bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous removal of thorium from aqueous solution using functionalized graphene oxide: study of adsorption kinetics in batch system and fixed bed column
Authors: Zahakifar Fazel , Khanramaki Fereshte 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article investigated the kinetic studies of thorium adsorption from an aqueous solution with graphene oxide functionalized with aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) as an adsorbent. First, the AMPA-GO adsorbent was characterized using TEM, XRD, and FTIR methods. Experiments were performed in two batch and continuous modes. In batch mode, adsorption kinetics were studied in different pH (1–4), temperature (298–328 K), initial concentration (50–500 mg L−1), and dosages (0.1–2 g L−1). The results showed that thorium adsorption kinetic follows pseudo-first-order kinetic model and that the adsorption reaction is endothermic. The maximum experimental adsorption capacity of thorium ions was observed 138.84 mg g−1 at a pH of 3, adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g L−1, and a temperature of 328 K. The results showed that AMPA-GO adsorbent can be used seven times with an acceptable change in adsorption capacity. In continuous conditions, the effect of feed flow rate (2–8 mL min−1), initial concentration (50–500 mg L−1), and column bed height (2–8 cm) was investigated. The continuous data was analyzed using the Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Bohart-Adams models. The experimental data of the column were well matched with the Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson models. The research results showed that the use of functionalized graphene oxide adsorbents has a great ability to remove thorium from aqueous solutions.
Application of improved and efficient image repair algorithm in rock damage experimental research
Authors: Xu Mingzhe , Qi Xianyin , Geng Diandong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In the petroleum and coal industries, digital image technology and acoustic emission technology are employed to study rock properties, but both exhibit flaws during data processing. Digital image technology is vulnerable to interference from fractures and scaling, leading to potential loss of image data; while acoustic emission technology is not hindered by these issues, noise from rock destruction can interfere with the electrical signals, causing errors. The monitoring errors of these techniques can undermine the effectiveness of rock damage analysis. To address this issue, this paper focuses on the restoration of image data acquired through digital image technology, leveraging deep learning techniques, and using soft and hard rocks made of similar materials as research subjects, an improved Incremental Transformer image algorithm is employed to repair distorted or missing strain nephograms during uniaxial compression experiments. The concrete implementation entails using a comprehensive training set of strain nephograms derived from digital image technology, fabricating masks for absent image segments, and predicting strain nephograms with full strain detail. Additionally, we adopt deep separable convolutional networks to optimize the algorithm’s operational efficiency. Based on this, the analysis of rock damage is conducted using the repaired strain nephograms, achieving a closer correlation with the actual physical processes of rock damage compared to conventional digital image technology and acoustic emission techniques. The improved incremental Transformer algorithm presented in this paper will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of digital image technology in the realm of rock damage, saving time and money, and offering an innovative approach to traditional rock damage analysis.
Long-distance communication can enable collective migration in a dynamic seascape
Authors: Dodson Stephanie , Oestreich William K. , Savoca Matthew S. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Ryan John P. , Fiechter Jerome , Abrahms Briana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSocial information is predicted to enhance the quality of animals’ migratory decisions in dynamic ecosystems, but the relative benefits of social information in the long-range movements of marine megafauna are unknown. In particular, whether and how migrants use nonlocal information gained through social communication at the large spatial scale of oceanic ecosystems remains unclear. Here we test hypotheses about the cues underlying timing of blue whales’ breeding migration in the Northeast Pacific via individual-based models parameterized by empirical behavioral data. Comparing emergent patterns from individual-based models to individual and population-level empirical metrics of migration timing, we find that individual whales likely rely on both personal and social sources of information about forage availability in deciding when to depart from their vast and dynamic foraging habitat and initiate breeding migration. Empirical patterns of migratory phenology can only be reproduced by models in which individuals use long-distance social information about conspecifics’ behavioral state, which is known to be encoded in the patterning of their widely propagating songs. Further, social communication improves pre-migration seasonal foraging performance by over 60% relative to asocial movement mechanisms. Our results suggest that long-range communication enhances the perceptual ranges of migrating whales beyond that of any individual, resulting in increased foraging performance and more collective migration timing. These findings indicate the value of nonlocal social information in an oceanic migrant and suggest the importance of long-distance acoustic communication in the collective migration of wide-ranging marine megafauna.
Detection of early-stage NASH using non-invasive hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Blazey Tyler , Shaw Ashley , Spees William M. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Ohliger Michael A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized from its early stages by a profound remodeling of the liver microenvironment, encompassing changes in the composition and activities of multiple cell types and associated gene expression patterns. Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI provides a unique view of the metabolic microenvironment, with potential relevance for early diagnosis of liver disease. Previous studies have detected changes in HP 13C pyruvate to lactate conversion, catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with experimental liver injury. HP $$\propto $$
∝
-ketobutyrate ($$\propto $$
∝
KB) is a close molecular analog of pyruvate with modified specificity for LDH isoforms, specifically attenuated activity with their LDHA-expressed subunits that dominate liver parenchyma. Building on recent results with pyruvate, we investigated HP $$\propto $$
∝
KB in methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet as a model of early-stage NASH. Similarity of results between this new agent and pyruvate (~ 50% drop in cytoplasmic reducing capacity), interpreted together with gene expression data from the model, suggests that changes are mediated through broad effects on intermediary metabolism. Plausible mechanisms are depletion of the lactate pool by upregulation of gluconeogenesis (GNG) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) flux, and a possible shift toward increased lactate oxidation. These changes may reflect high levels of oxidative stress and/or shifting macrophage populations in NASH.
Functional locus coeruleus imaging to investigate an ageing noradrenergic system
Authors: Ludwig Mareike , Yi Yeo-Jin , Lüsebrink Falk , Callaghan Martina F. , Betts Matthew J. , Yakupov Renat , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Dolan Raymond J. , Düzel Emrah , Hämmerer Dorothea 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe locus coeruleus (LC), our main source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, declines with age and is a potential epicentre of protein pathologies in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). In vivo measurements of LC integrity and function are potentially important biomarkers for healthy ageing and early ND onset. In the present study, high-resolution functional MRI (fMRI), a reversal reinforcement learning task, and dedicated post-processing approaches were used to visualise age differences in LC function (N = 50). Increased LC responses were observed during emotionally and task-related salient events, with subsequent accelerations and decelerations in reaction times, respectively, indicating context-specific adaptive engagement of the LC. Moreover, older adults exhibited increased LC activation compared to younger adults, indicating possible compensatory overactivation of a structurally declining LC in ageing. Our study shows that assessment of LC function is a promising biomarker of cognitive aging.
Interconnected lineage trajectories link conventional and natural killer (NK)-like exhausted CD8+ T cells beneficial in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Witkop Erin M. , Diggins Kirsten , Wiedeman Alice , Serti Elisavet , Nepom Gerald , Gersuk Vivian H. , Fuchs Bryce , Long S. Alice , Linsley Peter S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDistinct Natural Killer (NK)-like CD57+ and PD-1+ CD8+ exhausted-like T cell populations (Tex) have both been linked to beneficial immunotherapy response in autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. The origins and relationships between these cell types are poorly understood. Here we show that while PD-1+ and CD57+ Tex populations are epigenetically similar, CD57+ Tex cells display unique increased chromatin accessibility of inhibitory Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (iKIR) and other NK cell genes. PD-1+ and CD57+ Tex also show reciprocal expression of Inhibitory Receptors (IRs) and iKIRs accompanied by chromatin accessibility of Tcf1 and Tbet transcription factor target sites, respectively. CD57+ Tex show unappreciated gene expression heterogeneity and share clonal relationships with PD-1+ Tex, with these cells differentiating along four interconnected lineage trajectories: Tex-PD-1+, Tex-CD57+, Tex-Branching, and Tex-Fluid. Our findings demonstrate new relationships between Tex-like populations in human autoimmune disease and suggest that modulating common precursor populations may enhance response to autoimmune disease treatment.
Phage-encoded bismuth bicycles enable instant access to targeted bioactive peptides
Authors: Ullrich Sven , Somathilake Upamali , Shang Minghao , Nitsche Christoph 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGenetically encoded libraries play a crucial role in discovering structurally rigid, high-affinity macrocyclic peptide ligands for therapeutic applications. Bicyclic peptides with metal centres like bismuth were recently developed as a new type of constrained peptide with notable affinity, stability and membrane permeability. This study represents the genetic encoding of peptide-bismuth and peptide-arsenic bicycles in phage display. We introduce bismuth tripotassium dicitrate (gastrodenol) as a water-soluble bismuth(III) reagent for phage library modification and in situ bicyclic peptide preparation, eliminating the need for organic co-solvents. Additionally, we explore arsenic(III) as an alternative thiophilic element that is used analogously to our previously introduced bicyclic peptides with a bismuth core. The modification of phage libraries and peptides with these elements is instantaneous and entirely biocompatible, offering an advantage over conventional alkylation-based methods. In a pilot display screening campaign aimed at identifying ligands for the biotin-binding protein streptavidin, we demonstrate the enrichment of bicyclic peptides with dissociation constants two orders of magnitude lower than those of their linear counterparts, underscoring the impact of structural constraint on binding affinity.
From square plaquettes to triamond lattices for SU(2) gauge theory
Authors: Kavaki Ali H. Z. , Lewis Randy 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLattice gauge theory should be able to address significant new scientific questions when implemented on quantum computers. In practice, error-mitigation techniques have already allowed encouraging progress on small lattices. In this work we focus on a truncated version of SU(2) gauge theory, which is a familiar non-Abelian step toward quantum chromodynamics. First, we demonstrate effective error mitigation for imaginary time evolution on a lattice having two square plaquettes, obtaining the ground state using an IBM quantum computer and observing that this would have been impossible without error mitigation. Then we propose the triamond lattice as an expedient approach to lattice gauge theories in three spatial dimensions and we derive the Hamiltonian. Finally, error-mitigated imaginary time evolution is applied to the three-dimensional triamond unit cell, and its ground state is obtained from an IBM quantum computer. Future work will want to relax the truncation on the gauge fields, and the triamond lattice is increasingly valuable for such studies.
Differences in metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the cerebrospinal fluid are associated with delirium
Authors: Aksnes Mari , Schibstad Mari Haavig , Chaudhry Farrukh Abbas , Neerland Bjørn Erik , Caplan Gideon , Saltvedt Ingvild , Eldholm Rannveig S. , Myrstad Marius , Edwin Trine Holt , Persson Karin , Idland Ane-Victoria , Pollmann Christian Thomas , Olsen Roy Bjørkholt , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Zetterberg Henrik , Cunningham Emma , Watne Leiv Otto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The aetiology of delirium is not known, but pre-existing cognitive impairment is a predisposing factor. Here we explore the associations between delirium and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), proteins with important roles in both acute injury and chronic neurodegeneration.

Methods
Using a 13-plex Discovery Assay®, we quantified CSF levels of 9 MMPs and 4 TIMPs in 280 hip fracture patients (140 with delirium), 107 cognitively unimpaired individuals, and 111 patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia. The two delirium-free control groups without acute trauma were included to unravel the effects of acute trauma (hip fracture), dementia, and delirium.

Results
Here we show that delirium is associated with higher levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-10, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2; a trend suggests lower levels of TIMP-4 are also associated with delirium. Most delirium patients had pre-existing dementia and low TIMP-4 is the only marker associated with delirium in adjusted analyses. MMP-2, MMP-12, and TIMP-1 levels are clearly higher in the hip fracture patients than in both control groups and several other MMP/TIMPs are impacted by acute trauma or dementia status.

Conclusions
Several CSF MMP/TIMPs are significantly associated with delirium in hip fracture patients, but alterations in most of these MMP/TIMPs could likely be explained by acute trauma and/or pre-fracture dementia. Low levels of TIMP-4 appear to be directly associated with delirium, and the role of this marker in delirium pathophysiology should be further explored.
Determining the efficacy of ExThera Seraph100 blood filtration in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer through the liquid biopsy
Authors: Shishido Stephanie N. , Suresh Divya , Courcoubetis George , Ye Brandon , Lin Emmeline , Mason Jeremy , Park Ken , Lewis Michael , Wang Ruoxiang , Lo Simon K. , Kuhn Peter , Pandol Stephen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Cancer becomes lethal as it spreads from the primary site to the rest of the body. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are biomarkers of disease progression and have been associated with decreased overall survival. Blood filtration is a novel concept for removing CTCs from circulation to improve patient prognosis.

Methods
This study utilizes liquid biopsy to assess the efficacy of ExThera Medical’s Seraph® 100 Microbind® Affinity Blood Filter on the blood of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using the third generation high-definition single cell assay workflow. Blood samples from treatment-naïve PDAC patients were collected and analyzed to characterize the CTCs and other rare cells present before and after filtration.

Results
Examination of 6 paired portal vein blood (PoVB) samples demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total rare cells, total cytokeratin (CK)+ cells, and CTCs across all patients due to filtration. Furthermore, analysis of 2 paired peripheral blood (PB) samples showed a decrease in total rare cells, total CK+ cells, and specific phenotypes of rare cells after filtration.

Discussion
These preliminary results demonstrate initial proof of concept that this filtration device can remove CTCs from circulation and may therefore be useful as a therapy or adjunct in PDAC patient care.
ZEB1-mediated fibroblast polarization controls inflammation and sensitivity to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Menche Constantin , Schuhwerk Harald , Armstark Isabell , Gupta Pooja , Fuchs Kathrin , van Roey Ruthger , Mosa Mohammed H , Hartebrodt Anne , Hajjaj Yussuf , Clavel Ezquerra Ana , Selvaraju Manoj K , Geppert Carol I , Bärthel Stefanie , Saur Dieter , Greten Florian R , Brabletz Simone , Blumenthal David B , Weigert Andreas , Brabletz Thomas , Farin Henner F , Stemmler Marc P 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe EMT-transcription factor ZEB1 is heterogeneously expressed in tumor cells and in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). While ZEB1 in tumor cells regulates metastasis and therapy resistance, its role in CAFs is largely unknown. Combining fibroblast-specific Zeb1 deletion with immunocompetent mouse models of CRC, we observe that inflammation-driven tumorigenesis is accelerated, whereas invasion and metastasis in sporadic cancers are reduced. Single-cell transcriptomics, histological characterization, and in vitro modeling reveal a crucial role of ZEB1 in CAF polarization, promoting myofibroblastic features by restricting inflammatory activation. Zeb1 deficiency impairs collagen deposition and CAF barrier function but increases NFκB-mediated cytokine production, jointly promoting lymphocyte recruitment and immune checkpoint activation. Strikingly, the Zeb1-deficient CAF repertoire sensitizes to immune checkpoint inhibition, offering a therapeutic opportunity of targeting ZEB1 in CAFs and its usage as a prognostic biomarker. Collectively, we demonstrate that ZEB1-dependent plasticity of CAFs suppresses anti-tumor immunity and promotes metastasis.
Recruitment of Ahsa1 to Hsp90 is regulated by a conserved peptide that inhibits ATPase stimulation
Authors: Hussein Solomon K , Bhat Rakesh , Overduin Michael , LaPointe Paul 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHsp90 is a molecular chaperone that acts on its clients through an ATP-dependent and conformationally dynamic functional cycle. The cochaperone Accelerator of Hsp90 ATPase, or Ahsa1, is the most potent stimulator of Hsp90 ATPase activity. Ahsa1 stimulates the rate of Hsp90 ATPase activity through a conserved motif, NxNNWHW. Metazoan Ahsa1, but not yeast, possesses an additional 20 amino acid peptide preceding the NxNNWHW motif that we have called the intrinsic chaperone domain (ICD). The ICD of Ahsa1 diminishes Hsp90 ATPase stimulation by interfering with the function of the NxNNWHW motif. Furthermore, the NxNNWHW modulates Hsp90’s apparent affinity to Ahsa1 and ATP. Lastly, the ICD controls the regulated recruitment of Hsp90 in cells and its deletion results in the loss of interaction with Hsp90 and the glucocorticoid receptor. This work provides clues to how Ahsa1 conserved regions modulate Hsp90 kinetics and how they may be coupled to client folding status.
Constraints on the formation history and composition of Kepler planets from their distribution of orbital period ratios
Authors: Chen Di-Chang , Mordasini Christoph , Xie Ji-Wei , Zhou Ji-Lin , Emsenhuber Alexandre 
Published: June 2024

Context. The Kepler high-precision planetary sample has revealed a ‘radius valley’ separating compact super-Earths from sub-Neptunes with lower densities. Super-Earths are generally assumed to be rocky planets that were probably born in situ, while the composition and formation of sub-Neptunes remains debated. Numerous statistical studies have explored planetary and stellar properties and their correlations to provide observational clues. However, no conclusive result on the origin of the radius valley or the composition of sub-Neptunes has been derived to date.
Aims. To provide more constraints, our aim is to investigate the distributions of the orbital spacing of sub-Neptunes and super-Earth planets in Kepler systems and compare their distributions with theoretical predictions of planet pairs of different formation pathways and compositions in synthetic planetary systems.
Methods. Based on the Kepler planetary sample, we derived the distributions of period ratios of sub-Neptune and super-Earth planet pairs. Using synthetic planetary systems generated by the Generation III Bern Model, we also obtained theoretical predictions of period ratio distributions of planet pairs of different compositions and origins.
Results. We find that Kepler sub-Neptune pairs show a significant preference to be near first-order mean motion resonances by a factor of 1.7−0.3+0.3. This is smaller than the model predictions for ‘water-rich’ pairs but larger than that of ‘water-poor’ pairs by confidence levels of ~2σ. Kepler super-Earth pairs show no significant preference for mean motion resonances from a random distribution. The derived normalised fraction of near first-order resonances of actual Kepler super-Earth pairs is consistent with that of synthetic water-poor planet pairs but significantly (≳3σ) smaller than that of synthetic water-rich planet pairs.
Conclusions. The orbital migration has been more important for sub-Neptunes than for super-Earths, suggesting a partial ex situ formation of the former and an origin of the radius valley caused in part by distinct formation pathways. However, the model comparisons also show that sub-Neptunes in Kepler multiple systems are not likely (~2σ) to all be water-rich planets born ex situ but a mixture of the two (in situ and ex situ) pathways. Whereas, Kepler super-Earth planets are predominantly composed of water-poor planets that were born inside the ice line, likely through a series of giant impacts without large-scale migration.