bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of flurbiprofen thiadiazole urea derivatives and assessment of biological activities and molecular docking studies
Authors: Zengin Kurt Belma , Altundağ Özlem , Tokgöz Merve Nur , Öztürk Civelek Dilek , Tuncay Fulya Oz , Cakmak Ummuhan , Kolcuoğlu Yakup , Akdemir Atilla , Sönmez Fatih
Published: September 2023

Totally 15 novel flurbiprofen urea derivatives were synthesized bearing the thiadiazole ring. Their inhibition effects on tyrosinase were determined. 3c was found to be the strongest inhibitor with the IC50 value of 68.0 μM against tyrosinase. The enzyme inhibition types of the synthesized compounds were determined by examining the kinetic parameters. The inhibition type of 3c was determined as uncompetitive and the Ki value was calculated as 36.3 μM. Moreover, their cytotoxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), colorectal carcinoma (HT‐29), and melanoma (B16F10) cell lines were evaluated. According to the cytotoxicity results, 3l (IC50 = 14.11 μM) showed the highest cytotoxicity on the HT‐29 cells, while 3o (IC50 = 4.22 μM) exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell lines. Also, 3j (IC50 = 7.55 μM strongly affected B16F10. The effects of synthesized compounds on the healthy cell line were evaluated on the CCD‐986Sk cell line. Molecular modelling studies have indicated the potential binding interactions of the uncompetitive inhibitor 3c with the enzyme‐substrate complex.
Evaluation of the adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser or erythritol powder air‐polishing in the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Clementini Marco , Fabrizi Simone , Discepoli Nicola , Minoli Margherita , De Sanctis Massimo
Published: September 2023

Aim

To assess the efficacy of Er:YAG laser (ERL) and erythritol powder air‐polishing (AP) in addition to the submarginal instrumentation in the non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implant mucositis (PM).

Materials and Methods

Patients with at least one implant diagnosed with PM were included in the present 6‐month randomized clinical trial (RCT). Implants were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups after submarginal instrumentation: AP (test 1 group), ERL (test 2 group) or no adjunctive methods (control group). The primary and secondary outcomes were, respectively, bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction and, complete disease resolution (total absence of BoP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) changes. The patient and the implant were considered the statistical unit. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 75 patients were enrolled in the study. At each time point, significant BoP and PPD reductions were observed within each group. Intergroup analysis did not show statistically significant differences. Complete disease resolution ranged between 29% and 31%. The logistic regression showed that supramucosal restoration margin, PPD < 4 mm and vestibular keratinized mucosa (KM) significantly influenced the probability to obtain treatment success.

Conclusion

The adjunctive use of AP and ERL in PM non‐surgical therapy does not seem to provide any significant or clinically relevant benefit in terms of BoP and PPD reductions and complete disease resolution, over the use of submarginal instrumentation alone. Baseline PPD < 4 mm, presence of buccal KM and supramucosal restoration margin may play a role in the complete resolution of PM.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of BMS‐986263, a lipid nanoparticle containing HSP47 siRNA, in participants with hepatic impairment
Authors: Qosa Hisham , de Oliveira Claudia H. M. C. , Cizza Giovanni , Lawitz Eric J. , Colletti Nicholas , Wetherington Jeffrey , Charles Edgar D. , Tirucherai Giridhar S.
Published: September 2023

BMS‐986263 is a retinoid‐conjugated lipid nanoparticle delivering small interfering RNA designed to inhibit synthesis of HSP47 protein, a collagen‐specific chaperone protein involved in fibrosis development. This is a phase I, open‐label, two‐part study evaluating pharmacokinetics and safety of BMS‐986263 in participants with hepatic impairment (HI). Part 1 (n = 24) of this study enrolled two cohorts with mild and moderate HI and a separate cohort of age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched participants with normal hepatic function. Part 2 enrolled eight participants with severe HI and eight age‐ and BMI‐matched participants with normal hepatic function. All participants received a single intravenous 90 mg BMS‐986263 infusion. Compared with normal‐matched participants, geometric mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curve time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC(0‐T)) and AUC from zero to infinity (AUC(INF)) of HSP47 siRNA were similar in participants with mild HI and 34% and 163% greater in those with moderate and severe HI, respectively, whereas the maximum plasma concentration was ~25% lower in mild and moderate HI groups but 58% higher in the severe HI group than in the normal group. Adverse events were reported by two of eight, four of eight, and three of eight participants with mild, moderate, or severe HI, respectively; none were reported in the normal‐matched group. Overall, single‐dose BMS‐986263 was generally safe and well‐tolerated and dose adjustment is not considered necessary for participants with mild or moderate HI. Although available data do not indicate that dose adjustment should be performed in patients with severe HI; the optimal posology of BMS‐986263 in patients with severe HI may be determined later in its clinical development when additional data to establish exposure‐safety/efficacy relationship becomes available.
Gamma‐patterned sensory stimulation reverses synaptic plasticity deficits in rat models of early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yang Yin , Ondrejcak Tomas , Hu Neng‐Wei , Islam Sadia , O'Rourke Eugene , Reilly Richard B. , Cunningham Colm , Rowan Michael J. , Klyubin Igor
Published: September 2023

Non‐invasive sensory stimulation in the range of the brain's gamma rhythm (30–100 Hz) is emerging as a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigated the effect of repeated combined exposure to 40 Hz synchronized sound and light stimuli on hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) in vivo in three rat models of early AD. We employed a very complete model of AD amyloidosis, amyloid precursor protein (APP)‐overexpressing transgenic McGill‐R‐Thy1‐APP rats at an early pre‐plaque stage, systemic treatment of transgenic APP rats with corticosterone modelling certain environmental AD risk factors and, importantly, intracerebral injection of highly disease‐relevant AD patient‐derived synaptotoxic beta‐amyloid and tau in wild‐type animals. We found that daily treatment with 40 Hz sensory stimulation for 2 weeks fully abrogated the inhibition of LTP in all three models. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the magnitude of LTP and the level of active caspase‐1 in the hippocampus of transgenic APP animals, which suggests that the beneficial effect of 40 Hz stimulation was dependent on modulation of pro‐inflammatory mechanisms. Our findings support ongoing clinical trials of gamma‐patterned sensory stimulation in early AD.
A 30% reduction in switchgrass rhizome reserves did not decrease biomass yield
Authors: Tejera‐Nieves Mauricio , Walker Berkley J.
Published: September 2023

A long‐standing question in perennial grass breeding and physiology is whether yield improvement strategies could compromise winter survival. Since perennial grasses rely on stored carbohydrates for winter maintenance and spring regrowth, yield improvement strategies could reduce winter survival if they increase biomass and grain yields at the expense of carbon allocation to storage. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the dependence of regrowth on storage reserves. We experimentally depleted switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) rhizome reserves by storing rhizomes for 2 weeks at 5°C (control treatment) and 25°C (reserve‐depleted treatment). During the storage period rhizome respiration was 5.3× higher at 25°C (0.010 μmol CO2 g−1 min−1at 5°C vs. 0.054 μmol CO2 g−1 min−1at 25°C;p < 0.0001) and the starch content was depleted by 30% by the end of storage. Surprisingly, reserve‐depleted switchgrass had 60% larger leaf area (LA; LAcontrol = 149 cm2 pot−1vs. LAdepleted = 239 cm2 pot−1;p = 0.013) and produced ~40% more aboveground biomass than control plants (9.46 g pot−1vs. 6.63 g pot−1;p = 0.112). In addition, reserve‐depleted switchgrass restored its rhizome starch reserves to pre‐storage levels. Switchgrass showed a large plasticity among its source‐sink components to buffer the imposed reserve depletion. It increased plant photosynthesis by increasing the photosynthetic leaf area while keeping photosynthesis constant on a leaf area basis and readjusted the timing and activity of sink organs. These results suggest that switchgrass, and potentially other perennial grasses, largely over‐invest in storage reserves. Therefore, current breeding strategies in perennial grasses aimed to extend the aboveground growing season should not compromise crop persistence. Our study also has implications on long‐term yield dynamics as it highlights sink limitations as potential driver of the yield decline commonly observed in perennial grasses 5+ years after cultivation.
Ferroelastic structure AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 ceramics with improved thermophysical and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Jun , Song Jianbo , Zhang Luyang , Tian Jiang , Gu Cang , Su Tao , Feng Jing
Published: September 2023

Effect of B site doping on structural, thermophysical, and mechanical properties of AlNbxTa1‐xO4 ceramics obtained by solid‐phase sintering were investigated in this work. Ferroelastic domain structures derived from the reversible second‐order ferroelastic transformation between the tetragonal (t) and monoclinic (m) contribute to improving the high‐temperature fracture toughness of AlNbxTa1‐xO4 ceramics, and the room fracture toughness of AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 ceramics is 3.4 MPa·m0.5. The brittleness index of AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 (2.6 μm−0.5) is also lower than AlTaO4, which indicates that has better damage tolerance. Compared with single‐component AlTaO4 and AlNbO4, the AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 has a lower thermal conductivity due to enhanced phonon scattering caused by mass disorder and lattice distortion effects. Additionally, AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 has a good match with the coefficient of thermal expansion of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and hence, AlNb1/2Ta1/2O4 has a considerable potential to be the candidate material for thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs).
Changes in the bioaccessibility of citrus polyphenols during industrial freezing process
Authors: Ozdemirli Nurdan , Kamiloglu Senem
Published: September 2023

Citrus fruits can be consumed fresh or they can be subjected to various processes including freezing to extend their shelf life. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of polyphenols in samples collected at different stages of the industrial freezing process of oranges and grapefruits. The major polyphenols were identified and quantified using UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS and HPLC‐PDA, respectively. In addition, spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents along with total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the bioaccessibility of flavonoids from frozen citrus fruits (26%–64%) was found to be lower than that of fresh fruits (27%–127%). Similarly, bioaccessibility of phenolic acids from frozen oranges (64%–76%) was significantly lower than that of fresh fruits (126%–152%). On the contrary, phenolic acids of frozen grapefruits were found to be more bioaccessible compared to fresh fruits (64%–217% and 50%–95%, respectively).
Immunometabolism in the pathogenesis of asthma
Authors: Qin Ziwen , Chen Yujuan , Wang Yue , Xu Yeyang , Liu Tingting , Mu Qian , Huang Chuanjun
Published: September 2023

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterised by chronic airway inflammation. A variety of immune cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, T lymphocytes, neutrophils and airway epithelial cells are involved in the airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma pathogenesis, resulting in extensive and variable reversible expiratory airflow limitation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the allergic immune responses, particularly immunometabolism, remains unclear. Studies have detected enhanced oxidative stress, and abnormal metabolic progresses of glycolysis, fatty acid and amino acid in various immune cells, inducing dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses in asthma pathogenesis. Immunometabolism mechanisms contain multiple signalling pathways, providing novel therapy targets for asthma. This review summarises the current knowledge on immunometabolism reprogramming in asthma pathogenesis, as well as potential therapy strategies.
Relation of infants' and mothers' pointing to infants' vocabulary measured directly and with parental reports
Authors: Ertaş Sura , Koşkulu‐Sancar Sümeyye , Ger Ebru , Liszkowski Ulf , Küntay Aylin C.
Published: September 2023

Infants' and parents' pointing gestures predict infants' concurrent and prospective language development. Most studies have measured vocabulary size using parental reports. However, parents tend to underestimate or overestimate infants' vocabulary necessitating the use of direct measures alongside parent reports. The present study examined whether mothers' index‐finger pointing, and infants' whole‐hand and index‐finger pointing at 14 months associate with infants' receptive and expressive vocabulary based on parental reports and directly measured lexical processing efficiency (LPE) concurrently at 14 months and prospectively at 18 months. We used the decorated room paradigm to measure pointing frequency, the Turkish communicative development inventory I to measure infants' receptive vocabulary, Turkish communicative development inventory II to measure their expressive vocabulary, and the Looking‐While‐Listening (LWL) task to measure LPE. At 14 months, 34 mother‐infant dyads, and at 18 months, 30 dyads were included in the analyses. We found that only infants' index‐finger pointing frequency at 14 months predicted their LPE (both reaction time and accuracy) prospectively at 18 months but not concurrently at 14 months. Neither maternal pointing nor infants' pointing predicted their receptive and expressive vocabulary based on indirect measurement. The results extend the evidence on the relation between index‐finger pointing and language development to a more direct measure of vocabulary.
Uncovering the mystery of Al(III) doping of ε‐Fe2O3 in the ancient high‐iron black‐brown glaze
Authors: Guan Ming , Guo Yu , Kang Baoqiang , Wang Maolin , Li Gen , Zheng Yi , Ding Yinzhong , Wang Meng , Wood Nigel , Lei Yong , Wei Xiangjun , Ma Ding
Published: September 2023

The world's first high‐fired glazes were made in China, probably in the 16th century BCE, based largely on siliceous clay and calcareous wood ash. By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), this technology was at its zenith and included blackware glazes that exhibited reddish‐brown single‐phase, micron‐scale ε‐Fe2O3 films on their surfaces. However, it has been difficult to synthesize and replicate this effect on a larger scale and to a higher degree of purity through modern synthetic methods. To fully understand this effect, a strategy that combines nanomaterial science methods and theoretical calculation has been developed to study the hare's fur glazes of Song Dynasty (960–1279) Jian wares. Through our study of the original Song glazes, we show that a high‐alumina clay was used in creating the glaze, which introduced Al into the ε‐Fe2O3 lattices, playing a crucial role in metastable crystal stabilization. The explanation of both Al‐doping from clay, combined with a new understanding of ancient but effective firing manipulation, may provide alternative approaches for materials synthesis.
Radio frequency disinfestation of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in semolina: An emerging thermal technique
Authors: Indumathi C. , Manoj D. , Loganathan M. , Shanmugasundaram S.
Published: September 2023

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) infestation is inevitable during the storage of semolina and its derivative products. This study applied the emerging radio frequency (RF) heating technology to disinfest T. castaneum in semolina, using a 40.68 MHz, 10 kW RF unit. In the context of considering the quality of semolina, .8 A RF current load with 8 min exposure time was found to be optimum and effective for attaining 100% disinfestation of T. castaneum in semolina. Changes in moisture content, color and gluten content were determined in RF treated semolina to evaluate the effect of RF heating. Mortality of all life stages of T. castaneum was 100% at 64.40 ± 1.40°C of semolina during RF heating. The susceptibility of T. castaneum to RF heating was egg > pupa > larva > adult. Gluten variance was minor, confirmed by SEM micrographs showing slight differences in structure compared to untreated semolina. This supports RF as an eco‐friendly method for semolina disinfestation, making it a promising innovation.

Practical Applications

This study applied RF disinfestation method for T. castaneum in semolina, research findings in the study indicates that RF treatment for disinfestation of T. castaneum obtained a good result with 100% mortality. The RF treated semolina had a less color variance, significant moisture reduction, compared to control and slight difference in gluten network and starch molecule structure of RF treated semolina compared to untreated semolina.
Orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension are both associated with lower cognitive function: The S.AGES cohort
Authors: Strumia M. , Vidal J. S. , Cestac P. , Sallerin B. , Hanon O. , Rouch L. ,   for the S.AGES Investigators
Published: September 2023

Background

Blood pressure (BP) postural changes, both orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and orthostatic hypertension (OHYPER) are common in older adults. Few studies have investigated their association with cognition, particularly for OHYPER, an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. We aimed to assess the association between OHYPO, OHYPER and cognition in non‐institutionalized older subjects.

Methods

The S.AGES (Sujets ÂGES, Aged Subjects) cohort followed every 6 months for 3 years non‐institutionalized subjects aged ≥65 years without dementia at inclusion, in France. OHYPO and OHYPER were respectively defined as a fall or an increase of ≥20 mmHg in systolic BP and/or ≥10 mmHg in diastolic BP after standing from a sitting position. Cognition was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed models were used for the analyses.

Results

Among the 3170 subjects included (mean age 78 years, 56% women), 209 (6.5%) had OHYPO and 226 (7.1%) had OHYPER at baseline. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and disease, seated SBP/DBP and BP lowering treatment, mean MMSE was 0.52 point lower in participants with OHYPER compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = −0.52 [−0.96; −0.09], p = 0.02) and 0.50 point lower in participants with OHYPO compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = −0.50 [−0.95; −0.06], p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses showed a dose–response relationship between OHYPO and cognition.

Conclusion

Although the absolute differences in MMSE were small, both OHYPO and OHYPER were associated with lower cognition. Orthostatic BP measurements could help identify patients with risk of cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to assess whether controlling orthostatic BP could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognition among older adults.
MicroRNA 4407 modulates nodulation in soybean by repressing a root‐specific ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE (GmIPT3)
Authors: Fan Kejing , Wang Zhili , Sze Ching‐Ching , Niu Yongchao , Wong Fuk‐Ling , Li Man‐Wah , Lam Hon‐Ming
Published: September 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of plant biological processes, including soybean nodulation. One miRNA, miR4407, was identified in soybean roots and nodules. However, the function of miR4407 in soybean is still unknown.

MiR4407, unique to soybean, positively regulates lateral root emergence and root structures and represses a root‐specific ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE (GmIPT3). By altering the expression of miR4407 and GmIPT3, we investigated the role of miR4407 in lateral root and nodule development.

Both miR4407 and GmIPT3 are expressed in the inner root cortex and nodule primordia. Upon rhizobial inoculation, miR4407 was downregulated while GmIPT3 was upregulated. Overexpressing miR4407 reduced the number of nodules in transgenic soybean hairy roots while overexpressing the wild‐type GmIPT3 or a miR4407‐resistant GmIPT3 mutant (mGmIPT3) significantly increased the nodule number. The mechanism of miR4407 and GmIPT3 functions was also linked to autoregulation of nodulation (AON), where miR4407 overexpression repressed miR172c and activated its target, GmNNC1, turning on AON. Exogenous CK mimicked the effects of GmIPT3 overexpression on miR172c, supporting the notion that GmIPT3 regulates nodulation by enhancing root‐derived CK.

Overall, our data revealed a new miRNA‐mediated regulatory mechanism of nodulation in soybean. MiR4407 showed a dual role in lateral root and nodule development.
A scoping review of school‐based anthropometric measurement
Authors: Wilson Oliver W. A. , Thai Michella , Williams Lindsay , Nutter Sarah , Myre Maxine , Russell‐Mayhew Shelly
Published: September 2023

Though anthropometric measurement (AM) frequently occurs in school settings, it is not without risks to child wellbeing. The aim of this scoping review was to examine how AM in school settings takes place and is reported on to make recommendations on best practices. We identified and extracted data from 440 studies published since 2005 that conducted AM in school (pre‐school through secondary/high school) settings. Privacy and sensitivity of AM were unclear in over 90% of studies. Thirty‐one studies (7.0%) reported protecting student privacy, while nine (2.0%) reported public measurement. Only five studies reported sensitivity regarding AM (1.1%). Exactly who conducted AM was not specified in 201 studies (45.7%). Sixty‐nine studies did not provide a weight status criteria citation (19.2%), and 10 used an incorrect citation (2.7%). In summary, serious shortcomings in the reporting of how AM is conducted and by whom, along with details concerning weight status classification, are evident. There is considerable room for improvement regarding the reporting of key methodological details. We propose best practices for AM in school settings, which also double as conditions that should be met before AM takes place in school settings.
Disentangling the roles of chance, abiotic factors and biotic interactions among epiphytic bryophyte communities in a tropical rainforest (Yunnan, China)
Authors: Shen T. , Song L. , Corlett R. T. , Guisan A. , Wang J. , Ma W.‐Z. , Mouton L. , Vanderpoorten A. , Collart F.
Published: September 2023

Epiphytes offer an appealing framework to disentangle the contributions of chance, biotic and abiotic drivers of species distributions. In the context of the stress‐gradient theory, we test the hypotheses that (i) deterministic (i.e., non‐random) factors play an increasing role in communities from young to old trees, (ii) negative biotic interactions increase on older trees and towards the tree base, and (iii) positive interactions show the reverse pattern.

Bryophyte species distributions and abiotic conditions were recorded on a 1.1 ha tropical rainforest canopy crane site. We analysed co‐occurrence patterns in a niche modelling framework to disentangle the roles of chance, abiotic factors and putative biotic interactions among species pairs.

76% of species pairs resulted from chance. Abiotic factors explained 78% of non‐randomly associated species pairs, and co‐occurrences prevailed over non‐coincidences in the remaining species pairs. Positive and negative interactions mostly involved species pairs from the same versus different communities (mosses versus liverworts) and life forms, respectively. There was an increase in randomly associated pairs from large to small trees. No increase in negative interactions from young to old trees or from the canopy to the base was observed.

Our results suggest that epiphytic bryophyte community composition is primarily driven by environmental filtering, whose importance increases with niche complexity and diversity. Biotic interactions play a secondary role, with a very marginal contribution of competitive exclusion. Biotic interactions vary among communities (mosses versus liverworts) and life forms, facilitation prevailing among species from the same community and life form, and competition among species from different communities and life forms.
Impact of growth light environment on oxygen sensitivity in rice: Pseudo‐first‐order response of photosystem I photoinhibition to O2 partial pressure
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Tani Saya
Published: September 2023

Photosynthetic organisms generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) during photosynthetic electron transport reactions on the thylakoid membranes within both photosystems (PSI and PSII), leading to the impairment of photosynthetic activity, known as photoinhibition. In PSI, ROS production has been suggested to follow Michaelis–Menten‐ or second‐order reaction‐dependent kinetics in response to changes in the partial pressure of O2. However, it remains unclear whether ROS‐mediated PSI photoinhibition follows the kinetics mentioned above. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the ROS production kinetics from the aspect of PSI photoinhibition in vivo. For this research objective, we investigated the O2 dependence of PSI photoinhibition by examining intact rice leaves grown under varying photon flux densities. Subsequently, we found that the degree of O2‐dependent PSI photoinhibition linearly increased in response to the increase in O2 partial pressure. Furthermore, we observed that the higher photon flux density on plant growth reduced the O2 sensitivity of PSI photoinhibition. Based on the obtained data, we investigated the O2‐dependent kinetics of PSI photoinhibition by model fitting analysis to elucidate the mechanism of PSI photoinhibition in leaves grown under various photon flux densities. Remarkably, we found that the pseudo‐first‐order reaction formula successfully replicated the O2‐dependent PSI photoinhibition kinetics in intact leaves. These results suggest that ROS production, which triggers PSI photoinhibition, occurs by an electron‐leakage reaction from electron carriers within PSI, consistent with previous in vitro studies.
Unraveling the regulatory role of MYC2 on ASMT gene expression in wheat: Implications for melatonin biosynthesis and drought tolerance
Authors: Shamloo‐Dashtpagerdi Roohollah , Lindlöf Angelica , Nouripour‐Sisakht Javad
Published: September 2023

Recognized for its multifaceted functions, melatonin is a hormone found in both animals and plants. In the plant kingdom, it plays diverse roles, regulating growth, development, and stress responses. Notably, melatonin demonstrates its significance by mitigating the effects of abiotic stresses like drought. However, understanding the precise regulatory mechanisms controlling melatonin biosynthesis genes, especially during monocots' response to stresses, requires further exploration. Seeking to understand the molecular basis of drought stress tolerance in wheat, we analyzed RNA‐Seq libraries of wheat exposed to drought stress using bioinformatics methods. In light of our findings, we identified that the Myelocytomatosis oncogenes 2 (MYC2) transcription factor is a hub gene upstream of a main melatonin biosynthesis gene, N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT), in the wheat drought response‐gene network. Promoter analysis of the ASMT gene suggested that it might be a target gene of MYC2. We conducted a set of molecular and physiochemical assays along with robust machine learning approaches to elevate those findings further. MYC2 and ASMT were co‐regulated under Jasmonate, drought, and a combination of them in the leaf tissues of wheat was detected. A meaningful correlation was observed among gene expression profiles, melatonin contents, photosynthetic activities, antioxidant enzyme activities, H2O2 levels, and plasma membrane damage. The results indicated an evident relationship between jasmonic acid and the melatonin biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, it seems that the MYC2‐ASMT module might contribute to wheat drought tolerance by regulating melatonin contents.
The role of ASEAN and its members in promoting the norm of responsible governance of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction
Authors: Gunasekara Sandya Nishanthi , Karim Md Saiful
Published: September 2023

This article analyses the potential of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members to promote the norm of responsible governance of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Based on the literature on international norms, this article suggests that the norm of responsible governance of ABNJ biodiversity will soon reach the point of a norm cascade, after which it will gradually move towards the stage of norm internalization. As such, the norm can have the potential to standardize appropriate behaviour of States. This article examines ASEAN’s norm‐promotion activities within and outside the region that support an improved governance system for ABNJ. Notably, some ASEAN States play an important role both individually and collectively in the development of a new global legal instrument on marine biodiversity of ABNJ. The findings suggest that although the conservation of biodiversity of ABNJ has been the subject of debate for more than a decade, ASEAN’s initiatives to protect marine biodiversity of ABNJ are limited. This is not surprising considering the lack of jurisdiction in ABNJ. Nevertheless, ASEAN’s overall initiatives for conservation of the marine environment are highly relevant for its future role in ABNJ governance because some regional ocean governance norms are transferable in the ABNJ context.
The art of empathy: Teaching empathy through art
Authors: Harz Dominique , Begin Arabella Simpkin , Alansari Reem , Esparza Ramiro , Zimmermann Corinne , Evans Brooke DiGiovanni , Eisenberg Staci , Katz Joel T.
Published: September 2023

Background

The instruction of empathy is challenging. Although several studies have addressed how art‐based education can foster empathy, there is a need for more evidence showing its impact and students' perceptions, especially in graduate education.

Approach

We designed and implemented a virtual art‐based curriculum focused on fostering empathy—The Art of Empathy. This novel curriculum used diverse art‐based education methodologies to promote meticulous and collaborative observation and reflection, building on constructivism. Thirty‐six interns at the Brigham and Women's Hospital were invited to participate in the curriculum, while 34 served as control.

Evaluation

We used mixed methods to explore interns' perceptions of the curriculum and assess its impact on their empathy. We used two quantitative instruments with known psychometric characteristics: the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) and the Jefferson Scale of Physicians Empathy (JSPE), which were distributed in a survey and completed by 31/99 (31.3%). We collected qualitative data from four interns using semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis showed how The Art of Empathy promoted interns' reflections and actions toward empathy. This was partially supported by the quantitative data that showed significantly higher scores on the ‘Compassionate Care’ subscale of the JSPE (p = 0.039) when compared with interns in the control group. The thematic analysis showed that interns appreciated the curriculum and valued its benefits while highlighting the limitations of the virtual delivery approach.

Implications

Our curriculum was well received by interns and showed the potential of art‐based methodology to promote empathic capacities in graduate students.
Pass-Through Effects of the East African Community Common External Tariffs on Kenya's Domestic Prices
Authors: Mogendi Justine Ongeri , Nganga Tabitha Kiriti , Barasa Laura Nelima
Published: September 2023

This study offers an empirical microlevel analysis of the pass-through effects of the East African Community Common External Tariff on consumer prices in Kenya. Using data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Surveys conducted in 2005 and 2015, this research employs a fixed-effects model to estimate pass-through equations. The analysis focuses on consumer prices for agricultural and manufactured goods. It also considers household residential classifications, distinguishing between rural and urban areas, and it investigates the impact of border proximity and transportation costs on the pass-through effect. The findings show that manufactured goods have a significant pass-through effect. A 1% change in tariffs results in a 0.84% change in consumer prices for manufactured goods. However, the pass-through effects for agricultural goods were incomplete, suggesting that markets for manufactured goods are more competitive in Kenya. The study also found that pass-through effects vary depending on proximity to borders and the urban-rural divide.
Incremental Learning Strategy-Assisted Multi-Objective Optimization for an Oil–Water Mixed Cooling Motor
Authors: Li Wei , Li Yongsheng , Li Congbo , Wang Ningbo , Fu Jiadong
Published: September 2023

As the core component of electric vehicles (EVs), the performance of motors affects the use of EVs. Motors are sensitive to temperature, and overheated operating temperature may cause the deterioration of the magnetic properties and the reduction of efficiency. To effectively improve the heat dissipation of the motor, this work presents an incremental learning strategy-assisted multi-objective optimization method for an oil–water mixed cooling induction motor (IM). The key parameters of the motor are modeled parametrically, and the design of the experiment is carried out by the Latin hypercube method. The incremental learning strategy is used to improve the low accuracy of the surrogate model. Four multi-objective optimization algorithms are used to drive the optimization process, and the optimal cooling system parameters are obtained. The reliability of the proposed method is verified by motor bench experiments. The optimization results suggest that the maximum temperature of the motor is reduced by 5 K after optimization, and the heat dissipation of the motor is improved effectively, which provides a theoretical basis for further promotion and improvement of the induction motor.
Application of Compressed Sensing Method With ℓ1/2-Norm in Fan/Compressor Mode Detection
Authors: Li Zhaoyin , Yang Zeyuan , Chai Pengfei , Sun Zonghan , Tian Jie , Ouyang Hua
Published: September 2023

In this paper, ℓ1/2-norm method is used to replace the traditional ℓ1-norm to improve the compressed sensing technique. Numerical experiments and fan/compressor tests were performed to validate the applicability and robustness of the CS method based on ℓ1/2-norm. Numerical experiments show that ℓ1/2-norm method can effectually eliminate the spurious mode peaks generated by failed recovery of ℓ1-norm method. Further study with random sensor failure shows the stronger robustness and applicability of ℓ1/2-norm method. In the low-order acoustic mode detection experiment on cooling fan, 24 sensors were used to conduct mode decomposition at blade passing frequency (BPF). The recovered signal using ℓ1/2-norm method was sparser than that using ℓ1-norm method. In the case two sensors were randomly removed as failed sensors, the deviation between results of ℓ1/2-norm method and original signal was also found smaller. In the condition that more sensors failed and ℓ1-norm method did not work properly, ℓ1/2-norm method could still detect the main mode. For further validation, the data from a high-order aerodynamic pressure mode detection experiment on axial compressor with two sensors damaged was processed through ℓ1/2-norm method. The mode decomposition results at both BPF and the rotating instability frequency (RIF) agreed with the conclusion of the first experiment. Numerical experiments and fan/compressor tests show that using ℓ1/2-norm can significantly improve the application and robustness of compressed sensing in mode detection.
Experimental Investigation on the Correlation Between Total Pressure and Swirl Distortions
Authors: Zhang Haideng , Wu Yun , Sun Enbo , Li Shanzhen , Zhang Lifu , Long Yuhan
Published: September 2023

To lay the foundations of establishing low-cost methods, which can predict characteristics of swirl distortion inexpensively, experimental investigations on the correlation between total pressure and swirl distortions of an S-duct intake model are implemented. A baffle plate is installed at the inlet of the intake model to generate strong inlet flow distortions, and the flow field at the outlet of the duct is measured using five-hole probes, which are calibrated using zonal calibration algorithm. Total pressure and swirl distortions associated with the baffle plate installed at the upper part of the intake model show no correlations. When baffle plate is installed at left/right part of the intake model, strong total pressure and swirl distortions will interact with each other, and both strength and circumferential location of the two types of distortion are well correlated by linear relationships. When baffle plate is installed at the lower part of the intake model, strong total pressure and paired swirl distortions are induced, and strength of the two types of distortion is well correlated by linear relationship.
In the heart of Dom Pedro I: horror, murders and extreme-right nationalism of Brazilian presidential politics
Authors: Carvalho Paiva Rosana
Published: September 2023

The police officers pushed the man's legs into the vehicle as his body rattled. They forced the trunk door closure so that the smoke from the tear gas bomb did not escape. Genivaldo de Jesus Santos wrestled to survive, but after some minutes, his body stopped rattling. He was taken first to the local police station and then to the Forensic Medical Institute where his death was officially confirmed. The torture and killing of this poor black man were filmed by neighborhood residents in shock at police brutality. In the videos, broadcasted enormously on social networks, one hears the cries of requests for the police officers to release Santos, to open the car, to understand that he was a harmless and acquainted neighbor. (...)
Three-dimensional acoustic vector field model using Gaussian beam tracing
Authors: Chen Yuchen , Zhang Minghui , Gong Lijia
Published: September 2023

A three-dimensional acoustic vector field model was developed using Gaussian beam tracing. The field at any location is computed by coherently summing all contributing beams, where the beam equation of particle velocity depends only on beam width and eikonal. A deep-sea long-range sound propagation experiment in the South China Sea was analyzed using vector hydrophone measurements of particle velocity and sound pressure. The results were compared with the model predictions, indicating that beam tracing is effective in predicting sound pressure and acoustic vector fields in deep water.
The cellular response to extracellular vesicles is dependent on their cell source and dose
Authors: Hagey Daniel W. , Ojansivu Miina , Bostancioglu Beklem R. , Saher Osama , Bost Jeremy P. , Gustafsson Manuela O. , Gramignoli Roberto , Svahn Mathias , Gupta Dhanu , Stevens Molly M. , Görgens André , EL Andaloussi Samir
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been established to play important roles in cell-cell communication and shown promise as therapeutic agents. However, we still lack a basic understanding of how cells respond upon exposure to EVs from different cell sources at various doses. Thus, we treated fibroblasts with EVs from 12 different cell sources at doses between 20 and 200,000 per cell, analyzed their transcriptional effects, and functionally confirmed the findings in various cell types in vitro, and in vivo using single-cell RNA sequencing. Unbiased global analysis revealed EV dose to have a more significant effect than cell source, such that high doses down-regulated exocytosis and up-regulated lysosomal activity. However, EV cell source–specific responses were observed at low doses, and these reflected the activities of the EV’s source cells. Last, we assessed EV-derived transcript abundance and found that immune cell-derived EVs were most associated with recipient cells. Together, this study provides important insights into the cellular response to EVs.
Everything everywhere all at once
Authors: Pillai Asha
Published: September 2023

In successful melanoma immunotherapy, clonal TCRs can recognize multiple tumor-specific antigens simultaneously through cross-reactivity.
Control of the flagellation pattern in
Helicobacter pylori
by FlhF and FlhG
Authors: Gibson Katherine H. , Botting Jack M. , Al-Otaibi Natalie , Maitre Kriti , Bergeron Julien , Starai Vincent J. , Hoover Timothy R.
Published: September 2023

FlhF and FlhG control the location and number of flagella, respectively, in many polar-flagellated bacteria. The roles of FlhF and FlhG are not well characterized in bacteria that have multiple polar flagella, such as
Helicobacter pylori
. Deleting
flhG
in
H. pylori
shifted the flagellation pattern where most cells had approximately four flagella to a wider and more even distribution in flagellar number. As reported in other bacteria, deleting
flhF
in
H. pylori
resulted in reduced motility, hypoflagellation, and the improper localization of flagella to nonpolar sites. Motile variants of
H. pylori
∆
flhF
mutants that had a higher proportion of flagella localizing correctly to the cell pole were isolated, but we were unable to identify the genetic determinants responsible for the increased localization of flagella to the cell pole. One motile variant though produced more flagella than the Δ
flhF
parental strain, which apparently resulted from a missense mutation in
fliF
(encodes the MS ring protein), which changed Asn-255 to aspartate. Recombinant FliF
N255D
, but not recombinant wild-type FliF, formed ordered ring-like assemblies
in vitro
that were ~50 nm wide and displayed the MS ring architecture. We infer from these findings that the FliF
N225D
variant forms the MS ring more effectively
in vivo
in the absence of FlhF than wild-type FliF.

IMPORTANCE

Helicobacter pylori
colonizes the human stomach where it can cause a variety of diseases, including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.
H. pylori
uses flagella for motility, which is required for host colonization. FlhG and FlhF control the flagellation patterns in many bacteria. We found that in
H. pylori
, FlhG ensures that cells have approximately equal number of flagella and FlhF is needed for flagellum assembly and localization. FlhF is proposed to facilitate the assembly of FliF into the MS ring, which is one of the earliest structures formed in flagellum assembly. We identified a FliF variant that assembles the MS ring in the absence of FlhF, which supports the proposed role of FlhF in facilitating MS ring assembly.
Draft genome sequences of 14
Lacticaseibacillus
spp. strains, representatives of a collection of 200 strains
Authors: Colautti Andrea , Rossi Nicolò , Piazza Carla , Comi Giuseppe , Iacumin Lucilla
Published: September 2023

Lactobacilli have a fundamental role in the food industry as starters and probiotics, therefore, requiring special attention concerning food safety. In this work, 14 strains selected accordingly to their genetic fingerprint and physiologic characteristics are presented as representatives of a collection of 200 strains.
Exponential Inequalities for the Tail Probabilities of the Number of Cycles in Generalized Random Graphs
Authors: Bystrov A. A. , Volodko N. V.
Published: September 2023

Let $$R_n
$$ be the centered and normalized number of cycles of
fixed length contained in a generalized random graph with $$n
$$ vertices. We obtain a Höffding-type
exponential inequality for the tail probability of $$R_n$$.
Tracing technological shifts: time-series analysis of correlations between patent classes
Authors: Maragakis M. , Rouni M. A. , Mouza E. , Kanetidis M. , Argyrakis P.
Published: September 2023

Patents are used as a reliable indicator for the study of technological evolution in specific fields. Patent citation networks can further enlighten the relation between individual classes of patents that are used to categorize innovation. The tightening or loosening of bonds between a pair of them can point to a changing landscape in either of the two, or in both. It does, however, clearly signal one or more changes. Thus, it is important to point out pairs of classes that undergo processes of this kind, and try to provide plausible explanations for them. We use patent citation data from the European Patent Office to create the time series of all IPC classes. We then examine all pairs of patent classes for correlations, and discuss those which show the greatest increase, or decrease, over time. We identify classes which show both a significant decrease in their correlation with one class and simultaneously an increase with another. We further proceed to check the cross correlations of all pairs in order to identify pairs which show a time lag in following one another. By implementing specific criteria for the selection of the most promising pairs we distinguish some cases which exhibit strong correlation values with time lags of several months (3–10), and for which we can provide a plausible explanation.
A 14‐Order Hybrid Block Method in Variable Step‐Size Mode for Solving Second‐Order Initial Value Problems
Authors: Jator Samuel N. , Ramos Higinio , Modebei Mark I.
Published: September 2023

The search for efficient higher order methods is a constant goal in numerical analysis. In this paper, a higher order two‐step hybrid block method is presented to directly solve second‐order initial value problems in ordinary differential equations. In addition to the higher order, the proposed method has been formulated in variable step‐size mode to extract its best performance. Comparisons with other methods in the literature show the good accuracy it can provide. Theoretical aspects such as linear stability and convergence analysis are also discussed.
Risk Stratification for Early-onset Colorectal Cancer Screening: Are We Ready for Implementation?
Authors: Siegel Erin M. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Shibata David
Published: September 2023

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is increasing at alarming rates and identifying risk factors is a high priority. There is a need to develop risk stratification approaches for colorectal cancer screening among younger populations. Although there is a growing body of evidence identifying risk factors for EOCRC, including the report by Imperiale and colleagues in this issue, risk stratification for EOCRC screening has not been implemented into practice. This publication highlights how essential it is to bring research findings into practice and bridge the gaps between developing risk prediction modeling in epidemiology and implementation science. While encouraging, we are still a long way off from having a clinically applicable risk prediction tool.

See related article by Imperiale et al., p. 513