bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social interaction-induced fear memory reduction: exploring the influence of dopamine and oxytocin receptors on memory updating
Authors: Arellano Perez Angel David , Kautzmann Aline Sartori , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas
Published: June 2024

It has been well established that a consolidated memory can be updated during the plastic state induced by reactivation. This updating process opens the possibility to modify maladaptive memory. In the present study, we evaluated whether fear memory could be updated to less-aversive level by incorporating hedonic information during reactivation. Thus, male rats were fear conditioned and, during retrieval, a female was presented as a social rewarding stimulus. We found that memory reactivation with a female (but not a male) reduces fear expression within-session and in the test, without presenting reinstatement or spontaneous recovery. Interestingly, this intervention impaired extinction. Finally, we demonstrated that this emotional remodeling to eliminate fear expression requires the activation of dopamine and oxytocin receptors during retrieval. Hence, these results shed new lights on the memory updating process and suggests that the exposure to natural rewarding information such as a female during retrieval reduces a previously consolidated fear memory.
A machine learning contest enhances automated freezing of gait detection and reveals time-of-day effects
Authors: Salomon Amit , Gazit Eran , Ginis Pieter , Urazalinov Baurzhan , Takoi Hirokazu , Yamaguchi Taiki , Goda Shuhei , Lander David , Lacombe Julien , Sinha Aditya Kumar , Nieuwboer Alice , Kirsch Leslie C. , Holbrook Ryan , Manor Brad , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2024

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a debilitating problem that markedly impairs the mobility and independence of 38-65% of people with Parkinson’s disease. During a FOG episode, patients report that their feet are suddenly and inexplicably “glued” to the floor. The lack of a widely applicable, objective FOG detection method obstructs research and treatment. To address this problem, we organized a 3-month machine-learning contest, inviting experts from around the world to develop wearable sensor-based FOG detection algorithms. 1,379 teams from 83 countries submitted 24,862 solutions. The winning solutions demonstrated high accuracy, high specificity, and good precision in FOG detection, with strong correlations to gold-standard references. When applied to continuous 24/7 data, the solutions revealed previously unobserved patterns in daily living FOG occurrences. This successful endeavor underscores the potential of machine learning contests to rapidly engage AI experts in addressing critical medical challenges and provides a promising means for objective FOG quantification.
Discovery of atomic clock-like spin defects in simple oxides from first principles
Authors: Davidsson Joel , Onizhuk Mykyta , Vorwerk Christian , Galli Giulia
Published: June 2024

Virtually noiseless due to the scarcity of spinful nuclei in the lattice, simple oxides hold promise as hosts of solid-state spin qubits. However, no suitable spin defect has yet been found in these systems. Using high-throughput first-principles calculations, we predict spin defects in calcium oxide with electronic properties remarkably similar to those of the NV center in diamond. These defects are charged complexes where a dopant atom — Sb, Bi, or I — occupies the volume vacated by adjacent cation and anion vacancies. The predicted zero phonon line shows that the Bi complex emits in the telecommunication range, and the computed many-body energy levels suggest a viable optical cycle required for qubit initialization. Notably, the high-spin nucleus of each dopant strongly couples to the electron spin, leading to many controllable quantum levels and the emergence of atomic clock-like transitions that are well protected from environmental noise. Specifically, the Hanh-echo coherence time increases beyond seconds at the clock-like transition in the defect with 209Bi. Our results pave the way to designing quantum states with long coherence times in simple oxides, making them attractive platforms for quantum technologies.
Nucleic acid mediated activation of a short prokaryotic Argonaute immune system
Authors: Kottur Jithesh , Malik Radhika , Aggarwal Aneel K.
Published: June 2024

A short prokaryotic Argonaute (pAgo) TIR-APAZ (SPARTA) defense system, activated by invading DNA to unleash its TIR domain for NAD(P)+ hydrolysis, was recently identified in bacteria. We report the crystal structure of SPARTA heterodimer in the absence of guide-RNA/target-ssDNA (2.66 Å) and a cryo-EM structure of the SPARTA oligomer (tetramer of heterodimers) bound to guide-RNA/target-ssDNA at nominal 3.15–3.35 Å resolution. The crystal structure provides a high-resolution view of SPARTA, revealing the APAZ domain as equivalent to the N, L1, and L2 regions of long pAgos and the MID domain containing a unique insertion (insert57). Cryo-EM structure reveals regions of the PIWI (loop10-9) and APAZ (helix αN) domains that reconfigure for nucleic-acid binding and decrypts regions/residues that reorganize to expose a positively charged pocket for higher-order assembly. The TIR domains amass in a parallel-strands arrangement for catalysis. We visualize SPARTA before and after RNA/ssDNA binding and uncover the basis of its active assembly leading to abortive infection.
The role of CO2 in the genesis of Dabie-type porphyry molybdenum deposits
Authors: Jiang Zi-Qi , Shang Lin-Bo , Williams-Jones A. E. , Wang Xin-Song , Zhang Li , Ni Huai-Wei , Hu Rui-Zhong , Bi Xian-Wu
Published: June 2024

Porphyry-type molybdenum deposits, many of which are in China, supply most of the World’s molybdenum. Of particular importance are the molybdenum deposits located in the Qinling-Dabie region that are responsible for more than half of China’s molybdenum production. A feature that distinguishes this suite of deposits from the better-known Climax and Endako sub-types of porphyry molybdenum deposits is their formation from CO2-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The role of CO2, if any, in the transport of molybdenum by these fluids, however, is poorly understood. We conducted experiments on the partitioning of molybdenum between H2O-CO2, H2O-NaCl, and H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids and a felsic melt at 850 °C and 100 and 200 MPa. Here we show that the exsolution of separate (immiscible) brine and vapor leads to the very high brine DMo values needed for efficient extraction of Mo from the magmas forming Dabie-type porphyry molybdenum deposits.
Demonstration of charge-hold-vent (CHV) and no-vent-fill (NVF) in a simulated propellent storage tank during tank-to-tank cryogen transfer in microgravity
Authors: Chung J. N. , Dong Jun , Wang Hao , Han Huang Bo , Hartwig Jason
Published: June 2024

The space exploration from a low earth orbit to a high earth orbit, then to Moon, Mars, and possibly asteroids and moons of other planets is one of the biggest challenges for scientists and engineers for the new millennium. The enabling of in-space cryogenic rocket engines and the Lower-Earth-Orbit (LEO) cryogenic fuel depots for these future manned and robotic space exploration missions begins with the technology development of advanced cryogenic thermal-fluid management systems for the propellant transfer line and storage tank system. One of the key thermal-fluid management operations is the chilldown and filling of the propellant storage tank in space. As a result, highly energy efficient, breakthrough concepts for quenching heat transfer to conserve and minimize the cryogen consumption during chilldown have become the focus of engineering research and development, especially for the deep-space mission to Mars. In this paper, we introduce such thermal transport concepts and demonstrate their feasibilities in space for cryogenic propellant storage tank chilldown and filling in a simulated space microgravity condition on board an aircraft flying a parabolic trajectory. In order to maximize the storage tank chilldown thermal efficiency for the least amount of required cryogen consumption, the breakthrough quenching heat transfer concepts developed include the combination of charge-hold-vent (CHV) and no-vent-hold (NVF). The completed flight experiments successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the concepts and discovered that spray cooling combined with hold and vent is more efficient than the pure spray cooling for storage tank chilldown in microgravity. In microgravity, the data shows that the CHV thermal efficiency can reach 39.5%. The CHV efficiency in microgravity is 6.9% lower than that in terrestrial gravity. We also found that pulsing the spray can increase CHV efficiency by 6.1% in microgravity.
Quantum computing quantum Monte Carlo with hybrid tensor network for electronic structure calculations
Authors: Kanno Shu , Nakamura Hajime , Kobayashi Takao , Gocho Shigeki , Hatanaka Miho , Yamamoto Naoki , Gao Qi
Published: June 2024

Quantum computers have a potential for solving quantum chemistry problems with higher accuracy than classical computers. Quantum computing quantum Monte Carlo (QC-QMC) is a QMC with a trial state prepared in quantum circuit, which is employed to obtain the ground state with higher accuracy than QMC alone. We propose an algorithm combining QC-QMC with a hybrid tensor network to extend the applicability of QC-QMC beyond a single quantum device size. In a two-layer quantum-quantum tree tensor, our algorithm for the larger trial wave function can be executed than preparable wave function in a device. Our algorithm is evaluated on the Heisenberg chain model, graphite-based Hubbard model, hydrogen plane model, and MonoArylBiImidazole using full configuration interaction QMC. Our algorithm can achieve energy accuracy (specifically, variance) several orders of magnitude higher than QMC, and the hybrid tensor version of QMC gives the same energy accuracy as QC-QMC when the system is appropriately decomposed. Moreover, we develop a pseudo-Hadamard test technique that enables efficient overlap calculations between a trial wave function and an orthonormal basis state. In a real device experiment by using the technique, we obtained almost the same accuracy as the statevector simulator, indicating the noise robustness of our algorithm. These results suggests that the present approach will pave the way to electronic structure calculation for large systems with high accuracy on current quantum devices.
Vaccination with Mincle agonist UM-1098 and mycobacterial antigens induces protective Th1 and Th17 responses
Authors: Rungelrath Viktoria , Ahmed Mushtaq , Hicks Linda , Miller Shannon M. , Ryter Kendal T. , Montgomery Kyle , Ettenger George , Riffey Alexander , Abdelwahab Walid M. , Khader Shabaana Abdul , Evans Jay T.
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is one of the top infectious killers in the world. The only licensed vaccine against TB, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), provides variable protection against pulmonary TB, especially in adults. Hence, novel TB vaccine approaches are urgently needed. Both Th1 and Th17 responses are necessary for protection against TB, yet effective adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems for inducing robust Th1 and Th17 immunity are lacking. Herein we describe a synthetic Mincle agonist, UM-1098, and a silica nanoparticle delivery system that drives Th1/Th17 responses to Mtb antigens. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) with UM-1098 induced high levels of Th17 polarizing cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23 as well as IL-12p70, IL-4 and TNF-α in vitro. PBMCs from both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice responded with a similar cytokine pattern in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, intramuscular (I.M.) vaccination with UM-1098-adjuvanted TB antigen M72 resulted in significantly higher antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-17A levels in C57BL/6 wt mice than Mincle KO mice. Vaccination of C57BL/6 wt mice with immunodominant Mtb antigens ESAT6/Ag85B or M72 resulted in predominantly Th1 and Th17 responses and induced antigen-specific serum antibodies. Notably, in a virulent Mtb challenge model, vaccination with UM-1098 adjuvanted ESAT6/Ag85B or M72 significantly reduced lung bacterial burden when compared with unvaccinated mice and protection occurred in the absence of pulmonary inflammation. These data demonstrate that the synthetic Mincle agonist UM-1098 induces strong Th1 and Th17 immunity after vaccination with Mtb antigens and provides protection against Mtb infection in mice.
Sustainability of global small-scale constructed wetlands for multiple pollutant control
Authors: Chen Guogui , Mo Yuanyuan , Gu Xuan , Jeppesen Erik , Xie Tian , Ning Zhonghua , Li Yina , Li Dongxue , Chen Cong , Cui Baoshan , Wu Haiming
Published: June 2024

The global wastewater surge demands constructed wetlands (CWs) to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); yet the pollutant removal interactions and global sustainability of small CWs are unclear. This study synthesizes small CW data from 364 sites worldwide. The removal efficiency of organic matter and nutrient pollutants of small CWs had a 75th percentile of 68.8–84.0%. Bivariate analysis found consistent synergies between pollutant removals, lasting 3–12 years. The optimal thresholds for maintaining the synergistic effects were as follows: area size—17587 m2, hydraulic loading rate—0.45 m/d, hydraulic retention time—8.2 days, and temperature—20.2 °C. When considering the co-benefits and sustainability of small CWs for multi-pollutants control, promoting small-scale CWs could be an effective and sustainable solution for managing diverse wastewater pollutants while simultaneously minimizing land requirements. This solution holds the potential to address the challenges posed by global water scarcity resulting from wastewater discharge and water pollution.
Harmonized Database of Western U.S. Water Rights (HarDWR) v.1
Authors: Lisk Matthew D. , Grogan Danielle S. , Zuidema Shan , Zheng Jiameng , Caccese Robert , Peklak Darrah , Fisher-Vanden Karen , Lammers Richard B. , Olmstead Sheila M. , Fowler Lara
Published: June 2024

In the arid and semi-arid Western U.S., access to water is regulated through a legal system of water rights. Individuals, companies, organizations, municipalities, and tribal entities have documents that declare their water rights. State water regulatory agencies collate and maintain these records, which can be used in legal disputes over access to water. While these records are publicly available data in all Western U.S. states, the data have not yet been readily available in digital form from all states. Furthermore, there are many differences in data format, terminology, and definitions between state water regulatory agencies. Here, we have collected water rights data from 11 Western U.S. state agencies, harmonized terminology and use definitions, formatted them for consistency, and tied them to a Western U.S.-wide shapefile of water administrative boundaries.
Exercise may delay cognitive decline in Chinese older adults: a causal inference for ordered multi-categorical exposures with a Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Han Lizhen , Zeng Yi , Huang Tao , Jia Jinzhu
Published: June 2024

The cognitive problems are prominent in the context of global aging, and the traditional Mendelian randomization method is not applicable to ordered multi-categorical exposures. Therefore, we aimed to address this issue through the development of a method and to investigate the causal inference of cognitive-related lifestyle factors. The study sample was derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which included 897 older adults aged 65 + . This study used genome-wide association analysis to screen genetic loci as instrumental variables and innovatively combined maximum likelihood estimation to infer causal associations between ordered multi-categorical exposures (diet, exercise, etc.) and continuous outcomes (cognitive level). The causal inference method for ordered multi-categorical exposures developed in this study was simple, easy to implement, and able to effectively and reliably discover the potential causal associations between variables. Through this method, we found a potential positive causal association between exercise status and cognitive level in Chinese older adults ($$\widehat{\beta }$$

β
^

= 1.883, 95%CI 0.182–3.512), in which there was no horizontal pleiotropy (p = 0.370). The study provided a causal inference method applicable to ordered multi-categorical exposures, that addressed the limitations of the traditional Mendelian randomization method.
Quality evaluation of chicken soup based on entropy weight method and grey correlation degree method
Authors: Cao Zhongwen , Zhang Tanglei , Tong XiKui
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to develop an assessment framework for evaluating the quality of different chicken soup variants. Three types of chicken soup, traditional chicken soup (TCS), concentrated chicken soup (CCS), and blended chicken soup (BCS), were prepared and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters, including gross protein content, crude fat content, pH level, solid content, viscosity, and chromatic aberration value. Sensory evaluation was also conducted to assess overall quality. Correlation analysis helped identify three key evaluation indicators: gross protein content, L* value (lightness), and b* value (chromatic aberration). The weight assigned to gross protein content was the highest using the entropy weight method (EWM). Moreover, the grey correlation degree method was comprehensively applied to evaluate the chicken soup's quality. This analysis identified TCS and CCS as varieties with superior overall quality, showing a positive correlation with sensory evaluation, consistent with the results of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) used in this paper. These results provide theoretical support for assessing comprehensive quality and selecting chicken soup varieties.
Integrated transmission expansion planning incorporating fault current limiting devices and thyristor-controlled series compensation using meta-heuristic optimization techniques
Authors: Almalaq Abdulaziz , Alqunun Khalid , Abbassi Rabeh , Ali Ziad M. , Refaat Mohamed M. , Abdel Aleem Shady H. E.
Published: June 2024

Transmission expansion planning (TEP) is a vital process of ensuring power systems' reliable and efficient operation. The optimization of TEP is a complex challenge, necessitating the application of mathematical programming techniques and meta-heuristics. However, selecting the right optimization algorithm is crucial, as each algorithm has its strengths and limitations. Therefore, testing new optimization algorithms is essential to enhance the toolbox of methods. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the application of ten recent meta-heuristic algorithms for solving the TEP problem across three distinct power networks varying in scale. The ten meta-heuristic algorithms considered in this study include Sinh Cosh Optimizer, Walrus Optimizer, Snow Geese Algorithm, Triangulation Topology Aggregation Optimizer, Electric Eel Foraging Optimization, Kepler Optimization Algorithm (KOA), Dung Beetle Optimizer, Sea-Horse Optimizer, Special Relativity Search, and White Shark Optimizer (WSO). Three TEP models incorporating fault current limiters and thyristor-controlled series compensation devices are utilized to evaluate the performance of the meta-heuristic algorithms, each representing a different scale and complexity level. Factors such as convergence speed, solution quality, and scalability are considered in evaluating the algorithms’ performance. The results demonstrated that KOA achieved the best performance across all tested systems in terms of solution quality. KOA’s average value was 6.8% lower than the second-best algorithm in some case studies. Additionally, the results indicated that WSO required approximately 2–3 times less time than the other algorithms. However, despite WSO’s rapid convergence, its average solution value was comparatively higher than that of some other algorithms. In TEP, prioritizing solution quality is paramount over algorithm speed.
A randomized controlled trial of alpha phase-locked auditory stimulation to treat symptoms of sleep onset insomnia
Authors: Bressler Scott , Neely Ryan , Yost Ryan M , Wang David
Published: June 2024

Sleep onset insomnia is a pervasive problem that contributes significantly to the poor health outcomes associated with insufficient sleep. Auditory stimuli phase-locked to slow-wave sleep oscillations have been shown to augment deep sleep, but it is unknown whether a similar approach can be used to accelerate sleep onset. The present randomized controlled crossover trial enrolled adults with objectively verified sleep onset latencies (SOLs) greater than 30 min to test the effect of auditory stimuli delivered at specific phases of participants’ alpha oscillations prior to sleep onset. During the intervention week, participants wore an electroencephalogram (EEG)-enabled headband that delivered acoustic pulses timed to arrive anti-phase with alpha for 30 min (Stimulation). During the Sham week, the headband silently recorded EEG. The primary outcome was SOL determined by blinded scoring of EEG records. For the 21 subjects included in the analyses, stimulation had a significant effect on SOL according to a linear mixed effects model (p = 0.0019), and weekly average SOL decreased by 10.5 ± 15.9 min (29.3 ± 44.4%). These data suggest that phase-locked acoustic stimulation can be a viable alternative to pharmaceuticals to accelerate sleep onset in individuals with prolonged sleep onset latencies. Trial Registration: This trial was first registered on clinicaltrials.gov on 24/02/2023 under the name Sounds Locked to ElectroEncephalogram Phase For the Acceleration of Sleep Onset Time (SLEEPFAST), and assigned registry number NCT05743114.
Direct resection is a safe and effective strategy to control seizures in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma
Authors: Ou Yunwei , Yuan Jingzhe , Li Chunde
Published: June 2024

Achieving favorable seizure outcomes is challenging in patients with seizures resulting from hypothalamic hamartoma. Although minimally invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures are used to treat this population, these procedures have limitations. Therefore, we analyzed the outcomes of patients with hypothalamic hamartoma following direct resection. We included 159 patients with hypothalamic hamartoma who underwent direct resection using the transcallosal interforniceal approach between 2011 and 2018. The relationships between clinical parameters and seizure outcomes were analyzed. In total, 55.3% achieved gross total resection and 25.2% underwent near-total resection. Of all patients, 79.2% were overall seizure-free at one year, but this number dropped to 77.0% at more than five years. Moreover, 88.4% (129/146) reached gelastic seizure (GS)-free status at one year and this number increased to 89.0% (97/109) at more than five years. Seventy-one patients took antiseizure medication (ASM) long-term, 68 took it for one year, and 11 took it for one-half year. The duration of ASM consumption (p < 0.001) and extent of hypothalamic hamartoma resection (p = 0.016) were significant independent predictors of long-term overall seizure-free survival, while the duration of ASM consumption (p = 0.011) and extent of hypothalamic hamartoma resection (p = 0.026) were significant independent predictors of long-term GS-free survival. Most patients' behavior, school performance, and intelligence were not affected after surgery. Direct resection is effective and safe strategy for patients with hypothalamic hamartomas. Hypothalamic hamartomas should be removed as completely as possible, and patients should take ASM long-term following surgery to reach long-term overall seizure-free or GS-free status.
Modulation of response times in early-stage Parkinson’s disease during emotional processing of embodied and non-embodied stimuli
Authors: Botta Alessandro , Pelosin Elisa , Lagravinese Giovanna , Marchese Roberta , Di Biasio Francesca , Bonassi Gaia , Terranova Sara , Ravizzotti Elisa , Putzolu Martina , Mezzarobba Susanna , Cosentino Carola , Avenanti Alessio , Avanzino Laura
Published: June 2024

Valence (positive and negative) and content (embodied vs non-embodied) characteristics of visual stimuli have been shown to influence motor readiness, as tested with response time paradigms. Both embodiment and emotional processing are affected in Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to basal ganglia dysfunction. Here we aimed to investigate, using a two-choice response time paradigm, motor readiness when processing embodied (emotional body language [EBL] and emotional facial expressions [FACS]) vs non-embodied (emotional scenes [IAPS]) stimuli with neutral, happy, and fearful content. We enrolled twenty-five patients with early-stage PD and twenty-five age matched healthy participants. Motor response during emotional processing was assessed by measuring response times (RTs) in a home-based, forced two-choice discrimination task where participants were asked to discriminate the emotional stimulus from the neutral one. Rating of valence and arousal was also performed. A clinical and neuropsychological evaluation was performed on PD patients. Results showed that RTs for PD patients were longer for all conditions compared to HC and that RTs were generally longer in both groups for EBL compared to FACS and IAPS, with the sole exception retrieved for PD, where in discriminating fearful stimuli, RTs for EBL were longer compared to FACS but not to IAPS. Furthermore, in PD only, when discriminating fearful respect to neutral stimuli, RTs were shorter when discriminating FACS compared to IAPS. This study shows that PD patients were faster in discriminating fearful embodied stimuli, allowing us to speculate on mechanisms involving an alternative, compensatory, emotional motor pathway for PD patients undergoing fear processing.
Bound states in the continuum in divided triangular hole metasurfaces
Authors: Chern Ruey-Lin , Hsu Ti-Jung
Published: June 2024

We investigate the bound states in the continuum (BICs) in dielectric metasurfaces consisting of a two-part divided triangular hole in the unit cell of a square lattice, with emphasis on the generation, splitting, and merging of BICs. At the smallest height ratio between the upper triangular and the lower trapezoidal holes, the accidental BIC with an extremely large quality factor emerges on an isolated dispersion band at the Brillouin zone center, which is recognized as a polarization singularity (V point) with an integer topological charge. As the height ratio increases, the accidental BIC is split into a pair of circularly polarized states, which are polarization singularities (C points) with half-integer topological charges. The two states depart from each other to a maximum distance, and then approach each other as the height ratio continues to change. They finally merge to another polarization singularity (V point) with an integer topological charge, which is identified as the Friedrich-Wintgen BIC that occurs near the avoided crossing between two interacting dispersion bands.
Exploration of mobile genetic elements in the ruminal microbiome of Nellore cattle
Authors: Faleiros Camila A. , Nunes Alanne T. , Gonçalves Osiel S. , Alexandre Pâmela A. , Poleti Mirele D. , Mattos Elisângela C. , Perna-Junior Flavio , Rodrigues Paulo H. Mazza , Fukumasu Heidge
Published: June 2024

Metagenomics has made it feasible to elucidate the intricacies of the ruminal microbiome and its role in the differentiation of animal production phenotypes of significance. The search for mobile genetic elements (MGEs) has taken on great importance, as they play a critical role in the transfer of genetic material between organisms. Furthermore, these elements serve a dual purpose by controlling populations through lytic bacteriophages, thereby maintaining ecological equilibrium and driving the evolutionary progress of host microorganisms. In this study, we aimed to identify the association between ruminal bacteria and their MGEs in Nellore cattle using physical chromosomal links through the Hi-C method. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and the proximity ligation method ProxiMeta were used to analyze DNA, getting 1,713,111,307 bp, which gave rise to 107 metagenome-assembled genomes from rumen samples of four Nellore cows maintained on pasture. Taxonomic analysis revealed that most of the bacterial genomes belonged to the families Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Saccharofermentanaceae, and Treponemataceae and mostly encoded pathways for central carbon and other carbohydrate metabolisms. A total of 31 associations between host bacteria and MGE were identified, including 17 links to viruses and 14 links to plasmids. Additionally, we found 12 antibiotic resistance genes. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Brazilian cattle that connect MGEs with their microbial hosts. It identifies MGEs present in the rumen of pasture-raised Nellore cattle, offering insights that could advance biotechnology for food digestion and improve ruminant performance in production systems.
A remarkable permeability enhancement of Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.65 and 0.70), using a multi-compound calcined additive
Authors: Shatooti S. , Mozaffari M.
Published: June 2024

In this study, entanglement of composition, additive and/or sintering conditions and their effects on magnetic properties of soft ferrites, nickel zinc spinel ferrites (Ni1−xZnxFe2O4, x = 0.65 and 0.70) which were prepared via conventional solid-state reaction method investigated. Also an equiponderant calcined mixture of Bi2O3, CaO, CeO2, SiO2, Al2O3, Y2O3 and nanotitania was mixed thoroughly and used as a multi-compound calcined additive (MCCA). Calcined ferrite powders were crushed, dry and wet milled, dried, mixed with different amounts of MCCA (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt%), formed in toroidal shapes and finally sintered at different temperatures, from 1150 up to 1360 °C for 3 h. X-ray diffraction assessment confirmed formation of the single phase cubic spinel structures. Initial permeability and Q-factor spectra of the toroids were obtained from 0.1 to 1000 kHz, using an LCR meter. The results show that initial permeability of each sample has a maximum and addition of MCCA to the ferrites leads to a marvelous increase in permeabilities. Additionally, MCCA decreases the optimum sintering temperature too. The optimum amounts of additive were 1.0 and 0.5 wt% for the x = 0.65 (μ′ = 492, Ts = 1280 °C) and x = 0.70 (μ′ = 478, Ts = 1320 °C), respectively. Permeability spectra illustrate that utility zone of the Ni0.35Zn0.65Fe2O4 and Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 are both less than 100 and 10 kHz, respectively. The results represent that there is a strong entanglement between composition, additive and/or sintering conditions. It can be concluded the MCCA added Ni0.35Zn0.65Fe2O4, is suitable for application in the switching power supplies.
Time-course swRNA-seq uncovers a hierarchical gene regulatory network in controlling the response-repair-remodeling after wounding
Authors: Yu Xinghai , Zhou Jinghua , Ye Wenkai , Xu Jingxiu , Li Rui , Huang Li , Chai Yi , Wen Miaomiao , Xu Suhong , Zhou Yu
Published: June 2024

Wounding initiates intricate responses crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. Yet, the gene regulatory networks governing wound healing remain poorly understood. Here, employing single-worm RNA sequencing (swRNA-seq) across 12 time-points, we delineated a three-stage wound repair process in C. elegans: response, repair, and remodeling. Integrating diverse datasets, we constructed a dynamic regulatory network comprising 241 transcription regulators and their inferred targets. We identified potentially seven autoregulatory TFs and five cross-autoregulatory loops involving pqm-1 and jun-1. We revealed that TFs might interact with chromatin factors and form TF-TF combinatory modules via intrinsically disordered regions to enhance response robustness. We experimentally validated six regulators functioning in transcriptional and translocation-dependent manners. Notably, nhr-76, daf-16, nhr-84, and oef-1 are potentially required for efficient repair, while elt-2 may act as an inhibitor. These findings elucidate transcriptional responses and hierarchical regulatory networks during C. elegans wound repair, shedding light on mechanisms underlying tissue repair and regeneration.
OliTag-seq enhances in cellulo detection of CRISPR-Cas9 off-targets
Authors: Yang Zhi-Xue , Deng Dong-Hao , Gao Zhu-Ying , Zhang Zhi-Kang , Fu Ya-Wen , Wen Wei , Zhang Feng , Li Xiang , Li Hua-Yu , Zhang Jian-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: June 2024

The potential for off-target mutations is a critical concern for the therapeutic application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Current detection methodologies, such as GUIDE-seq, exhibit limitations in oligonucleotide integration efficiency and sensitivity, which could hinder their utility in clinical settings. To address these issues, we introduce OliTag-seq, an in-cellulo assay specifically engineered to enhance the detection of off-target events. OliTag-seq employs a stable oligonucleotide for precise break tagging and an innovative triple-priming amplification strategy, significantly improving the scope and accuracy of off-target site identification. This method surpasses traditional assays by providing comprehensive coverage across various sgRNAs and genomic targets. Our research particularly highlights the superior sensitivity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in detecting off-target mutations, advocating for using patient-derived iPSCs for refined off-target analysis in therapeutic gene editing. Furthermore, we provide evidence that prolonged Cas9 expression and transient HDAC inhibitor treatments enhance the assay’s ability to uncover off-target events. OliTag-seq merges the high sensitivity typical of in vitro assays with the practical application of cellular contexts. This approach significantly improves the safety and efficacy profiles of CRISPR-Cas9 interventions in research and clinical environments, positioning it as an essential tool for the precise assessment and refinement of genome editing applications.
Multifunctional MoS2 membrane for integrated solar-driven water evaporation and water purification
Authors: Cui Lingfang , Che Huinan , Liu Bin , Ao Yanhui
Published: June 2024

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation shows great potential to address the global water crisis, but its efficient implementation in the presence of organic wastewater remains challenging. Here, we achieved integrated water evaporation and organic compound degradation by designing a multifunctional MoS2 membrane. Under 1.0 sun irradiation, the membrane exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.07 kg m−2 h−1 and 82% degradation efficiency of organic pollutants, with negligible organic pollutant residues in the condensate. The high performance is attributed to the thermal energy generated by the evaporation process of MoS2 membrane. This promotes an increase in the rate constant of interfacial electron transfer during the photocatalytic reaction, accelerating the generation of free radicals and facilitating the removal of organic pollutants. The study demonstrated that fresh water can be collected from high-salinity wastewater at a rate of 1.56 kg m−2 h−1. The MoS2 membrane provides a sustainable approach to addressing the water crisis.
Cyclone Ilsa in April 2023 led to significant seabird mortality on Bedout Island
Authors: Lavers Jennifer L. , Mead Tanya M. , Fidler Andrew L. , Bond Alexander L.
Published: June 2024

On 13 April 2023, Cyclone Ilsa crossed Bedout Island in the Timor Sea off Western Australia’s remote north coast. Extensive damage was done to the entire island, with all coastal vegetation stripped clear from the island’s surface. Here we use repeated aerial and ground-based transect surveys of Bedout’s important seabird populations during 17 April – 21 July 2023 and Monte Carlo modelling to estimate total mortality for three species. We estimate that 80–90% of the populations of three seabird species (Masked Booby Sula dactylatra bedouti, Brown Booby S. leucogaster, and Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel) were killed in the storm, with only 40 breeding Masked Booby (a putative endemic subspecies) recorded on the island 15 weeks later. The frequency and intensity of such storms is likely approaching a threshold beyond which Bedout’s seabirds cannot readily recover, with cyclones hitting the island, on average, every seven years in recent decades. We discuss the implications for Bedout Island, and for wildlife conservation more broadly in the face of increasing, climate-driven storms and impacts documented worldwide.
Network-based prioritization and validation of regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in disease
Authors: Lambert Jordi , Oc Sebnem , Worssam Matthew D. , Häußler Daniel , Solomon Charles U. , Figg Nichola L. , Baxter Ruby , Imaz Maria , Taylor James C. K. , Foote Kirsty , Finigan Alison , Mahbubani Krishnaa T. , Webb Tom R. , Ye Shu , Bennett Martin R. , Krüger Achim , Spivakov Mikhail , Jørgensen Helle F.
Published: June 2024

Aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) homeostasis and proliferation characterize vascular diseases causing heart attack and stroke. Here we elucidate molecular determinants governing VSMC proliferation by reconstructing gene regulatory networks from single-cell transcriptomics and epigenetic profiling. We detect widespread activation of enhancers at disease-relevant loci in proliferation-predisposed VSMCs. We compared gene regulatory network rewiring between injury-responsive and nonresponsive VSMCs, which suggested shared transcription factors but differing target loci between VSMC states. Through in silico perturbation analysis, we identified and prioritized previously unrecognized regulators of proliferation, including RUNX1 and TIMP1. Moreover, we showed that the pioneer transcription factor RUNX1 increased VSMC responsiveness and that TIMP1 feeds back to promote VSMC proliferation through CD74-mediated STAT3 signaling. Both RUNX1 and the TIMP1–CD74 axis were expressed in human VSMCs, showing low levels in normal arteries and increased expression in disease, suggesting clinical relevance and potential as vascular disease targets.
Algorithmic versus human surveillance leads to lower perceptions of autonomy and increased resistance
Authors: Schlund Rachel , Zitek Emily M.
Published: June 2024

Past research indicates that people tend to react adversely to surveillance, but does it matter if advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence conduct surveillance rather than humans? Across four experiments (Study 1, N = 107; Study 2, N = 157; Study 3, N = 117; Study 4, N = 814), we examined how participants reacted to monitoring and evaluation by human or algorithmic surveillance when recalling instances of surveillance from their lives (Study 1), generating ideas (Studies 2 and 3), or imagining working in a call center (Study 4). Our results revealed that participants subjected to algorithmic (v. human) surveillance perceived they had less autonomy (Studies 1, 3, and 4), criticized the surveillance more (Studies 1-3), performed worse (Studies 2 and 3), and reported greater intentions to resist (Studies 1 and 4). Framing the purpose of the algorithmic surveillance as developmental, and thus informational, as opposed to evaluative, mitigated the perception of decreased autonomy and level of resistance (Study 4).
A patterning technology of transfer-free graphene for transparent electrodes of near-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Tang Penghao , Sun Jie , Mei Yu , Du Zaifa , Fang Aoqi , Xiong Fangzhu , Guo Weiling
Published: June 2024

A technology for the fabrication of transfer-free, patterned graphene on semiconductor or weakly catalytic metal substrate is presented, and the graphene transparent electrodes on GaN-based LED with 398 nm wavelength is fabricated accordingly.
A home-made nanoporous gold microsensor for lead(ii) detection in seawater with high sensitivity and anti-interference properties
Authors: Soares de Oliveira Lins Renato , Sukeri Anandhakumar , Bertotti Mauro
Published: June 2024

A high surface area nanoporous gold microsensor was demonstrated for Pb(ii) detection in seawater samples with high sensitivity and anti-interference properties.
A spin and intensity multiplexed encryption metasurface
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Li Pengfei , Zhao Xiaoyu , Weller Dieter , Quan Sufeng , Wu Mengxuan , Liu Ruibin , Guo Shuai
Published: June 2024

This work designed a PB hyperbolic phase metasurface and achieved spin state and intensity multiplexed encryption. With a constant change of incident light, stable and continuous encoded text information has been achieved.
Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of carboxylic–phosphoric anhydrides via C–O bond cleavage
Authors: Ji Haiyao , Ma Yilin , Zhang Jianwen , Xing Feifei , Liu Chengwei
Published: June 2024

A robust palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of carboxylic–phosphoric anhydrides via highly selective C(O)–O bond cleavage under inorganic base-free conditions has been reported.
Visible-light promoted oxidative annulation of 2-naphthols with phenylglyoxal monohydrates toward hydroxy-naphthofuranone and its derivatives
Authors: Hemamalini Vijayakumar , Shanthi Markabandhu , Shankar Bhaskaran , Dandela Rambabu , Perumal Karuppaiah , Ramesh Subburethinam
Published: June 2024

Base-promoted oxidative annulation of 2-naphthols and phenylglyoxal monohydrate via a metal-free, visible light-mediated reaction is reported for the synthesis of hydroxy-naphthofuranone, naphthofuranone, and naphthofuran with a broad substrate scope.
Quinoline-derived NNP-manganese complex catalyzed α-alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols
Authors: Song Peidong , Rong Haojie , Meng Tingting , Cui Zhe , Mao Mingzhen , Yang Cuifeng
Published: June 2024

A quinoline-derived NNP-manganese complex is an air-stable hydrogen auto-transfer catalyst. This catalytic system is efficient for the green synthesis of α-alkylated ketones and quinoline derivatives via a hydrogen auto-transfer methodology.
Comparison of the hydrophilicity of water-soluble poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s, poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazine)s and poly(2,4-dialkyl-2-oxazoline)s
Authors: Mint Kelly , Morrow Joshua P. , Warne Nicole M. , He Xie , Pizzi David , Shah Shaffiq Zainal Osman , Pierens Gregory K. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Bell Craig A. , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Kempe Kristian
Published: June 2024

The hydrophilicity of a series of water-soluble poly(cyclic imino ether)s (PCIE) was systemically ranked to enable informed decision-making about the choice of PCIE for specific applications in the future.
An ethyl cellulose novel biodegradable flexible substrate material for sustainable screen-printing
Authors: Palmieri Elena , Cancelliere Rocco , Maita Francesco , Micheli Laura , Maiolo Luca
Published: June 2024

Promoting sustainability revolutionizing flexible electronics: presenting a novel, transparent, biodegradable, water-resistant cellulose-based substrate that could replace PET in screen printing.
A judicious injection and abstraction of a hetero-dopant in a Co3O4 catalyst for efficient methane oxidation
Authors: Sun Shiqiang , Li Guoling , Zhu Shanhui , Meng Wenhao , Xu Leilei , Jiang Jinlong , Wang Fagen , Li Xingyun
Published: June 2024

Cr doping and partial Cr de-doping of Co3O4 was utilized to give a catalyst with promising methane oxidation activity.
Embedded printing of graphene sponge sensors for sleep monitoring
Authors: Li Wenbo , Liu Jing , Sun Zhiyuan , Zhang Jiabing , Li Jing , Wang Jiawei , Wu Xintao , Li Jiongli , Su Meng , Han Teng , Wang Xudong , Huang Zhandong
Published: June 2024

This study presents an approach for developing sleep monitoring sensors with excellent satisfactory softness, sensitivity and stability by embedding three-dimensional graphene conductive network patterns onto sponges.
A Preliminary Study of Vallecular Bolus Aggregation in Healthy Swallowing of Solid Food Boluses
Authors: Gandhi Pooja , Barrett Emily , Mancopes Renata , Peladeau-Pigeon Melanie , Panes Vanessa , Simmons Michelle M. , Steele Catriona M.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

The pharyngeal swallow typically begins within 400 ms following the arrival of a liquid bolus in the pharynx. By contrast, processed food particles aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation. With solid foods, swallow reaction time (SRT), the interval between bolus passing the ramus of mandible and hyoid burst onset (HYB) can be subdivided into components of vallecular aggregation time (VAT) and the subsequent end of aggregation to hyoid burst interval (EOA-to-HYB). However, expected durations of these timing measures remain unclear. We aimed to study bolus aggregation in healthy swallowing for International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Food Levels 5 (minced and moist [MM5]), 6 (soft and bite-sized [SB6]), and 7 (regular [RG7]). Understanding typical patterns and durations of vallecular aggregation with solids in healthy swallowing will inform the identification of impaired swallow timing in patient populations.

Design:

Twenty healthy adults (10 males,
M
age
= 28 years, range: 23–55 years) swallowed two boluses each of MM5, SB6, and RG7 foods in videofluoroscopy. Blinded duplicate ratings determined bolus location at swallow onset, SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB. Texture-based differences were measured using Friedman's tests.

Bolus location was at/above the valleculae at swallow onset for 85% of boluses, with no differences by texture. SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB did not vary by texture, with overall median values (interquartile range) of 99 ms (−66 to 743 ms) for SRT, 347 ms (66 to 891 ms) for VAT, and −132 ms (−231 to −83 ms) for EOA-to-HYB.

Conclusions:

These data corroborate prior evidence that it is not unusual for food particles to aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation in healthy swallowing. However, durations of vallecular aggregation are typically < 1 s in healthy adults.
La Rana
or
El Rana
: Dual Language Learners' Grammatical Variability in Narrative Retells
Authors: Gusewski Svenja , Rojas Raúl
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

This longitudinal study investigated the trajectory of Spanish article accuracy in Spanish–English dual language learners (DLLs) from preschool to first grade, addressing the need for longitudinal data on the variability of Spanish grammatical skills in DLLs in English immersion classrooms.

Method:

Language sample analysis was conducted on 336 Spanish and English narrative retells elicited from 31 Spanish–English DLLs (range: 45–85 months). Growth curve models captured within- and between-individual change in article accuracy from the beginning of preschool to the end of first grade.

Results:

As a group, DLLs did not exhibit significant positive or negative growth in Spanish article accuracy over time. On average, article accuracy remained stable at 76% from preschool throughout first grade. Participants exhibited significant variability in article accuracy that was partly explained by changes in Spanish proficiency. Spanish article accuracy was lower for DLLs with lower Spanish proficiency indexed by measures from the Spanish language samples, while English proficiency indexed by the English language samples did not affect Spanish article accuracy.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that expectations for Spanish grammatical performance in DLLs need to be adjusted to account for the possible impact of not receiving Spanish support in English immersion school settings. DLLs in these instructional programs do not exhibit article accuracy at a level expected for monolingual Spanish speakers. Significant individual differences in both individual status and growth rates of Spanish article accuracy highlight the broad variability in Spanish language skills of DLLs in the United States.