bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIST Workshop: Integrating Crystallographic and Computational Approaches to Carbon-Capture Materials for the Mitigation of Climate Change (October 31–November 1, 2023)
Authors: Wong-Ng Winnie , Cockayne Eric , McDannald Austin , Chen Yu-Sheng , Brown Craig , Runčevski Tomče , Levin Igor
Published: May 2024

The NIST Workshop: Integrating Crystallographic and Computational Approaches to Carbon-Capture Materials for the Mitigation of Climate Change took place from October 31–November 1, 2023 at the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Compound in Rockville, MD, which is an off-campus NIST facility. This workshop provided a forum for experimentalists and theorists working on the structural aspects of CO2 capture and sequestration materials to review the current state of the art in this field and discuss opportunities for collaborative research required to develop tools for rapid determination of the structure and its effect on the direct air capture performance in porous solid sorbents. We had a total of 33 international participants (18 invited speakers) from 17 institutions who were experimentalists and theorists from academia, government, and industry. The workshop was a great success.
A Doctrinal Approach to Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments: Judicial Review of Constitutional Amendments in Sweden
Authors: Ruotsi Mikael
Published: May 2024

The delegation theory of unconstitutional constitutional amendments, a limited theory of unamendability – Applying a doctrinal approach to justify unconstitutional constitutional amendments – Introducing a typology of unconstitutionality – The practical deficiencies and internal inconsistencies of the delegation theory – The limited role of the doctrine of unconstitutional constitutional amendments in the Swedish context – The redundancy of constituent power as a legal concept
Fighting against assisted dying in Spain: catholic-inspired civic mobilization during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: García Martín Joseba , Perugorría Ignacia
Published: May 2024

The article analyzes the network structure and dynamics of the Spanish field of catholic-inspired secular organizations (CISO-N), and their mobilization against the Euthanasia Bill amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to a relational perspective, it adopts a historical-comparative approach to political opportunities that affect the praxis of these organizations. Drawing on 7-year fieldwork, including in-depth interviews with CISO-N activists and participant observation of their demonstrations, it traces CISO-N's discourse of ‘moral panic’ and ties to religious and political organizations, particularly the far-right party VOX. We advance a novel perspective, bridging literature on assisted dying and social movement studies, particularly focusing on far-right Christian populist mobilizations. The article offers one of the first sociological analyses of euthanasia as the new moral, political, and cultural neoconservative anti-rights front, which has been mainly studied from bioethics, socio-medical studies, and medical jurisprudence perspectives.
The Population-Based Hungarian Twin Registry: An Update
Authors: Tarnoki David Laszlo , Piroska Marton , Forgo Bianka , Szabo Helga , Zoldi Luca , Melicher Dora , Metneki Julia , Littvay Levente , Tarnoki Adam Domonkos
Published: May 2024

Between 2006 and 2021, the Hungarian Twin Registry (HTR) operated a volunteer twin registry of all age groups (50% monozygotic [MZ], 50% dizygotic [DZ], 70% female, average age 34 ± 22 years), including 1044 twin pairs, 24 triplets and one quadruplet set. In 2021, the HTR transformed from a volunteer registry into a population-based one, and it was established in the Medical Imaging Centre of Semmelweis University in Budapest. Semmelweis University’s innovation fund supported the development of information technology, a phone bank and voicemail infrastructure, administrative materials, and a new website was established where twins and their relatives (parent, foster parent or caregiver) can register. The HTR’s biobank was also established: 157,751 individuals with a likely twin-sibling living in Hungary (77,042 twins, 1194 triplets, 20 quadruplets, and one quintuplet) were contacted between February and March of 2021 via sealed letters. Until November 20, 2022, 12,001 twin individuals and their parents or guardians (6724 adult twins, 3009 parents/guardians and 5277 minor twins) registered, mostly online. Based on simple self-reports, 37.6% of the registered adults were MZ twins and 56.8% were DZ; 1.12% were triplets and 4.5% were unidentified. Of the registered children, 22.3% were MZ, 72.7% were DZ, 1.93% were triplets, and 3.05% were unidentified. Of the registered twins, 59.9% were female (including both the adult and minor twins). The registration questionnaire consists of eight parts, including socio-demographic and anthropometric data, smoking habits and medical questions (diseases, operations, therapies). Hungary’s twin registry has become the sole and largest population-based twin registry in Central Eastern Europe. This new resource will facilitate performing world-class modern genetic research.
Frictional Stability of Laumontite Under Hydrothermal Conditions and Implications for Injection‐Induced Seismicity in the Gonghe Geothermal Reservoir, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Chongyuan , Hu Zijuan , Elsworth Derek , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Linyou , He Manchao , Yao Leihua
Published: May 2024

Laumontite is a common and potentially frictionally unstable hydrothermal alteration product present in deep faults of the Gonghe EGS reservoir. We characterize the friction‐stability characteristics of synthetic laumontite gouge under in situ reservoir conditions. The pure laumontite gouge is frictionally strong (μ = 0.73–0.98) and the quartz/laumontite mixture (1:1) is generally less strong (μ = 0.73–0.78) under experimental conditions (Pc = 95 MPa, T = 90–250°C, Pf = 0–90 MPa). The shear velocity was stepped between 6.1, 0.61, then 0.061 μm/s for our experiments. For both gouges, the friction coefficient is independent of temperature and increases with elevated pore pressures. The pure gouge and mixture are strongly velocity‐weakening over a broad range in temperatures (∼90–220°C) and excess pore pressures (0–90 MPa) relevant to the Gonghe stimulation. Microearthquakes (MEQs) observed during stimulation are confined to within the broad depth range of inferred frictional instability—although fluid overpressures are also limited to this region. The observation that laumontite mixtures are frictionally unstable over a broad range of pressures and especially temperatures representative of EGS reservoirs and insensitive to the presence of the coexisting mineral phase (quartz) suggests its presence is a strong indicator of potential seismic hazard.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of the Electron Environment at the Orbit of Ganymede as Observed by Juno
Authors: Pelcener S. , André N. , Nénon Q. , Rabia J. , Rojo M. , Kamran A. , Blanc M. , Louarn P. , Penou E. , Santos‐Costa D. , Allegrini F. , Ebert R. W. , Wilson R. J. , Szalay J. , Mauk B. H. , Paranicas C. , Clark G. , Bagenal F. , Bolton S.
Published: May 2024

The thermal and energetic electrons along Ganymede's orbit not only weather the surface of the icy moon, but also represent a major threat to spacecraft. In this article, we rely on Juno plasma measurements to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of the electron environment upstream of Ganymede. In particular, we find that electron spectra observed by Juno have fluxes larger by a factor of 2–9 at energies above 10 keV than what was measured two decades earlier by Galileo. This result will advance our understanding of the surface weathering and may be a concern for the radiation safety of the JUICE mission. Furthermore, the June 2021 close fly‐by of Ganymede through the moon's wake reveals that the open field line regions of its magnetosphere attenuate electron fluxes at all energies by a factor of 1.6–5, thereby offering a natural shelter to visiting spacecraft crossing this region.
Periodic Oscillation of VLF Transmitter Signals Measured in Low and Middle Latitude Regions
Authors: Xu Wei , Feng Jingyuan , Gu Xudong , Ni Binbin , Wang Shiwei , Cheng Wen , Ma Wenchen , Xu Haotian , Pan Yudi
Published: May 2024

Measurements of Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals from navy transmitters carry direct information about the D‐region ionosphere and have been widely utilized for detecting the electron density at D‐region altitudes, but not frequently for the atmospheric waves therein. Atmospheric waves have been extensively studied using the total ionospheric electron content, but if and how they are correlated with the D‐region ionosphere and VLF measurements still remains poorly investigated. In this study, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis using 7‐year measurements (2016–2022) of VLF signals from the JJI, NWC, and VTX transmitters as being recorded in Suizhou, China. These three transmitter‐receiver paths are representative and the corresponding observations constitute a valuable data set to investigate the periodicities of VLF data. Different from previous studies, we have utilized the ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Lomb‐Scargle methods to determine the periodicities of these data. By contrasting these paths, prominent periodicities ranging from 2 to 730 days have been found, with clear diurnal variation and suggestive latitudinal/longitudinal dependence. Moreover, we have found that the mesospheric temperature is closely related with the annual oscillation of VLF measurements, while this oscillation has a low correlation with solar Lyman‐α fluxes or geomagnetic activity. The oscillations with relatively shorter periods are likely atmospheric waves such as gravity waves, planetary waves, or harmonics of these waves. Our results suggest that, in addition to the electron density, the subionospheric VLF technique can be potentially utilized to remotely sense atmospheric waves that propagate up to or through the D‐region ionosphere.
Sea Surface Temperatures Across the Coral Sea Over the Last Glacial‐Interglacial Cycle
Authors: Hollstein Martina , Kienast Markus , Lückge Andreas , Yokoyama Yusuke , Mohtadi Mahyar
Published: May 2024

Sea surface temperature (SST) across the Coral Sea is tightly coupled to the regional and larger‐scale ocean circulation and climate. Continuous records that reflect past changes in Coral Sea SST in high resolution are missing, however. Here, we present Mg/Ca‐ and alkenone‐based SST reconstructions from the northwestern Coral Sea that cover the past 130 kyr. Our SST estimates vary in line with southern hemisphere high latitude climate variability, linked to atmospheric CO2. Combining the newly generated with published records, we find that the SST changes across the Coral Sea show a large spatial heterogeneity during the last glacial‐interglacial cycle. Particularly prior to 60 ka, precession exerts a discernible influence on the meridional SST gradients across the Coral Sea, as well as between the Coral Sea and southern Western Pacific Warm Pool. We posit that these changes are linked to the regional trade winds and the South Pacific subtropical gyre circulation, and/or to changes in the El Niño Southern Oscillation.
A Comprehensive Northern Hemisphere Particle Microphysics Data Set From the Precipitation Imaging Package
Authors: King Fraser , Pettersen Claire , Bliven Larry F. , Cerrai Diego , Chibisov Alexey , Cooper Steven J. , L’Ecuyer Tristan , Kulie Mark S. , Leskinen Matti , Mateling Marian , McMurdie Lynn , Moisseev Dimitri , Nesbitt Stephen W. , Petersen Walter A. , Rodriguez Peter , Schirtzinger Carl , Stuefer Martin , von Lerber Annakaisa , Wingo Matthew T. , Wolff David B. , Wong Telyana , Wood Norman
Published: May 2024

Microphysical observations of precipitating particles are critical data sources for numerical weather prediction models and remote sensing retrieval algorithms. However, obtaining coherent data sets of particle microphysics is challenging as they are often unindexed, distributed across disparate institutions, and have not undergone a uniform quality control process. This work introduces a unified, comprehensive Northern Hemisphere particle microphysical data set from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration precipitation imaging package (PIP), accessible in a standardized data format and stored in a centralized, public repository. Data is collected from 10 measurement sites spanning 34° latitude (37°N–71°N) over 10 years (2014–2023), which comprise a set of 1,070,000 precipitating minutes. The provided data set includes measurements of a suite of microphysical attributes for both rain and snow, including distributions of particle size, vertical velocity, and effective density, along with higher‐order products including an approximation of volume‐weighted equivalent particle densities, liquid equivalent snowfall, and rainfall rate estimates. The data underwent a rigorous standardization and quality assurance process to filter out erroneous observations to produce a self‐describing, scalable, and achievable data set. Case study analyses demonstrate the capabilities of the data set in identifying physical processes like precipitation phase‐changes at high temporal resolution. Bulk precipitation characteristics from a multi‐site intercomparison also highlight distinct microphysical properties unique to each location. This curated PIP data set is a robust database of high‐quality particle microphysical observations for constraining future precipitation retrieval algorithms, and offers new insights toward better understanding regional and seasonal differences in bulk precipitation characteristics.
Sulfide Melt Wetting Properties in Earth's Mantle: New Constraints From Combined 2D and 3D Imaging
Authors: Beyer C. , Fonseca R. O. C. , Bissbort T. , Schröer L. , Cnudde V.
Published: May 2024

Base‐metal sulfur liquids (mattes) play a crucial role as metasomatic agents and carriers of highly siderophile elements (HSE) within the Earth's mantle. Prior research has predominantly focused on sulfur‐poor metallic liquids involved in core formation scenarios. We conducted high‐pressure experiments using a multi‐anvil apparatus to investigate the effects of pressure, non‐ferrous compounds in mattes, and the mineral composition of the silicate host on matte wetting properties. Specifically, we explored conditions representing both the lithospheric (6 and 7 GPa) and sub‐lithospheric Earth's mantle (13 GPa). We characterized the experiments using the distribution of the dihedral angle in backscattered‐electron sections and the sphericity and network topology of the mattes in tomography scans. Our findings reveal distinct behaviors: while the matte in olivine‐dominated samples exhibited behaviors consistent with previous studies, such as high dihedral angle values (94° and 100°), the majorite‐bearing sample run at 13 GPa formed a disseminated network with a mean dihedral angle of 43°, below the connectivity threshold of 60°. Furthermore, in an experiment involving a garnet‐bearing silicate host, we observed a decrease in the matte's dihedral angle to 72°. Our results suggest that pressure within mafic hosts contributes to increased matte mobility in the sub‐lithospheric Earth's mantle, especially inasmuch as the stability of garnet phases is concerned. Consequently, mattes within subducted oceanic crusts may efficiently transport HSE into surrounding lithologies, while mattes within depleted, more harzburgitic lithologies and the ambient mantle may remain trapped within the silicate host at low melt fractions.
Unraveling the Light‐Absorbing Properties of Brown Carbon at a Molecular Level
Authors: Xu Nan , Hu Min , Li Xiao , Zeng Linghan , Wang Yujue , Qiu Yanting , Song Kai , Li Shuangde , Shuai Shijin , Chen Yunfa , Hu Jianlin , Guo Song
Published: May 2024

Brown carbon (BrC) exhibits a highly complex chemical composition with diverse light‐absorbing properties, which complicates our understanding of its climate impacts. This study examined the impact of molecular characteristics (including molecular mass, unsaturation, oxidation state, and polarity) and heteroatoms on the light‐absorbing properties (absorptivity and wavelength dependence) of BrC from a molecular perspective, based on the ultraviolet‐visible spectra of over 40,000 light‐absorbing substances in aerosol from different sources and ambience. Our findings reveal that the light‐absorptivity of BrC molecules increases with decreasing polarity and O/C ratio, while it rises with higher molecular mass and unsaturation. We developed predictive models for molecular absorptivity based on its double bond equivalent and O/C ratio. In addition, we observed an inverse correlation between absorptivity and wavelength dependence at the molecular level, as determined through mathematical analysis. This molecular‐level understanding provides valuable insights into BrC absorbing mechanisms, facilitating more accurate characterization in atmospheric models.
Does cardiometabolic risk profile differ among individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI): the evidence from the multicenter SCI cohort in Switzerland (SwiSCI)
Authors: Raguindin Peter Francis , Itodo Oche Adam , Eriks-Hoogland Inge , Muka Taulant , Brach Mirjam , Stucki Gerold , Stoyanov Jivko , Glisic Marija
Published: May 2024

Study design

Longitudinal study.

Objective

To explore whether individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI) experience different trajectories in changes of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) factors during initial rehabilitation stay.

Setting

Multicenter Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort (SwiSCI) study.

Methods

Individuals without history of cardiovascular diseases were included. CMD factors and Framingham risk score (FRS) were compared between TSCI and NTSCI. Linear mixed models’ analysis was employed to explore the trajectory in CMD factors changes over rehabilitation period and a multivariate linear regression analysis was used at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation to explore factors associated with CMD risk profile in TSCI and NTSCI. We performed age and sex-stratified analyses.

Results

We analyzed 530 individuals with SCI (64% with TSCI and 36% NTSCI). The median age was 53 years (IQR:39-64) with 67.9% (n = 363) of the study cohort being male. The median rehabilitation duration was 4.4 months (IQR 2.4-6.4). At admission to rehabilitation, FRS (9.61 vs. 5.89) and prevalence of hypertension (33.16% vs. 13.62%), diabetes (13.68% vs. 4.06%), and obesity (79.05% vs. 66.67%) were higher in NTSCI as compared to TSCI, No difference was observed in cardiometabolic syndrome between the groups (around 40% in both groups). Overall, we observed longitudinal increases in total cholesterol, HDL-C and HDL/total cholesterol ratio, and a decrease in fasting glucose over the rehabilitation period. No differences in longitudinal changes in cardiovascular risk factors were observed between TSCI and NTSCI.

Conclusions

There was no deterioration in cardiometabolic risk factors over rehabilitation period, at discharge from initial rehabilitation stay. Both TSCI and NTSCI experienced high burden of cardiometabolic syndrome components with NTSCI experiencing more disadvantageous risk profile. The effectiveness of therapeutic and lifestyle/behavioral strategies to decrease burden of cardiometabolic disease and its components in early phase should be explored in future studies.
The cell cycle regulator p16 promotes tumor infiltrated CD8+ T cell exhaustion and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Jiajia , Tang Kun , Yang Yu , Liu Xiaowei , Yuan Shengtao , Guo Feng , Zhang Lianjun , Ma Kaili
Published: May 2024

The therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy is largely restricted by reduced viability and dysfunction of CD8+ T cells. Continuous antigen stimulation disrupts the expansion, effector function, and metabolic fitness of CD8+ T cells, leading to their differentiation into an exhausted state within the tumor microenvironment (TME). While the function of the cell cycle negative regulator p16 in senescent cells is well understood, its role in T cell exhaustion remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that TCR stimulation of CD8+ T cells rapidly upregulates p16 expression, with its levels positively correlating with TCR affinity. Chronic TCR stimulation further increased p16 expression, leading to CD8+ T cell apoptosis and exhaustion differentiation, without inducing DNA damage or cell senescence. Mechanistic investigations revealed that p16 downregulates mTOR, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) associated gene expression, resulting in impaired mitochondrial fitness, reduced T cell viability, and diminished effector function. Furthermore, the deletion of p16 significantly enhances the persistence of CD8+ T cells within tumors and suppresses the terminal exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Overall, our findings elucidate how increased p16 expression reshapes T cell intracellular metabolism, drives T cell apoptosis and exhaustion differentiation, and ultimately impairs T cell anti-tumor function.
Ferroptosis: a potential bridge linking gut microbiota and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mao Zi-Hui , Gao Zhong-Xiuzi , Pan Shao-Kang , Liu Dong-Wei , Liu Zhang-Suo , Wu Peng
Published: May 2024

Ferroptosis is a novel form of lipid peroxidation-driven, iron-dependent programmed cell death. Various metabolic pathways, including those involved in lipid and iron metabolism, contribute to ferroptosis regulation. The gut microbiota not only supplies nutrients and energy to the host, but also plays a crucial role in immune modulation and metabolic balance. In this review, we explore the metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and the impact of the gut microbiota on host metabolism. We subsequently summarize recent studies on the influence and regulation of ferroptosis by the gut microbiota and discuss potential mechanisms through which the gut microbiota affects ferroptosis. Additionally, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of the relationship between the gut microbiota and ferroptosis in the context of chronic kidney disease. This analysis can provide new insights into the current research status and future of ferroptosis and the gut microbiota.
Roles of long noncoding RNAs in human inflammatory diseases
Authors: Zhang Yuliang , Liu Hongliang , Niu Min , Wang Ying , Xu Rong , Guo Yujia , Zhang Chunming
Published: May 2024

Chemokines, cytokines, and inflammatory cells mediate the onset and progression of many diseases through the induction of an inflammatory response. LncRNAs have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and signaling pathways. Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNAs are key players in the inflammatory response, making it a potential therapeutic target for various diseases. From the perspective of lncRNAs and inflammatory factors, we summarized the expression level and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in human inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute lung injury, diabetic retinopathy, and Parkinson’s disease. We also summarized the functions of lncRNAs in the macrophages polarization and discussed the potential applications of lncRNAs in human inflammatory diseases. Although our understanding of lncRNAs is still in its infancy, these data will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of lncRNAs.
Changes in crystal morphology induced by lanthanide doping into diacetylene lamellar crystals
Authors: Kohri Michinari , Isomura Sojiro , Tachibana Kyoka , Hikichi Ryota , Oaki Yuya , Wadati Hiroki , Kanoh Hirofumi , Kishikawa Keiki
Published: May 2024

In this study, we show that doping lanthanides into lamellar crystals reorganizes the lamellar structure and dramatically changes the crystal morphology. Azo-DA, a compound with azobenzene derivatives and carboxylic acids at both ends of the diacetylene moiety, formed plate-like lamellar crystals. The doping of holmium (Ho), a lanthanide, into the film obtained by stacking Azo-DA lamellar crystals, promoted a dramatic change in crystal morphology, resulting in the formation of an Azo-DA/Ho film with a radial lamellar crystal structure. A detailed investigation of the crystal growth process revealed that Azo-DA/Ho, which is slightly formed in the solution phase during Ho doping, acts as a pseudonucleating agent and dramatically changes the morphology of the lamellar crystals. Additionally, the morphological changes in the lamellar crystal films significantly changed the surface properties of the films, such as their appearance and water repellency. Similar morphological changes in lamellar crystals were induced when other lanthanide elements were used instead of Ho, and the type of lanthanide dopant can affect the magnetic properties of the films.
A study on the early metabolic effects of salt and fructose consumption: the protective role of water
Authors: Hasbal Nuri Baris , Bakir Cicek Nur , Incir Said , Siriopol Dimitrie , Sanchez-Lozada Laura G. , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Increasing serum osmolality has recently been linked with acute stress responses, which over time can lead to increased risk for obesity, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Salt and fructose are two major stimuli that can induce acute changes in serum osmolality. Here we investigate the early metabolic effects of sodium and fructose consumption and determine whether the effects of sodium or fructose loading can be mitigated by blocking the change in osmolality with hydration. Forty-four healthy subjects without disease and medication were recruited into four groups. After overnight fasting, subjects in Group 1 drank 500 mL of salty soup, while those in Group 2 drank 500 mL of soup without salt for 15 min. Subjects in Group 3 drank 500 mL of 100% apple juice in 5 min, while subjects in Group 4 drank 500 mL of 100% apple juice and 500 mL of water in 5 min. Blood pressure (BP), plasma sodium, and glucose levels were measured every 15 min in the first 2 h. Serum and urine osmolarity, serum uric acid, cortisol, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), aldosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured at the baseline and 2 h. Both acute intake of salt or fructose increased serum osmolality (maximum ∼4 mOsm/L peaking at 75 min) associated with a rise in systolic and diastolic BP, PRA, aldosterone, ACTH, cortisol, plasma glucose, uric acid, and FGF21. Salt tended to cause greater activation of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS), while fructose caused a greater rise in glucose and FGF21. In both cases, hydration could prevent the osmolality and largely block the acute stress response. Acute changes in serum osmolality can induce remarkable activation of the ACTH-cortisol, RAS, glucose metabolism, and uric acid axis that is responsive to hydration. In addition to classic dehydration, salt, and fructose-containing sugars can activate these responses. Staying well hydrated may provide benefits despite exposure to sugar and salt. More studies are needed to investigate whether hydration can block the chronic effects of sugar and salt on disease.
Microbial adaptation to spaceflight is correlated with bacteriophage-encoded functions
Authors: Irby Iris , Broddrick Jared T.
Published: May 2024

Evidence from the International Space Station suggests microbial populations are rapidly adapting to the spacecraft environment; however, the mechanism of this adaptation is not understood. Bacteriophages are prolific mediators of bacterial adaptation on Earth. Here we survey 245 genomes sequenced from bacterial strains isolated on the International Space Station for dormant (lysogenic) bacteriophages. Our analysis indicates phage-associated genes are significantly different between spaceflight strains and their terrestrial counterparts. In addition, we identify 283 complete prophages, those that could initiate bacterial lysis and infect additional hosts, of which 21% are novel. These prophage regions encode functions that correlate with increased persistence in extreme environments, such as spaceflight, to include antimicrobial resistance and virulence, DNA damage repair, and dormancy. Our results correlate microbial adaptation in spaceflight to bacteriophage-encoded functions that may impact human health in spaceflight.
Identifying proteomic risk factors for cancer using prospective and exome analyses of 1463 circulating proteins and risk of 19 cancers in the UK Biobank
Authors: Papier Keren , Atkins Joshua R. , Tong Tammy Y. N. , Gaitskell Kezia , Desai Trishna , Ogamba Chibuzor F. , Parsaeian Mahboubeh , Reeves Gillian K. , Mills Ian G. , Key Tim J. , Smith-Byrne Karl , Travis Ruth C.
Published: May 2024

The availability of protein measurements and whole exome sequence data in the UK Biobank enables investigation of potential observational and genetic protein-cancer risk associations. We investigated associations of 1463 plasma proteins with incidence of 19 cancers and 9 cancer subsites in UK Biobank participants (average 12 years follow-up). Emerging protein-cancer associations were further explored using two genetic approaches, cis-pQTL and exome-wide protein genetic scores (exGS). We identify 618 protein-cancer associations, of which 107 persist for cases diagnosed more than seven years after blood draw, 29 of 618 were associated in genetic analyses, and four had support from long time-to-diagnosis ( > 7 years) and both cis-pQTL and exGS analyses: CD74 and TNFRSF1B with NHL, ADAM8 with leukemia, and SFTPA2 with lung cancer. We present multiple blood protein-cancer risk associations, including many detectable more than seven years before cancer diagnosis and that had concordant evidence from genetic analyses, suggesting a possible role in cancer development.
CD5L as a promising biological therapeutic for treating sepsis
Authors: Oliveira Liliana , Silva M. Carolina , Gomes Ana P. , Santos Rita F. , Cardoso Marcos S. , Nóvoa Ana , Luche Hervé , Cavadas Bruno , Amorim Irina , Gärtner Fátima , Malissen Bernard , Mallo Moisés , Carmo Alexandre M.
Published: May 2024

Sepsis results from systemic, dysregulated inflammatory responses to infection, culminating in multiple organ failure. Here, we demonstrate the utility of CD5L for treating experimental sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We show that CD5L’s important features include its ability to enhance neutrophil recruitment and activation by increasing circulating levels of CXCL1, and to promote neutrophil phagocytosis. CD5L-deficient mice exhibit impaired neutrophil recruitment and compromised bacterial control, rendering them susceptible to attenuated CLP. CD5L-/- peritoneal cells from mice subjected to medium-grade CLP exhibit a heightened pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile, reflecting a loss of control of the immune response to the infection. Intravenous administration of recombinant CD5L (rCD5L) in immunocompetent C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice significantly ameliorates measures of disease in the setting of high-grade CLP-induced sepsis. Furthermore, rCD5L lowers endotoxin and damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) levels, and protects WT mice from LPS-induced endotoxic shock. These findings warrant the investigation of rCD5L as a possible treatment for sepsis in humans.
Introduction of the difluoromethyl group at the meta- or para-position of pyridines through regioselectivity switch
Authors: Xu Pengwei , Wang Zhe , Guo Shu-Min , Studer Armido
Published: May 2024

Difluoromethyl pyridines have gained significant attention in medicinal and agricultural chemistry. The direct C−H-difluoromethylation of pyridines represents a highly efficient economic way to access these azines. However, the direct meta-difluoromethylation of pyridines has remained elusive and methods for site-switchable regioselective meta- and para-difluoromethylation are unknown. Here, we demonstrate the meta-C−H-difluoromethylation of pyridines through a radical process by using oxazino pyridine intermediates, which are easily accessed from pyridines. The selectivity can be readily switched to para by in situ transformation of the oxazino pyridines to pyridinium salts upon acid treatment. The preparation of various meta- and para-difluoromethylated pyridines through this approach is presented. The mild conditions used also allow for the late-stage meta- or para-difluoromethylation of pyridine containing drugs. Sequential double functionalization of pyridines is presented, which further underlines the value of this work.
Carbon storage through China’s planted forest expansion
Authors: Cheng Kai , Yang Haitao , Tao Shengli , Su Yanjun , Guan Hongcan , Ren Yu , Hu Tianyu , Li Wenkai , Xu Guangcai , Chen Mengxi , Lu Xiancheng , Yang Zekun , Tang Yanhong , Ma Keping , Fang Jingyun , Guo Qinghua
Published: May 2024

China’s extensive planted forests play a crucial role in carbon storage, vital for climate change mitigation. However, the complex spatiotemporal dynamics of China’s planted forest area and its carbon storage remain uncaptured. Here we reveal such changes in China’s planted forests from 1990 to 2020 using satellite and field data. Results show a doubling of planted forest area, a trend that intensified post-2000. These changes lead to China’s planted forest carbon storage increasing from 675.6 ± 12.5 Tg C in 1990 to 1,873.1 ± 16.2 Tg C in 2020, with an average rate of ~ 40 Tg C yr−1. The area expansion of planted forests contributed ~ 53% (637.2 ± 5.4 Tg C) of the total above increased carbon storage in planted forests compared with planted forest growth. This proactive policy-driven expansion of planted forests has catalyzed a swift increase in carbon storage, aligning with China’s Carbon Neutrality Target for 2060.
TRIM25 predominately associates with anti-viral stress granules
Authors: Shang Zehua , Zhang Sitao , Wang Jinrui , Zhou Lili , Zhang Xinyue , Billadeau Daniel D. , Yang Peiguo , Zhang Lingqiang , Zhou Fangfang , Bai Peng , Jia Da
Published: May 2024

Stress granules (SGs) are induced by various environmental stressors, resulting in their compositional and functional heterogeneity. SGs play a crucial role in the antiviral process, owing to their potent translational repressive effects and ability to trigger signal transduction; however, it is poorly understood how these antiviral SGs differ from SGs induced by other environmental stressors. Here we identify that TRIM25, a known driver of the ubiquitination-dependent antiviral innate immune response, is a potent and critical marker of the antiviral SGs. TRIM25 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and co-condenses with the SG core protein G3BP1 in a dsRNA-dependent manner. The co-condensation of TRIM25 and G3BP1 results in a significant enhancement of TRIM25’s ubiquitination activity towards multiple antiviral proteins, which are mainly located in SGs. This co-condensation is critical in activating the RIG-I signaling pathway, thus restraining RNA virus infection. Our studies provide a conceptual framework for better understanding the heterogeneity of stress granule components and their response to distinct environmental stressors.
A renewably sourced, circular photopolymer resin for additive manufacturing
Authors: Machado Thiago O. , Stubbs Connor J. , Chiaradia Viviane , Alraddadi Maher A. , Brandolese Arianna , Worch Joshua C. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: May 2024

The additive manufacturing of photopolymer resins by means of vat photopolymerization enables the rapid fabrication of bespoke 3D-printed parts. Advances in methodology have continually improved resolution and manufacturing speed, yet both the process design and resin technology have remained largely consistent since its inception in the 1980s1. Liquid resin formulations, which are composed of reactive monomers and/or oligomers containing (meth)acrylates and epoxides, rapidly photopolymerize to create crosslinked polymer networks on exposure to a light stimulus in the presence of a photoinitiator2. These resin components are mostly obtained from petroleum feedstocks, although recent progress has been made through the derivatization of renewable biomass3–6 and the introduction of hydrolytically degradable bonds7–9. However, the resulting materials are still akin to conventional crosslinked rubbers and thermosets, thus limiting the recyclability of printed parts. At present, no existing photopolymer resin can be depolymerized and directly re-used in a circular, closed-loop pathway. Here we describe a photopolymer resin platform derived entirely from renewable lipoates that can be 3D-printed into high-resolution parts, efficiently deconstructed and subsequently reprinted in a circular manner. Previous inefficiencies with methods using internal dynamic covalent bonds10–17 to recycle and reprint 3D-printed photopolymers are resolved by exchanging conventional (meth)acrylates for dynamic cyclic disulfide species in lipoates. The lipoate resin platform is highly modular, whereby the composition and network architecture can be tuned to access printed materials with varied thermal and mechanical properties that are comparable to several commercial acrylic resins.
Physiological temperature drives TRPM4 ligand recognition and gating
Authors: Hu Jinhong , Park Sung Jin , Walter Tyler , Orozco Ian J. , O‘Dea Garrett , Ye Xinyu , Du Juan , Lü Wei
Published: May 2024

Temperature profoundly affects macromolecular function, particularly in proteins with temperature sensitivity1,2. However, its impact is often overlooked in biophysical studies that are typically performed at non-physiological temperatures, potentially leading to inaccurate mechanistic and pharmacological insights. Here we demonstrate temperature-dependent changes in the structure and function of TRPM4, a temperature-sensitive Ca2+-activated ion channel3–7. By studying TRPM4 prepared at physiological temperature using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we identified a ‘warm’ conformation that is distinct from those observed at lower temperatures. This conformation is driven by a temperature-dependent Ca2+-binding site in the intracellular domain, and is essential for TRPM4 function in physiological contexts. We demonstrated that ligands, exemplified by decavanadate (a positive modulator)8 and ATP (an inhibitor)9, bind to different locations of TRPM4 at physiological temperatures than at lower temperatures10,11, and that these sites have bona fide functional relevance. We elucidated the TRPM4 gating mechanism by capturing structural snapshots of its different functional states at physiological temperatures, revealing the channel opening that is not observed at lower temperatures. Our study provides an example of temperature-dependent ligand recognition and modulation of an ion channel, underscoring the importance of studying macromolecules at physiological temperatures. It also provides a potential molecular framework for deciphering how thermosensitive TRPM channels perceive temperature changes.
A multi-institutional meningioma MRI dataset for automated multi-sequence image segmentation
Authors: LaBella Dominic , Khanna Omaditya , McBurney-Lin Shan , Mclean Ryan , Nedelec Pierre , Rashid Arif S. , Tahon Nourel hoda , Altes Talissa , Baid Ujjwal , Bhalerao Radhika , Dhemesh Yaseen , Floyd Scott , Godfrey Devon , Hilal Fathi , Janas Anastasia , Kazerooni Anahita , Kent Collin , Kirkpatrick John , Kofler Florian , Leu Kevin , Maleki Nazanin , Menze Bjoern , Pajot Maxence , Reitman Zachary J. , Rudie Jeffrey D. , Saluja Rachit , Velichko Yury , Wang Chunhao , Warman Pranav I. , Sollmann Nico , Diffley David , Nandolia Khanak K. , Warren Daniel I , Hussain Ali , Fehringer John Pascal , Bronstein Yulia , Deptula Lisa , Stein Evan G. , Taherzadeh Mahsa , Portela de Oliveira Eduardo , Haughey Aoife , Kontzialis Marinos , Saba Luca , Turner Benjamin , Brüßeler Melanie M. T. , Ansari Shehbaz , Gkampenis Athanasios , Weiss David Maximilian , Mansour Aya , Shawali Islam H. , Yordanov Nikolay , Stein Joel M. , Hourani Roula , Moshebah Mohammed Yahya , Abouelatta Ahmed Magdy , Rizvi Tanvir , Willms Klara , Martin Dann C. , Okar Abdullah , D’Anna Gennaro , Taha Ahmed , Sharifi Yasaman , Faghani Shahriar , Kite Dominic , Pinho Marco , Haider Muhammad Ammar , Alonso-Basanta Michelle , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Rauschecker Andreas M. , Nada Ayman , Aboian Mariam , Flanders Adam , Bakas Spyridon , Calabrese Evan
Published: May 2024

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Radiologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists rely on brain MRI for diagnosis, treatment planning, and longitudinal treatment monitoring. However, automated, objective, and quantitative tools for non-invasive assessment of meningiomas on multi-sequence MR images are not available. Here we present the BraTS Pre-operative Meningioma Dataset, as the largest multi-institutional expert annotated multilabel meningioma multi-sequence MR image dataset to date. This dataset includes 1,141 multi-sequence MR images from six sites, each with four structural MRI sequences (T2-, T2/FLAIR-, pre-contrast T1-, and post-contrast T1-weighted) accompanied by expert manually refined segmentations of three distinct meningioma sub-compartments: enhancing tumor, non-enhancing tumor, and surrounding non-enhancing T2/FLAIR hyperintensity. Basic demographic data are provided including age at time of initial imaging, sex, and CNS WHO grade. The goal of releasing this dataset is to facilitate the development of automated computational methods for meningioma segmentation and expedite their incorporation into clinical practice, ultimately targeting improvement in the care of meningioma patients.
Comparison of δ13C and δ15N of ecologically relevant amino acids among beluga whale tissues
Authors: Matthews Cory J. D. , Smith Emma A. Elliott , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: May 2024

Ecological applications of compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of amino acids (AAs) include 1) tracking carbon pathways in food webs using essential AA (AAESS) δ13C values, and 2) estimating consumer trophic position (TP) by comparing relative differences of ‘trophic’ and ‘source’ AA δ15N values. Despite the significance of these applications, few studies have examined AA-specific SI patterns among tissues with different AA compositions and metabolism/turnover rates, which could cause differential drawdown of body AA pools and impart tissue-specific isotopic fractionation. To address this knowledge gap, especially in the absence of controlled diet studies examining this issue in captive marine mammals, we used a paired-sample design to compare δ13C and δ15N values of 11 AAs in commonly sampled tissues (skin, muscle, and dentine) from wild beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). δ13C of two AAs, glutamic acid/glutamine (Glx, a non-essential AA) and, notably, threonine (an essential AA), differed between skin and muscle. Furthermore, δ15N of three AAs (alanine, glycine, and proline) differed significantly among the three tissues, with glycine δ15N differences of approximately 10 ‰ among tissues supporting recent findings it is unsuitable as a source AA. Significant δ15N differences in AAs such as proline, a trophic AA used as an alternative to Glx in TP estimation, highlight tissue selection as a potential source of error in ecological applications of CSIA-AA. Amino acids that differed among tissues play key roles in metabolic pathways (e.g., ketogenic and gluconeogenic AAs), pointing to potential physiological applications of CSIA-AA in studies of free-ranging animals. These findings underscore the complexity of isotopic dynamics within tissues and emphasize the need for a nuanced approach when applying CSIA-AA in ecological research.
Determination of hepatitis C virus subtype prevalent in Sindh, Pakistan: a phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Farooq Saba , Faiz Sirmast , Wahab Atia-tul , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis is a major public health issue, affecting 10–17 million people worldwide, with its prevalence continuously increasing. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for liver related diseases, which include liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and chronic hepatitis. Pakistan is experiencing a serious rise in HCV cases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes in Sindh, Pakistan. Serum samples from HCV-positive patients were collected from various local hospitals in Sindh. These samples were first screened for HCV antibodies using ELISA. Samples that tested positive for HCV RNA underwent further genotyping through sequencing using the standard Sanger method. The genotypes were identified by comparing the sequences with those available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates in this study were clustered with genotypes 3a and 3b, except for one sequence that was clustered with genotype 1a. No isolates were found to be clustered with reference genomes of genotypes 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 suggesting that genotype 3a is endemic in this region. The analyzed sequences demonstrated a 98% similarity with reference and isolated sequences. In summary, sequencing of the HCV 5′ UTR essential for identifying the predominant genotype of HCV RNA in the Sindh region Further research on the distribution of HCV genotypes in other regions of Pakistan could aid in improving screening processes, identifying more effective treatment options, and developing suitable prevention strategies.
Assessing internal displacement patterns in Ukraine during the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022
Authors: Shibuya Yuya , Jones Nicholas , Sekimoto Yoshihide
Published: May 2024

Given the worldwide increase of forcibly displaced populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), it’s crucial to have an up-to-date and precise tracking framework for population movements. Here, we study how the spatial and temporal pattern of a large-scale internal population movement can be monitored using human mobility datasets by exploring the case of IDPs in Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion of 2022. Specifically, this study examines the sizes and travel distances of internal displacements based on GPS human mobility data, using the combinations of mobility pattern estimation methods such as truncated power law fitting and visualizing the results for humanitarian operations. Our analysis reveals that, although the city of Kyiv started to lose its population around 5 weeks before the invasion, a significant drop happened in the second week of the invasion (4.3 times larger than the size of the population lost in 5 weeks before the invasion), and the population coming to the city increased again from the third week of the invasion, indicating that displaced people started to back to their homes. Meanwhile, adjacent southern areas of Kyiv and the areas close to the western borders experienced many migrants from the first week of the invasion and from the second to third weeks of the invasion, respectively. In addition, people from relatively higher-wealth areas tended to relocate their home locations far away from their original locations compared to those from other areas. For example, 19 % of people who originally lived in higher wealth areas in the North region, including the city of Kyiv, moved their home location more than 500 km, while only 9 % of those who originally lived in lower wealth areas in the North region moved their home location more than 500 km.