Distinct Events Research Articles

Log-Normal Waiting Time Widths Characterize Dynamics

Many astronomical phenomena, including Fast Radio Bursts and Soft Gamma Repeaters, consist of brief distinct aperiodic events. The intervals between these events vary randomly, but there are periods of greater activity, with shorter mean intervals, and of lesser activity, with longer mean intervals. A single dimensionless parameter, the width of a log-normal function fitted to the distribution of waiting times between events, quantifies the variability of the activity. This parameter describes its dynamics in analogy to the critical exponents and universality classes of renormalization group theory. If the distribution of event strengths is a power law, the width of the log-normal fit is independent of the detection threshold and is a robust measure of the dynamics of the phenomenon.

Apatite Fission‐Track Thermochronology in the Tamusu Area, Bayingobi Basin, NW China, and its Geological Significance

AbstractThe Bayingobi basin is located in the middle of Central Asia Orogenic Belt, at the intersection of Paleo‐Asian Ocean and Tethys Ocean, as well as the junction of multiple tectonic plates. This unique tectonic setting underpins the basin's intricate history of tectonic activity. To unravel the multifaceted tectono‐thermal evolution within the southwestern region of the basin and to elucidate the implications of sandstone‐hosted uranium mineralization, granitic and clastic rock samples were collected from the Zongnai Mts. uplift and Yingejing depression, and apatite fission track (AFT) dating and thermal history simulation analysis were performed. AFT dating findings reveal that the apparent ages of all samples fall within the range of 244 Ma to 112 Ma. In particular, the bedrock of the Zongnai Mts. and Jurassic detrital apatite fission tracks have undergone complete annealing, capturing the uplift‐cooling age. Meanwhile, the AFT ages of Cretaceous detrital rocks are either equivalent to or notably exceed the age of sedimentary strata, signifying the cooling age of the provenance. A comprehensive examination of AFT ages and palaeocurrent direction analyses suggests that the Cretaceous source in the Tamusu area predominantly originated from the central and southern sectors of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. However, at a certain juncture during the Late Early Cretaceous, the Cretaceous provenance expanded to include the northern part of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. Based on the results of thermal history simulations and previous studies, it is considered that the Tamusu area has undergone four distinct tectonic uplift events since the Late Paleozoic. The first is the Late Permian to Early Triassic (260–240 Ma), which is associated with the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the accretionary orogeny within the Alxa region. The second uplift event took place in the Early Jurassic (190–175 Ma) and corresponded to intraplate orogeny following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The third uplift event is the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–120 Ma), which is linked to the East Asia's position as the convergence center of multiple tectonic plates during this period. The fourth uplift event is linked to the Late Early Cretaceous (112–100 Ma), driven either by the westward subduction of the eastern Pacific plate or the mantle upwelling resulting from the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere subduction and slab break‐off. The primary stress orientation for the first three tectonic uplift phases approximated a nearly SN direction, while the fourth stage featured a principal stress direction of NW. The fourth tectonic uplift event of the Late Early Cretaceous and basaltic eruption thermal event during this period likely exerted a significant influence on the formation of the Tamusu sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit.

Enhancing mobile aerosol monitoring with CE376 dual-wavelength depolarization lidar

Abstract. We present the capabilities of a compact dual-wavelength depolarization lidar to assess the spatiotemporal variations in aerosol properties aboard moving vectors. Our approach involves coupling the lightweight Cimel CE376 lidar, which provides measurements at 532 and 808 nm and depolarization at 532 nm, with a photometer to monitor aerosol properties. The assessments, both algorithmic and instrumental, were conducted at ATOLL (ATmospheric Observatory of LiLle) platform operated by the Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique (LOA), in Lille, France. An early version of the CE376 lidar co-located with the CE318-T photometer and with a multi-wavelength Raman lidar were considered for comparisons and validation. We developed a modified Klett inversion method for simultaneous two-wavelength elastic lidar and photometer measurements. Using this setup, we characterized aerosols during two distinct events of Saharan dust and dust smoke aerosols transported over Lille in spring 2021 and summer 2022. For validation purposes, comparisons against the Raman lidar were performed, demonstrating good agreement in aerosol properties with relative differences of up to 12 % in the depolarization measurements. Moreover, a first dataset of CE376 lidar and photometer performing on-road measurements was obtained during the FIREX-AQ (Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality) field campaign deployed in summer 2019 over the northwestern USA. By lidar and photometer mapping in 3D, we investigated the transport of released smoke from active fire spots at William Flats (northeast WA, USA). Despite extreme environmental conditions, our study enabled the investigation of aerosol optical properties near the fire source, distinguishing the influence of diffuse, convective, and residual smoke. Backscatter, extinction profiles, and column-integrated lidar ratios at 532 and 808 nm were derived for a quality-assured dataset. Additionally, the extinction Ångström exponent (EAE), color ratio (CR), attenuated color ratio (ACR), and particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) were derived. In this study, we discuss the capabilities (and limitations) of the CE376 lidar in bridging observational gaps in aerosol monitoring, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies for Helicobacter pylori-Induced Gastric Carcinogenesis and Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma.

Helicobacter pylori has been classified as a class I carcinogen by WHO because of its primary involvement in the development of gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. This review focuses on understanding the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms that operate within intracellular transduction pathways and their relevance in the treatment strategies for the two main diseases caused by H. pylori. H. pylori virulence factors such as cytotoxin-associated gene A and vacuolating cytotoxin A genotypes, inflammatory mediators, H. pylori-induced microRNA deregulation, alterations in autophagy proteins and regulators, and changes in DNA methylation are some of the molecular mechanisms that play essential roles in H. pylori infection and gastric carcinogenesis. The discovery of novel treatment strategies that target the deregulated intracellular transduction pathways in gastric carcinogenesis and MALT lymphoma is critical. H. pylori eradication (HPE) is not limited to H. pylori-dependent low-grade MALT lymphoma and may be used in patients with high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (de novo or DLBCL-MALT lymphoma). The loss of H. pylori dependency and high-grade transformation appear to be distinct events in the progression of gastric lymphoma. Interestingly, patients with H. pylori-positive gastric DLBCL without histological evidence of MALT lymphoma (pure gastric DLBCL) may respond to HPE therapy.

Disinfection by-product formation potential in response to variability in dissolved organic matter and nutrient inputs: Insights from a mesocosm study

Changes in rainfall patterns driven by climate change affect the transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and nutrients through runoff to freshwater systems. This presents challenges for drinking water providers. DOM, which is a heterogeneous mix of organic molecules, serves as a critical precursor for disinfection by-products (DBPs) which are associated with adverse health effects. Predicting DBP formation is complex due to changes in DOM concentration and composition in source waters, intensified by altered rainfall frequency and intensity. We employed a novel mesocosm approach to investigate the response of DBP precursors to variability in DOM composition and inorganic nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, export to lakes. Three distinct pulse event scenarios, mimicking extreme, intermittent, and continuous runoff were studied. Simultaneous experiments were conducted at two boreal lakes with distinct DOM composition, as reflected in their color (brown and clear lakes), and bromide content, using standardized methods. Results showed primarily site-specific changes in DBP precursors, some heavily influenced by runoff variability. Intermittent and daily pulse events in the clear-water mesocosms exhibited higher haloacetonitriles (HANs) formation potential linked to freshly produced protein-like DOM enhanced by light availability. In contrast, trihalomethanes (THMs), associated with humic-like DOM, showed no significant differences between pulse events in the brown-water mesocosms. Elevated bromide concentration in the clear mesocosms critically influenced THMs speciation and concentrations. These findings contribute to understanding how changing precipitation patterns impact the dynamics of DBP formation, thereby offering insights for monitoring the mobilization and alterations of DBP precursors within catchment areas and lake ecosystems.

A novel approach to exploring the dark genome and its application to mapping of the vertebrate virus fossil record

BackgroundGenomic regions that remain poorly understood, often referred to as the dark genome, contain a variety of functionally relevant and biologically informative features. These include endogenous viral elements (EVEs)—virus-derived sequences that can dramatically impact host biology and serve as a virus fossil record. In this study, we introduce a database-integrated genome screening (DIGS) approach to investigate the dark genome in silico, focusing on EVEs found within vertebrate genomes.ResultsUsing DIGS on 874 vertebrate genomes, we uncover approximately 1.1 million EVE sequences, with over 99% originating from endogenous retroviruses or transposable elements that contain EVE DNA. We show that the remaining 6038 sequences represent over a thousand distinct horizontal gene transfer events across 10 virus families, including some that have not previously been reported as EVEs. We explore the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of non-retroviral EVEs and determine their rates of acquisition during vertebrate evolution. Our study uncovers novel virus diversity, broadens knowledge of virus distribution among vertebrate hosts, and provides new insights into the ecology and evolution of vertebrate viruses.ConclusionsWe comprehensively catalog and analyze EVEs within 874 vertebrate genomes, shedding light on the distribution, diversity, and long-term evolution of viruses and reveal their extensive impact on vertebrate genome evolution. Our results demonstrate the power of linking a relational database management system to a similarity search-based screening pipeline for in silico exploration of the dark genome.

Late-fracture calcite veins decode natural gas preservation

The preservation of natural gas can be easily dismissed by late crustal deformations, which are often concealed by fracture-filling calcite vein networks. This study introduces a novel approach to confine the timeframe of natural gas-leakage processes by employing coupled in situ U–Pb dating and clumped isotope (Δ47) analysis of late-fracture calcite veins associated with brittle deformation in caprock/unconventional reservoirs during basin uplift. Specifically, Δ47 and U–Pb data were acquired for fracture calcite veins that formed in high-angle or vertical fractures within the early Silurian shale reservoirs of the Southeastern Sichuan Basin in China. Absolute U–Pb ages revealed two distinct calcite precipitation events at 6.89 ± 0.18 and 3.55 ± 0.11 Ma, respectively. The primary mechanism for shale gas escape from early Silurian shale reservoirs was the leakage of natural gas through activated high-angle faults that had remained unsealed since at least 6.89 Ma. At approximately 3.55 Ma, the overlying weathered layer was lifted to the surface of the Earth, facilitating the connection between meteoric water and shale reservoirs through activated fractures. Natural gas leakage occurred concurrently with meteoric water infiltration, and a non-linear mixing effect between methanogenesis and meteoric water, as well as intense ventilation along the water-bearing fracture surface, is identified as the cause of delayed late-fracture calcite precipitation, leading to an abnormal δ13C of calcite vein (up to +22.1‰). This approach holds significant implications for assessing natural-gas preservation in uplifted basins worldwide.

2730–2670 Ma rifting triggers sagduction prior to the onset of orogenesis at ca 2650 Ma: implications for gold mineralisation, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia

The dominant structural fabric in the Eastern Goldfields is the steep north- to north-northwest-trending S2 foliation that is axial planar to upright F2 folds, developed during intense horizontal east–west shortening (D2–4 event). These structures consistently overprint D1 structures, which comprise layer-parallel S1 foliation, extensional shears, thrusts and recumbent F1 folds. The D1 event represents a separate and distinct episode of deformation with a markedly different stress regime (dominant vertical σ1), compared with the stress regime during the D2–4 events (horizontal east–west oriented σ1). There is little evidence for pre-2670 Ma ductile deformation in the Eastern Goldfields, as: (1) the ca 2730–2670 Ma greenstone sequences are deposited conformably on the older ca 2800 Ma greenstone sequences, with the first significant angular unconformities observed at the base of the post greenstone late basins; (2) a lack of schist or gneiss clasts in the late basins suggests that the surrounding uplifted sequence was largely undeformed; (3) the layer-parallel S1 foliation is observed throughout the 2720–2670 Ma greenstone sequence; and (4) the dominant low north- and south-plunges of F2 folds suggest that the sequence was predominantly flat-lying prior to strong east–west shortening (D2–4 events). The ca 2670–2655 Ma D1 event represents a period of sagduction that occurred immediately after cessation of rifting as a result of gravitational instability from deposition of dense, cold, greenstone sequences onto thinned, light, hot felsic crust. Late basins represent depocentres on the sinking greenstones during sagduction. Marked contrasts in the structural style of gold deposits, metallogeny and fluid sources, typically attributed to progressive deformation during orogenesis, could instead reflect temporally distinct mineralising events during changing tectonic regimes. In the East Yilgarn, an early plumbing system dominated by north-northwest-trending basin-controlling structures was likely established during rifting and focused fluids during multiple hydrothermal circulation events.

I am because I have to be: Exploring one mother‐worker's identity of the surrendered self through stories of mothering neurodiverse children

AbstractOur qualitative study delves into the life history of a mother‐worker caring for two neurodiverse children, surfacing how the intensive mental load of balancing domestic and professional responsibilities permeates and shapes her identity. Employing narrative analysis and photovoice methods, we investigate how she navigates the logistical and emotional complexities in both roles across three distinct storytelling events: storying (mis)diagnoses, storying care needs and work negotiations, and storying coping. Our primary contribution lies in introducing the concept of the surrendered self, signaling the amplified and prolonged embodiment of one's provisional identity (mother) based on socio‐cultural expectations of who she thinks she ought to be, leading to the eclipse of other possible identities (woman, wife, worker).

Reparations and the Ministry of Planetary Peace

AbstractThis article explores the historical roots and unfolding legacies of reparations denial as a continuation of the spiritual and socioeconomic planetary war perpetuated through the transatlantic slave trade. An examination of the social production of an anti‐reparations norm against Afro‐Americans in the United States seeks to uncover underlying fears of national destabilization and their relations to underexamined opportunities for functional solidarities across ethnicities, potentially offering a unique contribution to the pursuit of lasting global peace. The article proposes a twofold re‐examination. First, it insists on the rejection and reconception of religious concepts upholding and extending the socioeconomic relations of slavery and white supremacy through evasive political theological notions of human nature and historical time. Second, it advocates the formation of local, national, and international alliances dedicated to articulating, supporting, defending, and achieving reparations for distinct historical events as a means of repairing unique legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and Western colonialism for the common good, using an international ecumenical alliance for repair and reparations (AIRRE) developed by the Presbyterian Church's (USA) Center for the Repair of Historical Harms as an active example.

Upwelling-induced inflow pulses in a tropical bay during mid-summer drought

Bahía Santa Elena is a tropical bay located in the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica. This region experiences a period of reduced precipitation from July to August, known as mid-summer drought, induced by the intensification of northeastern winds from the Caribbean Low-Level Jet. Intensification of upwelling-favorable winds can cool surface waters adjacent to the bay, leading to a reduction in water temperatures within the bay, that alters the biological dynamics of coastal habitats. This study aims to analyze upwelling-induced inflow pulses in Bahía Santa Elena during mid-summer drought, focusing on the cooling effect of intensified upwelling-favorable winds and the subsequent warm water inflows following wind relaxation. We conducted two measuring campaigns from June to July in 2021 and in 2022. The first campaign consisted of a single acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) moored inside the bay. The second campaign consisted of two mooring deployments: an ADCP with a thermistor chain inside the bay and an ADCP installed at the inlet. Each campaign presented five distinct events of upwelled water inflows into the bay promoted by an offshore Ekman transport. Upwelling-favorable wind peaks were followed by a decrease in temperature of the water column. When the upwelling-favorable wind relaxed, a warm water pulse entered the bay. These events are expected to play an important role in biological processes within tropical bays adjacent to upwelling zones during mid-summer drought.

Assessing the Predictive Accuracy of EORTC, CUETO and EAU Risk Stratification Models for High-Grade Recurrence and Progression after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

The currently available EORTC, CUETO and EAU2021 risk stratifications were originally developed to predict recurrence and progression in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, they have not been validated to differentiate between high-grade (HG) and low-grade (LG) recurrence-free survival (RFS), which are distinct events with specific implications. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of available risk models and identify additional risk factors for HG RFS and PFS among NMIBC patients treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). We retrospectively included 171 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), of whom 73 patients (42.7%) experienced recurrence and 29 (17%) developed progression. Initially, there were 21 low-grade and 52 high-grade recurrences. EORTC2006, EORTC2016 and CUETO recurrence scoring systems lacked accuracy in the prediction of HG RFS (C-index 0.63/0.55/0.59, respectively). EAU2021 risk stratification, EORTC2006, EORTC2016, and CUETO progression scoring systems demonstrated low to moderate accuracy (C-index 0.59/0.68/0.65/0.65) in the prediction of PFS. In the multivariable analysis, T1HG at repeat TURBT (HR = 3.17 p < 0.01), tumor multiplicity (HR = 2.07 p < 0.05), previous history of HG NMIBC (HR = 2.37 p = 0.06) and EORTC2006 progression risk score (HR = 1.1 p < 0.01) were independent predictors for HG RFS. To conclude, available risk models lack accuracy in predicting HG RFS and PFS in -NMIBC patients treated with BCG.

Petrochronology of the Dom Feliciano Belt foreland in southernmost Brazil reveals two distinct tectonometamorphic events in the western central Kaoko–Dom Feliciano–Gariep orogen

Petrochronology of the Dom Feliciano Belt foreland in southernmost Brazil reveals two distinct tectonometamorphic events in the western central Kaoko–Dom Feliciano–Gariep orogen

A microscopic view on the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of Au with scanning electrochemical cell microscopy – Part II: Potentiostatic dissolution and correlation with in-situ EC-TEM

The electrochemical oxidation of gold nanoparticles (NPs) has been examined in H2SO4 and acidified NaCl by combining multiple techniques including scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and in-situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (EC-TEM). Our findings provide novel insights into the intricate oxidation dynamics of Au NPs, which are determined by the interplay between passivation and dissolution. SECCM chronoamperometric measurements in the Cl− containing electrolyte reveal distinct current peak events during the dissolution process. We attribute these events to delayed one-by-one NP dissolution following the rapid breakdown of the passive layer formed during the initial stages of anodic polarization, and exposure of the metallic gold core to Cl− ions. Statistical analysis of these peak events further uncovers relationships between the applied potential and the distribution of the peak descriptors over time. The analysis of the charge consumed during each event indicates that NPs undergo partial dissolution interrupted by rapid re-passivation. As the potential increases, the peak current rises and the duration of the peak events decreases due to intensified dissolution and faster re-passivation. The onset time of the peak events displays a highly stochastic nature. In-situ EC-TEM measurements support these findings by confirming that Au NPs dissolve one-by-one at different time intervals and stages, revealing a core-shell structure during the dissolution process. The shell, which is more resistant, leads to a delayed, particle-by-particle dissolution once it is broken down. Quantification of the EC-TEM video allows recreating an equivalent current-time transient which presents peak events similar to these measured by SECCM. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex and stochastic behavior of nanoparticle dissolution, which cannot be fully explained by traditional (macro) electrochemistry alone. The combination of SECCM and EC-TEM offers high potential to understand complex nanomaterial degradation pathways, essential for the design of durable electrocatalysts for electrochemical conversion and storage applications.

The latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous climate and oceanographic changes in the Western Tethys: The Transdanubian Range (Hungary) perspective

AbstractThe Jurassic/Cretaceous transition was characterized by several distinct palaeoenvironmental processes and events, amongst which some of the best known are the late Tithonian–early Berriasian aridization and the late Berriasian tectonic reactivation in the Neotethyan Collision Belt. This study aims to reconstruct the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous palaeoenvironment and its evolution in the area of the Transdanubian Range (Hárskút and Lókút successions, Hungary), and provide new data on the relation between climate changes, palaeoceanography and marine ecosystems. Herein, calcareous nannofossil and geochemical data are presented and put into a geochronological framework in order to evaluate and compare palaeoenvironmental signals recorded in the two studied successions; the resultant scenario is compared with published literature data from both the western Tethyan region and northern Europe. Accordingly, in the Transdanubian Range, the relatively humid climate of the early Tithonian was followed by the late Tithonian–early Berriasian arid phase and the late Berriasian humidification. Besides, two intervals of palaeoceanographic perturbations were documented in the upper Tithonian–lowermost Berriasian (OD I), and the lower/upper Berriasian transition beds (OD II); these are manifested by the record of seafloor hypoxia and elevated accumulations of micronutrients, as well as changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages. In the view of this study, the most probable trigger of the late Tithonian–early Berriasian aridization was a restriction in the atmospheric circulation (including monsoons), which was forced by climate cooling and lowering thermal gradient between landmasses and the ocean. Under such conditions, the mechanism of a wind‐induced water mixing might become less efficient, driving seawater stratification, seafloor hypoxia and increased burial of nutrients. Although the humid climate of the late Berriasian likely resumed the monsoon‐type circulation, the tectonic reactivation and uplift in the NeoTethyan Collision Belt might have effectively separated the Bakony Basin from the ‘open’ NeoTethys, which hampered the marine circulation and efficient water mixing in the former.

Major source categories of PM2.5 oxidative potential in wintertime Beijing and surroundings based on online dithiothreitol-based field measurements

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) causes millions of premature deaths each year worldwide. Oxidative potential (OP) has been proposed as a better metric for aerosol health effects than PM2.5 mass concentration alone. In this study, we report for the first time online measurements of PM2.5 OP in wintertime Beijing and surroundings based on a dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. These measurements were combined with co-located PM chemical composition measurements to identify the main source categories of aerosol OP. In addition, we highlight the influence of two distinct pollution events on aerosol OP (spring festival celebrations including fireworks and a severe regional dust storm). Source apportionment coupled with multilinear regression revealed that primary PM and oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) were both important sources of OP, accounting for 41 ± 12 % and 39 ± 10 % of the OPvDTT (OP normalized by the sampled air volume), respectively. The small remainder was attributed to fireworks and dust, mainly resulting from the two distinct pollution events. During the 3.5-day spring festival period, OPvDTT spiked to 4.9 nmol min−1 m−3 with slightly more contribution from OOA (42 ± 11 %) and less from primary PM (31 ± 15 %). During the dust storm, hourly-averaged PM2.5 peaked at a very high value of 548 μg m−3 due to the dominant presence of dust-laden particles (88 % of total PM2.5). In contrast, only mildly elevated OPvDTT values (up to 1.5 nmol min−1 m−3) were observed during this dust event. This observation indicates that variations in OPvDTT cannot be fully explained using PM2.5 alone; one must also consider the chemical composition of PM2.5 when studying aerosol health effects. Our study highlights the need for continued pollution control strategies to reduce primary PM emissions, and more in-depth investigations into the source origins of OOA, to minimize the health risks associated with PM exposure in Beijing.

Discovery of Small Molecule Glycolytic Stimulants for Enhanced ApoE Lipidation in Alzheimer's Disease Cell Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by pathophysiological deposits of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of tau. The central role of Aβ in AD pathology is well-established, with its increased deposition attributed mainly to its decreased cerebral clearance. Here, it is noteworthy that apolipoprotein E (ApoE), the most significant risk factor for AD, has been shown to play an isoform-specific role in clearing Aβ deposits (ApoE2 > ApoE3 > ApoE4), owing mainly to its lipidation status. In addition to the pathophysiological Aβ deposits, AD is also characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism, which is a distinct event preceding Aβ deposition. The present study established, for the first time, a possible link between these two major AD etiologies, with glucose metabolism directly influencing ApoE lipidation and its secretion by astrocytes expressing human ApoE4. Specifically, glucose dose-dependently activated liver X receptor (LXR), leading to elevated ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein levels and enhanced ApoE lipidation. Moreover, co-treatment with a glycolytic inhibitor significantly inhibited this LXR activation and subsequent ApoE lipidation, further supporting a central role of glucose metabolism in LXR activation leading to enhanced ApoE lipidation, which may help against AD through potential Aβ clearance. Therefore, we hypothesized that pharmacological agents that can target cellular energy metabolism, specifically aerobic glycolysis, may hold significant therapeutic potential against AD. In this context, the present study also led to the discovery of novel, small-molecule stimulants of astrocytic glucose metabolism, leading to significantly enhanced lipidation status of ApoE4 in astrocytic cells. Three such newly discovered compounds (lonidamine, phenformin, and berberine), owing to their promising cellular effect on the glycolysis-ApoE nexus, warrant further investigation in suitable in vivo models of AD.

Pollution profile by n-alkanes in sediment and surface water of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex

The increase in urban demand derived from human activities has contributed to pollution levels in water environments, compromising the quality of water, sediments, and aquatic biota. Estuarine environments receive multiple influences from anthropogenic activities that contribute to the deposition of organic pollutants in the environment, including n-alkanes. In this context, n-alkanes are hydrocarbons that can be found in the environment through natural ecosystem activities as well as through pollution by human practices. Due to their degradation resistance characteristics, they are considered good markers of environmental pollution. The presence of hydrocarbons in the environment can become a major stressor in the environment, being associated with cases of cancer, mutations, and changes in the endocrine system of animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the pollution profile of surface water and sediments caused by the presence of n-alkanes. For this, it was evaluated the presence of n-alkanes in surface water and sediment at ten points in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (Paraná – Brazil), comprising areas influenced by the sea and part of an urbanized river, during four distinct events. The concentrations in water reached a maximum value of 61.7 µg L-1, while in the sediment, the value was 8825.09 µg Kg-1. The diagnostic reasons suggest mixed sources of contribution, but reaffirm the portion of anthropic contribution to estuarine pollution and reinforce the pressures of human activities in processes of degradation of water bodies. It is expected that the data found will serve as a basis for future work and support decision-making in the context of water resources management in the region.

Variation in Total Electron Content Over Ethiopia During the Solar Eclipse Events

AbstractThis work studies variations of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) during four distinct solar eclipse events over the Ethiopia region. Dual‐frequency global positioning system (GPS) data obtained from UNAVCO over Addis Ababa (9.036°N, 38.76°E) and Bahir Dar (11.6°N, 37.34°E) stations are used to examine the ionospheric variability during two annular solar eclipses on 15 January 2010 and 1 September 2016, a partial solar eclipse on 4 January 2011, and a hybrid solar eclipse (the eclipse path starts out as annular but later changes to total) on 3 November 2013. The results show a significant decrease in TEC values during the occurrence of the solar eclipses. Specifically, the TEC values are reduced to −20% and −10% during the annular eclipse on 15 January 2010, −33% and −38% during the partial solar eclipse on 4 January 2011, −26% and −24% during the annular solar eclipse on 1 September 2016, over the Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar stations, respectively. There is only minimal change in TEC of −8% and −9% at Addis Ababa and Bahir stations, respectively, during the 3 November 2013 solar eclipse even if the obstruction rate is high over the study area. Furthermore, the study shows that the spatial gradient of TEC reduction varies at different locations, which is attributed to the distinct amount of reduction in solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, resulting in reduced photo‐ionization. Overall, this study provides insightful information about the behavior of the ionospheric TEC during solar eclipses over Ethiopia and emphasizes the use of dual‐frequency GPS data in tracking the variations of the TEC.

Investigating the Congestion Levels on a Mesoscopic Scale During Outdoor Events

In event management, preventing excessive overcrowding is not only essential for providing comfort but also crucial for ensuring safety. However, understanding the crowd dynamics of participants in outdoor events can be challenging. One of the primary reasons is the limited availability of sensing systems suitable for outdoor use. Challenges include the need for power outlets and adapting to dynamic environmental conditions and unclear event boundaries. Consequently, there is still uncertainty about which measurements can be conducted to scientifically manage crowding based on sound principles. Therefore, there is a need for systems that are capable of discerning spatial and temporal heterogeneity in density and accurately estimating the number of people in regions of interest in both sparse and congested areas. In this study, we propose a novel approach for measuring and understanding crowd states at outdoor events. We designed a highly portable measurement system utilizing Bluetooth technology to monitor crowd density in real time, ensuring uninterrupted data collection even in remote event locations. This system stands out for its ability to operate effectively under diverse weather and lighting conditions without power outlets, making it highly adaptable to various outdoor settings. In our experiments, conducted at four distinct outdoor event locations, we used a 360° camera and LiDARs to validate the system. For instance, we deployed the system at 40-m intervals in a shopping district during a high-density parade. This deployment enabled us to capture the movement of the crowd and estimate the total number of people within the district. A key finding was the system’s capability to detect temporal and spatial congestion in both sparse and crowded areas. The system’s potential to estimate crowd sizes and manage diverse outdoor events marks an advancement over traditional methods like cameras and LiDARs.