bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term High‐Resolution Gauge Adjusted Satellite Rainfall Product Over India
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Varma Atul K. , Kubota Takuji , Yamaji Moeka , Tashima Tomoko , Mega Tomoaki , Ushio Tomoo
Published: December 2022

This study aims to create a 21‐year, high spatiotemporal resolution Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) rainfall product adjusted by rain gauge measurements over the Indian mainland and highlighted the importance of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) daily gridded rainfall to generate gauge adjusted GSMaP rainfall products over Indian landmass. The targeted resolutions of the GSMaP are hourly and 0.1° × 0.1°. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center daily gauge analysis (0.5° × 0.5°) and IMD daily gridded rainfall (0.25° × 0.25°) were utilized to generate long‐term rainfall products, GSMaP_CPC and GSMaP_IMD rainfall, respectively. After preliminary verification of the GSMaP_CPC and GSMaP_IMD rainfalls with IMD gauges, these rainfall products are evaluated for the Indian Summer Monsoon periods of 2000–2020 with comparisons of other gauge adjusted rainfall products such as the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement final‐run. The results suggest GSMaP_IMD has a smaller root‐mean‐square difference (RMSD) and higher correlation than GSMaP_CPC, evaluated against independent rainfall products. In the 3‐hour mean analysis with spaceborne precipitation radar data, it is found that the value of RMSD decreases in GSMaP_IMD with respect to GSMaP_CPC throughout the day. The statistics against the hourly dense gauge network suggests that the GSMaP_IMD is more effective in capturing large spatiotemporal rainfall variation. Thus, validation results with the independent sources suggest that GSMaP_IMD rainfall generally improved over GSMaP_CPC rainfall. These improvements are significant in orographic regions with high rainfall amounts, mainly the western Ghats and northeastern parts of India.
In the Deepest Ocean Reaches, a Potent Pollutant Comes to Rest
Authors: Cummings Sean
Published: December 2022

Surprising amounts of mercury settling into deep-sea trenches may provide a fuller picture of the metal’s path through the environment, but pulling it to the surface is no easy feat.
Spurring Ocean Research with Open Data
Authors: Donovan Robin
Published: December 2022

Ocean data abound, but accessing them is a challenge, making tackling climate change difficult. One nonprofit is trying to compile them.
Trace Element Geochemistry in the Earliest Terrestrial Ecosystem, the Rhynie Chert
Authors: Parnell John , Akinsanpe Temitope O. , Armstrong Joseph G. T. , Boyce Adrian J. , Still John W. , Bowden Stephen A. , Clases David , Gonzalez de Vega Raquel , Feldmann Joerg
Published: December 2022

The symbiotic partnership of plants and fungi was a critical means of nutrient uptake during colonization of the terrestrial surface. The Lower Devonian Rhynie Chert shows evidence for extensive phosphorus mobilization in plant debris that was pervasively colonized by fungi. Sandy sediment entrapped with fungi‐rich phytodebris contains grains of the phosphate mineral monazite which exhibit alteration to highly porous and leached surfaces. Mixed manganese‐iron oxide precipitates contain up to 2% P2O5. The mobilization of Mn, Fe, and P are all features of mycorrhizal nutrient concentration. However, the ecosystem was also exposed to toxic elements from hot spring hydrothermal activity. The oxide precipitates include titanium and iron‐titanium oxide which sequestered potentially toxic tungsten and antimony. Abundant pyrite framboids in the Rhynie Chert indicate that plant decomposition included microbial sulfate reduction. This caused the removal of some of the arsenic from the groundwaters into the pyrite, which reduced toxicity while leaving enough for putative arsenic metabolism. These relationships show the mineral component of the ecosystem modified the geochemistry of ambient waters.
Inventory and Frequency of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps in Permafrost Region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Jing , Niu Fujun , Lin Zhanju , Liu Minghao , Yin Guoan , Gao Zeyong
Published: December 2022

Due to the increasing air temperatures, retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) have become more common on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), but their inventory, frequency, and initiation have not been fully investigated. In satellite imagery for the period 2018–2020, 2669 active RTSs were identified in permafrost regions of the QTP. Most of the RTSs occur in regions with elevations ranging from 4,600 to 5,100 m along north‐facing slopes varying from 3° to 8°. The number of RTSs and their affected areas increased by 4 and 6 times, respectively, in three densely distributed RTS regions from 2008/2013 to 2021. This increase in the RTS occurrence mainly occurred during the warm season in 2010 and 2016 and is likely due to high air temperatures during the thawing season, which induced the massive occurrence of active‐layer detachment slides. Another intensification of RTS occurrences may appear when higher anomaly air temperatures are observed.
Effective Emission Heights of Various OH Lines From X‐Shooter and SABER Observations of a Passing Quasi‐2‐Day Wave
Authors: Noll S. , Schmidt C. , Kausch W. , Bittner M. , Kimeswenger S.
Published: December 2022

Chemiluminescent radiation of the vibrationally and rotationally excited hydroxyl (OH) radical, which dominates the nighttime near‐infrared emission of the Earth's atmosphere in wide wavelength regions, is an important tracer of the chemical and dynamical state of the mesopause region between 80 and 100 km. As radiative lifetimes and rate coefficients for collision‐related transitions depend on the OH energy level, line‐dependent emission profiles are expected. However, except for some height differences for whole bands mostly revealed by satellite‐based measurements, there is a lack of data for individual lines. We succeeded in deriving effective emission heights for 298 OH lines thanks to the joint observation of a strong quasi‐2‐day wave (Q2DW) in eight nights in 2017 with the medium‐resolution spectrograph X‐shooter at the Very Large Telescope at Cerro Paranal in Chile and the limb‐sounding SABER radiometer on the TIMED satellite. Our fitting procedure revealed the most convincing results for a single wave with a period of about 44 hr and a vertical wavelength of about 32 km. The line‐dependent as well as altitude‐resolved phases of the Q2DW then resulted in effective heights which differ by up to 8 km and tend to increase with increasing vibrational and rotation excitation. The measured dependence of emission heights and wave amplitudes (which were strongest after midnight) on the line parameters implies the presence of a cold thermalized and a hot non‐thermalized population for each vibrational level.
Global Distribution of Key Features of Streamer Corona Discharges in Thunderclouds
Authors: Soler S. , Gordillo‐Vázquez F. J. , Pérez‐Invernón F. J. , Luque A. , Li D. , Neubert T. , Chanrion O. , Reglero V. , Navarro‐González J. , Østgaard N.
Published: December 2022

We present nighttime worldwide distributions of key features of Blue LUminous Events (BLUEs) detected by the Modular Multispectral Imaging Array of the Atmosphere‐Space Interaction Monitor. Around 10% of all detected BLUEs exhibit an impulsive single pulse shape. The rest of BLUEs are unclear (impulsive or not) single, multiple or with ambiguous pulse shapes. BLUEs exhibit two distinct populations with peak power density <25 µWm−2 (common) and ≥25 µWm−2 (rare) with different rise times and durations. The altitude (and depth below cloud tops) zonal distribution of impulsive single pulse BLUEs indicate that they are commonly present between cloud tops and a depth of ≤4 km in the tropics and ≤1 km in mid and higher latitudes. Impulsive single pulse BLUEs in the tropics are the longest (up to ∼4 km height) and have the largest number of streamers (up to ∼3 × 109). Additionally, the analysis of BLUEs has turned out to be particularly complex due to the abundance of radiation belt particles (at high latitudes and in the South Atlantic Anomaly [SAA]) and cosmic rays all over the planet. True BLUEs can not be fully distinguished from radiation belt particles and cosmic rays unless other ground‐based measurements associated with the optically detected BLUEs are available. Thus, the search algorithm of BLUEs presented in Soler et al. (2021), https://doi.org/10.1029/2021gl094657 is now completed with a new additional step that, if used, can considerably smooth the SAA shadow but can also underestimate the number of BLUEs worldwide.
Impact of Eocene‐Oligocene Antarctic Glaciation on the Paleoceanography of the Weddell Sea
Authors: Hojnacki Victoria , Lepp Allison , Horowitz Castaldo Josie , States Abbey , Li Xiaona , Passchier Sandra
Published: December 2022

The Eocene‐Oligocene Transition (EOT) at ∼34 Ma marked a climatic shift from greenhouse to icehouse conditions, toward long‐lasting lower global temperatures and a continental ice sheet in the Antarctic. We report on sedimentological and inorganic geochemical results across the EOT at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 696 in the Weddell Sea, within the Antarctic limb of the Atlantic circulation. The geochemical composition of detrital, authigenic and biogenic marine sediment components, and sortable silt proxies demonstrate the impact of ice growth on high latitude water masses. Sortable silt grain size and Zr/Rb ratios attest to a period of vigorous circulation at ∼36.2–35.8 Ma, coincident with a known warm interval in the Southern Ocean. Across the EOT, detrital provenance suggests that regional ice growth in the western Weddell Sea was stepwise, first expanding in the Antarctic Peninsula, followed by parts of West Antarctica. In conjunction with regional ice growth, high uranium enrichment factors (U EF) in sediments spanning the EOT interval indicate anoxic conditions in the sediment with evidence of carbonate dissolution. Following glacial expansion and sea‐ice formation at ∼33.6 Ma, a return to oxic conditions and carbonate preservation is observed with excess barium and phosphorous indicative of an increase in productivity, and potentially carbon export. Our results highlight the important connections between ice growth and the changing properties of high‐latitude water masses at the EOT with impacts on the global ocean circulation.
Improved Geological Slip Rate Estimations in the Complex Alhama de Murcia Fault Zone (SE Iberia) and Its Implications for Fault Behavior
Authors: Gómez‐Novell O. , Ortuño M. , García‐Mayordomo J. , Insua‐Arévalo J. M. , Rockwell T. K. , Baize S. , Martínez‐Díaz J. J. , Pallàs R. , Masana E.
Published: December 2022

Fault slip rate is one of the most crucial parameters to characterize earthquake occurrence in fault‐based seismic hazard assessments (SHA). Accordingly, paleoseismic studies have increasingly focused on constraining this parameter in active faults worldwide. We present a comprehensive paleoseismic study in the Alhama de Murcia Fault (AMF), one of the most active faults in SE Spain and source of destructing earthquakes such as the 2011 Mw 5.2 Lorca event. Contrasting with previous studies, we integrate paleoseismic data from four fault strands in the AMF and, based on trench slip analysis and numerical dates, we derive slip rate estimates of each strand over the whole transect and assess their time variability. The AMF has a minimum net slip rate between 1.35+0.16/−0.10 and 1.64+0.16/−0.11 mm/yr for the past 18 ± 1 to 15.2 ± 1.1 ka. These results prove the importance of accounting for the complete sections of a geological structure as they are almost twice the previous estimates for a single fault branch. Slip rate variability is identified in the AMF, with cyclic acceleration‐quiescence patterns that could be related to stress field changes driven by fault interaction or synchronicity with neighboring faults (e.g., Carrascoy). We hope that the data presented here motivates their inclusion into forthcoming fault‐based SHAs. In this regard, limitations related to the lack of paleoseismic data for one fault strand, along with poor characterization of the strike component of slip and insufficient age control of the units for another strand are highlighted and need to be accounted for by modelers.
Hydrology and Seasonality Shape the Coupling of Dissolved Hg and Methyl‐Hg With DOC in Boreal Rivers in Northern Québec
Authors: Fink‐Mercier Caroline , del Giorgio Paul A. , Amyot Marc , Lapierre Jean‐François
Published: December 2022

Co‐loading of mercury (Hg) with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a key driver of the observed spatial and temporal Hg patterns among aquatic ecosystems. Their strong biogeochemical coupling has spurred the use of DOC as a predictor of Hg concentrations and exports in boreal regions where sampling logistics for Hg are costly and complex. Yet relationships between Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) with DOC have recently been shown to be highly variable in terms of slope and strength, suggesting that mechanisms other than co‐transport along the land‐water continuum may drive the relationship between Hg and DOC across landscapes. In this study, we explore the relationship between Hg and MeHg with DOC across 18 boreal rivers collectively draining over 350,000 km2 of the eastern James Bay territory (Québec), comprising watersheds with a wide range of vegetation, water residence time and riverine DOC concentrations and optical properties. Our results show that although a large portion of the variation in Hg and MeHg is explained by concentrations of DOC, Hg‐DOC and MeHg‐DOC relationships and ratios vary greatly both spatially and temporally. We show that ratios and strength of the coupling can be predicted from system hydrology, with declines in Hg:DOC and increase in MeHg:DOC ratios and stronger coupling during the seasonal progression to warmer temperatures, higher water evaporation, and longer residence time. Our study highlights the role of seasonal hydrology and biogeochemical processing in governing Hg, MeHg and DOC patterns in boreal rivers.
Abdominal Near Infrared Spectroscopy can be reliably used to measure splanchnic oxygenation changes in preterm infants
Authors: Thomas R. A. , Ballard M-R , Aladangady N. , Banerjee J.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows assessment of regional tissue oxygen delivery and extraction. There are doubts regarding reliability of gut NIRS measurements. This study assesses reliability of NIRS for monitoring gut oxygenation.

Study design

Splanchnic tissue haemoglobin index (sTHI), tissue oxygenation index (sTOI) and fractional tissue oxygen extraction (sFTOE) changes during blood transfusion were measured using NIRS and compared to stable control infants. Infants were grouped into 3 chronological age groups: 1–7, 8–28 and ≥29 days of life.

Results

sTHI, sTOI significantly increased, and sFTOE reduced following blood transfusion in all age group infants (n = 59), with no changes seen in control infants (n = 12). Baseline characteristics including gestational age and feed volumes did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Gut perfusion measured by NIRS improved in infants who received blood transfusion, a change not seen in the control group, thus suggesting NIRS is a reliable method to measure splanchnic tissue oxygenation.
Remineralization of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) with a hydroxyapatite toothpaste: an in-situ study
Authors: Amaechi Bennett Tochukwu , Farah Rayane , Liu Jungyi Alexis , Phillips Thais Santiago , Perozo Betty Isabel , Kataoka Yuko , Meyer Frederic , Enax Joachim
Published: December 2022

Aim

This randomized, double-blind, crossover, in-situ study, compared the efficacy of toothpastes based on microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAP; fluoride-free) or fluoride, in remineralizing molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

Methods

Two lesion-bearing enamel blocks were produced from each of thirty extracted permanent molars diagnosed with MIH. Sixty produced blocks were randomly assigned to two groups (30/group): 20% HAP or 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Each group was subdivided into, etched (n = 20), with lesion surface treated with 32% phosphoric acid-etchant for 5 s, and unetched (n = 10). Blocks were cemented into intra-oral appliances (2 blocks/appliance) worn full-time by 15 subjects. Subjects used the toothpastes in a two-phase crossover manner, lasting 14 days per phase, after one-week washout period. Baseline and post-treatment mineral density (MD) was quantified using microcomputed tomography.

Results

Overall, both groups showed statistically significant (pairedt-test;p < 0.001) net-gain when MD was compared pre-treatment and post-treatment. HAP: pre-treatment (1.716 ± 0.315) and post-treatment (1.901 ± 0.354), Fluoride: pre-treatment (1.962 ± 0.363) and post-treatment (2.072 ± 0.353). Independentt-test demonstrated a practically significantly (≥10%) higher percentage remineralization with HAP toothpaste (26.02 ± 20.68) compared with fluoride toothpaste (14.64 ± 9.60). Higher percentage remineralization was observed in etched than unetched samples.

Conclusion

The tested toothpaste based on hydroxyapatite can remineralize MIH lesions. Pre-treating the tooth surface with acid-etchant enhanced remineralization.
Impact of chronic graft-versus-host-disease on intensive care outcome in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients
Authors: Lueck Catherina , Tzalavras Asterios , Wohlfarth Philipp , Meedt Elisabeth , Kiehl Michael , Turki Amin T. , Hoeper Marius M. , Eder Matthias , Cserna Julia , Buchtele Nina , Wolff Daniel , Schellongowski Peter , Beutel Gernot , Liebregts Tobias
Published: December 2022

Chronic graft-vs-host-disease (cGvHD) is the most relevant long-term complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with major impact on non-relapse mortality, but data on intensive care unit (ICU) outcome are missing. In this retrospective, multicenter study we analyzed 174 adult HSCT recipients with cGvHD requiring intensive care treatment. Skin, pulmonary, liver, and intestinal involvement were present in 76.7%, 47.1%, 38.1% and 24.1%, respectively, and a total of 63.2% had severe cGvHD. Main reasons for ICU admission were respiratory failure (69.7%) and sepsis (34.3%). Hospital- and 3-year OS rates were 51.7% and 28.6%, respectively. Global severity of cGvHD did not impact short- and long-term survival. However, patients with severe liver cGvHD or the overlap subtype had a reduced hospital survival, while severe pulmonary cGvHD was associated with worse long-term survival. In multivariate analysis need for invasive ventilation (HR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.14)) or hemodialysis (HR 1.73 (95% CI 1.14–2.62)) and <1 year since HSCT (HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.03–2.39)) were independently associated with a poorer survival. While the global severity of cGvHD does not per se affect patients’ survival after intensive care treatment, pre-existing severe hepatic, intestinal or pulmonary cGvHD is associated with worse outcomes.
Performance evaluation of six popular short-read simulators
Authors: Milhaven Mark , Pfeifer Susanne P.
Published: December 2022

High-throughput sequencing data enables the comprehensive study of genomes and the variation therein. Essential for the interpretation of this genomic data is a thorough understanding of the computational methods used for processing and analysis. Whereas “gold-standard” empirical datasets exist for this purpose in humans, synthetic (i.e., simulated) sequencing data can offer important insights into the capabilities and limitations of computational pipelines for any arbitrary species and/or study design—yet, the ability of read simulator software to emulate genomic characteristics of empirical datasets remains poorly understood. We here compare the performance of six popular short-read simulators—ART, DWGSIM, InSilicoSeq, Mason, NEAT, and wgsim—and discuss important considerations for selecting suitable models for benchmarking.
Structure of nucleosome-bound human PBAF complex
Authors: Wang Li , Yu Jiali , Yu Zishuo , Wang Qianmin , Li Wanjun , Ren Yulei , Chen Zhenguo , He Shuang , Xu Yanhui
Published: December 2022

BAF and PBAF are mammalian SWI/SNF family chromatin remodeling complexes that possess multiple histone/DNA-binding subunits and create nucleosome-depleted/free regions for transcription activation. Despite previous structural studies and recent advance of SWI/SNF family complexes, it remains incompletely understood how PBAF-nucleosome complex is organized. Here we determined structure of 13-subunit human PBAF in complex with acetylated nucleosome in ADP-BeF3-bound state. Four PBAF-specific subunits work together with nine BAF/PBAF-shared subunits to generate PBAF-specific modular organization, distinct from that of BAF at various regions. PBAF-nucleosome structure reveals six histone-binding domains and four DNA-binding domains/modules, the majority of which directly bind histone/DNA. This multivalent nucleosome-binding pattern, not observed in previous studies, suggests that PBAF may integrate comprehensive chromatin information to target genomic loci for function. Our study reveals molecular organization of subunits and histone/DNA-binding domains/modules in PBAF-nucleosome complex and provides structural insights into PBAF-mediated nucleosome association complimentary to the recently reported PBAF-nucleosome structure.
CRL2ZER1/ZYG11B recognizes small N-terminal residues for degradation
Authors: Li Yao , Zhao Yueling , Yan Xiaojie , Ye Chen , Weirich Sara , Zhang Bing , Wang Xiaolu , Song Lili , Jiang Chenhao , Jeltsch Albert , Dong Cheng , Mi Wenyi
Published: December 2022

N-degron pathway plays an important role in the protein quality control and maintenance of cellular protein homeostasis. ZER1 and ZYG11B, the substrate receptors of the Cullin 2-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL2), recognize N-terminal (Nt) glycine degrons and participate in the Nt-myristoylation quality control through the Gly/N-degron pathway. Here we show that ZER1 and ZYG11B can also recognize small Nt-residues other than glycine. Specifically, ZER1 binds better to Nt-Ser, -Ala, -Thr and -Cys than to -Gly, while ZYG11B prefers Nt-Gly but also has the capacity to recognize Nt-Ser, -Ala and -Cys in vitro. We found that Nt-Ser, -Ala and -Cys undergo Nt-acetylation catalyzed by Nt-acetyltransferase (NAT), thereby shielding them from recognition by ZER1/ZYG11B in cells. Instead, ZER1/ZYG11B readily targets a selection of small Nt-residues lacking Nt-acetylation for degradation in NAT-deficient cells, implicating its role in the Nt-acetylation quality control. Furthermore, we present the crystal structures of ZER1 and ZYG11B bound to various small Nt-residues and uncover the molecular mechanism of non-acetylated substrate recognition by ZER1 and ZYG11B.
A widely distributed family of eukaryotic and bacterial deubiquitinases related to herpesviral large tegument proteins
Authors: Erven Ilka , Abraham Elena , Hermanns Thomas , Baumann Ulrich , Hofmann Kay
Published: December 2022

Distinct families of eukaryotic deubiquitinases (DUBs) are regulators of ubiquitin signaling. Here, we report on the presence of an additional DUB class broadly distributed in eukaryotes and several bacteria. The only described members of this family are the large tegument proteins of herpesviruses, which are attached to the outside of the viral capsid. By using a bioinformatics screen, we have identified distant homologs of this VTD (Viral tegument-like DUB) family in vertebrate transposons, fungi, insects, nematodes, cnidaria, protists and bacteria. While some VTD activities resemble viral tegument DUBs in that they favor K48-linked ubiquitin chains, other members are highly specific for K6- or K63-linked ubiquitin chains. The crystal structures of K48- and K6-specific members reveal considerable differences in ubiquitin recognition. The VTD family likely evolved from non-DUB proteases and spread through transposons, many of which became ‘domesticated’, giving rise to the Drosophila male sterile (3)76Ca gene and several nematode genes with male-specific expression.
The establishment of COPD organoids to study host-pathogen interaction reveals enhanced viral fitness of SARS-CoV-2 in bronchi
Authors: Chan Louisa L. Y. , Anderson Danielle E. , Cheng Hong Sheng , Ivan Fransiskus Xaverius , Chen Si , Kang Adrian E. Z. , Foo Randy , Gamage Akshamal M. , Tiew Pei Yee , Koh Mariko Siyue , Lee Ken Cheah Hooi , Nichol Kristy , Pathinayake Prabuddha S. , Chan Yik Lung , Yeo Tsin Wen , Oliver Brian G. , Wark Peter A. B. , Liu Linbo , Tan Nguan Soon , Wang Lin-Fa , Chotirmall Sanjay H.
Published: December 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by airflow limitation and infective exacerbations, however, in-vitro model systems for the study of host-pathogen interaction at the individual level are lacking. Here, we describe the establishment of nasopharyngeal and bronchial organoids from healthy individuals and COPD that recapitulate disease at the individual level. In contrast to healthy organoids, goblet cell hyperplasia and reduced ciliary beat frequency were observed in COPD organoids, hallmark features of the disease. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovered evidence for altered cellular differentiation trajectories in COPD organoids. SARS-CoV-2 infection of COPD organoids revealed more productive replication in bronchi, the key site of infection in severe COVID-19. Viral and bacterial exposure of organoids induced greater pro-inflammatory responses in COPD organoids. In summary, we present an organoid model that recapitulates the in vivo physiological lung microenvironment at the individual level and is amenable to the study of host-pathogen interaction and emerging infectious disease.
Prethermalization in one-dimensional quantum many-body systems with confinement
Authors: Birnkammer Stefan , Bastianello Alvise , Knap Michael
Published: December 2022

Unconventional nonequilibrium phases with restricted correlation spreading and slow entanglement growth have been proposed to emerge in systems with confined excitations, calling their thermalization dynamics into question. Here, we show that in confined systems the thermalization dynamics after a quantum quench instead exhibits multiple stages with well separated time scales. As an example, we consider the confined Ising spin chain, in which domain walls in the ordered phase form bound states reminiscent of mesons. The system first relaxes towards a prethermal state, described by a Gibbs ensemble with conserved meson number. The prethermal state arises from rare events in which mesons are created in close vicinity, leading to an avalanche of scattering events. Only at much later times a true thermal equilibrium is achieved in which the meson number conservation is violated by a mechanism akin to the Schwinger effect. The discussed prethermalization dynamics is directly relevant to generic one-dimensional, many-body systems with confined excitations.
Venus’ light slab hinders its development of planetary-scale subduction
Authors: Chen Junxing , Jiang Hehe , Tang Ming , Hao Jihua , Tian Meng , Chu Xu
Published: December 2022

Terrestrial planet Venus has a similar size, mass, and bulk composition to Earth. Previous studies proposed that local plume-induced subduction existed on both early Earth and Venus, and this prototype subduction might initiate plate tectonics on Earth but not on Venus. In this study, we simulate the buoyancy of submerged slabs in a hypothesized 2-D thermo-metamorphic model. We analyze the thermal state of the slab, which is then used for calculating density in response to thermal and phase changes. The buoyancy of slab mantle lithosphere is primarily controlled by the temperatures and the buoyancy of slab crust is dominated by metamorphic phase changes. Difference in the eclogitization process contributes most to the slab buoyancy difference between Earth and Venus, which makes the subducted Venus’ slab consistently less dense than Earth’s. The greater chemical buoyancy on Venus, acting as a resistance to subduction, may have impeded the transition into self-sustained subduction and led to a different tectonic regime on Venus. This hypothesis may be further tested as more petrological data of Venus become available, which will further help to assess the impact of petro-tectonics on the planet’s habitability.
Myeloid cells promote interferon signaling-associated deterioration of the hematopoietic system
Authors: Feyen Jacqueline , Ping Zhen , Chen Lanpeng , van Dijk Claire , van Tienhoven Tim V. D. , van Strien Paulina M. H. , Hoogenboezem Remco M. , Wevers Michiel J. W. , Sanders Mathijs A. , Touw Ivo P. , Raaijmakers Marc H. G. P.
Published: December 2022

Innate and adaptive immune cells participate in the homeostatic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we interrogate the contribution of myeloid cells, the most abundant cell type in the mammalian bone marrow, in a clinically relevant mouse model of neutropenia. Long-term genetic depletion of neutrophils and eosinophils results in activation of multipotent progenitors but preservation of HSCs. Depletion of myeloid cells abrogates HSC expansion, loss of serial repopulation and lymphoid reconstitution capacity and remodeling of HSC niches, features previously associated with hematopoietic aging. This is associated with mitigation of interferon signaling in both HSCs and their niches via reduction of NK cell number and activation. These data implicate myeloid cells in the functional decline of hematopoiesis, associated with activation of interferon signaling via a putative neutrophil-NK cell axis. Innate immunity may thus come at the cost of system deterioration through enhanced chronic inflammatory signaling to stem cells and their niches.
Short-term exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 increases mortality risks and burdens in Brazil
Authors: Ye Tingting , Xu Rongbin , Yue Xu , Chen Gongbo , Yu Pei , Coêlho Micheline S. Z. S. , Saldiva Paulo H. N. , Abramson Michael J. , Guo Yuming , Li Shanshan
Published: December 2022

To assess mortality risks and burdens associated with short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), we collect daily mortality data from 2000 to 2016 for 510 immediate regions in Brazil, the most wildfire-prone area. We integrate data from multiple sources with a chemical transport model at the global scale to isolate daily concentrations of wildfire-related PM2.5 at a 0.25 × 0.25 resolution. With a two-stage time-series approach, we estimate (i) an increase of 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4, 3.9%) in all-cause mortality, 2.6% (95%CI: 1.5, 3.8%) in cardiovascular mortality, and 7.7% (95%CI: 5.9, 9.5) in respiratory mortality over 0–14 days with each 10 μg/m3 increase in daily wildfire-related PM2.5; (ii) 0.65% of all-cause, 0.56% of cardiovascular, and 1.60% of respiratory mortality attributable to acute exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5, corresponding to 121,351 all-cause deaths, 29,510 cardiovascular deaths, and 31,287 respiratory deaths during the study period. In this study, we find stronger associations in females and adults aged ≥ 60 years, and geographic difference in the mortality risks and burdens.
High-capacity free-space optical communications using wavelength- and mode-division-multiplexing in the mid-infrared region
Authors: Zou Kaiheng , Pang Kai , Song Hao , Fan Jintao , Zhao Zhe , Song Haoqian , Zhang Runzhou , Zhou Huibin , Minoofar Amir , Liu Cong , Su Xinzhou , Hu Nanzhe , McClung Andrew , Torfeh Mahsa , Arbabi Amir , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: December 2022

Due to its absorption properties in atmosphere, the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region has gained interest for its potential to provide high data capacity in free-space optical (FSO) communications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) and mode-division-multiplexing (MDM) in a ~0.5 m mid-IR FSO link. We multiplex three ~3.4 μm wavelengths (3.396 μm, 3.397 μm, and 3.398 μm) on a single polarization, with each wavelength carrying two orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) beams. As each beam carries 50-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying data, a total capacity of 300 Gbit/s is achieved. The WDM channels are generated and detected in the near-IR (C-band). They are converted to mid-IR and converted back to C-band through the difference frequency generation nonlinear processes. We estimate that the system penalties at a bit error rate near the forward error correction threshold include the following: (i) the wavelength conversions induce ~2 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty, (ii) WDM induces ~1 dB OSNR penalty, and (iii) MDM induces ~0.5 dB OSNR penalty. These results show the potential of using multiplexing to achieve a ~30X increase in data capacity for a mid-IR FSO link.
A brown fat-enriched adipokine Adissp controls adipose thermogenesis and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Chen Qingbo , Huang Lei , Pan Dongning , Hu Kai , Li Rui , Friedline Randall H. , Kim Jason K. , Zhu Lihua Julie , Guertin David A. , Wang Yong-Xu
Published: December 2022

The signaling mechanisms underlying adipose thermogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Particularly, the involvement of adipokines that are selectively expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes remains to be investigated. Here we show that a previously uncharacterized adipokine (UPF0687 protein / human C20orf27 homolog) we named as Adissp (Adipose-secreted signaling protein) is a key regulator for white adipose tissue (WAT) thermogenesis and glucose homeostasis. Adissp expression is adipose-specific and highly BAT-enriched, and its secretion is stimulated by β3-adrenergic activation. Gain-of-functional studies collectively showed that secreted Adissp promotes WAT thermogenesis, improves glucose homeostasis, and protects against obesity. Adipose-specific Adissp knockout mice are defective in WAT browning, and are susceptible to high fat diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia. Mechanistically, Adissp binds to a putative receptor on adipocyte surface and activates protein kinase A independently of β-adrenergic signaling. These results establish BAT-enriched Adissp as a major upstream signaling component in thermogenesis and offer a potential avenue for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
A multi-phenotype analysis reveals 19 susceptibility loci for basal cell carcinoma and 15 for squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Seviiri Mathias , Law Matthew H. , Ong Jue-Sheng , Gharahkhani Puya , Fontanillas Pierre ,   The 23andMe Research Team, Aslibekyan Stella , Auton Adam , Babalola Elizabeth , Bell Robert K. , Bielenberg Jessica , Bryc Katarzyna , Bullis Emily , Coker Daniella , Partida Gabriel Cuellar , Dhamija Devika , Das Sayantan , Elson Sarah L. , Filshtein Teresa , Fletez-Brant Kipper , Freyman Will , Gandhi Pooja M. , Heilbron Karl , Hicks Barry , Hinds David A. , Jewett Ethan M. , Jiang Yunxuan , Kukar Katelyn , Lin Keng-Han , Lowe Maya , McCreight Jey , McIntyre Matthew H. , Micheletti Steven J. , Moreno Meghan E. , Mountain Joanna L. , Nandakumar Priyanka , Noblin Elizabeth S. , O’Connell Jared , Petrakovitz Aaron A. , Poznik G. David , Schumacher Morgan , Shastri Anjali J. , Shelton Janie F. , Shi Jingchunzi , Shringarpure Suyash , Tran Vinh , Tung Joyce Y. , Wang Xin , Wang Wei , Weldon Catherine H. , Wilton Peter , Hernandez Alejandro , Wong Corinna , Tchakouté Christophe Toukam , Olsen Catherine M. , Whiteman David C. , MacGregor Stuart
Published: December 2022

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, and have genetic overlap with melanoma, pigmentation traits, autoimmune diseases, and blood biochemistry biomarkers. In this multi-trait genetic analysis of over 300,000 participants from Europe, Australia and the United States, we reveal 78 risk loci for basal cell carcinoma (19 previously unknown and replicated) and 69 for squamous cell carcinoma (15 previously unknown and replicated). The previously unknown risk loci are implicated in cancer development and progression (e.g. CDKL1), pigmentation (e.g. TPCN2), cardiometabolic (e.g. FADS2), and immune-regulatory pathways for innate immunity (e.g. IFIH1), and HIV-1 viral load modulation (e.g. CCR5). We also report an optimised polygenic risk score for effective risk stratification for keratinocyte cancer in the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (794 cases and 18139 controls), which could facilitate skin cancer surveillance e.g. in high risk subpopulations such as transplantees.
High-order dynamic localization and tunable temporal cloaking in ac-electric-field driven synthetic lattices
Authors: Wang Shulin , Qin Chengzhi , Liu Weiwei , Wang Bing , Zhou Feng , Ye Han , Zhao Lange , Dong Jianji , Zhang Xinliang , Longhi Stefano , Lu Peixiang
Published: December 2022

Dynamic localization (DL) of photons, i.e., the light-motion cancellation effect arising from lattice’s quasi-energy band collapse under a synthetic ac-electric-field, provides a powerful and alternative mechanism to Anderson localization for coherent light confinement. So far only low-order DLs, corresponding to weak ac-fields, have been demonstrated using curved-waveguide lattices where the waveguide’s bending curvature plays the role of ac-field as required in original Dunlap-Kenkre model of DL. However, the inevitable bending losses pose a severe limitation for the observation of high-order DL. Here, we break the weak-field limitation by transferring lattice concepts from spatial to synthetic time dimensions using fiber-loop circuits and observe up to fifth-order DL. We find that high-order DLs possess superior localization and robustness against random noise over lower-order ones. As an exciting application, by judiciously combining low- and high-order DLs, we demonstrate a temporal cloaking scheme with flexible tunability both for cloak’s window size and opening time. Our work pushes DL towards high-order regimes using synthetic-lattice schemes, which may find potential applications in robust signal transmission, protection, processing, and cloaking.
Big data driven perovskite solar cell stability analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Wang Huanhuan , Jacobsson T. Jesper , Luo Jingshan
Published: December 2022

During the last decade lead halide perovskites have shown great potential for photovoltaic applications. However, the stability of perovskite solar cells still restricts commercialization, and lack of properly implemented unified stability testing and disseminating standards makes it difficult to compare historical stability data for evaluating promising routes towards better device stability. Here, we propose a single indicator to describe device stability that normalizes the stability results with respect to different environmental stress conditions which enables a direct comparison of different stability results. Based on this indicator and an open dataset of heterogeneous stability data of over 7000 devices, we have conducted a statistical analysis to assess the effect of different stability improvement strategies. This provides important insights for achieving more stable perovskite solar cells and we also provide suggestions for future directions in the perovskite solar cell field based on big data utilization.
Activating alternative transport modes in a multidrug resistance efflux pump to confer chemical susceptibility
Authors: Spreacker Peyton J. , Thomas Nathan E. , Beeninga Will F. , Brousseau Merissa , Porter Colin J. , Hibbs Kylie M. , Henzler-Wildman Katherine A.
Published: December 2022

Small multidrug resistance (SMR) transporters contribute to antibiotic resistance through proton-coupled efflux of toxic compounds. Previous biophysical studies of the E. coli SMR transporter EmrE suggest that it should also be able to perform proton/toxin symport or uniport, leading to toxin susceptibility rather than resistance in vivo. Here we show EmrE does confer susceptibility to several previously uncharacterized small-molecule substrates in E. coli, including harmane. In vitro electrophysiology assays demonstrate that harmane binding triggers uncoupled proton flux through EmrE. Assays in E. coli are consistent with EmrE-mediated dissipation of the transmembrane pH gradient as the mechanism underlying the in vivo phenotype of harmane susceptibility. Furthermore, checkerboard assays show this alternative EmrE transport mode can synergize with some existing antibiotics, such as kanamycin. These results demonstrate that it is possible to not just inhibit multidrug efflux, but to activate alternative transport modes detrimental to bacteria, suggesting a strategy to address antibiotic resistance.
Vertical redistribution of principle water masses on the Northeast Greenland Shelf
Authors: Gjelstrup Caroline V. B. , Sejr Mikael K. , de Steur Laura , Christiansen Jørgen Schou , Granskog Mats A. , Koch Boris P. , Møller Eva Friis , Winding Mie H. S. , Stedmon Colin A.
Published: December 2022

The Northeast Greenland shelf (NEGS) is a recipient of Polar Water (PW) from the Arctic Ocean, Greenland Ice Sheet melt, and Atlantic Water (AW). Here, we compile hydrographical measurements to quantify long-term changes in fjords and coastal waters. We find a profound change in the vertical distribution of water masses, with AW shoaling >60 m and PW thinning >50 m since early 2000’s. The properties of these waters have also changed. AW is now 1 °C warmer and the salinity of surface waters and PW are 1.8 and 0.68 lower, respectively. The AW changes have substantially weakened stratification south of ~74°N, indicating increased accessibility of heat and potentially nutrients associated with AW. The Atlantification earlier reported for the eastern Fram Strait and Barents Sea region has also propagated to the NEGS. The increased presence of AW, is an important driver for regional change leading to a likely shift in ecosystem structure and function.
Sirt6 attenuates chondrocyte senescence and osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Ji Ming-liang , Jiang Hua , Li Zhuang , Geng Rui , Hu Jun Zheng , Lin Yu Cheng , Lu Jun
Published: December 2022

Sirt6 has been implicated as a key regulator in aging-related diseases, including osteoarthritis. However, its functional role and molecular mechanism in chondrocyte senescence and osteoarthritis pathophysiology remain largely undefined. Here we show that Sirt6 deficiency exaggerates chondrocyte senescence and osteoarthritis progression, whereas intra-articular injection of adenovirus-Sirt6 markedly attenuates surgical destabilization of medial meniscus-induced osteoarthritis. Mechanistically, Sirt6 can directly interact with STAT5 and deacetylate STAT5, thus inhibiting the IL-15/JAK3-induced STAT5 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus, which inactivates IL-15/JAK3/STAT5 signaling. Mass spectrometry revealed that Sirt6 deacetylated conserved lysine 163 on STAT5. Mutation of lysine 163 to arginine in STAT5 abolished the regulatory effect of Sirt6. In vivo, specific ablation of Sirt6 in chondrocytes exacerbated osteoarthritis. Pharmacological activation of Sirt6 substantially alleviated chondrocyte senescence. Taken together, Sirt6 attenuates chondrocyte senescence by inhibiting IL-15/JAK3/STAT5 signaling. Targeting Sirt6 represents a promising new approach for osteoarthritis.
Phase diagrams guide synthesis of highly ordered intermetallic electrocatalysts: separating alloying and ordering stages
Authors: Zeng Wei-Jie , Wang Chang , Yan Qiang-Qiang , Yin Peng , Tong Lei , Liang Hai-Wei
Published: December 2022

Supported platinum intermetallic compound catalysts have attracted considerable attention owing to their remarkable activities and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the synthesis of highly ordered intermetallic compound catalysts remains a challenge owing to the limited understanding of their formation mechanism under high-temperature conditions. In this study, we perform in-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction studies to investigate the structural evolution in the impregnation synthesis of carbon-supported intermetallic catalysts. We identify the phase-transition-temperature (TPT)-dependent evolution process that involve concurrent (for alloys with high TPT) or separate (for alloys with low TPT) alloying/ordering stages. Accordingly, we realize the synthesis of highly ordered intermetallic catalysts by adopting a separate annealing protocol with a high-temperature alloying stage and a low-temperature ordering stage, which display a high mass activity of 0.96 A mgPt–1 at 0.9 V in H2–O2 fuel cells and a remarkable durability.
Impaired migratory phenotype of CD4+ T cells in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mamula Dejan , Khosousi Shervin , He Yachao , Lazarevic Vesna , Svenningsson Per
Published: December 2022

Dysfunctions in the immune system appear implicated in both disease onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Neurodegeneration observed in the brain of PD patients has been associated with neuroinflammation that is linked to alterations in peripheral adaptive immunity, where CD4+T cells are key players. In the present study, we elucidated the immunological aspect of PD by employing a wide range of cellular assays, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to examine CD4+T cells. We particularly investigated the role of CD4+T cell migration in the proper functioning of the adaptive immune system. Our data reveal the altered migration potential of CD4+T cells derived from PD patients, along with impaired mitochondrial positioning within the cell and reduced mitochondrial functionality. In addition, a cross-sectional study of p11 levels in CD4+T cell subsets showed a differentially increased level of p11 in Th1, Th2 and Th17 populations. Taken together, these results demonstrate major impairments in the functionality of peripheral CD4+T cells in PD.
Transcriptome signatures preceding the induction of anti-stalk antibodies elicited after universal influenza vaccination
Authors: Aydillo Teresa , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana S. , Stadlbauer Daniel , Amper Mary Anne , Nair Venugopalan D. , Mariottini Chiara , Sealfon Stuart C. , van Bakel Harm , Palese Peter , Krammer Florian , García-Sastre Adolfo
Published: December 2022

A phase 1 clinical trial to test the immunogenicity of a chimeric group 1 HA (cHA) universal influenza virus vaccine targeting the conserved stalk domain of the hemagglutinin of influenza viruses was carried out. Vaccination with adjuvanted-inactivated vaccines induced high anti-stalk antibody titers. We sought to identify gene expression signatures that correlate with such induction. Messenger-RNA sequencing in whole blood was performed on the peripheral blood of 53 vaccinees. We generated longitudinal data on the peripheral blood of 53 volunteers, at early (days 3 and 7) and late (28 days) time points after priming and boosting with cHAs. Differentially expressed gene analysis showed no differences between placebo and live-attenuated vaccine groups. However, an upregulation of genes involved in innate immune responses and type I interferon signaling was found at day 3 after vaccination with inactivated adjuvanted formulations. Cell type deconvolution analysis revealed a significant enrichment for monocyte markers and different subsets of dendritic cells as mediators for optimal B cell responses and significant increase of anti-stalk antibodies in sera. A significant upregulation of immunoglobulin-related genes was only observed after administration of adjuvanted vaccines (either as primer or booster) with specific induction of anti-stalk IGVH1-69. This approach informed of specific immune signatures that correlate with robust anti-stalk antibody responses, while also helping to understand the regulation of gene expression induced by cHA proteins under different vaccine regimens.