bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A green method to improve adsorption capacity of hydrochar by ball-milling: enhanced norfloxacin adsorption performance and mechanistic insight
Authors: Wu Jingqi , Wang Tongshuai , Li Shijia , Tang Wei , Yu Shuhan , Zhao Zilong , Chen Jiawei
Published: July 2024

The application of hydrochar as a cost-effective solution has received much attention for the remediation of contaminated water. An economical and environmental approach to enhancing the physicochemical and adsorption performance of hydrochar is essential. In this study, the green technology of ball-milling was firstly employed to improve the adsorption capacity of hydrochar for the typical antibiotics norfloxacin. Aqueous batch adsorption experiment using both pristine and ball milled hydrochar derived from water hyacinth, prepared by hydrothermal carbonization at three temperatures (180, 200, 220 °C) was conducted. The results showed that ball-milling decreased the specific surface area of hydrochar, but still greatly enhanced their performance on the adsorption of norfloxacin. Surface functional groups, aromatization degree, and hydrophobicity of hydrochar were increased after ball-milling, as evidenced by measurements of Boehm titration, Raman spectra, and contact angle, respectively. With these changes, all the ball-milled water hyacinth hydrochar exhibited a better performance on the adsorption of norfloxacin than pristine hydrochar. Ball-milled 220 °C water hyacinth hydrochar showed the greatest norfloxacin adsorption (68.53 mg g−1) compared to unmilled hydrochar (24.29 mg g−1), and the enhancement was effective in a wide pH range (5–9) in aqueous solutions. The thermodynamics study indicated that the norfloxacin adsorption on ball-milled hydrochar was both physically spontaneous and exothermic. Combined physicochemical characterization of hydrochar and batch experiment results suggest that the enhanced adsorption capacity was owing to boosting H-bonds, π-π electron-donor–acceptor, and hydrophobic interaction. This study suggested that ball-milling can be served as a facile, green, and cost-effective method to obtain modified hydrochar for the removal of pollutants in water.
Introduction: The Study of the Indian Legal Profession
Authors: Galanter Marc
Published: July 2024

The last two centuries have witnessed a worldwide movement toward centralized, bureaucratic, professionally-staffed legal systems, sponsored by and closely allied with nation-states. One concomitant of these developments has been the emergence (or growth) of bodies of independent professionals whose members mediate between these systems and the populations they regulate. Thus the “expropriation” of the making and application of law into a purely governmental function has been accompanied by the growth of a corresponding “private sector”—the lawyers. The intimate involvement of lawyers in the emergence of modern nations has been recognized, but there has been little systematic comparative study of them. This issue contains a series of studies of one of the largest of these professional groups—Indian lawyers. These studies were prepared for a Conference on the Comparative Study of the Legal Profession with Special Reference to India, sponsored by the Committee on Southern Asia Studies of the University of Chicago, held at the Moraine-on-the-Lake Hotel in Highland Park, Illinois from August 10-12, 1967.
From the Editor-Elect
Authors: Abel Richard L.
Published: July 2024

The Law & Society Review enters its second decade with a record of considerable accomplishment. From a fledgling journal, aspiring to create both a new inter-disciplinary focus and a community of scholars, it has grown quantitatively and qualitatively: in size, circulation, and number of manuscripts submitted; and in the wealth of empirical data it reports, the sophistication and comprehensiveness of the theories it presents, and the variety of disciplines it encompasses. By any of these criteria, the Review has attained a position of prominence within the ever expanding ranks of social scientific journals. This is the signal achievement of my predecessors; my primary goal will be to maintain that level of performance.
Editor's Message
Authors: Krislov Samuel
Published: July 2024

The changing of the editorial guard is an occasion that compels—not merely suggests—some stocktaking. One who essays to fill any role formerly performed by Richard Schwartz does well to plan carefully.
Is Justice Blind?
Authors: Pepinsky Harold E.
Published: July 2024

I am writing in reaction to the article by Spaeth, Meltz, Rathjen and Haselswerdt, “Is Justice Blind: An Empirical Investigation of a Normative Ideal,” which appeared in vol. 7, no. 1. The authors attempt to support the Aristotelian myth that blind justice can systematically obtain. The premise in the myth is fallacious, and confirmation of the authors' research hypothesis in three of their five data sets cannot therefore be an adequate basis for concluding that justice is blind in the cases comprising the three sets.
Air-filled substrate integrated waveguide bandpass filter based on miniaturized non-resonant node structure
Authors: Li Yunlong , Tian Changjun , Li Shaozhuo , Chen Peng , Li Yun , Yang Kai
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes an air-filled substrate integrated waveguide (AFSIW) bandpass filter with a miniaturized non-resonant node (NRN). The NRN structure is introduced between the three resonators, and its size is smaller than the resonator size, which can realize the NRN structure’s miniaturization and reduce the model’s size. The NRN size of this filter is 41% of the NRN size of the existing AFSIW filter. This filter also introduces a transmission zero (TZ) above the passband. The measured results show that the filter’s center frequency is 20.73 GHz, and the bandwidth is 0.86 GHz. The insertion loss in the passband is 0.95 dB, and the return loss is better than 23 dB. Due to the TZ in the upper stopband, the AFSIW filter obtained good selectivity.
Unintended Consequences of Digital Behavior Change Interventions
Authors: Pan Chen-Chia , Urban Monika , Schüz Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: Digital Behavior Change Interventions (DBCIs) offer substantial potential to widely disseminate prevention and health promotion content. One key issue remains the absence of high-quality evidence of the effects of DBCIs for long-term health outcomes and unintended consequences. Here, we argue that in addition to better-quality evidence for effects on health, a more consideration of unintended consequences of DBCIs on multiple levels is warranted. Objectives: We suggest a multilevel perspective on unintended consequences of DBCIs building on a socio-ecological understanding of health promotion and prevention. Methods: Narrative literature review. Results: Unintended consequences of DBCIs can be located on the level of the individual engaging with DBCIs, on a level of social interactions, and on the level of health services, in multiple domains from health-related, behavior modification, affective aspects to data privacy and financial implications. Implications: Our proposed social–ecological perspective improves the classification of unintended consequences of DBCIs. This could facilitate building a cumulative evidence base to support the development of more effective and inclusive DBCIs.
Synoptic Analysis and WRF‐Chem Model Simulation of Dust Events in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Dhital Saroj , Webb Nicholas P. , Chappell Adrian , Kaplan Michael L. , Nauman Travis W. , Tyree Gayle , Duniway Michael C. , Edwards Brandon , LeGrand Sandra L. , Letcher Theodore W. , McKenzie Skiles S. , Naple Patrick , Chaney Nathaniel W. , Cai Jiaxuan
Published: July 2024

Dust transported from rangelands of the Southwestern United States (US) to mountain snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin during spring (March‐May) forces earlier and faster snowmelt, which creates problems for water resources and agriculture. To better understand the drivers of dust events, we investigated large‐scale meteorology responsible for organizing two Southwest US dust events from two different dominant geographic locations: (a) the Colorado Plateau and (b) the northern Chihuahuan Desert. High‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry model (WRF‐Chem) simulations with the Air Force Weather Agency dust emission scheme incorporating a MODIS albedo‐based drag‐partition was used to explore land surface‐atmosphere interactions driving two dust events. We identified commonalities in their meteorological setups. The meteorological analyses revealed that Polar and Sub‐tropical jet stream interaction was a common upper‐level meteorological feature before each of the two dust events. When the two jet streams merged, a strong northeast‐directed pressure gradient upstream and over the source areas resulted in strong near‐surface winds, which lifted available dust into the atmosphere. Concurrently, a strong mid‐tropospheric flow developed over the dust source areas, which transported dust to the San Juan Mountains and southern Colorado snowpack. The WRF‐Chem simulations reproduced both dust events, indicating that the simulations represented the dust sources that contributed to dust‐on‐snow events reasonably well. The representativeness of the simulated dust emission and transport in different geographic and meteorological conditions with our use of albedo‐based drag partition provides a basis for additional dust‐on‐snow simulations to assess the hydrologic impact in the Southwest US.
Potential Near‐Term Wetting of the Southwestern United States if the Eastern and Central Pacific Cooling Trend Reverses
Authors: Alessi Marc J. , Rugenstein Maria
Published: July 2024

Near‐term projections of drought in the southwestern United States (SWUS) are uncertain. The observed decrease in SWUS precipitation since the 1980s and heightened drought conditions since the 2000s have been linked to a cooling sea surface temperature (SST) trend in the Equatorial Pacific. Notably, climate models fail to reproduce these observed SST trends, and they may continue doing so in the future. Here, we assess the sensitivity of SWUS precipitation projections to future SST trends using a Green's function approach. Our findings reveal that a slight redistribution of SST leads to a wetting or drying of the SWUS. A reversal of the observed cooling trend in the Central and East Pacific over the next few decades would lead to a period of wetting in the SWUS. It is critical to consider the impact of possible SST pattern trends on SWUS precipitation trends until we fully trust SST evolution in climate models.
Deep‐Marine Brine Seeps Stimulate Microbial Nitrogen Cycling: Implications for the Formation of Sediment‐Hosted Ore Deposits
Authors: Stüeken Eva E. , Long Annabel , Rochelle‐Bates Nathan , Teske Andreas
Published: July 2024

Deep‐marine brine seeps in the modern ocean are considered analogs for settings that favored the formation of sedimentary‐exhalative zinc and lead deposits in deep time. Microbial activity plays an important role in the accumulation of ore minerals, meaning that the extent of mineralization is at least indirectly dependent on nutrient fluxes. Here, we investigated the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle in shallow (15–50 cm) sediment cores from the Orca Basin brine pool and surrounding sites, as well as from an active brine seep area near Dead Crab Lake in the Gulf of Mexico, with the aim of constraining the effect of brine seepage on this bio‐essential element. We find high porewater ammonium concentrations in the millimolar range, paired with elevated ratios of organic carbon to nitrogen in sediments, which confirm previous hypotheses that the brine recycles ammonium from sedimentary strata back into the water column. Within Orca Basin, we note tentative evidence of microbial ammonium utilization. At the active seep, ammonium is mixed into the overlying water column and likely undergoes oxidation. Isotopic data from sediments and dissolved ammonium, paired with previously published genomic data, suggest the presence of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium at the brine‐seawater interface. We conclude that brine seeps can stimulate biological nitrogen metabolisms in multiple ways. Our results may help calibrate studies of biogeochemical cycles around brine seeps that are archived in the rock record.
Replica symmetry breaking in 1D Rayleigh scattering system: theory and validations
Authors: Qi Yifei , Ni Longqun , Ye Zhenyu , Zhang Jiaojiao , Bao Xingyu , Wang Pan , Rao Yunjiang , Raposo Ernesto P. , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Wang Zinan
Published: July 2024

Spin glass theory, as a paradigm for describing disordered magnetic systems, constitutes a prominent subject of study within statistical physics. Replica symmetry breaking (RSB), as one of the pivotal concepts for the understanding of spin glass theory, means that under identical conditions, disordered systems can yield distinct states with nontrivial correlations. Random fiber laser (RFL) based on Rayleigh scattering (RS) is a complex disordered system, owing to the disorder and stochasticity of RS. In this work, for the first time, a precise theoretical model is elaborated for studying the photonic phase transition via the platform of RS-based RFL, in which we clearly reveal that, apart from the pump power, the photon phase variation in RFL is also an analogy to the temperature term in spin-glass phase transition, leading to a novel insight into the intrinsic mechanisms of photonic phase transition. In addition, based on this model and real-time high-fidelity detection spectral evolution, we theoretically predict and experimentally observe the mode-asymmetric characteristics of photonic phase transition in RS-based RFL. This finding contributes to a deeper understanding of the photonic RSB regime and the dynamics of RS-based RFL.
Anisotropy-free arrayed waveguide gratings on X-cut thin film lithium niobate platform of in-plane anisotropy
Authors: Yi Junjie , Guo Changjian , Ruan Ziliang , Chen Gengxin , Wei Haiqiang , Lu Liwang , Gong Shengqi , Pan Xiaofu , Shen Xiaowan , Guan Xiaowei , Dai Daoxin , Zhong Kangping , Liu Liu
Published: July 2024

Arrayed waveguide grating is a versatile and scalable integrated light dispersion device, which has been widely adopted in various applications, including, optical communications and optical sensing. Recently, thin-film lithium niobate emerges as a promising photonic integration platform, due to its ability of shrinking largely the size of typical lithium niobate based optical devices. This would also enable multifunctional photonic integrated chips on a single lithium niobate substrate. However, due to the intrinsic anisotropy of the material, to build an arrayed waveguide grating on X-cut thin-film lithium niobate has never been successful. Here, a universal strategy to design anisotropy-free dispersive components on a uniaxial in-plane anisotropic photonic integration platform is introduced for the first time. This leads to the first implementation of arrayed waveguide gratings on X-cut thin-film lithium niobate with various configurations and high-performances. The best insertion loss of 2.4 dB and crosstalk of −24.1 dB is obtained for the fabricated arrayed waveguide grating devices. Applications of such arrayed waveguide gratings as a wavelength router and in a wavelength-division multiplexed optical transmission system are also demonstrated.
3D printed energy devices: generation, conversion, and storage
Authors: Son Jin-ho , Kim Hongseok , Choi Yoonseob , Lee Howon
Published: July 2024

The energy devices for generation, conversion, and storage of electricity are widely used across diverse aspects of human life and various industry. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a promising technology for the fabrication of energy devices due to its unique capability of manufacturing complex shapes across different length scales. 3D-printed energy devices can have intricate 3D structures for significant performance enhancement, which are otherwise impossible to achieve through conventional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, recent progress has witnessed that 3D-printed energy devices with micro-lattice structures surpass their bulk counterparts in terms of mechanical properties as well as electrical performances. While existing literature focuses mostly on specific aspects of individual printed energy devices, a brief overview collectively covering the wide landscape of energy applications is lacking. This review provides a concise summary of recent advancements of 3D-printed energy devices. We classify these devices into three functional categories; generation, conversion, and storage of energy, offering insight on the recent progress within each category. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects associated with 3D-printed energy devices are discussed, emphasizing their potential to advance sustainable energy solutions.
Distinct synaptic mechanisms drive the behavioral response to acute stress and rapid correction by ketamine
Authors: Kim Ji-Woon , Kleinfelter Benjamin , Kavalali Ege T. , Monteggia Lisa M.
Published: July 2024

Prevailing hypotheses on the mechanisms of antidepressant action posit that antidepressants directly counteract deficiencies in major neurotransmitter signaling systems that underlie depression. The rapidly acting antidepressant ketamine has been postulated to correct excess glutamatergic signaling via glutamatergic antagonism leading to the rescue of neuronal structural deficits and reversal of behavioral symptoms. We studied this premise using systemic administration of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine, which has been shown to rapidly elicit a shorter-term period of depressed mood in humans via cholinergic mechanisms. We observed that physostigmine induces acute stress in tandem with long term depression of glutamate release in the hippocampus of mice. However, ketamine rapidly acts to re-establish glutamatergic synaptic efficacy via postsynaptic signaling and behaviorally masks the reduction in passive coping induced by physostigmine. These results underscore the divergence of synaptic signaling mechanisms underlying mood changes and antidepressant action and highlight how distinct synaptic mechanisms may underlie neuropsychiatric disorders versus their treatment.
Cell signaling and transcriptional regulation of osteoblast lineage commitment, differentiation, bone formation, and homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Chen Wei , Masson Alasdair , Li Yi-Ping
Published: July 2024

The initiation of osteogenesis primarily occurs as mesenchymal stem cells undergo differentiation into osteoblasts. This differentiation process plays a crucial role in bone formation and homeostasis and is regulated by two intricate processes: cell signal transduction and transcriptional gene expression. Various essential cell signaling pathways, including Wnt, BMP, TGF-β, Hedgehog, PTH, FGF, Ephrin, Notch, Hippo, and Piezo1/2, play a critical role in facilitating osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and bone homeostasis. Key transcriptional factors in this differentiation process include Runx2, Cbfβ, Runx1, Osterix, ATF4, SATB2, and TAZ/YAP. Furthermore, a diverse array of epigenetic factors also plays critical roles in osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and homeostasis at the transcriptional level. This review provides an overview of the latest developments and current comprehension concerning the pathways of cell signaling, regulation of hormones, and transcriptional regulation of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of osteoblast lineage, as well as in bone formation and maintenance of homeostasis. The paper also reviews epigenetic regulation of osteoblast differentiation via mechanisms, such as histone and DNA modifications. Additionally, we summarize the latest developments in osteoblast biology spurred by recent advancements in various modern technologies and bioinformatics. By synthesizing these insights into a comprehensive understanding of osteoblast differentiation, this review provides further clarification of the mechanisms underlying osteoblast lineage commitment, differentiation, and bone formation, and highlights potential new therapeutic applications for the treatment of bone diseases.
Pig blastocyst-like structure models from embryonic stem cells
Authors: Xiang Jinzhu , Wang Hanning , Shi Bingbo , Li Jiajun , Liu Dong , Wang Kaipeng , Wang Zhuangfei , Min Qiankun , Zhao Chengchen , Pei Duanqing
Published: July 2024

Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to generate embryo models that can recapitulate developmental processes in vitro. Large animals such as pigs may also benefit from stem-cell-based embryo models for improving breeding. Here, we report the generation of blastoids from porcine embryonic stem cells (pESCs). We first develop a culture medium 4FIXY to derive pESCs. We develop a 3D two-step differentiation strategy to generate porcine blastoids from the pESCs. The resulting blastoids exhibit similar morphology, size, cell lineage composition, and single-cell transcriptome characteristics to blastocysts. These porcine blastoids survive and expand for more than two weeks in vitro under two different culture conditions. Large animal blastoids such as those derived from pESCs may enable in vitro modeling of early embryogenesis and improve livestock species’ breeding practices.
More efficient adaptation of cardiovascular response to repeated restraint in spontaneously hypertensive rats: the role of autonomic nervous system
Authors: Vavřínová Anna , Behuliak Michal , Vodička Martin , Bencze Michal , Ergang Peter , Vaněčková Ivana , Zicha Josef
Published: July 2024

We hypothesized that sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic insuficiency in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) underlie their exaggerated cardiovascular response to acute stress and impaired adaptation to repeated restraint stress exposure compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Cardiovascular responses to single (120 min) or repeated (daily 120 min for 1 week) restraint were measured by radiotelemetry and autonomic balance was evaluated by power spectral analysis of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) and heart rate variability (HRV). Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was measured by the pharmacological Oxford technique. Stress-induced pressor response and vascular sympathetic activity (low-frequency component of SBPV) were enhanced in SHR subjected to single restraint compared to WKY, whereas stress-induced tachycardia was similar in both strains. SHR exhibited attenuated cardiac parasympathetic activity (high-frequency component of HRV) and blunted BRS compared to WKY. Repeated restraint did not affect the stress-induced increase in blood pressure. However, cardiovascular response during the post-stress recovery period of the 7th restraint was reduced in both strains. The repeatedly restrained SHR showed lower basal heart rate during the dark (active) phase and slightly decreased basal blood pressure during the light phase compared to stress-naive SHR. SHR subjected to repeated restraint also exhibited attenuated stress-induced tachycardia, augmented cardiac parasympathetic activity, attenuated vascular sympathetic activity and improved BRS during the last seventh restraint compared to single-stressed SHR. Thus, SHR exhibited enhanced cardiovascular and sympathetic responsiveness to novel stressor exposure (single restraint) compared to WKY. Unexpectedly, the adaptation of cardiovascular and autonomic responses to repeated restraint was more effective in SHR.
Approximate encoding of quantum states using shallow circuits
Authors: Ben-Dov Matan , Shnaiderov David , Makmal Adi , Dalla Torre Emanuele G.
Published: July 2024

Quantum algorithms and simulations often require the preparation of complex states through sequences of 2-qubit gates. For a generic quantum state, the number of required gates grows exponentially with the number of qubits, becoming unfeasible on near-term quantum devices. Here, we aim at creating an approximate encoding of the target state using a limited number of gates. As a first step, we consider a quantum state that is efficiently represented classically, such as a one-dimensional matrix product state. Using tensor network techniques, we develop and implement an efficient optimization algorithm that approaches the optimal implementation, requiring a polynomial number of iterations. We, next, consider the implementation of the proposed optimization algorithm directly on a quantum computer and overcome inherent barren plateaus by employing a local cost function. Our work offers a universal method to prepare target states using local gates and represents a significant improvement over known strategies.
Experimental error suppression in Cross-Resonance gates via multi-derivative pulse shaping
Authors: Li Boxi , Calarco Tommaso , Motzoi Felix
Published: July 2024

While quantum circuits are reaching impressive widths in the hundreds of qubits, their depths have not been able to keep pace. In particular, cloud computing gates on multi-qubit, fixed-frequency superconducting chips continue to hover around the 1% error range, contrasting with the progress seen on carefully designed two-qubit chips, where error rates have been pushed towards 0.1%. Despite the strong impetus and a plethora of research, experimental demonstration of error suppression on these multi-qubit devices remains challenging, primarily due to the wide distribution of qubit parameters and the demanding calibration process required for advanced control methods. Here, we achieve this goal, using a simple control method based on multi-derivative, multi-constraint pulse shaping, which acts simultaneously against multiple error sources. Our approach establishes a two to fourfold improvement on the default calibration scheme, demonstrated on four qubits on the IBM Quantum Platform with limited and intermittent access, enabling these large-scale fixed-frequency systems to fully take advantage of their superior coherence times. The achieved CNOT fidelities of 99.7(1)% on those publically available qubits come from both coherent control error suppression and accelerated gate time.
Using static magnetic field to recover ammonia efficiently by DNRA process
Authors: Xie Yuyang , Wang Zhibin , Ni Shou-Qing
Published: July 2024

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) has garnered attention due to its ability to recover ammonia and reduce greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously. In this study, the potential of using static magnetic field (SMF) to improve DNRA process was explored from the sight of molecular biology. Functional genes, microbial community structure, and metabolism pathways were discussed. SMF of 40 mT shortened the start-up time of DNRA from 75 days to 41 days, while 80 mT SMF delayed it to 103 days. On day 80, DNRA potential rate under 40 mT SMF, reached 174 ± 11 μmol kg−1 h−1, significantly surpassing 0 mT (88 ± 6 μmol kg−1 h−1) and 80 mT SMF (52 ± 4 μmol kg−1 h−1). SMF of 40 mT also accelerated community succession and the enrichment of functional bacteria like Geobacter (from 15.71% to 32.11%). qPCR results suggested that 40 mT SMF promoted the rapid enrichment of DNRA functional gene nrfA and 80 mT SMF promoted the enrichment of nirS gene on day 40. Dynamic responses of Thauera sp. RT1901, Stutzerimonas stutzeri, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, and Shewanella loihica PV-4 to SMF at transcriptional levels confirmed SMF could improve the nitrogen removal and electron transfer of DNRA and denitrification bacteria. Consequently, this work validated the possibility of using SMF to improve DNRA process for ammonia recovery and investigated the underlying mechanisms, which could promote the application of DNRA in full-scale.
Electrically tunable giant Nernst effect in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Pasquale Gabriele , Sun Zhe , Migliato Marega Guilherme , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kis Andras
Published: July 2024

The Nernst effect, a transverse thermoelectric phenomenon, has attracted significant attention for its potential in energy conversion, thermoelectrics and spintronics. However, achieving high performance and versatility at low temperatures remains elusive. Here we demonstrate a large and electrically tunable Nernst effect by combining the electrical properties of graphene with the semiconducting characteristics of indium selenide in a field-effect geometry. Our results establish a new platform for exploring and manipulating this thermoelectric effect, showcasing the first electrical tunability with an on/off ratio of 103. Moreover, photovoltage measurements reveal a stronger photo-Nernst signal in the graphene/indium selenide heterostructure compared with individual components. Remarkably, we observe a record-high Nernst coefficient of 66.4 μV K−1 T−1 at ultralow temperatures and low magnetic fields, an important step towards applications in quantum information and low-temperature emergent phenomena.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Korean holoparasitic plants, Orobanche coerulescens
Authors: Kim Bongsang , Jhang So Yun , Koh Bomin , Kim Soonok , Chi Won-Jae , Park Jeong-Mi , Lim Chae Eun , Hong Yoonjee , Kim Heebal , Yu Jaewoong , Cho Seoae
Published: July 2024

Orobanche coerulescens is a parasitic plant that cannot complete its life cycle without a host and is incapable of photosynthesis. The habitats of O. coerulescens span the coasts of Korea and its volcanic islands, Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Those on the volcanic islands exhibit morphological differences and have distinct hosts compared to those on the peninsula. The family of Orobanchaceae, encompassing both autotrophic and parasitic species, serves as a model for evolutionary studies of parasitic states. However, there are limited genome assemblies for the Orobanche genus. In our study, we produced approximately 100x ONT long reads to construct a chromosome-level genome of O. coerulescens. The resulting assembly has a total size of 3,648 Mb with an N50 value of 195 Mb, and 82.0% of BUSCO genes were identified as complete. Results of the repeat annotation revealed that 86.3% of the genome consisted of repeat elements, and 29,395 protein-coding genes were annotated. This chromosome-level genome will be an important biological resource for conserving biodiversity and further understanding parasitic plants.
HVSMR-2.0: A 3D cardiovascular MR dataset for whole-heart segmentation in congenital heart disease
Authors: Pace Danielle F. , Contreras Hannah T. M. , Romanowicz Jennifer , Ghelani Shruti , Rahaman Imon , Zhang Yue , Gao Patricia , Jubair Mohammad Imrul , Yeh Tom , Golland Polina , Geva Tal , Ghelani Sunil , Powell Andrew J. , Moghari Mehdi Hedjazi
Published: July 2024

Patients with congenital heart disease often have cardiac anatomy that deviates significantly from normal, frequently requiring multiple heart surgeries. Image segmentation from a preoperative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scan would enable creation of patient-specific 3D surface models of the heart, which have potential to improve surgical planning, enable surgical simulation, and allow automatic computation of quantitative metrics of heart function. However, there is no publicly available CMR dataset for whole-heart segmentation in patients with congenital heart disease. Here, we release the HVSMR-2.0 dataset, comprising 60 CMR scans alongside manual segmentation masks of the 4 cardiac chambers and 4 great vessels. The images showcase a wide range of heart defects and prior surgical interventions. The dataset also includes masks of required and optional extents of the great vessels, enabling fairer comparisons across algorithms. Detailed diagnoses for each subject are also provided. By releasing HVSMR-2.0, we aim to encourage development of robust segmentation algorithms and clinically relevant tools for congenital heart disease.
Unique algorithm for the evaluation of embryo photon emission and viability
Authors: Berke József , Gulyás István , Bognár Zoltán , Berke Dávid , Enyedi Attila , Kozma-Bognár Veronika , Mauchart Péter , Nagy Bernadett , Várnagy Ákos , Kovács Kálmán , Bódis József
Published: July 2024

Living cells have spontaneous ultraweak photon emission derived from metabolic reactions associated with physiological conditions. The ORCA-Quest CMOS camera (Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan) is a highly sensitive and essential tool for photon detection; its use with a microscope incubator (Olympus) enables the detection of photons emitted by embryos with the exclusion of harmful visible light. With the application of the second law of thermodynamics, the low-entropy energy absorbed and used by embryos can be distinguished from the higher-entropy energy released and detectable in their environment. To evaluate higher-entropy energy data from embryos, we developed a unique algorithm for the calculation of the entropy-weighted spectral fractal dimension, which demonstrates the self-similar structure of the energy (photons) released by embryos. Analyses based on this structure enabled the distinction of living and degenerated mouse embryos, and of frozen and fresh embryos and the background. This novel detection of ultra-weak photon emission from mouse embryos can provide the basis for the development of a photon emission embryo control system. The ultraweak photon emission fingerprints of embryos may be used for the selection of viable specimens in an ideal dark environment.
Superluminal light propagation in a three-level ladder system
Authors: Gładysz Piotr , Pustelny Szymon , Słowik Karolina
Published: July 2024

Superluminal light propagation is typically accompanied by significant absorption that might prevent its observation in realistic samples. We propose an all-optical implementation exploiting the two-photon resonance in three-level media to overcome this problem. With several computational methods, we analyze three possible configurations of optically-dressed systems and identify an optimal configuration for superluminal propagation. Due to the far-detuned operating regime with low absorption, this scenario avoids the usual need for population inversion, gain assistance or nonlinear optical response. Our analysis covers a broad parameter space and aims for the identification of conditions where significant pulse advancement can be achieved at high transmission levels. In this context, a figure of merit is introduced accounting for a trade-off between the desired group-index values and transmission level. This quantity helps to identify the optimal characteristics of the dressing beam.
Comprehensive survey of conserved RNA secondary structures in full-genome alignment of Hepatitis C virus
Authors: Triebel Sandra , Lamkiewicz Kevin , Ontiveros Nancy , Sweeney Blake , Stadler Peter F. , Petrov Anton I. , Niepmann Michael , Marz Manja
Published: July 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a plus-stranded RNA virus that often chronically infects liver hepatocytes and causes liver cirrhosis and cancer. These viruses replicate their genomes employing error-prone replicases. Thereby, they routinely generate a large ‘cloud’ of RNA genomes (quasispecies) which—by trial and error—comprehensively explore the sequence space available for functional RNA genomes that maintain the ability for efficient replication and immune escape. In this context, it is important to identify which RNA secondary structures in the sequence space of the HCV genome are conserved, likely due to functional requirements. Here, we provide the first genome-wide multiple sequence alignment (MSA) with the prediction of RNA secondary structures throughout all representative full-length HCV genomes. We selected 57 representative genomes by clustering all complete HCV genomes from the BV-BRC database based on k-mer distributions and dimension reduction and adding RefSeq sequences. We include annotations of previously recognized features for easy comparison to other studies. Our results indicate that mainly the core coding region, the C-terminal NS5A region, and the NS5B region contain secondary structure elements that are conserved beyond coding sequence requirements, indicating functionality on the RNA level. In contrast, the genome regions in between contain less highly conserved structures. The results provide a complete description of all conserved RNA secondary structures and make clear that functionally important RNA secondary structures are present in certain HCV genome regions but are largely absent from other regions. Full-genome alignments of all branches of Hepacivirus C are provided in the supplement.
Myricetin mitigates motor disturbance and decreases neuronal ferroptosis in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gu Si-Chun , Xie Zhi-Guo , Gu Min-Jue , Wang Chang-De , Xu Li-Min , Gao Chen , Yuan Xiao-Lei , Wu You , Hu Yu-Qing , Cao Yang , Ye Qing
Published: July 2024

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death form characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overgeneration and lipid peroxidation. Myricetin, a flavonoid that exists in numerous plants, exhibits potent antioxidant capacity. Given that iron accumulation and ROS-provoked dopaminergic neuron death are the two main pathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we aimed to investigate whether myricetin decreases neuronal death through suppressing ferroptosis. The PD models were established by intraperitoneally injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into rats and by treating SH-SY5Y cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), respectively. Ferroptosis was identified by assessing the levels of Fe2+, ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). The results demonstrated that myricetin treatment effectively mitigated MPTP-triggered motor impairment, dopamine neuronal death, and α-synuclein (α-Syn) accumulation in PD models. Myricetin also alleviated MPTP-induced ferroptosis, as evidenced by decreased levels of Fe2+, ROS, and MDA and increased levels of GSH in the substantia nigra (SN) and serum in PD models. All these changes were reversed by erastin, a ferroptosis activator. In vitro, myricetin treatment restored SH-SY5Y cell viability and alleviated MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cell ferroptosis. Mechanistically, myricetin accelerated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and subsequent glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) expression in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells, two critical inhibitors of ferroptosis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that myricetin may be a potential agent for decreasing dopaminergic neuron death by inhibiting ferroptosis in PD.
Myco-fabricated silver nanoparticle by novel soil fungi from Saudi Arabian desert and antimicrobial mechanism
Authors: Mohammed Afrah E. , Korany Shereen M. , Sonbol Hana , Alhomaidi Eman A. , Alwakeel Suaad S. , Elbaz Reham M.
Published: July 2024

Biological agents are getting a noticeable concern as efficient eco-friendly method for nanoparticle fabrication, from which fungi considered promising agents in this field. In the current study, two fungal species (Embellisia spp. and Gymnoascus spp.) were isolated from the desert soil in Saudi Arabia and identified using 18S rRNA gene sequencing then used as bio-mediator for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Myco-synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were investigated. In atrial to detect their possible antibacterial mechanism, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) and TEM analysis were performed for Klebsiella pneumoniae treated by the myco-synthesized AgNPs. Detected properties of the fabricated materials indicated the ability of both tested fungal strains in successful fabrication of AgNPs having same range of mean size diameters and varied PDI. The efficiency of Embellisia spp. in providing AgNPs with higher antibacterial activity compared to Gymnoascus spp. was reported however, both indicated antibacterial efficacy. Variations in the protein profile of K. pneumoniae after treatments and ultrastructural changes were observed. Current outcomes suggested applying of fungi as direct, simple and sustainable approach in providing efficient AgNPs.
Machine learning prediction of methane, nitrogen, and natural gas mixture viscosities under normal and harsh conditions
Authors: Gomaa Sayed , Abdalla Mohamed , Salem Khalaf G. , Nasr Karim , Emara Ramadan , Wang Qingsheng , El-hoshoudy A. N.
Published: July 2024

The accurate estimation of gas viscosity remains a pivotal concern for petroleum engineers, exerting substantial influence on the modeling efficacy of natural gas operations. Due to their time-consuming and costly nature, experimental measurements of gas viscosity are challenging. Data-based machine learning (ML) techniques afford a resourceful and less exhausting substitution, aiding research and industry at gas modeling that is incredible to reach in the laboratory. Statistical approaches were used to analyze the experimental data before applying machine learning. Seven machine learning techniques specifically Linear Regression, random forest (RF), decision trees, gradient boosting, K-nearest neighbors, Nu support vector regression (NuSVR), and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied for the prediction of methane (CH4), nitrogen (N2), and natural gas mixture viscosities. More than 4304 datasets from real experimental data utilizing pressure, temperature, and gas density were employed for developing ML models. Furthermore, three novel correlations have developed for the viscosity of CH4, N2, and composite gas using ANN. Results revealed that models and anticipated correlations predicted methane, nitrogen, and natural gas mixture viscosities with high precision. Results designated that the ANN, RF, and gradient Boosting models have performed better with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99 for testing data sets of methane, nitrogen, and natural gas mixture viscosities. However, linear regression and NuSVR have performed poorly with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.07 and − 0.01 respectively for testing data sets of nitrogen viscosity. Such machine learning models offer the industry and research a cost-effective and fast tool for accurately approximating the viscosities of methane, nitrogen, and gas mixture under normal and harsh conditions.
Heat absorption effect of magneto-natural convection flow in vertical concentric annuli with influence of radial and induced magnetic field
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad Muhammad , Auwal Lawan Muhammad , Gambo Yusuf Y.
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to study the natural convective magneto-hydrodynamic flow of fluid through vertical concentric annuli with iso-flux heating under the conditions of constant internal heat absorption and an induced magnetic field. By solving the set of dimensionless coupled governing equations, we were able to obtain exact expressions for the temperature field, velocity field, and induced magnetic field. We also managed to derive the formulas for skin friction, mass flux, and induced current density. We also examined the effects of non-dimensional parameters on skin friction and mass flux. For easy comprehension and interpretation, the results are provided graphically and in tabular form. The heat absorption parameter, the induced current density, the induced magnetic field, and velocity exhibit a negative trend as the Hartmann number (Ha) value increases. The induced magnetic field has the effect of raising both the induced current density and velocity profile. It is found that, when a fluid absorbs heat, the heat absorption parameter experiences reverse flow. For the heat-absorbing fluids, the radii ratio has the effect of increasing velocity, induced magnetic field, and induced current density. The numerical values of skin friction and mass flux at cylindrical walls increase (decrease) with increasing heat absorption parameter and generally it has decreasing tendency with increasing Hartmann number
Autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes in left ventricular mass loss in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Raźny Urszula , Sordyl Maria , Góralska Joanna , Kapusta Maria , Słowińska-Solnica Krystyna , Wojtysiak Dorota , Lis Grzegorz , Solnica Bogdan , Kopeć Grzegorz , Hołda Jakub
Published: July 2024

The goal of this study was to evaluate the intensity of autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes occurring in myocardium of left ventricle (LV) in subsequent stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine mechanisms responsible for LV mass loss in a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model. LV myocardium samples collected from 32 Wistar rats were analyzed in an early PAH group (n = 8), controls time-paired (n = 8), an end-stage PAH group (n = 8), and their controls (n = 8). Samples were subjected to histological analyses with immunofluorescence staining, autophagy assessment by western blotting, and evaluation of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in the LV by immunoprecipitation of ubiquitinated proteins. Echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and heart morphometric parameters were assessed regularly throughout the experiment. Considerable morphological and hemodynamic remodeling of the LV was observed over the course of PAH. The end-stage PAH was associated with significantly impaired LV systolic function and a decrease in LV mass. The LC3B-II expression in the LV was significantly higher in the end-stage PAH group compared to the early PAH group (p = 0.040). The measured LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratios in the end-stage PAH group were significantly elevated compared to the controls (p = 0.039). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant increase in the abundance of LC3 puncta in the end-stage PAH group compared to the matched controls. There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of expression of all ubiquitinated proteins when comparing both PAH groups and matched controls. Autophagy may be considered as the mechanism behind the LV mass loss at the end stage of PAH.
Effects of microplastics on reproductive characteristics and mechanisms of the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis
Authors: Seong Taekyoung , Yamamoto Sae , Nakatani Hisayuki , Yagi Mitsuharu , Kyozuka Yusaku , Satuito Glenn , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: July 2024

Microplastic pollution, especially secondary microplastics (MPs), poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Despite its prevalence, the impact of natural-aged MPs on marine organisms, hindered by collection challenges, remains poorly understood. This study focused on 1–3 μm natural-aged MPs collected from Japan's coastal sea, investigating their effects on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis sensu stricto and its reproductive mechanisms. Rotifers exposed to varying MP concentrations (0, 20, and 200 particles/mL) over 14-day batch cultures exhibited reduced population growth and fertilization rates. Down-regulation of reproductive genes and up-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes were observed, indicating MP-induced disruptions. Enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase and elevated malondialdehyde levels further emphasized oxidative stress. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of MPs on rotifer reproductivity, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms.