bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the transformation of energy-intensive industries based on site-specific investment decisions
Authors: Neuwirth Marius , Fleiter Tobias , Hofmann René
Published: December 2024

The transition towards climate-neutral industry is a challenge, particularly for heavy industries like steel and basic chemicals. Existing models for assessing industrial transformation often lack spatial resolution and fail to capture individual investment decisions. Consequently, the spatial interplay between industry transformation, energy availability, infrastructure availability, and the dynamics of discrete investments is inadequately addressed. Here we present a site-specific approach that considers individual industrial sites to simulate discrete investment decisions. The investment decision is modelled as a discrete choice among alternative technologies with their total cost of ownership as the main decision criterion. Process costs depend on the scenario-specific assumptions, such as energy carrier prices, policy instruments and local infrastructures. The age of production units and their reinvestment cycles are considered the main restrictions on the dynamics of the transition. The results provide high spatial resolution to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of industry transition under varying process and policy assumptions. The presented model and its results can be coupled with energy system models to assess the implications of site-specific industry transition on energy system related research questions. We conduct an exemplary case study for a transformation pathway of the European primary steel production.
Advancing digital sensing in mental health research
Authors: Akre Samir , Seok Darsol , Douglas Christopher , Aguilera Adrian , Carini Simona , Dunn Jessilyn , Hotopf Matthew , Mohr David C. , Bui Alex A. T. , Freimer Nelson B.
Published: December 2024

Digital sensing tools, like smartphones and wearables, offer transformative potential for mental health research by enabling scalable, longitudinal data collection. Realizing this promise requires overcoming significant challenges including limited data standards, underpowered studies, and a disconnect between research aims and community needs. This report, based on the 2023 Workshop on Advancing Digital Sensing Tools for Mental Health, articulates strategies to address these challenges to ensure rigorous, equitable, and impactful research.
Polymer-based Nanocapsules
Authors: Efthimiadou Eleni K. , Seriah Sara , Prokopiou Danai , Stavropoulou Anastasia , Papadopoulou Athina , Nikolopoulou Sofia , Tsitsou Evangelia , Theodosiou Maria
Published: December 2024

Polymers are the backbone of pharmaceutical nanotechnology allowing for a broad range of biomedical applications, especially in the development of novel drug delivery systems. This chapter focuses on polymeric nanocapsules, which are nanovesicular structures comprised of a polymeric shell surrounding a hollow, liquid, or solid core. The composition of the shell and the core dictate their biocompatibility and bioavailability as well as their potential to encapsulate and release drugs with different physicochemical characteristics. The different types of stimuli-responsive polymers, and the implemented synthetic procedures of polymeric nanocapsules, are thoroughly discussed, followed by an extensive analysis of evaluation methodologies for their efficiency as drug delivery systems in terms of characterization techniques and biological assessment protocols. The current and potential bioapplications of polymer-based nanocapsules in cancer and other pathologies treatment and imaging are presented.
Strategic use of light-driven transformations in recent total syntheses
Authors: Capurro P. , Basso A.
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of natural substances has always represented a challenge for organic chemists. The possibility of using reactions capable of generating molecular complexity in a stereocontrolled manner is the basis of a successful total synthesis. In this perspective, photochemical reactions represent an enormous resource, which must, however, be well mastered due to the complex mechanisms often involved. This chapter discusses examples taken from the recent literature, in which light-mediated reactions represent key steps, very often irreplaceable by alternative thermal processes. The chapter is divided based on the different photochemical processes involved, and each section is preceded by a brief introduction that sets the topic in the context of the relevant literature. This chapter is not a comprehensive review of all the recent total syntheses that benefited from the use of light, rather, an outlook of the general uptake of photochemical processes by the synthetic community, providing a glance of the general trend of use of photo-driven transformations in tackling the most significant synthetic challenges.
In silico photochemistry
Authors: Curchod Basile F. E.
Published: December 2024

The goal of this Chapter is to provide examples attesting to the maturity of current strategies for simulating the excited-state dynamics and nonradiative processes of molecules in the gas phase. Such progress over the past few decades means that we are approaching the possibility of performing in silico photochemistry, i.e., a photochemical experiment taking place fully on the computer and allowing for the prediction of photochemical processes and observables – at least qualitatively. We provide here a brief survey of nonadiabatic molecular dynamics and the creation of a hierarchy of methods within the multiple spawning framework. We then show how nonadiabatic molecular dynamics techniques can be used in the context of atmospheric photochemistry.
Singlet oxygen in organic photochemistry
Authors: Russo C. , Tron G. C. , Giustiniano M.
Published: December 2024

Starting from the relevance of singlet oxygen in a plethora of research fields, the present chapter aims to provide a non-expert reader with a general background of representative applications in organic photochemistry. By encompassing a century and a half of selected synthetic organic transformations achievable via photosensitized singlet oxygen generation, the unmet challenges emerge clearly. The current critical analysis of the state-of-the art in the field, though not claiming to be exhaustive, delivers a roadmap for organic chemists fascinated by the manifold opportunities provided by singlet oxygen as both a photo-oxidation and photo-oxygenation reagent.
NMR of Organic Linkers in MOFs and COFs
Authors: Wang Zhi-Peng , Yu Si-Min , Lucier Bryan E. G. , Wang Wei
Published: December 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are excellent candidates for many practical applications due to their advantageous features, such as high porosities and selective guest adsorption. Organic ligands play a crucial role in both MOFs and COFs as versatile structural linkers and as sites for introducing or tailoring functionalities. Comprehensive characterization of the environments of organic ligands in MOFs and COFs is necessary for further understanding of structure–property relationships and for the rational design of future materials. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) can provide detailed molecular-level information regarding the chemical environment around a target linker atom. Given that organic linkers in MOFs and COFs typically feature many NMR-active nuclei such as 1H, 11B, 13C, 15N, 17O, 19F, and 31P, SSNMR can yield detailed insights into these systems. SSNMR of MOFs and COFs can be used to ascertain the number of unique atoms in the crystal structure, map the distribution of organic linkers, investigate structural defects, probe ligand dynamics, and study guest binding locations. In this chapter, we review reports regarding SSNMR characterization of organic linkers in MOFs and COFs, along with the effects of paramagnetic centers near the surrounding organic linkers on SSNMR spectra. The advantages and drawbacks of various SSNMR methods and approaches for linker characterization in MOFs and COFs are also discussed.
Construction of ternary heterojunction photocatalyst Cu2Cl(OH)3/In/In2O3 for boosted photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance
Authors: Huang Jiayang , Su Yao , Qian Zhangjie , Wu Miaoer , Xie Yunchang , Zeng Chao
Published: December 2024

The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and H2O into useful chemicals or fuels over semiconductor photocatalysts is regarded as a promising technology to address the problems of global warming and energy exhaustion.
Neopentyl glycol as an alternative solvent for the chemical recycling of complex PET waste
Authors: Amundarain Izotz , López-Montenegro Sheila , Asueta Asier , Arnaiz Sixto , Pereda-Ayo Beñat
Published: December 2024

Neopentyl glycol (NPG) was evaluated for glycolysis of complex PET waste streams, and an effective purification process was developed. Monomeric products achieved over 90% purity, making them suitable for high-quality, value-added applications.
Copper/iron controlled regioselective 1,2-carboazidation of 1,3-dienes with acetonitrile and azidotrimethylsilane
Authors: Hu Jun-Wei , Zhong Yao , Song Ren-Jie
Published: December 2024

A novel copper/iron-controlled, silver-mediated 1,2-difunctionalization of 1,3-dienes with TMSN3 leading to carboazidation and diazidation.
1,4,5-Trisubstituted-carboxylated 1,2,3-triazoles: an unconventional class of ribonuclease A inhibitors
Authors: Pan Rashmita , Dasgupta Swagata , Pathak Tanmaya
Published: December 2024

Two series of 1,4,5-trisubstituted-carboxylated 1,2,3-triazoles (1,4,5-TTs) were synthesized as Ribonuclease A (RNase A) inhibitors and uracil based thioglycolic acid was identified as the best with inhibition constant value (Ki) 9.9 ± 2 μM.
Synthesis and biological studies of 3-trideuteromethylated chromones and their heteroatom analogues
Authors: Yang Kaiyue , Zhang Dongke , Yang Ce , Yang Xueyan , He Jiaxin , Shi Haofeng , Liu Zichuan , Du Yunfei
Published: December 2024

Bioactive trideuteromethylated chromones and their heteroatom analogues were synthesized via trideuteromethylation of chromones and their heteroatom analogues by utilizing Fenton's reagent system with DMSO-d6 as the “CD3” source.
Unveiling the enzymatic pathway of UMG-SP2 urethanase: insights into polyurethane degradation at the atomic level
Authors: Paiva P. , Teixeira L. M. C. , Wei R. , Liu W. , Weber G. , Morth J. P. , Westh P. , Petersen A. R. , Johansen M. B. , Sommerfeldt A. , Sandahl A. , Otzen D. E. , Fernandes P. A. , Ramos M. J.
Published: December 2024

This work uncovers the detailed catalytic mechanism of UMG-SP2 urethanase, offering insights into improving PU degradation.
A perspective on field-effect in energy and environmental catalysis
Authors: Li HuangJingWei , Li Hongmei , Du Mengzhen , Zhou Erjun , Leow Wan Ru , Liu Min
Published: December 2024

Gaining insights into the origins and roles of the field-effect will facilitate better applications in energy and environmental catalysis.
Suppressing charge carrier recombination in halide perovskite solar cells by ferroelectric polarization
Authors: Zarenezhad Hamaneh , Daneshvar e Asl Shervin , Uçar Fatih , Balkan Timuçin , Kaya Sarp
Published: December 2024

Cesium-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are favorable alternatives to address the photovoltaic performance issues of organic–inorganic halide perovskites.
Distinct effects of obesity and diabetes on the action potential waveform and inward currents in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Shmygol Anatoliy , Bru-Mercier Gilles , Sultan Ahmed S. , Howarth Frank C.
Published: December 2024

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that obese individuals, regardless of their diabetic status, have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Studies suggest that these patients experience impaired electrical conduction in the heart, although the underlying cause—whether due to obesity-induced fat toxicity or diabetes-related factors—remains uncertain. This study investigated ventricular action potential parameters, as well as sodium (INa) and calcium (ICa, L) currents, in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, which serve as models for obesity and T2DM, respectively. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from 25- to 30-week-old Zucker rats. Resting and action potentials were recorded using a β-escin perforated patch clamp, while INa and ICa,L were assessed with whole-cell patch clamp methods. ZF rats exhibited higher excitability and faster upstroke velocity with greater INa density, whereas ZDF rats showed decreased INa and slower action potential upstroke. No differences in ICa,L density or voltage sensitivity were found among the groups. In summary, obesity, with or without accompanying T2DM, distinctly impacts the action potential waveform, INa density, and excitability of ventricular myocytes in this rat model of T2DM.
A Tutorial for Feeding Infants With Orofacial Clefting: General Guidelines and Patient-Specific Intervention
Authors: Chee-Williams Jessica L. , Kotlarek Katelyn
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

This tutorial outlines a suggested pathway to determine the appropriate feeding modality for infants with orofacial clefting depending on the affected facial structures. Current cleft-adapted bottles and flow rates are described. Guidance is provided regarding nipple flow rate selection and providing adequate daily volume. Other feeding strategies are discussed in the context of available research, such as nipple positioning, infant positioning, and milk fortification. Finally, components to consider in documentation are outlined and options for monitoring infants with orofacial clefting are discussed.

Conclusions:

The suggestions in this tutorial are intended to impart a framework for clinicians to use when providing feeding services to infants with orofacial clefting. As a result of this tutorial, clinicians should be able to complete an oral peripheral examination of the cleft, tailor feeding interventions to each individual infant, explain the purpose and mechanics of various cleft-adapted bottles, and recommend additional feeding strategies based on caregiver reported information and observation.
W‐band LNA employing current reuse and non‐linearity cancellation in 28 nm CMOS for automotive radar and 6G applications
Authors: Khan Barha , Kalita Ellora , Rahman Mustafijur
Published: December 2024

This work reports a W‐band 2‐stage stacked LNA featuring post‐distortion non‐linearity cancellation (PDC) with programmable gain and enhanced common‐mode (CM) stability, fabricated in TSMC 28‐nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The PDC technique employs diode‐connected NMOS transistors to enhance linearity. The diodes are connected to drains of the stage one and, therefore, are isolated from the input, leading to minimal impact on input matching. Since the diodes are in strong inversion, they track well with the main transistors, resulting in robust cancellation across PVT. Additionally, the diodes also enhance the CM stability of the LNA by reducing the CM gain. Use of stacked architecture lowers the DC power consumption, through current re‐use in the two stages. Switchable neutralized differential pair cells are used in stage one to achieve variable gain. The LNA consumes 31 mW of power with an IP1dB of ‐5.5 dBm and IIP3 of 6 dBm leading to an figure‐of‐merit (FOM) of 31.3 dB. The peak gain is 13 dB at 84.2 GHz, and it maintains 5 dB gain between 75 and 95 GHz. The LNA has 2.7 dB of programmable gain control. The minimum measured NF is 6.78 dB at 89.4 GHz. The proposed LNA is suitable for high‐linearity receivers for automotive radar and 6G applications.
Multi‐source PV‐battery DC microgrid operation mode and power allocation strategy based on two layer fuzzy controller
Authors: Pan Hao , Wang Zhen , Cheng Peng , Jia Limin , Li Qingmin
Published: December 2024

The conventional DC bus signaling (DBS) coordination control strategy for islanded DC microgrids (IDCMGs) faces challenges in coordinating multiple distributed generators (DGs) and fails to effectively incorporate the state of charge (SOC) information of the energy storage system, reducing system flexibility. In this article, a two‐layer fuzzy control‐based coordination strategy is proposed for multi‐PV islanded DC microgrids. The first layer fuzzy logic controller (FLC) quantifies and selects the optimal system operating mode, adaptively adjusting the number of PV units operating in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode to manage system power surplus or deficit, thereby simplifying system design and enhancing flexibility. The second layer FLC adaptively adjusts the output of distributed energy sources based on SOC and current system conditions to better align the energy storage system's output with overall system operation, resulting in at least a 4% improvement in SOC level and effectively preventing overcharging or over‐discharging issues seen in traditional control. Additionally, for PV units operating in droop mode, the droop coefficient is recalculated based on their maximum generation capacity under changing external conditions, thereby achieving more efficient power distribution and preventing system instability caused by power exceeding the limits of individual PV units. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through RT‐lab hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) simulations.
Expedient Access to Structural Complexity via Radical β-Fragmentation of N–O Bonds
Authors: Wang Cheng-Qiang , Feng Chao , Yang Xingheng , Zhang Chi
Published: December 2024

Structures containing N–O bonds are well-established precursors of nitrogen- and/or oxygen-centered radicals under visible-light conditions in modern organic synthesis. Whereas both heterolytic and homolytic scissions of N–O bonds have been extensively documented, intrinsic limitations related to substrate structure somewhat restrict their broader application. This paper highlights a novel strategy that synergistically combines a radical-generation process that is independent of the substrate’s redox potential with a radical-induced β-fragmentation of the N–O bond. Subsequent manipulation of the generated nitrogen- or oxygen-centered radicals leads to the successful development of group-transfer carboamination of alkenes, ring-opening functionalization of heterocycles, and efficient trifunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes.

1 Introduction

2 Carboamination of Nonactivated Alkenes

3 Radical-Addition-Induced Ring-Opening Functionalization of 4-Isoxazolines

4 Multisite Functionalization of Alkenes by Merging Cycloaddition and Ring-Opening Functionalization

5 Conclusion
Correlation between Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement among Students of a Selected Nursing College in Mangaluru
Authors: Thomas Litty , Jose Jisa , Sequera Sonia Karen Liz , Rose Anjana
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives People with high self-esteem see themselves as capable, active individuals who can make changes through hard work and higher goals that lead to learning new things. The results in the classroom that demonstrate how successfully a student has fulfilled their learning objectives are referred to as academic achievement. It could allude to achieving major academic achievements, such as receiving a bachelor's degree. In their capacity as health advocates and qualified health care practitioners, nursing students are essential to the public health movement. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether academic achievement and self-esteem are related.

Methods The study used a correlational descriptive design. The study sample comprised 197 nursing students from a certain college. The technique of proportionate stratified sampling was employed to choose the students. A checklist of academic achievements, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a baseline proforma were used to collect data.

Results Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. The findings of the analysis indicated that there was a marginally favorable correlation between academic success and self-esteem among nursing students. The resulting “r” value (0.158) was statistically significant at the 0.05 level of significance. Consequently, the research hypothesis was accepted, and the null hypothesis was rejected.

Conclusion The research project found a weakly positive correlation between academic achievement and self-esteem. The resulting “r” value (0.158) was statistically significant at the 0.05 level of significance. There was a weakly positive correlation between academic achievement and self-esteem among nursing students.
Enteral Feeding in Pediatric Patients: Principles and Techniques
Authors: Sailer Anne , Boone Christine E. , Acord Michael R.
Published: December 2024

Approximately 40 to 70% of children with chronic medical disease (congenital or acquired respiratory, cardiac, and gastrointestinal disorders) experience feeding difficulties. Enteral feeding in pediatric patients can be administered through orogastric, nasogastric, nasojejunal (NJ), gastrostomy (G) and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tubes, all of which can be safely placed by the interventional radiologist. This article reviews NJ, G, and GJ tube placement and adjunctive techniques to ensure safe and effective enteral access placement. While feeding can also be performed via a jejunostomy tube, these are less common in children and are typically placed via a surgical approach and will not be discussed in this review. Dose reduction techniques, an important consideration in pediatrics, are also reviewed.
Life-history traits of the invasive and biggest European freshwater fish, the wels catfish (Silurus glanis) show high potential for colonisation in Southern Europe
Authors: Panfili Jacques , Nicolas Delphine , Diop Khady , Crivelli Alain J.
Published: December 2024

Context The invasive wels catfish is spreading to many European waterbodies and is the subject of controversy concerning its environmental impact. Aims The objective was to investigate its life-history traits (growth and reproduction) for the first time in southern France. Methods A culling action was used to assess the key life-history traits, using sections of pectoral spines for age and growth estimations, and gonad macroscopic examination for the reproduction parameters. Key results The biggest individual was a 227-cm male. The age was accurately estimated from clear translucent marks on spines, with a maximum of 13 years for both sexes. The growth appeared to be extremely rapid and was the highest at old ages recorded from both the native and the invasive distribution range. The length and age at first sexual maturity, 70.1 cm for 4–5-year-old females, and 54.1 cm for 2–3-year-old males, were the lowest recorded in Europe, indicating an early maturity. Conclusions The life-history parameters (rapid growth, early maturation, high fecundity) showed a very high potential for adaptation and colonisation. Implications The cost and management required to regulate the species appear not easily feasible, particularly when combined with its high growth rate.
Complement C3d enables cell-mediated immunity capable of distinguishing spontaneously transformed from nontransformed cells
Authors: Platt Jeffrey L. , Zhao Chong , Chicca Jeffrey , Pianko Matthew J. , Han Joshua , The Stephanie , Rao Arvind , Keller Evan T. , Garcia de Mattos Barbosa Mayara , Naing Lwar , Pasieka-Axenov Tracy , Axenov Lev , Schaefer Simon , Farkash Evan , Cascalho Marilia
Published: December 2024

Immune surveillance depends in part on the recognition of peptide variants by T cell antigen receptors. Given that both normal B cells and malignant B cells accumulate mutations we chose a murine model of multiple myeloma to test conditions to induce cell-mediated immunity targeting malignant plasma cell (PC) clones but sparing of normal PCs. Revealing a previously unknown function for intracellular C3d, we found that C3d engaged T cell responses against malignant PC in the bone marrow of mice that had developed multiple myeloma spontaneously. Our results show that C3d internalized by cells augments immune surveillance by several mechanisms. In one, C3d induces a master transcription regulator, E2f1, to increase the expression of long noncoding (lnc) RNAs, to generate peptides for MHC-I presentation, and increase MHC-I expression. In another, C3d increases expression of RNAs encoding ribosomal proteins linked to processing of defective ribosomal products that arise from noncanonical translation and known to promote immunosurveillance. Cancer cells are uniquely susceptible to increased expression and presentation of mutant peptides given the extent of protein misfolding and accumulation of somatic mutations. Accordingly, although C3d can be internalized by any cell, C3d preferentially targets malignant clones by evoking specific T cell–mediated immunity and sparing most nontransformed polyclonal B cells and PC with lower mutation loads. Malignant PC deletion was blocked by cyclosporin or by CD8 depletion confirming that endogenous T cells mediated malignant clone clearance. Besides the potential for therapeutic application our results highlight how intracellular C3d modifies cellular metabolism to augment immune surveillance.
Parallel mechanical computing: Metamaterials that can multitask
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Nouh Mostafa
Published: December 2024

Decades after being replaced with digital platforms, analogue computing has experienced a surging interest following developments in metamaterials and intricate fabrication techniques. Specifically, wave-based analogue computers which impart spatial transformations on an incident wavefront, commensurate with a desired mathematical operation, have gained traction owing to their ability to directly encode the input in its unprocessed form, bypassing analogue-to-digital conversion. While promising, these systems are inherently limited to single-task configurations. Their inability to concurrently perform multiple tasks, or compute in parallel, represents a major hindrance to advancing conceptual mechanical devices with broader computational capabilities. In here, we present a pathway to simultaneously process independent computational tasks within the same architected structure. By breaking time invariance in a set of metasurface building blocks, multiple frequency-shifted beams are self-generated which absorb notable energy amounts from the fundamental signal. The onset of these tunable harmonics enables distinct computational tasks to be assigned to different independent “channels,” effectively allowing an analogue mechanical computer to multitask.
Synaptic Gα12/13 signaling establishes hippocampal PV inhibitory circuits
Authors: Garbett Krassimira , Tosun Baris , Lopez Jaybree M. , Smith Cassandra M. , Honkanen Kelly , Sando Richard C.
Published: December 2024

Combinatorial networks of cell adhesion molecules and cell surface receptors drive fundamental aspects of neural circuit establishment and function. However, the intracellular signals orchestrated by these cell surface complexes remain less understood. Here, we report that the Gα12/13 pathway lies downstream of several GPCRs with critical synaptic functions. Impairment of the Gα12/13 pathway in postnatal hippocampal neurons diminishes inhibitory inputs without altering neuronal morphology or excitatory transmission. Gα12/13 signaling in hippocampal CA1 neurons in vivo selectively regulates PV interneuron synaptic connectivity, supporting an inhibitory synapse subtype-specific function of this pathway. Our studies establish Gα12/13 as a signaling node that shapes inhibitory hippocampal circuitry.
Interplay between Netrin-1 and Norrin controls arteriovenous zonation of blood–retina barrier integrity
Authors: Furtado Jessica , Geraldo Luiz Henrique , Leser Felipe Saceanu , Bartkowiak Bartlomiej , Poulet Mathilde , Park Hyojin , Robinson Mark , Pibouin-Fragner Laurence , Eichmann Anne , Boyé Kevin
Published: December 2024

The integrity of the blood–retina barrier (BRB) is crucial for phototransduction and vision, by tightly restricting transport of molecules between the blood and surrounding neuronal cells. Breakdown of the BRB leads to the development of retinal diseases. Here, we show that Netrin-1/Unc5b and Norrin/Lrp5 signaling establish a zonated endothelial cell gene expression program that controls BRB integrity. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of postnatal BRB-competent mouse retina endothelial cells (ECs), we identify >100 BRB genes encoding Wnt signaling components, tight junction proteins, and ion and nutrient transporters. We find that BRB gene expression is zonated across arteries, capillaries, and veins and regulated by opposing gradients of the Netrin-1 receptor Unc5b and Lrp5-β-catenin signaling between retinal arterioles and venules. Mice deficient for
Ntn1
or
Unc5b
display more BRB leakage at the arterial end of the vasculature, while
Lrp5
loss of function causes predominantly venular BRB leakage. ScRNA-seq of
Ntn1
and
Unc5b
mutant ECs reveals down-regulated β-catenin signaling and BRB gene expression that is rescued by
Ctnnb1
overactivation, along with BRB integrity. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 and Norrin additively enhance β-catenin transcriptional activity and Lrp5 phosphorylation via the Discs large homologue 1 (Dlg1) scaffolding protein, and endothelial
Lrp5-Unc5b
function converges in protection of capillary BRB integrity. These findings explain how arteriovenous zonation is established and maintained in the BRB and reveal that BRB gene expression is regulated at the level of endothelial subtypes.
Proteomic analysis of the sponge Aggregation Factor implicates an ancient toolkit for allorecognition and adhesion in animals
Authors: Ruperti Fabian , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Pankey M. Sabrina , Asensio Cedric S. , Anselmetti Dario , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier , Nichols Scott A.
Published: December 2024

The discovery that sponges (Porifera) can fully regenerate from aggregates of dissociated cells launched them as one of the earliest experimental models to study the evolution of cell adhesion and allorecognition in animals. This process depends on an extracellular glycoprotein complex called the Aggregation Factor (AF), which is composed of proteins thought to be unique to sponges. We used quantitative proteomics to identify additional AF components and interacting proteins in the classical model,
Clathria prolifera
, and compared them to proteins involved in cell interactions in Bilateria. Our results confirm MAFp3/p4 proteins as the primary components of the AF but implicate related proteins with calx-beta and wreath domains as additional components. Using AlphaFold, we unveiled close structural similarities of AF components to protein domains in other animals, previously masked by the mutational decay of sequence similarity. The wreath domain, believed to be unique to the AF, was predicted to contain a central beta-sandwich of the same organization as the vWFD domain (also found in extracellular, gel-forming glycoproteins in other animals). Additionally, many copurified proteins share a conserved C-terminus, containing divergent immunoglobulin (Ig) and Fn3 domains predicted to serve as an AF–interaction interface. One of these proteins, MAF-associated protein 1, resembles Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecules and we hypothesize that it may function to link the AF to the surface of cells. Our results highlight the existence of an ancient toolkit of conserved protein domains regulating cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix protein interactions in all animals, and likely reflect a common origin of cell adhesion and allorecognition.
Ecological dynamics explain modular denitrification in the ocean
Authors: Sun Xin , Buchanan Pearse J. , Zhang Irene H. , San Roman Magdalena , Babbin Andrew R. , Zakem Emily J.
Published: December 2024

Microorganisms in marine oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) drive globally impactful biogeochemical processes. One such process is multistep denitrification (NO
3
–
→NO
2
–
→NO→N
2
O→N
2
), which dominates OMZ bioavailable nitrogen (N) loss and nitrous oxide (N
2
O) production. Denitrification-derived N loss is typically measured and modeled as a single step, but observations reveal that most denitrifiers in OMZs contain subsets (“modules”) of the complete pathway. Here, we identify the ecological mechanisms sustaining diverse denitrifiers, explain the prevalence of certain modules, and examine the implications for N loss. We describe microbial functional types carrying out diverse denitrification modules by their underlying redox chemistry, constraining their traits with thermodynamics and pathway length penalties, in an idealized OMZ ecosystem model. Biomass yields of single-step modules increase along the denitrification pathway when organic matter (OM) limits growth, which explains the viability of populations respiring NO
2
–
and N
2
O in a NO
3
–
-filled ocean. Results predict denitrifier community succession along environmental gradients: Pathway length increases as the limiting substrate shifts from OM to N, suggesting a niche for the short NO
3
–
→NO
2
–
module in free-living, OM-limited communities, and for the complete pathway in organic particle-associated communities, consistent with observations. The model captures and mechanistically explains the observed dominance and higher oxygen tolerance of the NO
3
–
→NO
2
–
module. Results also capture observations that NO
3
–
is the dominant source of N
2
O. Our framework advances the mechanistic understanding of the relationship between microbial ecology and N loss in the ocean and can be extended to other processes and environments.
Dispersive determination of the fourth generation lepton masses
Authors: Li Hsiang-nan
Published: December 2024

We continue our previous determination of the masses of the sequential fourth generation quarks in an extension of the Standard Model, and predict the mass m
4 (m

L
) of the fourth generation neutrino ν
4 (charged lepton L) by solving the dispersion relations associated with heavy fermion decays. The results m
4 ≈ 170 GeV and m

L
 ≈ 270 GeV are extracted from the dispersive analyses of the t → de
+
ν
4 and

L

−

→

ν

1

t

¯

d

decay widths, respectively, where t (d, e
+, ν
1) denotes a top quark (down quark, positron, light neutrino). The predictions are cross-checked by examining the

L

−

→

ν

4

u

¯

d

decay,

u

¯

being an anti-up quark. It is shown that the fourth generation leptons with the above masses survive the current experimental bounds from Higgs boson decays into photon pairs and from the oblique parameters. We also revisit how the existence of the fourth generation leptons impacts the dispersive constraints on the neutrino masses and the Pontecorvo–Maki–Nakagawa–Sakata (PMNS) matrix elements. It is found that the unitarity of the 3 × 3 PMNS matrix holds well up to corrections of

O
(

m

ν

2

/

m

W

2

)

, m

ν
(m

W
) being a light neutrino (the W boson) mass, whose mixing angles and CP phase prefer the values θ
12 ≈ 34∘, θ
23 ≈ 47∘, θ
13 ≈ 5∘ and δ ≈ 200∘ in the normal-ordering scenario for neutrino masses.
Optimizing proton acceleration using hollow laser pulses and a double-layer target: effects of focal spot position and polarization
Authors: Willim Camilla , Silva Luís O , Vieira Jorge
Published: December 2024

We study the influence of hollow laser pulse settings, specifically adjustments to the focal plane and the phase structure and polarization, on the acceleration of high-energy, low-divergence proton beams from a double-layer target using a feasible laser energy (

∼

3.7

 J). We investigate the laser’s relativistic self-focusing dynamics in the near-critical plasma layer of the target and examine hot electron generation and proton acceleration using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. First, we vary the focal spot position of a tightly focused twisted driver, leading to distinct laser beam width evolution that impacts hot electron generation in the near-critical plasma, particularly in the transverse direction. The resulting proton beams differ in maximum longitudinal momentum (

0.29
−
0.35

m

i

c

) and transverse profile. The most efficient acceleration, with a cutoff energy of

⩾

40

 MeV and ultra-low divergence (

⩾

25

 mrad), occurs when the twisted driver is focused at the center of the target. Next, we modify the phase structure and polarization of the laser pulse, transitioning from a linearly polarized twisted beam to cylindrical vector beams with radial and azimuthal polarization, all exhibiting hollow, cylindrically symmetric intensity profiles. This change primarily affects the proton beam’s maximum energies, influenced by the ultra-relativistic direct laser-accelerated electrons, efficiently generated only by the radially polarized and twisted laser pulses. However, the bulk properties of the proton beam remain similar, as the relativistic mid-energy electrons, which sustain a strong sheath field, are the main contributors to proton acceleration in this setup.
Doping evolution of the normal state magnetic excitations in pressurized La3Ni2O7
Authors: Zhang Hai-Yang , Bai Yu-Jie , Kong Fan-Jie , Wu Xiu-Qiang , Xing Yu-Heng , Xu Ning
Published: December 2024

The doping evolution behaviors of the normal state magnetic excitations (MEs) of the pressurized nickelate La3Ni2O7 are theoretically studied in this paper. It was found that the MEs of the parental compound have very strong dependence on the vertical momentum q

z
. For small q

z
, the low energy MEs exhibit a square-like pattern centered at (0, 0) which originates from the intrapocket particle-hole scatterings. With the increasing of q

z
, this square pattern diminishes gradually, and the MEs turn to be ruled by two new interpocket scattering modes with significantly larger intensity for q

z
around π. Hence, we have established the exotic q

z
evolution of the normal state MEs of the bilayer nickelates in the present study. Furthermore, we find that the main features of the MEs are very robust against doping. They persist in the wide hole- or electron-doping regime around the filling of n = 3.0. However, in the heavily electron-doped regime, the behaviors of the MEs change qualitatively due to the occurrence of a Lifshitz transition. With the absence of the hole γ pocket, for n = 4.0, there will exist nearly perfect nesting between the electron α and the hole β pockets guaranteed by the Luttinger theorem and the Fermi surface topology. As a result, a spin-density-wave phase was theoretically predicted to order around

(
π
,
π
,
π
)

near n = 4.0, in contrast with the parental compound which orders at

(
π

/

2
,
π

/

2
,
π
)

under ambient pressure. We expect that the doping-temperature phase diagram of the pressurized La3Ni2O7 will be explored in the near future which is helpful to unravel the intricate relation between the magnetic order and superconductivity.
Realization of robust Ohmic contact for semiconducting black arsenic by coupling with graphene
Authors: Cheng 程 Xinjuan 新娟 , Zhai 翟 Xuechao 学超
Published: December 2024

Ohmic contacts are fundamental components in semiconductor technology, facilitating efficient electrical connection and excellent device performance. We employ first-principles calculations to show that semimetallic graphene is a natural Ohmic contact partner of monolayer semiconducting black arsenic (BAs), for which the top of the valence band is below the Fermi energy of the order of 102 meV. The Ohmic contact arises from the giant Stark effect induced by van der Waals electron transfer from BAs to graphene, which does not destroy their respective band features. Remarkably, we show that this intrinsic Ohmic contact remains robust across a wide range of interlayer distances (adjustable by strain) or vertical electric fields, whereas the weak spin splitting of the order of 1 meV induced by symmetry breaking plays little part in Ohmic contact. These findings reveal the potential applications of graphene–BAs in ultralow dissipation transistors.
Stability of conforming space–time isogeometric methods for the wave equation
Authors: Ferrari Matteo , Fraschini Sara
Published: December 2024

We consider a family of conforming space–time finite element discretizations for the wave equation based on splines of maximal regularity in time. Traditional techniques may require a Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition to guarantee stability. Recent works by O. Steinbach and M. Zank (2019), and S. Fraschini, G. Loli, A. Moiola, and G. Sangalli (2024), have introduced unconditionally stable schemes by adding nonconsistent penalty terms to the underlying bilinear form. Stability and error analysis have been carried out for lowest order discrete spaces. While higher order methods have shown promising properties through numerical testing, their rigorous analysis was still missing. In this paper, we address this stability analysis by studying the properties of the condition number of a family of matrices associated with the time discretization. For each spline order, we derive explicit estimates of both the CFL condition required in the unstabilized case and the penalty term that minimises the consistency error in the stabilized case. Numerical tests confirm the sharpness of our results.
Global change aggravates drought, with consequences for plant reproduction
Authors: Brunet Johanne , Inouye David W , Wilson Rankin Erin E , Giannini Tereza C
Published: December 2024

Background

The frequency and intensity of droughts are expected to increase under global change, driven by anthropogenic climate change and water diversion. Precipitation is expected to become more episodic under climate change, with longer and warmer dry spells, although some areas might become wetter. Diversion of freshwater from lakes and rivers and groundwater pumping for irrigation of agricultural fields are lowering water availability to wild plant populations, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought. Given the importance of seasonal changes and extremes in soil moisture to influence plant reproduction, and because the majority of plants are flowering plants and most of them depend on pollinators for seed production, this review focuses on the consequences of drought on different aspects of reproduction in animal-pollinated angiosperms, emphasizing interactions among drought, flowering and pollination.

Scope

Visual and olfactory traits play crucial roles in attracting pollinators. Drought-induced floral changes can influence pollinator attraction and visitation, together with pollinator networks and flowering phenology, with subsequent effects on plant reproduction. Here, we review how drought influences these different aspects of plant reproduction. We identify knowledge gaps and highlight areas that would benefit from additional research.

Conclusions

Visual and olfactory traits are affected by drought, but their phenotypic responses can vary with floral sex, plant sex, population and species. Ample phenotypic plasticity to drought exists for these traits, providing an ability for a rapid response to a change in drought frequency and intensity engendered by global change. The impact of these drought-induced changes in floral traits on pollinator attraction, pollen deposition and plant reproductive success does not show a clear pattern. Drought affects the structure of plant–pollinator networks and can modify plant phenology. The impact of drought on plant reproduction is not always negative, and we need to identify plant characteristics associated with these more positive responses.
Loss of glymphatic homeostasis in heart failure
Authors: Kritsilis Marios , Vanherle Lotte , Rosenholm Marko , in ‘t Zandt René , Yao Yuan , Swanberg Kelley M , Weikop Pia , Gottschalk Michael , Shanbhag Nagesh C , Luo Jiebo , Boster Kimberly , Nedergaard Maiken , Meissner Anja , Lundgaard Iben
Published: December 2024

Heart failure is associated with progressive reduction in cerebral blood flow and neurodegenerative changes leading to cognitive decline. The glymphatic system is crucial for the brain’s waste removal, and its dysfunction is linked to neurodegeneration.

In this study, we used a mouse model of heart failure, induced by myocardial infarction, to investigate the effects of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction on the brain’s glymphatic function.

Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, we found increased solute influx from the CSF spaces to the brain, i.e. glymphatic influx, at 12 weeks post-myocardial infarction. Two-photon microscopy revealed that cerebral arterial pulsatility, a major driver of the glymphatic system, was potentiated at this time point, and could explain this increase in glymphatic influx. However, clearance of proteins from the brain parenchyma did not increase proportionately with influx, while a relative increase in brain parenchyma volume was found at 12 weeks post-myocardial infarction, suggesting dysregulation of brain fluid dynamics. Additionally, our results showed a correlation between brain clearance and cerebral blood flow.

These findings highlight the role of cerebral blood flow as a key regulator of the glymphatic system, suggesting its involvement in the development of brain disorders associated with reduced cerebral blood flow. This study paves the way for future investigations into the effects of cardiovascular diseases on the brain’s clearance mechanisms, which may provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline.
Cardiac Biomarkers and Malnutrition Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults without Cardiovascular Disease: The Seniors-ENRICA-2 Cohort
Authors: Fabre-Estremera Blanca , Buño-Soto Antonio , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Carballo-Casla Adrián , Palma Milla Samara , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Ortolá Rosario
Published: December 2024

Background

Given the close relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and malnutrition, we examined whether higher concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which indicate CVD risk in the general population, were prospectively associated with malnutrition incidence in community-dwelling older adults without CVD.

Methods

We used data from 1490 individuals ≥65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort followed up for 2.2 years. Malnutrition was evaluated by the screening Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA-SF) score, which consists of a short questionnaire, and a complete nutritional assessment according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Associations were summarized with odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI), obtained from logistic regression and adjusted for the main confounders.

Results

NT-proBNP was associated with higher malnutrition incidence assessed by the MNA-SF score and the GLIM criteria, with OR (95% CI) of 1.51 (1.09–2.09) and 1.43 (1.04–1.96) per one logarithmic-unit increment, respectively. Malnutrition incidence according to the GLIM criteria was also higher in participants who had elevated NT-proBNP (heart stress age-specific rule-in cutoffs) vs those who did not, with OR (95% CI) of 1.84 (1.05–3.22). hs-cTnT was not associated with higher malnutrition incidence.

Conclusions

In this cohort of older adults without CVD, NT-proBNP was associated with higher malnutrition incidence. Further research is needed to validate our findings, uncover the underlying biological mechanisms, and assess whether preventive interventions can reduce NT-proBNP concentrations and, consequently, reduce the risk of malnutrition.