bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Field-Constrained Ensemble Image Segmentation of Coronal Holes in Chromospheric Observations
Authors: Landeros Jaime A. , Kirk Michael S. , Arge C. Nick , Boucheron Laura E. , Zhang Jie , Uritsky Vadim M. , Grajeda Jeremy A. , Dupertuis Matthew
Published: January 2025

Coronal holes (CHs) are large-scale, low-density regions in the solar atmosphere that may expel high-speed solar wind streams that incite hazardous, geomagnetic storms. Coronal and solar wind models can predict these high-speed streams, and the performance of the coronal model can be validated against segmented CH boundaries. We present a novel method named Sub-Transition Region Identification of Ensemble Coronal Holes (STRIDE-CH) to address prominent challenges in segmenting CHs using extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) imagery. Ground-based, chromospheric He i 10,830 Å line imagery and underlying Fe i photospheric magnetograms are revisited to disambiguate CHs from filaments and quiet Sun, overcome obscuration by coronal loops, and complement established methods in the community which use space-borne coronal EUV observations. Classical computer vision techniques are applied to constrain the radiative and magnetic properties of detected CHs, produce an ensemble of boundaries, and compile these boundaries in a confidence map that quantifies the likelihood of the CH presence throughout the solar disk. This method is a science-enabling one towards future studies of CH formation and variability from a mid-atmospheric perspective.
Diagnosing milk aspiration as a cause of death in sudden unexpected infant death: forensic insights from post-mortem analysis impacting criminal investigations
Authors: Tavone Alessandro Mauro , Servadei Francesca , Cazzato Francesca , Giacobbi Erica , Bonfiglio Rita , Oliva Antonio , Marella Gian Luca
Published: January 2025

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) encompasses both explained and unexplained infant fatalities. When a comprehensive investigation yields inconclusive results, the case is classified as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On the other hand, the most frequent non-SIDS diagnoses may be attributed to specific causes of death including a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions and disorders (e.g., trauma, asphyxia, suffocation, infection and metabolic diseases). Although rare, milk aspiration is a recognized cause of SUID that can lead to acute respiratory failure. This case report describes the death of a three-month-old infant found unresponsive in a traditional African baby carrier. Gross examination revealed no significant anomalies other than increased lung weight and the presence of milk-like material in the airways, alveoli, and stomach. Histological and ultrastructural analyses identified granular brownish material with birefringent globules in the lungs, consistent with aspirated milk. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for beta-lactoglobulin, confirming formula milk aspiration. This evidence was crucial in excluding maternal negligence as a cause of death, instead supporting an ante-mortem aspiration event resulting from regurgitation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with fatal milk aspiration and emphasizes the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The integration of clinical history, autopsy findings, and advanced histopathological techniques is essential for accurately determining the cause of death and ensuring a sound legal assessment within the Courtroom setting.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease myelitis successfully treated with rituximab
Authors: Yokoyama Emi , Hasegawa Yuta , Wakaki Kentaro , Suzuki Touma , Kajikawa Sayaka , Kanaya Minoru , Izumiyama Koh , Saito Makoto , Morioka Masanobu , Nagai Jun , Ichiki Tomoe , Kikuchi Ryo , Okada Satomi , Ohigashi Hiroyuki , Goto Hideki , Onozawa Masahiro , Hashimoto Daigo , Mori Akio , Teshima Takanori , Kondo Takeshi
Published: January 2025

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major serious complication after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and often mimics autoimmune diseases. Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms are rare manifestations of cGVHD, and are difficult to diagnose. CNS manifestations of cGVHD were discussed in the 2020 National Institutes of Health cGVHD Consensus Project as one of the “atypical cGVHD manifestations” with involvement of various organ systems other than classical cGVHD organs. We experienced a case of myelitis after allo-HSCT diagnosed as cGVHD of the CNS. The neurological symptoms progressed after corticosteroid pulse therapy, resulting in severe paralysis and paresthesia of the lower extremities. The clinical course and magnetic resonance imaging findings showed some similarities with multiple sclerosis. We decided to use rituximab after the patient became refractory to corticosteroids because rituximab has been reported to be effective in multiple sclerosis by suppressing B cells on both sides of the blood–brain barrier. Rituximab was effective for the neurologic symptoms in our case. In atypical cGVHD, treatments used in corresponding autoimmune diseases may be reasonable and effective.
Modulus estimates of semirings with applications to boundary extension problems
Authors: Golberg Anatoly , Sugawa Toshiyuki , Vuorinen Matti
Published: January 2025

In our previous paper (Golberg et al. in Comput Methods Funct Theory 20(3–4):539–558, 2020), we proved that the complementary components of a ring domain in

$$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

with large enough modulus may be separated by an annular ring domain and applied this result to boundary correspondence problems under quasiconformal mappings. In the present paper, we continue this work and investigate boundary extension problems for a larger class of mappings.
Laser-Induced Nanowire Percolation Interlocking for Ultrarobust Soft Electronics
Authors: Jung Yeongju , Pyun Kyung Rok , Yu Sejong , Ahn Jiyong , Kim Jinsol , Park Jung Jae , Lee Min Jae , Lee Byunghong , Won Daeyeon , Bang Junhyuk , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: January 2025

Metallic nanowires have served as novel materials for soft electronics due to their outstanding mechanical compliance and electrical properties. However, weak adhesion and low mechanical robustness of nanowire networks to substrates significantly undermine their reliability, necessitating the use of an insulating protective layer, which greatly limits their utility. Herein, we present a versatile and generalized laser-based process that simultaneously achieves strong adhesion and mechanical robustness of nanowire networks on diverse substrates without the need for a protective layer. In this method, the laser-induced photothermal energy at the interface between the nanowire network and the substrate facilitates the interpenetration of the nanowire network and the polymer matrix, resulting in mechanical interlocking through percolation. This mechanism is broadly applicable across different metallic nanowires and thermoplastic substrates, significantly enhancing its universality in diverse applications. Thereby, we demonstrated the mechanical robustness of nanowires in reusable wearable physiological sensors on the skin without compromising the performance of the sensor. Furthermore, enhanced robustness and electrical conductivity by the laser-induced interlocking enables a stable functionalization of conducting polymers in a wet environment, broadening its application into various electrochemical devices.
Numerical analysis of factors causing long-term trends and annual variations of sulfur and nitrogen deposition amount in Japan from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Chatani Satoru , Shimadera Hikari , Kitayama Kyo , Nishina Kazuya
Published: January 2025

The deposition of sulfur and nitrogen from the atmosphere to the ground surface is harmful to ecosystems. This study performed long-term air quality simulations to quantify the influences of factors, including anthropogenic emissions in Japan, meteorological fields, transboundary transport, and volcanic emissions, on the long-term trends and annual variations in sulfur and nitrogen deposition in Japan from 2000 to 2020. The air quality simulations performed well in reproducing the long-term trends and annual variations in the wet deposition amount, whereas the simulated dry deposition amount may contain larger uncertainties. The decreasing trends in sulfur deposition were statistically significant during the entire study period (2000–2020) in most of Japan. They were caused by the reduction of anthropogenic SO2 emissions in Japan and China, which was accomplished by the implementation of stringent emission controls, as well as a gradual decrease in SO2 emissions from the Miyakejima volcano, which erupted in 2000. No significant decreasing trends were found in nitrogen deposition in Japan during the first half of the study period (2000–2010). Decreases caused by the reduction in anthropogenic NOx emissions in Japan were compensated for by increases caused by increasing NOx emissions in China and changes in the gas-aerosol partitioning of nitrates instead of sulfates. The decreasing trend in nitrogen deposition in Japan became statistically significant during the second half of the study period (2010–2020) after anthropogenic NOx emissions started to decline in China. Meteorological fields primarily influenced annual variations in the amount of nitrogen deposition. This study reveals that long-term air quality simulations are useful for quantifying the influences of various factors on long-term trends and annual variations in sulfur and nitrogen deposition.

Graphical Abstract
Portable Accessible MRI in Dementia Research: Ethical Considerations About Research Representation and Dementia-Friendly Technology
Authors: Klein Eran , Duke Han S. , Tuite Paul , Taylor Kimberly W. , Agarwal Mohit
Published: January 2025

The introduction of portable MRI (pMRI) has the potential to directly impact dementia research and ultimately clinical care. In this paper, we explore two ethical challenges facing the introduction of pMRI in dementia research. The first is the need to ensure that pMRI enhances rather than undermines efforts aimed at improving ethnoracial representation in dementia research. The second is the need to implement pMRI in dementia research in a dementia-friendly way that attends to the social context and lived experience of people with dementia.
Diminution of Public Health Agency Authorities Post-Loper
Authors: Hodge James G. , Lauzon Maxwell
Published: January 2025

In a new era of regulatory oversight, the US Supreme Court upended traditional Chevron deference to agency interpretations of ambiguous Congressional provisions in Loper in June 2024. Federal courts were instructed to make their own assessments of statutory authorities amid an onslaught of public health agency challenges surfacing nationally. Even so, SCOTUS may be eyeing further limits on agency powers despite clear and substantial repercussions for the health of the nation.
Variable Shapes Observed in Electron Bouncing Microburst Packets
Authors: Feinland Max A. , Blum Lauren W.
Published: January 2025

Characterizing relativistic electron precipitation remains an important endeavor in the space sciences, as competing sources of transport, acceleration, and loss affect the content and energy distribution of the radiation belts in both space and time. Here we examine rapid electron precipitation events by searching through 4 years of data collected by the Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer satellite to find bouncing microburst packets of 1 MeV electrons. Multiple shapes, beyond solely the peaks of decaying amplitude that are expected from the literature, are discovered. Furthermore, evidence for both full‐ and half‐bounce‐period events is presented. These findings suggest that the processes by which bouncing electron microburst packets are produced may be more complex than is represented by the existing literature, with various factors influencing the shape observed by spacecraft.
Life’s Building Blocks Found in Bennu Samples
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: January 2025

The discovery of amino acids, abundant ammonia, and the bases of DNA and RNA on asteroid Bennu suggest that materials essential to life might be widespread throughout the solar system.
Estrogen-dependent activation of TRX2 reverses oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic disease
Authors: Smiriglia Alfredo , Lorito Nicla , Bacci Marina , Subbiani Angela , Bonechi Francesca , Comito Giuseppina , Kowalik Marta Anna , Perra Andrea , Morandi Andrea
Published: January 2025

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a spectrum of hepatic disorders, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, with the most severe outcomes including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Notably, MASLD prevalence is lower in premenopausal women than in men, suggesting a potential protective role of estrogens in mitigating disease onset and progression. In this study, we utilized preclinical in vitro models—immortalized cell lines and hepatocyte-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells—exposed to clinically relevant steatotic-inducing agents. These exposures led to lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction, along with decreased expression of markers associated with hepatocyte functionality and differentiation. Estrogen treatment in steatotic-induced liver cells resulted in reduced ROS levels and LD content while preserving mitochondrial integrity, mediated by the upregulation of mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (TRX2), an antioxidant system regulated by the estrogen receptor. Furthermore, disruption of TRX2, either pharmacologically using auranofin or through genetic interference, was sufficient to counteract the protective effects of estrogens, highlighting a potential mechanism through which estrogens may prevent or slow MASLD progression.
Histone lactylation promotes multidrug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by forming a positive feedback loop with PTEN
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Jiang Haoran , Chen Zhoufeng , Xu Jun , Zhang Xiangting , Cai Weimin , Zeng Xianjie , Ma Peipei , lin Rong , Yu Huilin , He Yuanhang , Ying Huiya , Zhou Ruoru , Wu Xiao , Yu Fujun
Published: January 2025

FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, folinic acid) is a standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, but its efficacy is often limited by drug resistance, the underlying mechanisms of which remain unclear. In this study, oxaliplatin (OXA)- and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were established, and enhanced glycolytic activity was identified in resistant cells. Inhibiting glycolysis effectively suppressed the malignant behavior of both OXA- and 5-Fu-resistant cells. Mechanistically, active glycolysis induced elevated levels of lactylation, predominantly histone lactylation, with H3K14la playing a key role in regulating gene expression. The ubiquitin E3 ligase NEDD4 was identified as a downstream target of H3K14la. Furthermore, NEDD4, regulated by histone lactylation, interacted with PTEN to mediate its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The downregulation of PTEN formed a positive feedback loop, further driving the malignant progression of OXA- and 5-Fu-resistant cells. This study elucidates a shared mechanism underlying OXA and 5-Fu resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma and highlights a promising therapeutic target for overcoming clinical chemotherapy resistance.
Piezo1-directed neutrophil extracellular traps regulate macrophage differentiation during influenza virus infection
Authors: Wang Yuexin , Yang Qiuli , Dong Yingjie , Wang Likun , Zhang Zhiyuan , Niu Ruiying , Wang Yufei , Bi Yujing , Liu Guangwei
Published: January 2025

Neutrophils and macrophages are critical for antiviral immunity, but their reciprocal regulatory roles and mechanisms in the response to viral infection remain unclear. Herein, we found that the ion channel Piezo1 directs neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and regulates macrophage functional differentiation in anti-influenza virus immunity. Genetic deletion of Piezo1 in neutrophils inhibited the generation of NETs and M1 macrophage differentiation while driving the development of M2 macrophages during viral infection. Piezo1-directed neutrophil NET DNA directly regulates macrophage differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, neutrophil Piezo1 deficiency inhibited NET DNA production, leading to decreased TLR9 and cGAS-STING signalling activity while inducing reciprocal differentiation from M1 to M2 macrophages. In addition, Piezo1 integrates magnesium signalling and the SIRT2-hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α)-dependent pathway to orchestrate reciprocal M1 and M2 macrophage lineage commitment through neutrophil-derived NET DNA. Our studies provide critical insight into the role of neutrophil-based mechanical regulation of immunopathology in directing macrophage lineage commitment during the response to influenza virus infection.
De novo design of protein minibinder agonists of TLR3
Authors: Adams Chloe S. , Kim Hyojin , Burtner Abigail E. , Lee Dong Sun , Dobbins Craig , Criswell Cameron , Coventry Brian , Tran-Pearson Adri , Kim Ho Min , King Neil P.
Published: January 2025

Toll-like Receptor 3 (TLR3) is a pattern recognition receptor that initiates antiviral immune responses upon binding double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Several nucleic acid-based TLR3 agonists have been explored clinically as vaccine adjuvants in cancer and infectious disease, but present substantial manufacturing and formulation challenges. Here, we use computational protein design to create novel miniproteins that bind to human TLR3 with nanomolar affinities. Cryo-EM structures of two minibinders in complex with TLR3 reveal that they bind the target as designed, although one partially unfolds due to steric competition with a nearby N-linked glycan. Multivalent forms of both minibinders induce NF-κB signaling in TLR3-expressing cell lines, demonstrating that they may have therapeutically relevant biological activity. Our work provides a foundation for the development of specific, stable, and easy-to-formulate protein-based agonists of TLRs and other pattern recognition receptors.
Sub-nanometer depth resolution and single dopant visualization achieved by tilt-coupled multislice electron ptychography
Authors: Dong Zehao , Zhang Yang , Chiu Chun-Chien , Lu Sicheng , Zhang Jianbing , Liu Yu-Chen , Liu Suya , Yang Jan-Chi , Yu Pu , Wang Yayu , Chen Zhen
Published: January 2025

Real-space, three-dimensional imaging of atomic structures in materials science is a critical yet challenging task. Although scanning transmission electron microscopy has achieved sub-angstrom lateral resolution through techniques like electron ptychography, depth resolution remains limited to only 2 to 3 nanometers using single-projection setups. Attaining better depth resolution often requires large sample tilt angles and numerous projections, as demonstrated in atomic electron tomography. Here, we introduce an extension of multislice electron ptychography, which couples only a few small-angle projections to improve depth resolution by more than threefold, reaching the sub-nanometer scale and potentially approaching the atomic level. This technique maintains high resolving power for both light and heavy atoms, significantly enhancing the detection of individual dopants. We experimentally demonstrate three-dimensional visualization of dilute praseodymium dopants in a brownmillerite oxide, Ca2Co2O5, along with the accompanying lattice distortions. This approach can be implemented on widely available transmission electron microscopes equipped with hybrid pixel detectors, with data processing achievable using high-performance computing systems.
Carbohydrate-active enzymes from Akkermansia muciniphila break down mucin O-glycans to completion
Authors: Bakshani Cassie R. , Ojuri Taiwo O. , Pilgaard Bo , Holck Jesper , McInnes Ross , Kozak Radoslaw P. , Zakhour Maria , Çakaj Sara , Kerouedan Manon , Newton Emily , Bolam David N. , Crouch Lucy I.
Published: January 2025

Akkermansia muciniphila is a human microbial symbiont residing in the mucosal layer of the large intestine. Its main carbon source is the highly heterogeneous mucin glycoprotein, and it uses an array of carbohydrate-active enzymes and sulfatases to access this complex energy source. Here we describe the biochemical characterization of 54 glycoside hydrolases, 11 sulfatases and 1 polysaccharide lyase from A. muciniphila to provide a holistic understanding of their carbohydrate-degrading activities. This was achieved using a variety of liquid chromatography techniques, mass spectrometry, enzyme kinetics and thin-layer chromatography. These results are supported with A. muciniphila growth and whole-cell assays. We find that these enzymes can act synergistically to degrade the O-glycans on the mucin polypeptide to completion, down to the core N-acetylgalactosaime. In addition, these enzymes can break down human breast milk oligosaccharide, ganglioside and globoside glycan structures, showing their capacity to target a variety of host glycans. These data provide a resource to understand the full degradative capability of the gut microbiome member A. muciniphila.
Temporal profiling of human lymphoid tissues reveals coordinated defense against viral challenge
Authors: Coates Matthew L. , Richoz Nathan , Tuong Zewen K. , Bowyer Georgina S. , Lee Colin Y. C. , Ferdinand John R. , Gillman Eleanor , McClure Mark , Dratva Lisa , Teichmann Sarah A. , Jayne David R. , Di Marco Barros Rafael , Stewart Benjamin J. , Clatworthy Menna R.
Published: January 2025

Adaptive immunity is generated in lymphoid organs, but how these structures defend themselves during infection in humans is unknown. The nasal epithelium is a major site of viral entry, with adenoid nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) generating early adaptive responses. In the present study, using a nasopharyngeal biopsy technique, we investigated longitudinal immune responses in NALT after a viral challenge, using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection as a natural experimental model. In acute infection, infiltrating monocytes formed a subepithelial and perifollicular shield, recruiting neutrophil extracellular trap-forming neutrophils, whereas tissue macrophages expressed pro-repair molecules during convalescence to promote the restoration of tissue integrity. Germinal center B cells expressed antiviral transcripts that inversely correlated with fate-defining transcription factors. Among T cells, tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells alone showed clonal expansion and maintained cytotoxic transcriptional programs into convalescence. Together, our study provides unique insights into how human nasal adaptive immune responses are generated and sustained in the face of viral challenge.
Formulation of new drug delivery systems for insulin from natural bioactive biocompatible polymers
Authors: Fetouh Howida A. , Aleem Engy E. A. , Mohammed Najiyah H. , Aldesouky Jihad M. Abd-Almajeed , Ismail Amel M.
Published: January 2025

New insulin drug delivery systems (IDDs): insulin@chitin; insulin@chitin-grafted (g)-guar gum were prepared by using a modified sol–gel method. Insulin vials were loaded on the safe natural inert bioactive polymers (chitin and chitin-g-GG copolymer) carriers using water green solvent. Traces amount additives were below toxicity limits. Guar gum increased the numbers of the functional groups of the polymer carrier. Insulin release monitored at 37 ± 0.5 °C and buffer solutions of pH (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4) simulating physiological body fluids: stomach, intestine colon and blood stream. Insulin released from insulin@chitin only at pH 7.4. No release observed at pH 1.2, 6.8 due strong bonding to acetyl group of chitin. Insulin@chitin-GG system showed sustained targeting insulin-release at pH: 6.8 > 7.4 > 1.2. Release data obeyed pseudo second order kinetic model indicating that IDDs is heterogeneous solid surface of energetically different active sites. Each insulin molecule occupied two active sites. The slow release at pH 1.2 indicated protection against stomach juice. Release kinetic depend on physicochemical characteristics (porosity, swelling ratio as well as peptide and amino acid sequence). Both IDDs showed negative zeta potential indicating stability against aggregation. Gaur gum improved particle size distribution and insulin release.
Curcumin nanoparticles alleviate brain mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in γ-irradiated rats
Authors: Moselhy Omnia A. , Abdel-Aziz Nahed , El-bahkery Azza , Moselhy Said S. , Ibrahim Ehab A.
Published: January 2025

Despite the diverse applications of γ radiation in radiotherapy, industrial processes, and sterilization, it causes hazardous effects on living organisms, such as cellular senescence, persistent cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs) in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence induced by γ radiation in rat brain tissues. Four groups of male Wistar albino rats (n = 8 per group) were included: (Gr1) the control group; (Gr2) the CNPs group (healthy rats receiving oral administration of curcumin nanoparticles at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, three times per week for eight weeks); (Gr3) the irradiated group (rats exposed to a single dose of 10 Gy head γ irradiation); and (Gr4) the irradiated + CNPs group (irradiated rats treated with CNPs). The data obtained demonstrated that oral administration of CNPs for eight weeks attenuated oxidative stress in γ-irradiated rats by lowering the brain’s lipid peroxidation level [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and enhancing antioxidant markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] (P < 0.05). In addition, CNPs significantly increased mitochondrial function by improving complex I, complex II, and ATP production levels compared to the irradiated group. In irradiated rats, CNPs also showed anti-neuroinflammatory effects by reducing brain interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, CNPs administered to irradiated rats significantly reduced brain β-galactosidase activity and the expression levels of p53, p21, and p16 genes (P < 0.05) while concurrently inducing a significant increase in AMPK mRNA expression compared to the irradiated group. In conclusion, CNPs ameliorated the neurotoxicity of γ radiation and hold promise as a novel agent to delay cellular senescence via their combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-enhancing properties.
The viscosity and processing of molten lunar regolith
Authors: Bowen James , Prabhu Vibha Levin , Lim Sungwoo , Anand Mahesh
Published: January 2025

Establishing a permanent, self-sufficient habitat for humans on planetary bodies is critical for successful space exploration. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of locally available resources offers the possibility of an energy-efficient and cost-effective approach. This paper considers the high-temperature processing of molten lunar regolith under conditions which represent the lunar environment, namely low gravity, low temperature, and negligible atmospheric pressure. The rheological properties of the low-titanium lunar mare regolith simulant JSC-1A are measured using concentric cylinder rheometry and these results are used to explore the influence of viscosity on processing operations involving the flow of molten regolith for fabricating construction components on the Moon surface. These include the delivery of molten regolith within an extrusion-based 3D printing technique and the ingress of molten regolith into porous structures. The energy and power required to establish and maintain sufficiently high temperatures for the regolith to remain in the liquid state are also considered and discussed in the context of lunar construction.
Cryo-EM structure of the calcium-sensing receptor complexed with the kokumi substance γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroki , Kitajima Seiji , Suzuki Hiroshi , Suzuki Shota , Nishikawa Kouki , Kamegawa Akiko , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori , Takahashi Kazutoshi , Tagami Uno , Maruyama Yutaka , Kuroda Motonaka , Sugiki Masayuki
Published: January 2025

Taste is a key element for food palatability and is strongly influenced by the five basic tastes and other taste sensations, such as fatty orosensation, and koku perception, which indicates taste complexity, mouthfulness and lastingness. This study focuses on the taste modifier γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine (γ-EVG), a potent kokumi substance that enhances taste and koku perception by modulating the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). We used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the CaSR/γ-EVG complex at a resolution of 3.55 Å. Structural analysis revealed important interactions between γ-EVG and the CaSR, involving key residues, such as Pro39, Phe42, Arg66, Ser147, and Glu297. Mutagenesis experiments demonstrated the importance of these residues in peptide binding. Each γ-EVG residue contributed to its binding to the orthosteric ligand binding site of the CaSR. These findings elucidate the molecular basis of kokumi peptide recognition by the CaSR and contribute to a better understanding of positive allosteric modulators of the CaSR. In addition, this research provides valuable insights into the functionality of class C G-protein-coupled receptors in taste perception, potentially informing the development of new taste modifiers and advancing the field of food science.
Modelling the alpha and beta diversity of copepods across tropical and subtropical Atlantic ecoregions
Authors: Martínez-Leiva Lorena , Landeira José M. , Fernández de Puelles Maria Luz , Hernández-León Santiago , Tuset Víctor M. , Fatira Effrosyni
Published: January 2025

Copepods, the most abundant individuals of the mesozooplankton, play a pivotal role in marine food webs and carbon cycling. However, few studies have focused on their diversity and the environmental factors influencing it. The objective of the present study is to model the alpha and beta diversity of copepods across the tropical and subtropical ecoregions of Atlantic Ocean using both taxonomic and functional approaches. The study used a dataset of 226 copepod species collected by stratified plankton hauls (0–800 m depth) across the tropical and equatorial Atlantic, from oligotrophic waters close to the Brazilian coast to more productive waters close to the Mauritanian Upwelling. To perform the functional analysis, six traits related to the behaviour, growth, and reproduction of copepods were selected. Several alpha diversities were estimated using taxonomic metrics (SR, Δ+, and Λ+) and functional metrics (FDis, FEve, FDiv, FOri, FSpe), and modelized with GAM model across spatial and environmental gradients, and day/night. The overall and two components of β-diversity (turnover and nestedness) were shared between depth and stations. The surface layers of stations from oligotrophic, equatorial, and Cape Verde ecoregions displayed higher values of taxonomic α-diversity. More unpredictable were the facets of functional α-diversity, although they showed a tendency to be positive with depth during the daytime. The GAM analysis revealed spatial gradients as the key factors modelling the taxonomic α-diversity, whereas depth was the most relevant for functional α-diversity. The turnover component drove taxonomic β-diversity in depth and station, whereas the nestedness component acquired relevance for the functional β-diversity. The taxonomic structure of the copepod community varied spatially across depths and ecoregions, but this was not linked to functional changes of the same magnitude.
Insulated gate unipolar diode
Authors: Sheikhian Iraj
Published: January 2025

Here, for the first time, a gated diode that can be turned on/off by its single insulated gate is introduced. The novel device is a combination of a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) and a diode. It has a simple structure and can be fabricated by the regular complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology at low cost. The insulated‐gate unipolar diode (IGUD) is simulated by device simulator tools. Simulations show the output curve of the IGUD is not only similar to a regular diode but also can be shifted by the gate. The idea of IGUD has been evaluated by experimental tests. The experimental data are in good agreement with the simulation results. The IGUD can be used as a fast switch in high‐current low‐voltage applications. Also, it can be used to achieve controlled rectification without synchronisation to the AC input.
Diffraction by a finite parallel‐plate waveguide cavity with perfect electric conductor loading: The case of E polarisation
Authors: Zhang Tong , Kobayashi Kazuya
Published: January 2025

The diffraction by a finite parallel‐plate waveguide cavity with perfect electric conductor loading is rigorously analysed for the E‐polarised case using the Wiener–Hopf technique. By taking the Fourier transform to the unknown scattered field and applying boundary conditions in the transformed domain, the problem is formulated in terms of the simultaneous Wiener–Hopf equations. These equations are solved using the factorisation and decomposition procedure. The solution is exact but formal because it involves branch‐cut integrals with unknown integrands and an infinite number of unknowns. Approximation procedures based on rigorous asymptotic are also presented, leading to an approximate solution of the Wiener–Hopf equations. The scattered field inside and outside the cavity is evaluated by taking the inverse Fourier transform and using the saddle point method of integration. Numerical computations of the radar cross‐section have been performed for different physical parameters, providing a detailed analysis of the scattering characteristics.
Physically motivated modelling of LyC escape fraction during reionisation
Authors: Kostyuk Ivan , Ciardi Benedetta , Ferrara Andrea
Published: January 2025

We present an analysis of the Lyman continuum (LyC) escape fraction of high-redshift galaxies using an analytic post-processing approach. We applied the model to ∼ 6 10^5 galaxies of the Illustris TNG50 simulation in the redshift range z=5.2-20. Our study reveals a bimodal nature of LyC escape that is associated with either (a) high-metallicity ($10^ <Z<10^ $) low-mass (M_⋆<10^7 M _⊙) galaxies, which due to their efficient cooling exhibit extended star formation, with photons escaping primarily from the outer regions of the galactic plane ( ext -mode), or (b) low-metallicity (Z<10^-3) moderately massive galaxies (M_⋆<10^8 M _⊙) in which star formation can only take place in small high-density regions, with localised LyC escape originating from these regions ( loc -mode). While the loc -mode is present at all redshifts under investigation, the ext -mode becomes prominent in small galaxies at later cosmic times, that is, once sufficient metal enrichment has occurred. Building on these findings, we have developed an analytical fitting formula to determine the escape fraction of galaxies based on their stellar and gas mass as well as redshift, providing a valuable subgrid modelling tool for future studies.
Wirksamkeit Kneipp’scher Kniegüsse auf die Fatigue-Symptomatik des
Post-COVID-Syndroms – eine randomisierte kontrollierte
Pilotstudie
Authors: Kuchler Ronja , Best Norman , Derlien Steffen , Loudovici-Krug Dana , Lemhöfer Christina
Published: January 2025

Für das vorherrschende Symptom Fatigue im Rahmen
des Post-COVID-Syndroms (PCS) existieren weiterhin nur eingeschränkte
Behandlungsstrategien. Hydrotherapeutische Verfahren zeigten bei anderen
Ursachen der Fatigue positive Effekte. Das primäre Ziel ist es erstmals
objektivierbare Daten mittels HRV zur Wirksamkeit von Kniegüssen nach Kneipp
auf die Fatique im Rahmen von Post-COVID zu generieren.

Personen mit relevanter Fatigue,
gemessen mit der Chalder Fatigue Skala, wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen.
Die Herzratenvariablitität (HRV) (Zeit und Frequenz-Domänen) sowie die
Lebensqualität (SF-12) wurden erfasst. Es erfolgte eine Randomisierung in
eine Interventionsgruppe (IG) und eine Kontrollgruppe (KG). Die IG
verwendete zwei- bis dreimal pro Woche kaltes Wasser für Kniegüsse, während
die KG warmes Wasser verwendete. Nach sechswöchiger eigenständiger
Durchführung wurden die Daten erneut erhoben und mittels
Mittelwertvergleichen undRegressionsmodellen analysiert.

Insgesamt wurden 30 Betroffene eingeschlossen,
von denen 80% angaben, weiblich zu sein. Die Lebensqualität und die
Ausprägung der Fatigue verbesserten sich bei allen Teilnehmenden über die
Zeit. Es konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den HRV-Werten der
Gruppen gefunden werden (p>0,05). Auch die Auswertung der weiteren
Ourctomeparameter ergab keine Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen.

  Kniegüsse können einen Einfluss auf die
Fatigue beim PCS haben, jedoch ist fraglich, ob der Knieguss mit seiner relativ
geringen Reizfläche ausreichend ist, um eine relevante Änderung der Symptome zu
erreichen. Ein deutlicher Unterschied zwischen der warmen und kalten Gussgruppe
ließ sich nicht ermitteln, was auch in der kleinen Stichprobe begründet sein
könnte. Weitere Studien mit optimierten Studienbedingungen und einer größeren
Kohorte sind notwendig.
Epidemiology of Colpocephaly in the Texas Birth Defects Registry, 1999 to 2020
Authors: Yantz Caitlyn , Shumate Charles , Betancourt Dayana , Allred Rachel , Nguyen Joanne , Agopian A.J. , Salemi Jason , Ahmad Kaashif
Published: January 2025

Objective Colpocephaly is a congenital brain defect characterized by enlargement of the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. Few population-based studies have focused on this central nervous system (CNS) defect. This study aimed to evaluate the birth prevalence and survival of Texas infants with colpocephaly delivered between 1999 and 2020.

Study Design Cases from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) with a diagnosis of colpocephaly were identified. Unadjusted birth prevalence, 1-year survival estimates, and crude hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from data collected from the medical record abstraction and linked vital records. Select maternal and infant variables were assessed overall and across four medical classification groups (presence of isolated, chromosomal, syndromic, or multiple major defects).

Results From 1999 to 2020, 1,146 cases with colpocephaly were identified. The overall birth prevalence of colpocephaly was 1.36/10,000 live births (95% CI: 1.28–1.44). Significantly higher prevalence was noted for male infants, infants with low birth weight (<2,500 g), and very preterm (<32 weeks) infants. Overall, 1-year survival was 89.5%, with statistically significant differences observed in each medical classification group (e.g., isolated) across levels of maternal education, Texas/Mexico border maternal residence at delivery, infant birth weight, and gestational age.

Conclusion These findings have important implications for pediatric neurology and future research, such as counseling on the prevalence and prognosis of colpocephaly. Additionally, these findings highlight that the population burden of CNS defects may be higher than previously believed, supporting the expansion of research of rare brain defects.

Key Points
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Practicing Plastic Surgeons in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Marathe Aditya B. , Bamnodkar Piyush V. , Karanjkar Ankur S. , Sahasrabudhe Parag B. , Panse Nikhil S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are a less discussed entity in the medical profession, with surgical specialties being more prone to them. Little is known about these types of injuries in plastic surgeons specifically. Data on WRMDs among Indian plastic surgeons are lacking. The goals of this study were to evaluate the prevalence, nature, particular contributory causal factors and behaviors, and potential remedies of these musculoskeletal injuries among plastic surgeons in India.

Materials and Methods An online voluntary survey was conducted among plastic surgeons in India, collecting their demographics, workload characteristics, musculoskeletal issues, causal factors, and corrective measures, taken using Google Forms. Data were extracted into an MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed. The prevalence of WRMDs was calculated and the predictors were evaluated with a univariate analysis.

Results Thirty-three percent of 297 respondents had work-related musculoskeletal injuries or disorders, with the majority experiencing pain (82%), with the neck being the most common site (61%); this was followed by stiffness (61%) and fatigue (52%). The most common causative factors were sustained posture (81%), awkward posture (72%), and inadequate breaks (34%). Age (p = 0.041) and average operative hours per week (p = 0.036) were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The corrective measures cited were stretching exercises, core-strengthening exercises, maintaining proper posture, taking frequent breaks, and yoga.

Conclusion Plastic surgeons are at high risk of WRMDs, with a significant prevalence in India. Albeit plastic surgeons in India face a higher case load, implementation of ergonomic principles can help in reducing the incidence of these disorders and in preventing the severity of sequelae.
Critical magnetic fields of superconducting superlattices
Authors: Gvozdikov V. M.
Published: January 2025

Temperature and angular dependences of the upper critical field in artificial superconducting superlattices of the S–I–S and S–N–S types are investigated. It is found that the parameters describing the dimensional crossover (i.e., the change from the three-dimensional behavior to quasi-two-dimensional behavior) are dependent on the parameters of superlattice microscopic structure such as the thickness of layers and interlayers as well as the effective lengths l1 and l2 characterizing the penetrability and the depairing effect of interlayers. The Ginzburg-Landau differential-difference equations are obtained in the limit of weak coupling between the layers, and the critical temperature of superlattices is calculated. It is shown that unlike superlattices, the parallel field is characterized by the temperature dependence with a positive curvature, and there is no dimensional crossover. The temperature dependence of the upper critical field in single crystals of high-temperature superconductors of the YBa2Cu3Ox type is discussed.
Excess conduction of YBaCuO point contacts between 100 and 200 K
Authors: Rybal’chenko L. F. , Yanson I. K. , Bobrov N. I. , Fisun V. V. , Obolenskii M. A. , Bondarenko A. V. , Tret’yakov Yu. D. , Kaul’ A. R. , Graboi I. É.
Published: January 2025

YBaCuO–Ag pressure point contacts with direct conduction are investigated. The excess (relative to the normal state) conductivity mainly caused by fluctuational pairing of electrons above Tc is measured in the temperature interval 100–200 K. The superconductivity above 120 K is found to be of the two-dimensional type. The obtained preliminary results indicate the presence of small amount of an unknown phase with T′c ≳ 200 Kin YBaCuO.
On the problem of singlet superfluidity in 3He monolayers
Authors: Monarkha Yu. P. , Sokolov S. S.
Published: January 2025

The problem of spin-singlet pairing and singlet superfluidity of a 3He monolayer on a 4He liquid film or a solid hydrogen surface is considered under the BCS approximation. It is shown that the critical parameters of the system can be determined in some cases by the short-wave values of the wave vectors (q ≃ qm > kF) rather than by Fermi values of these vectors of Bose particles (q ≃ kF) which lead to pairing. This considerably modifies the basic expressions for the energy gap and transition temperature. It is also shown that as a result of interaction with Rayleigh waves, the 3He monolayer on hydrogen surface can become a singlet superfluid layer at temperatures much higher than the transition temperature for a triplet superfluid state.
On the absence of long-range order in a type II superconductor in the mixed state
Authors: Rutkevich S. B.
Published: January 2025

It is shown that the violation of the long-range superconducting order in Abrikosov’s vortex lattices predicted by Maki and Takayama on the basis of an approximate approach that was valid only in the vicinity of Hc2(T), is indeed an exact result governed only by the symmetry properties of a superconductor in a magnetic field.
Dependence of the low-temperature acoustic spectrum of YBa2Cu3Ox ceramic on the oxygen index
Authors: Natsik V. D. , Pal’-Val’ P. P. , Engert J. , Kaufmann H. -J. , Rudolf K. , Matz W.
Published: January 2025

Temperature dependences of the oscillation decrement δ(T) and longitudinal ultrasound velocity υ1(T) at frequencies ∼ 105 Hz are studied in HTS ceramic samples of YBa2Cu3Ox with quite different oxygen contents (x = 6.95 and 6.03). Measurements were carried out in the temperature interval 6–340 K under multiple temperature cycling. Upon a transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal phase, hysteresis in the υ1(T) dependence practically disappears and two low-temperature absorption peaks at 60 and 135 K are transformed into a single peak at 83 K. It is shown that the acoustic anomalies in samples with x = 6.95 and 6.03 are due to different relaxation processes. Activation parameters are determined and possible mechanisms for such processes are discussed.
Dynamics of nonequilibrium phonons in a medium with two-level centers
Authors: Solov’ev A. E.
Published: January 2025

The propagation of nonequilibrium phonons in a crystal with resonance centers is considered. The derived expression for spectral components of the number of excited centers describes both diffusive and ballistic modes of propagation. The value of N(R, t) integrated over the spectrum, which is the average number of excited centers, is estimated and its behavior depending on the phonon propagation mode and on the phonon bottleneck factor is investigated.
Peculiarities in the temperature dependence of the loss resistance of YBa2Cu3Ox ceramics in the frequency range 105−107 Hz at T > T
c
Authors: Dmitriev V. M. , Ofitserov M. N. , Prentslau N. N.
Published: January 2025

It is found that at certain frequencies, the loss resistance in a yttrium ceramic sample at temperatures above the critical temperature increases with decreasing temperature (semiconductor behavior), remains unchanged or decreases (metal behavior). The imaginary component of the impedance of the ceramics is of metal type both with decreasing temperature, and with increasing frequency.
Vapor bubble dynamics, temperature distribution, boiling onset, and heat transfer coefficients during nucleate pool boiling of cryogens in mass force fields
Authors: Chernyakov P. S. , Kirichenko Yu. A.
Published: January 2025

The vapor bubble growth and break off, and the temperature distribution in the overheated layer during nucleate boiling of liquids are simulated numerically. A new mechanism of vapor bubble growth is suggested. Analytical relations are given for the heat transfer coefficient and the onset of developed boiling. The calculated and measured intrinsic and integral characteristics for boiling nitrogen, oxygen, and helium are observed to be in good agreement.
Heat transfer and turbulent flow in a helium tube in the supercritical region
Authors: Valueva E. P. , Popov V. N.
Published: January 2025

The method and the results of numerical simulation of the processes of heat transfer and turbulent flow of helium in a vertical tube are considered. Typical cases of heat transfer are analyzed: the weak influence of natural convection and the strong effect of variance of physical properties resulting in the appearance of wall temperature peak in the region where the fluid temperature is close to a supercritical one; the strong influence of natural convection when the wall temperature peak appears at upward flow near the entrance to the heated section of the tube; the transition from laminar flow at the entrance to turbulent flow due to natural convection. A comparison is made of the results with available experimental data on heat transfer.