bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioorthogonal Engineered Virus-Like Nanoparticles for Efficient Gene Therapy
Authors: Bao Chun-Jie , Duan Jia-Lun , Xie Ying , Feng Xin-Ping , Cui Wei , Chen Song-Yue , Li Pei-Shan , Liu Yi-Xuan , Wang Jin-Ling , Wang Gui-Ling , Lu Wan-Liang
Published: August 2023

Gene therapy offers potentially transformative strategies for major human diseases. However, one of the key challenges in gene therapy is developing an effective strategy that could deliver genes into the specific tissue. Here, we report a novel virus-like nanoparticle, the bioorthgonal engineered virus-like recombinant biosome (reBiosome), for efficient gene therapies of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The mutant virus-like biosome (mBiosome) is first prepared by site-specific codon mutation for displaying 4-azido-L-phenylalanine on vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein of eBiosome at a rational site, and the reBiosome is then prepared by clicking weak acid-responsive hydrophilic polymer onto the mBiosome via bioorthogonal chemistry. The results show that the reBiosome exhibits reduced virus-like immunogenicity, prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced gene delivery efficiency to weakly acidic foci (like tumor and arthritic tissue). Furthermore, reBiosome demonstrates robust therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and arthritis by delivering gene editing and silencing systems, respectively. In conclusion, this study develops a universal, safe and efficient platform for gene therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Maximizing Terahertz Energy Absorption with MXene Absorber
Authors: Li Xinliang , Luo Hao
Published: August 2023

Achieving high absorption in broad terahertz bands has long been challenging for terahertz electromagnetic wave absorbers. Recently in Nature Photonics, Xiao et al. reported the high absorption approaching the theoretical upper limit across the whole terahertz band of MXene-based terahertz absorbers and, on this basis, constructed an applicable, updated alternating current impedance matching model.

Graphical Abstract
Are Digital Health Interventions That Target Lifestyle Risk Behaviors Effective for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing in Adolescents? A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses
Authors: Raeside Rebecca , Jia Si Si , Todd Allyson , Hyun Karice , Singleton Anna , Gardner Lauren A. , Champion Katrina E. , Redfern Julie , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: August 2023

Research has established associations between poor mental health and lifestyle risk behaviors among adolescents, yet gaps exist in understanding whether digital health interventions for adolescents targeting these behaviors will improve mental health and wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate how effective digital health interventions targeting lifestyle risk behaviors are in improving mental health/wellbeing among adolescents (10–24 years old). We also aimed to understand how effects vary by participant and intervention characteristics, and intervention adherence and engagement. Through systematic review with meta-analysis, 5229 records were identified. 17 studies were included representing 9070 participants (15.3 mean age, 1.2 SD). Interventions had small but statistically non-significant positive effects on physical and psychosocial quality of life, depressive symptoms and anxiety at follow-up compared to usual care controls. Digital health delivery methods included text messaging, mobile applications, websites and email, or a combination of these. Intervention adherence, engagement and satisfaction were measured poorly across studies. Despite small changes, potential exists for digital health interventions to improve mental health or wellbeing outcomes among adolescents due to the shared nature of risk and protective factors for mental health and chronic diseases.
Citizen Science in the Study of Marine Biodiversity: The case of Iconic and Cryptic Syngnathids
Authors: Castejón-Silvo Inés , Terrados Jorge , Morales-Nin Beatriz
Published: August 2023

Citizen science invites the public to participate in both scientific thinking and data collection. Citizen science adds new collaborators whose contributions help to gather or analyse data on a large scale particularly relevant for emerging questions about the distribution and abundance of organisms across space and time. Syngnathids are cryptic fishes that inhabits temperate and tropical sheltered, coastal marine waters. Pipefishes and seahorses are threatened by habitat loss and degradation. Unfortunately, data on biological and ecological aspects and population trends are rarely available in most species. More than half of the thirteen-syngnathid species inhabiting Spanish coasts are considered Data Deficient for population evaluation. Citizen science is an opportunity to improve data availability for the study of syngnathid population tendencies and monitoring. This contribution describes and discusses the approach followed by Sea Watchers citizen science platform. We analysed and discussed the data provided by the observers, and the distribution data of species based on citizen science surveillance. Citizen science achieved the expansion of spatial and temporal dataset of syngnathid distribution. However, the obtained information is affected by observers’ behaviour and suggest that the observers performed focussed surveys to find individuals of these slow motion iconic fishes, introducing biases in the data.
Determination of groundwater potential zones on the eastern slope of Mount Cameroon using geospatial techniques and seismoelectric method
Authors: Njumbe Lionel Junior Ngome , Lordon Anatole Eugene Djieto , Agyingi Christopher M.
Published: August 2023

In complex hard rock terrain where the population suffers from water scarcity, the use of site-specific single-method surface geophysical surveys to prospect for groundwater is a common practise. However, this has not completely solved the problem of drilling dry wells. To combat this failure, geospatial data and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are being used as supporting techniques to increase the chance of success. This study had the aim of generating a groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) map of the complex strato-volcanic terrain of Buea by integrating geospatial techniques, AHP, and the seismoelectric method. Five factors influencing groundwater recharge were used to define the groundwater potential zones. Via the AHP and weighted overlay methods, five classes of groundwater potential zones were delineated: very poor, poor, moderate, good, and very good. More than half of the study area has good to very good groundwater potential. Lastly, the GWPZ model is validated with an iso-conductivity map from a seismoelectric survey and existing static water level data. The iso-conductivity map revealed four main conductivity zones that correlate positively with the GWPZ map. The northwestern part of the study area is characterised by moderate groundwater potential, poor formation conductivity, and dry boreholes. There is an uneven distribution of groundwater and variable water table depth in the area. The results of this study are very encouraging, and the integrated approach used has proven to be efficient in determining groundwater potential zones in complex volcanic terrain.
Keypoint Changes for Fast Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Reid Shane , Coleman Sonya , Kerr Dermot , Vance Philip , O’Neill Siobhan
Published: August 2023

Human activity recognition has been an open problem in computer vision for almost 2 decades. During this time, there have been many approaches proposed to solve this problem, but very few have managed to solve it in a way that is sufficiently computationally efficient for real-time applications. Recently, this has changed, with keypoint-based methods demonstrating a high degree of accuracy with low computational cost. These approaches take a given image and return a set of joint locations for each individual within an image. In order to achieve real-time performance, a sparse representation of these features over a given time frame is required for classification. Previous methods have achieved this using a reduced number of keypoints, but this approach gives a less robust representation of the individual’s body pose and may limit the types of activity that can be detected. We present a novel method for reducing the size of the feature set, by calculating the Euclidian distance and the direction of keypoint changes across a number of frames. This allows for a meaningful representation of the individuals movements over time. We show that this method achieves accuracy on par with current state-of-the-art methods, while demonstrating real-time performance.
To what extent can institutional control explain the dominance of analytic philosophy?
Authors: Katzav Joel
Published: August 2023

Katzav and Vaesen have argued that control by analytic philosophers of key journals, philosophy departments and at least one funding body plays a substantial role in explaining the emergence of analytic philosophy into dominance in the Anglophone world and the corresponding decline of speculative philosophy. They also argued that this use of control suggests a characterisation of analytic philosophy as, at the institutional level, a sectarian form of critical philosophy. I test these hypotheses against data about philosophy job hires at key philosophy departments in the USA during the period 1930–1979 and against data about PhD completions during the period 1956–1965. I argue, further, that Katzav and Vaesen’s hypotheses can fully explain the data and are more fully able to do so than some other key accounts of the emergence of analytic philosophy in the USA.
A Safety Valve Model of Equity as Anti-opportunism
Authors: Ayotte Kenneth , Friedman Ezra , Smith Henry E
Published: August 2023

Equity can be defined as the use of a more flexible, morally judgmental, and subjective mode of legal decision making that roughly corresponds with historical equity. This Element presents a simple contracting model that captures the role of equity as a safety valve, and shows how it can solve problems posed by opportunists–agents with unusual willingness and ability to take advantage of necessary imperfections in the law. In this model, a simple but imperfect formal legal regime is able to achieve first best in the absence of opportunists. But when opportunists are added, a more flexible regime (equity), can be preferred. However, equity is also vulnerable to being used opportunistically by the parties it intends to protect. Hence, the Element shows that it is often preferable to limit equity, reserving it for use only against those who appear sufficiently likely to be opportunists.
Geological and glacial-hydrologic controls on chemical weathering in the subglacial environment
Authors: Graly Joseph A. , Rezvanbehbahani Soroush
Published: August 2023

A comparison of major ion chemistry of subglacial boreholes and discharging subglacial waters reveals three fundamentally different glacier hydrochemical regimes. Subglacial waters from alpine glaciers have chemistry distinct from the subglacial waters of Greenland or Antarctica. Greenland and Antarctica also differ fundamentally from each other, with Greenland Ice Sheet waters, at least during the summer melt season, remaining dilute and unaffected by saturation reactions and Antarctic Ice Sheet waters controlled by a range of saturation states. Some Antarctic waters form concentrated brines, capable of depressing the freezing point by >10°C. While these waters have only been directly sampled where they rarely emerge, geophysical observations from Devon Ice Cap and Greenland show liquid water at the glacier bed in locations where ice is thin and slowly moving and a cold bed is otherwise expected. This raises the possibility that lithogenic subglacial brines could be widespread and that our existing subglacial hydrochemical measurements might be biased by seasonal sampling of freely discharging water. The potential for diverse ranges of subglacial environments under ice sheets suggests the need for new and ambitious sampling programs to characterize difficult to access subglacial waters and quantify their impact on glacier dynamics, geobiology and global geochemical cycling.
Amundsen Sea Embayment ice-sheet mass-loss predictions to 2050 calibrated using observations of velocity and elevation change
Authors: Bevan Suzanne , Cornford Stephen , Gilbert Lin , Otosaka Inés , Martin Daniel , Surawy-Stepney Trystan
Published: August 2023

Mass loss from the Amundsen Sea Embayment of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is a major contributor to global sea-level rise (SLR) and has been increasing over recent decades. Predictions of future SLR are increasingly modelled using ensembles of simulations within which model parameters and external forcings are varied within credible ranges. Accurately reporting the uncertainty associated with these predictions is crucial in enabling effective planning for, and construction of defences against, rising sea levels. Calibrating model simulations against current observations of ice-sheet behaviour enables the uncertainty to be reduced. Here we calibrate an ensemble of BISICLES ice-sheet model simulations of ice loss from the Amundsen Sea Embayment using remotely sensed observations of surface elevation and ice speed. Each calibration type is shown to be capable of reducing the 90% credibility bounds of predicted contributions to SLR by 34 and 43% respectively.
Ocean wave blocking by periodic surface rolls fortifies Arctic ice shelves
Authors: Nekrasov Peter , MacAyeal Douglas R.
Published: August 2023

The Ward Hunt and Milne ice shelves are the present-day remnants of a much larger ice shelf that once fringed the coast of Ellesmere Island, Canada. These ice shelves possess a unique surface morphology consisting of wave-like rolls that run parallel to the shoreline. Setting aside the question of how these rolls originally developed, we consider the impact of this roll morphology on the stability of the ice shelf. In particular, we examine whether periodic variations in ice-shelf thickness and water depth implied by the rolls prevent the excitation of Lamb waves in the ice shelf. Using a hierarchy of numerical models, we find that there are band gaps in the flexural and extensional modes of the ice shelf, implying the existence of frequency ranges that lack wave motion. We show that an ice shelf with rolls is able to reflect waves in these frequency ranges that are incident upon its ice front, thereby mitigating undue stress and calving. We speculate that the roll morphology provides a “fitness” for survival that explains why rolls are observed in the oldest and thickest multiyear sea ice of the Arctic.
Quantity and quality of physical activity during adolescence: Evidence from a mixed-method study in rural Telangana, India
Authors: Bhattacharya Mondira , Picchioni Fiorella , Zanello Giacomo , Srinivasan C.S.
Published: August 2023

Adolescence is a unique transitional stage of physical and psychological development. As preferences and behavioural choices adopted in adolescence influence lifelong physical activity habits and health outcomes in adulthood, rural transformation in low- and middle-income countries has the potential to significantly change traditional roles and shape the next generation. By using a mixed-method approach that integrates energy expenditure estimates from accelerometer devices with 24-hour recall time-use data from adolescent boys and girls and qualitative interviews with adolescents and their caregivers, this study sheds light on the patterns of quantity and quality of physical activity of 395 adolescents in Khammam and Mahbubnagar districts of rural Telangana, India. The study shows that energy expenditure and time use are highest for educational-related activities followed by leisure in both adolescent boys and girls. However, notwithstanding the process of rural transformation and the educational infrastructure and economic opportunities provided to adolescent boys and girls, social and cultural norms allow boys, especially in late adolescence to spend more time and energy in activities outside the home such as pursuing economic work, sports and socialising, while girls spend more time and energy at home doing domestic work. The quantitative and qualitative exploration of physical activity and time use among adolescents, as expounded in this study cutting across age groups and gender, highlights the need for changes in gendered norms and renewed government strategies and investments in that direction.
Animal sources of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in humans: a systematic review
Authors: Fastl Christina , De Carvalho Ferreira Helena C. , Babo Martins Sara , Sucena Afonso João , di Bari Carlotta , Venkateswaran Narmada , Pires Sara Monteiro , Mughini-Gras Lapo , Huntington Ben , Rushton Jonathan , Pigott David , Devleesschauwer Brecht
Published: August 2023

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the leading global health challenges of the century. Animals and their products are known contributors to the human AMR burden, but the extent of this contribution is not clear. This systematic literature review aimed to identify studies investigating the direct impact of animal sources, defined as livestock, aquaculture, pets, and animal-based food, on human AMR. We searched four scientific databases and identified 31 relevant publications, including 12 risk assessments, 16 source attribution studies, and three other studies. Most studies were published between 2012 and 2022, and most came from Europe and North America, but we also identified five articles from South and South-East Asia. The studies differed in their methodologies, conceptual approaches (bottom-up, top-down, and complex), definitions of the AMR hazard and outcome, the number and type of sources they addressed, and the outcome measures they reported. The most frequently addressed animal source was chicken, followed by cattle and pigs. Most studies investigated bacteria–resistance combinations. Overall, studies on the direct contribution of animal sources of AMR are rare but increasing. More recent publications tailor their methodologies increasingly towards the AMR hazard as a whole, providing grounds for future research to build on.
Livecoderas Latinoamericanas: Diversity, educational access and musicking networks in live coding in Latin America
Authors: Wilde Emma , Duarte-García Mario Alberto
Published: August 2023

Live coding in Latin America has always been tied to educational access concerns and has been disseminated through the region by way of free workshops offered outside of academic institutions. Although there is significant live coding activity in Latin America, live coding outside of the European context has been little explored. We interviewed 11 female practitioners active in live coding nodes in Latin America to uncover the challenges this group faces in terms of access to music education and live coding with the aim of determining what strategies can be implemented to mitigate these challenges and promote diversity in the future. We also consider the role of collective activity and how interaction between live coding nodes in the region has led to the formation of safe spaces in which participants can share resources. The results show that live coding offers attractions for those who have faced challenges in music academia while those with non-music backgrounds found an introduction to sound creation through live coding. This suggests that live coding provides new opportunities for inclusiveness that could be taken advantage of by music academics.
Improvements in the Land and Crop Modeling Over Flooded Rice Fields by Incorporating the Shallow Paddy Water
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Maruyama Atsushi , Kusaka Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Flooded rice paddies are important for modifying land surface energy and water budgets, especially in Asian countries. This study incorporated shallow paddy water into the Noah with Multi‐Parameterization (Noah‐MP) model to enhance its performance in capturing the distinct features of small Bowen ratios over flooded rice fields. The paddy surface water was parameterized as one integrated layer along with the top soil layer, and meteorological measurements from two crop sites in Japan, that is, SAITO (early rice) and SAGA (late rice), were employed for model evaluation at the field scale. The simulation results show that the model performance was significantly improved by combining the incorporation of paddy water and the calibration of rice crop parameters, particularly at SAGA. Compared with the reference run using the original version of Noah‐MP for SAGA, the underestimation in latent heat and the overestimation in sensible heat during daytime were decreased by ∼74 W m−2 (∼67%) and ∼92 W m−2 (∼55%), respectively. Approximately 60%–70% of this improvement was contributed by using calibrated rice crop parameters, while the rest of 30%–40% was from further incorporating paddy water. The decreased ground surface resistance owing to the presence of paddy water was crucial for capturing the features of small Bowen ratios. The observed water depth might help mitigate the underestimation of latent heat nonlinearly. This work may benefit the study of land‐atmosphere interactions and local and regional weather and climate in Asia with the widely used coupled Weather Research and Forecasting/Noah‐MP model.
Herbivore Diversity Helps Maintain Arctic Tundra Diversity
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: August 2023

A long-term experiment in southwestern Greenland reveals that the presence of musk oxen and caribou helps stave off declines in Arctic tundra diversity brought on by climate change.
Surface Wind Speed Changes and Their Potential Impact on Wind Energy Resources Across China During 1961–2021
Authors: Zhao Xi , Wu Yi , Su Jiajia , Gou Jiaojiao
Published: August 2023

Enabling the rational use of energy and the realization of the “dual carbon goals” across China will require systematic analysis of temporal and spatial changes in surface wind speed (SWS), determination of key factors influencing SWS, and quantification of wind energy resources. We investigated changes of SWS and their potential impact on wind energy resources using daily SWS data from meteorological observations and based on wind power density (WPD) across China during 1961–2021. The SWS changes were related to atmospheric circulation, surface friction (urbanization and vegetation changes), aerosol emissions and the replacement of observation instruments. The increase of SWS after 2015 was closely related to changes of atmospheric circulation that were reflected by changes of Asian Meridional Circulation Index, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Arctic Oscillation. Compared with the mean SWS, the extreme SWS exhibited a more obvious downward trend and earlier abrupt change. The annual mean SWS decreased by 16.80% in the last six decades, resulting in a decrease of 47.78% in wind energy potential. Regions with annual WPD more than 100 W · m−2 were mainly in western China, northeastern China, northwestern China and some coastal areas. The WPD decreased mainly in northeastern China, northern China, and some coastal areas during the last six decades; it increased mainly in western China. Regions with annual WPD more than 100 W · m−2 and robust coefficient of variation less than 0.5 are high‐quality wind energy resource areas and were found mainly in western China, northern China, northeast China, and coastal areas.
Interhemispheric Contrasts of Ocean Heat Content Change Reveals Distinct Fingerprints of Anthropogenic Climate Forcings
Authors: Shi Jia‐Rui , Wijffels Susan E. , Kwon Young‐Oh , Xie Shang‐Ping
Published: August 2023

During recent decades, both greenhouse gases (GHGs) and anthropogenic aerosols (AAs) drove major changes in the Earth's energy imbalance. However, their respective fingerprints in changes to ocean heat content (OHC) have been difficult to isolate and detect when global or hemispheric averages are used. Based on a pattern recognition analysis, we show that AAs drive an interhemispheric asymmetry within the 20°‐35° latitude band in historical OHC change due to the southward shift of the atmospheric and ocean circulation system. This forced pattern is distinct from the GHG‐induced pattern, which dominates the asymmetry in higher latitudes. Moreover, it is found that this significant aerosol‐forced OHC trend pattern can only be captured in analyzed periods of 20 years or longer and including 1975–1990. Using these distinct spatiotemporal characteristics, we show that the fingerprint of aerosol climate forcing in ocean observations can be distinguished from both the stronger GHG‐induced signals and internal variability.
A Molecular‐Scale Origin of Shear Thinning and Brittle Failure of Silicate Melt
Authors: Okumura S. , Uesugi K. , Goto A. , Matsumoto K. , Sakamaki T.
Published: August 2023

Shear thinning and brittle failure of silicate melt control the dynamics of volcanic eruptions, but their molecular‐scale origin is still unclear. Here, we conducted tension and compression experiments on silicate melts, using time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction. Our experiments revealed that the intermediate‐range ordering of silicate structures, that is, the ring size formed by the SiO4 tetrahedra, demonstrated elastic and anisotropic dilation under tension and shrinkage under compression in the non‐Newtonian regime. In contrast, there were no significant changes in short‐range ordering, such as Si–O and Si–Si distances. Based on these findings, we inferred that shear thinning observed under high stress originates from the formation of anisotropically deformed large and small rings in silicate structures that are energetically unfavorable and unstable. Brittle failure occurred under high‐stress conditions, in both tension and compression. We propose a stress criterion as a necessary and sufficient condition for magma failure, rather than a strain rate criterion.
Englacial Drainage Drives Positive Feedback Depression Growth on the Debris‐Covered Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal
Authors: Strickland R. M. , Covington M. D. , Gulley J. D. , Kayastha R. B. , Blackstock J. M.
Published: August 2023

The development of hummocky topography is a poorly understood aspect of down‐wasting on debris‐covered glaciers that is often attributed to variable debris thickness. Thousands of enclosed depressions pit the hummocky topography. To better understand depression growth, we examined the size distribution and geometry of depressions on the Ngozumpa Glacier, in the Everest Region of Nepal. The depressions exhibited a power‐law size distribution, fractal perimeters, and power‐law depth‐area scaling, which suggest positive feedback growth. With a simple model, we showed that positive feedback growth produces similar power‐law size distributions. Based on these findings, we propose a “sinkhole” hypothesis for the development of depressions. Drainage into englacial sink points removes debris from the depressions and inhibits ponds from overflowing, thereby enabling positive feedback growth via incision, increased sub‐debris melt rates, and ice cliff retreat. By facilitating sustained depression growth, englacial drainage preconditions the ablation zone for the rapid growth of glacial lakes.
Greenhouse Warming Reduces Global Energy Conversion Into Oceanic Lee Waves
Authors: Yang Zhibin , Jing Zhao , Zhai Xiaoming
Published: August 2023

Oceanic lee waves play an important role in dissipating wind‐driven ocean circulations and powering turbulent diapycnal mixing. Here we investigate impacts of the greenhouse warming on global energy conversion into lee waves using a linear theory of lee wave generation and output from a high‐resolution (0.1° for the ocean) coupled global climate model. The global energy conversion rate into lee waves under the historical (1930s) climate condition is estimated to be 193.0 ± 3.0 GW. Under the high carbon emission scenario, this conversion rate is projected to decrease by about 20% by the end of 21st century, due to weakened bottom large‐scale mean flows, mesoscale eddies and stratification. The decrease of the conversion rate is widespread and particularly pronounced in the Gulf Stream and Drake Passage.
Estimating Plate Tectonic Forces at the New Zealand Plate Boundary Using Strain Rates Derived From a Kinematic Model of Fault Slip
Authors: Hirschberg H. , Sutherland R.
Published: August 2023

We construct a model of forces at the New Zealand plate boundary from dynamical thin‐sheet modeling. Stress magnitudes estimated are 10–50 MPa and effective viscosities are 0.5–5 × 1021 Pa s within actively deforming regions. Models that include only far‐field forces and forces from variations in topography and bathymetry can fit observations in most of the plate boundary, but basal tractions are required to fit extension in Havre Trough. For models that include nontopographic forces, we specify a rheology to acquire a unique solution for each of three rheologies: power‐law rheology with n = 3, power law with n = 5, and a pseudo‐plastic equal‐stress rheology. The inclusion of nontopographic forces allows these models to fit observations very well. We predict forces in Havre Trough equivalent to basal tractions of 7–10 MPa at 20‐km depth. Models with n = 3 and n = 5 require antiparallel forces on opposite sides of the plate boundary to drive deformation in South Island which would imply a plate boundary zone that is more localized at depth. The equal‐stress pseudo‐plastic model drives deformation with plate motion boundary conditions and localizes it with variations in effective viscosity. The effective rheology of South Island is most realistically modeled by an equal‐stress pseudo‐plastic rheology. The n = 3 or n = 5 power‐law rheology models require a highly localized boundary zone in the lower lithosphere, but a broader zone in the upper lithosphere.
The Role of Grain Boundaries in Low‐Temperature Plasticity of Olivine Revealed by Nanoindentation
Authors: Avadanii Diana , Hansen Lars , Marquardt Katharina , Wallis David , Ohl Markus , Wilkinson Angus
Published: August 2023

The rheological properties of olivine influence large‐scale, long‐term deformation processes on rocky planets. Studies of the deformation of olivine at low temperatures and high stresses have emphasized the importance of a grain‐size effect impacting yield stress. Laboratory studies indicate that aggregates with finer grains are stronger than those with coarser grains. However, the specific interactions between intracrystalline defects and grain boundaries leading to this effect in olivine remain unresolved. In this study, to directly observe and quantify the mechanical properties of olivine grain boundaries, we conduct nanoindentation tests on well characterized bicrystals. Specifically, we perform room‐temperature spherical and Berkovich nanoindentation tests on a subgrain boundary (13°, [100]/(016)) and a high‐angle grain boundary (60°, [100]/(011)). These tests reveal that plasticity is easier to initiate if the high‐angle grain boundary is within the deformation volume, whereas the subgrain boundary does not impact the initiation of plasticity. Additionally, the high‐angle grain boundary acts as a barrier to slip transmission, whereas the subgrain boundary does not interact with dislocations in a measurable manner. We suggest that the distribution of grain‐boundary types in olivine‐rich rocks might play a role in generating local differences in mechanical behavior during deformation.
Snow Particle Analyzer for Simultaneous Measurements of Snow Density and Morphology
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Guala Michele , Hong Jiarong
Published: August 2023

The detailed characterization of snow particles is critical for understanding the snow settling behavior and modeling the ground snow accumulation for various applications such as prevention of avalanches and snowmelt‐caused floods, etc. In this study, we present a snow particle analyzer for simultaneous measurements of various properties of fresh falling snow, including their size, shape, type, and density. The analyzer consists of a digital inline holography module for imaging falling snow particles in a sample volume of 88 cm3 and a high‐precision scale to measure the weight of the same particles in a synchronized fashion. The holographic images are processed in real‐time using a machine learning model and post‐processing to determine snow particle size, shape, and type. Such information is used to obtain the estimated volume, which is subsequently correlated with the weight of snow particles to estimate their density. The performance of the analyzer is assessed using monodispersed spherical glass and foam beads, irregular salt crystals, and thin disks with various shapes with known density, which shows <10% density measurement errors. In addition, the analyzer was tested in a number of field deployments under different snow and wind conditions. The system is able to achieve measurements of various snow properties at single particle resolution and statistical robustness. The analyzer was also deployed for 4 hr of operation during a snow event with changing snow and wind conditions, demonstrating its potential for long‐term and real‐time monitoring of the time‐varying snow properties in the field.
Magmatic Origins of Extensional Structures in Tempe Terra, Mars
Authors: Orlov C. J. , Bramham E. K. , Byrne P. K. , Piazolo S. , Thomas M.
Published: August 2023

Numerous graben features transect the Tempe Terra plateau in the northeastern Tharsis Rise, Mars, making it one of the most heavily structured regions of Tharsis. The origin of the complex fault geometries, generated over three distinct stages of tectonic activity, is poorly understood. This work distinguishes between Tempe Terra structures of local and regional origin, to isolate regional deformation patterns related to the general development of the Tharsis Rise from the patterns due to effects of local stress mechanisms. Comparison of structural observations to predicted deformation patterns from different drivers of graben formation in the Martian crust demonstrates the important role of magmatic activity at a variety of scales in driving tectonism in Tempe Terra. Noachian (Stage 1) faulting resulted from local magmatic underplating and associated heating and uplift, which formed part of an incipient stage of widespread Tharsis volcanism that predated development of the main Tharsis Rise. Early Hesperian (Stage 2) faults reflect the interaction of regional stresses from growth of Tharsis with magmatic activity highly localized along the Tharsis Montes Axial Trend—a linear volcanotectonic trendline including the alignment of the Tharsis Montes volcanoes. Early–Late Hesperian (Stage 3) faulting resulted from a series of dyke swarms from a Tharsis‐centered plume, which propagated in a regional stress field generated by growth of the Tharsis Rise. As only Stage 2 NNE faults and Stage 3 ENE faults are linked to regional, Tharsis‐related stresses, other observed Tempe Terra fault trends can be excluded when evaluating models of Tharsis's tectonic evolution.
Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense
Authors: Fu Jie , Zong Xin , Jin Mingliang , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi , Wang Yizhen
Published: August 2023

As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
Viruses in deep-sea cold seep sediments harbor diverse survival mechanisms and remain genetically conserved within species
Authors: Peng Yongyi , Lu Zijian , Pan Donald , Shi Ling-Dong , Zhao Zhao , Liu Qing , Zhang Chuwen , Jia Kuntong , Li Jiwei , Hubert Casey R J , Dong Xiyang
Published: August 2023

Deep sea cold seep sediments have been discovered to harbor novel, abundant, and diverse bacterial and archaeal viruses. However, little is known about viral genetic features and evolutionary patterns in these environments. Here, we examined the evolutionary ecology of viruses across active and extinct seep stages in the area of Haima cold seeps in the South China Sea. A total of 338 viral operational taxonomic units are identified and linked to 36 bacterial and archaeal phyla. The dynamics of host-virus interactions are informed by diverse antiviral defense systems across 43 families found in 487 microbial genomes. Cold seep viruses are predicted to harbor diverse adaptive strategies to persist in this environment, including counter-defense systems, auxiliary metabolic genes, reverse transcriptases, and alternative genetic code assignments. Extremely low nucleotide diversity is observed in cold seep viral populations, being influenced by factors including microbial host, sediment depth, and cold seep stage. Most cold seep viral genes are under strong purifying selection with trajectories that differ depending on whether cold seeps are active or extinct. This work sheds light on the understanding of environmental adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary patterns of viruses in the sub-seafloor biosphere.
Triangulating brain alterations in anorexia nervosa: a multimodal investigation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, morphometry and blood-based biomarkers
Authors: Doose Arne , Tam Friederike I. , Hellerhoff Inger , King Joseph A. , Boehm Ilka , Gottloeber Kim , Wahl Hannes , Werner Annett , Raschke Felix , Bartnik-Olson Brenda , Lin Alexander P. , Akgün Katja , Roessner Veit , Linn Jennifer , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: August 2023

The acute state of anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with widespread reductions in cortical gray matter (GM) thickness and white matter (WM) volume, suspected changes in myelin content and elevated levels of the neuronal damage marker neurofilament light (NF-L), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. To gain a deeper understanding of brain changes in AN, we applied a multimodal approach combining advanced neuroimaging methods with analysis of blood-derived biomarkers. In addition to standard measures of cortical GM thickness and WM volume, we analyzed tissue-specific profiles of brain metabolites using multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, T1 relaxation time as a proxy of myelin content leveraging advanced quantitative MRI methods and serum NF-L concentrations in a sample of 30 female, predominately adolescent patients with AN and 30 age-matched female healthy control participants. In patients with AN, we found a reduction in GM cortical thickness and GM total N-acetyl aspartate. The latter predicted higher NF-L levels, which were elevated in AN. Furthermore, GM total choline was elevated. In WM, there were no group differences in either imaging markers, choline levels or N-acetyl aspartate levels. The current study provides evidence for neuronal damage processes as well as for increased membrane lipid catabolism and turnover in GM in acute AN but no evidence for WM pathology. Our results illustrate the potential of multimodal research including tissue-specific proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses to shed light on brain changes in psychiatric and neurological conditions, which may ultimately lead to better treatments.
Edoxaban use in the context of dental procedures: analysis from the EMIT-AF/VTE database
Authors: Chen Cathy , Saxena Manish , von Heymann Christian , Vanassche Thomas , Jin James , Lersch Robert , Köhler Sabine , Santamaria Amparo , Unverdorben Martin , Colonna Paolo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Literature reviews support continuing anticoagulation during dental procedures. However, studies often present grouped anticoagulation data, and information on individual anticoagulant management would be helpful to dentists. The Edoxaban Management in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures (EMIT-AF/VTE) programme (NCT02950168; NCT02951039) demonstrated low periprocedural bleeding and thrombotic event rates in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving edoxaban.

Aims

To report periprocedural edoxaban interruption and clinical events in patients from EMIT-AF/VTE who underwent dental procedures.

Methods

Dental procedures were categorised by type (cleaning/noncleaning). Edoxaban interruption, bleeding events, and thrombotic events were observed 5 days preprocedure through 29 days postprocedure.

Results

Overall, 196 patients underwent 350 cleaning and/or noncleaning procedures; most patients (171/196 [87.2%]) underwent noncleaning procedures (282/350 [80.6%]), whereas 48/196 (24.5%) underwent 68/350 (19.4%) cleaning procedures. Edoxaban was uninterrupted for most cleanings (53/68 [77.9%]). Preprocedural interruption was common for single and multiple tooth extractions (single, 67/100 [67.0%]; multiple, 16/30 [53.3%]). The only major bleeding occurred after an unrelated cleaning. Minor bleeding occurred in 1/68 (1.5%) cleaning and 4/282 (1.4%) noncleaning procedures. There were no thrombotic events.

Conclusions

For most cleanings, edoxaban was not interrupted, whereas preprocedural interruption was more common for tooth extractions. Overall, bleeding rates were low, and no thrombotic events occurred.
Direct or indirect composite for restoring permanent first molars affected by Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH): a randomized clinical controlled trial
Authors: Hakmi Abdulrhman , Dashash Mayssoon
Published: August 2023

Aim

This study was undertaken to compare direct composite resin restorations (DCRR) and indirect composite resin restorations (ICRR) for treating permanent first molars affected by MIH in terms of clinical performance.

Materials and methods

This was a controlled, randomized, clinical split-mouth study. The studied sample consisted of 40 asymptomatic first permanent hypomineralised mandibular molars in 20 children aged between 7–11 years, these cases were divided randomly into two groups: Group 1 (experimental): 20 first permanent mandibular molars were restored with ICRR, and Group 2 (control): 20 first permanent mandibular molars that were restored with DCRR. The cavity was prepared using a diamond bur on a high-speed handpiece, and the prepared cavity was wiped with cotton moistened with sodium hypochlorite. The composite was applied directly with a total-etch bonding system. In the ICRR group, an impression for the prepared cavity was taken using a silicon-based material, and the restoration was adhesive with self-adhesive resin cement. The child’s satisfaction with each of the two application techniques was assessed through the scale FACES. Restorations were evaluated during follow-up periods (3, 6, and 12 months) according to Modified USHPH criteria.

Results

The clinical success rate was 90% in the ICRR group versus 85% in the DCRR group after 12 months of follow-up without statistically significant differences (P = 0.218). Children were significantly more satisfied (P = 0.0351) with ICRR than DCRR.

Conclusions

Both DCRR and ICRR can be considered effective restorations with acceptable clinical performance in the restoration of hypomineralised first permanent molars with an advantage of ICRR in terms of child acceptance of the restoration application technique.
The APC/C E3 ligase subunit ANAPC11 mediates FOXO3 protein degradation to promote cell proliferation and lymph node metastasis in urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Yan Dong , He Qingqing , Pei Lu , Yang Meihua , Huang Lifang , Kong Jianqiu , He Wang , Liu Hao , Xu Shizhong , Qin Haide , Lin Tianxin , Huang Jian
Published: August 2023

Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with striking tumor heterogeneity. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms that can be exploited for the treatment of aggressive UBC is a particularly relevant goal. Protein ubiquitination is a critical post-translational modification (PTM) that mediates the degradation of target protein via the proteasome. However, the roles of aberrant protein ubiquitination in UBC development and the underlying mechanisms by which it drives tumor progression remain unclear. In this study, taking advantage of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9 technology, we identified the ubiquitin E3 ligase ANAPC11, a critical subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), as a potential oncogenic molecule in UBC cells. Our clinical analysis showed that elevated expression of ANAPC11 was significantly correlated with high T stage, positive lymph node (LN) metastasis, and poor outcomes in UBC patients. By employing a series of in vitro experiments, we demonstrated that ANAPC11 enhanced the proliferation and invasiveness of UBC cells, while knockout of ANAPC11 inhibited the growth and LN metastasis of UBC cells in vivo. By conducting immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry, we confirmed that ANAPC11 increased the ubiquitination level of the Forkhead transcription factor FOXO3. The resulting decrease in FOXO3 protein stability led to the downregulation of the cell cycle regulator p21 and decreased expression of GULP1, a downstream effector of androgen receptor signaling. Taken together, these findings indicated that ANAPC11 plays an oncogenic role in UBC by modulating FOXO3 protein degradation. The ANAPC11–FOXO3 regulatory axis might serve as a novel therapeutic target for UBC.
Deubiquitinase YOD1 suppresses tumor progression by stabilizing E3 ligase TRIM33 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yue , Duan Yuansheng , Han Wei , Cao Jiayan , Ye Beibei , Chen Peng , Li Hong , Wang Yuxuan , Liu Jin , Fang Yan , Yue Kai , Wu Yansheng , Wang Xudong , Jing Chao
Published: August 2023

Ubiquitination is a reversible process that not only controls protein synthesis and degradation, but also is essential for protein transport, localization and biological activity. Deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) dysfunction leads to various diseases, including cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of crucial DUBs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Based on bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry detection, YOD1 was identified to be significantly downregulated in HNSCC specimens compared with adjacent normal tissues. Further analysis revealed that reduced YOD1 expression was associated with the malignant progression of HNSCC and indicated poor prognosis. The results of the in vitro and in vivo experiments verified that YOD1 depletion significantly promoted growth, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HNSCC. Mechanistically, YOD1 inhibited the activation of the ERK/β-catenin pathway by suppressing the ubiquitination and degradation of TRIM33, leading to the constriction of HNSCC progression. Overall, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the role of YOD1 in tumor progression and provide a novel potential therapeutic target for HNSCC treatment.