bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fluvial Morphodynamic Hierarchy in Shaping Bedform Deposits
Authors: Das Debsmita , Ganti Vamsi , Reesink Arjan
Published: October 2024

Fluvial cross strata are fundamental sedimentary structures that record past flow and sediment transport conditions. Bedform preservation can be significantly influenced by the presence of larger‐scale topographic features that cause spatial gradients in flow. However, our understanding of the controls on cross strata preservation in the presence of a morphodynamic hierarchy is limited. Here, using high‐resolution bathymetry from a physical experiment, we quantify bedform evolution and cross strata preservation in a zone of flow expansion and deceleration. Results show that the size and celerity of superimposed bedforms decreases along the host‐bedform lee slope, leading to a systematic downstream increase in the sediment accumulation rate relative to bedform celerity. This increase in local bedform climb angle results in the preservation of a larger fraction of formative bedforms. Our results highlight the need to revise current paleohydraulic reconstruction models, and demonstrates that fluvial morphodynamic hierarchy is a fundamental determinant of sedimentary strata.
Quantifying Bioluminescent Light Intensity in Breaking Waves Using Numerical Simulations
Authors: Hao Xuanting
Published: October 2024

Breaking‐wave induced bioluminescence is a critical component of the biogeochemical process in the ocean. Understanding bioluminescence is important for monitoring red tides caused by bioluminescent microorganisms. In this study, we present the first numerical effort to quantify bioluminescent light intensity based on high‐fidelity direct numerical simulations of breaking waves and a quantitative bioluminescent model. The dynamics of breaking waves are extensively validated through comparison with existing studies. We find that the time‐averaged and Lagrangian‐averaged shear stress saturates as surface tension effects decrease and wave steepness increases. The spatial distribution of light intensity correlates with the wave crest overturning and air bubbles generated in plunging breakers. Furthermore, we observe that the maximum light intensity asymptotically approaches the emission of single cells, suggesting the potential for cost‐effective prediction models in future studies.
Magnetic Hole and Its Resultant Electron Pitch‐Angle Distribution at Jupiter
Authors: Wang C. Q. , Fu H. S. , Cao J. B. , Wang Z. , Fu W. D. , Guo Z. Z. , Lan H. , Sun T. R. , Wei Y. , Ni B. B. , Yao Z. H. , Zhang B. Z.
Published: October 2024

Magnetic hole (MH), sometimes referred to as magnetic bottle, exhibits strong magnetic fields at its neck but weak magnetic fields at its belly. Such structure has been widely reported in the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere, but has not been reported at Jupiter. Here, for the first time, we report two MHs in the Jupiter's magnetosphere by utilizing measurements of the Juno mission, with one existing in the dawn side and the other existing in the dusk side. We find that the electron pitch‐angle distribution inside the MHs can be either cigar‐type or pancake‐type. The cigar‐type distribution probably appears at the belly of the MH, whereas the pancake‐type distribution probably appears at the neck. Our analyses of the depression of magnetic fields inside the MHs support such a conjunction. These results have advanced our understanding of the transient structure and its related electron dynamics in the giant planets' magnetosphere.
On the design and fabrication of nanoliter-volume hanging drop networks
Authors: Wester Matthew , Lim Jongwon , Khaertdinova Liliana , Darsi Sriya , Donthamsetti Neel , Mensing Glennys , Vasmatzis George , Anastasiadis Panos , Valera Enrique , Bashir Rashid
Published: October 2024

Hanging drop cultures provide a favorable environment for the gentle, gel-free formation of highly uniform three-dimensional cell cultures often used in drug screening applications. Initial cell numbers can be limited, as with primary cells provided by minimally invasive biopsies. Therefore, it can be beneficial to divide cells into miniaturized arrays of hanging drops to supply a larger number of samples. Here, we present a framework for the miniaturization of hanging drop networks to nanoliter volumes. The principles of a single hanging drop are described and used to construct the fundamental equations for a microfluidic system composed of multiple connected drops. Constitutive equations for the hanging drop as a nonlinear capacitive element are derived for application in the electronic-hydraulic analogy, forming the basis for more complex, time-dependent numerical modeling of hanging drop networks. This is supplemented by traditional computational fluid dynamics simulation to provide further information about flow conditions within the wells. A fabrication protocol is presented and demonstrated for creating transparent, microscale arrays of pinned hanging drops. A custom interface, pressure-based fluidic system, and environmental chamber have been developed to support the device. Finally, fluid flow on the chip is demonstrated to align with expected behavior based on the principles derived for hanging drop networks. Challenges with the system and potential areas for improvement are discussed. This paper expands on the limited body of hanging drop network literature and provides a framework for designing, fabricating, and operating these systems at the microscale.
Obesity-induced extracellular vesicles proteins drive the endometrial cancer pathogenesis: therapeutic potential of HO-3867 and Metformin
Authors: Sakaue Takahiko , Dorayappan Kalpana Deepa Priya , Zingarelli Roman , Khadraoui Wafa , Anbalagan Muralidharan , Wallbillich John , Bognar Balazs , Wanner Ross , Cosgrove Casey , Suarez Adrian , Koga Hironori , Maxwell G. Larry , O’Malley David M. , Cohn David E. , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah
Published: October 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the leading gynecologic malignancy in the United States with obesity implicated in 57% of cases. This research investigates the molecular complexities of extracellular vesicles (EV) secretion as carriers of oncogenic protein and their involvement in obesity-mediated EC. An understanding of these mechanisms is pivotal for unraveling pathways relevant to obesity-associated EC, thereby guiding the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies. Our exploration revealed a significant increase in EV secretion carrying oncogenic proteins (TMEM205, STAT5, and FAS) in adipose and uterine tissues/serum samples from obese EC patients compared to control (without cancer). We identified alterations in EV-regulating proteins (Rab7, Rab11, and Rab27a) in obesity-mediated EC patients, adipose/uterine tissues, and serum samples. Through a 24-week analysis of the effects of a 45% kcal high-fat diet (HFD) on mice, we observed increased body weight, increased adipose tissue, enlarged uterine horns, and increased inflammation in the HFD group. This correlated with elevated levels of EV secretion and increased expression of oncogenic proteins TMEM205, FAS, and STAT5 and downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene PIAS3 in adipose and uterine tissues. Furthermore, our study confirmed that adipocyte derived EV increased EC cell proliferation, migration and xenograft tumor growth. Additionally, we identified that the small molecule inhibitors (HO-3867) or Metformin inhibited EV secretion in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating significant inhibition of high glucose or adipocyte-mediated EC cell proliferation and a reduction in body weight and adipose tissue accumulation when administered to HFD mice. Moreover, HO-3867 or Metformin treatment inhibited HFD induced hyperplasia (precursor of EC) by altering the expression of EV-regulated proteins and decreasing oncogenic protein expression levels. This study provides critical insights into the mechanisms underpinning obesity-mediated EV secretion with oncogenic protein expression, shedding light on their role in EC pathogenesis. Additionally, it offers pre-clinical evidence supporting the initiation of novel studies for EV-targeted therapies aimed at preventing obesity-mediated EC.
Attosecond formation of charge-transfer-to-solvent states of aqueous ions probed using the core-hole-clock technique
Authors: Muchová E. , Gopakumar G. , Unger I. , Öhrwall G. , Céolin D. , Trinter F. , Wilkinson I. , Chatzigeorgiou E. , Slavíček P. , Hergenhahn U. , Winter B. , Caleman C. , Björneholm O.
Published: October 2024

Charge transfer between molecules lies at the heart of many chemical processes. Here, we focus on the ultrafast electron dynamics associated with the formation of charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) states following X-ray absorption in aqueous solutions of Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+ ions. To explore the formation of such states in the aqueous phase, liquid-jet photoemission spectroscopy is employed. Using the core-hole-clock method, based on Auger–Meitner (AM) decay upon 1s excitation or ionization of the respective ions, upper limits are estimated for the metal-atom electron delocalization times to the neighboring water molecules. These delocalization processes represent the first steps in the formation of hydrated electrons, which are determined to take place on a timescale ranging from several hundred attoseconds (as) below the 1s ionization threshold to only 20 as far above the 1s ionization threshold. The decrease in the delocalization times as a function of the photon energy is continuous. This indicates that the excited electrons remain in the vicinity of the studied ions even above the ionization threshold, i.e., metal-ion electronic resonances associated with the CTTS state manifolds are formed. The three studied isoelectronic ions exhibit quantitative differences in their electron energetics and delocalization times, which are linked to the character of the respective excited states.
Spin waves and orbital contribution to ferromagnetism in a topological metal
Authors: Zhang Wenliang , Asmara Teguh Citra , Tseng Yi , Li Junbo , Xiong Yimin , Wei Yuan , Yu Tianlun , Galdino Carlos William , Zhang Zhijia , Kummer Kurt , Strocov Vladimir N. , Soh Y. , Schmitt Thorsten , Aeppli Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Honeycomb and kagome lattices can host propagating excitations with non-trivial topology as defined by their evolution along closed paths in momentum space. Excitations on such lattices can also be momentum-independent, and the associated flat bands are of interest due to strong interactions between heavy quasiparticles. Here, we report the discovery — using circularly polarized X-rays for the unambiguous isolation of magnetic signals — of a nearly flat spin-wave band and large (compared to elemental iron) orbital moment in the metallic ferromagnet Fe3Sn2 with compact AB-stacked kagome bilayers. As a function of out-of-plane momentum, the nearly flat optical mode and the global rotation symmetry-restoring acoustic mode are out of phase, consistent with a bilayer exchange coupling that is larger than the already large in-plane couplings. The defining units of this topological metal are therefore triangular lattices of octahedral iron clusters rather than weakly coupled kagome planes. The spin waves are strongly damped when compared to elemental iron, opening the topic of topological boson–fermion interactions for deeper exploration within this material platform.
Mapping multi-dimensional variability in water stress strategies across temperate forests
Authors: Liu Daijun , Esquivel-Muelbert Adriane , Acil Nezha , Astigarraga Julen , Cienciala Emil , Fridman Jonas , Kunstler Georges , Matthews Thomas J. , Ruiz-Benito Paloma , Sadler Jonathan P. , Schelhaas Mart-Jan , Suvanto Susanne , Talarczyk Andrzej , Woodall Christopher W. , Zavala Miguel A. , Zhang Chao , Pugh Thomas A. M.
Published: October 2024

Increasing water stress is emerging as a global phenomenon, and is anticipated to have a marked impact on forest function. The role of tree functional strategies is pivotal in regulating forest fitness and their ability to cope with water stress. However, how the functional strategies found at the tree or species level scale up to characterise forest communities and their variation across regions is not yet well-established. By combining eight water-stress-related functional traits with forest inventory data from the USA and Europe, we investigated the community-level trait coordination and the biogeographic patterns of trait associations for woody plants, and analysed the relationships between the trait associations and climate factors. We find that the trait associations at the community level are consistent with those found at the species level. Traits associated with acquisitive-conservative strategies forms one dimension of variation, while leaf turgor loss point, associated with stomatal water regulation strategy, loads along a second dimension. Surprisingly, spatial patterns of community-level trait association are better explained by temperature than by aridity, suggesting a temperature-driven adaptation. These findings provide a basis to build predictions of forest response under water stress, with particular potential to improve simulations of tree mortality and forest biomass accumulation in a changing climate.
Generalizable and automated classification of TNM stage from pathology reports with external validation
Authors: Kefeli Jenna , Berkowitz Jacob , Acitores Cortina Jose M. , Tsang Kevin K. , Tatonetti Nicholas P.
Published: October 2024

Cancer staging is an essential clinical attribute informing patient prognosis and clinical trial eligibility. However, it is not routinely recorded in structured electronic health records. Here, we present BB-TEN: Big Bird – TNM staging Extracted from Notes, a generalizable method for the automated classification of TNM stage directly from pathology report text. We train a BERT-based model using publicly available pathology reports across approximately 7000 patients and 23 cancer types. We explore the use of different model types, with differing input sizes, parameters, and model architectures. Our final model goes beyond term-extraction, inferring TNM stage from context when it is not included in the report text explicitly. As external validation, we test our model on almost 8000 pathology reports from Columbia University Medical Center, finding that our trained model achieved an AU-ROC of 0.815–0.942. This suggests that our model can be applied broadly to other institutions without additional institution-specific fine-tuning.
Sensory neurons regulate stimulus-dependent humoral immunity in mouse models of bacterial infection and asthma
Authors: Aguilar Diane , Zhu Fengli , Millet Antoine , Millet Nicolas , Germano Patrizia , Pisegna Joseph , Akbari Omid , Doherty Taylor A. , Swidergall Marc , Jendzjowsky Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Sensory neurons sense pathogenic infiltration to drive innate immune responses, but their role in humoral immunity is unclear. Here, using mouse models of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and Alternaria alternata asthma, we show that sensory neurons are required for B cell recruitment and antibody production. In response to S. pneumoniae, sensory neuron depletion increases bacterial burden and reduces B cell numbers, IgG release, and neutrophil stimulation. Meanwhile, during A. alternata-induced airway inflammation, sensory neuron depletion decreases B cell population sizes, IgE levels, and asthmatic characteristics. Mechanistically, during bacterial infection, sensory neurons preferentially release vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). In response to asthma, sensory neurons release substance P. Administration of VIP into sensory neuron-depleted mice suppresses bacterial burden, while VIPR1 deficiency increases infection. Similarly, exogenous substance P delivery aggravates asthma in sensory neuron-depleted mice, while substance P deficiency ameliorates asthma. Our data, thus demonstrate that sensory neurons release select neuropeptides which target B cells dependent on the immunogen.
Expectancy-related changes in firing of dopamine neurons depend on hippocampus
Authors: Zhang Zhewei , Takahashi Yuji K. , Montesinos-Cartegena Marlian , Kahnt Thorsten , Langdon Angela J. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: October 2024

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (HC) both contribute to the cognitive maps that support flexible behavior. Previously, we used the dopamine neurons to measure the functional role of OFC. We recorded midbrain dopamine neurons as rats performed an odor-based choice task, in which expected rewards were manipulated across blocks. We found that ipsilateral OFC lesions degraded dopaminergic prediction errors, consistent with reduced resolution of the task states. Here we have repeated this experiment in male rats with ipsilateral HC lesions. The results show HC also shapes the task states, however unlike OFC, which provides information local to the trial, the HC is necessary for estimating upper-level hidden states that distinguish blocks. The results contrast the roles of the OFC and HC in cognitive mapping and suggest that the dopamine neurons access rich information from distributed regions regarding the environment’s structure, potentially enabling this teaching signal to support complex behaviors.
Spreading ridge migration enabled by plume-ridge de-anchoring
Authors: Mather Ben , Seton Maria , Williams Simon , Whittaker Joanne , Carey Rebecca , Arnould Maëlis , Coltice Nicolas , Duncan Robert
Published: October 2024

It has long been recognised that spreading ridges are kept in place by competing subduction forces that drive plate motions. Asymmetric strain rates pull spreading ridges in the direction of the strongest slab pull force, which partially explains why spreading ridges can migrate vast distances. However, the interaction between mantle plumes and spreading ridges plays a relatively unknown role on the evolution of plate boundaries. Using a numerical model of mantle convection, we show that plumes with high buoyancy flux (>3000 kg/s) can capture spreading ridges within a 1000 km radius and anchor them in place. Exceptionally high buoyancy fluxes may fragment the overriding plate into smaller plates to accommodate more efficient plate motion. If the plume buoyancy flux wanes below 1000 kg/s the ridge may be de-anchored, leading to rapid ridge migration rates when combined with asymmetric plate boundary forces. Our results show that plume-ridge de-anchoring may have contributed to the rapid migration of the SE Indian Ridge from 43 million years ago (Ma) due to waning buoyancy flux from the Kerguelen plume, supported by magma flux estimates and radiogenic isotope geochemistry of eruption products. The plume-ridge de-anchoring mechanism we have identified has global implications for the evolution of plate boundaries near mantle plumes.
Simultaneous accelerated stress testing of membrane electrode assembly components in polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Yoshimune Wataru , Kato Akihiko , Hayakawa Tetsuichiro , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kato Satoru
Published: October 2024

The durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) in fuel cell electric vehicles is important for the shift from passenger cars to heavy-duty vehicles. The components of a PEFC, namely the proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst layer (CL), and gas diffusion layer (GDL), contribute to the degradation of the fuel cell performance. In this paper, we propose a method for simultaneously evaluating the degradation rates of these components by combining electrochemical characterization with operando synchrotron X-ray radiography. The open-circuit voltage, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and water saturation were used as the degradation indicators for the PEMs, CLs, and GDLs, respectively. The results of two accelerated stress tests (loading and start-stop cycles) after 10,000 cycles showed that the increase in water saturation owing to the loss of hydrophobicity due to carbon corrosion in the cathode GDL occurred on the same timescale as the degradation in the PEM and cathode CL. Specifically, during the load cycle AST, the cathode CL degraded with a 26% reduction in the ECSA along with the cathode GDL degradation with a 10% increase in water saturation. This suggests that more efforts should be devoted to studies on the durability of GDLs for heavy-duty applications.
A near chromosome-level genome assembly of a ghost moth (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae)
Authors: Weng Yi-Ming , Lopez-Cacacho Isabel , Foquet Bert , Martinez Jose I. , Plotkin David , Sourakov Andrei , Frandsen Paul B. , Kawahara Akito Y.
Published: October 2024

Ghost moths are an unusual family of primitive moths (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) known for their large body size and crepuscular adult activity. These moths represent an ancient lineage, frequently have soil dwelling larvae, and are adapted to high elevations, deserts, and other extreme environments. Despite being rather speciose with more than 700 species, there is a dearth of genomic resources for the family. Here, we present the first high quality, publicly available hepialid genome, generated from an Andean species of ghost moth, Druceiella hillmani. Our genome assembly has a length of 2,586 Mbp with contig N50 of 28.1 Mb and N50 of 29, and BUSCO completeness of 97.1%, making it one of the largest genomes in the order Lepidoptera. Our assembly is a vital resource for future research on ghost moth genomics.
The association between visual impairment, educational outcomes, and mental health: insights from eyeglasses usage among junior high school students in rural China
Authors: Pang Xiaodong , Wang Huan , Qian Yiwei , Zhu Sabrina , Hu Yuwei Adeline , Rozelle Scott , Congdon Nathan , Jiang Jiting
Published: October 2024

This study examined the association between visual impairment, visual impairment corrected by wearing eyeglasses, academic performance, and mental health among junior high school students in rural China. Visual acuity assessments were conducted on 19,425 junior high school students by trained medical and research professionals to determine the presence of visual impairment. All sample students were surveyed with a questionnaire that asked about individual and family characteristics, eyeglasses ownership, and educational aspirations and included a standardized math test. Students then completed an official Chinese simplified version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess their mental health multidimensionally. Among our sample, 37.2% of them suffered from visual impairment, but only 43.4% of the visually impaired students wore proper eyeglasses. Approximately 9.3% of students were categorized as high risk for mental health problems based on their SDQ score. A significant positive association existed between impaired vision and poorer mental health, and eyeglasses usage was associated with better mental health among visually impaired students. For students with better academic performance, eyeglasses usage associated with better mental health. Eyeglasses usage shows a positive association with higher education aspiration both for students with better and worse academic performance. The significant positive relationship between eyeglasses usage and mental health may guide future interventions and policies designed to improve student mental health by supplying them with eyeglasses.
Temporal changes in characteristics, incidence, and mortality in patients undergoing surgical intervention for mitral stenosis
Authors: Due Hans T. , Petersen Jeppe K. , Meulengracht Daniel E. , Smerup Morten H. , Schmidt Michael R. , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Østergaard Lauge
Published: October 2024

To examine temporal changes in patient characteristics, the incidence rate of surgical intervention, and the three-year mortality rate for patients undergoing surgical intervention for mitral valve stenosis (MS) from 2001 to 2021 in Denmark. Utilizing Danish nationwide registries, we identified all adult patients undergoing first-time surgical intervention for MS (2001–2021). Temporal changes in the incidence rate of surgical intervention across calendar periods were investigated (2001–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2021). Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, we computed temporal changes in three-year all-cause mortality across calendar periods. With multivariable Cox regression analysis, we assessed the adjusted rates of mortality. We included 256 patients (median age 60.3 years, 31.3% males). A stepwise decrease in the burden of chronic heart failure was identified (2001–2005: 54%, and 2016–2021: 20%, p-value < 0.001 for trend), while the burden of atrial fibrillation seemed stable (2001–2005: 51%, and 2016–2021: 46%, p-value = 0.27 for trend). The proportion of patients with rheumatic MS was 64% in 2001–2005 and 33% in 2016–2021, p-value < 0.001 for trend. 28 patients (10.9%) had mitral valve surgery prior to the first-time surgical intervention for MS. A stepwise decrease in the incidence rate of surgical intervention was observed: 3.3 cases per million person-years in 2001–2005 and 2.2 in 2016–2021. The incidence of patients diagnosed with first-time MS remained stable over calendar periods (2001–2005: 54.5 incidences per million person-years, and 2016–2021: 41.9, p-value = 0.46 for trend). The in-hospital mortality was 8.6% and the three-year mortality after surgical discharge was 9.0%, and we found no difference over calendar periods in either crude estimates or adjusted analysis. From nationwide data across three decades, we identified that the incidence of surgical interventiondecreased significantly within the past 20 years, while all-cause mortality remained stable. The burden of heart failure decreased, while the burden of atrial fibrillation remained stable over the study period.
National trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by central adiposity using waist-to-height ratio in South Korea, 2005–2022
Authors: Kim Hyunjee , Park Seoyoung , Park Jaeyu , Son Yejun , Kim Soeun , Yim Yesol , Jo Hyesu , Lee Kyeongmin , Jeong Yi Deun , Oh Jiyeon , Cho Hanseul , Pizzol Damiano , Hwang Jiyoung , Smith Lee , Yon Dong Keon
Published: October 2024

Studies investigating the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and central adiposity are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by central adiposity using waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined by central adiposity, using WHtR, with data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2022). Individuals aged 30 years and over who participated in the survey were selected. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was identified based on serum glucose or HbA1c levels, the use of diabetes medications, or a prior diagnosis by a physician. Weighted β-coefficients or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess changes in disease prevalence. A total of 79,368 participants were included in the database (female: 45,163 [56.9%]). from 2005 to 2022, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increased from 3.3 to 5.8% in the healthy central adiposity group, from 11.2 to 17.1% in the increased central adiposity group, and from 18.0 to 26.7% in the high central adiposity group. Males, older population, lower education level, lower household income, and smoking are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. In the high central adiposity group, overweight and obese individuals had higher susceptibility than underweight or normal-weight individuals, with ORs of 5.85 (95% CI, 2.54–13.47) and 8.24 (3.79–17.94), respectively. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased in all central adiposity groups in the past decade. This underscores the need for tailored interventions to address disparities and improve diabetes management in at-risk populations.
Dynamic reciprocal interactions between activated T cells and tumor associated macrophages drive macrophage reprogramming and proinflammatory T cell migration within prostate tumor models
Authors: Heninger Erika , Breneman Matthew Thomas , Recchia Emma Elizabeth , Kerr Sheena Catherine , Dogru Reyna Elvan , Sharifi Marina Nasrin , LeBeau Aaron Matthew , Kosoff David
Published: October 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been implicated as a tumor microenvironment (TME) cell population, which may be playing a vital role in the inhibition of effective T cell responses in the prostate TME. In this manuscript, we leverage a novel microscale cell culture platform, known as Stacks, to investigate mono-, co-, and tri-culture TME models comprised of prostate tumor cell lines, primary macrophages, and autologous T cells from patients with prostate cancer. Through multiplexed analysis of these multi-cellular prostate tumor models, we capture a dynamic interaction between primary TAMs and activated T cells that resulted in reciprocal proinflammatory activation of both cell populations upon interaction. These findings suggest that activated T cells are capable of reprogramming immunosuppressive TAMs in the context of prostate tumor models and that TAM reprogramming may play a key supportive role in restoring proinflammatory T cell tumor responses in the prostate TME.
Evolution of Pfdhps and Pfdhfr mutations before and after adopting seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Nanoro, Burkina Faso
Authors: Bohissou Francis Emmanuel Towanou , Sondo Paul , Inoue Juliana , Rouamba Toussaint , Kaboré Berenger , Nassa Guétawendé Job Wilfried , Kambou A. Elisée Sié , Traoré Tiampan Edwig , Asua Victor , Borrmann Steffen , Tinto Halidou , Held Jana
Published: October 2024

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention consisting of monthly administration of amodiaquine/sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to children aged 3–59 months during the transmission season could promote SP-resistance. Mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes were assessed before and after SMC adoption in Burkina Faso. A total of 769 dried blood spots were selected from studies conducted in Nanoro, Burkina Faso, between 2010 and 2020. Of those, 299 were pre-SMC (2010–2012) and 470 were post-SMC-samples. Pfdhps and Pfdhfr genes were PCR-amplified and sequenced. A systematic review/meta-analysis of published studies conducted in Burkina Faso (2009–2023) was additionally performed. In Nanoro, the prevalence of Pfdhfr triple mutations (CIRNI) rose from 43.6% pre-SMC to 89.4% post-SMC (p < 0.0001). There was no mutation in Pfdhfr 164 and Pfdhps 540; Pfdhps A437G mutation increased from 63.9% (2010–2012) to 84.7% (2020) (p < 0.0001). The VAGKGS haplotype was 2.8% (2020). Pfdhfr/Pfdhps quintuple mutant IRN-436A437G rose from 18.6% (2010–2012) to 58.3% (2020) (p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis results from Burkina Faso showed an increase in mutations at Pfdhfr N51I, C59R, S108N, and Pfdhps A437G after SMC adoption. Post-SMC, the pyrimethamine-resistance marker prevalence increased, while the sulfadoxine-resistance marker prevalence remained stable. Detection of emerging PfdhpsVAGKGS haplotypes in 2020 underscores the importance of continuous SP-resistance monitoring.
Diagnostic sensitivity of fine-needle aspiration cytology in thyroid cancer
Authors: Lind Patrik , Jacobson Anton , Nordenström Erik , Johansson Lars , Wallin Göran , Daskalakis Kosmas
Published: October 2024

Introduction Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an effective tool in the diagnostic work-up of patients with thyroid nodules. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of FNAC in thyroid cancer (TC) in Sweden by correlating the findings of preoperative FNAC with those obtained through final histology of the surgical specimen. Methods A Swedish nationwide cohort of patients having surgery for TC (n = 2519) from the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal surgery between 2004 and 2013 was obtained. Data was validated through scrutinizing patient FNAC and histology reports. Results Among the 2519 cases operated with a final diagnosis of TC, the diagnosis was substantiated and validated through the histology report in 2332 cases (92.6%), included in the present study. Among these, 1679 patients (72%) were female and the median age at TC diagnosis was 52.3 years (range 18-94.6). In 353 cases (15.1%) FNAC was not performed at all; whereas in the remaining 1965 cases, the diagnostic sensitivity of FNAC was 81.6%. In lesions > 1 cm, FNAC diagnostic sensitivity reached 86.5%, whereas in lesions < 1 cm, FNAC yielded a sensitivity of 61.5%. Approximately 85% of FNACs (n = 1981/2332) were performed using ultra-sonographic (US) guidance. In TC lesions > 1 cm, the diagnostic sensitivity of US-guided FNAC (n = 1504) was 86.9% as compared to 76.9% in clinically applied FNAC without US utilization (n = 118). Conclusions FNAC is performed in most patients operated for TC in Sweden (85%) and retains its value as a tool in TC diagnostic work-up with an overall sensitivity of 82%, reaching 87% in lesions > 1 cm, that harbor clinically relevant TC.
Radiomics approach for identifying radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity in the lung
Authors: Drayson Olivia G. G. , Montay-Gruel Pierre , Limoli Charles L.
Published: October 2024

The rapidly evolving field of radiomics has shown that radiomic features are able to capture characteristics of both tumor and normal tissue that can be used to make accurate and clinically relevant predictions. In the present study we sought to determine if radiomic features can characterize the adverse effects caused by normal tissue injury as well as identify if human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived extracellular vesicle (EV) treatment can resolve certain adverse complications. A cohort of 72 mice (n = 12 per treatment group) were exposed to X-ray radiation to the whole lung (3 × 8 Gy) or to the apex of the right lung (3 × 12 Gy), immediately followed by retro-orbital injection of EVs. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography images were acquired before and 2 weeks after treatment. In total, 851 radiomic features were extracted from the whole lungs and < 20 features were selected to train and validate a series of random forest classification models trained to predict radiation status, EV status and treatment group. It was found that all three classification models achieved significantly high prediction accuracies on a validation subset of the dataset (AUCs of 0.91, 0.86 and 0.80 respectively). In the locally irradiated lung, a significant difference between irradiated and unirradiated groups as well as an EV sparing effect were observed in several radiomic features that were not seen in the unirradiated lung (including wavelet-LLH Kurtosis, wavelet HLL Large Area High Gray Level Emphasis, and Gray Level Non-Uniformity). Additionally, a radiation difference was not observed in a secondary comparison cohort, but there was no impact of imaging machine parameters on the radiomic signature of unirradiated mice. Our data demonstrate that radiomics has the potential to identify radiation-induced lung injury and could be applied to predict therapeutic efficacy at early timepoints.
Knowledge abstraction and filtering based federated learning over heterogeneous data views in healthcare
Authors: Thakur Anshul , Molaei Soheila , Nganjimi Pafue Christy , Liu Fenglin , Soltan Andrew , Schwab Patrick , Branson Kim , Clifton David A.
Published: October 2024

Robust data privacy regulations hinder the exchange of healthcare data among institutions, crucial for global insights and developing generalised clinical models. Federated learning (FL) is ideal for training global models using datasets from different institutions without compromising privacy. However, disparities in electronic healthcare records (EHRs) lead to inconsistencies in ML-ready data views, making FL challenging without extensive preprocessing and information loss. These differences arise from variations in services, care standards, and record-keeping practices. This paper addresses data view heterogeneity by introducing a knowledge abstraction and filtering-based FL framework that allows FL over heterogeneous data views without manual alignment or information loss. The knowledge abstraction and filtering mechanism maps raw input representations to a unified, semantically rich shared space for effective global model training. Experiments on three healthcare datasets demonstrate the framework’s effectiveness in overcoming data view heterogeneity and facilitating information sharing in a federated setup.
Through-bond and through-space radiofrequency amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Authors: Trofimov Ivan A. , Salnikov Oleg G. , Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , de Maissin Henri , Yi Anna P. , Chekmenev Eduard Y. , Hövener Jan-Bernd , Schmidt Andreas B. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: October 2024

Radio Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (RASER) is a phenomenon observed during nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments with strongly negatively polarized systems. This phenomenon may be utilized for the production of very narrow NMR lines, background-free NMR spectroscopy, and excitation-free sensing of chemical transformations. Recently, novel methods of producing RASER by ParaHydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) were introduced. Here, we show that pairwise addition of parahydrogen to various propargylic compounds induces RASER activity of other protons beyond those chemically introduced in the reaction. In high-field PHIP, negative polarization initiating RASER is transferred via intramolecular cross-relaxation. When parahydrogen is added in Earth’s field followed by adiabatic transfer to a high field, RASER activity of other protons is induced via both J-couplings and cross-relaxation. This through-bond and through-space induction of RASER holds potential for the ongoing development and expansion of RASER applications and can potentially enhance spectral resolution in two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy techniques.
Circadian rhythms of macrophages are altered by the acidic tumor microenvironment
Authors: Knudsen-Clark Amelia M , Mwangi Daniel , Cazarin Juliana , Morris Kristina , Baker Cameron , Hablitz Lauren M , McCall Matthew N , Kim Minsoo , Altman Brian J
Published: October 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are prime therapeutic targets due to their pro-tumorigenic functions, but varying efficacy of macrophage-targeting therapies highlights our incomplete understanding of how macrophages are regulated within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The circadian clock is a key regulator of macrophage function, but how circadian rhythms of macrophages are influenced by the TME remains unknown. Here, we show that conditions associated with the TME such as polarizing stimuli, acidic pH, and lactate can alter circadian rhythms in macrophages. While cyclic AMP (cAMP) has been reported to play a role in macrophage response to acidic pH, our results indicate pH-driven changes in circadian rhythms are not mediated solely by cAMP signaling. Remarkably, circadian disorder of TAMs was revealed by clock correlation distance analysis. Our data suggest that heterogeneity in circadian rhythms within the TAM population level may underlie this circadian disorder. Finally, we report that circadian regulation of macrophages suppresses tumor growth in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. Our work demonstrates a novel mechanism by which the TME influences macrophage biology through modulation of circadian rhythms.
Development of Reactors for Direct Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Hankin Anna , Bedoya-Lora Franky E.
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the status of photoelectrochemical reactor development and reviews the engineering considerations and challenges associated with the scale-up of water splitting systems, with a focus on reactors that use integrated photoabsorbers. We progress from giving a broad overview of photoelectrochemical device archetypes with different levels of integration between the photoabsorber and electrolysis cell to the principal losses that need to be obviated through judicious reactor design. Principal design considerations are (photo)electrode orientations, resistivities of the (photo)electrode substrate and the electrolyte, bubble management and in situ gaseous product separation, and optical losses at the device level, as well as changes in electrolyte hydrodynamics where the reactor moves to track the Sun. We discuss the need to standardise reporting of experimental information on photoelectrochemical devices, including the measurement of key operating conditions that are seldom reported in the literature, such as temperature and electrode degradation rates, which are known to have a significant impact on the calculated solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies.
A comparative review on the mitigation of metronidazole residues in aqueous media using various physico-chemical technologies
Authors: Es'hagi Moosa , Farbodi Maryam , Gharbani Parvin , Ghasemi Elnaz , Jamshidi Sona , Majdan-Cegincara Roghayeh , Mehrizad Ali , Seyyedi Kambiz , Shahverdizadeh Gholam Hossein
Published: October 2024

In the last few decades, pharmaceuticals have emerged as a new class of serious environmental pollutants.
Hydrogenation of sulfoxides to sulfides mediated by incomplete cubane-type Mo3S4 clusters: synthetic applications and mechanistic insights
Authors: Mateu-Campos Juanjo , Gutiérrez-Blanco María , Guillamón Eva , Safont Vicent S. , Llusar Rosa
Published: October 2024

Air-stable diamino Mo3S4 clusters are efficient catalysts for the late-stage functionalization of drugs and other valuable products containing sulfide moieties.
Enhancing maize stress tolerance with nickel ferrite nanoparticles: a sustainable approach to combat abiotic stresses
Authors: Tang Yuying , Ding Yanru , Nadeem Muhammed , Li Yuanbo , Zhao Weichen , Guo Zhiling , Zhang Peng , Rui Yukui
Published: October 2024

The use of nanotechnology to pre-treat crop seeds through seed treatments for enhancing their resistance to abiotic stresses is a promising and sustainable approach.
Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of new benzofuran-based chalcone derivatives as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Chunfei , Liu Yixin , Zhang Xiao , Wan Chunping , Mao Zewei
Published: October 2024

A series of novel benzofuran-based chalcone derivatives could be considered as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors.
Empowering soft conductive elastomers with self-reinforcement and remarkable resilience via phase-locking ions
Authors: Lu Kai , Sun Zaizheng , Liu Jinming , Huang Chengyi , Mao Dongsheng , Chen Haiming
Published: October 2024

This work reports a self-reinforcing ion-conductive elastomer with an ultimate strength of ∼51.0 MPa and an instant resilient efficiency of ∼92.9%, which can be utilized for grid-free position recognition sensors.
nanoFeatures: a cross-platform application to characterize nanoparticles from super-resolution microscopy images
Authors: Izquierdo-Lozano Cristina , van Noort Niels , van Veen Stijn , Tholen Marrit M. E. , Grisoni Francesca , Albertazzi Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) is a powerful tool to characterize synthetic nanomaterials used for many applications such as drug delivery. nanoFeatures streamlines the feature extraction of those nanomaterials from SMLM images.
Co-presence of PtNi nanowires and ionic liquid in carbon mesopores enhances electrocatalytic oxygen reduction activity
Authors: Kato Yuta , Kato Masaru , Saito Shun , Zhuang Yu , Iguchi Yoshimi , Sato Jun , Komanoya Tasuku , Soma Kentaro , Suzuki Koshiro , Yagi Ichizo
Published: October 2024

The electrocatalyitc activity of PtNi nanowires for the oxygen reduction reaction is enhanced by the co-presence of ionic liquid in carbon mesopores, confirmed by electrochemical measurements, 3D-TEM tomography and in situ SEIRA spectroscopy
General ppm-level Pd-catalysed asymmetric diarylalkyne hydrosilylation to access structurally diverse Si-stereogenic vinylsilanes
Authors: Xu Heng , Yu Han-Xiao , Wen An-Jiu , Ling Fang-Ying , Ye Fei , Li Li , Kwong Fuk Yee , Xu Li-Wen
Published: October 2024

The first example of enantioselective Pd-catalyzed hydrosilylation of symmetric and asymmetric diarylalkynes to access novel Si-stereogenic vinylsilanes with excellent ee and a high TON is realized under mild reaction conditions.
Leveraging ordered voids in microporous perovskites for intercalation and post-synthetic modification
Authors: Dalton Connor W. , Gannon Paige M. , Kaminsky Werner , Reed Douglas A.
Published: October 2024

Porous interlayers in 2D metal-halide perovskites enable new modes of reactivity. These include permanent intercalation of redox-active molecules as well as post-synthetic halide-to-halide and halide-to-pseudohalide exchange.
FragGen: towards 3D geometry reliable fragment-based molecular generation
Authors: Zhang Odin , Huang Yufei , Cheng Shichen , Yu Mengyao , Zhang Xujun , Lin Haitao , Zeng Yundian , Wang Mingyang , Wu Zhenxing , Zhao Huifeng , Zhang Zaixi , Hua Chenqing , Kang Yu , Cui Sunliang , Pan Peichen , Hsieh Chang-Yu , Hou Tingjun
Published: October 2024

FragGen introduces a novel fragment-based AI-based molecular design method. It proposes the geometry handling protocol to improve the generation quality and has been applied to design highly bioactive type II kinase inhibitors.
A self-assembling protein–DNA complex with an inbuilt DNA release system for quantitative immuno-PCR applications
Authors: Sorenson A. E. , Schaeffer P. M.
Published: October 2024

A self-assembling biotin protein ligase–DNA complex with an inbuilt DNA release system for quantitative immuno-PCR detection of GFP-tagged proteins and anti-GFP antibody profiling.
Enhanced chemotaxis efficiency of Escherichia coli in viscoelastic solutions
Authors: Zhu Shaoying , He Rui , Yue Caijuan , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: October 2024

E. coli shows enhanced chemotaxis in viscoelastic media, with faster migration and higher accumulation in attractant-rich areas compared to Newtonian conditions.
Insights into defect kinetics, mass transport, and electronic structure from spectrum effects in ion-irradiated Bi2O3
Authors: Kennedy Ellis Rae , Valdez James A. , Wang Yongqiang , Ribet Stephanie M. , Sickafus Kurt E. , Kreller Cortney R. , Uberuaga Blas Pedro , Derby Benjamin K.
Published: October 2024

Ion-irradiation of α-Bi2O3 induces amorphization, altering mass transport and band structure.
A photocrosslinkable and anti-inflammatory hydrogel of loxoprofen-conjugated chitosan methacrylate
Authors: Guan Xiangheng , Wang Xin-Gang , Sun Binbin , Wang Hongsheng , EL-Newehy Mohamed , Abdulhameed Meera Moydeen , Mo Xiumei , Feng Bei , Wu Jinglei
Published: October 2024

Photocrosslinkable hydrogel of chitosan–drug conjugate with great anti-inflammatory activity used for biomedical applications.
Decoding microwave modulation transfer: The impact of dissipation through stochastic processes
Authors: Ilaria Cacciari , Anedio Ranfagni
Published: October 2024

An anomalous transfer of modulation from a modulated microwave beam () to an unmodulated one () has been experimentally demonstrated through accurate delay time measurements. These results are analyzed according to two possible interpretations: one based on an electromagnetic approach as reported elsewhere, and the other based on a purely stochastic model. This latter model, made up of random zig‐zag paths, is the focus of the current paper. It is demonstrated that it is possible to obtain a plausible description of the experimental data.