bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes and their drivers, and their contribution to the climate change mitigation potential of forest soils in the Lublin region of Poland
Authors: Walkiewicz Anna , Bulak Piotr , Khalil Mohammad I. , Osborne Bruce
Published: November 2024

Forests can play a key role in the mitigation of climate change, although there have been limited regional scale assessments that account for variations in soil type and tree species. Most of the focus has been on their ability to sequester atmospheric CO2, while there is less information on the two other major greenhouse gases (GHGs), N2O and CH4. We examined the GHG budgets of ten forest soils in Poland, considering all three major GHGs, where no previous long-term measurements had been made, which encompassed different tree species, stand age, and contrasting edaphic conditions. In addition to the quantification and assessment of seasonal variability in the major soil GHG fluxes over two years, the aims of the present study were (i) the identification of the main drivers of the soil-based GHG fluxes, (ii) the determination of the contribution of each gas to the Global Warming Potential (GWP), and (iii) to assess the mitigation potential of these fluxes over different forest systems. All the forest soils were sources of CO2 and N2O and sinks for atmospheric CH4 with pronounced seasonal variations in CO2 and CH4 driven by soil moisture and temperature. The soils showed significant differences in annual GHG fluxes, with average values of 16.7 Mg CO2 ha−1, − 3.51 kg CH4 ha−1, and 0.95 kg N2O ha−1. The annual total GWP ranged from 13.1 to 22.0 Mg CO2 eq ha−1 with CO2 making the highest contribution, and forest-specific CH4 uptake resulting in a reduction in GWP, ranging from − 0.08% (in the youngest forest) to -0.97% (in the oldest forest). Mixed forests showed the greatest potential for climate change mitigation, with the highest soil C sequestration, and the lowest GWP values when compared to sites with monocultures. The results suggest that a mixture of tree species could eventually be incorporated into management plans to increase the effectiveness of forests in climate change mitigation.
Clinical Validation of Non-invasive Simulation-Based Determination of Vascular Impedance, Wave Intensity, and Hydraulic Work in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Brown Jonathan Y. , Fernandez Gabriela Veiga , De La Torre Hernández Jose M. , Murphy Michael , Wessler Benjamin S. , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The impact of Aortic Stenosis (AS) on the left ventricle (LV) extends beyond the influence of the pressure drop across the stenotic valve, but also includes the additional serial afterload imposed by the vascular system. Aortic input impedance is the gold standard for comprehensively studying the contribution of the vascular system to total myocardial afterload, but in the past measurement has been challenging arising from the need for invasive catheterization or specialized equipment to precisely record time-resolved blood pressure and flow signals. The goal of this work was to develop and validate a novel simulation-based method for determining aortic input impedance using only clinically available echocardiographic data and a simple blood pressure measurement.

Methods

A simulation-based method to determine vascular impedance was developed using echocardiographic data and a brachial blood pressure measurement. Simulation-based impedance was compared to impedance calculated from echocardiographic flow data and pressure data from a non-invasive central pressure measurement device.

Results

In validation analysis comparing patient-specific simulation-based vascular impedance to non-invasively measured impedance, correlation between methods across a range of vascular parameters varied between R
2 = 0.40 and 0.99. A tendency was seen toward underestimation of pressure waveforms in point-by-point comparison of measured and simulated waveforms with an overall mean difference of 4.01 mmHg.

Conclusions

Requiring only non-invasive clinical data that are widely available, simulation-based vascular impedance has the potential to allow for easier, more widespread, and larger-scale investigation of the effect of vascular impedance on total LV afterload.
‘Should I Tell?’ Moral Reflexivity in 14 Whistleblower Autobiographies
Authors: Olesen Thomas
Published: November 2024

Who is the whistleblower, and how do they reach the difficult decision to blow the whistle? The article argues that the extant literature has not paid sufficient attention to the profound moral reflexivity in this transition from employee to whistleblower. What is missing, in particular, is a better, sociologically informed, understanding of the various social domains in which whistleblowers are embedded. These domains are important because they provide different kinds of resources for the whistleblower’s moral reflexivity. To pursue this idea, the article conducts a qualitative analysis of 14 whistleblower autobiographies. The analysis is structured around four social domains, which are prevalent in the material: Childhood and adolescence, professional ethics, organizational loyalty, and societal and civic duty values. The autobiographical data clearly demonstrate how whistleblowers actively draw on these domains, and often several of them, as they justify and give meaning to their actions. Such a multidimensional understanding of the whistleblower’s social embeddedness opens up to new ways of analysing the deep personal and moral challenges that most whistleblowers experience.
A comprehensive evaluation of eco-productivity of the municipal solid waste service in Chile
Authors: Mocholi-Arce Manuel , Sala-Garrido Ramon , Molinos-Senante Maria , Maziotis Alexandros
Published: November 2024

Moving toward a circular economy requires improvement of the economic and environmental performance of municipalities in their provision of municipal solid waste (MSW) services. Understanding performance changes over years is fundamental to support decision-making. This study employs the Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen productivity indicator to evaluate eco-productivity change and its drivers in the MSW sector in Chile over the years 2015–2019. The further use of decision tree and linear regression analysis allows exploration of the interaction between operating characteristics and eco-productivity estimations. The results of the eco-productivity assessment show that, although the Chilean MSW sector was still facing a transitional period, from 2015 to 2019, eco-productivity increased 1.28% per year. Gains in eco-productivity were due to technical progress and small gains in efficiency, whereas scale effect had an adverse impact. Other factors such as waste spending per inhabitant and the amount of waste collected and recycled per inhabitant had a significant impact on the eco-productivity of Chilean municipalities.
Growth rates in non-syndromic aneurysms of the ascending aorta: a systematic review
Authors: Cozijnsen Luc , Adriaans Bouke P. , Schermer Tjard R. , Groenink Maarten , Schalla Simon , Bekkers Sebastiaan C. A. M.
Published: November 2024

The maximum aortic diameter is the main risk predictor for type A acute aortic syndromes and understanding the growth rate of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs) is pivotal for risk assessment and stratification for pre-emptive aortic surgery. Prevailing guidelines recommend serial imaging of aTAA patients until the thresholds for prophylactic surgery are met. Based on early landmark studies, it was thought that the growth rate of aTAAs is substantially higher than that of the normal-sized aorta. However, more recent studies have reported that aTAA growth is generally slow, questioning the need for frequent imaging during follow-up. The current systematic review provides an overview of studies reporting annual diameter growth rates of non-syndromic aTAAs and explains differences in findings between early and recent studies.
The Ant and the Grasshopper: Does Biased Cognition Compromise Agency in the Case of Delusions and Conspiracy Theories?
Authors: Bortolotti Lisa
Published: November 2024

This paper starts from an observation of our practices: when people are ascribed delusional beliefs or conspiracy beliefs, they tend to be excluded from shared epistemic projects relevant to the content of their beliefs. What might motivate this exclusion? One possibility is that delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs are considered as evidence of irrationality and pathology, and thus endorsing them suggests that one’s epistemic agency is compromised, at least in some contexts. One common argument for the irrational and pathological nature of delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs lies in their being the outputs of faulty cognition. There are some areas of overlap in the cognitive antecedents of delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs as identified in the empirical literature. For instance, some biases and thinking styles have been correlated either with the adoption of delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs, or with the strength of conviction in such beliefs. The paper challenges the claim that, if delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs are the outputs of biased cognition, then it is justified to exclude people endorsing delusional beliefs and conspiracy beliefs from epistemic projects relevant to the content of their beliefs. The relevant biases and thinking styles are widespread in the non-clinical population, do not need to be part of a dysfunctional cognitive process, and can be adaptive in some contexts.
Mediterranean diet and spirituality/religion: eating with meaning
Authors: Dominguez Ligia J. , Veronese Nicola , Ragusa Francesco Saverio , Petralia Valentina , Ciriminna Stefano , Di Bella Giovanna , Schirò Piero , Sabico Shaun , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Barbagallo Mario
Published: November 2024

The interest in the Mediterranean diet has grown considerably due to its potential health benefits on the prevention of diverse age-related chronic diseases and its association with longevity. This dietary pattern, considered among the healthiest in the world, is not simply a combination of healthy foods but goes further in its historical and cultural roots. Mediterranean diet is not intrinsically tied to any specific religion or spiritual system, but its cultural and geographical context has influenced the dietary practices of its inhabitants, encompassing the history of Western civilization and of the three Monotheistic religions Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These religions may have some impact on dietary choices due to religious customs and practices. In 2010 the Mediterranean diet was inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting it as a social and cultural expression of the different food cultures of the Mediterranean region and indicating that the importance of this dietary and lifestyle pattern lies not only in its specific foods and nutrients, but in the way in which its characteristic foods are produced, cooked, and eaten. In this narrative review we will discuss the possible connections between the main religions originated in the Mediterranean basin and their influence on the composition of the Mediterranean diet, and the links between spirituality/religion and this dietary pattern. This traditional model can represent a form of conscious healthy eating and lifestyle in contrast to the unhealthy Western lifestyle and ultra-processed food consumption widespread throughout the world.
Proteomics efforts for hepatocellular carcinoma drug development
Authors: Jia Dongling , Jiang Zongtai , Cui Minhui , Ding Xianting
Published: November 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor associated with high global incidence and mortality rates. Proteomics, as a platform technology of cellular protein expression, modification, and interaction, has provided innovative perspectives on early diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug development for HCC. This review summarizes recent progress in proteomics for advancing HCC biomarker discovery, drug target identification, and understanding drug action mechanisms. Proteomic technologies, including mass spectrometry for specific protein signatures identification, protein microarrays for high-throughput analysis, and bioinformatics for data interpretation, have profoundly promoted the identification of liver cancer-specific biomarkers. These advancements not only facilitate early diagnosis but also improve prognostic assessment. Proteomics is pivotal in expediting the discovery and development of new drugs, providing more effective and personalized treatment options for HCC patients. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the applications of proteomics in anti-HCC drug research, serving as a reference to further advance the development of HCC research and treatment domains.
Gaming disorder among Russian and Kazakh university students
Authors: Konstantinov Vsevolod , Mynbayeva Aigerim , Gritsenko Valentina , Stelmakh Svetlana , Reznik Alexander , Porat Shai-li Romem , Isralowitz Richard
Published: November 2024

Background

During COVID-19, interest in video games increased and it continues to escalate. Excessive video gaming, common throughout the world, attracts concern among mental health professionals. Most internet gamers are youth and young adults. Persistent and recurrent gaming can lead to disorder, which may be associated with significant impairments of daily work and/or education activities. This comparative study examined gaming disorders among Russian and Kazakh university students and its association with gender, religiosity, loneliness, substance use, and eating behavior.

Methods

Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 1464 university students from Russia and Kazakhstan, 33.3% male, 66.7% female, 29.2% secular, and 70.8% non-secular during 2022–2023. The Qualtrics software platform was used for responses to the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form, and the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Also, survey participants were asked about their substance use and eating behavior during gaming. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 25.

Results

The average amount of gaming disorder (GD) is higher among Russian than Kazakh students (14.2 vs. 12.9, p < 0.001), males more than females (15.4 vs. 12.8, p < 0.001). Religious respondents tend to spend less time gaming (p < 0.001) and have lower GD rates (p < 0.001). However, regression analysis shows religiosity and religious affiliation are not significant predictors of GD. Significant GD predictors are eating behavior, weekly hours spent on gaming, loneliness, gender (male), country (Russia) and age (Adjusted R2 = 0.473).

Conclusion

Despite significant cross-cultural and religious differences between Russia and Kazakhstan students, study results show GD tends to be similar and at a low level in both countries; and religiosity is not a significant predictor of GD. This is consistent with other studies showing that in secular post-Soviet countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, the religiosity of young people is predominantly declarative in nature, and tends not to impact behavior. Additional research should be considered to verify present study findings for policy, prevention, and treatment purposes.
A case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome and leptomeningeal disease
Authors: Boldig Catherine , Warman Mark , Chavez Julio , Dubey Divyanshu , Abukhdeir Amal , Iacono David , Verma Neha , Jaffer Muhammad , Teeling Ashlie , DeLuca Kaitlin , Riedel Harley , Mokhtari Sepideh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by overproduction of monoclonal B cells. Paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (PNS) and leptomeningeal disease (LMD) associated with CLL are both rare entities. We present a unique case that is, to our knowledge, the second reported case of CLL associated with Kelch-like protein 11– (KLHL11-) PNS and the first case of CLL with both LMD and KLHL11-PNS.

Methods/results

The patient was a 68-year-old woman who developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Imaging revealed retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. After further studies, including flow cytometry, she was diagnosed with CLL. She received one dose of pembrolizumab with ibrutinib, and months later received three doses of Obinutuzumab, which were discontinued due to their side effects. The patient reported excessive fatigue, temporal headache, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, tremor of the upper extremities, and head bobbing. Lumbar puncture was positive for CLL cells, and the CSF paraneoplastic panel was positive for KLHL11 antibodies, with a titer of 1:64. She received intravenous immunoglobulin, intravenous methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, intravenous rituximab, and Zanubrutinib, with minimal response. She was then prescribed intrathecal rituximab, which caused slight clinical improvement. Complete response was noted via CSF cytology. About 4 months later, she underwent Ommaya placement and received intraventricular rituximab. Her symptoms persisted despite improvement in CSF cytology, likely due to persistent PNS that was difficult to treat.

Conclusion

KLHL11-PNS is a rare disease entity that often evolves clinically into treatment-refractory rhombencephalitis. Though PNS and LMD management strategies may overlap, their clinical outcomes may be discordant.
Politically unthinkable? The missing dimension of nuclear use scenarios
Authors: Michaels Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2024

Nuclear deterrence strategies are predicated on nuclear use scenarios. However, as nuclear weapons haven’t been used since 1945, why does use occur in scenarios but not in practice? If scenarios incorporated the political challenges of crossing the nuclear threshold, how would this change the utility of the deterrence strategies they support? To address these questions, this article examines Cold War-era American debates about a Soviet ‘first strike’, discusses the limits of technical critiques of nuclear use scenarios, and argues for an alternative approach to scenario design and criticism that includes political factors observable in crises and wars involving nuclear states.
On the origin of counter-gradient transport in turbulent scalar flux: physics interpretation and adjoint data assimilation
Authors: Li Sen , Zhou Wenwu , Sung Hyung Jin , Liu Yingzheng
Published: November 2024

The present study offers a twofold contribution on counter-gradient transport (CGT) of turbulent scalar flux. First, by examining turbulent scalar mixing through synchronized particle image velocimetry and planar laser-induced fluorescence on an inclined jet in cross-flow, we clarify the previously unexplained phenomenon of CGT, revealing key flow structures, their spatial distribution and modelling implications. Statistical analysis identifies two distinct CGT regions: local cross-gradient transport in the windward shear layer and non-local effects near the wall after injection. These behaviours are driven by specific flow structures, namely Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices (local) and wake vortices (non-local), suggesting that scalar flux can be decomposed into a gradient-type term for gradient diffusion and a term for large-eddy stirring. Second, we propose a new approach for reconstruction of turbulent mean flow and scalar fields using continuous adjoint data assimilation (DA). By rectifying model-form errors through anisotropic correction under observational constraints, our DA model minimizes discrepancies between experimental measurements and numerical predictions. As expected, the introduced forcing term effectively identifies regions where traditional models fall short, particularly in the jet centreline and near-wall regions, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the mean scalar field. These enhancements occur not only within the observation region but also in unseen regions, underscoring present DA approach's reliability and practicality for reproducing mean flow behaviours from limited data. These findings lay a solid foundation for adjoint-based model-consistent data-driven methods, offering promising potential for accurately predicting complex flow scenarios like film cooling.
How the Glaishers pictured snowflakes
Authors: Winckel Floris
Published: November 2024

The Glaisher snowflakes (1855) are amongst the most recognizable images of snow crystals produced in the nineteenth century. Made with the intent of compiling a comprehensive record of snow crystal forms, they also appeared in a variety of print publications, from popular magazines to scientific textbooks, and briefly circulated through various scientific and artistic societies. In a time when reliable images of these small, transparent, ephemeral objects were few and far between, the Glaisher snowflakes were widely praised for both their beauty and their fidelity to nature. But their origin has so far been little examined. This article sheds light on how James and Cecilia Glaisher went about making them, and invites readers to see them through three interconnected perspectives: as products of a domestic environment, as products of a husband-and-wife collaboration, and as products of iterative image making.
Effect of dehydroleucodine (DhL) on the acrosome reaction in sperm of Chinchilla lanigera: signalling pathways involved
Authors: Medina Maria Fernanda , Pucci Ana , Pucci Franco José , Bühler Marta Ines , Gramajo-Bühler María Cecilia
Published: November 2024

The secondary metabolites of several plant species, particularly sesquiterpenic lactones (SLs) have been studied by different research groups for over 30 years. This group of metabolites presents numerous biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antiulcer, cell proliferation inhibitor, and oocyte activator with participation in exocytosis processes. This study aims to assess some sperm parameters in epididymal gametes of Chichilla lanigera exposed to increasing concentrations (0 to 2 mM) of DhL for various incubation times from 10 to 40 minutes. We determined the participation of different cell signalling pathways in the induced acrosome reaction. Our results showed an alteration in the progressive motility pattern and cell viability depending on DhL concentration and exposure time of gametes. When analyzing acrosomal status, higher percentages than the negative control were obtained in all tested doses. Both isolated and joint inhibition tests of PKA and phospholipases (PLC and PLA2) showed a greater participation of PI-PLC. This is the first report concerning the effects of this lactone on the medium of sperm incubation. Consequently, further studies will be necessary to determine the molecular implications of this lactone on the fertilizing potential of the sperm.
Traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and vascular risk are independently associated with white matter aging in Vietnam-Era veterans
Authors: McGill Makenna B. , Clark Alexandra L. , Schnyer David M. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental health conditions (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), and vascular comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) are highly prevalent in the Veteran population and may exacerbate age-related changes to cerebral white matter (WM). Our study examined (1) relationships between health conditions—TBI history, PTSD, and vascular risk—and cerebral WM micro- and macrostructure, and (2) associations between WM measures and cognition.

Method:

We analyzed diffusion tensor images from 183 older male Veterans (mean age = 69.18; SD = 3.61) with (n = 95) and without (n = 88) a history of TBI using tractography. Generalized linear models examined associations between health conditions and diffusion metrics. Total WM hyperintensity (WMH) volume was calculated from fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Robust regression examined associations between health conditions and WMH volume. Finally, elastic net regularized regression examined associations between WM measures and cognitive performance.

Results:

Veterans with and without TBI did not differ in severity of PTSD or vascular risk (p’s >0.05). TBI history, PTSD, and vascular risk were independently associated with poorer WM microstructural organization (p’s <0.5, corrected), however the effects of vascular risk were more numerous and widespread. Vascular risk was positively associated with WMH volume (p = 0.004, β=0.200, R2 = 0.034). Higher WMH volume predicted poorer processing speed (R2 = 0.052).

Conclusions:

Relative to TBI history and PTSD, vascular risk may be more robustly associated with WM micro- and macrostructure. Furthermore, greater WMH burden is associated with poorer processing speed. Our study supports the importance of vascular health interventions in mitigating negative brain aging outcomes in Veterans.
How to Best Measure Academic Dishonesty in Students
Authors: Fritz Tanja , González Cruz Hernán , Janke Stefan , Daumiller Martin
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Addressing a pervasive problem in educational institutions, investigations into academic dishonesty by students have produced a vast body of empirical research, mostly based on self-report measures. However, the literature repeatedly points to inconsistencies in assessment methods and unclear measurement quality. We conducted a preregistered systematic review to compare and evaluate self-report assessments (including past cheating behavior and cheating intentions). Of 256 instruments in 231 studies, 70% were unique self-report measures and 38.7% of studies did not investigate or report psychometric quality criteria. As such, the academic dishonesty literature is no exception in questionable measurement practices, where reports often lack key measurement information, such as the full item list (missing in 32%) or the time frames for behavioral assessment (missing in 50.4%). Our findings illustrate the threat to interpretability and comparability due to a lack of psychometric understanding and inconsistent measurement approaches. Contrary to aiming at a unified measure, we propose a focus on best practices in measurement construction and reporting to address diverse contexts, populations, and research questions. To guide future research, we provide a selection of psychometrically validated scales, recommendations for analysis, operationalization, and reporting, and discuss methodological considerations to enhance the psychometric foundation of academic dishonesty research.
Lessons Learned from Running a Virtual Global Workshop
Authors: Schmidt Gavin , Arblaster Julie , Mankoff Kenneth , Pauling Andrew , Li Qian
Published: November 2024

Online conferences simplify planning needs, lower barriers to participation for a global audience, and reduce environmental footprints, but scheduling, pacing, and moderating sessions can be challenging.
Implementation of multi-omics in diagnosis of pediatric rare diseases
Authors: Ali Sara S. , Li Qifei , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: November 2024

The rapid and accurate diagnosis of rare diseases is paramount in directing clinical management. In recent years, the integration of multi-omics approaches has emerged as a potential strategy to overcome diagnostic hurdles. This review examines the application of multi-omics technologies, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, in relation to the diagnostic journey of rare diseases. We explore how these combined approaches enhance the detection of pathogenic genetic variants and decipher molecular mechanisms. This review highlights the groundbreaking potential of multi-omics in advancing the precision medicine paradigm for rare diseases, offering insights into future directions and clinical applications.

Impact

This review discusses using current tests and emerging technologies to diagnose pediatric rare diseases.

We describe the next steps after inconclusive molecular testing and a structure for using multi-omics in further investigations.

The use of multi-omics is expanding, and it is essential to incorporate it into clinical practice to enhance individualized patient care.
Interaction of p53 with the Δ133p53α and Δ160p53α isoforms regulates p53 conformation and transcriptional activity
Authors: Tomas Fanny , Roux Pierre , Gire Véronique
Published: November 2024

The TP53 gene encodes p53, a transcription factor involved in tumor suppression. However, TP53 also encodes other protein isoforms, some of which can disrupt the tumor suppressor functions of p53 even in the absence of TP53 mutations. In particular, elevated levels of the Δ133TP53 mRNA are detected in many cancer types and can be associated with poorer disease-free survival. We investigated the mechanisms of action of the two proteins translated from the Δ133TP53 mRNA: the Δ133p53α and Δ160p53α isoforms, both of which retain the oligomerization domain of p53. We discovered that the Δ133p53α and Δ160p53α isoforms adopt an altered conformation compared to full-length p53, exposing the PAb240 epitope (RHSVVV), which is inaccessible to the PAb240 antibody in the functional conformation of p53 (reactive to PAb1620). The Δ133p53α and/or Δ160p53α isoforms form hetero-oligomers with p53, regulating the stability, the conformation and the transcriptional activity of the p53 hetero-oligomers. Under basal conditions, Δ133p53α and Δ160p53α, in complex with p53, prevent proteasome-dependent degradation leading to the accumulation of PAb240 reactive Δ133p53α/Δ160p53α/p53 hetero-oligomers without increasing p53 transcriptional activity. Conversely, depletion of endogenous Δ133p53α isoforms in human fibroblasts is sufficient to restore p53 transcriptional activity, towards p53-target genes involved in cell cycle arrest. In the DNA damage response (DDR), PAb240 reactive Δ133p53α/Δ160p53α/p53 hetero-oligomers are highly phosphorylated at Ser15 compared to PAb1620-reactive p53 complexes devoid of Δ133p53α and Δ160p53α. This suggests that PAb240-reactive p53 hetero-oligomers integrate DNA damage signals. Δ133p53α accumulation is a late event in the DDR that depends on p53, but not on its transcriptional activation. The formation of Δ133p53α and p53 complexes increases at later DDR stages. We propose that Δ133p53α isoforms regulate p53 conformation as part of the normal p53 biology, modulating p53 activity and thereby adapting the cellular response to the cell signals.
Exposing 24-hour cycles in bile acids of male humans
Authors: Bello Adesola T. , Sarafian Magali H. , Wimborne Elizabeth A. , Middleton Benita , Revell Victoria L. , Raynaud Florence I. , Chowdhury Namrata R. , van der Veen Daan R. , Skene Debra J. , Swann Jonathan R.
Published: November 2024

Bile acids are trans-genomic molecules arising from the concerted metabolism of the human host and the intestinal microbiota and are important for digestion, energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation. While diurnal variation has been demonstrated in the enterohepatic circulation and the gut microbiota, existing human data are poorly resolved, and the influence of the host circadian system has not been determined. Using entrained laboratory protocols, we demonstrate robust daily rhythms in the circulating bile acid pool in healthy male participants. We identify temporal relationships between bile acids and plasma lipids and show that these relationships are lost following sleep deprivation. We also highlight that bile acid rhythmicity is predominantly lost when environmental timing cues are held constant. Here we show that the environment is a stronger determinant of these temporal dynamics than the intrinsic circadian system of the host. This has significance for the intimate relationship between circadian timing and metabolism.
Barcoding of small extracellular vesicles with CRISPR-gRNA enables comprehensive, subpopulation-specific analysis of their biogenesis and release regulators
Authors: Kunitake Koki , Mizuno Tadahaya , Hattori Kazuki , Oneyama Chitose , Kamiya Mako , Ota Sadao , Urano Yasuteru , Kojima Ryosuke
Published: November 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are important intercellular information transmitters in various biological contexts, but their release processes remain poorly understood. Herein, we describe a high-throughput assay platform, CRISPR-assisted individually barcoded sEV-based release regulator (CIBER) screening, for identifying key players in sEV release. CIBER screening employs sEVs barcoded with CRISPR-gRNA through the interaction of gRNA and dead Cas9 fused with an sEV marker. Barcode quantification enables the estimation of the sEV amount released from each cell in a massively parallel manner. Barcoding sEVs with different sEV markers in a CRISPR pooled-screening format allows genome-wide exploration of sEV release regulators in a subpopulation-specific manner, successfully identifying previously unknown sEV release regulators and uncovering the exosomal/ectosomal nature of CD63+/CD9+ sEVs, respectively, as well as the synchronization of CD9+ sEV release with the cell cycle. CIBER should be a valuable tool for detailed studies on the biogenesis, release, and heterogeneity of sEVs.
A self-healing plastic ceramic electrolyte by an aprotic dynamic polymer network for lithium metal batteries
Authors: He Yubin , Wang Chunyang , Zhang Rui , Zou Peichao , Chen Zhouyi , Bak Seong-Min , Trask Stephen E. , Du Yonghua , Lin Ruoqian , Hu Enyuan , Xin Huolin L.
Published: November 2024

Oxide ceramic electrolytes (OCEs) have great potential for solid-state lithium metal (Li0) battery applications because, in theory, their high elastic modulus provides better resistance to Li0 dendrite growth. However, in practice, OCEs can hardly survive critical current densities higher than 1 mA/cm2. Key issues that contribute to the breakdown of OCEs include Li0 penetration promoted by grain boundaries (GBs), uncontrolled side reactions at electrode-OCE interfaces, and, equally importantly, defects evolution (e.g., void growth and crack propagation) that leads to local current concentration and mechanical failure inside and on OCEs. Here, taking advantage of a dynamically crosslinked aprotic polymer with non-covalent –CH3⋯CF3 bonds, we developed a plastic ceramic electrolyte (PCE) by hybridizing the polymer framework with ionically conductive ceramics. Using in-situ synchrotron X-ray technique and Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), we uncover that the PCE exhibits self-healing/repairing capability through a two-step dynamic defects removal mechanism. This significantly suppresses the generation of hotspots for Li0 penetration and chemomechanical degradations, resulting in durability beyond 2000 hours in Li0-Li0 cells at 1 mA/cm2. Furthermore, by introducing a polyacrylate buffer layer between PCE and Li0-anode, long cycle life >3600 cycles was achieved when paired with a 4.2 V zero-strain cathode, all under near-zero stack pressure.
Effect of adaptive cruise control on fuel consumption in real-world driving conditions
Authors: Moawad Ayman , Zebiak Matthew , Han Jihun , Karbowski Dominik , Zhang Yaozhong , Rousseau Aymeric
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of adaptive cruise control on energy consumption in real-world driving conditions based on a natural experiment: a large-scale observational dataset of driving data from a diverse fleet of vehicles and drivers. The analysis is conducted at two different fidelity levels: (1) a macroscopic trip-level benefit estimate that compares trips with and without cruise control in a counterfactual way using statistical methods, and (2) a situation-based comparison achieved through the segmentation of trips into distinct driving situations such as acceleration, braking, cruising, and other maneuvers. The results of this research show that the effect of cruise control on energy consumption varies across different driving situations and levels of analysis. In a macroscopic trip-level analysis, cruise control engagement is associated with a slight increase in fuel consumption across the fleet. As revealed later by the situation-based analysis, this result can be attributed to the negative impact of cruise control on energy consumption in cruising mode, which is the most common driving situation. However, the situation-based comparison demonstrates that cruise control can provide fuel consumption benefits in situations involving acceleration and braking, particularly when a preceding vehicle is present. The study also emphasizes the importance of controlling for various factors that can influence both fuel consumption and the likelihood of cruise control engagement to properly evaluate its effects.
TBK1-associated adapters TANK and AZI2 protect mice against TNF-induced cell death and severe autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Ujevic Andrea , Knizkova Daniela , Synackova Alzbeta , Pribikova Michaela , Trivic Tijana , Dalinskaya Anna , Drobek Ales , Niederlova Veronika , Paprckova Darina , De Guia Roldan , Kasparek Petr , Prochazka Jan , Labaj Juraj , Fedosieieva Olha , Roeck Bernhard Florian , Mihola Ondrej , Trachtulec Zdenek , Sedlacek Radislav , Stepanek Ondrej , Draber Peter
Published: November 2024

The cytokine TNF can trigger highly proinflammatory RIPK1-dependent cell death. Here, we show that the two adapter proteins, TANK and AZI2, suppress TNF-induced cell death by regulating the activation of TBK1 kinase. Mice lacking either TANK or AZI2 do not show an overt phenotype. Conversely, animals deficient in both adapters are born in a sub-Mendelian ratio and suffer from severe multi-organ inflammation, excessive antibody production, male sterility, and early mortality, which can be rescued by TNFR1 deficiency and significantly improved by expressing a kinase-dead form of RIPK1. Mechanistically, TANK and AZI2 both recruit TBK1 to the TNF receptor signaling complex, but with distinct kinetics due to interaction with different complex components. While TANK binds directly to the adapter NEMO, AZI2 is recruited later via deubiquitinase A20. In summary, our data show that TANK and AZI2 cooperatively sustain TBK1 activity during different stages of TNF receptor assembly to protect against autoinflammation.
Experts fail to reliably detect AI-generated histological data
Authors: Hartung Jan , Reuter Stefanie , Kulow Vera Anna , Fähling Michael , Spreckelsen Cord , Mrowka Ralf
Published: November 2024

AI-based methods to generate images have seen unprecedented advances in recent years challenging both image forensic and human perceptual capabilities. Accordingly, these methods are expected to play an increasingly important role in the fraudulent fabrication of data. This includes images with complicated intrinsic structures such as histological tissue samples, which are harder to forge manually. Here, we use stable diffusion, one of the most recent generative algorithms, to create such a set of artificial histological samples. In a large study with over 800 participants, we study the ability of human subjects to discriminate between these artificial and genuine histological images. Although they perform better than naive participants, we find that even experts fail to reliably identify fabricated data. While participant performance depends on the amount of training data used, even low quantities are sufficient to create convincing images, necessitating methods and policies to detect fabricated data in scientific publications.
Tracing embodied CO2 emissions and drivers in China’s financial industry under inter-provincial trade
Authors: Xiao Donghua , Guo Wenhui , Liu Xincong , Zheng Yi , Gong Hao , Wang Chuan
Published: November 2024

With the establishment of “Dual Carbon” targets and industrial restructuring in China, the transition from the secondary industry to the tertiary industry has facilitated the rapid development of the financial sector. However, the significant CO2 emissions embodied within inter-provincial trade result in carbon leakage, posing challenges in assigning equitable carbon reduction responsibilities to the financial sectors across the 31 provinces of China. This study establishes a framework for evaluating CO2 emissions of financial sectors through 134 samples of 60 listed financial enterprises in the 31 provinces, tracking the embodied CO2 emissions within inter-provincial trade by using a multiregional input–output approach. The results reveal that the total CO2 emissions of the financial sector in China surged from 4.591 to 12.423 Tg CO2-eq between 2012 and 2020. The regions with the highest annual net CO2 emissions are Anhui (0.244 Tg), Zhejiang (0.242 Tg), and Henan (0.211 Tg). The key factors influencing net CO2 emissions are in the following order of importance: net CO2 density, per capita added value of service industry, the proportion of finances in service industries, and population size. Based on the findings, this study provides policy implications: reducing net carbon intensity, enacting tailored carbon tax policies based on embodied CO2 emissions, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration to address the impact of carbon leakage.
Root morphology, nitrogen metabolism and amino acid metabolism in soybean under low phosphorus stress
Authors: Liu Meiling , Zhao Mingzhe , Yang Guang , Sun Mingze , Yang Ahui , Sun Chang , Zhao Hongyu , Ao Xue
Published: November 2024

Phosphorus deficiency is a major influence on growth and development of soybean. Therefore, improving phosphorus utilization efficiency in soybean is a research priority for the soybean community. In this experiment, Liaodou 13 (high phosphorus utilization: HPE) and Tiefeng 3 (low phosphorus utilization: LPE) were used as test varieties. We investigated changes in root morphology, amino acid content, and content of key substances of the nitrogen metabolic pathway with normal phosphorus (0.5 mM) and low phosphorus (0.005 mM) treatments. The results showed that the root length, root surface area and number of lateral roots of HPE roots were higher than those of LPE roots under normal and low phosphorus conditions. The contents of different types of amino acids showed different trends in two varieties. The HPE showed small change in the content of total hydrolyzed amino acids under the low phosphorus condition when compared to the normal phosphorus treatment by a 6.67% decrease, on the contrary LPE showed a drastic decrease by 20.36%. However, HPE exhibited similar decreasing trends in the contents of hydrolyzed and free aspartic acid with the low phosphorus treatment. Moreover, the contents of free histidine and valine in LPE were significantly increased by 657.84% and 149.29% respectively, in contrast to significant decreases in HPE. In aspects of major nutrient elements, the contents of phosphorus, total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen in both HPE and LPE varieties decreased to dramatic levels. However, the nitrate nitrogen content significantly increased 78.51% for HPE and 65.12% for LPE. Compare to the normal condition, the GOGAT activity in HPE decreased by 5.18% but increased by 33.10% in LPE. Compare to the normal condition, the GS activity in HPE increased by 7.26% but decreased by 21.72% in LPE under phosphorus deficiency. In summary, the phosphorus-efficient soybean variety HPE exhibited superior tolerance to low phosphorus deficiency through advantageous root morphology, phosphorus uptake and transfer capability, and balanced amino acid metabolism and nitrogen metabolism pathways.
Smartphone-assisted colorimetric detection of nickel(ii) ions using a novel benzothiazole–quinoline dyad in semi-aqueous media
Authors: Joseph Suman , Somkuwar Pranati , Menon Gayathri G. , Rajesh Anjana C. , Selvam Pravinkumar , Ramasamy Selva Kumar , Bhaskar R. , Kumar S. K. Ashok
Published: November 2024

The chemosensor is capable of selectively detecting Ni2+ ions in semi-aqueous media over a wide pH range and is integrated into the smartphone-assisted RGB method, enabling low-cost and portable detection.
High-performance, fast-response photodetectors based on hydrothermally synthesized V1−xMoxSe2 nanosheets
Authors: Parida Abinash , Devarajan Alagarasan , Naik Ramakanta
Published: November 2024

Bare VSe2 and V1−xMoxSe2 samples synthesized using a facile hydrothermal technique shows the semiconducting nature VSe2 sample demonstrates good photosensitivity, responsivity, and detectivity, which is useful for photodetector applications.
Advancing electrochemical N2 reduction: interfacial electrolyte effects and operando computational approaches
Authors: Jiang Lin , Bai Xiaowan , Zhi Xing , Davey Kenneth , Jiao Yan
Published: November 2024

This review highlights electrolyte engineering's pivotal role in enhancing eNRR efficiency for sustainable ammonia synthesis, focusing on strategies like cations and solvent tuning, with operando computational techniques aiding in overcoming challenges and optimizing performance.
Dynamic FeOx/FeWOx nanocomposite memristor for neuromorphic and reservoir computing
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Rasheed Maria , Park Yongjin , Lee Jungwoo , Mahata Chandreswar , Kim Sungjun
Published: November 2024

Memristors are crucial in computing due to their potential for miniaturization, energy efficiency, and rapid switching, making them particularly suited for advanced applications such as neuromorphic computing and in-memory operations.
A 3D mixed ion-electron conducting framework for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes
Authors: Lin Jinmin , Chen Zerui , Zhao Wei , Han Junwei , Chen Bo , Chen Yao , Liu Qianqian , Wu Hao Bin
Published: November 2024

A mixed ion-electron conducting framework, LLTO@CNT, was designed for lithium metal batteries with uniform Li deposition and long cycling stability.
Unlocking regioselectivity: steric effects and conformational constraints of Lewis bases in alkyllithium-initiated butadiene polymerization
Authors: Tang Jian , Fu Yuan , Hua Jing , Zhang Jiahao , Peng Shuoli , Li Zhibo
Published: November 2024

Steric effects play a critical role in the regioselectivity of anionic polymerization of butadiene. Bulky Lewis bases hinder 1,4-insertion, favoring 1,2-selectivity, while conformational constraints further enhance this effect.
A photometric and spectroscopic study of eight semi-detached eclipsing binaries
Authors: Lei Yajuan , Zhou Guiping , Wang Liang , Li Guangwei , Li Kai , Yi Tuan
Published: November 2024

Context. Semi-detached eclipsing binaries offer an exceptional opportunity to validate the evolutionary models of interacting binaries. This entails determining the absolute parameters and evaluating the evolutionary status of the binary components through simultaneous analysis of both light and radial velocity curves. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) provides high-precision light curves, while the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope Medium-Resolution spectroscopic Survey (LAMOST MRS) offers multi-epoch observations. The combination of these data enhances the accuracy of deriving precise parameters for binary systems.

Aims. The aim of this study is to estimate the absolute parameters of semi-detached binary components, offer potential explanations for their evolutionary status, and investigate long-term variations in orbital periods to explore their underlying causes.

Methods. By cross-matching the eclipsing binary catalogue from TESS with that from LAMOST MRS, semi-detached eclipsing binaries with radial velocities spanning more than 0.3 phases were authenticated. The absolute parameters for these systems were determined by simultaneous modelling of light curves and radial velocities using the Wilson-Devinney programme. Additionally, the secular orbital variations were further analysed using O–C curves.

Results. Eight semi-detached eclipsing binaries have been identified. Among them, seven contain primary stars situated within the main-sequence band, while their secondaries are all in evolved stages. This suggests that these systems likely originated as detached binaries and have undergone a reversal of the mass ratio. However, TIC 428257299 is an exception where the primary is Roche lobe-filling, and its secondary has experienced mass loss events. Additionally, TIC 8677671 and TIC 318217844 demonstrate secular cyclical variations in orbital periods. Specifically, for TIC 8677671, the cyclical change could result from magnetic activity or a third body that is likely to be compact, with a mass of at least 2.97 M⊙.