bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trinity Professors versus Men of Letters: Ferguson, Dowden and De Vere
Authors: Patten Eve
Published: May 2022

This essay considers the relationships between Samuel Ferguson, Edward Dowden, and Aubrey de Vere in the late nineteenth century. In evaluating Ferguson’s career shortly after the poet’s death in 1886, W. B. Yeats considered him as being ill-served by the ‘English notions’ of Irish criticism, a slight which was particularly directed at Edward Dowden, then Professor of English at Trinity College Dublin. Rather than viewing this schism solely as a difference of opinion on Gaelic antiquarianism and Celtic Revivalism, this essay considers the divergence between these men as an effect of their respective positioning inside and outside the institutions of academia. It also interprets their relationship against the backdrop of public debates in the period about the nature of literary criticism as well as the role and function of the critic. Drawing on the correspondence between Ferguson, Dowden, and their mutual friend and frequent intermediary Aubrey de Vere, this essay examines how their friendship was affected by a growing distinction between the ‘man of letters’ and the professional academic in the later Victorian period. In particular, it offers an alternative view of Dowden, whose public commitment to the development of English Literature as an academic subject was sometimes belied by his private warmth towards Ferguson and his project of Celtic Revivalism.
RADIONUCLIDE ACCUMULATION IN HYBRID MATERIAL OF YELLOW LUPINE
Authors: Draganskaya Maria , Savvicheva Inna , Lishchenko Pavel
Published: May 2022

In the 90s of the last century, in the breeding nurseries of the Novozybkov Agricultural Experimental Station, samples with a relatively low concentration of cesium-137 in the seeds and green mass of yellow lupine were selected: 4-83, SN-1408, 52-87-2113, variety Kastrychnik, etc. They were involved in hybrid combinations and received numbers 1-00-2-9, 1-02 and 10-04, 7-09, 8-12, which have been repeatedly used as parental forms in crosses in recent years. Studies have shown the possibility of obtaining positive results in blocking the accumulation of cesium-137 at the early stages of the breeding process, which contributes to the preservation of valuable material for further study during hybridization and the creation of yellow lupine varieties with the lowest possible content of 137Cs in the final product. For 2018–2019 varieties of hybrid origin of yellow lupine with a consistently low accumulation of cesium-137 in the grain were identified, regardless of the density of soil pollution: 5-14-11 (112 and 243 Bq/kg), 5-12-92 (206 and 221 Bq/kg), 13-10-96 (270 and 243 Bq/kg), 15-10-7212 (235 and 271 Bq/kg). Despite the higher density of soil contamination by 13–33% in 2019, in the hybrid material 2-08-57, 4-08-116, 11-10-65 and 12-10-66, the concentration of 137Cs in grain decreased by 63% with indirect participation in crosses of variety samples selected in 1994–1996. In 2020, the analysis of 13 samples showed a significant decrease in the accumulation of cesium-137 in grain to 61–136 Bq/kg, regardless of the decrease (8–34%) or increase (5–46%) in the density of soil contamination relative to 2018–2019, as well as grain yield. Stability in terms of the content of cesium-137 in the green mass was not obtained: in 2018, out of 60 samples, 12 variety samples fit into the standard for dry matter (400 Bq/kg), in 2019 they were absent due to the low yield of green mass. Accessions 5-12-92, 5-14-11, 13-10-96, 4-08-116, etc. were included in crosses as parental forms, and the resulting offspring are being tested in hybrid and breeding nurseries for the purpose of research on blocking the accumulation of 137Cs in yellow lupine grain. It has been established that within three years the lowest radionuclide content in yellow lupine grain was obtained from samples 5-12-92 and 5-14-11, with which seed nurseries for testing offspring will be established.
CHANGES IN THE OVERALL PROJECTIVE COVERAGE IN THE PHYTOCENOSIS OF LONG-TERM HAYFIELD
Authors: Rodionova Anna , Teberdiev Dalhat
Published: May 2022

On the basis of the experiment, founded in 1946 with a seven-component, traditional at that time grass mixture, consisting of tall grass, low-grass and legumes, the effect of fertilizers on the productivity and botanical composition of the herbage was studied. In the first years of use, the herbage completely corresponded to the sown species. With long-term use, depending on fertilizers and meteorological conditions, the composition of the herbage has changed. In place of short-term types of cereals, self-renewing low-grass ones have been penetrate — red fescue, thin bent grass. Against the background of increased doses of fertilizers, the participation of tall grass species increased — meadow foxtail and awnless brome. Along with the determination of the botanical composition of the phytocenosis of long-term haymaking, from 1999 to 2002, a geobotanical assessment of the abundance of plants was carried out, which made it possible to more fully study the alternation over time of some types of phytocenosis with others and determine their participation. The abundance of plants was determined by their projective cover (PC) in three groups: grasses, legumes, motley grass, and it is represented by the total projective cover (TPC).Studies have shown the dynamics of changes in the types of phytocenosis depending on fertilizers and meteorological conditions of the growing season. In moisture-rich years, the total projective coverage reaches 80–95%, in dry years it decreases to 70–84%. The lack of moisture most strongly affects the creeping clover, the abundance of which has decreased to 0.2–0.1% in dry years.
Characterization of Changes in Subchondral Bone Tissue Density of the Ankle Joint in Taekwondo Players
Authors: Xu Guanghua , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Lifu
Published: May 2022

Background: It has been found that ankle joint impingement can cause articular cartilage injury, and the change of subchondral bone density and distribution under long-term stress loading can reflect the stress interaction of the articular surface and the difference in bone remodeling degree and predict the location of cartilage injury.

Objective: To investigate the bone density distribution pattern of ankle joint subchondral bone under mechanical stress loading of Taekwondo, the volume proportion of bone tissue with different bone densities, and the distribution characteristics of bone remodeling position.

Study design: A controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Computed tomography data were collected from the feet of 10 normal subjects (control group) and 10 high-level Taekwondo athletes. First, the distribution pattern of the high-density area of the articular surface was determined by computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry and the nine-grid anatomical region localization method. Second, the percentage of bone volume (%BTV) and the distribution trend of bone tissue were measured.

Result: In the present study, it was found that there were high-density areas in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th regions of the distal tibia of Taekwondo athletes, and the distribution track was consistent with the high-density areas of the talar dome surface (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th regions). In Taekwondo athletes, the percentage of bone tissue volume in the distal tibia and talus with high and moderate bone density was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The impact stress, ground reaction force, intra-articular stress, lower limb movement technology, lower limb muscle, and tendon stress caused by Taekwondo lead to special pressure distribution patterns and bone tissue remodeling in the ankle.
First Demonstration of Functional Task Performance Using a Sonomyographic Prosthesis: A Case Study
Authors: Engdahl Susannah M. , Acuña Samuel A. , King Erica L. , Bashatah Ahmed , Sikdar Siddhartha
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound-based sensing of muscle deformation, known as sonomyography, has shown promise for accurately classifying the intended hand grasps of individuals with upper limb loss in offline settings. Building upon this previous work, we present the first demonstration of real-time prosthetic hand control using sonomyography to perform functional tasks. An individual with congenital bilateral limb absence was fitted with sockets containing a low-profile ultrasound transducer placed over forearm muscle tissue in the residual limbs. A classifier was trained using linear discriminant analysis to recognize ultrasound images of muscle contractions for three discrete hand configurations (rest, tripod grasp, index finger point) under a variety of arm positions designed to cover the reachable workspace. A prosthetic hand mounted to the socket was then controlled using this classifier. Using this real-time sonomyographic control, the participant was able to complete three functional tasks that required selecting different hand grasps in order to grasp and move one-inch wooden blocks over a broad range of arm positions. Additionally, these tests were successfully repeated without retraining the classifier across 3 hours of prosthesis use and following simulated donning and doffing of the socket. This study supports the feasibility of using sonomyography to control upper limb prostheses in real-world applications.
Necroptosis and Viral Myocarditis: Tumor Necrosis Factor α as a Novel Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Zhou Jin , Xu Jing , Li Peng , Sun Shan , Kadier Yimiti , Zhou Shiying , Cheng Aijuan
Published: May 2022

Programmed cell death (PCD), including necroptosis, has emerged as a significant pathway in cardiovascular diseases. The infection of viral myocarditis (VMC) could cause cardiomyocytes degeneration, necrosis, and immune-inflammatory myocardial response. In this review, we summarized and evaluated the available evidence on the pathogenesis, molecule mechanism, diagnosis, and potential treatment strategies of viral myocarditis, with a special focus on the novel mechanism of necroptosis for cardiomyocytes death. Studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an important cytokine involved in the activation of necroptosis; an elevated level of TNF-α is continually reported in patients suffering from VMC, implicating its involvement in the pathogenesis of VMC. It is of great interest to explore the clinical implication of TNF-α. We subsequently conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy of serum TNF-α expression level and its diagnostic accuracy on acute viral myocarditis detection. Taken together, the review demonstrates a compelling role of necroptosis involved in the pathogenesis of VMC. Further, applying TNF-α as a serological marker for the diagnosis of VMC may be a useful strategy.
Proteomic Identification of Phosphorylation-Dependent Septin 7 Interactors that Drive Dendritic Spine Formation
Authors: Byeon Sujin , Werner Bailey , Falter Reilly , Davidsen Kristian , Snyder Calvin , Ong Shao-En , Yadav Smita
Published: May 2022

Septins are a family of cytoskeletal proteins that regulate several important aspects of neuronal development. Septin 7 (Sept7) is enriched at the base of dendritic spines in excitatory neurons and mediates both spine formation and spine and synapse maturation. Phosphorylation at a conserved C-terminal tail residue of Sept7 mediates its translocation into the dendritic spine head to allow spine and synapse maturation. The mechanistic basis for postsynaptic stability and compartmentalization conferred by phosphorylated Sept7, however, is unclear. We report herein the proteomic identification of Sept7 phosphorylation-dependent neuronal interactors. Using Sept7 C-terminal phosphopeptide pulldown and biochemical assays, we show that the 14-3-3 family of proteins specifically interacts with Sept7 when phosphorylated at the T426 residue. Biochemically, we validate the interaction between Sept7 and 14-3-3 isoform gamma and show that 14-3-3 gamma is also enriched in the mature dendritic spine head. Furthermore, we demonstrate that interaction of phosphorylated Sept7 with 14-3-3 protects it from dephosphorylation, as expression of a 14-3-3 antagonist significantly decreases phosphorylated Sept7 in neurons. This study identifies 14-3-3 proteins as an important physiological regulator of Sept7 function in neuronal development.
Identification of Energy Metabolism-Related Gene Signatures From scRNA-Seq Data to Predict the Prognosis of Liver Cancer Patients
Authors: Xu Boyang , Peng Ziqi , An Yue , Yan Guanyu , Yao Xue , Guan Lin , Sun Mingjun
Published: May 2022

The increasingly common usage of single-cell sequencing in cancer research enables analysis of tumor development mechanisms from a wider range of perspectives. Metabolic disorders are closely associated with liver cancer development. In recent years, liver cancer has been evaluated from different perspectives and classified into different subtypes to improve targeted treatment strategies. Here, we performed an analysis of liver cancer from the perspective of energy metabolism based on single-cell sequencing data. Single-cell and bulk sequencing data of liver cancer patients were obtained from GEO and TCGA/ICGC databases, respectively. Using the Seurat R package and protocols such as consensus clustering analysis, genes associated with energy metabolism in liver cancer were identified and validated. An energy metabolism-related score (EM score) was established based on five identified genes. Finally, the sensitivity of patients in different scoring groups to different chemotherapeutic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors was analyzed. Tumor cells from liver cancer patients were found to divide into nine clusters, with cluster 4 having the highest energy metabolism score. Based on the marker genes of this cluster and TCGA database data, the five most stable key genes (ADH4, AKR1B10, CEBPZOS, ENO1, and FOXN2) were identified as energy metabolism-related genes in liver cancer. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis showed that patients in the low EM score group were more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents AICAR, metformin, and methotrexate.
The Role of Mechanically-Activated Ion Channels Piezo1, Piezo2, and TRPV4 in Chondrocyte Mechanotransduction and Mechano-Therapeutics for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gao Winni , Hasan Hamza , Anderson Devon E. , Lee Whasil
Published: May 2022

Mechanical factors play critical roles in the pathogenesis of joint disorders like osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent progressive degenerative joint disease that causes debilitating pain. Chondrocytes in the cartilage are responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, and mechanical stimuli heavily influence cartilage maintenance, degeneration, and regeneration via mechanotransduction of chondrocytes. Thus, understanding the disease-associated mechanotransduction mechanisms can shed light on developing effective therapeutic strategies for OA through targeting mechanotransducers to halt progressive cartilage degeneration. Mechanosensitive Ca2+-permeating channels are robustly expressed in primary articular chondrocytes and trigger force-dependent cartilage remodeling and injury responses. This review discusses the current understanding of the roles of Piezo1, Piezo2, and TRPV4 mechanosensitive ion channels in cartilage health and disease with a highlight on the potential mechanotheraputic strategies to target these channels and prevent cartilage degeneration associated with OA.
Metalloprotease Gp63-Targeting Novel Glycoside Exhibits Potential Antileishmanial Activity
Authors: Chakrabarti Amrita , Narayana Chintam , Joshi Nishant , Garg Swati , Garg Lalit C. , Ranganathan Anand , Sagar Ram , Pati Soumya , Singh Shailja
Published: May 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) affect most of the poor populations worldwide. The current treatment modalities include liposomal formulation or deoxycholate salt of amphotericin B, which has been associated with various complications and severe side effects. Encouraged from the recent marked antimalarial effects from plant-derived glycosides, in this study, we have exploited a green chemistry-based approach to chemically synthesize a library of diverse glycoside derivatives (Gly1–12) and evaluated their inhibitory efficacy against the AG83 strain of Leishmania donovani. Among the synthesized glycosides, the in vitro inhibitory activity of Glycoside-2 (Gly2) (1.13 µM IC50 value) on L. donovani promastigote demonstrated maximum cytotoxicity with ~94% promastigote death as compared to amphotericin B that was taken as a positive control. The antiproliferative effect of Gly2 on promastigote encouraged us to analyze the structure–activity relationship of Gly2 with Gp63, a zinc metalloprotease that majorly localizes at the surface of the promastigote and has a role in its development and multiplication. The result demonstrated the exceptional binding affinity of Gly2 toward the catalytic domain of Gp63. These data were thereafter validated through cellular thermal shift assay in a physiologically relevant cellular environment. Mechanistically, reduced multiplication of promastigotes on treatment with Gly2 induces the destabilization of redox homeostasis in promastigotes by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS), coupled with depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Additionally, Gly2 displayed strong lethal effects on infectivity and multiplication of amastigote inside the macrophage in the amastigote–macrophage infection model in vitro as compared to amphotericin B treatment. Gp63 is also known to bestow protection against complement-mediated lysis of parasites. Interestingly, Gly2 treatment enhances the complement-mediated lysis of L. donovani promastigotes in serum physiological conditions. In addition, Gly2 was found to be equally effective against the clinical promastigote forms of PKDL strain (IC50 value of 1.97 µM); hence, it could target both VL and PKDL simultaneously. Taken together, this study reports the serendipitous discovery of Gly2 with potent antileishmanial activity and proves to be a novel chemotherapeutic prototype against VL and PKDL.
How Yeast Antifungal Resistance Gene Analysis Is Essential to Validate Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Systems
Authors: Pellaton Nicolas , Sanglard Dominique , Lamoth Frederic , Coste Alix T.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of yeast pathogen alerts clinicians about the potential emergence of resistance. In this study, we compared two commercial microdilution AFST methods: Sensititre YeastOne read visually (YO) and MICRONAUT-AM read visually (MN) or spectrophotometrically (MNV), interpreted with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing criteria, respectively.

Methods

Overall, 97 strains from 19 yeast species were measured for nine antifungal drugs including a total of 873 observations. First, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was compared between YO and MNV, and between MNV and MN, either directly or by assigning them to five susceptibility categories. Those categories were based on the number of MIC dilutions around the breakpoint or epidemiological cut-off reference values (ECOFFs or ECVs). Second, YO and MNV methods were evaluated for their ability to detect the elevation of MICs due to mutation in antifungal resistance genes, thanks to pairs or triplets of isogenic strains isolated from a single patient along a treatment previously analyzed for antifungal resistance gene mutations. Reproducibility measurement was evaluated, thanks to three quality control (QC) strains.

Results

YO and MNV direct MIC comparisons obtained a global agreement of 67%. Performing susceptibility category comparisons, only 22% and 49% of the MICs could be assigned to categories using breakpoints and ECOFFs/ECVs, respectively, and 40% could not be assigned due to the lack of criteria in both consortia. The YO and MN susceptibility categories gave accuracies as low as 50%, revealing the difficulty to implement this method of comparison. In contrast, using the antifungal resistance gene sequences as a gold standard, we demonstrated that both methods (YO and MN) were equally able to detect the acquisition of resistance in the Candida strains, even if MN showed a global lower MIC elevation than YO. Finally, no major differences in reproducibility were observed between the three AFST methods.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the valuable use of both commercial microdilution AFST methods to detect antifungal resistance due to point mutations in antifungal resistance genes. We highlighted the difficulty to conduct conclusive analyses without antifungal gene sequence data as a gold standard. Indeed, MIC comparisons taking into account the consortia criteria of interpretation remain difficult even after the effort of harmonization.
Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., an Intranuclear Microsporidian Infecting the Seahorse Hippocampus erectus From China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ying Na , Huang Yanqing , Zou Xiong , Liu Xin , Li Letian , Zhou Junfang , Zhao Shu , Ma Rongrong , Li Xincang , Tan Hongxin , Fang Wenhong
Published: May 2022

The life cycle, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of a new intranuclear microsporidian, Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., infecting the intestine of the Hippocampus erectus, were described. The histopathology revealed an extensive infection, mainly in the columnar epithelium of the intestinal mucosa layer. The enterocytes were the important target cell for Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp. infection. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that this microsporidian developed directly within the host cell nucleoplasm. In the intranuclear life cycle, the transformation from meront to sporogonial plasmodium was recognized by forming electron-dense disc structures, which were considered the polar tube precursors. The microsporidian showed the typical morphological characteristics of the family Enterocytozoonidae in the formation and development of spore organelles prior to the division of the sporogonial plasmodium. According to wet smear observation, eight spores were generally formed in a single host nucleus. Mature spores were elongated ovoids that were slightly bent and measured 1.93 × 0.97 μm. The isofilar polar tube was arranged in 7~8 coils in one row. Phylogenetic analysis of its small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrated that the parasite belonged to the Nucleospora group clade. The histological, ultrastructural, and molecular data support the emergence of a new species in the genus Nucleospora. This is the first report of Nucleospora species in Asia and threatened syngnathid fishes.
Detection of Honeybee Viruses in Vespa orientalis
Authors: Power Karen , Altamura Gennaro , Martano Manuela , Maiolino Paola
Published: May 2022

The Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) is spreading across the Italian territory threatening the health and wellbeing of honeybees by feeding on adult individuals and larvae and by plundering hive resources. Considering the capacity of other hornets in harboring honeybee viruses, the aim of this study was to identify the possible role of the Oriental hornet as a vector for honeybee viruses. Adult hornets were subjected to macroscopical examination to identify the presence of lesions, and to biomolecular investigation to detect the presence of six honeybee viruses: Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV), Sac Brood Virus (SBV). No macroscopical alterations were found while biomolecular results showed that DWV was the most detected virus (25/30), followed by ABPV (19/30), BQCV (13/30), KBV (1/30) and SBV (1/30). No sample was found positive for CBPV. In 20/30 samples several co-infections were identified. The most frequent (17/30) was the association between DWV and ABPV, often associated to BQCV (9/17). One sample (1/30) showed the presence of four different viruses namely DWV, ABPV, BQCV and KBV. The detected viruses are the most widespread in apiaries across the Italian territory suggesting the possible passage from honeybees toV. orientalis, by predation of infected adult honeybees and larvae, and cannibalization of their carcasses. However, to date, it is still not clear if these viruses are replicative but we can suggest a role as mechanical vector ofV. orientalisin spreading these viruses.
Endocardial-Myocardial Interactions During Early Cardiac Differentiation and Trabeculation
Authors: Qu Xianghu , Harmelink Cristina , Baldwin H. Scott
Published: May 2022

Throughout the continuum of heart formation, myocardial growth and differentiation occurs in concert with the development of a specialized population of endothelial cells lining the cardiac lumen, the endocardium. Once the endocardial cells are specified, they are in close juxtaposition to the cardiomyocytes, which facilitates communication between the two cell types that has been proven to be critical for both early cardiac development and later myocardial function. Endocardial cues orchestrate cardiomyocyte proliferation, survival, and organization. Additionally, the endocardium enables oxygenated blood to reach the cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes, in turn, secrete factors that promote endocardial growth and function. As misregulation of this delicate and complex endocardial-myocardial interplay can result in congenital heart defects, further delineation of underlying genetic and molecular factors involved in cardiac paracrine signaling will be vital in the development of therapies to promote cardiac homeostasis and regeneration. Herein, we highlight the latest research that has advanced the elucidation of endocardial-myocardial interactions in early cardiac morphogenesis, including endocardial and myocardial crosstalk necessary for cellular differentiation and tissue remodeling during trabeculation, as well as signaling critical for endocardial growth during trabeculation.
Mechanisms of Cardiovascular System Injury Induced by COVID-19 in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular History
Authors: Yang Yaliu , Yan Mengwen
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), represents a great threat to healthcare and socioeconomics worldwide. In addition to respiratory manifestations, COVID-19 promotes cardiac injuries, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular history, leading to a higher risk of progression to critical conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is initiated as virus binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is highly expressed in the heart, resulting in direct infection and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Meanwhile, immune response and hyper-inflammation, as well as endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis implicate in COVID-19 infection. Herein, we provide an overview of the proposed mechanisms of cardiovascular injuries in COVID-19, particularly in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, aiming to set appropriate management and improve their clinical outcomes.
Horizontal Force Required for Subduction Initiation at Passive Margins With Constraints From Slab Detachment
Authors: Candioti Lorenzo G. , Duretz Thibault , Schmalholz Stefan M.
Published: May 2022

Subduction zones are essential drivers of plate tectonics. However, the processes causing subduction zone initiation (SZI), involving the formation of a new plate boundary, and the forces required remain disputed. Here, we focus on horizontally forced SZI at passive margins and quantify the horizontal force required for SZI with two-dimensional petrological-thermomechanical numerical models. The initial configuration, involving two passive margins bounding a 400 km wide basin with exhumed mantle, is calculated by a numerical rifting simulation to guarantee thermomechanical feasibility and isostatic equilibrium. SZI occurs at one passive margin during convergence of the basin-margin system. SZI is caused by thermal softening due to local shear heating. A local temperature increase of only ca. 50°C is sufficient to cause SZI. Corresponding simulations without shear heating do not show SZI, showing unequivocally that thermal softening controls SZI. We systematically limit the lithospheric deviatoric stress to determine the minimum force required for SZI. A minimum force (per unit length) of ca. 14 TN m−1 is required for SZI; a force magnitude that agrees with independent estimates from mantle convection models. However, for the associated stress limit of 200 MPa the lithosphere is so weak that slab detachment (SD) already occurs at the onset of basin closure in the horizontal, non-subducted region of the subducting plate. Only for stress limits >=300 MPa (yielding a force of ca. 15 TN m−1) subduction of continental crust occurs and SD occurs in the subducted slab. The force required for SZI is a proxy for the effective compressive lithospheric strength. This strength also controls subsequent SD due to tensile slab pull, which increases during subduction, also since our models include the olivine–wadsleyite phase change. Our simulations show a causal link betweeen SZI and subsequent SD: If forces required for SZI are smaller, then the lithosphere is weaker and then SD occurs at shallower levels and corresponding slabs are shorter. Concerning the European Alps, our results imply that if there was no SD since the Europe–Adria collision some 30 Myr ago (as proposed by some studies), then the subducted lithosphere must be considerably strong.
Correlation Between Ne and Te Around 14:00 LT in the Topside Ionosphere Observed by CSES, Swarm and CHAMP Satellites
Authors: Yan Rui , Xiong Chao , Zhima Zeren , Shen Xuhui , Liu Dapeng , Liu Chao , Guan Yibing , Zhu Keying , Zheng Lin , Lv Fangxian
Published: May 2022

In this study, we have performed a detailed analysis for the correlation between electron density (Ne) and temperature (Te) at the topside ionosphere. In situ measurements from four satellites have been utilized, including the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES), Swarm A and B, as well as the earlier Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite. To make a fair comparison, only simultaneous observations between CSES and Swarm A/B have been considered; while for CHAMP, as it doesn’t have overlaps with CSES period, the observations during similar low solar activity years are considered. Our study has been confined to the dayside around 14:00 local time (LT), due to the fixed LT coverage of CSES. Observations from the four satellites show generally consistent relationship between the Ne and Te at the topside ionosphere. When Ne is low, the Te is negative correlated with Ne, while the slop of negative relation becomes shallower or even reverses to a positive relation after Ne exceeds a certain threshold. The slope of Ne/Te relation shows also dependence on season and magnetic latitude (MLat), as the ionospheric Ne and Te themselves are seasonal and MLat dependent. Interestingly, we find two abnormal features of the Swarm Te measurements: 1) when Ne is lower than 1×1011 m−3, Te sometimes becomes very scatter at low and middle latitudes; 2) when Ne is larger than 1×1011 m−3, Te is grouped into two branches at the equatorial and low latitudes. Further analysis reveals that the flags used in the Swarm Level-1 B plasma density product cannot well distinguish the two abnormal features of Te, implying further efforts are needed for the Swarm Te data calibration.
Attitudes Toward Animal Dissection and Animal-Free Alternatives Among High School Biology Teachers in Switzerland
Authors: Zemanova Miriam A.
Published: May 2022

Animal dissection has been a traditional teaching tool in biology for centuries. However, harmful animal use in education has raised ethical and environmental concerns in the last decades and led to an ongoing debate about the role and importance of animal dissection in teaching across all education levels. To understand the current status of dissection in secondary education and the attitudes toward humane teaching alternatives among the educators, I conducted a survey–for the first time–among high school biology teachers in Switzerland. The specific aims of this study were (i) to explore the extent of animal or animal parts dissection in high school biology classes, (ii) to understand the attitudes and experiences of high school biology teachers toward dissection and animal-free alternatives, and (iii) to gain some insight into the circumstances hindering a wider uptake of alternatives to animal dissection in high school education. In total, 76 teachers participated in the online survey. The vast majority (97%) of the participants reported using animal dissection in their classes. The responses also revealed that a large proportion of the teachers consider animal-free alternatives inferior teaching tools in comparison with dissection. As the obstacles to adopting alternatives were most often listed the lack of time to research other methods, high costs, and peer pressure. In conclusion, the wider uptake of humane teaching methods would require financial support as well as a shift in the attitudes of high school biology teachers.
Downregulation of LHCGR Attenuates COX-2 Expression and Induces Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome in Endometriosis
Authors: Geng Ting , Sun Yifan , Cheng Lin , Cao Yuming , Zhang Ming , Hong Zhidan , Ma Ling , Zhang Yuanzhen
Published: May 2022

An association between endometriosis and luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFs) has long been identified. Although inactivating mutation of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHGCR) results in LUFs, whether LHCGR contributes to promoting LUFs in endometriosis remains elusive. To investigate the effect of LHCGR signaling in the development of endometriosis-associated LUFs and dissect the underlying mechanism in vivo mouse endometriosis model was established to measure the effect on ovarian folliculogenesis. In vitro cultures of primary human GCs collected from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were performed and treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), dibutyryl cyclic-AMP (db-cAMP), LHCGR or CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBPα) small interfering RNA to identify the potential mechanisms. KGN cell line was used to investigate the mechanistic features of transcriptional regulation. Results showed an increased incidence of LUFs was observed in mice with endometriosis. The expression of LHCGR was decreased in the GCs of endometriosis mice. In in vitro cell models, LHCGR signaling increased the expression of C/EBPα and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), while inhibiting C/EBPα mitigated the induced COX-2 expression. Mechanically, C/EBPα bounded to the promoter region of COX-2 and increased the transcriptional activity under the stimulation of hCG or db-cAMP. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the LHCGR signaling was reduced in GCs of endometriosis and resulted in a decrease in gonadotropin-induced COX-2 expression. Our study might provide new insights into the dysfunction of GCs in endometriosis.
Latest Advancements on Combating Obesity by Targeting Human Brown/Beige Adipose Tissues
Authors: Pan Ruping , Chen Yong
Published: May 2022

Obesity is defined as overaccumulation of white adipose tissue in the body, mainly under the skin (subcutaneous adiposity) or in the abdominal cavity (visceral adiposity). It could be the origin of various metabolic disorders including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc. Active adipose tissue was discovered in humans through 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography coupled with Computer Tomography (18F FDG-PET/CT), which was initially performed for tumor scanning. Since human active adipose tissue is probably composed of brown and beige adipose tissues and they burn white adipose tissue to generate heat, targeting human brown/beige adipose tissue to induce their thermogenic function is considered significant to combat obesity. In this review, we describe the latest advancements on promising therapeutic strategies to combat obesity by targeting human thermogenic adipose tissues to achieve further metabolic balance in humans.
Impact of the COVID-19 Restrictive Measures on Urban Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Serbia
Authors: Malinović-Milićević Slavica , Doljak Dejan , Stanojević Gorica , Radovanović Milan M.
Published: May 2022

This study has analyzed the traffic-related change in atmospheric pollutants levels (PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, SO2, and O3) caused by the COVID-19 restrictive measures, based on traffic ground-based stations data in urban areas in Serbia. The possible influence of several meteorological factors (temperature, wind, pressure, and humidity), and mobility on the pollutants’ levels were also considered. The obtained results showed a positive correlation of daily NO2 concentrations with mobility and its significant reduction during restrictive measures at all selected monitoring stations. The reduction of NO2 was higher than in other countries (71.1–111.5% for measured, and 49.3–92.6% for “deweathered” data), indicating a high traffic impact on NO2 levels in Serbia. The PM, CO, and SO2 showed a weak correlation with mobility during the period with restrictive measures, which, besides traffic, indicates the significant influence of other sources of their concentration. The O3 concentrations were increased at all measuring stations and are negatively correlated to mobility. Comparison of pollutant concentrations during restriction with the equivalent period in preceding years showed reductions in NO2 and SO2 concentrations. However, compared to previous years, the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and CO increased in the period with restrictive measures, indicating lower sensitivity to population mobility and higher dependence on other emission sources. The findings suggest the justification for the use of traffic reduction strategies to improve air quality.
Withdrawal and Transformation of Rural Homesteads in Traditional Agricultural Areas of China Based on Supply-Demand Balance Analysis
Authors: Dong Guanglong , Ge Yibing , Cao Huimin , Zhai Rongxin
Published: May 2022

Idle and abandoned rural homesteads not only waste land resources, they also affect the quality of life of farmers and occupy land that could be used for agricultural production and ecological space. Analysis of the supply–demand relationship of rural homesteads is an important prerequisite for the implementation of rural homestead withdrawal and transformation, which is important for improving rural residential quality and land-use efficiency, promoting sustainable development and the classified revitalization of rural areas. Based on high-resolution remote sensing images of typical villages in traditional agricultural areas, a participatory evaluation method was used to analyze the supply–demand balance of rural homesteads and to propose countermeasures for their withdrawal and transformation. The results showed that: 1) rural homesteads have gradually realized the separation of living space and production space, the living function has gradually been enhanced, the production function has gradually weakened, and the ecological aesthetic function has emerged. 2) Farmers’ demand for rural homesteads is driven by various factors, including social and economic development level, lifestyle and livelihood. 3) There are a large number of idle or abandoned rural homesteads in traditional agricultural areas, with great withdrawal potential. The difference between the supply and demand of rural homesteads in use is obvious. The supply of living space of adobe house and mud-brick houses is less than the demand for them, and there is mixed use of space. The supply of production space for brick houses is less than the demand; in general, the supply of buildings is greater than the demand. 4) For rural homesteads still in use, exit and transformation strategies should be formulated according to the relationship between supply and demand, construction quality, spatial independence, and the wishes of farmers. The withdrawal and transformation of rural homesteads based on the balance between supply and demand is in line with the reality of rural development and the Chinese government’s strategy of national rural revitalization.
From Analog to Digital Computing: Is Homo sapiens’ Brain on Its Way to Become a Turing Machine?
Authors: Danchin Antoine , Fenton André A.
Published: May 2022

The abstract basis of modern computation is the formal description of a finite state machine, the Universal Turing Machine, based on manipulation of integers and logic symbols. In this contribution to the discourse on the computer-brain analogy, we discuss the extent to which analog computing, as performed by the mammalian brain, is like and unlike the digital computing of Universal Turing Machines. We begin with ordinary reality being a permanent dialog between continuous and discontinuous worlds. So it is with computing, which can be analog or digital, and is often mixed. The theory behind computers is essentially digital, but efficient simulations of phenomena can be performed by analog devices; indeed, any physical calculation requires implementation in the physical world and is therefore analog to some extent, despite being based on abstract logic and arithmetic. The mammalian brain, comprised of neuronal networks, functions as an analog device and has given rise to artificial neural networks that are implemented as digital algorithms but function as analog models would. Analog constructs compute with the implementation of a variety of feedback and feedforward loops. In contrast, digital algorithms allow the implementation of recursive processes that enable them to generate unparalleled emergent properties. We briefly illustrate how the cortical organization of neurons can integrate signals and make predictions analogically. While we conclude that brains are not digital computers, we speculate on the recent implementation of human writing in the brain as a possible digital path that slowly evolves the brain into a genuine (slow) Turing machine.
Single-Cell RNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Reveal Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Tumor Microenvironment Characteristics in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Hui , Zhang Mingzhi , Li Ling
Published: May 2022

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with highly heterogeneous genetic and phenotypic features. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of cellular diversity and intratumoral heterogeneity is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving DLBCL progression and to develop new therapeutic approaches.

Methods: We analyzed single-cell transcriptomic data from 2 reactive lymph node tissue samples and 2 DLBCL lymph node biopsy tissue samples to explore the transcriptomic landscape of DLBCL. In addition, we constructed a prognostic model based on the genes obtained from differential analysis.

Results: Based on gene expression profiles at the single cell level, we identified and characterized different subpopulations of malignant and immune cells. Malignant cells exhibited a high degree of inter-tumor heterogeneity. Tumor-infiltrating regulatory CD4+ T cells showed highly immunosuppressive properties and exhausted cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were highly expressed with markers of exhaustion. Cell communication analysis identified complex interactions between malignant cells and other cell subpopulations. In addition, the prognostic model we constructed allows for monitoring the prognosis of DLBCL patients.

Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth dissection of the transcriptional features of malignant B cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) in DLBCL and provides new insights into the tumor heterogeneity of DLBCL.
Impact of an Immune Modulator Mycobacterium-w on Adaptive Natural Killer Cells and Protection Against COVID-19
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita Rani , Arunachalam Jaganath , Saifullah Ashraf , Lakhchaura Rohit , Tailor Dhanir , Mehta Anupama , Bhagawati Gitali , Aiyer Hemamalini , Khamar Bakulesh , Malhotra Sanjay V. , Chakrabarti Suparno
Published: May 2022

The kinetics of NKG2C+ adaptive natural killer (ANK) cells and NKG2A+inhibitory NK (iNK) cells with respect to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were studied for 6 months in a cohort of healthcare workers following the administration of the heat-killed Mycobacterium w (Mw group) in comparison to a control group. In both groups, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) correlated with lower NKG2C+ANK cells at baseline. There was a significant upregulation of NKG2C expression and IFN-γ release in the Mw group (p=0.0009), particularly in those with a lower baseline NKG2C expression, along with the downregulation of iNK cells (p<0.0001). This translated to a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in the Mw group (incidence risk ratio-0.15, p=0.0004). RNA-seq analysis at 6 months showed an upregulation of the ANK pathway genes and an enhanced ANK-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) signature. Thus, Mw was observed to have a salutary impact on the ANK cell profile and a long-term upregulation of ANK-ADCC pathways, which could have provided protection against COVID-19 in a non-immune high-risk population.
Resilience and Social Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in Small-Scale Fisheries
Authors: Villasante Sebastián , Macho Gonzalo , Silva Monalisa R. O. , Lopes Priscila F. M. , Pita Pablo , Simón Andrés , Balsa José Carlos Mariño , Olabarria Celia , Vázquez Elsa , Calvo Nuria
Published: May 2022

Small-cale fisheries are important for livelihoods, food security, jobs and income worldwide. However, they face major challenges, including the increasing effects of climate change that pose serious risks to coastal ecosystems and fishing communities. Although scientific research on climate change impacts has increased in recent years, few studies have explored the social impacts on small-scale fisheries. Using Galicia (Spain) as a case study, we investigated individual and household-level adaptive responses to climate change among fishers in three fishing guilds (Cambados, Campelo, and Redondela). Specifically, we estimated the economic vulnerability of shellfishers and assessed the diversity of social adaptive responses used to deal with climate change. Although fishers’ income strongly depends on shellfishing in all studied areas, our findings show that less fishing experience and lower engagement in fisher associations tend to increase the economic vulnerability of the fishers. The fishers’ vulnerability decreases as the size of households increases, while fishers who pay a mortgage and who live in households with fewer active members tend to be more vulnerable. The findings also show that Galician shellfishers have developed a wide range of adaptation strategies to anticipate and respond to climate change impacts, namely harvesting pricier and more abundant species, reducing household expenses and increasing social involvement in shellfishery associations. Although the adaptive strategies have helped Galician fishers to deal with climate change impacts, several threats to the sustainability of shellfisheries remain, such as a decrease in the abundance of key native shellfish species, and a high dependence on public and private aid to ensure reasonable incomes for shellfisheries. These findings are of interest and relevance to other similar small-scale fisheries around the world facing similar climate change challenges.