bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sacrament and Symbol
Authors: Magee Malcolm
Published: October 2024

The Christian sacrament is at once cause and sign. Each sacrament is a cause which signifies the kind of grace it produces and a sign which causes what it signifies. In the sacrament we have a perfect coincidence of sign and instrument, for in performing the signifying action we are also constructing an instrument used by God to confer grace. Now it is obvious that the causing of grace is something much more mysterious and much more important than its signification, and in the face of a Protestant criticism which denied all efficiency to the sacraments and saw them simply as symbols or memorials of Christ's life, it is not suprising that Catholic apologetics should have emphasized this causal character of the sacraments. The Christian sacrament is a genuine cause of grace, operating not only dispositively or ‘morally’, but directly causing what it signifies.
Trends in shigellosis notifications in England, January 2016 to March 2023
Authors: Charles Hannah , Sinka Katy , Simms Ian , Baker Kate S. , Godbole Gauri , Jenkins Claire
Published: October 2024

We reviewed all diagnoses of Shigella species notified to the UK Health Security Agency from January 2016 to March 2023. An overall increase in notifications of shigellosis was seen between 2016 (n = 415/quarter) and 2023 (n = 1 029/quarter). However, notifications dramatically declined between March 2020 and September 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 208/quarter) highlighting the impact of travel and social distancing restrictions on transmission. S. sonnei diagnoses were more affected by lockdown restrictions than S. flexneri, most likely due to a combination of species-specific characteristics and host attributes. Azithromycin resistance continued to be associated with epidemics of sexually transmissible S. flexneri (adult males = 45.6% vs. adult females = 8.7%) and S. sonnei (adult males = 59.5% vs. adult females = 14.6%). We detected resistance to ciprofloxacin in S. sonnei from adult male cases not reporting travel at a higher frequency (79.4%) than in travel-associated cases (61.7%). Extensively drug-resistant Shigella species associated with sexual transmission among men almost exclusively had ESBL encoded by blaCTX-M-27, whereas those associated with returning travellers had blaCTX-M-15. Given the increasing incidence of infections and AMR, we recommend that enhanced surveillance is used to better understand the impact of travel and sexual transmission on the acquisition and spread of MDR and XDR Shigella species.
Epidemiology of scarlet fever in Victoria, Australia, 2007–2017
Authors: Phakey Sachin , Campbell Patricia T. , Gibney Katherine B.
Published: October 2024

In the last 10–15 years, there has been a global resurgence of scarlet fever, an infection historically associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether scarlet fever incidence has increased in Australia. We aimed to examine the incidence, predictors and severity of scarlet fever in the state of Victoria, Australia from 2007 to 2017, analyzing scarlet fever emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalizations and deaths. Of the 1 578 scarlet fever cases during the study period, most occurred in children aged <10 years (1 344, 85%), in males (882, 56%), and during winter and spring months (918, 57%). There were no deaths with scarlet fever, however, 374 cases (24%) were admitted to hospital. The annual incidence of scarlet fever was stable during the study period (mean, 2.5; range, 1.9–3.1 cases per 100 000). Annual incidence was highest in children aged <5 years (19.3 per 100 000), and was 21% higher in males than females, adjusting for age and year (incidence rate ratio, 1.21, 95%CI 1.09–1.34). Whilst scarlet fever ED presentations and hospitalizations were stable in Victoria from 2007 to 2017, the recent identification of a Streptococcus pyogenes variant in Australia associated with epidemic scarlet fever overseas highlights the risk of future outbreaks.
The role of caregiver emotion regulation in youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kim Stephanie Gyuri , Rodman Alexandra M. , Rosen Maya L. , Kasparek Steven W. , Mayes Makeda , Lengua Liliana J. , Meltzoff Andrew N. , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented youth and families with a broad spectrum of unique stressors. Given that adolescents are at increased risk for mental health and emotional difficulties, it is critical to explore family processes that confer resilience for youth in the face of stress. The current study investigated caregiver emotion regulation (ER) as a familial factor contributing to youth ER and risk for psychopathology following stressful life events. In a longitudinal sample of 224 youth (M
age
= 12.65 years) and their caregivers, we examined whether caregiver and youth engagement in ER strategies early in the pandemic mediated the associations of pandemic-related stress with youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms six months later. Leveraging serial mediation analysis, we demonstrated that caregiver and youth rumination, but not expressive suppression or cognitive reappraisal, mediated the prospective associations of pandemic-related stress with youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Greater exposure to pandemic-related stressors was associated with greater caregiver rumination, which, in turn, related to greater rumination in youth, and higher levels of youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms thereafter. Family interventions that target caregiver ER, specifically rumination, may buffer against the consequences of stress on youth engagement in maladaptive ER strategies and risk for psychopathology.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and bullying victimization from childhood to adolescence - A within-person cross-lagged approach
Authors: Stenseng Frode , Skalická Věra , Skaug Silje Stokke , Belsky Jay , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: October 2024

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subclinical symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattentiveness coincide with an increased risk of peer victimization. What remains unclear are the developmental dynamics of these associations. In a sample drawn from two Norwegian birth cohorts (n = 872; 49.94 % girls), assessed biennially from age 6 to age 14, reciprocal relations between ADHD symptoms and victimization were examined while controlling for symptoms of anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms were assessed through clinical interviews with parents, whereas victimization was reported by teachers using questionnaires. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling revealed a consistent reciprocal within-person effect of increased ADHD symptoms on victimization, and vice versa. Analyses of subdimensions of ADHD projected a consistent cross-lagged bidirectional relationship between victimization and inattentiveness symptoms only, whereas no such reciprocity was found for hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. Results did not differ by gender. Findings suggest that the social context may constitute a vulnerability factor in the etiology of the inattentive subtype of ADHD, and at the same time, that inattentiveness symptoms pose a risk for becoming victimized.
Early warning signs for SPDEs with continuous spectrum
Authors: Bernuzzi Paolo , Düx Antonia Freya Susanne , Kuehn Christian
Published: October 2024

In this work, we study early warning signs for stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs), where the linearisation around a steady state is characterised by continuous spectrum. The studied warning sign takes the form of qualitative changes in the variance as a deterministic bifurcation threshold is approached via parameter variation. Specifically, we focus on the scaling law of the variance near the transition. Since we are dealing here, in contrast to previous studies, with the case of continuous spectrum and quantitative scaling laws, it is natural to start with linearisations of the drift operator that are multiplication operators defined by analytic functions. For a one-dimensional spatial domain, we obtain precise rates of divergence. In the case of the two- and three-dimensional domains, an upper bound to the rate of the early warning sign is proven. These results are cross-validated by numerical simulations. Our theory can be generically useful for several applications, where stochastic and spatial aspects are important in combination with continuous spectrum bifurcations.
A familial case of aortic dilatation with p.Tyr470Cys in TGFBR2 in which the phenotype included only vascular lesions
Authors: Yamamoto Hidenori , Tanabe Ayako , Kato Taichi
Published: October 2024

Hereditary connective tissue diseases have different risks of aortic dissection depending on the causative gene. We report a family with no extravascular phenotype and a clinical diagnosis of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, but genetic testing confirmed p.Tyr470Cys in TGFBR2, which is typically the responsible gene for Loeys–Dietz syndrome. Validation of the clinical diagnosis by genetic testing is warranted.
The Will of All in Kant’s Groundwork
Authors: Pendlebury T. A.
Published: October 2024

In Kant’s Groundwork II, the Formula of Universal Law (FUL) seems to be the argumentative link between the notion of a categorical imperative and later formulae (e.g. of humanity), its function as this link dependent on its equivalence to both. Some commentators have denied this equivalence and read the section as a failure. Others have abandoned its expository development by reading later formulae into the FUL. I argue that we need do neither if we distinguish the universality of the FUL from that of the will of all and read Groundwork II as extracting the latter from common moral cognition.
River of fire and ice: infrastructure, territoriality, and the colonization of eastern Hokkaido, Japan, 1600s–1900s
Authors: Watanabe Takehiro , Ito Takeshi
Published: October 2024

From the seventeenth to the twentieth century, rivers played a key role in the colonization of Hokkaido, a northern island in the Japanese archipelago. The Kushiro River, in eastern Hokkaido, was transformed into infrastructure, a process which shaped the institutions, strategies, and practices of territorial control during the transition from the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868) to Imperial Japan (1868–1947). Trade between local Ainu communities and the shogunate's vassals contributed to a river-based territoriality. Later in the 1800s, as the island became territory of the modern state, the river was further converted into infrastructure through settler colonialism, industrial development, land reclamation, and the dispossession of indigenous communities. This transformation empowered the state to probe territories, exert control over labor, and access natural resources. Drawing on research on the political ecology of rivers, this paper focuses on two hydrosocial functions that emerged during the process of reworking river basins into legible and governable spaces: the transportation conduit and the water delivery system. The river's transition from a living system to infrastructure coincided with and furthered the establishment of colonial settlements and the expansion of the Japanese state's imperial reach.
Creole Numerology and the Haitian Revolution
Authors: Sweet James H.
Published: October 2024

Over the past 40 years, no scholar has written so deeply or prolifically on the histories of Saint Domingue and the Haitian Revolution as David Geggus. Indeed, the scale of the research required to compile the population database of enslaved people in Saint Domingue across different labor sectors from 1770 to 1791 is a testament to years of work in French archives—I can think of no other scholar of Haiti who could make that heavy lift. As an outsider to the field of Haitian history, I am grateful for his intervention and to the editors of The Americas for giving me the opportunity to respond.
Waves and Instabilities in Saturn's Magnetosheath: 2. Dispersion Relation Analysis
Authors: Cheng I. , Achilleos N. , Blanco‐Cano X. , Bertucci C. , Guio P.
Published: October 2024

The WHAMP (Rönnmark, 1982, https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:14744092) and LEOPARD (Astfalk & Jenko, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016ja023522) dispersion relation solvers were used to evaluate the growth rate and scale size for mirror mode (MM) and ion cyclotron (IC) instabilities under plasma conditions resembling Saturn's magnetosheath in order to compare observations to predictions from linear kinetic theory. Instabilities and waves are prevalent in planetary magnetosheaths. Understanding the origin and conditions under which different instabilities grow and dominate can help shed light on the role each instability plays in influencing the plasma dynamics of the region. For anisotropic plasmas modeled with bi‐Maxwellian particle distribution, the dispersion, growth rate, and scale size of MM and IC were studied as functions of proton temperature anisotropy, proton plasma beta, and oxygen ion abundance. The dispersion solvers showed that the IC mode dominated over MM under typical conditions in Saturn's magnetosheath, but that MM could dominate for high enough abundance . These water ion‐rich plasma conditions are occasionally found in Saturn's magnetosheath (Sergis et al., 2013, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgra.50164). The maximum linear growth rates for MM ranged from 0.02 to 0.2, larger than expected from observations. The scale size at maximum growth rate ranged from 4 to 12 , smaller than expected from observations. These inconsistencies could potentially be attributed to diffusion and non‐linear growth processes.
The Medium Energy Electron Telescope (MEET): Instrument Fabrication and Testing
Authors: Hogan Benjamin , Li Xinlin , O’Brien Declan , Cantilina Jared , Edgar William , Boyajian Spencer , Zhao Hong , Mei Yang
Published: October 2024

This manuscript is a follow up study to Hogan et al., (2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JA032221) which describes the science motivation and development of the Medium Energy Electron Telescope (MEET). Medium Energy Electron Telescope is a 1U instrument optimized to measure 30–400 keV electrons in the inner radiation belt with fine energy resolution to resolve dynamics of these populations which are not well understood. Here we present the fabrication and testing of MEET to certify its performance in preparation for in‐space measurements. Assembly of an engineering model is shown. This unit has undergone vibration testing and these results are discussed. The electronics of the instrument are tested after these environmental tests including electron measurements with pulse injection and a radioactive source. Test results indicate the instrument is viable for flight on a potential mission by satisfying noise requirements and reproduction of an input flux spectrum. The noise of expected input signals is quantified to be <∼6 keV allowing for <20% dE/E for 30 keV electrons. Strontium‐90 radioactive source tests were conducted. Using measured count rates from MEET's electron energy channels, we reproduce the strontium‐90 spectrum proving the instrument's ability to measure flux of 30–800 keV electrons with fine nominal energy resolution (<20% dE/E for <60 keV, and <10% for >60 keV electrons). These results demonstrate MEET's performance in a relevant environment via ground testing. Medium Energy Electron Telescope is available for future missions to provide novel electron measurements in the inner radiation belt.
Sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula observed from satellites
Authors: Roland Thomas P. , Bartlett Oliver T. , Charman Dan J. , Anderson Karen , Hodgson Dominic A. , Amesbury Matthew J. , Maclean Ilya , Fretwell Peter T. , Fleming Andrew
Published: October 2024

The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced considerable anthropogenic warming in recent decades. While cryospheric responses are well defined, the responses of moss-dominated terrestrial ecosystems have not been quantified. Analysis of Landsat archives (1986–2021) using a Google Earth Engine cloud-processing workflow suggest widespread greening across the Antarctic Peninsula. The area of likely vegetation cover increased from 0.863 km2 in 1986 to 11.947 km2 in 2021, with an accelerated rate of change in recent years (2016–2021: 0.424 km2 yr−1) relative to the study period (1986–2021: 0.317 km2 yr−1). This trend echoes a wider pattern of greening in cold-climate ecosystems in response to recent warming, suggesting future widespread changes in the Antarctic Peninsula’s terrestrial ecosystems and their long-term functioning.
Comparative proteomic analysis of regenerative mechanisms in mouse retina to identify markers for neuro-regeneration in glaucoma
Authors: Wang Xiaosha , Frühn Layla , Li Panpan , Shi Xin , Wang Nini , Feng Yuan , Prinz Julia , Liu Hanhan , Prokosch Verena
Published: October 2024

The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons in the CNS and retinal ganglion cells lack the ability to regenerate axons spontaneously after injury. The intrinsic axonal growth regulators, their interaction and roles that enable or inhibit axon growth are still largely unknown. This study endeavored to characterize the molecular characteristics under neurodegenerative and regenerative conditions. Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry was used to map the comprehensive proteome of the regenerative retina from 14-day-old mice (Reg-P14) and adult mice after lens injury (Reg-LI) both showing regrowing axons in vitro, untreated adult mice, and retina from adult mice subjected to two weeks of elevated intraocular pressure showing degeneration. A total of 5750 proteins were identified (false discovery rate < 1%). Proteins identified in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, Wnt, and VEGF signaling pathways. Common interactors comprising E1A binding protein P300 (EP300), CREB binding protein (CBP), calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were found in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI retinas. Proteins identified in both regenerating and degenerative groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, mRNA surveillance and measles signaling pathways, along with PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway. Common interactors across regenerative and degenerative retinas comprising NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (RELA), RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1), EP300 and SIN3 transcription regulator family member A (SIN3A). The findings from our study provide the first mapping of regenerative mechanisms across postnatal, mature and degenerative mouse retinas, revealing potential biomarkers that could facilitate neuro-regeneration in glaucoma.
Pharmacokinetics of pulmonary indacaterol in rat lung using molecular imprinting solid-phase extraction coupled with RP-UPLC
Authors: Tarek Mohamed , Ghoniem Nermine S. , Hegazy Maha A. , Wagdy Hebatallah A.
Published: October 2024

Indacaterol, a β2 agonist prescribed for long-term management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. In this study the first MISPE cartridges was developed using indacaterol as a template for its selective extraction from rat lung tissues, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation at the drug’s site of action. A molecular imprinting polymer was synthesized using indacaterol as a template, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linker with a molar ratio (1: 4: 20). The polymer was characterized by a high binding capacity of 9840 ± 0.86 and high selectivity with an imprinting factor of 4.53 ± 0.12. The synthesized polymer was utilized as a sorbent in solid-phase extraction to purify and extract indacaterol from lung tissue matrix. The optimum molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) conditions were 20.0 mg of molecular imprinting polymer and non-imprinting polymer, acetonitrile as the loading solvent, acetonitrile: water (20: 80; by volume) as the washing solvent, and methanol: acetic acid (90: 10; by volume) as the eluting solvent. A pharmacokinetic study was performed for indacaterol in rat lungs using the synthesized and optimized MISPE cartridge as a tool for sample purification. These parameters were determined in the lung tissues of rats emphasizing the local exposure of indacaterol to its target organ. The Cmax and Tmax were 51.020 ± 2.810 µg mL− 1 and 0.083 ± 0.001 h, respectively. The AUC 0−24 and AUC0 − inf were 175.920 ± 1.053 and 542.000 ± 5.245 µg h mL− 1, respectively. The elimination rate constant was 0.014 ± 0.00012 h− 1 and the half-life time was 48.510 ± 0.012 h. This study successfully developed and optimized MISPE cartridges using indacaterol as a template, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation in rat lung tissues. The cartridges demonstrated high binding capacity and selectivity, providing crucial insights into the local exposure of indacaterol at its site of action.
Recalibrated FRIEND equation for peak oxygen pulse is accurate in endurance athletes: the NOODLE study
Authors: Kasiak Przemysław , Kowalski Tomasz , Klusiewicz Andrzej , Zdanowicz Ryszard , Ładyga Maria , Wiecha Szczepan , Mamcarz Artur , Śliż Daniel
Published: October 2024

Peak oxygen pulse (O2Ppeak) is an important index of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The FRIEND database is a global source of reference values for CRF. However, no reference equation is tailored for endurance athletes (EA) to predict O2Ppeak. Here, we adjusted the well-established FRIEND equation for O2Ppeak to the characteristics of the EA population. 32 (34.0%) female EA and 62 (66.0%) male well-trained EA underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill. V̇O2max was 4.5 ± 0.5 L min−1 in males and 3.1 ± 0.4 L min−1 in females. O2Ppeak was 23.6 ± 2.8 mL beat−1 and 16.4 ± 2.0 mL beat−1 for males and females, respectively. Firstly, we externally validated the original FRIEND equation. Secondly, using multiple linear regression, we adjusted the FRIEND equation for O2Ppeak to the population of EA. The original FRIEND equation underestimated O2Ppeak for 2.9 ± 2.9 mL beat−1 (P < .001) in males and 2.2 ± 2.1 mL beat−1 (P < .001) in females. The updated equation was 1.36 + 1.07 (23.2 · 0.09 · age − 6.6 [if female]). The new equation explained 62% of the variance and significantly predicted O2Ppeak (R2 = 0.62, β = 0.78, P < .001). The error of the EA-adjusted model was 0.1 ± 2.9 mL beat−1 (P = .82) and 0.2 ± 2.1 mL beat−1 (P = .65) for males and females respectively. Recalibration of the original FRIEND equation significantly enhances its accuracy among EA. The error of the EA-adjusted model was negligible. A new recalibrated equation should be used to predict O2Ppeak in the population of EA.
Pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic and immunological roles of SHP-1/ptpn6
Authors: Cui Ping , Lian Jie , Liu Yang , Zhang Dongsheng , Lin Yao , Lu Lili , Ye Li , Chen Hui , An Sanqi , Huang Jiegang , Liang Hao
Published: October 2024

SHP-1, a nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase encoded by ptpn6, has been regarded as a regulatory protein of hematopoietic cell biology for years. However, there is now increasing evidence to support its role in tumors. Thus, the role of ptpn6 for prognosis and immune regulation across 33 tumors was investigated, aiming to explore its functional heterogeneity and clinical significance in pan-cancer. Differential expression of ptpn6 was found between cancer and adjacent normal tissues, and its expression was significantly correlated with the prognosis of tumor patients. In most cancers, ptpn6 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltration. This was further confirmed by ptpn6-related genes/proteins enrichment analysis. Additionally, genetic alterations in ptpn6 was observed in most cancers. As for epigenetic changes, it’s phosphorylation levels significantly altered in 6 tumors, while methylation levels significantly altered in 12 tumors. Notably, the methylation levels of ptpn6 were significantly decreased in 11 tumors, accompanied by its increased expression in 8 of them, suggesting that the hypomethylation may be related to its increased expression. Our results show that ptpn6 plays a specific role in tumor immunity and exerts a pleiotropic effect in a variety of tumors. It can serve as a prognostic factor for some cancers. Especially in LGG, KIRC, UCS and TGCT, the increased expression of ptpn6 is associated with poor prognosis and high immune infiltration. This aids in understanding the role of ptpn6 in tumor biology, and can provide insight into presenting a potential biomarker for poor prognosis and immune infiltration in cancers.
A human progeria-associated BAF-1 mutation modulates gene expression and accelerates aging in C. elegans
Authors: Romero-Bueno Raquel , Fragoso-Luna Adrián , Ayuso Cristina , Mellmann Nina , Kavsek Alan , Riedel Christian G , Ward Jordan D , Askjaer Peter
Published: October 2024

Alterations in the nuclear envelope are linked to a variety of rare diseases termed laminopathies. A single amino acid substitution at position 12 (A12T) of the human nuclear envelope protein BAF (Barrier to Autointegration Factor) causes Néstor-Guillermo Progeria Syndrome (NGPS). This premature ageing condition leads to growth retardation and severe skeletal defects, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we have generated a novel in vivo model for NGPS by modifying the baf-1 locus in C. elegans to mimic the human NGPS mutation. These baf-1(G12T) mutant worms displayed multiple phenotypes related to fertility, lifespan, and stress resistance. Importantly, nuclear morphology deteriorated faster during aging in baf-1(G12T) compared to wild-type animals, recapitulating an important hallmark of cells from progeria patients. Although localization of BAF-1(G12T) was similar to wild-type BAF-1, lamin accumulation at the nuclear envelope was reduced in mutant worms. Tissue-specific chromatin binding and transcriptome analyses showed reduced BAF-1 association in most genes deregulated by the baf-1(G12T) mutation, suggesting that altered BAF chromatin association induces NGPS phenotypes via altered gene expression.
Fruit waste-derived carbon dots with rhodamine B for the ratiometric detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+
Authors: Zhang Junyu , Chen Yi , He Yiyang , Bai Yiwen , Wang Wei , Yang Guangxin , Kong Cong , Cao Xiao , Gu Lin
Published: October 2024

A green and eco-friendly solvothermal approach is proposed for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from watermelon rind.
A techno-economic study of photovoltaic-solid oxide electrolysis cell coupled magnesium hydride-based hydrogen storage and transportation toward large-scale applications of green hydrogen
Authors: Wang Xusheng , Shao Longfei , Hu Shouyi , Li Zi , Guo Hangzuo , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhao Yingyan , Lin Xi , Nie Binjian , Hu Zhigang , Zou Jianxin
Published: October 2024

Integrating PV-SOEC for hydrogen production with MgH2-based storage and transportation holds significant potential in advancing the hydrogen supply chain.
Nanoscopic visualization of microgel-immobilized cytochrome P450 enzymes and their local activity
Authors: Schubert Lukas , Nenninger Chiara , Nöth Maximilian , Belthle Thomke , de Lange Robert Dirk , Pich Andrij , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Wöll Dominik
Published: October 2024

The distribution and local catalytic activity of Cytochrome P450 enzymes immobilized in microgels by electrostatic interaction has been determined with a combination of in situ super-resolution fluorescence microscopy experiments.
Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylcarboxylic acid 2-pyridyl esters with terminal alkynes
Authors: Yu Hang , Nie Jing-Jing , Wang Zhong-Xia
Published: October 2024

The Pd/Cu-catalyzed reaction of carboxylic acid 2-pyridyl esters with terminal alkynes yields internal alkynes.
The role of structure in regulatory RNA elements
Authors: Tants Jan-Niklas , Schlundt Andreas
Published: October 2024

Regulatory RNA elements fulfill functions such as translational regulation, control of transcript levels, and regulation of viral genome replication. Trans-acting factors (i.e., RNA-binding proteins) bind the so-called cis elements and confer functionality to the complex. The specificity during protein-RNA complex (RNP) formation often exploits the structural plasticity of RNA. Functional integrity of cis-trans pairs depends on the availability of properly folded RNA elements, and RNA conformational transitions can cause diseases. Knowledge of RNA structure and the conformational space is needed for understanding complex formation and deducing functional effects. However, structure determination of RNAs under in vivo conditions remains challenging. This review provides an overview of structured eukaryotic and viral RNA cis elements and discusses the effect of RNA structural equilibria on RNP formation. We showcase implications of RNA structural changes for diseases, outline strategies for RNA structure-based drug targeting, and summarize the methodological toolbox for deciphering RNA structures.
Safeguarding genomic integrity in beta-cells: implications for beta-cell differentiation, growth, and dysfunction
Authors: Varghese Sneha S. , Hernandez-De La Peña Alessandro Giovanni , Dhawan Sangeeta
Published: October 2024

The maintenance of optimal glucose levels in the body requires a healthy reserve of the insulin producing pancreatic beta-cells. Depletion of this reserve due to beta-cell dysfunction and death results in development of diabetes. Recent findings highlight unresolved DNA damage as a key contributor to beta-cell defects in diabetes. Beta-cells face various stressors and metabolic challenges throughout life, rendering them susceptible to DNA breaks. The post-mitotic, long-lived phenotype of mature beta-cells further warrants robust maintenance of genomic integrity. Failure to resolve DNA damage during beta-cell development, therefore, can result in an unhealthy reserve of beta-cells and predispose to diabetes. Yet, the molecular mechanisms safeguarding beta-cell genomic integrity remain poorly understood. Here, we focus on the significance of DNA damage in beta-cell homeostasis and postulate how cellular expansion, epigenetic programming, and metabolic shifts during development may impact beta-cell genomic integrity and health. We discuss recent findings demonstrating a physiological role for DNA breaks in modulating transcriptional control in neurons, which share many developmental programs with beta-cells. Finally, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of beta-cell genomic integrity and discuss emerging areas of interest.
A Preliminary Study on 2D Convolutional Neural Network‐Based Discontinuous Rail Position Classification for Detection on Rail Breaks Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data
Authors: Chun Hye-Yeun , Kim Jungtai , Kim Dongkue , Byun Ilmu , Ko Kyeongjun
Published: October 2024

Rail breaks, which are crucial maintenance issues for the railways, require immediate inspection and maintenance as it can cause severe railway accidents. Though, it is still difficult to promptly detect rail breaks that occur during train operation even with the advances in maintenance and inspection technologies. In this research, as a preliminary study on rail break detection system, a deep learning‐based discontinuous rail position classification method, which is using vibration data obtained from distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system during train operation, is proposed. To analyze the vibration data, a preprocessing algorithm for determining train occupancy is applied first. After that, the data in the space–time domain occupied by the train is converted to the spectrogram which is in the frequency domain by using short‐time Fourier transformation (STFT). In the third step, the spectrogram images are applied to the proposed 2D convolutional neural network (2D CNN) model and the network detects discontinuous rail positions along the track, which are geometrically distinct from continuous welded rails, such as rail breaks. In order to evaluate the superiority of the proposed network model, performance comparison tests with other existing models were conducted with data collected from an actual railway line. From the results, the proposed model could achieve 99.17%, 93.33%, 87.5%, 90.32% for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, respectively, and the results show overwhelming detection performance compared to other models.
Power control system structure of doubly‐fed induction generator connected to current source converter
Authors: Morawiec Marcin , Blecharz Krzysztof , Ryndzionek Roland , Jaderko Andrzej , Vyas Deepak
Published: October 2024

The power control system structures for a doubly‐fed generator (DFIG) are proposed. The classical field oriented control and the feedback control with the multi‐scalar variables were considered. The generator is working in the AC grid connection mode. The rotor side of the generator is connected to the current source converter (CSC); the stator is directly related to the AC grid. The static feedback linearization using the multi‐scalar variables of DFIG is proposed to increase active and reactive power control accuracy. The proposed control structure allows to linearize the generator system, and decoupled between the control paths. The proposed approach can be called voltage control because one of the control variables is the voltage in the DC‐link of the CSC. The simulation and experimental investigations in the 2 kW DFIG system consider the AC grid voltage dips, confirming that the proposed control system remains stable.
Traffic microsimulation for smart cities: Investigating the impact of objective function formulation on calibration efficiency
Authors: Abuamer Ismail M. A. , Tampère Chris M. J.
Published: October 2024

Traffic microsimulation models are crucial for intelligent transportation systems evaluation, but careful parameter calibration is required for credible pre‐ and post‐ITS comparisons. However, the back‐box and stochastic nature of the system make calibration challenging. Sensitivity analysis (SA) helps to identify influential parameters, but scenario dependency limits its generalisability. Metrics such as root mean squared relative error (RMSRE) can oversimplify the stochasticity in traffic data, compromising calibration quality. Furthermore, calibration for specific key performance indicators (KPIs) does not ensure the reliability of other KPIs. The authors propose the simultaneous calibration of driving behaviour parameters without prior sensitivity information. They demonstrate the effect of the error metric and objective function facets on the calibration efficiency and parameter convergence consistency. Results indicate that employing SA to identify influential parameters is unnecessary. Each parameter converges to a stable point by responding directly to the information within the objective function or due to the interactions with other parameters. Therefore, simultaneous calibration of multiple KPIs and maintaining the stochasticity structure in the data—enhanced calibration efficiency and parameter convergence consistency. Additionally, using probabilistic dissimilarity metrics that consider the entire distribution, such as the Wasserstein distance, outperform the K–S distance and RMSRE.
Statistical view of orbital circularisation with 14 000 characterised TESS eclipsing binaries
Authors: IJspeert L. W. , Tkachenko A. , Johnston C. , Aerts C.
Published: October 2024

Context. Eclipsing binaries are crucial for understanding stellar physics, allowing detailed studies of stellar masses, radii, and orbital dynamics. Recent space missions like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have significantly expanded the catalogue of observed eclipsing binaries with uninterrupted time series photometry, providing an opportunity for large-scale ensemble studies.

Aims. This study aims to analyse the statistical properties of circularisation in a large sample of intermediate-to-high mass eclipsing binaries observed by TESS. We explore the dependence of orbital circularisation on stellar properties and orbital parameters to improve our understanding of the physical processes affecting these systems. We further aim to assess the role of stellar pulsations in circularisation.

Methods. We compiled a catalogue of O- to F-type stars to search for eclipsing binary signals in the data available from the first four years of the TESS mission. Using automated classification and data analysis methodologies, we arrive at a well-characterised sample of 14 573 eclipsing binaries. We supplement our catalogue with Gaia effective temperatures, and investigate the statistical characteristics of the sample as a function of temperature, orbital period, and scaled orbital separation.

Results. The orbital circularisation was measured with statistical methods to obtain three distinct measurements of the critical period and separation in four temperature ranges. These measurements cover a range of orbital periods and separations where both circularised and eccentric systems exist. Pulsations were identified in the g- and p-mode regimes and a reduced fraction of eccentric systems was found among them.

Conclusions. Our analysis revealed the dependence of orbital circularisation on stellar temperatures, also seen in other studies, and confirmed previous findings that additional dissipation is needed as compared to the predictions of turbulent viscosity and non-resonant radiative damping. We speculate that pulsations may play a role in the circularisation of close binaries. Our study highlights the need for dissipative mechanisms that can produce a wide range of critical periods from a range of initial conditions.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles promoted lateral root formation in Arabidopsis by modulating reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ level
Authors: Li Guangjing , Gao Quanlong , Nyande Ashadu , Dong Zihao , Khan Ehtisham Hassan , Han Yuqian , Wu Honghong
Published: October 2024

Roots play an important role in plant growth, including providing essential mechanical support, water uptake, and nutrient absorption. Nanomaterials play a positive role in improving plant root development, but there is limited knowledge of how nanomaterials affect lateral root (LR) formation. Poly (acrylic) acid coated nanoceria (cerium oxide nanoparticles, PNC) are commonly used to improve plant stress tolerance due to their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, its impact on LR formation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PNC on LR formation in Arabidopsis thaliana by monitoring ROS levels and Ca2+ distribution in roots. Our results demonstrate that PNC significantly promote LR formation, increasing LR numbers by 26.2%. Compared to controls, PNC-treated Arabidopsis seedlings exhibited reduced H2O2 levels by 18.9% in primary roots (PRs) and 40.6% in LRs, as well as decreased O 2 · − levels by 47.7% in PRs and 88.5% in LRs. When compared with control plants, Ca2+ levels were reduced by 35.7% in PRs and 22.7% in LRs of PNC-treated plants. Overall, these results indicate that PNC could enhance LR development by modulating ROS and Ca2+ levels in roots.
Is the smoke aloft? Caveats regarding the use of the Hazard Mapping System (HMS) smoke product as a proxy for surface smoke presence across the United States
Authors: Liu Tianjia , Panday Frances Marie , Caine Miah C. , Kelp Makoto , Pendergrass Drew C. , Mickley Loretta J. , Ellicott Evan A. , Marlier Miriam E. , Ahmadov Ravan , James Eric P.
Published: October 2024

Background NOAA’s Hazard Mapping System (HMS) smoke product comprises smoke plumes digitised from satellite imagery. Recent studies have used HMS as a proxy for surface smoke presence. Aims We compare HMS with airport observations, air quality station measurements and model estimates of near-surface smoke. Methods We quantify the agreement in numbers of smoke days and trends, regional discrepancies in levels of near-surface smoke fine particulate matter (PM2.5) within HMS polygons, and separation of total PM2.5 on smoke and non-smoke days across the contiguous US and Alaska from 2010 to 2021. Key results We find large overestimates in HMS-derived smoke days and trends if we include light smoke plumes in the HMS smoke day definition. Outside the western US and Alaska, near-surface smoke PM2.5 within areas of HMS smoke plumes is low and almost indistinguishable across density categories, likely indicating frequent smoke aloft. Conclusions Compared with airport, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and model-derived estimates, HMS most closely reflects surface smoke in the Pacific and Mountain regions and Alaska when smoke days are defined using only heavy plumes or both medium and heavy plumes. Implications We recommend careful consideration of biases in the HMS smoke product for air quality and public health assessments of fires.
Comprehensive stable-isotope tracing of glucose and amino acids identifies metabolic by-products and their sources in CHO cell culture
Authors: Gonzalez Jacqueline E. , Naik Harnish Mukesh , Oates Eleanor H. , Dhara Venkata Gayatri , McConnell Brian O. , Kumar Swetha , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Antoniewicz Maciek R.
Published: October 2024

Mammalian cell culture processes are widely utilized for biotherapeutics production, disease diagnostics, and biosensors, and hence, should be optimized to support robust cell growth and viability. However, toxic by-products accumulate in cultures due to inefficiencies in metabolic activities and nutrient utilization. In this study, we applied comprehensive
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C stable-isotope tracing of amino acids and glucose to two Immunoglobulin G (IgG) producing Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines to identify secreted by-products and trace their origins. CHO cells were cultured in media formulations missing a single amino acid or glucose supplemented with a
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C-tracer of the missing substrate, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to track labeled carbon flows and identify by-products. We tracked the sources of all secreted by-products and verified the identity of 45 by-products, majority of which were derived from glucose, leucine, isoleucine, valine, tyrosine, tryptophan, methionine, and phenylalanine. In addition to by-products identified previously, we identified several metabolites including 2-hydroxyisovaleric acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, L-alloisoleucine, ketoisoleucine, 2-hydroxy-3-methylvaleric acid, desmeninol, and 2-aminobutyric acid. When added to CHO cell cultures at different concentrations, certain metabolites inhibited cell growth while others including 2-hydroxy acids, surprisingly, reduced lactate accumulation. In vitro enzymatic analysis indicated that 2-hydroxy acids were metabolized by lactate dehydrogenase suggesting a possible mechanism for lowered lactate accumulation, e.g., competitive substrate inhibition. The
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C-labeling assisted metabolomics pipeline developed and the metabolites identified will serve as a springboard to reduce undesirable by-products accumulation and alleviate inefficient substrate utilization in mammalian cultures used for biomanufacturing and other applications through altered media formulations and pathway engineering strategies.
A conserved peptide-binding pocket in HyNaC/ASIC ion channels
Authors: Ortega-Ramírez Audrey Magdalena , Albani Simone , Bachmann Michèle , Schmidt Axel , Pinoé-Schmidt Manuela , Assmann Marc , Augustinowski Katrin , Rossetti Giulia , Gründer Stefan
Published: October 2024

The only known peptide-gated ion channels—FaNaCs/WaNaCs and HyNaCs—belong to different clades of the DEG/ENaC family. FaNaCs are activated by the short neuropeptide FMRFamide, and HyNaCs by Hydra RFamides, which are not evolutionarily related to FMRFamide. The FMRFamide-binding site in FaNaCs was recently identified in a cleft atop the large extracellular domain. However, this cleft is not conserved in HyNaCs. Here, we combined molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis and identified a putative binding pocket for Hydra-RFamides in the extracellular domain of the heterotrimeric HyNaC2/3/5. This pocket localizes to only one of the three subunit interfaces, indicating that this trimeric ion channel binds a single peptide ligand. We engineered an unnatural amino acid at the putative binding pocket entrance, which allowed covalent tethering of Hydra RFamide to the channel, thereby trapping the channel in an open conformation. The identified pocket localizes to the same region as the acidic pocket of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), which binds peptide ligands. The pocket in HyNaCs is less acidic, and both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions contribute to peptide binding. Collectively, our results reveal a conserved ligand-binding pocket in HyNaCs and ASICs and indicate independent evolution of peptide-binding cavities in the two subgroups of peptide-gated ion channels.
Minimal motifs for habituating systems
Authors: Smart Matthew , Shvartsman Stanislav Y. , Mönnigmann Martin
Published: October 2024

Habituation—a phenomenon in which a dynamical system exhibits a diminishing response to repeated stimulations that eventually recovers when the stimulus is withheld—is universally observed in living systems from animals to unicellular organisms. Despite its prevalence, generic mechanisms for this fundamental form of learning remain poorly defined. Drawing inspiration from prior work on systems that respond adaptively to step inputs, we study habituation from a nonlinear dynamics perspective. This approach enables us to formalize classical hallmarks of habituation that have been experimentally identified in diverse organisms and stimulus scenarios. We use this framework to investigate distinct dynamical circuits capable of habituation. In particular, we show that driven linear dynamics of a memory variable with static nonlinearities acting at the input and output can implement numerous hallmarks in a mathematically interpretable manner. This work establishes a foundation for understanding the dynamical substrates of this primitive learning behavior and offers a blueprint for the identification of habituating circuits in biological systems.
Increasing benefits in one-time public goods does not promote cooperation
Authors: Struwe Natalie , Blanco Esther , Walker James M.
Published: October 2024

The long tradition of research on cooperation includes a well-established finding that individuals respond to the degree of conflict between self- and collective interests (that is, the relative benefits from cooperation) in providing public goods. Existing empirical evidence builds upon settings where participants make multiple decisions or strategically consider alternative scenarios. Here, we consider a decision setting where participants face a one-time (single-decision) setting. One-time cooperative encounters often occur in volunteering or donating to immediate needs for crisis relief. For these distinct and highly relevant settings, we report a lack of responsiveness to increases in cooperation benefits, thereby highlighting limits to our understanding of the determinants of one-time cooperation encounters. Across two studies, n = 2,232 individuals participate in treatments where we vary across participants the relative benefit from contributing to a public good (that is, the marginal per capita return, the MPCR). We examine decisions from alternative participant pools (UK general population vs. students), implementations varying the physical distance between participants (online vs. in the laboratory), and more complex decision settings considering group-to-group interactions including not only providers but also donors to public goods. Throughout, neither average contribution levels, nor the distribution of contributions are significantly affected by the increases in cooperation benefits. The mechanism behind these results can be explained by the close correlation between expectations of other’s cooperation and own cooperation, and the fact that these expectations do not increase with higher benefits from cooperation.