bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and analysis of chemosensory genes encoding odorant-binding proteins, chemosensory proteins and sensory neuron membrane proteins in the antennae ofLissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Zhun , Qi Lizhong , Zhang Xinsheng , Zhang Juhong , Xi Jinghui
Published: September 2021

The rice water weevil,Lissorhoptrus oryzophilusKuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a destructive pest that causes damage to rice crops worldwide. The olfactory system is critical for host or mate location by weevils, but only limited information about the molecular mechanism of olfaction-related behaviour has been reported in this insect. In this study, we conducted SMRT-seq transcriptome analysis and obtained 54,378 transcripts, 38,706 of which were annotated. Based on these annotations, we identified 40 candidate chemosensory genes, including 31 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), six chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and three sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Phylogenetic analysis showed that LoryOBPs, LoryCSPs and LorySNMPs were distributed in various clades. The results of tissue expression patterns indicated that LoryOBPs were highly abundant in the antennae, whereas LoryCSPs were highly abundant not only in the antennae but also in the abdomen, head and wings. Our findings substantially expand the gene database ofL. oryzophilusand may serve as a basis for identifying novel targets to disrupt key olfactory genes, potentially providing an eco-friendly strategy to control this pest in the future.
On holomorphic reflexivity conditions for complex Lie groups
Authors: Aristov O. Yu.
Published: September 2021

We consider Akbarov's holomorphic version of the non-commutative Pontryagin duality for a complex Lie group. We prove, under the assumption that $G$ is a Stein group with finitely many components, that (1) the topological Hopf algebra of holomorphic functions on $G$ is holomorphically reflexive if and only if $G$ is linear; (2) the dual cocommutative topological Hopf algebra of exponential analytic functional on $G$ is holomorphically reflexive. We give a counterexample, which shows that the first criterion cannot be extended to the case of infinitely many components. Nevertheless, we conjecture that, in general, the question can be solved in terms of the Banach-algebra linearity of $G$.
Discrimination ofDiplodus vulgaris(Actinopterygii, Sparidae) stock from two Tunisian lagoons using otolith shape analysis
Authors: Khedher Maissa , Mejri Marwa , Shahin Adel A. Basyouny , Quiganrd Jean-Pierre , Trabelsi Monia , Ben Faleh Abderraouf
Published: September 2021

Saccular otolith shape and size were analysed for the first time in 120 adult individuals ofD.vulgariscollected from two localities, the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons (north-east Tunisia). The objectives were (1) to examine the specific inter- and intra-individual variation in the otolith shape using elliptical Fourier analysis combined with measures of length (LO), width (WO) and area (AO); (2) to use the otolith shape and size analysis as a phenotypic-based approach to discriminate the stock structure of this species in the two localities to investigate whether they represent two separate stocks to inform on appropriate management procedures; and (3) to test for biases resulting from potential fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the otolith size on the discrimination of stock structure. Discriminant function analysis performed with the normalized elliptical Fourier descriptors coefficients showed statistically significant differences (P< 0.0001) in the otolith contour shape, i.e. asymmetry, either between the left and right sides or between the same sides (left-left and right-right) within and among individuals of the two localities. Besides, a significant asymmetry (P< 0.05) was found in WO and AO among individuals within the Bizerte locality and in WO only within the Ghar El Melh locality. Moreover, significant FA was observed in the otolith size parameters among individuals of the two localities. This significant asymmetry detected in the otolith shape, as well as in the size due to FA, within and among individuals ofD.vulgariscollected from the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh localities confirms that the two stocks could be discriminated from each other and should be managed separately. This asymmetry is discussed in light of the instability of development caused either by environmental stress associated with the variation in water temperature, salinity, depth, feeding conditions and pollutants that have led to abnormalities in the development of individuals or by the presence of poor living conditions for the larvae resulting from unfavourable environments.
Rural and urban views on elephants, conservation and poaching
Authors: Sampson Christie , Glikman Jenny Anne , Rodriguez S. L. , Tonkyn David , Soe Paing , O'Connor David , Chit Aung Myo , Leimgruber Peter
Published: September 2021

Successful anti-poaching policies and effective conservation of Asian elephants Elephas maximus require input and support from all stakeholders, including the public. But although Myanmar has one of the largest remaining populations of wild Asian elephants, there has been little research on public attitudes there towards elephants and poaching. We developed a questionnaire to assess attitudes of people in rural and urban areas towards elephants and conservation, and their perceptions of and experience with elephant poaching. We conducted 178 interviews across two regions in Myanmar. Although both rural and urban participants supported elephant conservation, people from urban areas expressed more favourable attitudes towards elephants than their rural counterparts. Similarly, conservation priorities differed between rural and urban communities, with rural communities less likely to believe that peaceful human–elephant coexistence was possible and preferring conservation initiatives that prioritize human activities over elephant conservation. Both groups were familiar with elephant poaching in Myanmar, but rural communities appeared to be better informed regarding the challenges faced by conservation agencies, and were more negatively affected by poaching. Our findings highlight potential areas for intervention by government and conservation agencies to reduce criminal activity and to protect both Myanmar's citizens and its elephants.
Not by signalling alone: Music's mosaicism undermines the search for a proper function
Authors: Killin Anton , Brusse Carl , Currie Adrian , Planer Ronald J.
Published: September 2021

Mehr et al. seek to explain music's evolution in terms of a unitary proper function – signalling cooperative intent – which they cash out in two guises, coalition signalling and (allo)parental attention signalling. Although we recognize the role signalling almost certainly played in the evolution of music, we reject “ultimate” causal explanations which focus on a unidirectional, narrow range of causal factors.
Unravelling the origins of musicality: Beyond music as an epiphenomenon of language
Authors: Honing Henkjan
Published: September 2021

The two target articles address the origins of music in complementary ways. However, both proposals focus on overt musical behaviour, largely ignoring the role of perception and cognition, and they blur the boundaries between the potential origins of language and music. To resolve this, an alternative research strategy is proposed that focuses on the core cognitive components of musicality.
Bonding system in nonhuman primates and biological roots of musicality
Authors: Hattori Yuko
Published: September 2021

Comparative studies of primates indicate that humans have evolved unique motivations and cognitive skills for sharing emotions, experiences, and collaborative actions. Given the characteristics of music, the music and social bonding (MSB) hypothesis by Savage et al. fits this view. Within a cross-species approach, predispositions not observed in current communication system may contribute to a better understanding of the biological roots of human musicality.
Music, groove, and play
Authors: Ashley Richard D.
Published: September 2021

Savage et al. include groove and dance among musical features which enhance social bonds and group coherence. I discuss groove as grounded in structure and performance, and relate musical performance to play in nonhuman animals and humans. The interplay of individuals' contributions with group action is proposed as the common link between music and play as contributors to social bonding.
Vigor of reactive postural responses is set from feedback and feedforward processes
Authors: Teixeira Luis Augusto
Published: September 2021

I explore a distinct perspective from that brought in the book by arguing that in postural control our organism selects the vigor of reactive responses guided by an optimization rule considering first the required postural response for balance recovery as indicated by afferent information from a myriad of sensory receptors, and second the history of previous responses to similar perturbations.
Zimbabwe Ruins in Botswana: Settlement Hierarchies, Political Boundaries and Symbolic Statements
Authors: Huffman Thomas N. , Main Mike
Published: September 2021

At its peak in the sixteenth century, the Zimbabwe Culture encompassed an area the size of France. The greater Tuli area in east-central Botswana formed the western extent of this culture area. Here many dzimbahwe mark the residences of sacred leaders in the later Khami period (1400–1840 ad). These stone-walled headquarters formed a pyramid of political importance, with district chiefs (Level 4) and petty chiefs (Level 3) at the top and headmen (Level 2) and commoners (Level 1) at the base. Commoners and their headmen lived near arable land, while petty chiefs placed their administrative centres at the boundaries of their small chiefdoms. In death, sacred leaders rested in dzimbahwe on special hills, while ordinary villagers were buried in their homesteads. During the Khami period in Botswana, these various settlements were part of only one Level 4 district: Level 5 and Level 6 capitals were located elsewhere. After the collapse of the powerful Torwa state at Khami, decorative symbols changed from emphasizing the majesty of kingship (Khami) to the responsibilities of sacred leaders (Zinjanja), and then back again to kingship in the Rozvi state (Danangombe). The powerful Rozvi state did not extend to the Tuli area, probably because it was too dry.
100 years of Dura Europos
Authors: Elsner Jaś
Published: September 2021

It was more than 100 years ago, in March 1920, that British troops camping in the ruins of some unknown ancient fort on the Euphrates, named Al-Salihiyah in Arabic, during the skirmishing that followed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of the First World War, dug a trench and excavated some astonishing wall paintings. The officers in charge, along with the Civil Commissioner, managed to call in an American archaeologist who happened to be in Syria at the end of April, James Henry Breasted, first director of the Oriental Institute in Chicago (founded the previous year, 1919). Breasted visited in May, in dangerous conditions and with the British about to withdraw. He stayed only a day, managing to clear and take photographs of the murals that depict the sacrifices of Conon and Julius Terentius in what later became known as the Temple of Bel or the Temple of the Palmyrene Gods.
Characteristics and outcomes of acute COVID-19 infection in paediatric and young adult patients with underlying cardiac disease
Authors: Fisher Joshua M. , Badran Sarah , Li John T. , Votava-Smith Jodie K. , Sullivan Patrick M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe outcomes of acute coronavirus disease 2019 in paediatric and young adult patients with underlying cardiac disease and evaluate the association between cardiac risk factors and hospitalisation.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective single-institution review of patients with known cardiac disease and positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RT-PCR from 1 March, 2020 to 30 November, 2020. Extracardiac comorbidities and cardiac risk factors were compared between those admitted for coronavirus disease 2019 illness and the rest of the cohort using univariate analysis.

Results

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 7.7 ± 6.7 years were identified. Six were 18 years of age or more with the oldest being 22 years of age. Seventy-six percent were Hispanic. The most common cardiac diagnoses were repaired cyanotic (n = 7, 16.6%) and palliated single ventricle (n = 7, 16.6%) congenital heart disease. Fourteen patients (33.3%) had underlying syndromes or chromosomal anomalies, nine (21%) had chronic pulmonary disease and eight (19%) were immunosuppressed. Nineteen patients (47.6%) reported no symptoms. Sixteen (38.1%) reported only mild symptoms. Six patients (14.3%) were admitted to the hospital for acute coronavirus disease 2019 illness. Noncardiac comorbidities were associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation (p = 0.02), particularly chronic pulmonary disease (p = 0.01) and baseline supplemental oxygen requirement (p = 0.007). None of the single ventricle patients who tested positive required admission.

Conclusions

Hospitalisations for coronavirus disease 2019 were rare among children and young adults with underlying cardiac disease. Extracardiac comorbidities like pulmonary disease were associated with increased risk of hospitalisation while cardiac risk factors were not.
A decision tree prediction model for a short-term outcome of delirium in patients with advanced cancer receiving pharmacological interventions: A secondary analysis of a multicenter and prospective observational study (Phase-R)
Authors: Kurisu Ken , Inada Shuji , Maeda Isseki , Ogawa Asao , Iwase Satoru , Akechi Tatsuo , Morita Tatsuya , Oyamada Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Imai Kengo , Nakahara Rika , Kaneishi Keisuke , Nakajima Nobuhisa , Sumitani Masahiko , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Objective

There is no widely used prognostic model for delirium in patients with advanced cancer. The present study aimed to develop a decision tree prediction model for a short-term outcome.

Method

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter and prospective observational study conducted at 9 psycho-oncology consultation services and 14 inpatient palliative care units in Japan. We used records of patients with advanced cancer receiving pharmacological interventions with a baseline Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 (DRS-R98) severity score of ≥10. A DRS-R98 severity score of <10 on day 3 was defined as the study outcome. The dataset was randomly split into the training and test dataset. A decision tree model was developed using the training dataset and potential predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was measured both in 5-fold cross-validation and in the independent test dataset. Finally, the model was visualized using the whole dataset.

Results

Altogether, 668 records were included, of which 141 had a DRS-R98 severity score of <10 on day 3. The model achieved an average AUC of 0.698 in 5-fold cross-validation and 0.718 (95% confidence interval, 0.627–0.810) in the test dataset. The baseline DRS-R98 severity score (cutoff of 15), hypoxia, and dehydration were the important predictors, in this order.

Significance of results

We developed an easy-to-use prediction model for the short-term outcome of delirium in patients with advanced cancer receiving pharmacological interventions. The baseline severity of delirium and precipitating factors of delirium were important for prediction.
The Power of Everyday Peer Relatedness in Predicting Subjective Well-Being After School Transition
Authors: Schmidt Andrea , Dirk Judith , Schmiedek Florian
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The transition from primary to secondary school represents a challenging life event. This study examined 108 children (age M = 10.11 years, SD = 0.44) in Germany during the first 12 weeks at a new school. Daily satisfaction and frustration of the basic need for relatedness were examined as predictors of subjective well-being versus ill-being and adjustment versus psychopathology. Subjective well-being or ill-being was assessed at weeks 3 – 4 and week 11 of the school year. In between, there was a 4-week period of daily assessments of perceived relatedness satisfaction and frustration. Teachers indicated each child’s psychological adjustment or psychopathology (e. g., emotional symptoms) in weeks 11 – 12. Daily relatedness satisfaction was associated with increases in positive affect from weeks 3 – 4 to week 11, while daily relatedness frustration was linked to an increase in negative affect and school anxiety. Furthermore, daily relatedness satisfaction was negatively linked to teacher-reported emotional symptoms and peer problems at weeks 11 – 12, and daily relatedness frustration was positively associated with teacher-reported conduct problems and hyperactivity-inattention.
Belonging as Compensator
Authors: Marksteiner Tamara , Janson Marc Philipp , Beißert Hanna
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Bullying is a serious issue among adolescents worldwide. It has been conceptualized as a type of physical or indirect peer victimization that occurs repeatedly over time and is characterized by a systematic abuse of power. Being bullied at school severely affects victims’ health and well-being. What protects students from these consequences? We investigate feelings of belonging –i. e., the feeling that one is accepted, included, respected, and valued in the respective social environment – as a possible compensator for bullying consequences across different cultures. We hypothesize that being bullied is less severe for students who have strong feelings of belonging. We use data from 319,057 15-year-old students across 47 countries. Multilevel regression analyses replicated that bullying and well-being are negatively associated. Further, the results indicated, as expected, that feelings of belonging compensate for the negative impact that bullying has on well-being. Practical implications as well as limitations are discussed.
High‐Resolution Isotopic Variability Across EPR Segment 16°N: A Chronological Interpretation of Source Composition and Ridge‐Seamount Interaction
Authors: Mougel Berengere , Agranier Arnaud , Hemond Christophe , Gente Pascal
Published: September 2021

A high‐resolution sampling profile constituted of 52 basalt samples from across the East Pacific Rise (EPR) was investigated. These samples provide a unique opportunity to study the coeval recording of isotopic signals derived from sub‐marine eruptions at a fast spreading ridge over a time interval of ∼320 kyrs. Additionally, the study area is marked by the presence of a neighboring seamount chain that has recently caused the ridge to jump twice toward it. Combining previous geochemical studies and bathymetry, we established a first‐order chronology between analyzed samples, and have reconstructed the evolution of basalt compositions as the ridge and seamounts advance and finally merge. Our data reveal the existence of two distinct types of isotopic variability within the samples. One that has a low amplitude and frequency and is accounted for by the continuous melting of the ambient mantle, indicating a process with a ∼125 kyr periodicity. The other, of higher amplitude, is discontinuous in time, and likely reflects the seamounts source influence on the ridge. Our results support a two‐step hotspot‐ridge interaction including a first stage (≥600 ka) of regional enrichment of the depleted ridge mantle by hotspot material; and a second, more recent (at least 300 ka) even wherein ambient mantle melts mixed with proximal melts from heterogeneous seamounts sourced nearby. We also propose that the ancient gabbroic component previously identified in this region appeared very recently (<hundreds ya) as erupted lavas are exclusively recorded in a cluster proximal to the axial zone of the ridge.
The Onset of a Substorm and the Mating Instability
Authors: Haerendel Gerhard , Frey Harald
Published: September 2021

The paper underlines the view that the appearance of beading and its nonlinear growth in the onset arc occurs independently from the onset of reconnection in the tail at about 20 RE. Both events follow from an extreme thinning of the central current sheet of the tail at the end of the growth phase. Subsequently, we concentrate on the processes connected with the onset arc breakup. Its origin lies in the instability of a high‐beta plasma layer building up at the outer boundary of the dipolar magnetosphere during the substorm growth phase, the growth phase arc (GPA) being the ionospheric trace. The observation of auroral streamers triggering the onset arc instability lets us analyze what is known about auroral streamers with strong support from high‐resolution videos of two substorm onsets. We conclude that they may be low‐entropy content bubbles with a balanced field‐aligned current system, framing a flow channel. However, there are unresolved questions. The visible streamer is identified as an Alfvénic arc. In searching for a mechanism by which a streamer bubble lining up along the GPA can trigger the instability, we are led to the recognition that an entirely new non‐MHD process must be at work. Taking also into account the surprising fact that the beads are moving oppositely to the convection in GPA and auroral streamer, we postulate the appearance of a new current system in the gap between the two. What happens can be described as the mating of two current sheets, which were completely separated before. It breaks the stability of the high‐beta plasma layer and channels the release and conversion of free internal energy. For this reason, we name the process mating instability. A physical analysis of this process shows consistency with detailed features exhibited by the two videos
Inflation and Asymmetric Collapse at Kīlauea Summit During the 2018 Eruption From Seismic and Infrasound Analyses
Authors: Lai Voon Hui , Zhan Zhongwen , Brissaud Quentin , Sandanbata Osamu , Miller Meghan S.
Published: September 2021

Characterizing the large M4.7+ seismic events during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption is important to understand the complex subsurface deformation at the Kīlauea summit. The first 12 events (May 17–May 26) are associated with long‐duration seismic signals and the remaining 50 events (May 29–August 2) are accompanied by large‐scale caldera collapses. Resolving the source location and mechanism is challenging because of the shallow source depth, significant nondouble‐couple components, and complex velocity structure. We demonstrate that combining multiple geophysical data from broadband seismometers, accelerometers, and infrasound is essential to resolve different aspects of the seismic source. Seismic moment tensor solutions using near‐field summit stations show the early events are inflationary. Infrasound data and particle motion analysis identify the source of inflation as the Halema'uma'u reservoir. For the later collapse events, two‐independent moment tensor inversions using local and global stations consistently show that asymmetric slips occur on inward‐dipping normal faults along the northwest corner of the caldera. While the source mechanism from May 29 onwards is not fully resolvable seismically using far‐field stations, infrasound records, and simulations suggest there may be inflation during the collapse. The summit events are characterized by both inflation and asymmetric slip, which are consistent with geodetic data. Based on the location of the slip and microseismicity, the caldera may have failed in a “see‐saw” manner: small continuous slips in the form of microseismicity on the southeast corner of the caldera, compensated by large slips on the northwest during the large collapse events.
Estimation of Seismic Moment Tensors Using Variational Inference Machine Learning
Authors: Steinberg Andreas , Vasyura‐Bathke Hannes , Gaebler Peter , Ohrnberger Matthias , Ceranna Lars
Published: September 2021

We present an approach for rapidly estimating full moment tensors of earthquakes and their parameter uncertainties based on short time windows of recorded seismic waveform data by considering deep learning of Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs). The individual neural networks are trained on synthetic seismic waveform data and corresponding known earthquake moment‐tensor parameters. A monitoring volume has been predefined to form a three‐dimensional grid of locations and to train a BNN for each grid point. Variational inference on several of these networks allows us to consider several sources of error and how they affect the estimated full moment‐tensor parameters and their uncertainties. In particular, we demonstrate how estimated parameter distributions are affected by uncertainties in the earthquake centroid location in space and time as well as in the assumed Earth structure model. We apply our approach as a proof of concept on seismic waveform recordings of aftershocks of the Ridgecrest 2019 earthquake with moment magnitudes ranging from Mw 2.7 to Mw 5.5. Overall, good agreement has been achieved between inferred parameter ensembles and independently estimated parameters using classical methods. Our developed approach is fast and robust, and therefore, suitable for down‐stream analyses that need rapid estimates of the source mechanism for a large number of earthquakes.
Exploring Sources of Surface Bias in HRRR Using New York State Mesonet
Authors: Min Lanxi , Fitzjarrald David R. , Du Yuyi , Rose Brian E. J. , Hong Jia , Min Qilong
Published: September 2021

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for applications of short‐term forecasting of renewable energy potential and assessments of the likelihood of extreme weather events using the High‐Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model. Examining the biases in the newest version of HRRR is necessary to promote further model development. Using data from one of the most comprehensive and dense monitoring networks, New York State Mesonet (NYSM), we evaluate the HRRR version 3 meteorological fields for an entire year. In this work, the land‐atmosphere‐cloud coupling system is evaluated as an integrated whole. We investigate the physical processes influencing the soil hydrological balance and the thermodynamic interactions, from surface fluxes up to the level of boundary layer convection from both temporal (seasonal and diurnal) and spatial perspectives. Results show that the model 2 m temperature and humidity biases are seasonally dependent, with warm and dry bias present during the warm season, and an extreme nocturnal cold bias in winter. The summer warm bias includes both a land‐surface‐induced bias and a cloud‐induced bias. Inaccurate representation of energy partition and soil hydrological process across different land use types as well as a hydrological bias in describing spring snowmelt are identified as the main source of the land‐surface‐induced bias. A feedback loop linking cloud presence, flux changes, and temperature contributes to the cloud‐induced bias. The positive solar radiation bias increases from clear sky to overcast sky conditions. The most significant bias occurs during overcast and thick cloud conditions associated with frontal passage and thunderstorms.
Analyses of oligodontia phenotypes and genetic etiologies
Authors: Zhou Mengqi , Zhang Hong , Camhi Heather , Seymen Figen , Koruyucu Mine , Kasimoglu Yelda , Kim Jung-Wook , Kim-Berman Hera , Yuson Ninna M. R. , Benke Paul J. , Wu Yiqun , Wang Feng , Zhu Yaqin , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C-C.
Published: September 2021

Oligodontia is the congenital absence of six or more teeth and comprises the more severe forms of tooth agenesis. Many genes have been implicated in the etiology of tooth agenesis, which is highly variable in its clinical presentation. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between genetic mutations and clinical features of oligodontia patients. An online systematic search of papers published from January 1992 to June 2021 identified 381 oligodontia cases meeting the eligibility criteria of causative gene mutation, phenotype description, and radiographic records. Additionally, ten families with oligodontia were recruited and their genetic etiologies were determined by whole-exome sequence analyses. We identified a novel mutation in WNT10A (c.99_105dup) and eight previously reported mutations in WNT10A (c.433 G > A; c.682 T > A; c.318 C > G; c.511.C > T; c.321 C > A), EDAR (c.581 C > T), and LRP6 (c.1003 C > T, c.2747 G > T). Collectively, 20 different causative genes were implicated among those 393 cases with oligodontia. For each causative gene, the mean number of missing teeth per case and the frequency of teeth missing at each position were calculated. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis indicated that molars agenesis is more likely linked to PAX9 mutations, mandibular first premolar agenesis is least associated with PAX9 mutations. Mandibular incisors and maxillary lateral incisor agenesis are most closely linked to EDA mutations.
Molecular mechanisms of inhibiting glucosyltransferases for biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Ma Qizhao , Wang Yan , Wu Hui , Zou Jing
Published: September 2021

Glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) play critical roles in the etiology and pathogenesis of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)- mediated dental caries including early childhood caries. Gtfs enhance the biofilm formation and promotes colonization of cariogenic bacteria by generating biofilm extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), the key virulence property in the cariogenic process. Therefore, Gtfs have become an appealing target for effective therapeutic interventions that inhibit cariogenic biofilms. Importantly, targeting Gtfs selectively impairs the S. mutans virulence without affecting S. mutans existence or the existence of other species in the oral cavity. Over the past decade, numerous Gtfs inhibitory molecules have been identified, mainly including natural and synthetic compounds and their derivatives, antibodies, and metal ions. These therapeutic agents exert their inhibitory role in inhibiting the expression gtf genes and the activities and secretion of Gtfs enzymes with a wide range of sensitivity and effectiveness. Understanding molecular mechanisms of inhibiting Gtfs will contribute to instructing drug combination strategies, which is more effective for inhibiting Gtfs than one drug or class of drugs. This review highlights our current understanding of Gtfs activities and their potential utility, and discusses challenges and opportunities for future exploration of Gtfs as a therapeutic target.
Microbial storage and its implications for soil ecology
Authors: Mason-Jones Kyle , Robinson Serina L , Veen G F (Ciska) , Manzoni Stefano , van der Putten Wim H
Published: September 2021

Organisms throughout the tree of life accumulate chemical resources, in particular forms or compartments, to secure their availability for future use. Here we review microbial storage and its ecological significance by assembling several rich but disconnected lines of research in microbiology, biogeochemistry, and the ecology of macroscopic organisms. Evidence is drawn from various systems, but we pay particular attention to soils, where microorganisms play crucial roles in global element cycles. An assembly of genus-level data demonstrates the likely prevalence of storage traits in soil. We provide a theoretical basis for microbial storage ecology by distinguishing a spectrum of storage strategies ranging from surplus storage (storage of abundant resources that are not immediately required) to reserve storage (storage of limited resources at the cost of other metabolic functions). This distinction highlights that microorganisms can invest in storage at times of surplus and under conditions of scarcity. We then align storage with trait-based microbial life-history strategies, leading to the hypothesis that ruderal species, which are adapted to disturbance, rely less on storage than microorganisms adapted to stress or high competition. We explore the implications of storage for soil biogeochemistry, microbial biomass, and element transformations and present a process-based model of intracellular carbon storage. Our model indicates that storage can mitigate against stoichiometric imbalances, thereby enhancing biomass growth and resource-use efficiency in the face of unbalanced resources. Given the central roles of microbes in biogeochemical cycles, we propose that microbial storage may be influential on macroscopic scales, from carbon cycling to ecosystem stability.
Bacillus velezensis stimulates resident rhizosphere Pseudomonas stutzeri for plant health through metabolic interactions
Authors: Sun Xinli , Xu Zhihui , Xie Jiyu , Hesselberg-Thomsen Viktor , Tan Taimeng , Zheng Daoyue , Strube Mikael L , Dragoš Anna , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu , Kovács Ákos T
Published: September 2021

Trophic interactions play a central role in driving microbial community assembly and function. In gut or soil ecosystems, successful inoculants are always facilitated by efficient colonization; however, the metabolite exchanges between inoculants and resident bacteria are rarely studied, particularly in the rhizosphere. Here, we used bioinformatic, genetic, transcriptomic, and metabonomic analyses to uncover syntrophic cooperation between inoculant (Bacillus velezensis SQR9) and plant-beneficial indigenous Pseudomonas stutzeri in the cucumber rhizosphere. We found that the synergistic interaction of these two species is highly environmental dependent, the emergence of syntrophic cooperation was only evident in a static nutrient-rich niche, such as pellicle biofilm in addition to the rhizosphere. Our results identified branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) biosynthesis pathways are involved in syntrophic cooperation. Genome-scale metabolic modeling and metabolic profiling also demonstrated metabolic facilitation among the bacterial strains. In addition, biofilm matrix components from Bacillus were essential for the interaction. Importantly, the two-species consortium promoted plant growth and helped plants alleviate salt stress. In summary, we propose a mechanism in which synergic interactions between a biocontrol bacterium and a partner species promote plant health.
Increased somatic mutation burdens in normal human cells due to defective DNA polymerases
Authors: Robinson Philip S. , Coorens Tim H. H. , Palles Claire , Mitchell Emily , Abascal Federico , Olafsson Sigurgeir , Lee Bernard C. H. , Lawson Andrew R. J. , Lee-Six Henry , Moore Luiza , Sanders Mathijs A. , Hewinson James , Martin Lynn , Pinna Claudia M. A. , Galavotti Sara , Rahbari Raheleh , Campbell Peter J. , Martincorena Iñigo , Tomlinson Ian , Stratton Michael R.
Published: September 2021

Mutation accumulation in somatic cells contributes to cancer development and is proposed as a cause of aging. DNA polymerases Pol ε and Pol δ replicate DNA during cell division. However, in some cancers, defective proofreading due to acquired POLE/POLD1 exonuclease domain mutations causes markedly elevated somatic mutation burdens with distinctive mutational signatures. Germline POLE/POLD1 mutations cause familial cancer predisposition. Here, we sequenced normal tissue and tumor DNA from individuals with germline POLE/POLD1 mutations. Increased mutation burdens with characteristic mutational signatures were found in normal adult somatic cell types, during early embryogenesis and in sperm. Thus human physiology can tolerate ubiquitously elevated mutation burdens. Except for increased cancer risk, individuals with germline POLE/POLD1 mutations do not exhibit overt features of premature aging. These results do not support a model in which all features of aging are attributable to widespread cell malfunction directly resulting from somatic mutation burdens accrued during life.
Parallel subgenome structure and divergent expression evolution of allo-tetraploid common carp and goldfish
Authors: Li Jiong-Tang , Wang Qi , Huang Yang Mei-Di , Li Qing-Song , Cui Ming-Shu , Dong Zai-Jie , Wang Hong-Wei , Yu Ju-Hua , Zhao Yu-Jie , Yang Chen-Ru , Wang Ya-Xin , Sun Xiao-Qing , Zhang Yan , Zhao Ran , Jia Zhi-Ying , Wang Xi-Yin
Published: September 2021

How two subgenomes in allo-tetraploids adapt to coexistence and coordinate through structure and expression evolution requires extensive studies. In the present study, we report an improved genome assembly of allo-tetraploid common carp, an updated genome annotation of allo-tetraploid goldfish and the chromosome-scale assemblies of a progenitor-like diploid Puntius tetrazona and an outgroup diploid Paracanthobrama guichenoti. Parallel subgenome structure evolution in the allo-tetraploids was featured with equivalent chromosome components, higher protein identities, similar transposon divergence and contents, homoeologous exchanges, better synteny level, strong sequence compensation and symmetric purifying selection. Furthermore, we observed subgenome expression divergence processes in the allo-tetraploids, including inter-/intrasubgenome trans-splicing events, expression dominance, decreased expression levels, dosage compensation, stronger expression correlation, dynamic functionalization and balancing of differential expression. The potential disorders introduced by different progenitors in the allo-tetraploids were hypothesized to be alleviated by increasing structural homogeneity and performing versatile expression processes. Resequencing three common carp strains revealed two major ecotypes and uncovered candidate genes relevant to growth and survival rate.
High-resolution structural and functional deep brain imaging using adaptive optics three-photon microscopy
Authors: Streich Lina , Boffi Juan Carlos , Wang Ling , Alhalaseh Khaleel , Barbieri Matteo , Rehm Ronja , Deivasigamani Senthilkumar , Gross Cornelius T. , Agarwal Amit , Prevedel Robert
Published: September 2021

Multiphoton microscopy has become a powerful tool with which to visualize the morphology and function of neural cells and circuits in the intact mammalian brain. However, tissue scattering, optical aberrations and motion artifacts degrade the imaging performance at depth. Here we describe a minimally invasive intravital imaging methodology based on three-photon excitation, indirect adaptive optics (AO) and active electrocardiogram gating to advance deep-tissue imaging. Our modal-based, sensorless AO approach is robust to low signal-to-noise ratios as commonly encountered in deep scattering tissues such as the mouse brain, and permits AO correction over large axial fields of view. We demonstrate near-diffraction-limited imaging of deep cortical spines and (sub)cortical dendrites up to a depth of 1.4 mm (the edge of the mouse CA1 hippocampus). In addition, we show applications to deep-layer calcium imaging of astrocytes, including fibrous astrocytes that reside in the highly scattering corpus callosum.
Image-guided MALDI mass spectrometry for high-throughput single-organelle characterization
Authors: Castro Daniel C. , Xie Yuxuan Richard , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Romanova Elena V. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: September 2021

Peptidergic dense-core vesicles are involved in packaging and releasing neuropeptides and peptide hormones—critical processes underlying brain, endocrine and exocrine function. Yet, the heterogeneity within these organelles, even for morphologically defined vesicle types, is not well characterized because of their small volumes. We present image-guided, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based protocols to chemically profile large populations of both dense-core vesicles and lucent vesicles for their lipid and peptide contents, allowing observation of the chemical heterogeneity within and between these two vesicle populations. The proteolytic processing products of four prohormones are observed within the dense-core vesicles, and the mass spectral features corresponding to the specific peptide products suggest three distinct dense-core vesicle populations. Notable differences in the lipid mass range are observed between the dense-core and lucent vesicles. These single-organelle mass spectrometry approaches are adaptable to characterize a range of subcellular structures.
A genome-wide association study identifies a novel candidate locus at the DLGAP1 gene with susceptibility to resistant hypertension in the Japanese population
Authors: Takahashi Yasuo , Yamazaki Keiko , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kubo Michiaki , Matsuda Koichi , Asai Satoshi
Published: September 2021

Numerous genetic variants associated with hypertension and blood pressure are known, but there is a paucity of evidence from genetic studies of resistant hypertension, especially in Asian populations. To identify novel genetic loci associated with resistant hypertension in the Japanese population, we conducted a genome-wide association study with 2705 resistant hypertension cases and 21,296 mild hypertension controls, all from BioBank Japan. We identified one novel susceptibility candidate locus, rs1442386 on chromosome 18p11.3 (DLGAP1), achieving genome-wide significance (odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.81–0.90), P = 3.75 × 10−8) and 18 loci showing suggestive association, including rs62525059 of 8q24.3 (CYP11B2) and rs3774427 of 3p21.1 (CACNA1D). We further detected biological processes associated with resistant hypertension, including chemical synaptic transmission, regulation of transmembrane transport, neuron development and neurological system processes, highlighting the importance of the nervous system. This study provides insights into the etiology of resistant hypertension in the Japanese population.
First results of undersea muography with the Tokyo-Bay Seafloor Hyper-Kilometric Submarine Deep Detector
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki K. M. , Aichi Masaatsu , Bozza Cristiano , Coniglione Rosa , Gluyas Jon , Hayashi Naoto , Holma Marko , Kamoshida Osamu , Kato Yasuhiro , Kin Tadahiro , Kuusiniemi Pasi , Leone Giovanni , Presti Domenico Lo , Matsushima Jun , Miyamoto Hideaki , Mori Hirohisa , Nomura Yukihiro , Oláh László , Steigerwald Sara , Shimazoe Kenji , Sumiya Kenji , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Thompson Lee F. , Yokota Yusuke , Paling Sean , Varga Dezső
Published: September 2021

Tidal measurements are of great significance since they may provide us with essential data to apply towards protection of coastal communities and sea traffic. Currently, tide gauge stations and laser altimetry are commonly used for these measurements. On the other hand, muography sensors can be located underneath the seafloor inside an undersea tunnel where electric and telecommunication infrastructures are more readily available. In this work, the world’s first under-seafloor particle detector array called the Tokyo-bay Seafloor Hyper-Kilometric Submarine Deep Detector (TS-HKMSDD) was deployed underneath the Tokyo-Bay seafloor for conducting submarine muography. The resultant 80-day consecutive time-sequential muographic data were converted to the tidal levels based on the parameters determined from the first-day astronomical tide height (ATH) data. The standard deviation between ATH and muographic results for the rest of a 79-day measurement period was 12.85 cm. We anticipate that if the length of the TS-HKMSDD is extended from 100 m to a full-scale as large as 9.6 km to provide continuous tidal information along the tunnel, this muography application will become an established standard, demonstrating its effectiveness as practical tide monitor for this heavy traffic waterway in Tokyo and in other important sea traffic areas worldwide.
A new humanized antibody is effective against pathogenic fungi in vitro
Authors: Di Mambro Tomas , Vanzolini Tania , Bruscolini Pierpaolo , Perez-Gaviro Sergio , Marra Emanuele , Roscilli Giuseppe , Bianchi Marzia , Fraternale Alessandra , Schiavano Giuditta Fiorella , Canonico Barbara , Magnani Mauro
Published: September 2021

Invasive fungal infections mainly affect patients undergoing transplantation, surgery, neoplastic disease, immunocompromised subjects and premature infants, and cause over 1.5 million deaths every year. The most common fungi isolated in invasive diseases are Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. and even if four classes of antifungals are available (Azoles, Echinocandins, Polyenes and Pyrimidine analogues), the side effects of drugs and fungal acquired and innate resistance represent the major hurdles to be overcome. Monoclonal antibodies are powerful tools currently used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in different clinical contexts but not yet developed for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. In this paper we report the development of the first humanized monoclonal antibody specific for β-1,3 glucans, a vital component of several pathogenic fungi. H5K1 has been tested on C. auris, one of the most urgent threats and resulted efficient both alone and in combination with Caspofungin and Amphotericin B showing an enhancement effect. Our results support further preclinical and clinical developments for the use of H5K1 in the treatment of patients in need.
Karyotype analysis of amniotic fluid cells and report of chromosomal abnormalities in 15,401 cases of Iranian women
Authors: Younesi Sarang , Taheri Amin Mohammad Mahdi , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Saadati Pourandokht , Jamali Soudabeh , Modarressi Mohammad-Hossein , Savad Shahram , Delshad Saeed , Amidi Saloomeh , Geranorimi Taraneh , Navidpour Fariba , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh
Published: September 2021

The aim of present study was to assess the karyotypes of amniotic fluid cells and find the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and their significance in clinical setting. A total of 15,401 pregnant women were assessed from March 2016 to May 2019, and 14,968 amniotic fluid samples were successfully cultured. These fetuses were grouped according to different indications including advanced maternal age, abnormal nuchal translucency (NT) values, positive first/second trimester screening results, high risk NIPT results, very low PAPP-A and free β-hCG multiples of the normal median (MoM) results, abnormal ultrasound findings or previous history of chromosomal abnormalities. Results indicated the presence of normal karyotype in 90.2% (13,497/14,968) of fetuses. Totally, 46.4% (6945/14,968) of fetuses were 46,XX and 43.8% (6552/14,968) had 46,XY chromosome pattern. A total of 1077 abnormal karyotypes were found among 14,968 fetuses, thus the rate of abnormal fetuses was calculated to be 7.2% (1072/14,968). Meanwhile, a total of 394 cases (2.8%) had a normal polymorphism in their karyotype. In other words, abnormal karyotypes were detected in one of 13.9 cases of patients underwent amniocentesis. Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, abnormal mosaicisms and Patau’s syndrome were detected in 4.4% (659/14,968), 0.57% (85/14,968), 0.49% (74/14,968) and 0.24% (36/14,968) of cases, respectively. Sex chromosomal abnormalities including Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome and 47,XXX karyotype were detected in 64 cases (0.43%). In this article, the rates of chromosomal abnormalities are compared between different groups of patients based on the advanced maternal age, abnormal NT values, very low PAPP-A and free β-hCG MoMs results, and positive FTS results. The current investigation provides insight into the most appropriate indications for amniocentesis in Iran.