bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Characterization of Piscicolin CM22 Produced by Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22 Strain Isolated from Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: González-Gragera Elías , García-López J. David , Teso-Pérez Claudia , Jiménez-Hernández Irene , Peralta-Sánchez Juan Manuel , Valdivia Eva , Montalban-Lopez Manuel , Martín-Platero Antonio M. , Baños Alberto , Martínez-Bueno Manuel
Published: July 2024

Carnobacterium maltaromaticum is a species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that has been isolated from various natural environments. It is well-known for producing a diverse spectrum of bacteriocins with potential biotechnological applications. In the present study, a new psychrotolerant strain of C. maltaromaticum CM22 is reported, isolated from a salmon gut sample and producing a variant of the bacteriocin piscicolin 126 that has been named piscicolin CM22. After identification by 16S rRNA gene, this strain has been genomically characterized by sequencing and assembling its complete genome. Moreover, its bacteriocin was purified and characterized. In vitro tests demonstrated that both the strain and its bacteriocin possess antimicrobial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria of interest in human and animal health, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, or Enterococcus faecalis. However, this bacteriocin did not produce any antimicrobial effect on Gram-negative species. The study of its genome showed the genetic structure of the gene cluster that encodes the bacteriocin, showing a high degree of homology to the gene cluster of piscicolin 126 described in other C. maltaromaticum. Although more studies are necessary concerning its functional properties, this new psychrotolerant strain C. maltaromaticum CM22 and its bacteriocin could be considered an interesting candidate with potential application in agri-food industry.
Hibiscus acid and hydroxycitric acid dimethyl esters from Hibiscus flowers induce production of dithiolopyrrolone antibiotics by Streptomyces Strain MBN2-2
Authors: Sumang Felaine Anne , Ward Alan , Errington Jeff , Dashti Yousef
Published: July 2024

Plants and microbes are closely associated with each other in their ecological niches. Much has been studied about plant–microbe interactions, but little is known about the effect of phytochemicals on microbes at the molecular level. To access the products of cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria, we incorporated an organic extract of hibiscus flowers into the culture media of different Actinobacteria isolated from plant rhizospheres. This approach led to the production of broad-spectrum dithiolopyrrolone (DTP) antibiotics, thiolutin (1) and aureothricin (2), by Streptomyces sp. MBN2-2. The compounds from the hibiscus extract responsible for triggering the production of these two DTPs were found to be hibiscus acid dimethyl ester (3) and hydroxycitric acid 1,3-dimethyl ester (4). It was subsequently found that the addition of either Fe2+ or Fe3+ to culture media induced the production of 1 and 2. The Chrome Azurol S (CAS) assay revealed that 3 and 4 can chelate iron, and therefore, the mechanism leading to the production of thiolutin and aureothricin appears to be related to changes in iron concentration levels. This work supports the idea that phytochemicals can be used to activate the production of cryptic microbial biosynthetic gene clusters and further understand plant–microbe interactions.

Graphical Abstract
Sustainable biodiesel production from waste cooking oils for energetically independent small communities: an overview
Authors: Lopresto C. G.
Published: July 2024

Introducing synthetic fuels and biofuels like biodiesel can be pivotal in transitioning to a decarbonised energy system. Biodiesel offers a versatile solution with various production technologies, each with advantages and disadvantages, depending on several factors, including the specific application of biodiesel. In a smart grid, an advanced electrical grid that leverages digital technology to detect and respond to local changes in usage, a small community could harness biodiesel for energy storage and supply. By implementing a renewable energy storage system in the form of biodiesel from waste oils, individuals can contribute to developing innovative solutions for the combined and distributed production of electricity and heat, primarily from renewable sources. The aim is to make the production-demand distribution networks within a hybrid system smart and in line with the concept of nanogrid. This localised grid can operate independently or in conjunction with the traditional power grid and can integrate generation systems from fossil and renewable sources, micro-cogeneration, and accumulation. The possibility of exploiting biodiesel in a nanogrid as an eco-sustainable source for energy storage opens up the possibility of building small-scale plants. For example, converting 3682 L/year of waste oils from a university campus dining facilities to 3712 L/year of biodiesel allows replacing 19% of the fossil diesel consumed by the university fleet, with a payback period of 16 months, lower capital and operational costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 9.37 tonnes CO2-eq/yr. Therefore, biodiesel becomes a sustainable energy source for energy communities, underscoring the innovative potential of this approach.
Plants with silver nanoparticles to improve electrical conductivity: an innovative approach in biology
Authors: Merino-Treviño M. , Morales-Cepeda A. B. , Peraza-Vázquez H. , Onofre-Bustamante E.
Published: July 2024

This paper shows the effect of electrical conductivity on the vascular system of plants through the utilization of silver nanoparticles supported by nanocellulose. The plant Epipremnum aureum, also known as pothos, was used in the experimentation. The main characteristics of the plant are its vigorous growth, remarkable adaptability to thrive in both soil and aquatic environments, simple propagation, and noteworthy resilience against diseases. The experiment used a polarization voltage ranging from − 1.5 to 1.5 V and shunt resistors of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ohms. The scan polarization rate was 15 mV/s. Methods like environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used for chemical and structural analysis. The findings demonstrate that adding silver nanoparticles held together by nanocellulose enhances the vascular system's capacity to conduct electricity. Moreover, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test results revealed no statistically significant difference between the root-steam and stem-leaf output voltage values. These findings imply that silver nanoparticles are distributed throughout the vascular system and act as conductive pathways in plants. Additionally, electrolysis-Faraday's law was used to calculate the recovery of silver material, yielding 40 mg/mm2 per hour. These discoveries open new avenues for comprehending and manipulating plant physiological processes, potentially leading to beneficial outcomes in agriculture and contaminant recovery.
On the Linear Dilatation of the Mappings Satisfying an Inverse Poletsky Modular Inequality in Metric Spaces
Authors: Cristea Mihai
Published: July 2024

We study the linear dilatation of the mappings satisfying an inverse Poletsky inequality in metric spaces. We also show that under certain conditions such mappings are quasiregular.
Finerenone: Who should prescribe it for CKD? The physician associate’s perspective
Authors: Ness Becky M. , Webb Heidi
Published: July 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects 30–40% of all patients with diabetes and contributes significantly to the cardiovascular burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite the availability of evidence-based medications like finerenone and simple screening tests such as Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR), more resources are still needed to care for DKD patients. Physician Associates (PAs) play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team responsible for DKD diagnosis, monitoring, and management. A nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, namely finerenone, was approved by the FDA in adults with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Finerenone is considered among the pillars of care for DKD, furthermore, the addition of finerenone in combination with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and/or other renal protective medications may offer additional benefits. Primary care providers prescribe finerenone less frequently than specialized care providers, indicating a need to empower physician associates in medication prescription and other renal protection strategies. As part of a multidisciplinary team, physician associates can play an important role in evaluating risk factors that contribute to heart disease and metabolic health. They can also monitor not only kidney function by ordering tests, such as serum creatinine and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio every 3–12 months, but also serum potassium levels. Additionally, physician associates can encourage patients to take responsibility for their health by regularly monitoring their blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and body weight. With early detection and management, kidney failure and cardiovascular events may be preventable. Specialized physician associates also play a significant role in the comprehensive care of DKD patients, especially in the later stages. DKD care can be hindered by numerous factors such as lack of patient engagement during counseling, cost disparities, and a complex referral system that requires multidisciplinary guidelines to improve professional communication. It is necessary to re-envision the physician associates’ role in primary care and empower them in goal-directed therapies.

Graphical abstract
Star recruitment and internationalization effects: an analysis of the Alexander von Humboldt professorship programme
Authors: Coda-Zabetta Massimiliano , Lissoni Francesco , Miguelez Ernest
Published: July 2024

We investigate the impact of policies aimed at attracting foreign-based star scientists on the internationalisation of host institutions. In particular, we examine the case of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (AvHP) programme, which—since 2008—offers substantial funding to top scholars willing to move from abroad to a German university. Based on a difference-in-differences approach, we test whether the university departments that recruit an AvHP recipient increase the number of internationally co-authored publications and the recruitment of new, high-quality researchers from abroad. Results are very heterogeneous across broad scientific fields, with a significant and positive effects in the Social sciences and null or negative results in all others.
Assessment of spatio-temporal characteristics of groundwater quality at Khordha District, India
Authors: Biswakalyani Chinmayee , Samantaray Sandeep , Satpathy Deba Prakash
Published: July 2024

Groundwater is the major basis for drinking in various parts of our country. However, it gets contaminated by the toxic materials found in rocks, because of which it becomes unfit for various domestic and irrigation purposes. In present study, the groundwater quality and its availability for various purposes were examined by the parameters such as pH, DO, EC, TDS, temperature, salinity, Alkalinity, Total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, fluoride, nitrate and phosphate during the post monsoonseason of 2022 and pre monsoon season of 2023 from 49 sampling locations. The above mentioned parameters were used for assessing appropriateness of groundwater for irrigation and domestic purposes by comparing them with the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS). The results revealed that groundwater shows wide variations among various parameters between two seasons during 2022–23. Obtained results show that water used for potable purposes by people in various parts of study area doesn’t meet necessary standards.In some of the sampling locations, it is found that the water exhibits very poor quality or unfit maybe for one season or both seasons. Analysis of parameters is done for calculating correlation coefficient of specified parameters. Strong linear relationships, both positive and negative, were found between several pairs of water quality measures according to their research.
From the Editor
Authors: Lempert Richard
Published: July 2024

The early social scientific effort to understand law and the legal system is largely associated with attempts at grand theory. The names of Durkheim and Weber, in particular, stand out, but Maine, Pashukanis, Timascheff, and others all offered encompassing perspectives. The renewed interest in law and social science, which began in the United States in the 1950s and came to flourish in the sixties and seventies, has had just the opposite character. It has been largely an empirical enterprise. In tracing the rebirth of social scientific interest in law and the legal system, one speaks not of theories but of studies; for example, Schwartz's (1954) research into the legal orders of two Israeli communities, Ball's (1960) study of rent control violations in Honolulu, and Macaulay's (1963) inquiry into non-contractual relationships among businesses.
Mechanisms contributing to lactose and sucrose-induced postprandial lipaemia
Authors: Gonzalez J. , Carter S. , Spellanzon B. , Bradshaw L. , Johnson E. , Koumanov F. , Betts J. A. , Thompson D. , Hodson L.
Published: July 2024

Fructose-containing sugars can exaggerate postprandial lipaemia and stimulate hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) when compared to glucose-based carbohydrates(1). Galactose has recently been shown to increase postprandial lipaemia compared to glucose(2), but mechanisms remain uncharacterised. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and mechanisms of lactose-induced lipaemia.

Twenty-four non-obese adults (12 male and 12 female) completed three trials in a randomised, crossover design (28 ± 7-day washout). During trials, participants consumed test drinks containing 50 g fat with 100 g of carbohydrate. The control carbohydrate was a glucose polymer (maltodextrin), the experimental carbohydrate was galactose-containing carbohydrate (lactose) and the active comparator was fructose-containing carbohydrate (sucrose). Hepatic DNL was assessed by the 2H2O method and [U-13C]-palmitate was added to the test drink to trace the fate of the ingested fat. Blood and breath samples were taken to determine plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations, in addition to plasma and breath 2H and 13C enrichments. Data were converted into incremental under the curve (iAUC) and were checked for normality by visual inspection of residuals. Differences between trials were assessed by one-way ANOVA. Where a main effect of trial was detected, post- hoc t-tests were performed to determine which trials differed from lactose according to the principle of closed-loop testing.

The plasma triacylglycerol iAUC (mean ± SD) in response to maltodextrin was 51 ± 68 mmol/L*360 min. Following lactose ingestion, plasma triacylglycerol iAUC increased to 98 ± 88 mmol/L*360 min (p<0.001 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [90 ± 95 mmol/L*360 min (p=0.41 vs lactose)]. Hepatic DNL in response to maltodextrin was 6.6 ± 3.0%. Following ingestion of lactose, hepatic DNL increased to 12.4 ± 6.9% (p=0.02 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [12.2 ± 6.9% (p=0.96 vs lactose)]. Exhaled 13CO2 in response to maltodextrin was 10.4 ± 4.1 mmol/kgFFM*360 min. Following ingestion of lactose, exhaled 13CO2 was 8.8 ± 4.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.09 vs maltodextrin), which was lower than sucrose [11.1 ± 3.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.01 vs lactose)].

These data are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic de novo lipogenesis contributes to both lactose and sucrose-induced lipaemia and provide a rationale to investigate the longer-term effects of lactose and sucrose on metabolism.
Impact of date-based energy bar intake on postprandial appetite, metabolism and thermogenesis
Authors: Alfheeaid H. , Malkova D. , Alsalamah A. , Barakat H.
Published: July 2024

Research studies suggest that date-palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits provide a superior nutritional and health benefits, compared to other fruits (1). They are rich source of many essential nutrients including carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The date palm fruits are produced in many countries around the world and about 10-15% of the total production is lost or sold extremely at low prices (2, 3). Despite these, date fruits have been rarely used as an ingredient in commercially available energy bars. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of newly formulated date-based energy bar (DBEB) (4) intake on subjective appetite, postprandial metabolism, energy substrate oxidation and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT).

Twenty-seven healthy male adults (mean ± SD, aged 20.8 ± 3.5 years with body weight of 66 ± 8 kg) participated in a randomised crossover design study. Each participant conducted two experimental arms and was investigated prior to (baseline) and for three-hours after consumption of either a date- based energy bar (DBEB) or an isocaloric and macronutrient matched mixed fruit-based energy bar (FBEB) as control arm. The DBEB contained significantly less fructose and glucose, but more sucrose and fibre than FBEB. Both experimental arms involved blood sampling, subjective appetite, and indirect calorimetry measurements. At the end of each experiment, an ad libitum buffet meal was provided. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and two-way ANOVA.

Time-averaged composite appetite and satiety scores were not significantly different between control (FBEB) and DBEB arms. Energy intake during ad libitum buffet was also not different between arms. Metabolic rate measured at baseline and during post-ingestion of the bars were not significantly different between FBEB and DBEB arms (arm effect, P>0.05). Thermic effect of bars calculated as percentage increase in metabolic rate above RMR during whole postprandial duration was (mean ± SE) 9.5 ± 1.6 % in DBEB arm and 8.7 ± 1.3 % in the FBEB arm (arm effect, P>0.05). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were also not different between the two arms (arm effect, P>0.05) Time-averaged concentrations of blood glucose, insulin and triglycerides were similar between the study arms.

The obtained results suggest that energy bars based on dates or mixed fruits produce similar effects on postprandial appetite, fat and carbohydrate oxidation, thermic effect and cardiometabolic risk factors. Date fruits can be used as rich source for carbohydrate and energy. However, future research should investigate the impact of date-based energy bars on antioxidant capacity and other health related markers.
Associations between dietary fatty acids and liver fat accumulation in the UK Biobank
Authors: Orliacq J. , Pérez-Cornago A. , Carter J.
Published: July 2024

Steatotic liver disease, defined as >5% of hepatic fat content, is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, in particular due to its category metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)(1). While its prevention focuses on promoting physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet, the associations between dietary fatty acids and liver fat remain unclear(2,3). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between dietary fatty acids and liver fat in the absence of excessive alcohol intake, independently of energy intake.

Analyses were conducted on 9,268 non-diabetic participants from the UK Biobank with no pre- existing liver chronic illness or cardiovascular disease at baseline, and without excessive alcohol consumption. Dietary intake of total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was measured using the mean of ≥2 Oxford WebQ 24-hr dietary assessments, responded to between 2009 and 2012. Liver proton density fat fraction (LPDFF) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging between 2016 and 2020. Multivariable linear regression models were calculated to assess the associations between fatty acid intakes and LPDFF, adjusting for key demographic and lifestyle confounders. In addition, associations between LPDFF and 10 individual SFAs, 7 PUFAs, and 4 MUFAs were also examined. Sensitivity analyses were carried out including participants who responded ≥4 dietary assessments (N=2,828).

After fully adjusting for confounders, no significant associations between LPDFF (%) and MUFAs were found. Inverse associations with LPDFF were observed for PUFAs (−5.8% relative difference [95% confidence interval −0.6, −1.9]), per 5% increase in intake, while SFAs were positively associated with LPDFF (5.8% [3.3, 8.3]). Positive associations were observed per 1 SD increase in intake of individual fatty acids SFA stearic acid (4.20% [2.84, 5.57]) and palmitic acid (3.15% [1.78, 4.54]). Negative associations were observed for PUFAs alpha-linoleic acid (−2.32% [−3.47, −1.17]) and docosahexaenoic acid (−2.14% [−3.23, −1.0.3], and for MUFA erucic acid (−2.52% [−3.61, −1.43]). Sensitivity analyses presented similar results, and the associations between PUFAs and liver fat became slightly stronger (−10.73%, [−17.58, −3.32]).

This observational study suggests that SFAs and PUFAs are associated with liver fat in opposite directions, independently of energy intake. While total MUFAs did not present significant associations with LPDFF, erucic acid was inversely associated with liver fat, highlighting the value of studying individual fatty acids. These different associations provide valuable information for the design of dietary trials that compare interventions with different types of fatty acids. These further studies would allow a better understanding of the ideal dietary advice to prevent liver steatosis and its global health impact.
Investigating predictors of protein intake in an adult population utilising the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) Survey in the United States
Authors: O’Bree E. , Soyiri I. , Johnstone A.
Published: July 2024

It is widely accepted that meeting recommended protein intake is protective of muscle mass(1). Insufficient intake is related to accelerated sarcopenia and impaired physical function, contributing to increased mortality and morbidity. The recommended target set by the American dietary guidelines is 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight, based on data collated by the National Academies published in 2005(2). Currently approximately 50% of women and 30% of men do not meet these targets(3). It is of public interest to analyse current patterns of intake to allow for improved strategy through awareness of factors that impact protein intake.

To investigate the factors which determine an individual’s protein intake and how they can be used to predict daily intake.

A secondary data analysis of longitudinal data collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2020 has been carried out(4). Data was accessed from the public domain on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The study protocol received approval from the research ethics review board of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the CDC. Average protein intake has been calculated and participant demographics reported. STATA software has been used to carry out a bivariate regression of factors associated with protein intake, an adjusted multivariate regression analysis and a parsimonious model.

19601 participants (52.4% women) aged 20 and over had valid protein data. Adjusted regression analysis generated three model fits, with the parsimonious model excluding BMI categories and household income had a statistically insignificant impact on protein intake. Men consumed 23.99g more protein per day compared to women (p<0.001: 95% CI 23.09 to 24.89). Individuals over 65 consumed 13.92g less protein per day compared to those aged 20-35 years old (p<0.001: 95% CI − 15.25 to −12.59). Mexican American individuals consumed 7.47g more protein than Non-Hispanic White individuals (p<0.001: 95% CI 5.89 to 9.04) and Non-Hispanic White individuals consumed 2.95g more protein compared to non-Hispanic Black individuals (p<0.001: 95% CI 4.13 to 1.77). Those with the lowest educational attainment consumed 10.77g less protein compared to individuals with a college degree (p<0.001: 95% CI −12.79 to −8.74). From 2011 to 2020, there was a gradual decline in protein intake which is statistically significant when comparing 2011/12 with 2015/16 and 2017/2020.

Protein intake can be predicted by an individual’s gender, age, ethnicity, level of education attainment and time period. This study informs policymakers that individuals aged 65 and above are at risk of insufficient protein intake and there has been a general decrease in protein consumption over time. This provides evidence to support initiatives focused on this age category to maximise change and reduce rates of sarcopenia.
Can guided self-help improve the management of binge eating in adults type 2 diabetes? Results of the POSE-D study
Authors: Coales E. , Hill A. , Heywood-Everett S. , Rabbee J. , West R. , Mansfield M. , Grace C. , Beeton I. , Traviss-Turner G.
Published: July 2024

People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience binge eating than the general population, which may interfere with their diabetes management. Guided Self-Help (GSH) is the recommended treatment for binge eating disorder (1), but there is currently a lack of evidenced treatment for binge eating in individuals living with type 2 diabetes.

The aims of this pilot study were to test the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting and delivering a 12-week, online psychological GSH intervention which has been adapted in an earlier study to the needs of adults with T2 diabetes and binge eating (2).

The intervention comprises GSH materials presented online in 7-sections delivered over 12-weeks, supported by a trained Guide. In total 22 participants were recruited in a case series design, through GP practices, NHS specialist weight management and diabetes services and via social media. Outcome measures were collected pre and post-intervention and at 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome was the Gormally Binge Eating Scale and secondary outcomes included eating disorder psychopathology, depression, anxiety, quality of life and HBA1C. Following the intervention, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 6 participants and 4 Guides. Data were analysed using a random intercept multi-level model.

Results showed at baseline that 67% of the sample met the criteria for moderate to severe binge eating (cut-off (≤17). At post-intervention there was a statistically significant reduction in self- reported binge eating on the Gormally binge eating scale with a reduction in mean score moving from 26.8 to 14.2, (t= -4.181, p < 0.001) and only 9% meeting criteria for binge eating. There were also notable improvements in anxiety, depression and quality of life scores, but not eating disorder psychopathology.

In the interviews both Guides and participants found the adapted online platform easy to use and the sessional support sufficient. They highlighted what a large commitment it was and therefore the importance of the Guide and working in ‘partnership’. The intervention appeared particularly suited to ‘stress eaters’, those experiencing ‘severe binge eating’ episodes and physical symptoms of diabetes. As a result of the intervention, participants reported ‘making broader lifestyle changes’, ‘improvements in their diabetes management’ and ‘confidence’. Guides found the training and supervision helpful but reflected on some ‘challenges with engagement’. On ending the intervention, participants requested ‘ongoing support’, such as an optional follow-up appointment and continued access to the materials.

In conclusion, the study shows preliminary evidence for online GSH tailored to the needs of individuals with T2D as a promising approach to improving binge eating, diabetes management, mental wellbeing and quality of life, however effectiveness evidence is needed.
Subglacial Discharge Accelerates Dynamic Retreat of Aurora Subglacial Basin Outlet Glaciers, East Antarctica, Over the 21st Century
Authors: Pelle T. , Greenbaum J. S. , Ehrenfeucht S. , Dow C. F. , McCormack F. S.
Published: July 2024

Recent studies have revealed the presence of a complex freshwater system underlying the Aurora Subglacial Basin (ASB), a region of East Antarctica that contains ∼7 m of global sea level potential in ice mainly grounded below sea level. However, the impact that subglacial freshwater has on driving the evolution of the dynamic outlet glaciers that drain this basin has yet to be tested in a coupled ice sheet‐subglacial hydrology numerical modeling framework. Here, we project the evolution of the primary outlet glaciers draining the ASB (Moscow University Ice Shelf, Totten, Vanderford, and Adams Glaciers) in response to an evolving subglacial hydrology system and to ocean forcing through 2100, following low and high CMIP6 emission scenarios. By 2100, ice‐hydrology feedbacks enhance the ASB's 2100 sea level contribution by ∼30% (7.50–9.80 mm) in high emission scenarios and accelerate the retreat of Totten Glacier's main ice stream by 25 years. Ice‐hydrology feedbacks are particularly influential in the retreat of the Vanderford and Adams Glaciers, driving an additional 10 km of retreat in fully coupled simulations relative to uncoupled simulations. Hydrology‐driven ice shelf melt enhancements are the primary cause of domain‐wide mass loss in low emission scenarios, but are secondary to ice sheet frictional feedbacks under high emission scenarios. The results presented here demonstrate that ice‐subglacial hydrology interactions can significantly accelerate retreat of dynamic Antarctic glaciers and that future Antarctic sea level assessments that do not take these interactions into account might be severely underestimating Antarctic Ice Sheet mass loss.
Gestational valproic acid exposure enhances facial stimulation-evoked cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell transmission via GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptor in offspring mice
Authors: Yuan Yong-Xue , Liu Yang , Zhang Jing , Bing Yan-Hua , Chen Chao-Yue , Li Guang-Gao , Chu Chun-Ping , Yin Ming-Ji , Qiu De-Lai
Published: July 2024

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most effective antiepileptic drugs, and exposing animals to VPA during gestation has been used as a model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Numerous studies have shown that impaired synaptic transmission in the cerebellar cortical circuits is one of the reasons for the social deficits and repetitive behavior seen in ASD. In this study, we investigated the effect of VPA exposure during pregnancy on tactile stimulation-evoked cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell (MF-GC) synaptic transmission in mice anesthetized with urethane. Three-chamber testing showed that mice exposed to VPA mice exhibited a significant reduction in social interaction compared with the control group. In vivo electrophysiological recordings revealed that a pair of air-puff stimulation on ipsilateral whisker pad evoked MF-GC synaptic transmission, N1, and N2. The evoked MF-GC synaptic responses in VPA-exposed mice exhibited a significant increase in the area under the curve (AUC) of N1 and the amplitude and AUC of N2 compared with untreated mice. Cerebellar surface application of the selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker D-APV significantly inhibited facial stimulation-evoked MF-GC synaptic transmission. In the presence of D-APV, there were no significant differences between the AUC of N1 and the amplitude and AUC of N2 in the VPA-exposed mice and those of the untreated mice. Notably, blockade of the GluN2A subunit-containing, but not the GluN2B subunit-containing, NMDA receptor, significantly inhibited MF-GC synaptic transmission and decreased the AUC of N1 and the amplitude and AUC of N2 in VPA-exposed mice to levels similar to those seen in untreated mice. In addition, the GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptor was expressed at higher levels in the GC layer of VPA-treated mice than in control mice. These results indicate that gestational VPA exposure in mice produces ASD-like behaviors, accompanied by increased cerebellar MF-GC synaptic transmission and an increase in GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptor expression in the offspring.
Three SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variants delivered intranasally by measles and mumps vaccines are broadly protective
Authors: Zhang Yuexiu , Chamblee Michelle , Xu Jiayu , Qu Panke , Shamseldin Mohamed M. , Yoo Sung J. , Misny Jack , Thongpan Ilada , KC Mahesh , Hall Jesse M. , Gupta Yash A. , Evans John P. , Lu Mijia , Ye Chengjin , Hsu Cheng Chih , Liang Xueya , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Yount Jacob S. , Boyaka Prosper N. , Liu Shan-Lu , Dubey Purnima , Peeples Mark E. , Li Jianrong
Published: July 2024

As the new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants and subvariants emerge, there is an urgency to develop intranasal, broadly protective vaccines. Here, we developed highly efficacious, intranasal trivalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates (TVC) based on three components of the MMR vaccine: measles virus (MeV), mumps virus (MuV) Jeryl Lynn (JL1) strain, and MuV JL2 strain. Specifically, MeV, MuV-JL1, and MuV-JL2 vaccine strains, each expressing prefusion spike (preS-6P) from a different variant of concern (VoC), were combined to generate TVCs. Intranasal immunization of IFNAR1−/− mice and female hamsters with TVCs generated high levels of S-specific serum IgG antibodies, broad neutralizing antibodies, and mucosal IgA antibodies as well as tissue-resident memory T cells in the lungs. The immunized female hamsters were protected from challenge with SARS-CoV-2 original WA1, B.1.617.2, and B.1.1.529 strains. The preexisting MeV and MuV immunity does not significantly interfere with the efficacy of TVC. Thus, the trivalent platform is a promising next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.
Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and incident depression and anxiety
Authors: Lu Xujia , Wu Luying , Shao Liping , Fan Yulong , Pei Yalong , Lu Xinmei , Borné Yan , Ke Chaofu
Published: July 2024

High-quality diets have been increasingly acknowledged as a promising candidate to counter the growing prevalence of mental health disorders. This study aims to investigate the prospective associations of adhering to the EAT-Lancet reference diet with incident depression, anxiety and their co-occurrence in 180,446 UK Biobank participants. Degrees of adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet were translated into three different diet scores. Over 11.62 years of follow-up, participants in the highest adherence group of the Knuppel EAT-Lancet index showed lower risks of depression (hazard ratio: 0.806, 95% CI: 0.730–0.890), anxiety (0.818, 0.751–0.892) and their co-occurrence (0.756, 0.624–0.914), compared to the lowest adherence group. The corresponding hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 0.711 (0.627–0.806), 0.765 (0.687–0.852) and 0.659 (0.516–0.841) for the Stubbendorff EAT-Lancet index, and 0.844 (0.768–0.928), 0.825 (0.759–0.896) and 0.818 (0.682–0.981) for the Kesse-Guyot EAT-Lancet diet index. Our findings suggest that higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is associated with lower risks of incident depression, anxiety and their co-occurrence.
O-GlcNAcylation of MITF regulates its activity and CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Shuyan , Kai Yan , Zhang Ya-qin , Peng Changmin , Li Zhuqing , mughal Muhammad Jameel , Julie Belmar , Zheng Xiaoyan , Ma Junfeng , Ma Cynthia X. , Shen Min , Hall Matthew D. , Li Shunqiang , Zhu Wenge
Published: July 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) play a pivotal role in cell cycle and cancer development. Targeting CDK4/6 has demonstrated promising effects against breast cancer. However, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), such as palbociclib, remains a substantial challenge in clinical settings. Using high-throughput combinatorial drug screening and genomic sequencing, we find that the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is activated via O-GlcNAcylation by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) in palbociclib-resistant breast cancer cells and tumors. Mechanistically, O-GlcNAcylation of MITF at Serine 49 enhances its interaction with importin α/β, thus promoting its translocation to nuclei, where it suppresses palbociclib-induced senescence. Inhibition of MITF or its O-GlcNAcylation re-sensitizes resistant cells to palbociclib. Moreover, clinical studies confirm the activation of MITF in tumors from patients who are palbociclib-resistant or undergoing palbociclib treatment. Collectively, our studies shed light on the mechanism regulating palbociclib resistance and present clinical evidence for developing therapeutic approaches to treat CDK4/6i-resistant breast cancer patients.
DCAF15 control of cohesin dynamics sustains acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Grothusen Grant P. , Chang Renxu , Cao Zhendong , Zhou Nan , Mittal Monika , Datta Arindam , Wulfridge Phillip , Beer Thomas , Wang Baiyun , Zheng Ning , Tang Hsin-Yao , Sarma Kavitha , Greenberg Roger A. , Shi Junwei , Busino Luca
Published: July 2024

The CRL4-DCAF15 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex is targeted by the aryl-sulfonamide molecular glues, leading to neo-substrate recruitment, ubiquitination, and proteasomal degradation. However, the physiological function of DCAF15 remains unknown. Using a domain-focused genetic screening approach, we reveal DCAF15 as an acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-biased dependency. Loss of DCAF15 results in suppression of AML through compromised replication fork integrity and consequent accumulation of DNA damage. Accordingly, DCAF15 loss sensitizes AML to replication stress-inducing therapeutics. Mechanistically, we discover that DCAF15 directly interacts with the SMC1A protein of the cohesin complex and destabilizes the cohesin regulatory factors PDS5A and CDCA5. Loss of PDS5A and CDCA5 removal precludes cohesin acetylation on chromatin, resulting in uncontrolled chromatin loop extrusion, defective DNA replication, and apoptosis. Collectively, our findings uncover an endogenous, cell autonomous function of DCAF15 in sustaining AML proliferation through post-translational control of cohesin dynamics.
A nanoscale photonic thermal transistor for sub-second heat flow switching
Authors: Lim Ju Won , Majumder Ayan , Mittapally Rohith , Gutierrez Audrey-Rose , Luan Yuxuan , Meyhofer Edgar , Reddy Pramod
Published: July 2024

Control of heat flow is critical for thermal logic devices and thermal management and has been explored theoretically. However, experimental progress on active control of heat flow has been limited. Here, we describe a nanoscale radiative thermal transistor that comprises of a hot source and a cold drain (both are ~250 nm-thick silicon nitride membranes), which are analogous to the source and drain electrodes of a transistor. The source and drain are in close proximity to a vanadium oxide (VOx)-based planar gate electrode, whose dielectric properties can be adjusted by changing its temperature. We demonstrate that when the gate is located close ( < ~1 µm) to the source-drain device and undergoes a metal-insulator transition, the radiative heat transfer between the source and drain can be changed by a factor of three. More importantly, our nanomembrane-based thermal transistor features fast switching times ( ~ 500 ms as opposed to minutes for past three-terminal thermal transistors) due to its small thermal mass. Our experiments are supported by detailed calculations that highlight the mechanism of thermal modulation. We anticipate that the advances reported here will open new opportunities for designing thermal circuits or thermal logic devices for advanced thermal management.
Analyzing bifurcation, stability, and wave solutions in nonlinear telecommunications models using transmission lines, Hamiltonian and Jacobian techniques
Authors: Refaie Ali Ahmed , Roshid Harun Or , Islam Shariful , Khatun Asma
Published: July 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a nonlinear telecommunications model, exploring bifurcation, stability, and wave solutions using Hamiltonian and Jacobian techniques. The investigation begins with a thorough examination of bifurcation behavior, identifying critical points and their stability characteristics, leading to the discovery of diverse bifurcation scenarios. The stability of critical points is further assessed through graphical and numerical methods, highlighting the sensitivity to parameter variations. The study delves into the derivation of both numerical and analytical wave solutions, aligning them with energy orbits depicted in phase portraits, revealing a spectrum of wave behaviors. Additionally, the analysis extends to traveling wave solutions, providing insights into wave propagation dynamics. Notably, the study underscores the efficacy of the planar dynamical approach in capturing system behavior in harmony with phase portrait orbits. The findings have significant implications for telecommunications engineers and researchers, offering insights into system behavior, stability, and signal propagation, ultimately advancing our understanding of complex nonlinear dynamics in telecommunications networks.
Optimal design of graphene-based plasmonic enhanced photodetector using PSO
Authors: Molaei-Yeznabad Asghar , Abedi Kambiz
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we report a graphene-based plasmonic photodetector optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and compatible with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The proposed photodetector structure is designed to minimize fabrication challenges and reduce production costs compared to more complex alternatives. Graphene has been used for its unique properties in the detection region, titanium nitride (TiN) as a CMOS-compatible metal, and both to aid in plasmonic excitation. Photodetectors have key parameters influenced by multiple independent variables. However, practical constraints prevent thorough adjustment of all variables to achieve optimal parameter values, often resulting in analysis based on several simplified models. Here we optimize these variables by presenting a new approach in the field of photodetectors using the capabilities of the PSO algorithm. As a result, for the proposed device at the wavelength of 1550 nm, the voltage responsivity is 210.6215 V/W, the current responsivity is 3.7213 A/W, the ultra-compressed length is less than 3$$\mu {\text{m}}$$

μ
m

, and the specific detectivity is 2.566×$${10}^{7}$$

10

7

Jones were obtained. Furthermore, the device in question works under the photothermoelectric effect (PTE) at zero bias and has zero dark current, which ultimately resulted in a very low noise equivalent power (NEP) of 4.5361 $${\text{pW}}/\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$$

pW
/

Hz

.
$$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$-symmetric KdV solutions and their algebraic extension with zero-width resonances
Authors: Abhinav Kumar , Shukla Aradhya , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: July 2024

A class of complex breather and soliton solutions to both KdV and mKdV equations are identified with a Pöschl-Teller type $$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$

P
T

-symmetric potential. However, these solutions represent only the unbroken-$$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$

P
T

phase owing to their isospectrality to an infinite potential well in the complex plane having real spectra. To obtain the broken-$$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$

P
T

phase, an extension of the potential satisfying the $$sl\left( 2,\mathbb {R}\right)$$

s
l

2
,
R

potential algebra is mandatory that additionally supports non-trivial zero-width resonances.
Quantification of cardiac capillarization in basement-membrane-immunostained myocardial slices using Segment Anything Model
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Chen Xiwen , Richardson William , Gao Bruce Z. , Razi Abolfazl , Ye Tong
Published: July 2024

Decreased myocardial capillary density has been reported as an important histopathological feature associated with various heart disorders. Quantitative assessment of cardiac capillarization typically involves double immunostaining of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and capillaries in myocardial slices. In contrast, single immunostaining of basement membrane protein is a straightforward approach to simultaneously label CMs and capillaries, presenting fewer challenges in background staining. However, subsequent image analysis always requires expertise and laborious manual work to identify and segment CMs/capillaries. Here, we developed an image analysis tool, AutoQC, for automatic identification and segmentation of CMs and capillaries in immunofluorescence images of basement membrane. Commonly used capillarization-related measurements can be derived from segmentation results. By leveraging the power of a pre-trained segmentation model (Segment Anything Model, SAM) via prompt engineering, the training of AutoQC required only a small dataset with bounding box annotations instead of pixel-wise annotations. AutoQC outperformed SAM (without prompt engineering) and YOLOv8-Seg, a state-of-the-art instance segmentation model, in both instance segmentation and capillarization assessment. Thus, AutoQC, featuring a weakly supervised algorithm, enables automatic segmentation and high-throughput, high-accuracy capillarization assessment in basement-membrane-immunostained myocardial slices. This approach reduces the training workload and eliminates the need for manual image analysis once AutoQC is trained.
Electromagnetic informed data model considerations for near-field DOA and range estimates
Authors: Ebadi Zohreh , Molaei Amir Masoud , Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Cotton Simon , Tukmanov Anvar , Yurduseven Okan
Published: July 2024

Localizing sources in the near-field is one of the emerging challenges for array signal processing, which has received a great deal of attention in recent years. The development of accurate localization algorithms requires the definition of a reliable model of the received signal that takes into account all wavefront characteristics, such as angle, range, and polarization, as well as electromagnetic effects, such as mutual coupling between antennas and the amplitude and phase behaviour of electromagnetic wavefronts. A system model that considers the electromagnetic-informed wave behaviour effects, independent of the type of receiver antennas, array structure, degree of correlation of sources signals and other electromagnetic effects, is considered an “ exact model ” in the literature. However, due to the mathematical complexity of this modeling approach, simplifications using several approximations are conventionally used. For instance, the phase of the exact model is approximated using the Fresnel approximation, while the magnitude of the exact model is simplified by assuming equal distances between the source and all elements in the array. In this work, we evaluate the accuracy of a localization algorithm, the multiple signal classification (MUSIC), using the exact and approximated models in the near-field region. Through a series of simulations, we demonstrate that the localization algorithm designed based on the electromagnetic-informed exact model outperforms the one designed using the approximated model. We also show that considering electromagnetic factors in the system model through the exact model results in a 13% improvement in the direction of arrival (DOA) root mean square error (RMSE) and a 57.7% improvement in range RMSE at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 15 dB.