bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of CO2 EOR and geological sequestration in high-water cut oil reservoirs
Authors: Liu Jia , Meng Fankun , Zhao Hui , Xu Yunfeng , Wang Kai , Shi Chenyang , Chen Zifeng
Published: March 2024

In terms of the collaborative optimization of CO2 flooding for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and CO2 sequestration, previous studies have co-optimized both cumulative oil production and CO2 sequestration by various algorithms. However, these solutions fail to optimize the CO2 injection schemes for high-water cut oil reservoirs. This paper presents an optimization methodology for CO2 flooding and sequestration in high-water cut oil reservoirs. The production optimization was carried out by adjusting the injection and production rate. To solve the proposed objective functions, the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm is applied in this paper, and the CMG-GEM module is utilized to simulate the reservoir production performance. A typical high-water cut reservoir in the Shengli oilfield was used to verify the feasibility of the presented methodology. In this paper, the production performance and net present value (NPV) for continuous gas injection under different water cuts were analyzed. The optimal timing of transforming from water flooding to gas displacement for the high-water cut reservoir was optimized. In addition, the optimal water–gas ratios for Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) flooding were determined. The sensitivity of NPV to gas injection price and carbon subsidy was analyzed. The results show that when the gas price is 0.178 $/m3 and the carbon subsidy is 0.0169 $/m3, the optimal timing of transforming from water flooding to gas injection should be earlier than the time when the water cut is 0.82. Through the combination of NPV, cumulative oil production rate, and CO2 sequestration volume for WAG flooding, the optimal WAG ratio should be 1:2. The presented method in this paper considers various economic indicators and can optimize CO2 flooding and sequestration in high-water cut oil reservoirs efficiently, which can provide some guidance for the design of CO2 flooding schemes in high-water cut oil reservoirs.
Rinaldo Rinaldini (1799) – ›Terrible Prestige‹ (Melville) oder ›Zauberklang‹ (Benjamin)
Authors: Schaffrick Matthias
Published: March 2024

Der Räuberroman Rinaldo Rinaldini (1799) von Christian August Vulpius ist ein bemerkenswertes Beispiel für das unvorhersehbare Auf und Ab der Popularität. Der Roman und sein Held erfreuen sich vor allem im 19. Jahrhundert größtmöglicher Popularität. Zugleich wird der Roman von den Kritiker:innen als trivial, flach und kommerziell gescholten. Ungeachtet dieser Depopularisierung erster Ordnung (der Roman soll aus Sicht der ›Gebildeten‹ keine Beachtung finden) stößt der Roman nachweislich überall auf Resonanz. Dieser Beitrag erschließt die immanente Poetologie und die Erzählverfahren des Romans, die Popularität programmatisch verhandeln und narrativ ermöglichen, rekonstruiert seine weitläufige Rezeptionsgeschichte von der ersten Reaktion bei Goethe bis hin zur Adaption des Stoffes für eine Vorabendserie der 1960er-Jahre, und er betrachtet das schleichende Vergessen des Romans, das in seiner heutigen Nicht-Beachtung mündet (Depopularisierung zweiter Ordnung).
Climate-resilience of dams and levees in Canada: a review
Authors: Islam M. R. , Fereshtehpour M. , Najafi M. R. , Khaliq M. N. , Khan A. A. , Sushama L. , Nguyen V. T. V. , Elshorbagy A. , Roy R. , Wilson A. , Perdikaris J. , Masud M. B. , Khan M. S.
Published: March 2024

Increasing frequency and intensification of flooding pose significant threats to critical structures, such as dams and levees. Failure of these structures can lead to substantial economic losses and significant adverse environmental and social consequences. Improving the resilience of these structures against climate-related impacts is important to avoid future risks of failure due to the potential intensification of flooding. National-level guidance on integrating resilience-based frameworks and addressing climate risks and uncertainties in existing design flood estimation methodologies for dams and levees are lacking. To address these gaps, this study first reviews projected climate change patterns for Canada and then discusses regional vulnerabilities of dams by considering significant historical floods and their consequences. Subsequently, a review of existing design flood estimation procedures, with a focus on frequency- and probable maximum flood-based approaches, is conducted to identify areas where climate change-related aspects can be integrated. By examining the challenges associated with various stages of design flood estimation procedures, the review discusses a framework for enhancing climate resiliency of dams and levees considering four pillars of resilience. Furthermore, Canadian design flood estimation practices are compared with international practices to identify areas that require attention. The study highlights the importance of a resilience-based framework in providing design and operation guidance to ensure that dams and levees are resilient to climate impacts. Policymakers and engineers can prioritize consideration of climate-resilience in the design and operation of these structures in order to safeguard communities and infrastructure from the growing risks of future floods associated with climate change.
The role of advanced technologies and supply chain collaboration: during COVID-19 on sustainable supply chain performance
Authors: Javed Asma , Basit Abdul , Ejaz Faisal , Hameed Ayesha , Fodor Zita Júlia , Hossain Md Billal
Published: March 2024

The coronavirus has created significant disruptions and exposed supply chain (SC) vulnerabilities. This crisis started a discussion about SC sustainability and performance. Therefore, the implementation of advanced technologies and supply chain collaboration could mitigate this disruption with the help of government support and policies. Considering this situation, this paper examines how COVID-19 influences advanced technologies (Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Digital twins, and Big Data Analytics) and supply chain collaboration (SCC) with a moderating role of government support and policies (GSP) in Pakistan. The study encompasses a comprehensive assessment carried out via structural equation modeling and data collected from Pakistani companies engaged in SCM or those operating within the SC divisions of manufacturing enterprises. According to the empirical findings, it is evident that COVID-19 outbreaks have a significant influence on SSCP; However, they do not show a similar impact on advanced technologies (AI, IoT, Blockchain, DT, and BDA) and supply chain collaboration, the influence of COVID-19 on SSCP was effectively mediated through advance technologies (AI, IoT, Blockchain, DT, and BDA) and supply chain collaboration. This research contributes to the existing literature on SSCP by emphasizing the importance of the resource-based view, dynamic capability view, and institutional theories. SC and logistics managers can apply the theoretical framework proposed in this study to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic or disruptions in logistics and SC operations, thereby improving profitability in the context of an epidemic.
Perspectives in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections with active photodynamic partners within the framework of the EURESTOP COST Action (CA21145)
Authors: Mori Mattia , Dumoulin Fabienne , Faustino M. Amparo F. , Plaetzer Kristjan
Published: March 2024

The European Network for diagnosis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections—EURESTOP COST Action CA21145 focuses on tackling the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and has gathered many members working on photodynamic approaches. This European consortium is presented here in the One Health context, to highlight the potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the fight against AMR.
Twisted Dirac Operators and General Kastler–Kalau–Walze Type Theorems for Manifolds with Boundary
Authors: Yang Yuchen , Wu Tong
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we establish some general Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorems on any dimensional manifolds with boundary for twisted Dirac operators.
Amulets in Magical Practice
Authors: Johnston Jay
Published: March 2024

This Element takes as its remit the production and use of amulets. The focus will be on amulets with no, or minimal, textual content like those comprising found stone, semi-precious gem and/or animal body parts. That is a material form that is unaccompanied by directive textual inscription. The analysis considers this materiality to understand its context of use including ritual and metaphysical operations. Through discussion of selected case studies from British, Celtic, and Scandinavian cultures, it demonstrates the associative range of meaning that enabled the attribution of power/agency to the amuletic object Uniquely, it will consider this material culture from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing together insights from the disciplines of cultural studies, religious studies, 'folk' studies, archaeology and Scandinavian studies. It develops the concept of 'trans-aniconism' to encapsulates an amulet's temporal relations and develops the proposition of 'landscape amulets.'
Patterns of residential differentiation and labor control at Baking Pot and Lower Dover in the Belize River Valley
Authors: Walden John P. , Hoggarth Julie A. , Ebert Claire E. , Shaw-Müller Kyle , Ran Weiyu , Qiu Yijia , Ellis Olivia P. , Meyer Brett , Biggie Michael , Watkins Tia B. , Guerra Rafael A. , Awe Jaime J.
Published: March 2024

The Classic Maya polities of Baking Pot and Lower Dover developed along two dramatically different trajectories. At Baking Pot, the capital and associated apical elite regime grew concomitantly with surrounding populations over a thousand-year period. The smaller polity of Lower Dover, in contrast, formed when a Late Classic political center was established by an emergent apical elite regime amidst several long-established intermediate elite-headed districts. The different trajectories through which these polities formed should have clear implications for residential size variability. We employ the Gini coefficient to measure variability in household volume to compare patterns of residential size differentiation between the two polities. The Gini coefficients, while similar, suggest greater differentiation in residential size at Baking Pot than at Lower Dover, likely related to the centralized control of labor by the ruling elite at Baking Pot. While the Gini coefficient is synonymous with measuring wealth inequalities, we suggest that in the Classic period Belize River Valley, residential size was more reflective of labor control.
Quantitative analyses of wealth inequality at Classic period El Pilar: The Gini index and labor investment
Authors: Horn Sherman , Tran Justin , Ford Anabel
Published: March 2024

Survey teams at the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna have mapped 70 percent of its 20 km2 area and revealed the extent of settlement around the city center. Large-scale civic architecture, and the distribution of smaller ceremonial groups and minor centers, reflect the wealth and power of Maya rulers presiding over the largest Classic period city in the upper Belize River area. Previous analyses suggest disparities in wealth at El Pilar were more nuanced than the elite/commoner dichotomy commonly invoked for Classic Maya society. This article works to understand wealth inequality at ancient El Pilar by computing Gini coefficients from areal and volumetric calculations of primary residential units—the class of settlement remains most likely to represent ancient households. Presentation of Gini coefficients and their potential interpretations follows a discussion of settlement classification and residential group labor investment. We conclude by contextualizing these results within prior settlement pattern analyses to explore how disparities in wealth may have been distributed across the physical and social landscape.
The Projected Response of the Water Cycle to Global Warming Over Drylands in East Asia
Authors: Ren Yu , Yu Haipeng , Huang Jianping , Peng Ming , Zhou Jie
Published: March 2024

Climate change exacerbates the threat of water scarcity over the drylands in East Asia (DEA), the world's most densely populated arid region. The water cycle continuously supplies water to support all life. Previous studies have focused on the change in individual hydrological components over DEA; however, how the projected water cycle changes under climate warming remains unclear. We demonstrate the projected response of the water cycle to global warming in different seasons utilizing the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. Winter in the DEA presents an intensification of the water cycle, reflected in coherent increases in evapotranspiration (E), precipitation (P), runoff, and surface soil moisture. In contrast, summer will experience a weakened water cycle in the northwestern DEA, while the southeastern part exhibits the opposite trend. From the surface and atmospheric water balance perspective, we further attribute the changes in E and P to gain a more comprehensive understanding. The increasing E is attributed to the combined effects of P and the vapor pressure deficit during summer, whereas it is dominated by P in winter. The increased P in summer is primarily attributed to the horizontal dynamic and vertical thermodynamic components associated with the strengthening and westward expansion of East Asia summer monsoon in the future. During winter, the increased P is mainly due to the vertical dynamic and horizontal thermodynamic components associated with the enhancement of vertical ascending motion and increased moisture.
The Precipitation Response to Warming and CO2 Increase: A Comparison of a Global Storm Resolving Model and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Guendelman Ilai , Merlis Timothy M. , Cheng Kai‐Yuan , Harris Lucas M. , Bretherton Christopher S. , Bolot Maximilien , Zhou Linjiong , Kaltenbaugh Alex , Clark Spencer K. , Fueglistaler Stephan
Published: March 2024

Global storm‐resolving models (GSRMs) that can explicitly resolve some of deep convection are now being integrated for climate timescales. GSRMs are able to simulate more realistic precipitation distributions relative to traditional Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) models. In this study, we present results from two‐year‐long integrations of a GSRM developed at Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, eXperimental System for High‐resolution prediction on Earth‐to‐Local Domains (X‐SHiELD), for the response of precipitation to sea surface temperature warming and an isolated increase in CO2 and compare it to CMIP6 models. At leading order, X‐SHiELD's response is within the range of the CMIP6 models. However, a close examination of the precipitation distribution response reveals that X‐SHiELD has a different response at lower percentiles and the response of the extreme events are at the lower end of the range of CMIP6 models. A regional decomposition reveals that the difference is most pronounced for midlatitude land, where X‐SHiELD shows a lower increase at intermediate percentiles and drying at lower percentiles.
Phase and Amplitude Scintillations Associated With Polar Cap Patches: Statistical and Event Analyses
Authors: Cardenas‐O’Toole Alanah M. , Zou Shasha , Ren Jiaen , Wang Zihan , Jayachandran P. T.
Published: March 2024

Ionospheric scintillation causes errors in radio signals. One potential source in the polar region is polar cap patches. Using a polar cap patch database from Ren et al. (2018), https://doi.org/10.1029/2018ja025621 and data provided by a scintillation receiver at Resolute Bay, we evaluated the polar cap patch impact on ionospheric scintillation. In a statistical analysis, we found that 92% of the maximum patch scintillation was under 0.3 for both phase (in the unit of radian) and amplitude scintillations. Of the remaining 8%, less than 1% could be classified as severe phase scintillation (>0.5 radians), while none could be classified as severe amplitude scintillation. Magnetic Local Time (MLT) dependence of the patch phase scintillation shows higher scintillation values near noon MLTs. Patches are classified into cold, hot‐Te and hot‐Te‐Ti types based on their plasma temperatures. The dependence of scintillation on the patch density prominence showed a positive correlation between phase scintillation and cold patches near noon MLT and hot‐Te patches everywhere except midnight MLT. In the event analysis, two events were studied. The first event with large phase scintillation was located in the polar cap with weak polar rain precipitation and large, uniform, antisunward convection flows. The second event with large amplitude scintillation was located in a region with active soft particle precipitation and velocity shear, classical ionospheric signatures of plasma sheet boundary layer. The statistical and event analysis improve understanding of the location and characteristics of patch‐related scintillations.
Mapping Ice Buried by the 1875 and 1961 Tephra of Askja Volcano, Northern Iceland Using Ground‐Penetrating Radar: Implications for Askja Caldera as a Geophysical Testbed for In Situ Resource Utilization
Authors: Shoemaker E. S. , Baker D. M. H. , Richardson J. A. , Carter L. M. , Scheidt S. P. , Whelley P. L. , Young K. E.
Published: March 2024

Eruptions of the Askja Volcano in Northern Iceland in 1875 and 1961 blanketed the caldera with rhyolitic and basaltic tephra deposits, respectively, which preserved layers of seasonal snowpack as massive ice. Askja serves as an operational and geophysical analog to test ground‐penetrating radar field and analysis techniques for in situ resource utilization objectives relevant to the martian and lunar environments. We conducted ground‐penetrating radar surveys at center frequencies of 200, 400, and 900 MHz to map the thickness and extent of tephra deposits and underlying massive ice at three caldera sites. We identified up to 1 m of tephra preserving up to 4.4 m of massive ice. We measured the real dielectric permittivity of the overlying tephra and the total attenuation at each frequency of the tephra and ice. A key objective of our investigation was to determine if attenuation (or loss) could be used as an additional diagnostic signature of massive ice preserved at depth when compared to ice‐free stratigraphy. Loss rates of the ice‐rich subsurface decrease with increasing ice thickness relative to the overburden, which may constitute a possible signature. Attenuation also increased with increasing frequency. The tephra, ice, and other volcanic deposits at each of our three caldera sites and the ice‐free, pumice‐mantled 1961 Vikrahraun lava flow exhibited consistently low loss rates at all frequencies. This result highlights the ambiguity associated with identifying the unique signature of ice within low‐loss stratigraphies, a possible challenge for its identification in the martian or lunar subsurface using radar.
Management and outcome of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast phase in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era – analysis of the European LeukemiaNet Blast Phase Registry
Authors: Brioli Annamaria , Lomaia Elza , Fabisch Christian , Sacha Tomasz , Klamova Hana , Morozova Elena , Golos Aleksandra , Ernst Philipp , Olsson-Stromberg Ulla , Zackova Daniela , Nicolini Franck E. , Bao Han , Castagnetti Fausto , Patkowska Elzbieta , Mayer Jiri , Hirschbühl Klaus , Podgornik Helena , Paczkowska Edyta , Parry Anne , Ernst Thomas , Voskanyan Astghik , Szczepanek Elzbieta , Saussele Susanne , Franke Georg-Nikolaus , Kiani Alexander , Faber Edgar , Krause Stefan , Casado Luis Felipe , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Eder Matthias , Anhut Peter , Gil Justyna , Südhoff Thomas , Hebart Holger , Heibl Sonja , Pfirrmann Markus , Hochhaus Andreas , Lauseker Michael
Published: March 2024

Blast phase (BP) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) still represents an unmet clinical need with a dismal prognosis. Due to the rarity of the condition and the heterogeneity of the biology and clinical presentation, prospective trials and concise treatment recommendations are lacking. Here we present the analysis of the European LeukemiaNet Blast Phase Registry, an international collection of the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of blast phases which had been diagnosed in CML patients after 2015. Data reveal the expected heterogeneity of the entity, lacking a clear treatment standard. Outcomes remain dismal, with a median overall survival of 23.8 months (median follow up 27.8 months). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) increases the rate of deep molecular responses. De novo BP and BP evolving from a previous CML do show slightly different features, suggesting a different biology between the two entities. Data show that outside clinical trials and in a real-world setting treatment of blast phase is individualized according to disease- and patient-related characteristics, with the aim of blast clearance prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. AlloSCT should be offered to all patients eligible for this procedure.
Unveiling motives for dentistry studies: psychometric validation of a comprehensive questionnaire among aspiring dental students
Authors: Moncayo-Rizzo Jorge , Alvarado-Villa Geovanny , Cherrez-Ojeda Iván , Gallardo Juan Carlos , Velez Leon Eleonor , Gonzalez Eras Susana Patricia
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a questionnaire for dental students in Ecuador to assess their reasons to study dentistry.

Materials and methods

A 25-item questionnaire was developed by the authors based on similar studies and a qualitative study. The questionnaire had five theoretical factors: economic, professional, vocational, social and academic reasons for study. In the first two samples, exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify the structure, and the models obtained were compared with confirmatory factor analysis in the third sample.

Results

Three samples were used, sample A with 201 participants, sample B with 623 participants, and sample C with 596 participants. Two-thirds of the participants were female and almost one-third were from coast region. The EFA applied in sample A resulted in a five-factor model with 18 items; in contrast, a three-factor model was obtained from sample B. According to the CFA in sample C, the best model was explained by three factors: labor, vocational and academic reasons. Considering two items to cross-load in labor and vocational factors, which are theoretically justified.

Conclusion

This study presents a 12-item questionnaire that assesses labor, vocational and academic reasons for studying dentistry in an Ecuadorian population.
Refinements in the use of silicone oil as an intraocular tamponade
Authors: Wilson D. Ian , te Water Naude Andrew D. , Snead Martin P.
Published: March 2024

It is over 60 years since Paul Cibis et al. reported the experimental use of liquid silicone in the surgical management of retinal detachment. Initial experiences were complicated by significant side-effects associated with the impurities in the non-medical grade commercial silicone oils deployed at the time. These were substantially reduced (but not eliminated) by the adoption of refined high-viscosity medical grade silicone oils. Two of the major complications associated with silicone tamponade are (i) the variability of focus due to its movement and higher refractive index, and (ii) progressive emulsification, particularly with low viscosity oils. This article reviews recent and ongoing research on the causes of emulsification of intra-ocular silicone oil to understand the causes better and thereby reduce this risk, especially for those eyes where permanent tamponade is the only current option for retaining vision.
Three-year clinical outcome of XEN45 Gel Stent implantation versus trabeculectomy in patients with open angle glaucoma
Authors: Rauchegger Teresa , Krause Sarah-Maria , Nowosielski Yvonne , Huber Anna Lena , Willeit Peter , Schmid Eduard , Teuchner Barbara
Published: March 2024

Objective

To reliably compare the three-year clinical outcome and safety of XEN45 Gel Stent implantation (XEN) vs. trabeculectomy (TRAB) in patients with glaucoma.

Subject/methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with patients with primary open angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) undergoing XEN or TRAB at the Innsbruck University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Austria and analysed changes in IOP, numbers of IOP-lowering medications, and complete surgical success (i.e., IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, ≥20% IOP reduction and not requiring IOP-lowering medication) up to 36 months postoperatively.

Results

Between 2013 and 2019, we performed XEN Gel Stent implantation in 58 eyes and trabeculectomy in 84 eyes. From baseline to 36 months, mean IOP decreased from 23.4 to 13.8 mmHg (mean reduction 35%, 95% confidence interval 23–48%, p < 0.001) in the XEN group and from 25.1 to 11.2 mmHg (mean reduction 50%, 41–60%, p < 0.001) in the TRAB group. TRAB provided higher IOP reduction than XEN Gel Stent implantation at 12, 24, and 36 months (all p < 0.05). In XEN versus TRAB, IOP-lowering medication was required by 98.3% vs. 97.6% before surgery (p = 0.781), differed significantly at month 12 (43.2% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001)but not at month 24 or 36. Complete surgical success was achieved in 40.0% vs. 62.8% at month 24 (adjusted odds ratio 2.70; 1.04–7.00, p = 0.040) and 27.3% vs. 56.8% at month 36 (4.36; 1.25–15.18, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Compared to XEN, TRAB was associated with lower intraocular pressure, less IOP-lowering medication, and higher probability of achieving complete surgical success over a 36-month follow-up period.
Reversible non-volatile electronic switching in a near-room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet
Authors: Wu Han , Chen Lei , Malinowski Paul , Jang Bo Gyu , Deng Qinwen , Scott Kirsty , Huang Jianwei , Ruff Jacob P. C. , He Yu , Chen Xiang , Hu Chaowei , Yue Ziqin , Oh Ji Seop , Teng Xiaokun , Guo Yucheng , Klemm Mason , Shi Chuqiao , Shi Yue , Setty Chandan , Werner Tyler , Hashimoto Makoto , Lu Donghui , Yilmaz Turgut , Vescovo Elio , Mo Sung-Kwan , Fedorov Alexei , Denlinger Jonathan D. , Xie Yaofeng , Gao Bin , Kono Junichiro , Dai Pengcheng , Han Yimo , Xu Xiaodong , Birgeneau Robert J. , Zhu Jian-Xin , da Silva Neto Eduardo H. , Wu Liang , Chu Jiun-Haw , Si Qimiao , Yi Ming
Published: March 2024

Non-volatile phase-change memory devices utilize local heating to toggle between crystalline and amorphous states with distinct electrical properties. Expanding on this kind of switching to two topologically distinct phases requires controlled non-volatile switching between two crystalline phases with distinct symmetries. Here, we report the observation of reversible and non-volatile switching between two stable and closely related crystal structures, with remarkably distinct electronic structures, in the near-room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe5−δGeTe2. We show that the switching is enabled by the ordering and disordering of Fe site vacancies that results in distinct crystalline symmetries of the two phases, which can be controlled by a thermal annealing and quenching method. The two phases are distinguished by the presence of topological nodal lines due to the preserved global inversion symmetry in the site-disordered phase, flat bands resulting from quantum destructive interference on a bipartite lattice, and broken inversion symmetry in the site-ordered phase.
Identifying a key spot for electron mediator-interaction to tailor CO dehydrogenase’s affinity
Authors: Kim Suk Min , Kang Sung Heuck , Lee Jinhee , Heo Yoonyoung , Poloniataki Eleni G. , Kang Jingu , Yoon Hye-Jin , Kong So Yeon , Yun Yaejin , Kim Hyunwoo , Ryu Jungki , Lee Hyung Ho , Kim Yong Hwan
Published: March 2024

Fe‒S cluster-harboring enzymes, such as carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODH), employ sophisticated artificial electron mediators like viologens to serve as potent biocatalysts capable of cleaning-up industrial off-gases at stunning reaction rates. Unraveling the interplay between these enzymes and their associated mediators is essential for improving the efficiency of CODHs. Here we show the electron mediator-interaction site on ChCODHs (Ch, Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans) using a systematic approach that leverages the viologen-reactive characteristics of superficial aromatic residues. By enhancing mediator-interaction (R57G/N59L) near the D-cluster, the strategically tailored variants exhibit a ten-fold increase in ethyl viologen affinity relative to the wild-type without sacrificing the turn-over rate (kcat). Viologen-complexed structures reveal the pivotal positions of surface phenylalanine residues, serving as external conduits for the D-cluster to/from viologen. One variant (R57G/N59L/A559W) can treat a broad spectrum of waste gases (from steel-process and plastic-gasification) containing O2. Decoding mediator interactions will facilitate the development of industrially high-efficient biocatalysts encompassing gas-utilizing enzymes.
A rapid inducible RNA decay system reveals fast mRNA decay in P-bodies
Authors: Blake Lauren A. , Watkins Leslie , Liu Yang , Inoue Takanari , Wu Bin
Published: March 2024

RNA decay is vital for regulating mRNA abundance and gene expression. Existing technologies lack the spatiotemporal precision or transcript specificity to capture the stochastic and transient decay process. We devise a general strategy to inducibly recruit protein factors to modulate target RNA metabolism. Specifically, we introduce a Rapid Inducible Decay of RNA (RIDR) technology to degrade target mRNAs within minutes. The fast and synchronous induction enables direct visualization of mRNA decay dynamics in cells. Applying RIDR to endogenous ACTB mRNA reveals rapid formation and dissolution of RNA granules in pre-existing P-bodies. Time-resolved RNA distribution measurements demonstrate rapid RNA decay inside P-bodies, which is further supported by knocking down P-body constituent proteins. Light and oxidative stress modulate P-body behavior, potentially reconciling the contradictory literature about P-body function. This study reveals compartmentalized RNA decay kinetics, establishing RIDR as a pivotal tool for exploring the spatiotemporal RNA metabolism in cells.
Photocobilins integrate B12 and bilin photochemistry for enzyme control
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Jeffreys Laura N. , Poddar Harshwardhan , Yu Yuqi , Liu Chuanyang , Patel Kaylee , Johannissen Linus O. , Zhu Lingyun , Cliff Matthew J. , Yan Cunyu , Schirò Giorgio , Weik Martin , Sakuma Michiyo , Levy Colin W. , Leys David , Heyes Derren J. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: March 2024

Photoreceptor proteins utilise chromophores to sense light and trigger a biological response. The discovery that adenosylcobalamin (or coenzyme B12) can act as a light-sensing chromophore heralded a new field of B12-photobiology. Although microbial genome analysis indicates that photoactive B12-binding domains form part of more complex protein architectures, regulating a range of molecular–cellular functions in response to light, experimental evidence is lacking. Here we identify and characterise a sub-family of multi-centre photoreceptors, termed photocobilins, that use B12 and biliverdin (BV) to sense light across the visible spectrum. Crystal structures reveal close juxtaposition of the B12 and BV chromophores, an arrangement that facilitates optical coupling. Light-triggered conversion of the B12 affects quaternary structure, in turn leading to light-activation of associated enzyme domains. The apparent widespread nature of photocobilins implies involvement in light regulation of a wider array of biochemical processes, and thus expands the scope for B12 photobiology. Their characterisation provides inspiration for the design of broad-spectrum optogenetic tools and next generation bio-photocatalysts.
Genetic control of DNA methylation is largely shared across European and East Asian populations
Authors: Hatton Alesha A. , Cheng Fei-Fei , Lin Tian , Shen Ren-Juan , Chen Jie , Zheng Zhili , Qu Jia , Lyu Fan , Harris Sarah E. , Cox Simon R. , Jin Zi-Bing , Martin Nicholas G. , Fan Dongsheng , Montgomery Grant W. , Yang Jian , Wray Naomi R. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Visscher Peter M. , McRae Allan F.
Published: March 2024

DNA methylation is an ideal trait to study the extent of the shared genetic control across ancestries, effectively providing hundreds of thousands of model molecular traits with large QTL effect sizes. We investigate cis DNAm QTLs in three European (n = 3701) and two East Asian (n = 2099) cohorts to quantify the similarities and differences in the genetic architecture across populations. We observe 80,394 associated mQTLs (62.2% of DNAm probes with significant mQTL) to be significant in both ancestries, while 28,925 mQTLs (22.4%) are identified in only a single ancestry. mQTL effect sizes are highly conserved across populations, with differences in mQTL discovery likely due to differences in allele frequency of associated variants and differing linkage disequilibrium between causal variants and assayed SNPs. This study highlights the overall similarity of genetic control across ancestries and the value of ancestral diversity in increasing the power to detect associations and enhancing fine mapping resolution.
Anaerobic fungi in the tortoise alimentary tract illuminate early stages of host-fungal symbiosis and Neocallimastigomycota evolution
Authors: Pratt Carrie J. , Meili Casey H. , Jones Adrienne L. , Jackson Darian K. , England Emma E. , Wang Yan , Hartson Steve , Rogers Janet , Elshahed Mostafa S. , Youssef Noha H.
Published: March 2024

Anaerobic gut fungi (AGF, Neocallimastigomycota) reside in the alimentary tract of herbivores. While their presence in mammals is well documented, evidence for their occurrence in non-mammalian hosts is currently sparse. Culture-independent surveys of AGF in tortoises identified a unique community, with three novel deep-branching genera representing >90% of sequences in most samples. Representatives of all genera were successfully isolated under strict anaerobic conditions. Transcriptomics-enabled phylogenomic and molecular dating analyses indicated an ancient, deep-branching position in the AGF tree for these genera, with an evolutionary divergence time estimate of 104-112 million years ago (Mya). Such estimates push the establishment of animal-Neocallimastigomycota symbiosis from the late to the early Cretaceous. Further, tortoise-associated isolates (T-AGF) exhibited limited capacity for plant polysaccharides metabolism and lacked genes encoding several carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families. Finally, we demonstrate that the observed curtailed degradation capacities and reduced CAZyme repertoire is driven by the paucity of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in T-AGF genomes, compared to their mammalian counterparts. This reduced capacity was reflected in an altered cellulosomal production capacity in T-AGF. Our findings provide insights into the phylogenetic diversity, ecological distribution, evolutionary history, evolution of fungal-host nutritional symbiosis, and dynamics of genes acquisition in Neocallimastigomycota.
An anisotropic lattice Boltzmann - phase field model for dendrite growth and movement in rapid solidification of binary alloys
Authors: Mao Shilin , Cao Yuting , Chen Wei , Sun Dongke
Published: March 2024

A model coupling the lattice Boltzmann and the phase field methods with anisotropic effects is proposed, which is used to numerically describe the growth and movement of dendrites in rapid solidification of alloys. The model is quantitatively validated by the simulation of the continuous growth and the drafting-kissing-tumbling phenomenon of two falling particles, and then applied to investigate the effects of dendrite movement and interfacial non-equilibrium on evolution of dendritic patterns for Si-9.0at%As and the CET for Al-3.0wt%Cu alloys. Both the growth and remelt processes of isolated dendrites are studied, and the result reveals the remelting influences on dendrite growth and solute micro-segregation in the condition of directional solidification. This work demonstrates that the proposed model has a wide range of applicability and great potential to simulate the microstructure evolution with various solidification conditions.
A cell fate decision map reveals abundant direct neurogenesis bypassing intermediate progenitors in the human developing neocortex
Authors: Coquand Laure , Brunet Avalos Clarisse , Macé Anne-Sophie , Farcy Sarah , Di Cicco Amandine , Lampic Marusa , Wimmer Ryszard , Bessières Betina , Attie-Bitach Tania , Fraisier Vincent , Sens Pierre , Guimiot Fabien , Brault Jean-Baptiste , Baffet Alexandre D.
Published: March 2024

The human neocortex has undergone strong evolutionary expansion, largely due to an increased progenitor population, the basal radial glial cells. These cells are responsible for the production of a diversity of cell types, but the successive cell fate decisions taken by individual progenitors remain unknown. Here we developed a semi-automated live/fixed correlative imaging method to map basal radial glial cell division modes in early fetal tissue and cerebral organoids. Through the live analysis of hundreds of dividing progenitors, we show that basal radial glial cells undergo abundant symmetric amplifying divisions, and frequent self-consuming direct neurogenic divisions, bypassing intermediate progenitors. These direct neurogenic divisions are more abundant in the upper part of the subventricular zone. We furthermore demonstrate asymmetric Notch activation in the self-renewing daughter cells, independently of basal fibre inheritance. Our results reveal a remarkable conservation of fate decisions in cerebral organoids, supporting their value as models of early human neurogenesis.
A single-cell atlas enables mapping of homeostatic cellular shifts in the adult human breast
Authors: Reed Austin D. , Pensa Sara , Steif Adi , Stenning Jack , Kunz Daniel J. , Porter Linsey J. , Hua Kui , He Peng , Twigger Alecia-Jane , Siu Abigail J. Q. , Kania Katarzyna , Barrow-McGee Rachel , Goulding Iain , Gomm Jennifer J. , Speirs Valerie , Jones J Louise , Marioni John C. , Khaled Walid T.
Published: March 2024

Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to compile a human breast cell atlas assembled from 55 donors that had undergone reduction mammoplasties or risk reduction mastectomies. From more than 800,000 cells we identified 41 cell subclusters across the epithelial, immune and stromal compartments. The contribution of these different clusters varied according to the natural history of the tissue. Age, parity and germline mutations, known to modulate the risk of developing breast cancer, affected the homeostatic cellular state of the breast in different ways. We found that immune cells from BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers had a distinct gene expression signature indicative of potential immune exhaustion, which was validated by immunohistochemistry. This suggests that immune-escape mechanisms could manifest in non-cancerous tissues very early during tumor initiation. This atlas is a rich resource that can be used to inform novel approaches for early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Hydrothermally grown Cu doped NiMnO3 perovskite nanostructures suitable for optoelectronic, photoluminescent and electrochemical properties
Authors: Upadhyay Shilpi , Assadullah Insaaf , Tomar Radha
Published: March 2024

Transition metal-based perovskites have emerged as highly promising and economically advantageous semiconductor materials due to their exceptional performance in optoelectronics, photovoltaic, photocatalysis, and photoluminescence. In this study, we employed a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process to produce a Cu-doped NiMnO3 nanocomposite electrode material. The appearance of a peak corresponding to the (110) plane with a 2θ value of 36.6° confirmed the growth of the rhombohedral NiMnO3 crystal structure. The presence of metal–oxygen bonds in NiMnO3 was confirmed through FTIR spectra. XPS validates the chemical composition, providing additional support for the results obtained from XRD and FT-IR analyses. FE-SEM affirmed the anisotropic growth of small sphere-like structures that agglomerated to form broccoli-like shapes. Cu doping modified the band gap, reducing it from 2.2 to 1.7 eV and enhancing its photoluminescent (PL) activity by introducing defects. The increase in PL intensity (visible light luminescent intensity) can be attributed to a concurrent rise in complex defects and the rate of recombination of electron–hole pairs. Finally, the electrochemical activity demonstrated the pseudo-capacitor behavior of the synthesized material, with capacitance values increasing as the copper (Cu) content in the parent lattice increased.
The impact of preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase on mortality and morbidity after noncardiac surgery
Authors: Zhu Yingchao , Xin Juan , Bi Yaodan , Zhu Tao , Liu Bin
Published: March 2024

Preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been reported to be associated with adverse outcomes following thoracic surgery. However, its association with outcomes in noncardiac surgery as a whole has not been investigated. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2018 to 2020, including patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score weighting were employed to assess the link between LDH levels and postoperative outcomes. Preoperative LDH was incorporated into four commonly used clinical models, and its discriminative ability, reclassification, and calibration were evaluated in comparison to models without LDH. Among 130,879 patients, higher preoperative LDH levels (cut-off: 220 U/L) were linked to increased in-hospital mortality (4.382% vs. 0.702%; OR 1.856, 95% CI 1.620–2.127, P < 0.001), myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) (3.012% vs. 0.537%; OR 1.911, 95% CI 1.643–2.223, P < 0.001), and ICU admission (15.010% vs. 6.414%; OR 1.765, 95% CI 1.642–1.896, P < 0.001). The inverse probability of treatment-weighted estimation supported these results. Additionally, LDH contributed significantly to four surgical prognostic models, enhancing their predictive capability. Our study revealed a significant association between preoperative LDH and in-hospital mortality, MINS, and ICU admission following noncardiac surgery. Moreover, LDH provided supplementary predictive information, extending the utility of commonly used surgical prognostic scores.
Recruitment of the premotor cortex during arithmetic operations by the monkey
Authors: Okuyama Sumito , Kuki Toshinobu , Mushiake Hajime
Published: March 2024

Arithmetic operations are complex mental processes rooted in the abstract concept of numerosity. Despite the significance, the neural architecture responsible for these operations has remained largely uncharted. In this study, we explored the presence of specific neuronal activity in the dorsal premotor cortex of the monkey dedicated to numerical addition and subtraction. Our findings reveal that many of these neural activities undergo a transformation, shifting their coding from arithmetic to motor representations. These motor representations include information about which hand to use and the number of steps involved in the action. We consistently observed that cells related to the right-hand encoded addition, while those linked to the left-hand encoded subtraction, suggesting that arithmetic operations and motor commands are intertwining with each other. Furthermore, we used a multivariate decoding technique to predict the monkey’s behaviour based on the activity of these arithmetic-related cells. The classifier trained to discern arithmetic operations, including addition and subtraction, not only predicted the arithmetic decisions but also the subsequent motor actions of the right and left-hand. These findings imply a cognitive extension of the motor cortex’s function, where inherent neural systems are repurposed to facilitate arithmetic operations.
Optimization of a centrifugal blood pump designed using an industrial method through experimental and numerical study
Authors: Yazdanpanah-Ardakani Kohyar , Niroomand-Oscuii Hanieh , Sahebi-Kuzeh Kanan Reza , Shokri Nasim
Published: March 2024

With improved treatment of coronary artery disease, more patients are surviving until heart failure occurs. This leads to an increase in patients needing devices for struggling with heart failure. Ventricular assist devices are known as the mainstay of these devices. This study aimed to design a centrifugal pump as a ventricular assist device. In order to design the pump, firstly, the geometrical parameters of the pump, including the gap distance, blade height, and position of the outlet relative to the blade, were investigated. Finally, the selected configuration, which had all the appropriate characteristics, both hydraulically and physiologically, was used for the rest of the study. The study of the blade, as the main component in energy transfer to the blood, in a centrifugal pump, has been considered in the present study. In this regard, the point-to-point design method, which is used in industrial applications, was implemented. The designer chooses the relationship between the blade angles at each radius in the point-to-point method. The present study selected logarithmic and second-order relations for designing the blade’s profile. In total, 58 blades were examined in this study, which differed regarding blade inlet and outlet angles and the relationship between angle and radial position. ANSYS CFX 17.0 software was utilized to simulate blades’ performances, and a benchmark pump provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was used to validate the numerical simulations. Then, the selected impeller from the numerical investigation was manufactured, and its performance was compared experimentally with the FDA benchmark pump. A hydraulic test rig was also developed for experimental studies. The results showed that among the blades designed in this study, the blade with an input angle of 45° and an output angle of 55°, which is designed to implement a logarithmic relationship, has the best performance. The selected impeller configuration can increase the total head (at least by 20%) at different flow rates compared to the FDA pump.
Period of hospitalization and mortality in transferred versus non-transferred COVID-19 patients: results from Germany
Authors: Suski Pascal , Jörres Rudolf A. , Engelhardt Sebastian , Kahnert Kathrin , Lenherr Katharina , Bauer Andreas , Budweiser Stephan
Published: March 2024

COVID-19 was a challenge for health-care systems worldwide, causing large numbers of hospitalizations and inter-hospital transfers. We studied whether transfer, as well as its reason, was associated with the duration of hospitalization in non-ICU and ICU patients. For this purpose, all patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between August 1st and December 31st, 2021, in a network of hospitals in Southern Germany were comprehensively characterized regarding their clinical course, therapy, complications, transfers, reasons for transfer, involved levels of care, total period of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality, using univariate and multiple regression analyses. While mortality was not significantly associated with transfer, the period of hospitalization was. In non-ICU patients (n = 545), median (quartiles) time was 7.0 (4.0–11.0) in non-transferred (n = 458) and 18.0 (11.0–29.0) days in transferred (n = 87) patients (p < 0.001). In ICU patients (n = 100 transferred, n = 115 non-transferred) it was 12.0 (8.3–18.0) and 22.0 (15.0–34.0) days (p < 0.001). Beyond ECMO therapy (4.5%), reasons for transfer were medical (33.2%) or capacity (61.9%) reasons, with medical/capacity reasons in 32/49 of non-ICU and 21/74 of ICU patients. Thus, the transfer of COVID-19 patients between hospitals was associated with longer periods of hospitalization, corresponding to greater health care utilization, for which specific patient characteristics and clinical decisions played a role.