bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering multiple document comprehension: motivational factors and its relationship with the use of self-study materials
Authors: Zink Theresa , Hahnel Carolin , Kroehne Ulf , Deribo Tobias , Mahlow Nina , Artelt Cordula , Goldhammer Frank , Naumann Johannes , Schoor Cornelia
Published: June 2023

Multiple document comprehension (MDC) is an essential skill for university students, making it beneficial to improve it. We assume that the value assigned to MDC is important to foster MDC since it can be a predictor for behavioral choices, such as working with self-study material. Using self-study material is typical for university learning, but it requires the motivation to improve a skill such as MDC. We define motivation to improve MDC in terms of expectancy, value, and cost to improve MDC. We expect that it is a driving force for working with self-study material on MDC, while it might also depend on the perceived value of MDC. Therefore, this study examined whether the perceived value of MDC predicts the motivation to improve MDC, which is also expected to predict the use of self-study material. A total of 278 students of different majors participated in a MDC assessment and received the opportunity to train their MDC skill with self-study material. The engagement in using the self-study material was measured by the total time and the number of page transitions on the self-study material. The results indicated that the perceived value of MDC partially predicted motivation to improve MDC. However, further analysis revealed mainly no significant effects of the perceived value of MDC and the motivation to improve MDC on the engagement in using the self-study material. However, the log data indicated that the engagement in using the self-study material was not as high as expected.
Abortion, Brain Death, and Coercion
Authors: Nair-Collins Michael
Published: June 2023

A “universalist” policy on brain death holds that brain death is death, and neurologic criteria for death determination are rightly applied to all, without exemptions or opt outs. This essay argues that advocates of a universalist brain death policy defend the same sort of coercive control of end-of-life decision-making as “pro-life” advocates seek to achieve for reproductive decision-making, and both are grounded in an illiberal political philosophy. Those who recognize the serious flaws of this kind of public policy with respect to abortion must apply the same logic to brain death.
SLC26A11 Inhibition Reduces Oncotic Neuronal Death and Attenuates Stroke Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wei Shunhui , Chen Bo , Low See Wee , Poore Charlene Priscilla , Gao Yahui , Nilius Bernd , Liao Ping
Published: June 2023

Neuronal swelling is a pathological feature of stroke which contributes to the formation of cytotoxic edema. Under hypoxic condition, aberrant accumulation of sodium and chloride ions inside neurons increases osmotic pressure, leading to cell volume increase. Sodium entry pathway in neurons has been studied extensively. Here, we determine whether SLC26A11 is the major chloride entry pathway under hypoxia and could be the target for protection against ischemic stroke. In this study, electrophysiological properties of chloride current in primary cultured neurons were characterized using low chloride solution, 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid, and SLC26A11-specific siRNA under physiological conditions or ATP-depleted conditions. In vivo effect of SLC26A11 was evaluated on a rat stroke reperfusion model. We found that SLC26A11 mRNA in primary cultured neurons was upregulated as early as 6 h after oxygen glucose deprivation, and later, the protein level was elevated accordingly. Blockade of SLC26A11 activity could reduce chloride entry and attenuate hypoxia-induced neuronal swelling. In the animal stroke model, SLC26A11 upregulation was mainly located in surviving neurons close to the infarct core. SLC26A11 inhibition ameliorates infarct formation and improves functional recovery. These findings demonstrate that SLC26A11 is a major pathway for chloride entry in stroke, contributing to neuronal swelling. Inhibition of SLC26A11 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for stroke.
The Transcriptional Landscape of Pericytes in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Buizza Carolina , Enström Andreas , Carlsson Robert , Paul Gesine
Published: June 2023

The current treatment options for ischemic stroke aim to achieve reperfusion but are time critical. Novel therapeutic approaches that can be given beyond the limited time window of 3–4.5 h are still an unmet need to be addressed to improve stroke outcomes. The lack of oxygen and glucose in the area of ischemic injury initiates a pathological cascade leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, inflammation, and neuronal cell death, a process that may be intercepted to limit stroke progression. Pericytes located at the blood/brain interface are one of the first responders to hypoxia in stroke and therefore a potential target cell for early stroke interventions. Using single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we investigated the temporal differences in transcriptomic signatures in pericytes at 1, 12, and 24 h after stroke. Our results reveal a stroke-specific subcluster of pericytes that is present at 12 and 24 h and characterized by the upregulation of genes mainly related to cytokine signaling and immune response. This study identifies temporal transcriptional changes in the acute phase of ischemic stroke that reflect the early response of pericytes to the ischemic insult and its secondary consequences and may constitute potential future therapeutic targets.
Revisiting marine services pricing in South Africa’s ports
Authors: Mthembu Sphiwe Eugene , Chasomeris Mihalis
Published: June 2023

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is the landlord and sole provider of marine services in South Africa’s eight commercial ports. Historically, TNPA set port prices for marine (nautical) services below full cost recovery. Price regulation has improved the situation, but substantial reforms are still required. This paper revisits marine services pricing in South Africa’s ports. The methodology employed content analysis to analyse 99 stakeholders’ submissions to the Ports Regulator of South Africa from financial years 2013/2014 to 2021/2022. The results are discussed under four categories of themes: concerns about the above-inflation price increase, suggestions on alternative marine services pricing models, concerns about marine services provision and productivity, and the disputed cross-subsidization between ports and port user groups. Despite above-inflation price increases for marine services, tariffs remain 44% below the global benchmarked mean, whilst revenues from cargo owners subsidise port tenants and shipping lines. The relatively low prices for marine services may exacerbate the sub-optimal levels of investment and maintenance in marine services. The study recommends that marine services pricing reforms incorporate the user-pays principle, be founded on activity-based costing, and adopt a dual-till model. Activity-based costing is considered the international best practice, and it is the preferable approach recommended by several port users in South Africa.
The numeric understanding measures: Developing and validating adaptive and nonadaptive numeracy scales
Authors: Silverstein Michael C. , Bjälkebring Pär , Shoots-Reinhard Brittany , Peters Ellen
Published: June 2023

Numeracy—the ability to understand and use numeric information—is linked to good decision-making. Several problems exist with current numeracy measures, however. Depending on the participant sample, some existing measures are too easy or too hard; also, established measures often contain items well-known to participants. The current article aimed to develop new numeric understanding measures (NUMs) including a 1-item (1-NUM), 4-item (4-NUM), and 4-item adaptive measure (A-NUM). In a calibration study, 2 participant samples (n = 226 and 264 from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk [MTurk]) each responded to half of 84 novel numeracy items. We calibrated items using 2-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) models. Based on item parameters, we developed the 3 new numeracy measures. In a subsequent validation study, 600 MTurk participants completed the new numeracy measures, the adaptive Berlin Numeracy Test, and the Weller Rasch-Based Numeracy Test, in randomized order. To establish predictive and convergent validities, participants also completed judgment and decision tasks, Raven’s progressive matrices, a vocabulary test, and demographics. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the 1-NUM, 4-NUM, and A-NUM load onto the same factor as existing measures. The NUM scales also showed similar association patterns to subjective numeracy and cognitive ability measures as established measures. Finally, they effectively predicted classic numeracy effects. In fact, based on power analyses, the A-NUM and 4-NUM appeared to confer more power to detect effects than existing measures. Thus, using IRT, we developed 3 brief numeracy measures, using novel items and without sacrificing construct scope. The measures can be downloaded as Qualtrics files (https://osf.io/pcegz/).
Reduced-order variational mode decomposition to reveal transient and non-stationary dynamics in fluid flows
Authors: Liao Zi-Mo , Zhao Zhiye , Chen Liang-Bing , Wan Zhen-Hua , Liu Nan-Sheng , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: June 2023

A novel data-driven modal analysis method, reduced-order variational mode decomposition (RVMD), is proposed, inspired by the Hilbert–Huang transform and variational mode decomposition (VMD), to resolve transient or statistically non-stationary flow dynamics. First, the form of RVMD modes (referred to as an ‘elementary low-order dynamic process’, ELD) is constructed by combining low-order representation and the idea of intrinsic mode function, which enables the computed modes to characterize the non-stationary properties of space–time fluid flows. Then, the RVMD algorithm is designed based on VMD to achieve a low-redundant adaptive extraction of ELDs in flow data, with the modes computed by solving an elaborate optimization problem. Further, a combination of RVMD and Hilbert spectral analysis leads to a modal-based time-frequency analysis framework in the Hilbert view, providing a potentially powerful tool to discover, quantify and analyse the transient and non-stationary dynamics in complex flow problems. To provide a comprehensive evaluation, the computational cost and parameter dependence of RVMD are discussed, as well as the relations between RVMD and some classic modal decomposition methods. Finally, the virtues and utility of RVMD and the modal-based time-frequency analysis framework are well demonstrated via two canonical problems: the transient cylinder wake and the planar supersonic screeching jet.
Cognitive Bias
Authors: Chatfield Tom
Published: June 2023

Are human beings irredeemably irrational? If so, why? In this article, I suggest that we need a broader appreciation of thought and reasoning to understand why people get things wrong. Although we can never escape cognitive bias, learning to recognize and understand it can help us push back against its dangers – and in particular to do so collectively and collaboratively.
Eiskönigin Elsa geht (nicht) in den Kindergarten
Authors: Jaeger Ursina
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Vor dem Hintergrund einer mehrjährigen kindzentrierten ethnografischen Forschung nimmt der Beitrag Zugehörigkeitsverhandlungen in einem Schweizer Kindergarten in den Blick. Anleihen an (kindheits-)theoretischen Figuren der Agency und der Zugehörigkeit machend wird sondiert, wie kindliche Agency und Differenzordnungen einander bedingen, und wie uns Trickfilmfiguren wie Spiderman oder Eiskönigin Elsa helfen, Kinderperspektiven in Bildungskontexten zu erforschen.
Quantifying Morphological Changes and Sediment Transport Pathways on Comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko
Authors: Barrington M. N. , Birch S. P. D. , Jindal A. , Hayes A. G. , Corlies P. , Vincent J.‐B.
Published: June 2023

Comets are active geological worlds with primitive surfaces that have been shaped to varying degrees by sublimation‐driven sediment transport and mass wasting processes. Rosetta's rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko (67P) in 2014 provided data with the necessary spatial and temporal resolutions to observe many evolutionary processes on micro‐gravity worlds. Rosetta's observations have thus far revealed that many changes to the surface occurred within 67P's smooth terrains, vast sedimentary deposits that blanket a significant fraction of the nucleus. Understanding the global context of these changes, and therefore the sediment transport pathways that govern the evolution of 67P's surface, requires a thorough description of their changing morphologies and an evaluation of existing global‐scale spatial and temporal trends. Accordingly, we present a time‐resolved synthesis of erosion and deposition activity on comet 67P as it passed through its 13 August 2015 perihelion from September 2014 to August 2016. Our mapping results indicate that, around perihelion, sediment is globally redistributed inter‐regionally from 67P's more active south to the north. Equally important, however, are local, topographically influenced sediment transport processes, with large volumes of sediment moving intra‐regionally over sub‐kilometer distances. We also show evidence for regions of near‐zero net erosion/deposition between approximately 30°N–60°N latitude, which may act as terminal sedimentary sinks, with the remobilization of these materials hindered by multiple factors. Our work therefore provides the most complete mapping of sediment transport processes and pathways across 67P, a critical step toward understanding the global landscape evolution of both 67P and other comets.
Predicting Carbonate Chemistry on the Northwest Atlantic Shelf Using Neural Networks
Authors: Lima Ivan D. , Wang Zhaohui A. , Cameron Louise P. , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Rheuban Jennie E.
Published: June 2023

The Northwest Atlantic Shelf (NAS) region has experienced accelerated warming, heatwaves, and is susceptible to ocean acidification, yet also suffers from a paucity of carbonate chemistry observations, particularly at depth. We address this critical data gap by developing three different neural network models to predict dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) in the NAS region from more readily available hydrographic and satellite data. The models predicted DIC withr2between 0.913–0.963 and root mean square errors (RMSE) between 15.4–23.7 (μmol kg−1) and TA withr2between 0.986–0.983 and RMSE between 9.0–10.4 (μmol kg−1) on an unseen test data set that was not used in training the models. Cross‐validation analysis revealed that all models were insensitive to the choice of training data and had good generalization performance on unseen data. Uncertainty in DIC and TA were low (coefficients of variation 0.1%–1%). Compared with other predictive models of carbonate system variables in this region, a larger and more diverse data set with full seasonal coverage and a more sophisticated model architecture resulted in a robust predictive model with higher accuracy and precision across all seasons. We used one of the models to generate a reconstructed seasonal distribution of carbonate chemistry fields based on DIC and TA predictions that shows a clear seasonal progression and large spatial gradients consistent with observations. The distinct models will allow for a range of applications based on the predictor variables available and will be useful to understand and address ocean sustainability challenges.
Advances in neonatal cell therapies: Proceedings of the First Neonatal Cell Therapies Symposium (2022)
Authors: Malhotra Atul , Thebaud Bernard , Paton Madison C. B. , Fleiss Bobbi , Papagianis Paris , Baker Elizabeth , Bennet Laura , Yawno Tamara , Elwood Ngaire , Campbell Belinda , Chand Kirat , Zhou Lindsay , Penny Tayla , Nguyen Timothy , Pepe Salvatore , Gunn Alistair J. , McDonald Courtney A.
Published: June 2023

Despite considerable advances, there is a need to improve the outcomes of newborn infants, especially related to prematurity, encephalopathy and other conditions. In principle, cell therapies have the potential to protect, repair, or sometimes regenerate vital tissues; and improve or sustain organ function. In this review, we present highlights from the First Neonatal Cell Therapies Symposium (2022). Cells tested in preclinical and clinical studies include mesenchymal stromal cells from various sources, umbilical cord blood and cord tissue derived cells, and placental tissue and membrane derived cells. Overall, most preclinical studies suggest potential for benefit, but many of the cells tested were not adequately defined, and the optimal cell type, timing, frequency, cell dose or the most effective protocols for the targeted conditions is not known. There is as yet no clinical evidence for benefit, but several early phase clinical trials are now assessing safety in newborn babies. We discuss parental perspectives on their involvement in these trials, and lessons learnt from previous translational work of promising neonatal therapies. Finally, we make a call to the many research groups around the world working in this exciting yet complex field, to work together to make substantial and timely progress to address the knowledge gaps and move the field forward.

Impact

Survival of preterm and sick newborn infants is improving, but they continue to be at high risk of many systemic and organ-specific complications.

Cell therapies show promising results in preclinical models of various neonatal conditions and early phase clinical trials have been completed or underway.

Progress on the potential utility of cell therapies for neonatal conditions, parental perspectives and translational aspects are discussed in this paper.
Chromatin accessibility uncovers KRAS-driven FOSL2 promoting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression through up-regulation of CCL28
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Li Peilong , Li Juan , Gao Jie , Qi Qiuchen , Dong Guoying , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiao Qinlian , Wang Yunshan , Du Lutao , Zhan Hanxiang , Xu Shuo , Wang Chuanxin
Published: June 2023

Background

The epigenetic mechanisms involved in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify key transcription factors (TFs) through multiomics sequencing to investigate the molecular mechanisms of TFs that play critical roles in PDAC.

Methods

To characterise the epigenetic landscape of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of PDAC with or without KRAS and/or TP53 mutations, we employed ATAC-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq. The effect of Fos-like antigen 2 (FOSL2) on survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis for PDAC patients. To study the potential targets of FOSL2, we performed Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag). To explore the functions and underlying mechanisms of FOSL2 in PDAC progression, we employed several assays, including CCK8, transwell migration and invasion, RT-qPCR, Western blotting analysis, IHC, ChIP-qPCR, dual-luciferase reporter, and xenograft models.

Results

Our findings indicated that epigenetic changes played a role in immunosuppressed signalling during PDAC progression. Moreover, we identified FOSL2 as a critical regulator that was up-regulated in PDAC and associated with poor prognosis in patients. FOSL2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Importantly, our research revealed that FOSL2 acted as a downstream target of the KRAS/MAPK pathway and recruited regulatory T (Treg) cells by transcriptionally activating C-C motif chemokine ligand 28 (CCL28). This discovery highlighted the role of an immunosuppressed regulatory axis involving KRAS/MAPK-FOSL2-CCL28-Treg cells in the development of PDAC.

Conclusion

Our study uncovered that KRAS-driven FOSL2 promoted PDAC progression by transcriptionally activating CCL28, revealing an immunosuppressive role for FOSL2 in PDAC.
GATA zinc finger protein p66β promotes breast cancer cell migration by acting as a co-activator of Snail
Authors: Zou Xiuqun , Ma Li , Zhang Yihong , Zhang Qun , Xu Chu , Zhang Dan , Chu Yimin , Zhang Jie , Li Mengying , Zhang Hui , Wang Jiamin , Peng Chicheng , Wei Gang , Wu Yingjie , Hou Zhaoyuan , Jia Hao
Published: June 2023

The transcriptional repressor Snail induces EMT during embryonic development and tumor metastasis. Growing evidence indicates that Snail functions as a trans-activator to induce gene expression; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that Snail cooperates with GATA zinc finger protein p66β to transactivate genes in breast cancer cells. Biologically, depletion of p66β reduces cell migration and lung metastasis in BALB/c mice. Mechanistically, Snail interacts with p66β and cooperatively induces gene transcription. Notably, a group of genes induced by Snail harbor conserved G-rich cis-elements (5′-GGGAGG-3′, designated as G-box) in their proximal promoter regions. Snail directly binds to G-box via its zinc fingers and transactivates the G-box-containing promoters. p66β enhances Snail binding affinity to G-box, whereas depletion of p66β results in a decreased binding affinity of Snail to the endogenous promoters and concomitantly reduces the transcription of Snail-induced genes. Taken together, these data demonstrated that p66β is critical for Snail-mediated cell migration by acting as a co-activator of Snail to induce genes containing G-box elements in the promoters.
Inhibition of TRPV4 remodels single cell polarity and suppresses the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jian , Guo Yongjian , Zhang Ruitian , Xu Ye , Luo Chengju , Wang Rui , Xu Shu , Wei Libin
Published: June 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor, frequently causing both intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. The overall prognosis of patients with metastatic HCC is poor. Recently, single-cell (sc) polarity is proved to be an innate feature of some tumor cells in liquid phase, and directly involved in the cell adhesion to blood vessel and tumor metastasis. Here, we characterize the maintained sc polarity of HCC cells in a suspension culture, and investigate its roles and regulatory mechanisms during metastasis. We demonstrate that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a promoting regulator of sc polarity via activating Ca2+-dependent AMPK/MLC/ERM pathway. This attenuates the adhesion of metastatic HCC cells to vascular endothelial cells. The reduction of cancer metastases can result from TRPV4 inhibition, which not only impacts the migration and invasion of tumor cells, but also prevents the adhesion to vascular endothelial cells. Additionally, we discover a brand-new TRPV4 inhibitor called GL-V9 that modifies the degree of sc polarization and significantly decreases the metastatic capacity of HCC cells. Taken together, our data shows that TRPV4 and calcium signal are significant sc polarity regulators in metastatic HCC, and that the pharmacological intervention that results in HCC cells becoming depolarized suggests a promising treatment for cancer metastasis.
The evolution of dam induced river fragmentation in the United States
Authors: Spinti Rachel A. , Condon Laura E. , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2023

It is established that dams decrease river connectivity; however, previous global scale studies of river fragmentation focused on a small subset of the largest dams. In the United States, mid-sized dams, which are too small for global databases, account for 96% of major anthropogenic structures and 48% of reservoir storage. We conduct a national evaluation of the evolution of anthropogenic river bifurcation over time that includes more than 50,000 nationally inventoried dams. Mid-sized dams account for 73% of anthropogenically created stream fragments nationally. They also contribute disproportionately to short fragments (less than 10 km), which is particularly troubling for aquatic habitats. Here we show that dam construction has essentially reversed natural fragmentation patterns in the United States. Prior to human development, smaller river fragments and less connected networks occurred in arid basins while today we show that humid basins are the most fragmented due to human structures.
Electrical detection of spin pumping in van der Waals ferromagnetic Cr2Ge2Te6 with low magnetic damping
Authors: Xu Hongjun , Jia Ke , Huang Yuan , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Yu , Cheng Chen , Lan Guibin , Dong Jing , Wei Jinwu , Feng Jiafeng , He Congli , Yuan Zhe , Zhu Mingliang , He Wenqing , Wan Caihua , Wei Hongxiang , Wang Shouguo , Shao Qiming , Gu Lin , Coey Michael , Shi Youguo , Zhang Guangyu , Han Xiufeng , Yu Guoqiang
Published: June 2023

The discovery of magnetic order in atomically-thin van der Waals materials has strengthened the alliance between spintronics and two-dimensional materials. An important use of magnetic two-dimensional materials in spintronic devices, which has not yet been demonstrated, would be for coherent spin injection via the spin-pumping effect. Here, we report spin pumping from Cr2Ge2Te6 into Pt or W and detection of the spin current by inverse spin Hall effect. The magnetization dynamics of the hybrid Cr2Ge2Te6/Pt system are measured, and a magnetic damping constant of ~ 4–10 × 10−4 is obtained for thick Cr2Ge2Te6 flakes, a record low for ferromagnetic van der Waals materials. Moreover, a high interface spin transmission efficiency (a spin mixing conductance of 2.4 × 1019/m2) is directly extracted, which is instrumental in delivering spin-related quantities such as spin angular momentum and spin-orbit torque across an interface of the van der Waals system. The low magnetic damping that promotes efficient spin current generation together with high interfacial spin transmission efficiency suggests promising applications for integrating Cr2Ge2Te6 into low-temperature two-dimensional spintronic devices as the source of coherent spin or magnon current.
Plant traits poorly predict winner and loser shrub species in a warming tundra biome
Authors: García Criado Mariana , Myers-Smith Isla H. , Bjorkman Anne D. , Normand Signe , Blach-Overgaard Anne , Thomas Haydn J. D. , Eskelinen Anu , Happonen Konsta , Alatalo Juha M. , Anadon-Rosell Alba , Aubin Isabelle , te Beest Mariska , Betway-May Katlyn R. , Blok Daan , Buras Allan , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Christie Katherine , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Forbes Bruce C. , Frei Esther R. , Grogan Paul , Hermanutz Luise , Hollister Robert D. , Hudson James , Iturrate-Garcia Maitane , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Kleyer Michael , Lamarque Laurent J. , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Lévesque Esther , Luoto Miska , Macek Petr , May Jeremy L. , Prevéy Janet S. , Schaepman-Strub Gabriela , Sheremetiev Serge N. , Siegwart Collier Laura , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Trant Andrew , Venn Susanna E. , Virkkala Anna-Maria
Published: June 2023

Climate change is leading to species redistributions. In the tundra biome, shrubs are generally expanding, but not all tundra shrub species will benefit from warming. Winner and loser species, and the characteristics that may determine success or failure, have not yet been fully identified. Here, we investigate whether past abundance changes, current range sizes and projected range shifts derived from species distribution models are related to plant trait values and intraspecific trait variation. We combined 17,921 trait records with observed past and modelled future distributions from 62 tundra shrub species across three continents. We found that species with greater variation in seed mass and specific leaf area had larger projected range shifts, and projected winner species had greater seed mass values. However, trait values and variation were not consistently related to current and projected ranges, nor to past abundance change. Overall, our findings indicate that abundance change and range shifts will not lead to directional modifications in shrub trait composition, since winner and loser species share relatively similar trait spaces.
Acute stress induces long-term metabolic, functional, and structural remodeling of the heart
Authors: Yoganathan Thulaciga , Perez-Liva Mailyn , Balvay Daniel , Le Gall Morgane , Lallemand Alice , Certain Anais , Autret Gwennhael , Mokrani Yasmine , Guillonneau François , Bruce Johanna , Nguyen Vincent , Gencer Umit , Schmitt Alain , Lager Franck , Guilbert Thomas , Bruneval Patrick , Vilar Jose , Maissa Nawal , Mousseaux Elie , Viel Thomas , Renault Gilles , Kachenoura Nadjia , Tavitian Bertrand
Published: June 2023

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a stress-induced cardiovascular disease with symptoms comparable to those of an acute coronary syndrome but without coronary obstruction. Takotsubo was initially considered spontaneously reversible, but epidemiological studies revealed significant long-term morbidity and mortality, the reason for which is unknown. Here, we show in a female rodent model that a single pharmacological challenge creates a stress-induced cardiomyopathy similar to Takotsubo. The acute response involves changes in blood and tissue biomarkers and in cardiac in vivo imaging acquired with ultrasound, magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography. Longitudinal follow up using in vivo imaging, histochemistry, protein and proteomics analyses evidences a continued metabolic reprogramming of the heart towards metabolic malfunction, eventually leading to irreversible damage in cardiac function and structure. The results combat the supposed reversibility of Takotsubo, point to dysregulation of glucose metabolic pathways as a main cause of long-term cardiac disease and support early therapeutic management of Takotsubo.
Detection of a pair density wave state in UTe2
Authors: Gu Qiangqiang , Carroll Joseph P. , Wang Shuqiu , Ran Sheng , Broyles Christopher , Siddiquee Hasan , Butch Nicholas P. , Saha Shanta R. , Paglione Johnpierre , Davis J. C. Séamus , Liu Xiaolong
Published: June 2023

Spin-triplet topological superconductors should exhibit many unprecedented electronic properties, including fractionalized electronic states relevant to quantum information processing. Although UTe2 may embody such bulk topological superconductivity1–11, its superconductive order parameter Δ(k) remains unknown12. Many diverse forms for Δ(k) are physically possible12 in such heavy fermion materials13. Moreover, intertwined14,15 density waves of spin (SDW), charge (CDW) and pair (PDW) may interpose, with the latter exhibiting spatially modulating14,15 superconductive order parameter Δ(r), electron-pair density16–19 and pairing energy gap17,20–23. Hence, the newly discovered CDW state24 in UTe2 motivates the prospect that a PDW state may exist in this material24,25. To search for it, we visualize the pairing energy gap with μeV-scale energy resolution using superconductive scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) tips26–31. We detect three PDWs, each with peak-to-peak gap modulations of around 10 μeV and at incommensurate wavevectors Pi=1,2,3 that are indistinguishable from the wavevectors Qi=1,2,3 of the prevenient24 CDW. Concurrent visualization of the UTe2 superconductive PDWs and the non-superconductive CDWs shows that every Pi:Qi pair exhibits a relative spatial phase δϕ ≈ π. From these observations, and given UTe2 as a spin-triplet superconductor12, this PDW state should be a spin-triplet PDW24,25. Although such states do exist32 in superfluid 3He, for superconductors, they are unprecedented.
Wake-like skin patterning and neural activity during octopus sleep
Authors: Pophale Aditi , Shimizu Kazumichi , Mano Tomoyuki , Iglesias Teresa L. , Martin Kerry , Hiroi Makoto , Asada Keishu , Andaluz Paulette García , Van Dinh Thi Thu , Meshulam Leenoy , Reiter Sam
Published: June 2023

While sleeping, many vertebrate groups alternate between at least two sleep stages: rapid eye movement and slow wave sleep1–4, in part characterized by wake-like and synchronous brain activity, respectively. Here we delineate neural and behavioural correlates of two stages of sleep in octopuses, marine invertebrates that evolutionarily diverged from vertebrates roughly 550 million years ago (ref. 5) and have independently evolved large brains and behavioural sophistication. ‘Quiet’ sleep in octopuses is rhythmically interrupted by approximately 60-s bouts of pronounced body movements and rapid changes in skin patterning and texture6. We show that these bouts are homeostatically regulated, rapidly reversible and come with increased arousal threshold, representing a distinct ‘active’ sleep stage. Computational analysis of active sleep skin patterning reveals diverse dynamics through a set of patterns conserved across octopuses and strongly resembling those seen while awake. High-density electrophysiological recordings from the central brain reveal that the local field potential (LFP) activity during active sleep resembles that of waking. LFP activity differs across brain regions, with the strongest activity during active sleep seen in the superior frontal and vertical lobes, anatomically connected regions associated with learning and memory function7–10. During quiet sleep, these regions are relatively silent but generate LFP oscillations resembling mammalian sleep spindles11,12 in frequency and duration. The range of similarities with vertebrates indicates that aspects of two-stage sleep in octopuses may represent convergent features of complex cognition.
Fanzor is a eukaryotic programmable RNA-guided endonuclease
Authors: Saito Makoto , Xu Peiyu , Faure Guilhem , Maguire Samantha , Kannan Soumya , Altae-Tran Han , Vo Sam , Desimone AnAn , Macrae Rhiannon K. , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2023

RNA-guided systems, which use complementarity between a guide RNA and target nucleic acid sequences for recognition of genetic elements, have a central role in biological processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. For example, the prokaryotic CRISPR–Cas systems provide adaptive immunity for bacteria and archaea against foreign genetic elements. Cas effectors such as Cas9 and Cas12 perform guide-RNA-dependent DNA cleavage1. Although a few eukaryotic RNA-guided systems have been studied, including RNA interference2 and ribosomal RNA modification3, it remains unclear whether eukaryotes have RNA-guided endonucleases. Recently, a new class of prokaryotic RNA-guided systems (termed OMEGA) was reported4,5. The OMEGA effector TnpB is the putative ancestor of Cas12 and has RNA-guided endonuclease activity4,6. TnpB may also be the ancestor of the eukaryotic transposon-encoded Fanzor (Fz) proteins4,7, raising the possibility that eukaryotes are also equipped with CRISPR–Cas or OMEGA-like programmable RNA-guided endonucleases. Here we report the biochemical characterization of Fz, showing that it is an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease. We also show that Fz can be reprogrammed for human genome engineering applications. Finally, we resolve the structure of Spizellomyces punctatus Fz at 2.7 Å using cryogenic electron microscopy, showing the conservation of core regions among Fz, TnpB and Cas12, despite diverse cognate RNA structures. Our results show that Fz is a eukaryotic OMEGA system, demonstrating that RNA-guided endonucleases are present in all three domains of life.
Dynamical diagnostic of extreme events in Venice lagoon and their mitigation with the MoSE
Authors: Alberti Tommaso , Anzidei Marco , Faranda Davide , Vecchio Antonio , Favaro Marco , Papa Alvise
Published: June 2023

Extreme events are becoming more frequent due to anthropogenic climate change, posing serious concerns on societal and economic impacts and asking for mitigating strategies, as for Venice. Here we proposed a dynamical diagnostic of Extreme Sea Level (ESL) events in the Venice lagoon by using two indicators based on combining extreme value theory and dynamical systems: the instantaneous dimension and the inverse persistence. We show that the latter allows us to localize ESL events with respect to sea level fluctuations around the astronomical tide, while the former informs us on the role of active processes across the lagoon and specifically on the constructive interference of atmospheric contributions with the astronomical tide. We further examined the capability of the MoSE (Experimental Electromechanical Module), a safeguarding system recently put into operation, in mitigating extreme flooding events in relation with the values of the two dynamical indicators. We show that the MoSE acts on the inverse persistence in reducing/controlling the amplitude of sea level fluctuation and provide a valuable support for mitigating ESL events if operating, in a full operational mode, at least several hours before the occurrence an event.
The effect of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy activities: A global survey
Authors: Al-Saeedi Fatma , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Tipre Dnyanesh , Aladwani Hassan , Alenezi Salem , Alqabandi Maryam , Alkhamis Abdullah , Redha Abdulmohsen , Mohammad Ahmed , Ahmad Fahad , Abdulnabi Yaaqoup , Alfadhly Altaf , Alrasheedi Danah
Published: June 2023

Globally, COVID-19 affected radiopharmaceutical laboratories. This study sought to determine the economic, service, and research impacts of COVID-19 on radiopharmacy. This online survey was conducted with the participation of employees from nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical companies. The socioeconomic status of the individuals was collected. The study was participated by 145 medical professionals from 25 different countries. From this work, it is evident that 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG), and 99mTc-labeled macro aggregated albumin 99mTc-MAA were necessary radiopharmaceuticals used by 57% (83/145and 34% (49/145;) respondents, respectively for determining how COVID infections affect a patient’s body. The normal scheduling procedure for the radiopharmacy laboratory was reduced by more than half (65%; 94/145). In COVID-19, 70% (102/145) of respondents followed the regulations established by the local departments. Throughout the pandemic, there was a 97% (141/145) decrease in all staffing recruitment efforts. The field of nuclear medicine research, as well as the radiopharmaceutical industry, were both adversely affected by COVID-19.
iMPI: portable human-sized magnetic particle imaging scanner for real-time endovascular interventions
Authors: Vogel P. , Rückert M. A. , Greiner C. , Günther J. , Reichl T. , Kampf T. , Bley T. A. , Behr V. C. , Herz S.
Published: June 2023

Minimally invasive endovascular interventions have become an important tool for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. X-ray fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography are used to precisely guide these procedures, but they are associated with radiation exposure for patients and clinical staff. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is an emerging imaging technology using time-varying magnetic fields combined with magnetic nanoparticle tracers for fast and highly sensitive imaging. In recent years, basic experiments have shown that MPI has great potential for cardiovascular applications. However, commercially available MPI scanners were too large and expensive and had a small field of view (FOV) designed for rodents, which limited further translational research. The first human-sized MPI scanner designed specifically for brain imaging showed promising results but had limitations in gradient strength, acquisition time and portability. Here, we present a portable interventional MPI (iMPI) system dedicated for real-time endovascular interventions free of ionizing radiation. It uses a novel field generator approach with a very large FOV and an application-oriented open design enabling hybrid approaches with conventional X-ray-based angiography. The feasibility of a real-time iMPI-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is shown in a realistic dynamic human-sized leg model.
Partially substituting chemical NPK fertilizers and their impact on Eureka lemon trees (Citrus limon L. Burm) productivity and fruit quality
Authors: Almadiy Abdulrhman A. , Shaban Ayman E. , Ibrahim Ammar M. , Balhareth Salem M. , El-Gioushy Sherif F. , Khater El-Sayed G.
Published: June 2023

The main aim of this study is to improve productivity, physical and chemical properties of the fruits and fruit quality of Eureka Lemon trees while lowering production costs by investigating the use of different NPK alternative sources (slow release, and bio) to reduce the use of chemical NPK fertilizers. Ten treatments of NPK fertilizers were applied. The results indicate that the highest values of yield (111.0 and 114.0 kg/tree) were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both first and second seasons, respectively. The lemon fruit weight ranged from 131.3 to 152.4 and 131.4 to 153.5 g for first and second seasons, respectively, for all treatments under study. The highest values of fruit length and fruit diameter were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. The highest values of juice quality parameters (TSS, juice acidity, TSS/acid ratio and vitamin C concentration) responded favorably to higher chemical NPK treatment rates. The highest values of TSS, juice acidity, TSS/Acid ratio, and vitamin C concentration were 9.45%, 6.25%, 1.524 and 4.27 mg/100 g, respectively, were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. Meanwhile, the lowest value of total sugar was found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons.
Maternal racism experience and cultural identity in relation to offspring telomere length
Authors: Thayer Zaneta , Becares Laia , Marks Emma , Ly Kien , Walker Caroline
Published: June 2023

Racism is a determinant of individual and offspring health. Accelerated telomere shortening, an indicator of cellular aging, is a potential mechanism through which parental experience of racism could affect offspring. Here we longitudinally evaluated the relationship between maternal lifetime experience of an ethnically-motivated verbal or physical attack, as reported in pregnancy, with offspring telomere length in 4.5-year-old children. We also explored the potential association between positive feelings about one’s culture and offspring telomere length. Data come from a nationally representative, multi-ethnic birth cohort in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) (Māori N = 417, Pacific N = 364, Asian N = 381). In models adjusting for covariates, including socioeconomic status and health status, Māori mothers who experienced an ethnically-motivated physical attack had children with significantly shorter telomere length than children of Māori mothers who did not report an attack (B = − 0.20, p = 0.01). Conversely, Māori mothers who had positive feelings about their culture had offspring with significantly longer telomeres (B = 0.25, p = 0.02). Our results suggest that ethnicity-based health inequities are shaped by racism, with impacts for clinical care and policy. Future research should also evaluate the potential protective effects of positive cultural identity.
Combined, time-resolved, in situ neutron reflectometry and X-ray diffraction analysis of dynamic SEI formation during electrochemical N2 reduction
Authors: Blair Sarah J. , Doucet Mathieu , Niemann Valerie A. , Stone Kevin H. , Kreider Melissa E. , Browning James F. , Halbert Candice E. , Wang Hanyu , Benedek Peter , McShane Eric J. , Nielander Adam C. , Gallo Alessandro , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: June 2023

In situ neutron reflectometry and GI-XRD reveal the dynamics of SEI formation and layer composition during Li-NRR with current cycling.
Construction of a novel fluorescent DNA aptasensor for the fast-response and sensitive detection of copper ions in industrial sewage
Authors: Mou Yue , Zhang Yanfei , Lin Xinru , Chen Meiyun , Xia Yuxiang , Zhu Shu , Wei Chonghui , Luo Xingyu
Published: June 2023

Constructing a facile, fast-response, and sensitive aptasensor for Cu2+ detection in industrial sewage.
Determination of copolymer compositions in polyhydroxyalkanoates using 1H benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Araneda Juan F. , de Alwis Weerasekera Hasitha , Leclerc Matthew C. , Luk Sharmaine B. , Riegel Susanne D.
Published: June 2023

An important part of the quality control for polyhydroxyalkanoates involves determining their copolymer compositions. In this study, we introduce an easy and reliable 1H benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy approach for these assays.
Control of reactivity and selectivity in isomerization and rearrangement reactions inside confined spaces
Authors: Kanagaraj Kuppusamy , Rebek Julius , Yu Yang
Published: June 2023

In the confined space of supramolecular systems, the substrate can be forced into a reactive conformation and labile intermediates may be stabilized while isolated from the bulk solution.
Tuneable tetrel bonds between tin and heavy pnictogens
Authors: Liyanage Sachin , Ovens Jeffrey S. , Scheiner Steve , Bryce David L.
Published: June 2023

The utility and strength of rare tin-phosphorus tetrel bonds are established via design of a novel cocrystal and DFT calculations.
Significantly anisotropic Raman response of the (110) surface in quasi-one-dimensional system (TaSe4)2I by polarized Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Gao Xiao , Song Pin , Sun Zhongti , Li Xuechao , Wu Chuanqiang , Chen Haiping
Published: June 2023

Quasi-one-dimensional materials are usually characterized by optical response spectroscopy methods, which show significant polarization dependence.
Room-temperature Ia3̄d phase obtained for the binary mixture containing different sizes of siloxanyl terminals
Authors: Kawase Yuki , Kutsumzu Shoichi , Udagawa Taro , Miwa Yohei , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya
Published: June 2023

The Ia3̄d phase of the 50:50 mixture of di- and tri-siloxanyl compounds is quite stable at room temperature as if it were like a thermodynamically stable phase.
How oxidized EGCG remodels α-synuclein fibrils into non-toxic aggregates: insights from computational simulations
Authors: Gonçalves Priscila Baltazar , Palhano Fernando L. , Cordeiro Yraima , Sodero Ana Carolina Rennó
Published: June 2023

Oxidized EGCG binds to the same α-syn sites as ThT, leading to fibril remodeling. Oxidized EGCG forms H-bonds with non-specific residues while it moves within the fibril core, while ThT binding is dominantly driven by aromatic π-stacking interactions.
The materials experiment knowledge graph
Authors: Statt Michael J. , Rohr Brian A. , Guevarra Dan , Breeden Ja'Nya , Suram Santosh K. , Gregoire John M.
Published: June 2023

Graph representations of hierarchical knowledge, including experiment provenances, will help usher in a new era of data-driven materials science.
Autonomous biomimetic solid dispensing using a dual-arm robotic manipulator
Authors: Jiang Ying , Fakhruldeen Hatem , Pizzuto Gabriella , Longley Louis , He Ai , Dai Tianwei , Clowes Rob , Rankin Nicola , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: June 2023

An automated solid dispenser was developed using a dual-arm robot and fuzzy logic controller, mimicking the operations of human researchers.
Identification of high ionic conducting members (M(iii) = Co, Ni) in the new lithium rich Li4.50M0.50TeO6 (M(iii) = Co, Ni, In) series
Authors: Yadav Dileep Kumar , Uniyal Shrishti , Uma Sitharaman
Published: June 2023

A new series of lithium-rich oxides, Li4.50M0.50TeO6 (M = Co, Ni, In), has been investigated for the structural, optical and magnetic properties. The ionic conductivity measurements reveal remarkable values for the Co and Ni analogues.
Li-intercalated CeO2 as an ideal substrate for boosting ammonia synthesis
Authors: Gao Zhuoyang , Mu Xiaowei , Xiong Qingchuan , Li Lu
Published: June 2023

Li-intercalated-CeO2 catalyst exhibits outstanding activity for ammonia synthesis with reduced activation energy and lower operating temperatures.
An up-conversion Ba3In(PO4)3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphor that enables multi-mode temperature measurements and wide-gamut ‘temperature mapping’
Authors: Lei Zonghao , Liu Ronghui , Sun Lijie , Wang Xiaoxiong , Hu Chen , Zou Yanfei , Yang Xiaowei , Su Shikun , Teng Bing , Xu Hui , Zhong Degao
Published: June 2023

Four modes of fluorescence temperature measurement were achieved by using a sample of Ba3In(PO4)3:0.02Er3+/0.05Yb3+. As the temperature increased, the emission color of the sample changed from red to green, and highest Sr value is 0.977% K−1.