bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote sensing image segmentation using feature based fusion on FCM clustering algorithm
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Ravinder M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractImage segmentation of heterogeneous comparable objects lying beneath the earth’s surface is a fundamental but challenging research area in remote sensing. Learning approaches are used in remote sensing image segmentation to improve segmentation accuracy at the expense of time and a large amount of data, but their performance need to be finely classified due to information diversity constraints. In this work, we proposed an novel feature based fuzzy C-means-extreme learning machine (FBFCM-ELM) algorithm for remote sensing image segmentation in which the classification based on entropy, intensity, and edge features is performed in such a way that it updates the intensity value to preserve the most local characteristics in the image while still being able to clearly distinguish the image’s boundaries by assigning the pixel values of each cluster to the peak value of the cluster’s sub-histogram. Using FBFCM, features are extracted and used as reliable samples for ELM training. Undetermined segmented pixels are obtained using the trained ELM classifier. Experiments performed over number of images that confirmed the proposed method yields a better segmented RGB image, as evidenced by observable details, edges, and improved appearance that resembles the ground truth image and outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.
Positive Valence Contributes to Hyperarticulation in Maternal Speech to Infants and Puppies
Authors: PANNETON Robin , CRISTIA Alejandrina , TAYLOR Caroline , MOON Christine 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInfant-directed speech often has hyperarticulated features, such as point vowels whose formants are further apart than in adult-directed speech. This increased “vowel space” may reflect the caretaker’s effort to speak more clearly to infants, thus benefiting language processing. However, hyperarticulation may also result from more positive valence (e.g., speaking with positive vocal emotion) often found in mothers’ speech to infants. This study was designed to replicate others who have found hyperarticulation in maternal speech to their 6-month-olds, but also to examine their speech to a non-human infant (i.e., a puppy). We rated both kinds of maternal speech for their emotional valence and recorded mothers’ speech to a human adult. We found that mothers produced more positively valenced utterances and some hyperarticulation in both their infant- and puppy-directed speech, compared to their adult-directed speech. This finding promotes looking at maternal speech from a multi-faceted perspective that includes emotional state.
Analysis of Long‐Term Trends in the Vertical Distribution and Transport Paths of Atmospheric Aerosols in Typical Regions of China Using 15 Years of CALIOP Data
Authors: Chen Bin , Dong Li , Huang Jianping , Wang Yixuan , Jing Zhikun , Yan Wei , Wang Xin , Song Zhihao , Huang Zhongwei , Guan Xiaodan , Dong Xuefeng , Huang Yue 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLong‐range transport and vertical distribution of aerosols are important factors for assessing the uncertainty in aerosol radiative forcing. This paper reveals the vertical distribution and trends of aerosol optical properties in China using 15 years of Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) data. The Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory model was used to analyze the transport and trends of aerosols in the layer with the highest occurrence frequencies of dust, polluted dust, polluted continental and elevated smoke aerosols. The results indicated that (a) there were significant regional and seasonal differences in the vertical distribution of aerosols. The aerosol optical depth (AOD) trend in a given region depends on the changes in the aerosol type with the highest frequency and the layer corresponding to the largest AOD in the vertical profile. The frequency of polluted dust aerosols was the highest in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) and Central China. The considerable decrease in the 0–2 km AOD led to a significant trend of the column AOD. (b) The changes of AOD and main aerosol types in a region are also affected by the changes of aerosol sources and long‐range transport pathways. In the BTH, dust aerosols originated from the Mongolian Plateau, accounting for 57.88% of the total trajectories. The Pearl River Delta was dominated by elevated smoke aerosols, with trajectories mainly originating from the Myanmar and Vietnam, accounting for 27.38% and 29.59%, respectively. The trend of 15‐year backward trajectories of dust aerosols on the Tibetan Plateau indicated that the trajectory from India is increasing.
Effects of Spatial Resolution, Mapping Window Size, and Spectral Species Clustering on Remote Sensing of Plant Beta Diversity Using biodivMapR and Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Robertson Kevin M. , Simonson Eli , Ramirez‐Bullon Natali , Poulter Benjamin , Carter Richard 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUsing imaging spectroscopy (hyperspectral imaging), we assessed the effects of spatial resolution, size of mapping windows composed of pixels, and number of clustered spectral species on the capacity to map plant beta diversity using the biodivMapR package, in support of the planned NASA Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) satellite remote sensing mission. Specifically, we tested the ability of biodivMapR to distinguish natural communities among field‐verified locations. biodivMapR clusters pixels as spectral species used to calculate beta diversity among mapping windows composed of multiple pixels. We used NEON airborne 1 m resolution hyperspectral images collected at three sites representing native longleaf pine ecosystems in the southeastern U.S. and aggregated pixels to 1–90 m spatial resolution for comparative analyses. We also varied mapping window size using 30 m resolution images, commonly collected by satellite missions. The capacity to detect plant beta diversity decreased with coarser spatial resolution, which corresponded to fewer pixels per mapping window. Mapping window size in turn limited the spatial resolution of beta diversity maps composed of mapping windows. Assigning too few pixels per window, as well as assigning too many spectral species per image, results in overestimation of dissimilarity among locations representing the same community type and reduces the information content of beta diversity maps. These results demonstrate the advantage of maximizing spatial resolution of hyperspectral imaging instruments on the anticipated NASA SBG satellite mission and similar remote sensing projects, as well as the value of satellite‐borne hyperspectral imagers for mapping beta diversity worldwide.
Electron Scattering, Transport and Energization by Alfvénic Turbulence in Earth's Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Chaston C. C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe transport of energetic electrons immersed in Alfvénic turbulence in Earth's outer radiation belt is explored. It is shown how electrons subject to the action of an empirically derived 3‐D spectrum of Alfvénic field fluctuations experience rapid transport across L‐shells, pitch‐angle and through momentum space. Timescales for radial transport are less than a drift period while scattering at large pitch‐angle occurs at a similar rate. Transport through momentum space occurs at a rate comparable to that in whistler mode chorus and is particularly rapid below 100 keV. Bounce‐averaged transport coefficients for these processes are consistent with quasi‐linear estimates for drift‐bounce resonances, albeit with enhanced values. A super‐diffusive to sub‐diffusive transition with increasing energy is identified.
Global Variability in Multi‐Century Ground Warming Inferred From Geothermal Data
Authors: Hopcroft Peter O. , Gallagher Kerry 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGeothermal temperature‐depth measurements can be used to reconstruct past climate without the need for calibration against meteorological data. The global geothermal database is one of opportunity and is therefore subject to variations in measurement protocol, quality control and potential non‐climatic influences. As the climatic history recovery is sensitive to these factors, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical model that allows us to treat errors and uncertainty formally. This way we may better isolate the climate signal. For the Northern Hemisphere extra‐tropics our reconstruction shows a warming beginning in CE 1750 and it captures the observed two‐phase warming over the past century. We clearly identify the northern tropics as a region of greatest ground warming and hypothesize that this reflects land‐use change. For the Southern Hemisphere, the inclusion of newer data leads to a modest cooling until CE 1750. Outside the tropics, agreement with multi‐proxy reconstructions has improved relative to earlier studies.
Lithospheric Velocity Structure Beneath the Northern Margin of the South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Meng , Sun Daoyuan , Shi Kexu , Zhou Cong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractImaging the lithospheric structure beneath the South China Sea (SCS) not only provides crucial constraints on the tectonic history of southeastern Asia, but also provides an important sample for understanding the evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. However, due to the lack of seismic sampling, the lithospheric structures beneath the SCS are not well resolved. Here, with China National Seismic Network, we observe the “Lid signal” generated by earthquakes below the lithosphere, which propagates through the fast mantle Lid and acts as the first arrival. The Lid signal provides robust constraints on the structure of the lithosphere. Through modeling the Lid signals of events occurred at different depths, we find that the thickness of the lithosphere beneath the northern margin of the SCS is ∼65 km. Across the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary, the SH velocity decreases by 6% ∼ 8% within 60 km. Such a large velocity contrast may be due to the presence of melt in the asthenosphere. We also detect another velocity jump at a depth of ∼250 km in both SH and P wave data, which correlates with the depth of the X‐discontinuity. A comparison between the lithospheric structure beneath the SCS basin and other oceanic plates further suggests a hot asthenosphere beneath the SCS, which could be related to the existence of the Hainan Plume nearby.
Dynamics of Oceanic Slab Tearing During Transform‐Fault Horizontally‐Oblique Subduction: Insights From 3D Numerical Modeling
Authors: Xin Jie , Zhang Huai , Orellana‐Rovirosa Felipe , Li Zhong‐Hai , Liu Liang , Xu Yi‐Gang , Zhang Zhen , Shi Yaolin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOceanic‐plates vertical tearing is seismically identified in the present‐day Earth. This type of plate tearing is frequently reported in horizontally‐oblique subduction zones where transform‐faulted oceanic plates are subducting (or subducted). However, the mechanisms behind vertical slab tearing are still poorly understood, thus we utilize 3D time‐dependent Stokes' flow thermo‐mechanical numerical models to further study this problem. We find that (a) the age offset of transform fault and (b) the horizontal obliqueness of subduction fundamentally control the tearing behavior of two generic, materially homogeneous oceanic slabs separated by a low‐viscosity zone. The two slabs sequentially bend, which combined with the age‐thickness difference between slabs, causes the differential sinking of them. Based on the modeling results, well‐developed slabs vertical tearing would happen when the oblique angle of subduction is ≥30° or the age ratio of the secondly bent to firstly bent slab being ∼<0.6. Quantifying the horizontal distance‐vector between sinking slabs, we find that subduction at medium‐low horizontal‐obliqueness angles (≤40°) of young lithosphere (slabs‐average ∼15 Myr) tends to produce fault‐perpendicular tearing. Contrastingly, old‐age slabs (average ≥ 30 Myr) with medium‐large obliqueness angles (∼>20°) tend to produce fault‐parallel tearing, related to differential slab‐hinge retreat or rollback. Correlations between slabs' (a) computed tearing horizontal‐width and (b) scaling‐theory forms of their subduction‐velocity differences, are reasonable (0.76–0.97). Our numerically predicted scenarios are reasonably consistent with plate‐tear imaging results from at least four natural subduction zones. Our modeling also suggests that continual along‐trench variation in subduction dip angle may be related to a special case of oblique subduction.
Vitamin D deficiency contributes to the diabetic kidney disease progression via increase ZEB1/ZEB2 expressions
Authors: Souza Cláudia Silva , Deluque Amanda Lima , Oliveira Beatriz Magalhães , Maciel Ana Lívia Dias , Giovanini Cleonice , Boer Patrícia Aline , de Paula Francisco José Albuquerque , Costa Roberto Silva , Franscecato Heloísa Della Colleta , de Almeida Lucas Ferreira , Coimbra Terezila Machado 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality in diabetic patients worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency (VitDD) is one of the main consequences of different chronic kidney disease (CKD) types and is associated with rapid progression to ESRD. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that lead to this process are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize a model of diabetic nephropathy progression in VitDD and the epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) role in these processes.

Methods
Wistar Hannover rats received a diet with or without VitD before type 1 diabetes (T1D) induction. After this procedure, the rats were accompanied for 12 and 24 weeks after T1D induction and the renal function, structure, cell transdifferentiating markers and zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1/2 (ZEB1/ZEB2) contribution to kidney damage were evaluated during the DKD progression.

Results
The results showed an increase in glomerular tuft, mesangial and interstitial relative areas and renal function impairment in VitD-deficient diabetic rats compared to diabetic rats that received a VitD-containing diet. These alterations can be associated with increased expression of EMT markers, ZEB1 gene expression, ZEB2 protein expression and TGF-β1 urinary excretion. Decreased miR-200b expression, an important post-transcriptional regulator of ZEB1 and ZEB2 was also observed.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrated that VitD deficiency contributes to the rapid development and progression of DKD in diabetic rats induced by increase ZEB1/ZEB2 expressions and miR-200b downregulation.
KLF6 alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Li Jiye , Yu Dongsheng , He Chenhui , Yu Qiwen , Huo Zhongkun , Zhang Yi , Zhang Shuijun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, a common clinical complication of liver transplantation, gravely affects patient prognosis. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) constitute a family of C2/H2 zinc finger DNA-binding proteins. KLF6, a member of the KLF protein family, plays crucial roles in proliferation, metabolism, inflammation, and injury responses; however, its role in HIR is largely remains unknown. After I/R injury, we found that KLF6 expression in mice and hepatocytes was significantly upregulated. Mice were then subjected to I/R following injection of shKLF6- and KLF6-overexpressing adenovirus through the tail vein. KLF6 deficiency markedly exacerbated liver damage, cell apoptosis, and activation of hepatic inflammatory responses, whereas hepatic overexpression of KLF6 in mice produced the opposite results. In addition, we knocked out or overexpressed KLF6 in AML12 cells before exposing them to a hypoxia-reoxygenation challenge. KLF6 knockout decreased cell viability and increased hepatocyte inflammation, apoptosis, and ROS, whereas KLF6 overexpression had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, KLF6 inhibited the overactivation of autophagy at the initial stage, and the regulatory effect of KLF6 on I/R injury was autophagy-dependent. CHIP-qPCR and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that KLF6 bound to the promoter region of Beclin1 and inhibited its transcription. Additionally, KLF6 activated the mTOR/ULK1 pathway. Finally, we performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of liver transplantation patients and identified significant associations between KLF6 expression and liver function following liver transplantation. In conclusion, KLF6 inhibited the overactivation of autophagy via transcriptional regulation of Beclin1 and activation of the mTOR/ULK1 pathway, thereby protecting the liver from I/R injury. KLF6 is expected to serve as a biomarker for estimating the severity of I/R injury following liver transplantation.
Nrh L11R single nucleotide polymorphism, a new prediction biomarker in breast cancer, impacts endoplasmic reticulum-dependent Ca2+ traffic and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Duong Minh Quang , Gadet Rudy , Treilleux Isabelle , Borel Stéphane , Nougarède Adrien , Marcillat Olivier , Gonzalo Philippe , Mikaelian Ivan , Popgeorgiev Nikolay , Rimokh Ruth , Gillet Germain 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOverexpression of Bcl-2 proteins such as Bcl2L10, also referred to as Nrh, is associated with resistance to therapy and poor survival in various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BCL2L10 in its BH4 domain at position 11 (BCL2L10 Leu11Arg, rs2231292), corresponding to position 11 in the Nrh open reading frame, is reported to lower resistance towards chemotherapy, with patients showing better survival in the context of acute leukemia and colorectal cancer. Using cellular models and clinical data, we aimed to extend this knowledge to breast cancer. We report that the homozygous status of the Nrh Leu11Arg isoform (Nrh-R) is found in 9.7–11% percent of the clinical datasets studied. Furthermore, Nrh-R confers higher sensitivity towards Thapsigargin-induced cell death compared to the Nrh-L isoform, due to altered interactions with IP3R1 Ca2+ channels in the former case. Collectively, our data show that cells expressing the Nrh-R isoform are more prone to death triggered by Ca2+ stress inducers, compared to Nrh-L expressing cells. Analysis of breast cancer cohorts revealed that patients genotyped as Nrh-R/Nrh-R may have a better outcome. Overall, this study supports the notion that the rs2231292 Nrh SNP could be used as a predictive tool regarding chemoresistance, improving therapeutic decision-making processes. Moreover, it sheds new light on the contribution of the BH4 domain to the anti-apoptotic function of Nrh and identifies the IP3R1/Nrh complex as a potential therapeutic target in the context of breast cancer.
Pectolinarigenin inhibits bladder urothelial carcinoma cell proliferation by regulating DNA damage/autophagy pathways
Authors: Deng Zhao , Shen Dexin , Yu Mengxue , Zhou Fenfang , Shan Danni , Fang Yayun , Jin Wan , Qian Kaiyu , Li Shenjuan , Wang Gang , Zhang Yi , Ju Lingao , Xiao Yu , Wang Xinghuan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPectolinarigenin (PEC), an active compound isolated from traditional herbal medicine, has shown potential anti-tumor properties against various types of cancer cells. However, its mechanism of action in bladder cancer (BLCA), which is one of the fatal human carcinomas, remains unexplored. In this study, we first revealed that PEC, as a potential DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) poison, can target TOP2A and cause significant DNA damage. PEC induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest via p53 pathway. Simultaneously, PEC can perform its unique function by inhibiting the late autophagic flux. The blocking of autophagy caused proliferation inhibition of BLCA and further enhanced the DNA damage effect of PEC. In addition, we proved that PEC could intensify the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine (GEM) on BLCA cells in vivo and in vitro. Summarily, we first systematically revealed that PEC had great potential as a novel TOP2A poison and an inhibitor of late autophagic flux in treating BLCA.
The lncRNA RMST is drastically downregulated in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas where exerts a tumor suppressor activity impairing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness
Authors: De Martino Marco , Pellecchia Simona , Esposito Francesco , Liotti Federica , Credendino Sara Carmela , Prevete Nella , Decaussin-Petrucci Myriam , Chieffi Paolo , De Vita Gabriella , Melillo Rosa Marina , Fusco Alfredo , Pallante Pierlorenzo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy and comprises a wide range of lesions subdivided into differentiated (DTC) and undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC), mainly represented by the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). This is one of the most lethal malignancies in humankind leading invariably to patient death in few months. Then, a better comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the development of ATC is required to set up new therapeutic approaches. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts over 200 nucleotides in length that do not code for proteins. They show a strong regulatory function at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional level and are emerging as key players in regulating developmental processes. Their aberrant expression has been linked to several biological processes, including cancer, making them potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. We have recently analyzed the lncRNA expression profile in ATC through a microarray technique and have identified rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript (RMST) as one of the most downregulated lncRNA in ATC. RMST has been reported to be deregulated in a series of human cancers, to play an anti-oncogenic role in triple-negative breast cancer, and to modulate neurogenesis by interacting with SOX2. Therefore, these findings prompted us to investigate the role of RMST in ATC development. In this study we show that RMST levels are strongly decreased in ATC, but only slightly in DTC, indicating that the loss of this lncRNA could be related to the loss of the differentiation and high aggressiveness. We also report a concomitant increase of SOX2 levels in the same subset of ATC, that inversely correlated with RMST levels, further supporting the RMST/SOX2 relationship. Finally, functional studies demonstrate that the restoration of RMST in ATC cells reduces cell growth, migration and the stemness properties of ATC stem cells. In conclusion, these findings support a critical role of RMST downregulation in ATC development.