bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human-driven greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions cause distinct regional impacts on extreme fire weather
Authors: Touma Danielle , Stevenson Samantha , Lehner Flavio , Coats Sloan
Published: January 2021

Attribution studies have identified a robust anthropogenic fingerprint in increased 21st century wildfire risk. However, the risks associated with individual aspects of anthropogenic aerosol and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, biomass burning and land use/land cover change remain unknown. Here, we use new climate model large ensembles isolating these influences to show that GHG-driven increases in extreme fire weather conditions have been balanced by aerosol-driven cooling throughout the 20th century. This compensation is projected to disappear due to future reductions in aerosol emissions, causing unprecedented increases in extreme fire weather risk in the 21st century as GHGs continue to rise. Changes to temperature and relative humidity drive the largest shifts in extreme fire weather conditions; this is particularly apparent over the Amazon, where GHGs cause a seven-fold increase by 2080. Our results allow increased understanding of the interacting roles of anthropogenic stressors in altering the regional expression of future wildfire risk.
Mechanisms for <100> interstitial dislocation loops to diffuse in BCC iron
Authors: Gao N. , Yao Z. W. , Lu G. H. , Deng H. Q. , Gao F.
Published: January 2021

The mobility of dislocation loops in materials is a principle factor in understanding the mechanical strength, and the evolution of microstructures due to deformation and radiation. In body-centered cubic (BCC) iron, the common belief is that <100> interstitial dislocation loops are immobile once formed. However, using self-adaptive accelerated molecular dynamics (SSAMD), a new diffusion mechanism has been discovered for <100> interstitial dislocation loops. The key aspect of the mechanism is the changing of the habit planes between the {100} plane and the {110} plane, which provides a path for the <100> loops to diffuse one-dimensionally. The migration behavior modeled with SSAMD is further confirmed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, and represents a significant step for understanding the formation of <100> loop walls and the mechanical behavior of BCC Fe under irradiation.
Statistically defined visual chunks engage object-based attention
Authors: Lengyel Gábor , Nagy Márton , Fiser József
Published: January 2021

Although objects are the fundamental units of our representation interpreting the environment around us, it is still not clear how we handle and organize the incoming sensory information to form object representations. By utilizing previously well-documented advantages of within-object over across-object information processing, here we test whether learning involuntarily consistent visual statistical properties of stimuli that are free of any traditional segmentation cues might be sufficient to create object-like behavioral effects. Using a visual statistical learning paradigm and measuring efficiency of 3-AFC search and object-based attention, we find that statistically defined and implicitly learned visual chunks bias observers’ behavior in subsequent search tasks the same way as objects defined by visual boundaries do. These results suggest that learning consistent statistical contingencies based on the sensory input contributes to the emergence of object representations.
LONP1 and mtHSP70 cooperate to promote mitochondrial protein folding
Authors: Shin Chun-Shik , Meng Shuxia , Garbis Spiros D. , Moradian Annie , Taylor Robert W. , Sweredoski Michael J. , Lomenick Brett , Chan David C.
Published: January 2021

Most mitochondrial precursor polypeptides are imported from the cytosol into the mitochondrion, where they must efficiently undergo folding. Mitochondrial precursors are imported as unfolded polypeptides. For proteins of the mitochondrial matrix and inner membrane, two separate chaperone systems, HSP60 and mitochondrial HSP70 (mtHSP70), facilitate protein folding. We show that LONP1, an AAA+ protease of the mitochondrial matrix, works with the mtHSP70 chaperone system to promote mitochondrial protein folding. Inhibition of LONP1 results in aggregation of a protein subset similar to that caused by knockdown of DNAJA3, a co-chaperone of mtHSP70. LONP1 is required for DNAJA3 and mtHSP70 solubility, and its ATPase, but not its protease activity, is required for this function. In vitro, LONP1 shows an intrinsic chaperone-like activity and collaborates with mtHSP70 to stabilize a folding intermediate of OXA1L. Our results identify LONP1 as a critical factor in the mtHSP70 folding pathway and demonstrate its proposed chaperone activity.
Carbon hollow fiber membranes for a molecular sieve with precise-cutoff ultramicropores for superior hydrogen separation
Authors: Lei Linfeng , Pan Fengjiao , Lindbråthen Arne , Zhang Xiangping , Hillestad Magne , Nie Yi , Bai Lu , He Xuezhong , Guiver Michael D.
Published: January 2021

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes with rigid and uniform pore structures are ideal candidates for high temperature- and pressure-demanded separations, such as hydrogen purification from the steam methane reforming process. Here, we report a facile and scalable method for the fabrication of cellulose-based asymmetric carbon hollow fiber membranes (CHFMs) with ultramicropores of 3–4 Å for superior H2 separation. The membrane fabrication process does not require complex pretreatments to avoid pore collapse before the carbonization of cellulose precursors. A H2/CO2 selectivity of 83.9 at 130 °C (H2/N2 selectivity of >800, H2/CH4 selectivity of >5700) demonstrates that the membrane provides a precise cutoff to discriminate between small gas molecules (H2) and larger gas molecules. In addition, the membrane exhibits superior mixed gas separation performances combined with water vapor- and high pressure-resistant stability. The present approach for the fabrication of high-performance CMS membranes derived from cellulose precursors opens a new avenue for H2-related separations.
Multistage and transmission-blocking targeted antimalarials discovered from the open-source MMV Pandemic Response Box
Authors: Reader Janette , van der Watt Mariëtte E. , Taylor Dale , Le Manach Claire , Mittal Nimisha , Ottilie Sabine , Theron Anjo , Moyo Phanankosi , Erlank Erica , Nardini Luisa , Venter Nelius , Lauterbach Sonja , Bezuidenhout Belinda , Horatscheck Andre , van Heerden Ashleigh , Spillman Natalie J. , Cowell Anne N. , Connacher Jessica , Opperman Daniel , Orchard Lindsey M. , Llinás Manuel , Istvan Eva S. , Goldberg Daniel E. , Boyle Grant A. , Calvo David , Mancama Dalu , Coetzer Theresa L. , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Duffy James , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Basarab Gregory , Chibale Kelly , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié
Published: January 2021

Chemical matter is needed to target the divergent biology associated with the different life cycle stages of Plasmodium. Here, we report the parallel de novo screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pandemic Response Box against Plasmodium asexual and liver stage parasites, stage IV/V gametocytes, gametes, oocysts and as endectocides. Unique chemotypes were identified with both multistage activity or stage-specific activity, including structurally diverse gametocyte-targeted compounds with potent transmission-blocking activity, such as the JmjC inhibitor ML324 and the antitubercular clinical candidate SQ109. Mechanistic investigations prove that ML324 prevents histone demethylation, resulting in aberrant gene expression and death in gametocytes. Moreover, the selection of parasites resistant to SQ109 implicates the druggable V-type H+-ATPase for the reduced sensitivity. Our data therefore provides an expansive dataset of compounds that could be redirected for antimalarial development and also point towards proteins that can be targeted in multiple parasite life cycle stages.
CREPT is required for murine stem cell maintenance during intestinal regeneration
Authors: Yang Liu , Yang Haiyan , Chu Yunxiang , Song Yunhao , Ding Lidan , Zhu Bingtao , Zhai Wanli , Wang Xuning , Kuang Yanshen , Ren Fangli , Jia Baoqing , Wu Wei , Ye Xiongjun , Wang Yinyin , Chang Zhijie
Published: January 2021

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing in the crypts are critical for the continual self-renewal and rapid recovery of the intestinal epithelium. The regulatory mechanism of ISCs is not fully understood. Here we report that CREPT, a recently identified tumor-promoting protein, is required for the maintenance of murine ISCs. CREPT is preferably expressed in the crypts but not in the villi. Deletion of CREPT in the intestinal epithelium of mice (Vil-CREPTKO) results in lower body weight and slow migration of epithelial cells in the intestine. Vil-CREPTKO intestine fails to regenerate after X-ray irradiation and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Accordingly, the deletion of CREPT decreases the expression of genes related to the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs and reduces Lgr5+ cell numbers at homeostasis. We identify that CREPT deficiency downregulates Wnt signaling by impairing β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus of the crypt cells during regeneration. Our study provides a previously undefined regulator of ISCs.
A diet-microbial metabolism feedforward loop modulates intestinal stem cell renewal in the stressed gut
Authors: Hou Yuanlong , Wei Wei , Guan Xiaojing , Liu Yali , Bian Gaorui , He Dandan , Fan Qilin , Cai Xiaoying , Zhang Youying , Wang Guangji , Zheng Xiao , Hao Haiping
Published: January 2021

Dietary patterns and psychosocial factors, ubiquitous part of modern lifestyle, critically shape the gut microbiota and human health. However, it remains obscure how dietary and psychosocial inputs coordinately modulate the gut microbiota and host impact. Here, we show that dietary raffinose metabolism to fructose couples stress-induced gut microbial remodeling to intestinal stem cells (ISC) renewal and epithelial homeostasis. Chow diet (CD) and purified diet (PD) confer distinct vulnerability to gut epithelial injury, microbial alternation and ISC dysfunction in chronically restrained mice. CD preferably enriches Lactobacillus reuteri, and its colonization is sufficient to rescue stress-triggered epithelial injury. Mechanistically, dietary raffinose sustains Lactobacillus reuteri growth, which in turn metabolizes raffinose to fructose and thereby constituting a feedforward metabolic loop favoring ISC maintenance during stress. Fructose augments and engages glycolysis to fuel ISC proliferation. Our data reveal a diet-stress interplay that dictates microbial metabolism-shaped ISC turnover and is exploitable for alleviating gut disorders.
Exposure of Salmonella biofilms to antibiotic concentrations rapidly selects resistance with collateral tradeoffs
Authors: Trampari Eleftheria , Holden Emma R. , Wickham Gregory J. , Ravi Anuradha , Martins Leonardo de Oliveira , Savva George M. , Webber Mark A.
Published: January 2021

Most bacteria in nature exist in biofilms, which are inherently tolerant to antibiotics. There is currently very limited understanding of how biofilms evolve in response to sub-lethal concentrations of antimicrobials. In this study, we use a biofilm evolution model to study the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of three antibiotics onSalmonellaTyphimurium biofilms. We show that biofilms rapidly evolve resistance to each antibiotic they are exposed to, demonstrating a strong selective pressure on biofilms from low antibiotic concentrations. While all antibiotics tested select for clinical resistance, there is no common mechanism. Adaptation to antimicrobials, however, has a marked cost for other clinically important phenotypes, including biofilm formation and virulence. Cefotaxime selects mutants with the greatest deficit in biofilm formation followed by azithromycin and then ciprofloxacin. Understanding the impacts of exposure of biofilms to antibiotics will help understand evolutionary trajectories and may help guide how best to use antibiotics in a biofilm context. Experimental evolution in combination with whole-genome sequencing is a powerful tool for the prediction of evolution trajectories associated with antibiotic resistance in biofilms.
Experimental flows through an array of emerged or slightly submerged square cylinders over a rough bed
Authors: Oukacine Marina , Proust Sébastien , Larrarte Frédérique , Goutal Nicole
Published: January 2021

The experimental dataset presented was collected in an 18 m long and 1 m wide laboratory flume. Low to high flood flows through an urbanized floodplain were modelled. The floodplain bed is rough, modelled with dense artificial grass. A square cylinder array, representing house models, was set on the rough bed. The cylinder immersion rate was varied: cylinders are emerged for three flow cases and slightly submerged for one case. The experimental dataset comprises water levels, measured using an ultrasonic transit time probe, velocities across the channel measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry with a side looking probe, and velocities in longitudinal-vertical planes measured using Particle Image Velocimetry. These data could help understanding the physical processes associated with high flood flows through urbanized floodplains, with a focus on the transition from emerged to submerged obstacles. They could also be used as benchmark data to assess the ability of numerical models from one to three-dimensions to estimate the flood hazard (water depth, velocity) over a wide range of flood event magnitudes.
A gridded establishment dataset as a proxy for economic activity in China
Authors: Dong Lei , Yuan Xiaohui , Li Meng , Ratti Carlo , Liu Yu
Published: January 2021

Measuring the geographical distribution of economic activity plays a key role in scientific research and policymaking. However, previous studies and data on economic activity either have a coarse spatial resolution or cover a limited time span, and the high-resolution characteristics of socioeconomic dynamics are largely unknown. Here, we construct a dataset on the economic activity of mainland China, the gridded establishment dataset (GED), which measures the volume of establishments at a 0.01° latitude by 0.01° longitude scale. Specifically, our dataset captures the geographically based opening and closing of approximately 25.5 million firms that registered in mainland China over the period 2005–2015. The characteristics of fine granularity and long-term observability give the GED a high application value. The dataset not only allows us to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of the establishments, urban vibrancy, and socioeconomic activity, but also helps us uncover the fundamental principles underlying the dynamics of industrial and economic development.
Steerable needles for radio-frequency ablation in cirrhotic livers
Authors: van de Berg Nick J. , Meeuwsen Frédérique C. , Doukas Michail , Kronreif Gernot , Moelker Adriaan , van den Dobbelsteen John J.
Published: January 2021

Accurate needle placement in deep-seated liver tumours can be difficult. In this work, we disclose two new manually controlled steerable needles for 17G radio-frequency ablation probe placement. The needles contain stylets with embedded compliant joints for active tip articulations, and concentric tubes for (curved-path) guidance. Needle steering was evaluated sequentially by intended users and in intended-use tissue types. Six interventional radiologists evaluated the needle in repeated ultrasound-guided steering tasks in liver-mimicking phantoms. Targets were located at a 100 mm depth and 20 mm lateral offset from the initial insertion line. The resulting mean absolute tip placement error was 1.0 ± 1.0 mm. Subsequently, steering-induced tissue damage was evaluated in fresh cirrhotic human liver explants. The surface area of puncture holes was estimated in scanned histology slides, using a connected-components analysis. The mean surface area was 0.26 ± 0.16 mm2 after steering with a median radius of curvature of 0.7 × 103 mm, versus 0.35 ± 0.15 mm2 after straight-path insertions with the steerable needle and 0.15 ± 0.09 mm2 after straight-path RFA probe insertions. The steering mechanisms proposed enable clinically relevant path corrections for 17G needles. Radiologists were quickly adept in curved-path RFA probe placement and the evaluation of histological tissue damage demonstrated a potentially safe use during liver interventions.
Visual behavior modelling for robotic theory of mind
Authors: Chen Boyuan , Vondrick Carl , Lipson Hod
Published: January 2021

Behavior modeling is an essential cognitive ability that underlies many aspects of human and animal social behavior (Watson in Psychol Rev 20:158, 1913), and an ability we would like to endow robots. Most studies of machine behavior modelling, however, rely on symbolic or selected parametric sensory inputs and built-in knowledge relevant to a given task. Here, we propose that an observer can model the behavior of an actor through visual processing alone, without any prior symbolic information and assumptions about relevant inputs. To test this hypothesis, we designed a non-verbal non-symbolic robotic experiment in which an observer must visualize future plans of an actor robot, based only on an image depicting the initial scene of the actor robot. We found that an AI-observer is able to visualize the future plans of the actor with 98.5% success across four different activities, even when the activity is not known a-priori. We hypothesize that such visual behavior modeling is an essential cognitive ability that will allow machines to understand and coordinate with surrounding agents, while sidestepping the notorious symbol grounding problem. Through a false-belief test, we suggest that this approach may be a precursor to Theory of Mind, one of the distinguishing hallmarks of primate social cognition.
Non-invasive assessment of skeletal muscle fibrosis in mice using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound shear wave elastography
Authors: Martins-Bach Aurea B. , Bachasson Damien , Araujo Ericky C. A. , Soustelle Lucas , Loureiro de Sousa Paulo , Fromes Yves , Carlier Pierre G.
Published: January 2021

Fibrosis is a key pathological feature in muscle disorders, but its quantification mainly relies on histological and biochemical assays. Muscle fibrosis most frequently is entangled with other pathological processes, as cell membrane lesions, inflammation, necrosis, regeneration, or fatty infiltration, making in vivo assessment difficult. Here, we (1) describe a novel mouse model with variable levels of induced skeletal muscle fibrosis displaying minimal inflammation and no fat infiltration, and (2) report how fibrosis affects non-invasive metrics derived from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultrasound shear-wave elastography (SWE) associated with a passive biomechanical assay. Our findings show that collagen fraction correlates with multiple non-invasive metrics. Among them, muscle stiffness as measured by SWE, T2, and extracellular volume (ECV) as measured by NMR have the strongest correlations with histology. We also report that combining metrics in a multi-modality index allowed better discrimination between fibrotic and normal skeletal muscles. This study demonstrates that skeletal muscle fibrosis leads to alterations that can be assessed in vivo with multiple imaging parameters. Furthermore, combining NMR and SWE passive biomechanical assay improves the non-invasive evaluation of skeletal muscle fibrosis and may allow disentangling it from co-occurring pathological alterations in more complex scenarios, such as muscular dystrophies.
Shared and divergent phase separation and aggregation properties of brain-expressed ubiquilins
Authors: Gerson Julia E. , Linton Hunter , Xing Jiazheng , Sutter Alexandra B. , Kakos Fayth S. , Ryou Jaimie , Liggans Nyjerus , Sharkey Lisa M. , Safren Nathaniel , Paulson Henry L. , Ivanova Magdalena I.
Published: January 2021

The brain-expressed ubiquilins, UBQLNs 1, 2 and 4, are highly homologous proteins that participate in multiple aspects of protein homeostasis and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have established that UBQLN2 forms liquid-like condensates and accumulates in pathogenic aggregates, much like other proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the relative condensate and aggregate formation of the three brain-expressed ubiquilins is unknown. Here we report that the three ubiquilins differ in aggregation propensity, revealed by in-vitro experiments, cellular models, and analysis of human brain tissue. UBQLN4 displays heightened aggregation propensity over the other ubiquilins and, like amyloids, UBQLN4 forms ThioflavinT-positive fibrils in vitro. Measuring fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of puncta in cells, we report that all three ubiquilins undergo liquid–liquid phase transition. UBQLN2 and 4 exhibit slower recovery than UBQLN1, suggesting the condensates formed by these brain-expressed ubiquilins have different compositions and undergo distinct internal rearrangements. We conclude that while all brain-expressed ubiquilins exhibit self-association behavior manifesting as condensates, they follow distinct courses of phase-separation and aggregation. We suggest that this variability among ubiquilins along the continuum from liquid-like to solid informs both the normal ubiquitin-linked functions of ubiquilins and their accumulation and potential contribution to toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
Prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in conjunctival flora and association with nasopharyngeal carriage among children in a Vietnamese community
Authors: Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Toizumi Michiko , Uematsu Masafumi , Nguyen Hien-Anh Thi , Le Lien Thuy , Takegata Mizuki , Iwasaki Chihiro , Kitamura Noriko , Nation Monica L. , Dunne Eileen M. , Hinds Jason , Do Hung Thai , Vien Mai Quang , Satzke Catherine , Flasche Stefan , Mulholland Kim , Dang Duc-Anh , Kitaoka Takashi , Yoshida Lay-Myint
Published: January 2021

Conjunctival pneumococcal serotypes among members of a community have not been investigated well. We determined the prevalence and association of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the nasopharynx and conjunctiva among children in a community before pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction. In October 2016, conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children (< 24 months old) and nasopharyngeal swabs from mothers in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Quantitative lytA PCR and DNA microarray were performed to detect and serotype S. pneumoniae. The association between S. pneumoniae in the nasopharynx and conjunctiva was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression model. Among 698 children, 62 (8.9%, 95% CI 6.9–11.2%) were positive for S. pneumoniae in the conjunctiva. Non-encapsulated S. pneumoniae were most commonly identified, followed by serotypes 6A, 6B, and 14. Nasopharyngeal and conjunctival detection were positively associated (aOR 47.30, 95% CI 24.07–92.97). Low birth-weight, day-care attendance, and recent eye symptoms were independently associated with S. pneumoniae detection in the conjunctiva (aOR 11.14, 95% CI 3.76–32.98, aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.45–3.31, and aOR 3.59, 95% CI 2.21–5.84, respectively). Serotypes and genotypes in the conjunctiva and nasopharynx matched in 87% of the children. Three mothers’ nasopharyngeal pneumococcal samples had matched serotype and genotype with their child’s in the conjunctiva and nasopharynx. S. pneumoniae presence in nasopharynx and conjunctiva were strongly associated. The high concordance of serotypes suggests nasopharyngeal carriage may be a source of transmission to the conjunctiva.
Effects of small ridge and furrow mulching degradable film on dry direct seeded rice
Authors: Li Hui , Zeng Shan , Luo Xiwen , Fang Longyu , Liang Zhanhao , Yang Wenwu
Published: January 2021

Global climate change and socio-economic development have led to a shortage of water and labour resources, which has had a significant impact on rice cultivation. In this study, the application of micro-ridge-furrow planting technology and degradable film mulching in dry direct-seeded rice was investigated to address the factors restricting the development of the rice industry and reduce the impact of rice production on the environment. The effects of a micro-ridge-furrow planting pattern and degradable film mulching on soil temperature, seedling growth, and yield of dry direct-seeded rice in a semiarid region of China were studied through three field experiments: micro-ridge-furrow mulching with traditional plastic film (T1); micro-ridge-furrow mulching with degradable film (T2); and traditional flat-cropping mulching with traditional plastic film (CK). The experimental results demonstrated that the micro-ridge-furrow mulching film planting pattern promoted the germination of rice seeds and improved the soil temperature, plant height, leaf area, dry mass, and grain yield. T2 had the highest average soil temperature (14.68–17.83 ℃ during the day; 14.4–15.74 ℃ at night), leaf area (41.85 cm2 plant−1), root dry mass (45.32 mg plant−1), shoot dry mass (58.46 mg plant−1), root–shoot ratio (0.821), and yield (8.112 t ha−1). In summary, the micro-ridge-furrow mulching with degradable film (T2) is recommended as an efficient planting and mulching pattern for sustainably solving environmental problems and improving grain yield in semiarid regions of China.
Biological age and lifestyle in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome: the NHIS health screening data, 2014–2015
Authors: Bae Chul-Young , Piao Meihua , Kim Miyoung , Im Yoori , Kim Sungkweon , Kim Donguk , Choi Junho , Cho Kyung Hee
Published: January 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is diagnosed using absolute criteria that do not consider age and sex, but most studies have shown that the prevalence of MS increases with age in both sexes. Thus, the evaluation of MS should consider sex and age. We aimed to develop a new index that considers the age and sex for evaluating an individual’s relative overall MS status. Data of 16,518,532 subjects (8,671,838 males and 7,846,694 females) who completed a validated health survey of the National Health Insurance Service of the Republic of Korea (2014‒2015) were analyzed to develop an MS-biological age model. Principal component score analysis using waist circumference, pulse pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride levels, and high-density lipoprotein level, but not age, as independent variables were performed to derive an index of health status and biological age. In both sexes, the age according to the MS-biological age model increased with rising smoking and alcohol consumption habits and decreased with rising physical activity. Particularly, smoking and drinking affected females, whereas physical activity affected males. The MS-biological age model can be a supplementary tool for evaluating and managing MS, quantitatively measuring the effect of lifestyle changes on MS, and motivating patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Temperature effect on water dynamics in tetramer phosphofructokinase matrix and the super-arrhenius respiration rate
Authors: Yang Hsiao-Ching , Ge Yung-Chi , Su Kuan-Hsuan , Chang Chia-Cheng , Lin King-Chuen , Aquilanti Vincenzo , Kasai Toshio
Published: January 2021

Advances in understanding the temperature effect on water dynamics in cellular respiration are important for the modeling of integrated energy processes and metabolic rates. For more than half a century, experimental studies have contributed to the understanding of the catalytic role of water in respiration combustion, yet the detailed water dynamics remains elusive. We combine a super-Arrhenius model that links the temperature-dependent exponential growth rate of a population of plant cells to respiration, and an experiment on isotope labeled 18O2 uptake to H218O transport role and to a rate-limiting step of cellular respiration. We use Phosphofructokinase (PFK-1) as a prototype because this enzyme is known to be a pacemaker (a rate-limiting enzyme) in the glycolysis process of respiration. The characterization shows that PFK-1 water matrix dynamics are crucial for examining how respiration (PFK-1 tetramer complex breathing) rates respond to temperature change through a water and nano-channel network created by the enzyme folding surfaces, at both short and long (evolutionary) timescales. We not only reveal the nano-channel water network of PFK-1 tetramer hydration topography but also clarify how temperature drives the underlying respiration rates by mapping the channels of water diffusion with distinct dynamics in space and time. The results show that the PFK-1 assembly tetramer possesses a sustainable capacity in the regulation of the water network toward metabolic rates. The implications and limitations of the reciprocal-activation–reciprocal-temperature relationship for interpreting PFK-1 tetramer mechanisms are briefly discussed.
Oilbirds disperse large seeds at longer distance than extinct megafauna
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R. , Cardona Laura , Cárdenas Sasha , Link Andrés
Published: January 2021

The extinction of megafauna in the Neotropics is thought to have reduced the potential of large seeds to be dispersed over long distances by endozoochory (ingestion by animals), but some seed dispersal systems have not been considered. We describe the role of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) as seed dispersers, in terms of seed width and dispersal distance (using GPS tracking devices), and we compare with data reported for other animals. Oilbirds dispersed seeds up to 29 mm wide, with a mean dispersal distance of 10.1 km (range 0–47.6 km). Some components of seed dispersal by oilbirds are outliers compared to that of other frugivores, such as the relationship between maximum seed width and body weight (however, few other extant specialized frugivores are also outliers). Estimates of mean dispersal distance by oilbirds are the largest reported, and we confirm that some living frugivores currently fulfil roles of seed dispersers and ecosystem services previously assumed to be only performed by extinct species.
Bioactive diterpenoids impact the composition of the root-associated microbiome in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Murphy Katherine M. , Edwards Joseph , Louie Katherine B. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Northen Trent R. , Zerbe Philipp
Published: January 2021

Plants deploy both primary and species-specific, specialized metabolites to communicate with other organisms and adapt to environmental challenges, including interactions with soil-dwelling microbial communities. However, the role of specialized metabolites in modulating plant-microbiome interactions often remains elusive. In this study, we report that maize (Zea mays) diterpenoid metabolites with known antifungal bioactivities also influence rhizosphere bacterial communities. Metabolite profiling showed that dolabralexins, antibiotic diterpenoids that are highly abundant in roots of some maize varieties, can be exuded from the roots. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing determined the bacterial community composition of the maize mutantZman2(anther ear 2), which is deficient in dolabralexins and closely related bioactive kauralexin diterpenoids. TheZman2rhizosphere microbiome differed significantly from the wild-type sibling with the most significant changes observed for Alphaproteobacteria of the order Sphingomonadales. Metabolomics analyses support that these differences are attributed to the diterpenoid deficiency of theZman2mutant, rather than other large-scale metabolome alterations. Together, these findings support physiological functions of maize diterpenoids beyond known chemical defenses, including the assembly of the rhizosphere microbiome.
Discovery of SNPs and InDels in papaya genotypes and its potential for marker assisted selection of fruit quality traits
Authors: Bohry Dieimes , Ramos Helaine Christine Cancela , dos Santos Pedro Henrique Dias , Boechat Marcela Santana Bastos , Arêdes Fernanda Abreu Santana , Pirovani Adriana Azevedo Vimercati , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: January 2021

Papaya is a tropical and climacteric fruit that is recognized for its nutritional benefits and medicinal applications. Its fruits ripen quickly and show a drastic fruit softening, leading to great post-harvest losses. To overcome this scenario, breeding programs of papaya must invest in exploring the available genetic variation to continue developing superior cultivars with improved fruit quality traits. The objective of this study was to perform a whole-genome genotyping (WGG) of papaya, predict the effects of the identified variants, and develop a list of ripening-related genes (RRGs) with linked variants. The Formosa elite lines of papaya Sekati and JS-12 were submitted to WGG with an Illumina Miseq platform. The effects of variants were predicted using the snpEff program. A total of 28,451 SNPs having Ts/Tv (Transition/Transversion) ratio of 2.45 and 1,982 small insertions/deletions (InDels) were identified. Most variant effects were predicted in non-coding regions, with only 2,104 and 138 effects placed in exons and splice site regions, respectively. A total of 106 RRGs were found to be associated with 460 variants, which may be converted into PCR markers to facilitate genetic mapping and diversity studies and to apply marker-assisted selection (MAS) for specific traits in papaya breeding programs.
Selective preservation of changes to standing balance control despite psychological and autonomic habituation to a postural threat
Authors: Zaback Martin , Luu Minh John , Adkin Allan L. , Carpenter Mark G.
Published: January 2021

Humans exhibit changes in postural control when confronted with threats to stability. This study used a prolonged threat exposure protocol to manipulate emotional state within a threatening context to determine if any threat-induced standing behaviours are employed independent of emotional state. Retention of balance adaptations was also explored. Thirty-seven adults completed a series of 90-s standing trials at two surface heights (LOW: 0.8 m above ground, away from edge; HIGH: 3.2 m above ground, at edge) on two visits 2–4 weeks apart. Psychological and autonomic state was assessed using self-report and electrodermal measures. Balance control was assessed using centre of pressure (COP) and lower limb electromyographic recordings. Upon initial threat exposure, individuals leaned backward, reduced low-frequency centre of pressure (COP) power, and increased high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation. Following repeated exposure, the psychological and autonomic response to threat was substantially reduced, yet only high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation habituated. Upon re-exposure after 2–4 weeks, there was partial recovery of the emotional response to threat and few standing balance adaptations were retained. This study suggests that some threat-induced standing behaviours are coupled with the psychological and autonomic state changes induced by threat, while others may reflect context-appropriate adaptations resistant to habituation.
EEG microstate features according to performance on a mental arithmetic task
Authors: Kim Kyungwon , Duc Nguyen Thanh , Choi Min , Lee Boreom
Published: January 2021

In this study, we hypothesized that task performance could be evaluated applying EEG microstate to mental arithmetic task. This pilot study also aimed at evaluating the efficacy of microstates as novel features to discriminate task performance. Thirty-six subjects were divided into good and poor performers, depending on how well they performed the task. Microstate features were derived from EEG recordings during resting and task states. In the good performers, there was a decrease in type C and an increase in type D features during the task compared to the resting state. Mean duration and occurrence decreased and increased, respectively. In the poor performers, occurrence of type D feature, mean duration and occurrence showed greater changes. We investigated whether microstate features were suitable for task performance classification and eleven features including four archetypes were selected by recursive feature elimination (RFE). The model that implemented them showed the highest classification performance for differentiating between groups. Our pilot findings showed that the highest mean Area Under Curve (AUC) was 0.831. This study is the first to apply EEG microstate features to specific cognitive tasks in healthy subjects, suggesting that EEG microstate features can reflect task achievement.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality in the United States general population
Authors: Song Minkyo , Graubard Barry I. , Rabkin Charles S. , Engels Eric A.
Published: January 2021

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood reflects the balance between systemic inflammation and immunity and is emerging as a prognostic biomarker in many diseases, but its predictive role for mortality in the general population has not been investigated. We analyzed 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality-linked data, followed up until 2015. In participants aged > 30 with measurements of differential white blood cell counts, NLR was calculated and categorized into quartiles. Associations of increased NLR with overall or cause-specific mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. Increased NLR was associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.17, per quartile NLR) and mortality due to heart disease (1.17, 1.06–1.29), chronic lower respiratory disease (1.24, 1.04–1.47), influenza/pneumonia (1.26, 1.03–1.54) and kidney disease (1.26, 1.03–1.54). NLR was associated with cancer mortality only in the first follow-up year (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11–1.98). The association with chronic lower respiratory disease mortality was stronger in individuals with prevalent lung diseases (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.14–1.88, Pinteraction = 0.01), while NLR showed positive associations with mortality from heart disease (1.21, 1.07–1.38) and cerebrovascular disease (1.30, 1.04–1.63) only among individuals without these conditions at baseline. NLR is associated with mortality overall and due to certain causes in the general population. Associations over short follow-up intervals and among individuals with conditions at baseline suggest effects of disordered inflammation and immunity on progression of those conditions, while other associations may reflect contributions to disease etiology.
Maternal and infant morbidity following birth before 27 weeks of gestation: a single centre study
Authors: Morgan Andrei S. , Waheed Saadia , Gajree Shivani , Marlow Neil , David Anna L.
Published: January 2021

Delivery at extreme preterm gestational ages (GA) $$<\;27$$

<

27

weeks is challenging with limited evidence often focused only on neonatal outcomes. We reviewed management and short term maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of births for 132 women (22 + 0 to 26 + 6 weeks’ GA) with a live fetus at admission to hospital and in labour or at planned emergency Caesarean section: 103 singleton and 29 (53 live fetuses) twin gestations. Thirty women (23%) had pre-existing medical problems, 110 (83%) had antenatal complications; only 17 (13%) women experienced neither. Major maternal labour and delivery complications affected 35 women (27%). 151 fetuses (97%) were exposed to antenatal steroids, 24 (15%) to tocolysis and 70 (45%) to magnesium sulphate. Delivery complications affected 11 fetuses, with 12 labour or delivery room deaths; survival to discharge was 75% (117/156), increasing with GA: 25% (1/4), 75% (18/24), 69% (29/42), 73% (33/45) and 88% (36/41) at 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 weeks GA respectively (p = 0.024). No statistically important impact was seen from twin status, maternal illness or obstetric management. Even in a specialist perinatal unit antenatal and postnatal maternal complications are common in extreme preterm births, emphasising the need to include maternal as well as neonatal outcomes.
Similarities between pandemics and cancer in growth and risk models
Authors: Vandamme Lode K. J. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Fonseca Jorge , Rocha Paulo R. F.
Published: January 2021

Cancer and pandemics are leading causes of death globally, with severe socioeconomic repercussions. To better understand these repercussions, we investigate similarities between pandemics and cancer and describe the limited growth in number of infections or cancer cells, using mathematical models. For a pandemic, the analysis shows that in most cases, the initial fast growth is followed by a slower decay in the recovery phase. The risk of infection increases due to the airborne virus contact crossing a risk-threshold. For cancers caused by carcinogens, the increasing risk with age and absorbed dose of toxins that cross a risk-threshold, may lead to the disease onset. The time scales are different for both causes of death: years for cancer development and days to weeks for contact with airborne viruses. Contamination by viruses is on a time scale of seconds or minutes. The risk-threshold to get ill and the number-threshold in cancer cells or viruses, may explain the large variability in the outcome. The number of infected persons per day is better represented in log–lin plots instead of the conventional lin–lin plots. Differences in therapies are discussed. Our mathematical investigation between cancer and pandemics reveals a multifactorial correlation between both fragilities and brings us one step closer to understand, timely predict and ultimately diminish the socioeconomic hurdle of both cancer and pandemics.
Analysis and prediction of air quality in Nanjing from autumn 2018 to summer 2019 using PCR–SVR–ARMA combined model
Authors: Liu Bing , Jin Yueqiang , Li Chaoyang
Published: January 2021

In order to correct the monitoring data of the miniature air quality detector, an air quality prediction model fusing Principal Component Regression (PCR), Support Vector Regression (SVR) machine, and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) model was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy of the six types of pollutants in the air. First, the main information of factors affecting air quality is extracted by principal component analysis, and then principal component regression is used to give the predicted values of six types of pollutants. Second, the support vector regression machine is used to regress the predicted value of principal component regression and various influencing factors. Finally, the autoregressive moving average model is used to correct the residual items, and finally the predicted values of six types of pollutants are obtained. The experimental results showed that the proposed combination prediction model of PCR–SVR–ARMA had a better prediction effect than the artificial neural network, the standard support vector regression machine, the principal component regression, and PCR–SVR method. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and relative Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) are used as evaluation indicators to evaluate the PCR–SVR–ARMA model. This model can increase the accuracy of self-built points by 72.6% to 93.2%, and the model has excellent prediction effects in the training set and detection set, indicating that the model has good generalization ability. This model can play an active role scientific arrangement and promotion of miniature air quality detectors and grid-based monitoring of the concentration of various pollutants.
A systems pharmacology approach to identify the autophagy-inducing effects of Traditional Persian medicinal plants
Authors: Mosaddeghi Pouria , Eslami Mahboobeh , Farahmandnejad Mitra , Akhavein Mahshad , Ranjbarfarrokhi Ratin , Khorraminejad-Shirazi Mohammadhossein , Shahabinezhad Farbod , Taghipour Mohammadjavad , Dorvash Mohammadreza , Sakhteman Amirhossein , Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Nezafat Navid , Mobasheri Meysam , Ghasemi Younes
Published: January 2021

Aging is correlated with several complex diseases, including type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration diseases, and cancer. Identifying the nature of this correlation and treatment of age-related diseases has been a major subject of both modern and traditional medicine. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) embodies many prescriptions for the treatment of ARDs. Given that autophagy plays a critical role in antiaging processes, the present study aimed to examine whether the documented effect of plants used in TPM might be relevant to the induction of autophagy? To this end, the TPM-based medicinal herbs used in the treatment of the ARDs were identified from modern and traditional references. The known phytochemicals of these plants were then examined against literature for evidence of having autophagy inducing effects. As a result, several plants were identified to have multiple active ingredients, which indeed regulate the autophagy or its upstream pathways. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis of the identified targets confirmed the collective contribution of the identified targets in autophagy regulating processes. Also, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the targets was reconstructed. Network centrality analysis of the PPI network identified mTOR as the key network hub. Given the well-documented role of mTOR in inhibiting autophagy, our results hence support the hypothesis that the antiaging mechanism of TPM-based medicines might involve autophagy induction. Chemoinformatics study of the phytochemicals using docking and molecular dynamics simulation identified, among other compounds, the cyclo-trijuglone ofJuglans regiaL. as a potential ATP-competitive inhibitor of mTOR. Our results hence, provide a basis for the study of TPM-based prescriptions using modern tools in the quest for developing synergistic therapies for ARDs.
Optimal methods for estimating sports vision in kendo athletes
Authors: Kudo Daisuke , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Nakamura Mitsuru , Uchida Yusuke , Ono Seiji , Murakami Akira
Published: January 2021

This study investigated whether the eight standard tests of sports vision used in Japan appropriately reflect sports vision; whether all eight tests are necessary; and if not, which combination yields the optimal model.

Participants were kendo practitioners (exercise group, n = 41) and those with no exercise habits (non-exercise group, n = 65). The performance of the two groups on all eight tests were compared. The groups differed in static visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, and eye/hand coordination. A high correlation (r = 0.75) was observed between static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity, while contrast sensitivity was moderately correlated with static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity (r = 0.6), and dynamic visual acuity was moderately correlated with eye/hand coordination (r =  − 0.66). Logistic regression analysis indicated that it is not necessary to conduct all eight tests; the optimal model included static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination. Our results suggest that static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination are sufficient for assessing visual function in kendo practitioners. For other sports, it may be possible to construct discriminative models using the same method and determine which aspects of visual function and which training methods to emphasise in a given sport.