bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical investigation of climate and landfill age impacts on Kupferberg landfill leachate composition: one-way ANOVA analysis
Authors: Likando Nicholene Muzimbwa , Chipandwe Masauso Sakala
Published: July 2024

This study investigated seasonal variations in the physico-chemical properties of leachate from the Kupferberg landfill site, examining the influence of landfill age and climatic factors. Data provided by the Windhoek Municipality during the years 2017 to 2022 facilitated the exploration of critical concerns related to groundwater protection and human health. Guided by two research questions and anchored in hypotheses tested at a 95% confidence level, the study employed Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) for analysis.

Significant temperature variations were observed across years [F (5, 21) = 4.493, p < 0.05], indicating a substantial relationship between landfill age and seasonal variations in leachate physico-chemical properties. Further ANOVA tests revealed temperature trends impacting leachate parameters, such as organic content and pH. While COD displayed a declining trend with landfill age, inorganic components like Cl- and alkalinity exhibited no distinct age-related pattern.

Wet seasons demonstrated higher EC and Cl--mean values than dry seasons, correlating with elevated COD levels. The study underscored the incremental rise in parameter values over time and during the rainy season, attributed to solid waste degradation and rainwater percolation. Notably, climatic conditions significantly influenced seasonal variations in leachate physico-chemical properties (p < 0.05). Based on this outcome, null hypothesis 1 was rejected. The second null hypothesis was also rejected because climatic conditions do influence the seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties. These findings are crucial for emphasizing the need for effective leachate management strategies and providing valuable insights for arid regions. Future research can expand on a national scale, employing one-way ANOVA tests on other landfills in Namibia, and engaging local communities for comprehensive data collection on cross-contamination.
Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain M. S. , Rahman M. Z. , Mozumder S. N. , Rahman J.
Published: July 2024

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.
Insights into the seismogenic structures of the arc-continent convergent plate boundary in eastern Taiwan
Authors: Chen W. S. , Wu Y. M. , Yeh P. Y. , Lai Y. X. , Ke S. S. , Ke M. C. , Yang C. Y.
Published: July 2024

The doubly vergent orogen in Taiwan is a relatively young and active arc-continent collision caused by the convergence of Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plates occurring along a complicated seismogenic plate boundary. This study aims to investigate the evolutionary and tectonic features of the retro-wedge, a region contributing to the uplifting and shortening of the Taiwan orogen. Through the utilization of seismic tomographic image and relocated seismicity, we identify three potential seismogenic structures along the convergent plate boundary: the Longitudinal Valley Fault, the Ludao–Lanyu Fault, and the Central Range Fault. A significant discovery in our investigation is a west-dipping backthrust of the Central Range Fault, extending from the north Hualien city to the southeastern offshore at a distance of 300 km. The fault is responsible for the formation of a crustal-scale pop-up structure, contributing to the development of a double vergent orogenic wedge in the retro-wedge. The genesis of the basement-involved backthrust is attributed to the indentation of the exhumed forearc mantle wedge and remnant forearc crust into the Backbone Range during collision. Consequently, the plate boundary exhibits two opposite vergent thrust systems of the Longitudinal Valley Fault–Ludao–Lanyu Fault and Central Range Fault, which evolved during different stages of collision-incipient and mature following the closure of the forearc basin of the North Luzon Trough and Longitudinal Valley, respectively. These findings contribute novel insights into the tectonic framework of the convergent zone and provide valuable constraints for geodynamic models of arc-continent collision.
LncRNA HOTAIR: A Novel Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis and Prediction of the Onset of Cerebral Ischemic Events
Authors: Feng Pengcheng , Tong Chenguang , Li Yuan , Liu Li
Published: July 2024

Background

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a major cause of cerebral ischemic events (CIE). The purpose of the research was to reveal the diagnostic accuracy of long non-coding RNA hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) patients and its predictive significance in CIE incidence.

Methods

88 patients with ACAS and 80 controls were included. Blood samples were collected and serum HOTAIR levels were detected by qRT-PCR. Logistic regression examined factors associated with the degree of carotid stenosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessed the diagnostic accuracy of HOTAIR in identifying patients with ACAS. Predictive value of serum HOTAIR levels for the occurrence of CIE was assessed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression.

Results

Serum HOTAIR was markedly lower in ACAS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Logistic regressions confirmed that HOTAIR levels correlated with severe carotid artery stenosis (OR = 0.289, 95% CI = 0.107–0.786, P = 0.015). ROC’s AUC was 0.925, indicating high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between the controls and patients with ACAS. Furthermore, CIE-positive patients had lower HOTAIR levels than CIE-negative, and the degree of carotid stenosis (HR = 4.566, 95% CI = 1.206–17.292, P = 0.025) and HOTAIR levels (HR = 0.244, 95% CI = 0.072–0.824, P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for the development of CIE. Patients with lower HOTAIR were more susceptible to CIE (log-rank P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum HOTAIR was reduced in patients with ACAS and may be a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for ACAS and predicts the development of CIE.
Timing of Holocene Surface‐Ruptures Across Adjacent Rupture‐Segments Where the Jinsha River Crosses the Yushu Fault, Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Bartholomew Mervin J. , Liu Demin , Mickelson Andrew M. , Brugere Lian , Rittenour Tammy , Sun Guo Q.
Published: July 2024

The Yushu fault, part of the Yushu–Ganzi fault zone, is one of several E‐W‐trending left‐lateral, strike‐slip fault zones that extend across the Tibetan Plateau accommodating lateral transfer of crustal material out of the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Discontinuous left‐lateral surface rupture occurred along WNW‐ESE‐striking, near‐vertical faults during two Mw 6.9 14 April 2010 Yushu earthquakes. Geomorphic and surface‐rupture characteristics change at the base of a red cliff separating the Guoqiong and Buqionggei segments. Excavations across these segments near the Jinsha River show: (a) more continuous deposition on the down‐dropped side; and (b) how frequently these surface‐rupture histories were linked or sequential (major to great earthquakes) versus not linked (moderate/strong to large earthquakes). Trench CUG‐2011‐1 and roadcut CUG‐2012‐1 (Guoqiong segment) were on older fan surfaces and Trench CUG‐2012‐2 (Buqionggei segment) crossed a narrow graben. On the Guoqiong segment, using OxCal v.4.4 that works with IntCal20 database for Bayesian‐ordered ages from four 14C and nine OSL ages, surface ruptures occurred during earthquakes at 2010CE, ∼200BCE, ∼2400BCE, ∼4250BCE, ∼6750BCE, ∼7400BCE and ∼10400BCE consistent with an ∼2200‐year Holocene recurrence interval. For the Buqionggei segment, Bayesian‐ordered ages from six OSL ages indicate three Holocene surface ruptures occurred at 2010CE, ∼4600BCE and ∼6750BCE. Surface ruptures on both segments (suggesting linked or sequential major to great earthquakes) only occurred two to three times at 2010CE, ∼4500BCE and/or ∼6750BCE. Thus, risk of infrequent major to great Holocene earthquakes is ∼2400–∼8800 years along the Yushu fault.
Primary Controlling Factors of Apatite Trace Element Composition and Implications for Exploration in Orogenic Gold Deposits
Authors: Cao Genshen , Chen Huayong , Zhang Yu , Sun Weipin , Zhao Junfeng , Zhao Hongtao , Wang Hao
Published: July 2024

Significant and readily accessible orogenic gold deposits have been previously recognized, exploited, and progressively depleted. Innovative approaches are required to discover new and deeply buried deposits. Recently, trace element variations in apatite have been used to distinguish fertile and barren environments as reliable mineral exploration tools. In this study, machine learning models using Random Forest and Deep Neutral Network are utilized to assess the fertility of quartz veins and altered zones in the orogenic gold systems. The two models have been trained using trace element data of apatite, and the performance of both models yield good classification accuracy (∼90% on average) with low false positive rates. Feature importance analysis (Gini decrease and hidden layer weights) suggest that Pb, As, U, Sr, Eu, Mn, and Fe are the important parameters. Arsenic, U, Eu, Mn, and Fe are redox‐sensitive elements, with their concentrations responding to changes in fluid redox conditions. Strontium primarily originates from the breakdown of plagioclase, which is more likely to occur under oxidizing fluid conditions. Therefore, we infer that the main controlling factor of the models is the redox conditions. The two distinct models consistently highlight the most significant contribution of Pb to this differentiation, even though Pb is not a redox‐sensitive element and can only substitute for Ca2+ in apatite as Pb2+. We infer that the high contribution of Pb may be attributed to the potential transportation of Au in the form of a Pb‐(Bi)‐Au melt, and the Pb content in apatite is influenced by the Pb content in the melt, fluid oxygen, and sulfur fugacity. We also propose a novel discriminant plot using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to assess the mineralization potential in quartz veins and alteration zones based on apatite trace element data. The machine learning and LDA results suggest that apatite trace elements could be used effectively in the future orogenic gold deposit exploration.
Provenance and Fluvial‐Aeolian Process of Kyzylkum Desert: Constrained by Detrital Zircon U–Pb Dating
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Song Yougui , Shukurov Shukhrat , Zhao Linghao , Shukurov Nosir , Zong Xiulan
Published: July 2024

The Kyzylkum Desert, as a transition area of different dust source in Central Asia, provides and reserves a large amount of dust transported by different atmospheric circulation systems, affecting Uzbekistan and downwind East Asia. However, there remains very few investigations about sediment sources and control factors of the desert. We hereby first present a provenance study on the Kyzylkum Desert, utilizing detrital zircon U‐Pb ages of samples composed of desert sand, alluvial sediments from Amu Darya River and piedmont of Southwest Tianshan Mountains. The results reveal that the Southwest Tianshan Mountains contribute the majority of the Kyzylkum desert sand, and the river system, dominated by Syr Darya, controls the sediment provenance of the desert. Moreover, little contribution from the Kyzylkum and Nurata segments indicates that wind erosion on the bedrocks is weak. However, the aeolian process is still crucial but deposit and storage of dust are determined by local topography.
Non‐Tidal Ocean Loading Signals of the North and Baltic Sea From Terrestrial Gravimetry, GNSS, and High‐Resolution Modeling
Authors: Voigt C. , Sulzbach R. , Dobslaw H. , Weise A. , Timmen L. , Deng Z. , Reich M. , Stolarczuk N. , Peters H. , Fietz M. , Thomas M. , Flechtner F.
Published: July 2024

Non‐tidal ocean loading (NTOL) signals are known to be a significant source of geophysically induced noise in gravimetric and geodetic observations also far‐away from the coast and especially during extreme events such as storm surges. Operationally available corrections suffer from a low temporal and spatial resolution and reveal too small amplitudes on continental stations. Dedicated high‐resolution sea‐level modeling of the North and Baltic Sea provides an improved prediction of NTOL signals. Superconducting gravimeter and Global Navigation Satellite Systems observations on the small offshore island of Heligoland in the North Sea are used for an evaluation of the model values revealing largely increased correlations of up to 0.9 and signal reductions of up to 50% during a storm surge period of one month in January and February 2022. Evaluations on additional continental superconducting gravimeter stations also show significant improvements through the recommended high‐resolution modeling for improved signal separation further away from the coast.
The Relationship Between Large dB/dt and Field‐Aligned Currents During Five Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Fleetham A. L. , Milan S. E. , Imber S. M. , Bower G. E. , Gjerloev J. , Vines S. K.
Published: July 2024

During periods of increased geomagnetic activity, perturbations within the terrestrial magnetosphere are known to induce currents within conducting materials, at the surface of Earth through rapid changes in the local magnetic field over time (dB/dt). These currents are known as geomagnetically induced currents and have potentially detrimental effects on ground based infrastructure. In this study we undertake case studies of five geomagnetic storms, analyzing a total of 19 days of 1‐s SuperMAG data in order to better understand the magnetic local time (MLT) distribution, size, and occurrence of “spikes” in dB/dt, with 131,447 spikes in dB/dt exceeding 5 nT/s identified during these intervals. These spikes were concentrated in clusters over three MLT sectors: two previously identified pre‐midnight and dawn region hot‐spots, and a third, lower‐density population centered around 12 MLT (noon). The noon spike cluster was observed to be associated with pressure pulse impacts, however, due to incomplete magnetometer station coverage, this population is not observed for all investigated storms. The magnitude of spikes in dB/dt are determined to be greatest within these three “hot‐spot” locations. These spike occurrences were then compared with field‐aligned current (FAC) data, provided by the Active Magnetospheric Planetary Electrodynamic Response Experiment. Spikes are most likely to be co‐located with upward FACs (56%) rather than downward FACs (30%) or no FACs (14%).
Thermospheric NO Cooling During 2003 October “Halloween Storm”: Revisited
Authors: Bag Tikemani , Ogawa Y. , Sivakumar V.
Published: July 2024

The Nitric Oxide (NO) emission at 5.3 μm wavelength is a well‐known coolant above 100 km. It effectively regulates thermospheric temperature during space weather events. We studied NO cooling emission over Tromsø (geographic:69.59°N, 19.22°E; cgm:66.58°,102.94°), Norway by using the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) simulation driven by both Heelis and Weimer models as sources of geomagnetic forcing during October–November 2003 storm. The Weimer driven TIEGCM significantly overestimates thermospheric Nitric Oxide and Atomic Oxygen densities and underestimates temperature as compared to the Heelis driven simulation. The density ratio between the Weimer and Heelis driven estimations decreases with increasing altitude for both NO and atomic oxygen densities. The Heelis driven Joule heating rate agrees very well with the European incoherent scatter (EISCAT) radar measurements. It peaks during the main phase of the storm with magnitude about 4–5 times higher than that driven by Weimer model which peaks during the recovery phase. The difference in Joule heating rates between the Heelis and Weimer driven models increases with storm intensity, reaching a peak discrepancy of about an order of magnitude during the October‐November 2003 storm. An early and stronger NO cooling enhancement is predicted by Heelis driven TIEGCM simulation. It overestimates NO cooling emission by about 2–3 times as compared to SABER observations and about 4–5 times the Weimer driven calculation. This strong difference between the two models can be attributed to the model calculations of high latitude electric field and convection patterns.
Satellite Derived Trait Data Slightly Improves Tropical Forest Biomass, NPP and GPP Estimates
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Gaillard Camille , Burns Patrick , Malhi Yadvinder , Shenkin Alexander , Minor David , Duncanson Laura , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Goetz Scott , Tang Hao
Published: July 2024

Improving tropical forest current biomass estimates can help more accurately evaluate ecosystem services in tropical forests. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar provides detailed 3D forest structure and height data, which can be used to improve above‐ground biomass estimates. However, there is still debate on how best to predict tropical forest biomass using GEDI data. Here we compare stand biomass predicted by GEDI data with the observed data of 2,102 inventory plots in tropical forests and find that adding a remotely sensed (RS) trait map of leaf mass area (LMA) significantly (P < 0.001) improves field biomass predictions, but by only a small amount (r2 = 0.01). However, it may also help reduce the bias of the residuals because there was a negative relationship between both LMA (r2 of 0.34) and percentage of phosphorus (%P, r2 = 0.31) and residuals. Leaf spectral data (400–1,075 nm) from 523 individual trees along a Peruvian tropical forest elevation gradient predicted Diameter at Breast height (DBH) (the critical measurement underlying plot biomass) with an r2 = 0.01 and LMA predicts DBH with an r2 = 0.04. Other data sets may offer further improvements and max temperature (Tmax) predicts Amazonian biomass residuals with an r2 of 0.76 (N = 66). Finally, for a network of net primary production (NPP) and gross primary production (GPP) plots (N = 21), leaf traits predicted with remote sensing are better at predicting fluxes than structure variables. Overall, trait maps, especially future improved ones produced by Surface Biology Geology, may improve biomass and carbon flux predictions by a small but significant amount.
Learning Constitutive Relations From Soil Moisture Data via Physically Constrained Neural Networks
Authors: Bandai Toshiyuki , Ghezzehei Teamrat A. , Jiang Peishi , Kidger Patrick , Chen Xingyuan , Steefel Carl I.
Published: July 2024

The constitutive relations of the Richardson‐Richards equation encode the macroscopic properties of soil water retention and conductivity. These soil hydraulic functions are commonly represented by models with a handful of parameters. The limited degrees of freedom of such soil hydraulic models constrain our ability to extract soil hydraulic properties from soil moisture data via inverse modeling. We present a new free‐form approach to learning the constitutive relations using physically constrained neural networks. We implemented the inverse modeling framework in a differentiable modeling framework, JAX, to ensure scalability and extensibility. For efficient gradient computations, we implemented implicit differentiation through a nonlinear solver for the Richardson‐Richards equation. We tested the framework against synthetic noisy data and demonstrated its robustness against varying magnitudes of noise and degrees of freedom of the neural networks. We applied the framework to soil moisture data from an upward infiltration experiment and demonstrated that the neural network‐based approach was better fitted to the experimental data than a parametric model and that the framework can learn the constitutive relations.
Enhanced photothermoelectric conversion in self-rolled tellurium photodetector with geometry-induced energy localization
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , You Chunyu , Wu Binmin , Wang Yunqi , Zhang Ziyu , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Chang , Huang Ningge , Zheng Zhi , Wu Tingqi , Kiravittaya Suwit , Mei Yongfeng , Huang Gaoshan
Published: July 2024

Photodetection has attracted significant attention for information transmission. While the implementation relies primarily on the photonic detectors, they are predominantly constrained by the intrinsic bandgap of active materials. On the other hand, photothermoelectric (PTE) detectors have garnered substantial research interest for their promising capabilities in broadband detection, owing to the self-driven photovoltages induced by the temperature differences. To get higher performances, it is crucial to localize light and heat energies for efficient conversion. However, there is limited research on the energy conversion in PTE detectors at micro/nano scale. In this study, we have achieved a two-order-of-magnitude enhancement in photovoltage responsivity in the self-rolled tubular tellurium (Te) photodetector with PTE effect. Under illumination, the tubular device demonstrates a maximum photovoltage responsivity of 252.13 V W−1 and a large detectivity of 1.48 × 1011Jones. We disclose the mechanism of the PTE conversion in the tubular structure with the assistance of theoretical simulation. In addition, the device exhibits excellent performances in wide-angle and polarization-dependent detection. This work presents an approach to remarkably improve the performance of photodetector by concentrating light and corresponding heat generated, and the proposed self-rolled devices thus hold remarkable promises for next-generation on-chip photodetection.
The parasubthalamic nucleus refeeding ensemble delays feeding initiation and hastens water drinking
Authors: Dunning Jeffery L. , Lopez Catherine , Krull Colton , Kreifeldt Max , Angelo Maggie , Shu Leeann , Ramakrishnan Charu , Deisseroth Karl , Contet Candice
Published: July 2024

The parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) is activated by refeeding after food deprivation and several PSTN subpopulations have been shown to suppress feeding. However, no study to date directly addressed the role of PSTN neurons activated upon food access in the control of ensuing food consumption. Here we identify consumption latency as a sensitive behavioral indicator of PSTN activity, and show that, in hungry mice, the ensemble of refeeding-activated PSTN neurons drastically increases the latency to initiate refeeding with both familiar and a novel, familiar food, but does not control the amount of food consumed. In thirsty mice, this ensemble also delays sucrose consumption but accelerates water consumption, possibly reflecting anticipatory prandial thirst, with again no influence on the amount of fluid consumed. We next sought to identify which subpopulations of PSTN neurons might be driving these latency effects, using cell-type and pathway-specific chemogenetic manipulations. Our results suggest a prominent role of PSTN Tac1 neurons projecting to the central amygdala in the hindrance of feeding initiation. While PSTN Crh neurons also delay the latency of hungry mice to ingest familiar foods, they surprisingly promote the consumption of novel, palatable substances. Furthermore, PSTN Crh neurons projecting to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis accelerate rehydration in thirsty mice. Our results demonstrate the key role of endogenous PSTN activity in the control of feeding and drinking initiation and delineate specific circuits mediating these effects, which may have relevance for eating disorders.
Epigenetic signals associated with delirium replicated across four independent cohorts
Authors: Nishizawa Yoshitaka , Thompson Kaitlyn C. , Yamanashi Takehiko , Wahba Nadia E. , Saito Taku , Marra Pedro S. , Nagao Takaaki , Nishiguchi Tsuyoshi , Shibata Kazuki , Yamanishi Kyosuke , Hughes Christopher G. , Pandharipande Pratik , Cho Hyunkeun , Howard Matthew A. , Kawasaki Hiroto , Toda Hiroyuki , Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Iwata Masaaki , Shinozaki Gen
Published: July 2024

Delirium is risky and indicates poor outcomes for patients. Therefore, it is crucial to create an effective delirium detection method. However, the epigenetic pathophysiology of delirium remains largely unknown. We aimed to discover reliable and replicable epigenetic (DNA methylation: DNAm) markers that are associated with delirium including post-operative delirium (POD) in blood obtained from patients among four independent cohorts. Blood DNA from four independent cohorts (two inpatient cohorts and two surgery cohorts; 16 to 88 patients each) were analyzed using the Illumina EPIC array platform for genome-wide DNAm analysis. We examined DNAm differences in blood between patients with and without delirium including POD. When we compared top CpG sites previously identified from the initial inpatient cohort with three additional cohorts (one inpatient and two surgery cohorts), 11 of the top 13 CpG sites showed statistically significant differences in DNAm values between the delirium group and non-delirium group in the same directions as found in the initial cohort. This study demonstrated the potential value of epigenetic biomarkers as future diagnostic tools. Furthermore, our findings provide additional evidence of the potential role of epigenetics in the pathophysiology of delirium including POD.
TFEB controls syncytiotrophoblast formation and hormone production in placenta
Authors: Cesana Marcella , Tufano Gennaro , Panariello Francesco , Zampelli Nicolina , Soldati Chiara , Mutarelli Margherita , Montefusco Sandro , Grieco Giuseppina , Sepe Lucia Vittoria , Rossi Barbara , Nusco Edoardo , Rossignoli Giada , Panebianco Giorgia , Merciai Fabrizio , Salviati Emanuela , Sommella Eduardo Maria , Campiglia Pietro , Martello Graziano , Cacchiarelli Davide , Medina Diego Luis , Ballabio Andrea
Published: July 2024

TFEB, a bHLH-leucine zipper transcription factor belonging to the MiT/TFE family, globally modulates cell metabolism by regulating autophagy and lysosomal functions. Remarkably, loss of TFEB in mice causes embryonic lethality due to severe defects in placentation associated with aberrant vascularization and resulting hypoxia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype has remained elusive. By integrating in vivo analyses with multi-omics approaches and functional assays, we have uncovered an unprecedented function for TFEB in promoting the formation of a functional syncytiotrophoblast in the placenta. Our findings demonstrate that constitutive loss of TFEB in knock-out mice is associated with defective formation of the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Indeed, using in vitro models of syncytialization, we demonstrated that TFEB translocates into the nucleus during syncytiotrophoblast formation and binds to the promoters of crucial placental genes, including genes encoding fusogenic proteins (Syncytin-1 and Syncytin-2) and enzymes involved in steroidogenic pathways, such as CYP19A1, the rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of 17β-Estradiol (E2). Conversely, TFEB depletion impairs both syncytial fusion and endocrine properties of syncytiotrophoblast, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the secretion of placental hormones and E2 production. Notably, restoration of TFEB expression resets syncytiotrophoblast identity. Our findings identify that TFEB controls placental development and function by orchestrating both the transcriptional program underlying trophoblast fusion and the acquisition of endocrine function, which are crucial for the bioenergetic requirements of embryonic development.
Intracellular cartilage oligomeric matrix protein augments breast cancer resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: Hanitrarimalala Veroniaina , Bednarska Izabela , Murakami Takashi , Papadakos Konstantinos S. , Blom Anna M.
Published: July 2024

Chemotherapy persists as the primary intervention for breast cancer, with chemoresistance posing the principal obstacle to successful treatment. Herein, we show that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) expression leads to increased cancer cell survival and attenuated apoptosis under treatment with several chemotherapeutic drugs, anti-HER2 targeted treatment, and endocrine therapy in several breast cancer cell lines tested. The COMP-induced chemoresistance was independent of the breast cancer subtype. Extracellularly delivered recombinant COMP failed to rescue cells from apoptosis while endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-restricted COMP-KDEL conferred resistance to apoptosis, consistent with the localization of COMP in the ER, where it interacted with calpain. Calpain activation was reduced in COMP-expressing cells and maintained at a lower level of activation during treatment with epirubicin. Moreover, the downstream caspases of calpain, caspases -9, -7, and -3, exhibited significantly reduced activation in COMP-expressing cells under chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy, when combined with calpain activators, rendered the cells expressing COMP more chemosensitive. Also, the anti-apoptotic proteins phospho-Bcl2 and survivin were increased in COMP-expressing cells upon chemotherapy. Cells expressing a mutant COMP lacking thrombospondin repeats exhibited reduced chemoresistance compared to cells expressing full-length COMP. Evaluation of calcium levels in the ER, cytosol, and mitochondria revealed that COMP expression modulates intracellular calcium homeostasis. Furthermore, patients undergoing chemotherapy or endocrine therapy demonstrated significantly reduced overall survival time when tumors expressed high levels of COMP. This study identifies a novel role of COMP in chemoresistance and calpain inactivation in breast cancer, a discovery with potential implications for anti-cancer therapy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Shorakae Soulmaz , Hashemi Somayeh , Harrison Cheryce L. , Piltonen Terhi T. , Romualdi Daniela , Tay Chau Thien , Teede Helena J. , Vanky Eszter , Mousa Aya
Published: July 2024

Screening for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in antenatal care is inadequate, largely owing to the lack of clarity around whether PCOS is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis include 104 studies and 106,690 pregnancies in women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that women with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and cesarean section are higher in women with PCOS. The increased odds of adverse outcomes in PCOS remain significant when age and BMI are matched and when analyses are restricted to high-quality studies. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured in all women who are planning to, or have recently become pregnant to facilitate prevention of adverse outcomes and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of birth outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Hashemi Somayeh , Shorakae Soulmaz , Harrison Cheryce L. , Piltonen Terhi T. , Romualdi Daniela , Tay Chau Thien , Mousa Aya , Vanky Eszter , Teede Helena J.
Published: July 2024

It is unclear whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an independent risk factor for adverse birth outcomes in the offspring of affected women. Here, we investigate the association of PCOS with birth outcomes in the offspring of women with PCOS overall and by potential confounders. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 73 studies and 92,881 offspring of women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that mothers with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight are higher and mean birthweight is lower in PCOS of which a lower mean birthweight and a higher small for gestational age are probably independent of BMI. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured at pregnancy to identify risk and improve birth outcomes in the offspring.
Topological Fermi-arc surface state covered by floating electrons on a two-dimensional electride
Authors: Lim Chan-young , Kim Min-Seok , Lim Dong Cheol , Kim Sunghun , Lee Yeonghoon , Cha Jaehoon , Lee Gyubin , Song Sang Yong , Thapa Dinesh , Denlinger Jonathan D. , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Sung Wng , Seo Jungpil , Kim Yeongkwan
Published: July 2024

Two-dimensional electrides can acquire topologically non-trivial phases due to intriguing interplay between the cationic atomic layers and anionic electron layers. However, experimental evidence of topological surface states has yet to be verified. Here, via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), we probe the magnetic Weyl states of the ferromagnetic electride [Gd2C]2+·2e−. In particular, the presence of Weyl cones and Fermi-arc states is demonstrated through photon energy-dependent ARPES measurements, agreeing with theoretical band structure calculations. Notably, the STM measurements reveal that the Fermi-arc states exist underneath a floating quantum electron liquid on the top Gd layer, forming double-stacked surface states in a heterostructure. Our work thus not only unveils the non-trivial topology of the [Gd2C]2+·2e− electride but also realizes a surface heterostructure that can host phenomena distinct from the bulk.
Structural and functional characterization of cyclic pyrimidine-regulated anti-phage system
Authors: Hou Mei-Hui , Chen Chao-Jung , Yang Chia-Shin , Wang Yu-Chuan , Chen Yeh
Published: July 2024

3’,5’-cyclic uridine monophosphate (cUMP) and 3’,5’-cyclic cytidine monophosphate (cCMP) have been established as bacterial second messengers in the phage defense system, named pyrimidine cyclase system for anti-phage resistance (Pycsar). This system consists of a pyrimidine cyclase and a cyclic pyrimidine receptor protein. However, the molecular mechanism underlying cyclic pyrimidine synthesis and recognition remains unclear. Herein, we determine the crystal structures of a uridylate cyclase and a cytidylate cyclase, revealing the conserved residues for cUMP and cCMP production, respectively. In addition, a distinct zinc-finger motif of the uridylate cyclase is identified to confer substantial resistance against phage infections. Furthermore, structural characterization of cUMP receptor protein PycTIR provides clear picture of specific cUMP recognition and identifies a conserved N-terminal extension that mediates PycTIR oligomerization and activation. Overall, our results contribute to the understanding of cyclic pyrimidine-mediated bacterial defense.
HuR controls glutaminase RNA metabolism
Authors: Adamoski Douglas , M. dos Reis Larissa , Mafra Ana Carolina Paschoalini , Corrêa-da-Silva Felipe , Moraes-Vieira Pedro Manoel Mendes de , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Calin George A. , Dias Sandra Martha Gomes
Published: July 2024

Glutaminase (GLS) is directly related to cell growth and tumor progression, making it a target for cancer treatment. The RNA-binding protein HuR (encoded by the ELAVL1 gene) influences mRNA stability and alternative splicing. Overexpression of ELAVL1 is common in several cancers, including breast cancer. Here we show that HuR regulates GLS mRNA alternative splicing and isoform translation/stability in breast cancer. Elevated ELAVL1 expression correlates with high levels of the glutaminase isoforms C (GAC) and kidney-type (KGA), which are associated with poor patient prognosis. Knocking down ELAVL1 reduces KGA and increases GAC levels, enhances glutamine anaplerosis into the TCA cycle, and drives cells towards glutamine dependence. Furthermore, we show that combining chemical inhibition of GLS with ELAVL1 silencing synergistically decreases breast cancer cell growth and invasion. These findings suggest that dual inhibition of GLS and HuR offers a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
Highly efficient recycling of polyester wastes to diols using Ru and Mo dual-atom catalyst
Authors: Tang Minhao , Shen Ji , Wang Yiding , Zhao Yanfei , Gan Tao , Zheng Xusheng , Wang Dingsheng , Han Buxing , Liu Zhimin
Published: July 2024

The chemical recycling of polyester wastes is of great significance for sustainable development, which also provides an opportunity to access various oxygen-containing chemicals, but generally suffers from low efficiency or separation difficulty. Herein, we report anatase TiO2 supported Ru and Mo dual-atom catalysts, which achieve transformation of various polyesters into corresponding diols in 100% selectivity via hydrolysis and subsequent hydrogenation in water under mild conditions (e.g., 160 °C, 4 MPa). Compelling evidence is provided for the coexistence of Ru single-atom and O-bridged Ru and Mo dual-atom sites within this kind of catalysts. It is verified that the Ru single-atom sites activate H2 for hydrogenation of carboxylic acid derived from polyester hydrolysis, and the O-bridged Ru and Mo dual-atom sites suppress hydrodeoxygenation of the resultant alcohols due to a high reaction energy barrier. Notably, this kind of dual-atom catalysts can be regenerated with high activity and stability. This work presents an effective way to reconstruct polyester wastes into valuable diols, which may have promising application potential.
Insight into binding of endogenous neurosteroid ligands to the sigma-1 receptor
Authors: Fu Chunting , Xiao Yang , Zhou Xiaoming , Sun Ziyi
Published: July 2024

The sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) is a non-opioid membrane receptor, which responds to a diverse array of synthetic ligands to exert various pharmacological effects. Meanwhile, candidates for endogenous ligands of σ1R have also been identified. However, how endogenous ligands bind to σ1R remains unknown. Here, we present crystal structures of σ1R from Xenopus laevis (xlσ1R) bound to two endogenous neurosteroid ligands, progesterone (a putative antagonist) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (a putative agonist), at 2.15-3.09  Å resolutions. Both neurosteroids bind to a similar location in xlσ1R mainly through hydrophobic interactions, but surprisingly, with opposite binding orientations. DHEAS also forms hydrogen bonds with xlσ1R, whereas progesterone interacts indirectly with the receptor through water molecules near the binding site. Binding analyses are consistent with the xlσ1R-neurosteroid complex structures. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations and structural data reveal a potential water entry pathway. Our results provide insight into binding of two endogenous neurosteroid ligands to σ1R.
Neuroprosthetic contact lens enabled sensorimotor system for point-of-care monitoring and feedback of intraocular pressure
Authors: Liu Weijia , Du Zhijian , Duan Zhongyi , Li La , Shen Guozhen
Published: July 2024

The wearable contact lens that continuously monitors intraocular pressure (IOP) facilitates prompt and early-state medical treatments of oculopathies such as glaucoma, postoperative myopia, etc. However, either taking drugs for pre-treatment or delaying the treatment process in the absence of a neural feedback component cannot realize accurate diagnosis or effective treatment. Herein, a neuroprosthetic contact lens enabled sensorimotor system is reported, which consists of a smart contact lens with Ti3C2Tx Wheatstone bridge structured IOP strain sensor, a Ti3C2Tx temperature sensor and an IOP point-of-care monitoring/display system. The point-of-care IOP monitoring and warning can be realized due to the high sensitivity of 12.52 mV mmHg−1 of the neuroprosthetic contact lens. In vivo experiments on rabbit eyes demonstrate the excellent wearability and biocompatibility of the neuroprosthetic contact lens. Further experiments on a living rate in vitro successfully mimic the biological sensorimotor loop. The leg twitching (larger or smaller angles) of the living rat was demonstrated under the command of motor cortex controlled by somatosensory cortex when the IOP is away from the normal range (higher or lower).
ABE-ultramax for high-efficiency biallelic adenine base editing in zebrafish
Authors: Qin Wei , Liang Fang , Lin Sheng-Jia , Petree Cassidy , Huang Kevin , Zhang Yu , Li Lin , Varshney Pratishtha , Mourrain Philippe , Liu Yanmei , Varshney Gaurav K.
Published: July 2024

Advancements in CRISPR technology, particularly the development of base editors, revolutionize genetic variant research. When combined with model organisms like zebrafish, base editors significantly accelerate and refine in vivo analysis of genetic variations. However, base editors are restricted by protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences and specific editing windows, hindering their applicability to a broad spectrum of genetic variants. Additionally, base editors can introduce unintended mutations and often exhibit reduced efficiency in living organisms compared to cultured cell lines. Here, we engineer a suite of adenine base editors (ABEs) called ABE-Ultramax (Umax), demonstrating high editing efficiency and low rates of insertions and deletions (indels) in zebrafish. The ABE-Umax suite of editors includes ABEs with shifted, narrowed, or broadened editing windows, reduced bystander mutation frequency, and highly flexible PAM sequence requirements. These advancements have the potential to address previous challenges in disease modeling and advance gene therapy applications.
Illuminating the dark space of neutral glycosphingolipidome by selective enrichment and profiling at multi-structural levels
Authors: Wang Zidan , Zhang Donghui , Wu Junhan , Zhang Wenpeng , Xia Yu
Published: July 2024

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are essential components of cell membranes, particularly enriched in the nervous system. Altered molecular distributions of GSLs are increasingly associated with human diseases, emphasizing the significance of lipidomic profiling. Traditional GSL analysis methods are hampered by matrix effect from phospholipids and the difficulty in distinguishing structural isomers. Herein, we introduce a highly sensitive workflow that harnesses magnetic TiO2 nanoparticle-based selective enrichment, charge-tagging Paternò–Büchi reaction, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This approach enables mapping over 300 distinct GSLs in brain tissues by defining sugar types, long chain bases, N-acyl chains, and the locations of desaturation and hydroxylation. Relative quantitation of GSLs across multiple structural levels provides evidence of dysregulated gene and protein expressions of FA2H and CerS2 in human glioma tissue. Based on the structural features of GSLs, our method accurately differentiates human glioma with/without isocitrate dehydrogenase genetic mutation, and normal brain tissue.
Capillary compression induced outstanding n-type thermoelectric power factor in CNT films towards intelligent temperature controller
Authors: Wang Hong , Li Kuncai , Hao Xin , Pan Jiahao , Zhuang Tiantian , Dai Xu , Wang Jing , Chen Bin , Chong Daotong
Published: July 2024

One-dimensional carbon nanotubes are promising candidates for thermoelectrics because of their excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, the large n-type power factor remains elusive in macroscopic carbon nanotubes films. Herein, we report an outstanding n-type power factor of 6.75 mW m−1 K−2 for macroscopic carbon nanotubes films with high electrical and thermal conductivity. A high-power density curl-able thermoelectric generator is fabricated with the obtained carbon nanotubes films, which exhibits a high normalized power output density of 2.75 W m−1 at a temperature difference of 85 K. The value is higher than that of previously reported flexible all-inorganic thermoelectric generators (<0.3 W m−1). An intelligent temperature controller with automated temperature-controlling ability is fabricated by assembling these thermoelectric generators, which demonstrates the potential application of the carbon nanotubes films in automated thermal management of electronic devices where requires a large thermoelectric power factor and a large thermal conductivity simultaneously.
quantms: a cloud-based pipeline for quantitative proteomics enables the reanalysis of public proteomics data
Authors: Dai Chengxin , Pfeuffer Julianus , Wang Hong , Zheng Ping , Käll Lukas , Sachsenberg Timo , Demichev Vadim , Bai Mingze , Kohlbacher Oliver , Perez-Riverol Yasset
Published: July 2024

The volume of public proteomics data is rapidly increasing, causing a computational challenge for large-scale reanalysis. Here, we introduce quantms (https://quant,ms.org/), an open-source cloud-based pipeline for massively parallel proteomics data analysis. We used quantms to reanalyze 83 public ProteomeXchange datasets, comprising 29,354 instrument files from 13,132 human samples, to quantify 16,599 proteins based on 1.03 million unique peptides. quantms is based on standard file formats improving the reproducibility, submission and dissemination of the data to ProteomeXchange.