bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of energy based circularity for better environmental quality: an evidence from Bias-corrected linear dynamic approach
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Hussain Bilal , Anwar Sofia , Naqvi Syed Asif Ali
Published: May 2024

Environmental behavior needs a keen intervention to avoid the upcoming worse outcomes of the energy utilization. Global warming is transitioning towards the global boiling stage and the reason behind the faster growth of renewable energy resources exploration. The present study empirically investigates the circularity impact of the renewable energy on the environment. Two different models of the environment were estimated by applying biased corrected method on 28 low income countries from 1990 to 2019. In this study, we develop a circularity index on the basis of renewable energy sources and found that in low income economies circularity brings a positive impact on the environment in both models. The study also concludes that digitization has also positive implication in terms of environmental quality. In the sample study trade shows negative as well as positive association with environment while economic growth, financial development and energy use have positive impact on the environment. The study suggested policies based on the circular practices for energy generation to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Double difunctionalization of vinyl ether tethered nucleophile with electron-deficient alkene in two-molecule photoredox system
Authors: Ikeda Takumi , Tanaka Yosuke , Hashimoto Ryoga , Furutani Toshiki , Yamawaki Mugen , Suzuki Hirotsugu , Yoshimi Yasuharu
Published: May 2024

Double difunctionalization of a vinyl ether tethered hydroxy or carbamoyl group with electron-deficient alkenes such as acrylonitrile or acrylic esters was achieved by visible-light irradiation in a two-molecule photoredox system. Use of anhydrous acetonitrile solution as a solvent promoted both dimerization of the radical cation of electron-rich alkene with electron-rich alkene and intramolecular nucleophilic addition to generate an electron-rich radical that was added to electron-deficient alkene to furnish the double difunctionalized product. A variety of electronically differentiated rich and deficient alkenes were used in the photoreaction; a simple construction of a complex carbon framework containing acetal from simple alkenes was successful under mild conditions.

Graphical abstract
An Introduction to Gravity
Authors: Franklin Joel
Published: May 2024

Einstein's theory of gravity can be difficult to introduce at the undergraduate level, or for self-study. One way to ease its introduction is to construct intermediate theories between the previous successful theory of gravity, Newton's, and our modern theory, Einstein's general relativity. This textbook bridges the gap by merging Newtonian gravity and special relativity (by analogy with electricity and magnetism), a process that both builds intuition about general relativity, and indicates why it has the form that it does. This approach is used to motivate the structure of the full theory, as a nonlinear field equation governing a second rank tensor with geometric interpretation, and to understand its predictions by comparing it with the, often qualitatively correct, predictions of intermediate theories between Newton's and Einstein's. Suitable for a one-semester course at junior or senior level, this student-friendly approach builds on familiar undergraduate physics to illuminate the structure of general relativity.
Fault Structure Reconstruction From Magnetic Anomalies Using an Improved Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Balkaya Çağlayan , Ekinci Yunus Levent , Ai Hanbing , Biswas Arkoprovo , Göktürkler Gökhan
Published: May 2024

Fault structure reconstruction is an important aspect of magnetic prospecting as it contributes to understanding tectonic history, hazard assessment, and infrastructure planning. Metaheuristics have proven useful in estimating fault structure parameters from geophysical anomalies. Recently, a modified version of the Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm (BSA), named mBSA, has been proposed that combines mutation steps of BSA and Differential Evolution (DE) algorithms to achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation. Here, we present imBSA as an efficient approach that builds on the improvements of mBSA. It uses an adaptive amplitude control factor in the mutation step derived from a normally distributed random number obtained via an exponential function. The performances of these approaches were tested on some widely used benchmark functions such as Rosenbrock, Rastrigin, Griewank, and Himmelblau. Synthetic magnetic fault anomalies were evaluated with and without noise, as well as three real anomalies from the Dehri (India), Perth Basin, and Lachlan Fold Belt (Australia). Prior to the optimizations, the solvability of the model parameters was examined using some error topography images. The obtained solutions in the synthetic cases were evaluated using principal component analysis. In addition, a novel visualization option for high‐dimensional optimization problems was introduced. The experiments showed that imBSA has a faster convergence rate and better optimization statistics compared to BSA and mBSA. Therefore, it is believed to be an efficient and good alternative tool to widely used metaheuristics such as Particle Swarm Optimization and DE in explaining geophysical anomalies and optimization problems in other geoscientific disciplines.
Future Climate Change Impacts on Rice in Uttar Pradesh, India's Most Populous Agrarian State
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Sahany Sandeep , Singh K. K. , Robock Alan , Xia Lili
Published: May 2024

Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 237 million, is the largest agrarian state in India, located in the Indo‐Gangetic plains. Rice cultivation is widespread across all districts of Uttar Pradesh, which have varying climate regimes, irrigation infrastructures, crop management practices, and farm sizes. The state is characterized by different agroecological zones (AEZs) with semi‐arid to sub‐humid climates with significant variability in monsoon rainfall. In this study, the impact of climate change on Kharif‐season rice is estimated using crop‐climate scenarios in Uttar Pradesh. A process‐based Crop Simulation Model, Crop Estimation through Resource and Environment Synthesis‐Rice, was simulated with bias‐corrected and downscaled climate data for historical (1995–2014) and three future periods (the 2030s, 2050s, and 2090s) for two mitigation pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6. Phenology, irrigation amount, crop evapotranspiration, yield, and water use efficiency were evaluated and assessed for all AEZs. Based on the ensemble of 16 climate models, rainfed rice yield increased in the AEZs of western Uttar Pradesh due to increased rainfall, while in eastern Uttar Pradesh yield decreased, under both shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Irrigated rice yield decreased in all AEZs under both SSPs due to an increase in temperature and a decrease in the length of the growing period, with reductions of up to 20% by the 2090s. Irrigation requirements decreased from the 2030s to the 2090s due to increased rainfall and decreased crop evapotranspiration. Despite the projected increase in rainfed yield, the overall rice yield is expected to decrease in the future under both SSPs.
A Framework for Multisector Scenarios of Outcomes for Well‐Being and Resilience
Authors: O’Neill Brian C. , Morris Jennifer , Lamontagne Jonathan , Weyant John , Wise Marshall
Published: May 2024

Shared community scenarios of societal and environmental system changes have underpinned a broad range of research and assessment studies over the past several decades. These scenarios have largely aimed to address specific questions within broad issue areas like climate change or biodiversity and generally provided information on the drivers of change. The consequences of those drivers, such as impacts on society and policy responses, have tended to be left to the research community to investigate, using scenarios of drivers as inputs to their studies, producing projections of a disparate set of relevant output metrics. While this approach has had many benefits, it has fallen short of producing a robust, comparable literature describing outcomes across studies in common metrics. We argue that new scenarios are needed that extend current approaches to be organized around common outcome metrics for the well‐being and resilience of society and ecosystems. We propose an approach that would focus on agreed upon outcomes for well‐being and resilience as well as critical drivers of change, cut across issues and scales in multiple sectors, and draw on new systematic methods of scenario generation and discovery to highlight scenarios that are most critical in understanding societal risks and responding to them. Research derived from this outcome‐based scenario development approach would facilitate improved assessment of risks of and responses to a range of stressors and the multi‐sector interactions they generate.
Linking Dissolved Organic Matter Composition to Landscape Properties in Wetlands Across the United States of America
Authors: Kurek Martin R. , Wickland Kimberly P. , Nichols Natalie A. , McKenna Amy M. , Anderson Steven M. , Dornblaser Mark M. , Koupaei‐Abyazani Nikaan , Poulin Brett A. , Bansal Sheel , Fellman Jason B. , Druschel Gregory K. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Spencer Robert G. M.
Published: May 2024

Wetlands are integral to the global carbon cycle, serving as both a source and a sink for organic carbon. Their potential for carbon storage will likely change in the coming decades in response to higher temperatures and variable precipitation patterns. We characterized the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition from 12 different wetland sites across the USA spanning gradients in climate, landcover, sampling depth, and hydroperiod for comparison to DOM in other inland waters. Using absorption spectroscopy, parallel factor analysis modeling, and ultra‐high resolution mass spectroscopy, we identified differences in DOM sourcing and processing by geographic site. Wetland DOM composition was driven primarily by differences in landcover where forested sites contained greater aromatic and oxygenated DOM content compared to grassland/herbaceous sites which were more aliphatic and enriched in N and S molecular formulae. Furthermore, surface and porewater DOM was also influenced by properties such as soil type, organic matter content, and precipitation. Surface water DOM was relatively enriched in oxygenated higher molecular weight formulae representing HUPHigh O/C compounds than porewaters, whose DOM composition suggests abiotic sulfurization from dissolved inorganic sulfide. Finally, we identified a group of persistent molecular formulae (3,489) present across all sites and sampling depths (i.e., the signature of wetland DOM) that are likely important for riverine‐to‐coastal DOM transport. As anthropogenic disturbances continue to impact temperate wetlands, this study highlights drivers of DOM composition fundamental for understanding how wetland organic carbon will change, and thus its role in biogeochemical cycling.
Effect of Water‐Rock Ratio on the Stable Isotope Record of Fluid‐Rock‐Deformation Interactions in Detachment Shear Zone
Authors: Gottardi Raphaël , Mire Camron , Davis Niya , Casale Gabriele
Published: May 2024

Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope analyses of quartz and muscovite veins from the footwall of the Raft River detachment shear zone (Utah) provide insight into the hydrology and fluid‐rock interactions during ductile deformation. Samples were collected from veins containing 90%–100% quartz with orientations either at a high angle or sub‐parallel to the surrounding quartzite mylonite foliation. Stable isotope analysis was performed on 10 samples and compared with previous quartzite mylonite isotope data sets. The results indicate that the fluid present during deformation of the shear zone was meteoric in origin, with a δ2H value of approximately −100‰ and a δ18O value of approximately −13.7‰. Oxygen stable isotope O18O depletion correlates with the muscovite content of the analyzed rocks. Many of the analyzed samples in this and other studies show an apparent lack of equilibrium between the oxygen and hydrogen isotope systems, which can be explained by hydrogen and oxygen isotope exchange at varying fluid‐rock ratios. Our results suggest that the Raft River detachment shear zone had a low static fluid‐rock ratio (<0.1), yet experienced episodic influxes of fluids through semi‐brittle structures. This fluid was then expelled out into the surrounding mylonite following progressive shearing, causing further 18O‐depletion and fluid‐related embrittlement.
Isotopic Evidence for Degradation of Particulate Black Carbon in the Ocean
Authors: Sarkar Siddhartha , Rahman Abdur , Khan Mohammad Atif , Rathi Ajayeta , Ragavan P. , Singh Arvind , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: May 2024

Black carbon (BC) has emerged as an integral part of the global carbon (C) cycle, constituting 12% ± 5% of the organic C pool in rivers and soils, with the potential to generate negative climate feedback. However, its ability to sequester C depends on the recalcitrant nature of BC in the environment, which is under debate. Using CTO‐375 method and by measuring concentrations and isotopic compositions of particulate BC (δ13CPBC), we explore the transformation of particulate black carbon (PBC) along the atmosphere‐river‐ocean continuum. Significantly high δ13CPBC in the ocean compared to rivers and atmospheric particulate matter indicates (a) degradation of PBC, potentially through photodegradation and leaching, and/or (b) availability of an enriched source other than fluvial or aeolian inputs. This evidence for degradation of PBC in aquatic systems warrants rethinking on its C sequestration potential and role in aquatic C biogeochemistry and further raises concerns regarding the use of sedimentary BC as a paleoenvironmental proxy.
Understanding the Cascade: Removing GCM Biases Improves Dynamically Downscaled Climate Projections
Authors: Rahimi Stefan , Huang Lei , Norris Jesse , Hall Alex , Goldenson Naomi , Risser Mark , Feldman Daniel R. , Lebo Zachary J. , Dennis Eli , Thackeray Chad
Published: May 2024

Polarization surrounding bias correction (BC) in creating climate projections arises from its lack of physicality. Here, we perform and analyze 18 dynamical downscaling simulations (with and without BC) to better understand the physical impacts of BC, applied before downscaling, on regional climate output across the western United States. Without BC, downscaled precipitation is systematically and unrealistically wet biased compared to a hierarchy of observationally based datasets over the 1980–2014 period due to cascading mean‐state Global Climate Model (GCM) biases: (a) overly strong lower‐tropospheric lapse rates (5 K/km), (b) overly cold (2 K) tropospheric temperatures, and (c) anomalous mid‐tropospheric cyclonic vorticity advection. With BC, downscaled precipitation (snow) biases are virtually eliminated (halved). Identified GCM biases are common to the broader Coupled Model Intercomparison Project ensemble. Physical effects of BC on the quality of the regionalized projections, pending an evaluation of BC's distortion of the downscaled climate response, may motivate its broader application by dynamical downscalers.
BARREL Observations of Microburst Events With a Slowly‐Varying Component
Authors: Cantwell Kelly , Millan Robyn
Published: May 2024

Electron microburst precipitation has been shown to have significant potential for depletion of the outer radiation belt. We present observations from the Balloon Array for Radiation belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) of six (five unique and one dual‐balloon observation) microburst events, each containing minutes to hours of persistent microbursts. We find that each event included a slowly‐varying smooth precipitation component underlying the bursty component. The smooth component has not yet been fully characterized in the literature; we have written a program to identify microburst events and quantify the relative contributions of each component in the BARREL data. In all six events analyzed, the smooth component contributed more to the total X‐ray counts measured, indicating that the smooth component could contribute significantly to radiation belt loss.
Evidence for and Against Temperate Ice in Antarctic Shear Margins From Radar‐Depth Sounding Data
Authors: Summers P. T. , Schroeder D. M. , May D. F. , Suckale J.
Published: May 2024

The majority of ice mass loss from Antarctica flows through narrow, fast sliding regions of ice. The lateral boundaries of these regions, termed shear margins, are characterized by lateral shear strains in excess of ∼10−3 yr−1. Shear heating within these margins could warm ice significantly–even to the melting point–but other processes such as lateral advection of cold ice and fabric development compete with this effect. Radar observations can help constrain where temperate ice exists because englacial temperature increases electric conductivity which increases radar attenuation. We utilize the temperature‐dependent attenuation of ice to develop a novel method for constraining englacial temperature in shear margins by combining existing thermal models with very high frequency radar depth‐sounding data. We find evidence supporting temperate shear margins in 18 locations and find evidence for non‐temperate margins in 37 locations, notably in the Amundsen Sea Embayment.
Io's Long‐Wavelength Topography as a Probe for a Subsurface Magma Ocean
Authors: Gyalay S. , Nimmo F.
Published: May 2024

We investigated how spatial variations in tidal heating affect Io's isostatic topography at long wavelengths. The long‐wavelength relief is less than the 0.3 km uncertainty in Io's global shape. Assuming Airy isostasy, degree‐2 topography <0.3 km amplitude is only possible if surface heat flux varies spatially by <19% of the mean value. This is consistent with Io's volcano distribution and is possible if tidal heat is generated within and redistributed by a convecting layer underneath the lithosphere. However, that layer would require a viscosity <1010 Pa s. A magma ocean would have low enough viscosity but would not generate enough tidal heat internally. Conversely, assuming Pratt isostasy, we found ∼0.15 km degree‐2 topography is easily achievable. If a magma ocean was present, Airy isostasy would dominate; we therefore conclude that Io is unlikely to possess a magma ocean.
Electron Precipitation Driven by EMIC Waves: Two Types of Energy Dispersion
Authors: Grach Veronika S. , Artemyev Anton V. , Demekhov Andrei G. , Zhang Xiao‐Jia , Bortnik Jacob , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: May 2024

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves can very rapidly and effectively scatter relativistic electrons into the atmosphere. EMIC‐driven precipitation bursts can be detected by low‐altitude spacecraft, and analysis of the fine structure of such bursts may reveal unique information about the near‐equatorial EMIC source region. In this study, we report, for the first time, observations of EMIC‐driven electron precipitation exhibiting energy, E, dispersion as a function of latitude (and hence L‐shell): two predominant categories exhibit dE/dL > 0 and dE/dL < 0. We interpret precipitation with dE/dL < 0 as due to the typical inward radial gradient of cold plasma density and equatorial magnetic field (∼65% of the statistics). Precipitation with dE/dL > 0 is interpreted as due to an outward radial gradient of the equatorial magnetic field, likely produced by energetic ions freshly injected into the ring current (∼35% of the statistics). The observed energy dispersion of EMIC‐driven electron precipitation was reproduced in simulations.
Sea Ice‐Driven Iceberg Drift in Baffin Bay
Authors: Marson J. M. , Myers P. G. , Garbo A. , Copland L. , Mueller D.
Published: May 2024

Baffin Bay is the travel destination of most icebergs calving from west Greenland. They commonly follow the bay's cyclonic circulation and might end up far south along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, where many shipping routes converge. Given the hazard that icebergs pose to marine transportation, understanding their distribution is fundamental. One of the forces driving iceberg drift arises from the presence of sea ice. Observations in the Southern Ocean indicate that icebergs get locked in thick and concentrated sea ice. We present observations that support the occurrence of this sea ice locking mechanism (SIL) in Baffin Bay as well. Most iceberg models, however, represent the sea ice force over an iceberg as a simple drag force. Here, we implement a new parameterization in the iceberg module of the Nucleus for European Modeling of the Ocean (NEMO‐ICB) to represent SIL. We show that, by using this new parameterization, icebergs are more likely to travel outside of the Baffin Island Current during winter, which is supported by satellite observations. There is a slight improvement in the representation of iceberg severity along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and a slight shift of iceberg melt toward this region and Lancaster Sound/Hudson Strait. Although the impacts of icebergs on sea ice are still not represented, and targeted observations are needed for model calibration regarding sea ice concentration thresholds from which icebergs get locked, we are confident that this model improvement takes iceberg modeling one step forward toward reality.
Underway pCO2 Surveys Unravel CO2 Invasion of Lake Superior From Seasonal Variability
Authors: Sandborn D. E. , Minor E. C.
Published: May 2024

This study observed seasonal trends and inferred drivers of CO2 biogeochemistry at the air‐water interface of Lake Superior. Underway carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) was measured in surface water during 69 transects spanning ice free seasons of 2019‐2022. These data comprise the first multiannual pCO2 time series in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Surface water pCO2 was closely tied to increasing atmospheric pCO2 over a 100‐day CO2 equilibration timescale, while seasonal variability was controlled equally by thermal and non‐thermal drivers during the ice‐free season. Comparison to previous modeling efforts indicated that Lake Superior surface pCO2 increased with two decades of rising atmospheric CO2. Spatial heterogeneity in CO2 dynamics was highlighted by a conductivity‐based delineation of “riverine” and “pelagic” regimes, each of which was associated with net CO2 influx over Julian days 100–300 on the order of 25 Gmol C. These findings refine previous estimates of Lake Superior C fluxes, support predictions of anthropogenic CO2 invasion during the ice‐free season, point to new observation strategies for large lakes, and highlight an urgent need for studies of changes to lacustrine C cycling.
Does Soil Sound Different After It’s Burned?
Authors: Dieckman Emily
Published: May 2024

Yes, but not quite the way researchers expected it to.
On the Divergent Evolution of ENSO After the Coastal El Niños in 2017 and 2023
Authors: Tan Wei , Hu Zeng‐Zhen , McPhaden Michael J. , Zhu Congwen , Li Xiaofan , Liu Yunyun
Published: May 2024

Coastal El Niño is an extreme situation of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) with sea surface temperature warming confined in the far‐eastern equatorial Pacific. Some coastal El Niños evolve into a basin scale El Niño, and some don't, implying a diversity in ENSO evolutions after a coastal El Niño event. In this study, the coastal El Niños in 2017 and 2023 are selected to examine their subsequent evolution. Both coastal El Niños developed after a La Niña, with the former followed by a La Niña and the latter by a basin‐scale El Niño. The cold (warm) subsurface temperatures in 2017 (2023) were key factors leading to the divergent ENSO evolution. Convection over the western tropical Pacific and the atmospheric circulation anomalies across the equatorial Pacific also contributed to the differences. Model predictions suggest that differences in ENSO evolution after a coastal El Niño are associated with differences in ENSO predictability.
Forest Disturbance Thresholds and Cumulative Hydrological Impacts
Authors: Hou Yiping , Wei Xiaohua
Published: May 2024

Forest disturbance threshold is defined as a critical disturbance level (e.g., % of forest cover change) in forested landscapes above which significant hydrological impacts are detected. Determining disturbance thresholds is critically important for supporting forest management to ensure the sustaining of ecological and hydrological functions. However, there are very few quantitative evaluations of forest disturbance thresholds globally. In this study, we applied a well‐tested methodology (the modified double mass curve) to derive the long‐term, continuous hydrological response curves and then to quantify forest disturbance thresholds on annual streamflow in 42 forested watersheds in British Columbia, Canada. The results show that forest disturbance thresholds for significant and cumulative hydrological impacts vary from 7% to 52% of cumulative equivalent clear‐cut area with an average of 17% or from 8% to 52% of disturbed area with an average of 19%. Climate (inter‐annual and intra‐annual) and watershed properties exert critical controls on forest disturbance thresholds. Watersheds with greater snowfall proportions (more annual precipitation falling as snow), more desynchronizations (temporal mismatching) of energy demand and water supply at the intra‐annual scale, less diverse ecosystems, and larger watershed sizes have lower forest disturbance thresholds. Given the present forest disturbance levels in the central interior of British Columbia, about half (53%) of the forested watersheds have already crossed the average disturbance threshold. These results highlight that watershed planning and management using forest disturbance thresholds must carefully consider local climate and watershed properties. The methodology can be effectively and robustly extended elsewhere around the globe.
Monitoring human exposure to four parabens and triclosan: comparing silicone wristbands with spot urine samples as predictors of internal dose
Authors: Levasseur Jessica L. , Hoffman Kate , Zhang Sharon , Cooper Ellen M. , Stapleton Heather M.
Published: May 2024

Background

People are exposed to a variety of chemicals each day as a result of their personal care product (PCP) use.

Objective

This study was designed to determine if silicone wristbands provide a quantitative estimate of internal dose for phenols commonly associated with PCPs, with a focus on triclosan and four parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. Uptake of these compounds into wristbands and correlations with internal dose were assessed.

Methods

Ten adults from central North Carolina wore five silicone wristbands, with one wristband removed each day for 5 days. Each participant provided a 24 h urine sample and a random spot urine sample each day, in which paraben and triclosan metabolites were evaluated.

Results

All parabens and triclosan were detected frequently in wristbands and, except for butylparaben, in urine samples. Wristband and spot urine concentrations of parabens and triclosan were both compared to a measurement of internal dose (i.e., the total metabolite mass excreted over 5 days as a measurement of internal dose).

Impact statement

The two most hydrophobic compounds investigated, butylparaben and triclosan, displayed significant linear uptake in wristbands over 5 days, whereas concentrations of methyl- and ethylparaben displayed a steady state concentration. In general, wristbands and spot urine samples were similarly correlated to internal dose for frequently detected parabens and triclosan.  However, wristbands have additional advantages including higher detection rates and reduced participant burden that may make them more suitable tools for assessing exposure to PCPs.
Intrauterine volvulus: systemic review of the literature with pooled analysis
Authors: Acer-Demir Tuğba , Şahin-Uysal Nihal
Published: May 2024

Our objective is to analyse the observations related to intrauterine volvulus and assess how clinical manifestations and treatment strategies impact prognosis. We conducted a comprehensive search on Pubmed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2022, using search terms like “intrauterine volvulus” or “foetal volvulus,” supplemented by manual scrutiny of reference lists in relevant texts and articles. Our review encompassed 57 case reports/case series, involving 88 cases. The presence of foetal bradycardia during prenatal visits (p = 0.002) and the existence of meconium cyst or pseudocyst (p = 0.038) significantly influence survival rates. Preterm labour occurred more frequently among cases resulting in mortality (54% vs 21%; p = 0.055). Our study’s limitations include the inability to access all reported cases and reliance solely on available data. We advocate for vigilant monitoring of foetuses exhibiting signs of intestinal obstruction, and consideration of an emergent caesarean section as a pre-emptive measure before foetal biophysical profile deterioration worsens.
Monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia differ in maturation and synaptic transmission
Authors: Stern Shani , Zhang Lei , Wang Meiyan , Wright Rebecca , Rosh Idan , Hussein Yara , Stern Tchelet , Choudhary Ashwani , Tripathi Utkarsh , Reed Patrick , Sadis Hagit , Nayak Ritu , Shemen Aviram , Agarwal Karishma , Cordeiro Diogo , Peles David , Hang Yuqing , Mendes Ana P. D. , Baul Tithi D. , Roth Julien G. , Coorapati Shashank , Boks Marco P. , McCombie W. Richard , Hulshoff Pol Hilleke , Brennand Kristen J. , Réthelyi János M. , Kahn René S. , Marchetto Maria C. , Gage Fred H.
Published: May 2024

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world population. Genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors are known to play a role in this psychiatric disorder. While there is a high concordance in monozygotic twins, about half of twin pairs are discordant for schizophrenia. To address the question of how and when concordance in monozygotic twins occur, we have obtained fibroblasts from two pairs of schizophrenia discordant twins (one sibling with schizophrenia while the second one is unaffected by schizophrenia) and three pairs of healthy twins (both of the siblings are healthy). We have prepared iPSC models for these 3 groups of patients with schizophrenia, unaffected co-twins, and the healthy twins. When the study started the co-twins were considered healthy and unaffected but both the co-twins were later diagnosed with a depressive disorder. The reprogrammed iPSCs were differentiated into hippocampal neurons to measure the neurophysiological abnormalities in the patients. We found that the neurons derived from the schizophrenia patients were less arborized, were hypoexcitable with immature spike features, and exhibited a significant reduction in synaptic activity with dysregulation in synapse-related genes. Interestingly, the neurons derived from the co-twin siblings who did not have schizophrenia formed another distinct group that was different from the neurons in the group of the affected twin siblings but also different from the neurons in the group of the control twins. Importantly, their synaptic activity was not affected. Our measurements that were obtained from schizophrenia patients and their monozygotic twin and compared also to control healthy twins point to hippocampal synaptic deficits as a central mechanism in schizophrenia.
NAC1 transcriptional activation of LDHA induces hepatitis B virus immune evasion leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development
Authors: Chen Wenbiao , Guo Liliangzi , Xu Huixuan , Dai Yong , Yao Jun , Wang Lisheng
Published: May 2024

Our study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAC1 (nucleus accumbens associated 1) transcriptional regulation of LDHA and its role in HBV immune evasion, thus contributing to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing public datasets, we performed differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on HBV-induced cirrhosis/HCC data. We identified candidate genes by intersecting differentially expressed genes with co-expression modules. We validated these genes using the TCGA database, conducting survival analysis to pinpoint key genes affecting HBV-HCC prognosis. We also employed the TIMER database for immune cell infiltration data and analyzed correlations with identified key genes to uncover potential immune escape pathways. In vitro, we investigated the impact of NAC1 and LDHA on immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. In vivo, we confirmed these findings using an HBV-induced cirrhosis model. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 676 genes influenced by HBV infection, with 475 genes showing differential expression in HBV-HCC. NAC1 emerged as a key gene, potentially mediating HBV immune escape through LDHA transcriptional regulation. Experimental data demonstrated that NAC1 transcriptionally activates LDHA, promoting immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. Animal studies confirmed these findings, linking NAC1-mediated LDHA activation to cirrhosis and HCC development. NAC1, highly expressed in HBV-infected liver cells, likely drives HBV immune escape by activating LDHA expression, inhibiting CD8 + T cells, and promoting cirrhosis and HCC development.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer patient pathways and outcomes in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland – a scoping review
Authors: Lohfeld Lynne , Sharma Meenakshi , Bennett Damien , Gavin Anna , Hawkins Sinéad T. , Irwin Gareth , Mitchell Helen , O’Neill Siobhan , McShane Charlene M.
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unplanned service disruption for breast cancer diagnostic, treatment and support services. This scoping review describes these changes and their impact in the UK and the Republic of Ireland based on studies published between January 2020 and August 2023. Thirty-four of 569 papers were included. Data were extracted and results thematically organized. Findings include fewer new cases; stage shift (fewer early- and more late-stage disease); and changes to healthcare organization, breast screening and treatment. Examples are accepting fewer referrals, applying stricter referral criteria and relying more on virtual consultations and multi-disciplinary meetings. Screening service programs paused during the pandemic before enacting risk-based phased restarts with longer appointment times to accommodate reduced staffing numbers and enhanced infection-control regimes. Treatments shifted from predominantly conventional to hypofractionated radiotherapy, fewer surgical procedures and increased use of bridging endocrine therapy. The long-term impact of such changes are unknown so definitive guidelines for future emergencies are not yet available. Cancer registries, with their large sample sizes and population coverage, are well placed to monitor changes to stage and survival despite difficulties obtaining definitive staging during diagnosis because surgery and pathological assessments are delayed. Multisite longitudinal studies can also provide guidance for future disaster preparedness.
Targeting senescent cells with NKG2D-CAR T cells
Authors: Deng Yushuang , Kumar Avadh , Xie Kan , Schaaf Kristina , Scifo Enzo , Morsy Sarah , Li Tao , Ehninger Armin , Bano Daniele , Ehninger Dan
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of NKG2D chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells in targeting and eliminating stress-induced senescent cells in vitro. Cellular senescence contributes to age-related tissue decline and is characterized by permanent cell cycle arrest and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, emerges as a promising approach to selectively eliminate senescent cells. Our focus is on the NKG2D receptor, which binds to ligands (NKG2DLs) upregulated in senescent cells, offering a target for CAR-T cells. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and astrocytes (AST) as senescence models, we demonstrate the elevated expression of NKG2DLs in response to genotoxic and oxidative stress. NKG2D-CAR T cells displayed potent cytotoxicity against these senescent cells, with minimal effects on non-senescent cells, suggesting their potential as targeted senolytics. In conclusion, our research presents the first evidence of NKG2D-CAR T cells’ ability to target senescent brain cells, offering a novel approach to manage senescence-associated diseases. The findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic applicability of NKG2D-targeting CAR-T cells in naturally aged organisms and models of aging-associated brain diseases in vivo.
The emerging role of regulated cell death in ischemia and reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury: current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: Li Chenning , Yu Ying , Zhu Shuainan , Hu Yan , Ling Xiaomin , Xu Liying , Zhang Hao , Guo Kefang
Published: May 2024

Renal ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. IRI is a complex process involving multiple underlying mechanisms and pathways of cell injury and dysfunction. Additionally, various types of cell death have been linked to IRI, including necroptosis, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. These processes operate differently and to varying degrees in different patients, but each plays a role in the various pathological conditions of AKI. Advances in understanding the underlying pathophysiology will lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches that hold promise for improving outcomes for patients with AKI. This review provides an overview of the recent research on the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying IRI-AKI, with a focus on regulated cell death (RCD) forms such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Overall, targeting RCD shows promise as a potential approach to treating IRI-AKI.
CPT-11 mitigates autoimmune diseases by suppressing effector T cells without affecting long-term anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Liang Hantian , Fan Xinzou , Cheng Hao , Ma Xiao , Sun Yutong , Nan Fang , Zhou Jingyang , Shu Panyin , Zhang Wei , Zuo Fengqiong , Nakatsukasa Hiroko , Zhang Dunfang
Published: May 2024

The incidence of autoimmune diseases has significantly increased over the past 20 years. Excessive host immunoreactions and disordered immunoregulation are at the core of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The traditional anti-tumor chemotherapy drug CPT-11 is associated with leukopenia. Considering that CPT-11 induces leukopenia, we believe that it is a promising drug for the control of autoimmune diseases. Here, we show that CPT-11 suppresses T cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in healthy C57BL/6 mice and in complete Freund’s adjuvant-challenged mice. We found that CPT-11 effectively inhibited T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation by inhibiting glycolysis in T cells. We also assessed CPT-11 efficacy in treating autoimmune diseases in models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and psoriasis. Finally, we proved that treatment of autoimmune diseases with CPT-11 did not suppress long-term immune surveillance for cancer. Taken together, these results show that CPT-11 is a promising immunosuppressive drug for autoimmune disease treatment.
Sex-specific circulating unconventional neutrophils determine immunological outcome of auto-inflammatory Behçet’s uveitis
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Ma Junfeng , Gong Yuxing , Zhu Lifu , Tang Huanyu , Ye Xingsheng , Su Guannan , Huang Fanfan , Tan Shiyao , Zuo Xianbo , Gao Yuan , Yang Peizeng
Published: May 2024

Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells that first respond to insults in circulation. Although associative evidence suggests that differences in neutrophils may be linked to the sex-specific vulnerability of inflammatory diseases, mechanistic links remain elusive. Here, we identified extensive sex-specific heterogeneity in neutrophil composition under normal and auto-inflammatory conditions at single-cell resolution. Using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, neutrophil-specific genetic knockouts and transfer experiments, we discovered dysregulation of two unconventional (interferon-α responsive and T cell regulatory) neutrophil subsets leading to male-biased incidence, severity and poor prognosis of auto-inflammatory Behçet’s uveitis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and exosome study revealed that male-specific negative effects of both genetic factors and circulating exosomes on unconventional neutrophil subsets contributed to male-specific vulnerability to disease. Collectively, our findings identify sex-specifically distinct neutrophil subsets and highlight unconventional neutrophil subsets as sex-specific therapeutic targets to limit inflammatory diseases.
Racial-ethnic disparities in concurrent rates of peripapillary & macular OCT parameters among a large glaucomatous clinical population
Authors: Gallo Afflitto Gabriele , Swaminathan Swarup S.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To compare rates of change in peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) parameters among different race-ethnicities from a large electronic health record database of subjects with or suspected of glaucoma.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, rates of change were obtained using joint longitudinal linear mixed models for eyes with ≥3 visits and ≥1 year of follow-up, adjusting for age, sex, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and baseline pRNFL and mGCIPL thickness. Best linear unbiased predictor estimates of various parameters were stratified by baseline glaucoma severity and analysed by racial-ethnic group.

Results

A total of 21,472 spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) pRNFL scans and 14,431 mGCIPL scans from 2002 eyes were evaluated. A total of 200 (15.6%) and 601 (46.8%) subjects identified as non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic, respectively. NHB eyes exhibited faster rates of change in pRNFL among glaucoma suspect (global pRNFL −0.57 ± 0.55 µm/year vs. −0.37 ± 0.62 µm/year among Hispanics, p < 0.001), mild glaucoma (superior pRNFL quadrant −1.20 ± 1.06 µm/year vs. −0.75 ± 1.51 µm/year among non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), p = 0.043), and moderate glaucoma eyes (superior pRNFL quadrant −1.31 ± 1.49 µm/year vs. −0.52 ± 1.26 µm/year among Hispanics, p = 0.003). NHB eyes exhibited faster rates of mGCIPL loss corresponding to pRNFL rates. Global pRNFL and mGCIPL rates were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.70).

Conclusions

Adjusted rates of pRNFL and mGCIPL loss significantly differed between racial-ethnic groups when stratified by glaucoma severity, with faster rates among NHB patients. These differences highlight key racial-ethnic disparities in adjusted rates of glaucoma OCT parameters.
High-density, highly sensitive sensor array of spiky carbon nanospheres for strain field mapping
Authors: Mei Shuxing , Yi Haokun , Zhao Jun , Xu Yanting , Shi Lan , Qin Yajie , Jiang Yizhou , Guo Jiajie , Li Zhuo , Wu Limin
Published: May 2024

While accurate mapping of strain distribution is crucial for assessing stress concentration and estimating fatigue life in engineering applications, conventional strain sensor arrays face a great challenge in balancing sensitivity and sensing density for effective strain mapping. In this study, we present a Fowler-Nordheim tunneling effect of monodispersed spiky carbon nanosphere array on polydimethylsiloxane as strain sensor arrays to achieve a sensitivity up to 70,000, a sensing density of 100 pixel cm−2, and logarithmic linearity over 99% within a wide strain range of 0% to 60%. The highly ordered assembly of spiky carbon nanospheres in each unit also ensures high inter-unit consistency (standard deviation ≤3.82%). Furthermore, this sensor array can conformally cover diverse surfaces, enabling accurate acquisition of strain distributions. The sensing array offers a convenient approach for mapping strain fields in various applications such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, biomechanics, and structure health monitoring.
Magnetic steering continuum robot for transluminal procedures with programmable shape and functionalities
Authors: Mao Liyang , Yang Peng , Tian Chenyao , Shen Xingjian , Wang Feihao , Zhang Hao , Meng Xianghe , Xie Hui
Published: May 2024

Millimeter-scale soft continuum robots offer safety and adaptability in transluminal procedures due to their passive compliance, but this feature necessitates interactions with surrounding lumina, leading to potential medical risks and restricted mobility. Here, we introduce a millimeter-scale continuum robot, enabling apical extension while maintaining structural stability. Utilizing phase transition components, the robot executes cycles of tip-based elongation, steered accurately through programmable magnetic fields. Each motion cycle features a solid-like backbone for stability, and a liquid-like component for advancement, thereby enabling autonomous shaping without reliance on environmental interactions. Together with clinical imaging technologies, we demonstrate the capability of navigating through tortuous and fragile lumina to transport microsurgical tools. Once it reaches larger anatomical spaces such as stomach, it can morph into functional 3D structures that serve as surgical tools or sensing units, overcoming the constraints of initially narrow pathways. By leveraging this design paradigm, we anticipate enhanced safety, multi-functionality, and cooperative capabilities among millimeter-scale continuum robots, opening new avenues for transluminal robotic surgery.
Giant organelle vesicles to uncover intracellular membrane mechanics and plasticity
Authors: Santinho Alexandre , Carpentier Maxime , Lopes Sampaio Julio , Omrane Mohyeddine , Thiam Abdou Rachid
Published: May 2024

Tools for accessing and studying organelles remain underdeveloped. Here, we present a method by which giant organelle vesicles (GOVs) are generated by submitting cells to a hypotonic medium followed by plasma membrane breakage. By this means, GOVs ranging from 3 to over 10 µm become available for micromanipulation. GOVs are made from organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, lysosomes and mitochondria, or in contact with one another such as giant mitochondria-associated ER membrane vesicles. We measure the mechanical properties of each organelle-derived GOV and find that they have distinct properties. In GOVs procured from Cos7 cells, for example, bending rigidities tend to increase from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. We also found that the mechanical properties of giant endoplasmic reticulum vesicles (GERVs) vary depending on their interactions with other organelles or the metabolic state of the cell. Lastly, we demonstrate GERVs’ biochemical activity through their capacity to synthesize triglycerides and assemble lipid droplets. These findings underscore the potential of GOVs as valuable tools for studying the biophysics and biology of organelles.