bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Tectonic and Geological Structure on GIC in Southern South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Ingham M. , Pratscher K. , Heise W. , Bertrand E. , Kruglyakov M. , Rodger C. J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs part of a 5‐year project to assess the risk posed by geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) to the New Zealand electrical transmission network, long‐period magnetotelluric (MT) measurements have been made at 62 sites in southern South Island of New Zealand, a region where there was an absence of previous MT data. The data are largely 3‐dimensional in character, but show distinct features that can be related to the known tectonic and geological structure. In this work we focus on how the measured MT impedance tensors, and a simple interpretation of conductivity structure, can be used to assess the influence of tectonic and geological structure on GIC. We use the impedance tensors to calculate the magnitudes and orientations of induced electric fields in response to various orientations of inducing magnetic field. The electric fields so calculated are then used in a simplified model of the transmission network to calculate GIC at grounded substations. Our results confirm that tectonic/geological structure in the lower South Island and the resulting electrical conductivity variations have important impacts on the GIC magnitude. In the south‐west, smaller induced electric fields, associated with the higher conductivity in that region, lead to much reduced GIC at a substation in that area. In contrast, higher electric fields occurring in a NW‐SE band across the center of the region, contribute to much larger GIC in Dunedin city. Our results thus help explain the observed GIC reported at transformers in the region.
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease and sarcopenia additively increase mortality: a real-world study
Authors: Zhao Qianwen , Yin Yifan , Deng Yunlei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background and aims
Sarcopenia is associated with worse prognosis for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, disease progression in the MAFLD-related sarcopenia is largely unknown. We aimed to clarify the relationship between MAFLD and/or sarcopenia with mortality and liver fibrosis in the real world.

Methods
A total of 13,692 individuals were selected from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and linked mortality until December 2019. MAFLD is diagnosed based on a radiologically diagnosed hepatic steatosis and the presence of any one of the following three conditions: overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), or metabolic dysregulation. Sarcopenia is defined by weight-adjusted skeletal muscle mass.

Results
The mean age was 43.7 ± 15.97 years, and 47.3% of the individuals were male. MAFLD was diagnosed in 4207/13,692 (30.73%) participants, and the proportion of sarcopenic was 19.42% amongst subjects with MAFLD. The mean follow-up duration was of 23.7 ± 7.62 years. MAFLD (aHR 1.152, 95% CI 1.070–1.241) and sarcopenia (aHR 1.123, 95% CI 1.042–1.210) were related to increased all-cause mortality in MAFLD after adjustment for age, sex, race, marital status, education, and smoking. Stratified analysis revealed that MAFLD and sarcopenia additively increased the risk of mortality (aHR 1.247, 95% CI 1.132–1.373) and liver fibrosis (aOR 2.296, 95% CI 1.718–3.069 assessed by NFS score >0.676; aOR 2.218, 95% CI 1.788–2.752 assessed by FIB-4 score >1.3) in fully adjusted models (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion
Sarcopenia in individuals with MAFLD portends increased mortality and significant liver fibrosis. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting at increasing skeletal muscle mass should be explored for patients with MAFLD.
Nucleolar reorganization after cellular stress is orchestrated by SMN shuttling between nuclear compartments
Authors: Musawi Shaqraa , Donnio Lise-Marie , Zhao Zehui , Magnani Charlène , Rassinoux Phoebe , Binda Olivier , Huang Jianbo , Jacquier Arnaud , Coudert Laurent , Lomonte Patrick , Martinat Cécile , Schaeffer Laurent , Mottet Denis , Côté Jocelyn , Mari Pierre-Olivier , Giglia-Mari Giuseppina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the multifunctional protein Survival of Motor Neuron, or SMN. Within the nucleus, SMN localizes to Cajal bodies, which are associated with nucleoli, nuclear organelles dedicated to the first steps of ribosome biogenesis. The highly organized structure of the nucleolus can be dynamically altered by genotoxic agents. RNAP1, Fibrillarin, and nucleolar DNA are exported to the periphery of the nucleolus after genotoxic stress and, once DNA repair is fully completed, the organization of the nucleolus is restored. We find that SMN is required for the restoration of the nucleolar structure after genotoxic stress. During DNA repair, SMN shuttles from the Cajal bodies to the nucleolus. This shuttling is important for nucleolar homeostasis and relies on the presence of Coilin and the activity of PRMT1.
Streptomyces alleviate abiotic stress in plant by producing pteridic acids
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Qiao Yijun , Konakalla Naga Charan , Strøbech Emil , Harris Pernille , Peschel Gundela , Agler-Rosenbaum Miriam , Weber Tilmann , Andreasson Erik , Ding Ling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSoil microbiota can confer fitness advantages to plants and increase crop resilience to drought and other abiotic stressors. However, there is little evidence on the mechanisms correlating a microbial trait with plant abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we report that Streptomyces effectively alleviate drought and salinity stress by producing spiroketal polyketide pteridic acid H (1) and its isomer F (2), both of which promote root growth in Arabidopsis at a concentration of 1.3 nM under abiotic stress. Transcriptomics profiles show increased expression of multiple stress responsive genes in Arabidopsis seedlings after pteridic acids treatment. We confirm in vivo a bifunctional biosynthetic gene cluster for pteridic acids and antimicrobial elaiophylin production. We propose it is mainly disseminated by vertical transmission and is geographically distributed in various environments. This discovery reveals a perspective for understanding plant-Streptomyces interactions and provides a promising approach for utilising beneficial Streptomyces and their secondary metabolites in agriculture to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change.
Assessment of soil quality in an arid and barren mountainous of Shandong province, China
Authors: Wang Lu , Guo Jianyao , Liu Xiumei , Li Kun , Ma Liang , Tian Yehan , Wang Jinming , Zhang Qingdong , Tian Yaozhen , Li Chuanrong , Lu Min 
Published: November 2023

AbstractForest soils are important components of forest ecosystems, and soil quality assessment as a decision-making tool to understand forest soil quality and maintain soil productivity is essential. Various methods of soil quality assessment have been developed, which have occasionally generated inconsistent assessment results between soil types. We assessed the soil quality of five communities (herb, shrub, Quercus acutissima, Pinus thunbergii, and Q. acutissima–P. thunbergii mixed plantation) using two common methods of dry and barren mountains in the Yimeng Mountain area, China. Sixteen soil physical, chemical and biological properties were analysed. The soil quality index was determined using the established minimum data set based on the selection results of principal component analysis and Pearson analysis. Silt, soil total phosphorus (P), soil total nitrogen (N), L-leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase and vector length were identified as the most representative indicators for the minimum data set. Linear regression analysis showed that the minimum data set can adequately represent the total data set to quantify the impact of different communities on soil quality (P < 0.001). The results of linear and non-linear methods of soil quality assessment showed that the higher soil quality index was Pinus forest (0.59 and 0.54), and the soil quality index of mixed plantation (0.41 and 0.45) was lower, which was similar to the herb community (0.37 and 0.44). Soil quality was mostly affected by soil chemical properties and extracellular enzyme activities of different communities, and the different reasons for the low soil quality of mixed plantations were affected by soil organic carbon (C) and total C. Overall, we demonstrate that the soil quality index based on the minimum data set method could be a useful tool to indicate the soil quality of forest systems. Mixed plantations can improve soil quality by increasing soil C, which is crucial in ecosystem balance.
Crypsis by background matching and disruptive coloration as drivers of substrate occupation in sympatric Amazonian bark praying mantises
Authors: de Alcantara Viana João Vitor , Campos Duarte Rafael , Vieira Camila , Augusto Poleto Antiqueira Pablo , Bach Andressa , de Mello Gabriel , Silva Lorhaine , Rabelo Oliveira Leal Camila , Quevedo Romero Gustavo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground matching and disruptive coloration are common camouflage strategies in nature, but few studies have accurately measured their protective value in living organisms. Amazon's Bark praying mantises exhibit colour patterns matching whitish and greenish-brown tree trunks. We tested the functional significance of background matching and disruptive coloration of different praying mantis morphospecies (white, grey and green) detected by DNA barcoding. Through image analysis, avian visual models and field experiments using humans as potential predators, we explored whether the background occupation of mantises provides camouflage against predation. Data were obtained for individuals against their occupied tree trunks (whitish or greenish-brown) and microhabitats (lichen or bryophyte patches), compared to non-occupied trunks. White and grey mantises showed lower colour contrasts against occupied trunks at the scale of tree trunk, with no differences in luminance contrasts. Conversely, green mantises showed lower colour and luminance contrasts against microhabitats and also exhibited high edge disruption against greenish-brown trunks. The camouflage of white and green mantis models against colour-matching trunks increased search time and reduced encounter distance of human predators. We highlight the importance of camouflage strategies at different spatial scales to enhance individual survival against predators. Specifically, we present a stunning study system to investigate the relationship of phylogenetically related species that use camouflage in sympatry.
Predicting glaucoma progression using deep learning framework guided by generative algorithm
Authors: Hussain Shaista , Chua Jacqueline , Wong Damon , Lo Justin , Kadziauskiene Aiste , Asoklis Rimvydas , Barbastathis George , Schmetterer Leopold , Yong Liu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGlaucoma is a slowly progressing optic neuropathy that may eventually lead to blindness. To help patients receive customized treatment, predicting how quickly the disease will progress is important. Structural assessment using optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to visualize glaucomatous optic nerve and retinal damage, while functional visual field (VF) tests can be used to measure the extent of vision loss. However, VF testing is patient-dependent and highly inconsistent, making it difficult to track glaucoma progression. In this work, we developed a multimodal deep learning model comprising a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, for glaucoma progression prediction. We used OCT images, VF values, demographic and clinical data of 86 glaucoma patients with five visits over 12 months. The proposed method was used to predict VF changes 12 months after the first visit by combining past multimodal inputs with synthesized future images generated using generative adversarial network (GAN). The patients were classified into two classes based on their VF mean deviation (MD) decline: slow progressors (< 3 dB) and fast progressors (> 3 dB). We showed that our generative model-based novel approach can achieve the best AUC of 0.83 for predicting the progression 6 months earlier. Further, the use of synthetic future images enabled the model to accurately predict the vision loss even earlier (9 months earlier) with an AUC of 0.81, compared to using only structural (AUC = 0.68) or only functional measures (AUC = 0.72). This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using synthetic follow-up OCT images for early detection of glaucoma progression.
Transgenerational effect of Afidopyropen on Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Shafi Muhammad Salman , Iqbal Naeem , Naqqash Muhammad Nadir , Saeed Shafqat , Usman Muhammad , Abid Allah Ditta , Shahzad Muhammad Sohail , Riaz Hasan , Bashir Muhammad Amjad , Alajmi Reem Atalla 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the most devastating insect-pest in cotton crop. It is vector of the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) and is responsible for huge losses to cotton industry in Pakistan and worldwide. It is mainly controlled by insecticides but the injudicious use of insecticides has resulted in insecticide resistance and population resurgence in addition to various harmful effects on the humans, non-target organisms and the environment. Transgenerational studies are very helpful to choose a best insecticidal option. In the current study, age-stage two-sex life table analysis was used to identify transgenerational effects of sublethal doses of afidopyropen. The adults of B. tabaci were treated with three concentrations of afidopyropen i.e., LC10, LC30 and LC50. The results indicated significant changes in the progeny i.e. the fecundity decreased in treated population; and female and male longevity of their progeny were more in control as compared to treated populations. Similarly, population parameters like intrinsic rate of growth (r), net reproductive rate (R0) and limiting rate of growth (λ) were significantly decreased in the treated adult progeny with values of 0.08–0.11, 4.85–7.46 and 1.09–1.12 per day, respectively. Based on the reduced biotic potential, afidopyropen can be suggested as an effective alternative option for the management of B. tabaci.
Polysorbate 80 surface modified SLNs of formoterol suppress SNCA gene and mitochondrial oxidative stress in mice model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sola Piyong , Garikapati Kusuma Kumari , Krishnamurthy Praveen Thaggikuppe , Kumari Mamta 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe present study hypothesises that the selective brain β2 receptor activation through β2-adrenoreceptor agonist (β2ARA), Formoterol (FMT), suppresses SNCA gene expression, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in brain. Further, it is also hypothesized that brain targeted delivery of Formoterol via polysorbate-80 surface modified solid lipid nanoparticles of Formoterol (FMT-SLNs-PS80) can improve its stability, therapeutic efficacy and avoid/reduce peripheral off-target side effects. FMT-SLNs-PS80 was prepared by solvent injection method, the formulation was optimized by using Box–Behnken design and characterized by measuring drug content, entrapment efficacy, particle size, zeta potentials and poly dispersibility. The FMT-SLNs-PS80, significantly decreases the SNCA expression, mitochondrial membrane damage and rotenone induced changes in oxidative (SOD, CAT, GSH and ROS) stress markers in SH-SY5Y cell lines. The ex vivo permeation study of the formulation using everted chicken ileum exhibited a steady state flux. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of the formulation in rats showed a significant improvement in the kinetic parameters when compared to naïve FMT, further the formulation also improved the brain bioavailability of FMT. The anti-Parkinson’s efficacy studies of the formulation in mice showed a significant neuroprotection against rotenone-induced changes in behavioural and biochemical parameters. Further, the histopathological analysis of mice brain confirms a significant neuroprotective benefit. The present study successfully establishes the brain targeted delivery and anti-Parkinson’s therapeutic efficacy of FMT-SLNs-PS80.
Laser scanner and UAV digital photogrammetry as support tools for cosmic-ray muon radiography applications: an archaeological case study from Italy
Authors: Beni Tommaso , Borselli Diletta , Bonechi Lorenzo , Lombardi Luca , Gonzi Sandro , Melelli Laura , Turchetti Maria Angela , Fanò Livio , D’Alessandro Raffaello , Gigli Giovanni , Casagli Nicola 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe use of light detection and ranging technologies, i.e. terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), airborne laser scanner (ALS) and mobile laser scanner (MLS), together with the unmanned aerial vehicles digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) and satellite data are proving to be fundamental tools to carry out reliable muographic measurement campaigns. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a workflow to correctly plan and exploit these types of data for muon radiography aims. To this end, a real case study is presented: searching for hidden tombs in the Etruscan necropolis of Palazzone (Umbria, Italy). A high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and three-dimensional models of the ground surface/sub-surface of the study area were created by merging data obtained using different survey methods to achieve the most accurate three-dimensional environment. Indeed, the simulated muon flux transmission used to infer relative transmission values, and the estimated density distribution, depends on the reliability of the three-dimensional reconstructed ground surface model. The aim of this study is to provide knowledge on the use of TLS and UAV-DP data and GPS-acquired points within the transmission-based muography process and how these data could improve or worsen the muon imaging results. Moreover, this study confirmed that muography applications require a multidisciplinary approach.
Deep neural network-based phase calibration in integrated optical phased arrays
Authors: Kim Jae-Yong , Kim Junhyeong , Yoon Jinhyeong , Hong Seokjin , Neseli Berkay , Kwon Namhyun , You Jong-Bum , Yoon Hyeonho , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCalibrating the phase in integrated optical phased arrays (OPAs) is a crucial procedure for addressing phase errors and achieving the desired beamforming results. In this paper, we introduce a novel phase calibration methodology based on a deep neural network (DNN) architecture to enhance beamforming in integrated OPAs. Our methodology focuses on precise phase control, individually tailored to each of the 64 OPA channels, incorporating electro-optic phase shifters. To effectively handle the inherent complexity arising from the numerous voltage set combinations required for phase control across the 64 channels, we employ a tandem network architecture, further optimizing it through selective data sorting and hyperparameter tuning. To validate the effectiveness of the trained DNN model, we compared its performance with 20 reference beams obtained through the hill climbing algorithm. Despite an average intensity reduction of 0.84 dB in the peak values of the beams compared to the reference beams, our experimental results demonstrate substantial agreements between the DNN-predicted beams and the reference beams, accompanied by a slight decrease of 0.06 dB in the side-mode-suppression-ratio. These results underscore the practical effectiveness of the DNN model in OPA beamforming, highlighting its potential in scenarios that necessitate the intelligent and time-efficient calibration of multiple beams.
Conversion of methylmercury into inorganic mercury via organomercurial lyase (MerB) activates autophagy and aggresome formation
Authors: Takanezawa Yasukazu , Ishikawa Kouhei , Nakayama Shunsuke , Nakamura Ryosuke , Ohshiro Yuka , Uraguchi Shimpei , Kiyono Masako 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMethylmercury (MeHg) is converted to inorganic mercury (iHg) in several organs; however, its impact on tissues and cells remains poorly understood. Previously, we established a bacterial organomercury lyase (MerB)-expressing mammalian cell line to overcome the low cell permeability of iHg and investigate its effects. Here, we elucidated the cytotoxic effects of the resultant iHg on autophagy and deciphered their relationship. Treatment of MerB-expressing cells with MeHg significantly increases the mRNA and protein levels of LC3B and p62, which are involved in autophagosome formation and substrate recognition, respectively. Autophagic flux assays using the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) revealed that MeHg treatment activates autophagy in MerB-expressing cells but not in wild-type cells. Additionally, MeHg treatment induces the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and p62, specifically in MerB-expressing cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that large ubiquitinated protein aggregates (aggresomes) associated with p62 are formed transiently in the perinuclear region of MerB-expressing cells upon MeHg exposure. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagic flux decreases the MeHg-induced cell viability of MerB-expressing cells. Overall, our results imply that cells regulate aggresome formation and autophagy activation by activating LC3B and p62 to prevent cytotoxicity caused by iHg. These findings provide insights into the role of autophagy against iHg-mediated toxicity.
Controlled swelling of biomaterial devices for improved antifouling polymer coatings
Authors: Jesmer Alexander H. , Marple April S. T. , Wylie Ryan G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNonspecific interactions between cells and implantable elastomers often leads to failure modes for devices such as catheters, cosmetic and reconstructive implants, and sensors. To reduce these interactions, device surfaces can be coated with hydrophilic polymers, where greater polymer density enhances antifouling properties. Although graft-from coating techniques result in higher density polymer films and lower fouling in controlled settings, simpler graft-to methods show similar results on complex implanted devices, despite limited density. To address the need for improved graft-to methods, we developed Graft then shrink (GtS) where elastomeric materials are temporarily swollen during polymer grafting. Herein, we demonstrate a graft-to based method for poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (pOEGMA) on swollen silicone, GtS, that enhances grafted polymer content and fouling resistance. Total grafted polymer content of pOEGMA on toluene swollen silicone increased over ~ 13 × compared to non-swollen controls, dependent on the degree of silicone swelling. Increases in total grafted polymer within the top 200 µm of the material led to bacterial and mammalian cell adhesion reductions of 75% and 91% respectively, compared to Shrink then Graft (StG) antifouling polymer coated controls. GtS allows for the simple 3D coating of swellable elastomers (e.g., silicone medical devices) with improved antifouling pOEGMA coatings.