bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic discourse socialization in a “bilingual” undergraduate course: Group work among students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
Authors: Itoi Kiyu , Mizukura Ryo
Published: May 2024

With the growth of internationalization in higher education, there is a need to examine students’ experiences in increasingly diverse classrooms. This study explores students’ academic discourse socialization (ADS), within a context where the majority of students are non‐native speakers, in a course designed to enhance intercultural communication skills by providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences to collaborate with a diverse group of peers. We aim to answer the following questions: (1) Does native‐speakerism ideology impact Japanese students’ comprehension of intercultural communication with non‐native speakers, and if so, how? (2) How does the understanding of intercultural communication affect students’ interactions and group work with international peers? We conducted qualitative semistructured interviews with Japanese and international students at a private Japanese university. Our findings show that despite the absence of specific language instruction in the course, the group work predominantly utilized English and Japanese. Furthermore, the results revealed a unique ADS process in this context, with no clear dichotomy between experts and novices. Instead, all students negotiated their participation and language use within the academic community, with native‐speakerism ideology influencing the ADS process. These results enrich the research on ADS in non‐English‐speaking countries and development of new conceptual frameworks to better comprehend its dynamics.
Integrating health–life balance, job satisfaction and family–work interference among housemaids: Insights through Social Exchange Theory
Authors: Krishnakumar Sheeja
Published: May 2024

Housemaids play an essential role in the urban household and support their domestic chores so that urbanites go to work, indirectly contributing to the country's economy. Hence, this study has significance in understanding the impact of work–health balance, work–life balance, family–work interference, job satisfaction, marital status and parental status on job involvement within the framework of Social Exchange Theory among housemaids working in selected dwellings in Bangalore, India. This study aims to determine the influence of work–life and work–health balance on job satisfaction and the impact of moderators as well as the influence of family–work interference on work and health balance and mediators’ impact, finally, the impact of work and health balance, job satisfaction, family–work interference, parental and marital status on job involvement. The data was collected from 571 housemaids working in six apartments in East Bangalore. Attaining job satisfaction from work–health balance and work–life balance is proven true among housemaids. The moderators’ age and parental status have a moderating role. Work–health and work–life balance impact family–work interference and are mediated by employer support. Work–health balance, work–life balance and job satisfaction have a significant relationship with job involvement, whereas family–work interference and parental status are negatively related. Employers recognizing work–health and work–life balance enhance job satisfaction and job involvement among housemaids, benefiting both the housemaids and employers, which is proved in this study.
Strategies for genomic predictions of an indicine multi‐breed population using single‐step GBLUP
Authors: Londoño‐Gil Marisol , López‐Correa Rodrigo , Aguilar Ignacio , Magnabosco Claudio Ulhoa , Hidalgo Jorge , Bussiman Fernando , Baldi Fernando , Lourenco Daniela
Published: May 2024

Brazilian livestock breeding programmes strive to enhance the genetics of beef cattle, with a strong emphasis on the Nellore breed, which has an extensive database and has achieved significant genetic progress in the last years. There are other indicine breeds that are economically important in Brazil; however, these breeds have more modest sets of phenotypes, pedigree and genotypes, slowing down their genetic progress as their predictions are less accurate. Combining several breeds in a multi‐breed evaluation could help enhance predictions for those breeds with less information available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of multi‐breed, single‐step genomic best linear unbiased predictor genomic evaluations for Nellore, Brahman, Guzerat and Tabapua. Multi‐breed evaluations were contrasted to the single‐breed ones. Data were sourced from the National Association of Breeders and Researchers of Brazil and included pedigree (4,207,516), phenotypic (328,748), and genomic (63,492) information across all breeds. Phenotypes were available for adjusted weight at 210 and 450 days of age, and scrotal circumference at 365 days of age. Various scenarios were evaluated to ensure pedigree and genomic information compatibility when combining different breeds, including metafounders (MF) or building the genomic relationship matrix with breed‐specific allele frequencies. Scenarios were compared using the linear regression method for bias, dispersion and accuracy. The results showed that using multi‐breed evaluations significantly improved accuracy, especially for smaller breeds like Guzerat and Tabapua. The validation statistics indicated that the MF approach provided accurate predictions, albeit with some bias. While single‐breed evaluations tended to have lower accuracy, merging all breeds in multi‐breed evaluations increased accuracy and reduced dispersion. This study demonstrates that multi‐breed genomic evaluations are proper for indicine beef cattle breeds. The MF approach may be particularly beneficial for less‐represented breeds, addressing limitations related to small reference populations and incompatibilities between G and A22. By leveraging genomic information across breeds, breeders and producers can make more informed selection decisions, ultimately improving genetic gain in these cattle populations.
Synchronization of in vivo MacoNPV‐A baculovirus infection by analysis of individual Mamestra configurata larval guts
Authors: Donly B. Cameron , Theilmann David A. , Hegedus Dwayne D. , Baldwin Douglas , Erlandson Martin A.
Published: May 2024

Many studies have examined the gene expression of baculoviruses during host infection by infecting cultured insect host cells; however, only a few have attempted to characterize the interaction between baculoviruses and insect larvae, which more accurately models the virus‐insect relationship. The greatest challenge in assessing gene expression profiles in vivo in the larval gut is the lack of infection synchronization compared to cultured cells. Working with bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata, larvae infected with the baculovirus Mamestra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus‐A (MacoNPV‐A), viral gene expression was measured using droplet‐digital PCR, showing that the rate of infection in individual insects varies extremely widely. Subsequent RNA‐Seq of individual guts revealed that gene expression patterns were consistent in individuals with similar levels of viral gene expression. Therefore, the best approach for analysing baculovirus gene expression in vivo is to use the expression of an early viral gene as a means to select individuals that are closely matched in infection progress to produce the most synchronized infection cohorts for measuring gene expression profiles. In this way, a profile of gene expression was identified very early in infection that would have been masked by the activity of a few very robustly infected individuals present in sample pools made up of multiple individuals.
Research progress of mushroom drying pretreatment technology
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Yunfeng , Li Ming , Peng Cuixian , Liu Qi , Guan Xiaokang , Liang Zhongwei , Wang Qian
Published: May 2024

Mushrooms are delicious foodstuffs that are rich in nutrients, but they have high moisture contents and are easily spoiled. While mushrooms are usually preserved by drying, the process tends to reduce quality, and it takes a long time and consumes a large amount of energy. To improve the mushroom drying efficiency and quality, pretreatment is often conducted. In this review, a comprehensive summary of commonly used pretreatments for mushroom drying is provided. Moreover, the effects of various pretreatments on the drying rate and quality characteristics of mushrooms are summarized, and their respective advantages and limitations are analyzed. Furthermore, the application and development prospects of various mushroom drying pretreatments are analyzed and discussed.

Practical applications

The pretreatment before mushroom drying can shorten drying time, maintain the optimal color and taste of dried mushroom, and reduce nutrient loss. This review summarizes two types of pretreatment methods used in mushroom drying: thermal pretreatment and nonthermal pretreatment. It can provide reference for the application and research of pretreatment in mushroom drying, and also provide new ideas for the optimization of industrial mushroom drying processes.
Linearizing nonlinear gravity models: Biased BvOLS versus unbiased alternatives
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Pfaffermayr Michael
Published: May 2024

The use of high‐dimensional fixed‐effects estimation has become customary with the estimation of gravity models of bilateral trade, migration, or commuting as outcome. However, fixed‐effects methods can be used without incidental‐parameter bias in a very small set of stochastic models. Alternatives to fixed‐effects estimation are iterative‐structural model estimation or linearizations of the structural model. Baier and Bergstrand deployed such a linearization. While easy to implement, the approach has drawbacks related to the approximation point and lack of observability of ingredients needed for the linearization. This compromises empirical work. The present paper provides a remedy to this problem by linearizing at the observed trade equilibrium.
Carbon isotope trends across a century of herbarium specimens suggest CO2 fertilization of C4 grasses
Authors: del Toro Isa , Case Madelon F. , Karp Allison T. , Slingsby Jasper A. , Staver A. Carla
Published: May 2024

Increasing atmospheric CO2 is changing the dynamics of tropical savanna vegetation. C3 trees and grasses are known to experience CO2 fertilization, whereas responses to CO2 by C4 grasses are more ambiguous.

Here, we sample stable carbon isotope trends in herbarium collections of South African C4 and C3 grasses to reconstruct 13C discrimination.

We found that C3 grasses showed no trends in 13C discrimination over the past century but that C4 grasses increased their 13C discrimination through time, especially since 1950. These changes were most strongly linked to changes in atmospheric CO2 rather than to trends in rainfall climatology or temperature.

Combined with previously published evidence that grass biomass has increased in C4‐dominated savannas, these trends suggest that increasing water‐use efficiency due to CO2 fertilization may be changing C4 plant–water relations. CO2 fertilization of C4 grasses may thus be a neglected pathway for anthropogenic global change in tropical savanna ecosystems.
Can plants build their niche through modulation of soil microbial activities linked with nitrogen cycling? A test with Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Przybylska Maria Stefania , Violle Cyrille , Vile Denis , Scheepens J. F. , Munoz François , Tenllado Álvaro , Vinyeta Mariona , Le Roux Xavier , Vasseur François
Published: May 2024

In natural systems, different plant species have been shown to modulate specific nitrogen (N) cycling processes so as to meet their N demand, thereby potentially influencing their own niche. This phenomenon might go beyond plant interactions with symbiotic microorganisms and affect the much less explored plant interactions with free‐living microorganisms involved in soil N cycling, such as nitrifiers and denitrifiers.

Here, we investigated variability in the modulation of soil nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activities (NEA and DEA, respectively), and their ratio (NEA : DEA), across 193 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. We studied the genetic and environmental determinants of such plant–soil interactions, and effects on plant biomass production in the next generation.

We found that NEA, DEA, and NEA : DEA varied c. 30‐, 15‐ and 60‐fold, respectively, among A. thaliana genotypes and were related to genes linked with stress response, flowering, and nitrate nutrition, as well as to soil parameters at the geographic origin of the analysed genotypes. Moreover, plant‐mediated N cycling activities correlated with the aboveground biomass of next‐generation plants in home vs away nonautoclaved soil, suggesting a transgenerational impact of soil biotic conditioning on plant performance.

Altogether, these findings suggest that nutrient‐based plant niche construction may be much more widespread than previously thought.
Two lysin motif extracellular (LysMe) proteins are deployed in rice to facilitate arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Tian Li , Hao Yi‐ming , Guo Rui , Guo Hao‐ran , Cheng Jian‐fei , Liu Tai‐rong , Liu Hao , Lu Guihua , Wang Bin
Published: May 2024

During arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, plant innate immunity is modulated to a prime state to allow for fungal colonization. The underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored. In this study, two rice genes encoding LysM extracellular (LysMe) proteins were investigated.

By obtaining OsLysMepro:GUS transgenic plants and generating oslysme1, oslysme2 and oslysme1oslysme2 mutants via CRISPR/Cas9 technique, OsLysMe genes were revealed to be specifically induced in the arbusculated cells and mutations in either gene caused significantly reduced root colonization rate by AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Overexpression of OsLysMe1 or OsLysMe2 dramatically increased the colonization rates in rice and Medicago truncatula.

The electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay supported that OsLysMe genes are regulated by OsWRI5a. Either OsLysMe1 or OsLysMe2 can efficiently rescue the impaired AM phenotype of the mtlysme2 mutant, supporting a conserved function of LysMe across monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.

The co‐localization of OsLysMe proteins with the apoplast marker SP‐OsRAmy3A implies their probable localization to the periarbuscular space (PAS) during symbiosis. Relative to the fungal biomass marker RiTEF, some defense‐related genes showed disproportionately high expression levels in the oslysme mutants. These data support that rice plants deploy two OsLysMe proteins to facilitate AM symbiosis, likely by diminishing plant defense responses.
Elevated aerosol enhances plant water‐use efficiency by increasing carbon uptake while reducing water loss
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Chengzhang , Wang Xin , Jia Zhou , Liu Lingli
Published: May 2024

Aerosols could significantly influence ecosystem carbon and water fluxes, potentially altering their interconnected dynamics, typically characterized by water‐use efficiency (WUE). However, our understanding of the underlying ecophysiological mechanisms remains limited due to insufficient field observations.

We conducted 4‐yr measurements of leaf photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as 3‐yr measurements of stem growth (SG) and sap flow of poplar trees exposed to natural aerosol fluctuation, to elucidate aerosol's impact on plant WUE.

We found that aerosol improved sun leaf WUE mainly because a sharp decline in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) inhibited its transpiration, while photosynthesis was less affected, as the negative effect induced by declined PAR was offset by the positive effect induced by low leaf vapor pressure deficit (VPDleaf). Conversely, diffuse radiation fertilization (DRF) effect stimulated shade leaf photosynthesis with minimal impact on transpiration, leading to an improved WUE. The responses were further verified by a strong DRF on SG and a decrease in sap flow due to the suppresses in total radiation and VPD.

Our field observations indicate that, contrary to the commonly assumed coupling response, carbon uptake and water use exhibited dissimilar reactions to aerosol pollution, ultimately enhancing WUE at the leaf and canopy level.
Political determinants of government transparency: Evidence from open government data initiatives
Authors: Hong Sounman , Ji Suho , Kim Taek Kyu
Published: May 2024

The increasing availability of extensive governmental data, technological advancements, and a rising standard for government openness are encouraging global governments to implement open data initiatives. While some governments are actively adapting to these trends, others remain behind, despite the pressure. This research explores the political and administrative reasons behind these differences. By analyzing how local governments in South Korea handled requests for open data from citizens between 2007 and 2016, the study highlights the importance of political competition and administrative strength in fostering government transparency and effectively addressing citizen data requests. The study assesses open government data based on its scope, time, and quality, finding that higher levels of electoral competition and better administrative capabilities contribute to increased transparency and responsiveness. However, the study's use of a regression discontinuity design reveals that the political party controlling local governments had minimal influence on these factors.

Related Articles

Heo, Inhye. 2013. “The Political Economy of Policy Gridlock in South Korea: The Case of the Lee Myung‐bak Government's Green Growth Policy.” Politics & Policy 41(4): 509–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12029.

Heo, Inhye. 2022. “Energy Democratization Policy without Democratization of Policy Governance in South Korea: A Participatory Democracy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 50(4): 834–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12480.

Nam, Aerang, and Christopher M. Weible. 2023. “Examining Experts' Discourse in South Korea's Nuclear Power Policy Making: An Advocacy Coalition Framework Approach to Policy Knowledge.” Politics & Policy 51(2): 201–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12522.
What is the impact of simulation‐based training for paediatric procedures on patient outcomes, cost and latent safety threats?
Authors: Graef Samuel E. , Karimi Nima , Xu Maggie , Petropoulos Jo‐Anne , Ngo Quang N. , Bilgic Elif
Published: May 2024

Background

Simulation‐based training (SBT) provides a safe space for medical trainees to experience realistic scenarios. SBT has been found to improve trainee performance in paediatric procedures. However, limited evidence exists regarding its effects on higher‐level outcomes. This scoping review aims to identify studies that investigate the impact of SBT for procedural skills on T3 (patient outcomes) and T4 level outcomes (latent safety threats [LSTs], and hospital level costs) in paediatrics.

Methods

Full‐text articles were included if they focused on medical trainees, used simulation training for paediatric procedures and reported T3/T4 level outcomes. Six databases were searched from January 2011 to September 2022. Search strategies were developed with the assistance of a librarian. Three independent reviewers performed pilot screenings before title/abstract and full‐text screenings. A data extraction sheet was created to gather information on interventions, outcomes, research design, and other study characteristics.

Findings

After title/abstract screening of 4,076 sources, 50 were included for full‐text review, with 15 articles selected for data extraction. Four were randomised control studies (RCTs), fourteen focused on T3 level outcomes including mortality rates, and one measured LSTs. There were no studies reporting cost‐related data. Three of the studies focused on bag‐and‐mask ventilation, and eight mentioned the use of mannequins.

Discussion

We highlight the potential effectiveness of simulation‐based training of paediatric procedural skills in improving patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality rates and incidence of illness/injury.

Conclusion

Though the quality of research designs was low, researchers used different simulation modalities and outcome measures and showed a positive impact of SBT(e.g., decreased mortality rates).
Totally deranged elements of almost simple groups and invariable generating sets
Authors: Harper Scott
Published: May 2024

By a classical theorem of Jordan, every faithful transitive action of a non‐trivial finite group has a derangement (an element with no fixed points). The existence of derangements with additional properties has attracted much attention, especially for faithful primitive actions of almost simple groups. In this paper, we show that an almost simple group can have an element that is a derangement in every faithful primitive action, and we call these elements totally deranged. In fact, we classify the totally deranged elements of all almost simple groups, showing that an almost simple group contains a totally deranged element only if the socle of is or with . Using this, we classify the invariable generating sets of a finite simple group of the form where and , answering a question of Garzoni. As a final application, we classify the elements of almost simple groups that are contained in a unique maximal subgroup in the case where is not core‐free, which complements the recent work of Guralnick and Tracey addressing the case where is core‐free.
Thermoelasticity Determined Stresses in Inclined-Loaded Finite-Width Plate Having Two Transversely Aligned Different-Size Neighboring Holes
Authors: Khaja A. A. , Rowlands R. E.
Published: May 2024

An incline-loaded finite aluminum plate containing two different-size colinear round holes is stress analyzed from associated thermal data. The neighboring holes, which are aligned with the width of the plate, are sufficiently close together than their stress fields interact. While results are supported here by those from finite elements and strain gages, a motivation for the presented approach is for where finite element methods are impracticable, e.g., when loads are unreliable or unavailable. Representative of situations when applied loads are not well-known, the present finite element results, while acceptable, are not as reliable as those from strain gages. The present methodology is applicable to other geometries or loading as well as to members fabricated from nonisotropic materials. The technique can provide stress concentrations in finite perforated geometries for varying distance between holes. This ability was previously limited to infinite members. Some of the highlights are as follows: (1) Experimentally determine stresses throughout region containing different-diameter holes whose stresses interact. (2) Colinear holes in inclined finite tensile plate transversely aligned to its longitudinal direction. (3) Suitable for isotropic or anisotropic materials. (4) Valid for other loading conditions or geometries. (5) Important design implications for pressure-vessel members.
Comparative Effects of Advanced Footwear Technology in Track Spikes and Road-Racing Shoes on Running Economy
Authors: Joubert Dustin P. , Oehlert Garrett M. , Jones Eric J. , Burns Geoffrey T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Determine the effects of advanced footwear technology (AFT) in track spikes and road-racing shoes on running economy (RE). Methods: Four racing shoes (3 AFT and 1 control) and 3 track spikes (2 AFT and 1 control) were tested in 9 male distance runners on 2 visits. Shoes were tested in a random sequence over 5-minute trials on visit 1 (7 trials at 16 km·h−1; 5-min rest between trials) and in the reverse/mirrored order on visit 2. Metabolic data were collected and averaged across visits. Results: There were significant differences across footwear conditions for oxygen consumption (F = 13.046; P < .001) and energy expenditure (F = 14.710; P < .001). Oxygen consumption (in milliliters per kilogram per minute) in both the first AFT spike (49.1 [1.7]; P < .001; dz = 2.1) and the other AFT spike (49.3 [1.7]; P < .001; dz = 1.7) was significantly lower than the control spike (50.2 [1.6]), which represented a 2.1% (1.0%) and 1.8% (1.0%) improvement in RE, respectively, for the AFT spikes. When comparing the subjects’ most economic shoe by oxygen consumption (49.0 [1.5]) against their most economic spike (49.0 [1.8]), there were no statistical differences (P = .82). Similar statistical conclusions were made when comparing energy expenditure (in watts per kilogram). Conclusions: AFT track spikes improved RE ∼2% relative to a traditional spike. Despite their heavier mass, AFT shoes resulted in similar RE as AFT spikes. This could make the AFT shoe an attractive option for longer track races, particularly in National Collegiate Athletic Association and high school athletics, where there are no stack-height rules.
Pharmacological modulation of septins restores calcium homeostasis and is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Princen Katrien , Van Dooren Tom , van Gorsel Marit , Louros Nikolaos , Yang Xiaojuan , Dumbacher Michael , Bastiaens Ilse , Coupet Kristel , Dupont Shana , Cuveliers Eva , Lauwers Annick , Laghmouchi Mohamed , Vanwelden Thomas , Carmans Sofie , Van Damme Nele , Duhamel Hein , Vansteenkiste Seppe , Prerad Jovan , Pipeleers Karolien , Rodiers Olivier , De Ridder Liese , Claes Sofie , Busschots Yoni , Pringels Lentel , Verhelst Vanessa , Debroux Eveline , Brouwer Marinka , Lievens Sam , Tavernier Jan , Farinelli Melissa , Hughes-Asceri Sandrine , Voets Marieke , Winderickx Joris , Wera Stefaan , de Wit Joris , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic , Zetterberg Henrik , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Annaert Wim , Cornelissen Tom , De Winter Hans , De Witte Koen , Fivaz Marc , Griffioen Gerard
Published: May 2024

Abnormal calcium signaling is a central pathological component of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we describe the identification of a class of compounds called ReS19-T, which are able to restore calcium homeostasis in cell-based models of tau pathology. Aberrant tau accumulation leads to uncontrolled activation of store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs) by remodeling septin filaments at the cell cortex. Binding of ReS19-T to septins restores filament assembly in the disease state and restrains calcium entry through SOCCs. In amyloid-β and tau-driven mouse models of disease, ReS19-T agents restored synaptic plasticity, normalized brain network activity, and attenuated the development of both amyloid-β and tau pathology. Our findings identify the septin cytoskeleton as a potential therapeutic target for the development of disease-modifying AD treatments.
Coevolution with hosts underpins speciation in brood-parasitic cuckoos
Authors: Langmore N. E. , Grealy A. , Noh H.-J. , Medina I. , Skeels A. , Grant J. , Murray K. D. , Kilner R. M. , Holleley C. E.
Published: May 2024

Coevolution between interacting species is thought to increase biodiversity, but evidence linking microevolutionary processes to macroevolutionary patterns is scarce. We leveraged two decades of behavioral research coupled with historical DNA analysis to reveal that coevolution with hosts underpins speciation in brood-parasitic bronze-cuckoos. At a macroevolutionary scale, we show that highly virulent brood-parasitic taxa have higher speciation rates and are more likely to speciate in sympatry than less-virulent and nonparasitic relatives. We reveal the microevolutionary process underlying speciation: Hosts reject cuckoo nestlings, which selects for mimetic cuckoo nestling morphology. Where cuckoos exploit multiple hosts, selection for mimicry drives genetic and phenotypic divergence corresponding to host preference, even in sympatry. Our work elucidates perhaps the most common, but poorly characterized, evolutionary process driving biological diversification.
Melting entropy of crystals determined by electron-beam–induced configurational disordering
Authors: Liu Dongxin , Fu Jiarui , Elishav Oren , Sakakibara Masaya , Yamanouchi Kaoru , Hirshberg Barak , Nakamuro Takayuki , Nakamura Eiichi
Published: May 2024

Upon melting, the molecules in a crystal explore numerous configurations, reflecting an increase in disorder. The molar entropy of disorder can be defined by Boltzmann’s formula Δ
S
d
=
R
ln(
W
d
), where
W
d
is the increase in the number of microscopic states, so far inaccessible experimentally. We found that the Arrhenius frequency factor
A
of the electron diffraction signal decay provides
W
d
through an experimental equation
A
=
A
INT
W
d
, where
A
INT
is an inelastic scattering cross section. The method connects Clausius and Boltzmann experimentally and supplements the Clausius approach, being applicable to a femtogram quantity of thermally unstable and biomolecular crystals. The data also showed that crystal disordering and crystallization of melt are reciprocal, both governed by the entropy change but manifesting in opposite directions.
Shearing brittle intermetallics enhances cryogenic strength and ductility of steels
Authors: Wang Feng , Song Miao , Elkot Mohamed N. , Yao Ning , Sun Binhan , Song Min , Wang Zhangwei , Raabe Dierk
Published: May 2024

Precipitates are crucial for crafting mechanically strong metallic materials. In this work, we report the dislocation cutting of B2 (ordered body-centered cubic) nanoprecipitates, typically considered nonshearable intermetallics, in a lightweight compositionally complex steel during cryogenic tensile loading. Shearing is enabled by the high strength level for dislocation glide within the austenitic matrix, attributed to the substantial strengthening from subnanoscale local chemical ordering zones and the pronounced solid solution strengthening from the multiprincipal elements in the matrix. This mechanism not only harnesses the intense strengthening and strain hardening provided by otherwise impenetrable brittle nanoprecipitates but also introduces ductility through their sequential shearing with ongoing deformation. Our steel thus showcases ultrahigh cryogenic tensile strength up to 2 gigapascal at a remarkable tensile elongation of 34%. This study reveals a new strategy for designing high-performance structural materials.
Metabolic flux regulates growth transitions and antibiotic tolerance in uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Morrison Josiah J. , Madden Ellen K. , Banas Daniel A. , DiBiasio Eric C. , Hansen Mads , Krogfelt Karen A. , Rowley David C. , Cohen Paul S. , Camberg Jodi L.
Published: May 2024

Reducing growth and limiting metabolism are strategies that allow bacteria to survive exposure to environmental stress and antibiotics. During infection, uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) may enter a quiescent state that enables them to reemerge after the completion of successful antibiotic treatment. Many clinical isolates, including the well-characterized UPEC strain CFT073, also enter a metabolite-dependent, quiescent state
in vitro
that is reversible with cues, including peptidoglycan-derived peptides and amino acids. Here, we show that quiescent UPEC is antibiotic tolerant and demonstrate that metabolic flux in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle regulates the UPEC quiescent state via succinyl-CoA. We also demonstrate that the transcriptional regulator complex integration host factor and the FtsZ-interacting protein ZapE, which is important for
E. coli
division during stress, are essential for UPEC to enter the quiescent state. Notably, in addition to engaging FtsZ and late-stage cell division proteins, ZapE also interacts directly with TCA cycle enzymes in bacterial two-hybrid assays. We report direct interactions between the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit SdhC, the late-stage cell division protein FtsN, and ZapE. These interactions may enable communication between oxidative metabolism and the cell division machinery in UPEC. Moreover, these interactions are conserved in an
E. coli
K-12 strain. This work suggests that there is coordination among the two fundamental and essential pathways that regulate overall growth, quiescence, and antibiotic susceptibility.

IMPORTANCE

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) are the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Upon invasion into bladder epithelial cells, UPEC establish quiescent intracellular reservoirs that may lead to antibiotic tolerance and recurrent UTIs. Here, we demonstrate using an
in vitro
system that quiescent UPEC cells are tolerant to ampicillin and have decreased metabolism characterized by succinyl-CoA limitation. We identify the global regulator integration host factor complex and the cell division protein ZapE as critical modifiers of quiescence and antibiotic tolerance. Finally, we show that ZapE interacts with components of both the cell division machinery and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and this interaction is conserved in non-pathogenic
E. coli
, establishing a novel link between cell division and metabolism.
The GATA transcription factor BcWCL2 regulates citric acid secretion to maintain redox homeostasis and full virulence in
Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Ren Weiheng , Qian Chen , Ren Dandan , Cai Yunfei , Deng Zhaohui , Zhang Ning , Wang Congcong , Wang Yiwen , Zhu Pinkuan , Xu Ling
Published: May 2024

Botrytis cinerea
is a typical necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus which can deliberately acidify host tissues and trigger oxidative bursts therein to facilitate its virulence. The white collar complex (WCC), consisting of BcWCL1 and BcWCL2, is recognized as the primary light receptor in
B. cinerea
. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms through which the WCC components, particularly BcWCL2 as a GATA transcription factor, control virulence are not yet fully understood. This study demonstrates that deletion of BcWCL2 results in the loss of light-sensitive phenotypic characteristics. Additionally, the Δ
bcwcl2
strain exhibits reduced secretion of citrate, delayed infection cushion development, weaker hyphal penetration, and decreased virulence. The application of exogenous citric acid was found to restore infection cushion formation, hyphal penetration, and virulence of the Δ
bcwcl2
strain. Transcriptome analysis at 48 h post-inoculation revealed that two citrate synthases, putative citrate transporters, hydrolytic enzymes, and reactive oxygen species scavenging-related genes were down-regulated in Δ
bcwcl2
, whereas exogenous citric acid application restored the expression of the above genes involved in the early infection process of Δ
bcwcl2
. Moreover, the expression of
Bcvel1
, a known regulator of citrate secretion, tissue acidification, and secondary metabolism, was down-regulated in Δ
bcwcl2
but not in Δ
bcwcl1
. ChIP-qPCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that BcWCL2 can bind to the promoter sequences of
Bcvel1
. Overexpressing
Bcvel1
in Δ
bcwcl2
was found to rescue the mutant defects. Collectively, our findings indicate that BcWCL2 regulates the expression of the global regulator
Bcvel1
to influence citrate secretion, tissue acidification, redox homeostasis, and virulence of
B. cinerea
.

IMPORTANCE

This study illustrated the significance of the fungal blue light receptor component BcWCL2 protein in regulating citrate secretion in
Botrytis cinerea
. Unlike BcWCL1, BcWCL2 may contribute to redox homeostasis maintenance during infection cushion formation, ultimately proving to be essential for full virulence. It is also demonstrated that BcWCL2 can regulate the expression of
Bcvel1
to influence host tissue acidification, citrate secretion, infection cushion development, and virulence. While the role of organic acids secreted by plant pathogenic fungi in fungus-host interactions has been recognized, this paper revealed the importance, regulatory mechanisms, and key transcription factors that control organic acid secretion. These understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of plant pathogens can provide valuable insights for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies against fungal diseases.
A challenging STEC strain isolation from patients’ stools: an O166:H15 STEC strain with the
stx2
gene
Authors: Thilakarathna Surangi H. , Li Vincent , Chui Linda
Published: May 2024

Two patients with acute gastroenteritis tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and both strains carried the Shiga toxin 2 encoding gene. Since routine culture using CHROMagar STEC failed to recover these isolates, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) targeting the top six non-O157:H7 serotypes was used for isolate recovery. After two subsequent IMS runs, the STEC strains were isolated from trypticase soy broth with and without overnight enrichment for runs 1 and 2, respectively. Serotyping based on whole-genome sequencing revealed that both patients carried the strain O166:H15 STEC with the
stx2
gene. Hence, the magnetic beads used in IMS appeared to have cross-reactivity with other
E. coli
serotypes. When the STEC isolates from both stools were cultured on CHROMagar STEC and sheep blood agar (BAP), two distinct colony sizes were apparent after overnight incubation. The small and large colonies were picked and separately cultured on both media, and colony growth was observed for 2 weeks at room temperature after an initial overnight incubation at 37°C. After 1 week, the colonies showed concentric ring structures with a darker center and a lighter surrounding on CHROMagar STEC and a “fried egg”-resembling structure with a raised circular center and a flat surrounding on BAP. Both colony types remained morphologically different on CHROMagar STEC throughout the 15 days. However, on BAP, their appearance was comparable by day 7.

IMPORTANCE

Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) infections can lead to severe complications such as bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in young children and the elderly. Strains that carry the shiga toxin 2 gene (
stx2
), such as O157:H7, have been mostly linked with severe disease outcomes. In recent years, outbreaks caused by non-O157:H7 strains have increased.
E. coli
O166:H15 has been previously reported causing a gastroenteritis outbreak in 1996 as a non-STEC strain, however the O166:H15 serotype we recovered carried the
stx2
gene. It was particularly challenging to isolate this strain from stools by culture. Consequently, we tested immunomagnetic separation for the STEC recovery, which was a novel approach on clinical stools. Virulence genes were included for the characterization of these isolates.
The
Chlamydia trachomatis
Inc Tri1 interacts with TRAF7 to displace native TRAF7 interacting partners
Authors: Herrera Clara M. , McMahon Eleanor , Swaney Danielle L. , Sherry Jessica , Pha Khavong , Adams-Boone Kathleen , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Krogan Nevan J. , Stevers Meredith , Solomon David , Elwell Cherilyn , Engel Joanne
Published: May 2024

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the USA and of preventable blindness worldwide. This obligate intracellular pathogen replicates within a membrane-bound inclusion, but how it acquires nutrients from the host while avoiding detection by the innate immune system is incompletely understood.
C. trachomatis
accomplishes this in part through the translocation of a unique set of effectors into the inclusion membrane, the
inc
lusion membrane proteins (Incs). Incs are ideally positioned at the host-pathogen interface to reprogram host signaling by redirecting proteins or organelles to the inclusion. Using a combination of co-affinity purification, immunofluorescence confocal imaging, and proteomics, we characterize the interaction between an early-expressed Inc of unknown function, Tri1, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7). TRAF7 is a multi-domain protein with a RING finger ubiquitin ligase domain and a C-terminal WD40 domain. TRAF7 regulates several innate immune signaling pathways associated with
C. trachomatis
infection and is mutated in a subset of tumors. We demonstrate that Tri1 and TRAF7 specifically interact during infection and that TRAF7 is recruited to the inclusion. We further show that the predicted coiled-coil domain of Tri1 is necessary to interact with the TRAF7 WD40 domain. Finally, we demonstrate that Tri1 displaces the native TRAF7 binding partners, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MEKK2), and MEKK3. Together, our results suggest that by displacing TRAF7 native binding partners, Tri1 has the capacity to alter TRAF7 signaling during
C. trachomatis
infection.

IMPORTANCE

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the USA and preventable blindness worldwide. Although easily treated with antibiotics, the vast majority of infections are asymptomatic and therefore go untreated, leading to infertility and blindness. This obligate intracellular pathogen evades the immune response, which contributes to these outcomes. Here, we characterize the interaction between a
C. trachomatis
-secreted effector, Tri1, and a host protein involved in innate immune signaling, TRAF7. We identified host proteins that bind to TRAF7 and demonstrated that Tri1 can displace these proteins upon binding to TRAF7. Remarkably, the region of TRAF7 to which these host proteins bind is often mutated in a subset of human tumors. Our work suggests a mechanism by which Tri1 may alter TRAF7 signaling and has implications not only in the pathogenesis of
C. trachomatis
infections but also in understanding the role of TRAF7 in cancer.
Paleontology, stratigraphy, and structural features of the lower bedded member of the Metaline Formation, Lafarge quarry, Metaline Falls, Washington, USA
Authors: Schofield* Glen J. , Pritchard Chad J.
Published: May 2024

This one-day field trip of regional geologic significance goes from Spokane, Washington, north along the Pend Oreille River to the Lafarge limestone quarries in the Metaline Formation near Metaline Falls, Washington, USA. Along the way, we will discuss local geologic and geomorphic features, archaeology of the Native culture, features of Pleistocene glaciation and the Eocene Newport fault in the Pend Oreille valley, and highlights of roadcuts and rock types. The main focus of the field trip centers on the paleontology of the lower bedded member of the Metaline Formation in the Lafarge quarry. Based on recent fossil identification of recently discovered trilobites, the age of the lower bedded member has been refined to Series 2-Stage 4 of the Cambrian. We will examine potential new species at stopping points within the quarry, identify key units of stratigraphy and relate them to the stratigraphic column of the guide, and include a structural geology discussion. Deformed trilobites, cleavage, and calcite-filled fractures indicate NW-SE compression during Mesozoic Cordilleran tectonism.
Uncovering a Miocene forest in ancient Lake Clarkia and beyond
Authors: Love* Renee L. , MacKenzie* Lindsay , Spendlove* Ian
Published: May 2024

The middle Miocene Clarkia Fossil Beds of northern Idaho, USA, is a world-renowned exceptional fossil deposit (Fossil-Lagerstätte). These ancient lake deposits contain fossils showing exceptional preservation of original plant material, insects, and fish, including organelles and possible ancient DNA, and their stable isotope signatures. Yang et al. (1995) determined the upper age of the lake deposits to be 15.78 ± 0.039 Ma during peak outflows of the Priest Rapids Member of the Wanapum Basalt of the Columbia River Basalt Group, part of Earth’s youngest large igneous province of continental flood basalts. The deposits capture a time in Earth’s history that represents our most recent major thermal optima, the Miocene Climatic Optimum, before the general decline in temperatures to the modern day. Nearby fossil sites, including the Oviatt Creek Fossil Beds and the Juliaetta Fossil Beds, record the persistence of the climatic optimum and subsequent cooling.

Conifers include Metasequoia (dawn redwood), Taxodium (bald cypress), Amentotaxus (Chinese yew), and Cunninghamia (Chinese fir). Angiosperm dicotyledon species also represent a much warmer climate than present day, including Cercidiphyllum (katsura), Zenia (Chinese legume), Zelkova (elm family), Magnolia (magnolia), Persea (avocado/bay family), Zizyphoides (buckthorn family), and Smilax (greenbriar). Estimates of the mean annual temperature from these fossil leaves range from 12° to 13 °C (53° to 55 °F). Mean annual precipitation values range from 200 to 216 cm/year with much higher humidity compared to today. Modern mean annual temperatures in northern Idaho are ~7 °C (47 °F), much cooler than Miocene temperatures. Today’s mean annual precipitation is estimated at ~80 cm/year. After the Miocene, many plant species representing mixed mesophytic broad-leaved forests started to disappear from the fossil record in North America and were thought to be extinct, only to be rediscovered in East Asia in more recent times (Cercidiphyllum, Cunninghamia, Metasequoia). This field trip will explore the Clarkia Fossil Beds and nearby fossil sites to examine the geology associated with the ancient lake and its fossils.
Handgrip strength and risks of diabetic vascular complications: Evidence from Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study and UK cohorts
Authors: Zhong Pingting , Yang Shaopeng , Liu Riqian , Zhu Ziyu , Zhang Yongjie , Cheng Weijing , Wang Wei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and the risk of future diabetic complications in multicountry cohorts.

Methods

The association between HGS and diabetic complications was evaluated using cox models among 84 453 patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes from the UK Biobank with a 12-year follow-up. The association between HGS and longitudinal microcirculatory damage rates was assessed among 819 patients with diabetes from the Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study (GDES) with a 3-year follow-up. Participants were divided into three age groups (<56, 56–65 and ≥65 years), and each group was further subdivided into three HGS tertiles.

Results

A 5 kg reduction in HGS was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality (women, HR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.14; p<0.001; men, HR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.15; p<0.001). Women and men in the lowest HGS group exhibited 1.6-times and 1.3–1.5-times higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke compared with the highest HGS group. In men, there was a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (HR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.57; p=0.001), while this was not observed in women. Both sexes in the lowest HGS group had a 1.3-times higher risk of diabetic retinopathy compared with the highest HGS group. In the GDES group, individuals with the lowest HGS showed accelerated microcirculatory damage in retina (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Reduced HGS is significantly associated with a higher risk of diabetic complications and accelerated microvascular damage. HGS could serve as a practical indicator of vascular health in patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes.