bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of Congo Red from aqueous solution using raw and citric acid-modified Dicerocaryum eriocarpum biomass: isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics
Authors: Jegede Mobolaji M. , Durowoju Olatunde S. , Edokpayi Joshua N.
Published: February 2024

In recent times, dyes such as Congo Red have proven to be resilient environmental pollutants affecting freshwater portability among other media. Its toxicity to humans, animals and plant life is both a cause of concern and a motivation to prioritize decontamination. Many materials have been explored for the removal of this pollutant via adsorption; however, there are notable areas of improvement. Dicerocaryum eriocarpum (DE) seed is a non-toxic, cost-effective plant material which is possible as a sorbent and has not been reported in Congo Red sequestration. This research is therefore based on the removal of Congo Red dye from aqueous solution using raw (RDE) and citric acid-modified DE (CDE). The sorbents were characterized before and after sorption using various characterization techniques such as FTIR, EDS, SEM and BET. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, concentration, pH and temperature were optimized during the experiment. According to experimental findings, modification with citric acid resulted in a reduction of the equilibration interval from 90 to 60 min. Sorption effectiveness increased with an increase in temperature for CDE but a decrease in temperature for RDE. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm with maximum sorption capacity (qmax) of 51.02 mg/g and 53.19 mg/g for RDE and CDE, respectively. Pseudo-second-order model better suited the kinetic data, while thermodynamic analysis revealed a spontaneous sorption process. Five cycles of desorption experiments using 0.1 M NaOH revealed that the regenerated sorbent effectively removed CR dye for the first three cycles at comparable efficiency to the virgin samples. This study therefore supports the use of DE seed as an easily accessible and efficient sorbent for remediation of harmful dyes from water.
Effects of excipients on the interactions of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems with human blood plasma and plasma membranes
Authors: Le-Vinh Bao , Le Nguyet-Minh Nguyen , Phan Thi Nhu Quynh , Lam Hung Thanh , Bernkop-Schnürch Andreas
Published: February 2024

Due to its versatility in formulation and manufacturing, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) can be used to design parenteral formulations. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effects of excipients on the behavior of SEDDS formulations upon parenteral administration, particularly their interactions with blood plasma and cell membranes. In this study, we prepared three neutrally charged SEDDS formulations composed of medium-chain triglycerides as the oil phase, polyoxyl-35 castor oil (EL35) and polyethylene glycol (15)-hydroxystearate (HS15) as the nonionic surfactants, medium-chain mono- and diglycerides as the co-surfactant, and propylene glycol as the co-solvent. The cationic surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDA), and the anionic surfactant, sodium deoxycholate (DEO), were added to the neutral SEDDS preconcentrates to obtain cationic and anionic SEDDS, respectively. SEDDS were incubated with human blood plasma and recovered by size exclusion chromatography. Data showed that SEDDS emulsion droplets can bind plasma protein to different extents depending on their surface charge and surfactant used. At pH 7.4, the least protein binding was observed with anionic SEDDS. Positive charges increased protein binding. SEDDS stabilized by HS15 can adsorb more plasma protein and induce more plasma membrane disruption activity than SEDDS stabilized by EL35. These effects were more pronounced with the HS15 + DDA combination. The addition of DDA and DEO to SEDDS increased plasma membrane disruption (PMD) activities, and DDA (1% w/w) was more active than DEO (2% w/w). PMD activities of SEDDS were concentration-dependent and vanished at appropriate dilution ratios.

Graphical abstract
The Fate of Soil Organic Carbon from Compost: A Pot Test Study Using Labile Carbon and 13c Natural Abundance
Authors: Grigatti Marco , Ciavatta Claudio , Marzadori Claudio
Published: February 2024

Recycled organic waste (OW) can be a valuable nutrient source for plant cultivation; however, knowledge is poor regarding its effect on soil carbon conservation, especially in the frame of organic-mineral fertilisation succession. In this study, four composts, green waste (GWC), anaerobically digested bio-waste (DC), sludge (SSC), and bio-waste (BWC), were compared (10 and 20 Mg volatile solids ha−1) in a ryegrass pot test over two growing cycles (112 + 112 days), along with an unamended control (Ctrl) and a chemical reference (Chem), with and without mineral nitrogen (N) fertilisation. At the end of the two growth cycles, the pot soil was analysed for total- (TOC) and labile-carbon (CL) as well as for 13C isotope natural abundance (δ13C and Δ13C vs. Chem). At day 112, the pot test showed that Ctrl and Chem gained poor TOC (8.48 g kg−1), lower than the compost at both 10 and 20 Mg volatile solids ha−1 (10.01 vs. 11.59 g kg−1). At day 224, a deep soil TOC depletion occurred in the pot soil treated with GWC, DC and BWC at both levels (-10 and -20). However, all the compost treatments showed more depleted soil d13C vs. the references, especially Chem, thus revealing relevant compost-derived carbon conservation. Regarding the compost treatments, the carbon management index (CMI) increased over time, indicating high soil functionality, also showing a good relationship with δ13C, suggesting a probable increase in relative lignin which could have been linked to carbon conservation and increased functionality.
Deep learning-based earthquake catalog reveals the seismogenic structures of the 2022 MW 6.9 Chihshang earthquake sequence
Authors: Sun Wei-Fang , Pan Sheng-Yan , Huang Chun-Ming , Guan Zhuo-Kang , Yen I-Chin , Ho Chun-Wei , Chi Tsung-Chih , Ku Chin-Shang , Huang Bor-Shouh , Fu Ching-Chou , Kuo-Chen Hao
Published: February 2024

On 18 September 2022, the MW 6.9 Chihshang earthquake struck the south half of the Longitudinal Valley, Taiwan, and caused severe damage. A precise and rapid report for the distribution of aftershock sequence after a devastating earthquake provides key information for deciphering the seismogenic structure in the source region. The utilization of deep-learning methodologies for earthquake event detection offers a significant acceleration in data analysis. In this study, we use SeisBlue, a deep-learning platform/package, to extract the whole earthquake sequence from September to October 2022, including the MW 6.5 Guanshan foreshock, the MW 6.9 mainshock, over 14,000 aftershocks, and 866 foal mechanisms from two sets of broadband networks. After applying hypoDD for earthquakes, the distribution of aftershock sequence clearly depicts not only the Central Range Fault and the Longitudinal Valley Fault but also several local, shallow tectonic structures that have not been observed along the southern Longitudinal Valley.
Hyflex delivery mode in a postgraduate course: instructor and student perspectives
Authors: Cumming Therese M. , Gilanyi Lisa , Han Chen
Published: February 2024

The global pandemic necessitated changes in the way university courses were delivered, forcing most teaching and learning online. Post-pandemic, many students continue to struggle with attending their classes on campus. It has been suggested that Hyflex delivery mode is a solution to this problem, allowing students to attend class either face to face or online, depending on their individual needs and preferences. There is, however, a dearth of literature focussed on whether the Hyflex model of course delivery is beneficial to students and feasible for instructors. This study explores the experiences and perspectives of both instructors and students of the HyFlex delivery mode in a postgraduate education course. The study employed a qualitative research design, using attendance records, surveys, and interviews to collect data from 11 students and two instructors. The findings suggested that HyFlex offers a flexible and adaptable approach to learning that can meet the diverse needs and preferences of students. Both instructors and students appreciated the flexibility and convenience of HyFlex, as well as the opportunities for engagement and interaction in both the face-to-face and online modes of delivery. However, the study also highlighted the challenges of HyFlex, particularly in relation to technology infrastructure and split instructor attention that could impact on self-efficacy. The authors provide recommendations for addressing these challenges and enhancing the benefits of HyFlex delivery mode. Overall, the study contributes to the growing body of research on HyFlex delivery mode and provides valuable insights for instructors using this mode of delivery in university courses.
Proposal of a methodology for prediction of heavy metals concentration based on PM2.5 concentration and meteorological variables using machine learning
Authors: Park Shin-Young , Lee Hye-Won , Kwon Jaymin , Yoon Sung-Won , Lee Cheol-Min
Published: February 2024

In this study, we developed a prediction model for heavy metal concentrations using PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological variables. Data was collected from five sites, encompassing meteorological factors, PM2.5, and 18 metals over 2 years. The study employed four analytical methods: multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest regression (RFR), gradient boosting, and artificial neural networks (ANN). RFR was the best predictor for most metals, and gradient boosting and ANN were optimal for certain metals like Al, Cu, As, Mo, Zn, and Cd. Upon evaluating the final model’s predicted values against the actual measurements, differences in the concentration distribution between measurement locations were observed for Mn, Fe, Cu, Ba, and Pb, indicating varying prediction performances among sites. Additionally, Al, As, Cd, and Ba showed significant differences in prediction performance across seasons. The developed model is expected to overcome the technical limitations involved in measuring and analyzing heavy metal concentrations. It could further be utilized to obtain fundamental data for studying the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances such as heavy metals.
Sorting It Out
Authors: Gregory Robin , Moore Brooke
Published: February 2024

Written for parents, teachers, and others who live or work with teenagers, this science-based guide describes how you can become a confident 'decision mentor.' Learn to support young people in making good decisions for themselves. Treating decision making as an essential and learnable skill, the six-step 'Decision-Maker Moves' highlight the power and promise of young people as they shape their lives through the options they choose. Stories, examples, and practical tips show how decisions can transform problems into opportunities. Each chapter provides common-sense advice on when and how to talk with teenagers as they weigh up the often-conflicting values, emotions, and trade-offs affecting their choices. We cannot provide young minds with all the answers, but we can help them as they navigate both life-changing and everyday decisions.
The Foundations of Constitutional Democracy: The Kelsen-Natural Law Controversy
Authors: Gibbs Nathan
Published: February 2024

In the immediate post-war period, a set of thinkers, most notably Jacques Maritain, developed influential natural law theories of constitutional democracy. The central tenet of the natural law approach to the post-war settlement was that, without the type of foundational understanding of the constitutional system it was proposing, the new democratic political institutions would relapse into totalitarianism. In response to this natural law challenge, Hans Kelsen sought to explicate and defend a self-consciously secular and relativistic understanding of the basis of constitutional democracy. This article will examine the debate between the Kelsenian and the natural law view of constitutional democracy. The debate raises questions of foundational importance, and a number of issues are of particular concern in the present global context. These issues concern the role of moral pluralism and its relevance to the structure of constitutional democracy, and the relationship between universal values and the common good of particular communities.
The Constitutionalization of Social Rights in Italy, Germany, and Portugal: Legislative Discretion, Minimal Guarantees, and Distributive Integration
Authors: Lucherini Francesco
Published: February 2024

In an international social rights debate disproportionately focused on English-speaking countries, redundant emphasis has been placed on justiciability. While constitutionalization does challenge stable relations between powers, especially in the post-colonial and developing world, solid insights for a workable interpretative method can be derived from continental Europe, where the difficulties typically associated with justiciability have long been settled. The constitutions of Italy, Germany, and Portugal take socioeconomic democracy seriously, tempering socialist claims and refuting libertarian stances, and have managed to spur a legitimate judicial increment of substantive equality. Through a threefold comparison, this paper describes the peculiarities of these fundamental texts across the spectrum of possible constitutional design choices, and draws from comparative constitutional caselaw to highlight a cross-national convergence on a set of interpretative standards. These blend together a strong safeguard of legislative discretion with justiciable minimal guarantees, and a value-assertive orientation of balancing coextensive with the integrationist function of constitutionalized social and economic rights.
Understanding the Political Party Think Tank Landscape: A Categorization of Their Functions and Audiences
Authors: Vande Walle Britt , de Lange Sarah L.
Published: February 2024

Political party think tanks (PPTTs) are important to the performance of parties' core functions. Despite their importance, they have largely escaped academic attention. To understand the role of PPTTs in contemporary politics, we develop a typology of their key functions (distinguishing between political party and think tank functions), and target audiences (distinguishing between internal and external target groups). Based on a comprehensive literature review and 22 in-depth interviews with leading representatives of PPTTs in the Netherlands and Flanders, we identify four types of PPTTs: Party Assistants, Party Supporters, Party Promoters and Party Intellectuals. The characteristics of the four types of PPTTs are illustrated through the analysis of four paradigmatic cases: the Study Centre Open Vld as an example of a Party Assistant, the Scientific Bureau GroenLinks as an example of a Party Supporter, the Renaissance Institute as an example of a Party Promoter, and the TeldersFoundation as an example of a Party Intellectual.
Damage characteristics of fused silica under low-temporal coherence light
Authors: Shan Chong , Kong Lingbao , Li Fujian , Cui Yong , Ji Lailin , Zheng Quan , Rao Daxing , He Ruijing , Zhao Xiaohui , Zhao Yuanan , Sui Zhan
Published: February 2024

The damage characteristics of fused silica were investigated under low-temporal coherence light (LTCL). It was found that the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of fused silica for the LTCL was lower than that of the single longitudinal mode pulse laser, and for the LTCLs, the LIDTs decrease with the increasing of laser bandwidth, which is not consistent with the temporal spike intensity. This is due to the nonlinear self-focusing effect and multi-pulse accumulation effect. The specific reasons were analyzed based on theoretical simulation and experimental study. This research work is helpful and of great significance for the construction of high-power LTCL devices.
An Edgewood-type Hirnantian fauna from the Mackenzie Mountains, northwestern margin of Laurentia
Authors: Jin Jisuo , Harper David A.T.
Published: February 2024

Silicified brachiopods from Hirnantian strata in three sections of the lower Whittaker Formation, Mackenzie Mountains, northwestern Canada, yielded a moderately diverse, Edgewood-type Hirnantian fauna, consisting of 13 species: Biparetis paucirugosus, Brevilamnulella laevis, Dalmanella edgewoodensis, Drabovia noixella, Eospirigerina putilla, Epitomyonia paucitropida, Epitomyonia sekwiensis, Glyptorthis papillosa new species, Gnamptorhynchos orbiculoidea, Katastrophomena mackenzii new species, K. parvicardinis, Parastrophina cf. P. minor, and Skenidioides sp. Compared to the typical Edgewood fauna of the American Midcontinent, Brevilamnulella laevis has a notably smaller shell than B. thebesensis, and is interpreted as a deeper-water form. The strong faunal affinity of the Mackenzie Mountains fauna to the Edgewood-type Hirnantian fauna is indicated by the occurrence of Biparetis, Brevilamnulella, Eospirigerina, and Gnamptorhynchos. In addition to the Edgewood type area within Laurentia, Biparetis, Eospirigerina, and Gnamptorhynchos are characteristic taxa that also occur in the Ellis Bay Formation (Hirnantian) of Anticosti Island. Multivariate and network analyses strongly support the differentiation between an Edgewood-type Hirnantian fauna in Laurentia and peri-Laurentia and the typical Hirnantia fauna of the Kosov Province in Gondwana, peri-Gondwana, South China, Kazakhstan terranes, Avalonia, and Baltica.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/7ff8f8c8-52d1-4527-acae-9bacd2e8b914
Use of temporary tracheostomy occlusion to reduce the risk of sternal wound infection after sternotomy in congenital cardiac surgery
Authors: Azimzadeh Julien B. , Sidell Douglas R. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Mathew Roshni , Asija Ritu , Rutter Michael J. , Meister Kara D.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To describe a method of reducing the risk of sternal wound infection after sternotomy in children with a pre-existing tracheostomy. To report our outcomes using this method from 1 January, 2013 to 31 August, 2023.

Methods:

We describe a method for temporarily occluding the tracheal stoma with a removable implant with the primary goal of reducing the risk of sternotomy wound infection by preventing soilage due to tracheostomal secretions. We then performed a retrospective review of all children who underwent temporary tracheostomal occlusion between 1 January, 2013 and 31 August, 2023 at our quaternary care children’s hospital. Clinical variables were extracted from the hospital medical records. The rates of antibiotic use and minor and major complications during the period when the stoma plug was in place were recorded.

Results:

Totally, 19 patients underwent tracheal stoma plugging prior to sternotomy and were included in our analysis. There were two cases of sternal wound infection; one case occurred while the stoma plug was in place, and one developed four days following plug removal. There was one minor complication, with one patient requiring stoma revision via serial dilation at bedside at the time of recannulation. There were no deaths.

Conclusion:

Temporary occlusion of the tracheal stoma with an impermeable plug is a viable option for reducing the risk of sternal wound infection in children with a pre-existing tracheostomy who are undergoing sternotomy.
Towards a Non-Use Regime on Solar Geoengineering: Lessons from International Law and Governance
Authors: Gupta Aarti , Biermann Frank , van Driel Ellinore , Bernaz Nadia , Jayaram Dhanasree , Kim Rakhyun E. , Kotzé Louis J. , Ruddigkeit Dana , VanDeveer Stacy D. , Wewerinke-Singh Margaretha
Published: February 2024

In recent years, some scientists have called for research into and potential development of ‘solar geoengineering’ technologies as an option to counter global warming. Solar geoengineering refers to a set of speculative techniques to reflect some incoming sunlight back into space, for example, by continuously spraying reflective sulphur aerosols into the stratosphere over several generations. Because of the significant ecological, social, and political risks posed by such technologies, many scholars and civil society organizations have urged governments to take action to prohibit the development and deployment of solar geoengineering techniques. In this article we take such calls for a prohibitory or a non-use regime on solar geoengineering as a starting point to examine existing international law and governance precedents that could guide the development of such a regime. The precedents we examine include international prohibitory and restrictive regimes that impose bans or restrictions on chemical weapons, biological weapons, weather modification technologies, anti-personnel landmines, substances that deplete the ozone layer, trade in hazardous wastes, deep seabed mining, and mining in Antarctica. We also assess emerging norms and soft law in anticipatory governance of novel technologies, such as human cloning and gene editing. While there is no blueprint for a solar geoengineering non-use regime in international law, our analysis points to numerous specific elements on which governments could draw to constrain or impose an outright prohibition on the development of technologies for solar geoengineering, should they opt to do so.
The Impossible Dream — Panmixia
Authors: Stark Alan E.
Published: February 2024

This study starts with a simple model by which Hardy-Weinberg proportions are attained in a single generation while maintaining gene frequencies. The question of differentiating between random and non-random mating is explored by simulation. Sample mating proportions are generated using the model as base. The difficulty of differentiating between random and non-random mating is illustrated.
A Post‐Launch Summary of the Science of NASA's Psyche Mission
Authors: Dibb Steven D. , Asphaug Erik , Bell James F. , Binzel Richard P. , Bottke William F. , Cambioni Saverio , Christoph John M. , Elkins‐Tanton Linda T. , Jaumann Ralf , Lawrence David J. , Oran Rona , O’Rourke Joseph G. , Polansky Carol , Weiss Benjamin P. , Wieczorek Mark , Williams David. A.
Published: February 2024

Astronomical observations indicate that asteroid (16) Psyche is a large, high‐density (likely >3,400 kg·m−3), metal‐rich (30–55 vol. %) asteroid. Psyche may be remnant core material or it could be a primordial, undifferentiated metal‐rich object. We discuss the science objectives of the upcoming Psyche mission, which will employ three instruments (the Magnetometer, Multispectral Imager, and Gamma‐Ray and Neutron Spectrometer) and will use Doppler tracking of the spacecraft to explore the asteroid. This mission will shed light on the nature and origins of metal‐rich objects in the solar system and beyond, including the cores of the terrestrial planets.
Tracking Progress Toward Urban Nature Targets Using Landcover and Vegetation Indices: A Global Study for the 96 C40 Cities
Authors: Martin Greta K. , O’Dell Katelyn , Kinney Patrick L. , Pescador‐Jimenez Marcia , Rojas‐Rueda David , Canales Robert , Anenberg Susan C.
Published: February 2024

Access to urban natural space, including blue and greenspace, is associated with improved health. In 2021, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group set 2030 Urban Nature Declaration (UND) targets: “Quality Total Cover” (30% green area within each city) and “Equitable Spatial Distribution” (70% of the population living close to natural space). We evaluate progress toward these targets in the 96 C40 cities using globally available, high‐resolution data sets for landcover and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We use the European Space Agency (ESA)'s WorldCover data set to define greenspace with discrete landcover categories and ESA's Sentinel‐2A to calculate NDVI, adding the “open water” landcover category to characterize total natural space. We compare 2020 levels of urban green and natural space to the two UND targets and predict the city‐specific NDVI level consistent with the UND targets using linear regressions. The 96‐city mean NDVI was 0.538 (range: 0.148, 0.739). Most (80%) cities meet the Quality Total Cover target, and nearly half (47%) meet the Equitable Spatial Distribution target. Landcover‐measured greenspace and total natural space were strong (mean R2 = 0.826) and moderate (mean R2 = 0.597) predictors of NDVI and our NDVI‐based natural space proximity measure, respectively. The 96‐city mean predicted NDVI value of meeting the UND targets was 0.478 (range: 0.352–0.565) for Quality Total Cover and 0.660 (range: 0.498–0.767) for Equitable Spatial Distribution. Our translation of the area‐ and access‐based metrics common in urban natural space targets into the NDVI metric used in epidemiology allows for quantifying the health benefits of achieving such targets.
Abrupt Geographic Shift in Hydrogen Isotope Ratios of Meteoric Water Across the Western Andes, Peru
Authors: White Emily J. , Cassel Elizabeth J. , Breecker Daniel O.
Published: February 2024

Quantitative isotopic paleoaltimetry has been applied in regions where Rayleigh distillation controls isotopic lapse rates. Air mass mixing and moisture recycling are viewed as complicating factors. We show here that, because of such effects, a cross‐Andean transect of meteoric water δD values precisely marks the geographic position of the Western Cordillera crest. This modern water signal is also recorded in Pliocene‐Pleistocene hydrated volcanic glass δD values. δD values between the Pacific coast and Western Cordillera exhibit no trend up to 2.5 km elevation and 100 km inboard, consistent with an arid climate in which Amazonian moisture is topographically blocked and Pacific moisture is efficiently recycled. The result is a large δD lapse rate (−98‰/km) and an abrupt horizontal δD shift (2‰/km) at the Western Cordillera crest. Therefore, we conclude that cross‐orogen δD transects could locate the ancient Western Cordillera crest.
Tectono‐Stratigraphic Evolution of the Kerguelen Large Igneous Province: The Conjugate William’s Ridge‐Broken Ridge Rifted Margins
Authors: Magri L. , Whittaker J. M. , Coffin M. F. , Hochmuth K. , Gürer D. , Williams S. , Bernardel G. , Uenzelmann‐Neben G.
Published: February 2024

Extensive investigation of continental rift systems has been fundamental for advancing the understanding of extensional tectonics and modes of formation of new ocean basins. However, current rift classification schemes do not account for conjugate end members formed by Large Igneous Province crust, referring to thick mafic crust, sometimes including continental fragments. Here, we investigate the rifting of William's Ridge (Kerguelen Plateau) and Broken Ridge, components of the Kerguelen Large Igneous Province now situated in the Southeast Indian Ocean, and incorporate these end members into the deformation migration concept for rifted margins. We use multichannel seismic reflection profiles and data from scientific drill cores acquired on both conjugate margins to propose, for the first time, a combined tectono‐stratigraphic framework. We interpret seismic patterns, tectonic features, and magnetic anomaly picks to determine an across‐strike structural domain classification. This interpretation considers the rift system overall to be “magma‐poor” despite being located proximal to the Kerguelen plume but suggests that syn‐rift interaction between the Kerguelen mantle plume and the lithospheric structure of William's Ridge and Broken Ridge has controlled the along‐strike segmentation of both conjugates. We integrate seismic reflection and bathymetric data to test the hypothesis of predominantly transform motion, between the Australian and Antarctic plates, in Late Cretaceous and Paleogene time.
Modulation of Western South Atlantic Marine Heatwaves by Meridional Ocean Heat Transport
Authors: Goes Marlos , Dong Shenfu , Foltz Gregory R. , Goni Gustavo , Volkov Denis L. , Wainer Ilana
Published: February 2024

Marine heatwaves and cold spells are extreme surface temperature events that have been associated with adverse societal and ecosystem impacts in several regions around the globe. Predicting these events presents a challenge because of their generally short‐lived nature and dependence on air‐sea interactions, both locally and remotely. Here we analyze oceanic propagating features that promote the occurrence of marine heatwaves and cold spells in the western subtropical South Atlantic. The main interannual feature detected from satellite sea level data since 1993 shows a westward propagating zonal pattern with a periodicity of 3–5 years. The pattern has a significant in‐phase correlation with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the western South Atlantic, explaining 82% of the daily extreme warm (90th percentile) and cold (10th percentile) SST anomalies and consequently modulating interannual variations in the intensity and duration of marine heatwave and cold spell events. It is found that meridional oceanic advection plays an important role in the regional heat budget associated with the westward‐propagating mode, modulating the meridional exchange of tropical (warm) and extratropical (cold) waters in the western subtropical South Atlantic region and thereby setting a baseline for temperature extremes on interannual timescales. This propagating mode is well correlated (r > 0.6) with the strength of the meridional overturning circulation at 25°S and 30°S with a lag of approximately 3–9 months. The lagged response provides a potential source of predictability of extreme events in the western South Atlantic.
Variability of Fine‐Scale Chlorophyll Fronts in the Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui ā Toi Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Lhériau‐Nice Alexandre , Della Penna Alice
Published: February 2024

Aotearoa New Zealand's marine environment is heavily impacted by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Little is known about the effect of ENSO on oceanographic properties in the area or their consequences on the distribution of marine organisms. Here we characterize the spatio‐temporal variability of fine‐scale fronts (<10 km) in the area of the Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui ā Toi Hauraki Gulf (HG) and investigate how it is impacted by dominant wind direction, seasonality, and ENSO phase. We processed satellite Ocean‐Land Color Instrument images from 2016 to 2022 with a fit‐for‐purpose version of the Belkin and O'Reilly frontal detection algorithm. We find coherent shifts in the position of fine‐scale features depending on the ENSO phase, with El Niño isolating the gulf sub‐regions and La Niña connecting them together. Overall, fronts tend to co‐locate with the 70 and 40 m isobaths in the outer and inner HG respectively, and their locations shift close or away from shore in response to changes in dominant wind direction. Furthermore, offshore frontal occurrences increase during winter and spring, and nearshore ones increase during summer and autumn. Our results sketch a first assessment of the distribution of fine‐scale features in a biologically important yet understudied region.
Tropical Cyclone Changes in Convection‐Permitting Regional Climate Projections: A Study Over the Shanghai Region
Authors: Buonomo Erasmo , Savage Nicholas , Dong Guangtao , Becker Bernd , Jones Richard G. , Tian Zhan , Sun Laixiang
Published: February 2024

Changes in tropical cyclones due to greenhouse‐gas forcing in the Shanghai area have been studied in a double‐nesting regional model experiment using the Met Office convection‐permitting model HadREM3‐RA1T at 4 km resolution and the regional model HadREM3‐GA7.05 at 12 km for the intermediate nest. Boundary conditions for the experiment have been constructed from HadGEM2‐ES, a General Circulation Model (GCM) from the 5th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), directly using high‐frequency data for the atmosphere (6‐hourly) and the ocean (daily), for the historical period (1981–2000) and under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (2080–2099). These choices identify one of the warmest climate scenarios available from CMIP5. Given the direct use of GCM data for the baseline, large scale conditions relevant for tropical cyclones have been analyzed, demonstrating a realistic representation of environmental conditions off the coast of eastern China. GCM large scale changes show a reduction in wind shear in addition to the expected strong increase in sea‐surface temperature. Tropical cyclones from the 4 km historical simulation have a negative bias in intensity, not exceeding Category 4, and a wet bias in the rainfall associated with these cyclones. However, there is a clear improvement in cyclone intensity and rainfall at 4 km in comparison with the 12 km simulation. Climate change responses in the 4 km simulation include an extension of the tropical cyclone season, and strong increases in frequency of the most intense cyclones (approximately by a factor of 10) and associated rainfall. These are consistent with the results from the 12 km simulation.
Roles of Thermal Forced and Eddy‐Driven Effects in the Northward Shifting of the Subtropical Westerly Jet Under Recent Climate Change
Authors: Sheng Chen , Wu Guoxiong , Liu Yimin , He Bian
Published: February 2024

The zonal‐mean subtropical westerly jet (SWJ) in boreal winter shows a significant northward shift trend under recent climate change. Previous studies proposed thermal forcing—represented by the thermal wind associated with the temperature gradient—and the driving effect of the eddy momentum flux (EMF) convergence that leads to the eddy‐driven jet as explanations for this process; however, their relative importance in influencing the SWJ shift requires further investigation. In this study, we examined the roles of thermal forced and eddy‐driven jet components in the zonal‐mean northward SWJ shift. We also investigated the role of Hadley circulation because its poleward boundary is related to the zonal‐mean SWJ. Results suggest that thermal forced component plays a major role, while EMF‐driven component plays a secondary role. Specifically, the subtropical warming, which is primarily influenced by enhanced adiabatic downward motion of the Hadley circulation, increases the meridional temperature gradient and the associated thermal wind poleward of the SWJ. It also reduces atmospheric static stability aloft and converges the EMF on the poleward side of the climatological SWJ. Enhanced meridional temperature gradient and EMF convergence on the poleward side push the SWJ northward. Results from further mathematical analysis indicate that thermal forced and eddy‐driven zonal wind components account for 72% and 28% of the shift distance, respectively. In addition to elucidating the relative importance of thermal and EMF forcings, this study emphasizes the critical role of the subtropical warming driven by the intensified local descending branch of the Hadley circulation in shifting the zonal‐mean SWJ.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Onset and Evolution for the Non‐Darcy Behavior of the Partially Filled Rough Fracture
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Enzhi
Published: February 2024

The non‐Darcy flow behavior in unfilled and fully filled rough fractures has been investigated thoroughly for decades. Natural fractures usually be partially filled with porous media due to long‐term internal and external dynamic disturbances and water flow erosion. However, how to evaluate the nonlinear seepage characteristics of the partially filled rough fracture (PFRF) is never scrutinized. In the present study, 2D direct numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the non‐Darcy behavior for flow through 6 PFRF models under different filling conditions (i.e., filling degree, roughness, and hydraulic conductivity capability of the filling medium), which included coupling between the free and seepage flow in the unfilled and filled region, respectively. The results show that the critical non‐Darcy factor E = 0.02 can be used to judge the onset of the non‐Darcy regime in PFRF, which is also the critical point of eddy region (ER) volume mutation. The higher the filling degree and the weaker the hydraulic conductivity of the filled medium, the more significant the non‐Darcy behavior. Furthermore, the variation of ER volume can be divided into three stages with the increasing inertia effect, that is, stable stage (E < 0.02), slow nonlinear growth stage (0.02 ≤ E ≤ 0.1), and rapid linear growth stage (E > 0.1). In addition, a new model for quantitatively evaluating the non‐Darcy behavior of PFRF is developed via gene expression programming based on 735 simulation data set, which is further employed to establish the relationship between the friction factor.
Cost and time-efficient construction of a 3′-end mRNA library from unpurified bulk RNA in a single tube
Authors: Choi Jungwon , Hyun Jungheun , Hyun Jieun , Kim Jae-Hee , Lee Ji Hyun , Bang Duhee
Published: February 2024

The major drawbacks of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), a remarkably accurate transcriptome profiling method, is its high cost and poor scalability. Here, we report a highly scalable and cost-effective method for transcriptomics profiling called Bulk transcriptOme profiling of cell Lysate in a single poT (BOLT-seq), which is performed using unpurified bulk 3′-end mRNA in crude cell lysates. During BOLT-seq, RNA/DNA hybrids are directly subjected to tagmentation, and second-strand cDNA synthesis and RNA purification are omitted, allowing libraries to be constructed in 2 h of hands-on time. BOLT-seq was successfully used to cluster small molecule drugs based on their mechanisms of action and intended targets. BOLT-seq competes effectively with alternative library construction and transcriptome profiling methods.
The neutrophil–osteogenic cell axis promotes bone destruction in periodontitis
Authors: Ando Yutaro , Tsukasaki Masayuki , Huynh Nam Cong-Nhat , Zang Shizao , Yan Minglu , Muro Ryunosuke , Nakamura Kazutaka , Komagamine Masatsugu , Komatsu Noriko , Okamoto Kazuo , Nakano Kenta , Okamura Tadashi , Yamaguchi Akira , Ishihara Kazuyuki , Takayanagi Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

The immune-stromal cell interactions play a key role in health and diseases. In periodontitis, the most prevalent infectious disease in humans, immune cells accumulate in the oral mucosa and promote bone destruction by inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteogenic cells such as osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells. However, the detailed mechanism underlying immune–bone cell interactions in periodontitis is not fully understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis on mouse periodontal lesions and showed that neutrophil–osteogenic cell crosstalk is involved in periodontitis-induced bone loss. The periodontal lesions displayed marked infiltration of neutrophils, and in silico analyses suggested that the neutrophils interacted with osteogenic cells through cytokine production. Among the cytokines expressed in the periodontal neutrophils, oncostatin M (OSM) potently induced RANKL expression in the primary osteoblasts, and deletion of the OSM receptor in osteogenic cells significantly ameliorated periodontitis-induced bone loss. Epigenomic data analyses identified the OSM-regulated RANKL enhancer region in osteogenic cells, and mice lacking this enhancer showed decreased periodontal bone loss while maintaining physiological bone metabolism. These findings shed light on the role of neutrophils in bone regulation during bacterial infection, highlighting the novel mechanism underlying osteoimmune crosstalk.
Demixing microwave signals using system-on-chip photonic processor
Authors: Gao Sheng , Wu Chu , Lin Xing
Published: February 2024

The integrated photonic processor, co-packaged with electronic peripherals, is proposed for blind source separation of microwave signals, which separates signal-of-interest from dynamic interference with real-time adaptability.
AF1q is a universal marker of neuroblastoma that sustains N-Myc expression and drives tumorigenesis
Authors: Oskouian Babak , Lee Joanna Y. , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Khan Ranjha , Zhang Meng , Weisbrod Julia R. , Choi Youn-Jeong , Puri Latika , Aguilar Ana E. , Zhao Piming , Saba Julie D.
Published: February 2024

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant tumor of childhood, accounting for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Despite significant advances in our understanding of neuroblastoma biology, five-year survival rates for high-risk disease remain less than 50%, highlighting the importance of identifying novel therapeutic targets to combat the disease.MYCNamplification is the most frequent and predictive molecular aberration correlating with poor outcome in neuroblastoma. N-Myc is a short-lived protein primarily due to its rapid proteasomal degradation, a potentially exploitable vulnerability in neuroblastoma. AF1q is an oncoprotein with established roles in leukemia and solid tumor progression. It is normally expressed in brain and sympathetic neurons and has been postulated to play a part in neural differentiation. However, no role for AF1q in tumors of neural origin has been reported. In this study, we found AF1q to be a universal marker of neuroblastoma tumors. Silencing AF1q in neuroblastoma cells caused proteasomal degradation of N-Myc through Ras/ERK and AKT/GSK3β pathways, activated p53 and blocked cell cycle progression, culminating in cell death via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Moreover, silencing AF1q attenuated neuroblastoma tumorigenicity in vivo signifying AF1q’s importance in neuroblastoma oncogenesis. Our findings reveal AF1q to be a novel regulator of N-Myc and potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.
Convergent and divergent genes expression profiles associated with brain-wide functional connectome dysfunction in deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia
Authors: Zhou Chao , Tang Xiaowei , Yu Miao , Zhang Hongying , Zhang Xiaobin , Gao Ju , Zhang Xiangrong , Chen Jiu
Published: February 2024

Deficit schizophrenia (DS) is a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by the primary and persistent negative symptoms. Previous studies have identified differences in brain functions between DS and non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients. However, the genetic regulation features underlying these abnormal changes are still unknown. This study aimed to detect the altered patterns of functional connectivity (FC) in DS and NDS and investigate the gene expression profiles underlying these abnormal FC. The study recruited 82 DS patients, 96 NDS patients, and 124 healthy controls (CN). Voxel-based unbiased brain-wide association study was performed to reveal altered patterns of FC in DS and NDS patients. Machine learning techniques were used to access the utility of altered FC for diseases diagnosis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to explore the associations between altered FC and gene expression of 6 donated brains. Enrichment analysis was conducted to identify the genetic profiles, and the spatio-temporal expression patterns of the key genes were further explored. Comparing to CN, 23 and 20 brain regions with altered FC were identified in DS and NDS patients. The altered FC among these regions showed significant correlations with the SDS scores and exhibited high efficiency in disease classification. WGCNA revealed associations between DS/NDS-related gene expression and altered FC. Additionally, 22 overlapped genes, including 12 positive regulation genes and 10 negative regulation genes, were found between NDS and DS. Enrichment analyses demonstrated relationships between identified genes and significant pathways related to cellular response, neuro regulation, receptor binding, and channel activity. Spatial and temporal gene expression profiles of SCN1B showed the lowest expression at the initiation of embryonic development, while DPYSL3 exhibited rapid increased in the fetal. The present study revealed different altered patterns of FC in DS and NDS patients and highlighted the potential value of FC in disease classification. The associations between gene expression and neuroimaging provided insights into specific and common genetic regulation underlying these brain functional changes in DS and NDS, suggesting a potential genetic-imaging pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Targeting PHGDH reverses the immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages through α-ketoglutarate and mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Cai Zhengnan , Li Wan , Hager Sonja , Wilson Jayne Louise , Afjehi-Sadat Leila , Heiss Elke H. , Weichhart Thomas , Heffeter Petra , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: February 2024

Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) has emerged as a crucial factor in macromolecule synthesis, neutralizing oxidative stress, and regulating methylation reactions in cancer cells, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. However, the role of PHGDH in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is poorly understood. Here, we found that the T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine interleukin-4 and tumor-conditioned media upregulate the expression of PHGDH in macrophages and promote immunosuppressive M2 macrophage activation and proliferation. Loss of PHGDH disrupts cellular metabolism and mitochondrial respiration, which are essential for immunosuppressive macrophages. Mechanistically, PHGDH-mediated serine biosynthesis promotes α-ketoglutarate production, which activates mTORC1 signaling and contributes to the maintenance of an M2-like macrophage phenotype in the tumor microenvironment. Genetic ablation of PHGDH in macrophages from tumor-bearing mice results in attenuated tumor growth, reduced TAM infiltration, a phenotypic shift of M2-like TAMs toward an M1-like phenotype, downregulated PD-L1 expression and enhanced antitumor T-cell immunity. Our study provides a strong basis for further exploration of PHGDH as a potential target to counteract TAM-mediated immunosuppression and hinder tumor progression.
Automatic data-driven design and 3D printing of custom ocular prostheses
Authors: Reinhard Johann , Urban Philipp , Bell Stephen , Carpenter David , Sagoo Mandeep S.
Published: February 2024

Millions of people require custom ocular prostheses due to eye loss or congenital defects. The current fully manual manufacturing processes used by highly skilled ocularists are time-consuming with varying quality. Additive manufacturing technology has the potential to simplify the manufacture of ocular prosthetics, but existing approaches just replace to various degrees craftsmanship by manual digital design and still require substantial expertise and time. Here we present an automatic digital end-to-end process for producing custom ocular prostheses that uses image data from an anterior segment optical coherence tomography device and considers both shape and appearance. Our approach uses a statistical shape model to predict, based on incomplete surface information of the eye socket, a best fitting prosthesis shape. We use a colour characterized image of the healthy fellow eye to determine and procedurally generate the prosthesis’s appearance that matches the fellow eye. The prosthesis is manufactured using a multi-material full-colour 3D printer and postprocessed to satisfy regulatory compliance. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by presenting results for 10 clinic patients who received a 3D printed prosthesis. Compared to a current manual process, our approach requires five times less labour of the ocularist and produces reproducible output.