bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local and Regional Diurnal Variability of Aerosol Properties Retrieved by DSCOVR/EPIC UV Algorithm
Authors: Torres O. , Ahn C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe hour‐to‐hour variability of 388 nm aerosol optical depth (AOD) and single scattering albedo (SSA) derived from near UV observations by the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) on the Deep Space Climate Observatory has been evaluated at multiple locations around the world. AOD retrievals by the EPIC near UV algorithm (EPICAERUV) have been compared to ground based AOD measurements at 16 Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) stations representative of the most commonly observed aerosol types over geographic regions in three continents. Obtained results show that, in general, the EPICAERUV algorithm reproduces closely the hour‐to‐hour AOD variability reported by AERONET ground‐truth observations. Although most sites in the analysis show high correlation between the AOD hourly measurements by the ground‐based and space‐borne measuring techniques. Best algorithm performance is observed in the presence of carbonaceous and desert dust aerosols. The diurnal cycle of the retrieved SSA product was also analyzed. Although, a direct comparison of hourly EPICAERUV retrievals to equivalent ground‐based observations was not possible, the satellite result shows that diurnal SSA variability as large as 0.05 can be observed mostly associated with carbonaceous aerosols. EPICAERUV observed diurnal cycle of retrieved AOD on a regional basis was examined for the unusually active seasons of aerosol production of Saharan desert dust aerosols in 2020, and during the 2023 Canadian wildfires. Results presented in this study confirm the EPIC near UV aerosol product is well suited for observing diurnal variability of aerosols and, therefore, it is an important resource for climate and air quality studies.
Rapid Acceleration of Arctic Near‐Surface Wind Speed in a Warming Climate
Authors: Liu Wanlei , Yang Song , Chen Deliang , Zha Jinlin , Zhang Gangfeng , Zhang Zhengtai , Zhang Tuantuan , Xu Lianlian , Hu Xiaoming , Deng Kaiqiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractArctic near‐surface wind speed (NWS) plays an increasingly crucial role in influencing the local air‐sea interactions and the safety of trans‐Arctic shipping, but its potential changes in a warming climate and underlying causes remain unclear. Using reanalysis and model simulation data sets, we reveal that the Arctic NWS has increased remarkably since the 1960s, with the strongest increase in the Arctic Ocean surface. We propose that the acceleration of Arctic NWS is primarily driven by reduced stability in the lower troposphere due to increased upward heat fluxes and decreased surface roughness owing to the losses of Arctic glaciers and sea ice in a warming climate. In addition, the coupled climate models project a robust increase in the Arctic NWS under various warming scenarios during the 21st century, especially in the vicinity of the Kara Sea and the Beaufort Sea.
Relating Multidimensional Deprivation Index to Adherence Outcomes in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Curtis Kaley , Arcona Zachary , Buchanan Cindy , Miller Kristen , Lyons Emma , Ruzicka Elizabeth , Christofferson Elizabeth Steinberg 
Published: April 2024

Objective: Adherence to immunosuppressant medications is critical for positive posttransplant outcomes in pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. Systemic oppression across economic, health, education, and housing domains can result in barriers to regularly taking immunosuppressant medications posttransplantation, leading to disparate health outcomes for marginalized families. This study evaluates whether the level of deprivation in families’ counties of residence creates barriers to medication adherence among pediatric SOT patients by utilizing a multidimensional index of poverty and variability in immunosuppressant medication values as a measure of adherence. Method: Coefficient of variation in immunosuppressant levels of tacrolimus and rapamycin was used as a measure of adherence and was collected from a sample of adolescent SOT patients living in the United States ( N = 55, 67% female, 93% White, Mdnage = 15.3 years) through electronic medical record review. A family’s experience of poverty in their county of residence was determined using the Census Bureau multidimensional deprivation index. Results: Living in a county with higher levels of multidimensional deprivation was associated with more variability in levels of immunosuppressant medication for adolescents (β = 1.79, p < .01 tacrolimus; β = 2.23, p < .05 rapamycin). Conclusions: Screening for intersecting levels of systemic deprivation (e.g., economic, health, neighborhood, and education) at the county level can inform what resources are needed to support adolescents’ adherence behaviors. Implications for Impact Statement This article utilizes a multidimensional index of poverty and variability of immunosuppressant medication as an indicator of adherence to evaluate how social deprivation is related to adherence in adolescent solid organ transplant patients. Recommendations for addressing social determinants of health related to posttransplant care are discussed.
Folic acid supplementation on inflammation and homocysteine in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mokgalaboni Kabelo , Mashaba Given. R. , Phoswa Wendy N. , Lebelo Sogolo. L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The beneficial effects of folate have been observed under different conditions, but the available evidence on inflammation and reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. The study aimed to explore the effects of folate on inflammation and homocysteine amongst individuals with T2DM.

Methods
PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were used to search for evidence. A random-effect model meta-analysis through Review Manager (version 5.4) and metaHun was performed. Results were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals graphically using forest and funnel plots.

Results
Data from 9 trials with 426 patients living with T2DM were analyzed. Folic acid supplementation significantly revealed a large effect size on homocysteine levels compared to placebo, SMD = −1.53, 95%CI (−2.14,−0.93), p < 0.05. Additionally, we observed a medium marginal effect size on C-reactive protein (SMD = −0.68, 95%CI (−1.34, −0.01), p = 0.05). However, no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD = −0.86, 95%CI (−2.65, 0.93), p = 0.34), and interleukin-6 (SMD = −0.04, 95%CI (−1.08, 1.01), p = 0.95) was observed.

Conclusion
Evidence analyzed in this study suggests that folic acid supplementation in T2DM reduces homocysteine and may mitigate CVDs. However, its effect on inflammation is inconclusive.
Factors associated with body weight gain and insulin-resistance: a longitudinal study
Authors: Buscemi Carola , Randazzo Cristiana , Barile Anna Maria , Bo Simona , Ponzo Valentina , Caldarella Rosalia , Malavazos Alexis Elias , Caruso Roberta , Colombrita Piero , Lombardo Martina , Buscemi Silvio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity is the result of energy intake (EI) chronically exceeding energy expenditure. However, the potential metabolic factors, including insulin resistance, remain unclear. This study longitudinally investigated factors associated with changes in body weight.

Subjects
A cohort of 707 adults without diabetes were investigated at the 4-year follow-up visit. The habitual intake of energy and macronutrients during the past 12 months was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire for the local population. Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance. Additionally, PNPLA3 was genotyped.

Results
Eighty-seven participants were weight gainers (G; cutoff value = 5 kg), and 620 were non-gainers (NG). Initial anthropometric (G vs. NG: age, 44 ± 13 vs 51 ± 13 years, P < 0.001; body mass index, 27.8 ± 6.5 vs 28.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2, P = ns; body weight, 76.7 ± 22.1 vs 74.2 ± 14.7 kg, P = ns; final body weight, 86.3 ± 23.7 vs 72.9 ± 14.2 kg, P < 0.001) and diet characteristics, as well as insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR values, were similar in both groups. Four years later, G showed significantly increased EI, insulin concentrations, and HOMA-IR values. G had a higher prevalence of the PNPLA3 CG and GG alleles than NG (P < 0.05). The presence of G was independently associated with age (OR = 1.031), EI change (OR = 2.257), and unfavorable alleles of PNPLA3 gene (OR = 1.700). Final body mass index, waist circumference, and EI were independently associated with final HOMA-IR (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
EI is associated with body weight gain, and genetic factors may influence the energy balance. Insulin resistance is a consequence of weight gain, suggesting a possible intracellular protective mechanism against substrate overflow.

Clinical trial registration
ISRCTN15840340.
P4HA2 activates mTOR via hydroxylation and targeting P4HA2-mTOR inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell growth
Authors: Jin Ersuo , Wang Shengjie , Chen Donglai , Wang Jia-Ping , Zeng Yuanyuan , Sun Runfeng , Zhang Hong-Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract,Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase functions as a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism, and its complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2 phosphorylate distinct substrates. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is commonly implicated in human diseases, including cancer. Despite three decades of active research in mTOR, much remains to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha-2 (P4HA2) binds directly to mTOR and hydroxylates one highly conserved proline 2341 (P2341) within a kinase domain of mTOR, thereby activating mTOR kinase and downstream effector proteins (e.g. S6K and AKT). Moreover, the hydroxylation of P2341 strengthens mTOR stability and allows mTOR to accurately recognize its substrates such as S6K and AKT. The growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells overexpressing mTORP2341A is significantly reduced when compared with that of cells overexpressing mTORWT. Interestingly, in vivo cell growth assays show that targeting P4HA2-mTOR significantly suppresses lung adenocarcinoma cell growth. In summary, our study reveals an undiscovered hydroxylation-regulatory mechanism by which P4HA2 directly activates mTOR kinase, providing insights for therapeutically targeting mTOR kinase-driven cancers.
Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and regulated cell death in tumors: insights into apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Cong , Liu Jian , Lin Xia , Xiang Aizhai , Ye Qianwei , Guo Jufeng , Rui Tao , Xu Jian , Hu Shufang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main stromal component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play multifaceted roles in cancer progression through paracrine signaling, exosome transfer, and cell interactions. Attractively, recent evidence indicates that CAFs can modulate various forms of regulated cell death (RCD) in adjacent tumor cells, thus involving cancer proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. Here, we present a brief introduction to CAFs and basic knowledge of RCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In addition, we further summarize the different types of RCD in tumors that are mediated by CAFs, as well as the effects of these modes of RCD on CAFs. This review will deepen our understanding of the interactions between CAFs and RCD and might offer novel therapeutic avenues for future cancer treatments.
Consistent signatures in the human gut microbiome of old- and young-onset colorectal cancer
Authors: Qin Youwen , Tong Xin , Mei Wei-Jian , Cheng Yanshuang , Zou Yuanqiang , Han Kai , Yu Jiehai , Jie Zhuye , Zhang Tao , Zhu Shida , Jin Xin , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Xu Xun , Zhong Huanzi , Xiao Liang , Ding Pei-Rong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC) has been increasing in recent decades, but little is known about the gut microbiome of these patients. Most studies have focused on old-onset CRC (oCRC), and it remains unclear whether CRC signatures derived from old patients are valid in young patients. To address this, we assembled the largest yCRC gut metagenomes to date from two independent cohorts and found that the CRC microbiome had limited association with age across adulthood. Differential analysis revealed that well-known CRC-associated taxa, such as Clostridium symbiosum, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Parvimonas micra and Hungatella hathewayi were significantly enriched (false discovery rate <0.05) in both old- and young-onset patients. Similar strain-level patterns of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli were observed for oCRC and yCRC. Almost all oCRC-associated metagenomic pathways had directionally concordant changes in young patients. Importantly, CRC-associated virulence factors (fadA, bft) were enriched in both oCRC and yCRC compared to their respective controls. Moreover, the microbiome-based classification model had similar predication accuracy for CRC status in old- and young-onset patients, underscoring the consistency of microbial signatures across different age groups.
Intracellular magnesium optimizes transmission efficiency and plasticity of hippocampal synapses by reconfiguring their connectivity
Authors: Zhou Hang , Bi Guo-Qiang , Liu Guosong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSynapses at dendritic branches exhibit specific properties for information processing. However, how the synapses are orchestrated to dynamically modify their properties, thus optimizing information processing, remains elusive. Here, we observed at hippocampal dendritic branches diverse configurations of synaptic connectivity, two extremes of which are characterized by low transmission efficiency, high plasticity and coding capacity, or inversely. The former favors information encoding, pertinent to learning, while the latter prefers information storage, relevant to memory. Presynaptic intracellular Mg2+ crucially mediates the dynamic transition continuously between the two extreme configurations. Consequently, varying intracellular Mg2+ levels endow individual branches with diverse synaptic computations, thus modulating their ability to process information. Notably, elevating brain Mg2+ levels in aging animals restores synaptic configuration resembling that of young animals, coincident with improved learning and memory. These findings establish intracellular Mg2+ as a crucial factor reconfiguring synaptic connectivity at dendrites, thus optimizing their branch-specific properties in information processing.
Biomolecular condensates form spatially inhomogeneous network fluids
Authors: Dar Furqan , Cohen Samuel R. , Mitrea Diana M. , Phillips Aaron H. , Nagy Gergely , Leite Wellington C. , Stanley Christopher B. , Choi Jeong-Mo , Kriwacki Richard W. , Pappu Rohit V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe functions of biomolecular condensates are thought to be influenced by their material properties, and these will be determined by the internal organization of molecules within condensates. However, structural characterizations of condensates are challenging, and rarely reported. Here, we deploy a combination of small angle neutron scattering, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide structural descriptions of model condensates that are formed by macromolecules from nucleolar granular components (GCs). We show that these minimal facsimiles of GCs form condensates that are network fluids featuring spatial inhomogeneities across different length scales that reflect the contributions of distinct protein and peptide domains. The network-like inhomogeneous organization is characterized by a coexistence of liquid- and gas-like macromolecular densities that engenders bimodality of internal molecular dynamics. These insights suggest that condensates formed by multivalent proteins share features with network fluids formed by systems such as patchy or hairy colloids.
Atomic-scale visualization of the interlayer Rydberg exciton complex in moiré heterostructures
Authors: Zhao Meng , Wang Zhongjie , Liu Lu , Wang Chunzheng , Liu Cheng-Yen , Yang Fang , Wu Hua , Gao Chunlei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExcitonic systems, facilitated by optical pumping, electrostatic gating or magnetic field, sustain composite particles with fascinating physics. Although various intriguing excitonic phases have been revealed via global measurements, the atomic-scale accessibility towards excitons has yet to be established. Here, we realize the ground-state interlayer exciton complexes through the intrinsic charge transfer in monolayer YbCl3/graphite heterostructure. Combining scanning tunneling microscope and theoretical calculations, the excitonic in-gap states are directly profiled. The out-of-plane excitonic charge clouds exhibit oscillating Rydberg nodal structure, while their in-plane arrangements are determined by moiré periodicity. Exploiting the tunneling probe to reflect the shape of charge clouds, we reveal the principal quantum number hierarchy of Rydberg series, which points to an excitonic energy-level configuration with unusually large binding energy. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of mapping out the charge clouds of excitons microscopically and pave a brand-new way to directly investigate the nanoscale order of exotic correlated phases.
Structural insights into the transporting and catalyzing mechanism of DltB in LTA D-alanylation
Authors: Zhang Pingfeng , Liu Zheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDltB, a model member of the Membrane-Bound O-AcylTransferase (MBOAT) superfamily, plays a crucial role in D-alanylation of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a significant component of the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. This process stabilizes the cell wall structure, influences bacterial virulence, and modulates the host immune response. Despite its significance, the role of DltB is not well understood. Through biochemical analysis and cryo-EM imaging, we discover that Streptococcus thermophilus DltB forms a homo-tetramer on the cell membrane. We further visualize DltB in an apo form, in complex with DltC, and in complex with its inhibitor amsacrine (m-AMSA). Each tetramer features a central hole. The C-tunnel of each protomer faces the intratetramer interface and provides access to the periphery membrane. Each protomer binds a DltC without changing the tetrameric organization. A phosphatidylglycerol (PG) molecule in the substrate-binding site may serve as an LTA carrier. The inhibitor m-AMSA bound to the L-tunnel of each protomer blocks the active site. The tetrameric organization of DltB provides a scaffold for catalyzing D-alanyl transfer and regulating the channel opening and closing. Our findings unveil DltB’s dual function in the D-alanylation pathway, and provide insight for targeting DltB as a anti-virulence antibiotic.
A liquid metal-based module emulating the intelligent preying logic of flytrap
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Shen Yajing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlant species like the Venus flytrap possess unique abilities to intelligently respond to various external stimuli, ensuring successful prey capture. Their nerve-devoided structure provides valuable insights for exploring natural intelligence and constructing intelligent systems solely from materials, but limited knowledge is currently available and the engineering realization of such concept remains a significant challenge. Drawing upon the flytrap’s action potential resulting from ion diffusion, we propose a signal accumulation/attenuation model and a corresponding liquid metal-based logic module, which operates on the basis of the shape change of liquid metal within a sodium hydroxide buffer solution. The module itself exhibits memory and counting properties without involving any other electronic components, intelligently responding to various stimulus sequences, and reproducing the flytrap’s most logical function. We also demonstrate and forecast its potential as a moving window integration-based high-pass filter, artificial synapse in neural networks, and other related applications. This research provides a fresh perspective on comprehending the intelligence inherent in nature and its realization through physical structures, which is expected to inspire logic device development in a broad engineering field.
Giant and controllable nonlinear magneto-optical effects in two-dimensional magnets
Authors: Wu Dezhao , Ye Meng , Chen Haowei , Xu Yong , Duan Wenhui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe interplay of polarization and magnetism in materials with light can create rich nonlinear magneto-optical (NLMO) effects, and the recent discovery of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnets provides remarkable control over NLMO effects due to their superb tunability. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we reported giant NLMO effects in CrI3-based 2D magnets, including a dramatic change of second-harmonics generation (SHG) polarization direction (90°) and intensity (on/off switch) under magnetization reversal and a 100% SHG circular dichroism effect. We further revealed that these effects could not only be used to design ultra-thin multifunctional optical devices but also to detect subtle magnetic orderings. Remarkably, we analytically derived conditions to achieve giant NLMO effects and proposed general strategies to realize them in 2D magnets. Our work not only uncovers a series of intriguing NLMO phenomena but also paves the way for both fundamental research and device applications of ultra-thin NLMO materials.
Orbital polarimetric tomography of a flare near the Sagittarius A* supermassive black hole
Authors: Levis Aviad , Chael Andrew A. , Bouman Katherine L. , Wielgus Maciek , Srinivasan Pratul P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe interaction between the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, and its accretion disk occasionally produces high-energy flares seen in X-ray, infrared and radio. One proposed mechanism that produces flares is the formation of compact, bright regions that appear within the accretion disk and close to the event horizon. Understanding these flares provides a window into accretion processes. Although sophisticated simulations predict the formation of these flares, their structure has yet to be recovered by observations. Here we show a three-dimensional reconstruction of an emission flare recovered from Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array light curves observed on 11 April 2017. Our recovery shows compact, bright regions at a distance of roughly six times the event horizon. Moreover, it suggests a clockwise rotation in a low-inclination orbital plane, consistent with prior studies by GRAVITY and the Event Horizon Telescope. To recover this emission structure, we solve an ill-posed tomography problem by integrating a neural three-dimensional representation with a gravitational model for black holes. Although the recovery is subject to, and sometimes sensitive to, the model assumptions, under physically motivated choices, our results are stable and our approach is successful on simulated data.