bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by the consortium comprising the marine fungal filtrates of Penicillium oxalicum and Fusarium hainanense along with their antimicrobial, antioxidant, larvicidal and anticancer potency
Authors: Thakor Rashmi , Mistry Harsh , Patel Hitesh , Jhala Devendrasinh , Parmar Nilam , Bariya Himanshu
Published: May 2022

Aim

To biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fungal isolates [DS-2 (Penicillium oxalicum) and DW-8 (Fusarium hainanense)] as well as their mixed cell-free filtrate (CFF) acting as a consortium (DSW-28) and their bio-potentials.

Methods and Results

The fungi (DS-2 and DW-8) were harvested and CFF was prepared. CFF of each fungus and their mixture were reacted with silver nitrate solution under dark conditions for the synthesis of AgNPs. The UV–Visible spectra determined the surface plasmon resonance at 438, 441 and 437 nm for the AgNPs synthesized by DS-2, DW-8 and DSW-28, respectively. The band gap energy was found between 2.21 and 2.24 eV which depicted their ability to act as a semiconductor. The TEM imaging revealed the spherical shape and small size of AgNPs. The XRD pattern exhibited the crystalline structure corresponding to their peaks. The FTIR spectra indicate the presence of different functional groups present on the surface of AgNPs. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was exhibited by AgNPs. The AgNPs also act as an effective antioxidant by depicting their radical scavenging activity against DPPH. Moreover, the AgNPs also inhibited the growth of fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus more efficiently in a dose-dependent method. The biosynthesized AgNPs from DSW-28 showed a significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion

The silver nanoparticles synthesized by the CFF of two different fungi act synergistically in a consortium leading towards the production of silver nanoparticles with smaller size and higher bioactivity.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The impressive bioactivity of the silver nanoparticles synthesized by the mixture of CFF of various fungi acting as a consortium recommends their prospective use in agriculture as well as in biomedical as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, larvicidal and anticancer agents in future.
Validating Performance Standards via Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Binici Salih , Cuhadar Ismail
Published: May 2022

Validity of performance standards is a key element for the defensibility of standard setting results, and validating performance standards requires collecting multiple pieces of evidence at every step during the standard setting process. This study employs a statistical procedure, latent class analysis, to set performance standards and compares latent class analysis results with previously established performance standards via the modified‐Angoff method for cross‐validation. The context of the study is an operational large‐scale science assessment administered in one of the southern states in the United States. Results show that the number of classes that emerged in the latent class analysis concurs with the number of existing performance levels. In addition, there is a substantial level of agreement between latent class analysis results and modified‐Angoff method in terms of classifying students into the same performance levels. Overall, the findings establish evidence for the validity of the performance standards identified via the modified‐Angoff method. Practical implications of the study findings are discussed.
Ultrastructure of selected life history stages of the parasitic dinoflagellate Euduboscquella cachoni
Authors: Coats D. Wayne , Moon Eunyoung
Published: May 2022

Euduboscquella species differ from most other syndinean dinoflagellates by having mononucleate trophonts, but resemble species of Amoebophrya and Sphaeripara by episome‐hyposome differentiation and cortical complexity. Cytology and development of Euduboscquella species are well characterized, but their ultrastructure remains essentially unexplored. Transmission electron microscopy of Euduboscquella cachoni trophonts, tomont, and sporocytes revealed previously unrecognized structures. Initially dense, fibrous chromosomes uncoiled during early infection, with condensed chromosomes absent over much of the growth cycle recondensing at trophont maturity. The hyposomal amphiesma was two appressed membranes, the episomal cortex was alveolate, and a supraepisomal cavity limited by membrane enclosed the episome. Pseudopod‐like extensions of the hyposome during mid infection may facilitate osmotrophic nutrition. The pharyngeal lamina appears to lack ingestatory function; however, transcortical transport of particles occurred via the supraepisomal cavity and episomal micropores. Microtubules originating from the electron‐opaque perinema bordering the episome, formed an episomal skeleton hypothesized to function with the pharyngeal lamina, perinema, and the paired membranes of the supraepisomal cavity to effect parasite egress and ingestion of host material. Trichocysts absent during early infection developed during late infection and reached maturity during sporogenesis, suggesting functional importance in spore survival or infection.
Nile tilapia TRIM39 recruits I3K413 and I3KL45 as adaptors and is involved in the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Gao Feng‐ying , Zhou Xin , Lu Mai‐xin , Wang Miao , Liu Zhi‐gang , Cao Jiang‐meng , Ke Xiao‐li , Yi Meng‐meng
Published: May 2022

Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins play a regulatory function in cancer, cell apoptosis and innate immunity. To understand the role of TRIM39 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), TRIM39 cDNA was isolated. The total length of TRIM39 cDNA was 5025 bp. The deduced OnTRIM39 protein contains 549 amino acids and has conserved domains of the TRIM family, which are the RING, B‐box, coiled‐coil and PRY‐SPRY domains. OnTRIM39 mRNA was widely expressed in various tissues. After challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae and stimulation with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the amount of OnTRIM39 transcript was changed in various tested tissues. OnTRIM39 overexpression increased NF‐κB activity. OnTRIM39 was present in the cytoplasm. Mass spectrometry of proteins pulled down with recombinant OnTRIM39 showed that 250 proteins potentially interact with OnTRIM39. The authors selected I3K4I3 from the 250 candidate proteins to verify its interaction with TRIM39. They also selected I3KL45, a member of the same 14‐3‐3 protein family, to verify its interaction with TRIM39. The results of pull‐down assays showed that OnTRIM39 interacted with both I3K413 and I3KL45. These results contribute to further study of the innate immune mechanism of tilapia.
Assessing the effect of probiotics on tilapia lake virus‐infected tilapia: Transmission and immune response
Authors: Yang Ying‐Fei , Yamkasem Jidapa , Surachetpong Win , Lin Yi‐Jun , You Shu‐Han , Lu Tien‐Hsuan , Chen Chi‐Yun , Wang Wei‐Min , Liao Chung‐Min
Published: May 2022

Probiotics have been used to alleviate disease transmission in aquaculture. However, there are limited studies on probiotic use in modulating tilapia lake virus (TiLV). We assessed commercially available probiotic supplements used in TiLV‐infected tilapia and performed mortality and cohabitation assays. We developed a mechanistic approach to predict dose–response interactions of probiotic effects on mortality and immune gene response. We used a susceptible–infected–mortality disease model to assess key epidemiological parameters such as transmission rate and basic reproduction number (R0) based on our viral load dynamic data. We found that the most marked benefits of probiotics are significantly associated with immune system enhancements (~30%) and reductions in disease transmission (~80%) andR0(~70%) in tilapia populations, resulting in a higher tolerance of farming densities (~400 fold) in aquaculture. These findings provide early insights as to how probiotic use‐related factors may influence TiLV transmission and the immune responses in TiLV‐infected tilapia. Our study facilitates understanding the mode of action of probiotics in disease containment and predicting better probiotic dosages in diet and supplements to achieve the optimal culturing conditions. Overall, our analysis assures that further study of rationally designed and targeted probiotics, or mechanistic modelling is warranted on the basis of promising early data of this approach.
The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice
Authors: Stein Cindy A. , Penn Andrew , Van Hope Stephanie , Dorsen Caroline G. , Mangini Mariavittoria
Published: May 2022

The research and use of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders has increased substantially in the past 2 decades. At the same time, knowledge is relatively uncommon among midwives regarding (1) the relative benefits of psychedelic‐assisted therapy, (2) best practices associated with the delivery of psychedelic‐assisted therapy, and (3) responsible integration of this potentially useful intervention into mental health treatment plans. The purpose of this review is to describe current applications of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders, to describe the current legal status of these medicines used in this context, and to explore the potential for midwifery practice in this area with further training. This article also addresses the disparities regarding LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations in relation to this topic and their historical exclusion from research and treatment access in this field.
Plicidentine in the oral fangs of parrotfish (Scarinae, Labriformes)
Authors: Viviani Jérémie , LeBlanc Aaron , Rurua Vahine , Mou Teiva , Liao Vetea , Lecchini David , Galzin René , Viriot Laurent
Published: May 2022

Parrotfish play important ecological roles in coral reef and seagrass communities across the globe. Their dentition is a fascinating object of study from an anatomical, functional and evolutionary point of view. Several species maintained non‐interlocked dentition and browse on fleshy algae, while others evolved a characteristic beak‐like structure made of a mass of coalesced teeth that they use to scrape or excavate food off hard limestone substrates. While parrotfish use their highly specialized marginal teeth to procure their food, they can also develop a series of large fangs that protrude from the upper jaw, and more rarely from the lower jaw. These peculiar fangs do not participate in the marginal dentition and their function remains unclear. Here we describe the morphology of these fangs and their developmental relationship to the rest of the oral dentition in the marbled parrotfish (Leptoscarus vaigiensis), the star‐eye parrotfish (Calotomus carolinus), and the palenose parrotfish (Scarus psittacus). Through microtomographic and histological analyses, we show that some of these fangs display loosely folded plicidentine along their bases, a feature that has never been reported in parrotfish. Plicidentine is absent from the marginal teeth and is therefore exclusive to the fangs. Parrotfish fangs develop a particular type of simplexodont plicidentine with a pulpal infilling of alveolar bone at later stages of dental ontogeny. The occurrence of plicidentine and evidence of extensive tooth wear, and even breakage, lead us to conclude that the fangs undergo frequent mechanical stress, despite not being used to acquire food. This strong mechanical stress undergone by fangs could be linked either to forced contact with congeners or with the limestone substrate during feeding. Finally, we hypothesize that the presence of plicidentine in parrotfish is not derived from a labrid ancestor, but is probably a recently evolved trait in some parrotfish taxa, which may even have evolved convergently within this subfamily.
Effect of Different Customized Abutment Types on Stress Distribution in Implant‐Supported Single Crown: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Pumnil Suphakrit , Rungsiyakull Pimduen , Rungsiyakull Chaiy , Elsaka Shaymaa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose was to investigate stress distribution among 4 different customized abutment types: titanium abutment (Ti), titanium hybrid‐abutment‐crown (Ti‐Hybrid), zirconia abutment with titanium base (Zir‐TiBase), and zirconia hybrid‐abutment‐crown with titanium base (Zir‐Hybrid‐TiBase).

Materials and methods

To achieve this purpose, 4 types of abutment configurations were simulated. A static load of 200 N (vertical) and 100 N (oblique) were applied to the models. The volume average, maximum, and stress distribution of von Mises stress, including percentage difference, were analyzed with 3D finite element analysis.

Results

According to the volume average von Mises stress, the Ti and Zir‐TiBase comparison group showed that the Zir‐TiBase group dominantly generated the higher value at Ti‐base (22.57 MPa) and screw (17.68 MPa). To evaluate the effect of the hybrid‐abutment‐crown on volume average von Mises stress by comparing the Ti‐Hybrid and Zir‐Hybrid‐TiBase groups, it was revealed that the combination of abutment and crown in the Ti‐Hybrid group generated the worst stress concentration at the screw (12.42 MPa), while in the Zir‐Hybrid‐TiBase group presented stress concentration at the implant (8.90 MPa).

Conclusions

A titanium base improved stress distribution at implant in zirconia abutment with titanium base by absorbing stress itself. Customized titanium hybrid‐abutment‐crown and zirconia hybrid‐abutment‐crown with titanium base created concentrated stress at screw and implant; respectively. Both abutment types should be cautiously used and maintenanced regularly.
Is pre‐operative imaging of external angular dermoid cysts in children necessary?
Authors: Mead Jessica , Kirkpatrick Joshua , Murdoch Jean , Stringer Mark D
Published: May 2022

Aim

To investigate the frequency and modality of pre‐operative imaging in children with an external angular dermoid cyst and whether this influenced subsequent management.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the presentation, investigation, treatment and outcomes in children aged less than 16 years with an external angular dermoid cyst. All children who underwent external angular dermoid cyst excision between January 2008 and April 2021 at a regional children's hospital were analysed.

Results

Sixty‐one patients (32 boys) were identified. Fifty‐four were managed by paediatric surgeons and seven by ophthalmic surgeons. Pre‐operative imaging was performed in 19 (31%) patients, including plain radiographs (3), ultrasound scan (14), computerised tomography scan (1), and magnetic resonance imaging scan (2). None of these investigations showed evidence of an intracranial or orbital extension of the cyst or changed management. All cysts were excised under day‐case general anaesthesia. There was one minor postoperative complication and two recurrences.

Conclusions

External angular dermoid cysts rarely communicate through the bone with the orbit or anterior cranial fossa. Routine pre‐operative imaging is unnecessary unless there are clinical features such as an atypical location (e.g. temporal), eye signs (e.g. strabismus, proptosis and globe displacement) or a draining sinus.
Comparative analyses of nutritional strategies among the species within the genus Paragymnodinium (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Yokouchi Koh , Suzuki Koji , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: May 2022

The genus Paragymnodinium exhibits various nutritional strategies despite the fact that each species has pigmented plastids. This provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolution of the mode of nutrition and the function of the plastids through comparative studies. In this study, we analyzed the growth, pigment composition, absorption spectra, variable chlorophyll a fluorescence, and photosynthetic carbon fixation capabilities of P. stigmaticum, P. asymmetricum, and P. inerme. The autotrophic species P. asymmetricum and P. inerme without resorting to any nutrition from prey organisms displayed high PSII activity and carbon fixation rates. The pigment compositions of these two species were identical to those of other typical peridinin‐containing type dinoflagellates. On the contrary, the phagotrophic species P. stigmaticum showed heterotrophic growth, and the variable chlorophyll a fluorescence properties and carbon fixation rates indicated significantly lower photosynthetic competence relative to those of the above two species. Paragymnodinium stigmaticum also contained peridinin, but pigment content ratios of peridinin, chlorophyll c2, and β‐carotene were significantly different from those of other two species. The absorption spectrum analysis revealed a redshift in the peak of the Qy band of chlorophyll a in P. stigmaticum, presumably due to a change in chlorophyll–protein complexes. We conclude that such distinct differences in nutritional strategies between members of the genus Paragymnodinium would provide a platform for the hypothetical loss of photosynthetic function leading to colorless dinoflagellates.
The rationality of eating disorders
Authors: Gadsby Stephen
Published: May 2022

Sufferers of eating disorders often hold false beliefs about their own body size. Such beliefs appear to violate norms of rationality, being neither grounded by nor responsive to appropriate forms of evidence. I defend the rationality of these beliefs. I argue that they are in fact supported by appropriate evidence, emanating from proprioceptive misperception of bodily boundaries. This argument has far‐reaching implications for the explanation and treatment of eating disorders, as well as debates over the relationship between rationality and human psychology.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the density of Borrelia burgdorferi‐infected Ixodes ricinus ticks across a landscape: A 5‐year study in southern England
Authors: Medlock Jolyon M. , Vaux Alexander G. C. , Gandy Sara , Cull Benjamin , McGinley Liz , Gillingham Emma , Catton Matthew , Pullan Steven T. , Hansford Kayleigh M.
Published: May 2022

The density of Borrelia burgdorferi‐infected Ixodes ricinus nymphs (DIN) was investigated during 2013–2017 across a Lyme disease‐endemic landscape in southern England. The density of nymphs (DON), nymph infection prevalence (NIP), and DIN varied across five different natural habitats, with the highest DIN in woodland edge and high biodiversity woodlands. DIN was significantly lower in scrub grassland compared to the woodland edge, with low DON and no evidence of infection in ticks in non‐scrub grassland. Over the 5 years, DON, NIP and DIN were comparable within habitats, except in 2014, with NIP varying three‐fold and DIN significantly lower compared to 2015–2017. Borrelia garinii was most common, with bird‐associated Borrelia (B. garinii/valaisiana) accounting for ~70% of all typed sequences. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was more common than B. afzelii. Borrelia afzelii was more common in scrub grassland than woodland and absent in some years. The possible impact of scrub on grazed grassland, management of ecotonal woodland margins with public access, and the possible role of birds/gamebirds impacting NIP are discussed. Mean NIP was 7.6%, highlighting the potential risk posed by B. burgdorferi in this endemic area. There is a need for continued research to understand its complex ecology and identify strategies for minimizing risk to public health, through habitat/game management and public awareness.
Two high hierarchical regulators, PuMYB40 and PuWRKY75, control the low phosphorus driven adventitious root formation in Populus ussuriensis
Authors: Wang Hanzeng , Pak Solme , Yang Jia , Wu Ye , Li Wenlong , Feng He , Yang Jingli , Wei Hairong , Li Chenghao
Published: May 2022

Adventitious rooting is an essential biological process in the vegetative propagation of economically important horticultural and forest tree species. It enables utilization of the elite genotypes in breeding programmes and production. Promotion of adventitious root (AR) formation has been associated with starvation of inorganic phosphate and some factors involved in low phosphorus (LP) signalling. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying LP‐mediated AR formation remains largely elusive. We established an efficient experimental system that guaranteed AR formation through short‐term LP treatment in Populus ussuriensis. We then generated a time‐course RNA‐seq data set to recognize key regulatory genes and regulatory cascades positively regulating AR formation through data analysis and gene network construction, which were followed by experimental validation and characterization. We constructed a multilayered hierarchical gene regulatory network, from which PuMYB40, a typical R2R3‐type MYB transcription factor (TF), and its interactive partner, PuWRKY75, as well as their direct targets, PuLRP1 and PuERF003, were identified to function upstream of the known adventitious rooting genes. These regulatory genes were functionally characterized and proved their roles in promoting AR formation in P. ussuriensis. In conclusion, our study unveiled a new hierarchical regulatory network that promoted AR formation in P. ussuriensis, which was activated by short‐term LP stimulus and primarily governed by PuMYB40 and PuWRKY75.
The power of selection: Dissecting phenotypic plasticity and linkage drag underlying yield traits of rice (Oryza sativa) using selective introgression
Authors: Shi Ying‐Yao , Zeng Wei , Li Min , Xiang Chao , Cui Yan‐Ru , Chen Man‐Yuan , Liu Hai‐Yan , Shen Qian , Li Fei , Zhang Guo‐Gen , Liang Lun‐Ping , Zhang Fan , Gao Yong‐Ming , Li Zhi‐Kang
Published: May 2022

The power of selection and phenotypic plasticity of seven rice grain yield (GY) traits was dissected using DNA markers and 226 Minghui86 introgression lines (ILs) phenotyped across four contrast environments of long‐day versus short‐day and drought versus irrigated conditions. Linkage mapping identified 77 main‐effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) plus 15 groups of epistatic QTLs affecting the GY traits. By characterizing genomic introgression patterns of the donor alleles in ILs selected for high‐ and low‐trait values based on replicated progeny testing across each of the four environments and for high‐ and low‐GY across nine different environmental scenarios, 246 QTLs affecting the seven yield traits were identified. Genetic drag from tight repulsive linkage of genes with opposite effects on the same traits was detected in 45 cases involving 90 (35.8%) QTLs, indicating its wide presence in superior Chinese hybrid parents. The demonstrated selective introgression strategy, including the developed ILs plus the genetic information on the associations of introgressed donor alleles with the yield traits in the ILs would provide a useful platform for future breeding by design.
Relational boredom as an obstacle for engaging in exciting shared activities
Authors: Harasymchuk Cheryl , Lonn Atara , Impett Emily A. , Muise Amy
Published: May 2022

Although engaging in exciting, shared activities with a partner is one strategy for warding off relational boredom, people might be less likely to pursue these activities when they are bored, which could have implications for the maintenance of passion in romantic relationships. In the current study, we assessed couple members' (N = 122 couples) daily experiences of relational boredom, the occurrence and quality of exciting, shared activities, and passion in a 21‐day daily diary study and followed up with participants 3 months later. Overall, there was evidence that relational boredom obstructed the occurrence and quality of exciting, shared activities. In turn, less enjoyable shared activities were associated with lower daily passion, and engaging in fewer exciting, shared activities accounted for declines in passion over time. Implications of the findings for passion decay are discussed.
Aquaporin‐mediated transport: Insights into metalloid trafficking
Authors: Handa Neha , Gupta Pawan , Khanna Kanika , Kohli Sukhmeen Kaur , Bhardwaj Renu , Alam Pravej , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: May 2022

Metalloids in plants have diverse physiological effects. From being essential to beneficial to toxic, they have significant effects on many physiological processes, influencing crop yield and quality. Aquaporins are a group of membrane channels that have several physiological substrates along with water. Metalloids have emerged as one of their important substrates and they are found to have a substantial role in regulating plant metalloid homeostasis. The present review comprehensively details the multiple isoforms of aquaporins having specificity for metalloids and being responsible for their influx, distribution or efflux. In addition, it also highlights the usage of aquaporin‐mediated transport as a selection marker in toxic screens and as tracer elements for closely related metalloids. Therefore, aquaporins, with their imperative contribution to the regulation of plant growth, development and physiological processes, need more research to unravel the metalloid trafficking mechanisms and their future applications.
The effect of cumulative job mobility on early‐career wage development: Does job mobility actually pay?
Authors: Yankow Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study attempts to answer the question of whether cumulative job mobility in the early career actually pays.

Methods

Using a sample of men and women drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, a series of wage models are estimated that account for both the timing and frequency of job changes over the first decade of the working career as well as for complex interactions between job mobility, actual work experience, and job tenure.

Results

The wage estimates indicate that workers who demonstrate moderate job‐changing in the first 2 years after labor market entry but then taper their mobility thereafter actually raise their log‐wage path above that of either immobile workers or persistent job changers.

Conclusion

This finding is significant because previous studies have often found a negative relationship between cumulative job mobility and wages, with immobile workers typically earning the highest wages. The results from this study show that a poor job match at the start of the career need not permanently lower a worker's wage profile but can be more than made up for through strategic early‐career job mobility.
COVID‐19 pandemic deteriorates aftercare attendance in heart transplant recipients independently of perceived impact on social life
Authors: Oehler Daniel , Bruno Raphael Romano , Kelm Malte , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: May 2022

Background

Heart transplant (HTx) recipients are at an increased risk of developing infections or malignancies due to immunosuppressive medication. Thus, regular aftercare in those patients is of utmost importance. The extent of collateral damage due to the COVID‐19 pandemic (delayed or canceled clinical visits and diagnostics) on high‐risk patients is yet unknown. We believe that, especially for HTx‐patients, data acquisition on potential pandemic‐related nonattendance is crucial to improve clinical care in the future. Therefore, we aim to decipher possible COVID‐19‐related alterations in attendance to clinical care after HTx using a survey‐based approach.

Methods

HTx recipients, 2 years beyond transplantation were selected (n = 75). We filed a paper‐based questionnaire or an online survey containing nine items about COVID‐19‐related exceptional circumstances. Fifty‐two patients (69%) returned fully answered questionnaires.

Results

A perceived impact on daily life was evident with 79% of all patients, reporting a moderate‐to‐severe negative influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on daily routine. We detected increased nonattendance of clinical care during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to prepandemic time (38 vs. 6%, p < .0001). The various diagnostic modalities of aftercare were heterogeneously affected, ranging from 2% nonattendance for influence vaccination and 18% for colonoscopy. Off note, nonattendance to clinical care within the pandemic was independent of perceived impact of the pandemia on daily life (p > .68).

Conclusions

For the first time, we objectively demonstrate a significant decrease in attendance to clinical care in HTx recipients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Efforts are needed to increase attendance in this highly vulnerable patient cohort.

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EveryBOTy Counts: Examining Human–Machine Teams in Open Source Software Development
Authors: Newton Olivia B. , Saadat Samaneh , Song Jihye , Fiore Stephen M. , Sukthankar Gita
Published: May 2022

In this study, we explore the future of work by examining differences in productivity when teams are composed of only humans or both humans and machine agents. Our objective was to characterize the similarities and differences between human and human–machine teams as they work to coordinate across their specialized roles. This form of research is increasingly important given that machine agents are becoming commonplace in sociotechnical systems and playing a more active role in collaborative work. One particular class of machine agents, bots, is being introduced to these systems to facilitate both taskwork and teamwork. We investigated the association between bots and productivity outcomes in open source software development through an analysis of hundreds of project teams. The presence of bots in teams was associated with higher levels of productivity and higher work centralization in addition to greater amounts of observed communication. The adoption of bots in software teams may have tradeoffs, in that doing so may increase productivity, but could also increase workload. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for advancing human–machine teaming research.
Thiamine functions as a key activator for modulating plant health and broad‐spectrum tolerance in cotton
Authors: Li Weixi , Mi Xinyue , Jin Xuanxiang , Zhang Daiwei , Zhu Guozhong , Shang Xiaoguang , Zhang Dayong , Guo Wangzhen
Published: May 2022

Global climate changes cause an increase of abiotic and biotic stresses that tremendously threaten the world's crop security. However, studies on broad‐spectrum response pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stresses are relatively rare. Here, by comparing the time‐dependent transcriptional changes and co‐expression analysis of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) root tissues under abiotic and biotic stress conditions, we discovered the common stress‐responsive genes and stress metabolism pathways under different stresses, which included the circadian rhythm, thiamine and galactose metabolism, carotenoid, phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and zeatin biosynthesis, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. We found that thiamine metabolism was an important intersection between abiotic and biotic stresses; the key thiamine synthesis genes, GhTHIC and GhTHI1, were highly induced at the early stage of stresses. We confirmed that thiamine was crucial and necessary for cotton growth and development, and its deficiency could be recovered by exogenous thiamine supplement. Furthermore, we revealed that exogenous thiamine enhanced stress tolerance in cotton via increasing calcium signal transduction and activating downstream stress‐responsive genes. Overall, our studies demonstrated that thiamine played a crucial role in the tradeoff between plant health and stress resistance. The thiamine deficiency caused by stresses could transiently induce upregulation of thiamine biosynthetic genes in vivo, while it could be totally salvaged by exogenous thiamine application, which could significantly improve cotton broad‐spectrum stress tolerance and enhance plant growth and development.
Pragmatism and Political Practice: Language, Skills and Institutions
Authors: Santamaría Velasco Freddy
Published: May 2022

This article aims to show the importance of the pragmatic conception of language proposed by Wittgenstein in relation to his philosophy of action, as well as the possibilities it offers to political theory, by explaining the impact and influence that his theory had in some of his readers. This is particularly important for the notion of political representation, which emerges as a linguistic practice of rule-based behavior in terms of giving and asking for reasons. This idea will be reinforced by a reconstruction of Wittgenstein’s arguments applied to a social instance a work that is done by many of his readers and commentators, specifically Searle, Brandom and Mouffe. Such instance would be limited in this text, by making use of Rawls’ idea of public reason through the lens of this socially conceived Wittgenstein’s pragmatism.
Valuation of Continuous Monitoring Systems for Engineering System Design in Recurrent Maintenance Decision Scenarios
Authors: Liu Xinyang , Wang Pingfeng
Published: May 2022

Condition monitoring plays a crucial role in improving system failure resilience, preventing tragic consequences brought by unexpected system failure events, and saving the consequential high operation and maintenance costs. Continuous condition monitoring systems have been applied to diversified engineering systems for well-informed operational decision-makings. Although research has been devoted to predicting system states using the continuous data flow, there still lacks a systematic decision-making framework for system designers to assess the value of such monitoring systems at the design stage therefore making system design decisions on adopting monitoring systems to maximize the benefits. This paper constructs such a decision-making framework based on the value of information, with which system designers can evaluate expected operation cost reductions under specific operation modes considering the effectiveness of continuous monitoring systems in predicting system failures. Two case studies on a battery energy storage system and a mechanical system, respectively, are employed to illustrate the value evaluation of the monitoring information and the system maintenance process with the aid of different prognostic results based on the monitoring data. Case study results show that the value of monitoring systems will be influenced by the deviation among the equipment group, the accuracy of system-state prediction, and different types of costs involved in the operating process. The adjustment of maintenance actions based on monitoring and prognosis information will help improve the value of monitoring systems.
Eccentric High-Force Soft Pneumatic Bending Actuator for Finger-Type Soft Grippers
Authors: Cheng Peilin , Ye Yuze , Yan Bo , Lu Yebo , Wu Chuanyu
Published: May 2022

Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) play an important role in leading the development of soft robotics. However, due to the inherent characteristics of soft materials, the low driving force limits the application of SPAs. This study presents a high-force soft pneumatic bending actuator (SPBA) that consists of a spring, an eccentric silicone cylinder, and a limiting fiber. Based on the Neo-Hookean model, a theoretical model is established to predict the relationship between the bending angle and the pressure of SPBA. Furthermore, we characterize the performance of SPBA in terms of the bending capability, tip force, as well as response time. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical model, as well as the high tip force (10.2 N) and fast response capability of SPBA. Finally, SPBAs are used to construct a three-finger soft gripper. The load capacity of the gripper is proofed, which indicates that the gripping force of the gripper increases with the pressure of the fingers and the diameter of the object. The gripping test of the gripper is performed. The result shows that the gripper with the pinching mode can grip objects of various sizes and shapes in the air and underwater, and the gripper with enveloping mode can grip objects with weight up to 1.25 kg.
High-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of TiO2 measured by Cr Kα
Authors: Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Zborowski C. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: May 2022

Titanium oxide (TiO2) grown by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on Si was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of TiO2 obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include two survey scans (Al Kα and Cr Kα) and high-resolution spectra of Ti 1s, Ti2p, Ti 2s, Ti 3p, Ti 3s, and O 1s.
Choose your own adventure: Picosecond or broadband vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Carpenter Andrew P. , Baio Joe E.
Published: May 2022

Vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy is a method capable of measuring chemical structure and dynamics within the interfacial region between two bulk phases. At the core of every experimental system is a laser source that influences the experimental capabilities of the VSFG spectrometer. In this article, we discuss the differences between VSFG spectrometers built with picosecond and broadband laser sources as it will impact everything from material costs, experimental build time, experimental capabilities, and more. A focus is placed on the accessibility of the two different SFG systems to newcomers in the SFG field and provides a resource for laboratories considering incorporating VSFG spectroscopy into their research programs. This Tutorial provides a model decision tree to aid newcomers when determining whether the picosecond or femtosecond laser system is sufficient for their research program and navigates through it for a few specific scenarios.
Identifying and building on the current state of bioacoustics software
Authors: Rhinehart Tessa , Lapp Samuel , Kitzes Justin
Published: May 2022

Bioacoustics is a powerful and increasingly commonly used tool for terrestrial and marine biological assessments. As the scale of bioacoustic data collection has increased, techniques for processing these data have diversified. However, with analysis methods rapidly evolving and dozens of analysis software packages already available, it is challenging to identify which software, if any, meets a particular researcher’s needs. We reviewed bioacoustics software to identify packages aimed at or used by bioacoustics researchers in ecology. We compiled descriptions of the function of 65 stable or actively developed software packages used for bioacoustics analyses. Of these, 59 were free or open-source packages. In addition, we developed free, open-source Python software, OpenSoundscape, that addresses gaps in available software. OpenSoundscape simplifies the process of creating flexible, scalable deep learning algorithms for bioacoustic analysis. It can be used to train binary or multiclass convolutional neural networks with any PyTorch-implemented model structure (e.g., ResNet50, Inception v3). Researchers can easily customize its spectrogram preprocessing and data augmentation routines to improve model performance. OpenSoundscape also includes modules to work with annotated acoustic data, apply additional signal processing algorithms, perform acoustic localization, and “open the black box” of deep learning using Grad-CAM.
PAMGuard: Open-source detection, classification, and Localization software
Authors: Macaulay Jamie D. , Gillespie Douglas
Published: May 2022

The PAMGuard open-source software project was established in 2006 to provide a toolbox and app for the detection, classification, and localization (DCL) of bioacoustic signals. Releases typically attract between 1500 and 3500 downloads. Primarily developed for marine mammals, users can configure PAMGuard to work with a wide variety of hardware configurations (single hydrophones, to complex 3D arrays) and DCL algorithms, depending on the species of interest. A Java code base and integrated multi-threading allow multiple DCL algorithms to be run in parallel enabling rapid analysis of large acoustic datasets. A comprehensive data management system and a suite of interactive displays then allow users to visualize and annotate resulting data at temporal scales from milliseconds to years. This combination of advanced analysis algorithms and powerful data visualization in both real-time, or reviewing data post-hoc, means PAMGuard provides both automatic and a proven and reliable human-in-the-loop approach to analysis. Developers can use the program’s infrastructure to rapidly develop and deploy new algorithms; recently, an international collaboration has improved support for terrestrial species and developed a new module to import acoustic deep learning models, enabling users to take advantage of PAMGuard’s data management and visualization capabilities alongside the latest automated acoustic classifiers.
Effects of Weight Cutting on Exercise Performance in Combat Athletes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brechney Grant C. , Cannon Jack , Goodman Stephen P.
Published: May 2022

Weight cutting in combat sports is a prevalent practice whereby athletes voluntarily dehydrate themselves via various methods to induce rapid weight loss (RWL) to qualify for a lower weight category than that of their usual training body weight. The intention behind this practice is to regain the lost body mass and compete at a heavier mass than permitted by the designated weight category. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively synthesize the available evidence examining the effects of weight cutting on exercise performance in combat-sport athletes. Following a systematic search of the literature, meta-analyses were performed to compare maximal strength, maximal power, anaerobic capacity, and/or repeated high-intensity-effort performance before rapid weight loss (pre-RWL), immediately following RWL (post-RWL), and 3 to 36 hours after RWL following recovery and rapid weight gain (post-RWG). Overall, exercise performance was unchanged between pre-RWL and post-RWG (g = 0.22; 95% CI, −0.18 to 0.62). Between pre-RWL and post-RWL analyses revealed small reductions in maximal strength and repeated high-intensity-effort performance (g = −0.29; 95% CI, −0.54 to −0.03 and g = −0.37; 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.16, respectively; both P ≤ .03). Qualitative analysis indicates that maximal strength and power remained comparable between post-RWL and post-RWG. These data suggest that weight cutting in combat-sport athletes does not alter short-duration, repeated high-intensity-effort performance; however, there is evidence to suggest that select exercise performance outcomes may decline as a product of RWL. It remains unclear whether these are restored by RWG.
Phase coding of spatial representations in the human entorhinal cortex
Authors: Nadasdy Zoltan , Howell Daniel H. P. , Török Ágoston , Nguyen T. Peter , Shen Jason Y. , Briggs Deborah E. , Modur Pradeep N. , Buchanan Robert J.
Published: May 2022

The grid-like activity pattern of cells in the mammalian entorhinal cortex provides an internal reference frame for allocentric self-localization. The same neurons maintain robust phase couplings with local field oscillations. We found that neurons of the human entorhinal cortex display consistent spatial and temporal phase locking between spikes and slow gamma band local field potentials (LFPs) during virtual navigation. The phase locking maintained an environment-specific map over time. The phase tuning of spikes to the slow gamma band LFP revealed spatially periodic phase grids with environment-dependent scaling and consistent alignment with the environment. Using a Bayesian decoding model, we could predict the avatar’s position with near perfect accuracy and, to a lesser extent, that of heading direction as well. These results imply that the phase of spikes relative to spatially modulated gamma oscillations encode allocentric spatial positions. We posit that a joint spatiotemporal phase code can implement the combined neural representation of space and time in the human entorhinal cortex.
Photocatalyst-mineralized biofilms as living bio-abiotic interfaces for single enzyme to whole-cell photocatalytic applications
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhang Jicong , Li Ke , An Bolin , Wang Yanyi , Zhong Chao
Published: May 2022

There is an increasing trend of combining living cells with inorganic semiconductors to construct semi-artificial photosynthesis systems. Creating a robust and benign bio-abiotic interface is key to the success of such solar-to-chemical conversions but often faces a variety of challenges, including biocompatibility and the susceptibility of cell membrane to high-energy damage arising from direct interfacial contact. Here, we report living mineralized biofilms as an ultrastable and biocompatible bio-abiotic interface to implement single enzyme to whole-cell photocatalytic applications. These photocatalyst-mineralized biofilms exhibited efficient photoelectrical responses and were further exploited for diverse photocatalytic reaction systems including a whole-cell photocatalytic CO
2
reduction system enabled by the same biofilm-producing strain. Segregated from the extracellularly mineralized semiconductors, the bacteria remained alive even after 5 cycles of photocatalytic NADH regeneration reactions, and the biofilms could be easily regenerated. Our work thus demonstrates the construction of biocompatible interfaces using biofilm matrices and establishes proof of concept for future sustainable photocatalytic applications.
The essential
M. tuberculosis
Clp protease is functionally asymmetric in vivo
Authors: d’Andrea Felipe B. , Poulton Nicholas C. , Froom Ruby , Tam Kayan , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Rock Jeremy M.
Published: May 2022

The Clp protease system is a promising, noncanonical drug target against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb). Unlike in
Escherichia coli
, the Mtb Clp protease consists of two distinct proteolytic subunits, ClpP1 and ClpP2, which hydrolyze substrates delivered by the chaperones ClpX and ClpC1. While biochemical approaches uncovered unique aspects of Mtb Clp enzymology, its essentiality complicates in vivo studies. To address this gap, we leveraged new genetic tools to mechanistically interrogate the in vivo essentiality of the Mtb Clp protease. While validating some aspects of the biochemical model, we unexpectedly found that only the proteolytic activity of ClpP1, but not of ClpP2, is essential for substrate degradation and Mtb growth and infection. Our observations not only support a revised model of Mtb Clp biology, where ClpP2 scaffolds chaperone binding while ClpP1 provides the essential proteolytic activity of the complex; they also have important implications for the ongoing development of inhibitors toward this emerging therapeutic target.
An explosive volcanic origin identified for dark sand in Aeolis Dorsa, Mars
Authors: Burr Devon M. , Viviano Christina E. , Michaels Timothy I. , Chojnacki Matthew , Jacobsen Robert E.
Published: May 2022

Dark, windblown (eolian) sand on Mars has produced significant geologic effects throughout Martian history. Although local and regional sand sources have been identified, a primary origin, or genesis, for Martian sand has not been demonstrated. This knowledge gap was recently heightened by the discovery of widespread sand motion, implying breakdown of grains to sub-sand sizes. To address the question of sand genesis, we investigated the source(s) of sand in Aeolis Dorsa (AD), the westernmost Medusae Fossae Formation, using comparisons to sand potentially sourced from multiple regions, each connoting a different sand genesis. Our methods included comparison of (1) AD sand mineralogies with those of possible sand source features, and (2) mapped AD sand deposits and inferred emplacement directions with modeled sand deposit locations and transport pathways. The results point to a time-transgressive unit, interpreted as pyroclastic, as a source of dark sand. High-resolution images of this unit reveal outcrops with dark sand weathering out of lithified bedrock. Given the extent of interpreted pyroclastic deposits on Mars, this sand genesis mechanism is likely widespread today and operated throughout Martian history. Whereas this work identified olivine-rich sand, a range of original pyroclastic lithologies would account for the mineralogic variability of dune fields on Mars. These findings can be tested through analyses of other pyroclastic deposits and potentially by data from the NASA Curiosity rover in nearby Gale crater.