bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of the Application of Blue Light-Emitting Diodes as a Non-Thermic Green Technology for Microbial Inactivation in the Food Sector
Authors: Lena Alessia , Marino Marilena , Manzano Marisa , Comuzzi Clara , Maifreni Michela
Published: August 2023

Blue light is an emerging technology used for the decontamination of food contact surfaces and products. It is based on the activation of photosensitizers by light, determining the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS causes damage to bacterial cells leading to cell death. Several types of microbes may be treated, such as bacteria, yeasts, moulds and viruses, in planktonic or biofilm form. Blue light technology is affected by several factors: light parameters (i.e., irradiance, dose, wavelength), microbial parameters (i.e., pH, temperature, initial inoculum, grade of biofilm maturation) and surface parameters (i.e., material, roughness, and optical properties). In addition, it may be used alone or coupled with other technologies. The use of blue light shows several advantages, such as safety for food operators, and a lower release of chemicals in the environment. Moreover, it seems unlikely for bacteria to develop resistance to the blue light application.
Formulation and characterization of starch-based novel biodegradable edible films for food packaging
Authors: Shanbhag Chetana , Shenoy Ramnath , Shetty Prakasha , Srinivasulu M. , Nayak Ramakrishna
Published: August 2023

Petroleum-based plastics were widely used as packaging materials. However, plastic materials were not reusable and biodegradable, causing a severe negative impact on the environment. Edible films can be a suitable alternative to plastic films, particularly in food packaging. This research work prepared edible films containing blends of cornstarch, arrowroot powder, refined wheat flour, vinegar, and glycerol. Arrowroot powder added strength and nutritional value to the films. Glycerol, as a plasticiser, improved the flexibility of films. The combination of vinegar and glycerol increased the film’s strength. The characteristic properties of prepared films, like thickness, bursting strength, moisture content, transparency, water-solubility, water vapour permeability, tensile strength, elongation, and Young’s modulus, were analysed. The thermal stability of the films was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The films were characterised by FTIR spectroscopy, and their surface morphology was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The prepared films exhibited excellent properties suitable for food packaging.
Operational policy development for dynamic restoration of lakes in a changing climate; application of innovative hedging rules in a system dynamics platform
Authors: Erfanian Amir , Azizipour Mohamad , Jalali Mohammad Reza , Afshar Abbas , Soleimanian Elham
Published: August 2023

Growing agricultural and domestic demand exacerbates water shortages globally, creating substantial environmental challenges, especially in lakes and wetlands ecosystems. This paper presents a stationary policy to restore and sustain the water level in natural lakes using a new version of hedging rule that accounts for time-dependent environmental demand and the water allocation to the agricultural and municipal sectors under different climate change projections. The proposed framework is demonstrated via operational policy derived to rehabilitate Lake Urmia in Iran. To simplify the modeling process, all reservoirs in the basin are replaced with an equivalent reservoir (ER) to allocate the available water between potential users. The ER is then operated using the set of hedging rules derived for staged restoration and sustainability of the lake level while meeting other stakeholder objectives. A system dynamics-based model is used to simulate the multi-sectoral system of the basin while using a built-in optimization algorithm to develop the most desirable multi-period operational policy. The lake-level condition is investigated by producing lake-level duration curves, while the reservoir performance indices (reliability, resiliency, and vulnerability) are used for assessing water supply in the basin. The results indicate that the proposed framework is highly effective in restoring lake level while meeting agricultural and municipal water demand in the basin. The proposed model provides a stationary policy for the lake restoration accounting for the dynamic variation of the lake level and fluctuations of the reservoirs inflow due to climate variability and change.
Efficient Techniques for Residential Appliances Scheduling in Smart Homes for Energy Management Using Multiple Knapsack Problem
Authors: Shewale Amit , Mokhade Anil , Lipare Amruta , Bokde Neeraj Dhanraj
Published: August 2023

The evolution of the smart grid has enabled residential users to manage the ever-growing energy demand in an efficient manner. The smart grid plays an important role in managing this huge energy demand of residential households. A home energy management system enhances the efficiency of the energy infrastructure of smart homes and provides an opportunity for residential users to optimize their energy consumption. Smart homes contribute significantly to reducing electricity consumption costs by scheduling domestic appliances effectively. This residential appliance scheduling problem is the motivation to find an optimal appliance schedule for users that could balance the load profile of the home and helps in minimizing electricity cost (EC) and peak-to-average ratio (PAR). In this paper, we have focused on appliance scheduling on the consumer side. Two novel home energy management models are proposed using multiple scheduling options. The residential appliance scheduling problem is formulated using the multiple knapsack technique. Serial and parallel scheduling algorithms of home appliances namely MKSI (Multiple knapsacks with serial implementation) and MKPI (Multiple knapsacks with parallel implementation) are proposed to reduce electricity cost and PAR. Price-based demand response techniques are incorporated to shift appliances from peak hours to off-peak hours to optimize energy consumption. The proposed algorithms are tested on real-time datasets and evaluated based on time of use pricing tariff and critical peak pricing. The performance of both the algorithms is compared with the unscheduled scenario and existing algorithm. Simulations show that both proposed algorithms are efficient methods for home energy management to minimize PAR and electricity bills of consumers. The proposed MKSI algorithm achieves cost reduction of 20.26% and 42.53% for TOU and CPP, respectively as compared to the unscheduled scenario while PAR is reduced by 45.07% and 39.51% for TOU and CPP, respectively. The proposed MKPI algorithm achieves 22.33% and 46.36% cost reduction compared to the unscheduled case for TOU and CPP while the PAR ratio is reduced by 46.47% and 41.16% for TOU and CPP respectively.
Process development for efficient pectin extraction from tobacco residues and its characterisation
Authors: Bedzo Oscar K. K. , Gottumukkala Lalitha D. , Sasso Giuseppe Lo , Kaminski Kacper , Schlage Walter , Goffman Fernando , Ivanov Nikolai , Hoeng Julia , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: August 2023

This study presents a method for effective pectin extraction from the laminae of three tobacco varieties as a means of biomass valorisation. Two pre-treatment methods (cold ethanol vs. accelerated solvent extraction [ASE] with ethanol) were compared for their capacities to produce a high pectin yield. Enzymatic extraction of pectin was also tested as a green extraction procedure and compared to the acid extraction approach. The optimisation experiments revealed that cold ethanol extraction followed by acid hydrolysis is the most convenient method for pectin extraction; the optimal set of conditions for hydrolysis were identified as 90°C, pH 1.5, and 4 h of extraction. Applying these optimised conditions to the three Nicotiana rustica tobacco varieties yielded pectin recoveries of 66.2%, 57.8%, and 56.7% from the NRT63, Bakoum Miena, and NRT61 samples, respectively. Tobacco pectins were found to have a medium molecular weight and low methoxy content. These results highlight the potential of tobacco residues as feedstock for to produce pectin with dietary applications.
Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus that was completely resected by robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy after neoadjuvant therapy nivolumab plus ipilimumab: a case report
Authors: Tsuchiyama Ayaka , Ohba Kojiro , Nakanishi Hiromi , Yasuda Takuji , Nakamura Yuichiro , Kurohama Hirokazu , Mitsunari Kensuke , Matsuo Tomohiro , Mochizuki Yasushi , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: August 2023

We here present a patient with a sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma complicated by inferior vena cava tumor thrombus that we treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. This resulted in shrinkage of the tumor, enabling complete resection by robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The patient is still alive with no evidence of recurrence.
Radiation hazards and extremophiles bioaccumulation of radionuclides from hypersaline lakes and hot springs
Authors: Abdelkarim M. S. , Imam N.
Published: August 2023

Radioactivity measurements for water, sediment, microbial films and the bioaccumulation of radionuclides by extremophiles from hypersaline lakes and hot springs were carried out as scarcity studies in the Siwa Oasis, Egypt. Natural and man-made radionuclides were measured using high-resolution γ-spectrometry. Different radionuclides behaved differently in different environmental samples, while radionuclides were higher in microbial films compared to sediment, but all radionuclide levels except 226Ra in water were generally low. Microbial films from hypersaline lakes had higher concentrations of 40K, while microbial films from freshwater hot springs had the highest concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 137Cs. The calculated radiological hazard index parameters of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED) and external hazard (Hex) in the sediment were within acceptable limits, but were higher in the microbial film samples. Otherwise, the potential cancer risk of the three freshwater springs was 0.00244 ± 0.000293, 0.00135.6 ± 0.000172 and 0.00155.2 ± 0.000198. In addition, the bioaccumulation factor for microbial films indicated that they are good accumulators of radionuclides, especially for 226Ra and 232Th, which may contribute to their effectiveness in removing radionuclides from ecosystems.
Pitfalls and Future Directions of Contemporary Pediatric Valve Surgery: the Case for Living Valve Substitutes
Authors: Nguyen Stephanie N. , Vinogradsky Alice V. , Ferrari Giovanni , Sykes Megan , Bacha Emile A. , Richmond Marc E. , Goldstone Andrew B.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Infants and young children with congenital heart disease and valvular lesions may require valve replacement when a durable repair is unlikely. The fundamental problem with currently available valve substitutes in all positions is the lack of somatic growth potential. Young patients are therefore committed to multiple reoperations for successively larger valve replacements by the time they reach adulthood.

Recent Findings

An emerging solution to this issue is allogeneic valve transplantation whereby the implanted valve is harvested from the heart of a deceased donor. The major advantage of this approach is the use of living tissue which grows adaptively with the child, thereby minimizing the number and additive risk of subsequent reoperations for valve exchange but incurring the risks of immunosuppression.

Here, we review the advantages and disadvantages of currently available valve replacement options for each of the four valves. We also discuss the potential role and future directions for allogeneic valve transplantation in pediatric valve surgery.
Dividing the transit wind speeds into intervals as a favorable methodology for analyzing the relationship between wind speed and the aerodynamic impedance of vegetation in semiarid grasslands
Authors: Li Ruishen , Pei Haifeng , Zhang Shengwei , Li Fengming , Lin Xi , Wang Shuai , Yang Lin
Published: August 2023

In grassland ecosystems, the aerodynamic roughness (Z0) and frictional wind speed (u*) contribute to the aerodynamic impedance of the grassland canopy. Thus, they are often used in the studies of wind erosion and evapotranspiration. However, the effect of wind speed and grazing measures on the aerodynamic impedance of the grassland canopy has received less analysis. In this study, we monitored wind speeds at multiple heights in grazed and grazing-prohibited grasslands for 1 month in 2021, determined the transit wind speed at 2.0 m height by comparing wind speed differences at the same height in both grasslands, and divided these transit wind speeds at intervals of 2.0 m/s to analyze the effect of the transit wind speed on the relationship among Z0, u*, and wind speed within the grassland canopy. The results showed that dividing the transit wind speeds into intervals has a positive effect on the logarithmic fit of the wind speed profile. After dividing the transit wind speeds into intervals, the wind speed at 0.1 m height (V0.1) gradually decreased with the increase of Z0, exhibiting three distinct stages: a sharp change zone, a steady change zone, and a flat zone; while the overall trend of u* increased first and then decreased with the increase of V0.1. Dividing the transit wind speeds into intervals improved the fitting relationship between Z0 and V0.1 and changed their fitting functions in grazed and grazing-prohibited grasslands. According to the computational fluid dynamic results, we found that the number of tall-stature plants has a more significant effect on windproof capacity than their height. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between wind speed and the aerodynamic impedance of vegetation in grassland environments.
Renal pathology in adult and paediatric population of Japan: review of the Japan renal biopsy registry database from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Goto Kazunori , Imaizumi Takahiro , Hamada Riku , Ishikura Kenji , Kosugi Tomoki , Narita Ichiei , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Shimizu Akira , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Sato Hiroshi , Mauryama Shoichi
Published: August 2023

Background

The Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J-RBR), a nationwide, web-based, registry system, started in 2007. This study aimed to summarise the epidemiology of biopsy-diagnosed kidney disease in Japan over 10 years.

Methods

We analysed the J-RBR database, from 2007 to 2017. Patients’ clinical data collected at the time of biopsy and histopathological diagnoses were used for epidemiological and clinicopathologic analyses.

Results

The predominant renal biopsy diagnoses were immunoglobulin A nephropathy (39.2%), lupus nephritis (6.5%) and minimal change disease (6.0%) in younger adults (19–64 years), and membranous nephropathy (17.4%), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis or anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis (13.0%), and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (12.5%) in older adults (≥ 65 years). The percentages of patients diagnosed with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and immunoglobulin A nephropathy decreased, whereas those with immunoglobulin A vasculitis and diabetic nephropathy increased over the decade. In paediatric patients (< 19 years), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (36.1%), minimal change disease (17.6%), and immunoglobulin A vasculitis (8.6%) were the predominant diagnoses. The percentage of patients diagnosed with immunoglobulin A vasculitis increased over the decade. Based on the sex distribution, minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy were predominant in men aged < 20 and > 40 years, respectively, whereas immunoglobulin A vasculitis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis or anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis were predominant in women in their 20s and 30s and aged < 50 years, respectively. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy was predominant in men at most ages and in women in their 20s to 40s.

Conclusions

This study describes the distribution and changes in kidney biopsy diagnoses over 10 years in Japan and paves the way for future research on kidney diseases in adults and children.

Graphical abstract
Fundamental properties of fuzzy rough sets based on triangular norms and fuzzy implications: the properties characterized by fuzzy neighborhood and fuzzy topology
Authors: Wang Zhaohao
Published: August 2023

Fuzzy rough set models are useful tools for dealing with fuzzy and real-valued data. They have been used in many real-world applications. In this paper, we investigate the fuzzy rough set model based on triangular norms and fuzzy implications. First, we extend some results in the published literature by removing the condition that is the continuity of triangular norms, and obtain more general conclusion about fuzzy upper approximation operators. Then, for the fuzzy neighborhood and the fuzzy lower approximation operator based on fuzzy implications, we investigate their characterization with each other. Finally, we establish the relationships between fuzzy rough sets and fuzzy topology. In this work, researches on the properties of fuzzy rough sets based on triangular norms which need not be continuous provide generalization results for fuzzy rough set theory from viewpoint of mathematics.
Maurer–Cartan Methods in Deformation Theory
Authors: Dotsenko Vladimir , Shadrin Sergey , Vallette Bruno
Published: August 2023

Covering an exceptional range of topics, this text provides a unique overview of the Maurer—Cartan methods in algebra, geometry, topology, and mathematical physics. It offers a new conceptual treatment of the twisting procedure, guiding the reader through various versions with the help of plentiful motivating examples for graduate students as well as researchers. Topics covered include a novel approach to the twisting procedure for operads leading to Kontsevich graph homology and a description of the twisting procedure for (homotopy) associative algebras or (homotopy) Lie algebras using the biggest deformation gauge group ever considered. The book concludes with concise surveys of recent applications in areas including higher category theory and deformation theory.
Revisiting the Diffuse Layer Polarization of a Spherical Grain in Electrolytes With Numerical Solutions of Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson Equations
Authors: Niu Qifei
Published: August 2023

Induced polarization (IP) has been frequently used in solid earth geophysics, hydrology, and environmental sciences. A mechanistic understanding of the IP responses of geological materials is crucial for correctly interpreting field IP measurements. In this study, the fully‐coupled, nonlinear Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson equations are numerically solved to analyze the electrochemical mechanism of diffuse layer polarization around a spherical grain immersed in electrolytes. The numerical results show diffuse layer polarization is formed by the charge separation between counterions in the diffuse layer and charges on the grain surface. Both tangential and normal movements of counterions in the diffuse layer are involved in the polarization process, but their relative contributions are distinct. Although the normal flux of counterions outweighs the flux in the tangential direction, the latter exerts a much more profound effect on the enhanced permittivity than the former. As the salinity increases, more tangential fluxes are involved in the polarization, and a longer time is required to polarize the diffuse layer fully. Theoretical models considering either pure tangential or normal fluxes are not able to correctly describe diffuse layer polarization. The Fixman model, which considers fluxes in both directions, could accurately predict the IP responses of the grain‐electrolyte system over a broad salinity range if the length parameter in the model is correctly chosen.
Evaluating the Drivers of Quaternary Dust Fluxes to the Western North Pacific: East Asian Dustiness and Northern Hemisphere Gustiness
Authors: Abell Jordan T. , Winckler Gisela , Pullen Alex , Kinsley Christopher W. , Kapp Paul A. , Middleton Jennifer L. , Pavia Frank J. , McGee David , Ford Heather L. , Raymo Maureen E.
Published: August 2023

Quantifying variability in, and identifying the mechanisms behind, East Asian dust production and transport across the last several million years is essential for constraining future dust emissions and deposition. Our current understanding of East Asian dust dynamics through the Quaternary is primarily limited to low‐resolution records from the North Pacific Ocean, those from the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), and paleoenvironmental reconstructions from arid basins. All are susceptible to sediment winnowing and focusing as well as input of poorly constrained or unidentified non‐dust detrital material. To avoid these limitations, we examine high‐resolution, constant flux proxy‐derived dust fluxes from the North Pacific and find evidence for higher glacial dust fluxes in the late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene compared to the late Pleistocene‐Holocene. Our results suggest decreasing dust transported to the mid‐latitude North Pacific Ocean from eastern Asia across the Quaternary. This observation is ostensibly at odds with previous dust records from marine sediments and the CLP, and with the perception of higher East Asian dust production and transport during the late Pleistocene associated with the amplification of glaciations. We provide three possible scenarios to describe the ∼2,700‐ky evolution of eastern Asia glacial dust dynamics, and discuss them in the context of sediment production, availability, and atmospheric circulation. Our data and proposed driving mechanisms not only raise questions about the framework typically used to interpret dust archives from East Asia and the North Pacific Ocean, but also provide a roadmap for hypothesis testing and future work necessary to produce better‐constrained records of paleo‐dust fluxes.
Why—and How to—Engage Artists in Science
Authors: Blaeser Kimberly , Owens Dwight , Rosengard Sarah , Semmens Kathryn , Tosca Mika
Published: August 2023

Breaking down the artificial barriers between science and art can lead to collaborations, broaden the understanding of problems facing communities, and grow engagement to explore solutions.
The Air Pollution Human Health Burden in Different Future Scenarios That Involve the Mitigation of Near‐Term Climate Forcers, Climate and Land‐Use
Authors: Turnock Steven T. , Reddington Carly L. , West J. Jason , O’Connor Fiona M.
Published: August 2023

Elevated surface concentrations of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to poor air quality and detrimental impacts on human health. These pollutants are also termed Near‐Term Climate Forcers (NTCFs) as they can also influence the Earth's radiative balance on timescales shorter than long‐lived greenhouse gases. Here we use the Earth system model, UKESM1, to simulate the change in surface ozone and PM2.5 concentrations from different NTCF mitigation scenarios, conducted as part of the Aerosol and Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project (AerChemMIP). These are then combined with relative risk estimates and projected changes in population demographics, to estimate the mortality burden attributable to long‐term exposure to ambient air pollution. Scenarios that involve the strong mitigation of air pollutant emissions yield large future benefits to human health (25%), particularly across Asia for black carbon (7%), when compared to the future reference pathway. However, if anthropogenic emissions follow the reference pathway, then impacts to human health worsen over South Asia in the short term (11%) and across Africa (20%) in the longer term. Future climate change impacts on air pollutants can offset some of the health benefits achieved by emission mitigation measures over Europe for PM2.5 and East Asia for ozone. In addition, differences in the future chemical environment over regions are important considerations for mitigation measures to achieve the largest benefit to human health. Future policy measures to mitigate climate warming need to also consider the impact on air quality and human health across different regions to achieve the maximum co‐benefits.
An Observational and Modeling Study of Inverse‐Temperature Layer and Water Surface Heat Flux
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Liu Heping , Shen Lian
Published: August 2023

An “inverse‐temperature layer” (ITL) of water temperature increasing with depth is predicted based on physical principles and confirmed by in situ observations. Water temperature and other meteorological data were collected from a fixed platform in the middle of a shallow inland lake. The ITL persists year‐around with its depth on the order of one m varying diurnally and seasonally and shallower during daytimes than nighttimes. Water surface heat flux derived from the ITL temperature distribution follows the diurnal cycle of solar radiation up to 300 W m−2 during daytime and down to 50 W m−2 during nighttime. Solar radiation attenuation in water strongly influences the ITL dynamics and water surface heat flux. Water surface heat flux simulated by two non‐gradient models independent of temperature gradient, wind speed and surface roughness using the data of surface temperature and solar radiation is in close agreement with the ITL based estimates.
Characteristics of High‐Energy Protons in the Equatorial Plane of Inner Radiation Belt Observed by Van Allen Probes
Authors: He Zhaohai , Xu Jiyao , Dai Lei , Wang Chi , Chen Tao , Duan Suping , Roth Ilan
Published: August 2023

Long‐term and short‐term variations of high‐energy protons in the inner radiation belt are of major importance in geospace research. The entire inner radiation belt at 1.1 < L < 3.0 have been investigated based on Van Allen Probes Relativistic Electron‐Proton Telescope data during the descending phase of the solar cycle (2013–2018). It is found that two belts with peaks near L = 1.5 and L = 2.0 for E < 50 MeV protons and one belt at L = 1.5 for E > 50 MeV protons, once they are formed, last for more than 6 years. In the outer zone of the inner belt (1.8 < L < 2.4), the variations of high‐energy proton fluxes with E < 50 MeV are well correlated with SYM‐H index, while only weak correlation is found for them in the inner region at 1.3 < L < 1.6. Geomagnetic disturbances do not show clear correlation with variations for E > 50 MeV protons in the whole inner radiation belt. By analyzing the structure evolution of the inner radiation belt during half of the solar cycle, we found that the entire inner radiation belt shrinks at solar minimum and stretches at solar maximum. Our results reveal the relationship between high‐energy protons and SYM‐H index and solar cycle modulation on the whole configuration of inner radiation belt, which may assist in understanding and modeling of the inner radiation belt protons.
Mars Global Distribution of the External Magnetic Field and Its Variability: MAVEN Observation and MHD Prediction
Authors: Fang Xiaohua , Ma Yingjuan , Luhmann Janet , Dong Yaxue , Halekas Jasper , Curry Shannon
Published: August 2023

We study the average global distribution of the external magnetic field at Mars, and its variability with the upstream solar wind dynamic pressure and interplanetary magnetic field as well as with the ambient crustal magnetic field strength. Our approach involves excluding the intrinsic planetary field from the total magnetic field by applying a crustal field model previously derived using low altitude measurements. The distribution of the average external field that remains is statistically analyzed using nearly 8 years of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) observations and several global, time‐dependent magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Overall consistent results have been obtained from the data and model, which are complementary to each other and cross validate the findings. It is found that the external field is significantly enhanced from the upstream across the bow shock (BS) and further intensifies closer to the planet in the topside ionosphere. It peaks at ∼170 km altitude near the subsolar point, significantly decreasing with increasing solar zenith angle. There is a strong day‐night asymmetry in the external field, with a typical dayside intensity of ∼15–50 nT and a nightside intensity of ∼5–15 nT. Under high solar wind dynamic pressures and IMFs, the external field may be enhanced by a factor of ∼2 everywhere below the BS, on both the dayside and nightside. In addition, our model results suggest that strong crustal fields, which effectively withstand the penetration of the solar wind, reduce the external field at low altitudes.
Ion Energization by Turbulent Electric Fields in Fast Earthward Flows and Its Implications for the Dynamics of the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Usanova M. E. , Ergun R. E. , Stawarz J. E.
Published: August 2023

Large‐amplitude electric fields (>50 mV/m) typical to bursty bulk flow (BBF) braking regions of the Earth's magnetotail can accelerate energetic electrons and ions to many times their initial thermal energies. We follow up on the Usanova and Ergun (2022), https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JA030336, study of electron energization and examine wave and plasma observations from the THEMIS satellites over four tail seasons to investigate the transfer of BBF energy to ions by turbulent electric fields. The results show that the large‐amplitude electric fields are accompanied by an ion temperature increase of ∼50% when compared to times when the turbulence is not observed. Electric field turbulence is also associated with a roughly ten‐fold increase in temperature fluctuations and a five‐fold increase in variations of energetic ion fluxes. We discuss the contribution of this turbulent energy transfer process to the dynamics of energetic ions in the magnetosphere.
Seasonal and Mach Number Variation of the Martian Bow Shock Structure
Authors: Fruchtman Jacob , Halekas Jasper , Gruesbeck Jacob , Mitchell David , Mazelle Christian
Published: August 2023

Like its terrestrial counterpart, the Martian bow shock can exhibit foot, ramp, and overshoot substructures. The shock extent is known to vary with solar wind and season, but it remains an open question whether other features of the bow shock also vary seasonally. By comparing parameters of the shock during different seasons and solar wind conditions, we investigated whether the presence of seasonal planetary ions has any effect on the shock structure. We utilized a series of algorithms to automatically collect and analyze 7056 shock crossings from MAVEN spacecraft data between November 2014 and 2019. We compared the magnetic shock jump and overshoot amplitude as functions of upstream parameters and season. We found that the magnetic shock jump agrees to first order with Rankine‐Hugoniot predictions, and that the overshoot amplitude dependence on critical ratio, beta and Alfvén Mach number agree with the results of previous studies. These trends are identical for all seasons. We also found that the shock jump and fast Mach number correlate primarily with solar zenith angle, whereas overshoot amplitude correlates primarily with shock extent. We found that the most likely cause of the latter was an unexpected strong correlation between overshoot amplitude and the solar wind flow fast Mach number. The seasonal variability of the Sun‐Mars system does not appear to be strongly reflected in the resulting shock structure. The bow shock structure is controlled mainly by the properties of the solar wind, rather than by Mars' location in its orbit around the Sun.
Ridge Propagation and the Stability of Small Mid‐Ocean Ridge Offsets
Authors: Harper Hugh , Luttrell Karen , Sandwell David T.
Published: August 2023

The mid‐ocean ridge system comprises a series of spreading ridges, transform faults, propagating ridges, and other non‐transform offsets. Transform faults remain stable for millions of years leaving long linear scars, or fracture zones, on older seafloor. Propagating ridges migrate in the ridge parallel direction leaving V‐shaped or W‐shaped scars on older seafloor. Vertical gravity gradient maps can now resolve the details of the ridge segmentation. For slow‐ and intermediate‐spreading ridges, there appears to be an offset length threshold above which adjacent ridges do not propagate so remain as stable transform faults. We propose this threshold is due to the yield strength of the lithosphere, and we develop a model framework based on a force balance wherein forces driving propagation must exceed the integrated shear strength of the offset zone. We apply this model framework to 5 major propagating ridges, 55 seesaw propagating ridges, and 69 transform faults. The model correctly predicts the migration of 4 out of 5 major propagating ridges and the stability of transform faults, but the results for seesaw propagators are less accurate. Model predictions for direction of ridge propagation are mixed as well. This model framework simplifies deformation in the shear zone, but can possibly explain why non‐transform deformation is preferred at short offsets.
Impact of Atmospheric Cooling on the High‐Frequency Submesoscale Vertical Heat Flux
Authors: Aparco‐Lara Jonathan , Torres Hector S. , Gomez‐Valdes Jose
Published: August 2023

Recent simulations suggest that submesoscale motions with scales smaller than 30 km and frequencies greater than 1 day−1 drive upward vertical heat transport. These simulations have prompted us to revisit the mechanisms that explain high‐frequency (HF) vertical heat fluxes (VHFs) within the surface mixed layer (ML). Here, an idealized numerical simulation of a re‐entrant channel flow with an unbalanced submesoscale thermal front is used to analyze the impact of surface cooling on HF VHFs. Two types of simulations are analyzed: forced and unforced. The VHFs cospectrum analysis shows that surface diurnal cooling increases VHFs, reaching frequencies larger than 1 day−1. However, the fastest‐growing length scale of ML instabilities limits the extension of positive VHFs toward fine scales. Symmetric and gravitational instabilities are the main conduits producing ageostrophic HF and small‐scale structures, which in turn enhance upward VHFs across the diurnal frequency. A comparison between forced‐idealized simulations with the K‐profile parameterization scheme and a realistic regional simulation in the frequency‐wavenumber space, reveals that the two simulation types reproduce similar VHFs near the diurnal frequency. However, the realistic simulation displays higher VHFs than the forced‐idealized simulation. This study emphasizes that surface diurnal cooling significantly impacts HF VHFs. However, this impact is not sufficient to reach the HF VHFs estimated in realistic submesoscale‐permitting and tidal‐resolving simulations.
Surface Energy Dynamics and Canopy Structural Properties in Intact and Disturbed Forests in the Southern Amazon
Authors: Rangel Pinagé Ekena , Bell David M. , Longo Marcos , Silva Carlos A. , Csillik Ovidiu , Huete Alfredo
Published: August 2023

The Brazilian Amazon has been a focus of land development with large swaths of forests converted to agriculture. Forest degradation by selective logging and fires has accompanied the agricultural frontier and has resulted in significant impacts on Amazonian ecosystems. Changes in forest structure resulting from forest disturbances have large impacts on the surface energy balance, including on land surface temperature (LST) and evapotranspiration (ET). This study's objective is to assess the effects of forest disturbances on water fluxes and forest structure in a transitional forest site in the Southern Amazon. We used ET and LST products from MODIS and Landsat 8 and GEDI‐derived forest structure data to address our research questions. We found that disturbances induced seasonal water stress, more pronounced in croplands/pastures than in forests (differences up to 20% in the dry season), and more pronounced in second‐growth and recently burned areas than in logged and intact forests (differences up to 12% in the dry season). Moreover, ET and LST were negatively related, with more consistent relationships across disturbance classes in the dry season (R2: 0.41–0.87) than in the wet season (R2: 0.18–0.49). Forest and cropland or pasture classes showed contrasting relationships in the dry season. Finally, we found that forest structure exhibited stronger relationships with ET and LST in the most disturbed forests (R2: 0.01–0.43) than in the least disturbed forests (R2 < 0.05). Our findings help to elucidate degraded forests functioning under a changing climate and to improve estimates of water and energy fluxes in Amazonian degraded forests.
Salt Tectonics Versus Shortening: Recognizing Pre‐Orogenic Evaporite Deformation in Salt‐Bearing Fold‐And‐Thrust Belts on the Example of the Silica Nappe (Inner Western Carpathians)
Authors: Oravecz Éva , Héja Gábor , Fodor László
Published: August 2023

Recognizing salt‐related structures and differentiating them from tectonic shortening‐related anticlines and synclines can be a very challenging task in salt‐bearing fold‐and‐thrust belts, especially in poor outcrop conditions. In this study, we explain several diagnostic structural and sedimentary features that may be used to distinguish pre‐orogenic halokinetic structures from shortening‐related structures on the example of the Silica Nappe (Inner Western Carpathians, Central Europe). Detailed structural mapping in this area resulted in the recognition of several pre‐orogenic salt‐related structures, including linear salt walls and minibasins. Initial evaporite movement started as early as the late Early Triassic, and widespread diapirism occurred during the Middle to Late Triassic, ultimately leading to facies differentiation, with carbonate platform growth in the subsiding minibasins and reduced basinal deposition on top of the diapirs. Later, the inherited salt structures localized the deformation during the Cretaceous Alpine orogeny, and exerted a strong control on the geometry and kinematics of the subsequent deformations. Our new interpretation explains previously unsolved structural problems in the Silica Nappe, like pre‐orogenic thickness variations during the post‐rift phase, frequent young‐on‐older type thrust contacts and multiple folding directions with variable vergencies. The results point out that the Silica Nappe is a fold‐and‐thrust belt, where pre‐orogenic salt tectonics and its effects on the fold‐and‐thrust belt evolution can be studied in detail.
The Joining of North and South China During the Permian: Coherent Metamorphic Evidence From East Asia Orogenesis
Authors: Zhao L. , Tang H. , Mitchell R. N. , Li Q. L. , Zhou X. W. , Zhai M. G.
Published: August 2023

The joining of the North and South China blocks marks the formation of the united East Asian continent, which is an integral part of Pangea. The amalgamation of these two continental blocks also resulted in the formation of the world‐class ultrahigh pressure orogenic belt, namely the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt. Figuring out the time of the initial collision between the two continents is critical for resolving questions such as the duration and the geodynamic processes of the orogeny. A Triassic joining time has been suggested by the geochronology of the eclogite facies rocks in this orogenic belt. However, paleomagnetic and paleontological studies suggested a Permian docking time for these continental blocks. In this paper, we present new metamorphic ages of rocks from northern Dabie and the Permo–Triassic intracontinental orogen of South China, which are all closely associated with this continental collisional event. New age dating results, as well as a synthesis of recent studies on metamorphic rocks occurring in southeastern North China and the Cathaysia Block of South China, show that the onset of the collisional orogenesis along the eastern part of the orogenic belt dates back to the Middle Permian (270–252 Ma). Considering these data and other geological records, we provide a new tectonic model for the major continents of East Asia, in which we show that the initial collision between North and South China occurred in the east during the Middle Permian, and then propagated westward. Continental collisions forming mountains and closing seaways in East Asia thus apparently occurred before the end‐Permian mass extinction, suggesting these paleogeographic changes might have also preconditioned and facilitated the end‐Permian biospheric crisis in the region.
Redefining precision radiotherapy through liquid biopsy
Authors: McLaren D. B. , Aitman T. J.
Published: August 2023

Precision radiotherapy refers to the ability to deliver radiation doses with sub-millimetre accuracy. It does not however consider individual variation in tumour or normal tissue response, failing to maximise tumour control and minimise toxicity. Combining precise delivery with personalised dosing, through analysis of cell-free DNA, would redefine precision in radiotherapy.
Development of an interfering peptide M1-20 with potent anti-cancer effects by targeting FOXM1
Authors: Bu Huitong , Lan Xianling , Cheng Haojie , Pei Chaozhu , Ouyang Min , Chen Yan , Huang Xiaoqin , Yu Li , Tan Yongjun
Published: August 2023

Disrupting protein–protein interactions (PPIs) has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer drug development. Interfering peptides disrupting PPIs can be rationally designed based on the structures of natural sequences mediating these interactions. Transcription factor FOXM1 overexpresses in multiple cancers and is considered an effective target for cancer therapeutic drug development. Using a rational design approach, we have generated a peptide library from the FOXM1 C-terminal sequence and screened FOXM1-binding peptides. Combining FOXM1 binding and cell inhibitory results, we have obtained a FOXM1-targeting interfering peptide M1-20 that is optimized from the natural parent peptide to the D-retro-inverso peptide. With improved stability characteristics, M1-20 inhibits proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Mechanistically, M1-20 inhibits FOXM1 transcriptional activities by disrupting its interaction between the MuvB complex and the transcriptional co-activator CBP. These are consistent with the results that M1-20 suppresses cancer progression and metastasis without noticeable toxic and side effects in wild-type mice. These findings reveal that M1-20 has the potential to be developed as an anti-cancer drug candidate targeting FOXM1.
OTULIN protects the intestinal epithelium from apoptosis during inflammation and infection
Authors: Verboom Lien , Anderson Christopher J. , Jans Maude , Petta Ioanna , Blancke Gillian , Martens Arne , Sze Mozes , Hochepied Tino , Ravichandran Kodi S. , Vereecke Lars , van Loo Geert
Published: August 2023

The intestinal epithelium is a single cell layer that is constantly renewed and acts as a physical barrier that separates intestinal microbiota from underlying tissues. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans, as well as in experimental mouse models of IBD, this barrier is impaired, causing microbial infiltration and inflammation. Deficiency in OTU deubiquitinase with linear linkage specificity (OTULIN) causes OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome (ORAS), a severe inflammatory pathology affecting multiple organs including the intestine. We show that mice with intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific OTULIN deficiency exhibit increased susceptibility to experimental colitis and are highly sensitive to TNF toxicity, due to excessive apoptosis of OTULIN deficient IECs. OTULIN deficiency also increases intestinal pathology in mice genetically engineered to secrete excess TNF, confirming that chronic exposure to TNF promotes epithelial cell death and inflammation in OTULIN deficient mice. Mechanistically we demonstrate that upon TNF stimulation, OTULIN deficiency impairs TNF receptor complex I formation and LUBAC recruitment, and promotes the formation of the cytosolic complex II inducing epithelial cell death. Finally, we show that OTULIN deficiency in IECs increases susceptibility to Salmonella infection, further confirming the importance of OTULIN for intestinal barrier integrity. Together, these results identify OTULIN as a major anti-apoptotic protein in the intestinal epithelium and provide mechanistic insights into how OTULIN deficiency drives gastrointestinal inflammation in ORAS patients.
HSF-1/miR-145-5p transcriptional axis enhances hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy efficacy on peritoneal ovarian carcinosis
Authors: Di Agostino Silvia , Canu Valeria , Donzelli Sara , Pulito Claudio , Sacconi Andrea , Ganci Federica , Valenti Fabio , Goeman Frauke , Scalera Stefano , Rollo Francesca , Bagnato Anna , Diodoro Maria Grazia , Vizza Enrico , Carosi Mariantonia , Rufini Beatrice , Federici Orietta , Giofrè Manuel , Carboni Fabio , Muti Paola , Ciliberto Gennaro , Strano Sabrina , Valle Mario , Blandino Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy (HIPEC) increases local drug concentrations and reduces systemic side effects associated with prolonged adjuvant intraperitoneal exposure in patients affected by either peritoneal malignancies or metastatic diseases originating from gastric, colon, kidney, and ovarian primary tumors. Mechanistically, the anticancer effects of HIPEC have been poorly explored. Herein we documented that HIPEC treatment promoted miR-145-5p expression paired with a significant downregulation of its oncogenic target genes c-MYC, EGFR, OCT4, and MUC1 in a pilot cohort of patients with ovarian peritoneal metastatic lesions. RNA sequencing analyses of ovarian peritoneal metastatic nodules from HIPEC treated patients unveils HSF-1 as a transcriptional regulator factor of miR-145-5p expression. Notably, either depletion of HSF-1 expression or chemical inhibition of its transcriptional activity impaired miR-145-5p tumor suppressor activity and the response to cisplatin in ovarian cancer cell lines incubated at 42 °C. In aggregate, our findings highlight a novel transcriptional network involving HSF-1, miR145-5p, MYC, EGFR, MUC1, and OCT4 whose proper activity contributes to HIPEC anticancer efficacy in the treatment of ovarian metastatic peritoneal lesions.