bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANY DUAL OPERATOR SPACE IS WEAKLY LOCALLY REFLEXIVE
Authors: DONG ZHE , JIANG JINZE , ZHAO YAFEI
Published: December 2023

We introduce the notion of weakly local reflexivity in operator space theory and prove that any dual operator space is weakly locally reflexive.
Brokers and Finders in Startup Offerings
Authors: Yimfor Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

This study analyzes Form D filings to understand brokered startup offerings. About 60% of brokers are FINRA-registered; the rest, “finders,” are not. Startups with fewer seasoned investors and more local brokers tend to use brokers. Venture capital firms rarely join brokered offerings, but non-accredited investors do, especially offerings with finders. Overall, brokers aid in raising capital. Yet, startups using finders often fail to exit successfully and close following funding. This implies finders might be directing funds from non-accredited investors to lower-quality startups. Brokers help startups raise money without VC support, but the effectiveness of this capital allocation is unclear.
Neural activity during negative self-evaluation is associated with negative self-concept and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls
Authors: Butterfield Rosalind D. , Silk Jennifer S. , Sequeira Stefanie L. , Jones Neil P. , Ladouceur Cecile D.
Published: December 2023

Self-concept becomes reliant on social comparison, potentially leading to excessive self-focused attention, persistently negative self-concept and increased risk for depression during early adolescence. Studies have implicated neural activation in cortical midline brain structures in self-related information processing, yet it remains unclear how this activation may underlie subjective self-concept and links to depression in adolescence. We examined these associations by assessing neural activity during negative vs. positive self-referential processing in 39 11-to-13-year-old girls. During a functional neuroimaging task, girls reported on their perceptions of self-concept by rating how true they believed positive and negative personality traits were about them. Girls reported on depressive symptoms at the scan and 6 months later. Activation in the dorsomedial and ventrolateral prefrontal cortexes (dMPFC; VLPFC), and visual association area was significantly associated with subjective self-concept and/or depressive symptoms at the scan or 6 months later. Exploratory models showed higher activation in the dMPFC to Self-negative > Self-positive was indirectly associated with concurrent depressive symptoms through more negative self-concept. Higher activation in the visual association area to Self-positive > Self-negative was associated with lower depressive symptoms at follow-up through more positive self-concept. Findings highlight how differential neural processing of negative versus positive self-relevant information maps onto perceptions of self-concept and adolescent depression.
Amplatzer Vascular Plug closure of an iatrogenic interatrial tunnel-type communication
Authors: King Emily , Galindo Alvaro , Rothman Abraham
Published: December 2023

A 50-year-old woman who had atrial septal defect surgery at 11 months old underwent ascending aortic aneurysm resection and two attempts at closure of a residual atrial septal defect. Post-operatively, she had severe cyanosis. She was referred to our centre where a transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac catheterisation showed an iatrogenic interatrial tunnel-type communication that was closed with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug.
Aorto-left ventricular tunnel: the necessity of early surgical intervention
Authors: Karacelik Mustafa , Onemli Canan Salman , Bilen Mustafa Mertkan , Sariosmanoglu Osman Nejat , Yilmazer Murat Muhtar , Coskun Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Aorto-left ventricular tunnel, also known as aorto-left ventricular fistula, is a rare CHD characterised by an abnormal connection between the aorta and the left ventricle. This article presents a comprehensive case report on aorto-left ventricular tunnel, encompassing clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and outcomes, with a specific focus on the necessity of early surgical intervention.
Insights From Layered Anisotropy Beneath Southern New England: From Ancient Tectonism to Present‐Day Mantle Flow
Authors: Luo Yantao , Long Maureen D. , Link Frederik , Karabinos Paul , Kuiper Yvette D.
Published: December 2023

Seismic anisotropy beneath eastern North America, as expressed in shear wave splitting observations, has been attributed to plate motion‐parallel shear in the asthenosphere, resulting in fast axes aligned with the plate motion. However, deviations of fast axes from plate motion directions are observed near major tectonic boundaries of the Appalachians, indicating contributions from lithospheric anisotropy associated with past tectonic processes. In this study, we conduct anisotropic receiver function (RF) analysis using data from a dense seismic array traversing the New England Appalachians in Connecticut to examine anisotropic layers in the crust and upper mantle and correlate them with past tectonic processes as well as present‐day mantle flow. We use the harmonic decomposition method to separate directionally‐dependent variations of RFs and focus on features with the same harmonic signals observed across multiple stations. Within the crust, there are multiple features that may be correlated with stratification in the Hartford Basin, faults in the Taconic thrust belt, shear zones formed during Salinic/Acadian terrane accretion events, and orogen‐parallel crustal flow in the Acadian orogenic plateau. We apply a Bayesian inversion method to obtain quantitative constraints on the direction and strength of intra‐crustal anisotropy beneath the Hartford Basin. In the upper mantle, we identify a fossil shear zone possibly formed during oblique subduction of Rheic Ocean lithosphere. We also find evidence for a plate motion‐parallel flow zone in the asthenosphere that is likely disturbed by mantle upwelling near the southern margin of the Northern Appalachian Anomaly in the eastern part of the study area.
Local Seismicity and Sediment Deformation in the West Svalbard Margin: Implications of Neotectonics for Seafloor Seepage
Authors: Domel P. , Plaza‐Faverola A. , Schlindwein V. , Bünz S.
Published: December 2023

In the Fram Strait, mid‐ocean ridge spreading is represented by the ultra‐slow system of the Molloy Ridge, the Molloy Transform Fault and the Knipovich Ridge. Sediments on oceanic and continental crust are gas charged and there are several locations with documented seafloor seepage. Sedimentary faulting shows recent stress release in the sub‐surface, but the drivers of stress change and its influence on fluid flow are not entirely understood. We present here the results of an 11‐month‐long ocean bottom seismometer survey conducted over the highly faulted sediment drift northwards from the Knipovich Ridge to monitor seismicity and infer the regional state of stress. We obtain a detailed earthquake catalog that improves the spatial resolution of mid‐ocean ridge seismicity compared with published data. Seismicity at the Molloy Transform Fault is occurring southwards from the bathymetric imprint of the fault, as supported by a seismic profile. Earthquakes in the northern termination of the Knipovich Ridge extend eastwards from the ridge valley, which together with syn‐rift faulting identified in seismic reflection data, suggests that a portion of the currently active spreading center is buried under sediments away from the bathymetric expression of the rift valley. This hints at the direct link between crustal rifting processes and faulting in shallow sediments. Two earthquakes occur close to the seepage system of the Vestnesa Ridge further north from the network. We suggest that deeper rift structures, reactivated by gravity and/or post‐glacial subsidence, may lead to accommodation of stress through shallow extensional faults, therefore impacting seepage dynamics.
Satellite Evidence for Strengthened M2 Internal Tides in the Past 30 Years
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiang
Published: December 2023

Satellite altimetry sea surface height measurements from 1993 to 2022 are used to show the strengthened mode‐1 M2 internal tides in the past 30 years. Two mode‐1 M2 internal tide models M9509 and M1019 are constructed using the data in 1995–2009 and 2010–2019, respectively. The results show that the global mean M2 internal tides strengthened by 6% in energy. However, the internal tide strengthening is spatially inhomogeneous. Significantly strengthened internal tides are observed in a number of regions including the Aleutian Ridge and the Madagascar‐Mascarene region. Weakened internal tides are observed in the central Pacific. On global average, M1019 leads M9509 by about 10° (20 min in time), suggesting that the propagation speed of M2 internal tides increased. M9509 and M1019 are evaluated using independent altimetry data. The results show that M9509 and M1019 perform better for the data in 1993–1994 and 2020–2022, respectively.
Phase Neural Operator for Multi‐Station Picking of Seismic Arrivals
Authors: Sun Hongyu , Ross Zachary E. , Zhu Weiqiang , Azizzadenesheli Kamyar
Published: December 2023

Seismic wave arrival time measurements form the basis for numerous downstream applications. State‐of‐the‐art approaches for phase picking use deep neural networks to annotate seismograms at each station independently, yet human experts annotate seismic data by examining the whole network jointly. Here, we introduce a general‐purpose network‐wide phase picking algorithm based on a recently developed machine learning paradigm called Neural Operator. Our model, called Phase Neural Operator, leverages the spatio‐temporal contextual information to pick phases simultaneously for any seismic network geometry. This results in superior performance over leading baseline algorithms by detecting many more earthquakes, picking more phase arrivals, while also greatly improving measurement accuracy. Following similar trends being seen across the domains of artificial intelligence, our approach provides but a glimpse of the potential gains from fully‐utilizing the massive seismic data sets being collected worldwide.
Rapid Climate Links Between High Northern Latitudes and Tropical Southeast Asia Over the Last 40 ka
Authors: Huang Jie , Wan Shiming , Chang Fengming , Liu Jianxing , Yang Zaibao , Sun Hanjie , Ma Xiaochuan , Li Anchun , Li Tiegang
Published: December 2023

The climate response of tropical Southeast Asia to abrupt climate change originating from high northern latitudes remains poorly understood. Here, marine sediments recovered from the Northwest Borneo Trough are analyzed to trace variations in terrigenous material composition associated with sea level and palaeoflood activities over the past 40 ka. We describe for the first time the influence of sea level change on terrigenous deposition from a tropical island with small mountainous rivers surrounded by narrow continental shelves and the coupling between North Atlantic dynamics and climate feedbacks in tropical Southeast Asia during the Dansgaard‐Oeschger stadials. This study demonstrates that climate oscillations occurring at high northern latitudes can be transmitted to tropical Southeast Asia through the functions of sea level, the East Asian winter monsoon and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Such information is fundamental to correctly assessing future sea level rise and flood risks in tropical Southeast Asia.
The Variation of Compound Warm Dry Extremes Over Eastern China and the Associated East Asian Subtropical Jet in the Boreal Summer
Authors: Huang Danqing , Zheng Zilong , Xiao Xiucheng , Hu Shuhui , Zhu Jian
Published: December 2023

The compound warm dry extremes (CWDEs), which can lead to extreme impacts that are much larger than the sum of the impacts due to the occurrence of individual extremes alone, have frequently hit the land regions. In this study, the spatial‐temporal variations of the frequency, warm, and dry intensity of the CWDEs over eastern China and the associated East Asian subtropical jet variations have been investigated. The results show that the first two leading CWDE frequency modes over eastern China are characterized by an increase pattern and a dipole pattern. The increases in the CWDE frequency may be accompanied by both the strong warm and dry in the northern part of China. Whereas, these may be mainly related to the strong warmth in the southern part of China. The dominant increase pattern is associated with the weakened land‐branch East Asian subtropical jet, which is maintained by the negative phase of the interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, the warming over high‐latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean and the positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation. The dipole pattern is related to the southward shift of the ocean‐branch East Asian subtropical jet, which is sustained by the warming in central equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the negative phase of North Atlantic Oscillation and the Pacific‐Japan teleconnection. The relative contribution analysis has confirmed the importance of the jet variations to the CWDEs. These results would be helpful for understanding the drivers of the CWDEs.
Geomagnetic Storm Effects on the LEO Proton Flux During Solar Energetic Particle Events
Authors: Girgis Kirolosse M. , Hada Tohru , Yoshikawa Akimasa , Matsukiyo Shuichi , Pierrard Viviane , Samwel Susan W.
Published: December 2023

During a few solar energetic particle (SEP) events, solar protons were trapped within the geomagnetic field and reached the outer edge of the inner radiation belt. We reproduced this phenomenon by modeling the proton flux distribution at the Low‐Earth Orbit (LEO) for different geomagnetic conditions during solar particle events. We developed a three‐dimensional relativistic test particle simulation code to compute the 70–180 MeV solar proton Lorentz trajectories in low L‐shell range from 1 to 3. The Tsyganenko model (T01) generated the background static magnetic field with the IGRF (v12) model. We have selected three Dst index values: −7, −150, and −210 nT, to define quiet time, strong, and severe geomagnetic storms and to generate the corresponding inner magnetic field configurations. Our results showed that the simulated solar proton flux was more enhanced in the high‐latitude regions and more expanded toward the lower latitude range as long as the geomagnetic storm was intensified. Satellite observations and geomagnetic cutoff rigidities confirmed the numerical results. Furthermore, the LEO proton flux distribution was deformed, so the structure of the proton flux inside the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) became longitudinally extended as the Dst index decreased. Moreover, we have assessed the corresponding radiation environment of the LEO mission. We realized that, for a higher inclined LEO mission during an intense geomagnetic storm (Dst = −210 nT), the probability of the occurrence of the Single Event Upset (SEU) rates increased by 19% and the estimated accumulated absorbed radiation doses increased by 17% in comparison with quiet conditions.
Gut development following insulin-like growth factor-1 supplementation to preterm pigs
Authors: Rasmussen Martin Bo , Holgersen Kristine , Pankratova Stanislava , Bæk Ole , Burrin Douglas G. , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per Torp
Published: December 2023

Background

Reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may contribute to impaired organ development in preterm infants. Using preterm pigs as a model, we hypothesized that IGF-1 supplementation improves health and gut development during the first three weeks of life.

Methods

First, clinical and organ endpoints were compared between artificially-reared, cesarean-delivered preterm pigs and vaginally-delivered, sow-reared term pigs at 5, 9 and 19 days. Next, preterm pigs were treated with recombinant human IGF-1 for 19 days (2.25 mg/kg/day, systemically).

Results

Relative to term pigs, preterm pigs had lower body weight, fat, bone contents, relative weights of liver and spleen and a longer and thinner intestine at 19 days. Preterm birth reduced intestinal villi heights and peptidase activities, but only at 5 and 9 days. In preterm pigs, IGF-1 reduced mortality primarily occurring from gastrointestinal complications and with a tendency towards salvaging smaller pigs. IGF-1 supplementation also increased spleen and kidney weights, small intestine length and maltase to lactase activity, reflecting gut maturation.

Conclusion

Preterm birth affects body composition and gut maturation in the first 1–2 weeks, but differences are marginal thereafter. Supplemental IGF-1 may improve gut health in pigs and infants in the first few weeks after preterm birth.

Impact

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) supplementation may improve gut health and development in prematurity, but whether the effects are sustained beyond the immediate postnatal period is unclear.

In preterm pigs, the prematurity effects on IGF-1 and gut health deficiencies are most pronounced during the first week of life and diminishes thereafter.

In preterm pigs, IGF-1 supplementation beyond the first week of life reduced mortality.

The present study provides evidence of a sustained effect of IGF-1 supplementation on the gastrointestinal tract after the immediate postnatal period.
Body mass index, triglyceride-glucose index, and prostate cancer death: a mediation analysis in eight European cohorts
Authors: Fritz Josef , Jochems Sylvia H. J. , Bjørge Tone , Wood Angela M. , Häggström Christel , Ulmer Hanno , Nagel Gabriele , Zitt Emanuel , Engeland Anders , Harlid Sophia , Drake Isabel , Stattin Pär , Stocks Tanja
Published: December 2023

Background

Insulin resistance is a hypothesised biological mechanism linking obesity with prostate cancer (PCa) death. Data in support of this hypothesis is limited.

Methods

We included 259,884 men from eight European cohorts, with 11,760 incident PCa’s and 1784 PCa deaths during follow-up. We used the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as indicator of insulin resistance. We analysed PCa cases with follow-up from PCa diagnosis, and the full cohort with follow-up from the baseline cancer-free state, thus incorporating both PCa incidence and death. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and the proportion of the total effect of body mass index (BMI) on PCa death mediated through TyG index.

Results

In the PCa-case-only analysis, baseline TyG index was positively associated with PCa death (HR per 1-standard deviation: 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.01–1.22), and mediated a substantial proportion of the baseline BMI effect on PCa death (HRtotal effect per 5-kg/m2 BMI: 1.24; 1.14–1.35, of which 28%; 4%–52%, mediated). In contrast, in the full cohort, the TyG index was not associated with PCa death (HR: 1.03; 0.94-1.13), hence did not substantially mediate the effect of BMI on PCa death.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance could be an important pathway through which obesity accelerates PCa progression to death.
Nuclear cGAS restricts L1 retrotransposition by promoting TRIM41-mediated ORF2p ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Zhen Zhengyi , Chen Yu , Wang Haiyan , Tang Huanyin , Zhang Haiping , Liu Haipeng , Jiang Ying , Mao Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS), initially identified as a cytosolic DNA sensor, detects DNA fragments to trigger an innate immune response. Recently, accumulating evidence reveals the presence of cGAS within the nucleus. However, the biological functions of nuclear cGAS are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear cGAS represses LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposition to preserve genome integrity in human cells. Mechanistically, the E3 ligase TRIM41 interacts with and ubiquitinates ORF2p to influence its stability, and cGAS enhances the association of ORF2p with TRIM41, thereby promoting TRIM41-mediated ORF2p degradation and the suppression of L1 retrotransposition. In response to DNA damage, cGAS is phosphorylated at serine residues 120 and 305 by CHK2, which promotes cGAS-TRIM41 association, facilitating TRIM41-mediated ORF2p degradation. Moreover, we show that nuclear cGAS mediates the repression of L1 retrotransposition in senescent cells induced by DNA damage agents. We also identify several cancer-associated cGAS mutations that abolish the suppressive effect on L1 retrotransposition by disrupting the CHK2-cGAS-TRIM41-ORF2p regulatory axis. Together, these findings indicate that nuclear cGAS exhibits an inhibitory function in L1 retrotransposition which could provide avenues for future interventions in both aging and tumorigenesis.
Effects of accelerometer-based sedentary time and physical activity on DEXA-measured fat mass in 6059 children
Authors: Agbaje Andrew O. , Perng Wei , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka
Published: December 2023

Globally, childhood obesity is on the rise and the effect of objectively measured movement behaviour on body composition remains unclear. Longitudinal and causal mediation relationships of accelerometer-based sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured fat mass were examined in 6059 children aged 11 years followed-up until age 24 years from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), UK birth cohort. Over 13-year follow-up, each minute/day of ST was associated with 1.3 g increase in fat mass. However, each minute/day of LPA was associated with 3.6 g decrease in fat mass and each minute/day of MVPA was associated with 1.3 g decrease in fat mass. Persistently accruing ≥60 min/day of MVPA was associated with 2.8 g decrease in fat mass per each minute/day of MVPA, partly mediated by decrease insulin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. LPA elicited similar and potentially stronger fat mass-lowering effect than MVPA and thus may be targeted in obesity and ST prevention in children and adolescents, who are unable or unwilling to exercise.
Bacterial-induced or passively administered interferon gamma conditions the lung for early control of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hilligan Kerry L. , Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Clancy Chad S. , Baker Paul J. , Old Samuel I. , Peluf Victoria , Amaral Eduardo P. , Oland Sandra D. , O’Mard Danielle , Laux Julie , Cohen Melanie , Garza Nicole L. , Lafont Bernard A. P. , Johnson Reed F. , Feng Carl G. , Jankovic Dragana , Lamiable Olivier , Mayer-Barber Katrin D. , Sher Alan
Published: December 2023

Type-1 and type-3 interferons (IFNs) are important for control of viral replication; however, less is known about the role of Type-2 IFN (IFNγ) in anti-viral immunity. We previously observed that lung infection with Mycobacterium bovis BCG achieved though intravenous (iv) administration provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 in mice yet drives low levels of type-1 IFNs but robust IFNγ. Here we examine the role of ongoing IFNγ responses to pre-established bacterial infection on SARS-CoV-2 disease outcomes in two murine models. We report that IFNγ is required for iv BCG induced reduction in pulmonary viral loads, an outcome dependent on IFNγ receptor expression by non-hematopoietic cells. Importantly, we show that BCG infection prompts pulmonary epithelial cells to upregulate IFN-stimulated genes with reported anti-viral activity in an IFNγ-dependent manner, suggesting a possible mechanism for the observed protection. Finally, we confirm the anti-viral properties of IFNγ by demonstrating that the recombinant cytokine itself provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge when administered intranasally. Together, our data show that a pre-established IFNγ response within the lung is protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that concurrent or recent infections that drive IFNγ may limit the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and supporting possible prophylactic uses of IFNγ in COVID-19 management.
Genes with epigenetic alterations in human pancreatic islets impact mitochondrial function, insulin secretion, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rönn Tina , Ofori Jones K. , Perfilyev Alexander , Hamilton Alexander , Pircs Karolina , Eichelmann Fabian , Garcia-Calzon Sonia , Karagiannopoulos Alexandros , Stenlund Hans , Wendt Anna , Volkov Petr , Schulze Matthias B. , Mulder Hindrik , Eliasson Lena , Ruhrmann Sabrina , Bacos Karl , Ling Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Epigenetic dysregulation may influence disease progression. Here we explore whether epigenetic alterations in human pancreatic islets impact insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In islets, 5,584 DNA methylation sites exhibit alterations in T2D cases versus controls and are associated with HbA1c in individuals not diagnosed with T2D. T2D-associated methylation changes are found in enhancers and regions bound by β-cell-specific transcription factors and associated with reduced expression of e.g. CABLES1, FOXP1, GABRA2, GLR1A, RHOT1, and TBC1D4. We find RHOT1 (MIRO1) to be a key regulator of insulin secretion in human islets. Rhot1-deficiency in β-cells leads to reduced insulin secretion, ATP/ADP ratio, mitochondrial mass, Ca2+, and respiration. Regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolites, including L-proline, glycine, GABA, and carnitines, are altered in Rhot1-deficient β-cells. Islets from diabetic GK rats present Rhot1-deficiency. Finally, RHOT1methylation in blood is associated with future T2D. Together, individuals with T2D exhibit epigenetic alterations linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic islets.
A microscopic Kondo lattice model for the heavy fermion antiferromagnet CeIn3
Authors: Simeth W. , Wang Z. , Ghioldi E. A. , Fobes D. M. , Podlesnyak A. , Sung N. H. , Bauer E. D. , Lass J. , Flury S. , Vonka J. , Mazzone D. G. , Niedermayer C. , Nomura Yusuke , Arita Ryotaro , Batista C. D. , Ronning F. , Janoschek M.
Published: December 2023

Electrons at the border of localization generate exotic states of matter across all classes of strongly correlated electron materials and many other quantum materials with emergent functionality. Heavy electron metals are a model example, in which magnetic interactions arise from the opposing limits of localized and itinerant electrons. This remarkable duality is intimately related to the emergence of a plethora of novel quantum matter states such as unconventional superconductivity, electronic-nematic states, hidden order and most recently topological states of matter such as topological Kondo insulators and Kondo semimetals and putative chiral superconductors. The outstanding challenge is that the archetypal Kondo lattice model that captures the underlying electronic dichotomy is notoriously difficult to solve for real materials. Here we show, using the prototypical strongly-correlated antiferromagnet CeIn3, that a multi-orbital periodic Anderson model embedded with input from ab initio bandstructure calculations can be reduced to a simple Kondo-Heisenberg model, which captures the magnetic interactions quantitatively. We validate this tractable Hamiltonian via high-resolution neutron spectroscopy that reproduces accurately the magnetic soft modes in CeIn3, which are believed to mediate unconventional superconductivity. Our study paves the way for a quantitative understanding of metallic quantum states such as unconventional superconductivity.
Single-photon microscopy to study biomolecular condensates
Authors: Perego Eleonora , Zappone Sabrina , Castagnetti Francesco , Mariani Davide , Vitiello Erika , Rupert Jakob , Zacco Elsa , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Bozzoni Irene , Slenders Eli , Vicidomini Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Biomolecular condensates serve as membrane-less compartments within cells, concentrating proteins and nucleic acids to facilitate precise spatial and temporal orchestration of various biological processes. The diversity of these processes and the substantial variability in condensate characteristics present a formidable challenge for quantifying their molecular dynamics, surpassing the capabilities of conventional microscopy. Here, we show that our single-photon microscope provides a comprehensive live-cell spectroscopy and imaging framework for investigating biomolecular condensation. Leveraging a single-photon detector array, single-photon microscopy enhances the potential of quantitative confocal microscopy by providing access to fluorescence signals at the single-photon level. Our platform incorporates photon spatiotemporal tagging, which allowed us to perform time-lapse super-resolved imaging for molecular sub-diffraction environment organization with simultaneous monitoring of molecular mobility, interactions, and nano-environment properties through fluorescence lifetime fluctuation spectroscopy. This integrated correlative study reveals the dynamics and interactions of RNA-binding proteins involved in forming stress granules, a specific type of biomolecular condensates, across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Our versatile framework opens up avenues for exploring a broad spectrum of biomolecular processes beyond the formation of membrane-less organelles.
Epigenetic modifications regulate cultivar-specific root development and metabolic adaptation to nitrogen availability in wheat
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jin Zhiyuan , Cui Fa , Zhao Long , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Jinchao , Zhang Jing , Li Yanyan , Li Yongpeng , Niu Yanxiao , Zhang Wenli , Gao Caixia , Fu Xiangdong , Tong Yiping , Wang Lei , Ling Hong-Qing , Li Junming , Xiao Jun
Published: December 2023

The breeding of crops with improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is crucial for sustainable agriculture, but the involvement of epigenetic modifications remains unexplored. Here, we analyze the chromatin landscapes of two wheat cultivars (KN9204 and J411) that differ in NUE under varied nitrogen conditions. The expression of nitrogen metabolism genes is closely linked to variation in histone modification instead of differences in DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications exhibit clear cultivar-specificity, which likely contributes to distinct agronomic traits. Additionally, low nitrogen (LN) induces H3K27ac and H3K27me3 to significantly enhance root growth in KN9204, while remarkably inducing NRT2 in J411. Evidence from histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment and transgenic plants with loss function of H3K27me3 methyltransferase shows that changes in epigenetic modifications could alter the strategy preference for root development or nitrogen uptake in response to LN. Here, we show the importance of epigenetic regulation in mediating cultivar-specific adaptation to LN in wheat.
Phyloecology of nitrate ammonifiers and their importance relative to denitrifiers in global terrestrial biomes
Authors: Saghaï Aurélien , Pold Grace , Jones Christopher M. , Hallin Sara
Published: December 2023

Nitrate ammonification is important for soil nitrogen retention. However, the ecology of ammonifiers and their prevalence compared with denitrifiers, being competitors for nitrate, are overlooked. Here, we screen 1 million genomes fornrfA and onr, encoding ammonifier nitrite reductases. About 40% of ammonifier assemblies carry at least one denitrification gene and show higher potential for nitrous oxide production than consumption. We then use a phylogeny-based approach to recruit gene fragments ofnrfA, onrand denitrification nitrite reductase genes (nirK,nirS) in 1861 global terrestrial metagenomes.nrfAoutnumbers the nearly negligibleonrcounts in all biomes, but denitrification genes dominate, except in tundra. Random forest modelling teases apart the influence of the soil C/N onnrfA-ammonifier vs denitrifier abundance, showing an effect of nitrate rather than carbon content. This study demonstrates the multiple roles nitrate ammonifiers play in nitrogen cycling and identifies factors ultimately controlling the fate of soil nitrate.
Enhanced glacial lake activity threatens numerous communities and infrastructure in the Third Pole
Authors: Zhang Taigang , Wang Weicai , An Baosheng , Wei Lele
Published: December 2023

Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are among the most severe cryospheric hazards in the Third Pole, encompassing the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Tianshan Mountains. Recent studies on glacial lake changes and GLOF characteristics and risks in this region have shown scattered and insufficiently detailed features. Here, we conduct an appraisal of the GLOF risks by combining high-resolution satellite images, case-by-case high-precision GLOF modeling, and detailed downstream exposure data. The glacial lake changes from 2018 to 2022 in the region were primarily driven by the accelerated expansion of proglacial lakes. The GLOF frequency has exhibited a significant increasing trend since 1980, with intensified activity in Southeastern Tibet and the China-Nepal border area over the past decade. Approximately 6,353 km2 of land could be at risk from potential GLOFs, posing threats to 55,808 buildings, 105 hydropower projects, 194 km2 of farmland, 5,005 km of roads, and 4,038 bridges. This study directly responds to the need for local disaster prevention and mitigation strategies, highlighting the urgent requirement of reducing GLOF threats in the Third Pole and the importance of regional cooperation.
Assembly of the poorly differentiated Verasper variegatus W chromosome by different sequencing technologies
Authors: Xu Xi-wen , Sun Pengchuan , Gao Chengbin , Zheng Weiwei , Chen Songlin
Published: December 2023

The assembly of W and Y chromosomes poses significant challenges in vertebrate genome sequencing and assembly. Here, we successfully assembled the W chromosome of Verasper variegatus with a length of 20.48 Mb by combining population and PacBio HiFi sequencing data. It was identified as a young sex chromosome and showed signs of expansion in repetitive sequences. The major component of the expansion was Ty3/Gypsy. The ancestral Osteichthyes karyotype consists of 24 protochromosomes. The sex chromosomes in four Pleuronectiformes species derived from a pair of homologous protochromosomes resulting from a whole-genome duplication event in teleost fish, yet with different sex-determination systems. V. variegatus and Cynoglossus semilaevis adhere to the ZZ/ZW system, while Hippoglossus stenolepis and H. hippoglossus follow the XX/XY system. Interestingly, V. variegatus and H. hippoglossus derived from one protochromosome, while C. semilaevis and H. stenolepis derived from another protochromosome. Our study provides valuable insights into the evolution of sex chromosomes in flatfish and sheds light on the important role of whole-genome duplication in shaping the evolution of sex chromosomes.
Sugar feeding by invasive mosquito species on ornamental and wild plants
Authors: Upshur Irving Forde , Fehlman Mikhyle , Parikh Vansh , Vinauger Clément , Lahondère Chloé
Published: December 2023

Feeding on plant-derived sugars is an essential component of mosquito biology, affecting key aspects of their lives such as survival, metabolism, and reproduction. Among mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two invasive mosquito species in the US, and are vectors of diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika. These species live in heavily populated, urban areas, where they have high accessibility to human hosts as well as to plants in backyards and public landscapes. However, the range of plants that are suitable sugar hosts for these species remains to be described, despite the importance of understanding what plants may attract or repel mosquitoes to inform citizens and municipal authorities accordingly. Here, we tested whether Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus would sugar-feed on eleven commonly planted ornamental plant species. We confirmed feeding activity using the anthrone method and identified the volatile composition of plant headspace using gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy. These chemical analyses revealed that a broad range of olfactory cues are associated with plants that mosquitoes feed on. This prompted us to use plant DNA barcoding to identify plants that field-caught mosquitoes feed on. Altogether, results show that native and invasive mosquito species can exploit a broader range of plants than originally suspected, including wild and ornamental plants from different phyla throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.
Learning exceptions to category rules varies across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Perović Mateja , Heffernan Emily M. , Einstein Gillian , Mack Michael L.
Published: December 2023

Ways in which ovarian hormones affect cognition have been long overlooked despite strong evidence of their effects on the brain. To address this gap, we study performance on a rule-plus-exception category learning task, a complex task that requires careful coordination of core cognitive mechanisms, across the menstrual cycle (N = 171). Results show that the menstrual cycle distinctly affects exception learning in a manner that parallels the typical rise and fall of estradiol across the cycle. Participants in their high estradiol phase outperform participants in their low estradiol phase and demonstrate more rapid learning of exceptions than a male comparison group. A likely mechanism underlying this effect is estradiol’s impact on pattern separation and completion pathways in the hippocampus. These results provide novel evidence for the effects of the menstrual cycle on category learning, and underscore the importance of considering female sex-related variables in cognitive neuroscience research.
Multimodal photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging of USH2A knockout rabbits
Authors: Nguyen Van Phuc , Hu Justin , Zhe Josh , Chen Eugene Y. , Yang Dongshan , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: December 2023

Usher syndrome type 2A (USH2A) is a genetic disorder characterized by retinal degeneration and hearing loss. To better understand the pathogenesis and progression of this syndrome, animal models such as USH2A knockout (USH2AKO) rabbits have been developed. In this study, we employed multimodal imaging techniques, including photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) imaging to evaluate the retinal changes in the USH2AKO rabbit model. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits including USH2AKO and wild type (WT) were used for the experiments. Multimodal imaging was implemented at different time points over a period of 12 months to visualize the progression of retinal changes in USH2AKO rabbits. The results demonstrate that ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption and degeneration, key features of Usher syndrome, began at the age of 4 months old and persisted up to 12 months. The EZ degeneration areas were clearly observed on the FAF and OCT images. The FAF images revealed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration, confirming the presence of the disease phenotype in the USH2AKO rabbits. In addition, PAM images provided high-resolution and high image contrast of the optic nerve and the retinal microvasculature, including retinal vessels, choroidal vessels, and capillaries in three-dimensions. The quantification of EZ fluorescent intensity using FAF and EZ thickness using OCT provided comprehensive quantitative data on the progression of degenerative changes over time. This multimodal imaging approach allowed for a comprehensive and non-invasive assessment of retinal structure, microvasculature, and degenerative changes in the USH2AKO rabbit model. The combination of PAM, OCT, and fluorescent imaging facilitated longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of USH2A syndrome. These findings contribute to the understanding of USH2A syndrome and may have implications for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for affected individuals. The multimodal imaging techniques employed in this study offer a promising platform for preclinical evaluation of potential treatments and may pave the way for future clinical applications in patients with Usher syndrome.
Research on coordination of the NEV battery closed-loop supply chain considering CSR and fairness concerns in third-party recycling models
Authors: Zhang Zhenfang , Liang Huan
Published: December 2023

Due to the pressure of the ecological environment and government, it is incumbent for enterprises to undertake corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, during the recycling process, awareness of equity concerns due to the distribution of benefits among members has intensified, and it is crucial to resolve channel conflicts and design a reasonable cooperation model to recycle used power batteries. Therefore, this paper constructs a closed-loop supply chain composed of power battery manufacturer, retailer and third-party collector based on the consideration of cascade utilization, in order to study the impact of the level of CSR and the degree of fairness concern on the decision-making of channel participants. Our research shows that: (1) Fairness concern behavior adversely affects the supply chain, which raises the sales price and reduces the collecting rate and the utility of the supply chain as a whole. (2) Undertaking CSR is beneficial to the development of the power battery market, and also helps to reduce the sense of unfairness among third-party recycling companies. (3) The cost-sharing contract effectively coordinates the distribution of supply chain benefits and improves the recycling rate. Finally, we further verify the correctness of the conclusions through numerical studies.
Sustainable oil palm trunk fibre based activated carbon for the adsorption of methylene blue
Authors: Gayathiri Muniandy , Pulingam Thiruchelvi , Lee K. T. , Mohd Din Azam Taufik , Kosugi Akihiko , Sudesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Activated carbon (AC) is becoming the limelight due to its widespread application as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment, gases, and catalysis. However, its high consumption and price have drawn more attention to the sustainable use of natural resources as precursor for AC production. This study focuses on synthesising AC from two types of oil palm trunk (OPT) fibres, a significant agricultural waste products produced by Malaysia's thriving palm oil industries. The BET surface area of about 2057.9 m2 g−1 was achieved by chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The efficiency of the synthesised AC was critically analysed based on the adsorption experiments with methylene blue (MB) by varying several parameters (dosage of adsorbent, pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature of the solution) to elucidate the adsorption mechanism(s). A maximum adsorption capacity of 320.4 mg g−1 at 50 °C was achieved, and the Temkin (r2 = 0.98, 0.95, 0.95) and Langmuir (r2 = 0.94, 0.93, 0.95) isotherm models fitted the adsorption process better than the Freundlich (r2 = 0.95, 0.90, 0.86) model. Besides, the pseudo-second-order model (r2 > 0.90) best described the adsorption process, favouring chemisorption over physisorption. Thermodynamics showed MB adsorption on AC was spontaneous except at the highest dye concentration. It was exothermic at lower dye concentrations (50 and 100 mg L−1) and endothermic at higher ones (300, 500, and 700 mg L−1). In a nutshell, this study reveals that OPT fibre is a promising precursor for synthesising highly porous AC for the adsorption of MB dye.
Predicting others’ actions from their social contexts
Authors: Azaad Shaheed , Sebanz Natalie
Published: December 2023

Contextual cues have been shown to inform our understanding and predictions of others’ actions. In this study, we tested whether observers’ predictions about unfolding actions depend upon the social context in which they occur. Across five experiments, we showed participants videos of an actor walking toward a piece of furniture either with (joint context) or without (solo context) a partner standing by it. We found greater predictive bias, indicative of stronger action expectations when videos contained a second actor (Experiment 1), even when the solo condition had a perceptually-matched control object in place of the actor (Experiment 2). Critically, belief manipulations about the actions the walking actor would perform suppressed the difference between social context conditions when the manipulation specified an action possible in both contexts (Experiment 5) but not when the action was one that would be difficult without a partner (Experiment 4). Interestingly, the social context effect persisted when the belief manipulation specified an unlikely action given the depicted scene (Experiment 3). These findings provide novel evidence that kinematically-identical actions can elicit different predictions depending on the social context in which they occur.
Smart home energy management and power trading optimization using an enhanced manta ray foraging optimization
Authors: Youssef Heba , Kamel Salah , Hassan Mohamed H.
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a plan to manage energy consumption in residential areas using the demand response method, which allows electricity users to contribute to the reliability of the power system by controlling their usage. Due to the growing population, the residential sector consumes a significant amount of energy, and the objectives of this study are to lower electricity costs and the peak to average ratio, as well as reduce the amount of imported electricity from the grid. The study aims to maximize profit by properly utilizing renewable energy sources and addressing energy trading. The manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) and long term memory MRFO (LMMRFO) algorithms are used to solve this problem. Firstly, the validation of the proposed LMMRFO technique is confirmed by seven benchmark functions and compared its results with the results of the well-known optimization algorithms including hunter prey optimization, gorilla troops optimizer, beluga whale optimization, and the original MRFO algorithm. Then, the performance of the LMMRFO is checked on the optimization of smart home energy management. In the suggested approach, a smart home decides whether to purchase or sell electricity from the commercial grid based on the cost, demand, and production of electricity from its own microgrid, which consists of a wind turbine and solar panels. Energy storage systems support the stable and dependable functioning of the power system since the solar panel and wind turbine only occasionally produce electricity. Through various case studies, the proposed plan is tested and found to be effective in reducing electricity costs and the peak to average ratio while maximizing profit. Furthermore, a comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the legality and effectiveness of LMMRFO and MRFO.