bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression and characterisation of a novel mollusc α-1,2-Fucosyltransferase from Crassostrea gigas (CgFUT2)
Authors: Zemkollari Marilica , Ruprecht Colin , Blaukopf Markus , Grabherr Reingard , Staudacher Erika
Published: August 2024

Glycans containing fucose play crucial roles in cell biology, particularly in recognition processes. In humans, fucose found in H-blood group antigens is recognized by various pathogens, thereby influencing host-pathogen interactions. However, in invertebrate biology the specific functions of these modifications and the corresponding glycosyltransferases are not fully elucidated. Therefore, cloning these glycosyltransferases from different model systems will provide valuable insights into this process. Little is known about fucosyltransferases in molluscs. For this study, a sequence of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, based on amino acid sequence homologies with rabbit and human α-1,2-fucosyltransferases, was chosen. The recombinant enzyme (350 amino acids) was able to transfer fucose from GDP-fucose to the galactose residue of type II disaccharides, terminal galactoses in complex N-glycan structures and several linear and branched galactans which were tested using a glycan microarray. The α-1,2-linkage formed was confirmed by NMR analysis. The enzyme was active in a broad pH-range, it was relatively stable upon storage conditions and its activity was not dependent on the presence of divalent cations. In this study, we were able to clone, express and characterise a novel α-1,2-fucosyltrasferase from Crassostrea gigas (CgFUT2).
Social and Emotional Modes of Learning Within Digital Ecosystems: Emerging Research Agendas
Authors: Erstad Ola , Černochová Miroslava , Knezek Gerald , Furuta Takahisa , Takami Kyosuke , Liang Changhao
Published: August 2024

This article brings together literature and perspectives that have evolved during the last decade on issues of social and emotional aspects of learning in a digital age. This topic points to some core challenges and worries of contemporary social developments within digitalized societies, and ways of perceiving future developments of how we conceptualize learning and education within and beyond formal schooling to better provide for ways of engaging young learners. The aim is to address some emerging issues on the importance of digital social and emotional skills (D-SEL) relevant for our understanding of learning and education in contemporary and future societies. We use developments in selected countries (Norway, Czech Republic, USA and Japan) as examples to discuss how social and emotional skills have entered educational systems. The findings show that not only knowledge in a cognitive sense is important for human life, but also people’s approach to life and their ability to adapt to changes as digital social and emotional ways of learning.
Short-term deceleration capacity: a novel non-invasive indicator of parasympathetic activity in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Zarębski Łukasz , Futyma Piotr
Published: August 2024

Background

Subtypes of atrial fibrillation (AF) can differ, and exact mechanisms in which patients benefit from the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remain not fully understood. During PVI, vagal innervation of the heart may also be affected. Thus, non-invasive methods of intraprocedural assessment of such PVI impact are sought.

Methods

From 1-minute ECG recordings performed before and after PVI, we investigated short-term deceleration capacity (ST-DC) and short-term heart rate variability (ST-HRV) to determine their potential as indicators of parasympathetic activity before and after ablation.

Results

In 24 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF included in the study, there were a significant differences in ST-DC and ST-HRV parameters measured before and after PVI. After 3 months, patients with baseline ST-DC ≥ 7.5 ms were less likely to experience AF recurrence when compared to patients with baseline ST-DC < 7.5 ms (0% vs 31%, p = 0.0496). There were no differences in AF recurrence after 12 months of follow-up (36% vs 38%, p = 0.52).

Conclusion

PVI leads to significant changes in ST-DC and ST-HRV, and these parameters can serve as indicators of vagal denervation after AF ablation. Patients with more prominent baseline ST-DC are less likely to experience AF recurrence during the post-PVI 3-month blanking period.

Graphical Abstract
Predicted future range expansion of a small carnivore: swift fox in North America
Authors: Nelson Dana L. , Marneweck Courtney J. , McShea William J. , Shamon Hila , Jachowski David S.
Published: August 2024

Context

Small carnivores are declining globally due to a complex suite of threats. Conservation of these species requires an understanding of their distributions and potential responses to future land-use and climate change.

Objectives

We modelled species-environment relationships of swift fox (Vulpes velox), a species of concern across their range. We developed spatial projections of current and future distribution to aid in conservation planning.

Methods

We assembled swift fox occurrence data from managers and community science sources to develop ensemble distribution models. In addition to landscape and climatic predictors, we developed a model of red fox distribution to represent effects of competition. We forecasted spatial predictions into the year 2070 under two climate change scenarios representing high (SSP 5–8.5) and low (SSP 1–2.6) emissions scenarios.

Results

Percent cover by grassland, mean annual precipitation, and minimum temperature of the coldest quarter were the three most important variables for swift fox distribution. Current suitable habitat for swift fox extends across 16 North American states and provinces. Future projections of swift fox distribution suggest an overall increase in area of swift fox suitable habitat under both emissions scenarios of > 56.9%, though patterns of gain and loss vary spatially.

Conclusions

The expansion of suitable habitat in future scenarios reflects swift fox adaptability to multiple land uses in a period following multi-organizational conservation efforts. Our spatial projections can be used in conservation planning and can serve as a case study of a small carnivore species likely to recover under future change scenarios provided that threats are addressed and landscape-scale conservation efforts continue.
Comparison of clinical and radiological characteristics of inflammatory and non-inflammatory Rathke cleft cysts
Authors: Matsushita Shu , Shimono Taro , Maeda Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Taro , Horiuchi Daisuke , Oura Tatsushi , Ishibashi Kenichi , Takita Hirotaka , Tatekawa Hiroyuki , Atsukawa Natsuko , Goto Takeo , Miki Yukio
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Rathke cleft cysts are commonly encountered sellar lesions, and their inflammation induces symptoms and recurrence. Cyst wall enhancement is related to inflammation; however, its range and frequency have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological differences between inflammatory and non-inflammatory Rathke cleft cysts.

Methods

Forty-one patients who underwent cyst decompression surgery for Rathke’s cleft cysts between January 2008 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the pathological reports, patients were divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory groups. Clinical assessments, endocrinological evaluations, cyst content analysis, and imaging metrics (mean computed tomographic value, maximum diameter, mean apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] value, and qualitative features) were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, to determine ADC cutoff values, for differentiating inflammatory group from non-inflammatory group.

Results

Totally, 21 and 20 cases were categorized into the inflammatory and non-inflammatory groups, respectively. The inflammatory group displayed a higher incidence of central diabetes insipidus (arginine vasopressin deficiency) (p = 0.04), turbid cyst content (p = 0.03), significantly lower mean ADC values (p = 0.04), and more extensive circumferential wall enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p < 0.001). In the inflammatory group, all cases revealed circumferential wall enhancement, with some exhibiting thick wall enhancement. There were no significant differences in other radiological features. The ADC cutoff value for differentiating the two groups was 1.57 × 10−3 mm2/s, showing a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 66.7%

Conclusion

Inflammatory Rathke cleft cysts tended to show a higher incidence of central diabetes insipidus and turbid cyst content. Radiologically, they exhibited lower mean ADC values and greater circumferential wall enhancement on MRI.
Clinical Advances in Cardiovascular Computed Tomography: From Present Applications to Promising Developments
Authors: Schulz Alexander , Otton James , Hussain Tarique , Miah Tayaba , Schuster Andreas
Published: August 2024

Purpose of the Review

This review aims to provide a profound overview on most recent studies on the clinical significance of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CCT) in diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. Herby, this review helps to pave the way for a more extended but yet purposefully use in modern day cardiovascular medicine.

Recent Findings

In recent years, new clinical applications of CCT have emerged. Major applications include the assessment of coronary artery disease and structural heart disease, with corresponding recommendations by major guidelines of international societies. While CCT already allows for a rapid and non-invasive diagnosis, technical improvements enable further in-depth assessments using novel imaging parameters with high temporal and spatial resolution. Those developments facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making as well as improved prognostication.

This review determined that recent advancements in both hardware and software components of CCT allow for highly advanced examinations with little radiation exposure. This particularly strengthens its role in preventive care and coronary artery disease. The addition of functional analyses within and beyond coronary artery disease offers solutions in wide-ranging patient populations. Many techniques still require improvement and validation, however, CCT possesses potential to become a “one-stop-shop” examination.
A promising sustainable green nanosilver formula for p-nitrophenol and methylene blue remediation from wastewater
Authors: Mansee Ayman H. , Ebrahim Amal M. , Koreish Essam A.
Published: August 2024

In an attempt to create wastewater treatment “green” techniques that are both economically feasible and sustainable without using any dangerous chemicals, barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.) water extract was used to phyto-synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag°). Barley grains served as a natural reductant and stabilizer at the same time. The role of different synthesis conditions and their effect on the efficiency of the green synthesis process were studied and confirmed with characterization using several techniques (UV–vis, SEM, EDX, sizing distribution, and FTIR). The Ag°9 formula catalytic reduction was inspected against p-nitrophenol (PNP) and methylene blue (MB) as a model of nitroaromatic components and dyes, respectively. The removal studies were conducted using the target pollutants in a single or mixed liquid state. Remarkably, the Ag°9 particle size was around 20 nm, and its final concentration in the current formula was 2.2 × 10−7 mol L−1. The adsorption mechanism of the PNP and MB was pseudo-second order. The good fit with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model suggests that chemisorption occurs in the sorption process. The formula catalytic activity to remove PNP and MB was 99 and 66% at levels 60 and 500 µL from the Ag°9 formula, respectively, within less than 5 min.
Rapid lake ice structure changes across Swedish lakes puts public ice safety at risk
Authors: Vikström Kevin , Weyhenmeyer Gesa , Jakobsson Ellinor , Peternell Mark
Published: August 2024

Lakes are rapidly losing ice under global warming, but little is known about ice structure changes. Ice structure is a key regulator of ice stability and thus safety, affecting activities on ice. Here, we analysed spatial and temporal variations in ice structure across 21 Swedish lakes, spanning from 55 to 69 °N, and over five decades. We found regional differences in ice structure, with fastest changes occurring in southern Sweden. The stable clear ice layer was particularly sensitive to warming, showing a rapid decline. The number of days when temperatures exceeded the freezing point during the ice cover period was identified as a strong driver for how ice was structured. Since there is a high risk for increased occurrences of unsafe ice conditions under predicted air temperature changes, we recommend re-establishing ice structure monitoring programmes, informing society on the increased risks of being on ice and including ice structure to safety guidelines.
Uncertainty in subject matter education—Constitutive element and fruitful instructional strategy?
Authors: Bähr Ingrid , Bonnet Andreas , Bracker da Ponte Elisabeth , Gebhard Ulrich , Krieger Claus , Lübke Britta , Sting Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Uncertainty, which is an essential element of life in globalised, mobile and digitalised post-modern societies, challenges educational institutions. Students must be empowered to deal with such uncertainty to support developing a sense of critical consciousness and agency. Drawing on the discourse of uncertainty in educational science, this qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) refers to two studies that focused on instructional ‘uncertainty-friendly’ settings in four different school subjects (biology, drama and physical education in one study and English as a foreign language in the other) to address the research question: What are students’ responses to didactically staged confrontations with disciplinary uncertainty in different subjects? In the analysed studies, the researchers established uncertainty-friendly settings as an instructional tool to foster deep learning and cognitive flexibility in K–12 students. This QSA compares students’ reactions to these settings. The findings suggest a cross-curricular pattern of student responses: In all subjects, students initially showed unspecific responses, all of which acknowledged uncertainty. In addition, students showed specific responses (i.e. the modes of juxtaposition, exploration and rejection) as active interactions with the uncertainty of the settings. The results can further the development of uncertainty-friendly classrooms and reflection on their limitations.
Keeping an AI on the mental health of vulnerable populations: reflections on the potential for participatory injustice
Authors: Pozzi Giorgia , De Proost Michiel
Published: August 2024

Considering the overall shortage of therapists to meet the psychological needs of vulnerable populations, AI-based technologies are often seen as a possible remedy. Particularly smartphone apps or chatbots are increasingly used to offer mental health support, mostly through cognitive behavioral therapy. The assumption underlying the deployment of these systems is their ability to make mental health support accessible to generally underserved populations. Hence, this seems to be aligned with the fundamental biomedical principle of justice understood in its distributive meaning. However, considerations of the principle of justice in its epistemic significance are still in their infancy in the debates revolving around the ethical issues connected to the use of mental health chatbots. This paper aims to fill this research gap, focusing on a less familiar kind of harm that these systems can cause, namely the harm to users in their capacities as knowing subjects. More specifically, we frame our discussion in terms of one form of epistemic injustice that such practices are especially prone to bring about, i.e., participatory injustice. To make our theoretical analysis more graspable and to show its urgency, we discuss the case of a mental health Chatbot, Karim, deployed to deliver mental health support to Syrian refugees. This case substantiates our theoretical considerations and the epistemo-ethical concerns arising from the use of mental health applications among vulnerable populations. Finally, we argue that conceptualizing epistemic participation as a capability within the framework of Capability Sensitive Design can be a first step toward ameliorating the participatory injustice discussed in this paper.
Computational investigation for electronic, structural, linear/nonlinear optical responses for newly designed organometallic quantum dots
Authors: ElMansy Mohamed
Published: August 2024

The interaction of metallic ($$M^{ + 3}$$

M

+
3

)-cations ($$M = {\text{Al}},{\text{Cu}},{\text{Zn}},{\text{In}},{\text{Ga}},{\text{Ge}},{\text{Sb}},{\text{Sn}}$$

M
=
Al
,
Cu
,
Zn
,
In
,
Ga
,
Ge
,
Sb
,
Sn

) with an active organic linker result in the formation of organometallic quantum dots (OMQDs). The B3LYP and WB97X interfaces via 6-311G++(d,p) route are used to test the stability, electrical, optical, and nonlinear-optics (NLO) properties. OMQD UV–Vis absorption spectra are computed. Some OMQD have singlet spin states, while others have doublet spin states. Cation mobility and the organic linker nature have a significant impact on both optical and NLO properties. For electron rush via the conduction domain, doublet spins provide more advanced turnabilities than singlets. For singlet-spin Cu-3HPHP QDs, an anomalous NLO response is endorsed. Both Zn-3HPHP and Sn-3HPHP QDs are recognized as the finest contenders. Zn-3HPHP and Sn-3HPHP appear to be the next covenant for highly efficient optoelectronics and avalanche photodetectors.
Socioeconomic determinants of child malnutrition: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregergis Cherkos Meaza
Published: August 2024

In this research, I examined the role of socioeconomic variations in the prevalence of stunting and underweight among children in Ethiopia. The study aimed to identify key health factors contributing to these disparities in child malnutrition by utilizing concentration indices, concentration curves, and regression-based decomposition analysis. Despite a notable decline in the average rates of stunting and underweight prevalence, the relative and absolute gaps between different demographic and socioeconomic groups have widened in Ethiopia. The empirical analysis revealed that higher levels of maternal education and household wealth significantly benefited children from better socioeconomic backgrounds, making them less likely to experience malnutrition. The disparity in socioeconomic status is the primary driver of inequalities in child malnutrition. The findings suggest that to reduce these disparities, national health policies should focus on promoting maternal literacy and targeting interventions for underprivileged groups.
Transition delay in a Mach 6 boundary layer using steady blowing and suction strips
Authors: Hader Christoph , Fasel Hermann F.
Published: August 2024

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) were carried out to investigate flow control for transition delay using steady blowing/suction strips at the wall of a flared cone at Mach 6 and zero angle of attack. For the numerical investigations of the transition control strategy, the flared cone geometry and the flow conditions of the experiments in the Boeing/Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel (BAM6QT) at Purdue University were chosen. For the DNS, transition was initiated by introducing random disturbances at the inflow of the computational domain, emulating ‘natural’ transition in wind-tunnel experiments caused by free-stream noise. In both wind-tunnel experiments and numerical simulations, streamwise ‘hot’ streaks were found on the surface of the flared cone, which are caused by a nonlinear interaction of an axisymmetric second-mode wave and a pair of oblique waves of the same frequency (‘fundamental resonance’). The objective of the flow control strategy proposed here is to delay the transition onset, and thus mitigate the negative consequences associated with the nonlinear transition stages, i.e. the development of hot streaks and large wall-pressure amplitudes that were observed in experiments and DNS. Our previous so-called ‘controlled’ transition simulations have shown that flow control using steady blowing and suction strips can lead to a significant delay of the hot streak development on the surface of the flared cone. The simulation results presented in this paper show that this flow control strategy remains effective, even in a natural transition scenario characterized by broadband disturbances.
Forensische Entziehungsanstalten im Wandel
Authors: Quade Daniel , Berthold Dörte , Riedemann Christian
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Um den stetigen Anstieg an Unterbringungsanordnungen zu stoppen, wurden die gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen des § 64 StGB mehrfach reformiert. Die Belegungszahlen nahmen jedoch weiterhin zu und die Patientenstruktur veränderte sich. Ziel: Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung der Veränderungen in der Patientenklientel und der Behandlungsumstände gem. § 64 StGB. Methode: Mittels T- und Chi2-Tests wurde der Strukturwandel der Patienten anhand von zwei Datensätzen der Stichtagserhebung (1995, 23 Kliniken, n = 977; 2022, 20 Klinken, n = 1625) untersucht. Die aktuelle Klientel wurde mittels des Datensatzes von 2022 untersucht. Ergebnisse: Signifikante Anstiege wurden u. a. bei Lebensalter, Parallelstrafe, BZR-Einträgen, voller Schuldfähigkeit, Behandlungsdauer und Bewährungsentlassungsempfehlungen beobachtet. Hingegen nahmen Haftvorerfahrung, psychische Komorbiditäten, Entweichungen, Suchtmittelrückfälle und gewährte Lockerungen signifikant ab. Zusätzlich wandelten sich Suchtmittelkonsum (weg vom Alkohol, hin zu Cannabis, Kokain und Stimulanzien) und Indexdelikt (Zunahme von BtMG-, Abnahme von Eigentums- und Sexualdelikten). Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse zeigen facettenreiche Veränderungen der Untergebrachten. Längere Behandlungszeiten und restriktivere Lockerungsgewährungen passen scheinbar nicht zu der weniger schwer krank anmutenden Klientel. Ob und inwieweit sich die Patientenstruktur weiter wandelt und das Abbremsen des Anstiegs der Unterbringungszahlen durch die Reformierung gelingt, bleibt abzuwarten.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Swedish Version of the Types of Positive Affect Scale
Authors: Lehmivaara Jörgen , Pfaltz Monique C. , Jansson Billy
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Differentiating between various types of positive affect (PA), such as excitement, relaxation, safeness, and contentment, is important when assessing mental health. However, validated instruments measuring these types of PA are scarce, and in a Swedish context, they are nonexisting. Thus, the present study assesses the psychometric properties of the translated Swedish version of the Types of PA Scale (TPAS) using a sample of 440 Swedish adults. Corroborating previous research, confirmatory factor analyses supported a modified three-factor model (Activated PA, Relaxed PA, Safe/Content PA), showing good reliability, good convergent validity, and satisfactory discriminant validity of the factors. Furthermore, the TPAS demonstrates measurement invariance across demographics (age, gender, and education) and exhibits satisfactory construct validity by distinguishing between PA, NA and State–Trait Anxiety. Hence, the Swedish TPAS is a valid tool for measuring types of PA in the adult population of Sweden, with potential areas for improvement being discussed.
Upwelling Regulates Nutrient Supply and Phytoplankton Chlorophyll‐a Regime on the East China Sea Shelf During Late Summer
Authors: Wei Qinsheng , Xin Ming , Meng Qicheng , Zhao Bin , Teng Fei , Xie Linping , Zhai Xing , Sun Xia , Zhou Feng , Wang Baodong
Published: August 2024

The East China Sea (ECS) is among the most important and highly dynamic shelf seas, where the coupling of physical and biogeochemical processes is distinctive and may play a crucial role in regulating nutrient conditions and the pattern of primary production. Based on field observations during the late summer of 2019, the physical controls of nutrient supply and the subsequent influences on phytoplankton chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) regime were investigated in the ECS. The coastal upwelling originating from the Kuroshio Subsurface Water (KSSW) intrusion serves as a nutrient source on the inner East China Sea (ECS) shelf, and this inshore upwelling combined with the coastal water largely governs the surface Chl‐a patterns. The halocline, thermocline and nutricline exhibit a vertically synchronous fluctuating phenomenon, and the coexistence of several subsurface cold rings/patches was significantly observed on the middle‐outer ECS shelf, indicating intense vertical advection and the occurrence of upwelling. The subsurface cold rings greatly regulate the vertical hydrodynamics, constituting unique upward pathways of the onshore intruded KSSW on the middle‐outer shelf. Nutrients can be upwelled within these cold rings to support primary production, thus partially leading to the spatial variability of subsurface Chl‐a maximum in terms of intensity and depth. Our findings would considerably contribute to our understanding of the physical‐biogeochemical‐ecological processes on the ECS shelf.
Future Climate Projections for South Florida: Improving the Accuracy of Air Temperature and Precipitation Extremes With a Hybrid Statistical Bias Correction Technique
Authors: Rahimi Leila , Hoque Mushfiqul , Ahmadisharaf Ebrahim , Alamdari Nasrin , Misra Vasubandhu , Maran Ana Carolina , Kao Shih‐Chieh , AghaKouchak Amir , Talchabhadel Rocky
Published: August 2024

Projecting future climate variables is essential for comprehending the potential impacts on hydroclimatic hazards like floods and droughts. Evaluating these impacts is challenging due to the coarse spatial resolution of global climate models (GCMs); therefore, bias correction is widely used. Here, we applied two statistical methods—standard empirical quantile mapping (EQM) and a hybrid approach, EQM with linear correction (EQM‐LIN)—to bias correct precipitation and air temperature simulated by nine GCMs. We used historical observations from 20 weather stations across South Florida to project future climate under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Compared to the EQM, the hybrid EQM‐LIN method improved R2 of daily quantiles by up to 30% over the historical period and improved MAE up to 70% in months that contain most extreme values. Projected extreme precipitation at the weather stations showed that, compared to the EQM‐LIN, the EQM method underestimates the high quantiles by up to 26% in SSP585. The projected changes in annual maximum precipitation from historical period (1985–2014) to near future (2040–2069) and far future (2070–2100) were between 2% and 16% across the study area. Projected future precipitation suggested a slight decrease during summer but an increase in fall. This, along with rising summer temperatures, suggested that South Florida can experience rapid oscillations from warmer summers and increased flooding in fall under future climate. Additionally, our comparative analyses with globally and nationally downscaled studies showed that such coarse scale studies do not represent the climatic extremes well, particularly for high quantile precipitation.
Geochemical, Mineralogical, and Fluid Processes in the Brittle‐Plastic Transition of Continental Crust
Authors: Axen Gary
Published: August 2024

The brittle‐plastic transition (BPT), the strongest part of the crust, is critical to continental geodynamics but is poorly understood relative to simpler crust above and below. It is typically represented as a depth transition from brittle/frictional to plastic/viscous deformation controlled by temperature and pressure. Footwalls of low‐angle normal faults (LANFs) exhumed through the BPT provide rock records that challenge this view. Three well‐studied LANF footwalls are reviewed. All record geochemical, mineralogical and fluid‐related controls on embrittlement, not just monotonic P‐T decrease. Two quartz‐rich examples record embrittlement at unexpectedly high T (≥450–500°C) that was modulated by wetting characteristics of fluids. One had an inverted BPT: brittle fracture beneath contemporaneous mylonites. In another study, a brittle LANF grew from plastic mylonites due to mineralogic changes that strengthened parts, causing initial frictional slip and cataclasis on weak planes that ultimately linked. In all, geologically abrupt small‐scale processes controlled behavior at kilometer scales. Similar processes likely affect other tectonic settings and seismic cycles. Such processes offer fertile research opportunities in continental geodynamics; they will be increasingly tractable as computational abilities improve. Adaptive, multi‐scale approaches including the effects of fluid‐rock geochemistry and mineralogical changes on rock strength and deformation are needed. Thoughtful modeling approaches may yield key insights into the positive and negative feedbacks that are likely. Discontinuous deformation is probably needed explicitly along with exploration of initial and boundary conditions.
Calculating the Soil Freezing Characteristic Curve of Saline Soil With Equivalent State of Bulk Solution
Authors: Cui Lihong , Xiao Zean , Chen Junfeng , Yuan Qinbo , Zhao Xuehua , Xue Jing
Published: August 2024

The relationship between unfrozen water content and temperature, called as soil freezing characteristic curve (SFCC), is of importance for hydrologic, engineering, environmental issues related to frozen soil. The SFCC of saline soil is essentially a result of phase equilibrium of pore solution, which is similar but not identical to that of bulk solution. However, there is still a vacancy of study on the phase equilibrium of pore solution in frozen soil. In this study, image transformation was used to establish the relationship of phase equilibrium between bulk solution and pore solution, with four introduced parameters. Then, the new model of SFCC for saline soil was proposed based on the equivalent state of bulk solution with Pitzer model and SFCC of nonsaline soil. The model was validated by the experimental data from published articles and showed good performance in calculating SFCC of saline soils regardless of soil type, phase transition path, and soil initial water‐salt condition, and some advantages when compared to other three models. All the four introduced parameters have clear physical meanings and their relationships with soil type and initial salt concentration were discussed. Finally, the evolution of phase diagram from bulk solution to pore solution at icing stage was figured out. Further studies are needed for their relationship at salt crystallization stage. Shifting the research perspective from unfrozen water content to pore solution, this study gives a new approach to research of freezing characteristic of saline soil and could promote hydrological and engineering research in cold regions.
Fluorescent, multifunctional anti-counterfeiting, fast response electrophoretic display based on TiO2/CsPbBr3 composite particles
Authors: Liu Guangyou , Wu Xinzao , Xiong Feng , Yang Jinglan , Liu Yunhe , Liu Jie , Li Zhuohang , Qin Zong , Deng Shaozhi , Yang Bo-Ru
Published: August 2024

Traditional optical anti-counterfeiting (AC) is achieved by static printed images, which makes them susceptible to lower levels of security and easier replication. Therefore, it is essential to develop AC device with dynamic modulation for higher security. Electrophoretic display (EPD) has the advantages of low power consumption, high ambient contrast ratio, and capability of showing dynamic images which is suitable for dynamic AC applications. Herein, we prepared a dynamical AC device based on a fluorescent EPD, and achieving the image switch between black, white, and green fluorescence states under the dual-mode driving (electronic field and UV light). We loaded perovskite quantum dots (CsPbBr3) onto the TiO2 particles and further prepared fluorescent electrophoretic particles TiO2/CsPbBr3-3-PLMA (TiO/CPB-3) by grafting and polymerizing method. In addition, we fabricated the AC devices based on the fluorescent EPD, which exhibits the multifunctional AC, where the fluorescent EPD has a fast response time of 350 ms, a high contrast ratio of 17, and bright green fluorescence. This prototype demonstrates a new way for future dynamic AC and identification.
Isolated attosecond pulse generation in a semi-infinite gas cell driven by time-gated phase matching
Authors: Vismarra Federico , Fernández-Galán Marina , Mocci Daniele , Colaizzi Lorenzo , Segundo Víctor Wilfried , Boyero-García Roberto , Serrano Javier , Conejero-Jarque Enrique , Pini Marta , Mai Lorenzo , Wu Yingxuan , Wörner Hans Jakob , Appi Elisa , Arnold Cord L. , Reduzzi Maurizio , Lucchini Matteo , San Román Julio , Nisoli Mauro , Hernández-García Carlos , Borrego-Varillas Rocío
Published: August 2024

Isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) generation usually involves the use of short-medium gas cells operated at high pressures. In contrast, long-medium schemes at low pressures are commonly perceived as inherently unsuitable for IAP generation due to the nonlinear phenomena that challenge favourable phase-matching conditions. Here we provide clear experimental evidence on the generation of isolated extreme-ultraviolet attosecond pulses in a semi-infinite gas cell, demonstrating the use of extended-medium geometries for effective production of IAPs. To gain a deeper understanding we develop a simulation method for high-order harmonic generation (HHG), which combines nonlinear propagation with macroscopic HHG solving the 3D time-dependent Schrödinger equation at the single-atom level. Our simulations reveal that the nonlinear spatio-temporal reshaping of the driving field, observed in the experiment as a bright plasma channel, acts as a self-regulating mechanism boosting the phase-matching conditions for the generation of IAPs.
LMP1 enhances aerobic glycolysis in natural killer/T cell lymphoma
Authors: Song Wenting , Gao Yuyang , Wu Jiazhuo , Li Hongwen , Shi Zhuangzhuang , Gong Chen , Zhang Zihe , Li Zhaoming , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: August 2024

Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) exhibits highly aggressive clinical behavior, and the outcomes for relapsed/refractory patients are still poor. Recently, the mechanism underlying the effect of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which has not been fully defined in NKTCL, has attracted great attention. We explored how LMP1 promoted aerobic glycolysis via metabolic sequencing combined with mRNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry. Experimental assays were used to determine the effects of LMP1 and its downstream pathway on the function and glucose metabolism of NKTCL cells. The correlations between LMP1 expression in patients and their clinical features, treatment response, and prognosis were analyzed. Results show that LMP1 enhances NKTCL cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, inhibits apoptosis, and decreases gemcitabine sensitivity. In addition, LMP1 also enhances aerobic glycolysis in NKTCL cells, as indicated by increases in glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. Clinically, LMP1 expression is correlated with risk stratification, treatment response, and prognosis, and higher LMP1 expression indicates greater SUVmax for NKTCL patients. Mechanistically, LMP1 competitively binds to TRAF3 to promote cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis by regulating the noncanonical NF-κB pathway. The application of an NF-κB pathway inhibitor or reactivation of the NF-κB pathway affects aerobic glycolysis and the biological function of NKTCL cells. In summary, this study is the first to describe and define in detail how LMP1 affects glucose metabolism in NKTCL and might provide a novel perspective for further treatment.
Linear polyubiquitylation of Gli protein regulates its protein stability and facilitates tumor growth in colorectal cancer
Authors: Cheng Junyao , Xu Linlin , Xuan Yanlu , Zhou Feifei , Huang Aidi , Zeng Shaopeng , Wang Hailong , Wang Yiting , Zhan Yuan , Yan Xiaohua , Luo Shiwen , Liu Yuan , Cheng Minzhang
Published: August 2024

The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) mediates the linear ubiquitination of various proteins and is involved in NF-κB signaling and immune regulation. However, the function and mechanism of linear ubiquitination in regulating oncogenic signaling and tumor growth have remained poorly understood. Herein, we identified Gli proteins, key transcription factors in the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, as novel substrates of LUBAC. Linear ubiquitination stabilizes Gli proteins, leading to the noncanonical activation of Hh signaling in CRC cells. Furthermore, LUBAC facilitates tumor growth in CRC cells. Additionally, elevated expression of LUBAC components in CRC tissues was observed, and higher expression levels of these components correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Interestingly, inhibition of LUBAC using either a small molecule agonist or RNA silencing specifically suppressed cell growth in CRC cells but had no effect on normal intestinal cells. Taken together, aberrant expression of LUBAC components activates Hh signaling noncanonically by mediating linear ubiquitination, promoting tumor growth in CRC, demonstrating the novel function of linear ubiquitination in regulating the protein stability of its substrates and highlighting the potential of targeting LUBAC as a therapeutic strategy in CRC.
Stem cell transcriptional profiles from mouse subspecies reveal cis-regulatory evolution at translation genes
Authors: Simon Noah M. , Kim Yujin , Gribnau Joost , Bautista Diana M. , Dutton James R. , Brem Rachel B.
Published: August 2024

A key goal of evolutionary genomics is to harness molecular data to draw inferences about selective forces that have acted on genomes. The field progresses in large part through the development of advanced molecular-evolution analysis methods. Here we explored the intersection between classical sequence-based tests for selection and an empirical expression-based approach, using stem cells from Mus musculus subspecies as a model. Using a test of directional, cis-regulatory evolution across genes in pathways, we discovered a unique program of induction of translation genes in stem cells of the Southeast Asian mouse M. m. castaneus relative to its sister taxa. We then mined population-genomic sequences to pursue underlying regulatory mechanisms for this expression divergence, finding robust evidence for alleles unique to M. m. castaneus at the upstream regions of the translation genes. We interpret our data under a model of changes in lineage-specific pressures across Mus musculus in stem cells with high translational capacity. Our findings underscore the rigor of integrating expression and sequence-based methods to generate hypotheses about evolutionary events from long ago.
Fish-hunting cone snail disrupts prey’s glucose homeostasis with weaponized mimetics of somatostatin and insulin
Authors: Yeung Ho Yan , Ramiro Iris Bea L. , Andersen Daniel B. , Koch Thomas Lund , Hamilton Alexander , Bjørn-Yoshimoto Walden E. , Espino Samuel , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Pedersen Kasper B. , de Haan Noortje , Hipgrave Ederveen Agnes L. , Olivera Baldomero M. , Knudsen Jakob G. , Bräuner-Osborne Hans , Schjoldager Katrine T. , Holst Jens Juul , Safavi-Hemami Helena
Published: August 2024

Venomous animals have evolved diverse molecular mechanisms to incapacitate prey and defend against predators. Most venom components disrupt nervous, locomotor, and cardiovascular systems or cause tissue damage. The discovery that certain fish-hunting cone snails use weaponized insulins to induce hypoglycemic shock in prey highlights a unique example of toxins targeting glucose homeostasis. Here, we show that, in addition to insulins, the deadly fish hunter, Conus geographus, uses a selective somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) agonist that blocks the release of the insulin-counteracting hormone glucagon, thereby exacerbating insulin-induced hypoglycemia in prey. The native toxin, Consomatin nG1, exists in several proteoforms with a minimized vertebrate somatostatin-like core motif connected to a heavily glycosylated N-terminal region. We demonstrate that the toxin’s N-terminal tail closely mimics a glycosylated somatostatin from fish pancreas and is crucial for activating the fish SSTR2. Collectively, these findings provide a stunning example of chemical mimicry, highlight the combinatorial nature of venom components, and establish glucose homeostasis as an effective target for prey capture.
Rapid single-tier serodiagnosis of Lyme disease
Authors: Ghosh Rajesh , Joung Hyou-Arm , Goncharov Artem , Palanisamy Barath , Ngo Kevin , Pejcinovic Katarina , Krockenberger Nicole , Horn Elizabeth J. , Garner Omai B. , Ghazal Ezdehar , O’Kula Andrew , Arnaboldi Paul M. , Dattwyler Raymond J. , Ozcan Aydogan , Di Carlo Dino
Published: August 2024

Point-of-care serological and direct antigen testing offers actionable insights for diagnosing challenging illnesses, empowering distributed health systems. Here, we report a POC-compatible serologic test for Lyme disease (LD), leveraging synthetic peptides specific to LD antibodies and a paper-based platform for rapid, and cost-effective diagnosis. Antigenic epitopes conserved across Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies, targeted by IgG and IgM antibodies, are selected to develop a multiplexed panel for detection of LD antibodies from patient sera. Multiple peptide epitopes, when combined synergistically with a machine learning-based diagnostic model achieve high sensitivity without sacrificing specificity. Blinded validation with 15 LD-positive and 15 negative samples shows 95.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Blind testing with the CDC’s LD repository samples confirms the test accuracy, matching lab-based two-tier results, correctly differentiating between LD and look-alike diseases. This LD diagnostic test could potentially replace the cumbersome two-tier testing, improving diagnosis and enabling earlier treatment while facilitating immune monitoring and surveillance.
Drivers and Impacts of the Record-Breaking 2023 Wildfire Season in Canada
Authors: Jain Piyush , Barber Quinn E. , Taylor Stephen W. , Whitman Ellen , Castellanos Acuna Dante , Boulanger Yan , Chavardès Raphaël D. , Chen Jack , Englefield Peter , Flannigan Mike , Girardin Martin P. , Hanes Chelene C. , Little John , Morrison Kimberly , Skakun Rob S. , Thompson Dan K. , Wang Xianli , Parisien Marc-André
Published: August 2024

The 2023 wildfire season in Canada was unprecedented in its scale and intensity, spanning from mid-April to late October and across much of the forested regions of Canada. Here, we summarize the main causes and impacts of this exceptional season. The record-breaking total area burned (~15 Mha) can be attributed to several environmental factors that converged early in the season: early snowmelt, multiannual drought conditions in western Canada, and the rapid transition to drought in eastern Canada. Anthropogenic climate change enabled sustained extreme fire weather conditions, as the mean May–October temperature over Canada in 2023 was 2.2 °C warmer than the 1991–2020 average. The impacts were profound with more than 200 communities evacuated, millions exposed to hazardous air quality from smoke, and unmatched demands on fire-fighting resources. The 2023 wildfire season in Canada not only set new records, but highlights the increasing challenges posed by wildfires in Canada.
Assessing the clinical utility of inertial sensors for home monitoring in Parkinson’s disease: a comprehensive review
Authors: Sapienza Stefano , Tsurkalenko Olena , Giraitis Marijus , Mejia Alan Castro , Zelimkhanov Gelani , Schwaninger Isabel , Klucken Jochen
Published: August 2024

This review screened 296 articles on wearable sensors for home monitoring of people with Parkinson’s Disease within the PubMed Database, from January 2017 to May 2023. A three-level maturity framework was applied for classifying the aims of 59 studies included: demonstrating technical efficacy, diagnostic sensitivity, or clinical utility. As secondary analysis, user experience (usability and patient adherence) was evaluated. The evidences provided by the studies were categorized and stratified according to the level of maturity. Our results indicate that approximately 75% of articles investigated diagnostic sensitivity, i.e. correlation of sensor-data with clinical parameters. Evidence of clinical utility, defined as improvement on health outcomes or clinical decisions after the use of the wearables, was found only in nine papers. A third of the articles included reported evidence of user experience. Future research should focus more on clinical utility, to facilitate the translation of research results within the management of Parkinson’s Disease.
Uncovering patterns of inhaler technique and reliever use: the value of objective, personalized data from a digital inhaler
Authors: Levy Mark L. , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia , Safioti Guilherme , Reich Michael , Depietro Michael , Castro Mario , Farooqui Nabeel , Lugogo Njira L. , Brown Randall , Hill Tanisha , Li Thomas , Chrystyn Henry
Published: August 2024

Electronic inhalers provide information about patterns of routine inhaler use. During a 12-week study, 360 asthma patients using albuterol Digihaler generated 53,083 inhaler events that were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 41,528 (78%) of the recorded inhalation events were suitable for flow analysis (having a PIF ≥ 18 L/min and <120 L/min). Median PIF, inhalation volume, inhalation duration, and time to PIF for these events steadily decreased between the first and last 10 days of the study, by 5.1%, 12.6%, 15.9%, and 6.4%, respectively. Continuous short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) overuse, defined as ≥2 SABA inhalations/week throughout the study period, was seen in 29% (n = 104) of patients. Of 260 patients with ≥1 instance of acute short-term SABA overuse, 55 (21%) had a confirmed exacerbation. Electronic recording of real-life inhaler use can capture valuable, objective information that could inform disease management and clinical decision-making.
Identifying sarcoidosis trends using web search and real-world data in Sweden: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Ziehfreund Stefanie , Tizek Linda , Arkema Elizabeth V. , Zink Alexander
Published: August 2024

Web search data are associated with disease incidence, population interest, and seasonal variations. This study aimed to investigate seasonal and geographical variations of web search data for sarcoidosis and to explore its association with external factors and sarcoidosis incidence in Sweden. Therefore, sarcoidosis-related data from Google Ads Keyword Planer (2017–2020) were generated for Sweden according to its 21 counties. The relationship between search volume and season, region, population demographics, environmental factors, and the sarcoidosis incidence listed in the National Patient Register was assessed. Analyses revealed seasonal variations for Sweden with an overall peak in the spring and autumn. Geographical differences were observed, with a higher search volume for north-western counties and the lowest search volume for Stockholm County. At the country level, the search volume was positively associated with the sarcoidosis incidence. Higher male proportion and older mean age were associated with a higher search volume, while a higher proportion of foreign-born residents, humidity, and mean temperature were associated with a lower search volume. Our analyses detected correlations between web search data, sarcoidosis incidence, and external factors. Analyses of sarcoidosis web search data therefore appear to be a valuable approach to disease surveillance to address medical needs and public interest.