bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academics meet practitioners: Interactive exchange instead of consuming knowledge on dairy calving management
Authors: Mee John F. , Szenci Otto , Fischer‐Tenhagen Carola
Published: November 2023

Consensus on optimal calving management is difficult to achieve among veterinarians. Some of this discordance may stem from asymmetry between the literature written by subject matter experts (SME) and the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of non‐SMEs and veterinary practitioners. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess how veterinary practitioners KAPs in calving management compared with the findings in the literature. An online questionnaire survey was conducted prior to a World Buiatrics Congress by delegates (n = 80) who attended a workshop on calving management at which the outcomes of the latter were recorded. The responses from the questionnaire and the consensus from the workshop were compared and these were compared with the literature on calving management, specifically, prediction of calving, assistance at calving and farmer training in calving management. In general, there was good agreement between the aggregated individual responses to the questionnaire and the consensuses from the workshop. The suggested methods of predicting calving were well aligned between practitioners and those researched in the literature but practitioners tended to emphasize more practical aspects of prediction while the literature tends to focus more on the effectiveness of various predictor devices. Practitioners tended to recommend a later time of calving assistance than that recommended in the recent literature though they did also emphasize the importance of calving progress. The majority of practitioners conducted informal (at calving) calving training focusing on time of intervention, welfare‐friendly intervention and delivery of a live healthy calf. However, the educational literature recommends a formal training approach as being more effective. These findings indicate that practitioners may benefit from continuing professional education on the scientific merits/demerits of calving prediction devices, current best practice on intervention timing during calving and formal methods of farmer training on calving management.
Whitham modulation theory for the Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation and stability analysis of its periodic traveling wave solutions
Authors: Biondini Gino , Chernyavsky Alexander
Published: November 2023

We derive the Whitham modulation equations for the Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation via a multiple scales expansion and averaging two conservation laws over one oscillation period of its periodic traveling wave solutions. We then use the Whitham modulation equations to study the transverse stability of the periodic traveling wave solutions. We find that all periodic solutions traveling along the first spatial coordinate are linearly unstable with respect to purely transversal perturbations, and we obtain an explicit expression for the growth rate of perturbations in the long wave limit. We validate these predictions by linearizing the equation around its periodic solutions and solving the resulting eigenvalue problem numerically. We also calculate the growth rate of the solitary waves analytically. The predictions of Whitham modulation theory are in excellent agreement with both of these approaches. Finally, we generalize the stability analysis to periodic waves traveling in arbitrary directions and to perturbations that are not purely transversal, and we determine the resulting domains of stability and instability.
Preservice teachers’ errors in the creation and extension of sequences using color tiles: An exploratory study
Authors: Kurz Terri L. , Lee Mi Yeon
Published: November 2023

Recognizing, building, describing, extending, and analyzing patterns are key components of algebraic reasoning. Oftentimes pattern‐based instruction is used to support the understanding of functions and variables. In this study, elementary preservice teachers (n = 23) were asked to explore, extend, explain, create equations for, and analyze linear, geometric, and quadratic integer patterns using color tiles. Then they created, extended, described, and analyzed their own patterns while working in groups (n = 8). The research question was: What algebraic errors do PSTs demonstrate in the process of constructing, explaining, and analyzing their own linear, geometric, and quadratic patterns using color tiles? The analysis, which focused on errors and misunderstandings preservice teachers demonstrated in their final unit, revealed three specific areas of difficulties: figural errors, explanation challenges, and improper use of algebraic language. Participants failed to connect their algebraic images in a coherent manner, there was confusion in articulating their algebraic thought processes, and algebraic terminology was improperly used. Implications for teaching and further research are described.
Teacher noticing: A literature review of mathematics and science teacher noticing conceptualizations
Authors: Weston Tracy L. , Amador Julie M.
Published: November 2023

We conducted a literature review to describe the conceptual use of noticing in pivotal mathematics and science education publications from 2002 to 2022 by tracing the language and ideas used to describe and study teacher noticing. Results from 12 highly cited or recently written publications indicated substantial differences in the assumptions and orientations of researchers which included: (a) differences in the primary theoretical construct, (b) differences in definitions of noticing and whether noticing is attending, making sense, both, or broader than cognition and includes context, culture, and/or perception, and (c) differences in researchers' beliefs about identifying what teachers should notice as compared to researchers who describe what teachers do notice. We propose directions for future writing practices in this field, including the need for researchers to explicitly state their definition of noticing. We conclude by reflecting on this project through some of Mason's foundational ideas about noticing.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:138 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Lee Jong Kwon , Bae Go Eun , Lee Sookyeon , Park Jun Woo , Kang Eun‐Suk
Published: November 2023

HLA‐DQA1*01:138 is identical to HLA‐DQA1*01:03 except for a single nucleotide substitution in exon 3.
Exploring perspectives of personal learning plans in a residency programme
Authors: Awad Sara , Turnnidge Jennifer , Cheung Jeffrey J. H. , Taylor David , Dalgarno Nancy , Schwartz Alan
Published: November 2023

Background

Personal learning plans (PLPs) have gained traction in postgraduate medical education as an avenue for enhancing resident learning. However, implementing PLPs in real‐world education settings presents unique challenges. To realise the potential of PLPs, we must understand the factors that influence the quality of PLP implementation. The purpose of this study was to explore the use and implementation of PLPs during residency training from the residents' and academic advisors' perspectives within a competency‐based residency programme.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with residents (n = 18) and academic advisors (n = 9) in an Internal Medicine residency programme at a Canadian academic centre. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using open coding.

Findings

Three higher order themes were developed to represent the participants' perceptions of implementing PLPs in a competency‐based residency programme: (a) setting the stage for learning, (b) fostering meaningful engagement and (c) learning through reflection. Results indicated that implementing PLPs requires collaboration between residents and academic advisors and supports from the broader programme and institution. PLP implementation is an iterative process that can provide a salient avenue for reflection and the development of self‐regulation skills.

Discussion and Conclusion

PLPs can be a useful tool to foster self‐regulated learning skills in residency education. It is imperative to consider how social and environmental supports can be enacted to facilitate engagement with, and implementation of, PLPs.
Successful treatment of sebaceous adenitis with oclacitinib and low‐dose prednisolone in a dog
Authors: Pérez‐Aranda María , Yotti César , Pérez Judith , Ginel Pedro J.
Published: November 2023

Finding an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for canine idiopathic sebaceous adenitis (ISA) can be challenging. This case report describes an 8‐year‐old male Rottweiler with ISA successfully treated with a combination of oclacitinib and low doses of prednisolone.
Condiciones comunicativas para aprender, ¿qué dicen los estudiantes?
Authors: Medina-Morales Lorena-Pía , Alvarado-Vargas Constanza Fernanda , Ojeda-Lopeda Pablo César , Mansilla-Vargas Fernanda María Ignacia , Ortíz-Barraza Dominga , Llanos-Marchant Tomás Eduardo
Published: November 2023

En este artículo de investigación se reportan resultados de un estudio que permitió oír las voces de un grupo de estudiantes en torno a sus experiencias de comunicación para el aprendizaje en clases de lenguaje y matemática. Se estudiaron catorce focus group, de constitución mixta, con estudiantes de tres escuelas particulares subvencionadas de Santiago de Chile, que se encontraban cursando 5o año básico. Este corpus fue abordado mediante análisis dialógico del discurso. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes atribuyen gran importancia a aspectos socioemocionales, a la alteridad, y a una educación integral cuando caracterizan procesos de aprendizaje exitosos.
Desempeño académico de estudiantes wayuu en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Marín-González Freddy , Romero-Caballero Yessica , Senior-Naveda Alexa Angélica
Published: November 2023

La pandemia resignificó el papel de los actores educativos para garantizar la calidad. En este artículo de investigación se analiza el desempeño académico en tecnología e informática de estudiantes wayuu del grado 11o ante la prevalencia del COVID-19. La investigación se fundamenta en un enfoque racionalista y un paradigma mixto de naturaleza cuali cuantitativa que integra un diseño con componentes teóricos y empíricos, desde el análisis y la encuesta a estudiantes y docentes en una institución de La Guajira colombiana. Los estudiantes mantienen su desempeño luego de un proceso de adaptación tecnológica, con contribución familiar y acompañamiento docente.
Familia y alfabetización: programa de apoyo en dos modalidades
Authors: Valenzuela-Hasenohr Francisca , Orellana-García Pelusa , Villalón-Bravo Malva , De la Maza-Vergara Carmen
Published: November 2023

Las prácticas familiares de lenguaje y alfabetización impactan en el desarrollo del niño. El objetivo del estudio fue examinar la factibilidad de la versión virtual de un programa presencial de mejora de estas habilidades. Se implementaron talleres grupales dirigidos a padres para promover la autoeficacia parental y prácticas de alfabetización. Este estudio mixto comparó los resultados obtenidos en ambas modalidades, los cuales muestran similar asistencia y menor frecuencia semanal de prácticas en la modalidad virtual. Ambas modalidades reportan mejoras en autoeficacia y en percepción de cambio, al compararlas antes y después de la asistencia a los talleres.
Mediación tecnológica del aprendizaje en educación secundaria durante la pandemia
Authors: Armería-Zavala Luis , Arias-Torres Daniela , Gómez-Valadés Francisco
Published: November 2023

El objetivo del artículo es analizar las condiciones de aprendizaje en línea y a distancia durante la pandemia, y la forma en que la mediación humana y tecnológica favorece el aprendizaje en educación secundaria. Para ello se aplicó un cuestionario en línea, a una muestra probabilística de 2207 estudiantes de la zona urbana de Morelia, Michoacán, con un nivel de confianza de 98 %. Los resultados muestran mejores condiciones para aprender en el estudiantado que dispone de internet (90 %) y recibe clases en línea (71 %), concluyendo que la mediación tecnológica favorece el aprendizaje y se recomienda su incorporación al terminar la pandemia.
Preferencia por el microaprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios de México
Authors: Sala-Díaz Fabiola , González-Bello Edgar Oswaldo
Published: November 2023

El microaprendizaje orienta al aprendizaje breve, conciso y versátil entre medios, formatos y pedagogías, y es asociado frecuentemente con tecnología digital. Desde esta perspectiva, el objetivo fue estimar la preferencia por el microaprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios bajo un criterio temporal establecido. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 1349 estudiantes de México en tiempos de pandemia. Destaca una preferencia por microcontenidos en formatos de video, audio y presentaciones; también, la influencia de actividades paralelas al estudio para elegir condiciones de movilidad y tiempos cortos de interacción. Se concluye que el microaprendizaje es viable para innovar los procesos de enseñanza utilizando los recursos disponibles.
XPS study of NiO thin films obtained by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Pagot Gioele , Benedet Mattia , Maccato Chiara , Barreca Davide , Di Noto Vito
Published: November 2023

Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films are of great importance for a variety of technological applications, especially in (photo)electrocatalysis for clean energy production and pollutant degradation. In this field, various research efforts are devoted to the preparation of thin films with controllable chemicophysical properties. In the framework of our research activities, we have recently fabricated NiO thin films by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a series of closely related Ni(II) β-diketonate-diamine molecular precursors. In the present work, the attention is focused on the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of a representative NiO film grown at 400 °C in an O2 + H2O reaction atmosphere. Besides the wide scan spectrum, high resolution spectra for C 1s, O 1s, and, in particular, Ni 2p are reported and discussed in detail.
Classification of indexical and segmental features of human speech using low- and high-frequency energy
Authors: Donai Jeremy J. , Paschall D. Dwayne , Haider Saad
Published: November 2023

The high-frequency region (above 4–5 kHz) of the speech spectrum has received substantial research attention over the previous decade, with a host of studies documenting the presence of important and useful information in this region. The purpose of the current experiment was to compare the presence of indexical and segmental information in the low- and high-frequency region of speech (below and above 4 kHz) and to determine the extent to which information from these regions can be used in a machine learning framework to correctly classify indexical and segmental aspects of the speech signal. Naturally produced vowel segments produced by ten male and ten female talkers were used as input to a temporal dictionary ensemble classification model in unfiltered, low-pass filtered (below 4 kHz), and high-pass filtered (above 4 kHz) conditions. Classification performance in the unfiltered and low-pass filtered conditions was approximately 90% or better for vowel categorization, talker sex, and individual talker identity tasks. Classification performance for high-pass filtered signals composed of energy above 4 kHz was well above chance for the same tasks. For several classification tasks (i.e., talker sex and talker identity), high-pass filtering had minimal effect on classification performance, suggesting the preservation of indexical information above 4 kHz.
Emergent symmetry in a low-dimensional superconductor on the edge of Mottness
Authors: Chudzinski P. , Berben M. , Xu Xiaofeng , Wakeham N. , Bernáth B. , Duffy C. , Hinlopen R. D. H. , Hsu Yu-Te , Wiedmann S. , Tinnemans P. , Jin Rongying , Greenblatt M. , Hussey N. E.
Published: November 2023

Upon cooling, condensed-matter systems typically transition into states of lower symmetry. The converse—i.e., the emergence of higher symmetry at lower temperatures—is extremely rare. In this work, we show how an unusually isotropic magnetoresistance in the highly anisotropic, one-dimensional conductor Li
0.9
Mo
6
O
17
and its temperature dependence can be interpreted as a renormalization group (RG) flow toward a so-called separatrix. This approach is equivalent to an emergent symmetry in the system. The existence of two distinct ground states, Mott insulator and superconductor, can then be traced back to two opposing RG trajectories. By establishing a direct link between quantum field theory and an experimentally measurable quantity, we uncover a path through which emergent symmetry might be identified in other candidate materials.
Advancing the fitness of gut commensal bacteria
Authors: Groisman Eduardo A. , Han Weiwei , Krypotou Emilia
Published: November 2023

Nutrient starvation of beneficial bacteria helps them colonize the human gut
High cooling performance in a double-loop electrocaloric heat pump
Authors: Li Junning , Torelló Alvar , Kovacova Veronika , Prah Uros , Aravindhan Ashwath , Granzow Torsten , Usui Tomoyasu , Hirose Sakyo , Defay Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Cooling through solid-state electrocaloric materials is an attractive replacement for vapor compression. Despite recent efforts, devices that are potentially commercially competitive have not been developed. We present an electrocaloric cooler with a maximum temperature span of 20.9 kelvin and a maximum cooling power of 4.2 watts under the moderate applied electric field of 10 volts per micrometer without any observed breakdown. Moreover, the maximum coefficient of performance, even taking into account energy expended on fluid pumping, reaches 64% of Carnot’s efficiency as long as energy is properly recovered. We believe that this demonstration shows electrocaloric cooling to be a very promising alternative to vapor compression cooling.
Humans are biocultural, science should be too
Authors: Fuentes Agustín
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 is restructuring societies. Loneliness is a global health threat. Large language models are outputting biased health care information, and human–artificial intelligence (AI) interfaces are reshaping how we live. For most humans, technology, biology, and society are hopelessly entangled. Are the sciences prepared to tackle the contemporary human experience?
AI is set to revolutionize weather forecasts
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: November 2023

Cheap and fast algorithms are matching—and surpassing—the world’s top models
Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network’s multisite evaluation of the ThermoFisher Sensititre GN7F broth microdilution panel for antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Authors: Bhatnagar Amelia S. , Machado María-José , Patterson Logan , Anderson Karen , Abelman Rebecca L. , Bateman Allen , Biggs Angela , Bumpus-White Porscha , Craft Bradley , Howard Mondraya , LaVoie Stephen P. , Lonsway David , Sabour Sarah , Schneider Annah , Snippes-Vagnone Paula , Tran Michael , Torpey David , Valley Ann , Elkins Christopher A. , Karlsson Maria , Brown Allison C.
Published: November 2023

In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network to improve domestic detection of multidrug-resistant organisms. CDC and four laboratories evaluated a commercial broth microdilution panel. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Sensititre GN7F (ThermoFisher Scientific, Lenexa, KS) was evaluated by testing 100 CDC and Food and Drug Administration AR Isolate Bank isolates [40 Enterobacterales (ENT), 30
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PSA), and 30
Acinetobacter baumannii
(ACB)]. We assessed multiple amounts of transfer volume (TV) between the inoculum and tubed 11-mL cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth: 1 µL [tribe Proteeae (P-tribe) only] and 10, 30, and 50 µL, resulting in respective CFU per milliter of 1 × 10
4
, 1 × 10
5
, 3 × 10
5
, and 5 × 10
5
. Four TV combinations were analyzed: standard (STD) [1 µL (P-tribe) and 10 µL], enhanced standard (E-STD) [1 µL (P-tribe) and 30 µL], 30 µL, and 50 µL. Essential agreement (EA), categorical agreement, major error (ME), and very major error (VME) were analyzed by organism then TVs. For ENT, the average EA across laboratories was <90% for 7 of 15 β-lactams using STD and E-STD TVs. As TVs increased, EA increased (>90%), and VMEs decreased. For PSA, EA improved as TVs increased; however, MEs also increased. For ACB, increased TVs provided slight EA improvements; all TVs yielded multiple VMEs and MEs. For ENT and ACB, Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) trended downward using a 1 or 10 µL TV; there were no obvious MIC trends by TV for PSA. The public health and clinical consequences of missing resistance warrant increased TV of 30 µL for the GN7F, particularly for P-tribe, despite being considered “off-label” use.
Viral and host factors drive a type 1 Epstein–Barr virus spontaneous lytic phenotype
Authors: Willard Katherine A. , Barry Ashley P. , Oduor Cliff I. , Ong'echa John Michael , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Moormann Ann M. , Luftig Micah A.
Published: November 2023

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a cancer and autoimmune disease-associated gamma-herpesvirus that infects the majority of adults worldwide. After initial infection, EBV generally maintains a latent state in the host with minimal viral gene expression. However, aberrations in this prototypical latent viral state leading to increased lytic replication can cause upregulation of oncogenic factors, promoting EBV-associated diseases. For example, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease have strong associations with EBV lytic replication. Another EBV-associated disease, endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL), is an extremely fast-growing cancer found primarily in children in malaria-endemic regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly all endemic BL tumors are infected with EBV and the hallmark of the disease is high levels of oncogenic c-Myc expression due to an immunoglobulin/
Myc
translocation. In this study, we describe spontaneous lytic phenotypes in EBV strains isolated from Kenyan BL patient tumors. We specifically focus on a novel Type 1 spontaneously lytic EBV strain and describe viral and host factors that could contribute to this phenotype. We found that cells infected with spontaneous lytic strains have lower c-Myc protein stability and express high levels of the plasma cell marker SLAMF7. Additionally, spontaneous lytic strains have altered latency states, which appear to further promote their lytic phenotypes. The isolation of spontaneously lytic EBV strains from endemic BL tumors provides more evidence that EBV may not maintain a prototypically latent state in patients with EBV-associated diseases and raises the possibility that promiscuous lytic activity may contribute to the formation of these diseases.

IMPORTANCE

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects over 95% of adults worldwide. Given its connection to various cancers and autoimmune disorders, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which infection with EBV can lead to these diseases. In this study, we describe an unusual spontaneous lytic phenotype in EBV strains isolated from Kenyan endemic Burkitt lymphoma patients. Because lytic replication of EBV has been linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, these data could illuminate viral and host factors involved in this process.
Genome sequences of isolates from high-touch surfaces in washrooms at a post-secondary institution
Authors: Holman Devin B. , James-Gzyl Katherine E. , Rieberger Rachael L. , Keim Kiya S. , Carson Michael J. , Norris Sean G. , Esmaeili Taheri Ahmad
Published: November 2023

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Brevibacterium casei
(
n
= 1),
Heyndrickxia oleronia
(
n
= 1),
Kocuria palustris
(
n
=1),
Microbacterium
spp. (
n
= 5),
Staphylococcus cohnii
(
n
= 3), and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
isolated from high-touch surfaces in washrooms at a post-secondary institution.
Colonization of larval zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) with adherent-invasive
Escherichia coli
prevents recovery of the intestinal mucosa from drug-induced enterocolitis
Authors: Flores Erika , Dutta Soumita , Bosserman Rachel , van Hoof Ambro , Krachler Anne-Marie
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a broad term for a range of chronic intestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The global prevalence of IBD is rising, with over one million patients affected in the United States alone. Adherent-invasive
Escherichia coli
(AIEC) is a pathobiont frequently found in IBD biopsies. AIEC adhere to and invade epithelial cells, and can survive inside phagocytes
in vitro
. However, how AIEC contribute to IBD
in vivo
remains unclear. Here, we established a larval zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) model to study the interplay between pre-existing intestinal inflammation and AIEC colonization of the gut. We used the pro-inflammatory drug dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce intestinal inflammation. This was followed by food-borne infection of larvae with AIEC using the protozoan
Paramecium caudatum
, a natural prey, as a vehicle. We show that AIEC more robustly colonize the zebrafish gut and are cleared slower than non-pathogenic
E. coli
. In addition, DSS-induced enterocolitis increases bacterial burden and decreases bacterial clearance in the larval gut. We benchmark our model against existing rodent models using two mutants deficient in the known AIEC virulence factors FimH and IbeA, which have virulence defects in both rodent and the larval zebrafish model. Finally, we show that AIEC colonization exacerbates DSS-induced enterocolitis and prevents recovery from inflammation-induced damage. In conclusion, we established a high-throughput, genetically tractable model to study AIEC-host interactions in the context of pre-existing inflammation.

IMPORTANCE

Although inflammatory bowel diseases are on the rise, what factors influence IBD risk and severity, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Although host genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors have all been shown to correlate with the development of IBD, cause and effect are difficult to disentangle in this context. For example, AIEC is a known pathobiont found in IBD patients, but it remains unclear if gut inflammation during IBD facilitates colonization with AIEC, or if AIEC colonization makes the host more susceptible to pro-inflammatory stimuli. It is critical to understand the mechanisms that contribute to AIEC infections in a susceptible host in order to develop successful therapeutics. Here, we show that the larval zebrafish model recapitulates key features of AIEC infections in other animal models and can be utilized to address these gaps in knowledge.
The versatility of the putative transient receptor potential ion channels in regulating the calcium signaling in
Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Wang Hongchen , Gao Renwei , Zhang Yuanwei , Lu Ling
Published: November 2023

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are evolutionarily conserved integral membrane proteins. They serve as crucial mediators of sensory signals and have profound effects on cellular functions. However, many functions of the TRP family remain to be explored. In this study, the biological functions of three potential TRP channels, TrpA, TrpB, and TrpC, in
Aspergillus nidulans
have been verified. Green fluorescent protein labeling indicated that these TRP channels have distinct localization patterns. TrpA was primarily located at hyphal tips, TrpB showed a localization pattern resembling the Golgi apparatus, and TrpC displayed a possible ER-like localization pattern. Findings suggested that these TRP channels may be involved in different physiological processes. Deletion or reduced expression of TrpA resulted in severe growth defects and abolished conidiation. Moreover, TrpA may have multiple roles during fungal development, as TrpA mutants caused significant changes in gene expression. The lack of TrpB resulted in colony defects in a calcium-dependent manner, especially under high-temperature conditions. These defects in Δ
trpB
can be largely rescued by adding calcium, indicating that TrpB is required in low-calcium conditions. The deletion of TrpC did not exhibit any detectable phenotypes under tested cultural conditions. However, when major calcium channels MidA/CchA or PmrA were absent, the lack of TrpC further exacerbated the colony defects, implying that TrpC serves as a supplementary function. In conclusion, TRP channels are involved in a wide range of physiological processes and findings provide a valuable reference for investigating the functions of TRP proteins in other fungal or eukaryotic species.

IMPORTANCE

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are evolutionarily conserved integral membrane proteins with non-selective ion permeability, and they are widely distributed in mammals and single-cell yeast and serve as crucial mediators of sensory signals. However, the relevant information concerning TRP channels in
Aspergillus nidulans
remains inadequately understood. In this study, by gene deletion, green fluorescent protein tagging, and cytosolic Ca
2+
transient monitoring techniques, the biological functions of three potential TRP channels (TrpA, TrpB, and TrpC) have been explored for which they play distinct and multiple roles in hyphal growth, conidiation, responsiveness to external stress, and regulation of intracellular Ca
2+
homeostasis. The findings of this study on the functions of potential TRP channels in
A. nidulans
may serve as a valuable reference for understanding the roles of TRP homologs in industrial or medical strains of
Aspergillus
, as well as in other filamentous fungi.
Distinct mode of action of a highly stable, engineered phage lysin killing Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gerstmans Hans , Duyvejonck Lisa , Vázquez Roberto , Staes Ines , Borloo Jimmy , Abdelkader Karim , Leroy Jeroen , Cremelie Emma , Gutiérrez Diana , Tamés-Caunedo Héctor , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia , Rodríguez Ana , Aertsen Abram , Lammertyn Jeroen , Lavigne Rob , Briers Yves
Published: November 2023

Therapeutic options to treat bacterial infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens are limited due to the spread of multidrug resistance. Protein engineering of phage-derived lysins can play a key role in the search for new antimicrobial compounds targeting Gram-negative pathogens. A previous high-throughput screen of a combinatorial lysin library identified lysin 1D10 active against
Acinetobacter baumannii
under elevated human serum concentrations. The engineered lysin consists of four modules: cecropin A, a linker, cell wall-binding domain, and an enzymatic active domain. Using time-lapse microscopy, we show that 1D10 has a distinct antibacterial mode of action resulting in local cell wall bulging at the septum instead of cell-wide lysis, as observed for previously reported engineered lysins that target Gram-negative bacteria. Our results indicate that the activity of 1D10 relies on the antibacterial activity of both cecropin A (CecA) and the enzymatically active domain. Based on a truncation analysis, the role of each of the four modules of 1D10 was dissected. We further compared the antibacterial spectrum, thermostability, and cytotoxicity of cecropin A alone and lysin 1D10. Both lysin 1D10 and CecA are most active against
A. baumannii
and are not cytotoxic toward human keratinocytes. Lysin 1D10 unfolds at 57°C and has a remarkable refolding capacity, as it regains its activity even after exposure to 90°C and sterilization conditions, whereas CecA is inactivated at 70°C. Overall, the present study shows that an improved understanding of the killing mechanism and the protein properties will further support lysin engineering designs in the future.

IMPORTANCE

Engineered lysins are considered as highly promising alternatives for antibiotics. Our previous screening study using VersaTile technology identified 1D10 as a possible lead compound with activity against
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains under elevated human serum concentrations. In this manuscript, we reveal an unexpected mode of action and exceptional thermoresistance for lysin 1D10. Our findings shed new light on the development of engineered lysins, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.
Origin of Archean Pb isotope variability through open-system Paleoarchean crustal anatexis
Authors: Hartnady M.I.H. , Kirkand C.L. , Johnson S.P. , Smithies R.H. , Doucet L.S. , Mole D.R.
Published: November 2023

Lead isotopic data imply that thorium and uranium were fractionated from one another in Earth’s early history; however, the origin of this fractionation is poorly understood. We report new in situ Pb isotope data from orthoclase in 144 granites sampled across the Archean Yilgarn craton (Western Australia) to characterize its Pb isotope variability and evolution. Granite Pb isotope compositions reveal three Pb sources, a mantle-derived Pb reservoir and two crustal Pb reservoirs, distinguished by their implied source 232Th/238U (κPb). High-κPb granites reflect sources with high 232Th/238U (~4.7) and are largely co-located with Eoarchean–Paleoarchean crust. The Pb isotope compositions of most granites, and those of volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) and gold ores, define a mixing array between a mantle Pb source and a Th-rich Eoarchean–Paleoarchean source. Pb isotope modeling indicates that the high-κPb source rocks experienced Th/U fractionation at ca. 3.3 Ga. As Th/U fractionation in the Yilgarn craton must have occurred before Earth’s atmosphere was oxygenated, subaerial weathering cannot explain the apparent differences in their geochemical behavior. Instead, the high Th/U source reflects Eoarchean–Paleoarchean rocks that experienced prior high-temperature metamorphism, partial melting, and melt loss in the presence of a Th-sequestering mineral like monazite. Archean Pb isotope variability thus has its origins in open-system high-temperature metamorphic processes responsible for the differentiation and stabilization of Earth’s continental crust.
Giant Planar Hall Effect in an Ultra-Pure Mercury Selenide Single Crystal Sample
Authors: Bobin S. B. , Lonchakov A. T.
Published: November 2023

A giant planar Hall effect with an amplitude of about 50 mΩ cm at a temperature of T = 80 K in a magnetic field of 10 T has been detected in an ultra-pure HgSe single crystal sample with an electron density of 5.5 × 1015 cm–3. Its oscillating dependence on the rotation angle of the sample in various magnetic fields has been determined. Attributes (oscillation period, positions of extrema, correlation between the amplitudes of planar Hall and planar longitudinal magnetoresistance) indicate that the planar Hall effect in this nonmagnetic gapless semimetal with an isotropic Fermi surface originates from the chiral anomaly. This is a solid argument for the topological nature of the electronic spectrum of HgSe.
A social–ecological geography of southern Canadian lakes
Authors: Dupont Andréanne , Botrel Morgan , St-Gelais Nicolas Fortin , Poisot Timothée , Maranger Roxane
Published: November 2023

Anthropogenic pressures, including urban and agricultural expansion, can negatively influence a lake's capacity to provide aquatic ecosystem services (ES). However, identifying lakes most at risk of losing their ES (i.e., higher vulnerability) requires integrating information on lake ecological state, global change threats, and ES use. Here, we provide a social–ecological framework that combines these features within a regional context by evaluating the ecological state of 659 lakes across Canada. Using the deviation of impacted lakes from reference ones, we identified much higher total nitrogen and chloride concentrations as the main indicators of an altered lake ecological state in all regions identified. Lake ecological state was mapped using an additive colour model along with regional scores of threat levels and recreational ES use. Urban and agriculturally developed areas were linked to higher lake vulnerability and ES loss. Lakes in Southern Ontario were most concerning, being highly altered, under threat, and heavily used. Lakes near coastal urban centers were altered and used, but less threatened, whereas those in the Prairies were altered and threatened, but less used. Our novel framework provides the first social–ecological geography of Canadian lakes, and is a promising tool to assess lake state and vulnerability at scales relevant for management.
Diagnosing quantum phase transitions via holographic entanglement entropy at finite temperature
Authors: Gong Huajie , Fu Guoyang , Liu Peng , Chen Chongye , Kuang Xiao-Mei , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: November 2023

We investigate the behavior of the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) in proximity to the quantum critical points (QCPs) of the metal-insulator transition (MIT) in the Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton-axions (EMDA) model. Since both the metallic phase and the insulating phase are characterized by distinct IR geometries, we used to expect that the HEE itself characterizes the QCPs. This expectation is validated for certain cases, however, we make a noteworthy observation: for a specific scenario where $$-1<\gamma \le -1/3$$

-
1
<
γ
≤
-
1
/
3

, with $$\gamma $$
γ
as a coupling parameter, it is not the HEE itself but rather the second-order derivative of HEE with respect to the lattice wave number that effectively characterizes quantum phase transitions (QPTs). This distinction arises due to the influence of thermal effects. These findings present novel insights into the interplay between HEE and QPTs in the context of the MIT, and have significant implications for studying QPTs at finite temperatures.
Navigating Virtual Connections: Exploring the Impact of Workplace Friendship on Team Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Firoz Mariya , Ghosh Koustab , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate the influence of virtual work friendships on knowledge sharing and team performance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it explores whether perceived task interdependence moderates this relationship. A survey-based research design was employed to collect data from 213 individuals working in IT-based firms. Data were collected in two time lags to capture the dynamics of virtual work friendships, knowledge sharing and team performance. The study reveals a positive and significant relationship between virtual work friendships and team performance. Furthermore, knowledge sharing acts as a mediator between virtual friendships and team performance. Managers should actively promote friendship among employees to enhance virtual work environments. Additionally, when task interdependence is perceived highly, leveraging social resources both virtually and physically can further enhance team performance. This research contributes to the social capital theory by examining the effects of virtual work friendships on team performance in the modern workplace. It is the first study to investigate the moderating role of task interdependence in this context.
Sharp a-contraction estimates for small extremal shocks
Authors: Golding William M. , Krupa Sam G. , Vasseur Alexis F.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text]-contraction property of small extremal shocks for 1-d systems of hyperbolic conservation laws endowed with a single convex entropy, when subjected to large perturbations. We show that the weight coefficient [Formula: see text] can be chosen with amplitude proportional to the size of the shock. The main result of this paper is a key building block in the companion paper [G. Chen, S. G. Krupa and A. F. Vasseur, Uniqueness and weak-BV stability for [Formula: see text] conservation laws, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 246(1) (2022) 299–332] in which uniqueness and BV-weak stability results for [Formula: see text] systems of hyperbolic conservation laws are proved.
Baer criterion for injectivity in abelian categories
Authors: Mahmoudi Mojgan , Mehdizadeh Alireza
Published: November 2023

It is well known that the Baer criterion for injectivity of [Formula: see text]-modules, for a ring [Formula: see text] with unit, is not true in a general category, even in a general abelian category. In this paper, we prove some results analogous to the Baer criterion for injectivity in abelian categories and Grothendieck categories. In particular, we generalize the known fact that [Formula: see text]-injectivity is the same as injectivity, if [Formula: see text] is a generator in a Grothendieck category. Furthermore, some Baer type theorems for general abelian categories are proved. Finally, equivalent conditions to satisfying a classical kind of Baer criterion are found in (locally presentable) abelian categories.
Weakly p.q.-Baer skew Hurwitz series rings
Authors: Khoshnood B. , Moussavi A.
Published: November 2023

A ring [Formula: see text] is projective invariant Baer ([Formula: see text]-Baer for short) if the right annihilator of every projection invariant left ideal of [Formula: see text] is generated by an idempotent element of [Formula: see text]. A ring [Formula: see text] is called weakly principally quasi-Baer or simply (weakly p.q.-Baer) if the right annihilator of a principal right ideal is left [Formula: see text]-unital by left semicentral idempotents, which implies that [Formula: see text] modulo, the right annihilator of any principal right ideal, is flat. We study relations between the [Formula: see text]-Baer and weakly p.q.-Baer properties of a ring [Formula: see text], and its skew Hurwitz series ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a ring equipped with an endomorphism [Formula: see text]. Examples are provided to explain the results.
Describing the group of units of integral grouprings ℤD8 and ℤD12
Authors: Malik Sandeep , Sharma R. K.
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we provide a description for the group of units [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For both of these dihedral groups, their corresponding torsion free normal complements are also characterized in their respective groups of normalized units.
Numerical analysis of the influence of granular trench reinforcement of soft clay subgrade on the undrained dynamic response of a railway track
Authors: Alzabeebee Saif , Adel Ali , Radi Zahraa , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: November 2023

Soft subgrade poses significant challenges to the designer of railway tracks due to its high compressibility and low shear wave velocity. The low shear wave velocity might affect the maximum design speed of the train. The stabilization of this soft soil improves its performance and reduces the expected settlement. However, little attention has been paid to understanding the feasibility of different stabilization techniques, as there are very few studies on this topic. Thus, this research study aims to determine the impact of granular trench reinforcement of soft subgrade on the dynamic response of a railway track subjected to a moving train load. Three-dimensional finite element analysis has been used in this research. The effect of the train speed and the depth of the granular trench has been carefully evaluated. It has been found that the critical velocity (which is the velocity that corresponds to the highest settlement) is not affected by the granular trench reinforcement. In addition, it has been noted that the granular trench reinforcement reduces the maximum settlement of the railway track under the moving loads, with a percentage reduction ranging between 1% and 24%. Furthermore, the granular trench reinforcement did not affect the acceleration induced in nearby areas due to the train’s vibration. The results of this research provide useful insight into the feasibility of the granular trench and help design engineers compare different solutions for the problems of soft subgrade soil.
The effect of tectonic boudinage and folding in a subducted mélange of the Alpine orogenic belt (Zermatt–Saas Zone, Italian Western Alps)
Authors: Guerini Sara Sibil Giuseppina , Tartarotti Paola
Published: November 2023

The Zermatt–Saas Zone is an eclogite-facies meta-ophiolite unit representing the fossil oceanic lithosphere of the Jurassic Tethys. In the Italian Northwestern Alps, the Zermatt–Saas Zone includes a chaotic rock unit, or mélange,
c.
40 m thick, interposed between serpentinites and calcschists. The mélange consists of decimetre-scale ultramafic layers and boudins embedded in a serpentine + carbonate-rich matrix showing a block-in-matrix fabric. The mélange has the same Alpine tectonometamorphic evolution as the surrounding rocks, starting with a prograde path developed under high-pressure (HP) conditions followed by a retrograde path during exhumation. The kinematic and metamorphic relations between inside- and outside-boudin foliations indicate that boudinage and shearing developed during the prograde HP path. Fluid–rock interaction enhanced shearing and focused ductile and brittle–ductile deformation along lithological contacts between rigid blocks and boudins and flowing carbonaceous matrix. Despite a pervasive orogenic evolution, the primary tectonosedimentary features of the mélange are still recognizable in some outcrops and are attributed to an intra-oceanic (Jurassic) setting characterized by mass-transport processes. The present-day fabric of the studied mélange unit thus results from the superimposition of the Alpine processes, responsible for fluid-assisted stratal disruption and mixing in the subduction channel, on the original stratigraphy formed during intra-oceanic gravitational processes.

Supplementary material
: Supplementary figures and tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6924080

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
A Comprehensive Survey on Methods for Image Integrity
Authors: Capasso Paola , Cattaneo Giuseppe , De Marsico Maria
Published: November 2023

The outbreak of digital devices on the Internet, the exponential diffusion of data (images, video, audio, and text), along with their manipulation/generation also by artificial intelligence models, such as generative adversarial networks, have created a great deal of concern in the field of forensics. A malicious use can affect relevant application domains, which often include counterfeiting biomedical images and deceiving biometric authentication systems, as well as their use in scientific publications, in the political world, and even in school activities. It has been demonstrated that manipulated pictures most likely represent indications of malicious behavior, such as photos of minors to promote child prostitution or false political statements. Following this widespread behavior, various forensic techniques have been proposed in the scientific literature over time both to defeat these spoofing attacks as well as to guarantee the integrity of the information. Focusing on image forensics, which is currently a very hot topic area in multimedia forensics, this article will present the whole scenario in which a target image could be modified. The aim of this comprehensive survey will be (1) to provide an overview of the types of attacks and contrasting techniques and (2) to evaluate to what extent the former can deceive prevention methods and the latter can identify counterfeit images. The results of this study highlight how forgery detection techniques, sometimes limited to a single type of real scenario, are not able to provide exhaustive countermeasures and could/should therefore be combined. Currently, the use of neural networks, such as convolutional neural networks, is already heading, synergistically, in this direction.