bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene–environment transactions between peer cigarette use, parental supervision, and Chinese adolescent cigarette smoking initiation
Authors: Meyer Zachary , Unger Jennifer B. , Zheng Yao
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The initiation and continued use of tobacco products constitute an ongoing source of preventable disease that continues to pose a significant risk to global adolescent health. Scarce research has sought to explore the influences of two well‐known environmental risk factors, parental supervision and peer cigarette use, on genetic and environmental contributions to adolescent cigarette use, especially in non‐Western populations.

Methods

Following 602 Chinese twin pairs (52% female, N = 1204) from early to middle adolescence at two‐time points (Mage = 12 and 15) from 2006 to 2009 and using multivariate biometric modeling, this study examined gene–environment interplay (i.e., gene‐environment correlation and interaction) between perceived parental supervision, peer cigarette use, and adolescent cigarette smoking initiation.

Results

From early to middle adolescence, genetic influences on cigarette smoking initiation became more pronounced, whereas shared environmental influences that promote similarity between family members diminished. Genetic factors primarily explained the links between parental supervision and cigarette smoking initiation in mid‐adolescence. Peer cigarette use displayed stronger associations with and moderating potential in adolescent cigarette smoking initiation than parental supervision. High levels of peer cigarette use amplified genetic risk for cigarette smoking initiation in mid‐adolescence.

Conclusions

Chinese adolescent cigarette smoking initiation involves dynamic gene–environment transactions primarily with peer processes over development. Mid‐adolescence constitutes a developmental period wherein underlying genetic risk for cigarette smoking initiation is particularly sensitive to peer influences. Targeted interventions aimed at reducing Chinese adolescent cigarette smoking initiation should focus on peer processes during this developmental period.
Integrated analysis of ceRNA‐miRNA changes in paraquat‐induced pulmonary epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Ma Zhiyu , Wang Nana , Meng Tingting , Zhang Ruoying , Huang Yang , Li Tiegang
Published: March 2024

Recent studies have shown that epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in paraquat (PQ)‐induced tissue fibrosis, which is the main cause of death in patients with PQ poisoning. However, no effective treatment for pulmonary interstitial fibrosis caused by PQ poisoning exists. It is of great significance for us to find new therapeutic targets through bioinformatics in PQ‐induced EMT. We conducted transcriptome sequencing to determine the expression profiles of 1210 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 558 long noncoding RNAs, 28 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 18 known‐miRNAs, 10 novel‐miRNAs and 154 circular RNAs in the PQ‐exposed EMT group mice. Using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, we identified the pathways associated with signal transduction, cancers, endocrine systems and immune systems were involved in PQ‐induced EMT. Furthermore, we constructed long noncoding RNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interrelated networks and found that upregulated genes included Il22ra2, Mdm4, Slc35e2 and Angptl4, and downregulated genes included RGS2, Gabpb2, Acvr1, Prkd3, Sp100, Tlr12, Syt15 and Camk2d. Thirteen new potential competitive endogenous RNA targets were also identified for further treatment of PQ‐induced pulmonary tissue fibrosis. Through further study of the pathway and networks, we may identify new molecular targets in PQ‐induced pulmonary EMT.
Recent developments in synthetic strategies and pharmacological outcomes of synthetic xanthine oxidase inhibitors: A comprehensive review
Authors: Kaur Gurinder , Sharma Rajiv , Ashu  , Arora Geetakshi , Singh Atamjit , Bedi Preet Mohinder Singh , Bora Kundan Singh
Published: March 2024

Xanthine oxidase is an important enzyme in purine metabolism that converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and subsequently xanthine to uric acid. Its elevated levels result in an abnormal accumulation of uric acid that results in gout and other pathological conditions, which makes it a prime target for the management of gout. Considering this, numerous reports have been published by the various research groups across the globe focusing on the development of effective xanthine oxidase inhibitors. On that ground, numerous review articles are also available describing the pharmacological outputs of these reports, but a composition highlighting the synthetic strategies used in these research works is still missing. This review will focus on various synthetic strategies adopted by different research groups in developing xanthine oxidase inhibitors with their pharmacological outcomes, along with structure activity relationships. This review will help researchers and pharmaceutical chemists in the design and development of new xanthine oxidase inhibitor leads that are highly efficient and have fewer side effects than existing ones.
A general, most basic rule for ion dissociation: Protonated molecules
Authors: Reis Adriano , Augusti Rodinei , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: March 2024

Contrary to the common but potentially misleading belief that when a protonated molecule is excited, it is its most stable protomer that will mandatorily dissociate, we demonstrate herein that, when rationalizing or predicting the chemistry of such ions, we should always search for the most labile protomer. This “most labile protomer” rule, based on the mobile proton model, states therefore that when a protonated molecule is heated, during ionization or by collisions for instance, the loosely bonded proton (H+) can acquire enough energy to detach itself from the most basic site of the molecule and then freely “walk through” the molecular framework to eventually find, if available, another protonation site, forming other less stable but more labile protomers, that is, protomers that may display lower dissociation thresholds. To demonstrate the validity of the “most labile protomer” rule as well as the misleading nature of the “most stable protomer” rule, we have selected several illustrative molecules and have collected their ESI(+)‐MS/MS. To compare energies of precursors and products, we have also performed PM7 calculations and elaborated potential energy surface diagrams for their possible protomers and dissociation thresholds. We have also applied the “most labile protomer” rule to reinterpret—exclusively via classical charge‐induced dissociation cleavages—several dissociation processes proposed for protonated molecules. In an accompanying letter, we have also applied a similar “most labile electromer” rule to ionized molecules.
Dynamic bidirectional regulation of NLRC3 and gammaherpesviruses during viral latency in B lymphocytes
Authors: Kang Hye‐Ri , Han Ji Ho , Ng Yee Ching , Ryu Seungbo , Park Ji‐Yeon , Chung Woo‐Chang , Song Yoon‐Jae , Chen Szu‐Ting , Brickey W. June , Ting Jenny P.‐Y. , Song Moon Jung
Published: March 2024

While most NOD‐like receptors (NLRs) are predominately expressed by innate immune cells, NLRC3, an inhibitory NLR of immune signaling, exhibits the highest expression in lymphocytes. The role of NLRC3 or any NLRs in B lymphocytes is completely unknown. Gammaherpesviruses, including human Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV‐68), establish latent infection in B lymphocytes, which requires elevated NF‐κB. This study shows that during latent EBV infection of human B cells, viral‐encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) decreases NLRC3 transcript. LMP1‐induced‐NF‐κB activation suppresses the promoter activity of NLRC3 via p65 binding to the promoter. Conversely, NLRC3 inhibits NF‐κB activation by promoting the degradation of LMP1 in a proteasome‐dependent manner. In vivo, MHV‐68 infection reduces Nlrc3 transcripts in splenocytes, and Nlrc3‐deficient mice show greater viral latency than controls. These results reveal a bidirectional regulatory circuit in B lymphocytes, where viral latent protein LMP1 reduces NLRC3 expression, while NLRC3 disrupts gammaherpesvirus latency, which is an important step for tumorigenesis.
Empowering SARS‐CoV‐2 variant neutralization with a bifunctional antibody engineered with tandem heptad repeat 2 peptides
Authors: Kim Ji Woong , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Hyun Jung , Heo Kyun , Lee Yoonwoo , Jang Hui Jeong , Lee Ho‐Young , Park Jun Won , Cho Yea Bin , Shin Ha Gyeong , Yang Ha Rim , Lee Hee Eon , Song Jin Young , Lee Sukmook
Published: March 2024

With the global pandemic and the continuous mutations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the need for effective and broadly neutralizing treatments has become increasingly urgent. This study introduces a novel strategy that targets two aspects simultaneously, using bifunctional antibodies to inhibit both the attachment of SARS‐CoV‐2 to host cell membranes and viral fusion. We developed pioneering IgG4‐(HR2)4 bifunctional antibodies by creating immunoglobulin G4‐based and phage display‐derived human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically bind to the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain, engineered with four heptad repeat 2 (HR2) peptides. Our in vitro experiments demonstrate the superior neutralization efficacy of these engineered antibodies against various SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, ranging from original SARS‐CoV‐2 strain to the recently emerged Omicron variants, as well as SARS‐CoV, outperforming the parental mAb. Notably, intravenous monotherapy with the bifunctional antibody neutralizes a SARS‐CoV‐2 variant in a murine model without causing significant toxicity. In summary, this study unveils the significant potential of HR2 peptide‐driven bifunctional antibodies as a potent and versatile strategy for mitigating SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. This approach offers a promising avenue for rapid development and management in the face of the continuously evolving SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, holding substantial promise for pandemic control.
Persimmon tannin promotes the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under ethanol stress
Authors: Ilhamzah  , Tsukuda Yuka , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Ogita Akira , Fujita Ken‐ichi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays a pivotal role in various industrial processes, including bioethanol production and alcoholic beverage fermentation. However, during these fermentations, yeasts are subjected to various environmental stresses, such as ethanol stress, which hinder cell growth and ethanol production. Genetic manipulations and the addition of natural ingredients rich in antioxidants to the culture have been shown to overcome this. Here, we investigated the potential of persimmon tannins, known for their antioxidative properties, to enhance the ethanol stress tolerance of yeast.

RESULTS

Assessment of the effects of 6.25 mg mL−1 persimmon tannins after 48 h incubation revealed cell viability to be increased by 8.9‐ and 6.5‐fold compared to the control treatment with and without 12.5% ethanol, respectively. Furthermore, persimmon tannins reduced ethanol‐induced oxidative stress, including the production of cellular reactive oxygen species and acceleration of lipid peroxidation. However, persimmon tannins could hardly overcome ethanol‐induced cell membrane damage.

CONCLUSION

The findings herein indicate the potential of persimmon tannin as a protective agent for increasing yeast tolerance to ethanol stress by restricting oxidative damage but not membrane damage. Overall, this study unveils the implications of persimmon tannins for industries relying on yeast. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Widening of tibial resection boundaries increases the rate of femoral component valgus and internal rotation in functionally aligned TKA
Authors: Ollivier Britt , Wakelin Edgar , Plaskos Christopher , Vandenneucker Hilde , Luyckx Thomas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of increasing the tibial boundaries in functional alignment on femoral component orientation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A retrospective review of a database of robotic‐assisted TKAs using a digital joint tensioning device was performed (BalanceBot®; Corin). A total of 692 TKAs with correctable deformity were included. Functional alignment with a tibia‐first balancing technique was simulated by performing an anatomic tibial resection to recreate the native medial proximal tibial angle within certain boundaries (A, 87–90°; B, 86–90°; C, 84–92°), while accounting for wear. After balancing the knee, the resulting amount of femoral component outliers in the coronal and axial plane was calculated for each group and correlated to the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification.

Results

The proportion of knees with high femoral component varus (>96°) or valgus (<87°) alignment increased from 24.5% (n = 170) in group A to 26.5% (n = 183) in group B and 34.2% (n = 237) in group C (p < 0.05). Similarly, more knees with high femoral component external rotation (>6°) or internal rotation (>3°) were identified in group C (33.4%, n = 231) than in group B (23.7%, n = 164) and A (18.4%, n = 127) (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant (p < 0.01) overall increase in knees with both femoral component valgus <87° and internal rotation >3° from group A (4.0%, n = 28) to B (7.7%, n = 53) and C (15.8%, n = 109), with CPAK type I and II showing a 12.9‐ and 2.9‐fold increase, respectively.

Conclusion

Extending the tibial boundaries when using functional alignment with a tibia‐first balancing technique in TKA leads to a statistically significant higher percentage of knees with a valgus lateral distal femoral angle < 87° and >3° internal rotation of the femoral component, especially in CPAK type I and II.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
A Preliminary Study of Thermosets from Epoxy Resins Made Using Low‐Toxicity Furan‐Based Diols
Authors: Shafranska Olena , Sutton Catherine , Kalita Deep , Kannaboina Prakash , Tiwari Sandip , Sibi Mukund P. , Webster Dean C.
Published: March 2024

Glycidyl ethers are prepared from a series of furan‐based diols and cured with a diamine to form thermosets. The furan diols demonstrate lower toxicity than bisphenol‐A in a prior study. The diglycidyl ethers show improved thermal stability compared to the parent diols. Cured thermosets are prepared at elevated temperature using isophorone diamine (IPDA). Glass transition temperatures are in the range of 30–54 °C and depend on the structure of the furan diol. Coatings are prepared on steel substrates and show very high hardness, good adhesion, and a range of flexibility. Properties compare favorably with a control based on a bisphenol‐A epoxy resin. The study demonstrates that epoxy resins based on furan diols, which have been shown to have lower toxicity than bisphenol‐A, can form thermosets having properties comparable to a standard epoxy resin system; and thus, are viable as replacements for bisphenol‐A epoxy resins.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the green and low‐carbon transformation of Chinese enterprises
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zhou Bing
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in addressing resource and environmental constraints and achieving sustainable economic and social development. This study examines the impact and mechanisms of AI on the green and low‐carbon transformation of enterprises using a sample of companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2009 to 2021. The research findings indicate that AI has the capability to effectively mitigate corporate carbon emissions (CCE) and enhance the level of green innovation (GI) in enterprises. Mechanism analysis reveals that energy consumption plays a mediating role in the relationship between AI and CCE. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the inhibitory effect of AI on CCE is more pronounced in private enterprises and non‐heavy polluting industries. However, the impact of AI on GI is greater in state‐owned enterprises and heavy‐polluting industries. This study sheds light on the influence of AI on the green and low‐carbon transformation of enterprises, as well as its transmission mechanisms. It provides theoretical and empirical insights for promoting GI, reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency in enterprises.
Time‐lagged associations of mindfulness and self‐regulation with affect and cognition: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Aggarwal Abhishek , Chen Shang‐Ti , Lee Jongwon , Tracy Allison , Qiao Shan , Li Xiaoming , Yang Chih‐Hsiang
Published: March 2024

Mindfulness and self‐regulation practice have shown benefits in reducing emotional disorders and improving cognitive outcomes. This study uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine time‐lagged associations of momentary mindfulness and self‐regulation on affective and cognitive outcomes within college students' natural environments. College students (n = 186) received six surveys per day for seven consecutive days in 2021, 2022, and 2023 using the Expiwell application. Each survey measured students' momentary affect, perceived cognition, mindfulness, and self‐regulation levels. Due to nested data structure, multilevel models were used for analysis. Findings from 4982 EMA surveys revealed that higher levels of momentary mindfulness and self‐regulation at one‐time point were positively associated with perceived cognition (β = 0.102, p < 0.001; β = 0.054, p < 0.05) and positive affect (β = 0.061, p < 0.01; β = 0.057, p < 0.05), and negatively associated with negative affect (β = −0.023, p < 0.005; β = −0.019, p < 0.05) at the subsequent timepoints within a day, after controlling for between‐person associations and other covariates. Higher states of momentary mindfulness and self‐regulation were associated with enhanced affect and cognition at later timepoints within a day. Given these associations, targeting health interventions to induce more frequent practice of mindfulness and self‐regulation in students' daily routines could be a potential way to improve their momentary affect and cognition.
Passivity‐based boundary control for stochastic Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equations
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wu Kai‐Ning
Published: March 2024

The passivity‐based boundary control is considered for stochastic Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers (SKdVB) equations. Both the stochastic input strictly passive (SISP) and stochastic output strictly passive (SOSP) are studied. By introducing Lyapunov functionals and Wirtinger's inequality, sufficient criteria are derived to establish SISP and SOSP for SKdVB equations with boundary disturbances. Moreover, when parameter uncertainties arise in SKdVB equations, the robust stochastic passivity is also investigated and sufficient criteria are presented to achieve the robust SISP and SOSP. Two numerical simulations are employed to show the effectiveness and advantages of our theoretical results.
Varroa destructor parasitism and Deformed wing virus infection in honey bees are linked to peroxisome‐induced pathways
Authors: Erban Tomas , Kadleckova Dominika , Sopko Bruno , Harant Karel , Talacko Pavel , Markovic Martin , Salakova Martina , Kadlikova Klara , Tachezy Ruth , Tachezy Jan
Published: March 2024

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor transmits and triggers viral infections that have deleterious effects on honey bee colonies worldwide. We performed a manipulative experiment in which worker bees collected at emergence were exposed to Varroa for 72 h, and their proteomes were compared with those of untreated control bees. Label‐free quantitative proteomics identified 77 differentially expressed A. mellifera proteins (DEPs). In addition, viral proteins were identified by orthogonal analysis, and most importantly, Deformed wing virus (DWV) was found at high levels/intensity in Varroa‐exposed bees. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the main pathways affected included peroxisomal metabolism, cyto‐/exoskeleton reorganization, and cuticular proteins. Detailed examination of individual DEPs revealed that additional changes in DEPs were associated with peroxisomal function. In addition, the proteome data support the importance of TGF‐β signaling in Varroa–DWV interaction and the involvement of the mTORC1 and Hippo pathways. These results suggest that the effect of DWV on bees associated with Varroa feeding results in aberrant autophagy. In particular, autophagy is selectively modulated by peroxisomes, to which the observed proteome changes strongly corresponded. This study complements previous research with different study designs and suggests the importance of the peroxisome, which plays a key role in viral infections.
A quadratic conservation algorithm for non‐hydrostatic models
Authors: Hao Shifeng , Cui Xiaopeng
Published: March 2024

We propose a quadratic conservation algorithm for non‐hydrostatic models, focusing on energy conservation and consistency. To ensure that the discrete potential and continuity equations are equivalent and to achieve conservation of mass and momentum transport, we introduce a potential reference height into the discrete potential equation. The time integration scheme is based on an explicit fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method with varying time steps, which is specially designed to maintain the quadratic conservation property. To suppress numerical noise, we suggest an adaptive diffusion method that does not lose energy. Numerical noise is estimated by higher order terms of polynomial equations, and diffusion coefficients are determined using a least‐squares method. Numerical tests demonstrate that the quadratic conservation algorithm accurately maintains total energy conservation and produces solutions of comparable quality to those reported in existing literature. Furthermore, it can resolve problems with small‐scale features.
Image of a thawed frozen specimen obtained using a cryoprobe floated with oil droplets in normal saline: An endobronchial lipomatous hamartoma image
Authors: Takigawa Yuki , Sato Ken , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Takada Masahiro , Fujiwara Keiichi
Published: March 2024

Key message

Hereby, we present a rare case of a resected endobronchial tumour that floated or showed oil droplets in saline. In this study, we report an interesting image related to endobronchial lipomatous hamartoma cryotherapy.
ADRC‐SMC‐based disturbance rejection depth‐tracking control of underactuated AUV
Authors: Liu Chuan , Xiang Xianbo , Duan Yu , Yang Lichun , Yang Shaolong
Published: March 2024

The underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) depth‐tracking approach is presented in this research along with comparative field experiments. First, a model‐free ADRC‐SMC pitch autopilot method is proposed to eliminate dynamics‐related disturbances. The active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) framework is adopted to compensate the complicated and unknown pitch dynamics into an approximate integral series type. Sliding mode control (SMC) feedback law is designed to further compensate for dynamic feedback linearization inaccuracy of the ADRC framework. Second, the disturbance rejection double‐loop depth‐tracking approach is suggested in conjunction with adaptive line‐of‐sight (ALOS), which converts depth tracking into pitch tracking. The ALOS not only estimates the actual angle of attack but also compensates the pitch‐tracking inaccuracy from the ADRC‐SMC in the inner loop. Then, the uniformly semiglobally exponential stability of the closed‐loop depth controller is proved after a detailed analysis of the stability from the inner loop to the outer loop. Finally, comparative field experiments are conducted to verify the proposed method. The effectiveness and strong disturbance rejection capabilities of the ADRC‐SMC pitch autopilot method and the suggested depth‐tracking approach are demonstrated by experimental results.
Introducing machine‐learning‐based data fusion methods for analyzing multimodal data: An application of measuring trustworthiness of microenterprises
Authors: Luo Xueming , Jia Nan , Ouyang Erya , Fang Zheng
Published: March 2024

Research Summary

Multimodal data, comprising interdependent unstructured text, image, and audio data that collectively characterize the same source, with video being a prominent example, offer a wealth of information for strategy researchers. We emphasize the theoretical importance of capturing the interdependencies between different modalities when evaluating multimodal data. To automate the analysis of video data, we introduce advanced deep machine learning and data fusion methods that comprehensively account for all intra‐ and inter‐modality interdependencies. Through an empirical demonstration focused on measuring the trustworthiness of grassroots sellers in live streaming commerce on Tik Tok, we highlight the crucial role of interpersonal interactions in the business success of microenterprises. We provide access to our data and algorithms to facilitate data fusion in strategy research that relies on multimodal data.

Managerial Summary

Our study highlights the vital role of both verbal and nonverbal communication in attaining strategic objectives. Through the analysis of multimodal data—incorporating text, images, and audio—we demonstrate the essential nature of interpersonal interactions in bolstering trustworthiness, thus facilitating the success of microenterprises. Leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, such as data fusion for multimodal data and explainable artificial intelligence, we notably enhance predictive accuracy and theoretical interpretability in assessing trustworthiness. By bridging strategic research with cutting‐edge computational techniques, we provide practitioners with actionable strategies for enhancing communication effectiveness and fostering trust‐based relationships. Access our data and code for further exploration.
Secure, light‐weight and dynamic PUF‐based mutual device authentication mechanism in industrial IoT networks
Authors: Jain Usha
Published: March 2024

Security, a fundamental concern in the design and implementation of industrial Internet‐of‐Things (IIoT) networks, can be addressed through an effective authentication mechanism. Because the devices' battery, CPU, and memory are finite resources, any method designed for the IIoT must be resource sensitive. Our paper discussed a mechanism for device mutual authentication in IIoT networks that is adaptable, lightweight, safe, and efficient. In the proposed mechanism, the devices receive a primary secret value and physical unclonable function‐challenge/response pair (PUF‐CRPs) from the server and employ these values to authenticate one another. Later, IIoT devices requests server to update PUF‐CRPs for future communication We employed one‐way hash function, concatenation operation, XOR operation, and PUF‐CRPs to take into account the resource constraints of the devices. It has been established that the proposed mechanism is immune to well‐known attacks after it has undergone a formal evaluation for safety through BAN logic, and automatic validation through AVISPA and ProVerif tools. Comparative evaluation of the existing mechanisms and the proposed mechanism demonstrated that our proposed mechanism is superior to existing mechanisms, and its experimental study revealed that it uses 28% less energy. Our proposed mechanism is more secure and effective in terms of computing, communication, and storage overheads.
Fucoxanthin induces human melanoma cytotoxicity by thwarting the JAK2/STAT3/BCL‐xL signaling axis
Authors: Kuo Min‐Yung , Dai Wen‐Chyi , Chang Jie‐Li , Chang Jo‐Shu , Lee Tse‐Min , Chang Chia‐Che
Published: March 2024

Melanoma is the most lethal skin malignancy. Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid with significant anticancer activities. Intriguingly, Fucoxanthin's impact on human melanoma remains elusive. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) represents a promising target in cancer therapy due to its persistent activation in various cancers, including melanoma. Herein, we revealed that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic to human melanoma cell lines A2758 and A375 while showing limited cytotoxicity to normal human melanocytes. Apoptosis is a primary reason for Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity, as the pan‐caspase inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk drastically abrogated Fucoxanthin‐elicited clonogenicity blockage. Besides, Fucoxanthin downregulated tyrosine 705‐phosphorylated STAT3 (p‐STAT3 (Y705)), either inherently present in melanoma cells or inducible by interleukin 6 (IL‐6) stimulation. Notably, ectopic expression of STAT3‐C, a dominant‐active STAT3 mutant, abolished Fucoxanthin‐elicited melanoma cell apoptosis and clonogenicity inhibition, supporting the pivotal role of STAT3 blockage in Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity. Moreover, Fucoxanthin lowered BCL‐xL levels by blocking STAT3 activation, while ectopic BCL‐xL expression rescued melanoma cells from Fucoxanthin‐induced killing. Lastly, Fucoxanthin was found to diminish the levels of JAK2 with dual phosphorylation at tyrosine residues 1007 and 1008 in melanoma cells, suggesting that Fucoxanthin impairs STAT3 signaling by blocking JAK2 activation. Collectively, we present the first evidence that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic selectively against human melanoma cells while sparing normal melanocytes. Mechanistically, Fucoxanthin targets the JAK2/STAT3/BCL‐xL antiapoptotic axis to provoke melanoma cell death. This discovery implicates the potential application of Fucoxanthin as a chemopreventive or therapeutic strategy for melanoma management.
Repositioning Differentiation Time as Literacy Acceleration Time
Authors: Walpole Sharon
Published: March 2024

In this invited Viewpoint, Sharon Walpole tracks her thinking about feasible, effective, small‐group differentiated instruction. She acknowledges political pressures and the focus on science of reading. She describes the attractiveness and feasibility of guided reading. She then identifies some salient criticisms of the assessments, texts, and instructional model used in guided reading. Finally, she proposes a different use of small‐group time to provide feasible differentiated instruction in foundational skills for students who need them. She invites teachers to investigate the utility of repurposed differentiated small‐group time to accelerate literacy achievement.
Biofilms on plastic litter in an urban river: Community composition and activity vary by substrate type
Authors: Lazcano Raúl F. , Kelly John J. , Hoellein Timothy J.
Published: March 2024

In aquatic ecosystems, plastic litter is a substrate for biofilms. Biofilms on plastic and natural surfaces share similar composition and activity, with some differences due to factors such as porosity. In freshwaters, most studies have examined biofilms on benthic substrates, while little research has compared the activity and composition of biofilms on buoyant plastic and natural surfaces. Additionally, the influence of substrate size and successional stage on biofilm composition has not been commonly assessed. We incubated three plastics of distinct textures that are buoyant in rivers, low‐density polyethylene (rigid; 1.7 mm thick), low‐density polyethylene film (flexible; 0.0254 mm thick), and foamed polystyrene (brittle; 6.5 mm thick), as well as wood substrates (untreated oak veneer; 0.6 mm thick) in the Chicago River. Each material was incubated at three sizes (1, 7.5, and 15 cm2). Substrates were incubated at 2–10 cm depths and removed weekly for 6 weeks. On each substrate we measured chlorophyll concentration, biofilm biomass, respiration, and flux of nitrogen gas. We sequenced 16S and 23S rRNA genes at Weeks 1, 3, and 6 to capture biofilm community composition across successional stages. Chlorophyll, biomass, and N2 flux were similar across substrates, but respiration was greater on wood than plastics. Bacterial and algal richness and diversity were highest on foam and wood compared to polyethylene substrates. Bacterial biofilm community composition was distinct between wood and plastic substrates, while the algal community was distinct on wood and foam, which were different from each other and polyethylene substrates. These results indicate that polymer properties influence biofilm alpha and beta diversity, which may affect transport and distribution of plastic pollution and associated microbes, as well as biogeochemical processes in urban rivers. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of substrate on biofilm characteristics, and the ecological impacts of plastic pollution on urban rivers.

Practitioner Points

Plastic physical and chemical properties act as forces of selection for biofilm.

Biofilm activity was similar among three different types of plastic.

Community composition between plastic and wood was different.
Beyond reader proteins: RNA binding proteins and RNA modifications in conversation to regulate gene expression
Authors: Fagre Christian , Gilbert Wendy
Published: March 2024

Post‐transcriptional mRNA modifications play diverse roles in gene expression and RNA function. In many cases, RNA modifications function by altering how cellular machinery such as RNA binding proteins (RBPs) interact with RNA substrates. For instance, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is recognized by the well‐characterized YTH domain‐containing family of “reader” proteins. For other mRNA modifications, similar global readers of modification status have not been clearly defined. Rather, most interactions between RBPs and RNA modifications have a more complicated dependence on sequence context and binding modality. The current handful of studies that demonstrate modifications impacting protein binding likely represent only a fraction of the full landscape. In this review, we dissect the known instances of RNA modifications altering RBP binding, specifically m6A, N1‐methyladenosine (m1A), 5‐methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ), and internal N7‐methylguanosine. We then review the biochemical properties of these and other identified mRNA modifications including dihydrouridine (D), N4‐acetylcytosine (ac4C), and 2′‐O‐Methylation (Nme). We focus on how these properties would be likely to impact RNA:RBP interactions, including by changes to hydrogen bond potential, base‐stacking efficiency, and RNA conformational preferences. The effects of RNA modifications on secondary structure have been well‐studied, and we briefly discuss how structural effects imparted by modifications can lead to protein binding changes. Finally, we discuss strategies for uncovering as‐yet‐to‐be identified modification‐sensitive RBP:RNA Interactions. Coordinating future efforts to intersect the epitranscriptome and the RNA–protein interactome will illuminate the rules governing RNA modification recognition and the mechanisms responsible for the biological consequences of mRNA modification.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Recognition

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Variable thermal conductivity in context of Green‐Naghdi theory of thermo‐microstretch solids
Authors: Ailawalia Praveen , Priyanka  , Marin Marin , Altenbach Holm
Published: March 2024

The present work aims to study the influence of variable thermal conductivity in generalized thermoelastic solid with microstretch within the framework of the Green‐Naghdi theory. The analytical methodology is adopted for obtaining exact expressions of displacement components, stresses, couple stresses, micro stress distribution and temperature distribution. The effect of variable thermal conductivity is illustrated graphically in two and three dimensions for the above physical quantities by taking different values of thermal conductivity.
Calling the Shots: How Each Student Can Flourish with Freedom, Equity, and Community
Authors: Cobián Franco Mosso
Published: March 2024

We witness democratic education when kids are finding and shaping their own purpose and having the power to shape their own “stellar” learning experience.
Developing Voice in Middle School Through Examining Essential Questions
Authors: Cushman-Patz Buffy
Published: March 2024

A democratic education in this context means knowing that you have choice over what you do and how you spend your time. You know that you can speak up and your voice will matter.
Fixing Rising Price Paths for Fossil Energy: Basis of a “Green Growth” without Rebound Effects
Authors: Schulmeister Stephan
Published: March 2024

The transformation towards a zero-carbon economy requires a comprehensive renovation of the capital stock. This chapter proposes a system of effective carbon pricing that avoids the rebound effects of the related (transitory) “green growth” on carbon emissions. Technically, a system of effective carbon pricing could easily be implemented: a group of countries like the EU, or the biggest carbon emitters as “China-US-EU climate club” or a “Mercosur climate club” sets a path of steadily rising prices of crude oil, coal, and natural gas by skimming off the difference between the target price and the respective world market price through a flexible quantity tax.
Ernährung als Aufgabe der kommunalen Daseinsvorsorge?
Authors: Schanz Heiner , Sipple David
Published: March 2024

Bisher betrachten nur wenige Kommunen in Deutschland den Ernährungsbereich als Teil ihres kommunalen Wirkungsfeldes. Dabei reichen die Aufgaben von Städten und Gemeinden, beispielsweise im Bereich der öffentlichen Beschaffung, durchaus in ernährungsrelevante Bereiche hinein. Dieser Beitrag zeigt zunächst auf, welche kommunalen Wirkungsfelder im Bereich der Ernährung bereits heute bestehen. Dann wird Ernährung im Kontext der kommunalen Daseinsvorsore betrachtet. Dies erfolgt auch anhand zweier illustrativer Beispiele aus der kommunalen Praxis. Angesichts des Strukturwandels der Land- und Ernährungswirtschaft, der zunehmenden negativen ökologischen, ökonomischen und sozialen Auswirkungen des Ernährungsbereiches, sowie Fragen der Ernährungssicherheit auf lokaler Ebene, diskutiert der Beitrag Ernährung als potenzielle Aufgabe der kommunalen Daseinsvorsorge.
Steuerbarkeit des Ernährungssystems durch Kommunalpolitik und -verwaltung
Authors: Sipple David , Wiek Arnim , McRae Sophia
Published: March 2024

Auf kommunaler Ebene gibt es einen ordnungspolitischen Rahmen, der eine gewisse Steuerung der nachhaltigen Entwicklung von Ernährungssystemen erlaubt. So verfügen Kommunen über regulierende, ökonomische, kooperative und informative Instrumente, um die nachhaltige Entwicklung der lokalen Ernährungswirtschaft und damit ein zentrales Element der Ernährungswende voranzutreiben. Dieser Steuerungsrahmen und die entsprechenden Instrumente sind bisher wenig erforscht und systematisch erfasst. Dieser Beitrag vergleicht die aktuelle Forschung zum Thema und identifiziert bestehende Lücken. Darauf aufbauend wird eine systematische Erfassung von kommunalen Instrumenten zur Stärkung der lokalen nachhaltigen Ernährungswirtschaft vorgestellt. Der Beitrag schließt mit einem Überblick zu Herausforderungen und Grenzen kommunaler Steuerbarkeit der Ernährungswende, sowie dem weiteren Forschungs- und Schulungsbedarf zu diesem Thema.
Perspektiven der nachhaltigen Gestaltung des lokalen Ernährungssystems durch Kommunalpolitik und -verwaltung
Authors: Sipple David , Wiek Arnim , Schanz Heiner
Published: March 2024

Kommunalpolitik und -verwaltung wenden sich vermehrt der nachhaltigen Gestaltung des lokalen Ernährungssystems und der lokalen Ernährungswirtschaft zu. In diesem Kapitel geht es darum, die geschichtliche Entwicklung dahinter zu skizzieren und zusammenfassend die Frage zu beantworten, welche Spielräume und Instrumente dafür gegenwärtig zur Verfügung stehen. Abschließend wird der weitere Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarf aufgezeigt.
Domain-wall Skyrmion phase in a rapidly rotating QCD matter
Authors: Eto Minoru , Nishimura Kentaro , Nitta Muneto
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Based on the chiral perturbation theory at the leading order, we show a signal of the presence of a new phase in rapidly rotating QCD matter with two flavors, that is a domain-wall Skyrmion phase. Based on the chiral Lagrangian with a Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) term responsible for the chiral anomaly and chiral vortical effect, it was shown that the ground state is a chiral soliton lattice (CSL) consisting of a stack of η-solitons in a high density region under rapid rotation. In a large parameter region, a single η-soliton decays into a pair of non-Abelian solitons, each of which carries SU(2)V/U(1) ≃ ℂP1 ≃ S2 moduli as a consequence of the spontaneously broken vector symmetry SU(2)V. In such a non-Abelian CSL, we construct the effective world-volume theory of a single non-Abelian soliton to obtain a d = 2 + 1 dimensional ℂP1 model with a topological term originated from the WZW term. We show that when the chemical potential is larger than a critical value, a topological lump supported by the second homotopy group π2(S2) ≃ ℤ has negative energy and is spontaneously created, implying the domain-wall Skyrmion phase. This lump corresponds in the bulk to a Skyrmion supported by the third homotopy group π3[SU(2)] ≃ ℤ carrying a baryon number. This composite state is called a domain-wall Skyrmion, and is stable even in the absence of the Skyrme term. An analytic formula for the effective nucleon mass in this medium can be written only in terms of the meson’s constants as $$ 4\sqrt{2}\pi {f}_{\pi }{f}_{\eta }/{m}_{\pi}\sim 1.21 $$
4

2

π

f
π

f
η

/

m
π

~
1.21
GeV with the decay constants fπ and fη of the pions and η meson, respectively, and the pion mass mπ. This is reasonably heavier than the nucleon mass in the QCD vacuum.
Holographic Euclidean thermal correlator
Authors: He Song , Li Yi
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we compute holographic Euclidean thermal correlators of the stress tensor and U(1) current from the AdS planar black hole. To this end, we set up perturbative boundary value problems for Einstein’s gravity and Maxwell theory in the spirit of Gubser-Klebanov-Polyakov-Witten, with appropriate gauge fixing and regularity boundary conditions at the horizon of the black hole. The linearized Einstein equation and Maxwell equation in the black hole background are related to the Heun equation of degenerate local monodromy. Leveraging the connection relation of local solutions of the Heun equation, we partly solve the boundary value problem and obtain exact two-point thermal correlators for U(1) current and stress tensor in the scalar and shear channels.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 3 conformal superspace in four dimensions
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , Raptakis Emmanouil S. N.
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We develop a superspace formulation for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 conformal supergravity in four spacetime dimensions as a gauge theory of the superconformal group SU(2, 2|3). Upon imposing certain covariant constraints, the algebra of conformally covariant derivatives $$ {\nabla}_A=\left({\nabla}_a,{\nabla}_{\alpha}^i,{\nabla}_i^{\overset{\cdot }{\alpha }}\right) $$

∇
A

=

∇
a

∇
α
i

∇
i

α
⋅

is shown to be determined in terms of a single primary chiral spinor superfield, the super-Weyl spinor Wα of dimension +1/2 and its conjugate. Associated with Wα is its primary descendant Bij of dimension +2, the super-Bach tensor, which determines the equation of motion for conformal supergravity. As an application of this construction, we present two different but equivalent action principles for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 conformal supergravity. We describe the model for linearised $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 conformal supergravity in an arbitrary conformally flat background and demonstrate that it possesses U(1) duality invariance. Additionally, upon degauging certain local symmetries, our superspace geometry is shown to reduce to the U(3) superspace constructed by Howe more than four decades ago. Further degauging proves to lead to a new superspace formalism, called SU(3) superspace, which can also be used to describe $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 conformal supergravity. Our conformal superspace setting opens up the possibility to formulate the dynamics of the off-shell $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 super Yang-Mills theory coupled to conformal supergravity.
Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) have swarmed more often over the last two decades
Authors: Morii Kiyohito , Sakamoto Yoshiko
Published: March 2024

The impacts of temperature increase are a concern for honey bees, which are major pollinators of crops and wild plants. Swarming is the reproductive behavior of honey bees that increases colony numbers. Honey bee colonies sometimes swarm multiple times, with each swarming termed a “swarming event” and a series of these events called a “swarming cycle.” The number of swarming events per swarming cycle varies widely depending on climatic conditions and subspecies, and the recent temperature increase due to global warming might be affecting the number of swarming events per swarming cycle of native honey bees. We clarified long-term changes in the number of swarming events per swarming cycle of Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) by collecting beekeepers’ swarming logbooks. The survey showed that between 2000 and 2022, Japanese honey bees swarmed 1 to 8 times per swarming cycle. Generalized linear model analysis indicated that year had a significant positive effect (coefficient, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.04); that is, the number of swarming events per swarming cycle showed a moderate increase over time. In addition, we found that colonies swarmed more often in a cycle when the swarming process began in early spring, especially in March. Considering the notably strong trend in Japan of warmer temperatures in March, the number of swarming events per swarming cycle may be increasing because reproduction is beginning earlier in the year. Further analyses are needed to verify the causal relationship of temperature increase on the number of swarming events per swarming cycle.
Using drone-retrieved multispectral data for phenomic selection in potato breeding
Authors: Maggiorelli Alessio , Baig Nadia , Prigge Vanessa , Bruckmüller Julien , Stich Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Predictive breeding approaches, like phenomic or genomic selection, have the potential to increase the selection gain for potato breeding programs which are characterized by very large numbers of entries in early stages and the availability of very few tubers per entry in these stages. The objectives of this study were to (i) explore the capabilities of phenomic prediction based on drone-derived multispectral reflectance data in potato breeding by testing different prediction scenarios on a diverse panel of tetraploid potato material from all market segments and considering a broad range of traits, (ii) compare the performance of phenomic and genomic predictions, and (iii) assess the predictive power of mixed relationship matrices utilizing weighted SNP array and multispectral reflectance data. Predictive abilities of phenomic prediction scenarios varied greatly within a range of − 0.15 and 0.88 and were strongly dependent on the environment, predicted trait, and considered prediction scenario. We observed high predictive abilities with phenomic prediction for yield (0.45), maturity (0.88), foliage development (0.73), and emergence (0.73), while all other traits achieved higher predictive ability with genomic compared to phenomic prediction. When a mixed relationship matrix was used for prediction, higher predictive abilities were observed for 20 out of 22 traits, showcasing that phenomic and genomic data contained complementary information. We see the main application of phenomic selection in potato breeding programs to allow for the use of the principle of predictive breeding in the pot seedling or single hill stage where genotyping is not recommended due to high costs.