bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Consistency of Ice Cloud Optical Models for Spaceborne Remote Sensing Applications and Broadband Radiative Transfer Simulations
Authors: Ren Tong , Yang Ping , Loeb Norman G. , Smith William L. , Minnis Patrick
Published: October 2023

Aqua satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 1‐km observations are collocated with Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) fields of view taken during July 2008 afternoon satellite passes over the equatorial western Pacific Ocean. Radiation simulations are compared with collocated CERES observations to better understand the sensitivity of computed fluxes to two ice cloud broadband radiation parameterization schemes and inferred ice cloud characteristics. In particular, the radiation computational schemes and ice cloud property retrievals are based on two respective ice particle models, the MODIS Collection 6 (MC6) aggregate model and a more microphysically consistent two‐habit model (THM). The simulation results show that both MC6 and THM overestimate the shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) cloud radiative effects at the top of the atmosphere, as compared to the CERES observations; the difference between the MC6 and THM‐based ice cloud retrievals is too small to compensate for the differences between the two model‐based radiation schemes. Therefore, the present finding suggests that broadband radiative simulations are more sensitive to the radiation parameterization scheme than to the input cloud properties retrieved using the corresponding ice cloud particle optical property model.
Implications of Snowpack Reactive Bromine Production for Arctic Ice Core Bromine Preservation
Authors: Zhai Shuting , Swanson William , McConnell Joseph R. , Chellman Nathan , Opel Thomas , Sigl Michael , Meyer Hanno , Wang Xuan , Jaeglé Lyatt , Stutz Jochen , Dibb Jack E. , Fujita Koji , Alexander Becky
Published: October 2023

Snowpack emissions are recognized as an important source of gas‐phase reactive bromine in the Arctic and are necessary to explain ozone depletion events in spring caused by the catalytic destruction of ozone by halogen radicals. Quantifying bromine emissions from snowpack is essential for interpretation of ice‐core bromine. We present ice‐core bromine records since the pre‐industrial (1750 CE) from six Arctic locations and examine potential post‐depositional loss of snowpack bromine using a global chemical transport model. Trend analysis of the ice‐core records shows that only the high‐latitude coastal Akademii Nauk (AN) ice core from the Russian Arctic preserves significant trends since pre‐industrial times that are consistent with trends in sea ice extent and anthropogenic emissions from source regions. Model simulations suggest that recycling of reactive bromine on the snow skin layer (top 1 mm) results in 9–17% loss of deposited bromine across all six ice‐core locations. Reactive bromine production from below the snow skin layer and within the snow photic zone is potentially more important, but the magnitude of this source is uncertain. Model simulations suggest that the AN core is most likely to preserve an atmospheric signal compared to five Greenland ice cores due to its high latitude location combined with a relatively high snow accumulation rate. Understanding the sources and amount of photochemically reactive snow bromide in the snow photic zone throughout the sunlit period in the high Arctic is essential for interpreting ice‐core bromine, and warrants further lab studies and field observations at inland locations.
Progress and challenges in exploring aquatic microbial communities using non-targeted metabolomics
Authors: Thukral Monica , Allen Andrew E , Petras Daniel
Published: October 2023

Advances in bioanalytical technologies are constantly expanding our insights into complex ecosystems. Here, we highlight strategies and applications that make use of non-targeted metabolomics methods in aquatic chemical ecology research and discuss opportunities and remaining challenges of mass spectrometry-based methods to broaden our understanding of environmental systems.
Multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations of enhanced energy transfer in organic molecules under strong coupling
Authors: Sokolovskii Ilia , Tichauer Ruth H. , Morozov Dmitry , Feist Johannes , Groenhof Gerrit
Published: October 2023

Exciton transport can be enhanced in the strong coupling regime where excitons hybridize with confined light modes to form polaritons. Because polaritons have group velocity, their propagation should be ballistic and long-ranged. However, experiments indicate that organic polaritons propagate in a diffusive manner and more slowly than their group velocity. Here, we resolve this controversy by means of molecular dynamics simulations of Rhodamine molecules in a Fabry-Pérot cavity. Our results suggest that polariton propagation is limited by the cavity lifetime and appears diffusive due to reversible population transfers between polaritonic states that propagate ballistically at their group velocity, and dark states that are stationary. Furthermore, because long-lived dark states transiently trap the excitation, propagation is observed on timescales beyond the intrinsic polariton lifetime. These insights not only help to better understand and interpret experimental observations, but also pave the way towards rational design of molecule-cavity systems for coherent exciton transport.
Ketamine’s acute effects on negative brain states are mediated through distinct altered states of consciousness in humans
Authors: Hack Laura M. , Zhang Xue , Heifets Boris D. , Suppes Trisha , van Roessel Peter J. , Yesavage Jerome A. , Gray Nancy J. , Hilton Rachel , Bertrand Claire , Rodriguez Carolyn I. , Deisseroth Karl , Knutson Brian , Williams Leanne M.
Published: October 2023

Ketamine commonly and rapidly induces dissociative and other altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in humans. However, the neural mechanisms that contribute to these experiences remain unknown. We used functional neuroimaging to engage key regions of the brain’s affective circuits during acute ketamine-induced ASCs within a randomized, multi-modal, placebo-controlled design examining placebo, 0.05 mg/kg ketamine, and 0.5 mg/kg ketamine in nonclinical adult participants (NCT03475277). Licensed clinicians monitored infusions for safety. Linear mixed effects models, analysis of variance, t-tests, and mediation models were used for statistical analyses. Our design enabled us to test our pre-specified primary and secondary endpoints, which were met: effects of ketamine across dose conditions on (1) emotional task-evoked brain activity, and (2) sub-components of dissociation and other ASCs. With this design, we also could disentangle which ketamine-induced affective brain states are dependent upon specific aspects of ASCs. Differently valenced ketamine-induced ASCs mediated opposing effects on right anterior insula activity. Participants experiencing relatively higher depersonalization induced by 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine showed relief from negative brain states (reduced task-evoked right anterior insula activity, 0.39 SD). In contrast, participants experiencing dissociative amnesia showed an exacerbation of insula activity (0.32 SD). These results in nonclinical participants may shed light on the mechanisms by which specific dissociative states predict response to ketamine in depressed individuals.
Magmatic connectivity among six Galápagos volcanoes revealed by satellite geodesy
Authors: Reddin Eoin , Ebmeier Susanna K. , Rivalta Eleonora , Bagnardi Marco , Baker Scott , Bell Andrew F. , Mothes Patricia , Aguaiza Santiago
Published: October 2023

Shallow magmatic reservoirs that produce measurable volcanic surface deformation are often considered as discrete independent systems. However, petrological analyses of erupted products suggest that these may be the shallowest expression of extensive, heterogeneous magmatic systems that we show may be interconnected. We analyse time series of satellite-radar-measured displacements at Western Galápagos volcanoes from 2017 to 2022 and revisit historical displacements. We demonstrate that these volcanoes consistently experience correlated displacements during periods of heightened magma supply to the shallow crust. We rule out changes in static stress, shallow hydraulic connections, and data processing and analysis artefacts. We propose that episodic surges of magma into interconnected magmatic systems affect neighbouring volcanoes, simultaneously causing correlations in volcanic uplift and subsidence. While expected to occur globally, such processes are uniquely observable at the dense cluster of Western Galápagos volcanoes, thanks to the high rate of surface displacements and the wealth of geodetic measurements.
Low mutation rate in epaulette sharks is consistent with a slow rate of evolution in sharks
Authors: Sendell-Price Ashley T. , Tulenko Frank J. , Pettersson Mats , Kang Du , Montandon Margo , Winkler Sylke , Kulb Kathleen , Naylor Gavin P. , Phillippy Adam , Fedrigo Olivier , Mountcastle Jacquelyn , Balacco Jennifer R. , Dutra Amalia , Dale Rebecca E. , Haase Bettina , Jarvis Erich D. , Myers Gene , Burgess Shawn M. , Currie Peter D. , Andersson Leif , Schartl Manfred
Published: October 2023

Sharks occupy diverse ecological niches and play critical roles in marine ecosystems, often acting as apex predators. They are considered a slow-evolving lineage and have been suggested to exhibit exceptionally low cancer rates. These two features could be explained by a low nuclear mutation rate. Here, we provide a direct estimate of the nuclear mutation rate in the epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum). We generate a high-quality reference genome, and resequence the whole genomes of parents and nine offspring to detect de novo mutations. Using stringent criteria, we estimate a mutation rate of 7×10−10 per base pair, per generation. This represents one of the lowest directly estimated mutation rates for any vertebrate clade, indicating that this basal vertebrate group is indeed a slowly evolving lineage whose ability to restore genetic diversity following a sustained population bottleneck may be hampered by a low mutation rate.
Electric control of spin transitions at the atomic scale
Authors: Kot Piotr , Ismail Maneesha , Drost Robert , Siebrecht Janis , Huang Haonan , Ast Christian R.
Published: October 2023

Electric control of spins has been a longstanding goal in the field of solid state physics due to the potential for increased efficiency in information processing. This efficiency can be optimized by transferring spintronics to the atomic scale. We present electric control of spin resonance transitions in single TiH molecules by employing electron spin resonance scanning tunneling microscopy (ESR-STM). We find strong bias voltage dependent shifts in the ESR signal of about ten times its line width. We attribute this to the electric field in the tunnel junction, which induces a displacement of the spin system changing the g-factor and the effective magnetic field of the tip. We demonstrate direct electric control of the spin transitions in coupled TiH dimers. Our findings open up new avenues for fast coherent control of coupled spin systems and expands on the understanding of spin electric coupling.
Calcium promotes persistent soil organic matter by altering microbial transformation of plant litter
Authors: Shabtai Itamar A. , Wilhelm Roland C. , Schweizer Steffen A. , Höschen Carmen , Buckley Daniel H. , Lehmann Johannes
Published: October 2023

Calcium (Ca) can contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence by mediating physico-chemical interactions between organic compounds and minerals. Yet, Ca is also crucial for microbial adhesion, potentially affecting colonization of plant and mineral surfaces. The importance of Ca as a mediator of microbe-mineral-organic matter interactions and resulting SOC transformation has been largely overlooked. We incubated 44Ca labeled soils with 13C15N labeled leaf litter to study how Ca affects microbial transformation of litter and formation of mineral associated organic matter. Here we show that Ca additions promote hyphae-forming bacteria, which often specialize in colonizing surfaces, and increase incorporation of litter into microbial biomass and carbon use efficiency by approximately 45% each. Ca additions reduce cumulative CO2 production by 4%, while promoting associations between minerals and microbial byproducts of plant litter. These findings expand the role of Ca in SOC persistence from solely a driver of physico-chemical reactions to a mediator of coupled abiotic-biotic cycling of SOC.
The positive effect of plant diversity on soil carbon depends on climate
Authors: Spohn Marie , Bagchi Sumanta , Biederman Lori A. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bråthen Kari Anne , Bugalho Miguel N. , Caldeira Maria C. , Catford Jane A. , Collins Scott L. , Eisenhauer Nico , Hagenah Nicole , Haider Sylvia , Hautier Yann , Knops Johannes M. H. , Koerner Sally E. , Laanisto Lauri , Lekberg Ylva , Martina Jason P. , Martinson Holly , McCulley Rebecca L. , Peri Pablo L. , Macek Petr , Power Sally A. , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Seabloom Eric W. , Stevens Carly , Veen G. F. , Virtanen Risto , Yahdjian Laura
Published: October 2023

Little is currently known about how climate modulates the relationship between plant diversity and soil organic carbon and the mechanisms involved. Yet, this knowledge is of crucial importance in times of climate change and biodiversity loss. Here, we show that plant diversity is positively correlated with soil carbon content and soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio across 84 grasslands on six continents that span wide climate gradients. The relationships between plant diversity and soil carbon as well as plant diversity and soil organic matter quality (carbon-to-nitrogen ratio) are particularly strong in warm and arid climates. While plant biomass is positively correlated with soil carbon, plant biomass is not significantly correlated with plant diversity. Our results indicate that plant diversity influences soil carbon storage not via the quantity of organic matter (plant biomass) inputs to soil, but through the quality of organic matter. The study implies that ecosystem management that restores plant diversity likely enhances soil carbon sequestration, particularly in warm and arid climates.
Developing mitochondrial base editors with diverse context compatibility and high fidelity via saturated spacer library
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Wang Zhaojun , Shen Limini , Feng Yeling , Han Lu , Qian Xuezhen , Meng Runde , Ji Kangming , Liang Dong , Zhou Fei , Lou Xin , Zhang Jun , Shen Bin
Published: October 2023

DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) greatly facilitated the basic and therapeutic research of mitochondrial DNA mutation diseases. Here we devise a saturated spacer library and successfully identify seven DddA homologs by performing high-throughput sequencing based screen. DddAs of Streptomyces sp. BK438 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium sunii NSJ-8 display high deaminase activity with a strong GC context preference, and DddA of Ruminococcus sp. AF17-6 is highly compatible to AC context. We also find that different split sites result in wide divergence on off-target activity and context preference of DdCBEs derived from these DddA homologs. Additionally, we demonstrate the orthogonality between DddA and DddIA, and successfully minimize the nuclear off-target editing by co-expressing corresponding nuclear-localized DddIA. The current study presents a comprehensive and unbiased strategy for screening and characterizing dsDNA cytidine deaminases, and expands the toolbox for mtDNA editing, providing additional insights for optimizing dsDNA base editors.
Assessing cognitive decline in the aging brain: lessons from rodent and human studies
Authors: Brito D. V. C. , Esteves F. , Rajado A. T. , Silva N. ,   ALFA score Consortium, Andrade R. , Apolónio J. , Calado S. , Faleiro L. , Matos C. , Marques N. , Marreiros A. , Nzwalo H. , Pais S. , Palmeirim I. , Roberto V. , Simão S. , Joaquim N. , Miranda R. , Pêgas A. , Raposo D. M. , Sardo A. , Araújo I. , Bragança J. , Castelo-Branco P. , Nóbrega C.
Published: October 2023

As life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, age-related dysfunction will largely impact our societies in the future. Aging is well established to promote the deterioration of cognitive function and is the primary risk factor for the development of prevalent neurological disorders. Even in the absence of dementia, age-related cognitive decline impacts specific types of memories and brain structures in humans and animal models. Despite this, preclinical and clinical studies that investigate age-related changes in brain physiology often use largely different methods, which hinders the translational potential of findings. This review seeks to integrate what is known about age-related changes in the brain with analogue cognitive tests used in humans and rodent studies, ranging from “pen and paper” tests to virtual-reality-based paradigms. Finally, we draw parallels between the behavior paradigms used in research compared to the enrollment into clinical trials that aim to study age-related cognitive decline.
Gene regulatory network reconstruction: harnessing the power of single-cell multi-omic data
Authors: Kim Daniel , Tran Andy , Kim Hani Jieun , Lin Yingxin , Yang Jean Yee Hwa , Yang Pengyi
Published: October 2023

Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is a fundamental challenge in biology that aims to unravel the complex relationships between genes and their regulators. Deciphering these networks plays a critical role in understanding the underlying regulatory crosstalk that drives many cellular processes and diseases. Recent advances in sequencing technology have led to the development of state-of-the-art GRN inference methods that exploit matched single-cell multi-omic data. By employing diverse mathematical and statistical methodologies, these methods aim to reconstruct more comprehensive and precise gene regulatory networks. In this review, we give a brief overview on the statistical and methodological foundations commonly used in GRN inference methods. We then compare and contrast the latest state-of-the-art GRN inference methods for single-cell matched multi-omics data, and discuss their assumptions, limitations and opportunities. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions that hold promise for further advancements in this rapidly developing field.
A massive compact quiescent galaxy at z = 2 with a complete Einstein ring in JWST imaging
Authors: van Dokkum Pieter , Brammer Gabriel , Wang Bingjie , Leja Joel , Conroy Charlie
Published: October 2023

One of the surprising results from the Hubble Space Telescope was the discovery that many of the most massive galaxies at redshift z ≈ 2 are very compact, having a half-light radius of only 1−2 kpc. The interpretation is that massive galaxies formed inside out, with their cores largely in place by z ≈ 2 and approximately half of their present-day mass added later through minor mergers. Here we present a compact, massive, quiescent galaxy at a photometric redshift of $${z}_{{{{\rm{phot}}}}}=1.9{4}_{-0.17}^{+0.13}$$

z

phot

=
1.9

4

−
0.17

+
0.13

with a complete Einstein ring. The ring was found in the James Webb Space Telescope COSMOS-Web survey and is produced by a background galaxy at $${z}_{{{{\rm{phot}}}}}=2.9{8}_{-0.47}^{+0.42}$$

z

phot

=
2.9

8

−
0.47

+
0.42

. Its 1.54″ diameter provides a direct measurement of the mass of the ‘pristine’ core of a massive galaxy, observed before the mixing and dilution of its stellar population during the 10 Gyr of galaxy evolution between z = 2 and z = 0. We find a mass for the lens $${M}_{{{{\rm{lens}}}}}=6.{5}_{-1.5}^{+3.7}\times 1{0}^{11}$$

M

lens

=
6
.

5

−
1.5

+
3.7

×
1

0

11

 M⊙ within a radius of 6.6 kpc. The stellar mass within the same radius is $${M}_{{{{\rm{stars}}}}}=1.{1}_{-0.3}^{+0.2}\times 1{0}^{11}$$

M

stars

=
1
.

1

−
0.3

+
0.2

×
1

0

11

 M⊙ for a Chabrier initial mass function and the fiducial dark matter mass is $${M}_{{{{\rm{dm}}}}}=2.{6}_{-0.7}^{+1.6}\times 1{0}^{11}$$

M

dm

=
2
.

6

−
0.7

+
1.6

×
1

0

11

 M⊙. Additional mass appears to be needed to explain the lensing results, either in the form of a higher-than-expected dark matter density or a bottom-heavy initial mass function.
Long-term super-resolution inner mitochondrial membrane imaging with a lipid probe
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Dadina Neville , Mozumdar Deepto , Lesiak Lauren , Martinez Kayli N. , Miller Evan W. , Schepartz Alanna
Published: October 2023

The inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) generates power to drive cell function, and its dynamics control mitochondrial health and cellular homeostasis. Here, we describe the cell-permeant, lipid-like small molecule MAO-N3 and use it to assemble high-density environmentally sensitive (HIDE) probes that selectively label and image the IMM in live cells and multiple cell states. MAO-N3 pairs with strain-promoted azide–alkyne click chemistry-reactive fluorophores to support HIDE imaging using confocal, structured illumination, single-molecule localization and stimulated emission depletion microscopy, all with significantly improved resistance to photobleaching. These probes generate images with excellent spatial and temporal resolution, require no genetic manipulations, are non-toxic in model cell lines and primary cardiomyocytes (even under conditions that amplify the effects of mitochondrial toxins) and can visualize mitochondrial dynamics for 12.5 h. This probe will enable comprehensive studies of IMM dynamics with high temporal and spatial resolution.
The rat frontal orienting field dynamically encodes value for economic decisions under risk
Authors: Bao Chaofei , Zhu Xiaoyue , Mōller-Mara Joshua , Li Jingjie , Dubroqua Sylvain , Erlich Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2023

Frontal and parietal cortex are implicated in economic decision-making, but their causal roles are untested. Here we silenced the frontal orienting field (FOF) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) while rats chose between a cued lottery and a small stable surebet. PPC inactivations produced minimal short-lived effects. FOF inactivations reliably reduced lottery choices. A mixed-agent model of choice indicated that silencing the FOF caused a change in the curvature of the rats’ utility function (U = Vρ). Consistent with this finding, single-neuron and population analyses of neural activity confirmed that the FOF encodes the lottery value on each trial. A dynamical model, which accounts for electrophysiological and silencing results, suggests that the FOF represents the current lottery value to compare against the remembered surebet value. These results demonstrate that the FOF is a critical node in the neural circuit for the dynamic representation of action values for choice under risk.
De novo transcriptome assembly of an Antarctic nematode for the study of thermal adaptation in marine parasites
Authors: Palomba Marialetizia , Libro Pietro , Di Martino Jessica , Roca-Geronès Xavier , Macali Armando , Castrignanò Tiziana , Canestrelli Daniele , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: October 2023

Understanding the genomic underpinnings of thermal adaptation is a hot topic in eco-evolutionary studies of parasites. Marine heteroxenous parasites have complex life cycles encompassing a free-living larval stage, an ectothermic intermediate host and a homeothermic definitive host, thus representing compelling systems for the study of thermal adaptation. The Antarctic anisakid Contracaecum osculatum sp. D is a marine parasite able to survive and thrive both at very cold and warm temperatures within the environment and its hosts. Here, a de novo transcriptome of C. osculatum sp. D was generated for the first time, by performing RNA-Seq experiments on a set of individuals exposed to temperatures experienced by the nematode during its life cycle. The analysis generated 425,954,724 reads, which were assembled and then annotated. The high-quality assembly was validated, achieving over 88% mapping against the transcriptome. The transcriptome of this parasite will represent a valuable genomic resource for future studies aimed at disentangling the genomic architecture of thermal tolerance and metabolic pathways related to temperature stress.
Hybrid hemp/glass fiber reinforced high-temperature shape memory photopolymer with mechanical and flame-retardant analysis
Authors: Mahmud Sakil , Konlan John , Deicaza Jenny , Li Guoqiang
Published: October 2023

Cultivated natural fibers have a huge possibility for green and sustainable reinforcement for polymers, but their limited load-bearing ability and flammability prevent them from wide applications in composites. According to the beam theory, normal stress is the maximum at the outermost layers but zero at the mid-plane under bending (with (non)linear strain distribution). Shear stress is the maximum at the mid-plane but manageable for most polymers. Accordingly, a laminated composite made of hybrid fiber-reinforced shape memory photopolymer was developed, incorporating strong synthetic glass fibers over a weak core of natural hemp fibers. Even with a significant proportion of natural hemp fibers, the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were close to those reinforced solely with glass fibers. The composites exhibited good shape memory properties, with at least 52% shape fixity ratio and 71% shape recovery ratio, and 24 MPa recovery stress. After 40 s burning, a hybrid composite still maintained 83.53% of its load carrying capacity. Therefore, in addition to largely maintaining the load carrying capacity through the hybrid reinforcement design, the use of shape memory photopolymer endowed a couple of new functionalities to the composites: the plastically deformed laminated composite beam can largely return to its original shape due to the shape memory effect of the polymer matrix, and the flame retardancy of the polymer matrix makes the flammable hemp fiber survive the fire hazard. The findings of this study present exciting prospects for utilizing low-strength and flammable natural fibers in multifunctional load-bearing composites that possess both flame retardancy and shape memory properties.
Seasonal patterns in the mesopelagic fish community and associated deep scattering layers of an enclosed deep basin
Authors: Kapelonis Z. , Siapatis A. , Machias A. , Somarakis S. , Markakis K. , Giannoulaki M. , Badouvas N. , Tsagarakis K.
Published: October 2023

Mesopelagic fish constitute the most abundant vertebrate group in the marine environment. The current work reports on results of three seasonal acoustic cruises carried out in the Gulf of Corinth, a relatively small, deep, isolated basin located in the Central Mediterranean (Greece) that presents some unique geomorphological and ecological features. The aim of this study was to describe seasonal echo-types and the vertical distribution of the Deep Scattering Layers (DSLs) as well as to relate them with specific species or species groups. Mesopelagic fish dominated the pelagic ecosystem as confirmed by biological sampling with different gears during daytime and nighttime. In total, at least 15 species were caught, belonging to the families Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Sternoptychidae and Stomiidae, while the—elsewhere very abundant—families Gonostomatidae and Phosichthyidae were completely absent. Common echo-types included: (a) shoals and schools formed by the silvery lightfish Maurolicus muelleri, usually located along the shelf break (80–225 m), (b) a non-migrant thin DSL found at 150–280 m throughout the deep parts of the Gulf, dominated by juvenile half-naked hatchetfish Argyropelecus hemigymnus, and (c) one thick, partially migratory DSL at 250–600 m, mainly consisting of myctophids. The echo backscatter characteristics and species composition of the DSLs as well as the length distribution of the populations were found to differ seasonally. Species-specific and size related patterns in the vertical distribution of fish were detected both during daytime and nighttime. Overall, the Gulf of Corinth seems to sustain high densities of mesopelagic fish that constitute the basic food resource for the abundant dolphin populations that inhabit the area.
CCUS development in China and forecast its contribution to emission reduction
Authors: Wang Pengchen , Shi Beibei , Li Nan , Kang Rong , Li Yan , Wang Guiwen , Yang Long
Published: October 2023

Nowadays environmental issues have been of great concern to the world, among which the problem of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is particularly prominent. All countries in the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement have committed to control greenhouse gas emissions, and China, as the largest carbon emitter, has assumed a heavier burden. China has been striving to develop low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen, nuclear, wind, and solar energy, but the most attention should be paid to CCUS, which many scholars have high expectations that CCUS can help China reduce emissions to some extent. Therefore, this paper presents a prediction that CCUS can reduce 3.8% of carbon emissions for China in 2040 when CCUS emission reductions increase at a rate of 30%. The power and chemical industries could reduce carbon emissions by 2.3% and 17.3%, respectively.
Limited congruence in phylogeographic patterns observed for riverine predacious beetles sharing distribution along the mountain rivers
Authors: Kajtoch Łukasz , Kolasa Michał , Mazur Miłosz A. , Ścibior Radosław , Zając Krzysztof , Kubisz Daniel
Published: October 2023

Riverine predacious beetles (RPB) (Carabidae, Staphylinidae) are highly diverse and numerous elements of riverine ecosystems. Their historical and contemporary distribution and diversity are highly dependent on natural flow regimes and topography of watercourses. Despite broad knowledge of their ecology, data on population genetic diversity and connectivity are lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap in order to solve two principal hypotheses assuming (i) congruence of phylogeographic patterns observed for RPB indicating that they share a common history and the ecological adaptations to the dynamic environment, (ii) genetic structuration of populations according to river basins. The Carpathian populations of four ground beetles and three rove beetles were examined using cytochrome oxidase and arginine kinase sequencing. There are substantial differences in RPB demographic history and current genetic diversity. Star-like phylogeny of Bembidion and complex haplotype networks of Paederus/Paederidus, with some haplotypes being drainage-specific and others found in distant populations, indicate a general lack of isolation by distance. Signs of recent demographic expansion were detected for most RPB with the latest population collapse for some rove beetles. To some extent, migration of examined species has to be limited by watersheds. Observed phylogeographic patterns are essential for correctly understanding RPB meta-population functioning.
Utility of nasal swabs for assessing mucosal immune responses towards SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Roubidoux Ericka Kirkpatrick , Brigleb Pamela H. , Vegesana Kasi , Souquette Aisha , Whitt Kendall , Freiden Pamela ,   St. Jude Investigative Team, Allison Kim J. , Cherry Sean , Dallas Ronald H. , Gaur Aditya H. , Gowen Ashleigh , Hakim Hana , Hijano Diego R. , Russell-Bell Jamie , Tuomanen Elaine I. , Webby Richard J. , Allen E. Kaitlynn , Awad Walid , Bajracharya Resha , Brice David C. , Castellaw Ashley , Kirk Allison M. , Lin Chun-Yang , Mettelman Robert C. , Van de Velde Lee-Ann , Wilson Taylor L. , Hoffman James , Hayden Randall T. , Green Amanda , Thomas Paul G. , McGargill Maureen A. , Wolf Joshua , Schultz-Cherry Stacey
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of infections worldwide since its emergence in 2019. Understanding how infection and vaccination induce mucosal immune responses and how they fluctuate over time is important, especially since they are key in preventing infection and reducing disease severity. We established a novel methodology for assessing SARS-CoV-2 cytokine and antibody responses at the nasal epithelium by using nasopharyngeal swabs collected longitudinally before and after either SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. We then compared responses between mucosal and systemic compartments. We demonstrate that cytokine and antibody profiles differ between compartments. Nasal cytokines show a wound healing phenotype while plasma cytokines are consistent with pro-inflammatory pathways. We found that nasal IgA and IgG have different kinetics after infection, with IgA peaking first. Although vaccination results in low nasal IgA, IgG induction persists for up to 180 days post-vaccination. This research highlights the importance of studying mucosal responses in addition to systemic responses to respiratory infections. The methods described herein can be used to further mucosal vaccine development by giving us a better understanding of immunity at the nasal epithelium providing a simpler, alternative clinical practice to studying mucosal responses to infection.
The preparatory process of the 2023 Mw 7.8 Türkiye earthquake
Authors: Picozzi Matteo , Iaccarino Antonio G. , Spallarossa Daniele
Published: October 2023

To verify the existence of a preparatory process for the 6 February 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, southern Türkiye, we analyze the temporal evolution of seismic catalog information for ~ 7500 earthquakes with magnitudes ML ≥ 1.5, which occurred along the main segments of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) since 2014. We find the EAF fault segments showing different temporal patterns in the proportion of nonclustered seismicity, which we interpret as temporal variation of coupling. We also study the evolution of the b-value, fractal dimension and energy rate. These seismic features show for the Amanos and Pazarcık fault segments a long-term trend during the period 2020–2022 that might correspond to a quiescence phase. The latter is followed by a change in earthquakes clustering and characteristics that starts about eight months before the Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş event. Our observations confirm the existence of a long-lasting preparatory phase for the 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake and can stimulate new investigations on the East Anatolian Fault mechanic. Intercepting when a fault starts deviating from its steady behavior, might be the key for identifying the preparatory phase of large earthquakes and mitigate seismic risk.
Thermal degradation and flame spread characteristics of epoxy polymer composites incorporating mycelium
Authors: Chulikavit Nattanan , Huynh Tien , Khatibi Akbar , Das Raj , Kandare Everson
Published: October 2023

Although bioderived flame retardants are environmentally sustainable and less toxic, their impact on the thermal stability and flammability of polymers remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the influence of mycelium on the thermal stability and flame spread characteristics of epoxy through thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the UL94 flammability test, and scanning electron microscopy. We observed a decrease in the maximum mass loss rate temperature when mycelium was incorporated into epoxy, indicating an earlier onset of thermal degradation. The inclusion of mycelium increased char yields above 418 °C due to mycelium’s inherent char-forming ability. However, mycelium did not alter the thermal degradation pathway of epoxy. Furthermore, according to the UL94 test results, the incorporation of mycelium reduced the flame spread rate compared to that of neat epoxy. These findings contribute to our understanding of the interaction between bioderived flame retardants and polymers paving the way for the development of more sustainable fireproofing materials.
How technical change has boosted fish aggregation device productivity in the Indian Ocean tuna fishery
Authors: Tidd Alex N. , Floc’h Laurent , Imzilen Taha , Tolotti Mariana , Dagorn Laurent , Capello Manuela , Guillotreau Patrice
Published: October 2023

Excess harvesting power can threaten the long-term sustainability of fisheries. Indicators of excess harvesting capacity must include input–output-based estimates of economic production efficiency. The increasing use of drifting Fish-Aggregating-Devices (DFADs) has boosted fishing productivity in high-seas tuna fisheries, perhaps beyond the biological capacity of the stocks, and is an object of global debate. We carried out a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) of relative changes in production efficiencies of the French purse-seine fleet targeting tropical tuna in the western Indian Ocean using two fishing strategies: (1) on floating objects (FOB) and (2) free swimming schools (FSC) using tuna catch and effort data spanning 1992–2019. We show that FOB fishing evolved dramatically through time with an estimated change of 3.6%yr−1 (8.0%yr−1 2007–2019), in contrast to 2.1%yr−1 for FSC. While the efficiency level in combining and using inputs has barely changed for FOB fishing, it means that all the growth in productivity comes from technical change for this strategy. The dynamics is different for the FSC with a mixture of innovation and higher efficiency. Immediate plans to improve input-based management in this region are needed to prevent further risks of overfishing to yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) tunas.
The increase in cell death rates in caloric restricted cells of the yeast helicase mutant rrm3 is Sir complex dependent
Authors: Ivessa Andreas S. , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: October 2023

Calorie restriction (CR), which is a reduction in calorie intake without malnutrition, usually extends lifespan and improves tissue integrity. This report focuses on the relationship between nuclear genomic instability and dietary-restriction and its effect on cell survival. We demonstrate that the cell survival rates of the genomic instability yeast mutant rrm3 change under metabolic restricted conditions. Rrm3 is a DNA helicase, chromosomal replication slows (and potentially stalls) in its absence with increased rates at over 1400 natural pause sites including sites within ribosomal DNA and tRNA genes. Whereas rrm3 mutant cells have lower cell death rates compared to wild type (WT) in growth medium containing normal glucose levels (i.e., 2%), under CR growth conditions cell death rates increase in the rrm3 mutant to levels, which are higher than WT. The silent-information-regulatory (Sir) protein complex and mitochondrial oxidative stress are required for the increase in cell death rates in the rrm3 mutant when cells are transferred from growth medium containing 2% glucose to CR-medium. The Rad53 checkpoint protein is highly phosphorylated in the rrm3 mutant in response to genomic instability in growth medium containing 2% glucose. Under CR, Rad53 phosphorylation is largely reduced in the rrm3 mutant in a Sir-complex dependent manner. Since CR is an adjuvant treatment during chemotherapy, which may target genomic instability in cancer cells, our studies may gain further insight into how these therapy strategies can be improved.
Research on anti-clogging of ore conveyor belt with static image based on improved Fast-SCNN and U-Net
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Zhang Hanquan , Xiao Dong
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an improved Fast-Segmentation Convolutional Neural Network (Fast-SCNN) and U-Net networks based on the channel attention mechanism. While ensuring the speed of network detection, the accuracy of image segmentation is also considered. The experimental results show that the accuracy rate of improved Fast-SCNN based on the channel attention mechanism is greatly improved compared with the original Fast-SCNN, reaching 88.056%, and the mean intersection over union is also improved to a certain extent, reaching 81.087%, and the detection speed is better than the original Fast-SCNN network. The accuracy of improved U-Net network based on the channel attention mechanism is 0.91805, which is better than the original U-Net network. In terms of detection speed, the improved U-Net network based on channel attention mechanism has greatly improved compared with the original U-Net network, reaching 24.02 frames per second. In addition, a method of preventing clogging of ore conveyor belts based on static image detection is proposed in this paper. By judging and predicting the blockage of the ore conveyor belt. When the conveyor belt is about to be blocked or has been blocked, the fuzzy algorithm is used to control the ore conveyor belt to slow down and stop, to improve the safety and efficiency of the conveyor belt.
Viral and immunologic evaluation of smokers with severe COVID-19
Authors: Vecchio Joseph , Regan James , Jiang Yuting , Li Roy , Romain Hannah , Yousuf Fizah , Adel Thomas , Hall Kevin , DaCosta Jeffrey M. , Yu Xu , Li Jonathan Z. , Fofana Ismael Ben
Published: October 2023

Smoking negatively affects B cell function and immunoglobulin levels, but it is unclear if this immune dysfunction contributes to the risk of severe COVID-19 in smokers. We evaluated binding IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies to spike and receptor binding domain antigens, and used a pseudovirus assay to quantify neutralization titers in a set of 27 patients with severe COVID-19. We found no significant differences between binding and neutralization antibody responses for people with a smoking history and people who never smoked. High plasma viral load, but not antibody titers, was linked to an increased risk of death. Humoral immune dysfunction was not a major driver of severe COVID-19 in smokers.
Misspelled logotypes: the hidden threat to brand identity
Authors: Rocabado Francisco , Perea Manuel , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: October 2023

Brand names are valuable company assets often accompanied by a unique graphical composition (i.e., as logotypes). Recent research has demonstrated that this uniqueness makes brand names and logotypes susceptible to counterfeiting through misspelling by transposition in tasks that require participants to identify correct spellings. However, our understanding of how brand names are incidentally processed when presented as logotypes is incomplete. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a virtual reality experiment to explore the transposed-letter confusability effect on brand name recognition. Participants were immersed in a virtual reality setting and incidentally exposed to logotypes that had correctly spelled brand names or included letter transpositions. Offline analyses revealed that participants were more accurate at recognizing brand names that had been presented with correct spellings than those that had been misspelled. Furthermore, participants exhibited false memories for misspelled logotypes, recalling them as if they had been spelled correctly. Thus, our findings revealed that the incidental processing of misspelled logotypes (e.g., SASMUNG) affects the accuracy of logotype identity recognition, thereby underscoring the challenges faced by individuals when identifying brand names and the elements that make counterfeits so effective.
Pantropical Indo-Atlantic temperature gradient modulates multi-decadal AMOC variability in models and observations
Authors: Ferster Brady S. , Borchert Leonard F. , Mignot Juliette , Menary Matthew B. , Cassou Christophe , Fedorov Alexey V.
Published: October 2023

Interconnections between ocean basins are recognized as an important driver of climate variability. Recent modeling evidence suggests that the North Atlantic climate can respond to persistent warming of the tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) relative to the rest of the tropics (rTIO). Here, we use observational data to demonstrate that multi-decadal changes in pantropical ocean temperature gradients lead to variations of an SST-based proxy of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The largest contribution to this temperature gradient-AMOC connection comes from gradients between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The rTIO index yields the strongest connection of this tropical temperature gradient to the AMOC. Focusing on the internally generated signal in three observational products reveals that an SST-based AMOC proxy index has closely followed low-frequency changes of rTIO temperature with about 26-year lag since 1870. Analyzing the pre-industrial control simulations of 44 CMIP6 climate models shows that the AMOC proxy index lags simulated mid-latitude AMOC variations by 4 ± 4 years. These model simulations reveal the mechanism connecting AMOC variations to pantropical ocean temperature gradients at a 27 ± 2 years lag, matching the observed time lag in 28 out of the 44 analyzed models. rTIO temperature changes affect the North Atlantic climate through atmospheric planetary waves, impacting temperature and salinity in the subpolar North Atlantic, which modifies deep convection and ultimately the AMOC. Through this mechanism, observed internal rTIO variations can serve as a multi-decadal precursor of AMOC changes with important implications for AMOC dynamics and predictability.
Transfer-free rapid growth of 2-inch wafer-scale patterned graphene as transparent conductive electrodes and heat spreaders for GaN LEDs
Authors: Xiong Fangzhu , Sun Jie , Tang Penghao , Guo Weiling , Dong Yibo , Du Zaifa , Feng Shiwei , Li Xuan
Published: October 2023

A technique for the transfer-free growth of 2-inch wafer-scale patterned graphene directly on GaN LED epilayers is introduced. High-quality graphene as transparent electrodes and heat spreaders is synthesized directly on GaN by PECVD at only 600 °C deposition temperature and within 3 min growth time. Co acts as both the catalyst for graphene growth and the dry etching mask for GaN mesas, which greatly improves the efficiency of the semiconductor device process. Elegantly, the graphene growth is in accordance with the shape of Co, which offers a lithography-free patterning technique of the graphene. Afterward, using our penetration etching method through the PMMA and graphene layers, the Co is peacefully removed, and in-situ Ohmic contact is achieved between the graphene and p-GaN where the contact resistivity is only 0.421 Ω cm2. The graphene sheet resistance is as low as 631.2 Ω sq−1. The device is also superior to the counterpart graphene-free LED in terms of heat spreading behavior, as evidenced by the lower junction temperature and thermal resistance. Most importantly, the developed technique produces graphene with excellent performance and is intrinsically more scalable, controllable, and semiconductor industry compatible than traditionally transferred graphene.
Sub-micro- and nano-sized polyethylene terephthalate deconstruction with engineered protein nanopores
Authors: Robles-Martín Ana , Amigot-Sánchez Rafael , Fernandez-Lopez Laura , Gonzalez-Alfonso Jose L. , Roda Sergi , Alcolea-Rodriguez Víctor , Heras-Márquez Diego , Almendral David , Coscolín Cristina , Plou Francisco J. , Portela Raquel , Bañares Miguel A. , Martínez-del-Pozo Álvaro , García-Linares Sara , Ferrer Manuel , Guallar Víctor
Published: October 2023

The identification or design of biocatalysts to mitigate the accumulation of plastics, including sub-micro- and nano-sized polyethylene terephthalate (nPET), is becoming a global challenge. Here we computationally incorporated two hydrolytic active sites with geometries similar to that of Idionella sakaiensis PET hydrolase, to fragaceatoxin C (FraC), a membrane pore-forming protein. FraCm1/m2 could be assembled into octameric nanopores (7.0 nm high × 1.6–6.0 nm entry), which deconstructed (40 °C, pH 7.0) nPET from GoodFellow, commodities and plastic bottles. FraCm1 and FraCm2 degrade nPET by endo- and exo-type chain scission. While FraCm1 produces bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate as the main product, FraCm2 yields a high diversity of oligomers and terephthalic acid. Mechanistic and biochemical differences with benchmark PET hydrolases, along with pore and nPET dynamics, suggest that these pore-forming protein catalytic nanoreactors do not deconstruct macro-PET but are promising in nanotechnology for filtering, capturing and breaking down nPET, for example, in wastewater treatment plants.