bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A positive feedback between cholesterol synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway rather than glycolysis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hu Junjie , Liu Ningning , Song David , Steer Clifford J. , Zheng Guohua , Song Guisheng
Published: August 2023

Hepatic cholesterol accumulation and hypercholesterolemia are implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs on HCC are controversial, indicating that the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and HCC is more complex than anticipated. A positive feedback between cholesterol synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) rather than glycolysis was formed in tumors of c-Myc mice. Blocking the PPP prevented cholesterol synthesis and thereby HCC in c-Myc mice, while ablating glycolysis did not affect cholesterol synthesis and failed to prevent c-Myc-induced HCC. Unexpectedly, HMGCR (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase) and G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), the rate-limiting enzymes of cholesterol synthesis and the PPP, were identified as direct targets of microRNA-206. By targeting Hmgcr and G6pd, microRNA-206 disrupted the positive feedback and fully prevented HCC in c-Myc mice, while 100% of control mice died of HCC. Disrupting the interaction of microRNA-206 with Hmgcr and G6pd restored cholesterol synthesis, the PPP and HCC growth that was inhibited by miR-206. This study identified a previously undescribed positive feedback loop between cholesterol synthesis and the PPP, which drives HCC, while microRNA-206 prevents HCC by disrupting this loop. Cholesterol synthesis as a process rather than cholesterol itself is the major contributor of HCC.
Histopathology and levels of proteins in plasma associate with survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Magnusson Magnus I. , Agnarsson Bjarni A. , Jonasson Jon G. , Tryggvason Thordur , Aeffner Famke , le Roux Louise , Magnusdottir Droplaug N. , Gunnarsdottir Helga S. , Alexíusdóttir Kristín K. , Gunnarsdottir Kristbjorg , Söebech Emilia , Runarsdottir Hjaltey , Jonsdottir Erna M. , Kristinsdottir Bjarney S. , Olafsson Sigurgeir , Knutsdottir Hildur , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Ulfarsson Magnus O. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Saemundsdottir Jona , Magnusson Olafur T. , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Watson J. E. Vivienne , Rafnar Thorunn , Lund Sigrun H. , Stefansson Kari
Published: August 2023

Background

The TNM system is used to assess prognosis after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. Other prognostic factors reported include histopathological assessments of the tumour, tumour mutations and proteins in the blood. As some of these factors are strongly correlated, it is important to evaluate the independent effects they may have on survival.

Methods

Tumour samples from 2162 CRC patients were visually assessed for amount of tumour stroma, severity of lymphocytic infiltrate at the tumour margins and the presence of lymphoid follicles. Somatic mutations in the tumour were assessed for 2134 individuals. Pre-surgical levels of 4963 plasma proteins were measured in 128 individuals. The associations between these features and prognosis were inspected by a Cox Proportional Hazards Model (CPH).

Results

Levels of stroma, lymphocytic infiltration and presence of lymphoid follicles all associate with prognosis, along with high tumour mutation burden, high microsatellite instability and TP53 and BRAF mutations. The somatic mutations are correlated with the histopathology and none of the somatic mutations associate with survival in a multivariate analysis. Amount of stroma and lymphocytic infiltration associate with local invasion of tumours. Elevated levels of two plasma proteins, CA-125 and PPP1R1A, associate with a worse prognosis.

Conclusions

Tumour stroma and lymphocytic infiltration variables are strongly associated with prognosis of CRC and capture the prognostic effects of tumour mutation status. CA-125 and PPP1R1A may be useful prognostic biomarkers in CRC.
Dynamic 3D genome reorganization during senescence: defining cell states through chromatin
Authors: Shaban Haitham A. , Gasser Susan M.
Published: August 2023

Cellular senescence, a cell state characterized by growth arrest and insensitivity to growth stimulatory hormones, is accompanied by a massive change in chromatin organization. Senescence can be induced by a range of physiological signals and pathological stresses and was originally thought to be an irreversible state, implicated in normal development, wound healing, tumor suppression and aging. Recently cellular senescence was shown to be reversible in some cases, with exit being triggered by the modulation of the cell’s transcriptional program by the four Yamanaka factors, the suppression of p53 or H3K9me3, PDK1, and/or depletion of AP-1. Coincident with senescence reversal are changes in chromatin organization, most notably the loss of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF) found in oncogene-induced senescence. In addition to fixed-cell imaging, chromatin conformation capture and multi-omics have been used to examine chromatin reorganization at different spatial resolutions during senescence. They identify determinants of SAHF formation and other key features that differentiate distinct types of senescence. Not surprisingly, multiple factors, including the time of induction, the type of stress experienced, and the type of cell involved, influence the global reorganization of chromatin in senescence. Here we discuss how changes in the three-dimensional organization of the genome contribute to the regulation of transcription at different stages of senescence. In particular, the distinct contributions of heterochromatin- and lamina-mediated interactions, changes in gene expression, and other cellular control mechanisms are discussed. We propose that high-resolution temporal and spatial analyses of the chromatin landscape during senescence will identify early markers of the different senescence states to help guide clinical diagnosis.
Neutrophil elastase as a potential biomarker related to the prognosis of gastric cancer and immune cell infiltration in the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Jia Wangqiang , Luo Qianwen , Wu Jiang , Shi Yuanchao , Guan Quanlin
Published: August 2023

Exploring biomarkers interrelated the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) provides novel ideas for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) and developing new treatment strategies. We analyzed the differential gene expression levels between the high and low StromalScore and ImmuneScore groups. Neutrophil elastase (ELANE) was evaluated as a potential biomarker by conducting intersection analysis of the protein–protein interaction network and univariate Cox regression analysis. The expression of ELANE was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Its prognostic value was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis and its potential biological molecular mechanism was examined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We applied the CIBERSORT computing method to analyze the relationship between ELANE and tumor immune-infiltrating cells (TIICs). K–M survival curve showed that higher ELANE expression was closely related to shorter overall survival. The Cox regression analysis indicated that the high expression of ELANE was an independent prognostic risk factor in patients with GC. The GSEA revealed that genes in the ELANE high-expression group were involved in the signaling pathways regulating immune response; genes in the ELANE low-expression group were involved in the signaling pathways that regulate metabolism. ELANE might be participate in the change of TIME from immunodominant to metabolically dominant and its expression was closely related to tumor mutation burden and multiple TIICs. ELANE is a potential biomarker for predicting the GC patients’ survival and prognosis. It influences the tumor immune cell infiltration in the TIME, and affects the TIME to maintain their immune status.
High-resolution mapping and dispersion analyses of volcanic ballistics emitted during the 3rd July 2019 paroxysm at Stromboli
Authors: Bisson M. , Spinetti C. , Gianardi R. , Strehlow K. , De Beni E. , Landi P.
Published: August 2023

A detailed mapping of volcanic ballistic projectiles emplaced in a defined area, represents the starting point to derive preparatory data in hazard and risk studies of ballistics phenomena. Considering as case study the 3rd July 2019 paroxysmal eruption occurred at Stromboli volcano, we map and analyse at very high spatial resolution (8 cm) the distribution of the ballistic spatter clasts emplaced on the E flank of the volcano. The resulting map identifies and reproduces as geospatial polygon elements 152,228 spatter clasts with areal dimensions from 0.03 to 4.23 m2. Dispersed on 0.407 km2, the spatters cover an area of 29,000 m2 corresponding to an erupted products volume from 2.3 to 7.0 × 103 m3, calculated here for the first time. Spatial analyses indicate that the area mostly affected by the clasts emplacement is between N67.5 and N135 directions, identifying a preferential deposition between N112.50 and N123.75 directions. The clasts size distribution rapidly decreases with the size increase, highlighting a nearly constant ratio small/large clasts regardless the distance from the vent. Finally, additional investigations reveal that clasts dispersion parameters decrease progressively with the distance from the vent only along one direction (N67.5), highlighting how the morphology influences the deposition and remobilisation of mapped ballistics.
Multi-hazard exposure mapping under climate crisis using random forest algorithm for the Kalimantan Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Heo Sujung , Park Sangjin , Lee Dong Kun
Published: August 2023

Numerous natural disasters that threaten people’s lives and property occur in Indonesia. Climate change-induced temperature increases are expected to affect the frequency of natural hazards in the future and pose more risks. This study examines the consequences of droughts and forest fires on the Indonesian island of Kalimantan. We first create maps showing the eleven contributing factors that have the greatest impact on forest fires and droughts related to the climate, topography, anthropogenic, and vegetation. Next, we used RF to create single and multi-risk maps for forest fires and droughts in Kalimantan Island. Finally, using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) integrated evaluation model, a future climate scenario was applied to predict multiple risk maps for RCP-SSP2-4.5 and RCP-SSP5-8.5 in 2040–2059 and 2080–2099. The probability of a 22.6% drought and a 21.7% forest fire were anticipated to have an influence on the study’s findings, and 2.6% of the sites looked at were predicted to be affected by both hazards. Both RCP-SSP2-4.5 and RCP-SSP5-8.5 have an increase in these hazards projected for them. Researchers and stakeholders may use these findings to assess risks under various mitigation strategies and estimate the spatial behavior of such forest fire and drought occurrences.
Straintronics in phosphorene via tensile vs shear strains and their combinations for manipulating the band gap
Authors: Solomenko Anastasiia G. , Sahalianov Ihor Y. , Radchenko Taras M. , Tatarenko Valentyn A.
Published: August 2023

We study the effects of the uniaxial tensile strain and shear deformation as well as their combinations on the electronic properties of single-layer black phosphorene. The evolutions of the strain-dependent band gap are obtained using the numerical calculations within the tight-binding (TB) model as well as the first-principles (DFT) simulations and compared with previous findings. The TB-model-based findings show that the band gap of the strain-free phosphorene agrees with the experimental value and linearly depends on both stretching and shearing: increases (decreases) as the stretching increases (decreases), whereas gradually decreases with increasing the shear. A linear dependence is less or more similar as compared to that obtained from the ab initio simulations for shear strain, however disagrees with a non-monotonic behaviour from the DFT-based calculations for tensile strain. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are discussed. In case of a combined deformation, when both strain types (tensile/compression + shear) are loaded simultaneously, their mutual influence extends the realizable band gap range: from zero up to the values respective to the wide-band-gap semiconductors. At a switched-on combined strain, the semiconductor–semimetal phase transition in the phosphorene is reachable at a weaker (strictly non-destructive) strain, which contributes to progress in fundamental and breakthroughs.
Inhibitory effects of Schisandrin C on collagen behavior in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Xu Mingchen , Zhao Chenghe , Song Haiming , Wang Chunmei , Li He , Qiu Xudong , Jing He , Zhuang Wenyue
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious progressive fibrotic disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), thus resulting in stiff lung tissues. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme involved in fibrosis by catalyzing collagen cross-linking. Studies found that the ingredients in schisandra ameliorated bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF, but it is unknown whether the anti-PF of schisandra is related to LOX. In this study, we established models of PF including a mouse model stimulated by BLM and a HFL1 cell model induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to evaluate the inhibition effects of Schisandrin C (Sch C) on PF. We observed that Sch C treatment decreased pulmonary indexes compared to control group. Treatment of Sch C showed a significant reduction in the accumulation of ECM as evidenced by decreased expressions of α-SMA, FN, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and collagen proteins such as Col 1A1, and Col 3A1. In addition, the expression of LOX in the lung tissue of mice after Sch C treatment was effectively decreased compared with the MOD group. The inhibition effects in vitro were consistent with those in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that Sch C significantly inhibited TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and TNF-α/JNK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Sch C significantly ameliorated PF in vivo and vitro, which may play an important role by reducing ECM deposition and inhibiting the production of LOX.
Bacterial and archaeal community distributions and cosmopolitanism across physicochemically diverse hot springs
Authors: Sriaporn Chanenath , Campbell Kathleen A , Van Kranendonk Martin J , Handley Kim M
Published: August 2023

Terrestrial hot springs harbor diverse microbial communities whose compositions are shaped by the wide-ranging physico-chemistries of individual springs. The effect of enormous physico-chemical differences on bacterial and archaeal distributions and population structures is little understood. We therefore analysed the prevalence and relative abundance of bacteria and archaea in the sediments (n = 76) of hot spring features, in the Taupō Volcanic Zone (New Zealand), spanning large differences in major anion water chemistry, pH (2.0–7.5), and temperature (17.5–92.9 °C). Community composition, based on 16S rRNA amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) was strongly influenced by both temperature and pH. However, certain lineages characterized diverse hot springs. At the domain level, bacteria and archaea shared broadly equivalent community abundances across physico-chemically diverse springs, despite slightly lower bacteria-to-archaea ratios and microbial 16S rRNA gene concentrations at higher temperatures. Communities were almost exclusively dominated by Proteobacteria, Euryarchaeota or Crenarchaeota. Eight archaeal and bacterial ASVs from Thermoplasmatales, Desulfurellaceae, Mesoaciditogaceae and Acidithiobacillaceae were unusually prevalent (present in 57.9–84.2% of samples) and abundant (1.7–12.0% sample relative abundance), and together comprised 44% of overall community abundance. Metagenomic analyses generated multiple populations associated with dominant ASVs, and showed characteristic traits of each lineage for sulfur, nitrogen and hydrogen metabolism. Differences in metabolic gene composition and genome-specific metabolism delineated populations from relatives. Genome coverage calculations showed that populations associated with each lineage were distributed across a physicochemically broad range of hot springs. Results imply that certain bacterial and archaeal lineages harbor different population structures and metabolic potentials for colonizing diverse hot spring environments.
Challenges of decarbonizing global maritime container shipping toward net-zero emissions
Authors: Lu Bo , Ming Xi , Lu Hongman , Chen Deyang , Duan Hongbo
Published: August 2023

Responsible for the most significant part of the world’s burning of marine fossil fuels and shipping emissions, global maritime container shipping is under decarbonization pressure. This paper develops an integrated framework of bottom-up emission estimation and upscaling pathway analysis (BEEPA) to measure global maritime container shipping emissions from 2015 to 2020, and project possible pathways toward carbon neutrality by designing typical decarbonization scenarios. The result shows that global total seaborne container emissions fluctuated from 2015 to 2020 with a maximum value of 264 Mt, and the average annual energy consumption is 77.7 Mt (heavy fuel oil-equivalent). Container traffic to/from Asian ports generate the largest volumes of shipping emissions, accounting for about 55% of the global total. Under the most stringent scenario, container shipping emissions peak in 2025 and then quickly decline to 19.6 Mt in 2050, nearing the International Maritime Organization’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by or around 2050. Energy efficiency improvements contribute to emission reduction in the near term, but the trade growth impact still predominates in the shipping emission increase. With the maturity of infrastructural development and technological innovation, the energy transition would be the largest contributor emission reductions over the medium to long term.
Exceptionally enhanced Raman optical activity (ROA) of amyloid fibrils and their prefibrillar states
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Aleksandra , Nafie Laurence A. , Wajda Aleksandra , Kaczor Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

We report enormous enhancement of ROA signal detected for mature amyloid fibrils and/or prefibrillar states of different proteins. ROA is observed at earlier stages of fibril formation than VCD and provides access to a broader range of vibrations.
Stepwise hydration of [CH3COOMg]+ studied by cold ion trap infrared spectroscopy: insights into interactions in the magnesium channel selection filters
Authors: Takayanagi Hikaru , Bardaud Jean-Xavier , Hirata Keisuke , Brenner Valérie , Gloaguen Eric , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: August 2023

The spectroscopic understanding of ion pair solvation is adapted to hydrated Mg2+ transportation in the magnesium channel. The contribution of the second layer waters is suggested.
A toughening mechanism of the strain rate-optimal chain length on polymer-modified calcium silicate hydrates (CSH)
Authors: Zhou Yang , Xiao Shuai , Cheng Luqing , Chen Yuan , Tang JinHui , She Wei
Published: August 2023

Polymers are known to effectively improve the toughness of inorganic matrices; however, the mechanism at the molecular level is still unclear.
Penta-MP5 (M = B, Al, Ga, In) monolayers as high-performance photocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Chen Jiao , Cai Xinyong , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Hongyan , Ni Yuxiang , Liu Xuefei , Chen Yuanzheng
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus-rich phosphides penta-MP5 (M = B, Al, Ga, and In) monolayers have excellent electronic, light-harvesting, and transport properties, as well as exhibiting HER and OER activity, making them candidates for water-splitting photocatalysts.
Piezoelectric manipulation of spin–orbit coupling in a Wurtzite heterostructure
Authors: Hu Gongwei , Huang Fobao , Liu Jun-Feng
Published: August 2023

Strain-induced piezoelectric polarization can not only switch-off Rashba and Dresselhaus spin–orbit coupling by controlling interfacial electric field and two-dimensional electron gas, but also enhance the quantum correlation effect.
Theoretical prediction of the structure and hardness of TiB4 tetraborides from first-principles calculations
Authors: Pan Yong
Published: August 2023

A novel orthorhombic (Cmcm) TiB4 superhard material is found based on the first-principles calculations.
Enhanced cycling stability of Li–sulfur battery composites by low pressure penetration of PEDOT:PSS coating
Authors: Huang Qiang , Zha Guojun , Hu Zhaoyu , Liu Hangzhong , Agarwal Seema , Hou Haoqing
Published: August 2023

A lithium sulfur composite electrode (SCPV) is prepared by in situ permeation of poly (3,4-dioxyethiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with a thickness of about 10 nm onto the surface of the SC (sulfur and carbon nanotubes) electrode via a low pressure (3.3 kPa) method.
Excited states of polonium(iv): electron correlation and spin–orbit coupling in the Po4+ free ion and in the bare and solvated [PoCl5]− and [PoCl6]2− complexes
Authors: Zhutova Nadiya , Réal Florent , Renault Eric , Vallet Valérie , Maurice Rémi
Published: August 2023

We report a study of the electronic absorption properties of chlorinated Po(iv) complexes by means of multireference quantum mechanical calculations, revealing the potential occurrence of two species for solutions with high HCl concentration.
Isovalent electronic systems B+13 and BeB12: structural interchange of GM and TS
Authors: Zhang Ceng , Li Hai-Ru , Zhou Rui-Hua , Zhang Yan , Duan Xiong-Bo
Published: August 2023

The dynamic fluxional behavior of BeB12 is similar to that of B+13. The peripheral B10 ring freely rotating around the inner core (Be&B2) at the certain temperature.
Correction: Time-resolved infra-red studies of photo-excited porphyrins in the presence of nucleic acids and in HeLa tumour cells: insights into binding site and electron transfer dynamics
Authors: Keane Páraic M. , Zehe Clara , Poynton Fergus E. , Bright Sandra A. , Estayalo-Adrián Sandra , Devereux Stephen J. , Donaldson Paul M. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Towrie Michael , Botchway Stanley W. , Cardin Christine J. , Williams D. Clive , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Long Conor , Kelly John M. , Quinn Susan J.
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Time-resolved infra-red studies of photo-excited porphyrins in the presence of nucleic acids and in HeLa tumour cells: insights into binding site and electron transfer dynamics’ by Páraic M. Keane et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 27524–27531, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP04604K.
Pyrazole–pyridine–pyrazole (NNN) ruthenium(ii) complex catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols to aldehydes
Authors: Chen Yinyin , Cui Tianhua , Chen Hua , li Zheng Xue , Fu Haiyan , Li Ruixiang
Published: August 2023

Complex 1 shows good catalytic activity (up to 99% yield) and excellent selectivity (up to 100%) for the AD of alcohols to aldehydes.
Prussian blue analogue-derived hollow metal oxide heterostructure for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Ju Hui , Tang Qianqian , Xu Yong , Bai Xiaojing , Pu Chenjin , Liu Tongchen , Liu Shuxin , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2023

The excellent electrochemical performances of ternary hollow CuO/NiO/Co3O4 heterostructure could be the synergistic effect of the introduced heterojunction of CuO/NiO, hollow structure and various metal oxides.
MOF nanosheets as ion carriers for self-optimized zinc anodes
Authors: Yang Hanmiao , Zhu Kaiyue , Xie Weili , Zhang Liming , Jiang Weikang , Li Weijian , Wang Zhengsen , Yang Weishen
Published: August 2023

By harnessing dynamic MOF nanosheets, zinc anodes underwent a remarkable self-optimization process, resulting in the creation of a highly desirable surface with an unprecedented (002) orientation that is entirely free from any undesirable byproducts.
Food fortification in India as malnutrition concern: a global approach
Authors: Thakur Sheetal , Singh Ajay , Insa Balwant , Sharma Sourav
Published: August 2023

Indian population is facing malnutrition and solution to this is food fortification. Developed nations that are successfully utilising fortification can be followed by developing countries including India.
Highly efficient biosynthesis of 2,4-dihydroxybutyric acid by a methanol assimilation pathway in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Dong Xianjuan , Sun Chao , Guo Jing , Ma Xiangyu , Xian Mo , Zhang Rubing
Published: August 2023

2,4-Dihydroxybutyric acid production via a methanol assimilation pathway is a green and eco-friendly process without carbon loss.
Precious metal catalyst recycling through photocatalytic dissolution
Authors: Chen Yao , He Huan , Xu Shuyang , Zou Zhengxi , Hua Weiming , Bian Zhenfeng , Li Hexing , Yue Yinghong
Published: August 2023

By utilizing photocatalytic dissolution techniques and traditional deposition–precipitation procedures, we can recycle and regenerate precious metal catalysts in an environmentally friendly manner, which displays a high activity recovery level.
Ultra-thin Ni@nitrogen-doped polyaniline-derived carbon composites with broadband electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Wang Yan , Xian Guiyang , Wu Chongmei , Zhu Zhaolin , Liu Yin , Liu Zhenying , Kong Ling Bing
Published: August 2023

Ni@nitrogen-doped polyaniline-derived carbon composite (NC-n) was prepared through in situ polymerization and pyrolytic reduction for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption over 2–18 GHz.
Stabilization of unusual discrete diorganotin carboxylates using the intramolecular coordination approach: synthesis, structure, TD-DFT, and Hirshfeld surface analyses
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Chaudhary Simran , Kamboj Nisha , Lama Prem , Majumder Moumita , Metre Ramesh K.
Published: August 2023

We report the isolation of five new discrete diorganotin di-/mono-carboxylate structures achieved by employing an intramolecular coordination approach.
Two-dimensional superhard silicon nitrides with widely tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility and hole-doping-induced robust magnetism
Authors: Ma Shengqian , Jiang Jiaxin , Zou Lanlan , Lin Jiaqi , Lu Ning , Zhuo Zhiwen , Wu Xiaojun , Li Qunxiang
Published: August 2023

The two-dimensional (2D) new forms of ceramic material silicon nitrides and it its nitride analogues with novel properties in mechanics, electronics, and magnetics is an attractive subject in 2D materials.
Magnetic PiezoBOTs: a microrobotic approach for targeted amyloid protein dissociation
Authors: Ning Shen , Sanchis-Gual Roger , Franco Carlos , Wendel-Garcia Pedro D. , Ye Hao , Veciana Andrea , Tang Qiao , Sevim Semih , Hertle Lukas , Llacer-Wintle Joaquin , Qin Xiao-Hua , Zhu Caihong , Cai Jun , Chen Xiangzhong , Nelson Bradley J. , Puigmartí-Luis Josep , Pané Salvador
Published: August 2023

In this work, we integrated BaTiO3 nanoparticles into a multi-functional biotemplated helical microrobot that can be magnetically manipulated and has ultrasound piezocatalytic capabilities for conducting minimally invasive amyloidosis therapy.
Biosyntheses of azetidine-containing natural products
Authors: Pang Linlin , Yao Daichen , Gao Fenghui , Bian Xiaoying , Zhang Youming , Zhong Guannan
Published: August 2023

This review aims to provide an overview of the biosyntheses of the striking azetidine-containing natural products, with an emphasis on the biosynthetic mechanisms of naturally occurring azetidines.
Correction: Hybridized sulfated-carboxymethyl cellulose/MWNT nanocomposite as highly selective electrochemical probe for trace detection of arsenic in real environmental samples
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Youssef O. , Jabli Mahjoub , Alhalafi Mona H. , Khan Ajahar , Alamry Khalid A.
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Hybridized sulfated-carboxymethyl cellulose/MWNT nanocomposite as highly selective electrochemical probe for trace detection of arsenic in real environmental samples’ by Youssef O. Al-Ghamdi et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 18382–18395, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA03808D.
Aetiology of Type 2 diabetes in people with a ‘normal’ body mass index: testing the personal fat threshold hypothesis
Authors: Taylor Roy , Barnes Alison C. , Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Irvine Keaton M. , Solovyova Alexandra S. , Clark Lucy , Kelly Tara , Martin-Ruiz Carmen , Romeres Davide , Koulman Albert , Meek Claire M. , Jenkins Benjamin , Cobelli Claudio , Holman Rury R.
Published: August 2023

Weight loss in overweight or obese individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can normalize hepatic fat metabolism, decrease fatty acid oversupply to β cells and restore normoglycaemia. One in six people has BMI <27 kg/m2 at diagnosis, and their T2D is assumed to have different aetiology. The Personal Fat Threshold hypothesis postulated differing individual thresholds for lipid overspill and adverse effects on β-cell function. To test this hypothesis, people with Type 2 diabetes and body mass index <27kg/m2 (n = 20) underwent repeated 5% weight loss cycles. Metabolic assessments were carried out at stable weight after each cycle and after 12 months. To determine how closely metabolic features returned to normal, 20 matched normoglycemic controls were studied once. Between baseline and 12 months: BMI fell (mean ± SD), 24.8 ± 0.4 to 22.5 ± 0.4 kg/m2 (P<0.0001) (controls: 21.5 ± 0.5); total body fat, 32.1 ± 1.5 to 27.6 ± 1.8% (P<0.0001) (24.6 ± 1.5). Liver fat content and fat export fell to normal as did fasting plasma insulin. Post-meal insulin secretion increased but remained subnormal. Sustained diabetes remission (HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol off all glucose-lowering agents) was achieved by 70% (14/20) by initial weight loss of 6.5 (5.5–10.2)%. Correction of concealed excess intra-hepatic fat reduced hepatic fat export, with recovery of β-cell function, glycaemic improvement in all and return to a non-diabetic metabolic state in the majority of this group with BMI <27 kg/m2 as previously demonstrated for overweight or obese groups. The data confirm the Personal Fat Threshold hypothesis: aetiology of Type 2 diabetes does not depend on BMI. This pathophysiological insight has major implications for management.
The Influence of Shyness on Language Assessment
Authors: Melnick Liesl , Kucker Sarah C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

The goal of this study is to examine how shyness affects a child's performance on language assessments that vary in sociability. We hypothesized that accuracy on language tasks would be driven by shyness such that shyer children would perform better on nonsociable tasks compared to sociable tasks.

Method:

The procedures followed a quasi-experimental design. One hundred twenty-two participants, ages 17–42 months and varying in their temperament, each underwent a series of three language tasks. The order of tasks was randomized, and each task varied in the social interaction required: a looking task, a pointing task, and a production task. Data were collected via Zoom, and parents reported their child's shyness level via the Early Child Behavior Questionnaire.

Results:

Shyness was compared with participants' accuracy across the three tests while controlling for age and vocabulary percentile. There were significant differences in children's performance across the tasks, with respect to shyness. Shyer children performed worse on the production task compared to less shy children. All children did well on the pointing task regardless of shyness level, but performance was more nuanced on the looking task such that shyer children were at times more accurate but also less likely to respond in general.

Conclusions:

As shown by these results, shyer and less shy children respond differentially to methods of language assessment that vary in sociability. It is important for clinicians to acknowledge shyness when choosing an appropriate assessment of children's language. Future direction includes assessing performance on standardized assessments.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23845521
UltraCompCAT: A comprehensive catalogue of ultra-compact and short orbital period X-ray binaries
Authors: Armas Padilla M. , Corral-Santana J. M. , Borghese A. , Cúneo V. A. , Muñoz-Darias T. , Casares J. , Torres M. A. P.
Published: August 2023

Ultracompact X-ray binaries (UCXBs) are a distinctive but elusive family of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) characterised by their tight orbits and degenerate donor stars. Here we present UltraCompCAT, the first online and comprehensive catalogue of UCXBs. The initial version of UltraCompCAT comprises 49 sources, including 20 confirmed UCXBs (those with a measured orbital period shorter than 80 min) and 25 systems that we label ‘candidates’ based on their multi-wavelength phenomenology. For completeness, we also include four LMXBs with orbital periods in the range of 80 to 120 min, since they might be related to (e.g. close progenitors) or even part of the UCXB population that evolved towards longer periods. We discuss the orbital period and Galactic distribution of the catalogue sample. We provide evidence for the presence of at least two separate groups of UCXBs, one formed by persistent systems with orbital periods shorter than 30 min and a second group of transient objects (70 %) with periods in the range of 40 to 60 min. We show that the former group is dominated by sources formed in globular clusters, while the latter accounts for the (known) UCXB population in the Galactic field. We discuss the possible evolutionary channels for the two groups.
Oxygen-bearing organic molecules in comet 67P’s dusty coma: First evidence for abundant heterocycles
Authors: Hänni N. , Altwegg K. , Baklouti D. , Combi M. , Fuselier S. A. , De Keyser J. , Müller D. R. , Rubin M. , Wampfler S. F.
Published: August 2023

The puzzling complexity of terrestrial biomolecules is driving the search for complex organic molecules in the interstellar medium (ISM) and serves as a motivation for many in situ studies of reservoirs of extraterrestrial organics, from meteorites and interplanetary dust particles to comets and asteroids. Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P), the best-studied comet to date, has been visited and accompanied for 2 yr by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft. Around 67P’s perihelion and under dusty conditions, the high-resolution mass spectrometer on board Rosetta has provided a spectacular glimpse into this comet’s chemical complexity. For this work, we analyzed the O-bearing organic volatiles in unprecedented detail. Through a comparison of 67P’s inventory with molecules detected in the ISM, in other comets, and in soluble organic matter extracted from the Murchison meteorite, we also highlight the (pre)biotic relevance of different chemical groups of species. We report first evidence for abundant extraterrestrial O-bearing heterocycles (with abundances relative to methanol often on the order of 10% and a relative error margin of 30–50%) and various representatives of other molecule classes, such as carboxylic acids and esters, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols. As with the pure hydrocarbons, some hydrogenated forms seem to be dominant over their dehydrogenated counterparts. An interesting example is tetrahydrofuran, as it might be a more promising candidate for searches in the ISM than the long-sought furan. Our findings not only support and guide future efforts to investigate the origins of chemical complexity in space, but they also strongly encourage the study, in the laboratory as well as by modeling, of such topics as the ratios of unbranched versus branched species and hydrogenated versus dehydrogenated species in astrophysical ice analogs.
Streamlined lensed quasar identification in multiband images via ensemble networks
Authors: Andika Irham Taufik , Suyu Sherry H. , Cañameras Raoul , Melo Alejandra , Schuldt Stefan , Shu Yiping , Eilers Anna-Christina , Jaelani Anton Timur , Yue Minghao
Published: August 2023

Quasars experiencing strong lensing offer unique viewpoints on subjects related to the cosmic expansion rate, the dark matter profile within the foreground deflectors, and the quasar host galaxies. Unfortunately, identifying them in astronomical images is challenging since they are overwhelmed by the abundance of non-lenses. To address this, we have developed a novel approach by ensembling cutting-edge convolutional networks (CNNs) - for instance, ResNet, Inception, NASNet, MobileNet, EfficientNet, and RegNet – along with vision transformers (ViTs) trained on realistic galaxy-quasar lens simulations based on the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) multiband images. While the individual model exhibits remarkable performance when evaluated against the test dataset, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of >97.3% and a median false positive rate of 3.6%, it struggles to generalize in real data, indicated by numerous spurious sources picked by each classifier. A significant improvement is achieved by averaging these CNNs and ViTs, resulting in the impurities being downsized by factors up to 50. Subsequently, combining the HSC images with the UKIRT, VISTA, and unWISE data, we retrieve approximately 60 million sources as parent samples and reduce this to 892 609 after employing a photometry preselection to discoverz> 1.5 lensed quasars with Einstein radii ofθE<5″. Afterward, the ensemble classifier indicates 3080 sources with a high probability of being lenses, for which we visually inspect, yielding 210 prevailing candidates awaiting spectroscopic confirmation. These outcomes suggest that automated deep learning pipelines hold great potential in effectively detecting strong lenses in vast datasets with minimal manual visual inspection involved.
Factors controlling bed and bank erosion in the Illgraben (CH)
Authors: de Haas Tjalling , McArdell Brian , Nijland Wiebe , Åberg Amanda , Hirschberg Jacob , de Jong Steven , Huguenin Pierre
Published: August 2023

Debris flows can grow greatly in size and hazardous potential by eroding bed and bank materials. However, erosion mechanisms are poorly understood because debris flows are complex hybrids between a fluid flow and a moving mass of colliding particles, bed erodibility varies between events, and field measurements are hard to obtain. Here, we (i) quantify the spatio-temporal patterns of erosion and deposition and (ii) identify the key controls on debris-flow erosion in the Illgraben (CH). We use a dataset that combines information on flow properties, antecedent rainfall, and bed and bank erosion for 13 debris flows that occurred between 2019 and 2021. We show that spatio-temporal patterns of erosion and deposition in natural debris-flow torrents can be highly variable and dynamic, and we identify a memory effect where erosion is strong at locations of strong deposition during previous flows and vice versa. We find that flow conditions and antecedent rainfall (affecting bed wetness) jointly control debris-flow erosion. We find statistically significant correlations between channel erosion/deposition and a wide range of flow conditions, including frontal flow depth, velocity, and discharge, and flow volume, cumulative shear stress and seismic energy, as well as antecedent rainfall. Overall, flow conditions describing the cumulative forces exerted at the bed during an event, such as cumulative shear stress and flow volume, best explain erosion. A shear-stress approach accounting for bed erodibility may therefore be applicable for modelling and predicting debris-flow erosion. This work can provide input for model development by identifying correlations of flow and bed conditions with erosion that models should oblige.
Critical states observed in triaxial compression tests on volcanic pumice soil related to debris flow in the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Sato Itsuki , Kuwano Reiko
Published: August 2023

The Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake (M7.2) that occurred on June 14, 2008, caused a slope failure in Dozo-zawa River near the summit of Mt. Higashi-Kurikoma. The debris flow caused by the slope failure flowed for about 10 km and took the lives of 7 people. The mechanisms of the slope failure and long-distance debris flow have not yet been well understood. In this study, a series of triaxial compression tests was conducted using a highly crushable pumice soil collected from the collapsed area, and shear behavior and particle breakage were discussed. Both reconstituted specimens and intact specimens showed contractancy and reached critical states that implies high flow potential. However, intact specimens preserved looser structure during consolidation and showed stronger contractancy during shearing than the reconstituted specimens, due to their natural soil structure. Significant particle breakage was observed in the tests with reconstituted specimens.
Triggering-runout modelling of rainfall-triggered debris flows: A case study in the Campania region, Italy
Authors: La Porta Giulia , Cafaro Francesco , Leonardi Alessandro , Pirulli Marina
Published: August 2023

Debris flows are unpredictable phenomena, listed among the hugest natural hazards, since they can cause important damages to humans and structures. Rainfall can trigger this type of movements, as it provokes the pore water pressure increasing, and so the soil strength reduction. The phenomenon modelling is a key aspect to predict and prevent damages. This article shows an approach for triggering and runout analysis: triggering is studied through an infinite slope stability model of rainfall-triggered shallow landslides, while runout is modelled using a depth-averaged numerical method, which replace the real heterogeneous flow with an equivalent homogeneous fluid. The work focuses the attention to events characterized by multiple triggering zones and releases converging on the same area, whose complexity is represented by the time- and space-distribution of the different flows. The proposed approach is applied to an event that hit part of the Campania region, Italy, in 1998, causing several damages. Two rheological laws are considered and compared for the analysis. The back-analysis allows the calibration of the rheological parameters and validation of the method. Results are discussed to identify the most suitable rheology for the benchmark event.
A robust method to identify the occurrence of a runoff-generated debris flow
Authors: McCoy Scott W. , Cavagnaro David B. , Kean Jason W. , Thomas Matthew A. , Lindsay Donald N.
Published: August 2023

Debris flows generated by rainfall runoff can occur in rocky alpine landscapes and burned steeplands. Runoff-generated debris-flow events are commonly composed of a series of dense granular surge fronts separated by water-rich flows. Owing to this intra-event variability in flow composition and mechanics, post-event interpretations of preserved sedimentary deposits, or lack thereof, can result in a dizzying mix of interpretations that range from clearwater flow to debris flow. Accurate identification of the presence or absence of a debris flow during a runoff event is critical for building empirical models used to predict likelihood of debris-flow occurrence, rainfall thresholds, and flow properties. Here, we propose a simple, quantitative method to identify the occurrence of a runoff-generated debris flow, based on a dimensionless discharge Q* calculated as the ratio of the peak event discharge Qp to the theoretical maximum clearwater runoff rate Qw. Using a preliminary compilation of Q* values from floods and runoff-generated debris flows, we find 98% of floods have Q* values < 1.6, whereas 91% of debris flows have Q* values greater than 1.6. Estimating Q* is typically straightforward as part of standard post-event reconnaissance if suitable rainfall estimates are available, and appears to be a robust indicator that runoff-generated debris flows traversed a particular portion of a valley network.
Effects of debris-flow and bed composition on erosion and entrainment
Authors: Roelofs Lonneke , Colucci Pauline , Nota Eise , Flipsen Tom , de Haas Tjalling
Published: August 2023

Erosion and entrainment of material by debris flows determine debris-flow volume growth and therefore hazard potential. Recent advances in field, laboratory, and modelling studies have distilled two driving forces behind debris-flow erosion; impact and shear forces. A third factor influencing the (relative) importance of these forces is the viscosity and abundance of the interstitial fluid in the debris flow and the bed. However, how erosion and these forces depend on the composition of the debris flow itself and the composition of the bed remains unclear. Here, we present results of small-scale flume experiments with a loosely packed erodible bed that highlight the far-reaching effects of debris-flow and bed composition on erosion processes and magnitude. We quantify the effects of gravel, clay, and solid fraction in the debris flow on bed erosion. In addition, we quantify the effects of water and clay content of the unconsolidated bed on erosion by a debris flow. We show that debris flow erosion increases linearly when the gravel fraction of a debris flow is increased, which is linked to an increase in both impact and shear forces. We find that debris flow erosion, and the related forces, are non-linearly impacted by the clay and water content of the debris flow and those of the bed. For both the clay content of the debris flow and the bed, an optimum in erosion exists around a specific clay percentage that does not directly relate to an optimum in either shear or impact forces. When the water content of the bed and/or the debris flow is increased, erosion becomes largest when supersaturated conditions occur. These conditions are unrelated to the magnitude of the two erodible forces. This shows that both clay and water content affect erosion by affecting the transfer of pore pressures from the debris flow to the bed. We can therefore conclude that impact and shear forces dictate debris flow erosion in most cases but that their (relative) importance is significantly altered by the means and effectivity of pore pressure transfer from the debris flow to the bed. The latter is highly influenced by the viscosity and abundance of the interstitial fluid of the debris flow and the composition of the bed.
Segregation of water and gravel using large ball mill device laid roughness bed
Authors: Saito Kazuki , Horiguchi Toshiyuki
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an experimental approach to study the phenomena of segregating water and gravel using a large ball mill device that reproduces segregation phenomena under debris flow. First, the experiment was conducted in a ball mill device under various conditions: water and gravel mixing, bed velocity, and laid roughness. The occurrence conditions of the segregation phenomena of water and gravel mixing are categorized and compared with each other with and/or without roughness on the bed. Furthermore, the movements after water and gravel mixing in the ball mill device are observed to investigate the segregation mechanism.
Effect of Including Sand Component in a Debris Flow on Concentration of Coarser Particles at the Flow Front
Authors: Wada Takashi , Mushiake Hiroto , Miwa Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

We conducted flume experiments for a debris flow consisting of coarser particles, finer particles and sand, focusing on the concentration of coarser particles at the flow front. Our experimental results revealed that the concentration of coarser particles at the flow front using sediment mixture with sand was less than that without sand. This may be because including of sand component in the material contributed to be a smaller averaged interstice between particles in the flow layer and a smaller averaged particle size. These may lead to reduce the falling volume of sand or finer particles and dispersion pressure for the rise of coarser particles, respectively, resulting in the inhibition of inverse grading formation. Our experimental results also suggested that the changing trend in the proportion of finer particles depended on the relationship between their particle size and the average particle size of the flow. These are consistent with our previous experimental results using material without sand. This consistency suggested that for the concentration of coarser particles at the flow front, the behavior of the sand component can be considered in the same manner as other coarser-sized components.