bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of phytoplasmas associated with several bamboo species in India
Authors: Ravi Manish , Rao Govind Pratap , Meshram Naresh M. , Sundararaj Ramachandran
Published: April 2022

Symptoms of phytoplasma diseases, including witches' brooms, shoot proliferation, little leaf, yellowing and decline were observed in eleven species of bamboos in eight states of India. Symptomatic bamboo samples were indexed for phytoplasma presence using universal phytoplasma‐specific 16S rRNA gene primer pairs. Sequence comparison analysis and virtual RFLP analysis of 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the symptomatic bamboo samples of Dendrocalamus asper, Dendrocalamus strictus and Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii from Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and New Delhi and Bambusa bambos, Bambusa nutans, Bambusa pallida,Bambusa tulda,Dendrocalamus hamiltonia and D. strictus from Karnataka were infected with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia’‐related strains (16SrII‐C or 16SrII‐D); Bambusa vulgaris,D. asper and P. stocksii from Karnataka were positive for ‘Ca. P. asteris’ strains (16SrI‐B), and one phytoplasma in B. nutans from Sikkim was identified as ‘Ca. P. cynodontis’ strain (16SrXIV‐A). Weeds and leafhoppers from the vicinity of bamboo plantations were also tested, and 16SrII group of phytoplasmas was identified in eight symptomatic weed species (Ageratum conyzoides,Cannabis sativa,Cleome viscosa,Datura stramonium, Parthenium hysterophorus,Ocimum canum, Phyllanthus niruri and Tephrosia purpurea) from five different states and one leafhopper species (Mukaria spledida) from three states. These results suggest that wide genetic diversity of phytoplasma exists in various bamboo species in different states of India. The report of 16SrI‐B, 16SrII‐D and 16SrXIV‐A subgroups of phytoplasmas infecting eight bamboo species except D. strictus are the first records in the world.
Severe childhood trauma and emotion recognition in males and females with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Penney Danielle , Pruessner Marita , Malla Ashok K. , Joober Ridha , Lepage Martin
Published: April 2022

Aim

Childhood trauma increases social functioning deficits in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) and is negatively associated with higher‐order social cognitive processes such as emotion recognition (ER). We investigated the relationship between childhood trauma severity and ER capacity, and explored sex as a potential factor given sex differences in childhood trauma exposure.

Methods

Eighty‐three FEP participants (52 males, 31 females) and 69 nonclinical controls (49 males, 20 females) completed the CogState Research Battery. FEP participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. A sex × group (FEP, controls) ANOVA examined ER differences and was followed by two‐way ANCOVAs investigating sex and childhood trauma severity (none, low, moderate, and severe) on ER and global cognition in FEP.

Results

FEP participants had significantly lower ER scores than controls (p = .035). No significant sex × group interaction emerged for ER F(3, 147) = .496, p = .438 [95% CI = −1.20–0.57], partial η2 = .003. When controlling for age at psychosis onset, a significant interaction emerged in FEP between sex and childhood trauma severity F(3, 71) = 3.173, p = .029, partial η2 = .118. Males (n = 9) with severe trauma showed ER deficits compared to females (n = 8) (p = .011 [95% CI = −2.90 to −0.39]). No significant interaction was observed for global cognition F(3, 69) = 2.410, p = .074, partial η2 = .095.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings provide support for longitudinal investigations examining whether trauma severity differentially impacts ER in males and females with FEP.
Low‐cycle fatigue behavior of gradient structured austenitic stainless steels under high strain amplitude
Authors: Ho Hsin Shen , Lv Cheng , Zhou Wenlong , Zhang Erliang
Published: April 2022

The present work focuses on the investigation of low‐cycle fatigue performance of gradient structured (GSed) 316 austenitic steels under high strain amplitude loading conditions. The results show that GSed steels exhibit inherently lower fatigue life than their coarse‐grained counterparts. The analyses using energy‐based criterion reveals that the fatigue life decrement for GSed steels is attributed to the reduced capability of damage accumulation and the lack of ability to effective damage diffusion. The former is due to the worsened plastic deformation potential and the latter to the degraded surface plastic deformation uniformity.
Separating the chemical and microbial factors of oat harvested at two growth stages to determine the main factor on silage fermentation
Authors: Yin Xuejing , Zhao Jie , Wang Siran , Dong Zhihao , Li Junfeng , Shao Tao
Published: April 2022

Aims

This work evaluated the effects of epiphytic microbiota and chemical components on fermentation quality and microbial community of ensiled oat.

Methods and Results

Oat harvested at the heading stage (HS) and the milk stage (MS) was sterilized by gamma-ray irradiation and inoculated as the following: (1) HS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized HS (H-H); (2) MS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized HS (M-H); (3) MS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized MS (M-M); and (4) HS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized MS (H-M). After 60-day fermentation, silages inoculated with the epiphytic microbiota of HS had higher acetic acid content than those inoculated with MS. Silage made from sterilized MS had lower pH, ammonia nitrogen and butyric acid contents and higher dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates and lactic acid contents than that made from sterilized HS. The microbial communities of oat silages were similar, and they were mainly Lactobacillus.

Conclusions

The chemical component rather than the epiphytic microbiota at harvest exerted more effects on oat silages.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This work reveals the different effects of chemical and microbial factors on the fermentation of silage, which is instructive for us to produce quality silage.
Molecular characterization and its binding properties of general odorant binding protein 2 in Dioryctria abietella
Authors: Xing Ya , Niu Fang , Wang Xiao‐Mei , Chen Huan‐Wen , Chi De‐Fu
Published: April 2022

Dioryctria abietella is a major pest of conifer cones that can initiate specific behaviours (locating hosts, finding mates and selecting oviposition sites) through sensitive olfactory systems. General odorant‐binding proteins are involved in the first step in odorant perception in insects, but their specific functional roles in D. abietella chemoreception have not been fully elucidated. In this study, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examinations showed that DabiGOBP2 is predominantly expressed in the antennae of female adults. Western blot experiments further confirmed that these proteins show biased expression in the tissues. Binding property analysis demonstrated that DabiGOBP2 exhibited ligand specificity to terpenes, especially myrcene (Ki = 8.19 ± 0.05). Electroantennogram (EAG) and Y‐tube assays showed that three plant volatiles elicited high EAG responses, but only dodecanal showed a strong attraction to females. However, myrcene and isobutyl benzoate were significantly repellent to males at high doses in the behaviour test. In conclusion, exploring the functions of DabiGOBP2 can help in better understanding the mechanism of the olfactory system of D. abietella and developing novel strategies to control this pest.
Use of thromboprophylaxis guidelines and risk stratification tools in atrial fibrillation: A survey of general practitioners in Australia
Authors: Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Salter Sandra M. , Chalmers Leanne , Radford Jan , Lee Kenneth
Published: April 2022

Rationale and Objectives

Clinical guidelines produced by cardiology societies (henceforth referred to simply as ‘clinical guidelines’) recommend thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have moderate‐to‐high stroke risk. However, deviations from these recommendations are observed, especially in the primary healthcare setting. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the self‐reported use of AF clinical guidelines and risk stratification tools among Australian general practitioners (GPs), and their perceptions regarding the available resources.

Method

We conducted an online survey of Australian GPs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the findings.

Results

Responses from 115 GPs were included for analysis. Respondents reported various ways of accessing thromboprophylaxis‐related information (n = 113), including clinical guidelines (13.3%), ‘Therapeutic Guidelines©’ (37.2%) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners websites (16.8%). Of those who reported reasons against accessing information from clinical guidelines (n = 97), the most frequent issues were: too many AF guidelines to choose from (34.0%; 33/97), different guidelines for different diseases (32.0%; 31/97), time‐consuming to read guidelines (21.6%; 21/97), disagreements between different guideline recommendations (20.0%; 19/97), conflict with criteria for government subsidy (17.5%; 17/97) and GPs' busy schedules (15.5%; 15/97). When assessing patients' risk of stroke (n = 112) and bleeding (n = 111), the majority of the respondents reported primarily relying on a formal stroke risk (67.0%) and bleeding risk (55.0%) assessment tools, respectively. Respondents reported using formal stroke and bleeding risk assessment tools mainly when newly initiating patients on therapy (72.4%; 76/105 and 65.3%; 65/101, respectively).

Conclusion

Among our small sample of Australian GPs, most did not access thromboprophylaxis‐related information directly from AF‐specific clinical guidelines developed by cardiology societies. Although the majority reported using formal stroke and bleeding assessment tools, these were typically used on OAC initiation only. More focus is needed on formal risk reassessment as clinically indicated and at regular review.
Effect of secondary attack by Aeromonas hydrophila on the expression level of hif genes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Jia Yingying , Zhang Jiangfan , Li Xuejun , Dong Chuanju
Published: April 2022

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (hifs) are involved in infectious diseases inflammatory reactions, and immune regulation. Common carp, a representative allotetraploid species that has undergone genome‐wide replication events, has important research value. In this study, common carp were infected twice with Aeromonas hydrophila. Liver tissues of common carp were collected at 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 3 days, 7 days post‐first infection and 4 h, 12 h, 24 h post‐second infection. The mRNA levels of hif genes were determined at different time points. The hif2a‐2, hif3a‐2, hif3b‐1 and hif3b‐2 expression levels in the infected group were upregulated when compared with those in the control group, whereas the expression levels of other genes were downregulated after the second infection. This indicates that the effect of A. hydrophila infection on gene expression pattern is dependent on the host, pathogen, infected tissue and gene. Pressure analysis of the hif gene family revealed that the non‐synonymous substitution to synonymous substitution ratio of 12 hif genes was <1, which indicated that they were in a state of purification and selection. Combined with the differences between copy genes, the polyclonal antibodies against Hif1b‐1 and Hif1b‐2 were successfully prepared in this study. Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression of Hif1b‐1 and Hif1b‐2 reached to the highest level 48 h after the first infection. After the second A. hydrophila infection, the protein expression levels of Hif1b‐1 and Hif1b‐2 reached the highest levels at 4 and 48 h, respectively. This may indicate that the Hif1b‐1 and Hif1b‐2 genes in common carp play an important role in the immune mechanism at the protein level. The findings of this study will lay the foundation for future studies on the immune regulatory function of common carp hif genes, which may aid in devising novel therapeutic strategies for common carp diseases, such as A. hydrophila infection.
Human intestinal spirochetosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and colonic polyps: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fan Kening , Eslick Guy D , Nair Prema M , Burns Grace L , Walker Marjorie M , Hoedt Emily C , Keely Simon , Talley Nicholas J
Published: April 2022

Human colonic spirochetosis (CS) is usually due toBrachyspira pilosicolior Brachyspira aalborgiinfection. While traditionally considered to be commensal bacteria, there are scattered case reports and case series of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in CS and reports of colonic polyps with adherent spirochetes. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating the association between CS and GI symptoms and conditions including the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colonic polyps. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed using specific keywords for CS and GI disease. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Of 75 studies identified in the search, 8 case–control studies met the inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis and 67 case series studies met the inclusion criteria for pooled prevalence analysis. CS was significantly associated with diarrhea (n = 141/127, cases/controls, OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.72–10.21, P = 0.002) and abdominal pain (n = 64/65, OR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.43–9.35, P = 0.007). CS cases were significantly more likely to have Rome III‐diagnosed IBS (n = 79/48, OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.44–10.20, P = 0.007), but not colonic polyps (n = 127/843, OR: 8.78, 95% CI: 0.75–103.36, P = 0.084). In conclusion, we found evidence of associations between CS and both diarrhea and IBS, but not colonic polyps. CS is likely underestimated due to suboptimal diagnostic methods and may be an overlooked risk factor for a subset of IBS patients with diarrhea.
Exploring the use of dopaminergic medication to treat hemispatial inattention during in‐patient post‐stroke neurorehabilitation
Authors: Swayne Orlando B. , Gorgoraptis Nikos , Leff Alex , Ajina Sara
Published: April 2022

Hemispatial inattention (HSI), a lateralised impairment of spatial processing, is a common consequence of stroke. It is a poor prognostic indicator for functional recovery and interferes with the progress during in‐patient neurorehabilitation. Dopaminergic medication has shown promise in improving HSI in the chronic post‐stroke period but is untested in more acute settings, e.g. during in‐patient neurorehabilitation. We audited the use of dopaminergic medication in ten sequential patients with post‐stroke HSI, on an open‐label exploratory basis. Patients' response to medication was assessed individually, using a three‐week Off–On–Off protocol. We employed a mixture of bedside and functional measures, and made a multidisciplinary judgement of efficacy in individual patients. In six out of 10 patients, there was a convincing improvement of HSI while on medication, which reversed when it was paused. There was a mean 57% relative increase in target detection in the star cancellation test on the most affected side (on vs. off medication). In the six responders, medication was therefore continued throughout their admission without adverse effects. The star cancellation test was sensitive to HSI in most patients but in two cases failed to detect changes that were picked up by a functional assessment (Kessler Functional Neglect Assessment Protocol). We found this multidisciplinary approach to be feasible in an in‐patient neurorehabilitation setting. We suggest further research to explore the efficacy of dopaminergic medication in improving neurorehabilitation outcomes for patients with post‐stroke HSI. We suggest that more detailed N‐of‐1 assessments of treatment response, with internal blinding, may be a productive approach.
Allometric model of brain morphology of Hemiculter leucisculus and its variation along climatic gradients
Authors: Liu Mengyu , Jia Jia , Wang He , Wang Lihong
Published: April 2022

Prior studies on Hemiculter leucisculus, which is a widespread native fish in China, mainly focused on its growth, feeding habits, and individual fecundity, but few have investigated the brain. In this research, we explored the developmental patterns of the Hemiculter leucisculus brain and found the brain showed allometry through sample time points and three age groups. At the same time, we found that the brain varied along climatic gradients. The volumes of the olfactory bulbs, telencephalic lobes, optic tectum, corpus cerebelli, and total brain in the south were larger than those in the north, while the volume of the hypothalamus in the north was larger than in the south. This study provides a view for the in‐depth study of the acclimatized mechanism of the teleost brain, lays a foundation for the further study of evolutionary ecology, and provides a reference for the phenotypic plasticity of the teleost brain.
In search of the perfect tan: Chemical activity, biological effects, business considerations, and consumer implications of dihydroxyacetone sunless tanning products
Authors: Turner Josh , O’Loughlin Danielle A. , Green Phill , McDonald Tom O. , Hamill Kevin J.
Published: April 2022

As the desire and popularity of a tanned appearance continues, the social effects of UV‐free tanning are becoming more important. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) has seen extensive use as the main tanning agent in sunless tanners. The DHA‐induced tan is a result of brown melanoidins formed by a non‐enzymatic Maillard reaction between DHA and amino acid species found in the stratum corneum. DHA, thereby, provides a safer route to a tanned appearance compared with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, DHA is a highly reactive molecule, posing a multitude of challenges for potential product formulations. With their increased use, the safety considerations of topically applied DHA tanners have been investigated. Many different vehicles have been used for topical delivery of DHA, and they are becoming increasingly multifunctional. This review provides a holistic overview of dihydroxyacetone sunless tanning products.
Brain cutting and trimming
Authors: Iwasaki Yasushi
Published: April 2022

The process of brain cutting followed by trimming is quite important to make adequate specimens for sufficient neuropathological observations. The protocol described herein is recommended as an optimized implementation for suitable preparation, which inevitably leads to an accurate neuropathological diagnosis. To obtain neuropathological cues, macroscopic observation of the brain before cutting presents an important opportunity. Gross examination provides a clue to the neuropathological diagnosis and shows clinicopathological correlations. Brain cutting should be preceded by a careful review of the clinical notes and consideration of the possible pathological diagnosis. Therefore, the medical staff associated with the patient should attend the procedure to provide clinical information. The process involves removing the brainstem and cerebellum from the cerebrum, sectioning the cerebrum, removing the cerebellum from the brainstem, and sectioning the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord followed by trimming. Trimming should be performed in accordance with the internationally accepted guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of different types of neurodegenerative diseases. In each stage acquiring clear photographs is significant, the observations must be concisely recorded, and which side of the specimen is to be sliced and stained has to be indicated. Additionally, it is necessary to photograph all trimmed tissues to assist with orientation of the brain in later assessments. The three‐dimensional structure and individual differences have to be considered. These skills are essential, and knowledge of neuropathology, neurology and neuroanatomy is required for appropriately cutting and trimming of the brain.
Stream or discharge? Analysing hydrosocial relations in the Waimapihi Stream to innovate urban water politics
Authors: McLean Sylvie
Published: April 2022

In Te Whanganui‐a‐Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, 95% of the length of urban streams are piped and buried, leaving them hidden. Technocratic management regimes separate streams into discrete parts, and thus overlook important relationships that can improve or maintain the state of streams. This paper takes a hydrosocial perspective on urban streams, exploring connections between water flow, infrastructure, and social structures and institutions to consider the buried Waimapihi Stream. Drawing on interviews, it examines implications of the Waimapihi's legislative status and management for its headwaters at the Waimapihi Reserve and the stormwater piped section, and considers the potential for daylighting the piped section.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of porcine islet macrobeads in nonimmunosuppressed diabetic cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Holdcraft Robert W. , Graham Melanie J. , Bemrose Melissa A. , Mutch Lucas A. , Martis Prithy C. , Janecek Jody L. , Hall Richard D. , Smith Barry H. , Gazda Lawrence S.
Published: April 2022

Although human islet transplantation has proven to provide clinical benefits, especially the near complete amelioration of hypoglycemia, the supply of human islets is limited and insufficient to meet the needs of all people that could benefit from islet transplantation. Porcine islets, secreting insulin nearly identical to that of human insulin, have been proposed as a viable supply of unlimited islets. Further, encapsulation of the porcine islets has been shown to reduce or eliminate the use of immunosuppressive therapy that would be required to prevent rejection of the foreign islet tissue. The goal of the current study was to determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of agarose encapsulated porcine islets (macrobeads) in diabetic cynomolgus macaques, in a study emulating a proposed IND trial in which daily exogenous insulin therapy would be reduced by 50% with no loss of glucose regulation. Four of six animals implanted with macrobeads demonstrated ≥ 30% reduction in insulin requirements in year 1 of follow‐up. Animals were followed for 2, 3.5, and 7.4 years with no serious adverse events, mortality or evidence of pathogen transmission. This study supports the continued pursuit of encapsulated porcine islet therapy as a promising treatment option for diabetes mellitus.
Nomenclatural review of new names proposed by Yong No Lee
Authors: JANG Hyun-Do , LEE Sang-Jun
Published: April 2022

This review provides information about the nomenclatural status of new names proposed by Dr. Yong No Lee, in accordance with the current International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. A total of 363 designations and names were proposed from 16 books and 95 papers by Dr. Yong No Lee, and their status was examined, with 161 designations found to be not validly published. In addition, 13 later isonyms and ten later homonyms were found by this review. However, 173 names were found to be legitimate. All designations and names were categorized according to their nomenclatural status and were listed by place of publication. The nomenclatural statuses of six designations or names, including “Iris odaesanensis,” were not confirmed in this review. It is therefore necessary to undertake further research into the nomenclatural status of these taxa by examining their types and published protologues.
Genetic variation of the endangered species Halenia coreana (Gentianaceae)
Authors: YUN Narae , OH Sang-Hun
Published: April 2022

Halenia coreana is an endangered, endemic species that is distributed in only a few locations in Korea, such as Mts. Hwaaksan and Daeamsan. It has been recently segregated from H. corniculata, broadly distributed in cold temperate regions that include northern Japan, the Russian Far East, northeastern China, Mongolia, and eastern Europe, where population sizes are usually large. To examine the genetic diversity of H. coreana and evaluate the level of genetic differentiation of the species compared with that of H. corniculata, we surveyed 183 candidate simple sequence repeats (SSR) motif markers for H. coreana and H. corniculata from sequence data of amplified fragments of a specific length in the genome. A total of 17 genomic-SSR markers were selected to examine the levels of genetic diversity and differentiation using 17 samples of H. coreana and 60 samples of three populations of H. corniculata. The results here suggest that the genetic diversity of H. coreana is very low with a high frequency of inbreeding within its population. We found that H. coreana is genetically differentiated from H. corniculata, supporting the recognition of the geographically isolated H. coreana as a distinct species.
Current status of cherry trees (Prunus subg. Cerasus) planted in Korea: A case study of Bundang Central Park and adjacent area
Authors: HAN Byungwoo , JUNG Jongduk , NA Hye Ryun , KANG Kyoungsuk , CHANG Hany , KIM Seryoung , KIM Youme , KWON Heejeong , HYUN Jin-Oh
Published: April 2022

Prunus subg. Cerasus is the most planted street and landscaping tree in South Korea, but it is difficult to identify species according to their macro-morphologies, leading to problems when attempting properly to manage species quantities. The purpose of this study is to understand the current status of plant types and species compositions in Bundang Central Park in Bundang-gu of Seongnam City and to discuss the necessity of the management of landscaping tree planting. In April of 2021, during the cherry blossom season, a total of 5,866 planted cherry trees were investigated within an area of 6 km2 of Bundang-gu in Seongnam City. As a result, 5,744 trees were sorted into eleven taxa, but the remaining 122 trees were not determined due to their complex morphologies. Prunus ×yedoensis Matsum. accounted for the highest proportion (52.1%), followed by P. serrulata Lindl. var. pubescens Nakai and P. jamasakura Siebold ex Koidz. P. ×nudiflora (Koehne) Koidz., a plant native to Jejudo Island, was not found in this survey. In order to help identify cherry trees based on micro-morphologies, an identification key was presented for the eleven taxa planted as major landscaping trees. It is known that cherry trees frequently form interspecific hybrids in nature. In order to prevent a loss of the genetic originality of native species due to hybridization and gene introgression from foreign cherry trees, it is necessary to manage planting species near the habitats of native taxa and track their origins.
Many-body probes for quantum features of spacetime
Authors: Chevalier Hadrien , Kwon Hyukjoon , Khosla Kiran E. , Pikovski Igor , Kim M. S.
Published: April 2022

Many theories of quantum gravity can be understood as imposing a minimum length scale the signatures of which can potentially be seen in precise table top experiments. In this work, we inspect the capacity for correlated many-body systems to probe non-classicalities of spacetime through modifications of the commutation relations. We find an analytic derivation of the dynamics for a single mode light field interacting with a single mechanical oscillator and with coupled oscillators to first order corrections to the commutation relations. Our solution is valid for any coupling function as we work out the full Magnus expansion. We numerically show that it is possible to have superquadratic scaling of a nonstandard phase term, arising from the modification to the commutation relations, with coupled mechanical oscillators.
Spontaneous evolution of equilibrium morphology in phospholipid-cholesterol monolayers
Authors: Valtierrez-Gaytan Cain , Barakat Joseph M. , Kohler Mitchell , Kieu Khanh , Stottrup Benjamin L. , Zasadzinski Joseph A.
Published: April 2022

Competition between intradomain electrostatic repulsions and interdomain line tension leads to domain shape transitions in phase-separating lipid monolayers. The question remains if these morphologies are energy minima or are kinetically trapped metastable states. We show the reversible evolution of uniform width stripe domains from polydisperse semicircular domains in monolayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), hexadecanol (HD) or palmitic acid (PA), and dihydrocholesterol (DChol). The initial semicircular domains grow at a fixed 2:1 DPPC:HD (or PA) stoichiometry, depleting the liquid phase of HD, leaving behind a liquid enriched in DPPC and DChol. At higher surface pressures, the remaining DPPC precipitates onto existing domains, decreasing the ratio of line tension to the square of the dipole density difference, λ/μ
2
. Theory predicts that, as λ/μ
2
decreases, circular domains reversibly transform to uniform width stripes as the minimum energy structure. Measuring the stripe width provides the first estimates of λ/μ
2
at liquid condensed–liquid expanded phase coexistence.
Using transient equilibria (TREQ) to measure the thermodynamics of slowly assembling supramolecular systems
Authors: Hennecker Christopher D. , Lachance-Brais Christophe , Sleiman Hanadi , Mittermaier Anthony
Published: April 2022

Supramolecular chemistry involves the noncovalent assembly of monomers into materials with unique properties and wide-ranging applications. Thermal analysis is a key analytical tool in this field, as it provides quantitative thermodynamic information on both the structural stability and nature of the underlying molecular interactions. However, there exist many supramolecular systems whose kinetics are so slow that the thermodynamic methods currently applied are unreliable or fail completely. We have developed a simple and rapid spectroscopic method for extracting accurate thermodynamic parameters from these systems. It is based on repeatedly raising and lowering the temperature during assembly and identifying the points of transient equilibrium as they are passed on the up- and down-scans. In a proof-of-principle application to the coassembly of polydeoxyadenosine (polyA) containing 15 adenosines and cyanuric acid (CA), we found that roughly 30% of the CA binding sites on the polyA chains were unoccupied, with implications for high-valence systems.
GPR177 in A-fiber sensory neurons drives diabetic neuropathic pain via WNT-mediated TRPV1 activation
Authors: Xie Ya-Kai , Luo Hao , Zhang Shan-Xin , Chen Xiao-Ying , Guo Ran , Qiu Xiao-Yun , Liu Shuai , Wu Hui , Chen Wen-Bo , Zhen Xing-Hua , Ma Qiang , Tian Jin-Lan , Li Shun , Chen Xinzhong , Han Qingjian , Duan Shumin , Shen Chengyong , Yang Fan , Xu Zhen-Zhong
Published: April 2022

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common and devastating complication in patients with diabetes. The mechanisms mediating DNP are not completely elucidated, and effective treatments are lacking. A-fiber sensory neurons have been shown to mediate the development of mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain, yet the molecular basis underlying the contribution of A-fiber neurons is still unclear. Here, we report that the orphan G protein–coupled receptor 177 (GPR177) in A-fiber neurons drives DNP via WNT5a-mediated activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV1) ion channel. GPR177 is mainly expressed in large-diameter A-fiber dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and required for the development of DNP in mice. Mechanistically, we found that GPR177 mediated the secretion of WNT5a from A-fiber DRG neurons into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which was necessary for the maintenance of DNP. Extracellular perfusion of WNT5a induced rapid currents in both TRPV1-expressing heterologous cells and nociceptive DRG neurons. Computer simulations revealed that WNT5a has the potential to bind the residues at the extracellular S5-S6 loop of TRPV1. Using a peptide able to disrupt the predicted WNT5a/TRPV1 interaction suppressed DNP- and WNT5a-induced neuropathic pain symptoms in rodents. We confirmed
GPR177/WNT5A
coexpression in human DRG neurons and WNT5A secretion in CSF from patients with DNP. Thus, our results reveal a role for WNT5a as an endogenous and potent TRPV1 agonist, and the GPR177-WNT5a-TRPV1 axis as a driver of DNP pathogenesis in rodents. Our findings identified a potential analgesic target that might relieve neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.
Longitudinal Dynamics of Skin Bacterial Communities in the Context of Staphylococcus aureus Decolonization
Authors: Fritz Stephanie A. , Wylie Todd N. , Gula Haley , Hogan Patrick G. , Boyle Mary G. , Muenks Carol E. , Sullivan Melanie L. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Wylie Kristine M.
Published: April 2022

Decolonization with topical antimicrobials is frequently prescribed to prevent
Staphylococcus aureus
infection, but the effects on commensal skin bacteria are undetermined. We found that decolonization with mupirocin and bleach water baths leads to sustained disruption of bacterial communities.
U-Pb dating of oil charge in superimposed basins: A case study from the Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Chen Jiaxu , Guo Xiaowen , Tao Ze , Cao Zicheng , Wang Bin , Zhang Xuyou , Xu Hao , Zhao Jian-xin
Published: April 2022

Direct dating of oil charge in superimposed basins is essential to understanding the evolutionary histories of petroleum systems, especially in sedimentary basins with complicated tectonic evolution and thermal histories. Based on analyses of different phases of calcite veins and primary oil inclusions, episodes of oil charge were determined by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in situ U-Pb dating of calcite veins from an Ordovician reservoir within the Tahe Oilfield of the Tarim Basin, NW China. This basin has been subjected to multiple uplifts and erosions and repeated oil charges. The U-Pb dating results indicate that the first phase of oil charge occurred from 329.7 ± 1.6 Ma to 308.1 ± 4.1 Ma, and the second phase occurred from 249.3 ± 2.6 Ma to 220.5 ± 7.3 Ma. The timing of oil charge determined by fluid inclusion analysis alone can lead to great uncertainties due to the existence of multiple phases of oil charge and complex thermal evolution in superimposed basins. Our study demonstrates that U-Pb dating of calcite veins originating from the reservoirs offers a unique solution to determining the oil charge history, which avoids the multi-solution uncertainties in the timing of oil charge inferred from fluid inclusion analysis in superimposed basins.
Vacuum (meta-)stability in the $$\mu \nu $$SSM
Authors: Biekötter Thomas , Heinemeyer Sven , Weiglein Georg
Published: April 2022

We perform an analysis of the vacuum stability of the neutral scalar potential of the $$\mu $$
μ
-from-$$\nu $$
ν
Supersymmetric Standard Model ($$\mu \nu $$

μ
ν

SSM). As an example scenario, we discuss the alignment without decoupling limit of the $$\mu \nu $$

μ
ν

SSM, for which the required conditions on the Higgs sector are derived. We demonstrate that in this limit large parts of the parameter space feature unphysical minima that are deeper than the electroweak minimum. In order to estimate the lifetime of the electroweak vacuum, we calculate the rates for the tunneling process into each unphysical minimum. We find that in many cases the resulting lifetime is longer than the age of the universe, such that the considered parameter region is not excluded. On the other hand, we also find parameter regions in which the electroweak vacuum is short-lived. We investigate how the different regions of stability are related to the presence of light right-handed sneutrinos. Accordingly, a vacuum stability analysis that accurately takes into account the possibility of long-lived metastable vacua is crucial for a reliable assessment of the phenomenological viability of the parameter space of the $$\mu \nu $$

μ
ν

SSM and its resulting phenomenology at the (HL)-LHC.
Impacts of Fuel Subsidy Rationalization on Sectoral Output and Employment in Malaysia
Authors: SULAIMAN NOORASIAH , HARUN MUKARAMAH , YUSUF ARIEF ANSHORY
Published: April 2022

Large allocations for fuel subsidies have long put the Government of Malaysia’s budget under great strain. Using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, this paper evaluates the impact of fuel subsidy rationalization on sectoral output and employment. Employment is classified into occupational categories and skill levels. Fuel subsidies were measured using the disaggregation of prices for petrol, diesel, and other fuel products. Findings show that removing fuel subsidies would hit economic performance through high input costs, specifically for industries closely attached to the petroleum refinery sector. The manufacturing sector has the largest reduction in output and employment. Nevertheless, high- and medium-skilled labor forces experience increased demand. To increase economic efficiency, the savings from the removal of fuel subsidies should be put toward policies such as sales tax reduction. This study provides useful information for policy makers in evaluating or updating current subsidy policies to reduce economic losses.
What’s Decidable About Causally Consistent Shared Memory?
Authors: Lahav Ori , Boker Udi
Published: April 2022

While causal consistency is one of the most fundamental consistency models weaker than sequential consistency, the decidability of safety verification for (finite-state) concurrent programs running under causally consistent shared memories is still unclear. In this article, we establish the decidability of this problem for two standard and well-studied variants of causal consistency. To do so, for each variant, we develop an equivalent “lossy” operational semantics, whose states track possible futures, rather than more standard semantics that record the history of the execution. We show that these semantics constitute well-structured transition systems, thus enabling decidable verification. Based on a key observation, which we call the “shared-memory causality principle,” the two novel semantics may also be of independent use in the investigation of weakly consistent models and their verification. Interestingly, our results are in contrast to the undecidability of this problem under the Release/Acquire fragment of the C/C++11 memory model, which forms another variant of causally consistent memory that, in terms of allowed outcomes, lies strictly between the two models studied here. Nevertheless, we show that all these three variants coincide for write/write-race-free programs, which implies the decidability of verification for such programs under Release/Acquire.
Methodological Nuances of Measuring Membrane Protein Nanoscopic Organization: A Case of Dopamine Transporter
Authors: Kovtun Oleg , Rosenthal Sandra J.
Published: April 2022

Super-resolution microscopy is an umbrella term for a family of powerful imaging techniques that examine the organization and dynamics of biomolecules at the nanoscale. However, an increasing number of super-resolution techniques along with their distinct limitations make it a nontrivial task to select the right technique to answer a specific question. Moreover, effective integration and interpretation of the multimodal, often conflicting data present another unique challenge, underscoring the need for experimental validation of super-resolved membrane protein organization. To shed light on the discrepancy between different super-resolution techniques, the impact of dopamine transporter labeling strategy and cell processing on its dynamic behavior was examined in catecholaminergic CAD cells. To this end, dopamine transporter fused to yellow fluorescent protein at the amino terminus was expressed in CAD cells and externally labeled with antagonist-conjugated quantum dot probes. The dual labeling strategy allowed direct comparison of transporter nanoscopic organization in live and fixed cells obtained via either yellow fluorescent protein tracking or quantum dot tracking in the same field of view. Our data indicated that the labeling strategy along with fixation had a significant impact on observed transporter surface dynamics and highlighted the importance of careful experimental vetting of the results obtained via super-resolution imaging.
Structural and conformational studies of biased agonism through formyl peptide receptors
Authors: Liao Qiwen , Ye Richard D.
Published: April 2022

G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors are class A GPCRs that couple primarily to the Gi class of heterotrimeric G proteins. Initially identified for their abilities to mediate leukocyte chemotaxis, chemoattractant GPCRs such as the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) have been known for their diverse cellular functions in response to a variety of agonists. Stimulation of FPR2, in particular, leads to ligand-dependent activation of proinflammatory signaling as well as anti-inflammatory and proresolving signaling. Recently, the structures of FPR2-Gi protein complexed with ligands of different compositions have been solved by crystallization and cryo-electron microscopy. Analysis of the structural data as well as molecular simulation has led to the findings that the FPR2 binding pocket is sufficiently large for accommodation of several different types of ligands but in different poses. This mini-review focuses on the structural and conformational aspects of FPR2 for mechanisms underlying its biased agonism.
Control of coronary vascular resistance by eicosanoids via a novel GPCR
Authors: Alkayed Nabil J. , Cao Zhiping , Qian Zu Yuan , Nagarajan Shanthi , Liu Xuehong , Nelson Jonathan W. , Xie Fuchun , Li Bingbing , Fan Wei , Liu Lijuan , Grafe Marjorie R. , Davis Catherine M. , Xiao Xiangshu , Barnes Anthony P. , Kaul Sanjiv
Published: April 2022

Arachidonic acid metabolites epoxyeicosatrienoates (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETEs) are important regulators of myocardial blood flow and coronary vascular resistance (CVR), but their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. We applied a chemoproteomics strategy using a clickable photoaffinity probe to identify G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) as a microvascular smooth muscle cell (mVSMC) receptor selective for two endogenous eicosanoids, 15-HETE and 14,15-EET, which act on the receptor to oppose each other’s activity. The former increases mVSMC intracellular calcium via GPR39 and augments coronary microvascular resistance, and the latter inhibits these actions. Furthermore, we find that the efficacy of both ligands is potentiated by zinc acting as an allosteric modulator. Measurements of coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) in GPR39-null hearts using the Langendorff preparation indicate the receptor senses these eicosanoids to regulate microvascular tone. These results implicate GPR39 as an eicosanoid receptor and key regulator of myocardial tissue perfusion. Our findings will have a major impact on understanding the roles of eicosanoids in cardiovascular physiology and disease and provide an opportunity for the development of novel GPR39-targeting therapies for cardiovascular disease.
Chaotic Threshold of a Nonlinear Zener Systems Based on the Melnikov Method
Authors: Fan Shutong , Shen Yongjun , Wen Shaofang
Published: April 2022

Regarding a nonlinear Zener model with a viscoelastic Maxwell element as the research object, the complicated dynamic behaviors such as homoclinic bifurcation and chaos under harmonic excitation are investigated. At first, the analytically necessary condition for chaos in the sense of Smale horseshoe is derived based on the Melnikov method. Then, the system parameters that meet the analytical condition and the main resonance condition are selected for the numerical simulation. From the bifurcation diagrams and the largest Lyapunov exponents, it is found that the homoclinic orbit breaks, and the system goes to chaos in a crisis way when the excitation amplitude passes the first threshold. The system enters another new chaotic state in the form of period-doubling bifurcation with the increase of the excitation amplitude. At last, the effects of nonlinear term, stiffness coefficient and damping coefficient of Maxwell element on the analytically necessary condition for chaos are analyzed, respectively, and the correctness of the analytical result is proved by numerical simulation. The research result shows that the critical excitation amplitude decreases with the increase of nonlinear term. In addition, the chaotic threshold increases first and then tends to remain unchanged with the raise of stiffness coefficient. The chaotic threshold increases first and then decreases with the enhancement of damping. These results provide a theoretical basis for the research of nonlinear viscoelastic system in the future.
A Blockchain-Based Location Privacy-Preserving Scheme in Location-Based Service
Authors: Xudong Yang , Ling Gao , Yan Li , Hairong Zhu , Quanli Gao , Jie Zheng , Hai Wang
Published: April 2022

With the rapid popularization and development of location-based services (LBS), location privacy preserving has become a mainstream concern. Existing anonymity-based methods rely mainly on anonymous location selection based on geographic information, which neglects the semantic information on the location, and behavior of self-interested users may raise a privacy vulnerability. A blockchain-based approach for location privacy protection schemes has been proposed to address these issues. In this scheme, the privacy level of the location is improved using private chain-based collaborative anonymous communication with anonymous set construction methods that consider the semantic diversity associated with the related user. Compared with other existing methods, evaluation based on real-world datasets shows that the proposed method prevents location privacy leakage from collaborative users and constructs a semantical anonymity set, thus effectively protecting the user’s location privacy.
Is Right Unilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Successful in Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Authors: Ozciftci Serhat , Sahiner Yeliz , Sahiner Ibrahim Tayfun , Akkaya Taylan
Published: April 2022

Background. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is used for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incisions are located mainly on the upper right side of the abdomen. Aims. We aim to determine the efficacy of less-invasive ultrasound-guided right unilateral oblique subcostal TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy on postoperative analgesia by comparing patients undergoing bilateral TAP block and a control group. Methods. Ninety patients were equally divided into control, unilateral, and bilateral TAP block groups. TAP blocks were conducted before anesthesia. No block was applied to the control group. Patients’ demographics and postoperative pain, satisfaction, and nausea-vomiting scores and tramadol/ondansetron doses were evaluated. Results. There was no significant difference in the verbal numerical rating scale for pain scores at rest and during coughing (VNRS-R and VNRS-C) between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups at postoperative 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hours. In addition, VNRS-R and VNRS-C scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the other two groups. Tramadol consumption in the control group was significantly higher than in the unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups

p
≤
0.01

, while no significant difference was identified between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups

p
=
0.303

. Nausea-vomiting scores and ondansetron consumption did not differ significantly between all the groups. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in unilateral and bilateral groups

p
<
0.01
,
p
<
0.01

than in the control group, while there was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups

p
=
0.793

. Conclusions. Right unilateral TAP block provides postoperative analgesia as effective as bilateral TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.