bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEW CONVERSATIONS IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Authors: Lieu Judith M.
Published: October 2024

The four books suggested for review in this article are very disparate; so what shall be attempted here is to bring them into conversation with each other, but also to explore what they reflect about recent scholarship and how they contribute to current debate.
Geochemical characteristic of the Lutetian black shale (Bayburt, NE-Turkey): amount, nature, origin of organic matter and palaeo-environment conditions
Authors: Saydam Eker Çiğdem
Published: October 2024

To define the amount, thermal maturity and type of organic matter (OM), a comprehensive analysis of major and trace elements, organic carbon isotope and organic geochemistry was conducted on Lutetian black shales found in the Everek (Bayburt) region of northeastern Turkey. Total organic carbon (TOC) levels in the shale samples range from 0.62% to 6.75%, and type II–III to type III kerogen is generated, displaying a combination of high terrigenous and low marine OM. The δ13C values (ranging from –28.22‰ to –28.23‰), aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (methyl phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, tri-aromatic and monoaromatic steroids), saturated hydrocarbon compounds (sterane and terpane), acyclic isoprenoids, n-alkane distribution (n-C13–n-C36) and inorganic geochemical characterization support that the black shales were deposited in a terrestrial-marine transition environment and had a high proportion of terrestrial OM with small amounts of marine OM preserved in relatively arid to hot climate and oxic to suboxic conditions. The analysis of biomarker thermal maturity markers, Tmax (ranging from 449–458 oC) and estimated vitrinite reflectance (varying from 0.92 to 1.08%) values suggest that the black shales have reached the oil window. As a result, black shales are thought to contain low to high amounts of TOC, have a mixed kerogen type, reach a high thermal maturity level and produce little hydrocarbons.
ON WELL-POSED BOUNDARY CONDITIONS AND ENERGY STABLE FINITE-VOLUME METHOD FOR THE LINEAR SHALLOW WATER WAVE EQUATION
Authors: PRIHANDOKO RUDI , DURU KENNETH , ROBERTS STEPHEN , ZOPPOU CHRISTOPHER
Published: October 2024

We derive and analyse well-posed boundary conditions for the linear shallow water wave equation. The analysis is based on the energy method and it identifies the number, location and form of the boundary conditions so that the initial boundary value problem is well-posed. A finite-volume method is developed based on the summation-by-parts framework with the boundary conditions implemented weakly using penalties. Stability is proven by deriving a discrete energy estimate analogous to the continuous estimate. The continuous and discrete analysis covers all flow regimes. Numerical experiments are presented verifying the analysis.
Cleavage theory meets Bourdieu: studying the role of group identities in cleavage formation
Authors: Westheuser Linus , Zollinger Delia
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we develop a framework for studying the role of group identities in contemporary cleavage formation. Identities, we suggest, hold the key to a central conundrum of current political sociology: the fact that today’s electoral realignments appear to be rooted in the social structure of post-industrial societies, while the decline of mass organizations has dissolved traditional links between politics and social structure. Bringing cleavage theory into dialog with the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu, we theorize how group identities may play an important role in stabilizing a new universalism-particularism cleavage emerging in Western Europe today. We identify two key processes of cleavage identity formation: bottom-up processes of “social closure” and top-down “classification struggles” waged by political entrepreneurs. For both processes, we review empirical findings and formulate an agenda for further research.
Do Seasonality and Latitude Dictate the Formation of Strong or Weak Volcanic Eruption Plumes?
Authors: Ishii Kensuke , Iriyama Yu
Published: October 2024

In this study, we propose a method to predict the classification of the eruption plume types: “strong plumes” and “weak plumes”. Our method reproduces the general features that the eruption plume types depend on, both the meteorological conditions and eruption conditions, and successfully reproduces the classification of the plume types for historical eruption events. Application of the method to Monte Carlo simulations revealed that eruption plumes at a low latitude tend to form strong plumes due to weak ambient winds, whereas eruption plumes at a mid latitude tend to form weak plumes due to the strong ambient winds associated with the jet stream. The simulation also revealed that mid‐latitude eruption plumes tend to be strong plumes in the summer when ambient winds are lowered by a weakening and poleward movement of the jet stream.
A Stable Implementation of a Data‐Driven Scale‐Aware Mesoscale Parameterization
Authors: Perezhogin Pavel , Zhang Cheng , Adcroft Alistair , Fernandez‐Granda Carlos , Zanna Laure
Published: October 2024

Ocean mesoscale eddies are often poorly represented in climate models, and therefore, their effects on the large scale circulation must be parameterized. Traditional parameterizations, which represent the bulk effect of the unresolved eddies, can be improved with new subgrid models learned directly from data. Zanna and Bolton (2020), https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl088376 (ZB20) applied an equation‐discovery algorithm to reveal an interpretable expression parameterizing the subgrid momentum fluxes by mesoscale eddies through the components of the velocity‐gradient tensor. In this work, we implement the ZB20 parameterization into the primitive‐equation GFDL MOM6 ocean model and test it in two idealized configurations with significantly different dynamical regimes and topography. The original parameterization was found to generate excessive numerical noise near the grid scale. We propose two filtering approaches to avoid the numerical issues and additionally enhance the strength of large‐scale energy backscatter. The filtered ZB20 parameterizations led to improved climatological mean state and energy distributions, compared to the current state‐of‐the‐art energy backscatter parameterizations. The filtered ZB20 parameterizations are scale‐aware and, consequently, can be used with a single value of the non‐dimensional scaling coefficient for a range of resolutions. The successful application of the filtered ZB20 parameterizations to parameterize mesoscale eddies in two idealized configurations offers a promising opportunity to reduce long‐standing biases in global ocean simulations in future studies.
Latitudinal Distribution of Dayside Magnetospheric Currents Based on Cluster Observations
Authors: Du Yingshuai , Liu Wenlong , Zhang Dianjun , Tan Xin , Dunlop Malcolm W.
Published: October 2024

Based on the curlometer method, we calculate the azimuthal component of the current density from nearly 19 years of Fluxgate Magnetometer (FGM) data of Cluster and investigate its latitudinal distribution in the dayside noon sector (09:00–15:00 magnetic local time, MLT). A crossing event in the noon meridian plane shows an unexpected eastward current at a geocentric distance of 8 RE, away from the equator with latitudes of 30–40°. Further statistical results of the current distribution show that, the topology of the current can be radially divided into the inner and outer branches over the whole rxy − z plane (rxy =  and z are in solar magnetic (SM) coordinates), with the separation point of these two branches at a geocentric distance of about 8 RE. The current variations of the inner and outer branches are different under different Kp, solar wind flow speed Vsw, and solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn. It is shown that the current densities in both the inner and outer branches increase significantly with the Kp. High solar wind dynamic pressure enhances the current density of the outer branch, while high solar wind speed, on the contrary, enhances that of the inner branch. The formation of the outer branch may be related to the anisotropy of plasma pressure.
The Influence of Mantle Structure on Dynamic Topography in Southern Africa
Authors: Gourley Kenneth C. , Harig Christoper
Published: October 2024

Due to relatively high terrain and negligible active tectonics, the southern Africa region boasts over 30 independent estimates of dynamic topography. These published estimates display a wide variance due to both the variety of methods used in computation and a lack of constraints on the regional mantle structure. Here we show that a focus on regional mantle structure is important to generate models of lithospheric and mantle dynamics. Global average mantle properties are not representative of a particular region, and it is necessary to generate viscosity profiles specific to a region of interest. We develop a Bayesian inversion using dynamic geoid kernels, existing seismic tomography models, and Slepian functions to invert for a localized radial viscosity profile that best explains the geoid in southern Africa. With an understanding of viscosity uncertainty, we constrain dynamic topography in southern Africa to lie between 1,000 and 2,000 m. Additionally, we model vertical displacements from 112 Global Navigation Satellite System stations across our region to examine the long‐term, long wavelength pattern of present‐day vertical motion, suggesting that a mean of 1.5 mm/yr (1: 0.8–2.0 mm/yr) of vertical motion may be related to ongoing dynamic topography. Our study demonstrates the utility of dynamic geoid kernels in local nonlinear inversions of non‐unique geophysical data. Furthermore, we present evidence that the mantle beneath southern Africa is generating significant dynamic support for and vertical displacement of the lithosphere in this region.
Seismic Evidence for Velocity Heterogeneity Along ∼40 Ma Old Oceanic Crustal Segment Formed at the Slow‐Spreading Equatorial Mid‐Atlantic Ridge From Full Waveform Inversion of Ocean Bottom Seismometer Data
Authors: Guo Peng , Singh Satish C.
Published: October 2024

In slow spreading environments, oceanic crust is formed by a combination of magmatic and tectonic processes. Using full waveform inversion applied to active‐source ocean bottom seismometer data, we reveal the presence of a strong lateral variability in the 40–48 Ma old oceanic crust formed at the slow‐spreading Mid‐Atlantic Ridge in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Over a 120 km‐long section between the St Paul fracture zone (FZ) and the Romanche transform fault (TF), we observe four distinct 20–30 km long crustal segments. The segment affected by the St Paul FZ consists of three layers, an ∼2 km thick layer with a P‐wave velocity <6 km/s, a 1.5 km thick middle crust with a velocity of 6–6.5 km/s, and an underlying layer where velocity is ∼7 km/s, representing the lower crust. The segment associated with an abyssal hill morphology contains a high velocity of ∼7 km/s at 2–2.5 km below the basement, indicating the presence of primitive gabbro or serpenized peridotite. The segment associated with a low basement morphology seems to have 5.5–6.5 km/s velocity starting near the basement extending down to ∼4 km depth, indicating chemically distinct crust. The segment close to the Romanche TF, a velocity 4.5–5 km/s near the seafloor increasing to 7 km/s at 4 km depth indicates a magmatic origin. The four distinct crustal segments have a good correlation with the overlying seafloor morphology. These observed strong crustal heterogeneities could result from alternate tectonic and magmatic processes along the ridge axis, possibly modulated by thermal and/or chemical variations in the mantle during their formation along the ridge segment.
Temporal Precipitation Variation and Leaf Stoichiometric Changes Mediate the Dynamics of Tree Growth Responses to Nitrogen Addition Over Time
Authors: Xing Aijun , Shen Haihua , Du Enzai , Xu Longchao , Zhao Mengying , Fang Jingyun
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen (N) addition can stimulate tree growth; however, the strength of this growth effect usually changes over time and the factors underlying these responses are not fully understood. Based on a decade‐long N addition experiment (by adding 0, 20, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1) in a boreal forest, we studied responses of tree growth to N addition over time and explored the potential role of temporal precipitation variation and plant stoichiometric changes in mediating this. We found positive growth responses to N addition but this effect changed nonlinearly over time. Annual precipitation was positively related to growth under high‐level N addition; hence, a hump‐shape temporal pattern in precipitation contributed to the nonlinear tree growth responses. After precipitation effects were accounted for, the positive growth responses to N addition peaked in the seventh year and then declined for all levels of N. Later reductions in growth responses could partly be attributed to increased leaf N:phosphorus (P) ratio over time, especially at higher N addition rates. We also found an increase in soil acid phosphatase, the ratio of labile to occluded soil P fraction, and a decreased ratio in leaf N to P resorption efficiency with increasing N addition rates during the late stage of this experiment, suggesting increased P demand. Collectively, our results imply that changes in plant nutrient stoichiometry with cumulative N input may limit the N stimulation on tree growth over time, while temporal precipitation variation appears unlikely to modulate this effect under the atmospheric N deposition.
Sediment Transport and Flood Risk: Impact of Newly Constructed Embankments on River Morphology and Flood Dynamics in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Saraswati , Sinclair Hugh D. , Creed Maggie J. , Borthwick Alistair G. L. , Watson C. Scott , Muthusamy Manoranjan
Published: October 2024

Floodplain encroachment by embankments heightens flood risk. This is exacerbated by climate change and land‐use modifications. This paper assesses the impact of embankments on sediment transport, channel geometry, conveyance capacity, and flood inundation of a reach of the Nakkhu River, Nepal. Using the CAESAR‐Lisflood landscape evolution model based on a 2‐m digital elevation model, we simulate four flood scenarios with and without embankments and sediment transport: a historical 25‐year return period flood event used to design the embankments, 50‐year, 100‐year, and 1000‐year return period flood events forecast using the Generalized Logistic Model (using data from 1992 to 2017). Our results indicate that flow confinement by embankments reduces inundation by 99% (from 22.5 to 0.3 ha) for the historical 25‐year flood discharge of 42.23 and by 15% (from 28.8 to 24.4 ha) for the 1000‐year return period flood discharge of 95 (similar to a 25‐year maximum mid‐future). The presence of embankments increases downstream sediment transport by more than 32% for all flood scenarios considered. Inclusion of sediment transport leads to a fivefold increase in predicted inundation area for a 25‐year maximum mid‐future flood compared to the no‐sediment case in the embanked channel. Changes in channel geometry due to sedimentation significantly reduce conveyance capacity increasing overtopping flood risk, particularly where the channel is sinuous or located on flat terrain. Our results indicate that sediment erosion in outer meanders may threaten embankment stability by promoting undercuts. It is recommended that sediment transport effects be factored into embankment design and floodplain planning.
MEK inhibition prevents CAR-T cell exhaustion and differentiation via downregulation of c-Fos and JunB
Authors: Wang Xiujian , Tao Xiao , Chen Pengjie , Jiang Penglei , Li Wenxiao , Chang Hefeng , Wei Cong , Lai Xinyi , Zhang Hao , Pan Yihan , Ding Lijuan , Liang Zuyu , Cui Jiazhen , Shao Mi , Teng Xinyi , Gu Tianning , Wei Jieping , Kong Delin , Si Xiaohui , Han Yingli , Fu Huarui , Lin Yu , Yu Jian , Li Xia , Wang Dongrui , Hu Yongxian , Qian Pengxu , Huang He
Published: October 2024

Clinical evidence supports the notion that T cell exhaustion and terminal differentiation pose challenges to the persistence and effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells. MEK1/2 inhibitors (MEKIs), widely used in cancer treatment due to their ability to inhibit aberrant MAPK signaling, have shown potential synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy. However, the impact and mechanisms of MEKIs on CAR-T cells remain uncertain and controversial. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive investigation to determine whether MEKIs enhance or impair the efficacy of CAR-T cells. Our findings revealed that MEKIs attenuated CAR-T cell exhaustion and terminal differentiation induced by tonic signaling and antigen stimulation, thereby improving CAR-T cell efficacy against hematological and solid tumors. Remarkably, these effects were independent of the specific scFvs and costimulatory domains utilized in CARs. Mechanistically, analysis of bulk and single-cell transcriptional profiles demonstrates that the effect of MEK inhibition was related to diminish anabolic metabolism and downregulation of c-Fos and JunB. Additionally, the overexpression of c-Fos or JunB in CAR-T cells counteracted the effects of MEK inhibition. Furthermore, our Cut-and-Tag assay revealed that MEK inhibition downregulated the JunB-driven gene profiles associated with exhaustion, differentiation, anergy, glycolysis, and apoptosis. In summary, our research unveil the critical role of the MAPK-c-Fos-JunB axis in driving CAR-T cell exhaustion and terminal differentiation. These mechanistic insights significantly broaden the potential application of MEKIs to enhance the effectiveness of CAR-T therapy.
Neurosurgical application of olaparib from a thermo-responsive paste potentiates DNA damage to prolong survival in malignant glioma
Authors: Serra Riccardo , Smith Stuart J. , Rowlinson Jonathan , Gorelick Noah , Moloney Cara , McCrorie Phoebe , Veal Gareth J. , Berry Philip , Chalmers Anthony J. , Suk Ian , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Alexander Cameron , Grundy Richard G. , Brem Henry , Tyler Betty M. , Rahman Ruman
Published: October 2024

Background

There is increased pan-cancer specific interest in repurposing the poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitor, olaparib, for newly diagnosed or recurrent isocitrate dehydrogenase wild type glioblastoma. We explore whether intra-cavity delivery of olaparib confers a survival benefit in a pre-clinical high-grade glioma model.

Methods

Primary tumor RNA sequencing data was used to determine PARP-1 as a target in the glioblastoma infiltrative margin. We assessed radiosensitization conferred by olaparib alone and concomitant to genotoxic insults in vitro using clonal growth assays, cell cycle analysis and immunocytochemistry, and in vivo upon post-surgical delivery from a temperature-sensitive polymeric paste.

Results

RNA-sequencing confirmed PARP-1 as a viable therapy target in glioblastoma infiltrative disease. Acute exposure of glioma cells to olaparib impaired proliferation and induced late-stage apoptosis associated with DNA damage in vitro, potentiated by radiation. Using high-grade glioma orthotopic allografts, a long-term overall survival benefit was observed upon interstitial olaparib delivery concomitant with radiotherapy, compared to systemic olaparib and standard glioblastoma treatment. Combined delivery of olaparib with either temozolomide or etoposide increased long-term survival, suggestive of olaparib functioning as DNA damage sensitizer.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data support a rationale for localized olaparib delivery concomitant with the current clinical regimen for malignant glioma treatment.
β-catenin-inhibited Sumoylation modification of LKB1 and fatty acid metabolism is critical in renal fibrosis
Authors: Chen Shuangqin , Li Jiemei , Liang Ye , Zhang Meijia , Qiu Ziqi , Liu Sirui , Wang HaoRan , Zhu Ye , Song Shicong , Hou Xiaotao , Liu Canzhen , Wu Qinyu , Zhu Mingsheng , Shen Weiwei , Miao Jinhua , Hou Fan Fan , Liu Youhua , Wang Cheng , Zhou Lili
Published: October 2024

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a serine/threonine kinase controlling cell homeostasis. Among post-translational modification, Sumoylation is vital for LKB1 activating adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the key regulator in energy metabolism. Of note, AMPK-regulated fatty acid metabolism is highly involved in maintaining normal renal function. However, the regulative mechanisms of LKB1 Sumoylation remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that β-catenin, a notorious signal in renal fibrosis, inhibited the Sumoylation of LKB1, thereby disrupting fatty acid oxidation in renal tubular cells and triggering renal fibrosis. Mechanically, we found that Sumo3 was the key mediator for LKB1 Sumoylation in renal tubular cells, which was transcriptionally inhibited by β-catenin/Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) signaling. Overexpression of Sumo3, not Sumo1 or Sumo2, restored β-catenin-disrupted fatty acid metabolism, and retarded lipid accumulation and fibrogenesis in the kidney. In vivo, conditional knockout of β-catenin in tubular cells effectively preserved fatty acid oxidation and blocked lipid accumulation by maintaining LKB1 Sumoylation and AMPK activation. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Sumo3 strongly inhibited Wnt1-aggravated lipid accumulation and fibrogenesis in unilateral ischemia-reperfusion mice. In patients with chronic kidney disease, we found a loss of Sumo3 expression, and it was highly related to LKB1 repression. This contributes to fatty acid metabolism disruption and lipid accumulation, resulting in renal fibrosis. Overall, our study revealed a new mechanism in fatty acid metabolism dysfunction and provided a new therapeutic target pathway for regulating Sumo modification in renal fibrosis.
A spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas of mouse placentation
Authors: Wu Yanting , Su Kaizhen , Zhang Ying , Liang Langchao , Wang Fei , Chen Siyue , Gao Ling , Zheng Qiutong , Li Cheng , Su Yunfei , Mao Yiting , Zhu Simeng , Chai Chaochao , Lan Qing , Zhai Man , Jin Xin , Zhang Jinglan , Xu Xun , Zhang Yu , Gao Ya , Huang Hefeng
Published: October 2024

The placenta, a temporary but essential organ for gestational support, undergoes intricate morphological and functional transformations throughout gestation. However, the spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression underlying placentation remain poorly understood. Utilizing Stereo-seq, we constructed a Mouse Placentation Spatiotemporal Transcriptomic Atlas (MPSTA) spanning from embryonic day (E) 7.5 to E14.5, which includes the transcriptomes of large trophoblast cells that were not captured in previous single-cell atlases. We defined four distinct strata of the ectoplacental cone, an early heterogeneous trophectoderm structure, and elucidated the spatial trajectory of trophoblast differentiation during early postimplantation stages before E9.5. Focusing on the labyrinth region, the interface of nutrient exchange in the mouse placenta, our spatiotemporal ligand–receptor interaction analysis unveiled pivotal modulators essential for trophoblast development and placental angiogenesis. We also found that paternally expressed genes are exclusively enriched in the placenta rather than in the decidual regions, including a cluster of genes enriched in endothelial cells that may function in placental angiogenesis. At the invasion front, we identified interface-specific transcription factor regulons, such as Atf3, Jun, Junb, Stat6, Mxd1, Maff, Fos, and Irf7, involved in gestational maintenance. Additionally, we revealed that maternal high-fat diet exposure preferentially affects this interface, exacerbating inflammatory responses and disrupting angiogenic homeostasis. Collectively, our findings furnish a comprehensive, spatially resolved atlas that offers valuable insights and benchmarks for future explorations into placental morphogenesis and pathology.
METASPACE-ML: Context-specific metabolite annotation for imaging mass spectrometry using machine learning
Authors: Wadie Bishoy , Stuart Lachlan , Rath Christopher M. , Drotleff Bernhard , Mamedov Sergii , Alexandrov Theodore
Published: October 2024

Imaging mass spectrometry is a powerful technology enabling spatial metabolomics, yet metabolites can be assigned only to a fraction of the data generated. METASPACE-ML is a machine learning-based approach addressing this challenge which incorporates new scores and computationally-efficient False Discovery Rate estimation. For training and evaluation, we use a comprehensive set of 1710 datasets from 159 researchers from 47 labs encompassing both animal and plant-based datasets representing multiple spatial metabolomics contexts derived from the METASPACE knowledge base. Here we show that, METASPACE-ML outperforms its rule-based predecessor, exhibiting higher precision, increased throughput, and enhanced capability in identifying low-intensity and biologically-relevant metabolites.
Integration of rate and phase codes by hippocampal cell-assemblies supports flexible encoding of spatiotemporal context
Authors: Russo Eleonora , Becker Nadine , Domanski Aleks P. F. , Howe Timothy , Freud Kipp , Durstewitz Daniel , Jones Matthew W.
Published: October 2024

Spatial information is encoded by location-dependent hippocampal place cell firing rates and sub-second, rhythmic entrainment of spike times. These rate and temporal codes have primarily been characterized in low-dimensional environments under limited cognitive demands; but how is coding configured in complex environments when individual place cells signal several locations, individual locations contribute to multiple routes and functional demands vary? Quantifying CA1 population dynamics of male rats during a decision-making task, here we show that the phase of individual place cells’ spikes relative to the local theta rhythm shifts to differentiate activity in different place fields. Theta phase coding also disambiguates repeated visits to the same location during different routes, particularly preceding spatial decisions. Using unsupervised detection of cell assemblies alongside theoretical simulation, we show that integrating rate and phase coding mechanisms dynamically recruits units to different assemblies, generating spiking sequences that disambiguate episodes of experience and multiplexing spatial information with cognitive context.
Recovering nutrients and unblocking the cake layer of an electrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Wang Yongbin , Chen Zhibin , Hu Chengzhi , Qu Jiuhui
Published: October 2024

The sustainable development strategy shifts water treatment from pollution removal to resource recovery. Here, an electrochemical resource-recovery anaerobic membrane bioreactor (eRAnMBR) that employed a magnesium plate and conductive membrane as dual anodes is presented and shows excellent performance in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus recovery, as well as 95% membrane anti-fouling. The Mg2+ released alters the physicochemical properties of sludge, unblocking the cake layer, and recovers ammonium and phosphate, yielding 60.64% purity and 0.08 g d−1 struvite deposited onto cathode to be separated from sludge. The enhanced direct interspecies electron transfer, along with hydrogen evolution and alkalinity increase due to the electrochemical reactions, significantly increase methane yield and purity (93.97%) of the eRAnMBR. This increased internal energy can cover the additional electricity and electrode consumption. This integrated eRAnMBR reactor boasts the benefits of short process, low maintenance, and low carbon footprint, introducing a concept for the next generation of wastewater treatment.
The Bor1 elevator transport cycle is subject to autoinhibition and activation
Authors: Jiang Yan , Jiang Jiansen
Published: October 2024

Boron, essential for plant growth, necessitates precise regulation due to its potential toxicity. This regulation is achieved by borate transporters (BORs), which are homologous to the SLC4 family. The Arabidopsis thaliana Bor1 (AtBor1) transporter from clade I undergoes slow regulation through degradation and translational suppression, but its potential for fast regulation via direct activity modulation was unclear. Here, we combine cryo-electron microscopy, mutagenesis, and functional characterization to study AtBor1, revealing high-resolution structures of the dimer in one inactive and three active states. Our findings show that AtBor1 is regulated by two distinct mechanisms: an autoinhibitory domain at the carboxyl terminus obstructs the substrate pathway via conserved salt bridges, and phosphorylation of Thr410 allows interaction with a positively charged pocket at the cytosolic face, essential for borate transport. These results elucidate the molecular basis of AtBor1’s activity regulation and highlight its role in fast boron level regulation in plants.
Dynamically cultured, differentiated bovine adipose-derived stem cell spheroids as building blocks for biofabricating cultured fat
Authors: Klatt Annemarie , Wollschlaeger Jannis O. , Albrecht Franziska B. , Rühle Sara , Holzwarth Lena B. , Hrenn Holger , Melzer Tanja , Heine Simon , Kluger Petra J.
Published: October 2024

Cultured or cultivated meat, animal muscle, and fat tissue grown in vitro, could transform the global meat market, reducing animal suffering while using fewer resources than traditional meat production and no antimicrobials at all. To ensure the appeal of cultured meat to future customers, cultured fat is essential for achieving desired mouthfeel, taste, and texture, especially in beef. In this work we show the establishment of primary bovine adipose-derived stem cell spheroids in static and dynamic suspension culture. Spheroids are successfully differentiated using a single-step protocol. Differentiated spheroids from dynamic cultures maintain stability and viability during 3D bioprinting in edible gellan gum. Also, the fatty acid composition of differentiated spheroids is significantly different from control spheroids. The cells are cultured antibiotic-free to minimize the use of harmful substances. This work presents a stable and bioprintable building block for cultured fat with a high cell density in a 3D dynamic cell culture system.
Avian-inspired embodied perception in biohybrid flapping-wing robotics
Authors: Li Qian , Tan Ting , Wang Benlong , Yan Zhimiao
Published: October 2024

Avian feather intricate adaptable architecture to wing deformations has catalyzed interest in feathered flapping-wing aircraft with high maneuverability, agility, and stealth. Yet, to mimic avian integrated somatic sensation within stringent weight constraints, remains challenging. Here, we propose an avian-inspired embodied perception approach for biohybrid flapping-wing robots. Our feather-piezoelectric mechanoreceptor leverages feather-based vibration structures and flexible piezoelectric materials to refine and augment mechanoreception via coupled oscillator interactions and robust microstructure adhesion. Utilizing convolutional neural networks with the grey wolf optimizer, we develop tactile perception of airflow velocity and wing flapping frequency proprioception. This method also senses pitch angle via airflow direction and detects wing morphology through feather collisions. Our low-weight, accurate perception of flapping-wing robot flight states is validated by motion capture. This investigation constructs a biomechanically integrated embodied perception system in flapping-wing robots, which holds significant promise in reflex-based control of complex flight maneuvers and natural bird flight surveillance.
Conformational isomerism breaks the electrolyte solubility limit and stabilizes 4.9 V Ni-rich layered cathodes
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Yang Huijun , Sun Jianming , Okagaki Jun , Choe Yoongkee , Yoo Eunjoo
Published: October 2024

By simply increasing the concentration of electrolytes, both aqueous and non-aqueous batteries deliver technical superiority in various properties such as high-voltage operation, electrode stability and safety performance. However, the development of this strategy has encountered a bottleneck due to the limitation of the intrinsic solubility, and its comprehensive performance has reached its limit. Here we demonstrate that the conformational isomerism of the solvent would significantly affect the solubility of electrolytes. By transforming the configuration of solvent from cis-cis to cis-trans upon thermal triggering, we successfully break the solubility limit, and a beyond concentrated electrolyte with the lowest solvent-to-salt molar ratio of 0.70 is constructed. Transitions between cis-cis and cis-trans conformers are observed through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing. The electrolyte consists entirely of anion-mediated solvation structures and promotes the formation of robust inorganic-dominated cathode electrolyte interphase. As a result, it enables stable cycling of 4.9 V-class LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 positive electrodes. Moreover, a high capacity of 151.2 mAh g−1 can be maintained after 1000 cycles at cut-off voltage of 4.8 V. This work provides a chemical pathway to build new concept electrolytes working under harsh conditions.
Markers of low field NMR relaxation features of tissues
Authors: Kołodziejski Karol , Masiewicz Elzbieta , Alamri Amnah , Zampetoulas Vasileios , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Lurie David J. , Broche Lionel M. , Kruk Danuta
Published: October 2024

This work presents an approach to exploiting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry data (1H spin-lattice relaxation rates covering the frequency range from below 1 kHz to 10 MHz) for the purpose of differentiating between pathological and reference tissues. Characteristic quantities (markers) that can be obtained in a straightforward manner, not resorting to an advanced analysis of 1H spin-lattice relaxation data, have been identified and compared for pathological and reference colon tissues. Moreover, the relaxation data have been parametrised in terms of Lorentzian spectral densities and the possibility of using the obtained dipolar relaxation constants and correlation times as biomarkers to assess the state of tissues has been discussed. It has also been demonstrated that the relaxation data for the reference and the pathological tissues can be attributed to two groups (for each case). The studies are a step towards exploiting the potential of NMR relaxometry for characterisation of pathological changes in tissues.
Differences in predicting athletic burnout and in moderating its relationship with life satisfaction in competitive and leisure athletes
Authors: Grebner Karolina , Michel-Kröhler Alena , Werner Tabea , Berti Stefan , Wessa Michèle
Published: October 2024

The effects of athletic burnout on life satisfaction vary greatly between individuals, but few studies have examined influencing factors, such as coping mechanisms, that explain these differences. While athletes’ performance levels seem to influence the development of burnout symptoms, there is a lack of studies examining different performance levels separately. The present study therefore investigated the predictors of athletic burnout in competitive and leisure athletes separately, as well as possible moderators influencing the relationship between burnout and life satisfaction in these groups. A cross-sectional online study with sport-specific and general questionnaires was conducted. Latent (e.g., resilience) and manifest variables (e.g., stress) were included as predictors of athletic burnout in two structural equation models (competitive: robust RMSEA = 0.065, robust CFI = 0.946; leisure: robust RMSEA = 0.067, robust CFI = 0.937) with data from 422 athletes (Mage = 23.65; range = 16–67; 43% female, 57% male). Additionally, moderation analyses with coping mechanisms as moderators between burnout and life satisfaction were conducted. Results show that predictors of athletic burnout differ between performance levels. Furthermore, there is a significant moderation effect (p < 0.01) for positive self-concept in competitive sports. Approaches for future research and the development of target group-specific interventions are discussed.
Sensory-substitution based sound perception using a spinal computer–brain interface
Authors: Miklós Gabriella , Halász László , Hasslberger Maximilian , Toth Emilia , Manola Ljubomir , Hagh Gooie Saman , van Elswijk Gijs , Várkuti Bálint , Erőss Loránd
Published: October 2024

Sensory substitution offers a promising approach to restore lost sensory functions. Here we show that spinal cord stimulation (SCS), typically used for chronic pain management, can potentially serve as a novel auditory sensory substitution device. We recruited 13 patients undergoing SCS implantation and translated everyday sound samples into personalized SCS patterns during their trial phase. In a sound identification task—where chance-level performance was 33.3%—participants ($$n=8$$

n
=
8

) achieved a mean accuracy of 72.8% using only SCS input. We observed a weak positive correlation between stimulation bitrate and identification accuracy. A follow-up discrimination task ($$n=5$$

n
=
5

) confirmed that reduced bitrates significantly impaired participants’ ability to distinguish between consecutive SCS patterns, indicating effective processing of additional information at higher bitrates. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using existing SCS technology to create a novel neural interface for a sound prosthesis. Our results pave the way for future research to enhance stimulation fidelity, assess long-term training effects, and explore integration with other auditory aids for comprehensive hearing rehabilitation.
Frequent internet use is associated with better episodic memory performance
Authors: Kang Weixi , Malvaso Antonio
Published: October 2024

As the internet is becoming more and more accessible and prevalent, there has been growing interest in determining the effect of internet use on human cognition, particularly memory. However, much less is known about how internet use frequency is related to episodic memory, which refers to the memory of past events as opposed to facts (i.e., semantic memory). Episodic memory is very relevant to the internet because of the notion that the internet is a form of transactive memory, which requires people to retrieve how information was accessed (i.e., episodic memory) rather than the information itself (i.e., semantic memory). By analyzing data from 36, 542 participants with 44.06% females and a mean age of 46.63 years old from the Understanding Society using multivariate and univariate analysis of variances (ANOVA), the current study found that the frequency of internet use is positively related to episodic memory (assessed using the immediate recall and delayed word recall tasks). These results provide support to the notion that the internet is a form of transactive memory and the “use it, or lose it” theory.
Levels of substitution of inorganic mineral to amino acids complexed minerals on old laying hens
Authors: Santos Marcos J B , Rabello Carlos B V , Wanderley Jamille S S , Ludke Maria C M M , Barros Mércia R , Costa Fabiano S , Santos Clariana S , Fireman Alba K
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources (IM) with amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) in laying hens’ diets on performance, egg quality, bone, and intestinal health. The effects of 4 different diets with varying levels of AACM substitution were evaluated on 400 Lohmann White hens aged 78–98 weeks. The control diet contained only IM sources at levels of 60, 60, 7, 40, 0.2, and 2 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively. The other treatments were made by a total substitution of IM with AACM, as follows: AACM70–70% of IM levels; AACM50–50% of IM levels; and AACM40–40% of IM levels. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts and Dunnett’s test were used to determine their impact (P < 0.05). The treatment AACM40 improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Hens that received AACM40 also produced the thickest eggshells and better tibial bone density (P < 0.01). Histomorphometry analyses demonstrated significant effects of AACM treatments. The optimal supplementation levels of 24, 24, 2.8, 16, 0.08, and 0.8 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.
Radiation dermatitis in the hairless mouse model mimics human radiation dermatitis
Authors: Lawrence Jessica , Seelig Davis , Demos-Davies Kimberly , Ferreira Clara , Ren Yanan , Wang Li , Alam Sk. Kayum , Yang Rendong , Guedes Alonso , Craig Angela , Hoeppner Luke H.
Published: October 2024

Over half of all people diagnosed with cancer receive radiation therapy. Moderate to severe radiation dermatitis occurs in most human radiation patients, causing pain, aesthetic distress, and a negative impact on tumor control. No effective prevention or treatment for radiation dermatitis exists. The lack of well-characterized, clinically relevant animal models of human radiation dermatitis contributes to the absence of strategies to mitigate radiation dermatitis. Here, we establish and characterize a hairless SKH-1 mouse model of human radiation dermatitis by correlating temporal stages of clinical and pathological skin injury. We demonstrate that a single ionizing radiation treatment of 30 Gy using 6 MeV electrons induces severe clinical grade 3 peak toxicity at 12 days, defined by marked erythema, desquamation and partial ulceration, with resolution occurring by 25 days. Histopathology reveals that radiation-induced skin injury features temporally unique inflammatory changes. Upregulation of epidermal and dermal TGF-ß1 and COX-2 protein expression occurs at peak dermatitis, with sustained epidermal TGF-ß1 expression beyond resolution. Specific histopathological variables that remain substantially high at peak toxicity and early clinical resolution, including epidermal thickening, hyperkeratosis and dermal fibroplasia/fibrosis, serve as specific measurable parameters for in vivo interventional preclinical studies that seek to mitigate radiation-induced skin injury.
Understanding CO adsorption in MOFs combining atomic simulations and machine learning
Authors: Ercakir Goktug , Aksu Gokhan Onder , Keskin Seda
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a computational method integrating molecular simulations and machine learning (ML) to assess the CO adsorption capacities of synthesized and hypothetical metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) at various pressures. After extracting structural, chemical, and energy-based features of the synthesized and hypothetical MOFs (hMOFs), we conducted molecular simulations to compute CO adsorption in synthesized MOFs and used these simulation results to train ML models for predicting CO adsorption in hMOFs. Results showed that CO uptakes of synthesized MOFs and hMOFs are between 0.02–2.28 mol/kg and 0.45–3.06 mol/kg, respectively, at 1 bar, 298 K. At low pressures (0.1 and 1 bar), Henry’s constant of CO is the most dominant feature, whereas structural properties such as surface area and porosity are more influential for determining the CO uptakes of MOFs at high pressure (10 bar). Structural and chemical analyses revealed that MOFs with narrow pores (4.4–7.3 Å), aromatic ring-containing linkers and carboxylic acid groups, along with metal nodes such as Co, Zn, Ni achieve high CO uptakes at 1 bar. Our approach evaluated the CO uptakes of ~ 100,000 MOFs, the most extensive and diverse set studied for CO capture thus far, as a robust alternative to computationally demanding molecular simulations and iterative experiments.
Walking pace is a protective factor for rheumatoid arthritis: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Qin , Huang Xiaoxiong , Zhang Yazhong , Chao Zhujun , Zhou Ruoran , Hamid Roslida Abd , Zhen Yunfang , Li Yusheng , Huang Cheng , Xu Wu , Lin Jun
Published: October 2024

Walking pace is a simple and functional form of exercise and a strong predictor of health, but little is known about its causal association with rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the causal effect of WP on the developing RA using Mendelian randomization analysis. The genetic variation associated with WP was selected as an instrumental variable from the latest genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data for the outcomes were obtained from the corresponding GWAS. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary MR analysis. The results were further tested using a multivariable MR approach based on Bayesian model averaging. Confounders (BMI, SMK, HBP, TD) with close associations with RA were included in the analysis. An observational study with individual data from UK Biobank was performed to reinforce our findings. The MR results indicated the significant inverse associations of WP with the risk of RA (odds ratio (OR), 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15, 0.62; p = 1.05 × 10 −3). After adjusting for the risk factors, the associations for WP and RA did not change substantially. Observational study results demonstrated the same effect of WP on reducing the risk of RA. The Mendelian randomization analysis and observational study provide evidence suggesting that walking pace is a protective factor for rheumatoid arthritis. Given its simple measurement, walking pace may be a pragmatic target for interventions.
Simultaneous analysis of depurinated nucleic acid stem-loop and free adenine for ricin toxicity assay by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS)
Authors: Miyaguchi Hajime
Published: October 2024

A simple, accurate method for measuring ricin activity was developed by detecting depurinated nucleic acid stem-loops and adenine by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry.
Bipyridine-based conjugated microporous polymers for boosted photocatalytic U(vi) separation
Authors: Xie Yun , Li Zifan , Liu Chenchen , Song Qiming , Liu Yunhai , Zhang Zhibin , Han Bin
Published: October 2024

Incorporating bipyridine (BPY) units into conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) boosts exciton dissociation, charge separation, and oxidation capacity, thereby exhibiting an admired U(vi) separation rate under sacrificial agent-free conditions.
Site-specific acetyl modification of 2′-OH of RNA by an oligonucleotide acetylating reagent
Authors: Murase Hirotaka , Eto Mio , Lee Jeongsu , Taniguchi Yosuke , Imoto Shuhei , Sasaki Shigeki
Published: October 2024

A novel oligonucleotide acetylating-reagent that induces a site-specific RNA acetylation through duplex formation has been developed.
A direct Z-scheme photocatalyst PtS2/HfGe2N4 van der Waals heterostructure for highly efficient water splitting: first-principles study
Authors: Qiao Wen , Zhang Xinzhuo , Yan Shiming , Bai Ru , Zhou Tiejun
Published: October 2024

The PtS2/HfGe2N4 heterojunction features a type-II band alignment and operates as a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst. The band edge alignment is well-suited for photocatalytic water splitting.
Simulated conformality of atomic layer deposition in lateral channels: the impact of the Knudsen number on the saturation profile characteristics
Authors: Gonsalves Christine , Velasco Jorge A. , Yim Jihong , Järvilehto Jänis , Vuorinen Ville , Puurunen Riikka L.
Published: October 2024

Systematic analysis of saturation profile characteristics allowed development of an extended slope method that relates the slope of the adsorption front to the sticking coefficient for any Knudsen number.
Diffusion and thermodynamic properties of lithium polysulfides in different solvents: a molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Luque Di Salvo Javier , Maldonado-Ochoa Santiago Agustín , Luque Guillermina L. , Calderón Andrea , Bracamonte Victoria , Vaca Chávez Fabián , Barraco Daniel E. , Vizintin Alen , Dominko Robert , Leiva Ezequiel P. M. , De Luca Giorgio
Published: October 2024

Low-viscosity solvents boost diffusion aiding redox kinetics but reduce solubility, while high-viscosity ones increase solubility and slow diffusion controlling shuttle effect. Balancing these effects is key to screening solvents for Li–S batteries.