bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Complete 60‐Year Catalog of Wind Events in the German Bight (North Sea) Derived From ERA5 Reanalysis Data
Authors: Rubinetti S. , Fofonova V. , Arnone E. , Wiltshire K. H.
Published: October 2023

The German Bight is a shallow area in the southeastern North Sea. Atmospheric forcing, particularly wind stress, plays an essential role in the sea circulation dynamics in the area as a source of momentum and consequent driver of the variability on seasonal to interannual timescales. Westerly and SouthWesterly winds constitute the mean state of this forcing over the North Sea due to the persistent pressure gradients between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Consequently, the transport in the North Sea is primarily cyclonic. Nevertheless, the presence of land influences wind stress in the coastal regions (in terms of both intensity and direction). Moreover, distant locations respond differently to the action of the atmospheric pressure centers. Therefore, studies characterizing wind statistics in specific regions are mandatory for understanding and numerically simulating the sea circulation patterns in such areas. We present a detailed analysis of wind patterns in the German Bight, specifically in the Marine Protected Areas and Helgoland Island, using ERA5 reanalysis atmospheric data. We define and catalog area‐specific “events” according to their typical duration and magnitude and analyze their seasonality and interannual variability. We investigate the most recurrent locations and intensities of the high‐ and low‐pressure dipoles causing specific wind patterns over the German Bight during the different periods of the year. We show how, besides Westerly and SouthWesterly winds, NorthWesterly flows are a recurrent pattern in the area; winds from the East are less frequent but can be extremely persistent over the same site in the spring.
Magnetite in Muong Nong‐Type Australasian Tektites From South China
Authors: Pan Qing , Xiao Zhiyong , Wu Yanxue , Wu Yunhua , Yan Pan
Published: October 2023

South China belongs to the northern geographic branch of the Australasian strewn field (AASF) of tektites and microtektites, and this area is assumed to be part of the uprange region of the putative impactor trajectory that formed the yet undiscovered source crater. Ferromagnetic minerals in impact glass may record the magnetization process and thermal history of impact melt, but the possible identity of ferromagnetic minerals in AASF tektites from South China is elusive. Here, we perform a rock magnetism and crystallography study of iron‐sulfur spherules in Muong Nong‐type tektites from South China, revealing abundant single‐domain and pseudo single‐domain nano‐grains of magnetite within the spherules. This result is consistent with the detection of magnetic signals caused by single‐domain and pseudo single‐domain magnetite in these samples. Compared to the large value ranges of magnetic properties of tektites in the entire strewn field, individual specimens of both Muong Nong‐type and single splash‐form tektites have relatively homogeneous magnetic properties in terms of magnetic susceptibility, natural remanent magnetization (NRM), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) and NRM/SIRM ratio. The results indicate that the impact melt that formed each tektite specimen experienced similar thermal history, and most AASF tektites from South China were cooled in an ambient magnetic field that is the same order of magnitude as the Earth's magnetic field.
Petrology, Age, and Rift Origin of Ultramafic Lamprophyres (Aillikites) at Mount Webb, a New Alkaline Province in Central Australia
Authors: Sudholz Z. J. , Reddicliffe T. H. , Jaques A. L. , Yaxley G. M. , Haynes M. , Gorbatov A. , Czarnota K. , Frigo C. , Maas R. , Knowles B.
Published: October 2023

Diamond exploration over the past decade has led to the discovery of a new province of kimberlitic pipes (the Webb Province) in the Gibson Desert of central Australia. The Webb pipes comprise sparse macrocrystic olivine set in a groundmass of olivine, phlogopite, perovskite, spinel, clinopyroxene, titanian‐andradite and carbonate. The pipes resemble ultramafic lamprophyres (notably aillikites) in their mineralogy, major and minor oxide chemistry, and initial 87Sr/86Sr and εNd‐εHf isotopic compositions. Ion probe U‐Pb geochronology on perovskite (806 ± 22 Ma) indicates the eruption of the pipes was co‐eval with plume‐related magmatism within central Australia (Willouran‐Gairdner Volcanic Event) associated with the opening of the Centralian Superbasin and Rodinia supercontinent break‐up. The equilibration pressure and temperature of mantle‐derived garnet and chromian (Cr) diopside xenocrysts range between 17 and 40 kbar and 750–1320°C and define a paleo‐lithospheric thickness of 140 ± 10 km. Chemical variations of xenocrysts define litho‐chemical horizons within the shallow, middle, and deep sub‐continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The shallow SCLM (50–70 km), which includes garnet‐spinel and spinel lherzolite, contains Cr diopside with weakly refertilized rare earth element compositions and unenriched compositions. The mid‐lithosphere (70–85 km) has lower modal abundances of Cr diopside. This layer corresponds to a seismic mid‐lithosphere discontinuity interpreted as pargasite‐bearing lherzolite. The deep SCLM (>90 km) comprises refertilized garnet lherzolite that was metasomatized by a silicate‐carbonatite melt.
Effect of Intermittent Structures on Electron Heating in Saturn's Magnetosphere: Cassini Observations
Authors: Xu S. B. , Huang S. Y. , Yuan Z. G. , Wu H. H. , Jiang K. , Zhang J.
Published: October 2023

In Saturn's magnetosphere, the plasma temperature increases with radial distance, requiring a heating mechanism to counteract the adiabatic cooling effect of expanding plasma. To explore potential heating source, we perform a statistical study about intermittent structures and intermittent heating in Saturn's magnetosphere based on the observations from the Cassini spacecraft. Partial Variance of Increments (PVI) technique is used to measure the intermittency of magnetic field and identify the intermittent structures. It is found that the electron temperature has a rising trend as the increase of magnetic field intermittency, implying the occurrence of electron heating in the intermittent structures. Additionally, the turbulence heating rate also exhibits an increasing trend as the increase of probability density of intermittent structures. Our results evidence the effect of intermittent heating in the Saturn's magnetosphere, and suggest that intermittent structures with high magnetic field intermittency play an important role in turbulence heating.
Establishing a Lunar Origin for Paleomagnetic Records in Apollo Samples
Authors: Tikoo S. M. , Jung J.
Published: October 2023

Numerous paleomagnetic studies attribute the magnetization preserved within Apollo samples to an ancient dynamo. However, other works propose that lunar rocks were instead magnetized by either transient impact‐related magnetic fields on the Moon or by the return spacecraft. To test whether lunar samples could have been magnetized during return to Earth, sample handling, or transport, we exposed lunar rocks to 5–10 mT fields for varying durations. We then determined how easily these magnetic overprints could be removed and how paleointensity estimates are affected by the overprints and their removal. We found that magnetic overprints were cleaned by alternating field (AF) demagnetization to ∼10–30 mT for nearly all samples and that acceptable paleointensities may be obtained from higher AF levels. Therefore, high coercivity (>30 mT) magnetizations observed within lunar rocks are generally not magnetic contamination and were initially acquired on the Moon.
Global Distribution of Climatic Aridity
Authors: Yin Jun , Porporato Amilcare
Published: October 2023

Aridity exerts fundamental controls on terrestrial hydrology with impacts on ecosystems and society. Here we show that the global distribution of dryness index is dominated by the exponential variability of precipitation. The resulting distribution of the dryness index only has one parameter describing the balance between global mean atmospheric water demand and supply. Its shape, with a minus two power‐law tail, is well supported by observations and appears to be robust to future changes in aridity, making it a possible benchmark for Earth System Models.
Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence to Quantify “Climate Distinguishability” After Stratospheric Aerosol Injection
Authors: Mamalakis Antonios , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Hurrell James W.
Published: October 2023

Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) has been proposed as a possible response option to limit global warming and its societal consequences. However, the climate impacts of such intervention are unclear. Here, an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) framework is introduced to quantify how distinguishable an SAI climate might be from a pre‐deployment climate. A suite of neural networks is trained on Earth system model data to learn to distinguish between pre‐ and post‐deployment periods across a variety of climate variables. The network accuracy is analogous to the “climate distinguishability” between the periods, and the corresponding distinctive patterns are identified using XAI methods. For many variables, the two periods are less distinguishable under SAI than under a no‐SAI scenario, suggesting that the specific intervention modeled decelerates future climatic changes and leads to a less novel climate than the no‐SAI scenario. Other climate variables for which the intervention has negligible effect are also highlighted.
Cluster Observation on the Latitudinal Distribution of Magnetic Pc5 Pulsations in the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Yan Li , Liu Wenlong , Zhang Dianjun , Sarris Theodore E. , Li Xinlin , Tong Xin , Cao Jinbin
Published: October 2023

Ultralow frequency (ULF) waves in the Pc5 band are ubiquitous in the inner magnetosphere and can impact radiation belt dynamics by interacting with electrons through drift or drift‐bounce resonance. In this paper, based on ∼ 19 years of Cluster measurements, we perform a comprehensive study of the three‐dimensional distribution of poloidal, toroidal, and compressional ULF waves from L = 4 to 10, for magnetic latitudes (MLAT) up to Ultralow frequency ±50°, and in all magnetic local times (MLT). The distribution of the Pc5 ULF wave power is found to vary greatly as a function of L and MLT. For all L and MLT sectors, wave power of the poloidal and toroidal modes of the magnetic field increase with increasing |MLAT|, while the compressional mode decreases with increasing |MLAT|. The dawn–dusk asymmetries of wave power in poloidal and toroidal modes are more pronounced at higher |MLAT|. Furthermore, the wave power for Kp > 2 is approximately 2.93, 3.21, and 3.42 times greater than the wave power for Kp ≤ 2, respectively for compressional, poloidal and toroidal components. The information on the latitudinal distributions of ULF waves presented in this paper is important for future investigations on the radial diffusion process of radiation belt electrons with non‐90° pitch angles while they bounce away from the magnetic equator.
Emission of Energetic Neutral Atoms From the Magnetosphere‐Atmosphere Interactions at Callisto and Europa
Authors: Haynes C. Michael , Tippens Tyler , Addison Peter , Liuzzo Lucas , Poppe Andrew R. , Simon Sven
Published: October 2023

We analyze the emission of energetic neutral atom (ENA) flux from charge exchange between Jovian magnetospheric ions and the atmospheres of Callisto and Europa. For this purpose, we combine the draped electromagnetic fields from a hybrid plasma model with a particle tracing tool for the energetic ions. We determine the ENA flux through a concentric sphere located just outside of each moon's atmosphere, thereby capturing the complete physics imprinted in these emission patterns. In order to constrain the modifications to the ENA emissions that arise from the periodic change of the ambient plasma conditions, we calculate the emission morphology at multiple positions during a Jovian synodic rotation. To isolate the influence of field line draping, we compare to the emission patterns in uniform fields. Our major results are: (a) At Europa and Callisto, the majority of detectable ENA emissions are concentrated into a band normal to the Jovian magnetospheric field. (b) The fraction of observable ENA flux that contributes to this band depends on the number of complete gyrations that the parent ions can complete within the moon's atmosphere. (c) Field line draping partially deflects impinging parent ions around both moons, thereby attenuating the ENA flux and driving significant morphological changes to the emission patterns. (d) The band of elevated ENA flux is locally maximized on the opposite (antipodal) side of the moon where the flux is locally minimized. At Europa, detectable ENA emissions are maximized slightly west of the ramside apex. At Callisto, they maximize near the Jupiter‐facing apex.
Enhanced Intensity of Interannual Variability of May Drought in Northeast China After 2000 and Its Connection With the Barents Sea Ice
Authors: Hu Yuepeng , Zhou Botao , Li Huixin , Han Tingting , Wang Huijun
Published: October 2023

Using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, this article demonstrates that the intensity of interannual variability (IIV) of May drought in Northeast China has enhanced remarkably after entering into the 21st century. Relative to 1980–1999, the percentage increase of IIV reaches 70% during 2000–2016. Such an enhancement is well supported by the intensification of IIVs in the East Asian polar front jet stream (EAPJ), East Asian subtropical jet stream (EASJ), and lower‐level anticyclonic circulation anomaly over Northeast China. Remarkable impact from the Barents Sea ice in April is also highlighted. With respect to the former period, a substantial increase occurs as well in the IIV of April Barents Sea ice during 2000–2016. Due to larger IIV in the latter period, the decline of April Barents Sea ice can exert evident effects on heat fluxes, consequently resulting in a significant increase of surface air temperature (SAT) in situ in May. The increased SAT further induces a wave train propagating southeastward to the East Asian region from the Barents Sea, which leads to a strengthened EAPJ and a weakened EASJ in the upper level, concomitant with an anomalous anticyclonic circulation covering Northeast China in the lower level. These atmospheric circulation anomalies link to the drought variability over Northeast China. Thus, the increase in the IIV of April Barents Sea ice favors the enhanced IIV of May drought in Northeast China.
Simulated Atmospheric Response to Large‐Scale Dust Forcing and Implications for Martian Dust Storm Growth
Authors: Wang Huiqun , Toigo Anthony D. , Richardson Mark I.
Published: October 2023

The response of tidal, “weather,” and intra‐seasonal transient eddies in a global numerical model to dust imposed in different latitudinal bands and seasons has been examined in order to investigate the impact of regional scale dust storm episodes on large‐scale circulation and hence on further dust storm development. The eddy kinetic energy and surface friction speed for each eddy group were derived using wavelet analysis from multi‐year simulations and statistical comparisons were made among the experiments. Results show that different eddy categories respond differently to dust storm forcing, and that the responses are dependent upon both modeled storm location and season. These responses can be cast in terms of potential positive and negative feedbacks on large‐scale dust storm development and have implications for the cascade of dust storms through different scales and circulation components. The model results suggest positive feedback between northern high latitude dust forcing and weather transients in the same latitudes in Quartober (Ls = 185°–245°), which weakens or disappears in Sixtober (Ls = 295°–360°). The results also suggest positive feedback between dust heating in the tropics/subtropics and tidal eddies, which may enhance the southward transport of “flushing” storms. However, southern high latitude dust forcing suppresses northern weather transients in both pseudo‐season sextons, suggesting negative feedback which may terminate northern frontal/flushing dust storm sequences and hence weaken further development of a dust storm episode through this mechanism.
Tying Shock Features to Impact Conditions: The Significance of Shear Deformation During Impact Cratering
Authors: Alwmark S.
Published: October 2023

Impact cratering is associated with extreme physical conditions with temperatures and pressures far exceeding conditions otherwise prevailing at the surfaces of terrestrial planets. As a consequence, shock‐metamorphosed rocks contain unique deformation features such as planar deformation features in quartz, high‐pressure mineral polymorphs and melted rock. While the physical conditions of formation for impact‐induced melting following the highest pressure and temperature conditions is relatively well understood, aspects of the formation of melt‐veins in otherwise seemingly relatively low shock material has been the topic of discussion. In a new study, Hamann et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JE007742) are able to largely reproduce the current classification of progressive shock metamorphism of felsic rocks using a modern experimental set up that eliminates multiple shock wave reflections at sample containers and excavation and ejection of target material. Importantly, however, they find that shear deformation results in the formation of melt veins at pressures as low as 6 GPa. The authors recover stishovite in melt veins formed at low‐moderate (<18 GPa) shock pressure, lower than most previous studies. These results have bearing on our understanding of the conditions of progressive shock metamorphism at terrestrial impact structures. However, since the results are similar to data obtained from experiments on basaltic rocks, the results also have broader implications for understanding the shock histories of meteorite parent bodies. Hamann et al. show the importance of experimental impact cratering for bridging the gap between observations in shocked rocks from terrestrial impact structures, in meteorites, and in returned samples, and their formational conditions.
The role of the general dental practitioner in the management of the hypodontia patient
Authors: Rana Shivani , Orloff Courtney , I. Bomfim Deborah , P. Ashley Martin , Bassi G. Steven
Published: October 2023

The general dental practitioner (GDP) is usually the first person to suspect that a young patient is affected by hypodontia. The condition occurs rarely in the primary dentition but is relatively common in the permanent dentition. Between the ages of 7 and 12 years, failure of a permanent tooth to erupt as expected will lead the GDP to initiate and then contribute to the ideal management of the patient's condition. This ranges from reassurance and preventive measures to providing aspects of treatment in a long-term management plan, alongside a multidisciplinary specialist team and thereafter, delivery of life-long dental care.
Structural details of carboxylic acid-based Hydrogen-bonded Organic Frameworks (HOFs)
Authors: Suzuki Yuto , Hisaki Ichiro
Published: October 2023

Crystalline porous molecular frameworks formed through intermolecular hydrogen bonding are often called hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) by analogy to metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Although the origin may go back to the 1960s, HOFs have recently been investigated as a new family of functional porous materials. In this review, HOFs composed of tritopic, tetratopic, and hexatopic carboxylic acid derivatives are reviewed by considering structural aspects such as isostructurality. These derivatives typically form H-bonded hcb, dia, sql, hxl, and pcu networks depending on the numbers, positions, and orientations of the carboxy groups in the molecule. We show detailed structures for selected HOFs indicating the low-dimensional networks formed through H-bonding of the molecule and higher-dimensional structures formed by assembly of the network. The networks can be designed and predicted from the molecular structure, while the latter is still difficult to design. We hope that this review will contribute to the well-controlled construction of HOFs.
Widefield imaging of rapid pan-cortical voltage dynamics with an indicator evolved for one-photon microscopy
Authors: Lu Xiaoyu , Wang Yunmiao , Liu Zhuohe , Gou Yueyang , Jaeger Dieter , St-Pierre François
Published: October 2023

Widefield imaging with genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) is a promising approach for understanding the role of large cortical networks in the neural coding of behavior. However, the limited performance of current GEVIs restricts their deployment for single-trial imaging of rapid neuronal voltage dynamics. Here, we developed a high-throughput platform to screen for GEVIs that combine fast kinetics with high brightness, sensitivity, and photostability under widefield one-photon illumination. Rounds of directed evolution produced JEDI-1P, a green-emitting fluorescent indicator with enhanced performance across all metrics. Next, we optimized a neonatal intracerebroventricular delivery method to achieve cost-effective and wide-spread JEDI-1P expression in mice. We also developed an approach to correct optical measurements from hemodynamic and motion artifacts effectively. Finally, we achieved stable brain-wide voltage imaging and successfully tracked gamma-frequency whisker and visual stimulations in awake mice in single trials, opening the door to investigating the role of high-frequency signals in brain computations.
Clinically relevant atovaquone-resistant human malaria parasites fail to transmit by mosquito
Authors: Balta Victoria A. , Stiffler Deborah , Sayeed Abeer , Tripathi Abhai K. , Elahi Rubayet , Mlambo Godfree , Bakshi Rahul P. , Dziedzic Amanda G. , Jedlicka Anne E. , Nenortas Elizabeth , Romero-Rodriguez Keyla , Canonizado Matthew A. , Mann Alexis , Owen Andrew , Sullivan David J. , Prigge Sean T. , Sinnis Photini , Shapiro Theresa A.
Published: October 2023

Long-acting injectable medications, such as atovaquone, offer the prospect of a “chemical vaccine” for malaria, combining drug efficacy with vaccine durability. However, selection and transmission of drug-resistant parasites is of concern. Laboratory studies have indicated that atovaquone resistance disadvantages parasites in mosquitoes, but lack of data on clinically relevant Plasmodium falciparum has hampered integration of these variable findings into drug development decisions. Here we generate atovaquone-resistant parasites that differ from wild type parent by only a Y268S mutation in cytochrome b, a modification associated with atovaquone treatment failure in humans. Relative to wild type, Y268S parasites evidence multiple defects, most marked in their development in mosquitoes, whether from Southeast Asia (Anopheles stephensi) or Africa (An. gambiae). Growth of asexual Y268S P. falciparum in human red cells is impaired, but parasite loss in the mosquito is progressive, from reduced gametocyte exflagellation, to smaller number and size of oocysts, and finally to absence of sporozoites. The Y268S mutant fails to transmit from mosquitoes to mice engrafted with human liver cells and erythrocytes. The severe-to-lethal fitness cost of clinically relevant atovaquone resistance to P. falciparum in the mosquito substantially lessens the likelihood of its transmission in the field.
Comprehensive profiling of neutralizing polyclonal sera targeting coxsackievirus B3
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Beatriz , Buceta Javier , Geller Ron
Published: October 2023

Despite their fundamental role in resolving viral infections, our understanding of how polyclonal neutralizing antibody responses target non-enveloped viruses remains limited. To define these responses, we obtained the full antigenic profile of multiple human and mouse polyclonal sera targeting the capsid of a prototypical picornavirus, coxsackievirus B3. Our results uncover significant variation in the breadth and strength of neutralization sites targeted by individual human polyclonal responses, which contrasted with homogenous responses observed in experimentally infected mice. We further use these comprehensive antigenic profiles to define key structural and evolutionary parameters that are predictive of escape, assess epitope dominance at the population level, and reveal a need for at least two mutations to achieve significant escape from multiple sera. Overall, our data provide a comprehensive analysis of how polyclonal sera target a non-enveloped viral capsid and help define both immune dominance and escape at the population level.
Next-generation CRISPR gene-drive systems using Cas12a nuclease
Authors: Sanz Juste Sara , Okamoto Emily M. , Nguyen Christina , Feng Xuechun , López Del Amo Víctor
Published: October 2023

One method for reducing the impact of vector-borne diseases is through the use of CRISPR-based gene drives, which manipulate insect populations due to their ability to rapidly propagate desired genetic traits into a target population. However, all current gene drives employ a Cas9 nuclease that is constitutively active, impeding our control over their propagation abilities and limiting the generation of alternative gene drive arrangements. Yet, other nucleases such as the temperature sensitive Cas12a have not been explored for gene drive designs in insects. To address this, we herein present a proof-of-concept gene-drive system driven by Cas12a that can be regulated via temperature modulation. Furthermore, we combined Cas9 and Cas12a to build double gene drives capable of simultaneously spreading two independent engineered alleles. The development of Cas12a-mediated gene drives provides an innovative option for designing next-generation vector control strategies to combat disease vectors and agricultural pests.
The decrease in ocean heat transport in response to global warming
Authors: Mecking Jennifer V. , Drijfhout Sybren S.
Published: October 2023

The ocean is taking up additional heat but how this affects ocean circulation and heat transport is unclear. Here, using coupled model intercomparison project phase 5/6 (CMIP5/6) climate projections, we show a future decrease in poleward ocean heat transport (OHT) across all Northern Hemisphere latitudes and south of 10° S. Most notably, the CMIP5/6 multimodel mean reduction in poleward OHT for the Atlantic at 26.5° N and Indo-Pacific at 20° S is 0.093–0.304 PW and 0.097–0.194 PW, respectively, dependent on scenario and CMIP phase. These changes in OHT are driven by decline in overturning circulation dampened by upper ocean warming. In the Southern Ocean, the reduction in poleward OHT at 55° S is 0.071–0.268 PW. The projected changes are stronger in CMIP6, even when corrected for its larger climate sensitivity. This is especially noticable in the Atlantic Ocean for the weaker forcing scenarios (shared socioeconomic pathway SSP 1-2.6/representative concentration pathways RCP 2.6), where the decrease is 2.5 times larger at 26.5° N due to a stronger decline in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation.
Activation of human STING by a molecular glue-like compound
Authors: Li Jie , Canham Stephen M. , Wu Hua , Henault Martin , Chen Lihao , Liu Guoxun , Chen Yu , Yu Gary , Miller Howard R. , Hornak Viktor , Brittain Scott M. , Michaud Gregory A. , Tutter Antonin , Broom Wendy , Digan Mary Ellen , McWhirter Sarah M. , Sivick Kelsey E. , Pham Helen T. , Chen Christine H. , Tria George S. , McKenna Jeffery M. , Schirle Markus , Mao Xiaohong , Nicholson Thomas B. , Wang Yuan , Jenkins Jeremy L. , Jain Rishi K. , Tallarico John A. , Patel Sejal J. , Zheng Lianxing , Ross Nathan T. , Cho Charles Y. , Zhang Xuewu , Bai Xiao-Chen , Feng Yan
Published: October 2023

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a dimeric transmembrane adapter protein that plays a key role in the human innate immune response to infection and has been therapeutically exploited for its antitumor activity. The activation of STING requires its high-order oligomerization, which could be induced by binding of the endogenous ligand, cGAMP, to the cytosolic ligand-binding domain. Here we report the discovery through functional screens of a class of compounds, named NVS-STGs, that activate human STING. Our cryo-EM structures show that NVS-STG2 induces the high-order oligomerization of human STING by binding to a pocket between the transmembrane domains of the neighboring STING dimers, effectively acting as a molecular glue. Our functional assays showed that NVS-STG2 could elicit potent STING-mediated immune responses in cells and antitumor activities in animal models.
Characterization of immune microenvironment in patients with HPV-positive and negative head and neck cancer
Authors: Wang Zhongqiu , Wang Qingxin , Tao Yuxuan , Chen Jingru , Yuan Zhiyong , Wang Peiguo
Published: October 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) status strongly predicts positive clinical outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC); however, the potential reasons have not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the immune context in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC by integrating scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. In scRNA-seq data, HPV + HNSCC displayed increased B cells, plasma cells, CD4+ effector T cells, and decreased macrophages and mast cells. This finding was validated using bulk-cell data. Plasma cells predicted improved survival, and macrophages were associated with survival disadvantage. 1403 upregulated and 1877 downregulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analysis showed these DEGs focused on cytokine-related activity. Transcriptional analysis of B and plasma cells revealed associations between B-cell surface marker FCER2 and improved survival. In vitro assays confirmed the ability of FCER2 to suppress cellular proliferation and migration of HPV + tumors. In conclusion, our analysis revealed a heterogeneous tumor immune environment (TME) for HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC. Further, FCER2+ B cells contribute to antitumor immunity.
Laser melting manufacturing of large elements of lunar regolith simulant for paving on the Moon
Authors: Ginés-Palomares Juan-Carlos , Fateri Miranda , Kalhöfer Eckehard , Schubert Tim , Meyer Lena , Kolsch Nico , Brandić Lipińska Monika , Davenport Robert , Imhof Barbara , Waclavicek René , Sperl Matthias , Makaya Advenit , Günster Jens
Published: October 2023

The next steps for the expansion of the human presence in the solar system will be taken on the Moon. However, due to the low lunar gravity, the suspended dust generated when lunar rovers move across the lunar soil is a significant risk for lunar missions as it can affect the systems of the exploration vehicles. One solution to mitigate this problem is the construction of roads and landing pads on the Moon. In addition, to increase the sustainability of future lunar missions, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques must be developed. In this paper, the use of concentrated light for paving on the Moon by melting the lunar regolith is investigated. As a substitute of the concentrated sunlight, a high-power CO2 laser is used in the experiments. With this set-up, a maximum laser spot diameter of 100 mm can be achieved, which translates in high thicknesses of the consolidated layers. Furthermore, the lunar regolith simulant EAC-1A is used as a substitute of the actual lunar soil. At the end of the study, large samples (approximately 250 × 250 mm) with interlocking capabilities were fabricated by melting the lunar simulant with the laser directly on the powder bed. Large areas of lunar soil can be covered with these samples and serve as roads and landing pads, decreasing the propagation of lunar dust. These manufactured samples were analysed regarding their mineralogical composition, internal structure and mechanical properties.
Comparing laser speckle contrast imaging and indocyanine green angiography for assessment of parathyroid perfusion
Authors: Mannoh Emmanuel A. , Baregamian Naira , Thomas Giju , Solόrzano Carmen C. , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita
Published: October 2023

Accurate intraoperative assessment of parathyroid blood flow is crucial to preserve function postoperatively. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been successfully employed, however its conventional application has limitations. A label-free method overcomes these limitations, and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is one such method that can accurately detect and quantify differences in parathyroid perfusion. In this study, twenty-one patients undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were recruited to compare LSCI and ICG fluorescence intraoperatively. An experimental imaging device was used to image a total of 37 parathyroid glands. Scores of 0, 1 or 2 were assigned for ICG fluorescence by three observers based on perceived intensity: 0 for little to no fluorescence, 1 for moderate or patchy fluorescence, and 2 for strong fluorescence. Speckle contrast values were grouped according to these scores. Analyses of variance were performed to detect significant differences between groups. Lastly, ICG fluorescence intensity was calculated for each parathyroid gland and compared with speckle contrast in a linear regression. Results showed significant differences in speckle contrast between groups such that parathyroids with ICG score 0 had higher speckle contrast than those assigned ICG score 1, which in turn had higher speckle contrast than those assigned ICG score 2. This was further supported by a correlation coefficient of -0.81 between mean-normalized ICG fluorescence intensity and speckle contrast. This suggests that ICG angiography and LSCI detect similar differences in blood flow to parathyroid glands. Laser speckle contrast imaging shows promise as a label-free alternative that overcomes current limitations of ICG angiography for parathyroid assessment.
InSAR-observed surface deformation in New Mexico’s Permian Basin shows threats and opportunities presented by leaky injection wells
Authors: Graves E. J. , Rinehart A. , Grapenthin R. , Angarita M. F. , Grigg J.
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of aquifer dynamics, including groundwater storage changes, is key to effective groundwater resource and reservoir management. Resolving and accurate modeling of these processes requires knowledge of subsurface poroelastic properties and lateral heterogeneity within units of interest. Computationally demanding methods for determining lateral heterogeneity in poroelastic properties exist but remain difficult to practically employ. The InSAR-based detection of uplift over a New Mexico well with a casing breach provides an opportunity to determine poroelastic properties using a tractable 2D analytical plane strain solution for surface uplift created by a pressurized reservoir with overburden. Using a Bayesian inversion framework, we calculate poroelastic properties under deep (depth of well-screen) and shallow (depth of well-breach) conditions. We find that shallow injection is necessary to produce the observed deformation. However, pressure-varying forward solutions for uplift are required to reproduce the temporal evolution of deformation. For this we use realistic shallow poroelastic properties and well dynamics, which reflect the evolving injection conditions at the well breach as the casing further erodes. Analysis of individual interferograms or InSAR time series may provide insights into shallow subsurface heterogeneity or anomalous injection conditions at operating wells more rapidly than scheduled field inspections.
A neural signature of social support mitigates negative emotion
Authors: Pei Rui , Courtney Andrea L. , Ferguson Ian , Brennan Connor , Zaki Jamil
Published: October 2023

Social support can mitigate the impact of distressing events. Such stress buffering elicits activity in many brain regions, but it remains unclear (1) whether this activity constitutes a stable brain signature, and (2) whether brain activity can predict buffering across people. Here, we developed a neural signature that predicted social buffering of negative emotion in response to real life stressors. During neuroimaging, participants (n = 95) responded to stressful autobiographical memories either naturally, or by imagining a conversation with a peer. Using supervised dimensionality reduction and machine learning techniques, we identified a spatio-temporal neural signature that distinguished between these two trials. Activation of this signature was associated with less negative affect across trials, and people who most activated the signature reported more supportive social connections and lower loneliness outside the lab. Together, this work provides a behaviorally relevant neurophysiological marker for social support that underlies stress buffering.
Formulation of water pollutant discharge limits for malathion based on nonsensitive aquatic organism protection
Authors: Wei Yuxia , Liu Qingqing , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2023

The “Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard” was implemented for water pollutant discharge in China’s pesticide industry, which has no control requirements for particular wastewater pollutants in the industry. In the standard, certain pollutants discharge limits are limited strictly or loosely, resulting in practical management implementation difficulties. In view of the highly selective targeting characteristics of organic pesticide active ingredients in fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, a method for deriving discharge limits based on the water quality criteria for pesticides for the protection of nonsensitive species is established based on the idea of fully protecting aquatic organisms beyond sensitive objects. Through the use of malathion as an example, by screening its toxicity data in different species of aquatic organisms, the sequence point with the most significant change in the acute toxicity sensitivity of the species is taken as the variation point in the cumulative frequency of the sensitive and nonsensitive species to derive the water quality criteria, using the species sensitivity distribution method as the scientific basis for determining the discharge limits. After a comparative analysis of different simulation models, the sigmoid model, with the best fit, is selected to determine that the sensitive species hazard concentration (HCs) of malathion to aquatic organisms in China is 46.4 µg/L, and the discharge limit derived from the HCs based on the relationship between the environmental capacity and emissions is rounded to 250 µg/L. Studies showed that the relationship between the emissions limit derived from the water quality criteria for protecting nonsensitive species and malathion limit stipulated in the “Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water” conforms to the corresponding relationship of the quality standard and discharge standard, which can be achieved by current pollution control technology, combined with water quality improvement. The discharge limit offers the advantages of technical accessibility and economic rationality.
Knowledge of recommended antibiotic treatments for community-acquired infections in general medical practice: a cross-sectional study in Occitanie region, France
Authors: Strazzulla Alessio , Ballarin Manuel , Postorino Maria Concetta , Lee Raphaël , Leroy Pierre , Castan Bernard , Diamantis Sylvain
Published: October 2023

To assess and analyse the knowledge of recommended antibiotic treatments, focusing on the appropriate drugs and treatment durations for the most common community-acquired infections in general medical practice in Occitanie region, France. A web-based survey was conducted over a 3-month period, from October, 2018 to January, 2019. All participants answered directly through the online platform. For the analysis of overtreatment risk, a score based system was adopted and two scores were produced: the duration score and the treatment score. 413 general practitioners completed the survey. The overall rate of concordance with guidelines in terms of both drug choice and treatment length was 2974/4956 (60%) answers. Diseases with at least 70% good answers included cystitis, group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and bacterial superficial skin infections. Diseases with fewer than 50% good answers included pyelonephritis, dog bite wounds, and community-acquired pneumonia in patients aged ≥ 65 years. Factors associated with the risk of overtreatment were age > 40 years, country setting and hospital employment. Knowledge of treatment durations is satisfactory with 60% of recommendations being met. However, varying levels were observed according to different diseases. This study highlighted a very high rate of adherence when recommendations were clear. In contrast, low levels of adherence were observed when recommendations were ambiguous or when conflicting guidelines existed.
Entropy analysis of nickel(II) porphyrins network via curve fitting techniques
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Talha , Jiarasuksakun Thiradet , Kaemawichanurat Pawaton
Published: October 2023

Nickel(II) porphyrins typically adopt a square planar coordination geometry, with the nickel atom located at the center of the porphyrin ring and the coordinating atoms arranged in a square plane. The additional atoms or groups coordinated to the nickel atom in nickel(II) porphyrins are called ligands. Porphyrins have been investigated as potential agents for imaging and treating cancer due to their ability to selectively bind to tumor cells and be used as sensors for a variety of analytes. Nickel(II) porphyrins are relatively stable compounds, with high thermal and chemical stability. They can be stored in a solid state or in solution without significant degradation. In this study, we compute several connectivity indices, such as general Randi’c, hyper Zagreb, and redefined Zagreb indices, based on the degrees of vertices of the chemical graph of nickel porphyrins. Then, we compute the entropy and heat of formation NiP production, among other physical parameters. Using MATLAB, we fit curves between various indices and the thermodynamic properties parameters, notably the heat of formation and entropy, using various linearity- and non-linearity-based approaches. The method’s effectiveness is evaluated using$$R^2$$R2, the sum of squared errors, and root mean square error. We also provide visual representations of these indexes. These mathematical frameworks might offer a mechanism to investigate the thermodynamical characteristics of NiP’s chemical structure under various circumstances, which will help us understand the connection between system dimensions and these metrics.
A spectroscopy based prototype for the noninvasive detection of diabetes from human saliva using nanohybrids acting as nanozyme
Authors: Roy Lopamudra , Mondal Susmita , Bhattacharyya Neha , Ghosh Ria , Banerjee Amrita , Singh Soumendra , Chattopadhyay Arpita , Ahmed Saleh A. , Jassas Rabab S. , Al-Rooqi Munirah M. , Moussa Ziad , Althagafi Ismail I. , Bhattacharya Debasish , Bhattacharya Kallol , Mallick Asim Kumar , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: October 2023

The recent prediction of diabetes to be a global pandemic invites a detection strategy preferably non-invasive, and bloodless to manage the disease and the associated complications. Here, we have synthesized chitosan polymer functionalized, organic–inorganic bio-compatible nano-hybrids of Mn3O4 nanoparticles, and characterized it by utilizing several optical methodologies for the structural characterization which shows the Michaelis Menten (MM) kinetics for glucose and alpha-amylase protein (well-known diabetes biomarkers). We have also studied the potentiality for the detection of alpha-amylase in human salivary secretion which is reported to be strongly correlated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Finally, we have developed a prototype for the measurement of glucose (LOD of 0.38 mg/dL, LOQ of 1.15 mg/dL) and HbA1c (LOD of 0.15% and LOQ of 0.45%) utilizing the basic knowledge in the study for the detection of uncontrolled hyperglycemia at the point-of-care. With the limited number of clinical trials, we have explored the potential of our work in combating the diabetic pandemic across the globe in near future.
Eco-friendly strategy for CO2 enrichment performance in commercial greenhouses based on the CO2 spatial distribution and photosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yasutake Daisuke , Hidaka Kota , Kimura Kensuke , Okayasu Takashi , Kitano Masaharu , Hirota Tomoyoshi
Published: October 2023

CO2 enrichment is an essential environmental control technology due to its significantly enhancing effect on crop production capacity. Despite being a key energy consumer in protected agriculture (i.e. greenhouse systems), CO2 enrichment remains at a low energy use efficiency level, highlighting the need for developing more energy-efficiency strategies for CO2 enrichment. Therefore, this study employed the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation method to replicate the CO2 diffusion process resulting from CO2 enrichment in three commercial strawberry greenhouses with varying geometric characteristics. Based on the CFD-simulated CO2 concentration distributions, the leaf photosynthetic rate was calculated using a mathematical model group. The CO2 enrichment efficiency was then analysed by calculating the ratio of increased photosynthesis across the cultivation area to the amount of energy (in CO2 equivalent) used. The efficiency peaked when the average CO2 concentration was approximately 500 μmol mol−1, thereby providing guidance for determining the target concentration of CO2 enrichment in production. Although this study is limited as the CFD simulation only considered a typical short-period CO2 enrichment event, future research will provide a broader analysis by considering changes throughout the day.
Comparison of heart, grace and TIMI scores to predict major adverse cardiac events from chest pain in a Spanish health care region
Authors: Arispe Iris N. San Román , Sol Joaquim , Gil Ana Celma , Trujillano Javier , Bravo Marta Ortega , Torres Oriol Yuguero
Published: October 2023

Acute non-traumatic chest pain (ANTCP) is the second cause of consultation in the Emergency department (ED). About 70% of all Acute Myocardial Infarctions present as non persistent ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in the electrocardiogram. Our aim was to compare whether the HEART risk score is more effective than the GRACE and TIMI scores for the diagnosis and prognosis of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) at six weeks in patients with ANTCP and NSTE-ACS. A prospective cohort study was conducted with patients with ANTCP that attended an ED and a Primary Care Emergency Center (PCEC) from April 2018 to December 2020. The primary outcome was MACE at six weeks. Diagnostic performance was calculated for each scale as the Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), and predictive values (PV). Qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and continuous variables were compared using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. We adjusted a logistic regression for risk groups, age, and gender to determine the effect of the HEART, GRACE, and TIMI scores on MACE. The degree of agreement (kappa index) was calculated in the categorical classification of patients according to the three risk scales. Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed for each scale and were compared using partial likelihood ratio tests for non-nested models. From a sample of 317 patients with ANTCP, 14.82% had MACE at six weeks. The AUC was 0.743 (95% CI 0.67–0.81) for the HEART score, 0.717 (95% CI 0.64–0.79) for the TIMI score, and 0.649 (95% CI 0.561–0.738) for the GRACE score. The HEART scale identified low-risk patients with a higher SE and negative PV than the GRACE and TIMI scores. The HEART scale was better than the GRACE and TIMI scores at diagnosing and predicting MACE at six weeks in patients with ANTCP and probable NSTE-ACS. It was also a reliable tool for risk stratification in low-risk patients. Its application is feasible in EDs and PCECs, avoiding the need for complementary tests and their associated costs without compromising patient health.