bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Oberbeck–Boussinesq effects on the linear stability of a vertical natural convection boundary layer
Authors: Ke Junhao , Armfield S.W. , Williamson N.
Published: July 2024

The non-Oberbeck–Boussinesq effects on the stability of a vertical natural convection boundary layer are investigated using the linearised disturbance equations for air flows up to a temperature difference of

$\Delta T=100\,{\rm K}$

. Based on the linear stability results, the neutral curve is shown to be sensitive to the choice of reference temperature. When evaluated using the film temperature

$T_f$

, a lower film Grashof number is required to trigger the linear instability for larger

$\Delta T$

. The relative contributions of shear and buoyant production to the perturbation kinetic energy budget reveals that the marginally unstable modes are amplified based on different mechanisms: for lower wavenumbers at relatively small Grashof number, the instability is driven by buoyancy; whereas for higher wavenumbers and larger Grashof number, the flow becomes unstable due to a shear instability. The use of reference temperature is found to scale the shear- and buoyant-driven instabilities differently so that no single reference temperature definition would collapse the neutral curves. The linear stability result further demonstrates that at a given Grashof number a higher temperature difference would give a larger amplification rate of the perturbation, which then leads to an earlier onset of the nonlinearities when evaluated at

$T_f$

. Finally, by comparing the amplification rates obtained from direct numerical simulation and the linear stability results, the extent of the linear regime is determined for

$\Delta T = 100\,{\rm K}$

.
Microbial Communities Degrade Ancient Permafrost‐Derived Organic Matter in Arctic Seawater
Authors: Ruben Manuel , Marchant Hannah , Wietz Matthias , Gentz Torben , Strauss Jens , Koch Boris P. , Mollenhauer Gesine
Published: July 2024

The Arctic is experiencing rapid warming, which among other processes results in increasing erosion of coastal permafrost and the release of ancient organic carbon (OC) into the Arctic Ocean, which in turn might result in greenhouse gas emissions following its decomposition. Supply of terrigenous organic matter to the ocean affects near‐shore nutrient concentrations and the composition of microbial communities—highlighting the need to understand the fate of permafrost‐derived carbon in this fragile ecosystem. We incubated material from coastal Yedoma permafrost for 85 days in seawater collected during the Arctic Century expedition. During this experiment, 2.8 ± 1.4% of OC from coastal Yedoma was respired to CO2. Radiocarbon analysis revealed that 88 ± 15% of the released CO2 originated from ancient material (∼40,000 years), indicating that degradation of permafrost OC reintroduces old carbon into the short‐term carbon cycle. Hence, the permafrost climate feedback may be enhanced in the coming decades when coastal erosion accelerates. Additionally, 0.9 ± 0.3% of Yedoma OC was leached as dissolved OC. The observed net production of inorganic nitrogen during the incubation could potentially provide a negative feedback by stimulating primary production. Bacterial community analysis showed a succession of primary responders to biolabile substrates (e.g., Psychrobacter and Colwellia) followed by secondary consumers of less biolabile substrates (e.g., Maribacter and Pseudohongiella), plus a potential establishment of permafrost associated‐bacteria on particles. Overall, our data show that OC input from thawing permafrost stimulates bacterial dynamics, with likely implications for regional biogeochemical cycles and the Earth's climate.
Combining Top‐Down and Bottom‐Up Approaches to Evaluate Recent Trends and Seasonal Patterns in UK N2O Emissions
Authors: Saboya Eric , Manning Alistair J. , Levy Peter , Stanley Kieran M. , Pitt Joseph , Young Dickon , Say Daniel , Grant Aoife , Arnold Tim , Rennick Chris , Tomlinson Samuel J. , Carnell Edward J. , Artioli Yuri , Stavart Ann , Spain T. Gerard , O’Doherty Simon , Rigby Matthew , Ganesan Anita L.
Published: July 2024

Atmospheric trace gas measurements can be used to independently assess national greenhouse gas inventories through inverse modeling. Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) measurements made in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland are used to derive monthly N2O emissions for 2013–2022 using two different inverse methods. We find mean UK emissions of 90.5 ± 23.0 (1σ) and 111.7 ± 32.1 (1σ) Gg N2O yr−1 for 2013–2022, and corresponding trends of −0.68 ± 0.48 (1σ) Gg N2O yr−2 and −2.10 ± 0.72 (1σ) Gg N2O yr−2, respectively, for the two inverse methods. The UK National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) reported mean N2O emissions of 73.9 ± 1.7 (1σ) Gg N2O yr−1 across this period, which is 22%–51% smaller than the emissions derived from atmospheric data. We infer a pronounced seasonal cycle in N2O emissions, with a peak occurring in the spring and a second smaller peak in the late summer for certain years. The springtime peak has a long seasonal decline that contrasts with the sharp rise and fall of N2O emissions estimated from the bottom‐up UK Emissions Model (UKEM). Bayesian inference is used to minimize the seasonal cycle mismatch between the average top‐down (atmospheric data‐based) and bottom‐up (process model and inventory‐based) seasonal emissions at a sub‐sector level. Increasing agricultural manure management and decreasing synthetic fertilizer N2O emissions reduces some of the discrepancy between the average top‐down and bottom‐up seasonal cycles. Other possibilities could also explain these discrepancies, such as missing emissions from NH3 deposition, but these require further investigation.
Empirical Model of Equatorial ElectroJet (EEJ) Using Long‐Term Observations From the Indian Sector
Authors: Tulasi Ram S. , Ankita M. , Nilam B. , Gurubaran S. , Nair Manoj , Seemala Gopi K. , Brahmanandam P. S. , Dimri A. P.
Published: July 2024

The Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) is one of the important near‐earth space weather phenomena which exhibits significant diurnal, seasonal and solar activity variations. This paper investigates the EEJ variations at diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle time scales from the Indian sector and portrays a new empirical EEJ field model developed using the observations spanning over nearly two solar cycles. The Method of Naturally Orthogonal Components (MNOC), also known as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), was employed to extract the dominant patterns of principal diurnal, semi‐diurnal, and ter‐diurnal components contributing to the EEJ variation. The amplitudes of these diurnal, semi‐diurnal, and ter‐diurnal components in EEJ are found to vary significantly with the season and solar activity. The seasonal and solar activity dependencies of these principal components are modeled using suitable bimodal distribution functions. Finally, the empirical model for EEJ field was built by combining the principal components with their corresponding modeled amplitudes. This model accurately reproduces the diurnal, seasonal and solar activity variations of EEJ. The modeled monthly mean variations of EEJ field at ground exhibit excellent correlation of 0.96 with the observations with the root mean square error <5 nT. It also successfully captures the seasonal and solar activity variations of Counter Electrojet (CEJ). Finally, this model named “Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model” is made publicly available for interested scientific users (https://iigm.res.in/system/files/IEEJ_model.html).
Epirubicin induces cardiotoxicity through disrupting ATP6V0A2-dependent lysosomal acidification and triggering ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Wu Xin , Wen Yuting , Li Zhiquan , Chen Fuzhong , Zou Yu , Dong Xiaoyu , Liu Xinjian , Wang Junhong
Published: July 2024

Epirubicin (EPI) is effective in the treatment of malignant cancers, but its application is limited by life-threatening cardiotoxicity. Iron homeostasis disturbance has been implicated in anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity (AIC), and ferroptosis is involved in AIC which dependent upon intracellular iron. However, the role and exact mechanisms of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (EIC) remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate mechanisms underlying ferroptosis-driven EIC. Epirubicin triggered ferroptosis both in vivo and in cultured cardiomyocytes, and pretreatment with ferroptosis inhibitor, Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) alleviates EIC. Microarray analysis was performed to screen for potential molecules involved in EIC in neonatal primary mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVMs). We found that the transcript level of ATP6V0A2, a subunit of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), was significantly downregulated when NMVMs were subjected to EPI, which was verified in vivo and in vitro as measured by real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting. Intriguingly, overexpression of ATP6V0A2 effectively decreased excessive oxidative stress and lipid-peroxidation accumulation, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and protecting cardiomyocytes against EIC, as evidenced by functional, enzymatic, and morphological changes. Mechanistically, forced expression of ATP6V0A2 restored lysosomal acidification in EPI-treated cardiomyocytes and protected cardiomyocytes and mice hearts from ferroptosis-driven EIC. In this study, our data elucidate that ferroptosis is involved in EIC, which is ignited by ATP6V0A2-dependent lysosomal acidification dysfunction. Our study provides a new potential therapeutic target for ameliorating EIC.
Ca2+ signals are essential for T-cell proliferation, while Zn2+ signals are necessary for T helper cell 1 differentiation
Authors: Jakobs Jana , Bertram Jens , Rink Lothar
Published: July 2024

The regulation of T-cell fate is crucial for the balance between infection control and tolerance. Calcium (Ca2+) and zinc (Zn2+) signals are both induced after T-cell stimulation, but their specific roles in the fate of activation and differentiation remain to be elucidated. Are Zn2+- and Ca2+ signals responsible for different aspects in T-cell activation and differentiation and do they act in concert or in opposition? It is crucial to understand the interplay of the intracellular signals to influence the fate of T cells in diseases with undesirable T-cell activities or in Zn2+-deficient patients. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with the Zn2+ ionophore pyrithione and thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA). Intracellular Zn2+ and Ca2+ signals were monitored by flow cytometry and ELISA, quantitative PCR and western blot were used to evaluate T-cell differentiation and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that Zn2+ signals upregulated the early T-cell activation marker CD69, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), and Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF-10) expression, which are important for T helper cell (Th) 1 differentiation. Ca2+ signals, on the other hand, increased T-bet and Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) expression and interleukin (IL)-2 release. Most interestingly, the combination of Zn2+ and Ca2+ signals was indispensable to induce interferon (IFN)-γ expression and increased the surface expression of CD69 by several-fold. These results highlight the importance of the parallel occurrence of Ca2+ and Zn2+ signals. Both signals act in concert and are required for the differentiation into Th1 cells, for the stabilization of regulatory T cells, and induces T-cell activation by several-fold. This provides further insight into the impaired immune functions of patients with zinc deficiency.
Efficacy of the tetravalent protein COVID-19 vaccine, SCTV01E: a phase 3 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Ruizhi , Zhao Junshi , Zhu Xiaoping , Guan Qinghu , Liu Shujun , Li Meihong , Gao Jianghua , Tan Jie , Cao Feng , Gan Beifang , Wu Bo , Bai Jin , Liu Youquan , Xie Gang , Liu Chi , Zhao Wei , Yan Lixin , Xu Shuping , Qian Gui , Liu Dongfang , Li Jian , Li Wei , Tian Xuxin , Wang Jinling , Wang Shanshan , Li Dongyang , Li Jing , Jiao Yuhuan , Li Xuefeng , Chen Yuanxin , Wang Yang , Gai Wenlin , Zhou Qiang , Xie Liangzhi
Published: July 2024

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants emphasizes the need for multivalent vaccines capable of simultaneously targeting multiple strains. SCTV01E is a tetravalent COVID-19 vaccine derived from the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron BA.1. In this double-blinded placebo-controlled pivotal efficacy trial (NCT05308576), the primary endpoint was vaccine efficacy (VE) against COVID-19 seven days post-vaccination in individuals without recent infection. Other endpoints included evaluating safety, immunogenicity, and the VE against all SARS-CoV-2 infections in individuals meeting the study criteria. Between December 26, 2022, and January 15, 2023, 9,223 individuals were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive SCTV01E or a placebo. SCTV01E showed a VE of 69.4% (95% CI: 50.6, 81.0) 7 days post-vaccination, with 75 cases in the placebo group and 23 in the SCTV01E group for the primary endpoint. VEs were 79.7% (95% CI: 51.0, 91.6) and 82.4% (95% CI: 57.9, 92.6), respectively, for preventing symptomatic infection and all SARS-CoV-2 infections 14 days post-vaccination. SCTV01E elicited a 25.0-fold higher neutralizing antibody response against Omicron BA.5 28 days post-vaccination compared to placebo. Reactogenicity was generally mild and transient, with no reported vaccine-related SAE, adverse events of special interest (AESI), or deaths. The trial aligned with the shift from dominant variants BA.5 and BF.7 to XBB, suggesting SCTV01E as a potential vaccine alternative effective against present and future variants.
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell type-specific responses to ischemic stroke in male rodents
Authors: Bormann Daniel , Knoflach Michael , Poreba Emilia , Riedl Christian J. , Testa Giulia , Orset Cyrille , Levilly Anthony , Cottereau Andréa , Jauk Philipp , Hametner Simon , Stranzl Nadine , Golabi Bahar , Copic Dragan , Klas Katharina , Direder Martin , Kühtreiber Hannes , Salek Melanie , zur Nedden Stephanie , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele , Kiechl Stefan , Haider Carmen , Endmayr Verena , Höftberger Romana , Ankersmit Hendrik J. , Mildner Michael
Published: July 2024

Neuroglia critically shape the brain´s response to ischemic stroke. However, their phenotypic heterogeneity impedes a holistic understanding of the cellular composition of the early ischemic lesion. Here we present a single cell resolution transcriptomics dataset of the brain´s acute response to infarction. Oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes range among the most transcriptionally perturbed populations and exhibit infarction- and subtype-specific molecular signatures. Specifically, we find infarction restricted proliferating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), mature oligodendrocytes and reactive astrocytes, exhibiting transcriptional commonalities in response to ischemic injury. OPCs and reactive astrocytes are involved in a shared immuno-glial cross talk with stroke-specific myeloid cells. Within the perilesional zone, osteopontin positive myeloid cells accumulate in close proximity to CD44+ proliferating OPCs and reactive astrocytes. In vitro, osteopontin increases the migratory capacity of OPCs. Collectively, our study highlights molecular cross talk events which might govern the cellular composition of acutely infarcted brain tissue.
High-voltage and dendrite-free zinc-iodine flow battery
Authors: Wang Caixing , Gao Guoyuan , Su Yaqiong , Xie Ju , He Dunyong , Wang Xuemei , Wang Yanrong , Wang Yonggang
Published: July 2024

Zn-I2 flow batteries, with a standard voltage of 1.29 V based on the redox potential gap between the Zn2+-negolyte (−0.76 vs. SHE) and I2-posolyte (0.53 vs. SHE), are gaining attention for their safety, sustainability, and environmental-friendliness. However, the significant growth of Zn dendrites and the formation of dead Zn generally prevent them from being cycled at high current density (>80 mA cm−2). In addition, the crossover of Zn2+ across cation-exchange-membrane also limits their cycle stability. Herein, we propose a chelated Zn(P2O7)26- (donated as Zn(PPi)26-) negolyte, which facilitates dendrite-free Zn plating and effectively prevents Zn2+ crossover. Remarkably, the utilization of chelated Zn(PPi)26- as a negolyte shifts the Zn2+/Zn plating/stripping potential to −1.08 V (vs. SHE), increasing cell voltage to 1.61 V. Such high voltage Zn-I2 flow battery shows a promising stability over 250 cycles at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2, and a high power density up to 606.5 mW cm−2.
Previously hidden landslide processes revealed using distributed acoustic sensing with nanostrain-rate sensitivity
Authors: Ouellet Susanne M. , Dettmer Jan , Lato Matthew J. , Cole Steve , Hutchinson D. Jean , Karrenbach Martin , Dashwood Ben , Chambers Jonathan E. , Crickmore Roger
Published: July 2024

Landslides sometimes creep for decades before undergoing runaway acceleration and catastrophic failure. Observing and monitoring the evolution of strain in time and space is crucial to understand landslide processes, including the transition from slow to fast movement. However, the limited spatial or temporal resolution of existing landslide monitoring instrumentation limits the study of these processes. We employ distributed acoustic sensing strain data below 1 Hertz frequency during a three-day rainfall at the Hollin Hill landslide and quantify strain-rate changes at meter and sub-minute scales. We observe near-surface strain onset at the head scarp, strain acceleration at a developing rupture zone, retrogression towards the scarp, and flow-lobe activity. These processes with displacements of less than 0.5 mm are undetected using other methods. However, the millimeter processes over three days agree with previously observed seasonal landslide patterns. Here, we show landslide processes occurring with nanostrain-rate sensitivity at spatiotemporal resolution previously not possible.
Pannexin-1 channel inhibition alleviates opioid withdrawal in rodents by modulating locus coeruleus to spinal cord circuitry
Authors: Kwok Charlie H. T. , Harding Erika K. , Burma Nicole E. , Markovic Tamara , Massaly Nicolas , van den Hoogen Nynke J. , Stokes-Heck Sierra , Gambeta Eder , Komarek Kristina , Yoon Hye Jean , Navis Kathleen E. , McAllister Brendan B. , Canet-Pons Julia , Fan Churmy , Dalgarno Rebecca , Gorobets Evgueni , Papatzimas James W. , Zhang Zizhen , Kohro Yuta , Anderson Connor L. , Thompson Roger J. , Derksen Darren J. , Morón Jose A. , Zamponi Gerald W. , Trang Tuan
Published: July 2024

Opioid withdrawal is a liability of chronic opioid use and misuse, impacting people who use prescription or illicit opioids. Hyperactive autonomic output underlies many of the aversive withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to discontinue chronic opioid use. The locus coeruleus (LC) is an important autonomic centre within the brain with a poorly defined role in opioid withdrawal. We show here that pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels expressed on microglia critically modulate LC activity during opioid withdrawal. Within the LC, we found that spinally projecting tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons (LCspinal) are hyperexcitable during morphine withdrawal, elevating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of norepinephrine. Pharmacological and chemogenetic silencing of LCspinal neurons or genetic ablation of Panx1 in microglia blunted CSF NE release, reduced LC neuron hyperexcitability, and concomitantly decreased opioid withdrawal behaviours in mice. Using probenecid as an initial lead compound, we designed a compound (EG-2184) with greater potency in blocking Panx1. Treatment with EG-2184 significantly reduced both the physical signs and conditioned place aversion caused by opioid withdrawal in mice, as well as suppressed cue-induced reinstatement of opioid seeking in rats. Together, these findings demonstrate that microglial Panx1 channels modulate LC noradrenergic circuitry during opioid withdrawal and reinstatement. Blocking Panx1 to dampen LC hyperexcitability may therefore provide a therapeutic strategy for alleviating the physical and aversive components of opioid withdrawal.
A temperate super-Jupiter imaged with JWST in the mid-infrared
Authors: Matthews E. C. , Carter A. L. , Pathak P. , Morley C. V. , Phillips M. W. , P. M. S. Krishanth , Feng F. , Bonse M. J. , Boogaard L. A. , Burt J. A. , Crossfield I. J. M. , Douglas E. S. , Henning Th. , Hom J. , Ko C.-L. , Kasper M. , Lagrange A.-M. , Petit dit de la Roche D. , Philipot F.
Published: July 2024

Of the approximately 25 directly imaged planets to date, all are younger than 500 Myr, and all but six are younger than 100 Myr (ref. 1). Eps Ind A (HD209100, HIP108870) is a K5V star of roughly solar age (recently derived as 3.7–5.7 Gyr (ref. 2) and $${3.5}_{-1.3}^{+0.8}$$

3.5

−
1.3

+
0.8

 Gyr (ref. 3)). A long-term radial-velocity trend4,5 and an astrometric acceleration6,7 led to claims of a giant planet2,8,9 orbiting the nearby star (3.6384 ± 0.0013 pc; ref. 10). Here we report JWST coronagraphic images which reveal a giant exoplanet that is consistent with these radial and astrometric measurements but inconsistent with the previously claimed planet properties. The new planet has a temperature of approximately 275 K and is remarkably bright at 10.65 and 15.50 µm. Non-detections between 3.5 and 5.0 µm indicate an unknown opacity source in the atmosphere, possibly suggesting a high-metallicity, high carbon-to-oxygen ratio planet. The best-fitting temperature of the planet is consistent with theoretical thermal evolution models, which were previously untested at this temperature range. The data indicate that this is probably the only giant planet in the system, and therefore we refer to it as b, despite it having significantly different orbital properties than the previously claimed planet b.
A structured course of disease dataset with contact tracing information in Taiwan for COVID-19 modelling
Authors: Wu Yu-Heng , Nordling Torbjörn E. M.
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has flooded open databases with population-level data. However, individual-level structured data, such as the course of disease and contact tracing information, is almost non-existent in open databases. Publish a structured and cleaned COVID-19 dataset with the course of disease and contact tracing information for easy benchmarking of COVID-19 models. We gathered data from Taiwanese open databases and daily news reports. The outcome is a structured quantitative dataset encompassing the course of the disease of Taiwanese individuals, alongside their contact tracing information. Our dataset comprises 579 confirmed cases covering the period from January 21, to November 9, 2020, when the original SARS-CoV-2 virus was most prevalent in Taiwan. The data include features such as travel history, age, gender, symptoms, contact types between cases, date of symptoms onset, confirmed, critically ill, recovered, and dead. We also include the daily summary data at population-level from January 21, 2020, to May 23, 2022. Our data can help enhance epidemiological modelling.
Multi-organ transcriptomic profiles and gene-regulation network underlying vibriosis resistance in tongue sole
Authors: Chen Quanchao , Ma Xinran , Wang Jie , Shi Meng , Hu Guobin , Chen Songlin , Zhou Qian
Published: July 2024

Vibrio spp. are major pathogens responsible for mortality and disease in various marine aquaculture organisms. Effective disease control and genetic breeding strategies rely heavily on understanding host vibriosis resistance mechanisms. The Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is economically vital but suffers from substantial mortalities due to vibriosis. Through continuous selective breeding, we have successfully obtained vibriosis-resistant families of this species. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis on three organs, including liver, spleen and intestine from selected resistant and susceptible tongue soles. Additionally, we integrated these data with our previously published RNA-seq datasets of skin and gill, enabling the construction of organ-specific transcriptional profiles and a comprehensive gene co-expression network elucidating the differences in vibriosis resistance. Furthermore, we identified 12 modules with organ-specific functional implications. Overall, our findings provide a valuable resource for investigating the molecular basis of vibriosis resistance in fish, offering insights into target genes and pathways essential for molecular selection and genetic manipulation to enhance vibriosis resistance in fish breeding programs.
Experimental study and analysis of CO2 and SO2 absorption in various water-based nanofluids by response surface methodology
Authors: Karamian Soroush , Esmaeilzadeh Feridun , Mowla Dariush , Esmaeili-Faraj Seyyed Hamid , Arjomand Alireza
Published: July 2024

The absorption of acidic gases in the oil and gas industries is important due to their toxicity and corrosive effects. Recently, the application of nanofluids based on aqueous or organic solvents as absorbents has been examined by a variety of researchers. In this study, a single bubble column was exploited to study the effect of water-based nanofluids on the absorption processes of SO2 and CO2 using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken three-level experiment design. With this in mind, CO2 and SO2 are separately injected at the bottom of a bubble column filled with one of the nanofluids: Al2O3-water, SiO2-water, or ZnO-water for each experiment. Then, the rate of SO2 or CO2 absorption in the nanofluids has been elucidated. The effect of important parameters including the weight fraction of the nanoparticles (NPs) (0.01, 0.055, and 0.1 wt.%), gas–liquid contact time (150, 300, and 450 s), and the diameter of nozzle for gas injection (0.46, 0.57, and 0.68 mm) have been studied. Results revealed that the maximum molar flux of both gases was observed in the ZnO-water nanofluid, followed by the SiO2-water nanofluid. In addition, increasing the nanoparticle mass fraction and the bubble size causes the molar flux to rise. However, increasing the gas–liquid contact time causes the molar flux of the mentioned gases to decrease. Finally, a set of the accurate equations has been proposed to predict the molar flux of SO2 and CO2 in the various nanofluids assessed in this work.
Litho-structural interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies reveals potential for mineral exploration in Tizi n'Test Region, Western High Atlas, Morocco
Authors: Dadi Bouchra , Faik Farid , Boutaleb Said , Abia El Hassan , Azzab Driss El , Ouchchen Mohammed , Mamouch Younes , Echogdali Fatima Zahra , Mickus Kevin L. , Abioui Mohamed , Sobh Mohamed , Hassan Soha
Published: July 2024

This study interprets aeromagnetic data from the Tizi n'Test area in the High Atlas massif of Morocco, aiming to gain insights into its litho-structural architecture and implications for mineral exploration and mining. We employed six different analytical techniques to the residual magnetic field data, including reduction to the pole (RTP), upward continuation, total horizontal derivative, Tilt angle, Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) analysis, and Euler deconvolution. Our analyses differentiated the study area into three magnetic domains: the eastern Ouzellarh block, characterized by positive anomalies, a central domain characterized by a negative magnetic signature demarcating the transitional zone between the Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas separated by the Ouchden fault: and the western domain, represented by the Tichka massif. The application of total horizontal derivative, tilt angle, and a combination of filters in ternary image formats (Tilt angle, upward continuation 1000 + Tilt angle and upward continuation 3000 + Tilt angle) revealed both known and previously unidentified geological lineaments, mapping structural complexity across various orientations (NE–SW, NNE–SSE, E–W, NW–SE, and N–S). The CET grid analysis method unveiled the structural complexity, highlighting the geodynamic evolution of the region. Particularly, the Ouchden fault delineates a magnetic domain divide between the ancient High Atlas and the Ouzellarh block (Anti-Atlas). Furthermore, Euler deconvolution indicated magnetic source depths ranging from 52 m in the western domain of the Tichka massif to 6560 m in the Ouzellarh block. A comprehensive structural scheme, classified by C-A fractal analysis, identified zones favourable for exploration and mining, particularly along the Ouchden fault, Tizi n'Test, NE-SW trending lineaments in the northwestern domain, as well as along the Tichka granite’s margin.
Eleven neurology-related proteins measured in serum are positively correlated to the severity of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Bäckryd Emmanuel , Themistocleous Andreas , Larsson Anders , Gordh Torsten , Rice Andrew S. C. , Tesfaye Solomon , Bennett David L. , Gerdle Björn
Published: July 2024

About 20% of patients with diabetes suffer from chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics. We investigated the multivariate associations between 92 neurology-related proteins measured in serum from 190 patients with painful and painless diabetic neuropathy. Participants were recruited from the Pain in Neuropathy Study, an observational cross-sectional multicentre study in which participants underwent deep phenotyping. In the exploration cohort, two groups were defined by hierarchical cluster analyses of protein data. The proportion of painless vs painful neuropathy did not differ between the two groups, but one group had a significantly higher grade of neuropathy as measured by the Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). This finding was replicated in the replication cohort. Analyzing both groups together, we found that a group of 11 inter-correlated proteins (TNFRSF12A, SCARB2, N2DL-2, SKR3, EFNA4, LAYN, CLM-1, CD38, UNC5C, GFR-alpha-1, and JAM-B) were positively associated with TCSS values. Notably, EFNA4 and UNC5C are known to be part of axon guidance pathways. To conclude, although cluster analysis of 92 neurology-related proteins did not distinguish painful from painless diabetic neuropathy, we identified 11 proteins which positively correlated to neuropathy severity and warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers.
General instability of dipeptides in concentrated sulfuric acid as relevant for the Venus cloud habitability
Authors: Petkowski Janusz J. , Seager Maxwell D. , Bains William , Seager Sara
Published: July 2024

Recent renewed interest in the possibility of life in the acidic clouds of Venus has led to new studies on organic chemistry in concentrated sulfuric acid. We have previously found that the majority of amino acids are stable in the range of Venus’ cloud sulfuric acid concentrations (81% and 98% w/w, the rest being water). The natural next question is whether dipeptides, as precursors to larger peptides and proteins, could be stable in this environment. We investigated the reactivity of the peptide bond using 20 homodipeptides and find that the majority of them undergo solvolysis within a few weeks, at both sulfuric acid concentrations. Notably, a few exceptions exist. HH and GG dipeptides are stable in 98% w/w sulfuric acid for at least 4 months, while II, LL, VV, PP, RR and KK resist hydrolysis in 81% w/w sulfuric acid for at least 5 weeks. Moreover, the breakdown process of the dipeptides studied in 98% w/w concentrated sulfuric acid is different from the standard acid-catalyzed hydrolysis that releases monomeric amino acids. Despite a few exceptions at a single concentration, no homodipeptides have demonstrated stability across both acid concentrations studied. This indicates that any hypothetical life on Venus would likely require a functional substitute for the peptide bond that can maintain stability throughout the range of sulfuric acid concentrations present.
Extraction optimization and reactivity of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone and ability of its derivatives to modulate PKC isoforms
Authors: Isca Vera M. S. , Bangay Gabrielle , Princiotto Salvatore , Saraíva Lucília , dos Santos Daniel J. V. A. , García-Sosa Alfonso T. , Rijo Patrícia
Published: July 2024

Protein kinase C is a family of kinases that play important roles in carcinogenesis. Medicinal plants from Plectranthus spp. (Lamiaceae) are a well-known source of interesting abietanes, such as 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone (Roy). This study aimed to extract and isolate Roy from P. grandidentatus Gürke, comparing two extraction methods (CO2 supercritical and ultrasound-assisted acetonic extraction), and design new royleanone derivatives for PKC modulation focusing on breast cancer therapy. The concentration of Roy in the extracts was determined by HPLC–DAD. The supercritical extraction method yielded 3.6% w/w, with the presence of 42.7 μg mg−1 of Roy (yield of 0.13%), while ultrasound-assisted acetonic extraction yielded 2.3% w/w, with the presence of 55.2 μg mg−1 of Roy (yield of 0.15%). The reactivity of Roy was investigated aiming at synthetizing new ester derivatives through standard benzoylation and esterification reactions. The benzoylated (Roy-12-Bz) and acetylated (Roy-12-Ac) derivatives in the C12 position were consistently prepared with overall good yields (33–86%). These results indicate the 12-OH position as the most reactive for esterification, affording derivatives under mild conditions. The reported di-benzoylated (RoyBz) and di-acetylated (RoyAc) derivatives were also synthesized after increasing the temperature (50 °C), reaction time, and using an excess of reagents. The cytotoxic potential of Roy and its derivatives was assessed against breast cancer cell lines, with RoyBz emerging as the most promising compound. Derivatization at position C-12 did not offer advantages over di-esterification at positions C-12 and C-6 or over the parent compound Roy and the presence of aromatic groups favored cytotoxicity. Evaluation of royleanones as PKC-α, βI, δ, ε, and ζ activators revealed DeRoy’s efficacy across all isoforms, while RoyPr showed promising activation of PKC-δ but not PKC-ζ, highlighting the influence of slight structural changes on isoform selectivity. Molecular docking analysis emphasized the importance of microenvironmental factors in isoform specificity, underscoring the complexity of PKC modulation and the need for further exploration.
Vitamin D3 suppresses Npt2c abundance and differentially modulates phosphate and calcium homeostasis in Npt2a knockout mice
Authors: Thomas Linto , Dissanayake Lashodya V. , Tahmasbi Maryam , Staruschenko Alexander , Al-Masri Sima , Dominguez Rieg Jessica A. , Rieg Timo
Published: July 2024

Vitamin D3 is clinically used for the treatment of vitamin D3 deficiency or osteoporosis, partially because of its role in regulating phosphate (Pi) and calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. The renal sodium-phosphate cotransporter 2a (Npt2a) plays an important role in Pi homeostasis; however, the role of vitamin D3 in hypophosphatemia has never been investigated. We administered vehicle or vitamin D3 to wild-type (WT) mice or hypophosphatemic Npt2a−/− mice. In contrast to WT mice, vitamin D3 treatment increased plasma Pi levels in Npt2a−/− mice, despite similar levels of reduced parathyroid hormone and increased fibroblast growth factor 23. Plasma Ca2+ was increased ~ twofold in both genotypes. Whereas WT mice were able to increase urinary Pi and Ca2+/creatinine ratios, in Npt2a−/− mice, Pi/creatinine was unchanged and Ca2+/creatinine drastically decreased, coinciding with the highest kidney Ca2+ content, highest plasma creatinine, and greatest amount of nephrocalcinosis. In Npt2a−/− mice, vitamin D3 treatment completely diminished Npt2c abundance, so that mice resembled Npt2a/c double knockout mice. Abundance of intestinal Npt2b and claudin-3 (tight junctions protein) were reduced in Npt2a−/− only, the latter might facilitate the increase in plasma Pi in Npt2a−/− mice. Npt2a might function as regulator between renal Ca2+ excretion and reabsorption in response to vitamin D3.
Examination of phacoemulsification tips after different numbers of cataract surgeries
Authors: Revak Agnes , Nemeth Gabor , Korizs Judit , Gyulai Gergo , Abraham Agnes , Kiss Eva , Sohajda Zoltan
Published: July 2024

To compare unused phacoemulsification tips and those used different times with different techniques of cataract surgery (divide and conquer and chop), in vivo phacoemulsifications were performed with tips of different numbers of operation. These were compared with the same number of sterilized-only and unused tips with the help of an atomic force microscope. Comparison of roughness values (Sa, Sq), geometric and measurable flange length and surface was also performed (profile length %, area %). The differences between the parameters that can be measured during surgery (average ultrasound percentage, US ave %, Average Phaco Time, APT) were also analyzed. We found significant correlations between age and lens hardness (p = 0.0045), area % and APT (p = 0.03), between area % and US ave% (p = 0.03) and also between the two surgical techniques in terms of area% (p = 0.04) and US ave % (p < 0.01). Roughness increased with the number of uses. An increase in profile length% can be observed up to the twentieth operation. This can result from scratches and microscopic damages and also from abrasion and possible material additions on the surface of the needles. The divide and conquer technique causes less microscopic damage to the surface, and smaller average US energy is required during surgery.
Diversity and ecological niche model of malaria vector and non-vector mosquito species in Covè, Ouinhi, and Zangnanado, Southern Benin
Authors: Adoha Constantin Jésukèdè , Sovi Arthur , Padonou Germain Gil , Yovogan Boulais , Akinro Bruno , Accrombessi Manfred , Dangbénon Edouard , Sidick Aboubakar , Ossè Razaki , Tokponon Tachémè Filémon , Odjo Esdras Mahoutin , Koukpo Come Z. , Fassinou Arsène , Missihoun Antoine A. , Sominanhouin André , Messenger Louisa A. , Agboho Prudenciène A. , Akpodji Serge , Ngufor Corine , Cook Jackie , Agbangla Clément , Protopopoff Natacha , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Akogbéto Martin C.
Published: July 2024

The present study aimed to assess mosquito species diversity, distribution, and ecological preferences in the Covè, Ouinhi, and Zangnanado communes, Southern Benin. Such information is critical to understand mosquito bio-ecology and to focus control efforts in high-risk areas for vector-borne diseases. Mosquito collections occurred quarterly in 60 clusters between June 2020 and April 2021, using human landing catches. In addition to the seasonal mosquito abundance, Shannon's diversity, Simpson, and Pielou's equitability indices were also evaluated to assess mosquito diversity. Ecological niche models were developed with MaxEnt using environmental variables to assess species distribution. Overall, mosquito density was higher in the wet season than in the dry season in all communes. A significantly higher Shannon's diversity index was also observed in the wet season than in the dry seasons in all communes (p < 0.05). Habitat suitability of An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ma. africana was highly influenced by slope, isothermality, site aspect, elevation, and precipitation seasonality in both wet and dry seasons. Overall, depending on the season, the ecological preferences of the four main mosquito species were variable across study communes. This emphasizes the impact of environmental conditions on mosquito species distribution. Moreover, mosquito populations were found to be more diverse in the wet season compared to the dry season.
A high-performance sub-THz planar antenna array for THz sensing and imaging applications
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Jabbar Abdul , Tahir Farooq A. , Kazim Jalil ur Rehman , Rehman Masood Ur , Imran Muhammad , Liu Bo , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: July 2024

Terahertz (THz) spectral region from 0.1 to 3 THz is envisaged to hold immense potential in the next generation of wireless technologies. Recently, research has focused on this terahertz gap, because of its unprecedented channel capacities. At the physical layer, the design complexities and fabrication of THz devices, especially antennas are the prime bottlenecks to realize its full potential. This article introduces a cost-effective, easy-to-fabricate, and reproducible sub-THz antenna design based on a single-layer planar printed circuit board technology. The antenna incorporates carefully designed quasi-cross slots and applied machine learning-assisted global optimization techniques to achieve the desired performance metrics. The antenna performance is elucidated through numerical simulations and verified through a rigorous in-house THz experimental framework around 100–110 GHz. The proposed antenna offers a peak gain of 13.90 dBi with less than 1 dB variation within the entire band of 100–110 GHz. The antenna holds the potential to achieve terabits per second data rates and futuristic high-resolution short-range THz imaging applications.
Molecular changes in endometrium origin stromal cells during initiation of cardiomyogenic differentiation induced with Decitabine, Angiotensin II and TGF- β1
Authors: Skliutė Giedrė , Staponkutė Giedrė , Skliutas Edvinas , Malinauskas Mangirdas , Navakauskienė Rūta
Published: July 2024

Stem cells’ differentiation toward cardiac lineage is a complex process dependent on various alterations in molecular basis and regulation pathways. The aim of the study is to show that endometrium-derived stromal cells – menstrual, endometrial and endometriotic, could be an attractive source for examination of the mechanisms underlying cardiomyogenesis. After treatment with Decitabine, Angiotensin II and TGF-β1, cells demonstrated morphological dedifferentiation into early cardiomyocyte-like cells and expressed CD36, CD106, CD172a typically used to sort for human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. RT-qPCR revealed changed cells’ genetic profiles, as majority of cardiac lineage differentiation related genes and cardiac ion channels (calcium, sodium, potassium) coding genes were upregulated after 6 and 13 days of exposure. Additionally, analysis of expression of various signaling proteins (FOXO1, PDGFB, TGFBR1, mTOR, VEGFA, WNT4, Notch1) coding genes showed differences between cell cultures as they seem to employ distinct signaling pathways through differentiation initiation. Early stages of differentiation had biggest impact on cardiomyogenesis related proteins (Nkx-2.5, EZH2, FOXO3a, H3K9Ac) levels, as we noticed after conducting Western blot and as expected, early cardiac transcription factor Nkx-2.5 was highly expressed and localized in nucleus of differentiating cells. These findings led us to assess endometrium origin stromal cells’ potential to differentiate towards cardiomyogenic lineage and better understand the regulation of complex differentiation processes in ex vivo model systems.
The effects of mitral stenosis on right ventricular mechanics assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Ladányi Zsuzsanna , Eltayeb Abdalla , Fábián Alexandra , Ujvári Adrienn , Tolvaj Máté , Tokodi Márton , Choudhary Kashif Anwar , Kovács Attila , Merkely Béla , Vriz Olga , Lakatos Bálint Károly
Published: July 2024

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a complex valvular pathology with significant clinical burden even today. Its effect on the right heart is often overlooked, despite it playing a considerable part in the symptomatic status. We enrolled 39 mitral valve stenosis patients and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. They underwent conventional, speckle-tracking and 3D echocardiographic examinations. The 3D data was analyzed using the ReVISION software to calculate RV functional parameters. In the MS group, 3D RV ejection fraction (EF) (49 ± 7% vs. 61 ± 4%; p < 0.001), global circumferential (GCS) (− 21.08 ± 5.64% vs. − 25.07 ± 4.72%; p = 0.001) and longitudinal strain (GLS) (− 16.60% ± 4.07% vs. − 23.32 ± 2.82%; p < 0.001) were reduced. When comparing RV contraction patterns between controls, MS patients in sinus rhythm and those with atrial fibrillation, radial (REF) (32.06 ± 5.33% vs. 23.62 ± 7.95% vs. 20.89 ± 6.92%; p < 0.001) and longitudinal ejection fraction (LEF) (24.85 ± 4.06%; 17.82 ± 6.16% vs. 15.91 ± 4.09%; p < 0.001) were decreased in both MS groups compared to controls; however, they were comparable between the two MS subgroups. Anteroposterior ejection fraction (AEF) (29.16 ± 4.60% vs. 30.87 ± 7.71% vs. 21.48 ± 6.15%; p < 0.001) showed no difference between controls and MS patients in sinus rhythm, while it was lower in the MS group with atrial fibrillation. Therefore, utilizing 3D echocardiography, we found distinct morphological and functional alterations of the RV in MS patients.
The role of answer content and length when preparing answers to questions
Authors: Corps Ruth Elizabeth , Pickering Martin J.
Published: July 2024

Research suggests that interlocutors manage the timing demands of conversation by preparing what they want to say early. In three experiments, we used a verbal question-answering task to investigate what aspects of their response speakers prepare early. In all three experiments, participants answered more quickly when the critical content (here, barks) necessary for answer preparation occurred early (e.g., Which animal barks and is also a common household pet?) rather than late (e.g., Which animal is a common household pet and also barks?). In the individual experiments, we found no convincing evidence that participants were slower to produce longer answers, consisting of multiple words, than shorter answers, consisting of a single word. There was also no interaction between these two factors. A combined analysis of the first two experiments confirmed this lack of interaction, and demonstrated that participants were faster to answer questions when the critical content was available early rather than late and when the answer was short rather than long. These findings provide tentative evidence for an account in which interlocutors prepare the content of their answer as soon as they can, but sometimes do not prepare its length (and thus form) until they are ready to speak.
Enhancing the dipole ring of hexagonal boron nitride nanomesh by surface alloying
Authors: Halasi Gyula , Vass Csaba , Yu Ka Man , Vári Gábor , Farkas Arnold P. , Palotás Krisztián , Berkó András , Kiss János , Kónya Zoltán , Aeschlimann Martin , Stadtmüller Benjamin , Dombi Péter , Óvári László
Published: July 2024

Surface templating by electrostatic surface potentials is the least invasive way to design large-scale artificial nanostructures. However, generating sufficiently large potential gradients remains challenging. Here, we lay the groundwork for significantly enhancing local electrostatic fields by chemical modification of the surface. We consider the hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanomesh on Rh(111), which already exhibits small surface potential gradients between its pore and wire regions. Using photoemission spectroscopy, we show that adding Au atoms to the Rh(111) surface layer leads to a local migration of Au atoms below the wire regions of the nanomesh. This significantly increases the local work function difference between the pore and wire regions that can be quantified experimentally by the changes in the h-BN valence band structure. Using density functional theory, we identify an electron transfer from Rh to Au as the microscopic origin for the local enhancement of potential gradients within the h-BN nanomesh.