bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of L-glutamine and inorganic nitrogen molar ratios enhance the induction of somatic embryogenesis of Pinus maximinoi H.E. Moore
Authors: Nzama P. S. , Myburg A. A. , Hills P. N.
Published: April 2024

Clonal breeding programs of Pinus maximinoi require the establishment of a robust somatic embryogenesis (SE) protocol to produce enough cell lines to accelerate the effective continuous deployment of elite planting stocks to research and commercial compartments. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from immature zygotic embryo explants enclosed in megagametophytes of P. maximinoi collected from two plantations located in different climatic conditions. Cones were collected during the winter months from July to August and the influence of seed family, cone collection date and culture medium formulation, with emphasis on the organic and inorganic nitrogen supply, were studied. Ammonium to nitrate molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 in modified Litvay’s medium (mLV) produced the highest numbers of extrusions, while a 1:4 ratio mostly produced unhealthy, non-embryogenic extrusions. The formation of a tissue showing a rapidly-proliferating, spiky morphotype was produced in a medium supplemented with 1.5 g/L of L-glutamine. Morphologically advanced cultures with nodular structures were produced in megagametophytes from both plantations in a 1:2 NH4+:NO3− medium regardless of L-glutamine supplementation levels. The optimal medium for P. maximinoi SE induction contained a 1:2 NH4+:NO3− molar ratio with 1.5 g/L L-glutamine. The synergy between the molar ratio of NH4+:NO3− and L-glutamine resulted in the highest numbers of extrusions. The overall inductive competence window for somatic embryogenic response in P. maximinoi was determined to be from the second week of July to the first week of August for both plantations. The “peak” period was in the fourth week of July 2022. The success of the SE technology in P. maximinoi seed families is determined by the optimal inductive competence window of the immature megagametophytes enclosing zygotic embryos and the chemical composition of the induction medium in terms of the ammonium to nitrate molar ratio and the concentration of the L-glutamine used.
Magneto-Permeability Effect in Ferrofluid Flow Through Porous Media Studied via Multiparticle Collision Dynamics
Authors: Ilg Patrick
Published: April 2024

As more and more promising applications of magnetic nanoparticles in complicated environments are explored, their flow properties in porous media are of increasing interest. We here propose a hybrid approach based on the multiparticle collision dynamics method extended to porous media via friction forces and coupled with Brownian dynamics simulations of the rotational motion of magnetic nanoparticles’ magnetic moment. We simulate flow in planar channels homogeneously filled with a porous medium and verify our implementation by reproducing the analytical velocity profile of the Darcy–Brinkman model in the non-magnetic case. In the presence of an externally applied magnetic field, the non-equilibrium magnetization and friction forces lead to field-dependent velocity profiles that result in effective, field-dependent permeabilities. We provide a theoretical expression for this magneto-permeability effect in analogy with the magneto-viscous effect. Finally, we study the flow through planar channels, where only the walls are covered with a porous medium. We find a smooth crossover from the Poiseuille profile in the center of the channel to Brinkman–Darcy flow in the porous layers. We propose a simple estimate of the thickness of the porous layer based on the flow rate and maximum flow velocity.
Two-character sets, Veronese varieties and Grassmannian of lines
Authors: Cossidente A. , Marino G.
Published: April 2024

We show that, for any q, the pointset covered by the conic planes of a quadric Veronesean of $$\textrm{PG}(3,q)$$

PG
(
3
,
q
)

is a two character set with respect to hyperplanes of $$\textrm{PG}(9,q)$$

PG
(
9
,
q
)

.
Volume changes of diseased and normal areas in progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease on inspiratory and expiratory computed tomography
Authors: Kobayashi Taiga , Kunihiro Yoshie , Uehara Takuya , Tanabe Masahiro , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The diagnosis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) using computed tomography (CT) is an important medical practice in respiratory care, and most imaging findings for this disease have been obtained with inspiratory CT. It is possible that some characteristic changes in respiration may be seen in normal and diseased lung in PF-ILD, which may lead to a new understanding of the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia, but it has never been examined. In this study, we collected and selected inspiratory and expiratory CT scans performed in pure PF-ILD cases, and evaluated the volumes of diseased and normal lung separately by manual detection and 3-dimensional volumetry to characterize the dynamic features of PF-ILD.

Materials and methods

Cases were collected retrospectively from a total of 753 inspiratory and expiratory CT scans performed at our hospital over a 3-year period. Sixteen cases of pure PF-ILD, excluding almost all other diseases, were included. We measured their diseased, normal, and the whole lung volumes manually and evaluated the correlation of their values and their relationship with respiratory function tests (FVC, FVC%-predicted, and DLCO%-predicted).

Results

The relative expansion rate of the diseased lung is no less than that of the normal lung. The “Expansion volume of total lung” divided by the “Expansion volume of normal lung” was found to be significantly associated with DLCO%-predicted abnormalities (p = 0.0073).

Conclusion

The diseased lung in PF-ILD retained expansion capacity comparable to the normal lung, suggesting a negative impact on respiratory function.
MiR-449b-5p Ameliorates Hypoxia-induced Cardiomyocyte Injury through Activating PI3K/AKT Pathway by Targeting BCL2L13
Authors: Jiang Yang , Liu Zeyan , Ye Li , Cheng Jinglin , Wan Jun
Published: April 2024

Recent reports show miR-449b-5p reduces liver and renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its effects on hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury in ischemic heart disease are still unknown. In this study, AC16 human cardiomyocytes underwent hypoxic conditions for durations of 24, 48, and 72 h. We observed that miR-449b-5p expression was significantly downregulated in hypoxic AC16 cardiomyocytes. Elevating the levels of miR-449b-5p in these cells resulted in enhanced cell survival, diminished release of LDH, and a reduction in cell apoptosis and oxidative stress using CCK-8, LDH assays, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and various commercial kits. Conversely, reducing miR-449b-5p levels resulted in the opposite effects. Through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays, BCL2-like 13 (BCL2L13) was determined to be a direct target of miR-449b-5p. Inhibiting BCL2L13 greatly inhibited hypoxia-induced cell viability loss, LDH release, cell apoptosis, and excessive production of oxidative stress, whereas increasing BCL2L13 negated miR-449b-5p’s protective impact in hypoxic AC16 cardiomyocytes. Additionally, miR-449b-5p elevated the levels of the proteins p-PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2, while decreasing Bax expression in hypoxic AC16 cardiomyocytes by targeting BCL2L13. In summary, the research indicates that the protective effects of miR-449b-5p are facilitated through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which promotes cell survival, and by targeting BCL2L13, which inhibits apoptosis, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease by mitigating hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury.
Mitophagy Upregulation Occurs Early in the Neurodegenerative Process Mediated by α-Synuclein
Authors: Hui Sarah , George Jimmy , Kapadia Minesh , Chau Hien , Bariring Zahn , Earnshaw Rebecca , Shafiq Kashfia , Kalia Lorraine V. , Kalia Suneil K.
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurogenerative movement disorder characterized by dopaminergic cell death within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) due to the aggregation-prone protein α-synuclein. Accumulation of α-synuclein is implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of the autophagic turnover of mitochondria, or mitophagy, which is an essential quality control mechanism proposed to preserve mitochondrial fidelity in response to aging and stress. Yet, the precise relationship between α-synuclein accumulation, mitochondrial autophagy, and dopaminergic cell loss remains unresolved. Here, we determine the kinetics of α-synuclein overexpression and mitophagy using the pH-sensitive fluorescent mito-QC reporter. We find that overexpression of mutant A53T α-synuclein in either human SH-SY5Y cells or rat primary cortical neurons induces mitophagy. Moreover, the accumulation of mutant A53T α-synuclein in the SNpc of rats results in mitophagy dysregulation that precedes the onset of dopaminergic neurodegeneration. This study reveals a role for mutant A53T α-synuclein in inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be an early event contributing to neurodegeneration.
Kähler Geometry of Scalar Flat Metrics on Line Bundles Over Polarized Kähler–Einstein Manifolds
Authors: Cristofori Simone , Zedda Michela
Published: April 2024

In view of a better understanding of the geometry of scalar flat Kähler metrics, this paper studies two families of scalar flat Kähler metrics constructed by Hwang and Singer (Trans Am Math Soc 354(6):2285–2325, 2002) on $$\mathbb {C}^{n+1}$$

C

n
+
1

and on $${\mathcal {O}}(-k)$$

O
(
-
k
)

. For the metrics in both the families, we prove the existence of an asymptotic expansion for their $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-functions and we show that they can be approximated by a sequence of projectively induced Kähler metrics. Further, we show that the metrics on $$\mathbb {C}^{n+1}$$

C

n
+
1

are not projectively induced, and that the Burns–Simanca metric is characterized among the scalar flat metrics on $${\mathcal {O}}(-k)$$

O
(
-
k
)

to be the only projectively induced one as well as the only one whose second coefficient in the asymptotic expansion of the $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-function vanishes.
Mean-Dispersion Principles and the Wigner Transform
Authors: Boiti Chiara , Jornet David , Oliaro Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Given a function $$f\in L^2(\mathbb {R})$$

f
∈

L
2

(
R
)

, we consider means and variances associated to f and its Fourier transform $$\hat{f}$$

f
^

, and explore their relations with the Wigner transform W(f), obtaining, as particular cases, a simple new proof of Shapiro’s mean-dispersion principle, as well as a stronger result due to Jaming and Powell. Uncertainty principles for orthonormal sequences in $$L^2(\mathbb {R})$$

L
2

(
R
)

involving linear partial differential operators with polynomial coefficients and the Wigner distribution, or different Cohen class representations, are obtained, and an extension to the case of Riesz bases is studied.
The influence of a previous implant-based breast reconstruction on postoperative sensation of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap
Authors: van Rooij Joep A. F. , Bijkerk Ennie , van der Hulst René R. J. W. , Tuinder Stefania M. H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Implants and DIEP flaps have different outcomes regarding postoperative breast sensation. When compared to the preoperative healthy breast, implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) negatively influences postoperative breast sensation. However, it is currently unknown whether a prior IBBR also influences postoperative sensation of a replacing DIEP flap. The goal of this cohort study is to evaluate the influence of an IBBR on the postoperative sensation of a replacing DIEP flap.

Methods

Women were included if they received a DIEP flap reconstruction after mastectomy, with or without prior tissue expander (TE) and/or definitive breast implant. Sensation was measured at four intervals in 9 areas of the breast with Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments: T0 (preoperative, implant/no reconstruction), T1 (2–7 months postoperative, DIEP), T2 (± 12 months postoperative, DIEP), Tmax (maximum follow-up, DIEP). Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the relationship between an implant/TE prior to the DIEP flap and recovery of breast sensation.

Results

142 women comprising 206 breasts were included. 48 (23.3%) breasts did, and 158 (76.7%) breasts did not have a TE/IBBR prior to their DIEP. No statistically significant or clinically relevant relationships were found between a prior implant/TE and recovery of DIEP flap breast sensation for the flap skin, native skin, or total breast skin at T1, T2, or Tmax. There were also no relationships found after adjustment for the confounders radiation therapy, BMI, diabetes, age, flap weight, follow-up, and nerve coaptation.

Conclusions

An implant/TE prior to a DIEP flap does not influence the recovery of postoperative breast sensation of the DIEP flap.
Aktuelle WHO-Klassifikation der oralen potenziell malignen Erkrankungen (OPMD)
Authors: Baumhoer Daniel , Reichert Torsten E.
Published: April 2024

Orale Plattenepithelkarzinome entwickeln sich i. d. R. auf dem Boden von Vorläuferläsionen, die in der Klassifikation der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) als orale potenziell maligne Erkrankungen (OPMD) zusammengefasst und beschrieben werden. Mit der Neuauflage der Klassifikation, die Anfang 2022 als Betaversion online publiziert wurde und voraussichtlich Anfang 2024 als Printversion erscheinen wird, ergeben sich zahlreiche Präzisierungen und konzeptionelle Änderungen, die in diesem Beitrag dargestellt werden. Für ein besseres Verständnis werden auch verschiedene Hypothesen zur molekularen Pathogenese der Karzinomentstehung beschrieben und deren Auswirkungen auf die Diagnostik von Vorläuferläsionen diskutiert. Als morphologisch zentrale Indikatorläsion wird die orale Epitheldysplasie einschließlich Klassifikation und Prognose beschrieben. Abschließend werden Sonderformen, wie die lichenoiden Dysplasie und die proliferative verruköse Leukoplakie, im kritischen Kontext mit der aktuellen Literatur dargestellt.
Utilizing layout effects for analog logic locking
Authors: Aljafar Muayad J. , Azais Florence , Flottes Marie-Lise , Pagliarini Samuel
Published: April 2024

While numerous obfuscation techniques are available for securing digital assets in the digital domain, there has been a notable lack of focus on protecting intellectual property (IP) in the analog domain. This is primarily due to the relatively smaller footprint of analog components within an integrated circuit (IC), with the majority of the surface dedicated to digital elements. However, despite their smaller nature, analog components are highly valuable IP and warrant effective protection. In this paper, we present a groundbreaking method for safeguarding analog IP by harnessing layout-based effects that are typically considered undesirable in IC design. Specifically, we exploit the impact of length of oxide diffusion and well proximity effect on transistors to fine-tune critical parameters such as transconductance ($$g_{m}$$

g
m

) and threshold voltage ($$V_{th}$$

V

th

). These parameters remain concealed behind key inputs, akin to the logic locking approach employed in digital ICs. Our research explores the application of layout-based effects in two commercial CMOS technologies, namely a 28 nm and a 65 nm node. To demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed technique, we implement it for locking an operational transconductance amplifier. Extensive simulations are performed, evaluating the obfuscation strength by applying a large number of key sets (over 50,000 and 300,000). The results exhibit a significant degradation in performance metrics, such as open-loop gain (up to 130 dB), phase margin (up to 50$$^\circ $$

∘

), 3 dB bandwidth (approximately 2.5 MHz), and power consumption (around 1 mW) when incorrect keys are employed. Our findings highlight the advantages of our approach as well as the associated overhead.
Nanozinc ferrites @ silica as efficient adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater: synthesis and adsorption studies
Authors: Hashem A. A. , Abd El-Wahab R. M. , Selim M. M. A. , Badawy A. A.
Published: April 2024

The precipitation process was successfully employed to prepare ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@SiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoadsorbents were characterized employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brauner-Emmett and Teller (BET) methods. The potential adsorption capacities of the generated nanoparticles were assessed under various conditions, including pH, starting dye concentration, contact time, and temperature. The adsorption efficiency of ZnFe2O4@SiO2 nanoparticles (95%) was higher than ZnFe2O4 (93%). The adsorption data were described using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) isotherm models. The methylene blue (MB) removal kinetics by ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@Silica nanoparticles were evaluated using linear pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models. The removal fitted to pseudo-second-order (PSO) models as the correlation coefficient (R2) value was (0.9994). The Boyd model may be used to validate the kinetics data, and it can be deduced that the rate-determining phase was not intra-particle diffusion, but rather the hypothesized adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Based on the findings, ZnFe2O4@silica is an adsorbent material that may be useful in removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions.
Factors predicting long-term weight maintenance in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review
Authors: Maurel Lydia , MacKean Molly , Lacey J. Hubert
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Eating disorder recovery is a poorly defined concept, with large variations among researchers’ definitions. Weight maintenance is a key aspect of recovery that remains relatively underexplored in the literature. Understanding the role of weight maintenance may help guide the development of treatments. This paper aims to address this by (1) investigating the factors predicting long-term weight maintenance in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients; (2) exploring differences in predictive factors between adolescent and adult populations; and (3) exploring how weight maintenance is conceptualised in the literature. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines to address our research questions. Five databases were searched and filtered according to our exclusion criteria.

Results

From the search, 1059 studies were yielded, and 13 studies were included for review. A range of weight, biological and psychological factors were found to predict weight maintenance among these papers. BMI at admission and discharge from inpatient treatment was the most common predictor among the papers. Few studies investigated biological factors and mixed evidence was found for psychological factors. We found no observable differences between adult and adolescent populations. Finally, weight maintenance was defined and measured differently across studies.

Conclusion

This review’s findings can help contribute to a well-rounded understanding of weight maintenance, and ultimately, of recovery. This can help support clinicians in tailoring interventions to improve long-term outcomes in AN. Future research should aim to replicate studies to better understand the relationship between the factors identified and weight maintenance.

Level I

Systematic review.
Factors Associated with Israeli Arab Women Anxiety and Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ali-Saleh O. , Bord S. , Basis F.
Published: April 2024

Background

Reports have shown that women suffered from anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic more than men. No study so far has examined the effect of the pandemic among the Arab minority in Israel.

Objectives

To examine the associations between levels of pandemic fatigue and stress of Israeli Arab women, and their anxiety and depression, along with their socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

Methods

A Cohen and Williamson questionnaire, which was based on a Likert scale, was distributed by the snowball method through social networks. Bivariate associations between the psycho-social and demographic characteristics and anxiety and depression were assessed using t-tests, chi-square tests, Z tests, and Pearson correlations. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations with anxiety and depression, and the mediation model was examined with path analysis with bootstrapping.

Results

Among 2294 Israeli Arab mothers who participated in the study, 63.7% were in the clinical range for anxiety, 67.4% for depression, and 57.5% for both anxiety and depression. Low economic status, pandemic fatigue, living in closed communities, and stress were related to anxiety and depression. Pandemic fatigue was positively related to stress, which was positively related to both anxiety and depression (standardized indirect effect = 0.137, SE = 0.014, 95%CI = 0.111, 0.164, p < .001; vs. 0.133, SE = 0.013, 95%CI = 0.108, 0.160, p < .001 respectively). The contribution of stress to anxiety and depression was significantly greater than that of pandemic fatigue (Z = 19.43 and Z = 18.04, p < .001, for anxiety and depression, respectively).

Conclusions

Demographic characteristics may put Arab women at a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Elevated stress alongside high fatigue may trigger mental health difficulties. The welfare of minorities should be addressed by policymakers in relation to their demographic needs.
Exploring home rehabilitation therapists’ experiences of supporting older persons to physical exercise after acute hospitalization: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Sandlund Christina , Sandberg Linda , Lindblom Sebastian , Frisendahl Nathalie , Boström Anne-Marie , Welmer Anna-Karin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

After hospitalization, older persons may face a decline in physical function and daily independence. In-hospital exercise interventions can mitigate this decline, and continued support from primary healthcare post-discharge may enhance sustainability. This study aimed to explore home rehabilitation therapists’ experiences of supporting physical exercise after acute hospitalization, including exercise programs initiated during hospital stay.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted alongside a randomized-controlled trial to investigate prerequisites for a transitional care intervention. Twelve interviews were conducted with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and managers across seven rehabilitation therapy services in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis generated the theme Striving for individualized support for physical exercise, although limited resources and a fragmented home care risk to direct support away from those who need it the most. It was based on four subthemes: The starting point is always the patient's current needs, goals, and prerequisites, Continuing the exercise initiated during hospitalization by adapting it to the patient’s situation at home, Work premises not tailored to patients with complex care needs, and A home care organization that lacks coordination and unified purpose.

Conclusions

Interventions supporting older persons to physical exercise after acute hospitalization need to be tailored to the individual, support motivation, and be adapted to the patient’s home situation. Challenges may arise when care recourses lack alignment with the patients’ needs, and when the collaboration among care providers is limited. The findings contribute valuable insights for future studies incorporating transitional care interventions in similar context.
Optimisation-based strategies to identification of material parameters of hygro-thermo-mechanical problems
Authors: Vaz M. , Zdanski P. S. B.
Published: April 2024

Applications involving hygro-thermo-mechanical models are found in engineering fields as diverse as electronic packaging, concrete structures, composite materials and wood structures. Within the framework of wood processing, hygro-thermo-mechanical problems account for the cross-dependence of moisture content, temperature and dimensional changes of wooden components. Numerical simulation plays an important role in predicting the behaviour of wooden structures and, therefore, use of appropriate process and material parameters is essential for a successful prediction. The present work is inserted in this context and addresses application of optimisation techniques to identification of heat transfer, moisture diffusion and moisture-dependent swelling/shrinkage parameters. The direct problem is formulated based on a fully coupled transient solution of the energy, moisture and momentum transfer conservation laws. A global–local hybrid optimisation technique is proposed combining swarm intelligence and deterministic approaches, respectively based on particle swarm optimisation and the Nelder–Mead (NM) technique. The first stage aims at reducing the search space, so that the NM algorithm is able to determine the global minimum with acceptable accuracy. The strategy is both robust and efficient, being able to avoid local minima with reduced number of fitness computations. An illustrative example featuring a moisture-gaining process is also discussed, in which special attention is placed on the elastic and material swelling coupled effects caused by moisture transfer.
Resonant Interactions Between Relativistic Electrons and EMIC Waves Modified by Partial Shell Proton Velocity Distributions
Authors: Yu Jiang , Ren Aojun , He Zhaoguo , Liu Xiaoman , Wang Jing , Liu Nigang , Chen Zuzheng , Li Liuyuan , Cui Jun , Cao Jinbin
Published: April 2024

Resonant interactions of relativistic electrons with electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves were previously considered under the cold plasma approximation or in hot plasmas with bi‐Maxwellian distributions. Here, we examine their resonant interactions in hot plasmas with partial shell distributions and find that such distributions can significantly alter the dispersion relation of EMIC waves and thus the corresponding wave‐induced electron pitch angle scattering rates and loss timescales compared to those under the cold plasma assumption. Regardless of wave band and frequency, partial shell distributed hot protons tend to uplift the electron minimum resonant energy, and reduce (raise) the pitch angle scattering rates of electrons at low (high) energies and large (small) pitch angles. Correspondingly, the loss timescales lengthen for low‐energy electrons but shorten for high‐energy electrons. Such tendencies are generally more significant for lower‐frequency EMIC waves and larger shell temperature, anisotropic degree, and concentration.
A Global Assessment of Eddy‐Induced Salinity Anomalies and Salt Transport by Eddy Movement
Authors: Mo Danhong , He Qingyou , Zhan Weikang , He Yinghui , Zhan Haigang
Published: April 2024

Eddy‐induced salt transport is essential in maintaining the oceanic salinity balance and global climate. However, the paucity of in situ measurements poses challenges in obtaining the spatial structure of the eddy salt transport globally. Here, we conduct a global estimation of eddy‐induced salinity anomalies and salt transport by eddy movement using 2 million historical hydrographic profile measurements and satellite‐based eddy observations spanning from 1993 to 2019. The results demonstrate rich geographic and vertical variability in the salinity anomalies induced by eddies across the global ocean. Vertical sign switches of salinity anomalies within eddies are observed in the tropical and subtropical oceans, as well as in the Kuroshio Extension region. Additionally, meridional sign switches of eddy‐induced salinity anomalies are observed in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current region. By integrating eddy occurrence probability, we refine the methodology for estimating eddy‐induced salt transport, and provide global spatial patterns of both meridional and zonal salt transport induced by eddy movement at each 2° × 2° grid. Significant salt transport by meridional eddy movement is observed in the mid‐latitude oceans, with the peak zonal‐depth integrated salt transport reaching 106 kg·s−1 in the mid‐latitudes of the southern hemisphere. Specifically, the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence region is identified as a highly efficient pathway for meridional salt transport, with a magnitude of −1.28 × 106 kg·s−1, significantly surpassing other regions in the global ocean. These findings may provide important references for the understanding and simulation of global oceanic salinity transport.
The Summer Kuroshio Intrusion Into the East China Sea Revealed by a New Mixed‐Layer Water Mass Analysis
Authors: Li Shuangzhao , Zhong Yisen , Zhou Meng , Wu Hui , Gao Yonghui , Zhou Peng , Wang Yihe , Zhang Zhaoru , Zhang Han
Published: April 2024

Though the Kuroshio intrusion (KI) into the East China Sea (ECS) is relatively weaker during summer, it is of great importance to the ECS shelf ecosystem in this biologically‐active season. The interannual variability of the summer intrusion is less explored as the long‐term observations of the oceanic current are insufficient to draw a complete and unbiased conclusion. Using 3‐year in situ measurements, we develop and validate a new tracer‐based mixed‐layer optimal multi‐parameter (MLOMP) water mass analysis, which can well capture the intrusion pattern and year‐to‐year variation. The result exhibits a two‐layer intrusion with decoupled interannual variations. The surface intrusion is controlled by the interaction between the Kuroshio and steep topography. During the year with abnormally weak upstream transport, the Kuroshio surface water may notably enter the ECS shelf and can reach farther north, as opposed to the very weak summer intrusion revealed by previous seasonal studies. The intrusion of Kuroshio subsurface water is characterized by a northward nearshore branch current, which is regulated by the offshore Ekman transport and shoreward pressure gradient at the interannual scale. The new MLOMP is also applied to the satellite temperature and salinity to examine the surface intrusion. The results still depict a reasonable spatial distribution and year‐to‐year variability of the intrusion, implying potentially a more practical use for longer‐term intrusion analysis.
Satellite Observations of the Influence of Energetic Electron Precipitation on the Mesosphere and Stratosphere in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Salminen Antti , Asikainen Timo , Mursula Kalevi
Published: April 2024

The Earth’s atmosphere is influenced by energetic electrons coming from the magnetosphere. This energetic electron precipitation (EEP) is energized by the solar wind and directly affects in the high‐latitude mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). EEP forms odd nitrogen (NOx) and hydrogen oxides (HOx) which destroy ozone. During winter EEP‐NOx descends to the stratosphere, establishing the indirect EEP effect. Several studies have found that EEP is related to changes in temperature and winds in the northern winter stratosphere. One of the most prominent effects of EEP is the influence on the northern polar vortex, a westerly wind system surrounding the winter pole in the middle atmosphere. Most studies of the EEP effect on dynamical features of the middle atmosphere have relied on either model simulations or reanalysis datasets which are mainly limited to stratospheric heights. We study here EEP effects on chemical and dynamical properties of the stratosphere and mesosphere in the northern hemisphere by using EOS Aura satellite’s measurements of atmospheric properties and POES satellites' measurements of precipitating electrons. We confirm earlier results showing that EEP decreases ozone and affects the temperature in the polar middle atmosphere and strengthens the stratospheric polar vortex. We show that EEP weakens the mesospheric polar vortex in late winter. This effect on polar vortex is partly due to changes in propagation and convergence of planetary waves. Accordingly, the EEP effect on the northern polar vortex depends on planetary waves not only in the stratosphere, as found in earlier studies, but also in the mesosphere.
Inferring Tracer Diffusivity From Coherent Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Zhang Wenda , Wolfe Christopher L. P.
Published: April 2024

Mixing along isopycnals plays an important role in the transport and uptake of oceanic tracers. Isopycnal mixing is commonly quantified by a tracer diffusivity. Previous studies have estimated the tracer diffusivity using the rate of dispersion of surface drifters, subsurface floats, or numerical particles advected by satellite‐derived velocity fields. This study shows that the diffusivity can be more efficiently estimated from the dispersion of coherent mesoscale eddies. Coherent eddies are identified and tracked as the persistent sea surface height extrema in both a two‐layer quasigeostrophic (QG) model and an idealized primitive equation (PE) model. The Lagrangian diffusivity is estimated using the tracks of these coherent eddies and compared to the diagnosed Eulerian diffusivity. It is found that the meridional coherent eddy diffusivity approaches a stable value within about 20–40 days in both models. In the QG model, the coherent eddy diffusivity is a good approximation to the upper‐layer tracer diffusivity in a broad range of flow regimes, except for small values of bottom friction or planetary vorticity gradient, where the motions of same‐sign eddies are correlated over long distances. In the PE model, the tracer diffusivity has a complicated vertical structure and the coherent eddy diffusivity is correlated with the tracer diffusivity at the e‐folding depth of the energy‐containing eddies where the intrinsic speed of the coherent eddies matches the rms eddy velocity. These results suggest that the oceanic tracer diffusivity at depth can be estimated from the movements of coherent mesoscale eddies, which are routinely tracked from satellite observations.
Tatooine, Trisolaris, Thessia: Sci-Fi Exoplanets Reflect Real-Life Discoveries
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: April 2024

After astronomers discovered exoplanets wildly different from Earth, exoplanets in science fiction became less Earth-like, too.
Comparison of the Ionospheric Dynamo Current of Mars Above InSight and Zhurong Landing Sites: A Modeling Study
Authors: Luo H. , Tian L. , Du A. M. , Ge Y. S. , Zhang Y.
Published: April 2024

Previous observational studies suggest that the surface time‐varying magnetic field of Mars originates in large part from the dynamo currents in the Martian ionosphere. However, whether there are significant differences in the strength, configuration, diurnal, and seasonal variations of the dynamo currents above different regions need to be further studied. In this study, using the ionospheric parameters from Mars Climate Database version 5.3 (MCD v5.3) and 7 years of MAVEN magnetic field measurements, we compare the ionospheric dynamo currents above the landing sites of InSight (4.50°N, 135.62°E) and Zhurong (25.07°N, 109.90°E) and the resulting surface magnetic variations at the two landing sites by conducting a modeling study. We find that the average dynamo current as well as its diurnal magnetic field amplitude on the Martian surface is significantly stronger at InSight than that at Zhurong due to the stronger background magnetic field strength and more perpendicular angle between magnetic field and neutral wind vectors in the dynamo region, though the conductivities is always weaker over InSight landing site. The seasonal variation of the current intensity (represented by differences between northern winter and summer solstices) is prominent over InSight than that over Zhurong because the heliospheric distance effect‐resulted conductivity difference is the dominate factor for the seasonal variations over InSight while both the heliospheric distance and solar zenith angle (SZA) contribute to the current intensity at different Ls over Zhurong. The two factors partially offset each other and lead to a smaller seasonal variation. The role of crustal field, as well as the latitude effects on dynamo currents is also discussed. This study provides an attempt to promote the understanding of the solar wind‐induced magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐surface coupling process.
Thank You to Our 2023 Reviewers
Authors: Schildgen Taylor , Rusmore Margaret , Aitchison Jonathan , Jolivet Laurent
Published: April 2024

The editors of Tectonics would like to offer our sincere thanks to those who reviewed manuscripts for us in 2023. The time reviewers spend reading and commenting on manuscripts helps to ensure that our science is well communicated, clearly documented, appropriately placed in the context of prior work, and effectively archived for future usage. We understand that as one of the AGU journals hosting long format articles, reviewing a manuscript for Tectonics is a considerable time commitment. For this reason, we are particularly grateful to our reviewers for their diligence in helping to provide high‐quality, timely reviews. We also appreciate the efforts many reviewers contribute toward advancing open science by evaluating the availability and accessibility of data, which are key objectives of the AGU's FAIR data policy. The 137 papers published in Tectonics in 2023 benefitted from the careful scrutiny and constructive critique drawn from the expertise of 465 reviewers, who provided a total of 652 reviews. We are grateful for this contribution toward producing the high‐quality output that has helped Tectonics maintain a prominent position in scientific publishing for decades, and for the spirit of teamwork that makes the peer review process an asset in our community.
RevCAR-expressing immune effector cells for targeting of Fn14-positive glioblastoma
Authors: Saleh Haidy A. , Mitwasi Nicola , R. Loureiro Liliana , Kegler Alexandra , Soto Karla Elizabeth González , Hoffmann Lydia , Crespo Eugenia , Arndt Claudia , Bergmann Ralf , Bachmann Michael , Feldmann Anja
Published: April 2024

In recent studies, we have established the unique adapter chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platform RevCAR which uses, as an extracellular CAR domain, a peptide epitope instead of an antibody domain. RevCAR adapters (termed RevCAR target modules, RevTMs) are bispecific antibodies that enable the reversible ON/OFF switch of the RevCAR system, improving the safety compared to conventional CARs. Here, we describe for the first time its use for retargeting of both T and NK-92 cells. In addition, we describe the development and preclinical validation of a novel RevTM for targeting of the fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) surface receptor which is overexpressed on Glioblastoma (GBM) cells, and therefore serves as a promising target for the treatment of GBM. The novel RevTM efficiently redirects RevCAR modified T and NK-92 cells and leads to the killing of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Tumor cell killing is associated with increased IL-2, TNF-α and/or IFN-γ secretion. Hence, these findings give an insight into the complementary potential of both RevCAR T and NK-92 systems as a safe and specific immunotherapeutic approach against GBM.
The dual role of mesenchymal stem cells in apoptosis regulation
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Xia Xuewei , Yao Mengwei , Yang Yi , Ao Xiang , Zhang Zhaoqi , Guo Li , Xu Xiang
Published: April 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely distributed pluripotent stem cells with powerful immunomodulatory capacity. MSCs transplantation therapy (MSCT) is widely used in the fields of tissue regeneration and repair, and treatment of inflammatory diseases. Apoptosis is an important way for tissues to maintain cell renewal, but it also plays an important role in various diseases. And many studies have shown that MSCs improves the diseases by regulating cell apoptosis. The regulation of MSCs on apoptosis is double-sided. On the one hand, MSCs significantly inhibit the apoptosis of diseased cells. On the other hand, MSCs also promote the apoptosis of tumor cells and excessive immune cells. Furthermore, MSCs regulate apoptosis through multiple molecules and pathways, including three classical apoptotic signaling pathways and other pathways. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the regulation of apoptosis by MSCs.
Halogen doped graphene quantum dots modulate TDP-43 phase separation and aggregation in the nucleus
Authors: Zhang Hong , Guo Huazhang , Li Danni , Zhang Yiling , Zhang Shengnan , Kang Wenyan , Liu Cong , Le Weidong , Wang Liang , Li Dan , Dai Bin
Published: April 2024

TDP-43 is implicated in the dynamic formation of nuclear bodies and stress granules through phase separation. In diseased states, it can further condense into pathological aggregates in the nucleus and cytoplasm, contributing to the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this study, we evaluate the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with different functional groups on TDP-43’s phase separation and aggregation in various cellular locations. We find that halogen atom-doped GQDs (GQDs-Cl, Cl-GQDs-OH) penetrate the nuclear envelope, inhibiting the assembly of TDP-43 nuclear bodies and stress granules under oxidative stress or hyperosmotic environments, and reduce amyloid aggregates and disease-associated phosphorylation of TDP-43. Mechanistic analysis reveals GQDs-Cl and Cl-GQDs-OH modulate TDP-43 phase separation through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Our findings highlight the potential of GQDs-Cl and Cl-GQDs-OH in modulating nuclear protein condensation and pathological aggregation, offering direction for the innovative design of GQDs to modulate protein phase separation and aggregation.
Potent human neutralizing antibodies against Nipah virus derived from two ancestral antibody heavy chains
Authors: Chen Li , Sun Mengmeng , Zhang Huajun , Zhang Xinghai , Yao Yanfeng , Li Ming , Li Kangyin , Fan Pengfei , Zhang Haiwei , Qin Ye , Zhang Zhe , Li Entao , Chen Zhen , Guan Wuxiang , Li Shanshan , Yu Changming , Zhang Kaiming , Gong Rui , Chiu Sandra
Published: April 2024

Nipah virus (NiV) is a World Health Organization priority pathogen and there are currently no approved drugs for clinical immunotherapy. Through the use of a naïve human phage-displayed Fab library, two neutralizing antibodies (NiV41 and NiV42) targeting the NiV receptor binding protein (RBP) were identified. Following affinity maturation, antibodies derived from NiV41 display cross-reactivity against both NiV and Hendra virus (HeV), whereas the antibody based on NiV42 is only specific to NiV. Results of immunogenetic analysis reveal a correlation between the maturation of antibodies and their antiviral activity. In vivo testing of NiV41 and its mature form (41-6) show protective efficacy against a lethal NiV challenge in hamsters. Furthermore, a 2.88 Å Cryo-EM structure of the tetrameric RBP and antibody complex demonstrates that 41-6 blocks the receptor binding interface. These findings can be beneficial for the development of antiviral drugs and the design of vaccines with broad spectrum against henipaviruses.
Ligand-modified nanoparticle surfaces influence CO electroreduction selectivity
Authors: Shirzadi Erfan , Jin Qiu , Zeraati Ali Shayesteh , Dorakhan Roham , Goncalves Tiago J. , Abed Jehad , Lee Byoung-Hoon , Rasouli Armin Sedighian , Wicks Joshua , Zhang Jinqiang , Ou Pengfei , Boureau Victor , Park Sungjin , Ni Weiyan , Lee Geonhui , Tian Cong , Meira Debora Motta , Sinton David , Siahrostami Samira , Sargent Edward H.
Published: April 2024

Improving the kinetics and selectivity of CO2/CO electroreduction to valuable multi-carbon products is a challenge for science and is a requirement for practical relevance. Here we develop a thiol-modified surface ligand strategy that promotes electrochemical CO-to-acetate. We explore a picture wherein nucleophilic interaction between the lone pairs of sulfur and the empty orbitals of reaction intermediates contributes to making the acetate pathway more energetically accessible. Density functional theory calculations and Raman spectroscopy suggest a mechanism where the nucleophilic interaction increases the sp2 hybridization of CO(ad), facilitating the rate-determining step, CO* to (CHO)*. We find that the ligands stabilize the (HOOC–CH2)* intermediate, a key intermediate in the acetate pathway. In-situ Raman spectroscopy shows shifts in C–O, Cu–C, and C–S vibrational frequencies that agree with a picture of surface ligand-intermediate interactions. A Faradaic efficiency of 70% is obtained on optimized thiol-capped Cu catalysts, with onset potentials 100 mV lower than in the case of reference Cu catalysts.
Probing altered receptor specificities of antigenically drifting human H3N2 viruses by chemoenzymatic synthesis, NMR, and modeling
Authors: Unione Luca , Ammerlaan Augustinus N. A. , Bosman Gerlof P. , Uslu Elif , Liang Ruonan , Broszeit Frederik , van der Woude Roosmarijn , Liu Yanyan , Ma Shengzhou , Liu Lin , Gómez-Redondo Marcos , Bermejo Iris A. , Valverde Pablo , Diercks Tammo , Ardá Ana , de Vries Robert P. , Boons Geert-Jan
Published: April 2024

Prototypic receptors for human influenza viruses are N-glycans carrying α2,6-linked sialosides. Due to immune pressure, A/H3N2 influenza viruses have emerged with altered receptor specificities that bind α2,6-linked sialosides presented on extended N-acetyl-lactosamine (LacNAc) chains. Here, binding modes of such drifted hemagglutinin’s (HAs) are examined by chemoenzymatic synthesis of N-glycans having 13C-labeled monosaccharides at strategic positions. The labeled glycans are employed in 2D STD-1H by 13C-HSQC NMR experiments to pinpoint which monosaccharides of the extended LacNAc chain engage with evolutionarily distinct HAs. The NMR data in combination with computation and mutagenesis demonstrate that mutations distal to the receptor binding domain of recent HAs create an extended binding site that accommodates with the extended LacNAc chain. A fluorine containing sialoside is used as NMR probe to derive relative binding affinities and confirms the contribution of the extended LacNAc chain for binding.
A silicon photoanode protected with TiO2/stainless steel bilayer stack for solar seawater splitting
Authors: Zhao Shixuan , Liu Bin , Li Kailang , Wang Shujie , Zhang Gong , Zhao Zhi-Jian , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: April 2024

Photoelectrochemical seawater splitting is a promising route for direct utilization of solar energy and abundant seawater resources for H2 production. However, the complex salinity composition in seawater results in intractable challenges for photoelectrodes. This paper describes the fabrication of a bilayer stack consisting of stainless steel and TiO2 as a cocatalyst and protective layer for Si photoanode. The chromium-incorporated NiFe (oxy)hydroxide converted from stainless steel film serves as a protective cocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution and retarding the adsorption of corrosive ions from seawater, while the TiO2 is capable of avoiding the plasma damage of the surface layer of Si photoanode during the sputtering of stainless steel catalysts. By implementing this approach, the TiO2 layer effectively shields the vulnerable semiconductor photoelectrode from the harsh plasma sputtering conditions in stainless steel coating, preventing surface damages. Finally, the Si photoanode with the bilayer stack inhibits the adsorption of chloride and realizes 167 h stability in chloride-containing alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, this photoanode also demonstrates stable performance under alkaline natural seawater for over 50 h with an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 2.62%.