bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Block Kinematics and Fault Slip Rates in the Pamir, Central Asia, From an Integrated GNSS Velocity Field
Authors: Wang Dongzhen , Zhao Bin , Li Jie , Metzger Sabrina , Gu Chong , Wang Wei , Zheng Gang , Yu Jiansheng , Qiao Xuejun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractContemporary kinematic characteristics of the Pamir plateau are characterized by (a) significant NS‐shortening across the northern front, (b) EW‐extension within the Pamir and (c) gravitationally driven westward mass‐outflux of the western Pamir into the Tajik basin. The 2015 Mw 7.2 Sarez and 2023 Mw 6.8 Murghab strike‐slip earthquakes highlight the crucial role of shear deformation in the Pamir's interior, but the detailed secular kinematics of the remote Plateau are still elusive. Here, we employ elastic block models to fit GNSS velocities compiled from our own reprocessed velocity solution and from previous studies to determine slip rates along major active faults within and bounding the Pamir plateau. Our favored model separates the Pamir's interior into three micro‐blocks along the NNE‐trending sinistral Sarez‐Karakul fault system and the SSE‐trending Kongur Shan extensional system. The model confirms significant crustal shortening along the Pamir's northern boundary and strike‐slip motion along its western boundary, namely the Pamir thrust system and the Darvaz fault, respectively. In contrast, strike‐slip motion on the eastern boundary is minor. In the interior of the Plateau, we find an upper limit of sinistral shear of 8.8 ± 0.3–9.5 ± 0.2 mm/yr along the Sarez‐Karakul fault system and dextral shear of 6.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr along the WNW‐trending Muji fault. Our model also confirms recent observations of an active, SW‐continuation of the Sarez‐Karakul fault system. In the eastern Pamir, crustal extension mainly occurs across the northern segment of the Kongur Shan extensional system. The recent large strike‐slip earthquakes on the Pamir plateau suggest that shear motion on the plateau is accommodated on a much wider range than only by the Sarez‐Karakul fault system.
The gut microbiota metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide in children with β-thalassemia: potential implication for iron-induced renal tubular dysfunction
Authors: Ghalwash Asmaa A. , El-Gohary Rehab M. , El Amrousy Doaa , Morad Lamia M. , Kassem Shaima S. , Hegab Islam Ibrahim , Okasha Asmaa H. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Renal tubular dysfunction is common in transfusion-dependent β thalassemia (β-TM). Iron overload, chronic anemia, and hypoxia are precipitating factors for renal insult. However, gut microbiota engagement in the renal insult has not been explored. Our work aimed to assess the potential link between iron overload, gut leakage/dysbiosis, and kidney dysfunction in these children.

Methods
We enrolled 40 children with β-TM and 40 healthy controls. Gut leakage/dysbiosis biomarkers (trimethylamine-N-oxide [TMAO] and fecal short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs]), oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, TMAO-regulated proteins such as serum sirtuin 1 (S.SIRT1) and serum high mobility box group-1 (S.HMGB1), and tubular dysfunction biomarkers were assessed. Correlations and regression analysis were performed to assess the relation between different parameters.

Results
Iron overload, redox imbalance, and generalized inflammation were evident in children with β-TM. Renal tubular dysfunction biomarkers and S.TMAO were significantly elevated in the patient group. Furthermore, fecal SCFAs were significantly lower with upregulation of the investigated genes in the patient group. The correlation studies affirmed the close relationship between circulating ferritin, TMAO, and renal dysfunction and strongly implicated SIRT1/HMGB1 axis in TMAO action.

Conclusions
Gut dysbiosis may have a role in the pathogenesis of renal injury in children with β-TM.

Impact

Renal tubular dysfunction is a prominent health issue in β thalassemia major (β-TM). Iron overload, chronic anemia, and hypoxia are known precipitating factors. However, gut microbiota engagement in renal insult in these patients has not yet been explored.

We aimed to assess potential link between iron overload, gut leakage/dysbiosis, and kidney dysfunction in β-TM children and to highlight the SIRT1/HMGB1 axis, a signal motivated by the gut microbiota-dependent metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), involvement in such insults.

We found that gut leakage/dysbiosis may have a role in kidney dysfunction in β-TM children by exacerbating the iron-motivated oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and modulating SIRT1/HMGB1 axis.
Metasurface-enabled multifunctional single-frequency sensors without external power
Authors: Tashiro Masaya , Ide Kosuke , Asano Kosei , Ishii Satoshi , Sugiura Yuta , Uchiyama Akira , Wakatsuchi Hiroki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
IoT sensors are crucial for visualizing multidimensional and multimodal information and enabling future IT applications/services such as cyber-physical spaces, digital twins, autonomous driving, smart cities and virtual/augmented reality (VR or AR). However, IoT sensors need to be battery-free to realistically manage and maintain the growing number of available sensing devices. Here, we provide a novel sensor design approach that employs metasurfaces to enable multifunctional sensing without requiring an external power source. Importantly, unlike existing metasurface-based sensors, our metasurfaces can sense multiple physical parameters even at a fixed frequency by breaking classic harmonic oscillations in the time domain, making the proposed sensors viable for usage with limited frequency resources. Moreover, we provide a method for predicting physical parameters via the machine learning-based approach of random forest regression. The sensing performance was confirmed by estimating the temperature and light intensity, and excellent determination coefficients larger than 0.96 were achieved. Our study affords new opportunities for sensing multiple physical properties without relying on an external power source or requiring multiple frequencies, which markedly simplifies and facilitates the design of next-generation wireless communication systems.
Chemogenetics with PSAM4-GlyR decreases excitability and epileptiform activity in epileptic hippocampus
Authors: Gonzalez-Ramos Ana , Berglind Fredrik , Kudláček Jan , Rocha Elza R. , Melin Esbjörn , Sebastião Ana M. , Valente Cláudia A. , Ledri Marco , Andersson My , Kokaia Merab 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite the availability of new drugs on the clinics in recent years, drug-resistant epilepsy remains an unresolved challenge for healthcare, and one-third of epilepsy patients remain refractory to anti-seizure medications. Gene therapy in experimental models has emerged as effective treatment targeting specific neuronal populations in the epileptogenic focus. When combined with an external chemical activator using chemogenetics, it also becomes an “on-demand” treatment. Here, we evaluate a targeted and specific chemogenetic therapy, the PSAM/PSEM system, which holds promise as a potential candidate for clinical application in treating drug-resistant epilepsy. We show that the inert ligand uPSEM817, which selectively activates the chloride-permeable channel PSAM4-GlyR, effectively reduces the number of depolarization-induced action potentials in vitro. This effect is likely due to the shunting of depolarizing currents, as evidenced by decreased membrane resistance in these cells. In organotypic slices, uPSEM817 decreased the number of bursts and peak amplitude of events of spontaneous epileptiform activity. Although administration of uPSEM817 in vivo did not significantly alter electrographic seizures in a male mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, it did demonstrate a strong trend toward reducing the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges. These findings indicate that PSAM4-GlyR-based chemogenetics holds potential as an anti-seizure strategy, although further refinement is necessary to enhance its efficacy.
Antibodies targeting the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus nucleoprotein protect via TRIM21
Authors: Leventhal Shanna S. , Bisom Thomas , Clift Dean , Rao Deepashri , Meade-White Kimberly , Shaia Carl , Murray Justin , Mihalakakos Evan A. , Hinkley Troy , Reynolds Steven J. , Best Sonja M. , Erasmus Jesse H. , James Leo C. , Feldmann Heinz , Hawman David W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCrimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a negative-sense RNA virus spread by Hyalomma genus ticks across Europe, Asia, and Africa. CCHF disease begins as a non-specific febrile illness which may progress into a severe hemorrhagic disease with no widely approved or highly efficacious interventions currently available. Recently, we reported a self-replicating, alphavirus-based RNA vaccine that expresses the CCHFV nucleoprotein and is protective against lethal CCHFV disease in mice. This vaccine induces high titers of non-neutralizing anti-NP antibodies and we show here that protection does not require Fc-gamma receptors or complement. Instead, vaccinated mice deficient in the intracellular Fc-receptor TRIM21 were unable to control the infection despite mounting robust CCHFV-specific immunity. We also show that passive transfer of NP-immune sera confers significant TRIM21-dependent protection against lethal CCHFV challenge. Together our data identifies TRIM21-mediated mechanisms as the Fc effector function of protective antibodies against the CCHFV NP and provides mechanistic insight into how vaccines against the CCHFV NP confer protection.
Double-pentagon silicon chains in a quasi-1D Si/Ag(001) surface alloy
Authors: Hogan Conor , Sette Andrea , Saroka Vasil A. , Colonna Stefano , Flammini Roberto , Florean Laurita , Bernard Romain , Masson Laurence , Prévot Geoffroy , Ronci Fabio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSilicon surface alloys and silicide nanolayers are highly important as contact materials in integrated circuit devices. Here we demonstrate that the submonolayer Si/Ag(001) surface reconstruction, reported to exhibit interesting topological properties, comprises a quasi-one-dimensional Si-Ag surface alloy based on chains of planar double-pentagon Si moieties. This geometry is determined using a combination of density functional theory calculations, scanning tunnelling microscopy, and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction simulations, and yields an electronic structure in excellent agreement with photoemission measurements. This work provides further evidence of pentagonal geometries in 2D materials and heterostructures and elucidates the importance of surface alloying in stabilizing their formation.
The precipitate structure of copper-based antibacterial and antiviral agents enhances their longevity for kitchen use
Authors: Nishimura Takashi , Hashimoto Masami , Yamada Kageto , Iwata Ryuji , Tateda Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe transmission of bacteria through cooking surfaces, the handles of hot plates, and cookware that is not cleaned frequently can pose a problem. In this study, a copper ion-based mixed solution (CBMS) containing only inorganic ions with controlled acidity was assessed as a new antibacterial and antiviral agent. We analysed the structure of the precipitates, and various deposits measuring a few micrometres were observed on the substrates. We have defined these deposits as strongly bonded scaly copper dispersion (SBSCD) structures.The antibacterial copper component of the liquid agent changed over time after application; this mechanism appears to be responsible for the maintenance of antibacterial performance.CBMS demonstrates high safety for the human body and can be applied to stainless steel materials used in kitchens and tables. It exhibits a sustained antibacterial effect over time, and its antibacterial properties can be continuously maintained.
Effects of urban green space habitats and tree species on ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity
Authors: Lin Qian-Cai , Cen Ying-Qing , Xu Ming , Jiang Dan-Dan , Zhang Jian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEctomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) are key symbiotic microbial components for the growth and health of trees in urban greenspace habitats (UGSHs). However, the current understanding of EMF diversity in UGSHs remains poor. Therefore, in this study, using morphological classification and molecular identification, we aimed to investigate EMF diversity in three EMF host plants: Cedrus deodara in the roadside green belt, and C. deodara, Pinus massoniana, and Salix babylonica in the park roadside green belt, in Guiyang, China. A total of 62 EMF Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified, including 13 EMF OTUs in the C. deodara roadside green belt, and 23, 31, and 9 EMF OTUs in the park green belts. C. deodara, P. massoniana, and S. babylonica were respectively identified in park green belts. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phylum in the EMF communities in roadside and park green habitat, respectively. The Shannon and Simpson indexes of the C. deodara EMF community in the park green belt were higher than those in the roadside green belt. EMF diversity of the tree species in the park green belt was P. massoniana > C. deodara > S. babylonica. Differences in EMF community diversity was observed among the different greening tree species in the UGSHs. UGSHs with different disturbance gradients had a significant impact on the EMF diversity of the same greening tree species. These results can be used as a scientific reference for optimizing the design and scientific management of UGSHs.
Optimizing electrokinetic remediation for pollutant removal and electroosmosis/dewatering using lateral anode configurations
Authors: Abou-Shady Ahmed , Eissa Doaa , Abd-Elmottaleb Osama , Bahgaat Asmaa K. , Osman Mohamed A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSoil electrokinetics (SEK) research has been widely used in various fields such as soil remediation, dewatering, land restoration, geophysics, sedimentation, pollution prevention, consolidation, and seed germination. According to our most recent published research on SEK process design modifications during the last 30 years (1993–2022), more than 150 designs have been introduced to assure SEK’s maximum performance. Incorporating lateral electrodes/anodes was not documented in the existing literature, which motivated us to investigate the output of this design. In this study, we aimed to enhance the performance of the perforated cathode pipe soil electrokinetic remediation (SEKR) system (PCPSS) for removing inorganic pollutants by installing lateral anodes (LA-PCPSS) using two approaches. In the first approach, the LA-PCPSS was connected to different sources of applied voltages (DSAV) from different power supplies, while in the second approach, the entire operation system was connected to the same source of applied voltage (SSAV). We used the Taguchi approach (L9OA) to determine the optimal levels of applied voltages for the DSAV system. The results indicated that the DSAV-(LA-PCPSS) could be optimized at an applied voltage of 1 V cm−1 for the surface and the first and second lateral anodes. The indigenous Sr (elements found in the tested soil without artificial pollution) in kaolinite showed the best response among other elements (Ni and other indigenous elements) when optimizing the DSAV-(LA-PCPSS) using the Taguchi approach. Installing lateral anodes (position B) supplied to low applied voltage (0.5 V cm−1) improved the electroosmosis (EO) rate/dewatering. Reverse migration of ions was observed during the remediation of real contaminated soil using the SSAV-(LA-PCPSS). The DSAV-(LA-PCPSS) is considered an appropriate design for the SEKR of inorganic pollutants, and increases the EO flow/dewatering. Additionally, the increased energy consumption employing the DSAV-(LA-PCPSS) was extremely minimal compared to the traditional PCPSS, which is an economic advantage for SEKR research. The DSAV-(LA-PCPSS) is still under optimization/intensification process, and subsequent processes will be examined to achieve high efficiency.
Phosphorylated tau in cerebrospinal fluid-derived extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study
Authors: Sattarov Roman , Havers Megan , Orbjörn Camilla , Stomrud Erik , Janelidze Shorena , Laurell Thomas , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by brain aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) proteins. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be isolated and studied for potential roles in disease. While several studies have tested plasma-derived EVs in AD, few have analyzed EVs from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which are potentially more closely related to brain changes. This study included 20 AD patients and 20 cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants. Using a novel EV isolation method based on acoustic trapping, we isolated and purified EVs from minimal CSF volumes. EVs were lysed and analyzed by immunoassays for P-tau217 and P-tau181. Isolation was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy and the presence of EV-specific markers (CD9, CD63, CD81, ATP1A3). Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a high variance in EV distribution. AD patients exhibited increased P-tau181 and decreased P-tau217 in EVs, leading to a higher EV P-tau181/P-tau217 ratio compared to CU. No significant differences in EV counts or sizes were observed between AD and CU groups. This study is the first to use acoustic trapping to isolate EVs from CSF and demonstrates differential P-tau content in AD-derived EVs, warranting further research to understand the relationship between these EV changes and brain pathology.
Effect of ultrasound on the physicochemical, mechanical and adhesive properties of micro-arc oxidized coatings on Ti13Nb13Zr bio-alloy
Authors: Makurat-Kasprolewicz Balbina , Wekwejt Marcin , Pezzato Luca , Ronowska Anna , Krupa Jolanta , Zimowski Sławomir , Dzionk Stefan , Ossowska Agnieszka 
Published: October 2024

AbstractImplant surgeries are increasingly challenging due to their rising number. Achieving the desired biomaterial surface properties to ensure a strong bond with human tissue is a significant issue. This study investigates the influence of ultrasound (US) during the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process on Ti13Zr13Nb bio-alloy, an area not previously explored, to enhance titanium alloy coatings’ properties for biomedical applications. Porous calcium-phosphate-based coatings were successfully deposited on Ti13Zr13Nb using MAO and ultrasound micro-arc oxidation (UMAO). Various properties such as morphology, chemical composition, topography, wettability, surface free energy, thickness, adhesion to the substrate, as well as mechanical and corrosion characteristics were thoroughly analyzed. Cytocompatibility was assessed using human osteoblasts. Using US during the MAO process increased coating roughness (up to ~ 17%), core height (up to 22%), isotropy (up to 17%), thickness (up to ~ 46%), and hardness (up to ~ 18%), depending on MAO parameters and US mode. Optimal coating performance was achieved at 136 mA, 600 s, and a sinusoidal US setting, resulting in the highest isotropy (~ 79%) and rutile quantity (2.6%), the lowest elastic modulus (~ 57 GPa), and the contact angle of ~ 70°, all of which could have contributed to enhancing osteoblast viability in vitro. This study, for the first time, underscores the importance of using the US during the MAO in tailoring the Ti13Zr13Nb for specific biomedical applications.
Polypharmacy in elective lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative conditions with 24-month follow-up
Authors: Dietz Nicholas , Kumar Chitra , Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Bjurström Martin F. , Wong Katrina , Jamieson Alysha , Sharma Mayur , Wang Dengzhi , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Drazin Doniel , Boakye Maxwell 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe sought to identify long-term associations of medical complications and healthcare utilization related to polypharmacy following spinal surgery for degenerative lumbar pathology. The IBM MarketScan dataset was used to select patients who underwent spinal surgery for degenerative lumbar pathology with 2-year follow-up. Regression analysis compared two matched cohorts: those with and without polypharmacy. Of 118,434 surgical patients, 68.1% met criteria for polypharmacy. In the first 30 days after discharge, surgical site infection was observed in 6% of those with polypharmacy and 4% of those without polypharmacy (p < 0.0001) and at least one complication was observed in 24% for the polypharmacy group and 17% for the non-polypharmacy group (p < 0.0001). At 24 months, patients with polypharmacy were more likely to be diagnosed with pneumonia (48% vs. 37%), urinary tract infection (26% vs. 19%), and surgical site infection (12% vs. 7%), (p < 0.0001). The most prescribed medication was hydrocodone (60% of patients) and more than 95% received opioids. Two years postoperatively, the polypharmacy group had tripled overall healthcare utilization payments ($30,288 vs. $9514), (p < 0.0001). Patients taking 5 or more medications concurrently after spinal surgery for degenerative lumbar conditions were more likely to develop medical complications, higher costs, and return to the emergency department.
The contingent impact of wind farms on game mammal density demonstrated in a large-scale analysis of hunting bag data in Poland
Authors: Klich Daniel , Kawka Joanna , Łopucki Rafał , Kulis Zuzanna , Yanuta Gigorij , Budny Maciej 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWind farms are still developing dynamically worldwide, with promising prospects for further growth. Therefore, the assessment of their impact on animals has been carried out. So far, few studies have been conducted on game mammals, and their results are divergent. Previous studies on the impact of wind farms on game species were typically based on regional research covering one or, at most, several wind farms. In this study, we aimed to verify the effect of wind farms on the density of game mammals through a large-scale analysis at the country level, using lowland Poland as an example. The study was based on hunting bag data from open-field hunting districts. It covered seven game species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), European badger (Meles meles), European polecat (Mustela putorius), and European hare (Lepus europaeus). We used Corine Land Cover to account for differences in land cover and the area covered by wind farms in generalized linear mixed models. The study showed that in agricultural landscapes, mainly herbivorous species of game mammals were related to land cover types. These species tend to exhibit higher densities in agricultural areas containing more natural landscape features. Conversely, mesocarnivores are primarily driven by the abundance of prey with little to no observable effects from land cover types. Only roe deer and wild boar presented lower densities with an increase in the area covered by wind farms (for roe deer: estimate: − 0.05, 95% CI: − 0.1–0.0; for wild boar: estimate: − 0.03, 95% CI: − 0.11–0.05), while no effect was observed for mesocarnivores or European hare. The underlying reasons for these relationships remain unclear and require more specific studies. The uncertainty regarding the cause of the observed effects did not allow for a large-scale assessment of the impact of further wind energy development on the studied game mammals.