bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) negatively affects spawning but accelerates larval growth of the endangered natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)
Authors: van der Loop Janneke M. M. , van Veenhuisen Laura S. , van de Loo Martijn , Vogels Joost J. , van Kleef Hein H. , Leuven Rob S. E. W.
Published: January 2023

The invasiveCrassula helmsiiis rapidly expanding in Europe. Several ecological effects are described, most of which focus on ecosystem functioning and native vegetation but rarely on fauna. In North-western Europe,C. helmsiioften invades the breeding habitat of endangered amphibians, such asEpidalea calamita.The spawning rate, egg survival and the speed of larval growth of this toad species in relation to the presence ofC. helmsiiwere studied. In order to unravel causal mechanisms, effects on natterjack toads were related to the effects ofC. helmsiipresence/absence on temperature and chemical properties of the water.Spawning and egg survival were significantly lower underC.helmsiidominance compared to bare soil conditions, and negatively affected the population size ofE. calamita. However, larval growth rate was significantly higher inC. helmsiidominated treatments, which could be beneficial. Differences in water temperature and chemistry were a possible explanation for these effects. It remains unclear whether the population viability ofE. calamitais negatively affected whenC. helmsiiis present. In many areas, however, this plant species completely overgrows and causes desiccation of waterbodies. Therefore, appropriate management measures will be required to protect this toad against this invader.
Macroinvertebrate community structure and ecological status in Portuguese streams across climatic and water scarcity gradients
Authors: Santos Joana Isabel , Silva Carlos , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Pereira Joana Luísa , Castro Bruno Branco
Published: January 2023

Climatic and hydrological variation is of utmost importance in regions of the globe facing water scarcity and river intermittency (e.g. areas under Mediterranean influence). The main aim of this study was to compare the macroinvertebrate community structure and its bioindicator value (i.e. waterbody ecological status) in streams from three Portuguese regions (Regions C, N and S), representing distinct climatic features and water availability scenarios. Results showed that, overall, sampling sites differed in their climatic, hydromorphological and physical and chemical features, and environmental (abiotic) and ecological (community dissimilarities) gradients among regions were clearly identified. Sites from Regions C (wettest) and S (driest) represented non-overlapping clusters of samples, both in terms of their environmental context and ecological (dis)similarity; sites from Region N occupied an intermediate position, and their macroinvertebrate community was highly variable locally. This coincided with overall higher ecological quality and uniformity in Region C, whereas Regions N and S were more heterogeneous and generally presented lower ecological quality. Our data showed that climate (and associated water scarcity) is coupled with other environmental drivers of the macroinvertebrate community structure, highlighting a shared influence of the three environmental components (climatic, hydromorphological, and physical and chemical) in the modulation of macroinvertebrate communities.
Learning sparse nonlinear dynamics via mixed-integer optimization
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Gurnee Wes
Published: January 2023

Discovering governing equations of complex dynamical systems directly from data is a central problem in scientific machine learning. In recent years, the sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) framework, powered by heuristic sparse regression methods, has become a dominant tool for learning parsimonious models. We propose an exact formulation of the SINDy problem using mixed-integer optimization (MIO-SINDy) to solve the sparsity constrained regression problem to provable optimality in seconds. On a large number of canonical ordinary and partial differential equations, we illustrate the dramatic improvement in our approach in accurate model discovery while being more sample efficient, robust to noise, and flexible in accommodating physical constraints.
Scandium, yttrium, and lanthanide occurrence in Cantharellus cibarius and C. minor mushrooms
Authors: Mędyk Małgorzata , Falandysz Jerzy , Nnorom Innocent Chidi
Published: January 2023

There is a dearth of data on rare earth elements (REE), yttrium and scandium in foods which extends also to baseline datasets for edible wild mushrooms, though this has started to change in the last decade. Concentrations and shale normalized patterns of REE and Y (REY) were studied by using inductively coupled plasma–quadrupole mass spectrometer in 22 pools (2235 specimens) ofCantharellus cibarius(Golden Chanterelle) collected in Poland and also a pool ofC. minor(Small Chanterelle) (153 specimens) from Yunnan (Chinese Province). The total REY plus Sc varied inC. cibariusfrom 10 to 593 µg kg−1dw whereas that for the Yunnan’sC. minorwas 2072 µg kg−1dw.C. minorfrom Yunnan has higher REY and Sc compared to theC. cibarius. Sc concentrations in twentyC. cibariuspools were below 1 µg kg−1dw, but 17 and 27 µg kg−1dw were detected at the other two sites and 66 µg kg−1dw was detected inC. minor. The median Y content ofC. cibariusandC. minorwas 22 µg kg−1dw and 200 µg kg−1dw. The difference in REY and Sc concentrations and shale normalized patterns between mushrooms from Poland and Yunnan seems to reflect the regional difference in concentration and composition of these elements in the soil bedrock.
Favorable strategies for the success of entry into new technological areas: an entrepreneurial perspective
Authors: Papazoglou Michalis E.
Published: January 2023

This study considers the act of entering into new technological domains for R&D purposes as one of the most intense entrepreneurial activities within large established firms, referring to it as R&D entrepreneurship. Attempting to detect factors that could strengthen (or weaken) the impact of R&D entrepreneurship on innovation performance, I examine the moderating role of three important R&D strategies, namely the knowledge plurality, internal focus, and R&D collaboration. I empirically test the hypotheses developed in this study on secondary, longitudinal economic and patent data from a sample of 139 firms from the industries of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemicals for a 7-year period, using fixed-effects negative binomial regression models. Findings support that the relationship between R&D entrepreneurship and innovation performance is positively moderated by knowledge plurality but negatively by internal focus and R&D collaboration.
Managing Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Across Resource Settings: Latin American Perspectives
Authors: Alvarado-Dyer Ronald , Aguilera Sergio , Chesnut Randall M. , Videtta Walter , Fischer Danilo , Jibaja Manuel , Godoy Daniel A. , Garcia Roxanna M. , Goldenberg Fernando D. , Lazaridis Christos
Published: January 2023

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a condition of increasing epidemiologic concern worldwide. Outcomes are worse as observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) versus high-income countries. Global targets are in place to address the surgical burden of disease. At the same time, most of the published literature and evidence on the clinical approach to sTBI comes from wealthy areas with an abundance of resources. The available paradigms, including the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines, the Seattle International Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Consensus Conference, Consensus Revised Imaging and Clinical Examination, and multimodality approaches, may fit differently depending on local resources, expertise, and sociocultural factors. A first step toward addressing heterogeneity in practice is to consider comparative effectiveness approaches that can capture actual practice patterns and record short-term and long-term outcomes of interest. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) decreases intracranial pressure burden and can be lifesaving. Nevertheless, completed randomized controlled trials took place within high-income settings, leaving important questions unanswered and making extrapolations to LMICs questionable. The concept of preemptive DC specifically to address limited neuromonitoring resources may warrant further study to establish a benefit/risk profile for the procedure and its role within local protocols of care.
Probabilistic analysis of a cantilever beam subjected to random loads via probability density functions
Authors: Cortés Juan-Carlos , López-Navarro Elena , Romero José-Vicente , Roselló María-Dolores
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses the probabilistic analysis of the deflection of a cantilever beam by means of a randomization of the classical governing fourth-order differential equation with null boundary conditions. The probabilistic study is based on the calculation of the first probability density function of the solution, which is a stochastic process, as well as the density function of further quantities of interest associated with this engineering problem such as the maximum slope and deflection at the free end of the cantilever beam, that are treated as random variables. In addition, the probability density function of the bending moment and the shear force will also be computed. The study takes extensive advantage of the so called Random Variable Transformation method, also known as Probability Transformation Method, that allows us to fully unify the probabilistic analysis in three relevant cases commonly studied in the deterministic setting. All the theoretical findings are illustrated via detailed numerical examples corresponding to each one of the three scenarios.
Live-streaming Activity and Relaxation Breaks: a (Home-)Office-Compatible Approach to Promote Break Recovery, Mood, and Attention?
Authors: Riedl Elisabeth Maria , Müller Annabel , Perzl Johanna , Thomas Joachim
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate whether short, live-streaming activity and relaxation lunch breaks have positive associations with office workers’ mood (calmness, valence, and energetic arousal), back pain, and attention after break and whether these associations are mediated by better break recovery. Additionally, we considered the two respite interventions as resources possibly buffering the effects of elevated situational job demands. Ten-minute break exercises were conducted during lunch breaks via Zoom live-stream, and data on those days were compared with data on days on which participants spent their breaks as usual. Our sample of 34 office workers provided data for 277 work days (209 in the home office and 68 on site at the company). Multilevel path models revealed positive total associations of both respite interventions with the mood dimension of calmness. Activity breaks additionally showed a positive association with the energetic arousal dimension of mood, while relaxation breaks were positively related to objectively measured cognitive performance. Interestingly, activity breaks moderated the relationships of job demands with calmness and valence, indicating their function as a stress-buffering resource. There were no significant associations between the two respite interventions and back pain. Supplemented by participants’ feedback, the findings of this study suggest that offering short virtually guided break exercises may represent a feasible and office-compatible approach to promote break recovery, mood and functionality at work, especially regarding home-office work. Possible advantages and disadvantages of the live-streaming format are discussed.
Citizen science’s transformative impact on science, citizen empowerment and socio-political processes
Authors: von Gönner Julia , Herrmann Thora M. , Bruckermann Till , Eichinger Michael , Hecker Susanne , Klan Friederike , Lorke Julia , Richter Anett , Sturm Ulrike , Voigt-Heucke Silke , Brink Wiebke , Liedtke Christin , Premke-Kraus Matthias , Altmann Carolin , Bauhus Wilhelm , Bengtsson Luiza , Büermann Andrea , Dietrich Peter , Dörler Daniel , Eich-Brod Regina , Ferschinger Laura , Freyberg Linda , Grützner Agnes , Hammel Gertrud , Heigl Florian , Heyen Nils B. , Hölker Franz , Johannsen Carolin , Kluß Thorsten , Kluttig Thekla , Knobloch Jörn , Munke Martin , Mortega Kim , Pathe Carsten , Soßdorf Anna , Stämpfli Tiina , Thiel Christian , Tönsmann Susanne , Valentin Anke , Wagenknecht Katherin , Wegener Robert , Woll Silvia , Bonn Aletta
Published: January 2023

Citizen science (CS) can foster transformative impact for science, citizen empowerment and socio-political processes. To unleash this impact, a clearer understanding of its current status and challenges for its development is needed. Using quantitative indicators developed in a collaborative stakeholder process, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of CS in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Our online survey with 340 responses focused on CS impact through (1) scientific practices, (2) participant learning and empowerment, and (3) socio-political processes. With regard to scientific impact, we found that data quality control is an established component of CS practice, while publication of CS data and results has not yet been achieved by all project coordinators (55%). Key benefits for citizen scientists were the experience of collective impact (“making a difference together with others”) as well as gaining new knowledge. For the citizen scientists’ learning outcomes, different forms of social learning, such as systematic feedback or personal mentoring, were essential. While the majority of respondents attributed an important value to CS for decision-making, only few were confident that CS data were indeed utilized as evidence by decision-makers. Based on these results, we recommend (1) that project coordinators and researchers strengthen scientific impact by fostering data management and publications, (2) that project coordinators and citizen scientists enhance participant impact by promoting social learning opportunities and (3) that project initiators and CS networks foster socio-political impact through early engagement with decision-makers and alignment with ongoing policy processes. In this way, CS can evolve its transformative impact.
How to understand the heat island effects in high-rise compact urban canopy?
Authors: Hong Chao , Wang Yupeng , Gu Zhaolin
Published: January 2023

Alleviating the urban heat island effect is of great significance to improve thermal comfort, energy saving and carbon reduction, and realize sustainable urban development. At present, several methods are developed to investigate urban heat island effect, including meteorological observation data analysis, mesoscale WRF numerical simulation and remote sensing image analysis, etc. Among them, remote sensing image is widely used in the comparative study of heat island effect in different urban development periods. The local climate zone theory (LCZs), proposed by Stewart and Oke (Bull Am Meteorol Soc 93:1879–1900, 2012) provides a new tool for the downscaling study of urban heat island effect and forms a systematic classification scheme for different urban forms and surface landscapes. The results currently using LCZs to study the heat island effect, usually illustrate the horizontal differentiation at pedestrian level. However, the high-rise compact urban canopy of megacities in China is characteristic of three-dimensional space pattern, leading to the three dimensional differentiation of urban thermal and wind environment. Together with the local climate zones, the two-layer analysis scheme of the surface building-vegetation mixing layer and high building effect layer is thus proposed in this short review to understand the three-dimensional differentiation of urban canopy. This two-layer analysis scheme will provide a new insight for the study of urban heat islands and heat mitigation, deepening the existing local climate zone theory.
Evaluation of automated anthropometrics produced by smartphone-based machine learning: a comparison with traditional anthropometric assessments
Authors: Graybeal Austin J. , Brandner Caleb F. , Tinsley Grant M.
Published: January 2023

Automated visual anthropometrics produced by mobile applications are accessible and cost effective with the potential to assess clinically relevant anthropometrics without a trained technician present. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and agreement of smartphone-based automated anthropometrics against reference tape measurements. Waist and hip circumference (WC; HC), waist:hip ratio (WHR) and waist:height ratio (W:HT) were collected from 115 participants (69 F) using a tape measure and two smartphone applications (MeThreeSixty®, myBVI®) across multiple smartphone types. Precision metrics were used to assess test-retest precision of the automated measures. Agreement between the circumferences produced by each mobile application and the reference were assessed using equivalence testing and other validity metrics. All mobile applications across smartphone types produced reliable estimates for each variable with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0·93 (all P < 0·001) and root mean square coefficient of variation between 0·5 and 2·5 %. Precision error for WC and HC was between 0·5 and 1·9 cm. WC, HC, and W:HT estimates produced by each mobile application demonstrated equivalence with the reference tape measurements using 5 % equivalence regions. Mean differences via paired t-tests were significant for all variables across each mobile application (all P < 0·050) showing slight underestimation for WC and slight overestimation for HC which resulted in a lack of equivalence for WHR compared with the reference tape measure. Overall, the results of our study support the use of WC and HC estimates produced from automated mobile applications, but also demonstrates the importance of accurate automation for WC and HC estimates given their influence on other anthropometric assessments and clinical health markers.
Independent Redistricting Commissions Are Associated with More Competitive Elections
Authors: Nelson Matthew
Published: January 2023

Competitive elections are essential for democratic accountability, yet most US House of Representatives elections are uncompetitive. Using district-level data from 1982 to 2018, I examine the relationship between redistricting institutions and election competition. I extend the work of Carson, Crespin, and Williamson (2014) by separating independent and political commissions and find that, relative to legislative redistricting, independent commissions are 2.25 times more likely to have competitive elections, and they decrease incumbent party wins by 52%.
Quadruplets: Risks, Outcomes and a Set of Four/Twin Research Reviews and a Lawsuit: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Twins’ Neonatal Outcomes; Fathers of Twins; Doppelgängers and Similarity; Monozygotic Co-Twin Difference in Asymmetric Pigmented Paravenous Chorioretinal Atrophy/In the News: Opposite-Sex Twin Holocaust Survivors; Twin Models at Gucci; Twins With Different Fathers; Reunited Twins Enter Same Convent; Death of a Twin Soldier During Training; Surgical Separation of Conjoined Twins
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: January 2023

Quadruplets are at elevated physical risks at prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal levels, relative to twins. A brief review of this area is followed by discussion of a female quadruplet with three co-quadruplet brothers. Next, several timely twin research reports are examined. The topics include antenatal corticosteroids and twins’ neonatal outcomes, the meaning of fatherhood in families with twins, what doppelgängers (look-alikes) reveal about physical and behavioral similarity, and monozygotic (MZ) co-twin discordance for asymmetric pigmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy. A lawsuit involving alleged cheating on a medical school examination by identical twins is also reviewed. General interest stories cover opposite-sex twin Holocaust survivors, twin models at a Gucci fashion show, twins with different fathers, reunited female twins who entered the same convent, the death of an MZ female twin soldier during training, and the surgical separation of conjoined twins in Brazil.
Exploring the Implications of Modeling Choices on Prediction of Irrigation Water Savings
Authors: Eluwa Chinedum , Francois Baptiste , Bernstein Alec , Brown Casey
Published: January 2023

Water use in irrigated agriculture is high, so reducing non‐beneficial consumption (non‐crop evaporation) of irrigation water is a potential option to free up water for other users. Yet, in practice, proper water accounting and accompanying policies (e.g., caps on irrigation expansion) are necessary to ensure that reduced non‐beneficial consumption results in extra water reallocated to other uses, rather than ending up as increased beneficial consumption (crop evaporation): paradoxically counteracting reductions. The extra water for reallocation is called water savings and several studies have questioned whether previous estimates of water savings sufficiently reflect the paradox described above. However, studies that focus on the uncertainty associated with quantified estimates of irrigation water savings are rare. This study addresses that gap and explores how the modeling choices that are necessary to represent the hydrological effects of reduced non‐beneficial consumption influence the prediction of water savings. Three such modeling choices include: (a) selecting a hydrologic model to partition irrigation water into consumed (e.g., evapotranspiration) and non‐consumed (e.g., runoff) components, (b) selecting a set of hydrologic model parameters, and (c) adopting a convention to represent non‐beneficial consumption. This study also attributes the uncertainty (i.e., variance) in predicted water savings to each of these choices. The results show that parameter selection and alternative conventions of representing non‐beneficial consumption are the largest sources of uncertainty in water savings, contributing ∼49% and ∼33%, respectively, to overall variance. These results provide a quantitative estimate for the minimum range of uncertainty one may expect when considering policy options that depend on quantified estimates of water savings.
Systemic antibiotics increase microbiota pathogenicity and oral bone loss
Authors: Yuan Xulei , Zhou Fuyuan , Wang He , Xu Xinxin , Xu Shihan , Zhang Chuangwei , Zhang Yanan , Lu Miao , Zhang Yang , Zhou Mengjiao , Li Han , Zhang Ximu , Zhang Tingwei , Song Jinlin
Published: January 2023

Periodontitis is the most widespread oral disease and is closely related to the oral microbiota. The oral microbiota is adversely affected by some pharmacologic treatments. Systemic antibiotics are widely used for infectious diseases but can lead to gut dysbiosis, causing negative effects on the human body. Whether systemic antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis can affect the oral microbiota or even periodontitis has not yet been addressed. In this research, mice were exposed to drinking water containing a cocktail of four antibiotics to explore how systemic antibiotics affect microbiota pathogenicity and oral bone loss. The results demonstrated, for the first time, that gut dysbiosis caused by long-term use of antibiotics can disturb the oral microbiota and aggravate periodontitis. Moreover, the expression of cytokines related to Th17 was increased while transcription factors and cytokines related to Treg were decreased in the periodontal tissue. Fecal microbiota transplantation with normal mice feces restored the gut microbiota and barrier, decreased the pathogenicity of the oral microbiota, reversed the Th17/Treg imbalance in periodontal tissue, and alleviated alveolar bone loss. This study highlights the potential adverse effects of long-term systemic antibiotics-induced gut dysbiosis on the oral microbiota and periodontitis. A Th17/Treg imbalance might be related to this relationship. Importantly, these results reveal that the periodontal condition of patients should be assessed regularly when using systemic antibiotics in clinical practice.
The development of compulsive coping behaviour is associated with a downregulation of Arc in a Locus Coeruleus neuronal ensemble
Authors: Velazquez-Sanchez Clara , Muresan Leila , Marti-Prats Lucia , Belin David
Published: January 2023

Some compulsive disorders have been considered to stem from the loss of control over coping strategies, such as displacement. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in the acquisition of coping behaviours and their subsequent compulsive manifestation in vulnerable individuals have not been elucidated. Considering the role of the locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenaline-dependent system in stress and related excessive behaviours, we hypothesised that neuroplastic changes in the LC may be associated with the acquisition of an adjunctive polydipsic water drinking, a prototypical displacement behaviour, and the ensuing development of compulsion in vulnerable individuals. Thus, male Sprague Dawley rats were characterised for their tendency, or not, to develop compulsive polydipsic drinking in a schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) procedure before their fresh brains were harvested. A new quantification tool for RNAscope assays revealed that the development of compulsive adjunctive behaviour was associated with a low mRNA copy number of the plasticity marker Arc in the LC which appeared to be driven by specific adaptations in an ensemble of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+, zif268− neurons. This ensemble was specifically engaged by the expression of compulsive adjunctive behaviour, not by stress, because its functional recruitment was not observed in individuals that no longer had access to the water bottle before sacrifice, while it consistently correlated with the levels of polydipsic water drinking only when it had become compulsive. Together these findings suggest that downregulation of Arc mRNA levels in a population of a TH+/zif268− LC neurons represents a signature of the tendency to develop compulsive coping behaviours.
Xanomeline restores endogenous nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling in mouse prefrontal cortex
Authors: Power Saige K. , Venkatesan Sridevi , Lambe Evelyn K.
Published: January 2023

Cholinergic synapses in prefrontal cortex are vital for attention, but this modulatory system undergoes substantial pre- and post-synaptic alterations during adulthood. To examine the integrated impact of these changes, we optophysiologically probe cholinergic synapses ex vivo, revealing a clear decline in neurotransmission in middle adulthood. Pharmacological dissection of synaptic components reveals a selective reduction in postsynaptic nicotinic receptor currents. Other components of cholinergic synapses appear stable, by contrast, including acetylcholine autoinhibition, metabolism, and excitation of postsynaptic muscarinic receptors. Pursuing strategies to strengthen cholinergic neurotransmission, we find that positive allosteric modulation of nicotinic receptors with NS9283 is effective in young adults but wanes with age. To boost nicotinic receptor availability, we harness the second messenger pathways of the preserved excitatory muscarinic receptors with xanomeline. This muscarinic agonist and cognitive-enhancer restores nicotinic signaling in older mice significantly, in a muscarinic- and PKC-dependent manner. The rescued nicotinic component regains youthful sensitivity to allosteric enhancement: treatment with xanomeline and NS9283 restores cholinergic synapses in older mice to the strength, speed, and receptor mechanism of young adults. Our results reveal a new and efficient strategy to rescue age-related nicotinic signaling deficits, demonstrating a novel pathway for xanomeline to restore cognitively-essential endogenous cholinergic neurotransmission.
PTBP1 drives c-Myc-dependent gastric cancer progression and stemness
Authors: Ni Tengyang , Chu Zewen , Tao Li , Zhao Yang , Zhu Miao , Luo Yuanyuan , Sunagawa Masataka , Wang Haibo , Liu Yanqing
Published: January 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) tumorigenesis and treatment failure are caused by cancer stem cells. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) was shown to be involved in the development of embryonic stem cells and is now being considered as a therapeutic target for tumour progression and stem-cell characteristics.

Methods

PTBP1 expression in GC samples was detected using tissue microarrays. Proliferation, colony formation, spheroid formation and stem-cell analysis were used to examine PTBP1’s role in tumorigenesis and stem-cell maintenance. In AGS and HGC-27 cells with or without PTBP1 deficiency, ubiquitin-related protein expression and co-precipitation assays were performed.

Results

We identified that PTBP1 was aberrantly highly expressed and represented a novel prognostic factor in GC patients. PTBP1 maintained the tumorigenic activity and stem-cell characteristics of GC in vitro and in vivo. PTBP1 directly interacts with c-Myc and stabilises its protein levels by preventing its proteasomal degradation. This is mediated by upregulating the ubiquitin-specific proteases USP28 and limiting FBW7-mediated ubiquitination of c-Myc. Moreover, the depletion of PTBP1-caused tumour regression was significantly compromised by exogenous c-Myc expression.

Conclusions

By preserving the stability of c-Myc through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, the oncogene PTBP1 supports stem-cell-like phenotypes of GC and is involved in GC progression.
Microbiome variation correlates with the insecticide susceptibility in different geographic strains of a significant agricultural pest, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Zhang Yunhua , Cai Tingwei , Yuan Maojun , Li Zhao , Jin Ruoheng , Ren Zhijie , Qin Yao , Yu Chang , Cai Yongfeng , Shu Runhang , He Shun , Li Jianhong , Wong Adam C. N. , Wan Hu
Published: January 2023

Microbiome-mediated insecticide resistance is an emerging phenomenon found in insect pests. However, microbiome composition can vary by host genotype and environmental factors, but how these variations may be associated with insecticide resistance phenotype remains unclear. In this study, we compared different field and laboratory strains of the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugensin their microbiome composition, transcriptome, and insecticide resistance profiles to identify possible patterns of correlation. Our analysis reveals that the abundances of core bacterial symbionts are significantly correlated with the expression of several host detoxifying genes (especiallyNlCYP6ER1, a key gene previously shown involved in insecticides resistance). The expression levels of these detoxifying genes correlated withN. lugensinsecticide susceptibility. Furthermore, we have identified several environmental abiotic factors, including temperature, precipitation, latitude, and longitude, as potential predictors of symbiont abundances associated with expression of key detoxifying genes, and correlated with insecticide susceptibility levels ofN. lugens. These findings provide new insights into how microbiome-environment-host interactions may influence insecticide susceptibility, which will be helpful in guiding targeted microbial-based strategies for insecticide resistance management in the field.
The effect of metals on zeolite crystallization kinetics with relevance to nuclear waste glass corrosion
Authors: Mallette Adam J. , Reiser Joelle T. , Mpourmpakis Giannis , Motkuri Radha Kishan , Neeway James J. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2023

Geologic disposal of vitrified radioactive material is planned in several countries, but there are remaining uncertainties related to the long-term stability of glass exposed to groundwater. Specifically, the crystallization of aluminosilicate zeolite minerals can accelerate the rate at which glass corrodes and radioactive material is released into the biosphere. In this study, we identify elemental species that may accelerate or suppress zeolite formation using a protocol to examine their effects on zeolite synthesis over a three-day duration. Our results are consistent with previous works demonstrating glass corrosion acceleration in the presence of calcium. Furthermore, we identify two elements—tin and lithium—as inhibitors of zeolite P2 (gismondine, or GIS type) nucleation and, thus, promising components for promoting the long-term durability of glass waste forms.
Differential carbon utilization enables co-existence of recently speciated Campylobacteraceae in the cow rumen epithelial microbiome
Authors: Strachan Cameron R. , Yu Xiaoqian A. , Neubauer Viktoria , Mueller Anna J. , Wagner Martin , Zebeli Qendrim , Selberherr Evelyne , Polz Martin F.
Published: January 2023

The activities of different microbes in the cow rumen have been shown to modulate the host’s ability to utilize plant biomass, while the host–rumen interface has received little attention. As datasets collected worldwide have pointed to Campylobacteraceae as particularly abundant members of the rumen epithelial microbiome, we targeted this group in a subset of seven cows with meta- and isolate genome analysis. We show that the dominant Campylobacteraceae lineage has recently speciated into two populations that were structured by genome-wide selective sweeps followed by population-specific gene import and recombination. These processes led to differences in gene expression and enzyme domain composition that correspond to the ability to utilize acetate, the main carbon source for the host, at the cost of inhibition by propionate. This trade-off in competitive ability further manifests itself in differential dynamics of the two populations in vivo. By exploring population-level adaptations that otherwise remain cryptic in culture-independent analyses, our results highlight how recent evolutionary dynamics can shape key functional roles in the rumen microbiome.
A TREM2-activating antibody with a blood–brain barrier transport vehicle enhances microglial metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: van Lengerich Bettina , Zhan Lihong , Xia Dan , Chan Darren , Joy David , Park Joshua I. , Tatarakis David , Calvert Meredith , Hummel Selina , Lianoglou Steve , Pizzo Michelle E. , Prorok Rachel , Thomsen Elliot , Bartos Laura M. , Beumers Philipp , Capell Anja , Davis Sonnet S. , de Weerd Lis , Dugas Jason C. , Duque Joseph , Earr Timothy , Gadkar Kapil , Giese Tina , Gill Audrey , Gnörich Johannes , Ha Connie , Kannuswamy Malavika , Kim Do Jin , Kunte Sebastian T. , Kunze Lea H. , Lac Diana , Lechtenberg Kendra , Leung Amy Wing-Sze , Liang Chun-Chi , Lopez Isabel , McQuade Paul , Modi Anuja , Torres Vanessa O. , Nguyen Hoang N. , Pesämaa Ida , Propson Nicholas , Reich Marvin , Robles-Colmenares Yaneth , Schlepckow Kai , Slemann Luna , Solanoy Hilda , Suh Jung H. , Thorne Robert G. , Vieira Chandler , Wind-Mark Karin , Xiong Ken , Zuchero Y. Joy Yu , Diaz Dolo , Dennis Mark S. , Huang Fen , Scearce-Levie Kimberly , Watts Ryan J. , Haass Christian , Lewcock Joseph W. , Di Paolo Gilbert , Brendel Matthias , Sanchez Pascal E. , Monroe Kathryn M.
Published: January 2023

Loss-of-function variants of TREM2 are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting that activation of this innate immune receptor may be a useful therapeutic strategy. Here we describe a high-affinity human TREM2-activating antibody engineered with a monovalent transferrin receptor (TfR) binding site, termed antibody transport vehicle (ATV), to facilitate blood–brain barrier transcytosis. Upon peripheral delivery in mice, ATV:TREM2 showed improved brain biodistribution and enhanced signaling compared to a standard anti-TREM2 antibody. In human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia, ATV:TREM2 induced proliferation and improved mitochondrial metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and morphometry revealed that ATV:TREM2 shifted microglia to metabolically responsive states, which were distinct from those induced by amyloid pathology. In an AD mouse model, ATV:TREM2 boosted brain microglial activity and glucose metabolism. Thus, ATV:TREM2 represents a promising approach to improve microglial function and treat brain hypometabolism found in patients with AD.
Surveying people with spinal cord injuries in Brazil to ascertain research priorities
Authors: Faleiros Fabiana , de Oliveira Braga Deyse Cardoso , Schoeller Soraia Dornelles , Henriques Sílvia Helena , Cunha Naira Beatriz Favoretto , Videira Lorena Gomes Neves , da Silva Grillo Adriana Cordeiro Leandro
Published: January 2023

Scientists are concerned that the research they conduct accurately portrays the needs of people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). As such, this study set out to investigate the main problems faced by people with SCI and their expectations for research. This quantitative, exploratory, analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out online, with a non-probabilistic sample of 618 Brazilian adults with SCI who had registered voluntarily to participate in the research of the Neurorehab group. The virtual questionnaire consisted of 22 questions based on ISCOS Data Sets. The majority (68.9%) of participants were male, with higher education or a post-graduate qualification (49.5%). Most injuries had experienced traumatic injuries (78.5%) and 58.7% were paraplegic. The mean age was 38.04 years (SD = 9.85). The main difficulties faced after SCI were locomotion/accessibility (70.9%), neurogenic bladder (68.8%), neurogenic bowel (48.2%), and sexuality (36.1%). The highest demand was for experimental studies on stem cells (22.5%), rehabilitation (14.2%), and cures (13.9%). Most (84.3%) of those who reported sexuality problems after SCI were men (p = 0.013). The findings obtained empower people with SCI by enabling them to influence the agenda of scientific research based on their expectations and difficulties. This survey will also aid organizations to engage stakeholders to implement a comprehensive SCI management program.
OxPhos defects cause hypermetabolism and reduce lifespan in cells and in patients with mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Sturm Gabriel , Karan Kalpita R. , Monzel Anna S. , Santhanam Balaji , Taivassalo Tanja , Bris Céline , Ware Sarah A. , Cross Marissa , Towheed Atif , Higgins-Chen Albert , McManus Meagan J. , Cardenas Andres , Lin Jue , Epel Elissa S. , Rahman Shamima , Vissing John , Grassi Bruno , Levine Morgan , Horvath Steve , Haller Ronald G. , Lenaers Guy , Wallace Douglas C. , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Tavazoie Saeed , Procaccio Vincent , Kaufman Brett A. , Seifert Erin L. , Hirano Michio , Picard Martin
Published: January 2023

Patients with primary mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) defects present with fatigue and multi-system disorders, are often lean, and die prematurely, but the mechanistic basis for this clinical picture remains unclear. By integrating data from 17 cohorts of patients with mitochondrial diseases (n = 690) we find evidence that these disorders increase resting energy expenditure, a state termed hypermetabolism. We examine this phenomenon longitudinally in patient-derived fibroblasts from multiple donors. Genetically or pharmacologically disrupting OxPhos approximately doubles cellular energy expenditure. This cell-autonomous state of hypermetabolism occurs despite near-normal OxPhos coupling efficiency, excluding uncoupling as a general mechanism. Instead, hypermetabolism is associated with mitochondrial DNA instability, activation of the integrated stress response (ISR), and increased extracellular secretion of age-related cytokines and metabokines including GDF15. In parallel, OxPhos defects accelerate telomere erosion and epigenetic aging per cell division, consistent with evidence that excess energy expenditure accelerates biological aging. To explore potential mechanisms for these effects, we generate a longitudinal RNASeq and DNA methylation resource dataset, which reveals conserved, energetically demanding, genome-wide recalibrations. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to understand how OxPhos defects influence the energetic cost of living, and the link between hypermetabolism and aging in cells and patients with mitochondrial diseases.
Mapping the determinants of catalysis and substrate specificity of the antibiotic resistance enzyme CTX-M β-lactamase
Authors: Judge Allison , Hu Liya , Sankaran Banumathi , Van Riper Justin , Venkataram Prasad B. V. , Palzkill Timothy
Published: January 2023

CTX-M β-lactamases are prevalent antibiotic resistance enzymes and are notable for their ability to rapidly hydrolyze the extended-spectrum cephalosporin, cefotaxime. We hypothesized that the active site sequence requirements of CTX-M-mediated hydrolysis differ between classes of β-lactam antibiotics. Accordingly, we use codon randomization, antibiotic selection, and deep sequencing to determine the CTX-M active-site residues required for hydrolysis of cefotaxime and the penicillin, ampicillin. The study reveals positions required for hydrolysis of all β-lactams, as well as residues controlling substrate specificity. Further, CTX-M enzymes poorly hydrolyze the extended-spectrum cephalosporin, ceftazidime. We further show that the sequence requirements for ceftazidime hydrolysis follow those of cefotaxime, with the exception that key active-site omega loop residues are not required, and may be detrimental, for ceftazidime hydrolysis. These results provide insights into cephalosporin hydrolysis and demonstrate that changes to the active-site omega loop are likely required for the evolution of CTX-M-mediated ceftazidime resistance.
Bicyclobutanes as unusual building blocks for complexity generation in organic synthesis
Authors: Golfmann Maxim , Walker Johannes C. L.
Published: January 2023

Bicyclobutanes are among the most highly strained isolable organic compounds and their associated low activation barriers to reactivity make them intriguing building-blocks in organic chemistry. In recent years, numerous creative synthetic strategies exploiting their heightened reactivity have been presented and these discoveries have often gone hand-in-hand with the development of more practical routes for their synthesis. Their proclivity as strain-release reagents through their weak central C–C bond has been harnessed in a variety of addition, rearrangement and insertion reactions, providing rapid access to a rich tapestry of complex molecular scaffolds. This review will provide an overview of the different options available for bicyclobutane synthesis, the main classes of compounds that can be prepared from bicyclobutanes, and the associated modes of reactivity used.
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] annulation of vinyl benzoxazinanones with pyrazolone 4,5-diones to access spirobenzoxazine frameworks
Authors: Chen Ben-Hong , Liu Shuai-Jiang , Zhao Qian , Hou Qiumeng , Yuan Jia-Li , Zhan Gu , Yang Qian-Qian , Huang Wei
Published: January 2023

A palladium-catalyzed general synthetic strategy to access an attractive and decorated set of spirooxazinane skeletons was successfully achieved using vinyl benzoxazinanone derivatives and ketones.
Relativistic quantum calculations to understand the contribution of f-type atomic orbitals and chemical bonding of actinides with organic ligands
Authors: Zapata-Escobar Andy D. , Pakhira Srimanta , Barroso-Flores Joaquin , Aucar Gustavo A. , Mendoza-Cortes Jose L.
Published: January 2023

The nuclear waste problem is one of the main interests of rare earth and actinide element chemistry. Here we present the analysis of frontier orbitals and bonding energy of actinide-organic complexes through four-component relativistic calculations.
Interfacial pH measurements during CO2reduction on gold using a rotating ring-disk electrode
Authors: Liu Xuan , Monteiro Mariana C. O. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: January 2023

Variation of interfacial pH during CO2reduction reaction in near-neutral media is monitored by a functionalised RRDE pH sensor. CO2is exhausted near the interface when reaching high interfacial alkalinity at negative potential.
Prediction of the hardest BiFeO3 from first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Runqing , Bai Lingling , Xie Xing , Hu Peiju , Wu Ziqiao , Dong Huafeng , Wen Minru , Wu Fugen
Published: January 2023

A new structure of multiferroic BiFeO3 is discovered in this study, which is found to be the hardest BiFeO3 (Vickers hardness ∼ 9.12 GPa).
Controlled synthesis of Crx–FeCo2P nanoarrays on nickel foam for overall urea splitting
Authors: Li Xinyu , Wang Yanhong , Du Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: January 2023

The Cr0.15–FeCo2P/NF||Cr0.1–FeCo2P/NF electrode couple requires only 1.50 V to provide a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is one of the best electrochemistry performances reported so far for urea splitting.
Dynamic implantation – an improved approach for a large area SIMS measurement
Authors: Höschen Carmen , Lugmeier Johann
Published: January 2023

An improved “dynamic implantation” method enables SIMS analysis of large areas without gaps or accruing edge effects, after a homogeneous pre-sputtering/implantation phase during which the sample stage is continuously moved.
Combining a hybrid chip and tube microfluidic system with fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) core–shell particles for the derivatisation, extraction, and detection of peptides with N-terminating phosphorylated tyrosine
Authors: Burnage Samual C. , Bell Jérémy , Wan Wei , Kislenko Evgeniia , Rurack Knut
Published: January 2023

A microfluidic ratiometric detection scheme using silica nanoparticles coated with a “light-up” fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer allows selective rapid assaying of pY-terminating peptides after in-tube/on-chip derivatisation and extraction.
Iodination of antipyrine with [N–I–N]+ and carbonyl hypoiodite iodine(i) complexes
Authors: Wilson Laura M. E. , Rissanen Kari , Ward Jas S.
Published: January 2023

A series of iodine(i) complexes were prepared and their iodination potential was tested utilising the conversion of antipyrine to iodo-antipyrine, and their results compared, especially with respect to the ubiquitous Barluenga's reagent.
N-doped semi-graphitic C loaded with metallic Co: synthesis parameters and catalytic selective reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhang Qinjun , Lu Xinhuan , Yue Fanfan , Guo Haotian , Shi Congxing , Tao Yiyuan , Duan Jingui , Zhou Dan , Xia Qinghua
Published: January 2023

The N-doped semi-graphitic C loaded with metallic Co (Co/CN) could catalyze highly selective hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol (100% conversion) to p-aminophenol (98.5% selectivity). The magnetically separable catalyst was reusable for 14 cycles.
Active ester-based peptide bond formation and its application in peptide synthesis
Authors: Yang Jinhua , Huang Huanan , Zhao Junfeng
Published: January 2023

Active ester method is an efficient strategy to address the notorious racemization/epimerization issue of peptide bond formation. Herein, the pros and cons of using active esters for peptide synthesis were systematically summarized and analyzed.