bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The understanding of the agriculturally shaped environment: from the theoretical construct to an applied indicator of sustainable development
Authors: Maruschke Judith-Maria , Wortha Franz , Schiller Daniel
Published: September 2024

Sustainable development of the resource ‘land’ is increasingly being discussed with a focus on rural areas. Understanding is key to solving land use conflicts. It can lead to joint solutions and can thus enable sustainable development at a practical level. It goes beyond environmental consciousness, which is related to general issues, and instead aims to address concrete challenges in the context of sustainable development at an applicable level. ‘Understanding’ with regard to land use conflicts has not yet been defined in the literature. Based on this motivation, it is the aim of this study to create the construct of ‘understanding’ conceptually, to validate it empirically with structural equation modelling, and to demonstrate that understanding might be an important prerequisite for sustainable development. In this case, the focus is not on a general kind of understanding, but rather on specific aspects of understanding in relation to the agriculturally shaped environment in rural areas. The empirical data for the paper were collected by means of a large-scale population survey in Western Pomerania, Germany, a rural peripheral region characterized by typical land-use conflicts in predominantly rural areas. A tripartite division of the construct into cognitive, emotional, and opinion levels was derived theoretically. The construct is supported empirically and that it can be applied as an SDG indicator. Thus, the refined construct of understanding the agriculturally shaped environment can make a substantial contribution towards closing the knowledge/attitude-behavior gap.
Generation of singlet oxygen inside living cells: correlation between phosphorescence decay lifetime, localization and outcome of photodynamic action
Authors: Szewczyk Grzegorz , Mokrzyński Krystian , Sarna Tadeusz
Published: September 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative treatment for localized lesions and infections, utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photosensitizers (PS) upon light activation. Singlet oxygen (1O2) is a key ROS responsible for photodynamic damage. However, the effectiveness of PS in biological systems may not correlate with the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation in homogeneous solutions. This study investigated singlet oxygen generation and its decay in various cellular microenvironments using liposome and ARPE-19 cell models. Rose Bengal (RB), methylene blue (MB), and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were employed as selected PS. Lifetimes of singlet oxygen generated by the selected photosensitizers in different cellular compartments varied, indicating different quenching rates with singlet oxygen. RB, located near cell membranes, exhibited the highest phototoxicity and lipid/protein peroxidation, followed by PpIX, while MB showed minimal cytotoxicity in similar conditions. Singlet oxygen decay lifetimes provide insights into PS localization and potential phototoxicity, highlighting the importance of the lipid microenvironment in PDT efficacy, providing useful screening method prior to in vivo applications.

Graphical abstract
The rise of checkbox AI ethics: a review
Authors: Kijewski Sara , Ronchi Elettra , Vayena Effy
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) sparked the development of principles and guidelines for ethical AI by a broad set of actors. Given the high-level nature of these principles, stakeholders seek practical guidance for their implementation in the development, deployment and use of AI, fueling the growth of practical approaches for ethical AI. This paper reviews, synthesizes and assesses current practical approaches for AI in health, examining their scope and potential to aid organizations in adopting ethical standards. We performed a scoping review of existing reviews in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), systematically searching databases and the web between February and May 2023. A total of 4284 documents were identified, of which 17 were included in the final analysis. Content analysis was performed on the final sample. We identified a highly heterogeneous ecosystem of approaches and a diverse use of terminology, a higher prevalence of approaches for certain stages of the AI lifecycle, reflecting the dominance of specific stakeholder groups in their development, and several barriers to the adoption of approaches. These findings underscore the necessity of a nuanced understanding of the implementation context for these approaches and that no one-size-fits-all approach exists for ethical AI. While common terminology is needed, this should not come at the cost of pluralism in available approaches. As governments signal interest in and develop practical approaches, significant effort remains to guarantee their validity, reliability, and efficacy as tools for governance across the AI lifecycle.
A Unified Treatment of Families of Partition Functions
Authors: Ahmadi Lida , Gómez-Aíza Ricardo , Ward Mark Daniel
Published: September 2024

We present a unified framework of combinatorial descriptions, and the analogous asymptotic growth of the coefficients of two general families of functions related to integer partitions. In particular, we resolve several conjectures and verify several claims that are posted on the On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences. We perform the asymptotic analysis by systematically applying the Mellin transform, residue analysis, and the saddle point method. The combinatorial descriptions of these families of generalized partition functions involve colorings of Young tableaux, along with their “divisor diagrams”, denoted with sets of colors whose sizes are controlled by divisor functions.
Digital Technology in Healthcare—An Ethical Overview
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove , Fröding Barbro
Published: September 2024

This overview of ethical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is organized according to major types of medical activities. It discusses important ethical problems in (1) diagnostic uses of AI such as image interpretation and text interpretation, (2) the use of AI as decision support or even as decision-maker, (3) its use for treatment, for instance in robotic surgery, exoskeletons, virtual psychotherapy and therapeutic robots (care robots), and (4) the use of AI for healthcare documentation and communication. Summing up, we emphasize two major challenges in the introduction of AI that should concern not only healthcare professionals but also higher level decision-makers such as politicians and hospital directors. The first of these is the need to retain human contacts between patients and healthcare, in particular contacts that are conducive to patient health and well-being. The second is the need to ensure that the introduction of AI in healthcare does not create or exacerbate injustices in healthcare. This can happen if prevalent human biases are encoded in AI tools. It can also occur if people with less money have to use inexpensive AI tools such as virtual psychotherapists whereas the well-to-do have access to a human psychotherapist. On the other hand, AI tools can be used to provide better healthcare to all who need it, and they can also be programmed to avoid biases and other mistakes that humans are prone to. The article concludes with brief summaries of the articles in the special issue on AI in healthcare that it introduces.
Polarized by Degrees
Authors: Grossmann Matt , Hopkins David A.
Published: September 2024

Over the past several decades, American society has experienced fundamental changes – from shifting relations between social groups and evolving language and behavior norms to the increasing value of a college degree. These transformations have polarized the nation's political climate and ignited a perpetual culture war. In a sequel to their award-winning collaboration Asymmetric Politics, Grossmann and Hopkins draw on an extensive variety of evidence to explore how these changes have affected both major parties. They show that the Democrats have become the home of highly-educated citizens with progressive social views who prefer credentialed experts to make policy decisions, while Republicans have become the populist champions of white voters without college degrees who increasingly distrust teachers, scientists, journalists, universities, non-profit organizations, and even corporations. The result of this new “diploma divide” between the parties is an increasingly complex world in which everything is about politics – and politics is about everything.
Hannibal and Scipio
Authors: Hornblower Simon
Published: September 2024

The Second Punic War between Carthage and Rome began in 218 BCE and ended in 202 with the dramatic defeat at the Battle of Zama of Carthage's commander Hannibal by his adversary, the Roman Scipio. The two men were born about a decade apart but died in the same year, 183, following brilliant but ultimately unhappy careers. In this absorbing joint biography, celebrated historian Simon Hornblower reveals how the trajectory of each general illuminates his counterpart. Their individual journeys help us comprehend the momentous historical period which they shared, and which in distinct but interconnected ways they helped to shape. Hornblower interweaves his central military and political narrative with lively treatments of high politics, religious motivations and manipulations, overseas commands, hellenisation, and his subjects' ancient and modern reception. This gripping portrait of a momentous rivalry will delight readers of biography and military history and scholars and students of antiquity alike.
Consumer perceptions of healthy and sustainable eating
Authors: Hazley Daniel , Kearney John M.
Published: September 2024

The current food system is unsustainable. It encourages unhealthy food choices, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases, and has a substantial environmental impact, responsible for around a third of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Improving both public and planetary health will require dietary change. To promote this transition, it is crucial to understand how consumers conceptualise healthy and sustainable eating. The aim of this review was to examine how adults from high-income countries interpret healthy and sustainable eating, with a specific focus on Ireland and the UK. As healthy eating and sustainable eating are often conceptualised as distinctive constructs, we explored each of these separately before examining how consumers perceive them together. Most consumers have a reasonable understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet, with many echoing aspects consistent with dietary guidelines. However, consumers perceptions of healthy eating often extend beyond these health-centric recommendations, incorporating concepts such as the pleasure of eating and supporting mental well-being. Sustainable eating, on the other hand, is less well understood. Most consumers overemphasise the importance of eating local, organic food and reducing packaging and underestimate or are unaware of the environmental impact of red meat consumption. These findings provide a clear opportunity to improve public awareness of healthy and sustainable diets. Moreover, they emphasise the need to promote the synergies between healthy and sustainable dietary practices. However, knowledge alone will not be enough to change behaviour. Future interventions should also seek to overcome consumers competing dietary priorities and create system-wide changes.
Consus Crater on Ceres: Ammonium‐Enriched Brines in Exchange With Phyllosilicates?
Authors: Nathues A. , Hoffmann M. , Sarkar R. , Singh P. , Hernandez J. , Pasckert J. H. , Schmedemann N. , Thangjam G. , Cloutis E. , Mengel K. , Coutelier M.
Published: September 2024

Ceres is a partially differentiated dwarf planet located in the main asteroid belt. Consus crater (diameter ∼64 km) is one of the oldest impact features (∼450 Ma) on the Cerean surface that surprisingly still shows a large variety of color lithologies, including exposures of bright material, which are thought to be brine residues. Here, we present new results that help in understanding the structure and composition of the Cerean crust. These results were deduced by using newly processed Dawn Framing Camera (FC) color imagery and FC clear filter images combined with infrared spectral data of Dawn's Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR). Consus exhibits a variety of color lithologies, which we describe in detail. Interestingly, we found three spectrally different types of bright material exposed by a large old crater on Consus' floor. One of these, the yellowish bright material (Nathues et al., 2023, https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2023/pdf/1073.pdf) and its modification, shows spectral signatures consistent with ammonium‐enriched smectites. We hypothesize that the ammonium in these smectites stems from contact with ascending brines, originating from a low‐lying former brine ocean that has been enriched in ammonium during the differentiation and freezing process of the Cerean crust. This enrichment is mainly due to ammonium uptake by sheet silicates. If such an ammonium enrichment occurred over long‐time scales on a global scale, this process may explain the vast presence of ammonium on the Cerean surface. Therefore, an outer solar system origin of Ceres is possibly not needed to explain the global presence of ammonium.
Nonlinear Wave‐Particle Interaction Effects on Radiation Belt Electron Dynamics in 9 October 2012 Storm
Authors: Kondrashov D. , Drozdov A. Y. , Shprits Y.
Published: September 2024

We study the geomagnetic storm of 9 October 2012, where it had been generally accepted that the resulting prominent outer radiation belt electron acceleration throughout the storm is due to whistler‐mode chorus waves. This storm has been studied previously by two‐dimensional Fokker–Planck numerical simulations with data‐driven quasi‐linear (QL) diffusion rates. However, possible nonlinear (NL) resonant interaction effects on electron flux dynamics haven't been looked at yet. This study aims to fill this gap by demonstrating that theory‐informed rescaling of QL diffusion rates accounting for contributions of NL resonant interactions helps to reproduce better observed increase of electron fluxes by diffusion simulations. We use machine learning, uncertainty quantification (UQ), physics‐perturbed ensemble of VERB simulations and Van Allen Probes observations to identify optimal rescaling of quasi‐linear diffusion rates.
Neural network-based processing and reconstruction of compromised biophotonic image data
Authors: Fanous Michael John , Casteleiro Costa Paloma , Işıl Çağatay , Huang Luzhe , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the integration of deep learning techniques with biophotonic setups has opened new horizons in bioimaging. A compelling trend in this field involves deliberately compromising certain measurement metrics to engineer better bioimaging tools in terms of e.g., cost, speed, and form-factor, followed by compensating for the resulting defects through the utilization of deep learning models trained on a large amount of ideal, superior or alternative data. This strategic approach has found increasing popularity due to its potential to enhance various aspects of biophotonic imaging. One of the primary motivations for employing this strategy is the pursuit of higher temporal resolution or increased imaging speed, critical for capturing fine dynamic biological processes. Additionally, this approach offers the prospect of simplifying hardware requirements and complexities, thereby making advanced imaging standards more accessible in terms of cost and/or size. This article provides an in-depth review of the diverse measurement aspects that researchers intentionally impair in their biophotonic setups, including the point spread function (PSF), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), sampling density, and pixel resolution. By deliberately compromising these metrics, researchers aim to not only recuperate them through the application of deep learning networks, but also bolster in return other crucial parameters, such as the field of view (FOV), depth of field (DOF), and space-bandwidth product (SBP). Throughout this article, we discuss various biophotonic methods that have successfully employed this strategic approach. These techniques span a wide range of applications and showcase the versatility and effectiveness of deep learning in the context of compromised biophotonic data. Finally, by offering our perspectives on the exciting future possibilities of this rapidly evolving concept, we hope to motivate our readers from various disciplines to explore novel ways of balancing hardware compromises with compensation via artificial intelligence (AI).
Photon shifting and trapping in perovskite solar cells for improved efficiency and stability
Authors: Haque Sirazul , Alexandre Miguel , Vicente António T. , Li Kezheng , Schuster Christian S. , Yang Sui , Águas Hugo , Martins Rodrigo , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Mendes Manuel J.
Published: September 2024

Advanced light management techniques can enhance the sunlight absorption of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). When located at the front, they may act as a UV barrier, which is paramount for protecting the perovskite layer against UV-enabled degradation. Although it was recently shown that photonic structures such as Escher-like patterns could approach the theoretical Lambertian-limit of light trapping, it remains challenging to also implement UV protection properties for these diffractive structures while maintaining broadband absorption gains. Here, we propose a checkerboard (CB) tile pattern with designated UV photon conversion capability. Through a combined optical and electrical modeling approach, this photonic structure can increase photocurrent and power conversion efficiency in ultrathin PSCs by 25.9% and 28.2%, respectively. We further introduce a luminescent down-shifting encapsulant that converts the UV irradiation into Visible photons matching the solar cell absorption spectrum. To this end, experimentally obtained absorption and emission profiles of state-of-the-art down-shifting materials (i.e., lanthanide-based organic-inorganic hybrids) are used to predict potential gains from harnessing the UV energy. We demonstrate that at least 94% of the impinging UV radiation can be effectively converted into the Visible spectral range. Photonic protection from high-energy photons contributes to the market deployment of perovskite solar cell technology, and may become crucial for Space applications under AM0 illumination. By combining light trapping with luminescent downshifting layers, this work unravels a potential photonic solution to overcome UV degradation in PSCs while circumventing optical losses in ultrathin cells, thus improving both performance and stability.
Ultra-low loss silicon nitride becomes even cooler
Authors: Tan Dawn T. H. , Chia Xavier X.
Published: September 2024

Ultra-low loss silicon nitride realized using deuterated precursors and low thermal budgets well within backend-of-line CMOS processing may accelerate widespread proliferation of their use.
Micro-patterning of spintronic emitters enables ultrabroadband structured terahertz radiation
Authors: Chen Hou-Tong
Published: September 2024

Structured light beams offer promising properties for a variety of applications, but the generation of broadband structured light remains a challenge. New opportunities are emerging in the terahertz frequency range owing to recent progress in light-driven ultrafast vectorial currents through spatially patterning spintronic and optoelectronic systems.
Thresholdless coherence in a superradiant laser
Authors: Oh Seung-Hoon , Kim Jinuk , Ha Junseo , Son Gibeom , An Kyungwon
Published: September 2024

Lasing threshold in the conventional lasers is the minimum input power required to initiate laser oscillation. It has been widely accepted that the conventional laser threshold occurring around a unity intracavity photon number can be eliminated in the input-output curve by making the so-called β parameter approach unity. The recent experiments, however, have revealed that even in this case the photon statistics still undergo a transition from coherent to thermal statistics when the intracavity mean photon number is decreased below unity. Since the coherent output is only available above the diminished threshold, the long-sought promise of thresholdless lasers to produce always coherent light has become questionable. Here, we present an always-coherent thresholdless laser based on superradiance by two-level atoms in a quantum superposition state with the same phase traversing a high-Q cavity. Superradiant lasing was observed without the conventional lasing threshold around the unity photon number and the photon statistics remained near coherent even below it. The coherence was improved by reducing the coupling constant as well as the excited-state amplitude in the superposition state. Our results pave a way toward always-coherent thresholdless lasers with more practical media such as quantum dots, nitrogen-vacancy centers and doped ions in crystals.
GHSR blockade, but not reduction of peripherally circulating ghrelin via β1-adrenergic receptor antagonism, decreases binge-like alcohol drinking in mice
Authors: Richardson Rani S. , Kryszak Lindsay A. , Vendruscolo Janaina C. M. , Koob George F. , Vendruscolo Leandro F. , Leggio Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and binge drinking are highly prevalent public health issues. The stomach-derived peptide ghrelin, and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), both of which are expressed in the brain and periphery, are implicated in alcohol-related outcomes. We previously found that systemic and central administration of GHSR antagonists reduced binge-like alcohol drinking, whereas a ghrelin vaccine did not. Thus, we hypothesized that central GHSR drives binge-like alcohol drinking independently of peripheral ghrelin. To investigate this hypothesis, we antagonized β1-adrenergic receptors (β1ARs), which are required for peripheral ghrelin release, and combined them with GHSR blockers. We found that both systemic β1AR antagonism with atenolol (peripherally restricted) and metoprolol (brain permeable) robustly decreased plasma ghrelin levels. Also, ICV administration of atenolol had no effect on peripheral endogenous ghrelin levels. However, only metoprolol, but not atenolol, decreased binge-like alcohol drinking. The β1AR antagonism also did not prevent the effects of the GHSR blockers JMV2959 and PF-5190457 in decreasing binge-like alcohol drinking. These results suggest that the GHSR rather than peripheral endogenous ghrelin is involved in binge-like alcohol drinking. Thus, GHSRs and β1ARs represent possible targets for therapeutic intervention for AUD, including the potential combination of drugs that target these two systems.
Magnetic resonance imaging of regional gray matter volume in persons who died by suicide
Authors: Deininger-Czermak E. , Spencer L. , Zoelch N. , Sankar A. , Gascho D. , Guggenberger R. , Mathieu S. , Thali M. J. , Blumberg H. P.
Published: September 2024

In vivo neuroimaging research in suicide attempters has shown alterations in frontal system brain regions subserving emotional regulation, motivation, and self-perception; however, data from living individuals is limited in clarifying risk for suicide death. Postmortem neuroimaging provides an approach to study the brain in persons who died by suicide. Here, whole brain voxel-based analyses of magnetic resonance imaging gray matter volume measures were performed comparing persons confirmed by forensic investigation to have died by suicide (n = 24), versus other causes (n = 24), in a univariate model covarying for age and total brain volume; all subjects were scanned within 24 hours after death. Consistent with the hypothesis that persons who died by suicide would show lower gray matter volume in frontal system brain regions, this study of suicides showed lower gray matter volume in ventral frontal and its major connection sites including insula, striatum, and amygdala.
Obesity: exploring its connection to brain function through genetic and genomic perspectives
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Bonnefond Amélie , Froguel Philippe
Published: September 2024

Obesity represents an escalating global health burden with profound medical and economic impacts. The conventional perspective on obesity revolves around its classification as a “pure” metabolic disorder, marked by an imbalance between calorie consumption and energy expenditure. Present knowledge, however, recognizes the intricate interaction of rare or frequent genetic factors that favor the development of obesity, together with the emergence of neurodevelopmental and mental abnormalities, phenotypes that are modulated by environmental factors such as lifestyle. Thirty years of human genetic research has unveiled >20 genes, causing severe early-onset monogenic obesity and ~1000 loci associated with common polygenic obesity, most of those expressed in the brain, depicting obesity as a neurological and mental condition. Therefore, obesity’s association with brain function should be better recognized. In this context, this review seeks to broaden the current perspective by elucidating the genetic determinants that contribute to both obesity and neurodevelopmental and mental dysfunctions. We conduct a detailed examination of recent genetic findings, correlating them with clinical and behavioral phenotypes associated with obesity. This includes how polygenic obesity, influenced by a myriad of genetic variants, impacts brain regions associated with addiction and reward, differentiating it from monogenic forms. The continuum between non-syndromic and syndromic monogenic obesity, with evidence from neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments, is also addressed. Current therapeutic approaches that target these genetic mechanisms, yielding improved clinical outcomes and cognitive advantages, are discussed. To sum up, this review corroborates the genetic underpinnings of obesity, affirming its classification as a neurological disorder that may have broader implications for neurodevelopmental and mental conditions. It highlights the promising intersection of genetics, genomics, and neurobiology as a foundation for developing tailored medical approaches to treat obesity and its related neurological aspects.
Prenatal exposure to the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone disrupts hippocampal area CA2 connectivity and alters behavior in mice
Authors: Jones Stephanie M. , Sleiman Sarah Jo , McCann Katharine E. , Jarmusch Alan K. , Alexander Georgia M. , Dudek Serena M.
Published: September 2024

In the brain, the hippocampus is enriched with mineralocorticoid receptors (MR; Nr3c2), a ligand-dependent transcription factor stimulated by the stress hormone corticosterone in rodents. Recently, we discovered that MR is required for the acquisition and maintenance of many features of mouse area CA2 neurons. Notably, we observed that immunofluorescence for the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2), likely representing afferents from the supramammillary nucleus (SuM), was disrupted in the embryonic, but not postnatal, MR knockout mouse CA2. To test whether pharmacological perturbation of MR activity in utero similarly disrupts CA2 connectivity, we implanted slow-release pellets containing the MR antagonist spironolactone in mouse dams during mid-gestation. After confirming that at least one likely active metabolite crossed from the dams’ serum into the embryonic brains, we found that spironolactone treatment caused a significant reduction of CA2 axon fluorescence intensity in the CA1 stratum oriens, where CA2 axons preferentially project, and that vGluT2 staining was significantly decreased in both CA2 and dentate gyrus in spironolactone-treated animals. We also found that spironolactone-treated animals exhibited increased reactivity to novel objects, an effect similar to what is seen with embryonic or postnatal CA2-targeted MR knockout. However, we found no difference in preference for social novelty between the treatment groups. We infer these results to suggest that persistent or more severe disruptions in MR function may be required to interfere with this type of social behavior. These findings do indicate, though, that developmental disruption in MR signaling can have persistent effects on hippocampal circuitry and behavior.
PPM1D activity promotes cellular transformation by preventing senescence and cell death
Authors: Stoyanov Miroslav , Martinikova Andra S. , Matejkova Katerina , Horackova Klara , Zemankova Petra , Burdova Kamila , Zemanova Zuzana , Kleiblova Petra , Kleibl Zdenek , Macurek Libor
Published: September 2024

Cell cycle checkpoints, oncogene-induced senescence and programmed cell death represent intrinsic barriers to tumorigenesis. Protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1 (PPM1D) is a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53 and has been implicated in termination of the DNA damage response. Here, we addressed the consequences of increased PPM1D activity resulting from the gain-of-function truncating mutations in exon 6 of the PPM1D. We show that while control cells permanently exit the cell cycle and reside in senescence in the presence of DNA damage caused by ionising radiation or replication stress induced by the active RAS oncogene, RPE1-hTERT and BJ-hTERT cells carrying the truncated PPM1D continue proliferation in the presence of DNA damage, form micronuclei and accumulate genomic rearrangements revealed by karyotyping. Further, we show that increased PPM1D activity promotes cell growth in the soft agar and formation of tumours in xenograft models. Finally, expression profiling of the transformed clones revealed dysregulation of several oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways. Our data support the oncogenic potential of PPM1D in the context of exposure to ionising radiation and oncogene-induced replication stress.
Facts, uncertainties, and opportunities in wheat molecular improvement
Authors: Rafiei Fariba , Wiersma Jochum , Scofield Steve , Zhang Cankui , Alizadeh Houshang , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: September 2024

The year 2020 was a landmark year for wheat. The wheat HB4 event harboring a drought-resistant gene from sunflowers, received regulatory approval and was grown commercially in Argentina, with approval for food and feed in other countries. This, indeed, is many years after the adoption of genetic modifications in other crops. The lack of consumer acceptance and resulting trade barriers halted the commercialization of the earliest events and had a chilling effect on, especially, private Research & Development (R&D) investments. As regulations for modern breeding technologies such as genome-edited cultivars are being discussed and/or adopted across the globe, we would like to propose a framework to ensure that wheat is not left behind a second time as the potential benefits far outweigh the perceived risks. In this paper, after a review of the technical challenges wheat faces with the generation of trans- and cis-genic wheat varieties, we discuss some of the factors that could help demystify the risk/reward equation and thereby the consumer’s reluctance or acceptance of these techniques for future wheat improvement. The advent of next-generation sequencing is shedding light on natural gene transfer between species and the number of perturbations other accepted techniques like mutagenesis create. The transition from classic breeding techniques and embracing transgenic, cisgenic, and genome editing approaches feels inevitable for wheat improvement if we are to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties to feed a growing world population.
Breunnerite grain and magnesium isotope chemistry reveal cation partitioning during aqueous alteration of asteroid Ryugu
Authors: Yoshimura Toshihiro , Araoka Daisuke , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakai Saburo , Ogawa Nanako O. , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Morita Mayu , Onose Morihiko , Yokoyama Tetsuya , Bizzarro Martin , Tanaka Satoru , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Koga Toshiki , Dworkin Jason P. , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Sakamoto Kanako , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Nakato Aiko , Miyazaki Akiko , Yogata Kasumi , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi , Tachibana Shogo , Takano Yoshinori
Published: September 2024

Returned samples from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu provide pristine information on the original aqueous alteration history of the Solar System. Secondary precipitates, such as carbonates and phyllosilicates, reveal elemental partitioning of the major component ions linked to the primordial brine composition of the asteroid. Here, we report on the elemental partitioning and Mg isotopic composition (25Mg/24Mg) of breunnerite [(Mg, Fe, Mn)CO3] from the Ryugu C0002 sample and the A0106 and C0107 aggregates by sequential leaching extraction of salts, exchangeable ions, carbonates, and silicates. Breunnerite was the sample most enriched in light Mg isotopes, and the 25Mg/24Mg value of the fluid had shifted lower by ~0.38‰ than the initial value (set to 0‰) before dolomite precipitation. As a simple model, the Mg2+ first precipitated in phyllosilicates, followed by dolomite precipitation, at which time ~76−87% of Mg2+ had been removed from the primordial brine. A minor amount of phyllosilicate precipitation continued after dolomite precipitation. The element composition profiles of the latest solution that interacted with the cation exchange pool of Ryugu were predominantly Na-rich. Na+ acts as a bulk electrolyte and contributes to the stabilization of the negative surface charge of phyllosilicates and organic matter on Ryugu.
Soil heavy metals contamination and health risk of an endemic plant in southeast of Damavand Mt., Iran
Authors: Naeimi Maryam , Ashouri Parvaneh , Zandifar Samira , Boromand Zohreh
Published: September 2024

Considering the toxicological effects of some heavy metals (HMs) in which directly related to mortality and carcinogenicity in the population by their entrance from plants through livestock grazing, and medical skin cream, the rehabilitation of contaminated sites through phytoremediation by native plants might be quite challenging. Diplotaenia damavandica Mozaff. ex-Hedge & Lamond, is used as medical skin creams due to the existence of specific ingredients, which can be effective in treating skin disease. In the present study, the plant and associated soil sampling were performed around the boundary of D. damavandica. The concentration was measured using the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed the effect of existing endemic plants on reducing the average concentration of lead and zinc in soil by 40 and 60%, respectively, due to phytoremediation. EDX confirmed the presence of Pb and Zn in root and shoot tissues. Based on the results of this study, D. damavandica is an endemic perennial herbaceous plant with 60% biomass and prosperous root systems, which can grow in low contaminated areas of Pb in the southeast of Damavand Mt. Hence, the HMs pattern indicated less often in the aerial parts except for lead, which should be examined more carefully for skin cream uses.
Synergistic nanocoating with layer-by-layer functionalized PCL membranes enhanced by manuka honey and essential oils for advanced wound healing
Authors: Gallo Camilla , Girón-Hernández Joel , Honey Daisy A. , Fox Edward M. , Cassa Maria A. , Tonda-Turo Chiara , Camagnola Irene , Gentile Piergiorgio
Published: September 2024

Chronic wounds represent a significant global health concern, statistically impacting 1–2% of the population in developed countries throughout their lifetimes. These wounds cause considerable discomfort for patients and necessitate substantial expenditures of time and resources for treatment. Among the emerging therapeutic approaches, medicated dressings incorporating bioactive molecules, including natural compounds, are particularly promising. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop novel antimicrobial dressings for wound treatment. Specifically, polycaprolactone membranes were manufactured using the electrospinning technique and subsequently coated with natural polyelectrolytes (chitosan as a polycation and a mixture of manuka honey with essential oils nanoemulsions as a polyanion) employing the Layer-by-Layer assembly technique. Physico-chemical and morphological characterization was conducted through QCM-D, FTIR-ATR, XPS, and SEM analyses. The results from SEM and QCM-D demonstrated successful layer deposition and coating formation. Furthermore, FTIR-ATR and XPS analyses distinguished among different coating compositions. The coated membranes were tested in the presence of fibroblast cells, demonstrating biocompatibility and expression of genes coding for VEGF, COL1, and TGF-β1, which are associated with the healing process (assessed through RT-qPCR analysis). Finally, the membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with higher bacterial strain inhibition observed when cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion was incorporated. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential application of nanocoated membranes for biomedical applications, such as wound healing.
Assessing the role of evolutionary information for enhancing protein language model embeddings
Authors: Erckert Kyra , Rost Burkhard
Published: September 2024

Embeddings from protein Language Models (pLMs) are replacing evolutionary information from multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) as the most successful input for protein prediction. Is this because embeddings capture evolutionary information? We tested various approaches to explicitly incorporate evolutionary information into embeddings on various protein prediction tasks. While older pLMs (SeqVec, ProtBert) significantly improved through MSAs, the more recent pLM ProtT5 did not benefit. For most tasks, pLM-based outperformed MSA-based methods, and the combination of both even decreased performance for some (intrinsic disorder). We highlight the effectiveness of pLM-based methods and find limited benefits from integrating MSAs.
A genome-wide association study of occupational creativity and its relations with well-being and career success
Authors: Li Wen-Dong , Zhang Xin , Yu Kaili , Zhu Yimo , Du Nianyao , Song Zhaoli , Fan Qiao
Published: September 2024

Creativity is one defining characteristic of human species. There have been mixed findings on how creativity relates to well-being, and little is known about its relationship with career success. We conduct a large-scale genome-wide association study to examine the genetic architecture of occupational creativity, and its genetic correlations with well-being and career success. The SNP-h2 estimates range from 0.08 (for managerial creativity) to 0.22 (for artistic creativity). We record positive genetic correlations between occupational creativity with autism, and positive traits and well-being variables (e.g., physical height, and low levels of neuroticism, BMI, and non-cancer illness). While creativity share positive genetic overlaps with indicators of high career success (i.e., income, occupational status, and job satisfaction), it also has a positive genetic correlation with age at first birth and a negative genetic correlation with number of children, indicating creativity-related genes may reduce reproductive success.
Inhibition of sterol O-acyltransferase 1 blocks Zika virus infection in cell lines and cerebral organoids
Authors: Schöbel Anja , Pinho dos Reis Vinicius , Burkhard Rabea , Hehner Julia , Schneider Laura , Schauflinger Martin , Vieyres Gabrielle , Herker Eva
Published: September 2024

Viruses depend on host metabolic pathways and flaviviruses are specifically linked to lipid metabolism. During dengue virus infection lipid droplets are degraded to fuel replication and Zika virus (ZIKV) infection depends on triglyceride biosynthesis. Here, we systematically investigated the neutral lipid–synthesizing enzymes diacylglycerol O-acyltransferases (DGAT) and the sterol O-acyltransferase (SOAT) 1 in orthoflavivirus infection. Downregulation of DGAT1 and SOAT1 compromises ZIKV infection in hepatoma cells but only SOAT1 and not DGAT inhibitor treatment reduces ZIKV infection. DGAT1 interacts with the ZIKV capsid protein, indicating that protein interaction might be required for ZIKV replication. Importantly, inhibition of SOAT1 severely impairs ZIKV infection in neural cell culture models and cerebral organoids. SOAT1 inhibitor treatment decreases extracellular viral RNA and E protein level and lowers the specific infectivity of virions, indicating that ZIKV morphogenesis is compromised, likely due to accumulation of free cholesterol. Our findings provide insights into the importance of cholesterol and cholesterol ester balance for efficient ZIKV replication and implicate SOAT1 as an antiviral target.
Bio-responsive polymers for dual 31P/19F-magnetic resonance to detect reactive oxygen species in vivo
Authors: Jirát-Ziółkowska Natalia , Sulková Kateřina , Kracíková Lucie , Androvič Ladislav , Havliček Dominik , Laga Richard , Jirák Daniel
Published: September 2024

Biocompatible metal-free agents are emerging as a promising alternative to commercial magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents, but there is an additional need for novel probes with enhanced responsiveness in preclinical MR testing to effectively target diverse pathological conditions. To address this, we develop hydrophilic phospho-/fluoropolymers as dual MR probes. Incorporating thiophosphoester groups (P = S) into the polymer structure produces a distinct chemical shift (~59 ppm) in phosphorus MR (31P-MR), reducing biological signals interference. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidize the P = S groups, causing a detectable shift in 31P-MR, enabling precise localization of ROS, abundant in inflammation and cancer. To enhance this capability, bioinert trifluoromethyl groups (CF3) are added, creating a “hotspot” for fluorine MR (19F-MR), aiding in vivo localization. Both in vitro and in vivo testing demonstrate the probe’s high specificity and responsiveness, underscoring its potential as a sensitive ROS sensor and dual MR-traceable tool in cancer research.
Mechanically rigid metallopeptide nanostructures achieved by highly efficient folding
Authors: Kang Xing , Wang Li , Liu Bingyu , Zhou Shuyi , Li Yingguo , Yang Shuai-Liang , Yao Rui , Qiao Liang , Wang Xiao , Gong Wei , Liu Yan , Shi Leilei , Dong Jinqiao , Cui Yong , Davis Anthony P.
Published: September 2024

Natural proteins must fold into complex three-dimensional structures to achieve excellent mechanical properties vital for biological functions, but this has proven to be exceptionally difficult to control in synthetic systems. As such, the long-standing issue of low mechanical rigidity and stability induced by misfolding constrains the physical and chemical properties of self-assembling peptide materials. Here we introduce a mixed-chirality strategy that enhances folding efficiency in topologically interlocked metallopeptide nanostructures. The orderly entanglement of heterochiral peptide-derived linkers can fold into a compact three-dimensional catenane. These folding-mediated secondary structural changes not only generate biomimetic binding pockets derived from individual peptide strands but also result in strong chiral amplification by the tight interlocking manner. Notably, this strategic ‘chirality mutation’ alters their arrangement into tertiary structures and is pivotal in achieving exceptional mechanical rigidity observed in the metallopeptide crystals, which exhibit a Young’s modulus of 157.6 GPa, approximately tenfold higher than the most rigid proteinaceous materials in nature. This unusual nature is reflected in enhanced peptide-binding properties and heightened antimicrobial activities relative to its unfolded counterpart.
Proximity-induced FRET and charge-transfer between quantum dots and curcumin enable reversible thermochromic hybrid polymeric films
Authors: Thomas Jefin Parukoor , Amal Raj R. B. , Virat G. , Dev Amarjith V. , Vijayakumar Chakkooth , Gowd E. Bhoje
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel strategy for developing reversible thermochromic fluorescent films by precisely controlling the nanoscale proximity of boron nitride quantum dots and curcumin molecules within a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) matrix.
Streamlining Si–O bond formation through cobalt-catalyzed dehydrocoupling
Authors: Szafoni Ewelina , Lewandowski Dariusz , Gruszczyński Marcin , Broniarz Konstancja , Stachowiak-Dłużyńska Hanna , Kuciński Krzysztof , Hreczycho Grzegorz
Published: September 2024

Dehydrogenative coupling – Si–O and Si–N bond formation in the presence of commercially available catalysts and ligands.
First-principles investigation of reduced KDP crystal damage threshold: defect clusters in Mg-related configurations
Authors: Zhu Jiachen , Hong Wei , Liu Tingyu , Hu Hao , Zhao Longfeng
Published: September 2024

In this study, we utilized first-principles methods to delve into defect clusters within potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals, focusing on (MgK + VK) and (MgK + VH) configurations.
Emergence of superconductivity by intercalation of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals in Janus transition-metal dichalcogenide heterostructures
Authors: Er-Rahmany Soukaina , Loulidi Mohammed , El Kenz Abdallah , Benyoussef Abdelilah , Balli Mohamed , Azzouz Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Our results show that the Janus heterostructure MoSSe/WSSe intercalated with K exhibits the highest electron–phonon coupling of about 2.12 and the highest superconducting transition temperature of about 14.77 K.
Active template synthesis
Authors: Jamagne Romain , Power Martin J. , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Zango Germán , Gibber Benjamin , Leigh David A.
Published: September 2024

The active template synthesis of rotaxanes, catenanes and knots exploits the dual ability of metals, or particular arrangements of functional groups, to serve as both a template and a catalyst to assemble and covalently capture interlocked molecules.
Physics-informed neural networks and beyond: enforcing physical constraints in quantum dissipative dynamics
Authors: Ullah Arif , Huang Yu , Yang Ming , Dral Pavlo O.
Published: September 2024

This study shows that NNs do not conserve trace in quantum dissipative dynamics and proposes an uncertainty-aware approach that enforces perfect trace conservation by design.
Nanostructured copper electrodes – a new step in the development of microbial bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Medvedeva Anastasia S. , Gudkova Elena I. , Titova Aleksandra S. , Kharkova Anna S. , Kuznetsova Lyubov S. , Perchikov Roman N. , Ivanov Vasiliy R. , Ryabkov Yegor D. , Tikhonova Anna A. , Fomina Ekaterina D. , Naumova Alina O. , Melnikov Pavel V. , Butusov Denis N. , Arlyapov Viacheslav A.
Published: September 2024

A simple-to-manufacture and inexpensive biosensor based on a nanostructured copper electrode, mediators and immobilized yeast or bacteria is proposed for determining the biochemical oxygen demand in wastewater.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of synbiotics, probiotics, or prebiotics in controlling glucose homeostasis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Ding Siqi , Hong Qing , Yao Yuanyue , Gu Minwen , Cui Jie , Li Wenhui , Zhang Jian , Zhang Chengcheng , Jiang Jinchi , Hu Yonghong
Published: September 2024

Background: Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been suggested as a possible therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Probing Raman enhancements for a colloidal metasurface with optical gap distances in the quantum regime
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Xie Yu , Rodarte Andrea L. , Dill Tyler J. , Tao Andrea R.
Published: September 2024

Metasurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is used to characterize the classical, crossover, and quantum regimes of a colloidal metasurface as a function of gap distance.