bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in surface wind speed projections over the Iberian Peninsula: CMIP6 GCMs versus a WRF‐RCM
Authors: Andres‐Martin Miguel , Azorin‐Molina Cesar , Shen Cheng , Fernández‐Alvarez José C. , Gimeno Luis , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Zha Jinlin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study assessed the projected near‐surface wind speed (SWS) changes and variability over the Iberian Peninsula for the 21st century. Here, we compared Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 global climate models (GCMs) with a higher spatial resolution regional climate model (RCM; ∼20 km), known as WRF‐CESM2, which was created by a dynamic downscaling of the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Our analysis found that the GCMs tended to overestimate observed SWS for 1985–2014, while the higher spatial resolution of the WRF‐CESM2 did not improve the accuracy and underestimated the SWS magnitude. GCMs project a decline of SWS under high shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) greenhouse concentrations, such as SSP370 and SSP585, while an interdecadal oscillation appears in SSP126 and SSP245 for the end of the century. The WRF‐CESM2 under SSP585 predicts the opposite increasing SWS. Our results suggest that 21st‐century projections of SWS are uncertain even for regionalized products and should be taken with caution.
A novel SUCNR1 inhibitor alleviates dysbiosis through inhibition of host responses without direct interaction with host microbiota
Authors: Thomas Scott C. , Guo Yuqi , Xu Fangxi , Saxena Deepak , Li Xin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion result in altered metabolite balance, specifically elevated levels of circulating glucose and succinate, which increases the risk of many pathologies, including periodontitis. Succinate, a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate, can be produced and metabolized by both host cells and host microbiota, where elevated levels serve as an inflammation and pathogen threat signal through activating the succinate G protein‐coupled receptor, SUCNR1. Modulating succinate‐induced SUCNR1 signaling remains a promising therapeutic approach for pathologies resulting in elevated levels of succinate, such as T2D and periodontitis.Here, we demonstrate hyperglycemia and elevated intracellular succinate in a T2D mouse model and determine gut microbiome composition. Drawing on previous work demonstrating the ability of a novel SUCNR1 antagonist, compound 7a, to block inflammation and alleviate dysbiosis in a mouse model, we examined if compound 7a has an impact on the growth and virulence gene expression of bacterial and fungal human microbiota in vitro, and if 7a could reduce bone loss in a periodontitis‐induced mouse model.T2D mice harbored a significantly different gut microbiome, suggesting the altered metabolite profile of T2D causes shifts in host‐microbial community structure, with enrichment in succinate producers and consumers and mucin‐degrading bacteria. Bacterial and fungal cultures showed that 7a did not influence growth or virulence gene expression, suggesting the therapeutic effects of 7a are a direct result of 7a interacting with host cells and that alterations in microbial community structure are driven by reduced host SUCNR1 signaling. This work further suggests that targeting SUCNR1 signaling is a promising therapeutic approach in metabolic, inflammatory, or immune disorders with elevated succinate levels.
Ustilaginoidea virens‐secreted effector Uv1809 suppresses rice immunity by enhancing OsSRT2‐mediated histone deacetylation
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Liu Chen , Wang Hailin , Liu Qi , Yue Yaping , Duan Yuhang , Wang Zhaoyun , Zheng Lu , Chen Xiaolin , Wang Yaohui , Huang Junbin , Xu Qiutao , Pan Yuemin 
Published: September 2023

SummaryRice false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is a devastating rice (Oryza sativa) disease worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying U. virens–rice interactions are largely unknown. In this study, we identified a secreted protein, Uv1809, as a key virulence factor. Heterologous expression of Uv1809 in rice enhanced susceptibility to rice false smut and bacterial blight. Host‐induced gene silencing of Uv1809 in rice enhanced resistance to U. virens, suggesting that Uv1809 inhibits rice immunity and promotes infection by U. virens. Uv1809 suppresses rice immunity by targeting and enhancing rice histone deacetylase OsSRT2‐mediated histone deacetylation, thereby reducing H4K5ac and H4K8ac levels and interfering with the transcriptional activation of defence genes. CRISPR‐Cas9 edited ossrt2 mutants showed no adverse effects in terms of growth and yield but displayed broad‐spectrum resistance to rice pathogens, revealing a potentially valuable genetic resource for breeding disease resistance. Our study provides insight into defence mechanisms against plant pathogens that inactivate plant immunity at the epigenetic level.
Molecular evolution of Cypridina noctiluca secretory luciferase for production of spectrum‐shifted luminescence‐emitting mutants and their application in nuclear receptor–reporter assays
Authors: Nishimiya Yoshiyuki , Morita Yosuke , Wu Chun , Ohyama Yasushi , Tochigi Yuki , Okuzawa Tsugumi , Sakashita Mami , Asakawa Atsushi , Irie Tsutomu , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Ohgiya Satoru , Morita Naoki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLuciferase is a popular enzyme used for biological analyses, such as reporter assays. In addition to a conventional reporter assay using a pair of firefly and Renilla luciferases, a simple multicolor reporter assay using multiple firefly or beetle luciferases emitting different color luminescence with a single substrate has been reported. Secretory luciferases have also been used for convenient sample preparation in reporter assays; however, reporter assay using secretory luciferase mutants that emit spectrum‐shifted luminescence have not yet been reported. In this study, we generated blue‐ and red‐shifted (−16 and 12 nm) luminescence‐emitting Cypridina secretory luciferase (CLuc) mutants using multiple cycles of random and site‐directed mutagenesis. Even for red‐shifted CLuc mutant, which exhibited relatively low activity and stability, its enzymatic activity was sufficiently high for a luciferase assay (3.26 × 106 relative light unit/s), light emission was sufficiently prolonged (half‐life is 3 min), and stability at 37°C was high. We independently determined the luminescence of these CLuc mutants using a luminometer with an optical filter. Finally, we replaced the commonly used reporters, firefly and Renilla luciferases used in a conventional nuclear receptor–reporter assay with these CLuc mutants and established a secretory luciferase‐based single‐substrate dual‐color nuclear receptor–reporter assay.
Establishment of a new equation to estimate gestational age in female dogs
Authors: Pollis Elza S. C. , Padilha Felipe G. F. , Campos Isabela S. , Bartz Camila , Silva Franciele B. F. , Pinna Aline E. , Leite Juliana da Silva , Ferreira Ana M. R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to propose a statistical model to predict the behaviour of the thickness of the uteroplacental junction as a function of the gestation period in female dogs and to determine the relationship between the thickness of the placenta and gestational age in healthy female dogs whose pregnancies had elapsed without maternal‐fetal alterations. Eight Border Collie female dogs were selected, aged 3–6 (4.48 ± 0.89) and weighing 16–22 kg (19.06 ± 1.9 kg). Female dogs with gestational ages from 20 to 62 days were examined weekly using B‐mode ultrasonography. Ultrasound measurements of the uteroplacental junction were organized into four distinct groups: GT1 (27–36 days of gestation), GT2 (37–46 days of gestation), GT3 (47–56 days of gestation) and GT4 (57–62 days of gestation). Based on multiple linear regression, a statistical model was proposed to predict the behaviour of the thickness of the uteroplacental junction (y) as a function of the length of gestation (x) in female dogs, where b0 is the intercept (linear coefficient) and bp is the slope of the predictors. The analysis relating GT, age and weight could predict placental thickness and resulted in a statistically significant model [F(1,28) = 153,736; p < .001; R2 = .846], but only that relating the length of pregnancy (β = .92; t = 12.399; p < .001) predicted the thickness of the placenta according to the equation y = b0 + bp.x1 [(thickness in cm) = β −0.3 + 0.019 × (gestation time in days)]. Only in GT4 was there no correlation between placentas within the same pregnancy (p > .05). Based on the close relationship between the development of the uteroplacental junction thickness during pregnancy and gestational age, it is possible to develop a new tool to complement gestational ultrasound evaluation in female dogs. This is important because it allows better placental evaluation in the search for significant alterations that could compromise maternal‐fetal health.
A citrate efflux transporter important for manganese distribution and phosphorus uptake in rice
Authors: Panchal Poonam , Bhatia Chitra , Chen Yi , Sharma Meenakshi , Bhadouria Jyoti , Verma Lokesh , Maurya Kanika , Miller Anthony J. , Giri Jitender 
Published: September 2023

SUMMARYThe plant citrate transporters, functional in mineral nutrient uptake and homeostasis, usually belong to the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporter family. We identified and functionally characterized a rice (Oryza sativa) citrate transporter, OsCT1, which differs from known plant citrate transporters and is structurally close to rice silicon transporters. Domain analysis depicted that OsCT1 carries a bacterial citrate‐metal transporter domain, CitMHS. OsCT1 showed citrate efflux activity when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and is localized to the cell plasma membrane. It is highly expressed in the shoot and reproductive tissues of rice, and its promoter activity was visible in cells surrounding the vasculature. The OsCT1 knockout (KO) lines showed a reduced citrate content in the shoots and the root exudates, whereas overexpression (OE) line showed higher citrate exudation from their roots. Further, the KO and OE lines showed variations in the manganese (Mn) distribution leading to changes in their agronomical traits. Under deficient conditions (Mn‐sufficient conditions followed by 8 days of 0 μm MnCl2 · 4H2O treatment), the supply of manganese towards the newer leaf was found to be obstructed in the KO line. There were no significant differences in phosphorus (P) distribution; however, P uptake was reduced in the KO and increased in OE lines at the vegetative stage. Further, experiments in Xenopus oocytes revealed that OsCT1 could efflux citrate with Mn. In this way, we provide insights into a mechanism of citrate‐metal transport in plants and its role in mineral homeostasis, which remains conserved with their bacterial counterparts.
Canadian Blood Services traceback investigation of a suspected case of transfusion‐transmitted malaria
Authors: Tordon Bryan , Drews Steven J. , Flahr Francine , Bennett Kathleen , Gaziano Teresa , Anderson Danielle , Nahirniak Susan , Gerges Hanan , Tyrrell Gregory J. , Mah Jordan , Ndao Momar , Bigham Mark , Seftel Matthew 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundA 4‐month‐old infant hospitalized since birth received multiple blood transfusions. In March 2022, Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed with nucleic acid testing. As the mother was assessed as unlikely to be the source of infection, the blood operator initiated a traceback investigation for a potential blood donor source. The patient had received 13 red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (aliquoted from 11 donors), 4 apheresis platelet (PLT) transfusions and 16 buffy coat pooled PLT transfusions. The blood operator medical team developed a supplementary malaria infection risk questionnaire to identify donors at highest risk of life‐time malaria infection, based on birthplace, residence, or travel in malaria‐endemic regions.ResultsWith 79 donors initially implicated, initial focus was on donors of RBC components. The 11 RBC donors were contacted and assessed using the supplementary questionnaire. Three donors, all of whom met current malaria‐related donor eligibility criteria, were deemed high risk of prior malaria infection. These donors consented to P. falciparum serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT). One donor who was born and had resided in an endemic West African country for 14 years, was positive for P. falciparum by serology (indirect fluorescent antibody test) and NAT‐(Ct ≥32). Lookback of this donor's transfused fresh co‐components and prior donation identified no other malaria cases.ConclusionThis was a probable transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) case from an eligible donor who in retrospect was found to have unrecognized, asymptomatic, semi‐immune malaria infection, and who was potentially infectious. Blood donor lack of recall of prior malaria infection does not negate the risk of TTM from those who have lived in malaria‐endemic countries.
Effect of Trimmed Rear Shroud on Performance and Axial Thrust of Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pump With Emphasis on Visualizing Flow Losses
Authors: Gu Yandong , Sun Hao , Wang Chuan , Lu Rong , Liu Benqing , Ge Jie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Multi-stage centrifugal pumps are frequently used in high-lift applications and consume considerable energy, but suffer from poor performance and large axial force. The rear shroud of impeller is trimmed for reducing axial thrust, but this degrades performance. This study analyzes performance degradation and optimizes performance and axial force. Experiments and simulations are conducted on different ratios of rear shroud to front shroud (λ). Total pressure losses are calculated, and flow losses are visualized using the entropy generation method. Both measured and simulated performances decrease as the rear shroud is trimmed. Designs with different λ meet the head coefficient requirement of 1.1. However, λ of 0.86 has the best efficiency of 42.7%, λ of 0.83 reaches 42.5%, λ of 0.8 shows the lowest efficiency of 39.9%. Efficiency in the middle channel improves as the rear shroud is trimmed, but this cannot offset increased losses in the impeller and rear side chamber. Entropy production is exacerbated in the axial passage between impeller and rear side chamber due to the collision between impeller-driven flow and pressure-driven backflow. When λ is reduced by 0.03, axial thrust drops by 7%. To compromise between performance and axial thrust, λ should be designed at 0.83.
Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly (styrene sulfonate) Modified Laser Scribed Graphene for Flexible and Wearable Bioelectronics
Authors: Zhang Suheng , Yao Yao , Wang Yi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The rapid development of flexible and wearable electronic devices has increased the demand for highly flexible, conductive, and durable materials for device circuits. Over the past decade, laser-scribed graphene (LSG) has been widely employed for the contact-free and mask-free fabrication of conductive carbon circuits or patterns from polyimide or other precursors due to its excellent physiochemical properties. On the other hand, conducting polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) has also been extensively studied for fabricating flexible electronics thanks to its excellent electronic/ionic conductivity and flexibility. However, both materials have their limitations, making them still difficult to use directly for manufacturing high-performance electronic devices. For example, the LSG is fragile and easily damaged, and PEDOT: PSS is easily clustered in aqueous solutions, reducing the conductivity. To overcome the limitations, in this paper, we report a facile and cost-effective LSG modifying method with PEDOT: PSS to enhance the performance, which combines the exceptional sensing properties of the PEDOT: PSS with the electronic advantages of the LSG. The modification method can be readily extended using inkjet printing or screen printing. The characterization and comparison experiments demonstrate that the electric conductivity can be improved to three times as that of the original LSG by PEDOT: PSS modification. The modified LSG has better flexibility, which is more suitable for flexible and wearable electronics.
Condenser Retrofit in Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (Boiling Water Reactor): Far Beyond a Standard Modular Solution
Authors: Wolf Hartwig , Wettstein Arthur , Faltermeier Robert , Graf Peter , Schupp Daniel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Leibstadt nuclear power plant (KKL) in Switzerland was originally commissioned in 1984 with a nominal power output of 1000 MWel. Since then, there have been several uprates of the boiling water reactor (BWR), which have increased the power to 1275 MWel. After the nearly four decades of operation, the original condenser was impacted by advanced erosion corrosion and by progressive performance deterioration. In addition, the thermal power uprates required load reduction during hot summer periods to avoid high condenser back pressure. Consequently, KKL asked GE to carry out a comprehensive retrofit study to identify potential improvements on both lifetime and performance. These included robust material selection, optimized extraction of noncondensable gases by means of a bespoke air cooler section of the condenser and applying GE Steam Power's latest innovative tube pattern design, which is aligned to BWR requirements. However, site constraints prevented a typical modular condenser retrofit. Hence, working in a close cooperation between KKL and GE Steam Power, a customized retrofit concept was developed which used semi-prefabricated skeletal modules and an on-site rebuild of the condenser. In total, approximately 475 tons of old condenser material were dismantled, 24 new semi-prefabricated skeletal modules were installed, a condenser with 51,600 tubes was rebuilt on-site and 8 waterboxes were replaced with an improved design made of stainless steel. More than 350 professionals contributed to the successful retrofit with an overall site effort of 270,000 working hours—increasing the power output to 1285 MWel.
Prediction Enhancement of Machine Learning Using Time Series Modeling in Gas Turbines
Authors: Goyal Vipul , Xu Mengyu , Kapat Jayanta , Vesely Ladislav 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study is based on time-series data taken from the combined cycle heavy-duty utility gas turbines. For analysis, first a multistage vector autoregressive model is constructed for the nominal operation of the powerplant assuming sparsity in the association among variables and this is used as a basis for anomaly detection and prediction. This prediction is compared with the time-series data of the plant-operation containing anomalies. The comparative advantage based on prediction accuracy and applicability of the algorithms is discussed for the postprocessing. Next, the long-memory behavior of residuals is modeled, and heterogeneous variances are observed from the residuals of the generalized additive model. Autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models are employed to fit the residual process, which significantly improve the prediction. Rolling one-step-ahead forecast is studied. Numerical experiments of abrupt changes and trend in the blade-path temperature are performed to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the prediction. The prediction is sensitive given reasonable signal-to-noise ratio and has lower false positive rate. The control chart is able to detect the simulated abrupt jump quickly.
Taking the high-edge route of rank-3 outer space
Authors: Gagnier Damara , Pfaff Catherine 
Published: September 2023

Principal fully irreducible outer automorphisms were introduced in [Y. Algom-Kfir, I. Kapovich and C. Pfaff, Stable strata of geodesics in outer space, Int. Math. Res. Not. 2019(14) (2019) 4549–4578] to emulate principal pseudo-Anosov surface homeomorphisms, i.e. those whose attracting and repelling invariant foliations have only 3-pronged singularities. It is proved in [Y. Algom-Kfir, I. Kapovich and C. Pfaff, Stable strata of geodesics in outer space, Int. Math. Res. Not. 2019(14) (2019) 4549–4578] that these outer automorphisms semi-mimic principal pseudo-Anosov surface homeomorphisms in important ways. We prove here which rank-3 graphs carry train track representatives of principal fully irreducible outer automorphisms. As a corollary, one obtains which simplices of rank-3 Culler–Vogtmann outer space principal axes pass through.
Interfacial Debonding Detection in Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular (CFST) Columns with Modal Curvature-Based Irregularity Detection Indices
Authors: Khanahmadi Mohtasham , Khalighi Masoud 
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the effect of concrete-steel debonding on the modal dynamic properties, i.e. frequency values and vibration mode shapes, and deals with the identification of interfacial debonding zones in CFST columns. In this context, debonding, defined as a decrease in concrete stiffness at the connection with the steel tube by a depth of 3 mm, was analyzed through the frequency analysis of the column. The findings indicate that debonding results in a discernible disparity between the primary and secondary mode shapes, as assessed by the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC). Furthermore, there is a reduction in the frequency values across all modes. This paper proposes the irregularity detection indices of the Modal Curvature Index (MCI), Modal Curvature-Slope Index (MCSI) and Modal Curvature-Curvature Index (MCCI) using the concept of curvature to detect the debonding zones. These indices indicate the relative extreme values of irregularities in debonding zones for all modes, such that the MCSI and MCCI show an increase in the height of irregularities regardless of negative or positive signs in a debonding zone as the damage severity in that zone increases.
Short-term Volumetric and Minimal Area Changes in the Pharyngeal Airway After Use of a Fixed Functional Appliance: A Three-dimensional CBCT Investigation
Authors: Thakur Agrima , Mukhopadhyay Meghna , Verma Shubhnita , Chitra Prasad 
Published: September 2023

Objective Functional appliances are used in orthodontics to bring about correction of mandibular retrognathism by forward positioning and eventually remodeling the condyle- glenoid fossa to retain this new position. Research has shown that these appliances have a significant effect on pharyngeal airway of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in volume and minimum constriction area in the pharyngeal airway using CBCT imaging after correction of mandibular retrognathism with an Advansync2 Class II corrector. Methods This single-center study consisted of 20 Class II patients (mean age 14.8 years) who required correction of mandibular retrognathism. The patients were treated with the Advansync2 Class II corrector for an average of 26 weeks. CBCT records were taken at T0 (beginning of treatment) and T1 (end of functional phase). The airway was segmented into lower nasopharynx, velopharynx and oropharynx and analyzed for changes in partial volume, total volume, and minimum area using a CBCT software [NewTom 3GTM (Newtom- Cefla S.C., Verona, Italy)]. Results The partial and total volumes were significantly larger at T1 than at T0 ( p = .003, .001). In addition, minimum area also improved in each part of the airway ( p = .005, .022, .001). Conclusion The Advansync2 fixed functional appliance can be used in Class II patients requiring improvement in their airway dimensions. However, additional long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings.