bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving GNSS PPP Performance in the South China Under Different Weather Conditions by Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model‐Derived Wet Delay Corrections
Authors: Gong Yangzhao , Liu Zhizhao , Yu Shiwei , Chan Pak Wai , Hon Kai Kwong
Published: March 2024

Atmospheric wet delay caused by Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) significantly impacts the performance of many geodetic surveying systems such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In this study, we use wet delay corrections forecast by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to enhance GNSS Precise Point Positioning (PPP) during two observation periods with two different weather conditions, that is, period 1: March 01 to 14, 2020 (average PWV: 23.5 kg/m2) and period 2: June 02 to 15, 2020 (flooding weather with average PWV: 55.6 kg/m2), over the South China. PWV data from 277 to 263 GNSS stations are assimilated into WRF model to enhance the WRF water vapor forecasting capability for period 1 and period 2, respectively. Wet delay corrections from two different WRF configurations, that is, WRF no data assimilation and WRF with assimilation of GNSS PWV, are used to augment the PPP. Totally, eight WRF‐enhanced PPP schemes are tested. The results show that WRF‐enhanced PPP schemes generally have a better positioning performance in the up component than traditional PPP. After using WRF wet delay corrections, for static mode, the vertical positioning accuracy is improved by 14.6% and 33.7% for period 1 and period 2, respectively. The corresponding convergence time are reduced by 41.8% and 25.0% for period 1 and period 2, respectively. For kinematic mode, the positioning accuracy improvements in the up component reach 13.8% and 19.0% for period 1 and period 2, respectively. The kinematic PPP convergence time is reduced by up to 8.2% for period 1.
Uncovering the Drivers of Responsive Ionospheric Dynamics to Severe Space Weather Conditions: A Coordinated Multi‐Instrumental Approach
Authors: Calabia Andrés , Imtiaz Nadia , Altadill David , Yasyukevich Yury , Segarra Antoni , Prol Fabricio S. , Adhikari Binod , del Peral Luis , Rodriguez Frias Maria Dolores , Molina Iñigo
Published: March 2024

Space‐weather conditions can often have a detrimental impact on satellite communications and limited experimental data has made it challenging to understand the complex processes that occur in the upper atmosphere. To overcome this challenge, we utilized a coordinated multi‐instrumental dataset consisting of GNSS airglow remote sensing, ionosonde, magnetometer, and in‐situ satellite data to investigate plasma depletions. We present a case study focused on the geomagnetic storm that occurred on 27 February 2014. During the storm, GNSS positioning errors exceeded undisturbed levels by at least 2 times, and ionospheric corrections reached amplitudes of up to ±20 m at the Rabat station. We identified 3 large depletions that were most likely generated by sudden vertical ionospheric drifts that began at approximately 17:00 UTC at sunset in Morocco and the southern regions of Spain. These drifts reached ∼500 m/s and lasted until 22:00 UTC. The observed depletions propagated to the northeast, as seen through ionosonde echoes and ground‐based airglow images. Satellite limb‐images revealed an ionospheric uplift of about 100 km due to the storm, consistent with ionosondes in Spain. The observed local anomalies may be influenced by variations in equatorial electric current flows, which are correlated with fluctuations in ground‐based magnetometer data. These variations are likely a result of the effects of the inner radiation belt on the development of plasma bubbles in the African longitude sector. Sudden enhancements in upward E × B drift caused ionospheric uplift to higher altitudes, enhancing the “fountain effect” and shifting the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly crests to higher latitudes.
Parameterizing Mesoscale Eddy Buoyancy Transport Over Sloping Topography
Authors: Nummelin Aleksi , Isachsen Pål Erik
Published: March 2024

Most of the ocean's kinetic energy is contained within the mesoscale eddy field. Models that do not resolve these eddies tend to parameterize their impacts such that the parameterized transport of buoyancy and tracers reduces the large‐scale available potential energy and spreads tracers. However, the parameterizations used in the ocean components of current generation Earth System Models rely on an assumption of a flat ocean floor even though observations and high‐resolution modeling show that eddy transport is sensitive to the potential vorticity gradients associated with a sloping seafloor. We show that buoyancy transport coefficient diagnosed from idealized eddy‐resolving simulations is indeed reduced over both prograde and retrograde bottom slopes (topographic wave propagation along or against the mean flow, respectively) and that the reduction can be skilfully captured by a mixing length parameterization by introducing the topographic Rhines scale as a length scale. This modified “GM” parameterization enhances the strength of thermal wind currents over the slopes in coarse‐resolution, non‐eddying, simulations. We find that in realistic global coarse‐resolution simulations the impact of topography is most pronounced at high latitudes, enhancing the mean flow strength and reducing temperature and salinity biases. Reducing the buoyancy transport coefficient further with a mean‐flow dependent eddy efficiency factor, has notable effects also at lower latitudes and leads to reduction of global mean biases.
Weighted burden analysis of rare coding variants in 470,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants characterises effects on hyperlipidaemia risk
Authors: Curtis David
Published: March 2024

A previous study of 200,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants investigating the association between rare coding variants and hyperlipidaemia had implicated four genes, LDLR, PCSK9, APOC3 and IFITM5, at exome-wide significance. In addition, a further 43 protein-coding genes were significant with an uncorrected p value of <0.001. Exome sequence data has become available for a further 270,000 participants and weighted burden analysis to test for association with hyperlipidaemia was carried out in this sample for the 47 genes highlighted by the previous study. There was no evidence to implicate IFITM5 but LDLR, PCSK9, APOC3, ANGPTL3, ABCG5 and NPC1L1 were all statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. These six genes were also all exome-wide significant in the combined sample of 470,000 participants. Variants impairing function of LDLR and ABCG5 were associated with increased risk whereas variants in the other genes were protective. Variant categories associated with large effect sizes are cumulatively very rare and the main benefit of this kind of study seems to be to throw light on the molecular mechanisms impacting hyperlipidaemia risk, hopefully supporting attempts to develop improved therapies.
Functional characterization of cooperating MGA mutations in RUNX1::RUNX1T1 acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Thomas Melvin E. , Qi Wenqing , Walsh Michael P. , Ma Jing , Westover Tamara , Abdelhamed Sherif , Ezzell Lauren J. , Rolle Chandra , Xiong Emily , Rosikiewicz Wojciech , Xu Beisi , Loughran Allister J. , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Janke Laura J. , Klco Jeffery M.
Published: March 2024

MGA (Max-gene associated) is a dual-specificity transcription factor that negatively regulates MYC-target genes to inhibit proliferation and promote differentiation. Loss-of-function mutations in MGA have been commonly identified in several hematological neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1::RUNX1T1, however, very little is known about the impact of these MGA alterations on normal hematopoiesis or disease progression. We show that representative MGA mutations identified in patient samples abolish protein-protein interactions and transcriptional activity. Using a series of human and mouse model systems, including a newly developed conditional knock-out mouse strain, we demonstrate that loss of MGA results in upregulation of MYC and E2F targets, cell cycle genes, mTOR signaling, and oxidative phosphorylation in normal hematopoietic cells, leading to enhanced proliferation. The loss of MGA induces an open chromatin state at promoters of genes involved in cell cycle and proliferation. RUNX1::RUNX1T1 expression in Mga-deficient murine hematopoietic cells leads to a more aggressive AML with a significantly shortened latency. These data show that MGA regulates multiple pro-proliferative pathways in hematopoietic cells and cooperates with the RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion oncoprotein to enhance leukemogenesis.
RIOK3 sustains colorectal cancer cell survival under glucose deprivation via an HSP90α-dependent pathway
Authors: Zhang Nan , Dong Lu , Ning Tingting , Du Feng , Zhao Mengran , Xu Junxuan , Xie Sian , Liu Si , Sun Xiujing , Li Peng , Zhang Shutian , Zhu Shengtao
Published: March 2024

Glucose oxidation via the pentose phosphate pathway serves as the primary cellular mechanism for generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). The central regions of solid tumors typically experience glucose deficiency, emphasizing the need for sustained NADPH production crucial to tumor cell survival. This study highlights the crucial role of RIOK3 in maintaining NADPH production and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell survival during glucose deficiency. Our findings revealed upregulated RIOK3 expression upon glucose deprivation, with RIOK3 knockout significantly reducing cancer cell survival. Mechanistically, RIOK3 interacts with heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α), a chaperone integral to various cellular processes, thereby facilitating HSP90α binding to isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). This interaction further upregulates IDH1 expression, enhancing NADPH production and preserving redox balance. Furthermore, RIOK3 inhibition had no discernible effect on intracellular NADPH levels and cell death rates in HSP90α-knockdown cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that RIOK3 sustains colon cancer cell survival in low-glucose environments through an HSP90α-dependent pathway. This highlights the significance of the RIOK3–HSP90α–IDH1 cascade, providing insights into potential targeted therapeutic strategies for CRC in metabolic stress conditions.
The interrelationship between pain, life satisfaction and mental health in adults with traumatic spinal cord injury, in the context of a developing country
Authors: Williams Tammy-Lee , Joseph Conran , Nilsson-Wikmar Lena , Phillips Joliana
Published: March 2024

Study design

Cross-sectional, analytical study design using a conveneient sampling strategy.

Objectives

To examine the interrelationship between pain, life satisfaction and indices of negative mental well-being amongst the traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) population.

Setting

Western Cape Rehabilitation Center in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

Participants (n = 70) were adults (mean age of 36.3, SD = 9.2) with TSCI. Participants completed the following instruments: 10 satisfaction items from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, short forms of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a one-item measure of pain intensity taken from the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set and the interference scale of the Brief Pain Inventory.

Results

Correlational analysis (Pearson r) demonstrated that all the indices of mental well-being as well as the two indices of pain was significantly negatively related to life satisfaction. In addition, life satisfaction mediated the relationship between pain intensity and depression as well as anxiety. Life satisfaction only mediated the relationship between pain interference and depression but not anxiety.

Conclusions

An improvement in life satisfaction may lead to improvements in pain interference, pain intensity as well as psychological distress, amongst persons suffering from TSCI Future research should focus on assessing measures/treatment which may improve life satisfaction in the TSCI population.
B cell memory: from generation to reactivation: a multipronged defense wall against pathogens
Authors: Syeda Madiha Zahra , Hong Tu , Huang Chunming , Huang Wenhua , Mu Qingchun
Published: March 2024

Development of B cell memory is a conundrum that scientists are still exploring. Studies have been conducted in vitro and using advanced animal models to elucidate the mechanism underlying the generation of memory B cells (MBCs), the precise roles of MBCs against pathogens, and their protective functions against repeated infections throughout life. Lifelong immunity against invading diseases is mainly the result of overcoming a single infection. This protection is largely mediated by the two main components of B cell memory—MBCs and long-lived plasma cells (PCs). The chemical and cellular mechanisms that encourage fat selection for MBCs or long-lived PCs are an area of active research. Despite the fact that nearly all available vaccinations rely on the capacity to elicit B-cell memory, we have yet to develop successful vaccines that can induce broad-scale protective MBCs against some of the deadliest diseases, including malaria and AIDS. A deeper understanding of the specific cellular and molecular pathways that govern the generation, function, and reactivation of MBCs is critical for overcoming the challenges associated with vaccine development. Here, we reviewed literature on the development of MBCs and their reactivation, interaction with other cell types, strategies against invading pathogens, and function throughout life and discussed the recent advances regarding the key signals and transcription factors which regulate B cell memory and their relevance to the quest for vaccine development.
RHBDL4-triggered downregulation of COPII adaptor protein TMED7 suppresses TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling
Authors: Knopf Julia D. , Steigleder Susanne S. , Korn Friederike , Kühnle Nathalie , Badenes Marina , Tauber Marina , Theobald Sebastian J. , Rybniker Jan , Adrain Colin , Lemberg Marius K.
Published: March 2024

The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a central regulator of innate immunity that primarily recognizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide cell wall constituents to trigger cytokine secretion. We identify the intramembrane protease RHBDL4 as a negative regulator of TLR4 signaling. We show that RHBDL4 triggers degradation of TLR4’s trafficking factor TMED7. This counteracts TLR4 transport to the cell surface. Notably, TLR4 activation mediates transcriptional upregulation of RHBDL4 thereby inducing a negative feedback loop to reduce TLR4 trafficking to the plasma membrane. This secretory cargo tuning mechanism prevents the over-activation of TLR4-dependent signaling in an in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis macrophage infection model and consequently alleviates septic shock in a mouse model. A hypomorphic RHBDL4 mutation linked to Kawasaki syndrome, an ill-defined inflammatory disorder in children, further supports the pathophysiological relevance of our findings. In this work, we identify an RHBDL4-mediated axis that acts as a rheostat to prevent over-activation of the TLR4 pathway.
NFκB and NLRP3/NLRC4 inflammasomes regulate differentiation, activation and functional properties of monocytes in response to distinct SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Authors: Tsukalov Ilya , Sánchez-Cerrillo Ildefonso , Rajas Olga , Avalos Elena , Iturricastillo Gorane , Esparcia Laura , Buzón María José , Genescà Meritxell , Scagnetti Camila , Popova Olga , Martin-Cófreces Noa , Calvet-Mirabent Marta , Marcos-Jimenez Ana , Martínez-Fleta Pedro , Delgado-Arévalo Cristina , de los Santos Ignacio , Muñoz-Calleja Cecilia , Calzada María José , González Álvaro Isidoro , Palacios-Calvo José , Alfranca Arantzazu , Ancochea Julio , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Martin-Gayo Enrique
Published: March 2024

Increased recruitment of transitional and non-classical monocytes in the lung during SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with COVID-19 severity. However, whether specific innate sensors mediate the activation or differentiation of monocytes in response to different SARS-CoV-2 proteins remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 but not nucleoprotein induce differentiation of monocytes into transitional or non-classical subsets from both peripheral blood and COVID-19 bronchoalveolar lavage samples in a NFκB-dependent manner, but this process does not require inflammasome activation. However, NLRP3 and NLRC4 differentially regulated CD86 expression in monocytes in response to Spike 1 and Nucleoprotein, respectively. Moreover, monocytes exposed to Spike 1 induce significantly higher proportions of Th1 and Th17 CD4 + T cells. In contrast, monocytes exposed to Nucleoprotein reduce the degranulation of CD8 + T cells from severe COVID-19 patients. Our study provides insights in the differential impact of innate sensors in regulating monocytes in response to different SARS-CoV-2 proteins, which might be useful to better understand COVID-19 immunopathology and identify therapeutic targets.
Effects of plant diversity on productivity strengthen over time due to trait-dependent shifts in species overyielding
Authors: Zheng Liting , Barry Kathryn E. , Guerrero-Ramírez Nathaly R. , Craven Dylan , Reich Peter B. , Verheyen Kris , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Eisenhauer Nico , Barsoum Nadia , Bauhus Jürgen , Bruelheide Helge , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Dolezal Jiri , Auge Harald , Fagundes Marina V. , Ferlian Olga , Fiedler Sebastian , Forrester David I. , Ganade Gislene , Gebauer Tobias , Haase Josephine , Hajek Peter , Hector Andy , Hérault Bruno , Hölscher Dirk , Hulvey Kristin B. , Irawan Bambang , Jactel Hervé , Koricheva Julia , Kreft Holger , Lanta Vojtech , Leps Jan , Mereu Simone , Messier Christian , Montagnini Florencia , Mörsdorf Martin , Müller Sandra , Muys Bart , Nock Charles A. , Paquette Alain , Parker William C. , Parker John D. , Parrotta John A. , Paterno Gustavo B. , Perring Michael P. , Piotto Daniel , Wayne Polley H. , Ponette Quentin , Potvin Catherine , Quosh Julius , Rewald Boris , Godbold Douglas L. , van Ruijven Jasper , Standish Rachel J. , Stefanski Artur , Sundawati Leti , Urgoiti Jon , Williams Laura J. , Wilsey Brian J. , Yang Baiyu , Zhang Li , Zhao Zhao , Yang Yongchuan , Sandén Hans , Ebeling Anne , Schmid Bernhard , Fischer Markus , Kotowska Martyna M. , Palmborg Cecilia , Tilman David , Yan Enrong , Hautier Yann
Published: March 2024

Plant diversity effects on community productivity often increase over time. Whether the strengthening of diversity effects is caused by temporal shifts in species-level overyielding (i.e., higher species-level productivity in diverse communities compared with monocultures) remains unclear. Here, using data from 65 grassland and forest biodiversity experiments, we show that the temporal strength of diversity effects at the community scale is underpinned by temporal changes in the species that yield. These temporal trends of species-level overyielding are shaped by plant ecological strategies, which can be quantitatively delimited by functional traits. In grasslands, the temporal strengthening of biodiversity effects on community productivity was associated with increasing biomass overyielding of resource-conservative species increasing over time, and with overyielding of species characterized by fast resource acquisition either decreasing or increasing. In forests, temporal trends in species overyielding differ when considering above- versus belowground resource acquisition strategies. Overyielding in stem growth decreased for species with high light capture capacity but increased for those with high soil resource acquisition capacity. Our results imply that a diversity of species with different, and potentially complementary, ecological strategies is beneficial for maintaining community productivity over time in both grassland and forest ecosystems.
Biosensor and machine learning-aided engineering of an amaryllidaceae enzyme
Authors: d’Oelsnitz Simon , Diaz Daniel J. , Kim Wantae , Acosta Daniel J. , Dangerfield Tyler L. , Schechter Mason W. , Minus Matthew B. , Howard James R. , Do Hannah , Loy James M. , Alper Hal S. , Zhang Y. Jessie , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: March 2024

A major challenge to achieving industry-scale biomanufacturing of therapeutic alkaloids is the slow process of biocatalyst engineering. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, such as the Alzheimer’s medication galantamine, are complex plant secondary metabolites with recognized therapeutic value. Due to their difficult synthesis they are regularly sourced by extraction and purification from the low-yielding daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Here, we propose an efficient biosensor-machine learning technology stack for biocatalyst development, which we apply to engineer an Amaryllidaceae enzyme in Escherichia coli. Directed evolution is used to develop a highly sensitive (EC50 = 20 μM) and specific biosensor for the key Amaryllidaceae alkaloid branchpoint 4’-O-methylnorbelladine. A structure-based residual neural network (MutComputeX) is subsequently developed and used to generate activity-enriched variants of a plant methyltransferase, which are rapidly screened with the biosensor. Functional enzyme variants are identified that yield a 60% improvement in product titer, 2-fold higher catalytic activity, and 3-fold lower off-product regioisomer formation. A solved crystal structure elucidates the mechanism behind key beneficial mutations.
Comprehensive multi-omics analysis reveals WEE1 as a synergistic lethal target with hyperthermia through CDK1 super-activation
Authors: Yang Xiaohang , Hu Xingyuan , Yin Jingjing , Li Wenting , Fu Yu , Yang Bin , Fan Junpeng , Lu Funian , Qin Tianyu , Kang Xiaoyan , Zhuang Xucui , Li Fuxia , Xiao Rourou , Shi Tingyan , Song Kun , Li Jing , Chen Gang , Sun Chaoyang
Published: March 2024

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy’s role in ovarian cancer remains controversial, hindered by limited understanding of hyperthermia-induced tumor cellular changes. This limits developing potent combinatory strategies anchored in hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy (HIPET). Here, we perform a comprehensive multi-omics study on ovarian cancer cells under hyperthermia, unveiling a distinct molecular panorama, primarily characterized by rapid protein phosphorylation changes. Based on the phospho-signature, we pinpoint CDK1 kinase is hyperactivated during hyperthermia, influencing the global signaling landscape. We observe dynamic, reversible CDK1 activity, causing replication arrest and early mitotic entry post-hyperthermia. Subsequent drug screening shows WEE1 inhibition synergistically destroys cancer cells with hyperthermia. An in-house developed miniaturized device confirms hyperthermia and WEE1 inhibitor combination significantly reduces tumors in vivo. These findings offer additional insights into HIPET, detailing molecular mechanisms of hyperthermia and identifying precise drug combinations for targeted treatment. This research propels the concept of precise hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy, highlighting its potential against ovarian cancer.
Natural variation of STKc_GSK3 kinase TaSG-D1 contributes to heat stress tolerance in Indian dwarf wheat
Authors: Cao Jie , Qin Zhen , Cui Guangxian , Chen Zhaoyan , Cheng Xuejiao , Peng Huiru , Yao Yingyin , Hu Zhaorong , Guo Weilong , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Xin Mingming
Published: March 2024

Heat stress threatens global wheat (Triticum aestivum) production, causing dramatic yield losses worldwide. Identifying heat tolerance genes and comprehending molecular mechanisms are essential. Here, we identify a heat tolerance gene, TaSG-D1E286K, in Indian dwarf wheat (Triticum sphaerococcum), which encodes an STKc_GSK3 kinase. TaSG-D1E286K improves heat tolerance compared to TaSG-D1 by enhancing phosphorylation and stability of downstream target TaPIF4 under heat stress condition. Additionally, we reveal evolutionary footprints of TaPIF4 during wheat selective breeding in China, that is, InDels predominantly occur in the TaPIF4 promoter of Chinese modern wheat cultivars and result in decreased expression level of TaPIF4 in response to heat stress. These sequence variations with negative effect on heat tolerance are mainly introduced from European germplasm. Our study provides insight into heat stress response mechanisms and proposes a potential strategy to improve wheat heat tolerance in future.
Ammonia marine engine design for enhanced efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Li Tie , Chen Run , Wei Yijie , Wang Xinran , Wang Ning , Li Shiyan , Kuang Min , Yang Wenming
Published: March 2024

Pilot-diesel-ignition ammonia combustion engines have attracted widespread attentions from the maritime sector, but there are still bottleneck problems such as high unburned NH3 and N2O emissions as well as low thermal efficiency that need to be solved before further applications. In this study, a concept termed as in-cylinder reforming gas recirculation is initiated to simultaneously improve the thermal efficiency and reduce the unburned NH3, NOx, N2O and greenhouse gas emissions of pilot-diesel-ignition ammonia combustion engine. For this concept, one cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine operates rich of stoichiometric and the excess ammonia in the cylinder is partially decomposed into hydrogen, then the exhaust of this dedicated reforming cylinder is recirculated into the other cylinders and therefore the advantages of hydrogen-enriched combustion and exhaust gas recirculation can be combined. The results show that at 3% diesel energetic ratio and 1000 rpm, the engine can increase the indicated thermal efficiency by 15.8% and reduce the unburned NH3 by 89.3%, N2O by 91.2% compared to the base/traditional ammonia engine without the proposed method. At the same time, it is able to reduce carbon footprint by 97.0% and greenhouse gases by 94.0% compared to the traditional pure diesel mode.
Ultrastrong to nearly deep-strong magnon-magnon coupling with a high degree of freedom in synthetic antiferromagnets
Authors: Wang Yuqiang , Zhang Yu , Li Chaozhong , Wei Jinwu , He Bin , Xu Hongjun , Xia Jihao , Luo Xuming , Li Jiahui , Dong Jing , He Wenqing , Yan Zhengren , Yang Wenlong , Ma Fusheng , Chai Guozhi , Yan Peng , Wan Caihua , Han Xiufeng , Yu Guoqiang
Published: March 2024

Ultrastrong and deep-strong coupling are two coupling regimes rich in intriguing physical phenomena. Recently, hybrid magnonic systems have emerged as promising candidates for exploring these regimes, owing to their unique advantages in quantum engineering. However, because of the relatively weak coupling between magnons and other quasiparticles, ultrastrong coupling is predominantly realized at cryogenic temperatures, while deep-strong coupling remains to be explored. In our work, we achieve both theoretical and experimental realization of room-temperature ultrastrong magnon-magnon coupling in synthetic antiferromagnets with intrinsic asymmetry of magnetic anisotropy. Unlike most ultrastrong coupling systems, where the counter-rotating coupling strength g2 is strictly equal to the co-rotating coupling strength g1, our systems allow for highly tunable g1 and g2. This high degree of freedom also enables the realization of normalized g1 or g2 larger than 0.5. Particularly, our experimental findings reveal that the maximum observed g1 is nearly identical to the bare frequency, with g1/ω0 = 0.963, indicating a close realization of deep-strong coupling within our hybrid magnonic systems. Our results highlight synthetic antiferromagnets as platforms for exploring unconventional ultrastrong and even deep-strong coupling regimes, facilitating the further exploration of quantum phenomena.
Inherently integrated microfiber-based flexible proprioceptive sensor for feedback-controlled soft actuators
Authors: Kim Hwajoong , Na Hyunbin , Noh Seungbeom , Chang Shinwon , Kim Jinho , Kong Taejune , Shin Gyowook , Lee Chankyu , Lee Seonggyu , Park Yong-Lae , Oh Sehoon , Lee Jaehong
Published: March 2024

For the accurate and continuous control of soft actuators in dynamic environments, the movements of the soft actuators must be monitored in real-time. To this end, various soft actuators capable of self-monitoring have been developed by separately integrating sensing devices into actuators. However, integrating such heterogeneous sensing components into soft actuators results in structural complexity, high manufacturing costs, and poor interfacial stability. Here, we report on intelligent pneumatic fiber-reinforced soft actuators with an inherent flexible proprioceptive sensor that uses only the essential components of typical fiber-reinforced soft actuators. The inherent flexible proprioceptive sensor is achieved by leveraging two parallel conductive microfibers around an elastomeric chamber of the soft actuator, which simultaneously acts as both a capacitive bending sensor and radial expansion limiting fibers of typical fiber-reinforced soft actuators. The proprioceptive soft actuator exhibits excellent mechanical actuation up to 240° bending motion and proprioceptive sensing performance with high sensitivity of 1.2 pF rad−1. Mathematical analysis and simulations of the soft actuator can effectively predict the bending actuation and capacitive responses against input pressures. We demonstrate that proprioceptive soft actuators can be used to construct a soft gripping system and prosthetic hand which express various hand gestures and perform dexterous manipulation with real-time proprioceptive sensing capability.
Diffusion tensor imaging of white-matter structural features of maltreating mothers and their associations with intergenerational chain of childhood abuse
Authors: Kurata Sawa , Nishitani Shota , Kawata Natasha Y. S. , Yao Akiko , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Okazawa Hidehiko , Tomoda Akemi
Published: March 2024

Child abuse causes lifelong adverse outcomes for both physical and mental health, although many are resilient. Efforts to prevent this issue from the parental side require an understanding of the neurobiological basis that leads abusive parents to perpetrate abuse and the influence of the intergenerational chain of childhood abuse. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the brain white-matter fiber structures between 11 maltreating mothers who had been recognized as having conducted child abuse prior to the intervention and 40 age-matched control mothers using tract-based spatial statistics. There was a significantly reduced axial diffusivity (AD) and a similar trend in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right corticospinal tract in maltreating mothers compared to control mothers. Therefore, maltreating mothers may have excessive control over the forcefulness of voluntary movements. These features also decreased as the number of childhood abuse experiences increased, suggesting that an intergenerational chain of child abuse may also be involved. Other aspects observed were that the higher the current depressive symptoms, the lower the AD and FA values; however, they were not related to parental practice or empathy. These results corroborate the neurobiological features that perpetrate behaviors in abusive mothers.
Quantitative analysis of mass mortality events in salmon aquaculture shows increasing scale of fish loss events around the world
Authors: Singh Gerald G. , Sajid Zaman , Mather Charles
Published: March 2024

Globally, salmon aquaculture promises to contribute to sustainable sources of animal protein for a growing human population. However, the growth of the industry also includes increased reports of mass mortality events—disaster events where large numbers of fish die in short periods of time. As salmon production increases in scale and more technology is used to grow salmon in contexts otherwise not suited for them, there is a possibility for more frequent and more severe mortality events. Despite investigations into specific cases of mass mortality events—no global study has been conducted to see if large scale mortality is increasing in frequency and scale. Using a global dataset of publicly available and government-collated data on salmon mortality events including nations responsible for the majority of salmon aquaculture, we document trends in mortality events, showing that in some of the major salmon producing nations of the world (in particular Norway, Canada, and the UK), mass mortality events have increased in frequency from 2012 to 2022. We also show that the scope of mass mortality events has increased over time—that is, the upper bound of how many fish were killed in a specific mortality event has increased over time. Finally, the expected maximum size of a mass mortality event differs from country to country, but is likely much larger than site and jurisdictional thresholds of concern for animal welfare, early warning thresholds, and capacity to respond to mortality events. The consequences of the increased scale and scope of mass mortality events extend past aquaculture production to include severe consequences to aquaculture companies and to coastal communities who depend on aquaculture. Our results agree with predictions of the concept of “manufactured risk”, which suggests that risk emerges from the aggressive use of technology to optimize production in variable environments, and we argue that there is a need for more fine-scale and standard data collection on salmon mortality events, and that future investigations into salmon aquaculture should increase focus on disaster potential and realization.
Genomic insights and anti-phytopathogenic potential of siderophore metabolome of endolithic Nocardia mangyaensis NH1
Authors: Khilyas Irina V. , Markelova Maria I. , Valeeva Liia R. , Ivoilova Tatiana M. , Shagimardanova Elena , Laikov Alexander V. , Elistratova Anna A. , Berkutova Ekaterina S. , Lochnit Guenter , Sharipova Margarita R.
Published: March 2024

Actinobacteria are one of the predominant groups that successfully colonize and survive in various aquatic, terrestrial and rhizhospheric ecosystems. Among actinobacteria, Nocardia is one of the most important agricultural and industrial bacteria. Screening and isolation of Nocardia related bacteria from extreme habitats such as endolithic environments are beneficial for practical applications in agricultural and environmental biotechnology. In this work, bioinformatics analysis revealed that a novel strain Nocardia mangyaensis NH1 has the capacity to produce structurally varied bioactive compounds, which encoded by non-ribosomal peptide synthases (NRPS), polyketide synthase (PKS), and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Among NRPS, five gene clusters have a sequence homology with clusters encoding for siderophore synthesis. We also show that N. mangyaensis NH1 accumulates both catechol- and hydroxamate-type siderophores simultaneously under iron-deficient conditions. Untargeted LC–MS/MS analysis revealed a variety of metabolites, including siderophores, lipopeptides, cyclic peptides, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the culture medium of N. mangyaensis NH1 grown under iron deficiency. We demonstrate that four CAS (chrome azurol S)-positive fractions display variable affinity to metals, with a high Fe3+ chelating capability. Additionally, three of these fractions exhibit antioxidant activity. A combination of iron scavenging metabolites produced by N. mangyaensis NH1 showed antifungal activity against several plant pathogenic fungi. We have shown that the pure culture of N. mangyaensis NH1 and its metabolites have no adverse impact on Arabidopsis seedlings. The ability of N. mangyaensis NH1 to produce siderophores with antifungal, metal-chelating, and antioxidant properties, when supplemented with phytohormones, has the potential to improve the release of macro- and micronutrients, increase soil fertility, promote plant growth and development, and enable the production of biofertilizers across diverse soil systems.
Genomic insights into Yak (Bos grunniens) adaptations for nutrient assimilation in high-altitudes
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Mahmood Sammina , Hassan Mubashar , Sajid Muhammad , Ahmed Irfan , Shokrollahi Borhan , Shahzad Abid Hussain , Abbas Shaista , Raza Sanan , Khan Komal , Muhammad Sayyed Aun , Fouad Dalia , Ataya Farid S. , Li Zhengtian
Published: March 2024

High-altitude environments present formidable challenges for survival and reproduction, with organisms facing limited oxygen availability and scarce nutrient resources. The yak (Bos grunniens), indigenous to the Tibetan Plateau, has notably adapted to these extreme conditions. This study delves into the genomic basis of the yak’s adaptation, focusing on the positive selection acting on genes involved in nutrient assimilation pathways. Employing techniques in comparative genomics and molecular evolutionary analyses, we selected genes in the yak that show signs of positive selection associated with nutrient metabolism, absorption, and transport. Our findings reveal specific genetic adaptations related to nutrient metabolism in harsh climatic conditions. Notably, genes involved in energy metabolism, oxygen transport, and thermoregulation exhibited signs of positive selection, suggesting their crucial role in the yak’s successful colonization of high-altitude regions. The study also sheds light on the yak's immune system adaptations, emphasizing genes involved in response to various stresses prevalent at elevated altitudes. Insights into the yak’s genomic makeup provide valuable information for understanding the broader implications of high-altitude adaptations in mammalian evolution. They may contribute to efforts in enhancing livestock resilience to environmental challenges.
Mental health improvement after the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with psychological distress
Authors: Reutter Mario , Hutterer Katharina , Gründahl Marthe , Gall Dominik , Dannlowski Udo , Domschke Katharina , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Lonsdorf Tina B. , Lueken Ulrike , Reif Andreas , Schiele Miriam A. , Zwanzger Peter , Pauli Paul , Hein Grit , Gamer Matthias
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated countermeasures had an immensely disruptive impact on people’s lives. Due to the lack of systematic pre-pandemic data, however, it is still unclear how individuals’ psychological health has been affected across this incisive event. In this study, we analyze longitudinal data from two healthy samples (N = 307) to provide quasi-longitudinal insight into the full trajectory of psychological burden before (baseline), during the first peak, and at a relative downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data indicated a medium rise in psychological strain from baseline to the first peak of the pandemic (d = 0.40). Surprisingly, this was overcompensated by a large decrease of perceived burden until downturn (d =  − 0.93), resulting in a positive overall effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health (d = 0.44). Accounting for this paradoxical positive effect, our results reveal that the post-pandemic increase in mental health is driven by individuals that were already facing psychological challenges before the pandemic. These findings suggest that coping with acute challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic can stabilize previously impaired mental health through reframing processes.
Allergenicity and structural properties of new Cor a 1 isoallergens from hazel identified in different plant tissues
Authors: Hendrich Julian M. , Reuter Andreas , Jacob Thessa P. , Kara Hatice , Amer Sherine , Rödel Katharina , Wöhrl Birgitta M.
Published: March 2024

The hazel allergen Cor a 1 is a PR-10 protein, closely related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Hazel allergies are caused by cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally directed against Bet v 1. Despite the importance of PR-10 proteins in allergy development, their function and localization in the plant remain largely elusive. Therefore, the presence of Cor a 1 mRNA and proteins was investigated in different tissues, i.e., the female flower, immature and mature nuts, catkins, and pollen. Four yet unknown Cor a 1 isoallergens, i.e., Cor a 1.0501–1.0801, and one new Cor a 1.03 variant were discovered and characterized. Depending on the isoallergen, the occurrence and level of mRNA expression varied in different tissues, suggesting different functions. Interestingly, Cor a 1.04 previously thought to be only present in nuts, was also detected in catkins and pollen. The corresponding Cor a 1 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were analysed by CD and NMR spectroscopy. Immunoblots and ELISAs to determine their allergenic potential showed that the new proteins reacted positively with sera from patients allergic to birch, hazel and elder pollen and were recognized as novel isoallergens/variants by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.
Phytochemical screening, HPLC analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant effect of Euphorbia parviflora L. (Euphorbiaceae Juss.)
Authors: Adil Muhammad , Filimban Faten Zubair , Ambrin  , Quddoos Atifa , Sher Ayaz Ali , Naseer Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Plant extracts are actively being used worldwide due to the presence of biologically active constituents helping in the preservation of food, and to aid against various diseases owing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The present research work was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of different extracted samples of Euphorbia parviflora. Anti-microbial studies were carried out by Agar well diffusion while the DPPH method was employed for investigating anti-oxidant activity. Three samples from methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extract were tested against five different bacterial strains comprising two species from Gram-negative bacteria i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and three species from Gram-positive bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia along two fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that methanolic, chloroformic, and ethylacetate extract of Euphorbia parviflora consist of alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins. The total phenol and flavonoid content of E. parviflora showed that the methanolic extract of E. parviflora had a significantly higher total phenolic content (53.73 ± 0.30 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoid content (44.62 ± 0.38 mg of than other extracts. The content of total phenolic and flavonoids was more in methanolic extract as compared to other extracts of E. prolifera. The HPLC analysis showed that in the chloroform extract of E. parviflora Cinnamic acid (4.32 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant, in methanol extract quercetin (3.42 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant and in ethyl acetate extract of E. parviflora catechin (4.44 ± 2.89 mg/g) was found dominant. The antimicrobial activity revealed that amongst all the extracts the highest antibacterial activity was shown by methanolic extract against B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of E. parviflora demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (82.42 ± 0.02) followed by chloroform extract (76.48 ± 0.08) at 150 µg/mL. The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the potential of this plant as a reliable source of antimicrobials and antioxidants that may be used for the treatment of various infectious diseases in the future. The study provides evidence that this plant can act as a reliable source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and might be used against several infectious diseases.
Mix proportion and microscopic characterization of coal-based solid waste backfill material based on response surface methodology and multi-objective decision-making
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Yang Ke , He Xiang , Wei Zhen , Zhang Jiqiang , Yu Xiang
Published: March 2024

The mix proportion of multi-source coal-based solid waste (CSW) for underground backfilling affects transportation and support performance of backfill materials, and even the backfilling cost. In this study, the optimal mix proportion of desulfurization gypsum (DG), furnace bottom slag (FBS) and gasification fine slag (GFS) is determined by the Response Surface Methodology–Box Behnken Design (RSM-BBD). Then the fluidity, bleeding rate, 3-day strength, 7-day strength and preparation cost are evaluation indicators, the optimal mix proportion of backfill materials is determined by the multi-objective decision-making method (MDM). Finally, the microstructure of the backfill material with optimal mix proportion was studied by TGA, MIP, SEM–EDS and XRD. The results show that the mix proportion of CSW with the optimal comprehensive index is coal gangue (CG): coal fly ash (CFA): DG: FBS: GFS = 1:1.5:0.2:0.1:0.1, the mass concentration is 78%, and ordinary Portland cement (OPC)/CSW = 7.5%. The weight loss phenomenon of the backfill material with the optimal mix proportion occurs continuously during the heating process, mainly due to the evaporation of crystal water, structural water and hydroxyl water. There are dense narrow-necked pores in the backfill material, and the pore connectivity is poor. There is no hydration reaction occurs between CSW particles, and the strength increase of the backfill material mainly depends on the hydration reaction of cement. In ettringite, part of Al2O3 is replaced by SiO2, and part of CaSO4 is replaced by CaCO3. This study provides a reference for the engineering application of underground backfilling with multi-source CSW.
Multimodal artificial intelligence-based pathogenomics improves survival prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Vollmer Andreas , Hartmann Stefan , Vollmer Michael , Shavlokhova Veronika , Brands Roman C. , Kübler Alexander , Wollborn Jakob , Hassel Frank , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Lang Gernot , Saravi Babak
Published: March 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop a novel prognostic algorithm for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using a combination of pathogenomics and AI-based techniques. We collected comprehensive clinical, genomic, and pathology data from a cohort of OSCC patients in the TCGA dataset and used machine learning and deep learning algorithms to identify relevant features that are predictive of survival outcomes. Our analyses included 406 OSCC patients. Initial analyses involved gene expression analyses, principal component analyses, gene enrichment analyses, and feature importance analyses. These insights were foundational for subsequent model development. Furthermore, we applied five machine learning/deep learning algorithms (Random Survival Forest, Gradient Boosting Survival Analysis, Cox PH, Fast Survival SVM, and DeepSurv) for survival prediction. Our initial analyses revealed relevant gene expression variations and biological pathways, laying the groundwork for robust feature selection in model building. The results showed that the multimodal model outperformed the unimodal models across all methods, with c-index values of 0.722 for RSF, 0.633 for GBSA, 0.625 for FastSVM, 0.633 for CoxPH, and 0.515 for DeepSurv. When considering only important features, the multimodal model continued to outperform the unimodal models, with c-index values of 0.834 for RSF, 0.747 for GBSA, 0.718 for FastSVM, 0.742 for CoxPH, and 0.635 for DeepSurv. Our results demonstrate the potential of pathogenomics and AI-based techniques in improving the accuracy of prognostic prediction in OSCC, which may ultimately aid in the development of personalized treatment strategies for patients with this devastating disease.