bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using camera traps to study hyenas: challenges, opportunities, and outlook
Authors: Dheer Arjun , Samarasinghe Dinal , Dloniak Stephanie M. , Braczkowski Alexander
Published: March 2022

The use of remote camera traps has accelerated rapidly in the field of large carnivore science since the 1990s. Members of the Hyaenidae are important components of functional ecosystems in Africa and parts of the Middle East and South Asia, and make good candidates for study using camera traps. However, camera trap studies of hyenas remain rare in the literature when compared to species like tigers Panthera tigris, leopards Panthera pardus, and snow leopards Panthera uncia. In this paper, we examine the published use of camera traps for hyenas (n = 34 studies implemented between 2007 and 2020) and examine the logistical challenges of using camera traps, such as individual identification, limited sexual dimorphism, and complex social structures, for studies of hyena population biology, behavioral ecology, and conservation. We highlight what these challenges may mean for data analyses and interpretation. We also suggest potential benefits of further camera trap studies of this taxonomic family, including new insights into social behavior, range extensions, and robust density estimates.
Phytoestrogenic Potential of Resveratrol by Selective Activation of Estrogen Receptor-α in Osteoblast Cells
Authors: Shah Aarti Abhishek , Shah Abhishek , Kumar Avinash , Lakra Amardeep , Singh Divya , Nayak Yogendra
Published: March 2022

Resveratrol obtained in grape seed and skin is structurally similar to a synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol. The endogenous estrogen, 17β-estradiol, induces cellular responses by binding to the estrogen receptor alpha and beta. The bone fracture due to decreased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women is linked to reduced estrogen. The adverse drug reactions of hormone replacement therapy warrant identifying unique natural compounds with ER-subtype specificity to improve bone health. Resveratrol is considered a phytoestrogen; however, its isoform selectivity has not yet been established on osteoblast cell lines. Therefore, in vitro and in silico docking studies were performed to analyze the binding affinity and selectivity of resveratrol towards receptor alpha and β-isoforms. Resveratrol was evaluated for its actions on the proliferation and differentiation in the primary rat calvarial osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. Osteoblasts specifically increased receptor alpha expression in rat calvarial osteoblasts cells; however, there was no effect on receptor beta expression. In silico studies further confirmed receptor alpha isoform specificity. The observed differences in the orientation, interaction pattern, and binding affinity of resveratrol at the active site of receptor alpha and beta are supported by the western blot analysis. The estrogen mimetic action of resveratrol suggests its therapeutic potential as a bone anabolic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Experimental participatory methodology brings local pasts to contemporary climate action
Authors: Kerr Sarah , Krogh Uffe , Riede Felix
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a Danish case study area experiencing cultural and natural environmental changes exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change. It describes and evaluates an experimental methodology that was developed to create and support engagement between the local community and climate action in the case study area. The methodology draws upon approaches and concepts from the research fields of environmental history, community archaeology and socio-hydrology. It is argued that this bespoke community-based, historical socio-hydrology methodology both bridges disciplinary divides and aids transdisciplinary collaboration with non-academic sectors. The methodology’s strengths lie in its use of narratives that are new to the audience, highly localised and concretely anchored in the landscape. This effectively engaged the community in climate communication and climate action within the local area. It is proposed that this methodology can be adapted for other case studies to support technocratic approaches to climate action.
Symmetry, Broken Symmetry, and Topology in Modern Physics
Authors: Guidry Mike , Sun Yang
Published: March 2022

Written for use in teaching and for self-study, this book provides a comprehensive and pedagogical introduction to groups, algebras, geometry, and topology. It assimilates modern applications of these concepts, assuming only an advanced undergraduate preparation in physics. It provides a balanced view of group theory, Lie algebras, and topological concepts, while emphasizing a broad range of modern applications such as Lorentz and Poincaré invariance, coherent states, quantum phase transitions, the quantum Hall effect, topological matter, and Chern numbers, among many others. An example based approach is adopted from the outset, and the book includes worked examples and informational boxes to illustrate and expand on key concepts. 344 homework problems are included, with full solutions available to instructors, and a subset of 172 of these problems have full solutions available to students.
Lawyers in Conflict and Transition
Authors: McEvoy Kieran , Mallinder Louise , Bryson Anna
Published: March 2022

Countries undergoing or recovering from conflict and authoritarianism often face profound rule of law challenges. The law on the statute books may be repressive, judicial independence may be compromised, and criminal justice agencies may be captured by powerful interests. How do lawyers working within such settings imagine the law? How do they understand their ethical obligations towards their clients and the rule of law? What factors motivate them to use their legal practice and social capital to challenge repressive power? What challenges and risks can they face if they do so? And when do lawyers facilitate or acquiesce to illegality and injustice? Drawing on over 130 interviews from Cambodia, Chile, Israel, Palestine, South Africa, and Tunisia, this book explores the extent to which theoretical understandings within law and society research on the motivations, strategies, tactics, and experiences of lawyers within democratic states apply to these more challenging environments.
The impact of neonatal parameters and parental factors on body fat level in early childhood
Authors: Kryst Łukasz , Żegleń Magdalena , Gał Maria , Woronkowicz Agnieszka , Kowal Małgorzata
Published: March 2022

Parental and pregnancy characteristics can affect proportions and tissue composition of the child’s bodyand thereforecan influence their present and future health, as well as overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected parental and birth-related parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of varying adiposity status (n=541 girls and n=571 boys).The research was carried out in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Krakow (Poland). Thickness of 6 skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf) was measured. Sum of skinfolds was calculated and participants were divided into low, normal or high body fat groups. Birth-related characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children’s parents. Children of mothers who gained the most gestational weight were characterised by high adiposity. Preschoolers with the highest birth weight, body length and head circumference had the greatest adiposity. Children of relatively younger mothers had higher body fat, in comparison to the rest of the study group. Parents of preschoolers in the high adiposity category were characterised by a greater body mass, compared to the parents of children in other body fat groups and that boys with the highest adiposity relatively more often had a close relative with obesity. Children in varying adiposity categories differed in terms of some birth-related factors. Particular attention should be paid to familial and parental characteristics, because they may influence the child’s predisposition to excess adiposity deposition later in life.
Evaluation of two heterologous recombinant antigens for the serological diagnosis of human polycystic echinococcosis
Authors: Daipert-Garcia D. , Virginio V.G. , Oliveira F.B. , Siqueira N.G. , Ferreira H.B. , Rodrigues-Silva R.
Published: March 2022

Polycystic echinococcosis (PE) is a zoonosis endemic in the Neotropical region of the Americas. It is caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus vogeli, which develops as harmful cysts that slowly grow in the liver, lungs and other organs of humans and other host species. Human PE diagnosis is usually based on clinical and epidemiological aspects and imaging techniques, often requiring confirmation by immunological assays. The currently available serological tests for detecting antibodies against Echinococcus spp. are mostly based on complex, variable and poorly characterized mixtures of native parasite antigens, which impairs specificity and/or sensitivity. In this scenario, the evaluation of well-characterized alternative antigens is urgently needed for the improvement of PE diagnosis. Here, two subunits (AgB8/1 and AgB8/2) of the major secretory antigen from Echinococcus granulosus (antigen B (AgB)), of diagnostic value for cystic echinococcosis, were validated for PE diagnosis. These antigens, produced as pure recombinant proteins (rAgB8/1 and rAgB8/2) in Escherichia coli, allowed detecting specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in sera from PE patients in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with sensitivities of 83.72% and 81.40%, respectively, and specificities of 83.12% and 80.09%, respectively. The use of recombinant proteins overcomes difficulties to obtain parasite material and reduced non-specific reactions and costs. Our results demonstrated reproducibility and accuracy high enough to be considered valid according to the acceptance criteria for Food and Drug Administration assay validation. This qualifies rAgB8/1 and rAgB8/2 as potential substitutes for the currently used parasite crude or partially purified antigens.
First record of the caridean shrimp family Chlorotocellidae (Crustacea: Decapoda) from Korea
Authors: Park Jin-Ho , De Grave Sammy , Park Taeseo
Published: March 2022

The caridean shrimp family Chlorotocellidae has so far not been reported from Korean waters. One of the four genera in the family is herein reported, based on the species Anachlorocurtis commensalis. Specimens were collected from antipatharian black corals by scuba diving at depths ranging from 20–60 m from three localities: Jejudo Island (33°13′N) between the South Sea of Korea and the north-eastern East China Sea, Namhyeongjedo Islet (34°53′N) in the Korea Strait, and Dokdo Island (37°15′N) in the East Sea. The species had previously been reported in tropical to subtropical latitudes in the western Pacific, with known records from southern Taiwan (up to 21°55′N) to central Japan (down to 34°50′N). The species is thus recorded for the first time from a temperate region in the western Pacific Ocean, postulated to be influenced by a branch of the Kuroshio Warm Current.
Confluence of left-linear higher-order rewrite theories by checking their nested critical pairs
Authors: Dowek Gilles , Férey Gaspard , Jouannaud Jean-Pierre , Liu Jiaxiang
Published: March 2022

User-defined higher-order rewrite rules are becoming a standard in proof assistants based on intuitionistic type theory. This raises the question of proving that they preserve the properties of beta-reductions for the corresponding type systems. In a series of papers, we develop techniques based on van Oostrom’s decreasing diagrams that reduce confluence proofs to the checking of various forms of critical pairs for higher-order rewrite rules extending beta-reduction on pure lambda-terms. As shown in a previous paper of the two middle authors, confluence of a terminating set of left-linear rewrite rules is obtained when their critical pairs are joinable, beta-rewrite steps being disallowed. The present paper concentrates on the case where arbitrary beta-rewrite steps are allowed for joining critical pairs. The rewrite relation used for analyzing confluence may rewrite arbitrarily many non-overlapping redexes in a single step. This relation gives rise to critical pairs that overlap both horizontally, as with parallel rewriting, but also vertically, forming chains of successive overlaps. Practical examples of use of this technique are analyzed.
Calcium, Ca2+-ATPase, Calmodulin, and Calbindin D-28KD Localization in Testis of Leptodactylus chaquensis (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Iruzubieta-Villagra Lucrecia , Ramos Inés , Cisint Susana , Crespo Claudia A. , Fernández Silvia
Published: March 2022

The intracellular localization of Ca2+, Ca2+-ATPase, Calmodulin, and Calbindin D-28KD have been studied in testes of the toad Leptodactylus chaquensis, using ultracytochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The Ca2+ presences in the nucleus and into the mitochondria of the germ cells, together with the activity of Ca2+-ATPase detected in the nuclear envelope and mitochondrial crests, suggest the participation of this transporter in the storage of Ca2+. In Sertoli cells, Ca2+ deposits were also found in vesicles and lamellar bodies. Calmodulin and Calbindin D-28KD were revealed in the cytoplasm of both cell types. At the spermatozoon level, the cation deposits were located in the subacrosomal space and in the acrosomal vesicle. Ca2+-ATPase activity was observed in the acrosomal and plasma membranes of the gamete that suggests the existence of a transport system responsible for maintaining low cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. The activity of Ca2+-ATPase and the location of Ca2+ deposits in gamete tail would be related to flagellar movement. The colocalization of Ca2+ deposits and their binding proteins in efferent duct cells would probably be associated with secretory activity. Considering that intracellular Ca2+ is present in different gonadal cells, this work would provide a better understanding of the cation importance in the testicular functions of this species.
“I feel like I’m useful. I’m not useless, you know?”: Exploring Volunteering as Resistance to Stigma for Men Who Experience Mental Illness
Authors: Jordan Uisce
Published: March 2022

Drawing upon findings from a psycho-social study employing biographical-narrative interviews, this article examines some challenges men unable to work due to mental illness face – such as intensified stigma – and how, despite this, they resiliently continue to seek belonging and purpose. This article offers some valuable insights into the instrumentalisation of volunteering for claimants of UK social security and how and why voluntary work is valued by those who autonomously perform it. It will explore how social connections provide a tool of resistance to help marginalised individuals legitimise their identity. It is argued participants’ engagement in socially valuable activities have become increasingly insecure due to continued conditional welfare reform and the detrimental impacts of austerity.
WHY DO SO FEW PEOPLE EAT GIRAFFES?
Authors: Toledo Bel , Lyon Ardon
Published: March 2022

We argue that the size of the human population needs to be controlled whether or not people should be vegetarians. We than describe some of the varieties of human flesh eating round the world.
CELEBRITIES DISCUSS PHILOSOPHY EPISODE 4: A TRANSCRIPT
Authors: Effingham Nikk
Published: March 2022

If a lump of clay is shaped into a statue, is there one thing or are there two? That is: are the lump and the statue two distinct things? This dialogue introduces some reasons to think they are two different things and then discusses the issues involved.
THE ETHICS OF CONSUMERISM
Authors: Fenwick Natasha
Published: March 2022

The definition of consumerism is multifaceted, extending from the consumption of goods and services (which may be perceived as advantageous to the growth of the economy, both localized and global) to its more negative connotations: the obsessive consumption of goods, exploitation of the people who create them and greed. In a society heavily influenced by consumerism, we find ourselves manipulated by social media and targeted advertising to buy goods or to cultivate a certain lifestyle, raising important ethical questions about responsibility and our autonomy to make decisions. How has the nature of how we create and consume goods evolved and how is this linked to moral responsibility and autonomy? Can it also be argued that there is aesthetic appreciation to be gained from some of the items that we create and consume?
YOU SURVIVE TELETRANSPORTATION
Authors: Hidalgo Javier
Published: March 2022

Suppose that it was possible to teletransport. The teletransporter would destroy your old brain and body and construct an identical brain and body at a new location. Would you survive teletransportation? Many people think that teletransportation would kill you. On their view, the person that emerges from the teletransporter would be a replica of you, but it wouldn't be you. In contrast, I argue that there's no relevant difference between teletransportation and ordinary survival. So, if you survive ordinary life, then you survive teletransportation. Yet my argument may also show that we have little prudential reason to care about our survival in general.
LOVE BYTES: THE FUTURE OF BIO–R2 RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Joaquin Jeremiah Joven B. , Biana Hazel T.
Published: March 2022

What would a romantic relationship between a biological human and an artificial intelligence system look like? The question is explored through a fictional correspondence between Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace.
Disentangling institutional contestation by established powers: Types of contestation frames and varying opportunities for the re-legitimation of international institutions
Authors: Kruck Andreas , Heinkelmann-Wild Tim , Daßler Benjamin , Hobbach Raphaela
Published: March 2022

International institutions underpinning the ‘liberal international order’ are increasingly contested by established Western powers. This article contributes to a better understanding of this novel challenge ‘from within’. We conceptualize four types of contestation frames according to (1) whether contesting states attribute the source of grievances to specific practices or the underlying principles of an international institution; and (2) whether they present their own nation or the international community as the subject of grievances. Combining these two dimensions, we distinguish between globalist-reformist, nationalist-reformist, globalist-revisionist and nationalist-revisionist contestation frames. These contestation frames are consequential as they open up or shrink the discursive space for contested institutions’ re-legitimation. Drawing on the Trump Administration’s contestation of the World Bank, NATO, the UNHRC, and the WTO, we demonstrate that contestation frames and defenders’ responses varied greatly across institutions, ranging from accommodative deliberations about institutional reforms to principled rejection and the justification of the status quo.
Gemeinsamer Pornographiekonsum steht in positivem Zusammenhang mit sexueller Kommunikation
Authors: Re Ursina Brun del , Hilpert Peter , Bodenmann Guy
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Befunde zeigen, dass Pornographiekonsum innerhalb einer Partnerschaft im Zusammenhang steht mit sexueller Zufriedenheit. Bisher wurde aber kaum berücksichtigt, ob alleiniger oder gemeinsamer Konsum dabei ausschlaggebend sind und welche Bedeutung der sexuellen Kommunikation zukommt. Fragestellung: Diese Studie untersucht den Bezug der sexuellen Kommunikation zur sexuellen Zufriedenheit und die Rolle, die gemeinsamer versus alleiniger Pornographiekonsum dabei spielt. Methode: Es wurden in der Schweiz lebende 18- bis 60-jährige Männer und Frauen in einer mindestens einjährigen heterosexuellen Partnerschaft ( N = 1091) mittels eines anonymen Online-Fragebogens befragt. Ergebnisse: Gemeinsam-Konsumierende kommunizieren besser miteinander über ihre Sexualität und sind sexuell signifikant zufriedener als die Allein-Konsumierenden. Schlussfolgerung: Der gemeinsame Pornographiekonsum ist im Vergleich zum alleinigen Konsum mit besserer sexueller Kommunikation assoziiert. Beide Variablen gehen mit einer höheren sexuellen und allgemeinen Partnerschaftszufriedenheit einher.
Memory-directed acupuncture as a neuromodulatory treatment for PTSD: Theory, clinical model and case studies
Authors: Assouline Amir , Mendelsohn Avi , Reshef Alon
Published: March 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) poses an ongoing challenge to society, to health systems, and to the trauma victims themselves. Today PTSD is often considered an incurable chronic problem that lacks effective treatment. While PTSD is closely related to memory, it also affects many physiological systems. PTSD is usually treated with medications and psychotherapy with moderate success, leaving a substantial proportion of patients with enduring distress and disability. Therefore, a search for better treatment options is vital. In this paper, we propose a model in which a conversation-based technique is integrated with bodily manipulation through acupuncture. This approach first emerged in clinical experience showing intriguing results from treating PTSD patients using acupuncture as a main strategy. Its theoretical foundations derive from the clinic and rely on contemporary neuroscience’s understanding of memory consolidation and reconsolidation processes. Research shows that acupuncture can have potentially positive effects at three levels: (a) achieving a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activity; (b) reducing activation in the limbic system, hence inducing a calming effect; (c) reshaping the functional connectivity map within important and relevant cortical regions that encompass the default-mode network. We suggest that coupling traumatic memory retrieval leading to reconsolidation, combined with acupuncture, offers considerable potential for positive clinical improvement in patients with PTSD. This may explain the positive results of the described case studies and can pave the path for future advances in research and treatment in this field.
The RNA-binding protein Musashi2 governs osteoblast-adipocyte lineage commitment by suppressing PPARγ signaling
Authors: Suo Jinlong , Zou Sihai , Wang Jinghui , Han Yujiao , Zhang Lingli , Lv Chenchen , Jiang Bo , Ren Qian , Chen Long , Yang Lele , Ji Ping , Zheng Xianyou , Hu Ping , Zou Weiguo
Published: March 2022

Osteoporosis caused by aging is characterized by reduced bone mass and accumulated adipocytes in the bone marrow cavity. How the balance between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is lost upon aging is still unclear. Here, we found that the RNA-binding protein Musashi2 (Msi2) regulates BMSC lineage commitment. Msi2 is commonly enriched in stem cells and tumor cells. We found that its expression was downregulated during adipogenic differentiation and upregulated during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Msi2 knockout mice exhibited decreased bone mass with substantial accumulation of marrow adipocytes, similar to aging-induced osteoporosis. Depletion of Msi2 in BMSCs led to increased adipocyte commitment. Transcriptional profiling analysis revealed that Msi2 deficiency led to increased PPARγ signaling. RNA-interacting protein immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Msi2 could inhibit the translation of the key adipogenic factor Cebpα, thereby inhibiting PPAR signaling. Furthermore, the expression of Msi2 decreased significantly during the aging process of mice, indicating that decreased Msi2 function during aging contributes to abnormal accumulation of adipocytes in bone marrow and osteoporosis. Thus, our results provide a putative biochemical mechanism for aging-related osteoporosis, suggesting that modulating Msi2 function may benefit the treatment of bone aging.
In-phase millennial-scale glacier changes in the tropics and North Atlantic regions during the Holocene
Authors: Jomelli V. , Swingedouw D. , Vuille M. , Favier V. , Goehring B. , Shakun J. , Braucher R. , Schimmelpfennig I. , Menviel L. , Rabatel A. , Martin L. C. P. , Blard P.-H. , Condom T. , Lupker M. , Christl M. , He Z. , Verfaillie D. , Gorin A. , Aumaître G. , Bourlès D. L. , Keddadouche K.
Published: March 2022

Based on new and published cosmic-ray exposure chronologies, we show that glacier extent in the tropical Andes and the north Atlantic regions (TANAR) varied in-phase on millennial timescales during the Holocene, distinct from other regions. Glaciers experienced an early Holocene maximum extent, followed by a strong mid-Holocene retreat and a re-advance in the late Holocene. We further explore the potential forcing of TANAR glacier variations using transient climate simulations. Since the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) evolution is poorly represented in these transient simulations, we develop a semi-empirical model to estimate the “AMOC-corrected” temperature and precipitation footprint at regional scales. We show that variations in the AMOC strength during the Holocene are consistent with the observed glacier changes. Our findings highlight the need to better constrain past AMOC behavior, as it may be an important driver of TANAR glacier variations during the Holocene, superimposed on other forcing mechanisms.
Picosecond pulse-shaping for strong three-dimensional field-free alignment of generic asymmetric-top molecules
Authors: Mullins Terry , Karamatskos Evangelos T. , Wiese Joss , Onvlee Jolijn , Rouzée Arnaud , Yachmenev Andrey , Trippel Sebastian , Küpper Jochen
Published: March 2022

Fixing molecules in space is a crucial step for the imaging of molecular structure and dynamics. Here, we demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) field-free alignment of the prototypical asymmetric top molecule indole using elliptically polarized, shaped, off-resonant laser pulses. A truncated laser pulse is produced using a combination of extreme linear chirping and controlled phase and amplitude shaping using a spatial-light-modulator (SLM) based pulse shaper of a broadband laser pulse. The angular confinement is detected through velocity-map imaging of H+ and C2+ fragments resulting from strong-field ionization and Coulomb explosion of the aligned molecules by intense femtosecond laser pulses. The achieved three-dimensional alignment is characterized by comparing the result of ion-velocity-map measurements for different alignment directions and for different times during and after the alignment laser pulse to accurate computational results. The achieved strong three-dimensional field-free alignment of $$ < {\cos }^{2}\delta > =0.89$$
<

cos

2

δ
>
=
0.89
demonstrates the feasibility of both, strong three-dimensional alignment of generic complex molecules and its quantitative characterization.
Transition from simple to complex contagion in collective decision-making
Authors: Horsevad Nikolaj , Mateo David , Kooij Robert E. , Barrat Alain , Bouffanais Roland
Published: March 2022

How does the spread of behavior affect consensus-based collective decision-making among animals, humans or swarming robots? In prior research, such propagation of behavior on social networks has been found to exhibit a transition from simple contagion—i.e, based on pairwise interactions—to a complex one—i.e., involving social influence and reinforcement. However, this rich phenomenology appears so far limited to threshold-based decision-making processes with binary options. Here, we show theoretically, and experimentally with a multi-robot system, that such a transition from simple to complex contagion can also be observed in an archetypal model of distributed decision-making devoid of any thresholds or nonlinearities. Specifically, we uncover two key results: the nature of the contagion—simple or complex—is tightly related to the intrinsic pace of the behavior that is spreading, and the network topology strongly influences the effectiveness of the behavioral transmission in ways that are reminiscent of threshold-based models. These results offer new directions for the empirical exploration of behavioral contagions in groups, and have significant ramifications for the design of cooperative and networked robot systems.
Single-molecule imaging of microRNA-mediated gene silencing in cells
Authors: Kobayashi Hotaka , Singer Robert H.
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which regulate the expression of thousands of genes; miRNAs silence gene expression from complementary mRNAs through translational repression and mRNA decay. For decades, the function of miRNAs has been studied primarily by ensemble methods, where a bulk collection of molecules is measured outside cells. Thus, the behavior of individual molecules during miRNA-mediated gene silencing, as well as their spatiotemporal regulation inside cells, remains mostly unknown. Here we report single-molecule methods to visualize each step of miRNA-mediated gene silencing in situ inside cells. Simultaneous visualization of single mRNAs, translation, and miRNA-binding revealed that miRNAs preferentially bind to translated mRNAs rather than untranslated mRNAs. Spatiotemporal analysis based on our methods uncovered that miRNAs bind to mRNAs immediately after nuclear export. Subsequently, miRNAs induced translational repression and mRNA decay within 30 and 60 min, respectively, after the binding to mRNAs. This methodology provides a framework for studying miRNA function at the single-molecule level with spatiotemporal information inside cells.
Transient quantum beatings of trions in hybrid organic tri-iodine perovskite single crystal
Authors: Huynh Uyen N. , Liu Ye , Chanana Ashish , Khanal Dipak R. , Sercel Peter C. , Huang Jinsong , Vardeny Z. Valy
Published: March 2022

Utilizing the spin degree of freedom of photoexcitations in hybrid organic inorganic perovskites for quantum information science applications has been recently proposed and explored. However, it is still unclear whether the stable photoexcitations in these compounds correspond to excitons, free/trapped electron-hole pairs, or charged exciton complexes such as trions. Here we investigate quantum beating oscillations in the picosecond time-resolved circularly polarized photoinduced reflection of single crystal methyl-ammonium tri-iodine perovskite (MAPbI3) measured at cryogenic temperatures. We observe two quantum beating oscillations (fast and slow) whose frequencies increase linearly with B with slopes that depend on the crystal orientation with respect to the applied magnetic field. We assign the quantum beatings to positive and negative trions whose Landé g-factors are determined by those of the electron and hole, respectively, or by the carriers left behind after trion recombination. These are $${g}_{[001]}^{e}$$

g

[

001

]

e

 = 2.52 and $${g}_{[1\bar{1}0]}^{e}\,$$

g

[

1

1

¯

0

]

e

= 2.63 for electrons, whereas $$\big|{g}_{[001]}^{h}\big|\,$$

g

[

001

]

h

= 0.28 and $$\big|{g}_{[1\bar{1}0]}^{h}\big|\,$$

g

[

1

1

¯

0

]

h

= 0.57 for holes. The obtained g-values are in excellent agreement with an 8-band K.P calculation for orthorhombic MAPbI3. Using the technique of resonant spin amplification of the quantum beatings we measure a relatively long spin coherence time of ~ 11 (6) nanoseconds for electrons (holes) at 4 K.
Maintenance of mitochondrial integrity in midbrain dopaminergic neurons governed by a conserved developmental transcription factor
Authors: Miozzo Federico , Valencia-Alarcón Eva P. , Stickley Luca , Majcin Dorcikova Michaëla , Petrelli Francesco , Tas Damla , Loncle Nicolas , Nikonenko Irina , Bou Dib Peter , Nagoshi Emi
Published: March 2022

Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dysregulation of developmental transcription factors is implicated in dopaminergic neurodegeneration, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Drosophila Fer2 is a prime example of a developmental transcription factor required for the birth and maintenance of midbrain DA neurons. Using an approach combining ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and genetic epistasis experiments with PD-linked genes, here we demonstrate that Fer2 controls a transcriptional network to maintain mitochondrial structure and function, and thus confers dopaminergic neuroprotection against genetic and oxidative insults. We further show that conditional ablation of Nato3, a mouse homolog of Fer2, in differentiated DA neurons causes mitochondrial abnormalities and locomotor impairments in aged mice. Our results reveal the essential and conserved role of Fer2 homologs in the mitochondrial maintenance of midbrain DA neurons, opening new perspectives for modeling and treating PD.
Primary cilia on muscle stem cells are critical to maintain regenerative capacity and are lost during aging
Authors: Palla Adelaida R. , Hilgendorf Keren I. , Yang Ann V. , Kerr Jaclyn P. , Hinken Aaron C. , Demeter Janos , Kraft Peggy , Mooney Nancie A. , Yucel Nora , Burns David M. , Wang Yu Xin , Jackson Peter K. , Blau Helen M.
Published: March 2022

During aging, the regenerative capacity of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) decreases, diminishing the ability of muscle to repair following injury. We found that the ability of MuSCs to regenerate is regulated by the primary cilium, a cellular protrusion that serves as a sensitive sensory organelle. Abolishing MuSC cilia inhibited MuSC proliferation in vitro and severely impaired injury-induced muscle regeneration in vivo. In aged muscle, a cell intrinsic defect in MuSC ciliation was associated with the decrease in regenerative capacity. Exogenous activation of Hedgehog signaling, known to be localized in the primary cilium, promoted MuSC expansion, both in vitro and in vivo. Delivery of the small molecule Smoothened agonist (SAG1.3) to muscles of aged mice restored regenerative capacity leading to increased strength post-injury. These findings provide fresh insights into the signaling dysfunction in aged MuSCs and identify the ciliary Hedgehog signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target to counter the loss of muscle regenerative capacity which accompanies aging.
Autophagy impairment in liver CD11c+ cells promotes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through production of IL-23
Authors: Galle-Treger Lauriane , Helou Doumet Georges , Quach Christine , Howard Emily , Hurrell Benjamin P. , Muench German R. Aleman , Shafiei-Jahani Pedram , Painter Jacob D. , Iorga Andrea , Dara Lily , Emamaullee Juliet , Golden-Mason Lucy , Rosen Hugo R. , Soroosh Pejman , Akbari Omid
Published: March 2022

There has been a global increase in rates of obesity with a parallel epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Autophagy is an essential mechanism involved in the degradation of cellular material and has an important function in the maintenance of liver homeostasis. Here, we explore the effect of Autophagy-related 5 (Atg5) deficiency in liver CD11c+cells in mice fed HFD. When compared to control mice, Atg5-deficient CD11c+mice exhibit increased glucose intolerance and decreased insulin sensitivity when fed HFD. This phenotype is associated with the development of NAFLD. We observe that IL-23 secretion is induced in hepatic CD11c+myeloid cells following HFD feeding. We demonstrate that both therapeutic and preventative IL-23 blockade alleviates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and protects against NAFLD development. This study provides insights into the function of autophagy and IL-23 production by hepatic CD11c+cells in NAFLD pathogenesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
All-fiber high-speed image detection enabled by deep learning
Authors: Liu Zhoutian , Wang Lele , Meng Yuan , He Tiantian , He Sifeng , Yang Yousi , Wang Liuyue , Tian Jiading , Li Dan , Yan Ping , Gong Mali , Liu Qiang , Xiao Qirong
Published: March 2022

Ultra-high-speed imaging serves as a foundation for modern science. While in biomedicine, optical-fiber-based endoscopy is often required for in vivo applications, the combination of high speed with the fiber endoscopy, which is vital for exploring transient biomedical phenomena, still confronts some challenges. We propose all-fiber imaging at high speeds, which is achieved based on the transformation of two-dimensional spatial information into one-dimensional temporal pulsed streams by leveraging high intermodal dispersion in a multimode fiber. Neural networks are trained to reconstruct images from the temporal waveforms. It can not only detect content-aware images with high quality, but also detect images of different kinds from the training images with slightly reduced quality. The fiber probe can detect micron-scale objects with a high frame rate (15.4 Mfps) and large frame depth (10,000). This scheme combines high speeds with high mechanical flexibility and integration and may stimulate future research exploring various phenomena in vivo.
Potentiodynamic polarization curves of AA7075 at high scan rates interpreted using the high field model
Authors: Zhou Hu , Chhin Danny , Morel Alban , Gallant Danick , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: March 2022

The drastic distortion of potentiodynamic polarization curves measured at high potential scan rates prevents the extraction of accurate kinetic parameters. In this work, we start by measuring potentiodynamic polarization curves of AA7075 at scan rates ranging from 0.167 mV·s−1 to 100 mV·s−1, in an acidic 0.62 M NaH2PO4 solution and a near-neutral 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Changes in potentiodynamic polarization curves are observed not only at different scan rates and electrolytes but also between replicated experiments. Contrary to what was reported in previous studies, the disturbance of charging current associated with high scan rates does not satisfactorily explain the potentiodynamic polarization shape. Instead, the high field model that incorporates the kinetics of anodic oxide growth successfully captures the features of experimental potentiodynamic polarization curves. Compared to Tafel’s theory, the high field model explains remarkably the changing kinetics with scan rates, electrolytes, and the variance between measurements performed at different sites.
Treatment of ocular tumors through a novel applicator on a conventional proton pencil beam scanning beamline
Authors: Regmi Rajesh , Maes Dominic , Nevitt Alexander , Toltz Allison , Leuro Erick , Chen Jonathan , Halasz Lia , Rengan Ramesh , Bloch Charles , Saini Jatinder
Published: March 2022

Treatment of ocular tumors on dedicated scattering-based proton therapy systems is standard afforded due to sharp lateral and distal penumbras. However, most newer proton therapy centers provide pencil beam scanning treatments. In this paper, we present a pencil beam scanning (PBS)-based ocular treatment solution. The design, commissioning, and validation of an applicator mount for a conventional PBS snout to allow for ocular treatments are given. In contrast to scattering techniques, PBS-based ocular therapy allows for inverse planning, providing planners with additional flexibility to shape the radiation field,
potentially sparing healthy tissues. PBS enables the use of commercial Monte Carlo algorithms resulting in accurate dose calculations in the presence of heterogeneities and fiducials. The validation consisted of small field dosimetry measurements of point doses, depth doses, and lateral profiles relevant to ocular therapy. A comparison of beam properties achieved through the applicator against published literature is presented. We successfully showed the feasibility of PBS-based ocular treatments.
Bioaccumulation and potential human health risks of metals in commercially important fishes and shellfishes from Hangzhou Bay, China
Authors: Noman Md Abu , Feng Weihua , Zhu Genhai , Hossain M Belal , Chen Yue , Zhang Haifeng , Sun Jun
Published: March 2022

Hangzhou Bay is facing severe anthropogenic perturbation because of its geographic position. We studied species-specific bioaccumulation of metals in commercially important fishes and shellfishes, and calculated the potential human health hazards through their consumption, which has not been reported earlier from this area. The hierarchy of metal concentration in organisms was in the decreasing order of Zn (10.32 ± 7.13) > Cu (2.40 ± 2.66) > As (0.42 ± 0.26) > Cr (0.11 ± 0.08) > Cd (0.07 ± 0.07) > Pb (0.05 ± 0.02) > Hg (0.012 ± 0.009). Except for Cd and As concentrations in fishes, metal concentrations have not exceeded the national and international guideline values. P. laevis and P. trituberculatus were the most bioaccumulative of the species studied. According to the non-carcinogenic risk assessment, children were more susceptible to metal contamination than adults. The carcinogenic risk (CR) values indicated that children were likely to experience carcinogenic threats for taking cancer-causing agents As and Cd through fish consumption. In terms of organisms, intake of two crab species, P. trituberculatus and E. sinensis, as well as the oyster species P. laevis, could be detrimental to consumers.
A nasal visual field advantage in interocular competition
Authors: Sahakian A. , Paffen C. L. E. , Van der Stigchel S. , Gayet S.
Published: March 2022

When our eyes are confronted with discrepant images (yielding incompatible retinal inputs) interocular competition (IOC) is instigated. During IOC, one image temporarily dominates perception, while the other is suppressed. Many factors affecting IOC have been extensively examined. One factor that received surprisingly little attention, however, is the stimulus’ visual hemifield (VHF) of origin. This is remarkable, as the VHF location of stimuli is known to affect visual performance in various contexts. Prompted by exploratory analyses, we examined five independent datasets of breaking continuous flash suppression experiments, to establish the VHF’s role in IOC. We found that targets presented in nasal VHF locations broke through suppression much faster than targets in temporal VHF locations. Furthermore, we found that the magnitude of this nasal advantage depended on how strongly the targets were suppressed: the nasal advantage was larger for the recessive eye than for the dominant eye, and was larger in observers with a greater dominance imbalance between the eyes. Our findings suggest that the nasal advantage reported here originates in processing stages where IOC is resolved. Finally, we propose that a nasal advantage in IOC serves an adaptive role in human vision, as it can aid perception of partially occluded objects.
The effect of autistic traits on disembedding and mental rotation in neurotypical women and men
Authors: Conson Massimiliano , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Zappullo Isa , Baiano Chiara , Warrier Varun ,   The LabNPEE Group, Barone Angelo , Cecere Roberta , Cisone Andrea , Cerrone Roberta , Crocetto Ylenia , Dell’Aversana Lea , Curti Alessia Delle , Fontana Alessandro , Fusotto Concetta , Mautone Giusi , Montuori Generosa , Positano Monica , Raimo Gennaro , Raiola Annamaria , Russo Maria , Sacco Federica , Sarno Maria , Sepe Angela , Troise Alessandro , Raimo Simona , Rauso Barbara , Salzano Sara , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: March 2022

Recent data has revealed dissociations between social and non-social skills in both autistic and neurotypical populations. In the present study, we investigated whether specific visuospatial abilities, such as figure disembedding and mental rotation, are differently related to social and non-social autistic traits, in neurotypical women and men. University students (N = 426) completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), figure disembedding and mental rotation of two-dimensional figures tasks. AQ social skills (AQ-social) and attention-to-details (AQ-attention) subscales were used as measures of social and non-social autistic traits, respectively. Mental rotation was affected by a significant interaction between sex, social and non-social traits. When non-social traits were above the mean (+ 1 SD), no sex differences in mental rotation were found. Instead, below this value, sex differences depended on the social traits, with men on average outperforming women at middle-to-high social traits, and with a comparable performance, and with women on average outperforming men, at lower social traits. A small positive correlation between figure disembedding and social traits was observed in the overall sample. These results are interpreted in terms of the hyper-systemizing theory of autism and contribute to the evidence of individual differences in the cognitive style of autistic people and neurotypical people with autistic traits.
Impact of malathion toxicity on the oxidative stress parameters of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Abdelfattah Eman Alaaeldin , El-Bassiony Ghada M.
Published: March 2022

The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) may serve as a promising tool in the animals feed production industry. The input organic wastes may be contaminated by insecticides that affect both the insect’s mass rearing, and the animals feed process. Therefore, in the current study the assessment of oxidative stress parameters of the black soldier fly (BSF) were investigated to quantify the deleterious effect of malathion-contaminated kitchen waste (1:1 vegetable: fruit waste) container on the insect. The different developmental stages of insect (adult and larva) were exposed to different concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, and 0.02 mg/mL) of malathion. The results showed that the mean value of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which included hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion radicals (O2•-) concentrations were lower in larval stage than in adults, in all treated groups (0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, and 0.02 mg/mL malathion concentration). Also, the protein carbonyls amount and lipid peroxides levels were decreased in the 0.02 mg/mL Malathion compared to the control values. However, the cluster analysis revealed slight dissimilar patterns for control insects and the highest malathion concentration (0.02 mg/ml). These stage-related differences could occur from the different growth dynamic functions of larvae and adults. The larvae were distinguished by robust growth, and significant oxygen consumption. The results verified that oxidative stress parameters, especially protein carbonyls and α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were promising, cheap, quick and cost-effective applications for determining the macromolecules damage, and antioxidant ability of H. illucens enclosed with malathion exposure. These findings described that malathion application induces macromolecules damage mediated through oxidative stress injury.