bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both mOTS-words and pOTS-words prefer emoji stimuli over text stimuli during a reading task
Authors: Dalski Alexia , Kular Holly , Jorgensen Julia G. , Grill-Spector Kalanit , Grotheer Mareike
Published: November 2023

The visual word form area in the occipitotemporal sulcus (OTS), here referred to as OTS-words, responds more strongly to text than other visual stimuli and is crucial for reading. We hypothesized, that this text preference may be driven by a preference for reading tasks, as in most prior fMRI studies only the text stimuli were readable. Hence, we performed three fMRI experiments (N=15) and systematically varied the participant ‘s task and the stimulus, investigating mOTS-words and pOTS-words subregions. In experiment 1, we contrasted text stimuli with non-readable visual stimuli (faces, limbs, houses, objects). Experiment 2 utilized an fMRI adaptation paradigm, presenting compound words in text or emoji formats. In experiment 3, participants performed a reading or a color task on compound words in text or emoji format. Using experiment 1 data, we identified mOTS-words and pOTS-words by contrasting texts with non-readable stimuli. In experiment 2, pOTS-words, but not mOTS-words, showed fMRI adaptation for compound words in both text and emoji formats. In experiment 3, surprisingly, both subregions showed higher responses to compound words in emoji than text format. Moreover, mOTS-words showed higher responses during the reading than the color task and a task-stimulus interaction. Multivariate analyses revealed that distributed responses in pOTS-words encode the visual stimulus, while responses in mOTS-words encode both stimulus and task. Together, our findings suggest that the function of the OTS-words subregions goes beyond the specific visual processing of text and that these regions are flexibly recruited whenever semantic meaning needs to be assigned to visual input.

Significance Statement

Reading skills are essential in modern society and supported by a brain region in the occipitotemporal sulcus (OTS-words) that is critical for fluent reading. Here we evaluated if responses in OTS-words are driven by the activity of reading or simply by seeing text or other readable symbols (emojis). We found that OTS-words can be divided into two sub-regions which both prefer readable emojis over text, whereas the anterior sub-region also prefers reading over other tasks. These results suggest that OTS-words is flexibly recruited to encode any readable visual stimulus, not just text. By demonstrating OTS-words ‘ flexibility, this work reconciles previous contradictory findings on this regions ‘ functional properties and inspires future research on OTS-words, including its emergence during literacy acquisition.
Amalga: Designable Protein Backbone Generation with Folding and Inverse Folding Guidance
Authors: Chen Shugao , Li Ziyao , Zeng Xiangxiang , Ke Guolin
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in deep learning enable new approaches to protein design through inverse folding and backbone generation. However, backbone generators may produce structures that inverse folding struggles to identify sequences for, indicating designability issues. We propose Amalga, an inference-time technique that enhances designability of backbone generators. Amalga leverages folding and inverse folding models to guide backbone generation towards more designable conformations by incorporating “folded-from-inverse-folded” (FIF) structures. To generate FIF structures, possible sequences are predicted from step-wise predictions in the reverse diffusion and further folded into new backbones. Being intrinsically designable, the FIF structures guide the generated backbones to a more designable distribution. Experiments on both de novo design and motif-scaffolding demonstrate improved designability and diversity with Amalga on RFdiffusion.
Attila and Aetius on the roof: The succession phenomenon in the roof greening area of a primary school in Beijing during the lockdown period of the COVID-19
Authors: Wu Ruoxi , Guan Jingqi , Xia Zihang , Zhang Tianqing , Jiang Yi , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2023

“Succession” refers to the process of certain species replacing others over time. It is of great significance for understanding the characteristics and evolution of ecosystems. This article compares the changes in school rooftop green areas before and after the COVID-19 epidemic (2019, 2023), and studies the situation of wild grass invading roofs during the three years of the epidemic, as well as the response of original rooftop plants to the invasion. The results showed that: ① invasive weeds were concentrated in 2 families and 4 species, forming a population advantage in most of the invaded planting boxes; ② The succession has had a significant impact on the roof greening area; ③ Among the two cultivated plants (Phedimus aizoon(PA) andSedum sarmentosum(SS)), SS was greatly affected, with the community almost disappearing, while PA was almost unaffected.
A new paradigm for biological sequence retrieval inspired by natural language processing and database research
Authors: Rousseau Axel-Jan , Lemal Sébastien , Korovin Yegor , Triantopoulos Georgios , Brands Ingrid , Biemans Maxim , Van Hyfte Dirk , Valkenborg Dirk
Published: November 2023

Nearly-exponential growth and heterogeneity of biological sequence data make the task of biological sequence retrieval from databases more important and challenging than ever. In this manuscript, we present a novel search algorithm involving an indexing scheme based on patterns discovered by natural language processing, i.e., short strings of nucleotides or amino acids, akin to standard k-mers, but mined from cumulative cross-species omic data repositories. More specifically, we benchmark the quality of the sequence retrieval process by comparing to BLASTP, a heuristic algorithm for the alignment of genomics or protein sequence data. The main argumentation is that to retrieve biological similar sequences it is not needed to mimic the alignment procedures as it is performed by BLAST. Our results suggests that the HYFT-indexing and searching is a good alternative and a static, alignment-free method to retrieve homologous sequence down to 50% sequence identity.
Age-related blunting of serial sarcomerogenesis and mechanical adaptations following 4 weeks of maximal eccentric resistance training
Authors: Hinks Avery , Patterson Makenna A. , Njai Binta S. , Power Geoffrey A.
Published: November 2023

Background

During natural aging, muscles atrophy, which is partly accounted for by a loss of sarcomeres in series. Serial sarcomere number (SSN) is associated with aspects of muscle mechanical function including the force-length and force-velocity-power relationships; hence, the age-related loss of SSN contributes to declining performance. Training emphasizing muscle lengthening (eccentric) contractions increases SSN in young healthy rodents. However, the ability for eccentric training to increase SSN and improve mechanical function in old age is unknown.

Methods

Ten young (9 months) and 11 old (33 months) Fisher344/BN F1 rats completed 4 weeks of unilateral isokinetic eccentric plantar flexion training 3 days/week. Pre- and post-training, the plantar flexors were assessed for maximum tetanic torque (ankle angles of 70° and 90°), the torque-frequency relationship (stimulation frequencies of 1-100 Hz), the passive torque-angle relationship (ankle angles of 110-70°), and the torque-angular velocity-power relationship (isotonic loads of 10%-80% maximum). Following post-training testing, rats were sacrificed, and the soleus, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were harvested for SSN assessment by measuring sarcomere lengths with laser diffraction, with the untrained leg used as a control.

Results

In the untrained leg/pre-training, old rats had lower SSN in the soleus (–9%), LG (–7%), and MG (–14%), lower maximum torque (–27 to –42%), power (–63%), and shortening velocity (–35%), and greater passive torque (+62 to +191%) than young. Young rats showed increased SSN from the untrained to the trained soleus and MG. In contrast, old rats had no change in soleus SSN between legs and experienced SSN loss in the LG. Pre- to post-training, young rats saw modest improvements in isometric mechanical function, including a 13% increase in maximum torque at 90° and 4-11% increases in 10-60 Hz torque. Old rats, however, had reductions in maximum torque (–35%), shortening velocity (–46%), and power (–63%), and increased passive torque (+24 to +51%) from pre- to post-training.

Conclusions

Eccentric training induced serial sarcomerogenesis and improved mechanical function in young rats, while old rats exhibited dysfunctional remodeling that led to impairments in muscle mechanical performance following training.
Maternal H3.3-Mediated Paternal Genome Reprogramming Contributes to Minor Zygotic Genome Activation
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Li Xuanwen , Cui Hongdi , Xiao Songling , Song Entong , Zong Ming , Ling Shukuan , Rosenwaks Zev , Gao Shaorong , Liu Xiaoyu , Kong Qingran , Wen Duancheng
Published: November 2023

In mice, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is initiated at the late-one-cell stage, accompanied by an extensive incorporation of the histone variant H3.3 into the parental genomes. However, it is unclear how H3.3 engages in the onset of ZGA. Here, using the H3.3B-HA-tagged mouse model, we found that the paternal and maternal genomes are activated asynchronously. Paternally expressed H3.3 begins deposition on the zygotic genome at the early two-cell stage, whereas the deposition of maternally expressed H3.3 is delayed until the four-cell stage. Oocyte-stored maternal H3.3 (mH3.3) is crucial for cleavage development and minor ZGA. Deposition of mH3.3 on the paternal genome occurs globally during the protamine-to-histone transition but shows preferential enrichment at CpG-rich TSSs after the initial round of DNA replication. Depletion of mH3.3 can lead to a loss of H3K27ac, resulting in minor ZGA failure and early embryonic arrest. Mechanistically, mH3.3 deposition on the sperm genome removes repressive histone modifications, promotes the establishment of active histone modifications, and in turn enables the initiation of minor ZGA from the paternal genome. Our study highlights the pivotal role of mH3.3 in paternal genome reprogramming and minor ZGA initiation.
Murine Parainfluenza Virus Persists in Lung Innate Immune Cells Sustaining Chronic Lung Pathology
Authors: Castro Ítalo Araujo , Yang Yanling , Gnazzo Victoria , Kim Do-Hyun , Van Dyken Steven J. , López Carolina B.
Published: November 2023

Respiratory viruses including the human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) are a constant burden to human health, with morbidity and mortality frequently increased after the acute phase of the infection. Although is proven that respiratory viruses can persistin vitro, the mechanisms of virus or viral products persistence, their sources, and their impact on chronic respiratory diseasesin vivoare unknown. Here, we used Sendai virus (SeV) to model hPIV infection in mice and test whether virus persistence associates with the development of chronic lung disease. Following SeV infection, virus products were detected in lung macrophages, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and dendritic cells for several weeks after the infectious virus was cleared. Cells containing viral protein showed strong upregulation of antiviral and type 2 inflammation-related genes that associate with the development of chronic post-viral lung diseases, including asthma. Lineage tracing of infected cells or cells derived from infected cells suggests that distinct functional groups of cells contribute to the chronic pathology. Importantly, targeted ablation of infected cells or those derived from infected cells significantly ameliorated chronic lung disease. Overall, we identified persistent infection of innate immune cells as a critical factor in the progression from acute to chronic post viral respiratory disease.
On the role of prefrontal and parietal cortices in mind wandering and dynamic thought
Authors: Rasmussen Tara , Filmer Hannah , Dux Paul E.
Published: November 2023

Mind wandering is a common phenomenon in our daily lives and can have both an adaptive and detrimental impact. Recently, a dynamic framework has been proposed to characterise the heterogeneity of internal thoughts, suggesting there are three distinct thought types which can change over time –freely moving,deliberately constrained, andautomatically constrained(thoughts). There is very little evidence on how different types of dynamic thought map onto the brain. Previous research has applied non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to causally implicate the prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule in general mind wandering. However, a more recently developed and nuanced technique, high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS), delivers more focal stimulation able to target specific brain regions. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of anodal HD-tDCS applied to the left prefrontal and right inferior parietal cortices (with the occipital cortex included as an active control) on mind wandering, and specifically, the causal neural substrates of the three internal dynamic thought types. This was a single session study using a novel task which allows investigation into how dynamic thoughts are associated with behavioural variability and the recruitment of executive control operations across the three brain regions. Anodal stimulation to the prefrontal cortex decreased freely moving thought and anodal stimulation to the parietal lobule decreased deliberately constrained thought, with preliminary evidence for an increase in freely moving thought in the occipital cortex as well. These findings support the heterogenous nature of mind wandering, revealing that different brain regions are implicated in distinct dynamic thought types.
Interplay of Low Serum Irisin Level and Insulin Resistance in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: Potential Biomarker for Pre-clinical Risk Assessment and therapeutic intervention
Authors: Verma Kritika , Rajput Yogita , Kishore Ruchi , Patel Pratibha , Shrivastava Ankika , Rath Devpriya , Pal Jagannath , Nagaria Tripti
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine syndrome in women of the reproductive age groupassociated with metabolic syndrome and TypeIIDiabetesMalitus (TIIDM). Purpose of the study was to evaluate if level of serum irisin which is involved in energy metabolism could be used as biomarker for identifying high risk category for pre-clinical detection of diabetes in PCOS.

Methods

Total 27 obese PCOS, 27 non-obese PCOS, and 27 healthy control (HC: 11 obese and 16 non-obese) study subjects between the age group 15-30 years were recruited in the study. Obese and non-obese category was divided based on BMI. Serum irisin, fasting insulin, fasting glucose and other reproductive hormonal profiles were estimated. Cut offs for serum irisin and insulin level were determined based on levels in healthy control.

Result

None of the subject was diagnosed having diabetes at the time of sampling. Both obese and non-obese PCOS showed non-significant lower irisin level than corresponding healthy control (42.27±31.38 vs 51.56±22.7,P=0.4 and 34.89±21.58 vs 40.90±16.444,P=0.4 respectively). However only obese PCOS showed statistically significant association with lower irisin level when median value of the corresponding healthy control was used as cut off (81.5% vs 45%,P=0.047* and 70.3% vs 50%,P=0.21 in PCOS vs HC of obese and non-obese group respectively). Segregating PCOS subjects into two category either normal or below the lower limit of normal serum irisin level(mean-1.64*z of corresponding HC), 100% of obese PCOS subjects having irisin below the lower normal limit showed insulin resistance (>mean+2SD of non obese HC) while the same in obese PCOS subjects having irisin level above the lower limit was only 20% (P=0.006). However no such association was observed in non-obese PCOS subjects when similarly categorized based on irisin level (33% vs 22% respectively,P= 1).

Conclusion

The result suggests that obese PCOS with serum irisin level below lower limit of normal range could be segregated as high risk category for closely follow up to detect incidence of diabetes in early time point or taking any preventive measure in early stage. A prospective study with larger sample size is required to substantiate the observation of the pilot study.
A Systematic Review of the Attitude, Beliefs, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in the Western and Eastern Hemisphere
Authors: Kumari Roopa , Luhana Sindhu , Parkash Om , Sadarat FNU , Chander Subhash
Published: November 2023

Background

The availability of an effective vaccine does not equate to its use; its effectiveness primarily depends on vaccine acceptance by the targeted population. Despite the rapid development and widespread access to the COVID-19 vaccine, herd immunity is yet to be achieved, with vaccine hesitancy as a major barrier. This study sought to systematically assess the beliefs, attitudes, and acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccines, including factors contributing to vaccination hesitancy in the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Methods

A comprehensive search of articles was conducted through Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for studies published from inception to May 2023 using the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Our search yielded 1154, of which 21 were eligible for inclusion. The rate of willingness or intention to vaccinate varied with the geographic region, from 12% in the USA to 93.9% in China. Four studies from the Western and two from Eastern regions reported a low acceptance rate (defined as <50%): USA (12%), Spain (48.3%), Switzerland (38.6%), Europe (multi-national, 31%), Nepal (38.3%), and Oman (43%). Overall, vaccine acceptance was low-to-moderate in the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) in both Eastern and Western hemispheres except for China which reported high acceptance (defined as >75%) among the general population and HCWs. Demographic characteristics (female, younger age, and higher education) and non-demographic factors (knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine and its development, history of influenza vaccination, perceived susceptibility or severity of infection, and the belief that vaccines are effective in controlling the pandemic were associate with high acceptance rates or intentions to take the COVID-19 vaccine. On the other hand, mistrust of the vaccine, its safety and effectiveness, disinformation or poor awareness of the vaccine, side effects concerns, belief in natural immunity, previous adverse experience with the vaccines, and distrust in the information sources about the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with vaccination hesitancy.

Conclusion

For better acceptance, COVID-19 vaccination campaign strategies should be modeled based on regional political, economic, and social contexts.

Highlights

The willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines was low-to-moderate in both hemispheres.

Healthcare workers were as willing to vaccinate as the general population.

Vaccine hesitancy was associated with demographic and vaccine-specific factors.
Enteric Populations ofEscherichia coliare Likely to be Resistant to Phages Due to O Antigen Expression
Authors: Berryhill Brandon A. , Burke Kylie B. , Fontaine Jake , Brink Catherine E. , Harvill Mason G. , Goldberg David A. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Levin Bruce R. , Woodworth Michael H.
Published: November 2023

There is a surfeit of bioinformatic data showing that bacteriophages abound in the enteric microbiomes of humans. What is the contribution of these viruses in shaping the bacterial strain and species composition of the gut microbiome and how are these phages maintained over time? To address these questions, we performed experiments withEscherichia coliand phages isolated from four fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) doses as representative samples of non-dysbiotic enteric microbiota and develop and analyze the properties of a mathematical model of the population and evolutionary dynamics of bacteria and phage. Our models predict and experiments confirm that due to production of the O antigen,E. coliin the enteric microbiome are likely to be resistant to infection with co-occurring phages. Furthermore, our modeling suggests that the phages can be maintained in the population due to the high rates of host transition between resistant and sensitive states, which we call leaky resistance. Based on our observations and model predictions, we postulate that the phages found in the human gut are likely to play little role in shaping the composition ofE. coliat the strain level in the enteric microbiome in healthy individuals. How general this is for other species of bacteria in the enteric flora is not yet clear, although O antigen expression is common across many taxa.

Importance

Bioinformatic data shows that bacteriophages are ubiquitous in the gut, however little is known about the role these bacterial viruses play in shaping the bacterial species and strain composition in the human gut microbiome or how they are maintained over time in this dynamic environment. Here we show thatEscherichia coliisolated from fecal samples are likely to be resistant to their co-existing phages due to production of the O antigen. Based on these results, we postulate that bacteriophages are likely playing little role of shaping the abundance and diversity of bacteria in the human gut microbiome in healthy individuals.
The feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façade in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sathkumara Thisara Manupriya , Waidyasekara Anuradha Samarajeewa , Victar Hasith Chathuranga
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The use of renewable energy has become necessary because of the harmful effects of current energy sources on the environment, limited availability and financial crisis. Transparent solar panels have emerged as a promising technology for integrating renewable energy generation into building structures. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The research apprehended a qualitative approach, including two expert interview rounds adhering to the Delphi technique with 17 and 15 experts each per round. Manual content analysis was incorporated to analyse the collected data.

Findings

Regarding operation and maintenance, the study emphasizes the importance of regular inspection, cleaning and repair of transparent solar panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. These activities contribute to maximizing energy generation and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building. The benefits of implementing transparent solar panels on building façades are manifold. They include renewable energy generation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency and enhanced architectural aesthetics. Furthermore, the research findings underscore the potential of transparent solar panels to contribute to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development goals and address the country’s increasing energy demand. However, the study also identifies challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka. The research findings offer valuable insights into the operation and maintenance aspects, benefits, challenges and strategies for implementing transparent solar panels effectively. This knowledge can guide policymakers, architects and developers in making informed decisions regarding the integration of transparent solar panels, thereby promoting sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in Sri Lanka.
Does Stress Make You Less Neighbourly?*
Authors: Ploszaj Anna
Published: November 2023

Social cohesion and financial tensions are the key components of psychosocial well‐being, yet the relationship has rarely been examined. This article, which offers an empirical investigation into the complex and multidimensional character of social cohesion, examines how financial stress affects social relations in Australia and analyses the moderating effect of social support using longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The results indicate that financial stress has negative effects on social cohesion and has the potential to contribute to social fragmentation. It was found that structural social cohesion is more affected by financial stress than cognitive social cohesion. This study also uncovers the beneficial and buffering effects that social support can bestow on financial stress trauma sufferers.
Intra‐individual comparison of prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography versus bone scan in detecting skeletal metastasis at prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Ramesh , Saad Jeremy , Heyworth Ash , Wong Veronica , Pelecanos Anita , Arianayagam Mohan , Canagasingham Bertram , Ferguson Richard , Goolam Ahmed Saeed , Khadra Mohamed , Kam Jonathan , Ko Raymond , McCombie Stephen , Varol Celi , Winter Matthew , Mansberg Robert , Nguyen Diep , Bui Chuong , Loh Han , Le Ken , Roberts Matthew J.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic performance and radiological staging impact of 68Ga‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) compared to 99Tc whole‐body bone scan (WBBS) for the detection of skeletal metastasis in the primary staging of prostate cancer (PCa).

Patients and Methods

A prospective institutional database was retrospectively examined for patients who underwent both PSMA PET and WBBS within a 1 week interval for PCa primary staging. Lesions were categorised as ‘negative’, ‘equivocal’, or ‘definite’ based on nuclear medicine physician interpretation. Metastatic burden was characterised for each imaging modality according to three groups: (i) local disease (no skeletal metastases), (ii) oligometastatic disease (three or fewer skeletal metastases), or (iii) polymetastatic disease (more than three skeletal metastases).

Results

There were 667 patients included. The median (interquartile range) prostate‐specific antigen level was 9.2 (6.2–16) ng/mL and 60% of patients were high risk according to a modified D'Amico risk classification. The overall distribution of skeletal metastasis detection changed across the two scans overall (P = 0.003), being maintained within high‐risk (P = 0.030) and low‐risk (P = 0.018) groups. PSMA PET/CT identified more definite skeletal metastases compared to WBBS overall (10.3% vs 7.3%), and according to risk grouping (high: 12% vs 9%, intermediate: 4% vs 1%). Upstaging was more common with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS (P = 0.001). The maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumour was associated with upstaging of skeletal metastases on PSMA PET/CT (P = 0.025), while age was associated with upstaging on WBBS (P = 0.021). The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases were both higher according to extent of metastatic disease (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

More skeletal metastases were detected with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS, resulting in a higher upstaging rate mostly in high‐risk patients. The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases was associated with upstaging.
Detection and clinical significance of CEACAM5 methylation in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Chieh , Chang Shih‐Ching , Liao Tsai‐Tsen , Yang Muh‐Hwa
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a globally common cancer, and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (sCEA) is widely applied as a diagnostic and prognostic tumor marker in CRC. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of CEA expression and corresponding clinical features to improve prognostic assessments. In CRC cells, hypomethylation of the CEACAM5 promoter enhanced CEA expression in HCT116 and HT29 cells with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC) treatment. Our clinical data indicated that 64.7% (101/156) of CRC patients had an sCEA level above the normal range, and 76.2% (77/101) of those patients showed a lower average CpG methylation level of the CEACAM5 promoter. The methylation analysis showed that both CRC cell lines and patient samples shared the same critical methylation CpG regions at −200 to −500 and −1000 to −1400 bp of the CEACAM5 promoter. Patients with hypermethylation of the CEACAM5 promoter showed features of a BRAF mutation, TGFB2 mutation, microsatellite instability‐high, and preference for right‐sided colorectal cancer and peritoneal seeding presentation that had a similar clinical character to the consensus molecular subtype 1 (CMS1) of colorectal cancer. Additionally, hypermethylation of the CEACAM5 promoter combined with evaluated sCEA demonstrated the worst survival among the patients. Therefore, the methylation status of the CEACAM5 promoter also served as an effective biomarker for assessing disease prognosis. Results indicated that DNA methylation is a major regulatory mechanism for CEA expression in colorectal cancer. Moreover, our data also highlighted that patients in a subgroup who escaped from inactivation by DNA methylation had distinct clinical and pathological features and the worst survival.
Instinkterscheinungen an Kröten, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Fortpflanzungsinstinktes der Erdkröte (Bufo bufo L.)
Authors: Heusser H.
Published: November 2023

Die Erdkröte macht im Herbst und im Frühjahr eine Phase sexueller Erregung durch. In die des Frühjahrs fällt auch die Wanderung zum Laichplatz: Zu bestimmter Zeit finden sich die Erdkröten an bestimmten Plätzen ein, verhältnismäßig wenig abhängig von der Temperatur. Die Art der auslösenden und richtenden Reize ist unbekannt.

Wenn die Mehrzahl der Kröten am Ziel angekommen sind, schlägt die Wanderstimmung in volle Paarungsbereitschaft um.

Unter dem aufgesessenen ♂ biegt das ♀ den Rücken durch und streckt die Hinterbeine, ehe es ablaicht; nur der durchgebogene Rücken ist Schlüsselreiz für die Auslösung der Endhandlung des ♂. Das Strecken der Hinterbeine hat keinen solchen Auslösewert und ist vielleicht ein Überbleibsel der ursprünglicheren Paarungshaltung des amplexus lumbaris.

Auch die Reaktionsweise des auf dem ♀ sitzenden ♀ wird beschrieben.

Die Haltung des nicht paarungsbereiten ♀ (Abb. 1) ist das Gegenteil dessen, was das Klammern und Sitzenbleiben des ♂ auslöst. Hinzu kommen verschiedene Verhaltensweisen, die das Klammern unmittelbar hemmen.

Während der eigentlichen Laichzeit überdeckt bei der Erdkröte das Paarungsverhalten‐anders als bei anderen einheimischen Arten‐nahezu alle anderen Lebensäußerungen.

Mehlwurmgeruch stimmt Kröten zum Beuteverhalten. Mangels optischer Reize kommt es zu Leerlaufhandlungen und verschiedenen Übersprungbewegungen.

Die Haltung bei der Kot‐ und Harnabgabe, Schlafstellungen und eine schwänzelnde Bewegung werden beschrieben.
Die Bedeutung von Streifenmustern für das Formensehen der Roten Waldameise (Formica rufa L.)*
Authors: Jander Rudolf , Voss Christiane
Published: November 2023

Formica rufa verfügt über optische Orts‐ und Objektkenntnisse.

Sie bevorzugt, unabhängig von der Art der Aufgliederung, in jedem Fall die jeweils geschlossenere Figur.

Senkrechte Streifen werden waagrechten immer vorgezogen. Mit immer feineren, senkrechten und waagrechten Streifen wurde die Sehschärfe bestimmt. Sie beträgt bei einer Leuchtdichte von 1,26 × 10−4 sb + 1% etwa 34′. Das physiologische Auflösungsvermögen ist also weit feiner als das morphologische.

Für die Bevorzugung senkrechter vor waagrechten Streifen geben wahrscheinlich senkrecht geordnete Reizwechsel den auslösenden Komplexreiz.

Die Alternativen, gegliedert bzw. ungegliedert, senkrecht‐ bzw. waagrechtstreifig, sind für das Formensehen der Insekten zwei unabhängige Variable, Versuche mit Eristalis tenax und Stenus bipunctatus legen nahe, daß das Ansprechen auf bestimmte Streifenmuster als ökologische Anpassung zu betrachten ist.

Gegen die Spontanbevorzugung senkrechter Streifen ist keine Dressur möglich, wohl aber auf die stärker gegliederte Figur. Beides sind also für die Ameisen qualitativ verschiedene Formmerkmale.

Formica rufa shows optical recognition of objects and localities.

It always prefers the more closed figure, independent of the nature of the articulation.

Vertical stripes are always preferred to horizontal ones. The visual acuity was tested by making the vertical and horizontal stripes finer and finer. With a luminous flux of 1.26 × 10−4 sb + 1%, the acuity is about 34′. Thus the physiological resolution is much finer than the anatomical.

Vertically arranged stimulation changes probably provide the key stimulus complex for the preference of vertical to horizontal stripes.

The alternatives articulated‐unarticulated and vertically‐horizontally striped constitute two independent variables for the form vision of insects. Experiments with Eristalis tenax and Stenus bipunctatus suggest that preferences for particular stripe arrangements must be considered as ecological adaptations.

The spontaneous preference for vertical stripes cannot be changed by training, but that for the less articulated figure can be reversed. Thus these are qualitatively different form properties for the ants.
THE SLIGHTED MOUNTAINS OF UPPER EAST TENNESSEE*
Authors: WALLACH BRET
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT The United States of America owns nearly 150,000 hectares of mountain land in northeastern Tennessee. Administered as the northern half of the Cherokee National Forest, these lands were purchased primarily between 1915 and 1941 under Weeks Act authority. The United States Forest Service has not established the intensive forestry that it originally hoped to bring to this area, nor has it created the jobs that it once planned. But the land is in far better condition than it was eighty years ago. An urban forest more than a tree farm, this national forest is still to be appreciated.
Methods of Determining Priorities in a Programme of Research
Authors: MOORE R. L.
Published: November 2023

Abstract— A method for selecting a programme of research by calculating the overall costs and benefits is outlined and then, as an example, it is applied to a particular field of research. The field selected is that of research into Vehicle Safety.

The method of collecting the data for the necessary analysis is described and using two separate programme objectives, namely the maximization of gross benefits and the maximization of net benefits, various selections are made using linear programme computer techniques.

The dangers of uncritical acceptance of cost/benefit criteria in project selections are noted. In particular the need for freedom to devote effort to understanding the nature of problems rather than achieve quick solutions is pointed out.

Finally, reasons are given for modifying the portfolio selected to produce what is called a pragmatic portfolio.
Deprescribing medications among patients with multiple prescribers: A socioecological model
Authors: Silva Almodóvar Armando , Keller Michelle S. , Lee Jiha , Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Manja Veena , Nguyen Thanh Phuong Pham , Pavon Juliessa M. , Terman Samuel W. , Hoyle Daniel , Mixon Amanda S. , Linsky Amy M.
Published: November 2023

Deprescribing is the intentional dose reduction or discontinuation of a medication. The development of deprescribing interventions should take into consideration important organizational, interprofessional, and patient‐specific barriers that can be further complicated by the presence of multiple prescribers involved in a patient's care. Patients who receive care from an increasing number of prescribers may experience disruptions in the timely transfer of relevant healthcare information, increasing the risk of exposure to drug–drug interactions and other medication‐related problems. Furthermore, the fragmentation of healthcare information across health systems can contribute to the refilling of discontinued medications, reducing the effectiveness of deprescribing interventions. Thus, deprescribing interventions must carefully consider the unique characteristics of patients and their prescribers to ensure interventions are successfully implemented. In this special article, an international working group of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, epidemiologists, and researchers from the United States Deprescribing Research Network (USDeN) developed a socioecological model to understand how multiple prescribers may influence the implementation of a deprescribing intervention at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal level. This manuscript also includes a description of the concept of multiple prescribers and outlines a research agenda for future investigations to consider. The information contained in this manuscript should be used as a framework for future deprescribing interventions to carefully consider how multiple prescribers can influence the successful implementation of the service and ensure the intervention is as effective as possible.
Lovely heteronormative families in a harmonious society? The docudrama representations of the human‐pet relationship in contemporary China
Authors: Liu Tingting , Hu Tingting
Published: November 2023

This study examines docudramatic representations of human‐pet relationships in China, applying the conversational storytelling research method. The study takes Modern Furry Tale (MFT, 2021), a controversial docudrama streamed on the Tencent Video platform as its targeted case. The article argues that contemporary Chinese docudramas do not so much “document reality” as continue a “cinematic tradition” of presenting “selected reality” by showing an idealized view of the pets“ living conditions and their owners” family lives. Describing and constructing friendly and companionable pet‐human relationships, these docudramas reinforce the dominant “positive energy” state ideology, propagandistic mainstream family values, and repressive gender ideologies.
The screening and management of sleep disturbances in people living with HIV: Delphi consensus
Authors: Allavena Clotilde , Bastides Frédéric , Moroy Anne , Occhipinti Stéphanie , Durand François , Barriere Guillaume , Micoulaud‐Franchi Jean‐Arthur , Ghosn Jade
Published: November 2023

Sleep disturbances in people living with HIV (PLHIV) are frequent but their management remains insufficient. In the absence of specific recommendations, a DELPHI consensus research project was conducted in France to establish best practice. A multidisciplinary Steering Committee (STC) undertook a literature review and used it with clinical expertise to create statements that were voted on. Two profiles of healthcare professionals with significant experience in monitoring PLHIV were selected for the voting: physicians and nurses/psychologists. Votes were collected electronically, independently, and anonymously. The STC created 27 statements covering six areas: Screening of sleep disturbances, Investigation, First‐line management, Referral to a specialist, Antiretroviral treatment (ARV), and Prevention. Two rounds of votes included 42 physicians and 32 nurses/psychologists. Consensus was reached for 24 out of 27 statements (89%) including: to assess quantity and quality of sleep among PLHIV at least annually, ideally using a common methodology within the medical department; to consider the temporary addition of a hypnotic treatment in cases of acute insomnia not improved by the rules of sleep hygiene, with full awareness of potential drug–drug interactions and risk of dependence; to correct ferritinaemia if <100 ng/mL before referral to a specialist when restless legs syndrome is suspected; to consider changing the time of ARV administration or an ARV switch within the same class when sleep disturbances are caused by an ARV. This DELPHI Consensus provides best practice for screening and managing sleep disturbances in PLHIV and optimising their quality of life.
Persistent left superior vena cava isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: Selective or empirical?
Authors: Chen Jianquan , Qiu Yue , Chen Hongwu , Jin Caiyi , Wang Yuxuan , Ju Weizhu , Yang Gang , Gu Kai , Liu Hailei , Wang Zidun , Jiang Xiaohong , Li Mingfang , Wang Daowu , Chen Minglong
Published: November 2023

Background

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most prevalent form of thoracic venous abnormality and can serve as a significant arrhythmogenic source in atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

Among the 3950 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation for AF between September 2014 to April 2020, 17 patients (mean age 59.4 ± 8.0 years, 64.7% male) with PLSVC were identified. Among them, nine patients (52.9%) had a prior history of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone. Eight out of nine patients who experienced AF recurrence underwent PLSVC isolation with or without pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection. For the remaining eight patients (47.1%), PVI plus PLSVC isolation were performed during the index procedure. Ectopy originating from PLSVC was documented in 11 patients (64.7%) and successful PLSVC isolation was achieved in 16 patients (94.1%). After a median follow‐up of 28.3 months, freedom from AF/ atrial tachycardia (AT) was observed in 13 patients (76.5%).

Conclusion

Empirical PLSVC isolation beyond PVI appears to be a feasible and safe strategy to prevent AF recurrence in patients with concomitant PLSVC.
Sweet cherry AP2/ERF transcription factor, PavRAV2, negatively modulates fruit size by directly repressing PavKLUH expression
Authors: Qi Xiliang , Liu Lifeng , Liu Congli , Song Lulu , Dong Yuanxin , Chen Lei , Li Ming
Published: November 2023

For sweet cherry, fruit size is one of the main targets in breeding programs owing to the high market value of larger fruits. KLUH/CYP78A5 is an important regulator of seed/fruit size in several plant species, but its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the function of PavKLUH in the regulation of sweet cherry fruit size. The ectopic overexpression of PavKLUH in Arabidopsis increased the size of its siliques and seeds, whereas virus‐induced gene silencing of PavKLUH in sweet cherry significantly decreased fruit size by restricting mesocarp cell expansion. We screened out an AP2/ERF transcription factor containing a B3‐like domain, designated as PavRAV2, which was able to physically interact with PavKLUH promoter in a yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) system. In Y1H assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and dual‐luciferase reporter analyses, PavRAV2 directly bound to the promoter of PavKLUH in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed PavKLUH expression. Silencing of PavRAV2 resulted in enlarged fruit as a result of enhanced mesocarp cell expansion. Together, our results provide new insights into signaling pathways related to fruit size, and outline a possible mechanism for how the RAV transcription factor directly regulates CYP78A family members to influence fruit size and development.
Hierarchically structured passive radiative cooling ceramic with high solar reflectivity
Authors: Lin Kaixin , Chen Siru , Zeng Yijun , Ho Tsz Chung , Zhu Yihao , Wang Xiong , Liu Fayu , Huang Baoling , Chao Christopher Yu-Hang , Wang Zuankai , Tso Chi Yan
Published: November 2023

Passive radiative cooling using nanophotonic structures is limited by its high cost and poor compatibility with existing end uses, whereas polymeric photonic alternatives lack weather resistance and effective solar reflection. We developed a cellular ceramic that can achieve highly efficient light scattering and a near-perfect solar reflectivity of 99.6%. These qualities, coupled with high thermal emissivity, allow the ceramic to provide continuous subambient cooling in an outdoor setting with a cooling power of >130 watts per square meter at noon, demonstrating energy-saving potential on a worldwide scale. The color, weather resistance, mechanical robustness, and ability to depress the Leidenfrost effect are key features ensuring the durable and versatile nature of the cooling ceramic, thereby facilitating its commercialization in various applications, particularly building construction.
Rapid bacteria-phage coevolution drives the emergence of multiscale networks
Authors: Borin Joshua M. , Lee Justin J. , Lucia-Sanz Adriana , Gerbino Krista R. , Weitz Joshua S. , Meyer Justin R.
Published: November 2023

Interactions between species catalyze the evolution of multiscale ecological networks, including both nested and modular elements that regulate the function of diverse communities. One common assumption is that such complex pattern formation requires spatial isolation or long evolutionary timescales. We show that multiscale network structure can evolve rapidly under simple ecological conditions without spatial structure. In just 21 days of laboratory coevolution,
Escherichia coli
and bacteriophage Φ21 coevolve and diversify to form elaborate cross-infection networks. By measuring ~10,000 phage-bacteria infections and testing the genetic basis of interactions, we identify the mechanisms that create each component of the multiscale pattern. Our results demonstrate how multiscale networks evolve in parasite-host systems, illustrating Darwin’s idea that simple adaptive processes can generate entangled banks of ecological interactions.
CsrA coordinates the expression of ribosome hibernation and anti-σ factor proteins
Authors: Pourciau Christine , Yakhnin Helen , Pannuri Archanna , Gorelik Mark G. , Lai Ying-Jung , Romeo Tony , Babitzke Paul
Published: November 2023

Bacterial growth rate varies due to changing physiological signals and is fundamentally dependent on protein synthesis. Consequently, cells alter their transcription and translation machinery to optimize the capacity for protein production under varying conditions and growth rates. Our findings demonstrate that the post-transcriptional regulator CsrA in
Escherichia coli
controls the expression of genes that participate in these processes. During exponential growth, CsrA represses the expression of proteins that alter or inhibit RNA polymerase (RNAP) and ribosome activity, including the ribosome hibernation factors RMF, RaiA, YqjD, ElaB, YgaM, and SRA, as well as the anti-σ
70
factor, Rsd. Upon entry into the stationary phase, RaiA, YqjD, ElaB, and SRA expression was derepressed and that of RMF, YgaM, and Rsd was activated in the presence of CsrA. This pattern of gene expression likely supports global protein expression during active growth and helps limit protein production to a basal level when nutrients are limited. In addition, we identified genes encoding the paralogous C-tail anchored inner membrane proteins YqjD and ElaB as robust, direct targets of CsrA-mediated translational repression. These proteins bind ribosomes and mediate their localization to the inner cell membrane, impacting a variety of processes including protein expression and membrane integrity. Previous studies found that YqjD overexpression inhibits cell growth, suggesting that appropriate regulation of YqjD expression might play a key role in cell viability. CsrA-mediated regulation of
yqjD
and ribosome hibernation factors reveals a new role for CsrA in appropriating cellular resources for optimum growth under varying conditions.

IMPORTANCE

The Csr/Rsm system (carbon storage regulator or repressor of stationary phase metabolites) is a global post-transcriptional regulatory system that coordinates and responds to environmental cues and signals, facilitating the transition between active growth and stationary phase. Another key determinant of bacterial lifestyle decisions is the management of the cellular gene expression machinery. Here, we investigate the connection between these two processes in
Escherichia coli
. Disrupted regulation of the transcription and translation machinery impacts many cellular functions, including gene expression, growth, fitness, and stress resistance. Elucidating the role of the Csr system in controlling the activity of RNAP and ribosomes advances our understanding of mechanisms controlling bacterial growth. A more complete understanding of these processes could lead to the improvement of therapeutic strategies for recalcitrant infections.