bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of groundwater recharge and connectivity with surface water in a mountainous watershed using natural tracers in Daejeon, Korea
Authors: Choi Hanna , Lee Chung-Mo , Jo Hui Je , Shim Byoung Ohan
Published: October 2023

The water supply from headwater streams in mountainous regions is considered an important source for sustaining both water quality and quantity in lowland areas. The Korean terrain is characterized by mountainous regions, the hydrological environment is significantly impacted by seasonal weather conditions. This study focused on investigating the hydrochemistry and isotopic composition of groundwater and surface water to identify hydrological connectivity within a mountainous watershed area in Daejeon, Korea. The estimated recharge rate using water budget methods suggests that approximately 20% of the total precipitation contributes to groundwater recharge in this site. The δ18O–δ2H values of the water samples indicate a meteoric water source for groundwater recharge, while the isotope composition of surface water reveals altitude effects, implying that groundwater recharges at a higher altitude region. Additionally, water revealed altitude effects suggesting that the groundwater was inferred to recharge at a higher altitude region. The hydrochemical conservative components (87Sr/86Sr ratio and Cl−) indicate that this watershed undergoes temporary similar water–rock interactions along its flow path, but it is also impacted by anthropogenic contaminants from the surrounding public area. The results of the three-component endmember mixing analysis demonstrate that groundwater is predominantly influenced by surface water, indicating a close interrelationship among various water bodies in mountain hydrology. These findings provide a comprehensive approach to water resource management by combining recharge rate estimation and the assessment of water body connectivity using natural tracers.
Experimental investigation of the rock cutting process and derivation of the 3D spatial distribution of the formation strength using in-cutter sensing
Authors: Koulidis Alexis , Pelfrene Gilles , Ahmed Shehab
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in downhole measurements allow to accurately measure drilling forces at the drill bit, and estimate the evolution of the rock strength along the well profile. This paper presents an experimental methodology that allows to measure drilling forces, at the cutter scale, with a sensor embedded behind a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter, and to infer the 3D spatial distribution of the rock strength. Two experimental campaigns have been performed on a laboratory-scaled drilling rig and complemented with standard mechanical tests to validate rock strength estimations. In the first campaign, homogeneous synthetic rock samples have been prepared. The average rock strength of each sample derived from cutter force measurements and a cutter–rock interaction model, compares well with the one derived from mechanical tests. In the second campaign, heterogeneous synthetic rock samples have been prepared. They are made of two layers of gypsum mixtures of different strengths, separated by a slanted bedding plane. Based on the instrumented cutter measurements, the 3D spatial distribution of the rock strength has been reconstructed along its path. Rock strength estimations are consistent with results obtained from mechanical tests, and the reconstructed geometry of the bedding plane matches well its actual geometry. The experimental methodology and technology presented in this paper lay the foundations for estimating rock properties in 3D, at the drilling stage. It has the potential to provide geoscientists information about complex lithological structures at an early stage, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming coring and logging operations.
Demystifying Vocal Hygiene: Considerations for Professional Voice Users
Authors: Weston Zoe , Schneider Sarah L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

Discuss current literature and clinical experience related to vocal hygiene, with special consideration for the professional and performing voice user.

Recent Findings

Use and non-use-related vocal hygiene factors that may impact professional and performing voice users include hydration, laryngeal irritants, phonotrauma, and voice rest. Key considerations include monitoring both systemic and surface hydration, maintaining awareness of key signs and symptoms of reflux, avoiding phonotraumatic patterns and/or learning to pace voice use when high-impact vocal behaviors are required. Complete voice rest is better suited to treat acute injury and not practical for day-to-day vocal management.

Vocal hygiene is one tool within voice therapy that plays a key role in vocal injury prevention and rehabilitation when paired with direct voice therapy. Vocal hygiene education should be individualized, guided by the tenants of meta-therapy and motivational interviewing to increase self-efficacy for change and adherence to recommendations.
Synthesis of a quantum tree Weyl matrix
Authors: Avdonin Sergei A. , Khmelnytskaya Kira V. , Kravchenko Vladislav V.
Published: October 2023

A method for successive synthesis of a Weyl matrix (or Dirichlet-to-Neumann map) of an arbitrary quantum tree is proposed. It allows one, starting from one boundary edge, to compute the Weyl matrix of a whole quantum graph by adding on new edges and solving elementary systems of linear algebraic equations in each step.
Certain invertible operator-block matrices induced by $$C^{*}$$-algebras and scaled hypercomplex numbers
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Cho Ilwoo
Published: October 2023

The main purposes of this paper are (i) to enlarge scaled hypercomplex structures to operator-valued cases, where the operators are taken from a$$C^{*}$$C∗-subalgebra of an operator algebra on a separable Hilbert space, (ii) to characterize the invertibility conditions on the operator-valued scaled-hypercomplex structures of (i), (iii) to study relations between the invertibility of scaled hypercomplex numbers, and that of operator-valued cases of (ii), and (iv) to confirm our invertibility of (ii) and (iii) are equivalent to the general invertibility of$$\left( 2\times 2\right) $$2×2-block operator matrices.
Simplified approach for modeling standard PVB at large deformations and long-term loading
Authors: Pauli Alexander , Siebert Geralt
Published: October 2023

Recently, the numerical simulation of the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated glass (LG) is an often discussed but not sufficiently solved problem in structural glass design yet. According to CEN/TS 19100:2021 (2021a), and CEN/TS 19100:2021 (2021b), the design in the Post Fracture Limit State (PFLS) is possible experimentally and numerically. Experimental verification requires large-scale component tests, which are often costly and time-consuming. The resource-saving numerical approach is to be preferred. However, at the moment, there is no sound numerical model capable of representing the complex load-bearing mechanisms of broken laminated glass (LG) in civil engineering practice. These mechanisms are the finite-strain response of the interlayer, the contact between glass fragments or shards themselves, and the bond between glass and interlayer. Delamination governs the latter one mainly. This work focuses on the experimental, mechanical, and numerical characterization of the finite-strain behavior of polymeric laminated glass interlayers at long load durations by the example of standard single-layer Polyvinylbutyral (PVB). Based on that, it introduces an approach enabling the simplified numerical simulation of LSG interlayers. The considerations rely on experiments and thermodynamic considerations.
Age-Independent Transfer After Successful Associative Mnemonic Training
Authors: Sandberg Petra , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Zogaj Idriz , Nyberg Lars
Published: October 2023

Generalization of training to support the performance on new tasks—transfer—has been much studied. One hypothesis is that transfer occurs if overlapping neuronal circuits are engaged in both training and transfer tasks. Here, we investigated transfer effects in the domain of episodic memory by following 356 participants between 20 and 83 years who downloaded and used a smart phone application to practice the method of loci (MoL) over 3 months. We measured transfer of MoL training to three associative memory tasks with hypothesized neurocognitive overlap (binding in the hippocampus) with the trained task. Transfer tasks were administered at the beginning of training and when two specific proficiency levels in Loci training were reached. Results showed robust transfer effects across the age span at both levels. These results indicate that app-based strategy training can lead to enhancement of episodic memory beyond the specific training task, which may have clinical implementations.
Multivariate central limit theorems for random clique complexes
Authors: Temčinas Tadas , Nanda Vidit , Reinert Gesine
Published: October 2023

Motivated by open problems in applied and computational algebraic topology, we establish multivariate normal approximation theorems for three random vectors which arise organically in the study of random clique complexes. These are:

the vector of critical simplex counts attained by a lexicographical Morse matching,

the vector of simplex counts in the link of a fixed simplex, and

the vector of total simplex counts.

The first of these random vectors forms a cornerstone of modern homology algorithms, while the second one provides a natural generalisation for the notion of vertex degree, and the third one may be viewed from the perspective of U-statistics. To obtain distributional approximations for these random vectors, we extend the notion of dissociated sums to a multivariate setting and prove a new central limit theorem for such sums using Stein’s method.
Directional transport of drug droplets based on structural and wettability gradients on antibacterial Janus wound plaster with hemostatic, antiextravasation, and prehealing properties
Authors: Lin Jing , Yao Zhen , Xiong Minmin , Lin Jin , Hu Fei , Wei Xinchuan , Huang Songyin
Published: October 2023

The failure of wound healing is majorly attributed to uncontrolled bleeding and bacterial infections. However, developing a wound plaster that can stop bleeding, resist blood extravasation, and realize directional transportation of drugs to promote wound healing remains a significant challenge. Herein, a superhydrophilic/hydrophobic polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver@Thermoplastic polyurethane (PVA/CS/Ag@TPU) Janus membrane with structural and wettability gradients is developed. In this newly developed membrane, water is absorbed from blood via the superhydrophilic layer, which is attached to the wound, and the charge interactions between platelets and the introduced chitosan (CS) promote blood clotting. The capillary pressure resistance (∆p > 0) of the superhydrophilic layer toward the hydrophobic layer prevents blood permeation, thereby reducing blood loss. The favorable ∆p (< 0) of the membrane based on its structural and wettability gradients can realize the directional transportation of drugs that promote wound healing from the hydrophobic to the superhydrophilic layer. The incorporation of CS and silver endows the Janus membrane with intrinsic antibacterial properties (99.9%). The formation of the hydrated layer on the hydrophilic layer imparts a resisting effect, further endowing the membrane with antiadhesion and antibacterial properties. Experiments involving mice with full-thickness skin wounds revealed that the wound-healing rate increased from 87.65% to ~ 100% when the Janus membrane was loaded with the prehealing drug. Moreover, the dressing accelerated wound healing, regenerated epidermal and granulation tissues, promoted collagen formation, and reduced scar size. Thus, this gradient design strategy opens an avenue for the development of next-generation wound dressings.

Graphical abstract
Keep It Simple: Evaluating Local Search-Based Latent Space Editing
Authors: Meißner Andreas , Fröhlich Andreas , Geierhos Michaela
Published: October 2023

Semantic image editing allows users to selectively change entire image attributes in a controlled manner with just a few clicks. Most approaches use a generative adversarial network (GAN) for this task to learn an appropriate latent space representation and attribute-specific transformations. Attribute entanglement has been a limiting factor for previous approaches to attribute manipulation. However, more recent approaches have made significant improvements in this regard using separate networks for attribute extraction. Iterative optimization algorithms based on backpropagation can be used to find attribute vectors with minimal entanglement, but this requires large amounts of GPU memory, can lead to training instability, and requires differentiable models. To circumvent these issues, we present a local search-based approach to latent space editing that achieves comparable performance to existing algorithms while avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks. We also introduce a new evaluation metric that is easier to interpret than previous metrics.
Digital Organizational Culture: A Qualitative Study on the Identification and Impact of the Characteristics of a Digital Culture in the Craft Sector
Authors: Kocak Seyma , Pawlowski Jan
Published: October 2023

The organizational culture of craft enterprises shows that the average corporate culture is currently characterized by a hierarchical organizational culture that does not do justice to increasing competition. Digital corporate culture in the craft sector is essential for maximizing Digital Transformation opportunities. A semi-structured interview was conducted with employees and managers from various craft sectors to determine the specific characteristics and possible effects of Digital Organizational Culture in the craft sector. The results show that digital skills, attitudes, communication, proactivity, entrepreneurial orientation, and personal skills are essential. It is found that many factors positively influence the Digital Organizational Culture in the craft sector. However, some factors can also have a negative influence on the culture. Guilds and chambers of skilled crafts should also help sensitize employees and managers to Digital Transformation to establish an explicit Digital Organizational Culture.
Effect of a novel controlled thermomechanical treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a high-carbon nanobainitic steel
Authors: Janus K. , Rogal L. , Dutkiewicz J. , Chulist R. , Korpala G. , Prahl U. , Konczak K. , Kochmanski P. , Nalepka K. , Maziarz W.
Published: October 2023

The effect of the novel controlled thermomechanical treatment, including torsion components in the elastic strain range during the isothermal holding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the high-carbon nanobainitic steel, was investigated. TEM observations of the thermo-mechanically treated steel revealed bainitic ferrite laths with an average size of 68 ± 40 nm and films of retained austenite with an average size of 34 ± 17 nm, along with the blocky morphology of retained austenite in sub-micron scale. The XRD synchrotron diffraction allows estimating the amount of retained austenite at 43.1 ± 1.2% volume fraction with a carbon concentration of 1.17 ± 0.09 wt.%. Furthermore, the deconvolution of (200) Fe-γ reflections corresponding to two different low-carbon and high-carbon retained austenite peaks and, simultaneously, the blocky and film-like retained austenite was performed. In addition, the Nishiyama–Wassermann (N–W) crystallographic orientation relationship between bainitic ferrite and retained austenite was described as dominant using the misorientation distribution function (MDF). The crystallographic texture results indicated that the main growth of bainitic ferrite plates occurred after removing external stress during isothermal holding. The tensile tests and hardness measurements showed a high tensile strength achieved mainly by nano-metric bainitic ferrite plates and a high dislocation density. The high level of elongation is most likely attained due to a high amount of retained austenite in steel and both TRIP and TWIP effects during tensile deformation.
Advancing green finance: a review of sustainable development
Authors: Fu Chengbo , Lu Lei , Pirabi Mansoor
Published: October 2023

This study comprehensively reviews the relationship between green finance and sustainable development, specifically focusing on combatting climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. Utilizing a narrative review methodology, the study examines a range of scholarly articles and publications to identify key themes, findings, and future directions in green finance. The review emphasizes the crucial role of substantial investments in green and low-carbon initiatives to address climate change effectively and promote sustainable economic growth. It highlights the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks that facilitate the availability of green finance and the integration of carbon–neutral practices. Additionally, the paper explores the potential of impact investing, wherein investors accept lower financial returns in exchange for non-financial benefits in green finance. It underscores the influential role of institutional ownership in guiding companies toward enhanced environmental and social performance. Moreover, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions is critical for sustainable finance. Addressing the intersection of climate change and risk management, the review highlights the implications of environmental risks on financial decision-making. Effective communication strategies can raise public awareness and support for climate policies. The study concludes by calling for collaboration, further research, and policy measures to advance green finance and foster sustainable economic growth. It recommends aligning financial incentives with sustainable outcomes, fostering transparency, and incorporating social equity in green finance initiatives to contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals and promoting a greener future.
Complexity in the Phonology of Tone
Authors: Wee Lian-Hee , Li Mingxing
Published: October 2023

The complexity of tone can only be appreciated through phonological patterning that unveils structures beyond differences in pitch heights and contour profiles. Following an introduction on tone's ability to express lexical and grammatical contrasts, Section 2 explains that phonetically, fundamental frequency profiles make for the best descriptors. From these descriptions, Section 3 explains how, through postulations of subatomic entities that comprise tones, a language's tone inventory can be quite symmetrical. In looking at tone's independence from the syllable and segments, Section 4 establishes tone as an autosegment. Sections 5, 6, and 7 go on to discuss a myriad of complexities where tones interact with one another and with other phonological entities. Here, the authors offer a suggestion on how some of these interactions can be captured within the same analytical umbrella. Section 8 then peeks into tone's phonological properties through music and poetry.
The Atmosphere Has Become Increasingly Unstable During 1979–2020 Over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Chen Jiao , Dai Aiguo
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric instability affects the formation of convective storms, but how it has changed during recent decades is unknown. Here we analyze the occurrence frequency of stable and unstable atmospheric conditions over land using homogenized radiosonde data from 1979 to 2020. We show that atmospheric stable (unstable) conditions have decreased (increased) significantly by ∼8%–32% (of time) from 1979 to 2020 over most land areas. In boreal summer, the mean positive buoyancy (i.e., convective available potential energy [CAPE]) also increases over East Asia while mean negative buoyancy (i.e., convective inhibition [CIN]) strengthens over Europe and North America from midnight‐dawn for unstable cases. The increased unstable cases and mean CAPE result from increased low‐level specific humidity and air temperature, which increase the buoyancy of a lifted parcel. The stronger CIN results from decreased near‐surface relatively humidity and decreased lapse rate in the lower troposphere. Our results suggest that the atmosphere has become increasingly unstable, which could lead to more convective storms.
Estimation of Energy Spectrum of Precipitating Magnetospheric Electrons Based on Bremsstrahlung X‐Ray Fluxes Recorded in the Atmosphere
Authors: Makhmutov V. S. , Maurchev E. A. , Bazilevskaya G. A. , Mironova I. A.
Published: October 2023

Numerous energetic electron precipitation events were recorded since 1963 in the atmosphere at polar latitudes in the course of regular measurements of charged particle fluxes in the Earth's atmosphere being performed by the Lebedev Physical Institute. The experimental data obtained represent the only uniform database in the world on electron precipitation events recorded directly in the atmosphere well below satellite orbits. The precipitating electrons are absorbed in the upper atmosphere. However, they generate X‐rays that can penetrate deep into the atmosphere sometimes down to altitudes of 20–35 km accessible to balloon measurements. These experimental data allow studying energy, temporal and spatial characteristics of electron precipitation events. In particular, based on PLANETOCOSMICS/GEANT4 we developed a method for evaluating the energy spectra of the primary flux of precipitating electrons. This method was used for evaluation of primary spectra of precipitating electrons assuming exponential energy distribution of incident electrons. Now, for the development of the method, we present the possibility of determining the energy spectra of electrons in the power‐law form, using new software RUSCOSMICS code. This new method, based on the GEANT4 software, makes it possible to describe the transport of precipitating electrons in the atmosphere taking into account the evolution of the energy and pitch‐angle distributions of electrons and X‐ray photons.
Equations of State and Phase Boundaries of SiO2 Polymorphs Under Lower Mantle Conditions
Authors: Li Guoge , Zhang Zhiming , Niu Xiaoguang , Liu Jin , Li Juan , Wang Wei , Zhang Zhigang
Published: October 2023

SiO2 is an important modally abundant component of terrestrial planets, while there are few studies that quantitatively determine the properties of silica under simultaneously high‐temperature and high‐pressure conditions. In this study, thermal properties of stishovite, CaCl2‐type SiO2 and seifertite have been obtained by using extensive first‐principles simulations. The quasi‐harmonic approximation and intrinsic anharmonic effects were considered, and a generalized rescaling method was adopted to eliminate systematic errors in the simulation results. Based on the simulation data, we have established new equations of state for the SiO2 polymorphs and determined their phase boundaries. Anharmonicity has been demonstrated to show noticeable effects on their thermal properties and phase boundaries. With the new results, we found that SiO2 polymorphs show increasing buoyancy in the subducted basaltic slabs at depths greater than ∼800–900 km. In the normal lower mantle, they are readily stable over a broad range of depths approximately from 1,500 km to 2,600 km. This implies that SiO2 polymorphs may contribute to the lateral heterogeneity in the deep lower mantle as observed by small‐scale seismic scatterers.
Sirtuin4 alleviates severe acute pancreatitis by regulating HIF-1α/HO-1 mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Yanna , Cui Huning , Mei Chaopeng , Cui Mengwei , He Qianqian , Wang Qiaofang , Li Dejian , Song Yaodong , Li Jiye , Chen Sanyang , Zhu Changju
Published: October 2023

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency of the digestive system and serious cases can develop into severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which ortality rates up to 30%. Sirtuin4 (SIRT4) is a member of the sirtuin family, and plays a key role in inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the potential role of SIRT4 in SAP has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that the expression level of SIRT4 in human AP was downregulated by screening a public database, suggesting that SIRT4 may play a role in AP. Subsequently, we used L-arginine (L-Arg) to induce SAP in SIRT4 knockout (SIRT4_KO) and SIRT4 overexpression (AAV_SIRT4) mice. The results showed that the pancreatic tissue injury and related lung and kidney injury were serious in SIRT4_KO mice after SAP induction, but were significantly reduced in AAV_SIRT4 mice. More importantly, we found that the levels of antioxidant factors GSH and SOD were decreased in SIRT4_KO mice, and the production of oxidative products and lipid peroxidation markers was increased, suggesting that SIRT4 was involved in inflammation and oxidative stress during SAP. Further studies showed that the absence or overexpression of SIRT4 affected the expression level of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) after SAP induction, and regulated the expression of ferroptosis related proteins by mediating HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway. Collectively, our study revealed that SIRT4 plays a protective role in SAP by regulating the HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis.
The involvement of caspases in the process of nuclear removal during lens fiber cell differentiation
Authors: Gheyas Rifah , Menko A. Sue
Published: October 2023

The terminal differentiation of lens fiber cells involves elimination of their organelles, which must occur while still maintaining their functionality throughout a lifetime. Removal of non-nuclear organelles is accomplished through induction of autophagy following the spatiotemporal suppression of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis. However, blocking this pathway is not alone sufficient to induce removal of fiber cell nuclei. While the final steps in fiber cell nuclear elimination are highlighted by the appearance of TUNEL-positive nuclei, which are associated with activation of the lens-specific DNaseIIβ, there are many steps in the process that precede the appearance of double stranded DNA breaks. We showed that this carefully regulated process, including the early changes in nuclear morphology resulting in nuclear condensation, cleavage of lamin B, and labeling by pH2AX, is reminiscent of the apoptotic process associated with caspase activation. Multiple caspases are known to be expressed and activated during lens cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated the link between two caspase downstream targets associated with apoptosis, ICAD, whose cleavage by caspase-3 leads to activation of CAD, a DNase that can create both single- and double-stranded DNA cleavages, and lamin B, a primary component of the nuclear lamina. We discovered that the specific inhibition of caspase-3 activation prevents both lamin B and DNA cleavage. Inhibiting caspase-3 did not prevent nuclear condensation or removal of the nuclear membrane. In contrast, a pan-caspase inhibitor effectively suppressed condensation of fiber cell nuclei during differentiation. These studies provide evidence that caspases play an important role in the process of removing fiber cell nuclei during lens differentiation.
The VAX2-LINC01189-hnRNPF signaling axis regulates cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer
Authors: Hong Linjie , Yang Ping , Zhang Luyu , Liu Xuehua , Wei Xiangyang , Xiao Wushuang , Yu Zhen , Zhang Jieming , Peng Ying , Wu Xiaosheng , Tang Weimei , Zhi Fachao , Li Guoxin , Li Aimin , Lin Jianjiao , Liu Side , Zhang Hui , Xiang Li , Wang Jide
Published: October 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to gastric cancer (GC). However, the roles of TFs and lncRNAs in the invasion and metastasis of GC remain largely unknown. Here, we observed that the transcription factor VAX2 is significantly upregulated in GC cells and tissues and acts as an oncogene. Moreover, high VAX2 expression is associated with the advancement of tumors in GC. In terms of functionality, the enforced expression of VAX2 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells. Mechanistically, VAX2 specifically interacts with the LINC01189 promoter and represses LINC01189 transcription. Furthermore, LINC01189 exhibits significant downregulation in GC and functions as a suppressor gene. Functionally, it inhibits migratory and invasive abilities in GC cells. In the context of GC metastasis, VAX2 plays a role in modulating it by trans-repressing the expression of LINC01189. Additionally, LINC01189 binds to hnRNPF to enhance hnRNPF degradation through ubiquitination. The cooperation between LINC01189 and hnRNPF regulates GC cell invasion and migration. In addition, both VAX2 and hnRNPF are highly expressed, while LINC01189 is expressed in at low levels in GC tissues compared to normal gastric tissues. Our study suggests that VAX2 expression facilitates, while LINC01189 expression suppresses, metastasis and that the VAX2-LINC01189-hnRNPF axis plays a contributory role in GC development.
Microphysiological model reveals the promise of memory-like natural killer cell immunotherapy for HIV± cancer
Authors: Ayuso Jose M. , Farooqui Mehtab , Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Denecke Katheryn , Rehman Shujah , Schmitz Rebecca , Guerrero Jorge F. , Sanchez-de-Diego Cristina , Campo Sara Abizanda , Maly Elizabeth M. , Forsberg Matthew H. , Kerr Sheena C. , Striker Robert , Sherer Nathan M. , Harari Paul M. , Capitini Christian M. , Skala Melissa C. , Beebe David J.
Published: October 2023

Numerous studies are exploring the use of cell adoptive therapies to treat hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. However, there are numerous factors that dampen the immune response, including viruses like human immunodeficiency virus. In this study, we leverage human-derived microphysiological models to reverse-engineer the HIV-immune system interaction and evaluate the potential of memory-like natural killer cells for HIV+ head and neck cancer, one of the most common tumors in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus. Here, we evaluate multiple aspects of the memory-like natural killer cell response in human-derived bioengineered environments, including immune cell extravasation, tumor penetration, tumor killing, T cell dependence, virus suppression, and compatibility with retroviral medication. Overall, these results suggest that memory-like natural killer cells are capable of operating without T cell assistance and could simultaneously destroy head and neck cancer cells as well as reduce viral latency.
Synergistic investigation of natural and synthetic C1-trophic microorganisms to foster a circular carbon economy
Authors: Orsi Enrico , Nikel Pablo Ivan , Nielsen Lars Keld , Donati Stefano
Published: October 2023

A true circular carbon economy must upgrade waste greenhouse gases. C1-based biomanufacturing is an attractive solution, in which one carbon (C1) molecules (e.g. CO2, formate, methanol, etc.) are converted by microbial cell factories into value-added goods (i.e. food, feed, and chemicals). To render C1-based biomanufacturing cost-competitive, we must adapt microbial metabolism to perform chemical conversions at high rates and yields. To this end, the biotechnology community has undertaken two (seemingly opposing) paths: optimizing natural C1-trophic microorganisms versus engineering synthetic C1-assimilation de novo in model microorganisms. Here, we pose how these approaches can instead create synergies for strengthening the competitiveness of C1-based biomanufacturing as a whole.
Nanoscale reshaping of resonant dielectric microstructures by light-driven explosions
Authors: Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Sartorello Giovanni , Zhang Simin , Bocanegra Joshua , Bosch Melissa , Tripepi Michael , Talisa Noah , AlShafey Abdallah , Smith Joseph , Londo Stephen , Légaré François , Chowdhury Enam , Shvets Gennady
Published: October 2023

Femtosecond-laser-assisted material restructuring employs extreme optical intensities to localize the ablation regions. To overcome the minimum feature size limit set by the wave nature of photons, there is a need for new approaches to tailored material processing at the nanoscale. Here, we report the formation of deeply-subwavelength features in silicon, enabled by localized laser-induced phase explosions in prefabricated silicon resonators. Using short trains of mid-infrared laser pulses, we demonstrate the controllable formation of high aspect ratio (>10:1) nanotrenches as narrow as $${\sim }{{{{{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}}}}}{{{{{\boldsymbol{/}}}}}}{{{{{\boldsymbol{80}}}}}}$$
~
λ
/
80
. The trench geometry is shown to be scalable with wavelength, and controlled by multiple parameters of the laser pulse train, such as the intensity and polarization of each laser pulse and their total number. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal localized heating of silicon beyond its boiling point and suggest its subsequent phase explosion on the nanoscale commensurate with the experimental data. The observed femtosecond-laser assisted nanostructuring of engineered microstructures (FLANEM) expands the nanofabrication toolbox and opens exciting opportunities for high-throughput optical methods of nanoscale structuring of solid materials.
Mass production of lumenogenic human embryoid bodies and functional cardiospheres using in-air-generated microcapsules
Authors: van Loo Bas , ten Den Simone A. , Araújo-Gomes Nuno , de Jong Vincent , Snabel Rebecca R. , Schot Maik , Rivera-Arbeláez José M. , Veenstra Gert Jan C. , Passier Robert , Kamperman Tom , Leijten Jeroen
Published: October 2023

Organoids are engineered 3D miniature tissues that are defined by their organ-like structures, which drive a fundamental understanding of human development. However, current organoid generation methods are associated with low production throughputs and poor control over size and function including due to organoid merging, which limits their clinical and industrial translation. Here, we present a microfluidic platform for the mass production of lumenogenic embryoid bodies and functional cardiospheres. Specifically, we apply triple-jet in-air microfluidics for the ultra-high-throughput generation of hollow, thin-shelled, hydrogel microcapsules that can act as spheroid-forming bioreactors in a cytocompatible, oil-free, surfactant-free, and size-controlled manner. Uniquely, we show that microcapsules generated by in-air microfluidics provide a lumenogenic microenvironment with near 100% efficient cavitation of spheroids. We demonstrate that upon chemical stimulation, human pluripotent stem cell-derived spheroids undergo cardiomyogenic differentiation, effectively resulting in the mass production of homogeneous and functional cardiospheres that are responsive to external electrical stimulation. These findings drive clinical and industrial adaption of stem cell technology in tissue engineering and drug testing.
Decline in Iran’s groundwater recharge
Authors: Noori Roohollah , Maghrebi Mohsen , Jessen Søren , Bateni Sayed M. , Heggy Essam , Javadi Saman , Noury Mojtaba , Pistre Severin , Abolfathi Soroush , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: October 2023

Groundwater recharge feeds aquifers supplying fresh-water to a population over 80 million in Iran—a global hotspot for groundwater depletion. Using an extended database comprising abstractions from over one million groundwater wells, springs, and qanats, from 2002 to 2017, here we show a significant decline of around −3.8 mm/yr in the nationwide groundwater recharge. This decline is primarily attributed to unsustainable water and environmental resources management, exacerbated by decadal changes in climatic conditions. However, it is important to note that the former’s contribution outweighs the latter. Our results show the average annual amount of nationwide groundwater recharge (i.e., ~40 mm/yr) is more than the reported average annual runoff in Iran (i.e., ~32 mm/yr), suggesting the surface water is the main contributor to groundwater recharge. Such a decline in groundwater recharge could further exacerbate the already dire aquifer depletion situation in Iran, with devastating consequences for the country’s natural environment and socio-economic development.
Detecting the spin-polarization of edge states in graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Brede Jens , Merino-Díez Nestor , Berdonces-Layunta Alejandro , Sanz Sofía , Domínguez-Celorrio Amelia , Lobo-Checa Jorge , Vilas-Varela Manuel , Peña Diego , Frederiksen Thomas , Pascual José I. , de Oteyza Dimas G. , Serrate David
Published: October 2023

Low dimensional carbon-based materials can show intrinsic magnetism associated to p-electrons in open-shell π-conjugated systems. Chemical design provides atomically precise control of the π-electron cloud, which makes them promising for nanoscale magnetic devices. However, direct verification of their spatially resolved spin-moment remains elusive. Here, we report the spin-polarization of chiral graphene nanoribbons (one-dimensional strips of graphene with alternating zig-zag and arm-chair boundaries), obtained by means of spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy. We extract the energy-dependent spin-moment distribution of spatially extended edge states with π-orbital character, thus beyond localized magnetic moments at radical or defective carbon sites. Guided by mean-field Hubbard calculations, we demonstrate that electron correlations are responsible for the spin-splitting of the electronic structure. Our versatile platform utilizes a ferromagnetic substrate that stabilizes the organic magnetic moments against thermal and quantum fluctuations, while being fully compatible with on-surface synthesis of the rapidly growing class of nanographenes.
Soluble TREM2 ameliorates tau phosphorylation and cognitive deficits through activating transgelin-2 in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Tang Li , Yang Jiaolong , Meng Lanxia , Chen Jiehui , Zhou Lingyan , Wang Jiangyu , Xiong Min , Zhang Zhentao
Published: October 2023

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a transmembrane protein that is predominantly expressed by microglia in the brain. The proteolytic shedding of TREM2 results in the release of soluble TREM2 (sTREM2), which is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It remains unknown whether sTREM2 regulates the pathogenesis of AD. Here we identified transgelin-2 (TG2) expressed on neurons as the receptor for sTREM2. The microglia-derived sTREM2 binds to TG2, induces RhoA phosphorylation at S188, and deactivates the RhoA-ROCK-GSK3β pathway, ameliorating tau phosphorylation. The sTREM2 (77-89) fragment, which is the minimal active sequence of sTREM2 to activate TG2, mimics the inhibitory effect of sTREM2 on tau phosphorylation. Overexpression of sTREM2 or administration of the active peptide rescues tau pathology and behavioral defects in the tau P301S transgenic mice. Together, these findings demonstrate that the sTREM2-TG2 interaction mediates the cross-talk between microglia and neurons. sTREM2 and its active peptide may be a potential therapeutic intervention for tauopathies including AD.
High anisotropy in electrical and thermal conductivity through the design of aerogel-like superlattice (NaOH)0.5NbSe2
Authors: Sun Ruijin , Deng Jun , Wu Xiaowei , Hao Munan , Ma Ke , Ma Yuxin , Zhao Changchun , Meng Dezhong , Ji Xiaoyu , Ding Yiyang , Pang Yu , Qian Xin , Yang Ronggui , Li Guodong , Li Zhilin , Dai Linjie , Ying Tianping , zhao Huaizhou , Du Shixuan , Li Gang , Jin Shifeng , Chen Xiaolong
Published: October 2023

Interlayer decoupling plays an essential role in realizing unprecedented properties in atomically thin materials, but it remains relatively unexplored in the bulk. It is unclear how to realize a large crystal that behaves as its monolayer counterpart by artificial manipulation. Here, we construct a superlattice consisting of alternating layers of NbSe2 and highly porous hydroxide, as a proof of principle for realizing interlayer decoupling in bulk materials. In (NaOH)0.5NbSe2, the electric decoupling is manifested by an ideal 1D insulating state along the interlayer direction. Vibration decoupling is demonstrated through the absence of interlayer models in the Raman spectrum, dominant local modes in heat capacity, low interlayer coupling energy and out-of-plane thermal conductivity (0.28 W/mK at RT) that are reduced to a few percent of NbSe2’s. Consequently, a drastic enhancement of CDW transition temperature (>110 K) and Pauling-breaking 2D superconductivity is observed, suggesting that the bulk crystal behaves similarly to an exfoliated NbSe2 monolayer. Our findings provide a route to achieve intrinsic 2D properties on a large-scale without exfoliation.
Crystal structure prediction at finite temperatures
Authors: Kruglov Ivan A. , Yanilkin Alexey V. , Propad Yana , Mazitov Arslan B. , Rachitskii Pavel , Oganov Artem R.
Published: October 2023

Crystal structure prediction is a central problem of crystallography and materials science, which until mid-2000s was considered intractable. Several methods, based on either energy landscape exploration or, more commonly, global optimization, largely solved this problem and enabled fully non-empirical computational materials discovery. A major shortcoming is that, to avoid expensive calculations of the entropy, crystal structure prediction was done at zero Kelvin, reducing to the search for the global minimum of the enthalpy rather than the free energy. As a consequence, high-temperature phases (especially those which are not quenchable to zero temperature) could be missed. Here we develop an accurate and affordable solution, enabling crystal structure prediction at finite temperatures. Structure relaxation and fully anharmonic free energy calculations are done by molecular dynamics with a forcefield (which can be anything from a parametric forcefield for simpler cases to a trained on-the-fly machine learning interatomic potential), the errors of which are corrected using thermodynamic perturbation theory to yield accurate results with full ab initio accuracy. We illustrate this method by applications to metals (probing the P–T phase diagram of Al and Fe), a refractory covalent solid (WB), an Earth-forming silicate MgSiO3 (at pressures and temperatures of the Earth’s lower mantle), and ceramic oxide HfO2.
Symmetry-driven half-integer conductance quantization in Cobalt–fulvalene sandwich nanowire
Authors: Jiang Zhuoling , Yam Kah-Meng , Ang Yee Sin , Guo Na , Zhang Yongjie , Wang Hao , Zhang Chun
Published: October 2023

Precise manipulation and monitoring spin transport in one-dimensional (1D) systems is a long-sought goal in the field of nano-spintronics. Based on first-principles calculations, we report the observation of half-integer conductance quantization in the Cobalt-fulvalene sandwich nanowire. Compared with a pure monatomic Cobalt wire, the introduction of fulvalene molecules leads to three important features: Firstly, the strong coupling between the fulvalene and the Cobalt prevents the contamination of the ambient air, ensuring both chemical and physical stabilities; Secondly, the fulvalene symmetry-selectively filters out most of the d-type orbitals of the Cobalt while leaving a single d-type orbital to form an open spin channel around the Fermi level, which offers a mechanism to achieve the observed half-integer conductance; Thirdly, it maintains a superexchange coupling between adjacent Co atoms to achieve a high Curie temperature. Spin transport calculations show that this half-metallic nanowire can serve as a perfect spin filter or a spin valve device, thus revealing the potential of Cobalt-fulvalene sandwich nanowire as a promising building block of high-performance spintronics technology.
Rare predicted loss of function alleles in Bassoon (BSN) are associated with obesity
Authors: Zhu Na , LeDuc Charles A. , Fennoy Ilene , Laferrère Blandine , Doege Claudia A. , Shen Yufeng , Chung Wendy K. , Leibel Rudolph L.
Published: October 2023

Bassoon (BSN) is a component of a hetero-dimeric presynaptic cytomatrix protein that orchestrates neurotransmitter release with Piccolo (PCLO) from glutamatergic neurons throughout the brain. Heterozygous missense variants in BSN have previously been associated with neurodegenerative disorders in humans. We performed an exome-wide association analysis of ultra-rare variants in about 140,000 unrelated individuals from the UK Biobank to search for new genes associated with obesity. We found that rare heterozygous predicted loss of function (pLoF) variants in BSN are associated with higher BMI with p-value of 3.6e-12 in the UK biobank cohort. Additionally, we identified two individuals (one of whom has a de novo variant) with a heterozygous pLoF variant in a cohort of early onset or extreme obesity and report the clinical histories of these individuals with non-syndromic obesity with no history of neurobehavioral or cognitive disability. The BMI association was replicated in the All of Us whole genome sequencing data. Heterozygous pLoF BSN variants constitute a new etiology for obesity.
How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level?
Authors: Cialdai Francesca , Brown Austin M. , Baumann Cory W. , Angeloni Debora , Baatout Sarah , Benchoua Alexandra , Bereiter-Hahn Juergen , Bottai Daniele , Buchheim Judith-Irina , Calvaruso Marco , Carnero-Diaz Eugénie , Castiglioni Sara , Cavalieri Duccio , Ceccarelli Gabriele , Choukér Alexander , Ciofani Gianni , Coppola Giuseppe , Cusella Gabriella , Degl’Innocenti Andrea , Desaphy Jean-Francois , Frippiat Jean-Pol , Gelinsky Michael , Genchi Giada , Grano Maria , Grimm Daniela , Guignandon Alain , Hahn Christiane , Hatton Jason , Herranz Raúl , Hellweg Christine E. , Iorio Carlo Saverio , Karapantsios Thodoris , van Loon Jack , Lulli Matteo , Maier Jeanette , Malda Jos , Mamaca Emina , Morbidelli Lucia , van Ombergen Angelique , Osterman Andreas , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Pampaloni Francesco , Pavezlorie Elizabeth , Pereda-Campos Veronica , Przybyla Cyrille , Puhl Christopher , Rettberg Petra , Risaliti Chiara , Rizzo Angela Maria , Robson-Brown Kate , Rossi Leonardo , Russo Giorgio , Salvetti Alessandra , Santucci Daniela , Sperl Matthias , Strollo Felice , Tabury Kevin , Tavella Sara , Thielemann Christiane , Willaert Ronnie , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Monici Monica
Published: October 2023

The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: “How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?” This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap “Biology in Space and Analogue Environments”. Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.