bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streamwise Turbulence Modulation in Non‐Uniform Open‐Channel Clay Suspension Flows
Authors: de Vet M. G. W. , Fernández R. , Baas J. H. , McCaffrey W. D. , Dorrell R. M.
Published: July 2023

Cohesive sediment particles are ubiquitous in environmental flows. The cohesive properties of clay promote the formation of clay flocs and gels and relatively small suspended clay concentrations can enhance or suppress turbulence in a flow. Furthermore, flows are naturally non‐uniform, varying in space and time, yet the dynamics of non‐uniform open‐channel clay suspension flows is poorly understood. For the first time, the adaptation time and length scales of non‐uniform clay suspension flows were quantified using novel experiments with spatially varying but temporally uniform flow. Different levels of turbulence enhancement and attenuation were identified as the flow decelerates or accelerates. Results highlight that decelerating clay suspension flows crucially have a longer adaptation time than accelerating clay suspension flows. This is explained by the longer timescale required for the formation of bonds between cohesive particles in turbulence attenuated flows after deceleration than the rapid breakdown of bonds in turbulent flows after acceleration of clay suspension flows. This hysteresis is more pronounced for higher concentration decelerating flows that pass through a larger variety of clay flow types of turbulence enhancement and attenuation. These different adaptation time scales and associated clay flow type transitions are likely to affect clay flow dynamics in a variety of fluvial and submarine settings.
Scale‐Separated Dynamic Mode Decomposition and Ionospheric Forecasting
Authors: Alford‐Lago Daniel J. , Curtis Christopher W. , Ihler Alexander T. , Zawdie Katherine A.
Published: July 2023

We present a method for forecasting the foF2 and hmF2 parameters using modal decompositions from measured ionospheric electron density profiles. Our method is based on Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD), which provides a means of determining spatiotemporal modes from measurements alone. Our proposed extensions to DMD use wavelet decompositions that provide separation of a wide range of high‐intensity, transient temporal scales in the measured data. This scale separation allows for DMD models to be fit on each scale individually, and we show that together they generate a more accurate forecast of the time‐evolution of the F‐layer peak. We call this method the Scale‐Separated Dynamic Mode Decomposition (SSDMD). The approach is shown to produce stable modes that can be used as a time‐stepping model to predict the state of foF2 and hmF2 at a high time resolution. We demonstrate the SSDMD method on data sets covering periods of high and low solar activity as well as low, mid, and high latitude locations.
Jose Rolon: Ready for Any Emergency
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: July 2023

An emergency manager for New York City Emergency Management, Jose Rolon deals with the controlled chaos that follows a disaster.
Jen Walton: Chaser of Storms and Lava
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: July 2023

Walton founded Girls Who Chase to promote women in STEM.
Yamina Pressler: Slowing Down, Appreciating Complexity, and Embracing Soil
Authors: Wilke Carolyn
Published: July 2023

The soil scientist draws inspiration from the earth beneath her feet.
Inspiring Others to Braid Their Own Paths
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Our annual Career Issue spotlights individuals charting their own course through Earth and space sciences.
Magnetoclimatological Record of Late Pleistocene Loess in the Southern Hunshandake Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia: A Threshold Response to the East Asian Summer Monsoon Variations
Authors: Sheng Mei , Jiang Kai , Wang Xisheng , Jiang Zhaoxia , Tang Ling , Zhou Zaizheng
Published: July 2023

We report the first complete loess–paleosol record spanning the last 130 kyr from the southern extremity of the Hunshandake Sandy Land (HSL) in central‐eastern Mongolia. Our combined mineral magnetic and geochemical results demonstrate that during the last interglacial, the front of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) extended to central‐eastern Inner Mongolia, consistent with modern observations of climate change. However, during the last glacial, typical magnetic parameters (e.g., magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanent magnetization and their ratios), which have been successfully adopted to denote the EASM variations on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), show only muted temporal variations and cannot be readily correlated with equivalent records from the main body of the CLP. Remarkably, the Zr/Rb ratio, a robust geochemical indictor of the winter monsoon, is positively correlated with saturation isothermal remanent magnetization and saturation magnetization during the last glacial, demonstrating the strong control of wind vigor on high‐field magnetization signals dominated by lithogenic ferrimagnetic minerals. In contrast to the variable response of magnetic parameters to regional paleoclimatic fluctuations, the Rb/Sr and Ba/Sr ratios (two summer monsoon indicators) faithfully track weak chemical weathering processes and fine‐scale monsoon oscillations, especially during the last glacial. Additionally, we found that higher proportions of pedogenic high‐coercivity magnetic minerals were formed during the last interglacial, which may reflect relatively low rainfall but higher evapotranspiration in the southern extremity of the HSL compared with the CLP. We therefore attribute this complex magnetic record to a threshold response to the EASM variations in eastern Inner Mongolia.
A One‐Dimensional Volcanic Plume Model for Predicting Ash Aggregation
Authors: Hoffman D. W. , Mastin L. G. , Van Eaton A. R. , Solovitz S. A. , Cal R. B. , Eaton J. K.
Published: July 2023

During explosive volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash is ejected into the atmosphere, impacting aircraft safety and downwind communities. These volcanic clouds tend to be dominated by fine ash (<63 μm in diameter), permitting transport over hundreds to thousands of kilometers. However, field observations show that much of this fine ash aggregates into clusters or pellets with faster settling velocities than individual particles. Models of ash transport and deposition require an understanding of aggregation processes, which depend on factors like moisture content and local particle collision rates. In this study, we develop a Plume Model for Aggregate Prediction, a one‐dimensional (1D) volcanic plume model that predicts the plume rise height, concentration of water phases, and size distribution of resulting ash aggregates from a set of eruption source parameters. The plume model uses a control volume approach to solve mass, momentum, and energy equations along the direction of the plume axis. The aggregation equation is solved using a fixed pivot technique and incorporates a sticking efficiency model developed from analog laboratory experiments of particle aggregation within a novel turbulence tower. When applied to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, the 1D model predicts that the majority of the plume is over‐saturated with water, leading to a high rate of aggregation. Although the mean grain size of the computed Redoubt aggregates is larger than the measured deposits, with a peak at 1 mm rather than 500 μm, the present results provide a quantitative estimate for the magnitude of aggregation in an eruption.
Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis is regulated by AMPK-mediated phosphorylation in tumor cells
Authors: Chu Xiufeng , Xiao Xiang , Wang Guangchuan , Uosef Ahmed , Lou Xiaohua , Arnold Preston , Wang Yixuan , Kong Gangcheng , Wen Mou , Minze Laurie J. , Li Xian C.
Published: July 2023

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a critical mediator of pyroptosis, which consists of a N-terminal pore-forming domain and a C-terminal autoinhibitory domain. Its cytolytic activity is sequestered by the intramolecular autoinhibitory mechanism. Upon caspase-1/11 mediated cleavage of GSDMD, the N-terminal pore-forming domain (GD-NT) is released to mediate pyroptosis. However, it remains unclear how GD-NT is regulated once it is generated. In the current study, we developed a TetOn system in which GD-NT was selectively induced in tumor cells to explore how the cytolytic activity of GD-NT is regulated. We found that the cytolytic activity of GD-NT was negatively regulated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and AMPK activation rendered tumor cells resistant to GD-NT-mediated pyroptosis. Mechanistically, AMPK phosphorylated GD-NT at the serine 46 (pS46-GD), which altered GD-NT oligomerization and subsequently eliminated its pore-forming ability. In our in vivo tumor model, AMPK-mediated phosphorylation abolished GD-NT-induced anti-tumor activity and resulted in an aggressive tumor growth. Thus, our data demonstrate the critical role of AMPK in negatively regulating the cytolytic activity of GD-NT. Our data also highlight an unexpected link between GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and the AMPK signaling pathway in certain tumor cells.
Rapid genetic screening with high quality factor metasurfaces
Authors: Hu Jack , Safir Fareeha , Chang Kai , Dagli Sahil , Balch Halleh B. , Abendroth John M. , Dixon Jefferson , Moradifar Parivash , Dolia Varun , Sahoo Malaya K. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Lawrence Mark , Dionne Jennifer A.
Published: July 2023

Genetic analysis methods are foundational to advancing personalized medicine, accelerating disease diagnostics, and monitoring the health of organisms and ecosystems. Current nucleic acid technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) rely on sample amplification and can suffer from inhibition. Here, we introduce a label-free genetic screening platform based on high quality (high-Q) factor silicon nanoantennas functionalized with nucleic acid fragments. Each high-Q nanoantenna exhibits average resonant quality factors of 2,200 in physiological buffer. We quantitatively detect two gene fragments, SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) and open reading frame 1b (ORF1b), with high-specificity via DNA hybridization. We also demonstrate femtomolar sensitivity in buffer and nanomolar sensitivity in spiked nasopharyngeal eluates within 5 minutes. Nanoantennas are patterned at densities of 160,000 devices per cm2, enabling future work on highly-multiplexed detection. Combined with advances in complex sample processing, our work provides a foundation for rapid, compact, and amplification-free molecular assays.
Generation of whole tumor cell vaccine for on-demand manipulation of immune responses against cancer under near-infrared laser irradiation
Authors: Meng Jiaqi , Lv Yanlin , Bao Weier , Meng Zihui , Wang Shuang , Wu Yuanbin , Li Shuping , Jiao Zhouguang , Tian Zhiyuan , Ma Guanghui , Wei Wei
Published: July 2023

The therapeutic efficacy of whole tumor cell vaccines (TCVs) is modest, which has delayed their translation into personalized immunotherapies in the clinic. Here, we develop a TCV platform based on photothermal nanoparticle-loaded tumor cells, which can be rationally applied to diverse tumor types to achieve on-demand boost of anti-tumor immune responses for inhibiting tumor growth. During the fabrication process, mild photothermal heating by near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation induces the nanoparticle-bearing tumor cells to express heat shock proteins as endogenous adjuvants. After a single vaccination at the back of tumor-bearing mice, non-invasive NIR laser irradiation further induces mild hyperthermia at vaccination site, which promotes the recruitment, activation, and antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Using an indicator we term fluctuation of tumor growth rate, we determine appropriate irradiation regimens (including optimized irradiation intervals and times). This TCV platform enables on-demand NIR manipulation of immune responses, and we demonstrate potent therapeutic efficacy against six murine models that mimick a range of clinical scenarios, including a model based on humanized mice and patient-derived tumor xenografts.
Earth’s evolving geodynamic regime recorded by titanium isotopes
Authors: Deng Zhengbin , Schiller Martin , Jackson Matthew G. , Millet Marc-Alban , Pan Lu , Nikolajsen Katrine , Saji Nikitha S. , Huang Dongyang , Bizzarro Martin
Published: July 2023

Earth’s mantle has a two-layered structure, with the upper and lower mantle domains separated by a seismic discontinuity at about 660 km (refs. 1,2). The extent of mass transfer between these mantle domains throughout Earth’s history is, however, poorly understood. Continental crust extraction results in Ti-stable isotopic fractionation, producing isotopically light melting residues3–7. Mantle recycling of these components can impart Ti isotope variability that is trackable in deep time. We report ultrahigh-precision 49Ti/47Ti ratios for chondrites, ancient terrestrial mantle-derived lavas ranging from 3.8 to 2.0 billion years ago (Ga) and modern ocean island basalts (OIBs). Our new Ti bulk silicate Earth (BSE) estimate based on chondrites is 0.052 ± 0.006‰ heavier than the modern upper mantle sampled by normal mid-ocean ridge basalts (N-MORBs). The 49Ti/47Ti ratio of Earth’s upper mantle was chondritic before 3.5 Ga and evolved to a N-MORB-like composition between approximately 3.5 and 2.7 Ga, establishing that more continental crust was extracted during this epoch. The +0.052 ± 0.006‰ offset between BSE and N-MORBs requires that <30% of Earth’s mantle equilibrated with recycled crustal material, implying limited mass exchange between the upper and lower mantle and, therefore, preservation of a primordial lower-mantle reservoir for most of Earth’s geologic history. Modern OIBs record variable 49Ti/47Ti ratios ranging from chondritic to N-MORBs compositions, indicating continuing disruption of Earth’s primordial mantle. Thus, modern-style plate tectonics with high mass transfer between the upper and lower mantle only represents a recent feature of Earth’s history.
Diversity of myxozoans (Cnidaria) infecting Neotropical fishes in southern Mexico
Authors: Alama-Bermejo Gema , Hernández-Orts Jesús S. , García-Varela Martín , Oceguera-Figueroa Alejandro , Pecková Hana , Fiala Ivan
Published: July 2023

Myxozoans are a unique group of microscopic parasites that infect mainly fishes. These extremely reduced cnidarians are highly diverse and globally distributed in freshwater and marine habitats. Myxozoan diversity dimension is unknown in Mexico, a territory of an extraordinary biological diversity. This study aimed to explore, for the first time, myxozoan parasite diversity from fishes of the Neotropical region of Mexico. We performed a large morphological and molecular screening using host tissues of 22 ornamental and food fish species captured from different localities of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas. Myxozoan infections were detected in 90% of the fish species, 65% of them had 1 or 2 and 35% had 3 and up to 8 myxozoan species. Forty-one putative new species were identified using SSU rDNA phylogenetic analyses, belonging to two main lineages: polychaete-infecting (5 species) and oligochaete-infecting (36 species) myxozoans; from those we describe 4 new species:Myxidium zapotecussp. n.,Zschokkella guelaguetzasp. n.,Ellipsomyxa papantlasp. n. andMyxobolus zoqueussp. n. Myxozoan detection increased up to 6 × using molecular screening, which represents 3.7 × more species detected than by microscopy. This study demonstrated that Neotropical fishes from Mexico are hosts of a multitude of myxozoans, representing a source of emerging diseases with large implications for economic and conservation reasons.
Background matching through fast and reversible melanin-based pigmentation plasticity in tadpoles comes with morphological and antioxidant changes
Authors: Liedtke H. Christoph , Lopez-Hervas Karem , Galván Ismael , Polo-Cavia Nuria , Gomez-Mestre Ivan
Published: July 2023

Facultative colour change is widespread in the animal kingdom, and has been documented in many distantly related amphibians. However, experimental data testing the extent of facultative colour change, and associated physiological and morphological implications are comparatively scarce. Background matching in the face of spatial and temporal environmental variation is thought to be an important proximate function of colour change in aquatic amphibian larvae. This is particularly relevant for species with long larval periods such as the western spadefoot toad, Pelobates cultripes, whose tadpoles spend up to six months developing in temporary waterbodies with temporally variable vegetation. By rearing tadpoles on different coloured backgrounds, we show that P. cultripes larvae can regulate pigmentation to track fine-grained differences in background brightness, but not hue or saturation. We found that colour change is rapid, reversible, and primarily achieved through changes in the quantity of eumelanin in the skin. We show that this increased eumelanin production and/or maintenance is also correlated with changes in morphology and oxidative stress, with more pigmented tadpoles growing larger tail fins and having an improved redox status.
Hemodynamic parameters impact the stability of distal stent graft-induced new entry
Authors: Wang Kaihong , Armour Chlӧe H. , Ma Tao , Dong Zhihui , Xu Xiao Yun
Published: July 2023

Stent graft-induced new entry tear (SINE) is a serious complication in aortic dissection patients caused by the stent-graft itself after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The stability of SINE is a key indicator for the need and timing of reinterventions. This study aimed to understand the role of hemodynamics in SINE stability by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis based on patient-specific anatomical information. Four patients treated with TEVAR who developed a distal SINE (dSINE) were included; two patients had a stable dSINE and two patients experienced expansion of the dSINE upon follow-up examinations. CFD simulations were performed on geometries reconstructed from computed tomography scans acquired upon early detection of dSINE in these patients. Computational results showed that stable dSINEs presented larger regions with low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and high relative residence time (RRT), and partial thrombosis was observed at subsequent follow-ups. Furthermore, significant systolic antegrade flow was observed in the unstable dSINE which also had a larger retrograde flow fraction (RFF) on the SINE plane. In conclusion, this pilot study suggested that high RRT and low TAWSS may indicate stable dSINE by promoting thrombosis, whereas larger RFF and antegrade flows inside dSINE might be associated with its expansion.
Feasibility analysis of treating breast cancer patients with breast-conserving surgery via a periareolar incision combined with non-lipolytic suspension-type mastoscopy
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , He Guijin , Zhang Yiwen , Wong Michael Pak-kai , Chu Jun , Kong Linna , Yahya Maya Mazuwin
Published: July 2023

The purpose is to analyze and compare postoperative recovery and complication incidence between a periareolar incision combined with Suspension-type Mastoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (SMALND) and traditional inflated Mastoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (MALND). This was a randomized trial conducted from June 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, in the Department of Second Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, and the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, in accordance with the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. Overall, 126 patients diagnosed and treated for early-stage breast cancer were selected to undergo periareolar-incision breast-conserving surgery. Those patients who underwent periareolar-incision surgery combined with SMALND formed the observation group (SMALND Group), while those who underwent periareolar-incision surgery combined with traditional inflation became MALND Group. In the two groups, paired data “t” was used to examine, analyze, and compare the postoperative daily drainage volume and drain removal time, while paired data “χ2” was used to examine, analyze, and compare the incidences of postoperative upper limb edema and paresthesia. There were 64 cases in the SMALND Group and 62 cases in the MALND Group. Between the two clusters, no differences were found in age, clinical staging, BMI, and breast cancer classification (P > 0.05). The intraoperative surgery time of the SMALND Group was 43.37 ± 6.27 min while that of the MALND Group was longer: 45.72 ± 4.25 min (P < 0.05). The intraoperative hemorrhage volume of the SMALND Group was 88.33 ± 16.79 ml, less than that of the MALND Group: 96.76 ± 26.85 ml (P < 0.05). The postoperative axillary mean daily drainage volume of the SMALND Group was 38.17 ± 5.55 ml, less than that of the MALND Group: 40.72 ± 7.25 ml (P < 0.05). The drain removal time of the SMALND Group was 7.50 ± 1.60, less than that of the MALND Group: 9.00 ± 1.80 (P < 0.05). The upper limb edema incidence rate of the SMALND Group was 3.12% (2/64) and had no obvious difference from the MALND Group, which was 4.83% (3/62) (P = 0.62). The paresthesia incidence rate of the SMALND Group was 18.75% (12/64), while that of the MALND Group was 17.7% (11/62), without an obvious difference (P = 0.88). For axillary lymph node dissection, the use of non-lipolytic suspension-type mastoscopy has reduced the intraoperative hemorrhage volume of patients, shortened surgery time and postoperative recovery time, saved treatment expenses for patients, and avoided complications such as hypercapnia and subcutaneous emphysema caused by traditional inflated mastoscopic surgery. Moreover, it has not increased the incidence of postoperative upper limb edema and paresthesia, supporting its safety and effectiveness.
High-risk human papillomavirus genotyping in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
Authors: Ittiamornlert Pornporm , Jareemit Nida , Phianpiset Rattiya , Kuljarusnont Sompop , Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , Horthongkham Navin , Khajorndumrongcherdkul Pornnida , Ruengkhachorn Irene
Published: July 2023

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) positivity in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Additionally, we assessed the association of hr-HPV positivity with the pathology of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or worse (HSIL+) and the risk of subsequent detection of squamous intraepithelial lesions. A total of 376 women were included, with 242 (64.4%) exhibiting hr-HPV positivity. The predominant HPV genotypes were 16, 52 and 58. Factors associated with the immediate detection of HSIL+ pathology included a colposcopic impression of high-grade lesions, hr-HPV positivity, HPV 16 positivity, HPV 18 positivity, HPV 58 positivity, age less than 40 years, and biopsy of two or more pieces. However, only the first three factors were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Among the 291 women who continued surveillance for 6 months or more, the median follow-up period was 41.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 26.5–54.0). The prevalence of subsequent HSIL in women with hr-HPV positivity versus negativity was 3.6% versus 0.98%, respectively. The median time to the subsequent detection of SIL was 28.7 months (IQR 14.9–41.7). In conclusion, women with ASC-US in our study had a high proportion of hr-HPV positivity. Type-specific HPV testing could play a pivotal role in the development of specific management protocols for women with ASC-US.

Clinical trial registration: https://thaiclinicaltrials.org, TCTR20161017002.
Efficacy of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for initially diagnosed lung cancer with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Li Zihui , Deng Jie , Yan Fei , Liu Li , Ma Yanling , Sun Jianhai
Published: July 2023

Initially diagnosed malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has different systematic treatments, and defining the best drainage regimen according to the responsiveness of MPE to different systematic treatments is important. This study compared the efficacy of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) and pleural catheter drainage (IPCD) for initially diagnosed lung cancer with symptomatic MPE. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of initially diagnosed lung cancer patients with symptomatic MPE between January 2018 and May 2022. The patients were treated with IPCD or HITHOC for local control of MPE after diagnosis. Systematic regimens were conducted during 1 month according to guidelines after local treatment. Intrathoracic MPE progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated, Univariate and multivariable Cox-regression were used to identify factors associated with iPFS and OS. A total of 33 patients were evaluated; 10 (30.3%) patients received IPCD, and 23 (69.7%) patients received HITHOC. No difference in the MPE control rate at 1 month was found between the IPCD group (90%) and HITHOC group (95.7%). However, this control rate was significantly higher in the HITHOC group (69.6%) than in the IPCD group (30%) at 3 months (P = 0.035). Multivariate analysis showed that receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or chemotherapy was a significant protective factor for iPFS (HR = 0.376, 95% CI 0.214–0.659, P = 0.007) and OS (HR = 0.321, 95% CI 0.174–0.594, P < 0.001). According to subgroup analysis, among patients treated with TKIs, those who received HITHOC had longer iPFS and OS than those who received IPCD (P = 0.011 and P = 0.002, respectively), but this difference was not found in the palliative care subgroup. Moreover, no patients treated with chemotherapy showed reaccumulation of MPE. Systematic TKIs or chemotherapy prolonged iPFS and OS for those initially diagnosed with lung cancer with symptomatic MPE. HITHOC prolonged iPFS and OS for those treated with systematic TKIs.
Time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and surgery is associated with disease outcome
Authors: Zhu Siji , Li Shuai , Huang Jiahui , Fei Xiaochun , Shen Kunwei , Chen Xiaosong
Published: July 2023

Time interval between breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and surgery is of concern to patients and clinicians, but its impact on survival remains unclear. We identified 5130 BC patients receiving surgery between 2009 and 2017 from the Shanghai Jiaotong University Breast Cancer Database (SJTU-BCDB), and divided as Ruijin cohort and SJTU cohort. All participants were divided into three groups according to the interval between diagnosis and surgery: ≤ 1 week, 1–2 weeks, and > 2 weeks. Among 3144 patients of Ruijin cohort, the estimated 5-year breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) rates for the ≤ 1 week, 1–2 weeks and > 2 weeks groups were 91.8%, 87.5%, and 84.0% (P = 0.088), and the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.6%, 89.6%, and 91.5% (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a TTS > 2 weeks had significantly lower BCFI (HR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.05–3.11, P = 0.034) and OS (HR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.04–4.13, P = 0.038) rates than patients with a TTS ≤ 1 week. Among 5130 patients when combining Ruijin cohort with SJTU cohort, the estimated 5-year BCFI rates for the ≤ 1 week, 1–2 weeks, and > 2 weeks groups were 91.0%, 87.9%, and 78.9%, and the estimated 5-year OS rates for the ≤ 1 week, 1–2 weeks, and > 2 weeks groups were 95.8%, 90.6%, and 91.5%, both with a significantly p value < 0.001. Our findings demonstrated the prolonged time to surgery (more than 2 weeks) after BC diagnosis was associated with poor disease outcomes, suggesting that efforts to early initiate treatment after diagnosis need to be pursued where possible to improve survival.
Remediation potential of mining, agro-industrial, and urban wastes against acid mine drainage
Authors: Aguilar-Garrido Antonio , Paniagua-López Mario , Sierra-Aragón Manuel , Martínez Garzón Francisco Javier , Martín-Peinado Francisco José
Published: July 2023

Acid mine drainage (AMD) poses serious consequences for human health and ecosystems. Novel strategies for its treatment involve the use of wastes. This paper evaluates the remediation potential of wastes from urban, mining and agro-industrial activities to address acidity and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in AMD. Samples of these waste products were spiked with an artificially prepared AMD, then pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and PTE concentrations in the leachates were measured. The artificial AMD obtained through oxidation of Aznalcóllar’s tailing showed an ultra-acid character (pH − 2.89 ± 0.03) and extreme high electrical conductivity (EC − 3.76 ± 0.14 dS m−1). Moreover, most PTE were above maximum regulatory levels in natural and irrigation waters. Wastes studied had a very high acid neutralising capacity, as well as a strong capacity to immobilise PTE. Inorganic wastes, together with vermicompost from pruning, reduced most PTE concentrations by over 95%, while organic wastes retained between 50 and 95%. Thus, a wide range of urban, mining, and agro-industrial wastes have a high potential to be used in the treatment of AMD. This study provides valuable input for the development of new eco-technologies based on the combination of wastes (eg. Technosols, permeable reactive barriers) to remediate degraded environments.
A multimodal comparison of latent denoising diffusion probabilistic models and generative adversarial networks for medical image synthesis
Authors: Müller-Franzes Gustav , Niehues Jan Moritz , Khader Firas , Arasteh Soroosh Tayebi , Haarburger Christoph , Kuhl Christiane , Wang Tianci , Han Tianyu , Nolte Teresa , Nebelung Sven , Kather Jakob Nikolas , Truhn Daniel
Published: July 2023

Although generative adversarial networks (GANs) can produce large datasets, their limited diversity and fidelity have been recently addressed by denoising diffusion probabilistic models, which have demonstrated superiority in natural image synthesis. In this study, we introduce Medfusion, a conditional latent DDPM designed for medical image generation, and evaluate its performance against GANs, which currently represent the state-of-the-art. Medfusion was trained and compared with StyleGAN-3 using fundoscopy images from the AIROGS dataset, radiographs from the CheXpert dataset, and histopathology images from the CRCDX dataset. Based on previous studies, Progressively Growing GAN (ProGAN) and Conditional GAN (cGAN) were used as additional baselines on the CheXpert and CRCDX datasets, respectively. Medfusion exceeded GANs in terms of diversity (recall), achieving better scores of 0.40 compared to 0.19 in the AIROGS dataset, 0.41 compared to 0.02 (cGAN) and 0.24 (StyleGAN-3) in the CRMDX dataset, and 0.32 compared to 0.17 (ProGAN) and 0.08 (StyleGAN-3) in the CheXpert dataset. Furthermore, Medfusion exhibited equal or higher fidelity (precision) across all three datasets. Our study shows that Medfusion constitutes a promising alternative to GAN-based models for generating high-quality medical images, leading to improved diversity and less artifacts in the generated images.
Individual light history matters to deal with the Antarctic summer
Authors: Castillo Julieta , Tonon André C. , Hidalgo María Paz , Silva Ana , Tassino Bettina
Published: July 2023

The effect of light, main zeitgeber of the circadian system, depends on the time of day it is received. A brief trip to the Antarctic summer (ANT) allowed us to explore the impact of a sudden and synchronized increase in light exposure on activity-rest rhythms and sleep patterns of 11 Uruguayan university students, and to assess the significance of light history in determining individual circadian phase shift. Measurements collected in the peri-equinox in Montevideo, Uruguay (baseline situation, MVD) and in ANT, included sleep logs, actigraphy, and salivary melatonin to determine dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO), the most reliable marker of circadian phase. The increase in light exposure in ANT with respect to MVD (affecting both light-sensitive windows with opposite effects on the circadian phase) resulted in no net change in DLMO among participants as some participants advanced their DLMO and some others delayed it. The ultimate cause of each participant’s distinctive circadian phase shift relied on the unique change in light exposure each individual was subjected to between their MVD and ANT. This study shows an association between the individual light history and the circadian phase shift.
Influence of duck eggshell powder modifications by the calcination process or addition of iron (III) oxide-hydroxide on lead removal efficiency
Authors: Praipipat Pornsawai , Ngamsurach Pimploy , Tannadee Rattanaporn
Published: July 2023

Lead-contaminated wastewater causes toxicity to aquatic life and water quality for water consumption, so it is required to treat wastewater to be below the water quality standard before releasing it into the environment. Duck eggshell powder (DP), duck eggshell powder mixed iron (III) oxide-hydroxide (DPF), calcinated duck eggshell powder (CDP), and calcinated duck eggshell powder mixed iron (III) oxide-hydroxide (CDPF) were synthesized, characterized, and investigated lead removal efficiencies by batch experiments, adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and desorption experiments. CDPF demonstrated the highest specific surface area and pore volume with the smallest pore size than other materials, and they were classified as mesoporous materials. DP and DPF demonstrated semi-crystalline structures with specific calcium carbonate peaks, whereas CDP and CDPF illustrated semi-crystalline structures with specific calcium oxide peaks. In addition, the specific iron (III) oxide-hydroxide peaks were detected in only DPF and CDPF. Their surface structures were rough with irregular shapes. All materials found carbon, oxygen, and calcium, whereas iron, sodium, and chloride were only found in DPF and CDPF. All materials were detected O–H, C=O, and C–O, and DPF and CDPF were also found Fe–O from adding iron (III) oxide-hydroxide. The point of zero charges of DP, DPF, CDP, and CDPF were 4.58, 5.31, 5.96, and 6.75. They could adsorb lead by more than 98%, and CDPF illustrated the highest lead removal efficiency. DP and CDP corresponded to the Langmuir model while DPF and CDPF corresponded to the Freundlich model. All materials corresponded to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, they could be reusable for more than 5 cycles for lead adsorption of more than 73%. Therefore, CDPF was a potential material to apply for lead removal in industrial applications.
Development of rat duodenal monolayer model with effective barrier function from rat organoids for ADME assay
Authors: Tanaka Kai , Kawai Shigeto , Fujii Etsuko , Yano Masumi , Miyayama Takashi , Nakano Kiyotaka , Terao Kimio , Suzuki Masami
Published: July 2023

The in-depth analysis of the ADME profiles of drug candidates using in vitro models is essential for drug development since a drug’s exposure in humans depends on its ADME properties. In contrast to efforts in developing human in vitro absorption models, only a limited number of studies have explored models using rats, the most frequently used species in in vivo DMPK studies. In this study, we developed a monolayer model with an effective barrier function for ADME assays using rat duodenal organoids as a cell source. At first, we developed rat duodenal organoids according to a previous report, but they were not able to generate a confluent monolayer. Therefore, we modified organoid culture protocols and developed cyst-enriched organoids; these strongly promoted the formation of a confluent monolayer. Furthermore, adding valproic acid to the culture accelerated the differentiation of the monolayer, which possessed an effective barrier function and apicobasal cell polarity. Drug transporter P-gp function as well as CYP3A activity and nuclear receptor function were confirmed in the model. We expect our novel monolayer model to be a useful tool for elucidating drug absorption processes in detail, enabling the development of highly absorbable drugs.
Mixed orbital states and modulated crystal structures in La1−xCaxMnO3 deduced from synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Pissas Michael , Stamopoulos Dimosthenis , Prassides Kosmas
Published: July 2023

In the model manganese perovskites La1−xCaxMnO3, several important phenomena have been observed, including ferromagnetic metallic/insulating states, colossal magnetoresistance effects, and charge- and orbital-ordered states. In the past, only compounds with x = 1/2, 2/3 and 3/4 and an insulating ground/antiferromagnetic state have been studied. To fully understand the crystal and electronic structures of these materials, it is important to study compounds with doping levels in the range of 0.5 < x < 2/3. Here we study the crystal structure in a series of compounds with 0.5 < x ≤ 0.6 using ultrahigh-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The experimental results reveal that all compounds undergo a structural transition at T < TCO(x) ≈ 200 − 220 K with the concomitant emergence of superlattice Bragg peaks, which can be indexed assuming a superstructure with a modulation propagation vector, τ. At the base temperature of 5 K, the modulation vector of the superstructure τ = [τa, 0, 0] is parallel to the a-axis, with τa varying linearly with x, as τa ≈ 1 − x. Our results may aid attempts to understand more deeply phenomena related to spin, charge, and orbital ordering, as well as colossal magnetoresistance and symmetry breaking and emergent order in quantum states.
Designing of a unique bioreceptor and fabrication of an efficient genosensing platform for neonatal sepsis detection
Authors: Gopal Neha , Chauhan Nidhi , Jain Utkarsh , Dass Sujata K. , Kumar Suveen , Chandra Ramesh
Published: July 2023

Gene-based DNA oligonucleotides are combined with graphene oxide for electrochemical genosensing of neonatal sepsis. The genosensor shows improved, specific and rapid performance and opens a window to developing a miniaturized point-of-care device for neonatal sepsis detection.
In vivo targeting of a tumor-antigen encoded DNA vaccine to dendritic cells in combination with tumor-selective chemotherapy eradicates established mouse melanoma
Authors: Barui Sugata , Saha Soumen , Venu Yakati , Moku Gopi Krishna , Chaudhuri Arabinda
Published: July 2023

Eradicating established mouse melanoma by tumor-selective chemotherapy in combination with in vivo dendritic cell targeted genetic immunization using a tumor antigen encoded DNA vaccine.
All-organic PVDF-based composite films with high energy density and efficiency synergistically tailored by MMA-co-GMA copolymer and cyanoethylated cellulose
Authors: Xie Junhao , Zhao Xuanchen , Zheng Shuo , Zhong Shaoyuan , Liu Xiaomeng , Zhang Mingyao , Sun Shulin
Published: July 2023

Linear MG reduced the loss and improved the efficiency of PVDF. CR-C enhanced theEbof the films due to its high modulus and formation of hydrogen bonds. Multiple hydrogen bonding restricts carrier migration and boosts trap energy. The film achieved a discharge energy density of 24.43 J cm−3.
Circular economy for perovskite solar cells – drivers, progress and challenges
Authors: Charles Rhys G. , Doolin Alex , García-Rodríguez Rodrigo , Villalobos Karen Valadez , Davies Matthew L.
Published: July 2023

We examine drivers and benefits of adopting circular economy practices for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a promising low-cost PV technology, identifying key challenges and reviewing research progress towards achieving a circular economy for PSCs.
Correction: Metasurface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy in multiwell format for real-time assaying of live cells
Authors: Huang Steven H. , Sartorello Giovanni , Shen Po-Ting , Xu Chengqi , Elemento Olivier , Shvets Gennady
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Metasurface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy in multiwell format for real-time assaying of live cells’ by Steven H. Huang et al., Lab Chip, 2023, 23, 2228–2240, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3lc00017f.
Stabilization and adiabatic control of antiferromagnetically coupled skyrmions without the topological Hall effect
Authors: Yagan Rawana , Cheghabouri Arash Mousavi , Onbasli Mehmet C.
Published: July 2023

Micromagnetic models of skyrmion pairs on synthetic antiferromagnetically coupled layers showed that their velocities reach ∼200 m s−1 without the topological Hall effect with 1–3 orders of magnitude lower drive current than for ferromagnetic skyrmions.
Understanding the role of metal–organic frameworks in cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Yinuo , Wang Xin , Wang Runhan , Chen Yinuo , Wang Lingdi , Shi Yaxin , Wang Zilu , Niu Weipin , Shi Wei
Published: July 2023

Metal–organic frameworks are regarded as good candidates for the dynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and photothermal therapy of cancer.
Strategies and tactics for the synthesis of lipid I and II and shortened analogues: functional building blocks of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Braun Christina , Wingen Lukas Martin , Menche Dirk
Published: July 2023

This review presents an overview of the synthetic approaches towards natural lipid II and shortened analogues made in the last 25 years. Different strategies towards the common target are discussed, and the advantages of each route are indicated.
Ultralow reaction barriers for CO oxidation in Cu–Au nanoclusters
Authors: Mikhailova Anastasiia A. , Lepeshkin Sergey V. , Baturin Vladimir S. , Maltsev Alexey P. , Uspenskii Yurii A. , Oganov Artem R.
Published: July 2023

We predict the stable structures of Cu–Au nanoclusters and found ones with extremely low activation energies for CO oxidation.
Sequestration of steroidal estrogen in aqueous samples using an adsorption mechanism: a systemic scientometric review
Authors: Bayode Ajibola A. , Olisah Chijioke , Emmanuel Stephen Sunday , Adesina Morenike Oluwabunmi , Koko Daniel Terlanga
Published: July 2023

Steroidal estrogens (SEs) pose a significant threat to the aquatic environment in this era because they interfere with the human body's normal metabolic functions, this calls for their sequestration.
Intense photoluminescence in CaTiO3:Sm3+ phosphors, effect of co-doping singly, doubly and triply ionized elements and their applications in LEDs
Authors: Singh Priti , Modanwal Sumit , Mishra Hirdyesh , Rai Shyam Bahadur
Published: July 2023

Enhancement in emission intensity of Sm3+ ion in the presence of smaller and larger ionic radii ions and the emitted orange-red color used in LED applications.
Coarsening transitions of wet liquid foams under microgravity conditions
Authors: Pasquet Marina , Galvani Nicolo , Requier Alice , Cohen-Addad Sylvie , Höhler Reinhard , Pitois Olivier , Rio Emmanuelle , Salonen Anniina , Langevin Dominique
Published: July 2023

We report foam coarsening studies which were performed in the International Space Station (ISS) to suppress drainage due to gravity.
Designing proton exchange membrane fuel cells with high specific power density
Authors: Li Hongda , Zhao Hao , Jian Shuai , Tao Boran , Gu Shaonan , Xu Guoxiao , Wang Guofu , Chang Haixin
Published: July 2023

We present the latest progress related to the design of PEMFCs with high specific power density, focusing on catalysts, proton exchange membranes, gas diffusion layers, and bipolar plates. Relevant challenges and prospects are also presented.
A critical insight into porous organic polymers (POPs) and its perspectives for next-generation chemiresistive exhaled breath sensing: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Srinivasan Parthasarathy , Dhingra Kirti , Kailasam Kamalakannan
Published: July 2023

Herein, we have presented critical insights into porous organic polymers-based chemiresistive sensors and their perspectives for exhaled breath applications.
Supramolecular immunotherapy on diversiform immune cells
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Zhang Ziyi , Chen Yueyue
Published: July 2023

Supramolecular immunotherapy employs supramolecular materials to stimulate the immune system for inhibiting tumor cell growth and metastasis, reducing the cancer recurrence rate, and improving the quality of the patient's life.
Comparative study of MODIS, LANDSAT-8, SENTINEL-2B, and LISS-4 images for Precision farming using NDVI approach
Authors: Jacob Preeti , Kommuru Pranathi , Ruchitha R. , Kuracha Harshitha , Taruni Thamineni
Published: July 2023

This study aims to understand the potential use and application of satellite images in analyzing the vegetation of a given area. It utilizes images from 4 sensors/satellites, namely MODIS (Terra), LANDSAT 8, SENTINEL 2B, and LISS 4 (Resourcesat-2). The area chosen for analysis is ‘Bangalore North, a taluk in the Bangalore district of Karnataka, India, where about 23% of the total area is used for agriculture. The images obtained are analyzed for the extent of data that can be extracted, individual spatial variability, and their relative application in precision farming and vegetation analysis. The maps are generated using NDVI (Normalised difference in Vegetation Index) approach. They are then categorized into 14 classes, after which the maps are analyzed using a histogram and by extracting pixel count for each class and comparing the results among the sensors/satellites used. It was found that, of the four sensors/satellites, LISS-4 is best suitable for precision farming and vegetation analysis as the map obtained has a higher and clear resolution, along with better spatial variability. In the absence of LISS-4, Sentinel - 2B was a better choice, and MODIS was unsuitable for this purpose.
Smart Energy Management and Load Monitoring of Individual Loads
Authors: Mohamed Aashik S. , Jayarama Pradeep , Abishlal N.S. , Abinayaa Sri T. , Jenin Benedict A.
Published: July 2023

As India continues to urbanise with its manufacturing sector growing, its energy demands have increased rapidly. In this period, the need for energy monitoring and conservation must be evident. So the consumers can monitor their load consumption by a digital wattmeter. But the digital wattmeter measures and shows the total power consumed by consumer appliances. The consumer has no idea about which appliance consumes more power. Also, the consumer will not be able to know whether any appliance is getting damaged. To resolve these issues, we have come up with this project which is an IOT-based energy monitoring and controlling system, used to measure the power consumed by each appliance (Load). The power consumed by each appliance can be monitored individually by the consumer and it also informs us if there is an issue through a web application. Also the web application stores the historical data of the power consumed by each load. An Internet of Things (IoT) technique was employed to make the system smart. A microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi - ESP32 - was used to monitor and control each load using a web application.
Hexabot for Geology data collection and Soil Science
Authors: Chandel Garima , Bajaj Sonia , Wagh Aryan , Sharma Lakshay , Jayesh Jayesh , vasant adhav Vikrant
Published: July 2023

Geology data collection and soil science are interconnected but two different field of work. As the name suggests Geology focuses on study of minerals and Formation of earths and rocks, while soil science investigate the composition and formation of soil. The escalating interest for Scientist to Explore more diverse Environment rose a issue of safety of monitoring crew and cost of expensive operators have also been taken into accounts. In such conditions Autonomous Vehicle are being assigned to perform such task such that the data is collected without having Human interventions, but at some point, these vehicle fails due to some technical failures and their adaptability with the Environment. In this paper we have researched different types of robots and proposed Hexabot for geological data collection. How technology helps to function and behave with humans and some unique technologies life can be easy. The technology used after a collision or how the robots can be prepared to survive in different parameters and various deployable techniques for the robots. Other various technologies with the help of them the robots will be easier to control by normal citizen. Enhances the capability of survival while facing any major collisions.