bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diel metabolic patterns revealed by in situ transcriptome and proteome in a vertically migratory copepod
Authors: Maas Amy E. , Timmins‐Schiffman Emma , Tarrant Ann M. , Nunn Brook L. , Park Jea , Blanco‐Bercial Leocadio
Published: January 2024

Zooplankton undergo a diel vertical migration (DVM) which exposes them to gradients of light, temperature, oxygen, and food availability on a predictable daily schedule. Disentangling the co‐varying and potentially synergistic interactions on metabolic rates has proven difficult, despite the importance of this migration for the delivery of metabolic waste products to the distinctly different daytime (deep) and nighttime (surface) habitats. This study examines the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of the circumglobal migratory copepod, Pleuromamma xiphias, over the diel cycle. The transcriptome showed that 96% of differentially expressed genes were upregulated during the middle of the day – the period often considered to be of lowest zooplankton activity. The changes in protein abundance were more spread out over time, peaking (42% of comparisons) in the early evening. Between 9:00 and 15:00, both the transcriptome and proteome datasets showed increased expression related to chitin synthesis and degradation. Additionally, at 09:00 and 22:00, there were increases in myosin and vitellogenin proteins, potentially linked to the stress of migration and/or reproductive investment. Based on protein abundances detected, there is an inferred switch in broad metabolic processes, shifting from electron transport system in the day to glycolysis and glycogen mobilization in the afternoon/evening. These observations provide evidence of the diel impact of DVM on transcriptomic and proteomic pathways that likely influence metabolic processes and subsequent excretion products, and clarify how this behaviour results in the direct rapid transport of waste metabolites from the surface to the deep ocean.
Replies to E. J. Green, Zoe Jenkin, and Jack Lyons
Authors: Hill Christopher S.
Published: January 2024

I argue for three claims. (1) The phenomenology of visual experience is exhausted by awareness of appearance properties (i.e., certain constantly changing characteristics of external objects that are relational and viewpoint‐dependent). (2) Cognition differs from perception in that it has a purely discursive or linguistic dimension, whereas perception is pervasively analog and iconic; but this does not determine a border between the two domains, for cognition also has a massive iconic dimension. And (3) certain raging debates in teleosemantics can be resolved by acknowledging that perceptual representations in more primitive organisms tend to have dual contents (e.g., both small, moving black object, and food).
Peatland restoration in Norway – evaluation of ongoing monitoring and identification of plant indicators of restoration success
Authors: Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Jokerud Mari , Catriona Mehlhoop Anne , Marie Foldnes Lunde Linn , Fandrem Marte , Lyngstad Anders
Published: January 2024

Norway launched a national action plan on wetland restoration in 2016. So far, 90% of the restoration effort has been on peatland restoration, with about 140 mires restored so far. There are three main restoration goals stated in the action plan: 1) limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, 2) climate adaptation and 3) improved ecological condition. Quantifying the outcome of the restoration actions is necessary to evaluate whether the goals of the action plan are met. A vegetation monitoring protocol was suggested before restoration started and has been implemented at five restoration sites. As the peatland restoration effort in Norway is increasing, it is timely to evaluate if the data currently collected can measure peatland restoration outcome. We evaluate the monitoring protocol based on statistical analyses of the data collected at two sites, describe how indicator species can be identified using generalized composition data used as the basis for classifying habitats in Norway (EcoSyst framework), and suggest the way forward for peatland restoration monitoring in Norway. Data collected according to the monitoring protocol can document changes in species composition at restoration sites, but has limitations when the ecological complexity at the sites increases and reference sites are unavailable. We argue that adjusting the monitoring protocol will: 1) facilitate alignment with existing peatland research; 2) connect better with monitoring programs where data is collected applying EcoSyst framework principles; and 3) enable upscaling to cover the wide variation emerging in peatland restoration.
MYC2 regulates stomatal density and water use efficiency via targeting EPF2/EPFL4/EPFL9 in poplar
Authors: Xia Yufei , Jiang Shenxiu , Wu Wenqi , Du Kang , Kang Xiangyang
Published: January 2024

Although polyploid plants have lower stomatal density than their diploid counterparts, the molecular mechanisms underlying this difference remain elusive.

Here, we constructed a network based on the triploid poplar transcriptome data and triple‐gene mutual interaction algorithm and found that PpnMYC2 was related to stomatal development‐related genes PpnEPF2, PpnEPFL4, and PpnEPFL9. The interactions between PpnMYC2 and PagJAZs were experimentally validated. PpnMYC2‐overexpressing poplar and Arabidopsis thaliana had reduced stomatal density. Poplar overexpressing PpnMYC2 had higher water use efficiency and drought resistance.

RNA‐sequencing data of poplars overexpressing PpnMYC2 showed that PpnMYC2 promotes the expression of stomatal density inhibitors PagEPF2 and PagEPFL4 and inhibits the expression of the stomatal density‐positive regulator PagEPFL9. Yeast one‐hybrid system, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, ChIP‐qPCR, and dual‐luciferase assay were employed to substantiate that PpnMYC2 directly regulated PagEPF2, PagEPFL4, and PagEPFL9. PpnMYC2, PpnEPF2, and PpnEPFL4 were significantly upregulated, whereas PpnEPFL9 was downregulated during stomatal formation in triploid poplar.

Our results are of great significance for revealing the regulation mechanism of plant stomatal occurrence and polyploid stomatal density, as well as reducing stomatal density and improving plant water use efficiency by overexpressing MYC2.
Communication between undamaged plants can elicit changes in volatile emissions from neighbouring plants, thereby altering their susceptibility to aphids
Authors: Kheam Sokha , Gallinger Jannicke , Ninkovic Velemir
Published: January 2024

Plant volatiles play an important role in intra‐ and interspecific plant communication, inducing direct and indirect defenses against insect pests. However, it remains unknown whether volatile interactions between undamaged cultivars alter host plant volatile emissions and their perception by insect pests. Here, we tested the effects of exposure of a spring barley, Hordeum vulgare L., cultivar, Salome, to volatiles from other cultivars: Fairytale and Anakin. We found that exposing Salome to Fairytale induced a significantly higher emission of trans‐β‐ocimene and two unidentified compounds compared when exposed to Anakin. Aphids were repelled at a higher concentration of trans‐β‐ocimene. Salome exposure to Fairytale had significant repulsive effects on aphid olfactory preference, yet not when Salome was exposed to Anakin. We demonstrate that volatile interactions between specific undamaged plants can induce changes in volatile emission by receiver plants enhancing certain compounds, which can disrupt aphid olfactory preferences. Our results highlight the significant roles of volatiles in plant–plant interactions, affecting plant–insect interactions in suppressing insect pests. This has important implications for crop protection and sustainable agriculture.
Autonomy and aesthetic valuing
Authors: Riggle Nick
Published: January 2024

Accounts of aesthetic valuing emphasize two constraints on the formation of aesthetic belief. We must form our own aesthetic beliefs by engaging with aesthetic value first‐hand (the acquaintance principle) and by using our own capacities (the autonomy principle). But why? C. Thi Nguyen's proposal is that aesthetic valuing has an inverted structure. We often care about inquiry and engagement for the sake of having true beliefs, but in aesthetic engagement this is flipped: we care about arriving at good aesthetic beliefs for the sake of the values that arise in the process of doing so. The engagement is the point, so we must use our own capacities in first‐hand encounters. Here I challenge Nguyen's account. I argue that it misconstrues the value of aesthetic belief; it conflicts with restrictions on aesthetic testimony; and it has trouble harnessing engagement‐value for a theory of aesthetic value. A better approach emphasizes the social character of aesthetic valuing. On this view, aesthetic valuing is a social practice structured around the collaborative exercise and improvement of certain special capacities. The autonomy and acquaintance principles tell us to engage these capacities in forming our aesthetic beliefs. Understood aright, and contrary to consensus, these rules are identical.
Improved the in vitro blastocyst development in oocytes recovered from cyclic buffaloes
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Usman , Riaz Amjad , Shahzad Muhammad , Naseer Zahid , Lu Kehuan , Lu Yangqing
Published: January 2024

This study examined the impact of cyclicity (with or without cycle corpus luteum; CL) on oocyte quality and embryonic development in buffaloes. We collected oocytes from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes (N = 158 cyclic; n = 316 ovaries and N = 177 acyclic; n = 353 ovaries). Blood progesterone concentration and number of oocytes per ovary were higher in cyclic buffaloes. Cyclic buffalo ovaries produce higher oocytes with I + II and fewer III + IV grades. Oocytes from cyclic buffaloes had a higher maturation rate based on cumulus expansion, cleavage rate and embryo development to the 8‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages than acyclic buffaloes. In conclusion, oocytes recovered from the ovaries of the cyclic buffaloes showed improved oocyte competence and subsequent in vitro blastocyst development.
Selective method for invasive plant removal enhances restoration
Authors: Hinkson Kristin M. , NeSmith Julienne E. , Alba Christina , Durham Michael , Ferrell Jason , Flory S. Luke
Published: January 2024

Effective and sustainable restoration of habitats invaded by non‐native plant species requires both invader removal and recovery of native species. However, efficacy of removal methods and native species responses commonly depend on site conditions, spatial scale, and time, indicating invader removal and restoration approaches must consider environmental context. To better understand how selectivity of invader control methods and site conditions determine invader removal efficacy and resident community responses, we conducted an experiment with a widespread plant invader in the southeast United States (cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica) and co‐occurring resident species across nine sites that varied widely in environmental context. We found that three applications of the commonly used broad‐spectrum herbicide glyphosate reduced invader cover by 97%, on average, across the sites over 2 years. Fluazifop‐P‐butyl, a selective grass‐specific herbicide was equally effective (95% reduction in cover) in removing the invader when only two additional treatments were applied (five treatments total over 2 years) but it also helped preserve or allow for recovery of resident plant cover. Furthermore, removal efficacy was similar across sites regardless of differences in environmental conditions. Higher resource availability, as estimated by initial invader biomass at the sites, resulted in greater resident species recovery, but only under the grass‐specific herbicide treatment. Our results suggest that refocusing invasive plant management efforts from removal alone to community‐wide native species preservation and recovery, in part by using more selective invader removal strategies, has higher initial management costs but could simultaneously ease invader impacts and enhance ecosystem restoration.
Exploring fear of happiness among university students: The role of perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness
Authors: Dobos Bianka , Mellor David , Piko Bettina F.
Published: January 2024

Due to its impact on mental health and well‐being, fear of happiness is beginning to receive more attention in research. This study, conducted in Hungary, explored the relationship between fear of happiness, perfectionism, loneliness, hopelessness, and academic burnout. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years (N = 1,148, M = 22 years, SD = 4.5) completed an online questionnaire that included self‐report measures of these constructs. In the present study, males showed higher levels of fear of happiness and perfectionism than did females. Analyses also revealed that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positively related to fear of happiness. In multiple regression analysis, gender had a positive and age had a negative role in the levels of fear of happiness. Maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positive predictors, while adaptive perfectionism almost reached statistical significance. These findings highlight the predictive role of previously unexplored variables in fear of happiness.
Associations of school physical activity environment with comorbid obesity and myopia in children and adolescents: Findings from a Chinese national follow‐up study
Authors: Dang Jiajia , Cai Shan , Zhong Panliang , Liu Yunfei , Shi Di , Chen Ziyue , Chen Manman , Dong Yanhui , Ma Jun , Song Yi , Lau Patrick W. C. , Stafford Randall S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Overweight and obesity (OWOB) and myopia have become two of the most important issues affecting the health of children and adolescents worldwide. Despite the recognition that the school physical activity (PA) environment is a critical factor for preventing and controlling overweight, obesity (OWOB), and myopia in children and adolescents, research on OWOB and myopia as a comorbidity remains unexplored, with evidence for effective strategies still being inconclusive. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and progression of comorbid OWOB/myopia and each condition alone, and to explore the association with school PA environment.

Methods

A total of 9814 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years were included from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health follow‐up survey conducted from November 2019 to November 2020 in China. Anthropometric measurements, unaided distance vision acuity and non‐cycloplegic refraction data were collected to assess OWOB and myopia, while eight indicators from questionnaires for children and adolescents aged 9–18 years were investigated to assess school PA environment. We calculated the one‐year incidence and progression rates of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB alone, and myopia alone. Mixed effect logistic regression was evaluated the association between school PA environment and incidence and progression of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB, and myopia.

Results

The prevalence of comorbid OWOB/myopia increased from 11.1% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2020, and the incidence of comorbid OWOB/myopia was 10.9%. Children and adolescents experiencing an unfavorable school PA environment had a higher risk of the incidence of comorbid OWOB/myopia compared to a favorable school environment (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.42–2.42). Similar findings were seen in the incidence of obesity (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.26–2.75). Children and adolescents in an unfavorable school PA environment had a higher risk of myopia progression (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.65).

Conclusions

Obesity and myopia and their comorbidity have been serious among children and adolescents in China. A favorable school PA environment might mitigate the risk of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB, and myopia progression.
Impact of the COVID‐19 outbreak on blood supply in two large university hospitals
Authors: Brieske Christian M. , Temme Christian , Hiller Jens , Goebel Meike , Peine Sven , Horn Peter A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the decrease in elective procedures and the need for blood donation during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic at university hospitals.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has immensely impacted transfusion medicine. By cancelling elective surgery, the German government hoped to increase the available resources for patients infected with COVID‐19, especially in intensive care units, and prevent the shortage of blood products.

Methods/Materials

Over 26 weeks, from the 3rd of February 2020 to the 2nd of August 2020, during the first phase of the pandemic, we assessed the number of crossmatches, blood group typing, use of donated blood, and case mix indices by retrospectively analysing data from two major university hospitals' information systems in Essen and Hamburg, Germany. Data were pooled, analysed, and compared with that of the same period in the previous year.

Results

Following the cessation of elective procedures, the number of requests for crossmatches and blood group typing significantly decreased in 2020 compared to that in 2019. However, the number of blood transfusions required was reduced to a lesser extent. The number of outpatient and inpatient cases significantly decreased, whereas the cases requiring transfusion decreased only.

Conclusion

During the initial phase of the pandemic, transfusion medicine, especially in large institutions, faced an almost unchanged high demand for donated blood. This should be considered regarding personnel and blood donation allocations. Therefore, we developed a monitoring system to display the availability of blood products in real‐time. The quick and easy display of in‐stock and expiring blood products can optimise the use of this valuable resource.
Mapping of cytosol‐facing organelle outer membrane proximity proteome by proximity‐dependent biotinylation in living Arabidopsis cells
Authors: Bao Xinyue , Jia Huifang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Tian Sang , Zhao Yanming , Li Xiangyun , Lin Ping , Ma Chongyang , Wang Pengcheng , Song Chun‐Peng , Zhu Xiaohong
Published: January 2024

The cytosol‐facing outer membrane (OM) of organelles communicates with other cellular compartments to exchange proteins, metabolites, and signaling molecules. Cellular surveillance systems also target OM‐resident proteins to control organellar homeostasis and ensure cell survival under stress. However, the OM proximity proteomes have never been mapped in plant cells since using traditional approaches to discover OM proteins and identify their dynamically interacting partners remains challenging. In this study, we developed an OM proximity labeling (OMPL) system using biotin ligase‐mediated proximity biotinylation to identify the proximity proteins of the OMs of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and peroxisomes in living Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cells. Using this approach, we mapped the OM proximity proteome of these three organelles under normal conditions and examined the effects of the ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) or high light (HL) stress on the abundances of OM proximity proteins. We demonstrate the power of this system with the discovery of cytosolic factors and OM receptor candidates potentially involved in local protein translation and translocation. The candidate proteins that are involved in mitochondrion–peroxisome, mitochondrion–chloroplast, or peroxisome–chloroplast contacts, and in the organellar quality control system are also proposed based on OMPL analysis. OMPL‐generated OM proximity proteomes are valuable sources of candidates for functional validation and suggest directions for further investigation of important questions in cell biology.
Flowing Heating System for Pipeline of Electromagnetic Coupling of Power Frequency Without the Iron Core and Its Structure Optimization
Authors: Zhou Feng , Cheng Quanyou , Zhao Han , Zhang Zongsheng , Wang Hao
Published: January 2024

In response to the current problems such as electromagnetic coupling heating equipment relying on the limitations of electronic devices mostly and difficulty in achieving uniform heating of flowing material, this paper proposed a flowing heating system for pipelines of electromagnetic coupling of power frequency without the iron core. Using the heating system of 500 kW/10.5 kV, structural and electrical parameters were obtained from theoretical calculations, and a finite element simulation model was established. Aiming at the problems of voltage waveform distortion and low power factor, the factors affecting the heating system such as pipe wall thickness and coupling gap were analyzed, and the influence laws on the heating system were obtained. The structure of the conductive ring was proposed for system optimization. In the case of the no-iron heart, the heat efficiency can reach 89.01%, the power factor increased to 0.915, and the voltage distortion was also significantly reduced. Based on the finite element simulation results, the structure of the spoiler ball was proposed to address the problem of uneven heating, and the simulation showed that the spoiler balls can optimize the heating uniformity of the heating system. This system can realize the uniform heating of material without the cost of the iron core and has the characteristics of high voltage and high power, which can provide an effective way of thinking for the electric heating of hot water, steam, hot air, etc.
Experimental Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Flexible Connected Double-Module Floating Structure
Authors: Dong Guohai , Mao Yanjun , Wu Yufei , Ma Xiaozhou , Yuan Fang , Lu Xiong , Zhang Luyao , Zhou Diwen , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

A flexibly connected double-module floating structure can be used as the primary component unit of a large multi-module floating structure, revealing some basic principles regarding the interaction of multiple modules and connectors to the same extent. This study investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a double-module floating structure with cable–fender connectors and connector loads through an experimental model test. Due to the weak coupling strength of the connector, the motion response of each unit of the double-module floating structure mainly responds to the wave frequency, and the resonance frequency of the floating unit is close to that of the single floating module. The magnitude of the connector load is related to the relative pitch motion of the two modules. The increased stiffness of the connector can limit the pitch motion of the modules but can also lead to higher forces on the connector. The load acting on the fender in the cable–fender connector is strongly nonlinear, and the shear force on the fender is large; this may be the control load causing fender damage.
Active Regulation of Elastic Waves in a Type of Two-Dimensional Periodic Structures With Piezoelectric Springs
Authors: Zhao Jian , Wang Hongyu , Wang Xuefeng , Zhang Jian , Huang Yu
Published: January 2024

Wave propagations exhibit direction and frequency selectivity in two-dimensional (2D) periodic structures, which provides possibilities to regulate wave dispersion and bandgap properties. Most of current researches focus on regulations of 1D waves, and there are few works about active regulations of 2D waves, especially in the structures with strong nonlinearities that have remarkable influences on dispersions. In this work, two types of 2D periodic nonlinear lattice structures with piezoelectric springs, which include a monatomic and a diatomic structure, are designed to implement controllable dispersion and propagation direction of 2D waves. Considering the strong nonlinearities caused by the cubic spring, dynamic models of the wave propagations in the two kinds of periodic structures are established, and an improved incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method is developed to implement efficient and accurate calculations of the 2D wave propagation. Influences of active and structural parameters on dispersion and bandgap properties are comprehensively studied, and the regulation ability of the piezoelectric springs is demonstrated where the proportional voltage constant is the active control parameter with particle displacements as the feedback. Results also show that a piezoelectric modulated bandgap and a critical wave vector region are created by positive and negative proportional constants, respectively, which indicate that the structures can be used to filter a wide range of low-frequency long-wavelength noises and waves at particular directions. The properties predicted by the improved IHB method are verified by numerical experiments.
Ehrenfest paradox: A careful examination
Authors: Kumar Jitendra
Published: January 2024

The Ehrenfest paradox for a rotating ring is examined and a kinematic resolution, within the framework of the special theory of relativity, is presented. Two different ways by which a ring can be brought from rest to rotational motion, whether by keeping the rest lengths of the blocks constituting the ring constant or by keeping their lengths in the inertial frame constant, are explored and their effect on the length of the material ring in the inertial as well as the co-rotating frame is checked. It is found that the ring tears at a point in the former case and remains intact in the latter case, but in neither of the two cases is the motion of the ring Born rigid during the transition from rest to rotational motion.
Improving onset picking in ultrasonic testing by using a spectral entropy criterion
Authors: Bühling Benjamin , Maack Stefan
Published: January 2024

In ultrasonic testing, material and structural properties of a specimen can be derived from the time-of-flight (ToF). Using signal features, such as the first peak or envelope maximum, to calculate the ToF is error-prone in multipath arrangements or dispersive and attenuating materials, which is not the case for the signal onset. Borrowing from seismology, researchers used the Akaike information criterion (AIC) picker to automatically determine onset times. The most commonly used formulation, Maeda's AIC picker, is reassessed and found to be based on inappropriate assumptions for signals often used in ultrasonic testing and dependent on arbitrary parameters. Consequently, an onset picker for ultrasonic through-transmission measurements is proposed, based on a spectral entropy criterion (SEC) to model the signal using the AIC framework. This SEC picker takes into account the spectral properties of the ultrasonic signal and is virtually free of arbitrary parameters. Synthetic and experimental data are used to compare the performance of SEC and AIC pickers. It is shown that the accuracy of onset picking is improved for densely sampled data.
No yield stress required: Stress-activated flow in simple yield-stress fluids
Authors: Pagani G. , Hofmann M. , Govaert L. E. , Tervoort T. A. , Vermant J.
Published: January 2024

An elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation is proposed to describe both the elastic and rate-dependent plastic deformation behavior of Carbopol® dispersions, commonly used to study yield-stress fluids. The model, a variant of the nonlinear Maxwell model with stress-dependent relaxation time, eliminates the need for a separate Herschel–Bulkley yield stress. The stress dependence of the viscosity was determined experimentally by evaluating the steady-state flow stress at a constant applied shear rate and by measuring the steady-state creep rate at constant applied shear stress. Experimentally, the viscosity’s stress-dependence was confirmed to follow the Ree–Eyring model. Furthermore, it is shown that the Carbopol® dispersions used here obey time-stress superposition, indicating that all relaxation times experience the same stress dependence. This was demonstrated by building a compliance mastercurve using horizontal shifting on a logarithmic time axis of creep curves measured at different stress levels and by constructing mastercurves of the storage- and loss-modulus curves determined independently by orthogonal superposition measurements at different applied constant shear stresses. Overall, the key feature of the proposed constitutive equation is its incorporation of a nonlinear stress-activated change in relaxation time, which enables a smooth transition from elastic to viscous behavior during start-up flow experiments. This approach bypasses the need for a distinct Herschel–Bulkley yield stress as a separate material characteristic. Additionally, the model successfully replicates the observed steady-state flow stress in transient-flow scenarios and the steady-state flow rate in creep experiments, underlining its effectiveness in capturing the material’s dynamic response. Finally, the one-dimensional description is readily extended to a full three-dimensional finite-strain elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation.
Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise Toolkit: Impact on the Knowledge, Perspectives, and Practices of Exercise Providers
Authors: Middleton Laura E. , Pelletier Chelsea , Koch Melissa , Norman Rebekah , Dupuis Sherry , Astell Arlene , Giangregorio Lora , Freeman Shannon , _ _
Published: January 2024

Physical activity improves the well-being of persons living with dementia but few exercise programs include them. The Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit aims to improve exercise providers’ understanding of dementia and ability to support persons living with dementia in physical activity. We evaluated the co-designed DICE toolkit with exercise providers using a mixed-methods approach comprising pre/post questionnaires and interviews and reflection diaries. Among 16 participants, self-efficacy for exercise delivery to persons living with dementia and both knowledge and attitudes toward dementia significantly improved. Thematic analysis suggested participants (a) had a deeper understanding of the variability of dementia, (b) were planning for equitable access for persons living with dementia, (c) planned to promote social connection through exercise, and (d) were optimistic for future engagement with persons living with dementia. The DICE toolkit may improve exercise providers’ knowledge and confidence to plan proactively to support persons living with dementia in programs and services.
The Impact of Mentoring Youth Placed At-Risk on the Socialization of Preservice Physical Educators
Authors: Gaudreault Karen Lux , Schulz Denis , Shiver Victoria N. , Allgaier Theresa
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mentoring underserved youth on the socialization of preservice teachers within a community-engaged after-school program. Methods: Data consisted of semistructured interviews, critical incident accounts, and field notes. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed inductively using elements of grounded theory and constant comparison. Findings: Four themes were developed. First, each participant entered teacher training to provide positive experiences for students. Second, the practical experience supported preservice teachers in feeling more comfortable in their roles as educators. Third, preservice teachers developed personal relationships with the students in the after-school program. Fourth, preservice teachers internalized the obligation to model healthy social–emotional behaviors. Conclusions: Findings indicate the benefits of mentoring in a community-engaged learning project. Interacting with a diverse population of students can positively impact teacher socialization and feelings toward students and teaching.
A Longitudinal Study on the Influence of Peer Network Status on University and College Students’ Academic Records in Hurdle Class
Authors: Su Ronghai , Wang Meiling , Wang Deng , Chen Lin , Su Bingxin , Su Xuanyan , Hsu Maochou
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To examine the longitudinal impact and mechanism of peer network status on university students’ hurdle running academic records. Methods: Conduct a follow-up survey in the hurdle teaching, an experimental class, and analyze the data using the latent growth model. Results: (a) The intercept and slope of peer network status positively predict the slope of academic records. (b) Peer network status influences the slope of academic records through the slope of learning engagement, and the intercept of learning engagement acts as a masking effect between the two. (c) Personality traits moderated the relationship between peer network status and the academic records slope. Conclusions: (a) The impact of peer network status on academic records exhibits social effects. (b) The impact of peer network status on academic records has a double-edged sword effect. (c) Extroverted personality is most advantageous in enhancing peer network status and predicting the rate of improvement in academic records.
Characterization of the
Pneumocystis jirovecii
and
Pneumocystis murina
phosphoglucomutases (Pgm2s): a potential target for
Pneumocystis
therapy
Authors: Kottom Theodore J. , Carmona Eva M. , Limper Andrew H.
Published: January 2024

Pneumocystis
cyst life forms contain abundant β-glucan carbohydrates, synthesized using β-1,3 and β-1,6 glucan synthase enzymes and the donor uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose. In yeast, phosphoglucomutase (PGM) plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism by interconverting glucose 1-phosphate and glucose 6-phosphate, a vital step in UDP pools for β-glucan cell wall formation. This pathway has not yet been defined in
Pneumocystis
. Herein, we surveyed the
Pneumocystis jirovecii
and
Pneumocystis murina
genomes, which predicted a homolog of the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
major PGM enzyme. Furthermore, we show that PjPgm2p and PmPgm2p function similarly to the yeast counterpart. When both
Pneumocystis pgm2
homologs are heterologously expressed in
S. cerevisiae pgm2Δ
cells, both genes can restore growth and sedimentation rates to wild-type levels. Additionally, we demonstrate that yeast
pgm2Δ
cell lysates expressing the two
Pneumocystis pgm2
transcripts individually can restore PGM activities significantly altered in the yeast
pgm2Δ
strain. The addition of lithium, a competitive inhibitor of yeast PGM activity, significantly reduces PGM activity. Next, we tested the effects of lithium on
P. murina
viability
ex vivo
and found the compound displays significant anti-
Pneumocystis
activity. Finally, we demonstrate that a para-aryl derivative (ISFP10) with known inhibitory activity against the
Aspergillus fumigatus
PGM protein and exhibiting 50-fold selectivity over the human PGM enzyme homolog can also significantly reduce Pmpgm2 activity
in vitro
. Collectively, our data genetically and functionally validate phosphoglucomutases in both
P. jirovecii
and
P. murina
and suggest the potential of this protein as a selective therapeutic target for individuals with
Pneumocystis
pneumonia.
Global genetic diversity and Asian clades evolution: a phylogeographic study of
Staphylococcus aureus
sequence type 5
Authors: Chen Fengning , Yin Yuyao , Chen Hongbin , Wang Ruobing , Wang Shuyi , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
sequence type (ST) 5 has spread worldwide; however, phylogeographic studies on the evolution of global phylogenetic and Asian clades of ST5 are lacking. This study included 368 ST5 genome sequences, including 111 newly generated sequences. Primary phylogenetic analysis suggested that there are five clades, and geographical clustering of ST5 methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) was linked to the acquisition of
S. aureus
pathogenicity islands (SaPIs; enterotoxin gene island) and integration of the prophage φSa3. The most recent common ancestor of global
S. aureus
ST5 dates back to the mid-1940s, coinciding with the clinical introduction of penicillin. Bayesian phylogeographic inference allowed to ancestrally trace the Asian ST5 MRSA clade to Japan, which may have spread to major cities in China and Korea in the 1990s. Based on a pan-genome-wide association study, the emergence of Asian ST5 clades was attributed to the gain of prophages, SaPIs, and plasmids, as well as the coevolution of resistance genes. Clade IV displayed greater genomic diversity than the Asian MRSA clades. Collectively, our study provides in-depth insights into the global evolution of
S. aureus
ST5 mainly in China and the United States and reveals that different
S. aureus
ST5 clades have arisen independently in different parts of the world, with limited geographic dispersal across continents.
Deciphering the molecular mechanism and regulation of formaldehyde detoxification in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Wani Saloni Rajesh , Jain Vikas
Published: January 2024

The build-up of formaldehyde, a highly reactive molecule is cytotoxic and must be eliminated for the organism’s survival. Formaldehyde detoxification system is found in nearly all organisms including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacteria. MscR, a formaldehyde dehydrogenase from
Mycobacterium smegmatis
(Msm), is an indispensable part of this system and forms a bicistronic operon with its downstream uncharacterized gene,
fmh
. We here show that Fmh, a putative metallo-beta-lactamase, is essential in tolerating higher amounts of formaldehyde when co-overexpressed with
mscR in vivo
. Our NMR studies indicate that MscR, along with Fmh, enhances formate production through a mycothiol (MSH)-dependent pathway, emphasizing the importance of Fmh in detoxifying formaldehyde. Although another aldehyde dehydrogenase,
MSMEG_1543,
induces upon formaldehyde addition, it is not involved in its detoxification. We also show that the expression of the
mscR
operon is constitutive and remains unchanged upon formaldehyde addition, as displayed by the promoter activity of

P
mscR

and by the transcript and protein levels of MscR. Furthermore, we establish the role of a thiol-responsive sigma factor SigH in formaldehyde detoxification. We show that SigH, and not SigE, is crucial for formaldehyde detoxification, even though it does not directly regulate
mscR
operon expression. In addition, sensitivity to formaldehyde in
sigH
-knockout could be alleviated by overexpression of
mscR
. Taken together, our data demonstrate the importance of MSH-dependent pathways in detoxifying formaldehyde in a mycobacterial system. An absence of such MSH-dependent proteins in eukaryotes and its complete conservation in
M. tuberculosis
, the causative agent of tuberculosis, further unravel new drug targets for this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Extensive research has been done on formaldehyde detoxification in different bacteria. However, our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying this process in mycobacteria remains exceedingly little. We previously showed that MscR, a formaldehyde dehydrogenase from
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, plays a pivotal role in this detoxification pathway. Here, we present a potential S-formyl-mycothiol hydrolase named Fmh, thought to be a metallo-beta-lactamase, which functions along with mycothiol (MSH) and MscR to enhance formate production within this detoxification pathway. Co-expression of Fmh with MscR significantly enhances the efficiency of formaldehyde detoxification in
M. smegmatis
. Our experiments establish that Fmh catalyzes the final step of this detoxification pathway. Although an alternative sigma factor SigH was found to be involved in formaldehyde detoxification, it did not directly regulate the expression of mscR. Since formaldehyde detoxification is essential for bacterial survival, we envisage this process to be a potential drug target for
M. tuberculosis
eradication.
A novel conjugative transposon carrying an autonomously amplified plasmid
Authors: Vineis Joseph H. , Reznikoff William S. , Antonopoulos Dionysios A. , Koval Jason , Chang Eugene , Fallon Bailey R. , Paul Blair G. , Morrison Hilary G. , Sogin Mitchell L.
Published: January 2024

The exchange of antibiotic production and resistance genes between microorganisms can lead to the emergence of new pathogens. In this study, short-read mapping of metagenomic samples taken over time from the illeal pouch of a patient with ulcerative colitis to a
Bacteroides fragilis
metagenome-assembled genome revealed two distinct genomic arrangements of a novel conjugative transposon, CTn214, that encodes tetracycline resistance. The autonomous amplification of a plasmid-like circular form from CTn214 that includes
tetQ
potentially provides consistent ribosome protection against tetracycline. This mode of antibiotic resistance offers a novel mechanism for understanding the emergence of pathobionts like
B. fragilis
and their persistence for extended periods of time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Metabolomics and metagenomics reveal the impact of γδ T inhibition on gut microbiota and metabolism in periodontitis-promoting OSCC
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Jing , Tang Boyu , Deng Ye , Li Yan , Chen Qianming
Published: January 2024

This study revealed the effect of γδ T cells on gut microbial dysbiosis and identify potential links between gut microbiota and metabolism, providing new insights into the role of γδ T during the process of periodontitis-induced OSCC, and identifying relevant biomarkers for future research and clinical monitoring protocol development.
Metagenomic analysis of the honey bee queen microbiome reveals low bacterial diversity and Caudoviricetes phages
Authors: Caesar Lílian , Rice Danny W. , McAfee Alison , Underwood Robyn , Ganote Carrie , Tarpy David R. , Foster Leonard J. , Newton Irene L. G.
Published: January 2024

The queen caste plays a central role in colony success in eusocial insects, as queens lay eggs and regulate colony behavior and development. Queen failure can cause colonies to collapse, which is one of the major concerns of beekeepers. Thus, understanding the biology behind the queen’s health is a pressing issue. Previous studies have shown that the bee microbiome plays an important role in worker bee health, but little is known about the queen microbiome and its function
in vivo
. Here, we characterized the queen microbiome, identifying for the first time the present species and their putative functions. We show that the queen microbiome has predicted nutritional and protective roles in queen association and comprises only four consistently present bacterial species. Additionally, we bring to attention the spread of phages in the queen microbiome, which increased in abundance in failing queens and may impact the fate of the colony.
Linking beryllium enrichment to crystal-melt separation in granitic magmatic systems: Insights from high-silica granites in the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China
Authors: Ji Zheng , Ge Wenchun , Yang Hao , Wang Yongzhi , Wu Haoran , Zhang Zhichao , Dong Yu , Zhou Hongying , Jing Yan
Published: January 2024

High-silica granites are significant carriers of highly incompatible elements and are closely associated with mineralization of the rare metal beryllium. Thus, understanding their origin and evolution is of paramount importance for comprehending the evolution of the continental crust and enrichment processes of beryllium. This study presents zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock major and trace element compositions, and Nd-Hf-O isotopic data for Early Cretaceous high-silica granite porphyries, monazite U-Pb ages and Nd isotopic data for beryllium-rich quartz veins, and whole-rock and apatite Nd isotopic data for Permian tuffs in the Dongshanwan W-Mo-Be deposit in the southern Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China. Our aim is to elucidate the link between mineralization and magmatism and to further our insight into the processes of crystal-melt separation and the mechanisms driving beryllium enrichment in granitic magmatic systems. Zircon U-Pb dating of the high-silica granite porphyry yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 141 ± 1 Ma, which is consistent with the age of hydrothermal monazite (ca. 140 Ma) from the beryllium-rich quartz veins. Hydrothermal monazite from the intra-granite porphyry quartz vein has positive εNd(t) values (+0.76 to +1.63) that overlap broadly with whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions of the host granite porphyry [εNd(t) = + 1.24 to +1.61]. These characteristics indicate that the Dongshanwan beryllium mineralization was temporally and genetically associated with magmatic-hydrothermal activity of the Dongshanwan high-silica granite porphyries. Our systematic studies suggest that both the Dongshanwan high-silica granite porphyries and coeval Be-barren high-silica granites in the study area are high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites. They originated from a shared magmatic system and formed by the partial melting of a predominantly juvenile medium- to high-K basaltic crustal source, with a minor addition of old crustal components. Rayleigh fractionation modeling indicates that the granitic magma underwent a two-stage crystal-melt separation process. During the first stage, the fractional crystallization of a large proportion of plagioclase, in which beryllium is compatible, not only effectively inhibited beryllium enrichment in the differentiated melt, but also removed a large amount of Ca. During the second stage, minerals in which beryllium is incompatible dominated the fractionating assemblage owing to the low Ca contents in the magma, resulting in a surge in beryllium concentration in the differentiated melt. Our findings reveal that beryllium cannot be appreciably enriched in calc-alkaline granitic magmatic systems until plagioclase fractionation has substantially removed Ca from the system.
Role of diagnostic tests for sepsis in children: a review
Authors: Rodgers Oenone , Mills Clare , Watson Chris , Waterfield Thomas
Published: January 2024

Paediatric sepsis has a significant global impact and highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. The clinical pathway encompasses recognition, escalation and de-escalation. In each aspect, diagnostics have a fundamental influence over outcomes in children. Biomarkers can aid in creating a larger low-risk group of children from those in the clinical grey area who would otherwise receive antibiotics ‘just in case’. Current biomarkers include C reactive protein and procalcitonin, which are limited in their clinical use to guide appropriate and rapid treatment. Biomarker discovery has focused on single biomarkers, which, so far, have not outperformed current biomarkers, as they fail to recognise the complexity of sepsis. The identification of multiple host biomarkers that may form a panel in a clinical test has the potential to recognise the complexity of sepsis and provide improved diagnostic performance. In this review, we discuss novel biomarkers and novel ways of using existing biomarkers in the assessment and management of sepsis along with the significant challenges in biomarker discovery at present. Validation of biomarkers is made less meaningful due to methodological heterogeneity, including variations in sepsis diagnosis, biomarker cut-off values and patient populations. Therefore, the utilisation of platform studies is necessary to improve the efficiency of biomarkers in clinical practice.
Delayed drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and flare of chronic plaque psoriasis secondary to lisinopril use
Authors: Jarman Georgeina L , Webb Gwilym J
Published: January 2024

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular and renal disease. Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis, with potential risk of fulminant hepatic failure if continued. There is limited information available regarding the risk of hepatic failure secondary to lisinopril use, with a handful of case reports demonstrating drug-induced liver injury at varying time scales from drug initiation. In this case, we present a man with symptoms of cholestatic jaundice, a blistering skin rash and flare of chronic plaque psoriasis, 27 months after lisinopril initiation for hypertension. Biochemical, serological and radiological investigations of an alternative cause for his jaundice were unremarkable. Cessation of lisinopril led to a rapid and sustained improvement in liver biochemistry and a significant improvement in his chronic plaque psoriasis.