bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using artificial neural networks to explain the attraction of jewel beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) to colored traps
Authors: Santer Roger D. , Akanyeti Otar
Published: January 2025

Jewel beetles pose significant threats to forestry, and effective traps are needed to monitor and manage them. Green traps often catch more beetles, but purple traps catch a greater proportion of females. Understanding the function and mechanism of this behavior can provide a rationale for trap optimization. Jewel beetles possess UV‐, blue‐, green‐, and red‐sensitive photoreceptors, and perceive color differently from humans. Jewel beetle photoreceptor signals were calculated for tree leaf and tree bark stimuli, representing feeding and oviposition sites of adult jewel beetles respectively. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were trained to discriminate those stimuli using beetle photoreceptor signals, providing in silico models of the neural processing that might have evolved to drive behavior. ANNs using blue‐, green‐, and red‐sensitive photoreceptor inputs could classify these stimuli with very high accuracy (>99%). ANNs processed photoreceptor signals in an opponent fashion: increasing green‐sensitive photoreceptor signals promoted leaf classifications, while increasing blue‐ and red‐sensitive photoreceptor signals promoted bark classifications. Trained ANNs were fed photoreceptor signals calculated for traps, wherein they always classified green traps as leaves, but often classified purple traps as bark, indicating that these traps share salient features with different classes of tree stimuli from a beetle's eye view. A metric representing the photoreceptor opponent mechanism implicated by ANNs then explained catches of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, at differently colored traps from a previous field study. This analysis provides a hypothesized behavioral mechanism that can now guide the rational selection and improvement of jewel beetle traps.
Seven up regulates reproductive diapause initiation via juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi
Authors: Wang Kou , Zhao Yu‐Lian , Jiang Yan‐Zi , Liu Wen , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: January 2025

Reproductive diapause is an insect survival strategy in which reproduction temporarily halts in response to adverse environmental changes. This process is characterized by arrested ovarian development and lipid accumulation in females. A reduction in juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis is known to initiate reproductive diapause, but its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Seven up (Svp), a transcription factor from the nuclear receptor family, plays a crucial role in various developmental processes in insects. In this study, using the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi as a model, we observed higher expression of Svp in the heads of female adults under reproductive photoperiodic conditions (short‐day [SD]) compared to diapause conditions (long‐day [LD]). RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Svp in SD females induced typical diapause phenotypes, including ovarian arrest and lipid accumulation. The application of methoprene (ME), a JH receptor agonist, reversed these diapause phenotypes and restored reproduction, indicating that Svp’s regulation of reproductive diapause is dependent on JH signaling. Additionally, Svp knockdown led to the downregulation of JH pathway genes and a reduction in JH titers. Further evidence suggested that Svp regulates the expression of JHAMT1, a critical gene in JH biosynthesis, which determines diapause entry in C. bowringi. These findings suggest that diapause‐inducing photoperiods suppress Svp expression, blocking JH production and triggering diapause. This work reveals a critical transcription factor that regulates reproductive diapause initiation through modulating JH production, providing a potential target for controlling pests capable of entering reproductive diapause.
Targeting the Hh and Hippo pathways by miR‐7 suppresses the development of insect wings
Authors: Li Mingming , Yu Xuan , Yao Zhihao , Gao Xuequan , Liu Qingxin , Zhou Zizhang , Zhao Yunhe
Published: January 2025

Wings are important organs of insects involved in flight, mating, and other behaviors, and are therefore prime targets for pest control. The formation of insect wings is a complex process that is regulated by multiple pathways. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway regulates the distribution of wing veins, while the Hippo pathway modulates wing size. Any interventions that can manipulate these pathways have the potential to disrupt wing development and could be used for pest control. In this study, we find that overexpression of miR‐7 in Drosophila results in smaller wings with disordered veins. Mechanistically, miR‐7 directly targets both ci and yki via different mature miRNAs (miR‐7‐5p and miR‐7‐3p), thereby disrupting the Hh and Hippo pathways. Importantly, this regulatory mechanism is also observed in another insect species, Helicoverpa armigera. Finally, by utilizing a nanocarrier delivery system, we show that introducing miR‐7 via star polycation (SPc) leads to wing defects in H. armigera. In conclusion, these findings uncover that miR‐7 inhibits wing formation by targeting both the Hippo and Hh pathways, indicating its potential for use in pest control strategies.
Assessing the Impacts of Water Diversion Project on Water Resource System Sustainability
Authors: Chen Wen , Zhang Ruikang , Liu Dedi , Wang Junde , Cheng Yufei , Chen Jie
Published: January 2025

Interbasin water diversion project has been considered as an effective way to assure water resource system sustainability. In order to assess the impacts of water diversion on sustainability, we propose a framework in terms of reliability, resilience, and vulnerability. The estimated water availability from hydrological models and the projected water demand are input to a water resource allocation model. The water resource allocation model allocates the two available water sources (i.e., the local and the diverted water) in the water‐receiving areas. The differences of the allocated water resources between these two water sources are figured out to quantify the impacts of water diversion on water resource system sustainability. The water‐receiving area of Bailong River Water Diversion Project, located in Gansu, China, was selected as a case study. The results show that compared to the reference planning years, the runoff in future planning years will be reduced, while their water demands will almost increase under all scenarios. Although the current designed water diversion scheme is effective in increasing resilience, there is still potential for increasing resilience through optimizing the designed scheme. Further, the more unfavorable the water supply and demand conditions are, the larger the space for optimizing the system sustainability. This study can help understand the impacts of water diversion on water resource system sustainability in a changing environment.
Protective Effect of Nerolidol on Paclitaxel‐Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Rats: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Ayhan İdris , Turkmen Nese Basak , Taslidere Asli , Aydin Muhterem , Ciftci Osman
Published: January 2025

Paclitaxel (PAC), derived from Taxus brevifolia, is used to treat solid tumours but causes reproductive toxicity due to oxidative stress, affecting sperm quality and testicular tissue. Nerolidol (NRL), an antioxidant sesquiterpene alcohol, has not been studied for its potential to reduce PAC‐induced reproductive damage. This study investigates NRL's ability to mitigate PAC‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Forty healthy adult male Spraque Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (Control, PAC, NRL, PAC + NRL). PAC was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg once a week for 4 weeks. NRL was given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Control group received PAC and NRL vehicles. After 4 weeks, testis tissue samples were collected, and parameters, including oxidants, antioxidants, sperm motility, density, abnormal spermatozoon ratios and cytokines, were measured. PAC administration increased oxidant levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. Nerolidol mitigated these alterations significantly. Similarly, PAC elevated IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α levels and lowered IL‐10 levels, these effects attenuated by nerolidol in the PAC + NRL group. In conclusion, it was determined that PAC induces reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress, and NRL demonstrates potential in ameliorating these effects through its antioxidant activity.
Negative interpretation bias and repetitive negative thinking as mechanisms in the association between insomnia and depression in young adults
Authors: Clegg Isabel , Notebaert Lies , Whittle‐Herbert Amy , Richardson Cele
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Despite evidence supporting sleep's role in the development and maintenance of depression, mechanisms underlying this association in young people are less established. Negative interpretation bias (the tendency to interpret ambiguous situations negatively) and repetitive negative thinking (RNT) are important candidate mechanisms. Whilst negative interpretation bias is implicated in depression development, it is a transdiagnostic process and may result from insomnia. Yet, research relating to these constructs is lacking. RNT is another transdiagnostic process implicated in association between negative interpretation bias, depression and insomnia. However, an elaborated model that includes both mechanisms is yet to be tested. It was hypothesised that negative interpretation bias and RNT would sequentially mediate the relationship between sleep/insomnia and depressive symptoms in young people.

Design

The associations predicted by this hypothesis were tested via cross‐sectional mediation in a sample of 214 participants (Mage = 19.19 years, SD = 1.67, Rangeage = 17–24 years, 20% male).

Methods

Participants completed questionnaire measures of insomnia symptoms, depression symptoms and RNT, an ambiguous scenarios task and a 1‐week sleep diary.

Results

Results were consistent with negative interpretation bias and RNT as sequential mechanisms which partially account for the relationship between sleep (i.e., insomnia severity and sleep parameters) and depression.

Conclusions

This study supports negative interpretation bias and RNT as mechanisms linking insomnia and depression in young people, as the predicted associations between these variables were observed. Future research should investigate the causal/directional associations. However, results support theoretical models, and suggest sleep, interpretation bias and RNT may be important processes to target in preventing and treating depression.
What a tangled web we weave: crosstalk between JAK–STAT and other signalling pathways during development in Drosophila
Authors: Mukherjee Amartya , Anoop Chaithra , Nongthomba Upendra
Published: January 2025

The Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) signalling pathway is a key player in animal development and physiology. Although it functions in a variety of processes, the net output of JAK–STAT signalling depends on its spatiotemporal activation, as well as extensive crosstalk with other signalling pathways. Drosophila, with its relatively simple signal transduction pathways and plethora of genetic analysis tools, is an ideal system for dissecting JAK–STAT signalling interactions. In this review, we explore studies in Drosophila revealing that JAK–STAT signalling lies at the nexus of a complex network of interlinked pathways, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), Notch, Insulin, Hippo, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Hedgehog (Hh) and Wingless (Wg). These pathways can synergise with or antagonise one another to produce a variety of outcomes. Given the conserved nature of signal transduction pathways, we conclude with our perspective on the implication of JAK–STAT signalling dysregulation in human diseases, and how studies in Drosophila have the potential to inform and influence clinical research.
Influence of the sluggish diffusion effect on stability by analyzing the Cr diffusion behavior in (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 films
Authors: Wang Xinmiao , Fan Yanwei , Gao Bo , Dou Yingying , Chang Aimin , Kong Wenwen
Published: January 2025

Introducing the concept of high entropy in functional materials is a promising way to improve the stability, but the mechanism of its influence has rarely been discussed in detail. In this work, (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 spinel films were prepared by the alloy oxidation method. The effect of sputtering power on the structure, electrical properties, and electrical stability of films was investigated. The results showed that the increase of ion energy during sputtering promotes grain growth resulting in the decrease of resistivity. The selective oxidation and kinetically controlled oxidation during oxidation process caused the gradient distribution of Cr3+, which affected the sluggish diffusion effect and further lead to the better electrical stability of the films. Notably, the fastest Cr3+ diffusion rate had the highest disorder of the Cr3+ distribution in the 30 W films, whose resistivity drift rate under accelerated aging at 125°C for 400 h is reduced from 9.67% to 1.05%. This work provided a research case for improving the electrical stability of manganese‐based spinel films by the sluggish diffusion effect and the scientific basis for high stability electronic devices fabrication.
Deconstructing University Learners' Adoption Intention Towards AIGC Technology: A Mixed‐Methods Study Using ChatGPT as an Example
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Chen Xiaojiao , Hu Zhebing , Jin Sheng , Gu Xiaoqing
Published: January 2025

Background

ChatGPT, as a cutting‐edge technology in education, is set to significantly transform the educational landscape, raising concerns about technological ethics and educational equity. Existing studies have not fully explored learners' intentions to adopt artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) technology, highlighting the need for deeper insights into the factors influencing adoption.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate higher education learners' adoption intentions towards AIGC technology, with a focus on understanding the underlying reasons and future prospects for its application in education.

Methods

The research is divided into two phases. First, an exploratory analysis involving practical activities and interviews develops an action decision framework for AIGC adoption. Second, a confirmatory analysis using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis on 233 valid questionnaires identifies six configurations associated with high adoption intentions, emphasising the roles of AI literacy and perceived behavioural control.

Results and Conclusions

The study reveals key factors influencing AIGC adoption, including the importance of AI literacy and perceived behavioural control. It provides actionable insights for educators and learners to prepare for and effectively integrate AIGC technology, ensuring equitable and adaptive educational practices.
Antagonisation of Prokineticin Receptor‐2 Attenuates Preeclampsia Symptoms
Authors: Sergent Frédéric , Vaiman Daniel , Raia‐Barjat Tiphaine , Younes Hadi , Marquette Christel , Desseux Morgane , Nahed Roland Abi , Kieu Trinh‐Le‐Vi , Dung Nguyen Viet , Keck Mathilde , Hoffmann Pascale , Murthi Padma , Benharouga Mohamed , Alfaidy Nadia
Published: January 2025

Preeclampsia (PE) is the most threatening pathology of human pregnancy. Placenta from PE patients releases harmful factors that contribute to the exacerbation of the disease. Among these factors is the prokineticin1 (PROK1) and its receptor, PROKR2 that we identified as a mediators of PE. Here we tested the effects of PKRA, an antagonist of PROKR2, on the attenuation of PE symptoms. We used the genetic PE mouse model, STOX1 that overexpresses Stox1 gene in a heterozygosis manner in the placenta. This model allowed exploiting two genotypes of the offspring, those that overexpress the Stox1 gene, and the WT that grow in a PE environment (STE). We characterised the effect PKRA (1 μM) on the attenuation of PE symptoms and compared its effects on STOX1 and STE placentas. We also used STOX1 overexpressing trophoblast cells to decipher the PROK1‐underlying mechanism. We demonstrated that (i) antagonisation of PROKR2 attenuated PE‐mediated hypertension and proteinuria, (ii) STE placentas and foetuses exhibited better outcomes in response to PKRA, (iii) the secretome of STOX1‐trophoblasts impacted the integrity of the fetal vasculature that was attenuated by PKRA treatment. This study demonstrates the direct involvement of the PROK1 in PE and identifies PKRA as a promising therapy for PE.
Protein Intake and Its Association With Meal Patterns and Dietary Patterns in a Swedish Population of Older Adults
Authors: Engelheart Stina , Karlsson Mikael , Lentjes Marleen A. H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Meeting protein intake recommendations is relevant for maintaining muscle mass. This study aimed to describe protein intake and its association with meal patterns and dietary patterns.

Methods

An in‐house designed, web‐based 4‐day record was used in the national dietary survey (in 2010/2011). Participants 60 years and older were included in the analysis (n = 533). Protein intake was described by hour of consumption, self‐indicated meals and food source. Eating and drinking occasion (EDO) and food groups were defined, from which meal patterns and three a posteriori dietary patterns (using principal component analysis) were assessed.

Results

We observed a mean protein intake of just over 1 g/kg body weight (bw) in both men and women. Over 50% of the protein intake was sourced from the food groups meat, fish and milk/yoghurt. A bolus intake of 30 g protein per meal was observed in a small proportion of participants at breakfast and lunch, but was most common at dinner (41% women and 56% men). No strong correlations were observed between protein intake and neither dietary patterns nor the number of EDOs. A 5 g higher protein intake at any meal, but not higher EDO frequency, was associated with higher odds of meeting a protein intake over 1.1 g/kg bw.

Conclusions

Protein intake over 1.1 g/kg bw was met by 44% of the participants. Lunch and dinner were the highest contributors to protein intake. Dietary and meal patterns were weakly associated with protein intake. Only total daily protein intake was associated with reaching > 1.1 g/kg bw.
A fair price to pay: Exploiting causal graphs for fairness in insurance
Authors: Côté Olivier , Côté Marie‐Pier , Charpentier Arthur
Published: January 2025

In many jurisdictions, insurance companies are prohibited from discriminating based on certain policyholder characteristics. Exclusion of prohibited variables from models prevents direct discrimination, but fails to address proxy discrimination, a phenomenon especially prevalent when powerful predictive algorithms are fed with an abundance of acceptable covariates. The lack of formal definition for key fairness concepts, in particular indirect discrimination, hinders effective fairness assessment. We review causal inference notions and introduce a causal graph tailored for fairness in insurance. Exploiting these, we discuss potential sources of bias, formally define direct and indirect discrimination, and study the theoretical properties of fairness methodologies. A novel categorization of fair methodologies into five families (best‐estimate, unaware, aware, hyperaware, and corrective) is constructed based on their expected fairness properties. A comprehensive pedagogical example illustrates the implications of our findings: the interplay between our fair score families, group fairness criteria, and discrimination.
Sitosterolemia—An Underdiagnosed and Heterogeneous Lipid Disorder. A Case Series From a Tertiary Care Centre in Australia
Authors: Gamage Dilhara , Chisholm Kerryn , Kilo Tatjana , Ooi Siew Ean , Srinivasan Shubha
Published: January 2025

Aims

Sitosterolemia, is a disorder of increased plant sterol levels leading to a variable presentation and haematological manifestations. Although considered rare, the prevalence is likely underestimated due to the variable phenotype and challenges in diagnosis. The delayed diagnosis may lead to cardiovascular complications. We reviewed the presentation and management of patients with sitosterolemia in our clinic.

Method

We report 4 children aged 18 months to 18 years with variable manifestations from xanthomas to haemolytic anaemia who were subsequently confirmed to have sitosterolemia on genetic testing.

Results

One patient presented with xanthomas, two patients with haematological manifestations and the other with an abnormal lipid profile. All patients had a strong family history of lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease at a young age. All patients had confirmatory genetic testing and were managed with dietary adjustments and ezetimibe resulting in improvement of lipid and haematological profiles.

Conclusion

Sitosterolemia is a likely underdiagnosed lipid disorder due to variable phenotype and specialised genetic and biochemical diagnostic tests. Early diagnosis and treatment fully reverse the clinical manifestations and associated complications.
Sleep and circadian rhythms in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder: Phenotypic differences between patients with and without comorbid depression
Authors: Reis Cátia , Pilz Luísa K. , Paiva Teresa , Hidalgo Maria Paz , Wright Kenneth P.
Published: January 2025

Delayed sleep–wake phase disorder involves chronic difficulty going to bed and waking up at conventional times and often co‐occurs with depression. This study compared sleep and circadian rhythms between patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder with depression (DSWPD‐D) and without (DSWPD‐ND) comorbid depression. Clinical records of 162 patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (70 DSWPD‐D, 92 DSWPD‐ND) were analysed, including a subset of 76 patients with circadian phase determined by the dim light melatonin onset. Variables assessed included sleep behaviour on work and free days, weekly sleep duration, social jet lag, chronotype, and phase relationships between dim light melatonin onset and sleep/wake times. Mean (SD) or median [Q1–Q3] values were compared using t‐tests or Mann–Whitney. Patients with DSWPD‐D showed longer sleep on workdays (DSWPD‐D = 7.63 hr [1.70] versus DSWPD‐ND = 6.20 hr [1.59]; p < 0.001), but not on free days. DSWPD‐D also showed later sleep onset (DSWPD‐D = 03:30 14;hours [02:49 hours–04:23 hours], DSWPD‐ND = 02:53 hours [02:00 hours–03:41 hours]; p = 0.02) and wake times (DSWPD‐D = 11:30 hours [09:30 hours–13:00 hours], DSWPD‐ND = 08:45 hours [07:20 hours–11:00 hours]; p < 0.01) on workdays. Furthermore, DSWPD‐D showed less social jet lag (DSWPD‐D = 0.38 [0.00–1.75] versus DSWPD‐ND = 2.17 [1.25–3.03]; p < 0.01), and reported higher anxiety symptoms (DSWPD‐D = 71.4% versus DSWPD‐ND = 45.8%; p = 0.03) and medication use (DSWPD‐D = 75.0% versus DSWPD‐ND = 43.8%; p = 0.01). DSWPD‐D also showed wider dim light melatonin onset phase relationships with dim light melatonin onset‐mid‐sleep (DSWPD‐D = −5.77 [1.32] versus DSWPD‐ND = −4.86 [1.53]; p = 0.01) and dim light melatonin onset‐waketime (DSWPD‐D = −9.46 [1.82]; DSWPD‐ND = −8.13 [2.08]; p = 0.01). Multivariable Poisson regression, adjusted for age and sex, showed more medication use, less social jet lag, and longer weekly sleep duration as significantly associated with DSWPD‐D. These findings suggest potential biopsychosocial protective factors linked to depression in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder. Further research is required to confirm these phenotypic differences and their relevance to delayed sleep–wake phase disorder aetiology and treatment.
Presettlement Tree Distributions and Forest Types of Northeast Ohio, USA, Mapped With Species Distribution Models
Authors: Flinn Kathryn M. , Litwinowicz Zachary , Mahany Tylor P. , Watling James I.
Published: January 2025

Questions

European colonization radically transformed the landscapes of eastern North America. Understanding this legacy is vital to managing current ecological communities. To do so requires spatially explicit information about presettlement vegetation. Here we test the ability of species distribution models, which have rarely been used with historical data like land survey records, to generate useful predictions of presettlement tree distributions. These models also allow us to assess pre‐disturbance vegetation‐environment relationships.

Location

Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA.

Methods

Generalized linear models, generalized boosting models, random forests, and maximum entropy models related the distributions of 17 tree taxa to elevation, slope, aspect, and soil type, based on 4234 tree observations from circa‐1800 surveys. Cluster analysis defined forest types and created a prediction map of forest types using random forests.

Results

This study generated high‐resolution predictions of presettlement tree distributions. Fagus grandifolia and Carya spp. were predicted to have found suitable habitat in over half the area. Elevation was by far the most important predictor, followed by slope. Many taxa were more likely to occur at higher elevations, corresponding to the Allegheny Plateau, while others followed river valleys. Broadly, 51% of the county was predicted to support forest types with Fagus grandifolia and/or Acer spp., and 48% of the county was predicted to support forest types with Quercus spp., Carya spp., and/or Castanea dentata.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that species distribution modeling with historical data provides insights into presettlement vegetation and vegetation‐environment relationships. Our results reveal striking ecological patterns not apparent in today's landscape, such as the sharp difference in vegetation between the Central Lowland and Allegheny Plateau. The maps created here offer a historical perspective that can inform conservation, education, and further research.
Airway Mycobiota—Microbiota During Pulmonary Exacerbation of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Culture and Targeted Sequencing Study
Authors: Angebault Cécile , Vandenborght Louise‐Eva , Bassinet Laurence , Wizla Nathalie , Ferroni Agnès , Dessein Rodrigue , Remus Natacha , Thumerelle Caroline , Fauchet Nathalie , Epaud Ralph , Delhaes Laurence , Botterel Françoise
Published: January 2025

Background

The airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) harbour complex fungal and bacterial microbiota involved in pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) and requiring antimicrobial treatment. Descriptive studies analysing bacterial and fungal microbiota concomitantly are scarce, especially using both culture and high‐throughput‐sequencing (HTS).

Objectives

We analysed bacterial–fungal microbiota and inter‐kingdom correlations in two French CF centres according to clinical parameters and antimicrobial choices.

Methods

Forty‐eight pwCF with PEx from Creteil (n = 24) and Lille (n = 24) CF centres were included over 2 years. Sputa were collected for culture and targeted‐HTS (ITS2 and V3‐V4 targets). Sequencing and culture data, along with clinical, radiological and treatment data, were analysed. Two‐level stratified analysis was performed to study potential confounding factors (age, CF mutation, FEV1 and antibiotics) on the centre factor. Inter‐kingdom correlations were analysed.

Results

Significant differences in the bacterial microbiota profile were found between centres (p‐value = 0.03). For mycobiota, the taxonomic distribution and diversity were comparable. HTS provided concordant but more detailed information than culture and increased detection of main CF fungi (> 25% more positive samples for Aspergillus or Scedosporium). FEV1 and systemic antibiotic before PEx influenced bacterial microbiota, but no clinical association was found with the mycobiota. No inter‐kingdom correlation between Pseudomonas and fungi was found.

Conclusions

Describing concomitant bacterial and fungal communities of pwCF at the beginning of PEx using culture and HTS shows greater diversity in HTS and better detection in case of low microbial load. Interesting inter‐kingdom correlations were observed, requiring further research on larger cohorts to understand the potential microbial interactions.
Neurobiological fingerprints of negative symptoms in schizophrenia identified by connectome‐based modeling
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Xiao Yuan , Zhu Fei , Tao Bo , Zhao Qiannan , Yu Wei , Bishop Jeffrey R. , Gong Qiyong , Lui Su
Published: January 2025

Aim

As a central component of schizophrenia psychopathology, negative symptoms result in detrimental effects on long‐term functional prognosis. However, the neurobiological mechanism underlying negative symptoms remains poorly understood, which limits the development of novel treatment interventions. This study aimed to identify the specific neural fingerprints of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Methods

Based on resting‐state functional connectivity data obtained in a large sample (n = 132) of first‐episode drug‐naïve schizophrenia patients (DN‐FES), connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM) with cross‐validation was applied to identify functional networks that predict the severity of negative symptoms. The generalizability of identified networks was then validated in an independent sample of n = 40 DN‐FES.

Results

A connectivity pattern significantly driving the prediction of negative symptoms (ρ = 0.28, MSE = 81.04, P = 0.012) was identified within and between networks implicated in motivation (medial frontal, subcortical, sensorimotor), cognition (default mode, frontoparietal, medial frontal) and error processing (medial frontal and cerebellum). The identified networks also predicted negative symptoms in the independent validation sample (ρ = 0.37, P = 0.018). Importantly, the predictive model was symptom‐specific and robust considering the potential effects of demographic characteristics and validation strategies.

Conclusions

Our study discovers and validates a comprehensive network model as the unique neural substrates of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, which provides a novel and comprehensive perspective to the development of target treatment strategies for negative symptoms.
Climate change and epigenetics: Unraveling the role of methylation in response to thermal instability in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis
Authors: Hereme Rasme , Galleguillos Carolina , Molina‐Montenegro Marco A.
Published: January 2025

Low temperatures are one of the critical conditions affecting the performance and distribution of plants. Exposure to cooling results in the reprogramming of gene expression, which in turn would be mediated by epigenetic regulation. Antarctica is known as one of the most severe ecosystems, but several climate models predict an increase in average temperature, which may positively impact the development of Antarctic plants; however, under warmer temperatures, plants' vulnerability to damages from low‐temperature events increases. Here, we evaluated the impact of these events on the acclimation process, with a focus on how methylation influences the induction of cold response genes. According to the results, an increase in the number of methylations in the promoter regions is associated with lower expression of these genes. Similarly, in populations where this relationship is observed, individuals acclimated to the projected climate change condition are more vulnerable, as their average temperature is lower in the face of a cold event compared to individuals acclimated to the current antarctic condition. This research is the first report highlighting the role of methylation in response to cold and its influence on the transcriptional responses of the antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis facing climate change projections.
Boron controls apical dominance in Pea (Pisum sativum) via promoting polar auxin transport
Authors: He Yutong , He Keren , Mai Jingwen , Ou Meiyin , Chen Laibin , Li Yuanyuan , Wan Tao , Gu Luping , Shabala Sergey , Li Xuewen , Li Yalin , Yu Min
Published: January 2025

Plant architecture and subsequent productivity are determined by the shoot apical dominance, which is disturbed by the deficiency of boron, one of the essential trace elements for plant growth and reproduction. However, the mechanism by which B controls shoot apical dominance or axillary bud outgrows under B deficiency is still unclear. This work aimed to investigate the mechanistic basis of this process, with focus on the interaction between B and polar auxin transport. Adopting an all‐buds phenotyping methodology and employing several complementary approaches, we found that boron deficiency inhibited plant growth and changed the shoot architecture, resulting in the outgrowth of axillary buds at nodes 1–3. This was related to the auxin accumulation in shoot apical parts buds under B deficiency. Applying N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid to inhibit auxin transport from the shoot apex promoted the outgrowth of axillary buds in boron‐sufficient (+B) plants. In decapitated plants, the application of exogenous auxin to the shoot apex only inhibited the outgrowth of axillary buds in +B plants. At higher auxin doses, the toxic effect of IAA was observed in the lower part of the shoot, which was more severe in +B plants than in B‐deprived (‐B) plants. Furthermore, the expression of PsPIN3 was significantly downregulated under ‐B conditions. These results indicate that B deficiency inhibits PAT from the apical bud through the main stem to the lower parts, leading to an increase of auxin level in the apical bud, which inhibits the growth of apical buds while stimulating the outgrowth of axillary buds.
Evaluation of radiation shielding effectiveness of some metallic alloys used in the nuclear facilities
Authors: Ali A. M. , Osman Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Several nuclear shielding parameters were evaluated for stainless steel grades 304, 304 L, 316, and 316 L. The effective atomic number Zeff, mean free path (MFP), effective electron density Neff, half-value layer (HVL), and effective conductivity (Ceff) of the investigated alloys were evaluated via the mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ). The mass attenuation (µ/ρ) coefficients were computed for gamma-ray photons in the energy range 15 keV to 15 MeV using Phy-X/PSD program. Fast neutron attenuation was analyzed by computing the removal cross-sections (SR) using partial density method. The obtained results by Phy-X/PSD program were validated using Monte Carlo (MCNP4C) code. The stopping power of these alloys against e-1/H1/He+2 ions was evaluated using the ESTAR and SRIM Monte Carlo code, considering total stopping power (TSP) and projected range (PR). Furthermore, the transmitted neutron fraction at different neutron energies were calculated using Neutron Calculatro-V2 code for thermal neutrons (of energy 25.4 eV) and fast neutrons (with energies of 4 and 4.5 MeV). The obtained results showed that 316L alloy possesses good protection performance against gamma photons, charged particles, fast and thermal neutrons compared with other investigated alloys. Comparison of the calculated values revealed good agreement between Phy-X/PSD and MCNP4b. This work should be informative for the potential uses of these materials in the nuclear industry to build effective radiation shielding.
Drought in a warmer, CO
2
-rich climate restricts grassland water use and soil water mixing
Authors: Radolinski Jesse , Vremec Matevz , Wachter Herbert , Birk Steffen , Brüggemann Nicolas , Herndl Markus , Kahmen Ansgar , Nelson Daniel B. , Kübert Angelika , Schaumberger Andreas , Stumpp Christine , Tissink Maud , Werner Christiane , Bahn Michael
Published: January 2025

Soil water sustains terrestrial life, yet its fate is uncertain under a changing climate. We conducted a deuterium labeling experiment to determine whether elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
), warming, and drought impact soil water storage and transport in a temperate grassland. Elevated CO
2
created a wetter rootzone compared with ambient conditions, whereas warming decreased soil moisture. Soil water remained well mixed in all global change treatments except for summer drought combined with warming and elevated CO
2
. These combined treatments caused the grassland to conserve water and restricted soil water flow to large, rapidly draining pores without mixing with small, slowly draining pores. Our results suggest that drought in a warmer, more CO
2
-rich climate can severely alter grassland ecohydrology by constraining postdrought soil water flow and grassland water use.
Tactile edges and motion via patterned microstimulation of the human somatosensory cortex
Authors: Valle Giacomo , Alamri Ali H. , Downey John E. , Lienkämper Robin , Jordan Patrick M. , Sobinov Anton R. , Endsley Linnea J. , Prasad Dillan , Boninger Michael L. , Collinger Jennifer L. , Warnke Peter C. , Hatsopoulos Nicholas G. , Miller Lee E. , Gaunt Robert A. , Greenspon Charles M. , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: January 2025

Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of somatosensory cortex evokes tactile sensations whose properties can be systematically manipulated by varying stimulation parameters. However, ICMS currently provides an imperfect sense of touch, limiting manual dexterity and tactile experience. Leveraging our understanding of how tactile features are encoded in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), we sought to inform individuals with paralysis about local geometry and apparent motion of objects on their skin. We simultaneously delivered ICMS through electrodes with spatially patterned projected fields (PFs), evoking sensations of edges. We then created complex PFs that encode arbitrary tactile shapes and skin indentation patterns. By delivering spatiotemporally patterned ICMS, we evoked sensation of motion across the skin, the speed and direction of which could be controlled. Thus, we improved individuals’ tactile experience and use of brain-controlled bionic hands.
Not-so-fragile matter
Authors: Tawfick Sameh , Arretche Ignacio
Published: January 2025

A three-dimensional chain has strain-dependent solid-like and liquid-like behaviors
Don’t pretend COVID-19 didn’t happen
Authors: Van Kerkhove Maria D.
Published: January 2025

Just over 5 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) became aware of the first cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China. A massive global infectious disease storm was already brewing—one that would shut down the world, with profound economic, social, and political impacts that still reverberate today. It’s understandable that governments and individuals may want to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic ever happened, but such collective amnesia prevents humanity from being ready for the next pandemic. The world did the same in the 1920s, eager to move on from the devastation of the 1918 influenza pandemic. A repeat of this behavior squanders opportunities right now to institutionalize and embed best practices for current and future threats.
Dust devil
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: January 2025

Climate change may be driving an expansion of Valley fever, a deadly fungal infection spread by airborne spores
Energy megaproject threatens giant telescopes
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2025

Glare from proposed green hydrogen plant could degrade views of distant universe
Prior influenza virus infection alleviates an arbovirus encephalitis by reducing viral titer, inflammation, and cellular infiltrates in the central nervous system
Authors: Foo Isabelle J. H. , Chua Brendon Y. , Chang So Young , Jia Xiaoxiao , van der Eerden Alice , Fazakerley John K. , Kedzierska Katherine , Kedzierski Lukasz
Published: January 2025

Respiratory and encephalitic virus infections represent a significant risk to public health globally. Detailed investigations of immunological responses and disease outcomes during sequential virus infections are rare. Here, we define the impact of influenza virus infection on a subsequent virus encephalitis. We used a model system in which mice were given influenza A virus (IAV) infection 8 days prior to Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infection (IAV→SFV). IAV infection clearly attenuated the subsequent SFV infection with reduced titers of infectious SFV and lower levels of cytokines and chemokines in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, the SFV viremia in both IAV→SFV and SFV-only mice was comparable. Increased type I interferon (IFN) levels in the CNS after IAV infection might have contributed to some level of protection towards SFV infection in the CNS, suggesting that early control of SFV replication in the CNS during IAV→SFV infection led to reduced adaptive response, given the lower number of CD8
+
T cells recruited to the brain in IAV→SFV infection. In lungs, however, prior IAV infection elicited effector CD8
+
T cells with highly activated CD38 and/or CD25 phenotypes, while SFV-only infection elicited distinct effector CD8
+
T cells with increased frequencies of KLRG1 expression, a hallmark of short-lived effector T cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that prior IAV infection can confer protective immunity toward secondary SFV infection, confirmed by reduced disease severity and inflammatory immune responses in the brain. Our work provides important insights into therapies and vaccine regimens directed against unrelated pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza viruses are medically important human pathogens that caused epidemics and pandemics throughout history. Conversely, encephalitic arthropod-borne virus (arboviral) diseases affect both humans and domestic animals, creating massive public health issues. Influenza viruses circulate globally while arboviruses dominate tropical regions. Given both influenza virus and encephalitic arboviruses, such as alphaviruses, circulate in many regions globally, co-infections are likely to occur. In addition, arthropod-borne neurotropic infections are generally mild or asymptomatic, hence are likely to be unnoticed as a risk factor during influenza infection. However, the consequences of such co-infections are unclear. Our recent study showed that alphavirus infection preceding Influenza A virus (IAV) infection negatively impacted immune responses to the influenza virus in mice. Here, we aim to investigate the immune responses when the order of sequential infection with IAV and alphavirus are swapped. Altogether, our findings will provide key insights to improved diagnostics, preventative vaccines, and antiviral therapies.
IDENTIFYING ICE LENS INITIATION OF FROZEN SOILS USING PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY METHOD
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Pereira Jean-Michel , Teng Jidong , Zhang Sheng
Published: January 2025

Frost heave occurring in embankments seriously threatens the safe operation of transportation infrastructures in cold regions. When and where the ice lens initiates are key to understanding the mechanism of frost heave in soils. This study develops a novel particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology specifically suited for a frost heave apparatus. The displacement, velocity, and strain of the three-dimensional frost heave surface is acquired with this technology, and the monitoring accuracy reaches the micron level. A series of one-dimensional freezing tests are carried out for silty soil to validate the applicability of this novel technology. The validation of the test results confirms the effectiveness of the method. The results indicate that the measured displacement and velocity induced by the initiation of ice lenses can clearly depict the development of the frost heave process. Ice lens initiation can be identified where peaks of strain values occur during the freezing stage. The proposed criterion, based on image velocimetry measurements, thus provides a new tool for assessing the formation of ice lenses during frost heave tests.
Emerging Mechanisms of Lactate Regulation of Biological Processes
Authors: Fink Emma C. , Chouchani Edward T.
Published: January 2025

Lactate, once considered an inert byproduct of glycolysis, is now increasingly appreciated as a metabolite with diverse roles in cellular metabolism and physiologic regulation. Our understanding of the role of lactate in biological systems can be considered in two categories: metabolic substrate and metabolic signal. These shared roles of lactate can be reconciled through the lens of a metabolite that is suited to regulate cellular function to license adaptation in line with the bioenergetic state of the cell. The mechanisms through which lactate production, transport, and consumption occur within cells and organisms are an area of longstanding and still active research. Here, we focus on how lactate production and utilization as a metabolic substrate feed into its role as a metabolic signal and the emerging mechanisms through which it regulates biological processes.
Performance Enhancement of Aluminum Alloy Bipolar Plates with Polypyrrole Coatings Infused with Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles for PEMFC
Authors: S J Narasimharaju , Kandasamy Annamalai , Ramasamy Santhosh , Pachagounder Sakthivel
Published: January 2025

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are energy conversion devices that are both extremely efficient and ecologically beneficial. They are commonly utilized in transportation and stationary power generation. A key component in PEMFCs is the bipolar plate (BP), which provides electrical conductivity, gas distribution, and water management. 6061 aluminium alloy (AA) is often used for BPs due to its lightweight and conductive properties, but it is susceptible to corrosion. This study evaluates polypyrrole (PPy) coatings infused with titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles on 6061 AA. The coatings significantly enhance corrosion resistance, polarization resistance (R

p
), and protection efficiency (P

i
). The PPy-TiN0.05 coating showed outstanding performance, with a R

p
value of 32,876.13 Ω cm−2 and a P

i
of 58.02%. It also achieved a maximum Impedance value (Z) of 5,021.38 Ω cm−2, indicating strong resistance to corrosive ions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms the coating’s effectiveness in PEMFC settings. Further analysis using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. These thorough analyses will offer a more in-depth understanding of the structural and functional properties of the PPy-TiN0.05 coatings of 6061 AA BPs, making them a highly promising option for advanced PEMFC applications.
Dusty-Gas Model Conservation Law and Approximate Analytical Solutions for H2 − H2O Transport in the SOFC Anode Support Layer
Authors: Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: January 2025

A complete Dusty-Gas Model for the H2–H2O mixture in the anode transport layer of the anode-supported SOFC is considered. An exact conservation law relating the total pressure and the hydrogen molar fraction at any point in the anode to their values in the anode channel is derived. Using this conservation law, approximate analytical solutions for the hydrogen molar fraction and total pressure in the anode transport layer are obtained. Possible appliucations of the solutions are discussed. A condition for neglecting the pressure gradient is derived.