bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytohormone dynamics impact fatty acid and oil accumulation during soybean seed maturation
Authors: Nguyen Thien Q. , Kisiala Anna B. , Hai Nguyen Ngoc , Narine Suresh , Emery R. J. Neil
Published: November 2021

Fatty acid (FA) levels and profiles are vital for soybean oil quality, while cytokinins (CKs) and abscisic acid (ABA) are potent regulators of plant growth and development. Previous research suggested associations between FA biosynthesis and hormonal signalling networks; however, hormonal regulation of FA accumulation during soybean (Glycine max) seed maturation has never been measured. We analysed hormone and FA profiles obtained from HPLC-(ESI)-MS/MS and GC-FID screening during soybean seed maturation. A multilayered data processing approach, involving heat-maps, principal component analysis (PCA), correlation and multiregression models, suggested a strong relationship between hormone metabolism and FA/oil accumulation during seed maturation. Most strikingly, positive correlations were found between the levels of CK ribosides [transZeatin riboside (tZR), N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPR)] at the early stages of SM (R5-R6) and C18:0, C18:2 and oil content at the R8 stage. Moreover, multiple regression models revealed functional linkages between several CK derivatives and FA and oil content in mature seeds. To further test the significance of hormone regulation in FA metabolism, plants of two soybean accessions with contrasting hormone and FA profiles were sprayed with exogenous ABA and transZeatin (tZ) during the seed-filling period (R5-R6). Depending on the hormone type and concentration, these treatments distinctly modified biosynthesis of all tested FAs, except for C18:0. Most remarkably, tZ (50 nM) promoted production of C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and oil accumulation in maturing seeds. Overall, the results indicate impactful roles for ABA and CKs in FA accumulation during SM and represent a further step towards understanding FA biosynthesis, and potential improvements of soybean oil profiles.
Moses or Noah? A case of ‘potato-potahto’ when using a foreign language
Authors: Dhaene Sara , Dirix Nicolas , Marcke Hélène Van , Woumans Evy
Published: November 2021

Research among bilinguals suggests a foreign language effect for various tasks requiring a more systematic processing style. For instance, bilinguals seem less prone to heuristic reasoning when solving problem statements in their foreign (FL) as opposed to their native (NL) language. The present study aimed to determine whether such an effect might also be observed in the detection of semantic anomalies. Participants were presented NL and FL questions with and without anomalies while their eye movements were recorded. Overall, they failed to detect the anomaly in more than half of the trials. Furthermore, more illusions occurred for questions presented in the FL, indicating an FL disadvantage. Additionally, eye movement analyses suggested that reading patterns for anomalies are predominantly similar across languages. Our results therefore substantiate theories suggesting that FL use induces cognitive load, causing increased susceptibility to illusions due to partial semantic processing.
A MESHLESS LOCAL GALERKIN INTEGRAL EQUATION METHOD FOR SOLVING A TYPE OF DARBOUX PROBLEMS BASED ON RADIAL BASIS FUNCTIONS
Authors: ASSARI P. , ASADI-MEHREGAN F. , DEHGHAN M.
Published: November 2021

The main goal of this paper is to solve a class of Darboux problems by converting them into the two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra integral equation of the second kind. The scheme approximates the solution of these integral equations using the discrete Galerkin method together with local radial basis functions, which use a small set of data instead of all points in the solution domain. We also employ the Gauss–Legendre integration rule on the influence domains of shape functions to compute the local integrals appearing in the method. Since the scheme is constructed on a set of scattered points and does not require any background meshes, it is meshless. The error bound and the convergence rate of the presented method are provided. Some illustrative examples are included to show the validity and efficiency of the new technique. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate that this method uses much less computer memory than the method established using global radial basis functions.
Reply to Comment by Rigolot on “Narratives Behind Livestock Methane Mitigation Studies Matter”
Authors: Chang Jinfeng , Peng Shushi , Yin Yi , Ciais Philippe , Havlik Petr , Herrero Mario
Published: November 2021

A comment by Dr. Rigolot acknowledged the scientific value of our recent study on livestock methane emissions and mitigation potentials, while highlighting that our study should better “cultivate synergies between production and more ambitious demand‐side efforts.” The author's comment questioned our narrative to be inadvertently (not intentionally) contributing to a “climate delay discourse” in several ways that might hinder ambitious mitigation efforts. This is indeed a welcome perspective that merits further comment.
Migration of Fluid‐Induced Seismicity Reveals the Seismogenic State of Faults
Authors: De Barros Louis , Wynants‐Morel Nicolas , Cappa Frédéric , Danré Philippe
Published: November 2021

Seismic swarms, in natural contexts or induced by anthropogenic fluid injections, commonly show migrations of earthquake hypocenters. Classically, such migrations are interpreted as the diffusion of the fluid pressure. However, recent studies show that the seismic front maps the stress concentration at the tips of propagating aseismic slip that is primarily induced by the fluid pressure increase. In this case, seismic migration might depend on the hydromechanical properties that control the dynamics of aseismic slip propagation rather than the hydraulic diffusivity. Here, we use synthetic seismic catalogs obtained from the hydromechanical modeling of a slip‐weakening, permeable fault response to a fluid injection. By varying the fault permeability and the stress state, we show that the shape of the seismic front in a distance‐time plot depends on the initial fault criticality to failure, and not on the hydraulic properties. We then extrapolate this numerical result to seven observed injection‐induced earthquake swarms by showing that the shape of the migration front directly depends on the seismogenic index. The seismic front has a diffusive behavior when the aseismic slip is directly driven by the pressure increase, either at the swarm beginning or later if the faults are not initially critically stressed. On the contrary, an accelerating seismic front indicates a high‐criticality stressed fault, on which the aseismic slip runs away from the fluid pressurized area. Therefore, this study highlights that the seismic front shape may prove a useful indicator to characterize the initial stress state of faults over which the swarms occur.
What Causes the Unobserved Early‐Spring Snowpack Ablation in Convection‐Permitting WRF Modeling Over Utah Mountains?
Authors: He Cenlin , Chen Fei , Abolafia‐Rosenzweig Ronnie , Ikeda Kyoko , Liu Changhai , Rasmussen Roy
Published: November 2021

Accurate prediction of snowpack evolution and ablation is critical to supporting weather and hydrological applications. Convection‐permitting modeling has been shown to well capture observed snowpack evolution over many western United States (U.S.) mountain ranges, but some significant ablation biases still remain. In this study, we conduct process‐level snowpack analyses of a widely used convection‐permitting (4‐km) weather research and forecasting (WRF) modeling product (WRF4km) for the contiguous U.S. to understand the mechanisms causing its unobserved early‐spring snow ablation over Utah mountains. Analyses across Utah Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) sites show that the unobserved snowpack ablation during mid‐February to late‐March in WRF4km is driven by multiple strong melting events. The melting results from the enhanced downward sensible heat flux to snowpack and enhanced ground solar radiation absorption, with generally larger contributions from the former before early March and from the latter after early March. The enhanced downward sensible heat flux to snowpack is mainly due to the enhanced surface heat exchange coefficient induced by high surface wind speeds. The enhanced ground solar radiation absorption is driven by both enhanced surface downward solar radiation and strong melting‐induced snow cover reduction that is caused by deficiencies in Noah‐MP snow‐related parameterizations used in WRF4km. The substantial snow cover reduction during melting decreases surface albedo and hence triggers a positive albedo feedback that further accelerates melting. Our analyses reveal possible deficiencies in WRF and Noah‐MP (e.g., canopy processes and snow albedo) and shed light on future directions for model improvements.
Global‐Scale Ionospheric Tomography During the March 17, 2015 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Prol F. S. , Kodikara T. , Hoque M. M. , Borries C.
Published: November 2021

The correct representation of global‐scale electron density is crucial for monitoring and exploring the space weather. This study investigates whether the ground‐based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tomography can be used to reflect the global spatial and temporal responses of the ionosphere under storm conditions. A global tomography of the ionosphere electron density is constructed based on data from over 2,700 GNSS stations. In comparison to previous techniques, advances are made in spatial and temporal resolution, and in the assessment of results. To demonstrate the capabilities of the approach, the developed method is applied to the March 17, 2015 geomagnetic storm. The tomographic reconstructions show good agreement with electron density observations from worldwide ionosondes, Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar and in‐situ measurements from satellite missions. Also, the results show that the tomographic technique is capable of reproducing plasma variabilities during geomagnetically disturbed periods including features such as equatorial ionization anomaly enhancements and depletion. Validation results of this brief study period show that the accuracy of our tomography is better than the Neustrelitz Electron Density Model, which is the model used as background, and physics‐based thermosphere‐ionosphere‐electrodynamics general circulation model. The results show that our tomography approach allows us to specify the global electron density from ground to ∼900 km accurately. Given the demonstrated quality, this global electron density reconstruction has potential for improving applications such as assessment of the effects of the electron density on radio signals, GNSS positioning, computation of ray tracing for radio‐signal transmission, and space weather monitoring.
Widespread attenuating changes in brain connectivity associated with the general factor of psychopathology in 9- and 10-year olds
Authors: Sripada Chandra , Angstadt Mike , Taxali Aman , Kessler Daniel , Greathouse Tristan , Rutherford Saige , Clark D. Angus , Hyde Luke W. , Weigard Alex , Brislin Sarah J. , Hicks Brian , Heitzeg Mary
Published: November 2021

Convergent research identifies a general factor (“P factor”) that confers transdiagnostic risk for psychopathology. Large-scale networks are key organizational units of the human brain. However, studies of altered network connectivity patterns associated with the P factor are limited, especially in early adolescence when most mental disorders are first emerging. We studied 11,875 9- and 10-year olds from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, of whom 6593 had high-quality resting-state scans. Network contingency analysis was used to identify altered interconnections associated with the P factor among 16 large-scale networks. These connectivity changes were then further characterized with quadrant analysis that quantified the directionality of P factor effects in relation to neurotypical patterns of positive versus negative connectivity across connections. The results showed that the P factor was associated with altered connectivity across 28 network cells (i.e., sets of connections linking pairs of networks);pPERMUTATIONvalues < 0.05 FDR-corrected for multiple comparisons. Higher P factor scores were associated with hypoconnectivity within default network and hyperconnectivity between default network and multiple control networks. Among connections within these 28 significant cells, the P factor was predominantly associated with “attenuating” effects (67%;pPERMUTATION < 0.0002), i.e., reduced connectivity at neurotypically positive connections and increased connectivity at neurotypically negative connections. These results demonstrate that the general factor of psychopathology produces attenuating changes across multiple networks including default network, involved in spontaneous responses, and control networks involved in cognitive control. Moreover, they clarify mechanisms of transdiagnostic risk for psychopathology and invite further research into developmental causes of distributed attenuated connectivity.
Knockdown of ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 2 promotes apoptosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Guoxi , Zou Junrong , Shi Jinglin , Qian Biao , Qiu Kaiyang , Liu Quanliang , Xie Tianpeng , He Zhihua , Xu Hui , Liao Yunfeng , Wu Yuting , Li Yanmin , Xiao Guancheng , Yuan Yuanhu , Xiao Rihai , Wu Gengqing , Zou Xiaofeng
Published: November 2021

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins are involved in the development of tumors. Ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 2 (UBA2) is an important member of the SUMO modification system; however, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the expression and function of UBA2 in ccRCC. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of UBA2 were found to be higher in ccRCC than in normal renal tissues and significantly related to the tumor size, Fuhrman grade, and tumor stage. UBA2 knockdown inhibited ccRCC cell growth, promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and decreased the abundance of a p53 mutant, c-Myc, and key enzymes of the SUMO modification system. Meanwhile, overexpression of UBA2 had the opposite effects. Overexpression of the p53 mutant or c-Myc alleviated the effects of UBA2 knockdown on ccRCC cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, targeting UBA2 may have a therapeutic potential against ccRCC.
PRMT3 promotes tumorigenesis by methylating and stabilizing HIF1α in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Kexin , Feng Xingbo , Wang Jian , Chu Yali , Jia Chunmeng , He Qingsi , Chen Cheng
Published: November 2021

Abnormal angiogenesis occurs during the growth of solid tumors resulting in increased vascular permeability to fluids and metastatic cancer cells. Anti-angiogenesis therapy for solid tumors is effective in the treatment of cancer patients. However, the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy is limited by drug resistance. The findings of the current study showed that HIF1α R282 is methylated by PRMT3, which is necessary for its stabilization and oncogene function. Analysis showed that PRMT3-mediated tumorigenesis is HIF1α methylation-dependent. A novel therapeutic molecule (MPG-peptide) was used to inhibit HIF1α expression. These findings provided information on PRMT3 signaling pathway and HIF1/VEGFA signaling pathway and offer a novel therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer, mainly for treatment of anti-angiogenesis resistance patients.
Extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned microglia promote angiogenesis and repress apoptosis in stroke mice via the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wei Wei , Ai Xiaoyu , Kilic Ertugrul , Hermann Dirk M. , Venkataramani Vivek , Bähr Mathias , Doeppner Thorsten R.
Published: November 2021

Systemic transplantation of oxygen−glucose deprivation (OGD)-preconditioned primary microglia enhances neurological recovery in rodent stroke models, albeit the underlying mechanisms have not been sufficiently addressed. Herein, we analyzed whether or not extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from such microglia are the biological mediators of these observations and which signaling pathways are involved in the process. Exposing bEnd.3 endothelial cells (ECs) and primary cortical neurons to OGD, the impact of EVs from OGD-preconditioned microglia on angiogenesis and neuronal apoptosis by the tube formation assay and TUNEL staining was assessed. Under these conditions, EV treatment stimulated both angiogenesis and tube formation in ECs and repressed neuronal cell injury. Characterizing microglia EVs by means of Western blot analysis and other techniques revealed these EVs to be rich in TGF-β1. The latter turned out to be a key compound for the therapeutic potential of microglia EVs, affecting the Smad2/3 pathway in both ECs and neurons. EV infusion in stroke mice confirmed the aforementioned in vitro results, demonstrating an activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway within the ischemic brain. Furthermore, enriched TGF-β1 in EVs secreted from OGD-preconditioned microglia stimulated M2 polarization of residing microglia within the ischemic cerebral environment, which may contribute to a regulation of an early inflammatory response in postischemic hemispheres. These observations are not only interesting from the mechanistic point of view but have an immediate therapeutic implication as well, since stroke mice treated with such EVs displayed a better functional recovery in the behavioral test analyses. Hence, the present findings suggest a new way of action of EVs derived from OGD-preconditioned microglia by regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway in order to promote tissue regeneration and neurological recovery in stroke mice.
rRNA biogenesis regulates mouse 2C-like state by 3D structure reorganization of peri-nucleolar heterochromatin
Authors: Yu Hua , Sun Zhen , Tan Tianyu , Pan Hongru , Zhao Jing , Zhang Ling , Chen Jiayu , Lei Anhua , Zhu Yuqing , Chen Lang , Xu Yuyan , Liu Yaxin , Chen Ming , Sheng Jinghao , Xu Zhengping , Qian Pengxu , Li Cheng , Gao Shaorong , Daley George Q. , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2021

The nucleolus is the organelle for ribosome biogenesis and sensing various types of stress. However, its role in regulating stem cell fate remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that nucleolar stress induced by interfering rRNA biogenesis can drive the 2-cell stage embryo-like (2C-like) program and induce an expanded 2C-like cell population in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Mechanistically, nucleolar integrity maintains normal liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the nucleolus and the formation of peri-nucleolar heterochromatin (PNH). Upon defects in rRNA biogenesis, the natural state of nucleolus LLPS is disrupted, causing dissociation of the NCL/TRIM28 complex from PNH and changes in epigenetic state and reorganization of the 3D structure of PNH, which leads to release of Dux, a 2C program transcription factor, from PNH to activate a 2C-like program. Correspondingly, embryos with rRNA biogenesis defect are unable to develop from 2-cell (2C) to 4-cell embryos, with delayed repression of 2C/ERV genes and a transcriptome skewed toward earlier cleavage embryo signatures. Our results highlight that rRNA-mediated nucleolar integrity and 3D structure reshaping of the PNH compartment regulates the fate transition of mES cells to 2C-like cells, and that rRNA biogenesis is a critical regulator during the 2-cell to 4-cell transition of murine pre-implantation embryo development.
Ultrasound-activated ciliary bands for microrobotic systems inspired by starfish
Authors: Dillinger Cornel , Nama Nitesh , Ahmed Daniel
Published: November 2021

Cilia are short, hair-like appendages ubiquitous in various biological systems, which have evolved to manipulate and gather food in liquids at regimes where viscosity dominates inertia. Inspired by these natural systems, synthetic cilia have been developed and utilized in microfluidics and microrobotics to achieve functionalities such as propulsion, liquid pumping and mixing, and particle manipulation. Here, we demonstrate ultrasound-activated synthetic ciliary bands that mimic the natural arrangements of ciliary bands on the surface of starfish larva. Our system leverages nonlinear acoustics at microscales to drive bulk fluid motion via acoustically actuated small-amplitude oscillations of synthetic cilia. By arranging the planar ciliary bands angled towards (+) or away (−) from each other, we achieve bulk fluid motion akin to a flow source or sink. We further combine these flow characteristics with a physical principle to circumvent the scallop theorem and realize acoustic-based propulsion at microscales. Finally, inspired by the feeding mechanism of a starfish larva, we demonstrate an analogous microparticle trap by arranging + and − ciliary bands adjacent to each other.
Bosonic spinons in anisotropic triangular antiferromagnets
Authors: Choi Youngsu , Lee Suheon , Lee Je-Ho , Lee Seungyeol , Seong Maeng-Je , Choi Kwang-Yong
Published: November 2021

Anisotropic triangular antiferromagnets can host two primary spin excitations, namely, spinons and triplons. Here, we utilize polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy to assess the statistics and dynamics of spinons in Ca3ReO5Cl2. We observe a magnetic Raman continuum consisting of one- and two-pair spinon-antispinon excitations as well as triplon excitations. The twofold rotational symmetry of the spinon and triplon excitations are distinct from magnons. The strong thermal evolution of spinon scattering is compatible with the bosonic spinon scenario. The quasilinear spinon hardening with decreasing temperature is envisaged as the ordering of one-dimensional topological defects. This discovery will enable a fundamental understanding of novel phenomena induced by lowering spatial dimensionality in quantum spin systems.
CSC software corrects off-target mediated gRNA depletion in CRISPR-Cas9 essentiality screens
Authors: Perez Alexendar R. , Sala Laura , Perez Richard K. , Vidigal Joana A.
Published: November 2021

Off-target effects are well established confounders of CRISPR negative selection screens that impair the identification of essential genomic loci. In particular, non-coding regulatory elements and repetitive regions are often difficult to target with specific gRNAs, effectively precluding the unbiased screening of a large portion of the genome. To address this, we developed CRISPR Specificity Correction (CSC), a computational method that corrects for the effect of off-targeting on gRNA depletion. We benchmark CSC with data from the Cancer Dependency Map and show that it significantly improves the overall sensitivity and specificity of viability screens while preserving known essentialities, particularly for genes targeted by highly promiscuous gRNAs. We believe this tool will further enable the functional annotation of the genome as it represents a robust alternative to the traditional filtering strategy of discarding unspecific guides from the analysis. CSC is an open-source software that can be seamlessly integrated into current CRISPR analysis pipelines.
Unsupervised deep learning identifies semantic disentanglement in single inferotemporal face patch neurons
Authors: Higgins Irina , Chang Le , Langston Victoria , Hassabis Demis , Summerfield Christopher , Tsao Doris , Botvinick Matthew
Published: November 2021

In order to better understand how the brain perceives faces, it is important to know what objective drives learning in the ventral visual stream. To answer this question, we model neural responses to faces in the macaque inferotemporal (IT) cortex with a deep self-supervised generative model, β-VAE, which disentangles sensory data into interpretable latent factors, such as gender or age. Our results demonstrate a strong correspondence between the generative factors discovered by β-VAE and those coded by single IT neurons, beyond that found for the baselines, including the handcrafted state-of-the-art model of face perception, the Active Appearance Model, and deep classifiers. Moreover, β-VAE is able to reconstruct novel face images using signals from just a handful of cells. Together our results imply that optimising the disentangling objective leads to representations that closely resemble those in the IT at the single unit level. This points at disentangling as a plausible learning objective for the visual brain.
Inability to switch from ARID1A-BAF to ARID1B-BAF impairs exit from pluripotency and commitment towards neural crest formation in ARID1B-related neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Pagliaroli Luca , Porazzi Patrizia , Curtis Alyxandra T. , Scopa Chiara , Mikkers Harald M. M. , Freund Christian , Daxinger Lucia , Deliard Sandra , Welsh Sarah A. , Offley Sarah , Ott Connor A. , Calabretta Bruno , Brugmann Samantha A. , Santen Gijs W. E. , Trizzino Marco
Published: November 2021

Subunit switches in the BAF chromatin remodeler are essential during development. ARID1B and its paralog ARID1A encode for mutually exclusive BAF subunits. De novo ARID1B haploinsufficient mutations cause neurodevelopmental disorders, including Coffin-Siris syndrome, which is characterized by neurological and craniofacial features. Here, we leveraged ARID1B+/− Coffin-Siris patient-derived iPSCs and modeled cranial neural crest cell (CNCC) formation. We discovered that ARID1B is active only during the first stage of this process, coinciding with neuroectoderm specification, where it is part of a lineage-specific BAF configuration (ARID1B-BAF). ARID1B-BAF regulates exit from pluripotency and lineage commitment by attenuating thousands of enhancers and genes of the NANOG and SOX2 networks. In iPSCs, these enhancers are maintained active by ARID1A-containing BAF. At the onset of differentiation, cells transition from ARID1A- to ARID1B-BAF, eliciting attenuation of the NANOG/SOX2 networks and triggering pluripotency exit. Coffin-Siris patient cells fail to perform the ARID1A/ARID1B switch, and maintain ARID1A-BAF at the pluripotency enhancers throughout all stages of CNCC formation. This leads to persistent NANOG/SOX2 activity which impairs CNCC formation. Despite showing the typical neural crest signature (TFAP2A/SOX9-positive), ARID1B-haploinsufficient CNCCs are also aberrantly NANOG-positive. These findings suggest a connection between ARID1B mutations, neuroectoderm specification and a pathogenic mechanism for Coffin-Siris syndrome.
Defect detection in atomic-resolution images via unsupervised learning with translational invariance
Authors: Guo Yueming , Kalinin Sergei V. , Cai Hui , Xiao Kai , Krylyuk Sergiy , Davydov Albert V. , Guo Qianying , Lupini Andrew R.
Published: November 2021

Crystallographic defects can now be routinely imaged at atomic resolution with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) at high speed, with the potential for vast volumes of data to be acquired in relatively short times or through autonomous experiments that can continue over very long periods. Automatic detection and classification of defects in the STEM images are needed in order to handle the data in an efficient way. However, like many other tasks related to object detection and identification in artificial intelligence, it is challenging to detect and identify defects from STEM images. Furthermore, it is difficult to deal with crystal structures that have many atoms and low symmetries. Previous methods used for defect detection and classification were based on supervised learning, which requires human-labeled data. In this work, we develop an approach for defect detection with unsupervised machine learning based on a one-class support vector machine (OCSVM). We introduce two schemes of image segmentation and data preprocessing, both of which involve taking the Patterson function of each segment as inputs. We demonstrate that this method can be applied to various defects, such as point and line defects in 2D materials and twin boundaries in 3D nanocrystals.
On the evaluation of hydrogen evolution reaction performance of metal-nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts using machine learning technique
Authors: Baghban Alireza , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Zokaee Ashtiani Farzin
Published: November 2021

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) introduce as a promising category of electrocatalysts, especially in the water-splitting process. Recent studies have exhibited that nitrogen-doped carbon-based SACs can act as a great HER electrocatalyst. In this regard, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference optimized by Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) method was used to predict hydrogen adsorption energy (ΔG) obtained from density functional theory (DFT) for single transition-metal atoms including Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au embedded in N-doped carbon of different sizes. Various descriptors such as the covalent radius, Zunger radius of the atomic d-orbital, the formation energy of the single-atom site, ionization energy, electronegativity, the d-band center from − 6 to 6 eV, number of valence electrons, Bader charge, number of occupied d states from 0 to − 2 eV, and number of unoccupied d states from 0 to 2 eV were chosen as input parameters based on sensitivity analysis. The R-squared and MSE of the developed model were 0.967 and 0.029, respectively, confirming its great accuracy in determining hydrogen adsorption energy of metal/NC electrocatalysts.
Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway
Authors: O’Neill Dan G. , Lee Yan Hui , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Pegram Camilla , Halfacree Zoë
Published: November 2021

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for aural haematoma in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. A cohort study design. Dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016 were identified from the VetCompass database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used for risk factor analysis. There were 2,249/905,554 dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016. The estimated one-year incidence risk for aural haematoma was 0.25% (95% confidence interval 0.24–0.26). After accounting for confounding factors, 14 breeds showed increased odds and 20 breeds showed reduced odds of aural haematoma compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Bull Terrier (OR 7.42, 95% confidence interval 4.39–12.54), Saint Bernard (OR 7.28, 95% confidence interval 3.58–14.81) and French Bulldog (OR 6.95, 95% confidence interval 5.55–8.70). Increasing age, increasing bodyweight and breeds with V-shaped drop and semi-erect ear carriage also showed increased odds of aural haematoma. Associations between ear carriage within breeds and the risk of aural haematoma suggest that trauma along the line of cartilage folding within V-shaped and semi-erect ears may trigger aural haematoma. New knowledge of key breed predispositions will contribute to improved breed health control strategies.
Improving water deficit tolerance of Salvia officinalis L. using putrescine
Authors: Mohammadi-Cheraghabadi Maryam , Modarres-Sanavy Seyed Ali Mohammad , Sefidkon Fatemeh , Rashidi-Monfared Sajad , Mokhtassi-Bidgoli Ali
Published: November 2021

To study the effects of foliar application of putrescine (distilled water (0), 0.75, 1.5, and 2.25 mM) and water deficit stress (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% available soil water depletion (ASWD)) on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular attributes of Salvia officinalis L., a factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications in the growth chamber. The results of Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that putrescine concentration, irrigation regime, and the two-way interaction between irrigation regime and putrescine concentration significantly influenced cineole synthase (CS), sabinene synthase (SS), and bornyl diphosphate synthase (BPPS) relative expression. The highest concentration of 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-thujone, β-thujone, CS, SS, and BPPS were obtained in the irrigation regime of 80% ASWD with the application of 0.75 mM putrescine. There was high correlation between expression levels of the main monoterpenes synthase and the concentration of main monoterpenes. The observed correlation between the two enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) strongly suggests they have coordinated action. On the other hand, the highest peroxidase (PO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were obtained with the application of 0.75 mM putrescine under the irrigation regime of 40% ASWD. Putrescine showed a significant increase in LAI and RWC under water deficit stress. There was an increasing trend in endogenous putrescine when putrescine concentration was increased in all irrigation regimes. Overall, the results suggest that putrescine may act directly as a stress-protecting compound and reduced H2O2 to moderate the capacity of the antioxidative system, maintain the membrane stability, and increase secondary metabolites under water deficit stress.
Objective and bias-free measures of candidate motivation during job applications
Authors: Kappen Mitchel , Naber Marnix
Published: November 2021

Society suffers from biases and discrimination, a longstanding dilemma that stems from ungrounded, subjective judgments. Especially unequal opportunities in labor remain a persistent challenge, despite the recent inauguration of top-down diplomatic measures. Here we propose a solution by using an objective approach to the measurement of nonverbal behaviors of job candidates that trained for a job assessment. First, we implemented and developed artificial intelligence, computer vision, and unbiased machine learning software to automatically detect facial muscle activity and emotional expressions to predict the candidates’ self-reported motivation levels. The motivation judgments by our model outperformed recruiters’ unreliable, invalid, and sometimes biased judgments. These findings mark the necessity and usefulness of novel, bias-free, and scientific approaches to candidate and employee screening and selection procedures in recruitment and human resources.
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutation in GRAIN WIDTH and WEIGHT2 (GW2) locus improves aleurone layer and grain nutritional quality in rice
Authors: Achary V. Mohan Murali , Reddy Malireddy K.
Published: November 2021

Enhancing crop productivity and their nutritional quality are the key components and primary focus of crop improvement strategy for fulfilling future food demand and improving human health. Grain filling and endosperm development are the key determinants of grain yield and nutritional quality.GRAIN WIDTH and WEIGHT2(GW2) gene encodes a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase and determines the grain weight in cereal crops. Here we reportGW2knockout (KO) mutants in Indica (var. MTU1010) through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The endosperm ofGW2-KO mutant seed displays a thick aleurone layer with enhanced grain protein content. Further the loss of function ofOsGW2results in improved accumulation of essential dietary minerals (Fe, Zn, K, P, Ca) in the endosperm of rice grain. Additionally, the mutants displayed an early growth vigour phenotype with an improved root and shoot architecture. The hull morphology ofGW2-KO lines also showed improved, grain filling thereby promoting larger grain architecture. Together, our findings indicate thatGW2may serve as a key regulator of improved grain architecture, grain nutritional quality and an important modulator of plant morphology. The study offers a strategy for the development of improved rice cultivars with enriched nutritional quality and its possible implementation in other cereals as well.
The importance of being heterozygote: effects of RHD-genotype-sex interaction on the physical and mental health of a non-clinical population
Authors: Flegr Jaroslav , Příplatová Lenka , Hlaváčová Jana , Šebánková Blanka , Žďárský Emanuel , Kaňková Šárka
Published: November 2021

Human populations, especially European, are polymorphic in theRHDgene. A significant fraction of their members carry no copy of the coding section ofRHDgene, which results in their Rh-negative blood type. Theoretically, this polymorphism should be unstable. Carriers of the less frequent allele are penalized by reduced fertility because of the immunization of RhD-negative mothers by their RhD-positive babies, which results in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in their subsequent progeny. For about 90 years, some form of balancing selection has been suspected to sustain this polymorphism. Several recent studies showed that the RhD-positive heterozygotes express higher viability than both types of homozygotes. However, the genotype of subjects in these studies was estimated only by indirect methods. Here we compared the physical and mental health of 178 women and 86 men who were directly tested for theirRHDgenotype. The results showed that RhD-positive homozygotic women had worse and RhD-positive homozygotic men better physical health than RhD-negative homozygotes; the difference between RhD-negative homozygotes and heterozygotes was not significant. Our results confirmed that health of RhD-positive heterozygotes and homozygotes differ. Therefore, any result of the comparison of subjects with RhD-positive and RhD-negative phenotype depends on the heterozygote-to-homozygote ratio in the RhD-positive sample. It is, therefore, crucial to analyze the effects ofRHD-genotypes, not phenotypes in future studies.
Performance of different adiposity measures for predicting left ventricular remodeling in Chinese hypertensive youth
Authors: Cheng Hong , Xi Bo , Liu Junting , Yan Yinkun , Mi Jie
Published: November 2021

There is no consistent conclusion on which adiposity measure is best to predict cardiovascular risk factors in youth. The present study aims to assess the performance of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in predicting abnormal left ventricular structure in Chinese hypertensive youth. A total of 1180 youth aged 6–17 years with hypertension from the China Child and Adolescent Cardiovascular Health Study were included in this study. Logistic regression model, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and net reclassification improvement (NRI) method were used to assess performance of BMI, WC, and WHtR in predicting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular geometry (LVG). A 1-standard deviation increment in any of three indexes in predicting LVH and LVG were similar, e.g., with the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1.34 (1.16–1.55), 1.25 (1.08–1.45) and 1.40 (1.20–1.62), respectively. In addition, ROC analysis and NRI method confirmed the similar performance of three adiposity indexes in predicting LVH and LVG. In conclusion, BMI, WC and WHtR had similar performance in predicting abnormal left ventricular structure in Chinese hypertensive youth, but all three indexes had limited value in prediction. WHtR is a simple and convenient adiposity index for screening youth at high risk of target organ damage.
Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells by the sigma-1 receptor agonist pridopidine in models of experimental glaucoma
Authors: Geva Michal , Gershoni-Emek Noga , Naia Luana , Ly Philip , Mota Sandra , Rego Ana Cristina , Hayden Michael R. , Levin Leonard A.
Published: November 2021

Optic neuropathies such as glaucoma are characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and death. The sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is an attractive target for treating optic neuropathies as it is highly expressed in RGCs, and its absence causes retinal degeneration. Activation of the S1R exerts neuroprotective effects in models of retinal degeneration. Pridopidine is a highly selective and potent S1R agonist in clinical development. We show that pridopidine exerts neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in two different rat models of glaucoma. Pridopidine strongly binds melanin, which is highly expressed in the retina. This feature of pridopidine has implications to its ocular distribution, bioavailability, and effective dose. Mitochondria dysfunction is a key contributor to retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Pridopidine rescues mitochondrial function via activation of the S1R, providing support for the potential mechanism driving its neuroprotective effect in retinal ganglion cells.
Noninvasive detection of elevated ICP using spontaneous tympanic membrane pulsation
Authors: Dhar Rajkumar , Sandler Richard H. , Manwaring Kim , Kostick Nathan , Mansy Hansen A.
Published: November 2021

Neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hydrocephalus may lead to intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation. Current diagnosis methods rely on direct pressure measurement, while CT, MRI and other expensive imaging may be used. However, these invasive or expensive testing methods are often delayed because symptoms of elevated ICP are non-specific. Invasive methods, such as intraventricular catheter, subdural screw, epidural sensor, lumbar puncture, are associated with an increased risk of infection and hemorrhage. On the other hand, noninvasive, low-cost, accurate methods of ICP monitoring can help avoid risks and reduce costs while expediting diagnosis and treatment. The current study proposes and evaluates a novel method for noninvasive ICP monitoring using tympanic membrane pulsation (TMp). These signals are believed to be transmitted from ICP to the auditory system through the cochlear aqueduct. Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited and TMp signals were acquired noninvasively while the subjects performed maneuvers that are known to change ICP. A custom made system utilizing a stethoscope headset and a pressure transducer was used to perform these measurements. Maneuvers included head-up-tilt, head-down-tilt and hyperventilation. When elevated ICP was induced, significant TMp waveform morphological changes were observed in each subject (p < 0.01). These changes include certain waveform slopes and high frequency wave features. The observed changes were reversed by the maneuvers that decreased ICP (p < .01). The study results suggest that TMp waveform measurement and analysis may offer an inexpensive, noninvasive, accurate tool for detection and monitoring of ICP elevations. Further studies are warranted to validate this technique in patients with pathologically elevated ICP.
Genome analyses revealed genetic admixture and selection signatures in Bos indicus
Authors: Dixit S. P. , Bhatia A. K. , Ganguly Indrajit , Singh Sanjeev , Dash Soumya , Sharma Anurodh , Anandkumar N. , Dang A. K. , Jayakumar S.
Published: November 2021

The genomic diversity and relationship among seven diverse cattle breeds viz. Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir, Vechur, Ongole, Kangayam and Hariana were investigated in 132 random samples based on high density SNP array comprising > 777 K SNPs. A total of 1993 SNPs (0.25% of the total) having greater power (FST ≥ 0.20) to differentiate these cattle populations were identified, and utilized to partition genome of each animal into a predefined number of clusters. The structure of these cattle indicated shared ancestry of dairy breeds viz. Gir, Tharparkar and Sahiwal. Most of the animals (> 76%) of different populations under study except Vechur clustered into their own group of animals called breed. Vechur population retained highest rate of admixture, consistent with its crossing with other breeds. Ongole, Kangayam and Hariana shared comparatively less of their genome (≤ 15%) with other breeds. The study indicated that all seven breeds evolved from their independent ancestry but there was intermixing of these breeds in the recent past. The selection signatures identified between draft (Kangayam) and dairy breeds included several genes like FAM19A2, RAB31P, BEST3, DGKA, AHCY, PIGU and PFKP which are involved in immune response, metabolic pathway, transportation of glucose and sugars, signaling pathways, cellular processes, cell division and glycolysis regulation, respectively. Moreover, these genomic regions also harbour QTLs affecting milk performance traits. The signatures were also identified even between the dairy breeds. In comparison to large-sized cattle, there were significant differences in the number of QTLs affecting production (body weight, growth rate etc.) and morphological traits (height) in short-statured Vechur breed. The presence of HMGA2 gene in the selection signature on chromosome 5 may explain the variations in stature between these cattle.
Cytoprotective IgG antibodies in sera from a subset of patients with AQP4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Tradtrantip Lukmanee , Yeaman Michael R. , Verkman A. S.
Published: November 2021

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Most NMOSD patients are seropositive for immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), called AQP4-IgG. AQP4-IgG binding to aquaporin-4 causes complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), leading to inflammation and demyelination. Here, CDC was measured in AQP4-expressing cells exposed to human complement and heat-inactivated sera from 108 AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD subjects and 25 non-NMOSD controls. AQP4-IgG positive sera produced a wide range of CDC, with 50% maximum cytotoxicity produced by as low as 0.2% serum concentration. Unexpectedly, 58 samples produced no cytotoxicity, and of those, four sera were cytoprotective against cytotoxic AQP4-IgG. Cytoprotection was found against different cytotoxic monoclonal AQP4-IgGs and NMOSD patient sera, and in primary astrocyte cultures. Mechanistic studies revealed that the protective factor is an IgG antibody that did not inhibit complement directly, but interfered with binding of cytotoxic AQP4-IgG to AQP4 and consequent C1q binding and complement activation. Further studies suggested that non-pathogenic AQP4-IgG, perhaps with altered glycosylation, may contribute to reduced or ineffectual binding of cytotoxic AQP4-IgG, as well as reduced cell-surface AQP4. The presence of natural cytoprotective antibodies in AQP4-IgG seropositive sera reveals an added level of complexity in NMOSD disease pathogenesis, and suggests the potential therapeutic utility of ‘convalescent’ serum or engineered protective antibody to interfere with pathogenic antibody in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD.