bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying geostatistical hotspot analyses to a ‘double-invaded’ plant–pest co-occurrence scenario
Authors: De Simone Walter , Iannella Mattia , D’Alessandro Paola , Biondi Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Invasive alien species represent a multifaceted management problem in terms of threats to biodiversity and ecosystems and their impacts on agriculture and human well-being. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is an invasive alien plant in Europe that affects the human population as its already highly allergenic pollen can interact with air pollutants, resulting in detrimental effects on health. In this context, the invasive beetle Ophraella communa was proposed as a biocontrol agent of A. artemisiifolia, as it feeds on its leaves, leading to a decrease in pollen production. This paper takes advantage of the different co-occurrence classes obtained by the ecological niche models inferred for both of these species based on current and future climatic conditions. We integrate them with spatial data regarding major air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter). We couple this information with European human population density data at a narrow territorial scale to infer current and future statistically significant hotspots of health risk. The Netherlands and the UK host the widest hotspots within their national territory for both current (7.09% and 3.54%, respectively) and future (15.04% and 6.70%, respectively) scenarios. Considering the alarming results obtained for some areas, the monitoring and biocontrol of A. artemisiifolia should be applied as a European strategy.
Federalism for Bioethics?
Authors: Francis Leslie , Francis John
Published: September 2023

In the wake of the Dobbs decision withdrawing federal constitutional protection for reproductive rights, the United States is in the throes of federalist conflicts. Some states are enacting draconian prohibitions of abortion or gender-affirming care, whereas other states are attempting to shield providers and their patients seeking care. This article explores standard arguments supporting federalism, including that it allows for cultural differences to remain along with a structure that provides for the advantages of common security and commerce, that it provides a laboratory for confined experiments, that it is government closer to the people and thus more informed about local needs and preferences, and that it creates layers of government that can constrain one another and thus doubly protect rights. We contend that these arguments do not justify significant differences among states with respect to the recognition of important aspects of well-being; significant injustices among subnational units cannot be justified by federalism. However, as nonideal theorists, we also observe that federalism presents the possibility of some states protecting rights that others do not. Assuming that movement among subnational units is protected, those who are fortunate enough to be able to travel will be able to access rights they cannot access at home. Nonetheless, movement may not be readily available to minors, people without documentation, people with disabilities, people who lack economic resources, or people who have responsibilities that preclude travel. Only rights protection at the federal level will suffice in such cases.
Serum carotenoid levels are positively associated with DNA methylation of thioredoxin-interacting protein
Authors: Maeda Keisuke , Yamada Hiroya , Munetsuna Eiji , Fujii Ryosuke , Yamazaki Mirai , Ando Yoshitaka , Mizuno Genki , Tsuboi Yoshiki , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Ohashi Koji , Hashimoto Shuji , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Suzuki Koji
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Background: Carotenoids have been reported to exert protective effects against age-related diseases via changes in DNA methylation. Although lower thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) DNA methylation is associated with age-related diseases, only a few studies have investigated the factors influencing TXNIP DNA methylation. Carotenoids may be a factor linking TXNIP to specific pathophysiological functions. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum carotenoid levels are associated with TXNIP DNA methylation levels. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 376 health examination participants (169 men). DNA methylation levels were determined using a pyrosequencing assay. Serum carotenoid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between TXNIP DNA methylation levels and serum carotenoid levels with adjustment for age, BMI, HbA1c, CRP, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and percentage of neutrophils. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses showed that TXNIP DNA methylation levels were positively associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein ( β [95%CI]: 1.935 [0.184, 3.685]), β-cryptoxanthin (1.447 [0.324, 2.570]), α-carotene (1.061 [0.044, 2.077]), β-carotene (1.272 [0.319, 2.226]), total carotenes (1.255 [0.040, 2.469]), total xanthophylls (2.133 [0.315, 3.951]), provitamin A (1.460 [0.402, 2.519]), and total carotenoids (1.972 [0.261, 3.683]) in men (all p<0.05). Of these, provitamin A showed the stronger association (standardized β=0.216). No significant association of TXNIP DNA methylation and serum carotenoid was observed in women. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that carotenoid intake may protect against age-related diseases by altering TXNIP DNA methylation status in men.
Fecal Pellet‐Like Gyrodinium Species in Sinking Particles: Newly Found Potential Contributors for Carbon Export in the Antarctic Seasonal Ice Zone
Authors: Matsuda R. , Makabe R. , Sano M. , Takao S. , Moteki M. , Kurosawa N.
Published: September 2023

Fecal pellets (FPs) are generated by various species and have gained attention as contributors to the biological carbon pump. Metazoans and protozoans are known as FP and minipellet‐producers, respectively. Herein, we discovered fecal pellet‐like dinoflagellates (FLDs) in the seasonal sea ice zone in the Southern Ocean. The size and form of these FLDs were similar to those of zooplankton oval FPs. However, due to their appearance, they have been misclassified as FPs rather than dinoflagellates, leading to potential oversight of their role in the carbon cycle. Thus, we aimed to identify FLD cells at the species level and examine the impact of FLDs on flux estimation of particulate organic carbon (POC). Our findings are as follows: first, FLD cells were identified as Gyrodinium rubrum and Gyrodinium heterogrammum through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Second, FLDs can potentially excrete larger FPs than minipellets. Third, the sinking rate of FLDs is higher than that of other protozoa and dinoflagellate cysts. Finally, a maximum of 12 mgC m−2 day−1 of the POC flux can be attributed to FLDs (representing 32% of POC flux). These results suggest that FLDs are important drivers not only for the microbial loop but also for the biological carbon pump. In future projections of carbon sequestration, the contribution of metazoans to carbon export must be considered, but not that of FLDs. Their unknown physiological and ecological characteristics, especially including the responses to climate changes, must be urgently investigated for future projections of carbon sequestration in the Southern Ocean.
Rheology Dependent on the Distance to the Propagating Thrust Tip—(Ultra‐)Mylonites and Pseudotachylytes of the Silvretta Basal Thrust
Authors: Brückner Lisa M. , Trepmann Claudia A. , Kaliwoda Melanie
Published: September 2023

To evaluate how the presence of pseudotachylytes affects the strength of crustal rocks, deformed pseudotachylytes and their relationship with pristine pseudotachylytes at the base of the Silvretta nappe are analyzed. Pseudotachylytes formed associated with high‐stress crystal plasticity (σd > 400 MPa), as indicated by twinned amphiboles in gneisses. Mylonitic quartz clasts enclosed within deformed pseudotachylytes and mylonitic vein‐quartz, hosting folded pseudotachylyte injection veins, reflect creep at lower stresses (ca. 100 MPa) after seismic rupturing. Deformed pseudotachylytes can be crosscut by pristine pseudotachylytes, indicating a second, independent stage of coseismic rupturing after creep. The evidence of dynamic dislocation creep of quartz and the presence of stilpnomelane and epidote associated with all fault rocks indicate similar ambient greenschist facies conditions during all deformation stages. Whereas the intermediate stage of creep is interpreted to represent deformation at large distance to the propagating thrust tip, the pristine pseudotachylytes represent the last stage of rupturing eventually leading to nappe decoupling from its basement. Gneiss clasts in an ultramylonitic matrix (i.e., deformed pseudotachylyte) reveal that pseudotachylytes have a lower strength during creep in relation to the hosting gneisses. In contrast, during coseismic high‐stress crystal plasticity, the coarse gneisses accumulate a higher amount of strain. This strength‐relationship explains that only those rocks rupture, which have not been previously deformed before. The study demonstrates the importance of different strengths of crustal rocks at specific stress‐ and strain‐rate conditions in dependence on the distance to the propagating fault tip.
Zwitterion-doped liquid crystal speckle reducers for immersive displays and vectorial imaging
Authors: Jin Yihan , Spiller Nathan P. , He Chao , Faulkner Grahame , Booth Martin J. , Elston Steve J. , Morris Stephen M.
Published: September 2023

Lasers possess many attractive features (e.g., high brightness, narrow linewidth, well-defined polarization) that make them the ideal illumination source for many different scientific and technological endeavors relating to imaging and the display of high-resolution information. However, their high-level of coherence can result in the formation of noise, referred to as speckle, that can corrupt and degrade images. Here, we demonstrate a new electro-optic technology for combatting laser speckle using a chiral nematic liquid crystal (LC) dispersed with zwitterionic dopants. Results are presented that demonstrate when driven at the optimum electric field conditions, the speckle noise can be reduced by >90% resulting in speckle contrast (C) values ofC = 0.07, which is approaching that required to be imperceptible to the human eye. This LC technology is then showcased in an array of different display and imaging applications, including a demonstration of speckle reduction in modern vectorial laser-based imaging.
δ-Tocotrienol preconditioning improves the capability of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in promoting wound healing by inhibiting BACH1-related ferroptosis
Authors: He Xiao , Wang Dawei , Yi Yi , Tan Yufang , Wu Min , Wang Haiping , Hu Weijie , Chen Hongbo , Zhang Qi , Wu Yiping
Published: September 2023

Wound healing is a complex physiological process for maintaining skin integrity after a wound. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are excellent cellular candidates for wound healing, which could be enhanced by exogenous stimulation. We aimed to explore the role of δ-Tocotrienol (δ-TT) in BMSC ability of wound healing. Firstly, transcriptome and single-cell analysis were used to explore the genes and pathways related to ferroptosis in wound tissues. In vitro, cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of δ-TT-BMSCs were detected. In addition, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence (IF) were applied for observing the promoting wound healing ability of δ-TT-BMSC conditioned medium (CM) on NIH-3T3 and PAM-212 cells. The level of ferroptosis was determined by the mitochondrial membrane potential and total/lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells and the morphological changes of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) expression and activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected by IF and western blot (WB). The effect of δ-TT-BMSCs on wound healing was observed in vivo. The regulatory mechanism of δ-TT-BMSCs on ferroptosis was verified by IHC and IF staining. In vitro, δ-TT-BMSCs declined the level of lipid ROS in NIH-3T3 and PAM-212 cells and enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential. In vivo, δ-TT-BMSCs promoted wound healing in mice by decreasing ferroptosis. In terms of mechanism, δ-TT-BMSCs inhibited the expression of BACH1 and activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study demonstrated the ability of δ-TT-BMSCs to promote wound healing by inhibiting BACH1-related ferroptosis. In addition, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated by δ-TT-BMSCs and could be involved in wound healing. δ-TT-BMSCs might be a promising strategy for treating wounds.
Free-standing 2D gallium nitride for electronic, excitonic, spintronic, piezoelectric, thermoplastic, and 6G wireless communication applications
Authors: Sahu Tumesh Kumar , Sahu Saroj Pratap , Hembram K. P. S. S. , Lee Jae-Kap , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Kumar Prashant
Published: September 2023

Two-dimensional gallium nitride (2D GaN) with a large direct bandgap of ~5.3 eV, a high melting temperature of ~2500 °C, and a large Young’s modulus ~20 GPa developed for miniaturized interactive electronic gadgets can function at high thermal and mechanical loading conditions. Having various electronic, optoelectronic, spintronic, energy storage devices and sensors in perspective and the robust nature of 2D GaN, it is highly imperative to explore new pathways for its synthesis. Moreover, free-standing sheets will be desirable for large-area applications. We report our discovery of the synthesis of free-standing 2D GaN atomic sheets employing sonochemical exfoliation and the modified Hummers method. Exfoliated 2D GaN atomic sheets exhibit hexagonal and striped phases with microscale lateral dimensions and excellent chemical phase purity, confirmed by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. 2D GaN is highly stable, as confirmed by TGA measurements. While photodiode, FET, spintronics, and SERS-based molecular sensing, IRS element in 6G wireless communication applications of 2D GaN have been demonstrated, its nanocomposite with PVDF exhibits an excellent thermoplastic and piezoelectric behavior.
Circadian clock disruption promotes the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in male Drosophila
Authors: Majcin Dorcikova Michaëla , Duret Lou C. , Pottié Emma , Nagoshi Emi
Published: September 2023

Sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are frequent comorbidities of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the causal role of circadian clocks in the degenerative process remains uncertain. We demonstrated here that circadian clocks regulate the rhythmicity and magnitude of the vulnerability of DA neurons to oxidative stress in male Drosophila. Circadian pacemaker neurons are presynaptic to a subset of DA neurons and rhythmically modulate their susceptibility to degeneration. The arrhythmic period (per) gene null mutation exacerbates the age-dependent loss of DA neurons and, in combination with brief oxidative stress, causes premature animal death. These findings suggest that circadian clock disruption promotes dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
High-dimensional topographic organization of visual features in the primate temporal lobe
Authors: Yao Mengna , Wen Bincheng , Yang Mingpo , Guo Jiebin , Jiang Haozhou , Feng Chao , Cao Yilei , He Huiguang , Chang Le
Published: September 2023

The inferotemporal cortex supports our supreme object recognition ability. Numerous studies have been conducted to elucidate the functional organization of this brain area, but there are still important questions that remain unanswered, including how this organization differs between humans and non-human primates. Here, we use deep neural networks trained on object categorization to construct a 25-dimensional space of visual features, and systematically measure the spatial organization of feature preference in both male monkey brains and human brains using fMRI. These feature maps allow us to predict the selectivity of a previously unknown region in monkey brains, which is corroborated by additional fMRI and electrophysiology experiments. These maps also enable quantitative analyses of the topographic organization of the temporal lobe, demonstrating the existence of a pair of orthogonal gradients that differ in spatial scale and revealing significant differences in the functional organization of high-level visual areas between monkey and human brains.
Promoting ordering degree of intermetallic fuel cell catalysts by low-melting-point metal doping
Authors: Shao Ru-Yang , Xu Xiao-Chu , Zhou Zhen-Hua , Zeng Wei-Jie , Song Tian-Wei , Yin Peng , Li Ang , Ma Chang-Song , Tong Lei , Kong Yuan , Liang Hai-Wei
Published: September 2023

Carbon supported intermetallic compound nanoparticles with high activity and stability are promising cathodic catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. However, the synthesis of intermetallic catalysts suffers from large diffusion barrier for atom ordering, resulting in low ordering degree and limited performance. We demonstrate a low-melting-point metal doping strategy for the synthesis of highly ordered L10-type M-doped PtCo (M = Ga, Pb, Sb, Cu) intermetallic catalysts. We find that the ordering degree of the M-doped PtCo catalysts increases with the decrease of melting point of M. Theoretic studies reveal that the low-melting-point metal doping can decrease the energy barrier for atom diffusion. The prepared highly ordered Ga-doped PtCo catalyst exhibits a large mass activity of 1.07 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V in H2-O2 fuel cells and a rated power density of 1.05 W cm−2 in H2-air fuel cells, with a Pt loading of 0.075 mgPt cm−2.
Camel nanobody-based B7-H3 CAR-T cells show high efficacy against large solid tumours
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Ruixue , Liang Tianyuzhou , Ren Hua , Park Chaelee , Tai Chin-Hsien , Ni Weiming , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Edmondson Elijah , Khan Javed , Croix Brad St , Ho Mitchell
Published: September 2023

Rational design of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells based on the recognition of antigenic epitopes capable of evoking the most potent CAR activation is an important objective in optimizing immune therapy. In solid tumors, the B7-H3 transmembrane protein is an emerging target that harbours two distinct epitope motifs, IgC and IgV, in its ectodomain. Here, we generate dromedary camel nanobodies targeting B7-H3 and demonstrate that CAR-T cells, based on the nanobodies recognizing the IgC but not IgV domain, had potent antitumour activity against large tumors in female mice. These CAR-T cells are characterized by highly activated T cell signaling and significant tumor infiltration. Single-cell transcriptome RNA sequencing coupled with functional T-cell proteomics analysis uncovers the top-upregulated genes that might be critical for the persistence of polyfunctional CAR-T cells in mice. Our results highlight the importance of the specific target antigen epitope in governing optimal CAR-T activity and provide a nanobody-based B7-H3 CAR-T product for use in solid tumor therapy.
Structural basis of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor signaling mechanisms through ligand binding
Authors: Suzuki Shota , Tanaka Kotaro , Nishikawa Kouki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Oshima Atsunori , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori
Published: September 2023

Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptors (HCA) are expressed in various tissues and immune cells. HCA2 and its agonist are thus important targets for treating inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Only limited information is available, however, on the active-state binding of HCAs with agonists. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human HCA2-Gi and HCA3-Gi signaling complexes binding with multiple compounds bound. Agonists were revealed to form a salt bridge with arginine, which is conserved in the HCA family, to activate these receptors. Extracellular regions of the receptors form a lid-like structure that covers the ligand-binding pocket. Although transmembrane (TM) 6 in HCAs undergoes dynamic conformational changes, ligands do not directly interact with amino acids in TM6, suggesting that indirect signaling induces a slight shift in TM6 to activate Gi proteins. Structural analyses of agonist-bound HCA2 and HCA3 together with mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulation provide molecular insights into HCA ligand recognition and activation mechanisms.
Specific binding of GPR174 by endogenous lysophosphatidylserine leads to high constitutive Gs signaling
Authors: Nie Yingying , Qiu Zeming , Chen Sijia , Chen Zhao , Song Xiaocui , Ma Yan , Huang Niu , Cyster Jason G. , Zheng Sanduo
Published: September 2023

Many orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain understudied because their endogenous ligands are unknown. Here, we show that a group of class A/rhodopsin-like orphan GPCRs including GPR61, GPR161 and GPR174 increase the cAMP level similarly to fully activated D1 dopamine receptor (D1R). We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the GPR61‒Gs, GPR161‒Gs and GPR174‒Gs complexes without any exogenous ligands. The GPR174 structure reveals that endogenous lysophosphatidylserine (lysoPS) is copurified. While GPR174 fails to respond to exogenous lysoPS, likely owing to its maximal activation by the endogenous ligand, GPR174 mutants with lower ligand binding affinities can be specifically activated by lysoPS but not other lipids, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GPR174 adopts a non-canonical Gs coupling mode. The structures of GPR161 and GPR61 reveal that the second extracellular loop (ECL2) penetrates into the orthosteric pocket, possibly contributing to constitutive activity. Our work definitively confirms lysoPS as an endogenous GPR174 ligand and suggests that high constitutive activity of some orphan GPCRs could be accounted for by their having naturally abundant ligands.
The gendered effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent literacy and schooling outcomes in India
Authors: Nandi Arindam , Haberland Nicole , Kozak Meredith , Ngô Thoại D.
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education delivery around the world, with school closures affecting over 1.6 billion students worldwide. In India, schools were closed for over 18 months, affecting 248 million students. This study estimates the effect of the pandemic on adolescent literacy and schooling outcomes in India. We used data from the National Family Health Survey. (NFHS-5) which covered 636,699 households across all districts of India from June 2019 to April 2021. We considered 15–17 year old adolescents who were surveyed after March 2020 as the post-COVID group while those surveyed earlier were included in the pre-COVID group. We used propensity score matching and inverse propensity score weighted regression methods to account for differences in socioeconomic characteristics between the two groups. Rates of literacy (ability to read a complete sentence) were 1.5–1.6% lower among post-COVID girls as compared with similar pre-COVID girls. Among post-COVID girls in the lowest wealth quintile, rates of literacy were 3.1–3.8% lower than similar pre-COVID girls. There was no loss in literacy among post-COVID girls in the highest wealth quintile. COVID-induced loss in literacy among girls was twice in rural areas as compared to urban areas, and substantially higher among socioeconomically disadvantaged caste groups as compared with privileged caste groups. Post-COVID girls also had 0.08–0.1 lower years of schooling completed than similar pre-COVID girls but there was no difference in out-of-school rates. In a smaller subsample of 15–17 year old boys, the post-COVID group had 2% lower out-of-school rates and there was no difference in literacy or years of schooling completed as compared with matched pre-COVID boys. While markers of vulnerability such as residence, caste, and poverty further amplified the risk of learning. loss for girls, they did not have the same effect on boys.
Peatland restoration increases water storage and attenuates downstream stormflow but does not guarantee an immediate reversal of long-term ecohydrological degradation
Authors: Gatis Naomi , Benaud Pia , Anderson Karen , Ashe Josie , Grand-Clement Emilie , Luscombe David J. , Puttock Alan , Brazier Richard E.
Published: September 2023

Peatland restoration is experiencing a global upsurge as a tool to protect and provide various ecosystem services. As the range of peatland types being restored diversifies, do previous findings present overly optimistic restoration expectations? In an eroding and restored upland peatland we assessed short-term (0–4 year) effects of restoration on ecohydrological functions. Restoration significantly reduced discharge from the site, transforming peat pans into pools. These retained surface water over half the time and were deeper during wet periods than before. In the surrounding haggs water tables stabilised, as drawdown during dry conditions reduced, increasing the saturated peat thickness. Despite these changes, there were no effects on photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration or dissolved organic carbon loads leaving the site. Soil respiration did not decrease as water tables rose, but methane emissions were higher from rewet pools. Restoration has had a dramatic effect on hydrology, however, consequent changes in other ecosystem functions were not measured in the 4 years after restoration. Whilst restoration is crucial in halting the expansion of degraded peatland areas, it is vital that practitioners and policymakers advocating for restoration are realistic about the expected outcomes and timescales over which these outcomes may manifest.
A machine learning approach to seizure detection in a rat model of post-traumatic epilepsy
Authors: Kotloski Robert J.
Published: September 2023

Epilepsy is a common neurologic condition frequently investigated using rodent models, with seizures identified by electroencephalography (EEG). Given technological advances, large datasets of EEG are widespread and amenable to machine learning approaches for identification of seizures. While such approaches have been explored for human EEGs, machine learning approaches to identifying seizures in rodent EEG are limited. We utilized a predesigned deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), GoogLeNet, to classify images for seizure identification. Training images were generated through multiplexing spectral content (scalograms), kurtosis, and entropy for two-second EEG segments. Over 2200 h of EEG data were scored for the presence of seizures, with 95.6% of seizures identified by the DCNN and a false positive rate of 34.2% (1.52/h), as compared to visual scoring. Multiplexed images were superior to scalograms alone (scalogram-kurtosis-entropy 0.956 ± 0.010, scalogram 0.890 ± 0.028, t(7) = 3.54, p < 0.01) and a DCNN trained specifically for the individual animal was superior to using DCNNs across animals (intra-animal 0.960 ± 0.0094, inter-animal 0.811 ± 0.015, t(30) = 5.54, p < 0.01). For this dataset the DCNN approach is superior to a previously described algorithm utilizing longer local line lengths, calculated from wavelet-decomposition of EEG, to identify seizures. We demonstrate the novel use of a predesigned DCNN constructed to classify images, utilizing multiplexed images of EEG spectral content, kurtosis, and entropy, to rapidly and objectively identifies seizures in a large dataset of rat EEG with high sensitivity.
Improved corrosion resistance of permanganate-phosphate conversion coat on steel surface by surfactants
Authors: Abd-El-Nabey B. A. , El-Housseiny S. , Abd-El-Fatah M. A.
Published: September 2023

In the present work, we studied the effect of the presence of different concentrations of each of Triton-X-100 and Tween-80 surfactants in the bath of permanganate-phosphate conversion coating (PPC) on the corrosion resistance and the microstructure of the prepared coats. The coats were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The SEM results show that, on addition of the surfactants to the PPC bath, the porosity of the coat decreases and the coating layer becomes more compact. EIS results indicated that the presence of 0.01 M Triton-X-100 or 0.01 M Tween-80 in the coating solution caused an increase in the protection efficiency of the coat up to 93.7% and 84.1%, respectively. The potentiodynamic polarization results indicated that the two surfactants mainly act as anodic inhibitors due to the adsorption of their molecules at the anodic sites of the surface of steel and retard its oxidation reaction. The EDX and XPS results confirmed the results of the other techniques. A mechanism for the role of the surfactants in the coating process was proposed using the results of XPS and the other techniques.
Geographic destiny trumps taxonomy in the Roundtail Chub, Gila robusta species complex (Teleostei, Leuciscidae)
Authors: Suchocki Christopher R. , Ka‘apu-Lyons Cassie , Copus Joshua M. , Walsh Cameron A. J. , Lee Anne M. , Carter Julie Meka , Johnson Eric A. , Etter Paul D. , Forsman Zac H. , Bowen Brian W. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: September 2023

The Gila robusta species complex in the lower reaches of the Colorado River includes three nominal and contested species (G. robusta, G. intermedia, and G. nigra) originally defined by morphological and meristic characters. In subsequent investigations, none of these characters proved diagnostic, and species assignments were based on capture location. Two recent studies applied conservation genomics to assess species boundaries and reached contrasting conclusions: an ezRAD phylogenetic study resolved 5 lineages with poor alignment to species categories and proposed a single species with multiple population partitions. In contrast, a dd-RAD coalescent study concluded that the three nominal species are well-supported evolutionarily lineages. Here we developed a draft genome (~ 1.229 Gbp) to apply genome-wide coverage (10,246 SNPs) with nearly range-wide sampling of specimens (G. robusta N = 266, G. intermedia N = 241, and G. nigra N = 117) to resolve this debate. All three nominal species were polyphyletic, whereas 5 of 8 watersheds were monophyletic. AMOVA partitioned 23.1% of genetic variance among nominal species, 30.9% among watersheds, and the Little Colorado River was highly distinct (FST ranged from 0.79 to 0.88 across analyses). Likewise, DAPC identified watersheds as more distinct than species, with the Little Colorado River having 297 fixed nucleotide differences compared to zero fixed differences among the three nominal species. In every analysis, geography explains more of the observed variance than putative taxonomy, and there are no diagnostic molecular or morphological characters to justify species designation. Our analysis reconciles previous work by showing that species identities based on type location are supported by significant divergence, but natural geographic partitions show consistently greater divergence. Thus, our data confirm Gila robusta as a single polytypic species with roughly a dozen highly isolated geographic populations, providing a strong scientific basis for watershed-based future conservation.
Comparative proteomic analysis of edible bird’s nest from different origins
Authors: Wang Xianyang , Hu Dingwen , Liao Feng , Chen Sitai , Meng Yu , Dai Jie , Dong Tina Ting Xia , Lao Zizhao , Yu Liangwen , Liang Yueliang , Lai Xiaoping , Tsim Karl Wah Keung , Li Geng
Published: September 2023

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) mainly made of saliva that secreted by a variety of swiftlets is a kind of precious traditional Chinese medicine. EBNs from different biological and geographical origins exhibit varieties in morphology, material composition, nutritive value and commercial value. Here, we collected four different EBN samples from Huaiji, China (Grass EBN), Nha Trang, Vietnam (Imperial EBN) and East Kalimantan, Indonesia (White EBN and Feather EBN) respectively, and applied label-free quantitative MS-based proteomics technique to identify its protein composition. First, phylogenetic analysis was performed based on cytb gene to identify its biological origin. Second, a total of 37 proteins of EBNs were identified, among which there were six common proteins that detected in all samples and exhibited relatively higher content. Gene ontology analysis revealed the possible function of EBN proteins, and principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis based on 37 proteins were performed to compare the difference of various EBNs. In summary, our study deciphered the common and characteristic protein components of EBNs of different origins and described their possible functions by GO enrichment analysis, which helps to establish an objective and reliable quality evaluation system.
Unveiling metabolic pathways involved in the extreme desiccation tolerance of an Atacama cyanobacterium
Authors: Moore Rachel A. , Azua-Bustos Armando , González-Silva Carlos , Carr Christopher E.
Published: September 2023

Gloeocapsopsis dulcis strain AAB1 is an extremely xerotolerant cyanobacterium isolated from the Atacama Desert (i.e., the driest and oldest desert on Earth) that holds astrobiological significance due to its ability to biosynthesize compatible solutes at ultra-low water activities. We sequenced and assembled the G. dulcis genome de novo using a combination of long- and short-read sequencing, which resulted in high-quality consensus sequences of the chromosome and two plasmids. We leveraged the G. dulcis genome to generate a genome-scale metabolic model (iGd895) to simulate growth in silico. iGd895 represents, to our knowledge, the first genome-scale metabolic reconstruction developed for an extremely xerotolerant cyanobacterium. The model's predictive capability was assessed by comparing the in silico growth rate with in vitro growth rates of G. dulcis, in addition to the synthesis of trehalose. iGd895 allowed us to explore simulations of key metabolic processes such as essential pathways for water-stress tolerance, and significant alterations to reaction flux distribution and metabolic network reorganization resulting from water limitation. Our study provides insights into the potential metabolic strategies employed by G. dulcis, emphasizing the crucial roles of compatible solutes, metabolic water, energy conservation, and the precise regulation of reaction rates in their adaptation to water stress.
Association between weight loss agents and elevated liver enzymes: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Ye-Jee , Kang Seo Young , Kim Mi-Sook , Lee Joongyub , Yang Bo Ram
Published: September 2023

The widespread use of body weight control agents might be related to liver enzyme elevation, but this potential association has only been documented in a few case reports. This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight loss agents and elevated liver enzymes at the population-level. We conducted a cross-sectional study using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data from 2013 to 2019. This study included 36,259 participants over 20 years of age who completed the questionnaire and had no history of hepatitis, cancer, or renal failure. In these participants, we analyzed associations between weight loss agents and elevated liver enzymes by constructing multiple logistic regression models with adjustment for confounding factors and stratified by sex, age, and body mass index. The use of weight loss agents related to liver enzyme elevation in men (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.71) and participants aged less than 40 years (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12–1.87). Using more types of weight loss agents was associated with liver enzyme elevation (aOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03–1.67 for 1 weight loss agent, aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 0.93–3.99 for ≥ 2 weight loss agents). Elevated liver enzymes were associated with the use of traditional medicines (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14–3.34) and dietary supplements (aOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02–1.72) in men. We observed an association between weight loss agents and liver enzyme elevation in men, particularly for traditional herbal medicines and dietary supplements. To confirm the observed associations, studies higher on the evidence hierarchy are needed.
Optical and spin-selective time-of-flight measurement of light-induced desorption of Rb from Fe$$_3$$O$$_4$$ surfaces
Authors: Asakawa Kanta , Tanabe Naoki , Kawauchi Taizo , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Hatakeyama Atsushi
Published: September 2023

Light-induced desorption of Rb atoms from a ferrimagnetic Fe$$_3$$

3

O$$_4$$

4

(001) surface was studied using a spin-selective optical method, which provides information on the spin polarization, velocity distribution, and amount of the desorbed atoms. The results showed that the intensity of the desorption of Rb from Fe$$_3$$

3

O$$_4$$

4

(001) induced by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation was smaller than the detection limit at coverages lower than the threshold coverage at which the desorption rate began to increase. Moreover, the average magnetic quantum number of the desorbed atoms was smaller than that of electrons at the Fermi level of the Fe$$_3$$

3

O$$_4$$

4

(001) surface. These indicate that the light-induced desorption of Rb from an Fe$$_3$$

3

O$$_4$$

4

(001) surface occurs only in the high-coverage region in which the desorbing atoms are not in contact with the Fe$$_3$$

3

O$$_4$$

4

surface, and that the desorption does not involve spin transfer.
The Coral Triangle and Strait of Malacca are two distinct hotspots of mangrove biodiversity
Authors: Goulding Tricia C. , Dayrat Benoît
Published: September 2023

Knowledge of the biogeography of marine taxa has lagged significantly behind terrestrial ecosystems. A hotspot of marine biodiversity associated with coral reefs is known in the Coral Triangle of the Indo-West Pacific, but until now there was little data with which to evaluate broad patterns of species richness in the coastal fauna of ecosystems other than coral reefs. This data is critically needed for fauna with low functional redundancy like that of mangroves, that are vulnerable to habitat loss and rising sea levels. Here we show that the diversity of mangrove fauna is characterized by two distinct hotspots in the Indo-West Pacific, associated with two habitat types: fringe mangroves in the Coral Triangle, and riverine mangroves in the Strait of Malacca, between the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. This finding, based on a family of slugs of which the systematics has been completely revised, illustrates an unexpected biogeographic pattern that emerged only after this taxon was studied intensively. Most organisms that live in the mangrove forests of Southeast Asia remain poorly known both taxonomically and ecologically, and the hotspot of diversity of onchidiid slugs in the riverine mangroves of the Strait of Malacca indicates that further biodiversity studies are needed to support effective conservation of mangrove biodiversity.
The relation between implicit statistical learning and proactivity as revealed by EEG
Authors: Sznabel Dorota , Land Rüdiger , Kopp Bruno , Kral Andrej
Published: September 2023

Environmental events often occur on a probabilistic basis but can sometimes be predicted based on specific cues and thus approached proactively. Incidental statistical learning enables the acquisition of knowledge about probabilistic cue-target contingencies. However, the neural mechanisms of statistical learning about contingencies (SLC), the required conditions for successful learning, and the role of implicit processes in the resultant proactive behavior are still debated. We examined changes in behavior and cortical activity during an SLC task in which subjects responded to visual targets. Unbeknown to them, there were three types of target cues associated with high-, low-, and zero target probabilities. About half of the subjects spontaneously gained explicit knowledge about the contingencies (contingency-aware group), and only they showed evidence of proactivity: shortened response times to predictable targets and enhanced event-related brain responses (cue-evoked P300 and contingent negative variation, CNV) to high probability cues. The behavioral and brain responses were strictly associated on a single-trial basis. Source reconstruction of the brain responses revealed activation of fronto-parietal brain regions associated with cognitive control, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus. We also found neural correlates of SLC in the contingency-unaware group, but these were restricted to post-target latencies and visual association areas. Our results document a qualitative difference between explicit and implicit learning processes and suggest that in certain conditions, proactivity may require explicit knowledge about contingencies.
Quantitative size-resolved characterization of mRNA nanoparticles by in-line coupling of asymmetrical-flow field-flow fractionation with small angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Graewert Melissa A. , Wilhelmy Christoph , Bacic Tijana , Schumacher Jens , Blanchet Clement , Meier Florian , Drexel Roland , Welz Roland , Kolb Bastian , Bartels Kim , Nawroth Thomas , Klein Thorsten , Svergun Dmitri , Langguth Peter , Haas Heinrich
Published: September 2023

We present a generically applicable approach to determine an extensive set of size-dependent critical quality attributes inside nanoparticulate pharmaceutical products. By coupling asymmetrical-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) measurements directly in-line with solution small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), vital information such as (i) quantitative, absolute size distribution profiles, (ii) drug loading, (iii) size-dependent internal structures, and (iv) quantitative information on free drug is obtained. Here the validity of the method was demonstrated by characterizing complex mRNA-based lipid nanoparticle products. The approach is particularly applicable to particles in the size range of 100 nm and below, which is highly relevant for pharmaceutical products—both biologics and nanoparticles. The method can be applied as well in other fields, including structural biology and environmental sciences.
An Innovative AI-based primer design tool for precise and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Perez-Romero Carmina Angelica , Mendoza-Maldonado Lucero , Tonda Alberto , Coz Etienne , Tabeling Patrick , Vanhomwegen Jessica , MacSharry John , Szafran Joanna , Bobadilla-Morales Lucina , Corona-Rivera Alfredo , Claassen Eric , Garssen Johan , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Lopez-Rincon Alejandro
Published: September 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, it leaves behind the serious concern that future, even more disruptive pandemics may eventually surface. One of the crucial steps in handling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was being able to detect the presence of the virus in an accurate and timely manner, to then develop policies counteracting the spread. Nevertheless, as the pandemic evolved, new variants with potentially dangerous mutations appeared. Faced by these developments, it becomes clear that there is a need for fast and reliable techniques to create highly specific molecular tests, able to uniquely identify VOCs. Using an automated pipeline built around evolutionary algorithms, we designed primer sets for SARS-CoV-2 (main lineage) and for VOC, B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Starting from sequences openly available in the GISAID repository, our pipeline was able to deliver the primer sets for the main lineage and each variant in a matter of hours. Preliminary in-silico validation showed that the sequences in the primer sets featured high accuracy. A pilot test in a laboratory setting confirmed the results: the developed primers were favorably compared against existing commercial versions for the main lineage, and the specific versions for the VOCs B.1.1.7 and B.1.1.529 were clinically tested successfully.
Evaluating construction parameters of HB and CD methods for super large section tunnel: a case study
Authors: Zhu Ting , Liu Yuanming
Published: September 2023

The double sidewall guide pit and centre cross diagram (CRD) methods are often used for the construction of large-section tunnels through water-rich fault fracture zones due to their long construction time and high construction cost. To shorten the construction period and save costs, the top heading and benching method (HB) and centre diaphragm (CD) can be chosen for construction. The construction parameters of the step and CD methods are optimized to ensure the surrounding rock stability and tunnel safety. By relying on the Tongzi Tunnel, we simulate the excavation of different step heights in the construction of the top heading and benching method (HB) and CD methods through numerical simulation, the laws of tunnel vault settlement, and changes in the surrounding rock stress, initial support axial force, bending moment and safety factor. The study shows that as the height of the upper step increases, the settlement of the vault and the convergence of the periphery increase, the initial support safety factor decreases, and the plastic zone of the surrounding rock increases at 30 m from the target face. The step height for the top heading and benching method (HB) of construction is optimized as follows. The ratios of the upper, middle and lower step heights are 0.45H, 0.35H and 0.2H, respectively. The CD method construction step height is optimized to the left (right) upper and left (right) lower step height ratios of 0.5H and 0.5H, respectively.
Protective effects of a new generation of probiotic Bacteroides fragilis against colitis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: He Qiuyue , Niu Min , Bi Jiandie , Du Na , Liu Shumin , Yang Kai , Li Huanqin , Yao Jing , Du Yan , Duan Yong
Published: September 2023

Bacteroides fragilis, one of the potential next-generation probiotics, but its protective mechanism is not yet known. We aimed to characterize the anti-inflammatory effect of B. fragilisATCC25285 and to elucidate its mechanism through in vivo and in vitro experiments. An in vitro model of inflammation by induction of colonic cells with TNF-a, and co-cultured with B. fragilis to detect cell viability, apoptosis and invasive capacity. Furthermore, critical proteins of the TLR/NF-κB pathway and the inflammatory cytokines were measured. For animal trials, C57BL/6 J male mice were orally administered B. fragilis or PBS once daily for 21 days. Colitis was induced by drinking 2.5% DSS from days 0 to 7. The mice were weighed daily and rectal bleeding, stool condition and blood in the stool were recorded. We found that B. fragilis treatment alone was harmless and had no effect on cell viability or apoptosis. While predictably TNF-α decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, B. fragilis attenuated this deterioration. The NF-κB pathway and inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β activated by TNF-α were also blocked by B. fragilis. Notably, the metabolic supernatant of B. fragilis also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Animal studies showed that live B. fragilis rather than dead strain ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, as evidenced by weight loss, shortened colon length and enhanced barrier function. The colonic tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were decreased and IL-10 was increased as a result of B. fragilis administration. In conclusion, B. fragilis ATCC25285 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects whether in vivo or in vitro, and it may be a potential probiotic agent for improving colitis.