bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual differentiation of neural mechanisms of stress sensitivity during puberty
Authors: Wright Emily C. , Luo Pei X. , Zakharenkov Hannah C. , Serna Godoy Alexandra , Lake Alyssa A. , Prince Zhana D. , Sekar Shwetha , Culkin Hannah I. , Ramirez Alison V. , Dwyer Tjien , Kapoor Amita , Corbett Cody , Tian Lin , Fox Andrew S. , Trainor Brian C.
Published: October 2023

Anxiety disorders are a major public health concern and current treatments are inadequate for many individuals. Anxiety is more common in women than men and this difference arises during puberty. Sex differences in physiological stress responses may contribute to this variability. During puberty, gonadal hormones shape brain structure and function, but the extent to which these changes affect stress sensitivity is unknown. We examined how pubertal androgens shape behavioral and neural responses to social stress in California mice (
Peromyscus californicus
), a model species for studying sex differences in stress responses. In adults, social defeat reduces social approach and increases social vigilance in females but not males. We show this sex difference is absent in juveniles, and that prepubertal castration sensitizes adult males to social defeat. Adult gonadectomy does not alter behavioral responses to defeat, indicating that gonadal hormones act during puberty to program behavioral responses to stress in adulthood. Calcium imaging in the medioventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) showed that social threats increased neural activity and that prepubertal castration generalized these responses to less threatening social contexts. These results support recent hypotheses that the BNST responds to immediate threats. Prepubertal treatment with the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone acts in males and females to reduce the effects of defeat on social approach and vigilance in adults. These data indicate that activation of androgen receptors during puberty is critical for programming behavioral responses to stress in adulthood.
Disorder effects in NbTiN superconducting resonators
Authors: Lyu 吕 Wei-Tao 伟涛 , Zhi 支 Qiang 强 , Hu 胡 Jie 洁 , Li 李 Jing 婧 , Shi 史 Sheng-Cai 生才
Published: October 2023

Disordered superconducting materials like NbTiN possess a high kinetic inductance fraction and an adjustable critical temperature, making them a good choice for low-temperature detectors. Their energy gap (Δ), critical temperature (T
c), and quasiparticle density of states (QDOS) distribution, however, deviate from the classical BCS theory due to the disorder effects. The Usadel equation, which takes account of elastic scattering, non-elastic scattering, and electro–phonon coupling, can be applied to explain and describe these deviations. This paper presents numerical simulations of the disorder effects based on the Usadel equation to investigate their effects on the Δ, T
c, QDOS distribution, and complex conductivity of the NbTiN film. Furthermore, NbTiN superconducting resonators with coplanar waveguide (CPW) structures are fabricated and characterized at different temperatures to validate our numerical simulations. The pair-breaking parameter α and the critical temperature in the pure state

T
c
P

of our NbTiN film are determined from the experimental results and numerical simulations. This study has significant implications for the development of low-temperature detectors made of disordered superconducting materials.
Early Phases of Star Formation: Testing Chemical Tools
Authors: Martinez N. C. , Paron S.
Published: October 2023

Star-forming processes strongly influence the ISM chemistry. Nowadays, many high-quality databases are available at millimeter wavelengths. Using them, it is possible to carry out studies that review and deepen previous results. If these studies involve large samples of sources, it is preferred to use direct tools to study the molecular gas. With the aim of testing these tools such as the use of the HCN/HNC ratio as a thermometer, and the use of H13CO+, HC3N, N2H+ and C2H as “chemical clocks,” we present a molecular line study toward 55 sources representing massive young stellar objects at different evolutionary stages: infrared dark clouds (IRDCs), high-mass protostellar objects (HMPOs), hot molecular cores (HMCs) and ultracompact H ii regions. We found that the use of the HCN/HNC ratio as a universal thermometer in the ISM should be taken with care because the HCN optical depth is a big issue that can affect the method. Hence, this tool should be utilized only after a careful analysis of the HCN spectrum, checking that no line, neither the main nor the hyperfine ones, presents absorption features. We point out that the analysis of the emission of H13CO+, HC3N, N2H+ and C2H could be useful to trace and distinguish regions among IRDCs, HMPOs and HMCs. The molecular line widths of these four species increase from the IRDC to the HMC stage, which can be a consequence of the gas dynamics related to the star-forming processes taking place in the molecular clumps. Our results not only contribute with more statistics, acting as a probe of such chemical tools, useful to obtain information in large samples of sources, but also complement previous works through the analysis of other types of sources.
Interdisciplinary connections of Mathematics and Literature in the preparation for External Independent Assessment of Humanities students
Authors: Vlasenko K V , Lovianova I V , Achkan V V , Armash T S , Chumak O O
Published: October 2023

This article examines the issue of finding new methodological approaches to the development of problems that can contribute to the preparation of ‘Humanities’ students to pass the state final certification in the format of External independent assessment (EIA). The study analyzes the existing development of methods of qualitative mathematical training of students of humanities classes who study Mathematics according to the basic level program. In particular, the authors of the article were interested in the use of interdisciplinary connections between Mathematics and humanitarian disciplines. The authors of the article identified cross-curricular problems as a means of forming students’ motivation to study Mathematics, as well as a toolkit for measuring their level of readiness to solve typical problems of EIA. The researchers set a goal to develop cross-curricular problems following the EIA program based on the plot of Bulgakov’s novel ‘The Master and Margarita’. An experiment was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the use of the system of interdisciplinary problems in the preparation for the EIA of humanitarian students. The obtained results confirmed that the implementation of problems in which the intersubject connections of Mathematics and Literature are realized has a more significant effect on both increasing the motivation of students to study Mathematics and their mathematical preparation.
The method of using the online course “Creative Thinking through Learning Elementary Maths” in the Mathematics teacher training system
Authors: Achkan V V , Vlasenko K V , Lovianova I V , Sitak I V , Armash T S
Published: October 2023

The article offers the method of using the online “Creative Thinking through Learning Elementary Maths” and the results of checking the effectiveness of the implementation of this course in the mathematics teacher training system. The research substantiates the possibility of three methodological options for combining educational materials of the online course with the study of the educational discipline “Elementary Mathematics”. The methodological options are chosen depending on the number of credits assigned to the study of the elementary mathematics course at the university. Practical tasks of the course were focused on the organization of students’ activities (recognition, classification, solving and creation) with Rich tasks of three levels of complexity. The results of control tests in Elementary Mathematics give grounds for concluding about the effectiveness of the developed method.
Effects of Physics Alphabet Model on the mean achievement of student’s performance
Authors: Samson E C , Plaza C B , Patero J L
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the development and assessment of an instructional tool known as the “Physics Alphabet Model” for Grade 10 students at Cantilan National High School. The research employs a descriptive design and post-test scores to measure the tool’s effectiveness. Each group, consisting of 30 students, is divided into a control group and an experimental group, where the experimental group is exposed to the Physics Alphabet Model as an instructional aid. The teaching method employed for both groups is the Conventional Method, and the integration of the Physics Alphabet Model occurs within the respective classrooms of the participants. After collecting and analyzing the test scores from both groups, it becomes evident that there is a notable improvement in mean scores between the pre-test and post-test assessments for both methods. Statistical analysis, specifically the T-test, indicates a significant difference when comparing the means of pre-test and post-test scores for both the control and experimental groups. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the post-test mean score and the associated significance value obtained when integrating the Physics Alphabet Model are significantly higher than those achieved through the Conventional Method alone. Consequently, this study concludes that the incorporation of the Physics Alphabet Model as an instructional resource in the study of physics leads to a substantial enhancement in students’ mean achievement scores.
Fabrication and applications of a novel and multi-feature spectroscope
Authors: Culaba I B , Maquiling J T , delos Santos R M
Published: October 2023

A spectroscope is an optical device that can stimulate student’s interest in the visible light’s constituent colors. This educational tool is conventionally used to qualitatively observe the emission spectra of various light sources, which can serve as a springboard to understanding the fundamentals of spectroscopy, the wave nature of light, and the orbital theory of atoms and molecules. This research builds on the functionality and accessibility of a simple spectroscope through the utilization of low-cost readily available materials, and more importantly, improvisation via the inclusion of a magnetic sheet mounted on the entrance slit cover. The magnetic sheet was employed to vary the slit width, to add absorption filters, and to mount a cuvette containing liquid samples. Furthermore, this sheet allowed the simultaneous observation of the emission spectrum of a light source and the transmission or absorption spectrum of the samples. The breadth of data from a variety of activities involving spectra was also made possible by a mobile phone camera as a recording device. In this study, the novel features strengthen the interconnectedness of various concepts in introductory spectroscopy. This elucidates the experimental and theoretical base of STEM Education in domains such as optics and photonics, and molecular spectroscopy.
Digitalization of geographic higher education: problems and prospects
Authors: Bondarenko O V , Hanchuk O V , Pakhomova O V , Varfolomyeyeva I M
Published: October 2023

The article addresses the relevant issue of today – digitalization of geographic higher education. The future of geographic education in the digital world depends on the use of digital technologies, which are dramatically changing approaches to teaching geography. The generalization of scientific literature and the analysis of pedagogical experience allow the authors to define the concept digitalization of geographic. The article explores some challenges in the implementation of digital technologies in geographic disciplines in higher education: narrowing geographic education digitalization to the use of various gadgets; the application of general purpose digital technologies; underestimation of GIS technologies during the study of geography; occasional use of VR, AR technologies and mobile applications of geographic and cartographic content; the lack of educational and methodological support and proper technological availability. The authors pay special attention to the prospects for the development of geographic education digitalization, which are envisioned in the introduction of “Digitalization of geographic education” into the curriculum of future geography teachers training; the use of high-quality free educational resources (ArcGIS Online, QGIS); the creation of own geo-information platforms (“Digital Geography”); and updating of the material and technical base of the scientific research laboratory on the methodology of teaching geo-information technologies.
Anthropologically oriented strategies of interaction in the Human-Computer system
Authors: Klochko O V , Fedorets V M , Klochko V I , Klochko Kh A
Published: October 2023

The article, based on the application of anthropological methodology, reveals the phenomenology of the physical-mental interaction between a person and a computer. Ways of integrative use of the concept of Umwelt by J. J. von Uexküll and the theory of movements construction are represented, and Umwelt-oriented strategies for improving computer technologies are presented. The Umwelt, as the world of perception and the world of human activity (in particular, cognitive), can be represented as an anthropo-computer world. On the basis of the current features of the body-mental Umwelt, ways of anthropologically directed improvement of HCI are determined. Using the questionnaire developed by the authors and applying cluster analysis, a survey of students of higher education institutions was conducted in order to determine the physical and mental orientation in Umwelt oriented interaction in the human-computer system. The interpretation of the research results indirectly indicates the systematicity, equality of interaction in the human-computer system. This determines the possibility of distinguishing typical ways of interaction in the human-computer system, among which the bodily and mental-psychological ones are significant, which correspond to certain levels that characterize the systemic, spatio-temporal and structural-functional organization of motor activity in the theory of movements construction.
Substantiation of the sustainable education terms as one of the modern views on STEM education taking to account the European experience
Authors: Shapovalov Y B , Slipukhina I A , Shapovalov V B
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the development of concepts related to education for sustainable development, such as sustainability education, sustainability and education, sustainable education, sustainable development education, sustainable didactics, and sustainable learning. The paper argues that these concepts are insufficient for designing educational processes that fully consider the factors of sustainable development. The paper proposes and justifies the need for new concepts: sustainable pedagogy, sustainable educational process, and didactics for a sustainable educational process. These concepts are based on the components of sustainable development: competence, health, and motivation and socialization. The paper discusses how to use these factors to assess the sustainability of educational approaches. It also provides a practical example of how to apply the “sustainability” methodology in the educational process using Google Lens in biology lessons.
Energy Efficiency Evaluation for Battery Energy Storage Stations Based on AHP-TOPSIS
Authors: Huang Bowen , Zhou Yamin , Zeng Zihao , Zhang Wuyin , Xiao Zhenfeng , Tang Yuanfu , Zhang Zhichao , Ge Chenyi
Published: October 2023

The development of energy storage is a necessary support for the realization of the green energy future. At present, battery energy storage stations (BESSs) consume large amounts of energy, the energy loss relationships between various devices in a station are complex, and there is a lack of energy loss analysis and statistical methods for BESSs. It poses challenges to the further development of BESSs in the power grid. To deal with this issue, this paper establishes the energy loss indicators and proposes the energy loss evaluation methods for BESSs. The simulation results verify that the proposed method can accurately reflect the overall energy loss level of the BESSs and the proposed method of energy loss estimation and analysis can support the development of energy saving and loss reduction.
Scaled experimental study on the initial oil thickness effect on the combustion characteristic of the typical transformer insulating oil
Authors: Huang Qingdan , Huang Huihong , Liu Jing , Chen Yuqing , Song Haoyong
Published: October 2023

Compared with mineral oil, plant insulation oil has a higher flash point, excellent natural degradation ability, and higher electrical insulation. It is expected to become the main component of transformer insulation oil, but the fire safety of this oil needs to be further analyzed and improved. In this paper, a cone calorimeter was used to test the combustion of typical plant insulating oil (camellia seed oil, soybean oil) and mineral oil (25# mineral oil) under different radiant heat flows and initial oil thickness. The combustion parameters such as ignition time, heat release rate, and carbon generation rate were measured. The combustion characteristics of 25# mineral oil were greatly affected by radiative heat flow and oil thickness. The peak heat release rate and carbon generation rate of mineral oil under high heat flow (50 kW/m2) were significantly higher than those under low heat flow (25 kW/m2) and increased with the increase of initial oil thickness. Plant insulating oil (camellia seed oil and soybean oil) had similar laws, but the peak value of the heat release rate and carbon generation rate of soybean oil were relatively small. Petrella fire risk assessment method showed that the fire risk ranking in descending order was mineral oil, camellia seed oil, and soybean oil, which provided a reference for the further popularization and application of plant insulation oil transformer.
Research on the Low-loss Low-crosstalk Bending-insensitive Seven-core Fiber
Authors: Li Ping , Chen Wei , Zhang Junhao
Published: October 2023

Multicore fiber is regarded as the most efficient way to realize SDM networks. Fabrication of low-loss and low-crosstalk multi-core fiber is the key to achieving high-capacity communication systems. This paper designed and fabricated low transmission loss seven-core single-mode fiber with a standard 125μm cladding diameter based on modified chemical vapor deposition. The preform of MCF is fabricated using drilling method. The seven-core fiber has achieved a low transmission loss of 0.19~0.28dB/km throughout the 1250-1600nm wavelength range. The transmission loss is below 0.19dB/km at 1550nm wavelength. The crosstalk is below -54dB/100km from 1200nm to 1600nm wavelength by utilizing a trench-assisted structure. At 1550nm wavelength, the bending loss (BL) is lower than 0.45dB/m with a bending radius of 5 mm, and the BL is 0.05dB/m with a bending radius of 15 mm. The fabricated multi-core fiber can be used for long-haul transmission and space division multiplexing communication systems.
Enhancing All-in-Focus Imaging with Opto-Electronic Computational Camera using DE-ED Paradigm
Authors: Shi Jiashuo , Zhou Liang , Zhang Xinyu
Published: October 2023

A novel approach called DE-ED (Diffractive Encoding-Electronic Decoding) for rapid all-in-focus capturing is presented in this paper. The paradigm combines the strengths of diffractive networks (DON) for encoding and electronic-based networks (ENN) for decoding, resulting in a robust computational imaging framework driven by advanced deep learning techniques. By leveraging the collaboration between diffractive layers and electronic layers, our model achieves remarkable enhancements in the ability to generalize and fit data. This means that the model can effectively capture and process complex visual information, resulting in superior image quality and enhanced performance.
Design and Implementation of Airborne Hyperspectral Camera Control and Data Storage System
Authors: Zhao Mingyang , Huang Min , Qian Lulu , Wang Zhanchao , Zhao Wenhao , Zhang Zixuan
Published: October 2023

With the great progress of hyperspectral imaging technology, airborne hyperspectral cameras have been widely used in the field of earth detection and remote sensing. However, with the increasing resolution of airborne hyperspectral cameras, the amount of data acquired is also growing explosive, The speed and accuracy in the transmission process are easily affected, which poses challenges to the real-time control and data acquisition and storage of airborne hyperspectral cameras. In this paper, a general airborne hyperspectral image acquisition and storage system is designed, which converts the hyperspectral data from the Cameralink interface into a high-speed serial PCIe data stream and realizes high-speed storage of image data. The image width is 2048 pixels, the number of spectral segments is 120, the pixel size is 12bit, and the maximum frame rate is 300 fps. The maximum transmission rate is 2048×120×12bit×300fps, and the data rate is 844Mbps. Based on this, we perform thermal analysis and vibration analysis of the system platform. Experimental results show that the system can achieve stable data transmission and storage, and the data is intact and reliable.
Octastanene Halogenide: A Family of Two-dimensional Nodal Line Semimetals and Topological Insulators
Authors: Zhang Jie
Published: October 2023

With the first principle calculation and k-p model, we find that the Octastanene halogenide is a node line semimetal(NLs) without spin-orbit coupling(soc), forming a fermi ring centered on point G and protected by mirror symmetry. The band simulated by the k-p model fits well with the band calculated by GGA-PBE at point G, and the energy dispersion calculated by the Hamiltonian of the model explains well the formation of node rings. Under the SOC effect, NLs become a two dimensional Topological Insulators(TIs). With the increase of atomic number, the large band gap reaches about 0.16 ev, and the clear spiral edge state of the quantum spin hall effect is obtained. The phonon spectra of the two structures show that they are dynamically stable. These findings provide a new two dimensional material series for the future design and manufacture of NLs and TIs.
Sound Velocity Profiles Time Series Prediction Method Based on EMD-NARX Model
Authors: Xin Mingzhen , Wu Niuniu , Wang Chongming , Li Minze , Zhao Xianqing
Published: October 2023

To solve the problem of SVP (Sound velocity profiles) representative error caused by the difficulty of obtaining continuous time series SVP in deep-sea operations, an SVP timing prediction method combining EMD (Empirical mode decomposition) and NARX (Nonlinear autoregressive neural network with external input) is proposed. To begin with, the time-series SVP are stratified according to different depths, and the time-series variation curves of sound velocity at different depths are obtained; Furthermore, the EMD is used to decompose the time series variation curve of sound velocity into multiple IMF (Intrinsic mode function) components, each component contains local characteristic signals of different time scales of the original signal. The NARX is used to establish a prediction model for each IMF components, and the prediction values of the sound velocity at different depths are obtained. The EMD-NARX, NARX and polynomial fitting model are analyzed and verified by Argo buoys data in the South China Sea, and the results of the experiment show that EMD-NARX improves the time series prediction accuracy of sound velocity by 32.24% and 65.15% compared with NARX and polynomial fitting, respectively, so EMD-NARX has a good prediction effect on the time series SVP of the deep sea.
SBAS InSAR Subsidence Monitoring for Mining Areas Based on Levelling Constraints
Authors: Zhai Min , Liu Qingrong , Tao Qiuxiang , Liu Guolin
Published: October 2023

SBAS-InSAR technology has been widely researched and applied in the large-scale monitoring of mining areas, but due to the influence of spatial and temporal discorrelation, atmospheric delay and noise on the deformation results, as well as the requirements on image quantity, quality and spatial continuity, the SBAS-InSAR technology inferior to the levelling monitoring results in terms of measurement accuracy and reliability. Taking the Yuncheng coal mine as the research area, and after using SBAS InSAR to monitor the subsidence, the levelling monitoring data was used as the constraint to construct the subsidence error surface by polynomial surface fitting, and then the SBAS-InSAR subsidence monitoring results were be corrected. The experimental results show that the settlement difference is better than ±50mm/a, which effectively improves the overall accuracy of SBAS-InSAR settlement monitoring. The experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of using the level monitoring results to correct the deformation monitoring results of SBAS InSAR, and provide effective reference information for improving the accuracy of the deformation monitoring results by multi-source fusion processing.
A Derivative-free Trust-region Method for Optimization on the Ellipsoid
Authors: Xie Pengcheng
Published: October 2023

Optimization methods play a crucial role in various fields and applications. In some optimization problems, the derivative information of the objective function is unavailable. Such black-box optimization problems need to be solved by derivative-free optimization methods. At the same time, optimization problems with ellipsoidal constraints are important and have widespread applications in various fields as well. Following the development of the late professor M. J. D. Powell’s efficient derivative-free trust-region optimization methods, this paper considers solving derivative-free optimization problems on the ellipsoid. Our new optimization solver EC-NEWUOA for problems on the ellipsoid in ℜ
n

is designed based on Powell’s derivative-free software NEWUOA for unconstrained optimization problems. The proposed techniques for our new method mainly include using the Courant penalty function, the augmented Lagrangian method, and the projection technique. Details about the method and theoretical analysis are included in this paper. We also compare our new method with other algorithms by solving test problems and then show the numerical advantages of our new method.
Ultra-quantum coherent states in a single finite quantum system
Authors: Vourdas A
Published: October 2023

A set of n coherent states is introduced in a quantum system with d-dimensional Hilbert space H(d). It is shown that they resolve the identity, and also have a discrete isotropy property. A finite cyclic group acts on the set of these coherent states, and partitions it into orbits. A n-tuple representation of arbitrary states in H(d), analogous to the Bargmann representation, is defined. There are two other important properties of these coherent states which make them ‘ultra-quantum’. The first property is related to the Grothendieck formalism which studies the ‘edge’ of the Hilbert space and quantum formalisms. Roughly speaking the Grothendieck theorem considers a ‘classical’ quadratic form

C

that uses complex numbers in the unit disc, and a ‘quantum’ quadratic form

Q

that uses vectors in the unit ball of the Hilbert space. It shows that if

C

⩽
1

, the corresponding

Q

might take values greater than 1, up to the complex Grothendieck constant

k

G

.

Q

related to these coherent states is shown to take values in the ‘Grothendieck region’

(
1
,

k

G

)

, which is classically forbidden in the sense that

C

does not take values in it. The second property complements this, showing that these coherent states violate logical Bell-like inequalities (which for a single quantum system are quantum versions of the Frechet probabilistic inequalities). In this sense also, our coherent states are deep into the quantum region.
Electronic Communication
Authors: Blanchard Anita , Duran Jordan , Lewis Jeremy
Published: October 2023

Electronic communication is the ability for people to interact through technology. Some researchers focus on the characteristics of the technology. Yet it is the humans who determine how electronic communication is used and how it affects individuals and groups. Therefore, the field of social psychology is particularly needed to contribute to the understanding of electronic communication.

Electronic communication currently ranges from email to social media to artificial intelligence. It affects individuals, their relationships with others, their personal identity and group identification, and even community functioning. New communication technologies will continue to emerge. Therefore, attention from social psychologistsis essential to understand the positive and negative effects of electronic communication on people.
Managing and monitoring a pandemic: showcasing a practical approach for the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jundzill Mateusz , Spott Riccardo , Lohde Mara , Hölzer Martin , Viehweger Adrian , Brandt Christian
Published: October 2023

With the rapidly growing amount of biological data, powerful but also flexible data management and visualization systems are of increasingly crucial importance. The COVID-19 pandemic has more than highlighted this need and the challenges scientists are facing. Here, we provide an example and a step-by-step template for non-IT personnel to easily implement an intuitive, interactive data management solution to manage and visualize the high influx of biological samples and associated metadata in a laboratory setting. Our approach is illustrated with the genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Germany, covering over 11 600 internal and 130 000 external samples from multiple datasets. We compare three data management options used in laboratories: (i) simple, yet error-prone and inefficient spreadsheets, (ii) complex and long-to-implement laboratory information management systems and (iii) high-performance database management systems. We highlight the advantages and pitfalls of each option and outline why a document-oriented NoSQL option via MongoDB Atlas can be a suitable solution for many labs. Our example can be treated as a template and easily adapted to allow scientists to focus on their core work and not on complex data administration.
Insights into the Evolution of Ohnologous Sequences and Their Epigenetic Marks Post-WGD in Malus Domestica
Authors: Lallemand Tanguy , Leduc Martin , Desmazières Adèle , Aubourg Sébastien , Rizzon Carène , Landès Claudine , Celton Jean-Marc
Published: October 2023

A Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) event occurred several Ma in a Rosaceae ancestor, giving rise to the Maloideae subfamily which includes today many pome fruits such as pear (Pyrus communis) and apple (Malus domestica). This complete and well-conserved genome duplication makes the apple an organism of choice to study the early evolutionary events occurring to ohnologous chromosome fragments. In this study, we investigated gene sequence evolution and expression, transposable elements (TE) density, and DNA methylation level. Overall, we identified 16,779 ohnologous gene pairs in the apple genome, confirming the relatively recent WGD. We identified several imbalances in QTL localization among duplicated chromosomal fragments and characterized various biases in genome fractionation, gene transcription, TE densities, and DNA methylation. Our results suggest a particular chromosome dominance in this autopolyploid species, a phenomenon that displays similarities with subgenome dominance that has only been described so far in allopolyploids.
Contribution of Spontaneous Mutations to Quantitative and Molecular Variation at the Highly Repetitive rDNA Locus in Yeast
Authors: Sharp Nathaniel P , Smith Denise R , Driscoll Gregory , Sun Kexin , Vickerman Catherine M , Martin Sterling C T
Published: October 2023

The ribosomal DNA array in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of many tandem repeats whose copy number is believed to be functionally important but highly labile. Regulatory mechanisms have evolved to maintain copy number by directed mutation, but how spontaneous variation at this locus is generated and selected has not been well characterized. We applied a mutation accumulation approach to quantify the impacts of mutation and selection on this unique genomic feature across hundreds of mutant strains. We find that mutational variance for this trait is relatively high, and that unselected mutations elsewhere in the genome can disrupt copy number maintenance. In consequence, copy number generally declines gradually, consistent with a previously proposed model of rDNA maintenance where a downward mutational bias is normally compensated by mechanisms that increase copy number when it is low. This pattern holds across ploidy levels and strains in the standard lab environment but differs under some stressful conditions. We identify several alleles, gene categories, and genomic features that likely affect copy number, including aneuploidy for chromosome XII. Copy number change is associated with reduced growth in diploids, consistent with stabilizing selection. Levels of standing variation in copy number are well predicted by a balance between mutation and stabilizing selection, suggesting this trait is not subject to strong diversifying selection in the wild. The rate and spectrum of point mutations within the rDNA locus itself are distinct from the rest of the genome and predictive of polymorphism locations. Our findings help differentiate the roles of mutation and selection and indicate that spontaneous mutation patterns shape several aspects of ribosomal DNA evolution.
Structural Evolution of Gene Promoters Driven by Primate-Specific KRAB Zinc Finger Proteins
Authors: Farmiloe Grace , van Bree Elisabeth J , Robben Stijn F , Janssen Lara J M , Mol Lisa , Jacobs Frank M J
Published: October 2023

Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger proteins (KZNFs) recognize and repress transposable elements (TEs); TEs are DNA elements that are capable of replicating themselves throughout our genomes with potentially harmful consequences. However, genes from this family of transcription factors have a much wider potential for genomic regulation. KZNFs have become integrated into gene-regulatory networks through the control of TEs that function as enhancers and gene promoters; some KZNFs also bind directly to gene promoters, suggesting an additional, more direct layer of KZNF co-option into gene-regulatory networks. Binding site analysis of ZNF519, ZNF441, and ZNF468 suggests the structural evolution of KZNFs to recognize TEs can result in coincidental binding to gene promoters independent of TE sequences. We show a higher rate of sequence turnover in gene promoter KZNF binding sites than neighboring regions, implying a selective pressure is being applied by the binding of a KZNF. Through CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic deletion of ZNF519, ZNF441, and ZNF468, we provide further evidence for genome-wide co-option of the KZNF-mediated gene-regulatory functions; KZNF knockout leads to changes in expression of KZNF-bound genes in neuronal lineages. Finally, we show that the opposite can be established upon KZNF overexpression, further strengthening the support for the role of KZNFs as bona-fide gene regulators. With no eminent role for ZNF519 in controlling its TE target, our study may provide a snapshot into the early stages of the completed co-option of a KZNF, showing the lasting, multilayered impact that retrovirus invasions and host response mechanisms can have upon the evolution of our genomes.
Vigor to Frailty As a Continuum—A New Approach in the Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging Cohort
Authors: Newman Anne B , Blackwell Terri L , Mau Theresa , Cawthon Peggy M , Coen Paul M , Cummings Steven R , Toledo Frederico G S , Goodpaster Bret H , Glynn Nancy W , Hepple Russell T , Kritchevsky Stephen B
Published: October 2023

Background

Frailty can occur in older adults without disability or multimorbidity. Current methods focus on the most frail, but poorly discriminate among those “not frail.”

Methods

The Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (SOMMA) included 879 adults aged 70 years and older without mobility disability. We operationalized frailty domains using: peak oxygen consumption (endurance), digit symbol substitution test (speed), leg power (strength), perceived fatigability, D3 creatine dilution (sarcopenia), and accelerometry (sedentary behavior) to construct a frailty score of 0–12 summing tertiles (0–2) of each component. We used linear or logistic regression with and without adjustment for confounders to examine associations with age, reported, and performance function.

Results

The SOMMA frailty score distribution was broad and strongly associated with age (r = 0.33, p < .0001). Each point was associated with a 30%–50% higher odds of having reported difficulty with activities of daily living or mobility. After grouping the total score (0–3, 4–7, and 8–12) those in the highest group were 9–31 times more likely to have functional limitation, and at least 8 times more likely to have poorer function after full adjustment. Higher scores identified those less likely to report ease of walking or higher physical activity. Peak oxygen consumption, leg power, fatigability, and digit symbol score contributed most to these associations.

Conclusions

The SOMMA frailty score characterizes frailty as a continuum from frail to vigorous with assessments that are amenable to change. Associations with age and function suggest utility for distinguishing a wide range of vigor and vulnerability in relatively well-functioning older adults.
Becoming Sandwiched in Later Life: Consequences for Individuals’ Well-Being and Variation Across Welfare Regimes
Authors: Albertini Marco , Lewin-Epstein Noah , Silverstein Merril , Tur-Sinai Aviad
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The experience of being sandwiched between support obligations towards both aging parents and adult offspring is likely to become more common and more relevant. We aim at assessing the effect of demographic and social sandwiching on the psychological health and subjective well-being of individuals experiencing these transitions, and to what extent, these effects vary across welfare regimes.

Methods

Data are from 63,585 individuals aged 50–75 participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We estimate within- and between-individual effects using hybrid regression models to predict depressive symptoms (EURO-D) and subjective well-being (control, autonomy, self-realization, and pleasure [CASP]).

Results

Among demographically sandwiched women, transitioning into social sandwiching and into supporting only parents was associated with a moderate but statistically significant increase in EURO-D and decline in CASP scores. The same association is not observed for male respondents. The pattern of variation among women living in countries characterized by different welfare regimes suggests that social sandwiching is less detrimental in Nordic regimes than in other welfare contexts.

Discussion

Results from the between-individuals part of the model indicate that there is a selection into social sandwiching of more healthy individuals into support roles. However, the within-individuals part of the model indicates that the transition into social sandwiching has a detrimental effect on women’s (but not men’s) psychological health and well-being. The explanations for this gendered effect of social sandwiching may be found in the “invisible” support provided by women and the gendered division of specific care tasks.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis illuminating the characteristics of species-specific innate immune responses against viral infections
Authors: Aso Hirofumi , Ito Jumpei , Ozaki Haruka , Kashima Yukie , Suzuki Yutaka , Koyanagi Yoshio , Sato Kei
Published: October 2023

Background

Bats harbor various viruses without severe symptoms and act as their natural reservoirs. The tolerance of bats against viral infections is assumed to originate from the uniqueness of their immune system. However, how immune responses vary between primates and bats remains unclear. Here, we characterized differences in the immune responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells to various pathogenic stimuli between primates (humans, chimpanzees, and macaques) and bats (Egyptian fruit bats) using single-cell RNA sequencing.

Results

We show that the induction patterns of key cytosolic DNA/RNA sensors and antiviral genes differed between primates and bats. A novel subset of monocytes induced by pathogenic stimuli specifically in bats was identified. Furthermore, bats robustly respond to DNA virus infection even though major DNA sensors are dampened in bats.

Conclusions

Overall, our data suggest that immune responses are substantially different between primates and bats, presumably underlying the difference in viral pathogenicity among the mammalian species tested.
Financial Accounting, Reporting & Analysis
Authors: Maynard Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Financial Accounting, Reporting, and Analysis starts with an introduction. It then moves on to examine financial reporting in context. This includes examinations of corporate governance, sustainability, ethics, and financial statements. The next part of the book considers income statement reporting issues which encompasses revenue from contracts and taxation. There follows a number of chapters on property, plant, equipment, intangible assets, inventories, liabilities, financial instruments, and leases. The last part of the book covers subsidiaries, cash flow, and financial statements.
Financial reporting and accounting
Authors: Crowe Jonathan , Bradshaw Tony
Published: October 2023

This chapter provides a summary of the main issues covered in introductory financial accounting texts and courses. It presents the system and methods in the preparation of main financial statements. Its focus is on the accounting process for limited companies. The chapter provides a sound foundation on which the complexities of financial reporting can be built in later chapters.
Reporting performance
Authors: Maynard Jennifer
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses how financial performance is presented by, and may be evaluated from, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. It shows how the evaluation of the performance of a company, as given by the statement of comprehensive income, has to take into account the effect of underpinning financial accounting principles, management's judgements and estimates, and other significant items and transactions that have occurred during the financial reporting period. In addition, it provides how to account for non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations. Required disclosures for operating segments and how the information may be used in an analysis of performance as well as the significance of the disclosures required for related party transactions are also discussed.
Taxation
Authors: Crowe Jonathan , Bradshaw Tony
Published: October 2023

This chapter focuses on the tax relating to the profits or losses a company makes, the assets and liabilities a company has, and how this is accounted for. It discusses the principles behind, and the accounting treatment of, the tax consequences of transactions and other events which are recognized in a company's financial statements. It also considers the future recovery and settlement of assets and liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position. IAS 12 Income Taxes is the standard that governs the accounting treatment of current and deferred taxes. In addition, it sets out the presentation and disclosure requirements for those taxes.
Financial instruments
Authors: Crowe Jonathan , Bradshaw Tony
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the key issues relating to the classification of financial instruments, their recognition and derecognition, initial and subsequent measurement, impairment, and the main disclosure requirements. It focuses on the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 Financial Instruments. The chapter begins with expounding on the importance of accounting for financial instruments and the main issues relevant to it. It then defines and differentiates debt and equity instruments, including the accounting for compound financial instruments. Finally, it considers the disclosures in accordance with IFRS 7â€”statements of financial position and comprehensive income, accounting policies and fair value and disclosures relating to the significance, nature and extent of risk.
Associates, joint arrangements and statements of cash flow
Authors: Gillespie Andrew
Published: October 2023

This chapter examines the accounting methods required when an investor exerts partial influence over its investee company. It considers the techniques of accounting for associates and joint ventures in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, and the consolidated statement of financial position by the equity method. The accounting for other joint operations is also discussed. In addition, the techniques for the preparation of a consolidated statement of cash flows are included to complete the consolidated financial statements. The chapter also discusses the equity method of accounting and its future.
Making Decisions in Business Ethics Descriptive Ethical Theories
Authors: Crane Andrew , Matten Dirk , Glozer Sarah , Spence Laura J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter presents an alternative way of addressing questions of ethical decision-making by looking at how decisions are actually made in business ethics, and by assessing the various descriptive theories in the literature. It specifies the characteristics of a decision with ethical content, and defines a basic ethical decision-making model. The chapter also outlines the key elements of individual and situational influences on ethical decision-making, then evaluates the role of individual differences in shaping ethical decision-making. Ultimately, the chapter reviews the role of situational influences on ethical decision-making, including both issue based and context based factors. It then determines the points of leverage for improving ethical decision-making in business.
Managing Business Ethics Tools and Techniques of Business Ethics Management
Authors: Crane Andrew , Matten Dirk , Glozer Sarah , Spence Laura J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter displays a critical examination of proposals for managing business ethics through specific tools, techniques, practices, and processes. It explores the nature, evolution, and scope of business ethics management. The chapter also investigates why firms manage their social expectations alongside employee ethical behaviour. It then considers the role of codes of ethics in managing the ethical behaviour of employees, and the current theory and practice regarding the management of stakeholder relationships. Ultimately, the chapter analyzes the role of social accounting, auditing, and reporting tools in assessing ethical performance. It looks over the tools through which firms develop adequate environmental management systems as well as the different ways of organizing for the management of business ethics.
Consumers and Business Ethics
Authors: Crane Andrew , Matten Dirk , Glozer Sarah , Spence Laura J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter looks at the ethical issues arising in the context of consumers. It analyzes the question of consumer rights, the ideal of consumer sovereignty, and the role of ethical consumption in shaping corporate responsibility. The chapter then shifts to review the impact of globalization on responsibilities towards consumers. It evaluates the arguments for more responsible marketing practices, then assesses consumer decision-making models in the context of ethical consumption. The chapter concludes by investigating the problems and solutions around moving towards more sustainable models of consumption. It elaborates the role of sustainable consumption in effecting positive social change through corporations.