bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study longer or study effectively? Better study strategies can compensate for less study time and predict goal achievement and lower negative affect
Authors: Theobald Maria
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

The hypothesis that study strategies can compensate for less study time in predicting learning outcomes has often been proposed but rarely tested empirically.

Methods

In the present study, 231 university students reported their daily perceived time spent on self‐study, study strategies (planning, monitoring, concentration and procrastination) and goal achievement over a 30 days period.

Results and Conclusion

Results showed that both more overall perceived study time and better study strategies (better planning, monitoring, and concentration, less procrastination) predicted higher goal achievement at the end of the day. In addition, perceived study time and study strategies interactively predicted goal achievement. When students reported better planning, monitoring and concentration as well as lower procrastination, less time was needed to achieve a high goal level compared to days on which they studied less strategically. In other words, when students studied less strategically, they had to invest more time to reach a higher goal level. In addition, perceived study time and study strategies were related to students' negative affect. Negative affect was particularly high when students studied for many hours with low concentration, and it was particularly low when students studied for only a few hours and procrastinated less. Taken together, the results suggest a compensatory effect of study time and study strategies on daily goal achievement and affect, highlighting the need to teach students effective study strategies.
The impact of a multidisciplinary team approach on the management of patients diagnosed with complex colorectal polyps
Authors: Westwood Clare , Beaton David , Beintaris Iosif , Jacob John , Etherson Kevin , Ranjan Ravi , Rutter Matthew D.
Published: October 2024

Aim

Large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) have a greater than average risk of malignancy, incomplete resection/recurrence and complications associated with treatment. Appropriate management of these lesions is crucial to prevent cancer and reduce harm. The British Society of Gastroenterologists (BSG) and the Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) published guidelines for the management of LNPCPs in 2015. The aim of this work was to evaluate the case mix and outcomes from a single centre's multidisciplinary approach to managing such lesions against the key performance indicators (KPIs) set within these national guidelines.

Method

Cohort study from a single centre over a 2‐year period, January 2020 to December 2022.

Results

After exclusions, a total of 229 cases were discussed. Most complex polyps were treated endoscopically, with conservative management recommended in 22 cases where patients had significant comorbidities and were unlikely to benefit from therapy. The overall surgical intervention rate (including transanal endoscopic microsurgery/per anal excision) was 14%. Of the cases treated endoscopically, there was residual polyp detected in 3.9% at 12‐months’ follow‐up. Complications were rare. There was a single case of perforation following endoscopic submucosal dissection and no significant postprocedure bleeds. There were no perforations following endoscopic mucosal resection, although postpolypectomy bleeding requiring admission occurred in 4%. Sixty‐eight per cent of patients were treated within 56 days of multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion, despite the timeframe being within a period of huge disruption due to the global COVID pandemic. KPI standards published by the BSG were therefore met.

Conclusion

MDT management of complex polyps (LNPCPs) is effective and meets the standards set by national guidance. Patient outcomes following treatment for complex polypectomy are improved when the most appropriate procedure is performed by the most appropriate operator. Discussion at a complex polyp MDT can facilitate this approach.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AIR QUALITY AND FINANCIAL RISK AVERSION: A VIEW OF HETERO‐GENEOUS RESPONSE TO AIR POLLUTION
Authors: Ma Xunzhou , Liang Liurong , Wu Zhen‐Xing , Cao Zhicheng , You Yibo , Xue Cheng
Published: October 2024

This paper conducts experiments on a sample of subjects from Chengdu and Wuhan, China, who are mostly unconcerned about air pollution. We provide evidence on the relationship between air quality and financial risk aversion by assessing the plausibility of two channels: affects and cognitive ability. We find that air pollution increases the financial risk aversion of subjects who are concerned about it by altering their emotional responses. However, the cognitive abilities of our subjects are not affected by air pollution, regardless of whether they are concerned about the pollution or not. Meanwhile, we show that reference dependence effect can explain why most subjects in our sample are not highly concerned about air quality. The results of our study stress the importance of beliefs about the impact of air pollution in determining the relationship between air pollution and human behavior.
Vibrations from the crypt: Investigating the possibility of vibrational communication in burying beetles
Authors: Conrad Taina , Roberts Louise , Steiger Sandra , Ringlein Marie
Published: October 2024

Communication is fundamental in the animal kingdom, essential to interactions such as mating, defense, and parental care. Vibrational communication has often been overlooked in the past, but in recent decades, it has become clear that insects use substrate vibrations as a communication signal. In burying beetles of the genus Nicrophorus, which are known for their biparental brood care, both parents stridulate. Spending a considerable period of their lives underground, it is very likely the beetles utilize vibrations as part of their communication system. As playback experiments are challenging with this species, this study looked at the physical propagation of the signal of Nicrophorus vespilloides Herbst (Coleoptera: Siliphidae) through three soil types, as well as behavior, to see whether vibrational communication is possible. The aims were to determine: (1) whether the soils used in the laboratory compare to soil from the field, (2) whether the distance of propagation is enough for the range the beetles cover during brood care, (3) whether the two sexes show a difference in stridulation likelihood, (4) whether propagation of defensive signals differs from brood care signals, and (5) whether we can determine a behavior during stridulations that shows a clear and useable reaction to the signal. We manipulated beetles to induce stridulation and then used laser Doppler vibrometers to record the signals using three substrates and various distances, alongside behavioral observations. We showed that the three substrates tested, peat, coconut coir, and forest soil, displayed differences in terms of vibrational propagation, and that burying beetle stridulation signals can be transmitted up to about 25 cm in the soil. We also showed that the location where the animals stridulate exerts a significant influence on the total duration and number of stridulations. Overall, vibrational communication is in principle conceivable in this species, as the signals are transmitted far enough in the natural substrate to allow complex communication, opening possibilities for vibrational communication during this biparental brood care.
The Impact of Microbial Interactions on Ecosystem Function Intensifies Under Stress
Authors: Bertolet Brittni L. , Rodriguez Luciana Chavez , Murúa José M. , Favela Alonso , Allison Steven D.
Published: October 2024

A major challenge in ecology is to understand how different species interact to determine ecosystem function, particularly in communities with large numbers of co‐occurring species. We use a trait‐based model of microbial litter decomposition to quantify how different taxa impact ecosystem function. Furthermore, we build a novel framework that highlights the interplay between taxon traits and environmental conditions, focusing on their combined influence on community interactions and ecosystem function. Our results suggest that the ecosystem impact of a taxon is driven by its resource acquisition traits and the community functional capacity, but that physiological stress amplifies the impact of both positive and negative interactions. Furthermore, net positive impacts on ecosystem function can arise even as microbes have negative pairwise interactions with other taxa. As communities shift in response to global climate change, our findings reveal the potential to predict the biogeochemical functioning of communities from taxon traits and interactions.
Mrc1Claspin is essential for heterochromatin maintenance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Kawakami Kei , Ueno Yukari , Hayama Nao , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: October 2024

In eukaryotes, maintenance of heterochromatin structure that represses gene expression during cell proliferation is essential for guaranteeing cell identity. However, how heterochromatin is maintained and transmitted to the daughter cells remains elusive. In this study, we constructed a reporter system to study the maintenance of heterochromatin in the subtelomeric region of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We demonstrated that once subtelomeric heterochromatin was established, it tended to be maintained as a metastable structure through cell proliferation. Using this system, we screened an S. pombe genome‐wide gene deletion library for subtelomeric heterochromatin maintenance factors and identified 57 genes related to various cellular processes, in addition to well‐characterized heterochromatin factors. We focused on Mrc1Claspin, a mediator of DNA replication checkpoint. We found that Mrc1 maintains heterochromatin structure not only at the subtelomeres but also at the pericentromeres and mating‐type regions. Furthermore, we showed that Mrc1 is required for the localization of Snf2/Hdac‐containing Repressor Complex (SHREC) and the maintenance of hypoacetylation state of histone H3K14. This study complements the recent discoveries that Mrc1 functions as a histone H3‐H4 chaperone in heterochromatin maintenance.
Service Quality in Spectator Sports: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Biscaia Rui , Ramos Ricardo Filipe , Yoshida Masayuki , Kim Yukyoum
Published: October 2024

Although service quality in spectator sports has been subject to extensive research, comprehensive studies mapping the intellectual structure and foundations of service quality in spectator sports are scant. The purpose of the current study was to synthesise and analyse the literature on service quality in spectator sports, and set a new research agenda by conducting a hybrid integrated review of the articles between 1996 and 2023. A total of 149 peer‐reviewed journal articles were analyzed. First, a bibliometric analysis provided the citation structure and evolution of publications, source impact, most cited articles, most productive authors and associated impact. Then, a framework‐based review including the articles' context, theories, type of study, service quality dimensions, spectator outcomes and limitations was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and identify future research directions. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the structure and intellectual base of existent research, identifying gaps and suggesting a research agenda to deepen the understanding and management of service quality in spectator sports.
Quality problems in clinical practice guidelines and guideline appraisal studies: Should we tolerate or eradicate?
Authors: Yang Guo‐Xun , Dou Shu‐Qian , Liu Xiao‐Bo , Que Ting , Tang Yong , Wang Xin , Yan Long‐Zong , Zhou Li‐Na , Jin Cheng‐Bo , Wang Yuan , Wang Qi , Wu Kong‐Jia , Liu Wen‐Jun
Published: October 2024

Background

Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument have been widely used by scholars around the world to assess the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We sought to identify items or domains that are commonly scored low in the assessment, and to systematically review the issues that emerged when evaluators used the AGREE II tool for guideline quality assessment.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted to identify articles published in medically relevant databases from 2022 to 2023 regarding the use of the AGREE II tool for the assessment of CPGs. We extracted six quality domains and overall quality assessment data of CPGs included in the literature, and processed the data using descriptive statistical analysis, difference analysis, regression analysis, and correlation analysis. A seven‐point Likert scale was used to assess the reporting quality of the included articles.

Results

151 relevant publications were identified, including 2081 guidelines published between 1990 and 2022. The results of the regression analysis showed a statistically significant impact of all domains on overall guideline quality (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.777). Domain 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 scores differed significantly over time (p < 0.001) and were increasing. The score was good for Domain 4 (median 78.00 [IQR: 62.75–89.00]; mean 74.34 [SD 18.85]) and Domain 1 (median 78.00 [IQR: 61.00–90.00]; mean 73.57 [SD 21.12]). Scores were generic for Domain 6 (median 58.33 [IQR: 25.00–83.33]; mean 53.98 [SD 34.13]), Domain 2 (median 53.00 [IQR: 33.30–72.10]; mean 53.30 [SD 24.52]) and Domain 3 (median 51.00 [IQR: 26.02–73.00]; mean 50.44 [SD 27.19]). The score was poor for Domain 5 (median 36.20 [IQR: 20.20–58.32]; mean 40.21 [SD 24.90]). In addition, the quality evaluation results of the included articles showed that 33.1% were evaluated as low and 11.9% as very low.

Conclusions

AGREE II tools have facilitated the development of methodological quality for CPGs. Although the quality of CPGs has improved over time, some general low‐quality problems still exist, and solving these problems will be an effective way for developers to upgrade the quality of guidelines. In addition, addressing critical issues in the evaluation of guidelines to present high‐quality study reports would be another way to guide guideline development.
In Situ Diagnosis and Digital Cataloguing of Plant Pathogenic Fungi Through Mobile‐Based Foldscope Microscopy
Authors: Mooventhan Palanisamy , Sivalingam Palaiyur Nanjappan , Singh Harvinder Kumar , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Dhimar Yogita , Singh Uttam , Kaushal Pankaj , Ghosh Probir Kumar
Published: October 2024

Agriculture confronts multifaceted challenges across the spectrum of crop production, with pest and disease management being a prominent concern. Timely diagnosis of crop diseases is imperative for mitigating production costs and curbing the adverse environmental impacts of chemical pesticides. In the present investigation, mobile phone‐based foldscope microscopy (MBFM) was used to diagnose various field samples infected with fungal diseases of field and horticultural crops, and the same was validated with the normal microscope pictures and field symptoms. The MBFM was also used to diagnose seed‐borne microflora associated with wheat and spores of commercial formulation of bioagents and validated. The MBFM utilises both symptoms and morphological structures of pathogen for in situ field diagnosis and hence advantages over the symptom‐based mobile Apps. This study underscores the utility of foldscope microscope as a potent technique for plant pathologists and extension workers to enable real‐time and in situ identification of diseases caused by fungal pathogens in various agricultural crops.
Estimation of Metabolizable Amino Acids and Energy Requirements and Development of Mathematical Models to Predict Average Daily Gain for Beef Cattle
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Shen Chun , Zhao Guangyong , Li Meng M.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to estimate metabolizable energy (ME), protein (MP) and amino acids (MAA) requirements for maintenance and growth, and to develop a mathematical model to predict ADG for beef cattle using a meta‐regression approach. A data set including 91 sources of literature with 385 treatments was assembled after data collection and screening. To estimate nutrient requirements for maintenance and growth, metabolizable nutrient intakes were regressed on metabolic body weight (MBW) and ADG using a mixed model with a random study effect. A multiple linear regression model was derived to predict ADG using MBW and nutrient intakes as independent variables. The random forest analysis was used to identify the importance of independent variables associated with ADG and compare it with the multiple linear regression model. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by Monte−Carlo cross‐evaluation. The ME and MP requirements for maintenance were 0.56 MJ/BW0.75 and 4.31 g/BW0.75. The maintenance requirements of metabolizable arginine (Arg), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), valine (Val) and total AA were 0.044, 0.073, 0.013, 0.13, 0.10, 0.024, 0.075, 0.026, 0.088, 0.11 and 0.76 g/BW0.75. The estimated ME and MP requirements for growth were 45.8 MJ/kg ADG and 398.7 g/kg ADG. The growth requirements of metabolizable Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Phe, Val and total AA were 4.5, 6.4, 7.3, 24.0, 2.9, 2.4, 6.1, 1.7, 9.5, 9.3 and 74.5 g/kg ADG. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that ADG was positively correlated with intakes of ME, ether extract, starch and Trp (p < 0.05). The results of the Monte−Carlo cross‐evaluation showed that the multiple regression model was more accurate in predicting ADG than the random forest model. ME and MP requirements for maintenance are consistent with previous studies, but requirements for growth tend to be overestimated. Future studies are needed to evaluate MAA requirements. An accurate model was developed to predict ADG, offering a theoretical basis and guidance to improve growth performance and feed conversion efficiency for beef cattle.
A Genomic Exploration of the Possible De‐Extirpation of the Zanzibar Leopard
Authors: Sun Xin , Cavill Emily Louisa , Margaryan Ashot , Lin Jianqing , Thingaard Søren , Said Tamrini A. , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: October 2024

The recently extirpated Zanzibar leopard was the only known African leopard (Panthera pardus spp.) population restricted exclusively to a major island habitat. Although its demise was driven through habitat change and conflict with humans, given its role as a keystone species for the Zanzibar Archipelago, its successful potential reintroduction might offer a means for helping preserve the natural biodiversity of its former habitat. Whether this is feasible, however, would be contingent on both whether closely related source populations can be identified on mainland Africa, and whether the Zanzibar form exhibited any special adaptations that might need to be considered when choosing such a source. In light of these questions, we genomically profiled two of the six known historic specimens, to explore whether they represent a realistic candidate for de‐extirpation through reintroduction. Our analyses indicate that despite its geographical separation, the Zanzibar leopard shared a close genetic relationship with mainland East African individuals. Furthermore, although its uniqueness as an island population was emphasised by genomic signatures of high inbreeding and increased mutation load, the latter similar to the level of the critically endangered Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis), we find no evidence of functionally significant genetic diversity unique to Zanzibar. We therefore conclude that should attempts to restore leopards to Zanzibar be considered, then mainland East African leopards would provide a suitable gene pool.
Autoencoder‐based flow‐analogue probabilistic reconstruction of heat waves from pressure fields
Authors: Pérez‐Aracil Jorge , Marina Cosmin M. , Zorita Eduardo , Barriopedro David , Zaninelli Pablo , Giuliani Matteo , Castelletti Andrea , Gutiérrez Pedro A. , Salcedo‐Sanz Sancho
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel hybrid approach for the probabilistic reconstruction of meteorological fields based on the combined use of the analogue method (AM) and deep autoencoders (AEs). The AE–AM algorithm trains a deep AE in the predictor fields, which the encoder filters towards a compressed space of reduced dimensionality. The AM is then applied in this latent space to find similar situations (analogues) in the historical record, from which the target field can be reconstructed. The AE–AM is compared to the classical AM, in which flow analogues are explicitly searched in the fully resolved field of the predictor, which may contain useless information for the reconstruction. We evaluate the performance of these two approaches in reconstructing the daily maximum temperature (target) from sea‐level pressure fields (predictor) recorded during eight major European heat waves of the 1950–2010 period. We show that the proposed AE–AM approach outperforms the standard AM algorithm in reconstructing the magnitude and spatial pattern of the considered heat wave events. The improvement ranges from 7% to 22% in skill score, depending on the heat wave analyzed, demonstrating the potential added value of the hybrid method.
Shifts in plant architecture drive species‐specific responses to drought in a Sorghum recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Lehrer M. A. , Govindarajulu R. , Smith F. , Hawkins J. S.
Published: October 2024

Drought stress severely impedes plant growth, development, and yield. Therefore, it is critical to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying drought resistance to ensure future food security.

To identify the genetic controls of these responses in Sorghum, an agriculturally and economically important grain crop, an interspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was established by crossing a domesticated inbred line of Sorghum bicolor (TX7000) with its wild relative, Sorghum propinquum. This RIL population was evaluated under drought conditions, allowing for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contribute to drought resistance.

We detected eight QTL in the drought population that explain a significant portion of the observed variation for four traits (height, aboveground biomass, relative water content, and leaf temperature/transpiration). The allelic effects of, and the candidate genes within, these QTL emphasize: (1) the influence of domestication on drought‐responsive phenotypes, such as height and aboveground biomass, and (2) how control of water uptake and/or loss can be driven by species‐specific plant architecture.

Our findings shed light on the interconnected roles of shoot and root responses in drought resistance as it relates to regulation of water uptake and/or loss, while the detected allelic effects demonstrate how maintenance of grain production and yield under drought is a likely result of domestication‐derived drought tolerance.
Ethylamine, beyond the synthetic precursor of theanine: CsCBF4‐CsAlaDC module promoted ethylamine synthesis to enhance osmotic tolerance in tea plants
Authors: Zhou Ziwen , Luo Xiangzong , Fu Maoyin , Li Siya , Cheng Yaohua , Li Yeyun , Zhang Xianchen
Published: October 2024

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a perennial green plant, and its tender leaves are rich in secondary metabolites, such as theanine. Ethylamine (EA), a small amine, is an important prerequisite for theanine synthesis. However, beyond its involvement in theanine synthesis, the other physiological functions of EA in tea plants remain unknown. In vitro experiments indicate that EA may function as scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to protect the plant against damage caused by osmotic stress. Additionally, a significant correlation between EA levels and osmotic tolerance has been observed in different tea varieties. From the results, alanine decarboxylase (CsAlaDC)‐silenced tea leaves and overexpressed CsAlaDC Arabidopsis thaliana lines decreased and increased EA levels, respectively, and mediated ROS homeostasis, thus exhibiting a sensitive and tolerant phenotype. In addition, the transcription factor (TF) CsCBF4 was functionally identified, which can directly bind to the CsAlaDC promoter. CsCBF4‐silenced tea leaves significantly reduced the expression levels of CsAlaDC and in turn EA content, resulting in excess ROS accumulation and an osmotic‐sensitive phenotype. Taken together, these results established a new regulatory module consisting of CBF4‐CsAlaDC responsible for EA accumulation and ROS homeostasis in response to osmotic stress.
Stress physiology of Moringa oleifera under tropospheric ozone enrichment: An ecotype‐specific investigation into growth, nonstructural carbohydrates, and polyphenols
Authors: Baesso Moura Bárbara , Hoshika Yasutomo , Brunetti Cecilia , dos Santos Nascimento Luana Beatriz , Marra Elena , Paoletti Elena , Ferrini Francesco
Published: October 2024

Ozone (O3) is an oxidative pollutant that significantly threatens plant development and ecological dynamics. The present study explores the impact of O3 on Moringa (Moringa oleifera) ecotypes when exposed to ambient and elevated O3 levels. Elevated O3 concentrations resulted in significant reductions in total biomass for all ecotypes. Photosynthetic parameters, including stomatal conductance (gsto), CO2 assimilation (Pn), and carboxylation efficiency (K), decreased under elevated O3 in some ecotypes, indicating a detrimental effect on carbon assimilation. Nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in roots varied among ecotypes, with significant reductions in starch content observed under elevated O3, suggesting a potential shift towards soluble sugar accumulation and reallocation for antioxidant defense. Secondary metabolite analysis revealed increased polyphenol production, particularly quercetin derivatives, under elevated O3 in specific ecotypes, highlighting their role in mitigating oxidative stress. Interestingly, the glucosinolate content also varied, with some ecotypes exhibiting increased levels, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism in response to O3 exposure. The study underscores the intrinsic variability among Moringa ecotypes in response to O3 stress, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity for adaptation. The findings indicate that Moringa's metabolic plasticity, including shifts in NSC and SM production, plays a crucial role in its defense mechanisms against O3‐induced oxidative stress. These insights are vital for optimizing the cultivation and utilization of Moringa in diverse environmental conditions, particularly in regions with elevated O3 levels.
Identification of two novel variants, c.–35A>T and c.[–35A>T, 725T>G], in the FUT1 gene in a patient exhibiting the para‐Bombay phenotype
Authors: Intharanut Kamphon , Khumsuk Piyathida , Chidtrakoon Sarisa , Glab‐ampai Kantaphon , Nathalang Oytip
Published: October 2024

Background

Reduced or absent H antigens on red cells with the (para‐)Bombay phenotype can arise from FUT1 gene mutations, impacting the structure and function of 1,2‐L‐fucosyltransferase 1 (1,2‐L‐FucT1). Here, we identified the novel mutations in one patient displaying the para‐Bombay phenotype and examined the potential molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotype.

Materials and Methods

ABH antigens and antibodies were detected in patient's blood and saliva using serological methods. The genotypes of ABO, FUT1, and FUT2 were imputed using the genetic variations discovered in the whole exome sequencing data. Three‐dimensional (3D) models of FUT1 variants were built using Deepmind's AlphaFold2 and HDOCK, and the possible effects of the variants were predicted to evaluate using DynaMut2 and Polyphen‐2.

Results

Serological analysis confirmed the para‐Bombay B phenotype producing anti‐HI and exhibiting normal genotypes ABO*B.01/O.01.02 and FUT2*01.09/01.09. Remarkably, the phenotype is caused by a compound heterozygous genotype: one allele containing the novel c.–35A>T mutation and the known c.725T>G mutation (p.Leu242Arg) of FUT1, and the other allele containing the c.–35A>T mutation. From the computerized stimulation analysis, p.Arg242 of the FUT1 variant may be detrimental, destabilizing, and probably damaging to 1,2‐L‐FucT1, although not altering the 3D structure of the entire enzyme. The c.–35A>T promoter DNA left at the binding interface of both ZID and c‐Rel transcription factors may enable regulation of 1,2‐L‐FucT1 function at gene promoters.

Conclusion

We identified the two novel variants, c.–35A>T and c.[−35A>T, 725T>G], in the FUT1 causing the para‐Bombay phenotype. This finding may clarify the molecular mechanisms and enhance blood transfusion safety.
Growth form variations of Amaranthus hybridus L. biotypes with EPSPS mutations
Authors: Schneider Ana B. , Panigo Elisa S. , Dotto Marcela , Cortés Eduardo , Perreta Mariel G. , Dellaferrera Ignacio M.
Published: October 2024

Several Amaranthus hybridus L. biotypes present single and triple amino acid substitutions in EPSPS (5‐enolypyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase). In resistant and tolerant species to glyphosate, differential susceptibility and alterations in the EPSPS sequence could cause modifications in their morphological–structural characteristics, an issue that is unknown for biotypes of A. hybridus. The aim of the work was to determine the susceptibility to glyphosate, the presence of mutations in EPSPS and the growth form in four biotypes of this weed from north‐central Argentina. To carry out this, a dose–response assay was conducted, to determine the presence of mutations in the EPSPS, DNA was extracted, amplified and sequenced, and finally, to evaluate the morphological–structural variations, the growth form was analysed. Our findings revealed that Ah03, Ah07 and Ah36 biotypes had resistance factors of 22 to 118. The EPSPS sequence remains unaltered in the Ah39 biotype, leading it to be considered a susceptible biotype. Biotypes Ah03 and Ah36 had heterozygous changes in the DNA sequence resulting in amino acid substitutions at positions 102, 103 and 106 being considered resistant biotypes, whereas in Ah07 some individuals showed unaltered DNA sequences and others exhibited heterozygous changes. The growth form was quantitatively different between biotypes, standing the most susceptible biotype that produced more seeds and required less thermal time for the appearance of the terminal inflorescence. The present investigation provides new evidence that resistant biotypes with the triple DNA mutation exhibit variations in the growth form compared to susceptible biotypes of this weed.
Exports, Technical Measures, and Regulatory Heterogeneity
Authors: Blyde Juan S. , Ramírez Mayra A.
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the trade effects of dissimilar technical measures between countries. When a company faces different regulations in different markets, its costs can increase from meeting a wider range of requirements and potentially from its inability to exploit economies of scale. We employ firm-level trade data from Chile to estimate the trade impacts of regulatory heterogeneity at various firm margins. We separate the trade impacts between broad classes of technical measures. The results indicate that regulatory heterogeneity is negatively associated with exports. The impacts are observed on both, the extensive and the intensive margins of exports. There are heterogeneous effects depending on the size of the firms with small firms being disproportionately affected from dissimilar technical measures. We also find that the impact of heterogeneity on conformity assessment requirements is no less important, and potentially more important, than the impact of heterogeneity on production requirements.
Effect of deformation temperature on the microstructure and texture evolution of Ti-6Al-4Zr-2Mo-6V alloy
Authors: Sun Kuishan , Xu Lingyu , Song Dejun , Yan Yangyang , Li Longteng , Wu Yukun , Wang Yang , Liao Zhiqian , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2024

In this work, the effect of deformation temperature on the microstructure, texture, and tensile properties of a Ti-6Al-4Zr-2Mo-6V (wt. %) alloy was systematically investigated. The whole samples were composed of an equiaxed α phase, a strip α phase, and a β transformed microstructure. The recrystallization area fraction increased with the increase of deformation temperature. The orientation distribution of a retained β phase was {001}β⟨110⟩β texture regardless of deformation temperature. The textured microstructure of an α phase was {12¯10}α⟨101¯0⟩α under the 810 and 840 °C condition. Additional {112¯0}α⟨0001⟩α texture was observed as the rolling temperature increased to 870 °C. The yield strength and the tensile strength of a rolling direction were lower than that of a transverse direction. The yield strength of a rolling direction and a transverse direction were both above 990 MPa when the deformation temperature was 840 °C. In summary, the present study provided theoretical guidance for the high strength titanium alloy applied for the marine engineering field.
Fabrication of model ultrafiltration membranes with uniform, high aspect ratio pores
Authors: Chen Wen , Yim Soonmin , Zaluzec Nestor J. , Craig Gordon S. W. , Darling Seth B. , Nealey Paul F.
Published: October 2024

In this manuscript, we report the facile fabrication of large-area model membranes with highly uniform and high aspect ratio pores with diameters <20 nm. These membranes are useful for fundamental investigations of separation by size exclusion in the ultrafiltration regime, where species to be separated from solution have dimensions of 1–100 nm. Such investigations require membranes with narrow pores and high aspect ratios such that the Hagen–Poiseuille equation is followed, enabling well-known models such as the hindered transport model to be evaluated and other affecting factors to be ignored. We demonstrate that the sub-20 nm pores in the membrane are of sufficiently high aspect ratio such that water flux through the membrane is consistent with the Hagen–Poiseuille equation. The fabrication relies on self-assembling block copolymers to form uniform, densely packed patterns with sub-20 nm resolution, sequential infiltration synthesis to convert the block copolymer in situ into a mask with adequate contrast to etch pores with an aspect ratio >5, and low-resolution photolithography to transfer the pattern over a large area into a silicon nitride membrane. Model membranes with narrow pore-size distribution fabricated in this way provide the means to investigate parameters that impact size-selective ultrafiltration separations such as the relationships between solute or particle size and pore size, their distributions, and rejection profiles, and, therefore, test the validity or limits of separation models.
Computation noise promotes zero-shot adaptation to uncertainty during decision-making in artificial neural networks
Authors: Findling Charles , Wyart Valentin
Published: October 2024

Random noise in information processing systems is widely seen as detrimental to function. But despite the large trial-to-trial variability of neural activity, humans show a remarkable adaptability to conditions with uncertainty during goal-directed behavior. The origin of this cognitive ability, constitutive of general intelligence, remains elusive. Here, we show that moderate levels of computation noise in artificial neural networks promote zero-shot generalization for decision-making under uncertainty. Unlike networks featuring noise-free computations, but like human participants tested on similar decision problems (ranging from probabilistic reasoning to reversal learning), noisy networks exhibit behavioral hallmarks of optimal inference in uncertain conditions entirely unseen during training. Computation noise enables this cognitive ability jointly through “structural” regularization of network weights during training and “functional” regularization by shaping the stochastic dynamics of network activity after training. Together, these findings indicate that human cognition may ride on neural variability to support adaptive decisions under uncertainty without extensive experience or engineered sophistication.
Metabolic programs drive function of therapeutic NK cells in hypoxic tumor environments
Authors: Kennedy Philippa R. , Arvindam Upasana Sunil , Phung Shee Kwan , Ettestad Brianna , Feng Xueyang , Li Yunmin , Kile Quinlan M. , Hinderlie Peter , Khaw Melissa , Huang Rih-Sheng , Kaufman Marissa , Puchalska Patrycja , Russell Amanda , Butler Jonah , Abbott Lucas , McClure Paul , Luo Xianghua , Lu Quynhanh T. , Blazar Bruce R. , Crawford Peter A. , Lim James , Miller Jeffrey S. , Felices Martin
Published: October 2024

Limited oxygen (hypoxia) in solid tumors poses a challenge to successful immunotherapy with natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells have impaired cytotoxicity when cultured in hypoxia (1% oxygen) but not physiologic (>5%) or atmospheric oxygen (20%). We found that changes to cytotoxicity were regulated at the transcriptional level and accompanied by metabolic dysregulation. Dosing with interleukin-15 (IL-15) enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity in hypoxia, but preactivation with feeder cells bearing IL-21 and 4-1BBL was even better. Preactivation resulted in less perturbed metabolism in hypoxia; greater resistance to oxidative stress; and no hypoxia-induced loss of transcription factors (T-bet and Eomes), activating receptors, adhesion molecules (CD2), and cytotoxic proteins (TRAIL and FasL). There remained a deficit in CD122/IL-2Rβ when exposed to hypoxia, which affected IL-15 signaling. However, tri-specific killer engager molecules that deliver IL-15 in the context of anti-CD16/FcγRIII were able to bypass this deficit, enhancing cytotoxicity of both fresh and preactivated NK cells in hypoxia.
Current engagement with unreliable sites from web search driven by navigational search
Authors: Greene Kevin T. , Pisharody Nilima , Meyer Lucas Augusto , Pereira Mayana , Dodhia Rahul , Ferres Juan Lavista , Shapiro Jacob N.
Published: October 2024

Do search engine algorithms systematically expose users to content from unreliable sites? There is widespread concern that they do, but little systematic evidence that search engine algorithms, rather than user-expressed preferences, are driving current exposure to and engagement with unreliable information sources. Using two datasets totaling roughly 14 billion search engine result pages (SERPs) from Bing, the second most popular search engine in the U.S., we show that search exposes users to few unreliable information sources. The vast majority of engagement with unreliable information sources from search occurs when users are explicitly searching for information from those sites, despite those searches being an extremely small share of the overall search volume. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for user preference when examining engagement with unreliable sources from web search.
Understanding density fluctuations in supersonic, isothermal turbulence
Authors: Scannapieco Evan , Pan Liubin , Buie Edward , Brüggen Marcus
Published: October 2024

Supersonic turbulence occurs in many environments, particularly in astrophysics. In the crucial case of isothermal turbulence, the probability density function (PDF) of the logarithmic density,
s
, is well measured, but a theoretical understanding of the processes leading to this distribution remains elusive. We investigate these processes using Lagrangian tracer particles to track
s
and

ds
dt

in direct numerical simulations, and we show that their evolution can be modeled as a stochastic differential process with time-correlated noise. The temporal correlation functions of
s
and

ds
dt

decay exponentially, as predicted by the model, and the decay timescale is ≈
1
/
6
the eddy turnover time. The behaviors of the conditional averages of

ds
dt

and

d
2

s

dt
2

are also well explained by the model, which shows that the density PDF arises from a balance between stochastic compressions/expansions, which tend to broaden the PDF, and the acceleration/deceleration of shocks by density gradients, which tends to narrow it.
Imaging with a twist: Three-dimensional insights of the chiral nematic phase of cellulose nanocrystals via SHG microscopy
Authors: Legat Thibaut , Grachev Vladimir , Kabus Desmond , Lettinga Minne Paul , Clays Koen , Verbiest Thierry , de Coene Yovan , Thielemans Wim , Van Cleuvenbergen Stijn
Published: October 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based nanoparticles that, under the right conditions, self-align into chiral nematic liquid crystals with a helical pitch. In this work, we exploit the inherent confocal effect of second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to acquire highly resolved three-dimensional (3D) images of the chiral nematic phase of CNCs in a label-free manner. An in-depth analysis revealed a direct link between the observed variations in SHG intensity and the pitch. The highly contrasted 3D images provided unprecedented detail into liquid crystal’s native structure. Local alignment, morphology, as well as the presence of defects are readily revealed, and a provisional framework relating the SHG response to the orientational distribution of CNC nanorods within the liquid crystal structure is presented. This paper illustrates the numerous benefits of using SHG microscopy for visualizing CNC chiral nematic systems directly in the suspension-liquid phase and paves the road for using SHG microscopy to characterize other types of aligned CNC structures, in wet and dry states.
Metasurface folded lens system for ultrathin cameras
Authors: Kim Youngjin , Choi Taewon , Lee Gun-Yeal , Kim Changhyun , Bang Junseo , Jang Junhyeok , Jeong Yoonchan , Lee Byoungho
Published: October 2024

Slim cameras are essential in state-of-the-art consumer electronics such as smartphones or augmented/virtual reality devices. However, reducing the camera thickness faces challenges primarily due to the thick lens systems. Current lens systems, composed of stacked refractive lenses, are fundamentally constrained from becoming thinner due to the presence of empty spaces between lenses and the excessive volume of each lens. Here, we present a lens system using metasurface folded optics to overcome these pervasive issues. In our design, metasurfaces are arranged horizontally on a glass wafer and direct light along multifolded paths inside the substrate. This approach achieves an ultra-slim lens system with a thickness of 0.7 millimeters and 2× thinner relative to the EFL, thereby overcoming the inherent limitations of conventional optical platforms. It delivers quasi-diffraction–limited imaging quality with a 10° field of view and an
f
number of 4 at an operational wavelength of 852 nanometers. Our findings provide a compelling platform for compact cameras using folded nano-optics.
Single-cell transcriptional analysis of murine norovirus infection in a human intestinal cell line
Authors: Matsushima Yuki , Levenson Eric A. , Chaimongkol Natthawan , Harris Loyall , Zhao Yongmei , Turan Sevilay , Otaizo-Carrasquero Francisco , Ganesan Sundar , Hornick Katherine M. , Martens Craig , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V. , Green Kim Y.
Published: October 2024

Noroviruses are a major agent of acute gastroenteritis in humans, but host cell requirements for efficient replication
in vitro
have not been established. We engineered a human intestinal cell line (designated mCD300lf-hCaco2) expressing the murine norovirus (MNV) receptor, mouse CD300lf to become fully permissive for MNV replication. To explore the replicative machinery and host response of these cells, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomics analysis of an MNV infection over time. Marked similarities were observed between certain global features of MNV infection in human cells compared to those previously reported in mouse cells by whole population transcriptomics such as downregulation of ribosome biogenesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell cycle preference for G1. Our scRNA-seq analysis allowed further resolution of an infected cell population into distinct clusters with varying levels of viral RNA and interferon-stimulated gene ISG15 transcripts. Cells with high viral replication displayed downregulated ribosomal protein small (RPS) and large (RPL) genes and mitochondrial complexes I, III, IV, and V genes during exponential viral propagation. Ferritin subunit genes FTL and FTH1 were also downregulated during active MNV replication, suggesting that inhibition of iron metabolism may increase replication efficiency. Consistent with this, transcriptional activation of these genes with ferric ammonium citrate and overexpression of FTL lowered virus yields. Comparative studies of cells that support varying levels of norovirus replication efficiency, as determined by scRNA-seq may lead to improved human cell-based culture systems and effective viral interventions.

IMPORTANCE

Human noroviruses cause acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are not yet available, in part, because it is difficult to propagate the viruses causing human disease in standard laboratory cell culture systems. In contrast, a norovirus found in mice [murine norovirus (MNV)] replicates efficiently in murine-based cell culture and has served as a model system. In this study, we established a new human intestinal cell line that was genetically modified to express the murine norovirus receptor so that the human cells became permissive to murine norovirus infection. We then defined the host response to MNV infection in the engineered human cell line at a single-cell resolution and identified cellular genes associated with the highest levels of MNV replication. This study may lead to the improvement of the current human norovirus cell culture systems and help to identify norovirus-host interactions that could be targeted for antiviral drugs.