bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Steady Grain Sorting in River Bifurcations
Authors: Ragno Niccolò , Redolfi Marco , Tambroni Nicoletta , Tubino Marco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA striking feature of rivers is their ability to sort the sediments composing them. One of the chief causes for grain sorting consists in the selective transport of different sizes moving downstream. This process can be substantially influenced by the presence of lateral topographic variations, as those produced by channel bifurcations, in which water and sediment are diverted between two smaller anabranches. In particular, field and laboratory observations have shown that the asymmetric flux distribution commonly observed in actual bifurcations is associated with a coarsening of the most‐carrying branch. Here, equilibrium sorting in river bifurcations is addressed through a quasi‐2D model. Differently from previous works, a fully physically based description of the processes tied to a heterogeneous sediment mixture is introduced. The main mechanisms consist in the lateral pull of sediment due to a sloping bed upstream the bifurcation, and the variation of transport capacity in downstream branches. The model indicates that grain sorting tends to reduce the degree of flux asymmetry between branches for increasing heterogeneity of the mixture. Moreover, the uneven discharge distribution is associated with a different bed surface composition, with bed coarsening of the dominating channel and fining of the other branch. The reduced sediment transport asymmetry and bed surface fining enhance the transport of fine material in the less‐carrying branch, thus contributing to keep it morphologically active. Finally, the model predicts an overall fining of bed surface material with respect to the feeder channel.
Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle
Authors: Bowden G. W. , Brown M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSpace launches produce ionospheric disturbances which can be observed through measurements such as Global Navigation Satellite System signal delays. Here we report observations and numerical simulations of the ionospheric depletion due to a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle. The case examined was the launch of a Rocket Lab Electron at 22:30 UTC on 22 March 2021. Despite the very small launch vehicle, ground stations in the Chatham Islands measured decreases in slant total electron content for navigation satellite signals following the launch. Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model results indicated ionospheric depletions which were comparable with these measurements. Measurements indicated a maximum decrease of 2.7 TECU in vertical total electron content, compared with a simulated decrease of 2.6 TECU. Advection of the exhaust plume due to its initial velocity and subsequent effects of neutral winds are identified as some remaining challenges for this form of modeling.
The laminin–keratin link shields the nucleus from mechanical deformation and signalling
Authors: Kechagia Zanetta , Sáez Pablo , Gómez-González Manuel , Canales Brenda , Viswanadha Srivatsava , Zamarbide Martín , Andreu Ion , Koorman Thijs , Beedle Amy E. M. , Elosegui-Artola Alberto , Derksen Patrick W. B. , Trepat Xavier , Arroyo Marino , Roca-Cusachs Pere 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix dictate tissue behaviour. In epithelial tissues, laminin is a very abundant extracellular matrix component and a key supporting element. Here we show that laminin hinders the mechanoresponses of breast epithelial cells by shielding the nucleus from mechanical deformation. Coating substrates with laminin-111—unlike fibronectin or collagen I—impairs cell response to substrate rigidity and YAP nuclear localization. Blocking the laminin-specific integrin β4 increases nuclear YAP ratios in a rigidity-dependent manner without affecting the cell forces or focal adhesions. By combining mechanical perturbations and mathematical modelling, we show that β4 integrins establish a mechanical linkage between the substrate and keratin cytoskeleton, which stiffens the network and shields the nucleus from actomyosin-mediated mechanical deformation. In turn, this affects the nuclear YAP mechanoresponses, chromatin methylation and cell invasion in three dimensions. Our results demonstrate a mechanism by which tissues can regulate their sensitivity to mechanical signals.
NO-ferroheme is a signaling entity in the vasculature
Authors: Kleschyov Andrei L. , Zhuge Zhengbing , Schiffer Tomas A. , Guimarães Drielle D. , Zhang Gensheng , Montenegro Marcelo F. , Tesse Angela , Weitzberg Eddie , Carlström Mattias , Lundberg Jon O. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite wide appreciation of the biological role of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) signaling, questions remain about the chemical nature of NOS-derived bioactivity. Here we show that NO-like bioactivity can be efficiently transduced by mobile NO-ferroheme species, which can transfer between proteins, partition into a hydrophobic phase and directly activate the sGC–cGMP–PKG pathway without intermediacy of free NO. The NO-ferroheme species (with or without a protein carrier) efficiently relax isolated blood vessels and induce hypotension in rodents, which is greatly potentiated after the blockade of NOS activity. While free NO-induced relaxations are abolished by an NO scavenger and in the presence of red blood cells or blood plasma, a model compound, NO-ferroheme-myoglobin preserves its vasoactivity suggesting the physiological relevance of NO-ferroheme species. We conclude that NO-ferroheme behaves as a signaling entity in the vasculature.
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
Authors: Mitchell Jennifer M. , Ot’alora G. Marcela , van der Kolk Bessel , Shannon Scott , Bogenschutz Michael , Gelfand Yevgeniy , Paleos Casey , Nicholas Christopher R. , Quevedo Sylvestre , Balliett Brooke , Hamilton Scott , Mithoefer Michael , Kleiman Sarah , Parker-Guilbert Kelly , Tzarfaty Keren , Harrison Charlotte , de Boer Alberdina , Doblin Rick , Yazar-Klosinski Berra ,   MAPP2 Study Collaborator Group, Harrison Charlotte , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Garas Wael , May Darrick , Marta Cole , Walker Susan , Nielson Elizabeth , Wells Gregory , Brown Randall , Amiaz Revital , Wallach Yair , Worthy Ray , Lilienstein Alia , Emerson Amy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis multi-site, randomized, double-blind, confirmatory phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) versus placebo with identical therapy in participants with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Changes in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) total severity score (primary endpoint) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) functional impairment score (key secondary endpoint) were assessed by blinded independent assessors. Participants were randomized to MDMA-AT (n = 53) or placebo with therapy (n = 51). Overall, 26.9% (28/104) of participants had moderate PTSD, and 73.1% (76/104) of participants had severe PTSD. Participants were ethnoracially diverse: 28 of 104 (26.9%) identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 35 of 104 (33.7%) identified as other than White. Least squares (LS) mean change in CAPS-5 score (95% confidence interval (CI)) was −23.7 (−26.94, −20.44) for MDMA-AT versus −14.8 (−18.28, −11.28) for placebo with therapy (P < 0.001, d = 0.7). LS mean change in SDS score (95% CI) was −3.3 (−4.03, −2.60) for MDMA-AT versus −2.1 (−2.89, −1.33) for placebo with therapy (P = 0.03, d = 0.4). Seven participants had a severe treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) (MDMA-AT, n = 5 (9.4%); placebo with therapy, n = 2 (3.9%)). There were no deaths or serious TEAEs. These data suggest that MDMA-AT reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment in a diverse population with moderate to severe PTSD and was generally well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04077437.
Synthesis of dual-modified Fe-doped and carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 anode based on industrial H2TiO3 for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Ma Guangqiang , Zhu Qinmei , Ge Hongwei , Chen Qiyuan , Yan Beilei , Deng Lin , Tian Congxue , Wu Chuanbao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSpinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a promising candidate for lithium-ion battery anodes because of its exceptional stability and safety. However, its extensive application is limited by a high comprehensive cost, poor electronic conductivity, and other inherent defects. This work presents a novel synthesis procedure to synthesize carbon-coated Fe-doped LTO composites through carbon reduction, in the presence of Fe-containing industrial H2TiO3 as the titanium source, and glucose as the carbon source. The presence of the Fe-dopant is confirmed through XRD, with Rietveld refinement and EDS experiments. Results show that Fe2+ replaces a portion of Ti4+ after doping, leading to an increase in the LTO cell parameters and the corresponding cell volume. FLTO/C, presents a capacity of 153.79 mAh g−1 at 10 C, and the capacity decay per cycle is only 0.0074% after 1000 cycles at 5 C. Moreover, EIS experiments indicate that the incorporation of Fe and carbon lowers the charge transfer resistance and improves the diffusion and migration of Li+. Notably, since this preparation process requires no additional Fe source as a raw material, it is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for large-scale production and further application.
Structural and biological characterization of shortened derivatives of the cathelicidin PMAP-36
Authors: Biondi Barbara , de Pascale Luigi , Mardirossian Mario , Di Stasi Adriana , Favaro Matteo , Scocchi Marco , Peggion Cristina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCathelicidins, a family of host defence peptides in vertebrates, play an important role in the innate immune response, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi. This work describes the design and synthesis of shortened analogues of porcine cathelicidin PMAP-36, which contain structural changes to improve the pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, 20-mers based on PMAP-36 (residues 12-31) and 13-mers (residues 12-24) with modification of amino acid residues at critical positions and introduction of lipid moieties of different lengths were studied to identify the physical parameters, including hydrophobicity, charge, and helical structure, required to optimise their antibacterial activity. Extensive conformational analysis, performed by CD and NMR, revealed that the substitution of Pro25-Pro26 with Ala25-Lys26 increased the α-helix content of the 20-mer peptides, resulting in broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Interestingly, shortening to just 13 residues resulted in only a slight decrease in antibacterial activity. Furthermore, two sequences, a 13-mer and a 20-mer, did not show cytotoxicity against HaCat cells up to 64 µM, indicating that both derivatives are not only effective but also selective antimicrobial peptides. In the short peptide, the introduction of the helicogenic α-aminoisobutyric acid forced the helix toward a prevailing 310 structure, allowing the antimicrobial activity to be maintained. Preliminary tests of resistance to Ser protease chymotrypsin indicated that this modification resulted in a peptide with an increased in vivo lifespan. Thus, some of the PMAP-36 derivatives studied in this work show a good balance between chain length, antibacterial activity, and selectivity, so they represent a good starting point for the development of even more effective and proteolysis-resistant active peptides.
A genetically-encoded biosensor for direct detection of perfluorooctanoic acid
Authors: Mann Madison M. , Berger Bryan W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDetermination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water at the low levels set by regulatory officials has been a major focus for sensor developing researchers. However, it is becoming more apparent that detection of these contaminants in soils, foods and consumer products is relevant and necessary at part per billion and even part per million levels. Here, a fluorescent biosensor for the rapid detection of PFOA was engineered based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). By conjugating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cp.GFP) to a split hLFABP construct, the biosensor was able to detect perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA in PBS as well as environmental water samples with LODs of 236 and 330 ppb respectively. Furthermore, E. coli cells cytosolically expressing the protein-based sensor were demonstrated to quickly detect PFOA, demonstrating feasibility of whole-cell sensing. Overall, this work demonstrates a platform technology utilizing a circularly permuted GFP and split hLFABP conjugate as a label-free optical biosensor for PFOA.
Textural complications of banded iron formation and the potential production of nano-magnetite: a case study from the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Hakeem Mahmoud , El-Habaak Galal 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe current work makes integrated value-added, geological and chemical studies on the texturally intricate banded iron formation “BIF” that is represented here, as a case in point, by the Um Nar BIF located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Geologically, the Um Nar BIF is composed mainly of oxide-rich facies and silicate-rich facies mostly expressed as bands of variable thickness (90–730 µm). Magnetite, martite, goethite, and quartz are detected as the main components of the oxide-rich facies, while epidote, stilpnomelane, and garnet occupy the other facies type. The studied ore can be classified as a low-grade iron ore containing 51.23 wt.% Fe2O3 and 39.64 wt.% SiO2 along with considerable phosphorous content (1.01 wt.% P2O5). These elemental concentrations do not match the recommended benchmarks for iron and steelmaking (e.g.75.78–95.8 wt.% Fe2O3, 5–7 wt.% SiO2, and 0.04 wt.% P2O5). Moreover, the studied BIF has a poor liberation behavior on crushing and grinding due to the complex interlocking of magnetite with quartz and stilpnomelane expressed as a sieve-like texture. This textural complication directed the current work to investigate the potential exploitation of the Um Nar BIF as a precursor of nano-magnetite that is commonly synthesized by ferrous and ferric chlorides. Accordingly, HCl-based agitation leaching followed by co-precipitation was carried out, resulting in ultrafine nano-magnetite (2.47–4.27 nm particle size) expected to serve in water treatment as an effective adsorbent for heavy metals.
The implications for potential marginal land resources of cassava across worldwide under climate change challenges
Authors: Li Yongping , Ding Fangyu , Hao Mengmeng , Chen Shuai , Jiang Dong , Fan Peiwei , Qian Yushu , Zhuo Jun , Wu Jiajie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe demand for energy plants is foreseen to grow as worldwide energy and climate policies promote the use of bioenergy for climate change mitigation. To avoid competing with food production, it’s critical to assess future changes in marginal land availability for energy plant development. Using a machine learning method, boosted regression tree, this study modeled potential marginal land resources suitable for cassava under current and different climate change scenarios, based on cassava occurrence records and environmental covariates. The findings revealed that, currently, over 80% of the 1357.24 Mha of available marginal land for cassava cultivation is distributed in Africa and South America. Under three climate change scenarios, by 2030, worldwide suitable marginal land resources were predicted to grow by 39.71Mha, 66.21 Mha, and 39.31Mha for the RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively; by 2050, the potential marginal land suitable for cassava will increase by 38.98Mha, 83.02 Mha, and 55.43Mha, respectively; by 2080, the global marginal land resources were estimated to rise by 40.82 Mha, 99.74 Mha, and 21.87 Mha from now, respectively. Our results highlight the impacts of climate change on potential marginal land resources of cassava across worldwide, which provide the basis for assessing bioenergy potential in the future.
PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic, JNJ‑26366821 a novel prophylactic radiation countermeasure for acute radiation injury
Authors: Holmes-Hampton Gregory P. , Kumar Vidya P. , Biswas Shukla , Stone Sasha , Sharma Neel K. , Legesse Betre , Vercellino Justin , Guha Chandan , Eichenbaum Gary , Ghosh Sanchita P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThrombopoietin (TPO) is the primary regulator of platelet generation and a stimulator of multilineage hematopoietic recovery following exposure to total body irradiation (TBI). JNJ‑26366821, a novel PEGylated TPO mimetic peptide, stimulates platelet production without developing neutralizing antibodies or causing any adverse effects. Administration of a single dose of JNJ‑26366821 demonstrated its efficacy as a prophylactic countermeasure in various mouse strains (males CD2F1, C3H/HeN, and male and female C57BL/6J) exposed to Co-60 gamma TBI. A dose dependent survival efficacy of JNJ‑26366821 (− 24 h) was identified in male CD2F1 mice exposed to a supralethal dose of radiation. A single dose of JNJ‑26366821 administered 24, 12, or 2 h pre-radiation resulted in 100% survival from a lethal dose of TBI with a dose reduction factor of 1.36. There was significantly accelerated recovery from radiation-induced peripheral blood neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in animals pre-treated with JNJ‑26366821. The drug also increased bone marrow cellularity and megakaryocytes, accelerated multi-lineage hematopoietic recovery, and alleviated radiation-induced soluble markers of bone marrow aplasia and endothelial damage. These results indicate that JNJ‑26366821 is a promising prophylactic radiation countermeasure for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome with a broad window for medical management in a radiological or nuclear event.
The low permeability of the Earth’s Precambrian crust
Authors: Ferguson Grant , McIntosh Jennifer , Warr Oliver , Sherwood Lollar Barbara 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe large volume of deep groundwater in the Precambrian crust has only recently been understood to be relatively hydrogeologically isolated from the rest of the hydrologic cycle. The paucity of permeability measurements in Precambrian crust below 1.3 km is a barrier to modeling fluid flow and solute transport in these low porosity and permeability deep environments. Whether permeability-depth relationships derived from measurements shallower than 1.3 km can be extended to greater depths in unclear. Similarly, application of a widely-used permeability-depth relationship from prograde metamorphic and geothermal systems to deep Precambrian rocks may not be appropriate. Here, we constrain permeabilities for Precambrian crust to depths of 3.3 km based on fluid residence times estimated from noble gas analyses. Our analysis shows no statistically significant relationship between permeability and depth where only samples below 1 km are considered, challenging previous assumptions of exponential decay. Additionally, we show that estimated permeabilities at depths >1 km are at least an order of magnitude lower than some previous estimates and possibly much lower. As a consequence, water and solute fluxes at these depths will be extremely limited, imposing important controls on elemental cycling, distribution of subsurface microbial life and connections with the near-surface water cycle.
Synchronization of Boolean networks with chaos‐driving and its application in image cryptosystem
Authors: Yan Peng‐Fei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Chuan , Chang Rui‐Yun , Sun Yu‐Jie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a Boolean network model with high dimensional chaos driving and investigates the synchronization of the chaos‐driven Boolean network with a semi‐tensor product. In order to protect the privacy and ensure the security of image transmission, the synchronization results are utilized in the image cryptosystem to achieve compression and encryption. First, the driving chaos system is coupled with multiple local systems and synchronized with the transmitted encrypted signals. Second, the Boolean network is driven and synchronized with derived chaos signals. Finally, images are encrypted and compressed with chaos‐driven Boolean network signals in the transmitter, and then decrypted and recovered with synchronized chaos and Boolean network signals in the recipient. Because of the complexities of high dimensional chaos and Boolean network, the proposed cryptosystem has good security in the secure communication and image process.
The inner dust shell of Betelgeuse seen with high-angular-resolution polarimetry
Authors: Haubois X. , van Holstein R. G. , Milli J. , Pinte C. , López-Ariste A. , Mathias Ph. , Kervella P. , Perrin G. , Montargès M. 
Published: September 2023

Context. The characteristics of the innermost layer of dust winds from red supergiants have not been identified. In 2019–2020, Betelgeuse exhibited an important dimming event that has been partially attributed to dust formation, highlighting the importance of understanding dust properties in the first stellar radii from the photosphere.
Aims. We aim to detect and characterize the inner dust environment of Betelgeuse at high spatial resolution.
Methods. We obtained SPHERE/ZIMPOL and SPHERE/IRDIS linear polarimetric observations from January 2019, before the dimming event, and compared them to a grid of synthetic radiative transfer models.
Results. We detect a structure that is relatively centro-symmetric with a 60 mas diameter (1.3–1.4 stellar diameter). We computed synthetic images using radiative transfer modeling assuming a spherical dust shell composed of MgSiO3 grains. We find that most of the data are best reproduced with a dust shell whose outer radius is approximately 10 AU (i.e., ~2 stellar radii) and a maximum grain size in the 0.4–0.6 µm range. These results are close to the ones we obtained from 2013 NACO/SAMPOL data, indicating that the shell radius and grain size can show some stability for at least 6 yr despite morphological changes of the dust shell. The residuals after the subtraction of the best-fitting centro-symmetric model suggest complex asymmetric density structures and photospheric effects.
Automation of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Data Collection
Authors: Riley J.B. , Hurdle M.B. , Winn B.A. , Wagoner P.A. 
Published: September 2023

A computer assisted data collection system is presented. The system is comprised of a microprocessor with permanent memory, a general purpose interface board capable of analog to digital conversion, and communication ports to collect data from other microprocessors.
Continuous in-line blood gas values and ventilation control parameter values are passed to the microprocessor for storage in an addressable memory location. Analog signals for blood flow, patient temperatures and pressures are also stored and referenced to real time.
This system provides the perfusionist with the following capabilities in the in vivo laboratory and OH surgical suite; minute-by-minute trending of the progress of perfusion, documentation of device and perfusionist performance and patient response to dynamic changes. Physiological transformations and calculations are automatically performed and the microprocessor notifies the perfusionist of user defined alarm situations.
Analysis of the data base created on-line by this system leads to learning situations that improve open heart surgical teamwork, the consistency of patient care, and provides a possible defense against medical legal complication.