bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Backscattering Linear Depolarization Ratio of Smoke Aerosols From Biomass Burning
Authors: Qin Zhenhai , Wang Haihui , He Aonan , Sun Yuping , Li Jingan , Zhang Yongming , Zhang Qixing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe linear depolarization ratio (LDR) of backscattering is a key parameter for distinguishing particle types. The measured LDRs of smoke in previous studies are highly variable and different from each other. Existing research on smoke aerosols considers only the internal mixing state of the black carbon (BC) particle population either by ignoring the externally mixed organic carbon (OC) particle population or by evaluating the LDR of smoke aerosols using the results of individual particles rather than the particle population. The field‐measured LDR of smoke then becomes difficult to interpret properly. The recent prescribed forest burning experiment in China showed that the LDR of freshly emitted smoke varies between 0.0% and 20.1% in wavelength (λ) of 532 nm. Electron microscopy images also showed that coated BC and pure OC exist simultaneously in biomass burning aerosols. Therefore, this study evaluates the influence of various parameters on the LDR of smoke by considering the internal and external mixing states. The calculated LDRs of the smoke aerosols were found to vary between 0.0% and 28.2% when λ is equal to 532 nm. The calculation results indicate that the LDR of smoke is slightly influenced by BC, considerably affected by the externally mixed OC, and is essentially dominated by the latter's morphology and particle size distribution. High levels and rapid changes of LDR of smoke can be well explained by nonsphericity and particle size distribution of externally mixed OC. This study advances the research on the measurement and evaluation of the LDR of smoke aerosols.
Tropical Leaf Wax n‐Alkane and n‐Alkanoic Acid Reflect δD of Precipitation During Early Stages of Leaf Growth: Insights From an Isotope Labeling Experiment
Authors: Saishree Amrita , Managave Shreyas , Yadava M. G. , Devi Salam Maheshwori , Sanyal Prasanta 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe hydrogen isotopic compositions of leaf‐wax n‐alkanes (δDalk) and n‐alkanoic acids (δDacid) reflect ambient climatic conditions (including precipitation δD values, δDprecip). However, the understanding of climatic conditions of exactly which period (i.e., early or entire period of the leaf's lifespan) these biomarkers preserve is still evolving. Previous studies on the δDalk and δDacid values, done only in extra‐tropical regions, mostly indicate that δDalk values are biased toward the early growing season whereas δDacid values are not biased toward any season. To decipher the seasonal bias in δDalk and δDacid records from tropics, we conducted a long‐duration experiment wherein deciduous and evergreen species were grown using normal water (δD = −2‰) during early stages of the leaf growth and later using isotopically labeled water (δD = 1,000‰). Our experiment revealed (a) in deciduous and evergreen species, δDalk and δDacid values reflect δDprecip during early stages of the leaf growth, (b) synchronous synthesis of n‐alkanes and n‐alkanoic acids, and (c) in deciduous species, minor incorporation of the previous year's photosynthates in leaf wax pool of the current year's mature leaves. Our study suggests that δDalk and δDacid records in the tropics are biased toward the climatic conditions prevailing during early stages of leaf growth. This bias should be considered while comparing the δDprecip values generated from leaf wax proxy records and isotope‐enabled atmospheric circulation models.
Transition From Reverse to Left‐Slip on the Eastern Haiyuan Fault, NE Tibetan Plateau, From the Structure and Age of the Ganyanchi Pull‐Apart Basin
Authors: Lei Shengxue , Cowgill Eric , Weldon Ray , Ran Yongkang , Li Haiou , Li Yanbao , Cai Minggang , Xu Liangxin , Liu Baojin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBecause the active, left‐slip Haiyuan fault is a first‐order structure along the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau, its tectonic evolution provides insight into deformation processes along this margin over time. Late Cenozoic deformation in the area of the eastern Haiyuan fault initiated as thrust faulting, followed by left‐lateral strike slip displacement. However, the time of this kinematic change has been long debated. Here we use the structural evolution and the age of the Ganyanchi basin to date the onset of this kinematic transition. Seismic reflection data, integrated with published structural mapping, indicate that the basin is a pull‐apart controlled by strands of the eastern Haiyuan fault. Previously reported magnetostratigraphy of a core from the basin interior indicates deposition started at ∼2.8 Ma. However, this age likely postdates initiation of the bounding strike‐slip faults. We estimate that an additional 0.2–1.0 Myr of lateral slip occurred before the dated section formed. Thus, we find that the age of the eastern Haiyuan fault is at least ∼3.5 Ma, which is significantly older than early estimates of less than 2 Ma. Integrating our new data with prior work reveals that the kinematic change from NE‐SW shortening to left‐slip along the Haiyuan fault youngs to the east, which we interpret to result from growth of the Haiyuan strike‐slip fault via progressive lateral propagation from west to east. Miocene‐Pliocene onset of the Haiyuan strike‐slip fault coincides with initiation ages of other major strike‐slip faults in NE Tibet, likely implying that the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau had switched to a strike‐slip dominated mode of deformation by this time.
Double-stranded vinyl polymer with transformable side chains synthesized in a metal‒organic framework
Authors: Kametani Yuki , Abe Masahiro , Mori Tomohito , Uemura Takashi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPost-polymerization modification (PPM) via active ester chemistry is a valuable method for modulating side-chain structures without altering their main-chain topology. Herein, we synthesized a double-stranded vinyl polymer with an active ester by crosslinking radical polymerization within the nanochannels of a metal‒organic framework (MOF) with a pore diameter comparable to that of the duplex. The resulting double-stranded poly(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate) (DPHFIPA) was readily converted into acrylates and acrylamides with side chains derived from the nucleophile used in the PPM. This approach offers a pathway for creating double-stranded vinyl polymers with repeating units that are otherwise difficult to synthesize, even when MOF-templated polymerization is used.
Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm with an evolutionary trained bacteriophage cocktail exploiting phage resistance trade-offs
Authors: Kunisch Fabian , Campobasso Claudia , Wagemans Jeroen , Yildirim Selma , Chan Benjamin K. , Schaudinn Christoph , Lavigne Rob , Turner Paul E. , Raschke Michael J. , Trampuz Andrej , Gonzalez Moreno Mercedes 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSpread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains threatens to render currently available antibiotics obsolete, with limited prospects for the development of new antibiotics. Lytic bacteriophages, the viruses of bacteria, represent a path to combat this threat. In vitro-directed evolution is traditionally applied to expand the bacteriophage host range or increase bacterial suppression in planktonic cultures. However, while up to 80% of human microbial infections are biofilm-associated, research towards targeted improvement of bacteriophages’ ability to combat biofilms remains scarce. This study aims at an in vitro biofilm evolution assay to improve multiple bacteriophage parameters in parallel and the optimisation of bacteriophage cocktail design by exploiting a bacterial bacteriophage resistance trade-off. The evolved bacteriophages show an expanded host spectrum, improved antimicrobial efficacy and enhanced antibiofilm performance, as assessed by isothermal microcalorimetry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Our two-phage cocktail reveals further improved antimicrobial efficacy without incurring dual-bacteriophage-resistance in treated bacteria. We anticipate this assay will allow a better understanding of phenotypic-genomic relationships in bacteriophages and enable the training of bacteriophages against other desired pathogens. This, in turn, will strengthen bacteriophage therapy as a treatment adjunct to improve clinical outcomes of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Immune escape and attenuated severity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86/JN.1 lineage
Authors: Lewnard Joseph A. , Mahale Parag , Malden Debbie , Hong Vennis , Ackerson Bradley K. , Lewin Bruno J. , Link-Gelles Ruth , Feldstein Leora R. , Lipsitch Marc , Tartof Sara Y. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 lineage, and its sublineage JN.1 in particular, achieved widespread transmission in the US during winter 2023–24. However, this surge in infections was not accompanied by COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality commensurate with prior waves. To understand shifts in COVID-19 epidemiology associated with JN.1 emergence, we compared characteristics and clinical outcomes of time-matched cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages (predominantly representing JN.1) versus co-circulating XBB-derived lineages in December, 2023 and January, 2024. Cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages received greater numbers of COVID-19 vaccine doses, including XBB.1.5-targeted boosters, in comparison to cases infected with XBB-derived lineages. Additionally, cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages experienced greater numbers of documented prior SARS-CoV-2 infections. Cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages also experienced lower risk of progression to severe clinical outcomes requiring emergency department consultations or hospital admission. Sensitivity analyses suggested under-ascertainment of prior infections could not explain this apparent attenuation of severity. Our findings implicate escape from immunity acquired from prior vaccination or infection in the emergence of the JN.1 lineage and suggest infections with this lineage are less likely to experience clinically-severe disease. Monitoring of immune escape and clinical severity in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a priority to inform responses.
Giant magnetocaloric effect in a rare-earth-free layered coordination polymer at liquid hydrogen temperatures
Authors: Levinsky J. J. B. , Beckmann B. , Gottschall T. , Koch D. , Ahmadi M. , Gutfleisch O. , Blake G. R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMagnetic refrigeration, which utilizes the magnetocaloric effect, can provide a viable alternative to the ubiquitous vapor compression or Joule-Thompson expansion methods of refrigeration. For applications such as hydrogen gas liquefaction, the development of magnetocaloric materials that perform well in moderate magnetic fields without using rare-earth elements is highly desirable. Here we present a thorough investigation of the structural and magnetocaloric properties of a novel layered organic-inorganic hybrid coordination polymer Co4(OH)6(SO4)2[enH2] (enH2 = ethylenediammonium). Heat capacity, magnetometry and direct adiabatic temperature change measurements using pulsed magnetic fields reveal a field-dependent ferromagnetic second-order phase transition at 10 K <$${T}_{C}$$

T

C

< 15 K. Near the hydrogen liquefaction temperature and in a magnetic field change of 1 T, a large maximum value of the magnetic entropy change, $$\Delta {S}_{M}^{{Pk}}$$
Δ

S

M

P
k

= − 6.31 J kg−1 K−1, and an adiabatic temperature change, $$\Delta {T}_{{{\rm{ad}}}}$$
Δ

T

ad

= 1.98 K, are observed. These values are exceptional for rare-earth-free materials and competitive with many rare-earth-containing alloys that have been proposed for magnetic cooling around the hydrogen liquefaction range.
Genomic variation of European beech reveals signals of local adaptation despite high levels of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Lazic Desanka , Geßner Cornelia , Liepe Katharina J. , Lesur-Kupin Isabelle , Mader Malte , Blanc-Jolivet Céline , Gömöry Dušan , Liesebach Mirko , González-Martínez Santiago C. , Fladung Matthias , Degen Bernd , Müller Niels A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLocal adaptation is key for ecotypic differentiation and species evolution. Understanding underlying genomic patterns can allow the prediction of future maladaptation and ecosystem stability. Here, we report the whole-genome resequencing of 874 individuals from 100 range-wide populations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), an important forest tree species in Europe. We show that genetic variation closely mirrors geography with a clear pattern of isolation-by-distance. Genome-wide analyses for genotype-environment associations (GEAs) identify relatively few potentially adaptive variants after correcting for an overwhelming signal of statistically significant but non-causal GEAs. We characterize the single high confidence genomic region and pinpoint a candidate gene possibly involved in winter temperature adaptation via modulation of spring phenology. Surprisingly, allelic variation at this locus does not result in any apparent fitness differences in a common garden. More generally, reciprocal transplant experiments across large climate distances suggest extensive phenotypic plasticity. Nevertheless, we find indications of polygenic adaptation which may be essential in natural ecosystems. This polygenic signal exhibits broad- and fine-scale variation across the landscape, highlighting the relevance of spatial resolution. In summary, our results emphasize the importance, but also exemplify the complexity, of employing natural genetic variation for forest conservation under climate change.
Single-cell transcriptomes identify patient-tailored therapies for selective co-inhibition of cancer clones
Authors: Ianevski Aleksandr , Nader Kristen , Driva Kyriaki , Senkowski Wojciech , Bulanova Daria , Moyano-Galceran Lidia , Ruokoranta Tanja , Kuusanmäki Heikki , Ikonen Nemo , Sergeev Philipp , Vähä-Koskela Markus , Giri Anil K. , Vähärautio Anna , Kontro Mika , Porkka Kimmo , Pitkänen Esa , Heckman Caroline A. , Wennerberg Krister , Aittokallio Tero 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntratumoral cellular heterogeneity necessitates multi-targeting therapies for improved clinical benefits in advanced malignancies. However, systematic identification of patient-specific treatments that selectively co-inhibit cancerous cell populations poses a combinatorial challenge, since the number of possible drug-dose combinations vastly exceeds what could be tested in patient cells. Here, we describe a machine learning approach, scTherapy, which leverages single-cell transcriptomic profiles to prioritize multi-targeting treatment options for individual patients with hematological cancers or solid tumors. Patient-specific treatments reveal a wide spectrum of co-inhibitors of multiple biological pathways predicted for primary cells from heterogenous cohorts of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, each with unique resistance patterns and synergy mechanisms. Experimental validations confirm that 96% of the multi-targeting treatments exhibit selective efficacy or synergy, and 83% demonstrate low toxicity to normal cells, highlighting their potential for therapeutic efficacy and safety. In a pan-cancer analysis across five cancer types, 25% of the predicted treatments are shared among the patients of the same tumor type, while 19% of the treatments are patient-specific. Our approach provides a widely-applicable strategy to identify personalized treatment regimens that selectively co-inhibit malignant cells and avoid inhibition of non-cancerous cells, thereby increasing their likelihood for clinical success.
Developmental assembly of multi-component polymer systems through interconnected synthetic gene networks in vitro
Authors: Sorrentino Daniela , Ranallo Simona , Ricci Francesco , Franco Elisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLiving cells regulate the dynamics of developmental events through interconnected signaling systems that activate and deactivate inert precursors. This suggests that similarly, synthetic biomaterials could be designed to develop over time by using chemical reaction networks to regulate the availability of assembling components. Here we demonstrate how the sequential activation or deactivation of distinct DNA building blocks can be modularly coordinated to form distinct populations of self-assembling polymers using a transcriptional signaling cascade of synthetic genes. Our building blocks are DNA tiles that polymerize into nanotubes, and whose assembly can be controlled by RNA molecules produced by synthetic genes that target the tile interaction domains. To achieve different RNA production rates, we use a strategy based on promoter “nicking” and strand displacement. By changing the way the genes are cascaded and the RNA levels, we demonstrate that we can obtain spatially and temporally different outcomes in nanotube assembly, including random DNA polymers, block polymers, and as well as distinct autonomous formation and dissolution of distinct polymer populations. Our work demonstrates a way to construct autonomous supramolecular materials whose properties depend on the timing of molecular instructions for self-assembly, and can be immediately extended to a variety of other nucleic acid circuits and assemblies.
Fire weakens land carbon sinks before 1.5 °C
Authors: Burton Chantelle A. , Kelley Douglas I. , Burke Eleanor , Mathison Camilla , Jones Chris D. , Betts Richard A. , Robertson Eddy , Teixeira João C. M. , Cardoso Manoel , Anderson Liana O. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the Paris Agreement committed countries to pursue efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C by urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Paris temperature ambitions and remaining carbon budgets mostly use models that lack feedback among fire, vegetation and carbon, which are essential for understanding the future resilience of ecosystems. Here we use a coupled fire–vegetation model to explore regional impacts and feedbacks across global warming levels. We address whether the 1.5 °C goal is consistent with avoiding significant ecosystem changes when considering shifts in fire regimes. We find that the global warming level at which fire began to impact global carbon storage significantly was 1.07 °C (0.8–1.34 °C) above pre-industrial levels and conclude that fire is already playing a major role in decreasing the effectiveness of land carbon sinks. We estimate that considering fire reduces the remaining carbon budget by 25 Gt CO2 (~5%) for limiting temperature rise to 1.5 °C and 64 GtCO2 (~5%) for 2.0 °C compared to previous estimates. Whereas limiting warming to 1.5 °C is still essential for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, in many cases, we are already reaching the point of significant change in ecosystems rich in carbon and biodiversity.
Structure-function analysis of time-resolved immunological phases in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASH) comparing the NIF mouse model to human MASH
Authors: Schmidt-Christensen Anja , Eriksson Gustaw , Laprade William M. , Pirzamanbein Behnaz , Hörnberg Maria , Linde Kajsa , Nilsson Julia , Skarsfeldt Mark , Leeming Diana J. , Mokso Rajmund , Verezhak Mariana , Dahl Anders , Dahl Vedrana , Önnerhag Kristina , Oghazi Massoud Rezaee , Mayans Sofia , Holmberg Dan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The association between these conditions is multifaceted and involves complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and genetic factors. Here we assess the underlying structural and molecular processes focusing on the immunological phase of MASH in the nonobese inflammation and fibrosis (NIF) mouse model and compare it to the human disease as well as other murine models. Histopathology together with synchrotron-radiation-based x-ray micro-computed tomography (SRµCT) was used to investigate structural changes within the hepatic sinusoids network in the NIF mouse in comparison to patients with different severities of MASH. A time-course, bulk RNA-sequencing analysis of liver tissue from NIF mice was performed to identify the dynamics of key processes associated with the pathogenesis. Transcriptomics profiling of the NIF mouse revealed a gradual transition from an initially reactive inflammatory response to a regenerative, pro-fibrotic inflammatory response suggesting new avenues for treatment strategies that focus on immunological targets. Despite the lack of metabolic stress induced liver phenotype, a large similarity between the NIF mouse and the immunological phase of human MASH was detected. The translational value was further supported by the comparative analyses with MASH patients and additional animal models. Finally, the impact of diets known to induce metabolic stress, was explored in the NIF mouse. An obesogenic diet was found to induce key physiological, metabolic, and histologic changes akin to those observed in human MASH.
Non-contact photoacoustic imaging with a silicon photonics-based Laser Doppler Vibrometer
Authors: Dieussaert Emiel , Baets Roel , Jans Hilde , Rottenberg Xavier , Li Yanlu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhotoacoustic imaging has emerged as a powerful, non-invasive modality for various biomedical applications. Conventional photoacoustic systems require contact-based ultrasound detection and expensive, bulky high-power lasers for the excitation. The use of contact-based detectors involves the risk of contamination, which is undesirable for most biomedical applications. While other non-contact detection methods can be bulky, in this paper, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept experiment for compact and contactless detection of photoacoustic signals on silicone samples embedded with ink-filled channels. A silicon photonics-based Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) detects the acoustic waves excited by a compact pulsed laser diode. By scanning the LDV beam over the surface of the sample, 2D photoacoustic images were reconstructed of the sample.
Neutrophil-to-ferritin ratio can predict hematological causes of fever of unknown origin
Authors: Öztop Hikmet , Hunutlu Fazıl Çağrı 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite advancements in diagnostic modalities, delineating the etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) remains a significant challenge for clinicians. Notably, cases with hematological malignancies often have a poor prognosis due to delayed diagnosis. This study investigated the potential of readily obtainable laboratory markers to differentiate hematological causes from other etiologies during the early stages of FUO. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 100 patients who fulfilled the modified FUO criteria between January 2010 and April 2023. Hematological etiologies were identified in 26 of the 100 patients. Peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, and the systemic immune inflammation (SII) index, were significantly lower in the hematological group compared to the non-hematological group. Conversely, serum ferritin levels were demonstrably higher in the hematological group. ROC analysis identified a neutrophil-to-ferritin ratio (NFR) cutoff value of < 8.53 as optimal for predicting hematological etiology. Subsequent multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NFR was the sole independent predictor of hematological etiology (p = 0.013).This study proposes a novel approach for early diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening subset of FUO patients. The NFR presents as an inexpensive and readily available marker for predicting hematological etiology in FUO cases.