring of the binary nature of gendered locker rooms to be more accessible and inclusive for youth with diverse identities. Implications for Impact Statement Feeling uncomfortable in locker rooms is a frequently endorsed barrier to engaging in any organized physical activity among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, who participate at rates nearly half that of their cisgender/heterosexual peers. Pediatric psychologists can help support LGBTQ+ youth explore strategies to navigate binary locker rooms through developing problem-solving skills and self-advocacy skills. Beyond the individual level, pediatric psychologists can also play a role in advocating for restructuring the binary nature of locker rooms given the potential mental and physical health benefits of having more inclusive spaces to access organized physical activity.
Cancer-derived exosomal Alu RNA promotes colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Magliacane Trotta Sara , Adinolfi Antonio , D’Orsi Luca , Panico Sonia , Mercadante Grazia , Mehlen Patrick , Ambati Jayakrishna , De Falco Sandro , Tarallo Valeria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInflammation plays a crucial role in cancer progression, but the relevance of the inflammasome remains unclear. Alu RNA was the first endogenous nucleic acid shown to activate the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing 3) inflammasome. Here, we showed that Alu RNA can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Alu RNA is stored, transported and transferred to CRC cells by exosomes. Exosomal Alu RNA promotes tumorigenesis by inducing invasion, metastasis and EMT via NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Consistent with these data, we found that significantly increased Alu RNA expression correlates with the induction of NLRP3 priming in human CRC patients. Furthermore, the level of Alu RNA in circulating exosomes correlates with CRC progression in a preclinical model. These findings reveal the direct involvement of Alu RNA in cancer pathogenesis, and its presence in CRC cell-derived exosomes could be used as a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker.
Prmt7 regulates the JAK/STAT/Socs3 signaling pathway in postmenopausal cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ahn Byeong-Yun , Zhang Yan , Wei Shibo , Jeong Yideul , Park Dong-Hyun , Lee Sang-Jin , Leem Young-Eun , Kang Jong-Sun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractProtein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) modulate diverse cellular processes, including stress responses. The present study explored the role of Prmt7 in protecting against menopause-associated cardiomyopathy. Mice with cardiac-specific Prmt7 ablation (cKO) exhibited sex-specific cardiomyopathy. Male cKO mice exhibited impaired cardiac function, myocardial hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis associated with increased oxidative stress. Interestingly, female cKO mice predominantly exhibited comparable phenotypes only after menopause or ovariectomy (OVX). Prmt7 inhibition in cardiomyocytes exacerbated doxorubicin (DOX)-induced oxidative stress and DNA double-strand breaks, along with apoptosis-related protein expression. Treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) attenuated the DOX-induced decrease in Prmt7 expression in cardiomyocytes, and Prmt7 depletion abrogated the protective effect of E2 against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Transcriptome analysis of ovariectomized wild-type (WT) or cKO hearts and mechanical analysis of Prmt7-deficient cardiomyocytes demonstrated that Prmt7 is required for the control of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by regulating the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3), which is a negative feedback inhibitor of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. These data indicate that Prmt7 has a sex-specific cardioprotective effect by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and, ultimately, may be a potential therapeutic tool for heart failure treatment depending on sex.
Ultrafast atomic-scale scanning tunnelling spectroscopy of a single vacancy in a monolayer crystal
Authors: Roelcke C. , Kastner L. Z. , Graml M. , Biereder A. , Wilhelm J. , Repp J. , Huber R. , Gerasimenko Y. A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDefects in atomically thin semiconductors and their moiré heterostructures have emerged as a unique testbed for quantum science. Strong light–matter coupling, large spin–orbit interaction and enhanced Coulomb correlations facilitate a spin–photon interface for future qubit operations and efficient single-photon quantum emitters. Yet, directly observing the relevant interplay of the electronic structure of a single defect with other microscopic elementary excitations on their intrinsic length, time and energy scales remained a long-held dream. Here we directly resolve in space, time and energy how a spin–orbit-split energy level of an isolated selenium vacancy in a moiré-distorted WSe2 monolayer evolves under the controlled excitation of lattice vibrations, using lightwave scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. By locally launching a phonon oscillation and taking ultrafast energy-resolved snapshots of the vacancy’s states faster than the vibration period, we directly measure the impact of electron–phonon coupling in an isolated single-atom defect. The combination of atomic spatial, sub-picosecond temporal and millielectronvolt energy resolution marks a disruptive development towards a comprehensive understanding of complex quantum materials, where the key microscopic elementary interactions can now be disentangled, one by one.
Decay pattern of SARS-CoV-2 RNA surface contamination in real residences
Authors: Lin Nan , Zhang Bo , Shi Rong , Gao Yu , Wang Zixia , Ling Zhiyi , Tian Ying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has provided valuable lessons that deserve deep thought to prepare for the future. The decay pattern of surface contamination by SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the residences of COVID-19 patients is important but still unknown. We collected 2,233 surface samples from 21 categories of objects in 141 residences of COVID-19 patients in Shanghai when attacked by the omicron variant in spring 2022. Several characteristics of the patients and their residences were investigated to identify relevant associations. The decay of contamination was explored to determine the persistence. Approximately 8.7% of the surface samples were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The basin, water tap, and sewer inlet had the highest positive rates, all exceeding 20%. Only time was significantly associated with the level of surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2, showing a negative association. The decrease fit a first-order decay model with a decay rate of 0.77 ± 0.07 day−1, suggesting a 90% reduction in three days. Positive associations between the cumulative number of newly diagnosed patients in the same building and the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the public corridor were significant during the three days. Our results, in conjunction with the likely lower infectivity or viability, demonstrate that fomite transmission played a limited role in COVID-19 spread. The time determined SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination, which was reduced by three days. This study is the first to show the decay patterns of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in real residential environments, providing insight into the patterns of transmission, as well as community-based prevention and control of similar threats.
Enterobacter asburiae ST229: an emerging carbapenemases producer
Authors: Mattioni Marchetti Vittoria , Kuka Angela , Piazza Aurora , Gaiarsa Stefano , Merla Cristina , Sottosanti Mariangela , Cambieri Patrizia , Migliavacca Roberta , Baldanti Fausto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnterobacter asburiae, member of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) group, shows an increasing clinical relevance being responsible for infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections and septicemia. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the genomic features of two XDR E. asburiae ST229 clinical strains co-carrying blaNDM-1 and blaVIM-1 determinants, collected in October 2021 and in June 2022, respectively. Two E. asburiae strains were collected from rectal swabs of as many patients admitted to the cardiopulmonary intensive care unit of Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. “Policlinico San Matteo” in Pavia, Italy. Based on the antibiotic susceptibility profile results, both isolates showed an XDR phenotype, retaining susceptibility only to fluoroquinolones. Both isolates shared identical resistome, virulome, plasmid content, and belonged to ST229, a rarely reported sequence type. They co-harbored blaNDM-1 and blaVIM-1 genes, that resulted located on transferable plasmids by conjugation and transformation. Moreover, both strains differed in 24 SNPs and showed genetic relatedness with E. asburiae ST709 and ST27. We described the first case of ST229 E. asburiae co-harboring blaNDM-1 and blaVIM-1 in Italy. This study points out the emergence of carbapenemases in low-risk pathogens, representing a novel challenge for public health, that should include such types of strains in dedicated surveillance programs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using Thermo Scientific™ Sensititre™ Gram Negative MIC Plates DKMGN. Both strains underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina Miseq platform. Resistome, plasmidome, virulome, MLST, plasmid MLST and a SNPs-based phylogenetic tree were in silico determined.
Artifact removal by template subtraction enables recordings of the frequency following response in cochlear-implant users
Authors: Gransier Robin , Carlyon Robert P. , Richardson Matthew L. , Middlebrooks John C. , Wouters Jan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractElectrically evoked frequency-following responses (eFFRs) provide insight in the phase-locking ability of brainstem of cochlear-implant (CI) users. eFFRs can potentially be used to gain insight in the individual differences in the biological limitation on temporal encoding of the electrically stimulated auditory pathway, which can be inherent to the electrical stimulation itself and/or the degenerative processes associated with hearing loss. One of the major challenge of measuring eFFRs in CI users is the process of isolating the stimulation artifact from the neural response, as both the response and the artifact overlap in time and have similar frequency characteristics. Here we introduce a new artifact removal method based on template subtraction that successfully removes the stimulation artifacts from the recordings when CI users are stimulated with pulse trains from 128 to 300 pulses per second in a monopolar configuration. Our results show that, although artifact removal was successful in all CI users, the phase-locking ability of the brainstem to the different pulse rates, as assessed with the eFFR differed substantially across participants. These results show that the eFFR can be measured, free from artifacts, in CI users and that they can be used to gain insight in individual differences in temporal processing of the electrically stimulated auditory pathway.
Topical netarsudil for the treatment of primary corneal endothelial degeneration in dogs
Authors: Casanova M. Isabel , Park Sangwan , Mayes Melaney A. , Roszak Karolina , Ferneding Michelle , Echeverria Nayeli , Bowman Morgan A. W. , Michalak Sarah R. , Ardon Monica , Wong Sydni , Le Sophie M. , Daley Nicole , Leonard Brian C. , Good Kathryn L. , Li Jennifer Y. , Thomasy Sara M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of the topical rho-kinase inhibitor netarsudil for canine primary corneal endothelial degeneration (PCED). Twenty-six eyes of 21 client-owned dogs with PCED were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, vehicle control clinical trial and received topical netarsudil 0.02% (Rhopressa®) or vehicle control twice daily (BID) for the first 4 months. Then, all patients received netarsudil for the next 4 or 8 months. Complete ophthalmic examination, ultrasonic pachymetry, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography, and in vivo confocal microscopy were performed at baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 months. Effect of netarsudil on central corneal thickness (CCT), percentage of cornea with edema, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test were used to compare corneal edema and clinical progression of eyes in netarsudil versus vehicle control groups. All dogs developed conjunctival hyperemia in at least one eye while receiving netarsudil. Unilateral transient reticulated intraepithelial bullae and stromal hemorrhage were observed respectively in 2 dogs in the netarsudil group. Two dogs showed persistently decreased tear production while receiving netarsudil, requiring topical immunomodulatory treatment. No significant differences in CCT, ECD, corneal edema or clinical progression were observed between netarsudil or vehicle treated eyes. When comparing efficacy of topical netarsudil BID and topical ripasudil 0.4% administered four times daily from our previous study, dogs receiving ripasudil had significantly less progression than those receiving netarsudil.
An emergent constraint on the thermal sensitivity of photosynthesis and greenness in the high latitude northern forests
Authors: Liu Junjie , Wennberg Paul O. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite the general consensus that the warming over the high latitudes northern forests (HLNF) has led to enhanced photosynthetic activity and contributed to the greening trend, isolating the impact of temperature increase on photosynthesis and greenness has been difficult due to the concurring influence of the CO2 fertilization effect. Here, using an ensemble of simulations from biogeochemical models that have contributed to the Trends in Net Land Atmosphere Carbon Exchange project (TRENDY), we identify an emergent relationship between the simulation of the climate-driven temporal changes in both gross primary productivity (GPP) and greenness (Leaf Area Index, LAI) and the model’s spatial sensitivity of these quantities to growing-season (GS) temperature. Combined with spatially-resolved observations of LAI and GPP, we estimate that GS-LAI and GS-GPP increase by 17.0 ± 2.4% and 24.0 ± 3.0% per degree of warming, respectively. The observationally-derived sensitivities of LAI and GPP to temperature are about 40% and 71% higher, respectively, than the mean of the ensemble of simulations from TRENDY, primarily due to the model underestimation of the sensitivity of light use efficiency to temperature. We estimate that the regional mean GS-GPP increased 28.2 ± 5.1% between 1983–1986 and 2013–2016, much larger than the 5.8 ± 1.4% increase from the CO2 fertilization effect implied by Wenzel et al. This suggests that warming, not CO2 fertilization, is primarily responsible for the observed dramatic changes in the HLNF biosphere over the last century.
Three-dimensional choroidal contour mapping in healthy population
Authors: Arora Supriya , Singh Sumit Randhir , Rosario Brian , Ibrahim Mohammed Nasar , Selvam Amrish , Zarnegar Arman , Harihar Sanjana , Sant Vinisha , Sahel Jose Alain , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Chhablani Jay 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose was to study 3-dimensional choroidal contour at choroidal inner boundary (CIB) and choroidal outer boundary (COB) in healthy eyes. Healthy eyes imaged on wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography were included. Delineation of CIB and COB was done based on our previously reported methods. Quantitative analysis of the surfaces of CIB and COB was based on analyzing best fit spherical radius (R) (overall and sectoral). One hundred and seven eyes of 74 subjects with a mean age of 46.4 ± 19.3 years were evaluated. Overall, R COB (mean ± SD: 22.5 ± 4.8 mm) < R CIB (32.4 ± 9.4 mm). Central sector had the least R at COB (7.2 ± 5.9 mm) as well as CIB (25.1 ± 14.3 mm) across all age groups. Regression analysis between R (CIB) and age (r = −0.31, r2 = 0.09) showed negative correlation (P < 0.001) and that between R (COB) and age was positive (r = 0.26, r2 = 0.07) (P = 0.01). To conclude, central sector is the steepest sector in comparison to all the other sectors. This is indicative of a prolate shape of choroidal contour at CIB and COB. Outer boundary of choroid is steeper than inner boundary across all age groups. However, with ageing, outer boundary becomes flatter and inner boundary becomes steeper.
Genetic and molecular characterization of metabolic pathway-based clusters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhang Yuan , Yang Xiaorong , Zhang Tongchao , Li Zhen , Zhong Yang , Fang Yuan , Chong Wei , Chen Hao , Lu Ming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive types of squamous cell carcinoma and represents a significant proportion of esophageal cancer. Metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in the occurrence and development of ESCC. Unsupervised clustering analysis was employed to stratify ESCC samples into three clusters: MPC1-lipid type, MPC2-amino acid type, and MPC3-energy type, based on the enrichment scores of metabolic pathways extracted from the Reactome database. The MPC3 cluster exhibited characteristics of energy metabolism, with heightened glycolysis, cofactors, and nucleotide metabolism, showing a trend toward increased aggressiveness and poorer survival rates. On the other hand, MPC1 and MPC2 primarily involved lipid and amino acid metabolism, respectively. In addition, liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiles and potential therapeutic agents were explored and compared among ESCC cell lines with different MPCs. MPC3 amplified energy metabolism markers, especially carnitines. In contrast, MPC1 and MPC2 predominantly had elevated levels of lipids (primarily triacylglycerol) and amino acids, respectively. Furthermore, MPC3 demonstrated a suboptimal clinical response to PD-L1 immunotherapy but showed increased sensitivity to the doramapimod chemotherapy regimen, as evident from drug sensitivity evaluations. These insights pave the way for a more personalized therapeutic approach, potentially enhancing treatment precision for ESCC patients.