bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online informal learning of English and receptive vocabulary knowledge: Purpose matters
Authors: Lai Chun , Wang Qiu
Published: May 2024

The research field of online informal English learning has revealed associations of various informal digital English activities and second language vocabulary development. However, most of these studies have regarded digital resources as uniform entities when investigating their potential for vocabulary development and have failed to consider learners’ idiosyncratic interaction with the resources driven by self-defined purposes of use. Informed by the uses and gratifications theory, this study explored how three purposes of extramural digital experience (entertainment, socialization and information) relate to vocabulary knowledge, based on the survey responses from 322 undergraduate Chinese EFL learners and their receptive vocabulary knowledge. PLS-SEM analysis uncovered differential associations of the three media use purposes with receptive vocabulary knowledge. The study also revealed that the associations between the purposes of informal digital activities and vocabulary knowledge differed depending on whether the vocabulary was high frequency or low frequency. Additionally, it was found that the strategic use of digital resources, in terms of cognitive attention to and processing of lexical information that are facilitative of vocabulary learning during and/or after the interaction, played a significant moderating role in the relationship between digital activities for information purposes and receptive knowledge of high-frequency vocabulary. The findings highlight the importance of considering media use purposes in future research and pedagogical practices.
Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire in Turkish parents
Authors: Şarahman-Kahraman Ceren , Memiç-İnan Cansu , Yabanci-Ayhan Nurcan , Ozcelik Ayse Özfer
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ) measures parental attitudes towards feeding practices that directly influence children’s eating habits. This study aims to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish adaptation of the CFPQ developed by Musher-Eizenman et al.

Design:

Validity and reliability analyses were conducted for the Turkish version of the CFPQ (T-CFPQ). In addition to reliability analyses and partial correlations between scale dimensions, correlations between scale dimensions according to mothers’ BMI and children’s BMI z-scores were also examined.

Setting:

Parents with children aged 18 months to 8 years living in the community.

Participants:

The study sample consisted of 274 parents with children aged 18 months to 8 years who agreed to participate in the online survey.

Results:

In this study, forty-seven items and twelve-factor structure describing feeding practices were supported by the confirmatory factor analysis. Although most of the dimensions of the T-CFPQ showed significant correlations with each other, the highest correlation was found between the encourage balance/variety and the dimension of modelling and teaching nutrition (r = 0·53; 0·50) (P < 0·05). There was a negative correlation between the child’s BMI z-score and the pressure to eat dimension (r = –0·173; P < 0·01) and a positive correlation between the restriction for weight dimension (r = 0·339; P < 0·01). Maternal BMI was negatively associated with the involvement dimension (r = –0·121; P < 0·05) and positively associated with the restriction for weight dimension (r = 0·154; P < 0·01).

Conclusions:

The findings revealed that the T-CFPQ is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be applied to obtain the necessary information for evaluating nutritional interactions between parent and child.
On the effects of struts diameter and shape on the European Space Agency deep space antenna directivity and first side lobe
Authors: Arenare Davide , Pelorossi Fabio , Concaro Filippo , Pasian Marco
Published: May 2024

Large reflector antennas, such as the European Space Agency deep space antennas (DSAs), practically always require struts to support the sub-reflector. While inevitable, they deteriorate the antenna performance. To minimize this deterioration, it is pivotal to understand the role played by different features, including struts diameter and shape. This paper proposes a detailed numerical investigation on the impact of these features on antenna efficiency and side lobes, for a test case comprising both DSA3 and DSA4. It is demonstrated, for the first time in a comprehensive and quantitative way that includes different permutations for the strut design, that both features are significant to define the deterioration, thus providing a significant feedback for struts design.
Circularly polarized dual-port MIMO DRA for future Wi-Fi 6E applications
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Illahi Usman , Ramay Shahid Mahmood , Sulaiman Mohamad Ismail
Published: May 2024

This research article proposes a dual-sense dual-port wideband circularly polarized (CP) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna designed for Wi-Fi 6E applications. The main novelty lies in achieving CP for both ports using a truncated rectangular-shaped aperture. By incorporating design and spatial diversity and defective ground structure between the two radiators, the design improves isolation and enables the antenna to generate Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP)depending on the selected feed port. The proposed MIMO rectangular dielectric resonator antenna demonstrates an impressive impedance-matching bandwidth (IBW)from 5.5 to 8.0 GHz (37.10%) as well as an axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) covering from 6.0 to 6.55 GHz (12.20%). Additionally, the dual-port wideband CP MIMO antenna exhibits satisfactory diversity performance parameters. To validate the simulated results, a physical prototype is fabricated and subjected to experimental testing. The measured outcomes of the fabricated model align closely with the simulated results, confirming the accuracy of the design. With both MIMO and CP capabilities and improved isolation, this proposed model proves beneficial in reducing latency and minimizing the impact of multipath fading. Therefore, it stands as an excellent choice for future devices utilizing the Wi-Fi 6E band due to its broad IBW and overlappingAR.
AI‐Assisted Design of Printed Edge‐Fed Non‐Uniform Zig‐Zag Antenna for mm‐Wave Automotive Radar
Authors: Poli L. , Rocca P. , Rosatti P. , Anselmi N. , Salucci M. , Yang S. , Yang F. , Massa A.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the design of a novel horizontally polarized single‐layer antenna for 77 (GHz) automotive radar applications is4 addressed. An innovative non‐uniform zig‐zag parametrization of the antenna layout is considered to enable a more flexible control on both the impedance matching in the working frequency band and the shaping of the radiated beam pattern with respect to a standard (uniform) one without compromising the linear (horizontal) polarization of the radiated field. Such a polarization guarantees a lower back‐scattering from road pavements, resulting in a reduced amount of clutter and thus allowing a more robust target detection. Moreover, the single‐layer layout has several advantages in terms of fabrication simplicity/costs and mechanical robustness to vibrations. The design of the proposed non‐uniform zig‐zag antenna (NZA) is performed through a customized implementation of the System‐by‐Design (SbD) approach that fruitfully combines machine learning and evolutionary optimization to efficiently deal with the computational complexity at hand. An extensive numerical validation, dealing with designs of different lengths, verifies the high performance of the NZA in terms of beam direction deviation (e.g., BDD < 1 (deg)), sidelobe level (e.g., SLL < −18.2 (dB)), and polarization ratio (e.g., PR > 20 (dB)) within the working frequency band (GHz), as well as its superiority over competitive designs. Finally, the realization of a prototype and its experimental test, validate the proposed NZA concept for automotive mm‐wave radar applications in advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles such as, for instance, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and blind spot detection.
Reconstructing Mollisol Formation Processes Through Quantified Pedoturbation
Authors: Zhang Aimin , Long Hao , Yang Fei , Zhang Jingran , Peng Jun , Shi Yonghui , Zhang Ganlin
Published: May 2024

Mollisols are highly fertile soils and function as significant carbon reservoirs. However, determining their ages and formation processes is challenging due to extensive pedoturbation, which undermines conventional dating methods. Here, we employed luminescence, a light‐sensitive property of minerals widely used in geological dating, to investigate and quantify soil mixing. We analyzed over 2,400 luminescence ages of individual K‐feldspar grains from a Mollisol profile in Northeast China, and for the first time, we were able to determine the intensity of pedoturbation in the Mollisol profile over the past 50,000 years. The results showed that the current pedoturbation can penetrate to a depth of approximately 80 cm, with the intensity decreasing with depth. By identifying a significant intensification in historical pedoturbation, we inferred that the paleoenvironment might be suitable for the formation of Mollisols 16,400 years before present.
Future Change in the Vietnam Upwelling Under a High‐Emission Scenario
Authors: Liao Fanglou , Yang Kunde , Wang Yaping , Hoteit Ibrahim , Zhan Peng
Published: May 2024

The Vietnam upwelling is a crucial circulation feature in the South China Sea. Although previous studies have shown that various coastal upwellings around the world may intensify under global warming, future changes in the Vietnam upwelling remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed the long‐term trend in the Vietnam upwelling under a high‐emission scenario for the period 2006–2100, using simulation results from a global eddy‐resolving climate model. In this model, the summertime Vietnam upwelling is projected to intensify in the 21st century and is statistically significant between 12°N and 14°N. A volume flux budget analysis indicates that wind stress curl is the most important contributor to the intensification. The geostrophic flow, to some extent, may suppress the upwelling intensification. The projected increase in upwelling is shown to significantly reduce local ocean warming and freshening and thus may have vital impacts on the local climate and circulation.
Childhood adversity trajectories and weight status in young adult men: a register-based study including 359,783 Danish men
Authors: Wimmelmann Cathrine L. , Sejling Christoffer , Clarke Rebecca B. , Elsenburg Leonie K. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Rod Naja H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Childhood adversity has previously been associated with overweight and obesity in adult life, but there is a need for larger population-based studies using prospectively obtained adversity trajectories across childhood to confirm these associations. Moreover, childhood adversity may also be associated with underweight, which is less often studied. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between childhood adversity trajectories from 0–15 years with weight categories in young adult men.

Methods

The Danish Life Course Cohort (DANLIFE) was linked with the Danish Conscription Registry resulting in a study sample of 359,783 men, who have been assigned to one of five previously identified adversity trajectories from 0–15 years: “low adversity”, “early material deprivation”, “persistent material deprivation”, “loss or threat of loss”, and “high adversity”. Height and weight in young adulthood was assessed at a draft board examination at age 18–26 years. Associations of adversity trajectories and weight categories were investigated in multinomial regression models.

Results

Compared with the “low adversity” group, the four other adversity groups had higher risks of underweight, overweight, and obesity. The “high adversity” group showed the strongest associations with both underweight (1.44 (1.32, 1.58)) and obesity (1.50 (1.39, 1.61)) when adjusted for parental origin, birth year, age at draft board examination, and maternal age.

Conclusion

Childhood adversity, experienced between 0 and 15 years of life, was associated with a higher risk of underweight, overweight, and obesity in young adulthood among men.
Detection of inflammasome activation in liver tissue during the donation process as potential biomarker for liver transplantation
Authors: Mateo Sandra V. , Vidal-Correoso Daniel , Muñoz-Morales Ana M. , Jover-Aguilar Marta , Alconchel Felipe , de la Peña Jesús , Martínez-Alarcón Laura , López-López Víctor , Ríos-Zambudio Antonio , Cascales Pedro , Pons José A. , Ramírez Pablo , Pelegrín Pablo , Baroja-Mazo Alberto
Published: May 2024

Deceased donor liver transplantation (LT) is a crucial lifesaving option for patients with end-stage liver diseases. Although donation after brain death (DBD) remains the main source of donated organs, exploration of donation after circulatory death (DCD) addresses donor scarcity but introduces challenges due to warm ischemia. While technical advances have improved outcomes, challenges persist, with a 13% mortality rate within the first year. Delving into liver transplantation complexities reveals the profound impact of molecular signaling on organ fate. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation play a pivotal role, influencing inflammatory responses. The NLRP3 inflammasome, found in hepatocytes, contributes to inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cell death. This study explores these dynamics, shedding light on potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Samples from 36 liver transplant patients were analyzed for ASC specks detection and inflammasome-related gene expression. Liver biopsies, obtained before and after cold ischemia storage, were processed for immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. One year post-LT clinical follow-up included diagnostic procedures for complications, and global survival was assessed. Immunofluorescence detected activated inflammasome complexes in fixed liver tissues. ASC specks were identified in hepatocytes, showing a trend toward more specks in DCD livers. Likewise, inflammasome-related gene expression analysis indicated higher expression in DCD livers, decreasing after cold ischemia. Similar results were found at protein level. Patients with increased ASC specks staining exhibited lower overall survival rates, correlating with IL1B expression after cold ischemia. Although preliminary, these findings offer novel insights into utilizing direct detection of inflammasome activation in liver tissue as a biomarker. They suggest its potential impact on post-transplant outcomes, potentially paving the way for improved diagnostic approaches and personalized treatment strategies in LT.
Investigating mobile element variations by statistical genetics
Authors: Kojima Shohei
Published: May 2024

The integration of structural variations (SVs) in statistical genetics provides an opportunity to understand the genetic factors influencing complex human traits and disease. Recent advances in long-read technology and variant calling methods for short reads have improved the accurate discovery and genotyping of SVs, enabling their use in expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Mobile elements are DNA sequences that insert themselves into various genome locations. Insertional polymorphisms of mobile elements between humans, called mobile element variations (MEVs), contribute to approximately 25% of human SVs. We recently developed a variant caller that can accurately identify and genotype MEVs from biobank-scale short-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) datasets and integrate them into statistical genetics. The use of MEVs in eQTL analysis and GWAS has a minimal impact on the discovery of genome loci associated with gene expression and disease; most disease-associated haplotypes can be identified by single nucleotide variations (SNVs). On the other hand, it helps make hypotheses about causal variants or effector variants. Focusing on MEVs, we identified multiple MEVs that contribute to differential gene expression and one of them is a potential cause of skin disease, emphasizing the importance of the integration of MEVs in medical genetics. Here, I will provide an overview of MEVs, MEV calling from WGS, and the integration of MEVs in statistical genetics. Finally, I will discuss the unanswered questions about MEVs, such as rare variants.
Search traffic for inflatable penile prosthesis increased following the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: a Google Trends analysis
Authors: Abou Chawareb Elia , Nakamura Hana , Hammad Muhammed A. M. , Miller Jake A. , Lumbiganon Supanut , Azad Babak K. , Yafi Faysal A.
Published: May 2024

We aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on search trends for inflatable penile implants in the US. Search trends for inflatable penile implants ranging from 2016 through 2023 were analyzed utilizing Google Trends. Associations between search trends and US Census Bureau data, including average household income and per capita income, were analyzed. Pre- and post- COVID-19, the interest in inflatable penile implants has been steadily increasing on average in the US. The average household income for counties with the highest interest in inflatable penile implants during the pre-COVID era was $53,136, whereas for the counties with the highest interest in inflatable penile implants in the post-COVID era, the average decreased to $50,940. Similarly, the average per capita median decreased from $35,209 to $34,547. Search traffic for inflatable penile prosthesis increased following the pandemic in the US. Nevertheless, post-pandemic, individuals with lower income levels showed no change in interest in penile implant searches compared to the pre-pandemic period. Understanding this steadiness in interest can inform healthcare professionals and policymakers to tailor interventions and educational efforts to reach a broader audience, ensuring equitable access to information and healthcare resources.
Active learning of ternary alloy structures and energies
Authors: Deshmukh Gaurav , Wichrowski Noah J. , Evangelou Nikolaos , Ghanekar Pushkar G. , Deshpande Siddharth , Kevrekidis Ioannis G. , Greeley Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

Machine learning models with uncertainty quantification have recently emerged as attractive tools to accelerate the navigation of catalyst design spaces in a data-efficient manner. Here, we combine active learning with a dropout graph convolutional network (dGCN) as a surrogate model to explore the complex materials space of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). We train the dGCN on the formation energies of disordered binary alloy structures in the Pd-Pt-Sn ternary alloy system and improve predictions on ternary structures by performing reduced optimization of the formation free energy, the target property that determines HEA stability, over ensembles of ternary structures constructed based on two coordinate systems: (a) a physics-informed ternary composition space, and (b) data-driven coordinates discovered by the Diffusion Maps manifold learning scheme. Both reduced optimization techniques improve predictions of the formation free energy in the ternary alloy space with a significantly reduced number of DFT calculations compared to a high-fidelity model. The physics-based scheme converges to the target property in a manner akin to a depth-first strategy, whereas the data-driven scheme appears more akin to a breadth-first approach. Both sampling schemes, coupled with our acquisition function, successfully exploit a database of DFT-calculated binary alloy structures and energies, augmented with a relatively small number of ternary alloy calculations, to identify stable ternary HEA compositions and structures. This generalized framework can be extended to incorporate more complex bulk and surface structural motifs, and the results demonstrate that significant dimensionality reduction is possible in thermodynamic sampling problems when suitable active learning schemes are employed.
Copy number deletion of PLA2G4A affects the susceptibility and clinical phenotypes of schizophrenia
Authors: Gao Zibo , Guo Xinru , Sun Zhouyang , Wu Songyu , Wang Qianyi , Huang Qianlong , Bai Wei , Kou Changgui
Published: May 2024

Phospholipase A2(PLA2) superfamily is recognized as being involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia by affecting lipid homeostasis in cell membranes. We hypothesized that PLA2 gene copy number variation (CNV) may affect PLA2 enzyme expression and be associated with schizophrenia risk. This study indicated that in the discovery stage, an increased copy number of PLA2G6 and the deletion of PLA2G3, PLA2G4A, PLA2G4F and PLA2G12F was associated with increased risk of schizophrenia. CNV segments involving six PLA2 genes were detected in publicly available datasets, including two deletion segments specific to the PLA2G4A gene. The relationship between the deletion of PLA2G4A and susceptibility to schizophrenia was then reaffirmed in the validation group of 806 individuals. There was a significant correlation between PLA2G4A deletion and the symptoms of poverty of thought in male patients and erotomanic delusion in females. Furthermore, ELISA results demonstrate a significant decrease in peripheral blood cytosolic PLA2(cPLA2) levels in patients with the PLA2G4A deletion genotype compared to those with normal and copy number duplicate genotypes. These data suggest that the functional copy number deletion in the PLA2G4A gene is associated with the risk of schizophrenia and clinical phenotypes by reducing the expression of cPLA2, which may be an indicator of susceptibility to schizophrenia.
EU carbon prices signal high policy credibility and farsighted actors
Authors: Sitarz Joanna , Pahle Michael , Osorio Sebastian , Luderer Gunnar , Pietzcker Robert
Published: May 2024

Carbon prices in the EU emissions trading system are a key instrument driving Europe’s decarbonization. Between 2017 and 2021, they surged tenfold, exceeding €80 tCO2−1 and reshaping investment decisions across the electricity and industry sectors. What has driven this increase is an open question. While it coincided with two significant reforms tightening the cap (‘MSR reform’ and ‘Fit for 55’), we argue that a reduced supply of allowances alone cannot fully explain the price rise. A further crucial aspect is that actors must have become more farsighted as the reform signalled policymakers’ credible long-term commitment to climate targets. This is consistent with model results that show historic prices can be better explained with myopic actors, whereas explaining prices after the reforms requires actors to be farsighted. To underline the role of credibility, we test what would happen if a crisis undermines policy credibility such that actors become myopic again, demonstrating that carbon prices could plummet and endanger the energy transition.
De novo design of buttressed loops for sculpting protein functions
Authors: Jiang Hanlun , Jude Kevin M. , Wu Kejia , Fallas Jorge , Ueda George , Brunette T. J. , Hicks Derrick R. , Pyles Harley , Yang Aerin , Carter Lauren , Lamb Mila , Li Xinting , Levine Paul M. , Stewart Lance , Garcia K. Christopher , Baker David
Published: May 2024

In natural proteins, structured loops have central roles in molecular recognition, signal transduction and enzyme catalysis. However, because of the intrinsic flexibility and irregularity of loop regions, organizing multiple structured loops at protein functional sites has been very difficult to achieve by de novo protein design. Here we describe a solution to this problem that designs tandem repeat proteins with structured loops (9–14 residues) buttressed by extensive hydrogen bonding interactions. Experimental characterization shows that the designs are monodisperse, highly soluble, folded and thermally stable. Crystal structures are in close agreement with the design models, with the loops structured and buttressed as designed. We demonstrate the functionality afforded by loop buttressing by designing and characterizing binders for extended peptides in which the loops form one side of an extended binding pocket. The ability to design multiple structured loops should contribute generally to efforts to design new protein functions.
Affinity gaps among B cells in germinal centers drive the selection of MPER precursors
Authors: Ray Rashmi , Schiffner Torben , Wang Xuesong , Yan Yu , Rantalainen Kimmo , Lee Chang-Chun David , Parikh Shivang , Reyes Raphael A. , Dale Gordon A. , Lin Ying-Cing , Pecetta Simone , Giguere Sophie , Swanson Olivia , Kratochvil Sven , Melzi Eleonora , Phung Ivy , Madungwe Lisa , Kalyuzhniy Oleksandr , Warner John , Weldon Stephanie R. , Tingle Ryan , Lamperti Edward , Kirsch Kathrin H. , Phelps Nicole , Georgeson Erik , Adachi Yumiko , Kubitz Michael , Nair Usha , Crotty Shane , Wilson Ian A. , Schief William R. , Batista Facundo D.
Published: May 2024

Current prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) vaccine research aims to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Membrane-proximal external region (MPER)-targeting bnAbs, such as 10E8, provide exceptionally broad neutralization, but some are autoreactive. Here, we generated humanized B cell antigen receptor knock-in mouse models to test whether a series of germline-targeting immunogens could drive MPER-specific precursors toward bnAbs. We found that recruitment of 10E8 precursors to germinal centers (GCs) required a minimum affinity for germline-targeting immunogens, but the GC residency of MPER precursors was brief due to displacement by higher-affinity endogenous B cell competitors. Higher-affinity germline-targeting immunogens extended the GC residency of MPER precursors, but robust long-term GC residency and maturation were only observed for MPER-HuGL18, an MPER precursor clonotype able to close the affinity gap with endogenous B cell competitors in the GC. Thus, germline-targeting immunogens could induce MPER-targeting antibodies, and B cell residency in the GC may be regulated by a precursor–competitor affinity gap.
Alternative platelet differentiation pathways initiated by nonhierarchically related hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Carrelha Joana , Mazzi Stefania , Winroth Axel , Hagemann-Jensen Michael , Ziegenhain Christoph , Högstrand Kari , Seki Masafumi , Brennan Margs S. , Lehander Madeleine , Wu Bishan , Meng Yiran , Markljung Ellen , Norfo Ruggiero , Ishida Hisashi , Belander Strålin Karin , Grasso Francesca , Simoglou Karali Christina , Aliouat Affaf , Hillen Amy , Chari Edwin , Siletti Kimberly , Thongjuea Supat , Mead Adam J. , Linnarsson Sten , Nerlov Claus , Sandberg Rickard , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Woll Petter S. , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W.
Published: May 2024

Rare multipotent stem cells replenish millions of blood cells per second through a time-consuming process, passing through multiple stages of increasingly lineage-restricted progenitors. Although insults to the blood-forming system highlight the need for more rapid blood replenishment from stem cells, established models of hematopoiesis implicate only one mandatory differentiation pathway for each blood cell lineage. Here, we establish a nonhierarchical relationship between distinct stem cells that replenish all blood cell lineages and stem cells that replenish almost exclusively platelets, a lineage essential for hemostasis and with important roles in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. These distinct stem cells use cellularly, molecularly and functionally separate pathways for the replenishment of molecularly distinct megakaryocyte-restricted progenitors: a slower steady-state multipotent pathway and a fast-track emergency-activated platelet-restricted pathway. These findings provide a framework for enhancing platelet replenishment in settings in which slow recovery of platelets remains a major clinical challenge.
A global dataset of diel activity patterns in insect communities
Authors: Wong Mark K. L. , Didham Raphael
Published: May 2024

Insect activity powers ecosystems and food production globally. Although insect activity is known to vary with the rise and setting of the sun, there is surprisingly limited empirical information on how insect abundance and richness varies across the 24-hour day–night (diel) cycle. Moreover, commonly used methods for sampling insects such as light traps do not provide suitable comparisons of community properties between diel periods. We present a dataset of 1512 observations of abundance and richness during diurnal and nocturnal periods in insect communities worldwide. The data were collected from 99 studies that systematically sampled insect communities during day and night, using sampling methods minimally influenced by diel variation, such as movement-based interception traps. Spanning six continents, 41 countries and 16 insect orders, the data can support investigations into the factors influencing insect diel preferences as well as the causes and consequences of temporal changes in insect biodiversity. The data also provides key baseline information on the diel activity patterns of insect communities for long-term ecological monitoring. These pursuits take on added significance considering contemporary ‘insect declines’ and increasing anthropogenic impacts on diurnal and nocturnal biodiversity.
Micro-CT data of complete metamorphosis process in Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Shu Runguo , Xiao Yiqi , Zhang Chaowei , Liu Ying , Zhou Hang , Li Fei
Published: May 2024

Insect metamorphosis involves significant changes in insect internal structure and is thus a critical focus of entomological research. Investigating the morphological transformation of internal structures is vital to understanding the origins of adult insect organs. Beetles are among the most species-rich groups in insects, but the development and transformation of their internal organs have yet to be systematically documented. In this study, we have acquired a comprehensive dataset that includes 27 detailed whole-body tomographic image sets of Harmonia axyridis, spanning from the prepupal to the pupal stages. Utilizing this data, we have created intricate 3D models of key internal organs, encompassing the brain, ventral nerve cord, digestive and excretion systems, as well as the body wall muscles. These data documented the transformation process of these critical organs and correlations between the origin of adult and larval organs and can be used to enhance the understanding of holometabolous adult organ genesis and offers a valuable reference model for investigating complete metamorphosis in insects.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the nipa palm hispid beetle Octodonta nipae
Authors: Tang Baozhen , Yin Chuanlin , He Kang , Tao Shaomin , Fu Lang , Liu Ying , Li Fei , Hou Youming
Published: May 2024

Nipa palm hispid beetle (Octodonta nipae) is an insect species that is native to Malaysia but has spread to southern China and beyond, seriously threatening palm production. A lack of high-quality genome resources has hindered understanding of the insect’s invasive characteristics and ecological adaptations. Here, we combined Illumina short read, PacBio long-read, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing technologies to generate a high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly of nipa palm hispid beetle. The genome assembly was 1.31 Gb in size, consisting of nine chromosomes. The contig and scaffold N50 values were 1.022 Mb and 148.6 Mb, respectively. The genome assembly completeness was estimated at 99.1%. Annotation revealed 16,305 protein-coding genes and 62.16% repeat sequences. This high-quality genome assembly is a valuable resource that will contribute to understanding of the genetic factors underlying the invasive characteristics of nipa palm hispid beetle, ultimately promoting development of efficient control policies.
An experimental investigation of the convective heat transfer augmentation in U-bend double pipe heat exchanger using water-MgO-Cmc fluid
Authors: Gabir Mustafa M. , Albayati Ibrahim M. , Hatami Mohammad , Alkhafaji Dhirgham
Published: May 2024

One of the major problems of using nanofluids in heat exchange applications is the forming and deposition of nanoparticles on the inner surface of the heat exchanger. In this paper, Water-Cmc fluid is used as a surfactant for nanoparticles to prevent deposition and congregation. The pressure drops and heat transfer in U-bend double pipe heat exchanger based on water-MgO-Cmc fluid, are examined. Nanoparticles of Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Cmc) are used with pure water as a base fluid. The experimental rig and procedures are designed to facilitate various operational conditions such as flow rate, volume concentration of MgO particles and weight concentration of Cmc particles. Furthermore, convective heat transfer coefficient, heat exchanger effectiveness, pressure drop, friction factor, under different conditions, are measured. The results demonstrate convective heat transfer coefficient of U-bend double pipe heat exchangers is enhanced by 35% for 1 MgO vol.% and 0.2 Cmc wt.% compared to base fluid (Water-Cmc). It is concluded that pressure drops are directly proportion to the increase of MgO nanoparticles at same Cmc concentration by 23% at 0.2 wt.%. Whilst, friction factor of the system is inversely proportion to the increase of volumetric flow rate of water-MgO-Cmc fluid. An increase in MgO nanoparticle concentration increases the friction factor, hence maximum friction factor enhancement by 38% for MgO concentration of 1 vol.%. The effectiveness of heat exchanger is slightly increased by 8% with increase of MgO concentration and flow rate. Finally, thermo-physical characteristics of water-MgO-Cmc fluid at various temperatures, are measured
An omics-based characterization of Wolfiporia cocos reveals three CYP450 members involved in the biosynthetic pathway of pachymic acid
Authors: Liu Heping , Jing Naliang , Li Fengfeng , Wang Keyue , Tang Jing , Zhao Qin , Zhang Yipeng , Noushahi Hamza Armghan , Xu Ran , Wang Xuekui , Zhu Wenjun , Feng Shengqiu , Shu Shaohua , Mei Zhinan
Published: May 2024

Wolfiporia cocos is a medicinal mushroom used in China. It biosynthesizes pachymic acid (PA), a main therapeutic triterpene associated with therapies. Nowadays, the unknown PA biosynthesis leads to difficulties in increasing its content in W. cocos. Herein, we report sequencing, assembling, and characterization of the genome and several transcriptomes of W. cocos. Sequence mining determined candidate genes that encode lanosterol synthase, sterol O-acyltransferase, and sterol C-24 methyltransferase likely involved in the steps from lanosterol to PA. Gene cluster analysis identified four CYP450 cDNAs likely involved in the biosynthesis of PA, namely WcCYP64-1, WcCYP64-2, WcCYP52, and WcCYP_FUM15, which were subjected to both overexpression and silencing in mycelia. The overexpression of each of WcCYP64-1, WcCYP52 and WcCYP_FUM15 increased the content of PA, 16α-hydroxytrametenolic acid, eburicoic acid, and tumulosic acid, while the silencing of each gene either significantly or slightly decreased the contents of these four compounds, indicating their involvement in the PA biosynthesis. In addition, different temperatures affected the expression of these genes and the formation of PA. By contrast, the overexpression and silencing of WcCYP64-2 did not alter the formation of these compounds. Taken together, these findings determine more potential steps in the biosynthetic pathway of PA for metabolic engineering.
A metagenomic analysis of the phase 2 Anopheles gambiae 1000 genomes dataset reveals a wide diversity of cobionts associated with field collected mosquitoes
Authors: Pastusiak Andrzej , Reddy Michael R. , Chen Xiaoji , Hoyer Isaiah , Dorman Jack , Gebhardt Mary E. , Carpi Giovanna , Norris Douglas E. , Pipas James M. , Jackson Ethan K.
Published: May 2024

The Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes (Ag1000G) Consortium previously utilized deep sequencing methods to catalogue genetic diversity across African An. gambiae populations. We analyzed the complete datasets of 1142 individually sequenced mosquitoes through Microsoft Premonition’s Bayesian mixture model based (BMM) metagenomics pipeline. All specimens were confirmed as either An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) or An. coluzzii with a high degree of confidence ( > 98% identity to reference). Homo sapiens DNA was identified in all specimens indicating contamination may have occurred either at the time of specimen collection, preparation and/or sequencing. We found evidence of vertebrate hosts in 162 specimens. 59 specimens contained validated Plasmodium falciparum reads. Human hepatitis B and primate erythroparvovirus-1 viral sequences were identified in fifteen and three mosquito specimens, respectively. 478 of the 1,142 specimens were found to contain bacterial reads and bacteriophage-related contigs were detected in 27 specimens. This analysis demonstrates the capacity of metagenomic approaches to elucidate important vector-host-pathogen interactions of epidemiological significance.
Bio-inspired surface structures promote optical transmittance and hydrophobicity in cellulose-based films for self-cleaning perovskite solar cells
Authors: Daghigh Shirazi Hamidreza , Mirmohammadi Seyed Mehran , Mousavi Seyede Maryam , Markkanen Magnus , Halme Janne , Jokinen Ville , Vapaavuori Jaana
Published: May 2024

Developing suitable light management layers can improve the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and other optoelectronics. Here, a bioinspired approach to produce all-biobased films with high anisotropic light scattering and superhydrophobicity is presented as a route toward sustainable light management layers for photovoltaics. The multifunctional films are achieved by replicating leek leaves onto cellulose acetate, producing hierarchical surface structures. The free-standing films show a transmittance of ≈94% and a haze of ≈54% at the wavelength of 550 nm. Moreover, anisotropic advancing contact angles of up to 160° and 156° in cross directions are achieved through tailoring a carnauba wax coating. Using the replica as the light management layer on perovskite solar cells improved the power conversion efficiency by 6 ± 0.3%. Meanwhile, the surface water repellency facilitates self-cleaning, ensuring maximum incident light over time by tackling dirt accumulation. Furthermore, the method can be potentially employed to fabricate substrates from virtually any leaf or patterned surface as the initial replication template.
Underestimation of carbon dioxide emissions from organic-rich agricultural soils
Authors: Liang Zhi , Hermansen Cecilie , Weber Peter L. , Pesch Charles , Greve Mogens H. , de Jonge Lis W. , Mäenpää Maarit , Leifeld Jens , Elsgaard Lars
Published: May 2024

Organic-rich agricultural soils, including drained peatlands, are hotspots for biogenic CO2 emissions. Due to microbial mineralisation, the organic carbon (OC) content of these soils transitions to that of mineral soils, but it remains unclear how the residual OC content controls the rate of CO2 emission. Here we show that area-scaled CO2 emissions from topsoils with >6% OC are not controlled by OC content and OC density in a comprehensive laboratory incubation experiment. National greenhouse gas inventories assign area-scaled CO2 emission factors to soils with >12% OC, while soils with 6-12% OC are mostly disregarded or treated with lower emission factors. In this respect, our results suggest that CO2 emissions from organic soils could be underestimated by up to 40% in the Danish national inventory submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We conclude that global underestimation of area-scaled CO2 emissions from 6-12% OC soils occurs in countries with large proportions of organic soils in transition from organic to organo-mineral soils due to agricultural management. Refining CO2 emission estimates for 6-12% OC soils is critical for the accuracy of national inventories, but also for recognising the climate benefits of initiatives to rewet drained organic soils.
Aging atlas reveals cell-type-specific effects of pro-longevity strategies
Authors: Gao Shihong Max , Qi Yanyan , Zhang Qinghao , Guan Youchen , Lee Yi-Tang , Ding Lang , Wang Lihua , Mohammed Aaron S. , Li Hongjie , Fu Yusi , Wang Meng C.
Published: May 2024

Organismal aging involves functional declines in both somatic and reproductive tissues. Multiple strategies have been discovered to extend lifespan across species. However, how age-related molecular changes differ among various tissues and how those lifespan-extending strategies slow tissue aging in distinct manners remain unclear. Here we generated the transcriptomic Cell Atlas of Worm Aging (CAWA, http://mengwanglab.org/atlas) of wild-type and long-lived strains. We discovered cell-specific, age-related molecular and functional signatures across all somatic and germ cell types. We developed transcriptomic aging clocks for different tissues and quantitatively determined how three different pro-longevity strategies slow tissue aging distinctively. Furthermore, through genome-wide profiling of alternative polyadenylation (APA) events in different tissues, we discovered cell-type-specific APA changes during aging and revealed how these changes are differentially affected by the pro-longevity strategies. Together, this study offers fundamental molecular insights into both somatic and reproductive aging and provides a valuable resource for in-depth understanding of the diversity of pro-longevity mechanisms.
A physically motivated voltage hysteresis model for lithium-ion batteries using a probability distributed equivalent circuit
Authors: Jahn Leonard , Mößle Patrick , Röder Fridolin , Danzer Michael A.
Published: May 2024

The open circuit voltage hysteresis of lithium-ion batteries is a phenomenon that, despite intensive research, is still not fully understood. However, it must be taken into account for accurate state-of-charge estimation in battery management systems. Mechanistic models of the open circuit voltage hysteresis previously published are not suitable for deployment in a battery management system. Phenomenological models on the other hand can only superficially represent the processes taking place. To address this limitation, we propose a probability distributed equivalent circuit model motivated by the physical insights into hysteresis. The model incorporates hysteresis effects that are often disregarded for state estimation, while keeping the computational cost low. Although the parameterization is more demanding, the model has the advantage of providing insight into the internal state of the battery and intrinsically incorporating the effect of path-dependent rate capability.
Structural basis for the bi-specificity of USP25 and USP28 inhibitors
Authors: Patzke Jonathan Vincent , Sauer Florian , Nair Radhika Karal , Endres Erik , Proschak Ewgenij , Hernandez-Olmos Victor , Sotriffer Christoph , Kisker Caroline
Published: May 2024

The development of cancer therapeutics is often hindered by the fact that specific oncogenes cannot be directly pharmaceutically addressed. Targeting deubiquitylases that stabilize these oncogenes provides a promising alternative. USP28 and USP25 have been identified as such target deubiquitylases, and several small-molecule inhibitors indiscriminately inhibiting both enzymes have been developed. To obtain insights into their mode of inhibition, we structurally and functionally characterized USP28 in the presence of the three different inhibitors AZ1, Vismodegib and FT206. The compounds bind into a common pocket acting as a molecular sink. Our analysis provides an explanation why the two enzymes are inhibited with similar potency while other deubiquitylases are not affected. Furthermore, a key glutamate residue at position 366/373 in USP28/USP25 plays a central structural role for pocket stability and thereby for inhibition and activity. Obstructing the inhibitor-binding pocket by mutation of this glutamate may provide a tool to accelerate future drug development efforts for selective inhibitors of either USP28 or USP25 targeting distinct binding pockets.
Recent advances in organic molecule reactions on metal surfaces
Authors: Gao Hong-Ying
Published: May 2024

In this review, recent advances in molecular candidates, in situ spectroscopy, and DFT studies on organic molecule reactions on metal surfaces have been introduced.
Advanced materials earliest assessment (AMEA)
Authors: Wohlleben Wendel , Persson Michael , Suarez-Merino Blanca , Baun Anders , Di Battista Veronica , Dekkers Susan , van Someren Eugene P. , Broßell Dirk , Stahlmecke Burkhard , Wiemann Martin , Schmid Otmar , Haase Andrea
Published: May 2024

AMEA supports innovators in the earliest phases of material development. AMEA provides design rules and recommends more testing requirements and/or specific methods depending on the positioning of the material in categories.
Novel heteroleptic copper(i) complexes merging the chelating 1,2-bis-diphenyldiphosphine and various L^X type coligands
Authors: Moussa J. , Gontard G.
Published: May 2024

Three novel heteroleptic mononuclear copper(i) complexes with a chelating diphosphine 1,2-bis-diphenylphosphinobenzene ligand (dppb) and various monoanionic bidentate LX-type ligand derivatives are described.
Study of a microwave induced plasma as a universal ion source for inorganic and organic mass spectrometry
Authors: Boillat Marc-Aurèle , Hauser Peter C.
Published: May 2024

A combination instrument would be a significant cost saving in an analytical laboratory, and the construction of such a device appears to be possible.
Anticancer nano-prodrugs with drug release triggered by intracellular dissolution and hydrogen peroxide response
Authors: Shibata Aki , Koseki Yoshitaka , Tanita Keita , Kitajima Showa , Oka Kouki , Maruoka Kiyotaka , Suzuki Ryuju , Thi Ngoc Dao Anh , Kasai Hitoshi
Published: May 2024

We developed prodrug nanoparticles that release drugs through intracellular dissolution and a cancer-specific hydrogen peroxide response.
The dopant (n- and p-type)-, band gap-, size- and stress-dependent field electron emission of silicon nanowires
Authors: Kumar Chandra , Kashyap Vikas , Escrig Juan , Shrivastav Monika , Kumar Vivek , Guzman Fernando , Saxena Kapil
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the electron field emission (EFE) of vertical silicon nanowires (Si NWs) fabricated on n-type Si (100) and p-type Si (100) substrates using catalyst-induced etching (CIE).
Phase behavior of n-hexane confined in unconsolidated nanoporous media: an experimental investigation at varying pore sizes and temperatures
Authors: Sharma Keerti Vardhan , Alloush Rami M. , Salim Omer , Piri Mohammad
Published: May 2024

We investigated the effect of confinement on the phase behavior of hexane in nanopores of mesoporous silica at varying pore diameters and temperatures using a patented gravimetric apparatus.
Investigation of the impact of A-site cation disorder on the structure, magnetic properties, and magnetic entropy change of trisubstituted divalent ions in La0.7(Ba,Ca,Sr)0.3MnO3 manganite
Authors: Munazat Dicky Rezky , Kurniawan Budhy , Kurita Nobuyuki , Wang Xiaodong , Manawan Maykel T. E. , Sudiro Toto , Nojiri Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the effect of A-site disorder, (ionic radius (〈rA〉) and the cation mismatch (σ2)) on the structural, magnetic, critical behavior, and magnetic entropy changes of in La0.7(Ba,Ca,Sr)0.3MnO3 manganites.
Angular-dependent magnetoresistance modulated by interfacial magnetic state in Pt/LSMO heterostructures
Authors: Li Ruikang , Jin Chao , Zhang Xingmo , Qu Jiangtao , Zheng Dongxing , He Wenxue , Yang Fan , Zheng Rongkun , Bai Haili
Published: May 2024

In this work, the interface effect on magnetoresistance of Pt/LSMO heterostructures is studied, broadening the understanding of interfacial properties of heavy metal/antiferromagnetic manganites.