bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of H2O and CO2 on CO oxidation over Pt/SSZ-13 with active sites regulated by Lewis acidity
Authors: Li Yunhe , Ma Yanming , Wei Yilin , Liang Peiyuan , Yu Yixuan , Pei Wei , Sun Tianjun
Published: December 2024

Strategies for controlling the size of metal species using zeolites and their catalytic behavior in industrially relevant processes have attracted widespread attention, but the effect of H2O and CO2 on the catalytic performance of zeolite-based metal catalysts remains obscure. This study investigated the influence of H2O and CO2 on CO oxidation over zeolite-based metal catalysts, along with the precise control of active sites through the regulation of Lewis acidity. It was found that the presence of H2O enhanced CO oxidation and alleviated the inhibitory effect of CO2. Abundant Lewis acid sites of low SiO2/Al2O3 ratios in the Pt/SSZ-13 catalyst facilitate Pt dispersion (61.07%), a high Ptn+/Pt ratio (4.43), and small Pt particles (2.31 nm) formation. In situ DRIFTS revealed that CO2 inhibits CO adsorption and the decomposition of carbon intermediates. Water alters the CO adsorption configuration of Pt0, thereby weakening the Pt–CO bond to promote the CO oxidation reaction. Meanwhile, water dissociated into hydroxyl groups on the surface adsorbs oxygen species, participating in reactions and promoting CO2 production from carbon intermediates. H218O isotope labeling experiments validated the water involvement in the reaction and emphasized the importance of the presence of oxygen species during the water dissociation process. Regulation of Lewis acid sites promotes the Ptn+ species formation, enhancing the CO oxidation activity, while Pt0 species enhance the water-promotion effect.
Balancing future food security and greenhouse-gas emissions from animal-sourced protein foods in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hegarty R. S. , Tee T. P. , Liang J. B. , Abu Hassim H. , Zainudin M. H. M. , Azizi A. A. , Widiawati Y. , Pok S. , Candyrine S. C. L. , Rusli N. D.
Published: December 2024

Southeast Asia’s human population is expected to rise by 100 million between 2023 and 2050, with an associated rise in animal-product output in the region’s low- to middle-income countries. Countries with the largest population are forecast to continue their increasing poultry consumption, with regional pig meat consumption also to rise, but much less than in China to the north, and much less in Muslim-dominant countries. The forecast growth in the regional ruminant population is more modest and the farm-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) cost per unit of human food protein generated is much higher for ruminant meat (203–584 kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)/kg protein) than for pig meat (18 kg/kg) or poultry (4 kg/kg). Changing human diets away from ruminant or any animal-sourced protein, is being explored to increase the human food supply at a lower GHG cost. However, with small-holder livestock production systems dominant across many regional countries, the social, land-use and broader economic roles of ruminants need consideration. Strategies to expand ruminant production but with a reduced GHG unit cost (emission intensity) are being pursued. Increasing individual animal-product output, largely through simple animal health and nutritional management decisions, can allow future food targets to be met at a lower GHG emission than if this additional food was produced by business-as-usual livestock production systems. Because the Paris Agreement recognises the priority of food provision over emission abatement, it seems reasonable that much of Southeast Asia should pursue emission intensity targets more than absolute emission targets, and reflect this in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Emission-intensity intentions are already apparent not just in NDCs but in emerging carbon markets.
Zscan4 mediates ubiquitination and degradation of the corepressor complex to promote chromatin accessibility in 2C-like cells
Authors: Yang Jiao , Dan Jiameng , Zhao Nannan , Liu Linlin , Wang Huasong , Liu Qiangqiang , Wang Lingling , Li Jie , Wu Yiwei , Chen Feilong , Fu Weilun , Liu Fei , Lin Meiqi , Zhang Weiyu , Chen Fuquan , Liu Xinqi , Lu Xinyi , Chen Quan , Wu Xudong , Niu Yuyu , Yang Na , Zhu Yushan , Long Jiafu , Liu Lin
Published: December 2024

Zygotic genome activation occurs in two-cell (2C) embryos, and a 2C-like state is also activated in sporadic (~1%) naïve embryonic stem cells in mice. Elevated chromatin accessibility is critical for the 2C-like state to occur, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Zscan4 exhibits burst expression in 2C embryos and 2C-like cells. Here, we show that Zscan4 mediates chromatin remodeling to promote the chromatin accessibility for achieving the 2C-like state. Through coimmunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry, we identified that Zscan4 interacts with the corepressors Kap1/Trim28, Lsd1, and Hdac1, also with H3K9me3 modifiers Suv39h1/2, to transiently form a repressive chromatin complex. Then, Zscan4 mediates the degradation of these chromatin repressors by recruiting Trim25 as an E3 ligase, enabling the ubiquitination of Lsd1, Hdac1, and Suv39h1/2. Degradation of the chromatin repressors promotes the chromatin accessibility for activation of the 2C-like state. These findings reveal the molecular insights into the roles of Zscan4 in promoting full activation of the 2C-like state.
Evaluation between grammar and context
Authors: Dobrushina Nina
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes how the grammatical meaning of qualitative evaluation is developed in optatives which denote
blessings and curses. Based on the analysis of several Turkic forms and several Russian constructions, this study distinguishes
the grammatical meaning of evaluation from a pragmatic implication arising in particular contexts. It shows that grammatical items
that have evaluative usages often exhibit a certain “fluidity”, with positive or negative interpretation specified by the context.
Positive or negative evaluation comes as a pragmatic satellite, and even if the category generally leans towards a negative (or
positive) interpretation, it can in certain contexts display the opposite evaluation. Based on this approach, the paper suggests
two different paths of the development of grammatical markers which denote qualitative evaluation.
Grounding lists
Authors: Dankel Philipp , Titze Simon , Schröder Ulrike
Published: December 2024

Drawing on findings from three distinct corpora encompassing interactions in Spanish, Portuguese, and German, this
study investigates the role of lists as strategic devices employed by interlocutors in everyday storytellings and positioning
activities to establish common ground (CG). Termed ‘grounding lists’, our research identifies them as a distinct communicative
practice for dynamically co-building CG. We found three domains to be most relevant in our data: (a) Personal CG emerging from
biographically shared experiences, (b) Communal CG emerging from shared cultural knowledge, and (c) Communal CG emerging from
shared everyday knowledge. Our findings reveal the primary characteristics of grounding lists being stylized prosody, reduced
itemization, general extenders, lexical elements or quotatives in the onset projecting generalizability, early affiliation,
reported speech, as well as gestural depiction. Through empirical analysis, we demonstrate the extent to which each type of CG
aligns with these identified features of grounding lists and highlight that it is particularly the dominant use of the list as an
abstract gestalt, less as a sedimented practice in itself, that defines grounding lists. This kind of list is strongly marked by
its gestalt projection, enabling intersubjectivity and co-building of CG through animated speech and gestural enactment.
Quadrupolar power radiation by a binary system in a hyperbolic encounter on de Sitter background
Authors: Blanc Michael , Jetzer Philippe , Tiwari Shubhanshu
Published: December 2024

The present cosmological model and the surveys favor the Universe with a small but positive cosmological constant Λ, which accounts for dark energy and causes an exponential expansion. This can have observational consequences in the current detection of gravitational waves, as most of the waveforms for gravitational radiation are computed assuming a flat (Minkowski) background. In this work, we compute gravitational radiation within the quadrupole approximation on a positive Λ (de Sitter) background for a binary system interacting gravitationally through a hyperbolic encounter. We quantify the influence of the cosmological constant on the radiated energy as small corrections to the leading order Minkowski background results. The first order de Sitter background correction is of the order

Λ

, and is thus extremely small. Therefore, the cosmological constant influence on the gravitational radiation is negligible and may not be detected with the existing or planned gravitational wave detectors.
Elimination of antibiotic contaminants from wastewater using polycarbazole nanocomposites as microwave-activated catalysts
Authors: Zia Jannatun , Zaidi Noushi , Jadoun Sapana , Riaz Ufana
Published: December 2024

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a widely used antibiotic, and its presence in water bodies poses a risk due to its resistance to conventional wastewater treatment processes. The accumulation of such pharmaceuticals can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harm aquatic life, and contribute to ecological imbalances. Therefore, the degradation of CIP is of immense environmental significance. This study presents the microwave-assisted catalytic degradation of the antibiotic drug CIP using nanocomposites of carbazole copolymerized with pyrrole (PCz-co-PPy) and with thiophene (PCz-co-PTh). The PCz-co-PPy and PCz-co-PTh nanocomposites were synthesized through an ultrasound-assisted method. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized using spectral and morphological analyses. FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful intercalation and copolymerization, while FESEM images revealed a chain-like morphology. These copolymer nanocomposites were employed as microwave-active catalysts for CIP degradation, achieving an optimal degradation efficiency of 95% within 21 min using PCz-co-PPy-50/50 and PCz-co-PTh-50/50 at 600 W microwave power. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with rate constants calculated as 0.031 min−1, 0.020 min−1, 0.030 min−1, 0.056 min−1, and 0.071 min−1 for PCz, PPy, PTh, PCz-co-PPy-50/50, and PCz-co-PTh-50/50 nanocomposites, respectively, for a 50 mg l−1 CIP solution. The catalytic efficiency is attributed to the formation of microwave-induced active species, including hot spots, electrons (e−), holes (h+), superoxide radicals (•O2
−), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Scavenger analysis verified that •OH and •O2
− radicals play a crucial role in CIP degradation. A possible degradation mechanism and pathway for the nanocomposite system is proposed.
A low-cost PPG sensor-based empirical study on healthy aging based on changes in PPG morphology
Authors: Saran Khalid Muhammad , Shahid Quraishi Ikramah , Wasim Nawaz Muhammad , Sajjad Hadia , Yaseen Hira , Mehmood Ahsan , Mahboob Ur Rahman M , Abbasi Qammer H
Published: December 2024

Objective. We study the changes in morphology of the photoplethysmography (PPG) signals–acquired from a select group of South Asian origin–through a low-cost PPG sensor, and correlate it with healthy aging which allows us to reliably estimate the vascular age and chronological age of a healthy person as well as the age group he/she belongs to. Approach. Raw infrared PPG data is collected from the finger-tip of 173 apparently healthy subjects, aged 3–61 years, via a non-invasive low-cost MAX30102 PPG sensor. In addition, the following metadata is recorded for each subject: age, gender, height, weight, family history of cardiac disease, smoking history, vitals (heart rate and SpO2). The raw PPG data is conditioned and 62 features are then extracted based upon the first four PPG derivatives. Then, correlation-based feature-ranking is performed which retains 26 most important features. Finally, the feature set is fed to three machine learning classifiers, i.e. logistic regression, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and two shallow neural networks: a feedforward neural network and a convolutional neural network. Main results. For the age group classification problem, the ensemble method XGboost stands out with an accuracy of 99% for both binary classification (3–20 years vs. 20+ years) and three-class classification (3–18 years, 18–23 years, 23+ years). For the vascular/chronological age prediction problem, the ensemble random forest method stands out with a mean absolute error of 6.97 years. Significance. The results demonstrate that PPG is indeed a promising (i.e. low-cost, non-invasive) biomarker to study the healthy aging phenomenon.
Time-resolved deuterium–deuterium fusion born 1 MeV triton confinement study in EAST deuterium plasma
Authors: Ogawa Kunihiro , Zhong Guoqiang , Liao LongYong , Chen Weikun , Zhou Ruijie , Li Kai , Takada Eiji , Sangaroon Siriyaporn , Hu Liqun , Isobe Mitsutaka
Published: December 2024

A time-resolved deuterium–deuterium (D–D) fusion-born triton confinement study, aimed at understanding alpha particle confinement ability, was performed in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) deuterium plasmas for the first time. A scintillating fiber detector was developed for measuring the secondary deuterium–tritium (D–T) neutrons, which provide evidence of triton slowdown, in EAST. The D–D fusion-born triton confinement experiment was performed by measuring secondary D–T neutrons in D-beam-heated D plasma with a plasma current of 400 kA. The secondary D–T neutron signal and its time evolution were obtained using pulse height discrimination analysis. The D–T neutron rate was calculated using the classical energetic ion confinement model to clarify the D–T neutron measurements. The secondary D–T neutron emission rate obtained from the numerical simulation closely agrees with the experimentally obtained results when considering the prompt loss of the tritons.
Feedback-enabled low-latency adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron logic using a mixed clocking scheme
Authors: He Yuxing , Lei Zhiliang , Wei Changning , Zou Xihua , Yan Lianshan , Johnston Michael A , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Ayala Christopher L
Published: December 2024

Adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) logic stands as an energy-efficient superconductor logic family relying on ac excitations. Though a four-phase clocking scheme has been commonly applied to excite and clock AQFP circuits, the cost of multiple sources and long between-stage latency (a quarter clock cycle) remain unsatisfactory. These drawbacks are more severe for sequential logics, where feedback loops require both down-flow and reverse-flow AQFP gates, necessitating extra buffers and imposing a limit on operating depth at the same time. To overcome these restrictions, in this paper, we introduce a novel mixed clocking scheme for low-latency AQFP logic circuits allowing feedback loops. In particular, the down-flow part of the AQFP circuit is excited by an ac current through delay-lines, which can reduce the latency from input to output stages. Meanwhile, the reverse-flow part is clocked by 2 other ac currents with 90° phase difference to reduce the buffering gates. The proposed clocking scheme is first applied to a fundamental logic circuit, confirming correct functionality and low-latency operations for diverse feedback conditions. For experimental validation, we design and fabricate a 3-bit AQFP counter using the proposed clocking scheme based on an on-chip clock splitter. The circuit is examined at 4 GHz under 4.2 K temperature, where we obtain desired operations and wide excitation margins.
TM doped CdS Monolayer As Sensing Material toward Harmful Gases of Mines: A first-principles study
Authors: Qin ZengMing , Xu ZeJun , Ding HongWei , Sun XuZhou , Zhang YaXin , Jiang Weimin , Wang Feng
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the applicability of TM doped CdS monolayers (TM-CdS, TM=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) as sensing materials for detecting common harmful gases in mining environments. Using density functional theory, we conducted an in-depth study on the effect of TM doping on CdS monolayers and simulated the adsorption behavior of CO and NO molecules on TM-CdS surfaces. Our research results indicate that TM-CdS exhibits low binding energy, significant charge transfer, and orbital hybridization between TM 3d and S 2p orbitals, confirming their stability. In the adsorption system, due to the small charge transfer amount and high adsorption energy, NO is physically adsorbed on the Cu-CdS system, but exhibits chemical adsorption on CO. In addition, CO and NO molecules adsorbed on Co, Fe, Ni modified CdS belong to chemical adsorption, which is due to the small adsorption distance and energy of the adsorption system, as well as the large charge transfer. At the same time, the results of the conductivity and desorption time of the adsorption system emphasize the potential of TM doped CdS in gas sensing applications, stimulating further research on metal doped CdS materials for detection purposes.
Single-shot fringe projection profilometry based on multi-task learning: efficient depth reconstruction without explicit system calibrations
Authors: Zhong Xiaopin , Huang Junhao , Li Yanhua , Chen Jifeng , Tian Yibin , Wu Zongze
Published: December 2024

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) typically captures multiple fringe patterns projected onto an object’s surface to reconstruct one frame of its 3D profile. Efficiency can be greatly improved by using only a single projected fringe, which is important for real-time applications. However, it is generally believed that there is insufficient information for reliable depth reconstruction from a single-shot fringe image. In this study, we propose a multi-task learning approach to improve the accuracy and robustness of depth reconstruction from single-shot FPP, eliminating the need for tedious explicit imaging system calibration. The proposed approach was extensively validated on both synthetic and real-world datasets, and compared with other state-of-the-art deep learning methods. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multi-task learning method for single-shot calibrationless FPP overcomes the limitations of traditional FPP and outperforms previous deep learning methods.
Slowly varying solitary waves in the extended shallow water model with a perturbation term
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Chen Yipu , Li Wentao , Li Fei , Yang Xiangyu , Li Biao
Published: December 2024

The extended Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation includes higher-order dispersive and nonlinear terms compared to the classical KdV equation, making it more aligned with real-world shallow water models. Mathematically, the expanded KdV equation in this paper refers specifically to the third equation of the KdV hierarchy. Taking into account the dissipative effects present in actual physical processes, this study investigates the slowly varying solitary waves of the perturbed extended KdV equation. By employing the multiple-scale method, we derived an approximate analytical solution for this perturbed system. Subsequently, we obtained initial conditions with physical significance and used the Fourier spectral method to acquire numerical solutions for the slowly varying solitary waves, which provides a mathematical basis for subsequent fluid dynamics research.
Towards an accurate treatment of the reduced speed of light approximation in parameterized radiative transfer simulations of reionization
Authors: Cain Christopher
Published: December 2024

The reduced speed of light approximation (RSLA) has been employed to speed up radiative
transfer simulations of reionization by a factor of ≳ 5-10. However, it has been shown to
cause significant errors in the HI-ionizing background near reionization's end in simulations of
representative cosmological volumes. We show that using the RSLA is, to a good approximation,
equivalent to re-scaling the global ionizing emissivity in a redshift-dependent way. We derive
this re-scaling and show that it can be used to “correct” the emissivity in RSLA simulations.
This method requires the emissivity to be re-scaled after the simulation has been run, which
limits its applicability to situations where the emissivity is set “by hand” or determined by
free parameters. We test our method by running full speed of light simulations using these
re-scaled emissivities and comparing them with their RSLA counterparts. We find that for reduced
speeds of light c̃ ≥ 0.2, the 21 cm power spectrum at 0.1 ≤ k /[hMpc-1]
≤ 0.2 and key Lyα forest observables agree to within 20%, and often within 10%,
throughout reionization. Position-dependent time-delay effects cause inaccuracies in
reionization's morphology on large scales at the factor of 2 level for c̃ ≤ 0.1.
Our method allows for up to a factor of 5 speedup in studies that express the emissivity in
terms of free parameters, including efforts to constrain the emissivity using observations. This
is a crucial step towards constraining the ionizing properties of high-redshift galaxies using
efficient radiative transfer simulations.
Magnetogenesis from axion-SU(2) inflation
Authors: Brandenburg Axel , Iarygina Oksana , Sfakianakis Evangelos I. , Sharma Ramkishor
Published: December 2024

We describe a novel proposal for inflationary magnetogenesis by identifying the
non-Abelian sector of Spectator Chromo Natural Inflation (SCNI) with the SU(2)L
sector of the Standard Model. This mechanism relies on the recently discovered attractor of SCNI
in the strong backreaction regime, where the gauge fields do not decay on super-horizon scales and
their backreaction leads to a stable new trajectory for the rolling axion field. The large
super-horizon gauge fields are partly transformed after the electroweak phase transition into
electromagnetic fields. The strength and correlation length of the resulting helical magnetic
fields depend on the inflationary Hubble scale and the details of the SCNI sector. For suitable
parameter choices we show that the strength of the resulting magnetic fields having correlation
lengths around 1 Mpc are consistent with the required intergalactic magnetic fields for
explaining the spectra of high energy γ rays from distant blazars.
Turbulent drag reduction by sector-shaped counter-flow dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator
Authors: Zheng 郑 Borui 博睿 , Qi 齐 Shaojie 少杰 , Yu 喻 Minghao 明浩 , Zhang 张 Jianbo 剑波 , Wang 王 Linwu 林武 , Bian 卞 Dongliang 栋梁
Published: December 2024

The primary objective in aircraft transportation is to minimize turbulent drag, thereby conserving energy and reducing emissions. We propose a sector-shaped counter-flow dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator, which leverages jet synthesis for drag reduction. A drag control experiment was conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel with a controlled flow velocity of 9.6 m/s (Re = 1.445 × 104). This study investigated the effects of varying pulse frequencies and actuation voltages on the turbulent boundary layer. Using a hot-wire measurement system, we analyzed the pulsating and time-averaged velocity distributions within the boundary layer to evaluate the streamwise turbulent drag reduction. The results show that the local TDR decreases as the pulse frequency increases, reaching a maximum reduction of approximately 20.97% at a pulse frequency of 50 Hz. In addition, as the actuation voltage increases, the friction coefficient decreases, increasing the drag reduction rate. The maximum drag reduction of approximately 33.34% is achieved at an actuation voltage of 10 kV.
Radiation and magnetic field qualification of LVPS — a unified 12V DC power source for the CMS detector
Authors: Stachon K. , Dissertori G. , Gadek T. , Lustermann W. ,   the CMS collaboration
Published: December 2024

Efforts aiming at consolidating the powering for the CMS detector have led to the development of a Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS). The LVPS converts 380 V DC to 12 V DC, suitable for powering the widely used bPOL12V point-of-load DC-DC converter. To limit cable size, the LVPS must be hosted in the CMS experimental cavern, being exposed to ionizing radiation and stray magnetic field of up to 120 mT. The device is made of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, therefore, thorough qualifications at various design stages were performed to ensure its reliable operation in the harsh environmental conditions for the HL-LHC era.
Transimpedance amplifier for LGAD noise measurements: design and characterization
Authors: Eremeev Iurii A. , Mele Filippo , Quercia Jacopo , Bertuccio Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

A wideband low-noise transimpedance amplifier (TIA) is designed for the measurement of the noise power spectral density (NPSD) of the current of low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs). The design focuses on minimization of system background noise and maximization of operating bandwidth. The diffusive line effect of the high value resistor used in the feedback network has been analyzed, and a compensation of its effect has been implemented. With a transimpedance of 200 MΩ, a background white noise of 9.5 fA/√(Hz) and an input current dynamic range up to 20 nA are achieved. The useful bandwidth ranges from 1 kHz up to 3 MHz depending on the noise level to be measured. An effective method for calibrating the system and measuring its transfer function with high accuracy over the full bandwidth is described. The designed TIA enables an accurate characterization of LGADs noise, which is a crucial step for the technology qualification and for the prediction of the performance of these devices as radiation and particle detectors.
From lab to life: advances in in-situ bioprinting and bioink technology
Authors: Kumar Manav Sree , Varma Payal , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: December 2024

Bioprinting has the potential to revolutionize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions for complex medical challenges and addressing unmet clinical needs. However, traditional in vitro bioprinting techniques face significant limitations, including difficulties in fabricating and implanting scaffolds with irregular shapes, as well as limited accessibility for rapid clinical application. To overcome these challenges, in-situ bioprinting has emerged as a groundbreaking approach that enables the direct deposition of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive factors onto damaged organs or tissues, eliminating the need for pre-fabricated 3D constructs. This method promises a personalized, patient-specific approach to treatment, aligning well with the principles of precision medicine. The success of in-situ bioprinting largely depends on the advancement of bioinks, which are essential for maintaining cell viability and supporting tissue development. Recent innovations in hand-held bioprinting devices and robotic arms have further enhanced the flexibility of in-situ bioprinting, making it applicable to various tissue types, such as skin, hair, muscle, bone, cartilage, and composite tissues. This review examines in-situ bioprinting techniques, the development of smart, multifunctional bioinks, and their essential properties for promoting cell viability and tissue growth. It highlights the versatility and recent advancements in in-situ bioprinting methods and their applications in regenerating a wide range of tissues and organs. Furthermore, it addresses the key challenges that must be overcome for broader clinical adoption and propose strategies to advance these technologies toward mainstream medical practice.
β-actin function in platelets and red blood cells can be performed by γ-actin and is therefore independent of actin isoform protein sequence
Authors: Chakravarty Devasmita , Vedula Pavan , Coffin Megan , Chen Li , Sterling Stephanie , Peshkova Alina D. , Suzuki Aae , Zhao Liang , Patra Katrick , Assenmacher Charles-Antoine , Radaelli Enrico , Levine Mark , Litvinov Rustem I. , Abrams Charles S. , Fowler Velia M. , Kashina Anna
Published: December 2024

Actin is an essential component of the cytoskeleton in every eukaryotic cell. β-and γ-nonmuscle actin are over 99% identical to each other at the protein level but are encoded by different genes and play distinct roles in vivo. Blood cells, especially red blood cells (RBC), contain almost exclusively β-actin, and it has been generally assumed that this bias is dictated by the unique suitability of β-actin for RBC cytoskeleton function due to its specific amino acid sequence. Here we tested this assumption by analyzing the “β-coded γ-actin” (Actbcg) mouse model, in which the β-actin gene is edited by five-point mutations to produce γ-actin protein. Strikingly, despite lacking β-actin protein, Actbcg mice had no detectable phenotypes in RBCs, and no changes in the RBC shape, integrity, deformability, and molecular composition of their spectrin-based membrane skeleton. No actin-dependent changes were observed in platelets, another anucleate cell type enriched for β-actin. Our data show that, contrary to expectations, β-actin function in mature RBCs and platelets is independent of its protein sequence and therefore its enrichment in hematopoiesis and mature blood cells is likely driven entirely by its nucleotide-dependent functions.
USP34 regulates endothelial PAR1 mRNA transcript expression and cellular signaling
Authors: Cheng Norton , Ramirez Monica Gonzalez , Edwards Chloe , Trejo JoAnn
Published: December 2024

Signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is regulated by temporally distinct processes including receptor desensitization, internalization, and lysosomal sorting, and are tightly controlled by posttranslational modifications. While the role of phosphorylation in regulating GPCR signaling is well studied and established, the mechanisms by which other posttranslational modifications, such as ubiquitination, regulate GPCR signaling are not clearly defined. We hypothesize that GPCR ubiquitination and deubiquitination is critical for proper signaling and cellular responses. In the present study, we show that the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease-34 (USP34) regulates thrombin-stimulated protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1)-induced p38 autophosphorylation and activation. The PAR1-stimulated p38 signaling pathway is driven by ubiquitination. Interestingly, small interfering RNA-induced knockdown of USP34 expression markedly increased PAR1 cell surface abundance and protein expression without modulating PAR1 ubiquitination or the ubiquitination status of p38 signaling pathway components. In addition, increased PAR1 expression observed in USP34-depleted cells was not caused by altered PAR1 constitutive internalization, agonist-induced internalization, or receptor degradation. Rather, we report that loss of USP34 expression increased mRNA transcript expression of the PAR1-encoding gene, F2R. This study unexpectedly identified a critical role for USP34 in regulation of F2R mRNA transcript expression, which modulates PAR1 cell surface levels and thrombin-stimulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.
Ecological niche conservatism and diversification in a clade of New World jays from the tropical lowland forests of Mesoamerica
Authors: Castillo-Chora Vicente J , Etienne Rampal S , Sánchez-González Luis A , Mastretta-Yanes Alicia , Navarro-Sigüenza Adolfo G
Published: December 2024

Here, we aimed to assess the role of historical (climate events) and the current geographical and ecological features in the evolutionary history of a clade of New World jays. Using an ellipsoid-based approach relying on environmental climatic layers and occurrence data, we tested whether closely related taxa in the clade Cyanocorax colliei + C. formosus + C. morio occupy ecologically different environmental spaces throughout their mostly allopatric distribution in a semihomogeneous landscape, and whether they have been influenced by similar processes given the geographical and ecological context of the Mesoamerican lowland tropical forests. We reconstructed palaeo-distributions to assess the effects of climate shifts on their current patterns of distribution. Additionally, we assess the importance of areas that could function as environmental barriers between taxa. Our results at the species level show evidence for niche divergence for two of the three species pairs. Geographical transferences (areas of suitability inferred by the model) seem to have good explanatory power for current subspecies distribution and variation. At the subspecies level, we find no evidence for niche divergence; the observed parapatric and allopatric distributions seem instead associated with historical environmental differences and ecological barriers limiting the connection between populations with similar niche requirements.
Making it happen: trauma-informed ESOL teaching in Scottish FE
Authors: Dunn Orsolya
Published: December 2024

The article explores trauma and its psychological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural impact in the language classroom and considers the trauma-informed guiding principles of safety, choice, empowerment, belonging, and connection that can mitigate the effects of trauma in a Scottish further education setting. Examining the practical implementation of classroom-level use of trauma-informed strategies in a Scottish Further Education ESOL context draws attention to the wider institutional and societal constraints that determine teachers’ practice. By focussing on the potential affordances of Scottish ESOL lecturers when it comes to engaging in trauma-informed practice, the article problematises the concept of self-care for practitioners and argues that advocacy for practitioner well-being and student well-being is a vital element of practitioners’ ability to engage in trauma-informed practice.
A European climate bond
Authors: Monasterolo Irene , Pacelli Antonia , Pagano Marco , Russo Carmine
Published: December 2024

Europe faces a large climate investment gap. To fill this gap, we propose the joint issuance of European climate bonds. These bonds would be funded by selling greenhouse gas emission allowances through the Emissions Trading System, extended to cover all sectors. Access to the resulting funds would be conditional on countries’ performance in implementing climate projects. European climate bonds would meet the demand for a safe, liquid and green asset, while accelerating climate investment, increasing its resilience to sovereign crises and the greening of both investors’ portfolios and monetary policy.
Factors affecting cancer care delivery in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Gopal Dipesh P , Guo Ping , Taylor Stephanie J C , Efstathiou Nikolaos
Published: December 2024

Background

One role of primary care is to support people living with and beyond cancer, the number of whom is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to identify factors affecting cancer care provision within English primary care after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, during high healthcare service demand, and a depleted workforce.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative descriptive approach was used to collect data via remote semi-structured interviews with primary care staff after gaining informed consent. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen primary care staff were interviewed (11 general practitioners, 3 practice nurses, and 1 physician associate). Factors affecting cancer care delivery in primary care were: (i) patient level: acceptance of healthcare and understanding of cancer; (ii) clinician level: personal experience with cancer and knowledge; (iii) general practice level: care coordinators and cancer registers, and (iv) system level: lack of healthcare resourcing and political inaction.

Conclusions

The ability of primary care to deliver cancer care is affected by multiple factors at various levels. Future studies should identify the implementation strategies of local and national policies to better understand how to improve cancer care education, practice-level infrastructure, evidence-based workforce planning, and healthcare resourcing,
Influence of NaHCO3 diffusion-driven pH changes on the electrical relaxation behaviour of sandstones
Authors: Mansfeld Arne Marvin , Kemna Andreas
Published: December 2024

Fluid chemistry in the vadose zone absent of organic life is governed by the interactions between rock mineral surfaces, water and atmospheric carbon dioxide [CO$_2$] since carbon and its aquatic species control the system pH. Even though the effects of high carbon concentrations in the pore fluids of rocks and soils can be controlled ex-situ, their non-invasive monitoring and control still face difficulty, due to the inaccessibility of pore spaces. We propose monitoring the effect of carbon-rich solutions via their influence on the electrical relaxation behaviour, using the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method. Generally, the SIP response is determined by the rock’s texture and the chemical composition of the electrical double layer (EDL) forming at the mineral–water interface. The understanding of how the relaxation behaviour of rocks and soils is controlled by pore water salinity and pH and how fast the EDL adapts to changes in pore fluid chemistry, however, is still limited. In this study, we conducted a series of controlled experiments where the diffusion of sodium hydrogencarbonate solution into quartz-rich sandstones was monitored with SIP at high temporal resolution. To identify the underlying relaxation processes, we analysed the obtained complex conductivity spectra by performing a Debye decomposition, yielding the system’s relaxation-time distribution. Our results show that increasing pH leads to increased imaginary conductivities and systematic shifts in the peak relaxation time of the system. The observed temporal dynamics of the peak relaxation time can be described with a diffusion-type equation. We find that the dynamics are not governed by the permeability or porosity of the rock. In one experiment, salinities high enough to diminish the polarization of the system were reached. This reduction in polarization at peak frequency cannot be explained through simple Stern layer polarization models alone, suggesting that diffusive layer polarization plays an important role with increasing pH. While polarization magnitude reduces significantly, peak spectral position shifts towards larger relaxation times suggesting a reduction in the mobilities of the surface ions. Due to the increased salinity, the double layer thickness decreases, in turn decreasing the relaxation length scale, and lowering the diffuse layers screening effect. This study shows that the SIP method can capture the dynamic changes at the mineral–water interfaces in rocks in response to changing pH over a broad range of salinities, making SIP a promising method for the monitoring of subsurface processes associated with changes in the inorganic carbon concentration of the pore fluid.
“The PO-Driven Model”: A Basic Science Pipeline for the Bioeconomy with Solutions Inspired by Convergent Evolution for Connecting Parallel Research Ideas
Authors: Roy Tilottama , Lee Jung-Youn , Kawashima Tomokazu , Monroe Grey , Chakrabarty Prosanta
Published: December 2024

Synopsis

Basic science research, also called “curiosity-driven research,” is fundamental work done with no immediate economic goals but rather a focus on discovery for discovery’s sake. However, basic science research is often needed to seed more applied, economically oriented, research. Both basic and applied research efforts are important aspects of the “bioeconomy,” defined here as the contributions to the overall economy from various biology-related fields spanning everything from museum-based natural history research to agricultural food and material production to healthcare. Here, we propose that more collaborative efforts across federal granting agencies in a venture-capitalist-like “PO-driven model” can help drive applied innovation from collaborations facilitated by program officers (POs). POs from NSF, DOE, DARPA, USDA, NASA, and other federal agencies should seek out parallel and complementary research ideas from grantees and provide funds to build teams of researchers who may otherwise be unaware of one another. Researchers working in different fields may also be unaware that the different organisms they are studying independently may have evolved similar traits (i.e., convergent evolution) that POs may recognize and who can then facilitate novel research avenues connecting those independent researchers (we provide examples of some projects inspired by convergent evolution here). In this top-down approach to research funding, the US bioeconomy will be pouring fuel on the fire of scientific productivity in this country.
Elucidating Infectious Causes of Fever of Unknown Origin: A Laboratory-Based Observational Study of Patients with Suspected Ebola Virus Disease, Guinea, 2014
Authors: Postigo-Hidalgo Ignacio , Magassouba N’Faly , Krüger Nadine , Guilavogui Marie Louise , Kruger Detlev H , Klempa Boris , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: December 2024

Background

The etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in sub-Saharan Africa often remains unexplained.

Methods

We performed a retrospective laboratory-based observational study of 550 Guinean patients with FUO testing negative for Ebola virus from March to December 2014. Blood-borne pathogens were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR), serologic tests, and targeted and unbiased high-throughput sequencing (HTS).

Results

In 275 of 550 individuals, we found evidence of ≥1 pathogen by molecular methods. We identified Plasmodium in 35.6% of patients via PCR, with P falciparum constituting 96.4% of these cases. Pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and Klebsiella, were detected in 18.4% of patients through PCR and HTS. Resistance determinants against first-line antibiotics were found in 26.9% of pooled sera by HTS. Yellow fever, Lassa, and Ebola viruses were detected in 5.8% of patients by RT-PCR; HTS-guided RT-PCR confirmed Orungo virus infection in 1 patient. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the viral genomes matched the available genomic data in terms of location and time. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed immunoglobulin M antibodies against yellow fever, Ebola, dengue, West Nile, and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses in 11 of 100 patients who were PCR or RT-PCR negative. One in 5 patients who were infected presented coinfections, predominantly malaria associated with sepsis-causing bacteria, in adults (12.1%) and children (12.5%), whereas viral coinfections were rare. Patients presented fever (74.7%), asthenia (67.7%), emesis (38.2%), diarrhea (28.3%), and hemorrhage (11.8%), without clear etiology associations.

Conclusions

An exhaustive laboratory investigation elucidated infectious causes of FUO in 52.3% of patients. Quality control and strengthening laboratory capacities in sub-Saharan Africa are essential for patient care, outbreak response, and regionally appropriate diagnostics.
Comparative in vitro efficacy of AR-12 derivatives against Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Kuo Chih-Feng , Chen You-Yan , Chiu Ching-Chen , Chiu Chih-Wei , Li Tang-Chi , Chang Yu-Shan , Tsao Nina
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) results in invasive diseases. Our published studies show that AR-12 can directly kill GAS. However, AR-12 is toxic to the human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1 cells) even at its MIC. In this study, we examined various AR-12 pyrrole derivatives, selected the most effective one and used it to combat GAS.

Methods

The bacterial numbers after treatment with AR-12 derivatives were assessed using either spectrophotometry or the colony-forming unit assay. The integrity of cell envelope and the contents of proteins and nucleic acids in GAS were sequentially examined by staining with SYTOX Green, SYPRO or propidium iodide. The protein expression was assessed by western blotting. The cytotoxicity of AR-12 derivatives was evaluated using WST-1 assay, the lactate dehydrogenase release assay and Annexin V staining.

Results

We tested AR-12 pyrrole derivatives P12, P12-3 and P12-8 on GAS growth and found that P12 and P12-8 were effective against various M-type strains. Both P12 and P12-8 disrupted the GAS envelope and reduced protein and nucleic acid content in GAS at their MICs. At sub-MIC levels, both P12 and P12-8 inhibited GAS chaperone protein and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B expression. P12 and P12-8 also exhibited a synergistic effect with gentamicin against GAS. However, only P12-8 did not affect cell death at its MIC. Besides its bactericidal efficacy, P12-8 also enhanced the clearance of intracellular bacteria in GAS-infected A549 and HMEC-1 cells.

Conclusions

Among these three AR-12 derivatives, P12-8 had the best potential to be an alternative agent to fight against GAS.
Comparing simulated aerial and chemigation insecticide applications to manage western bean cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn
Authors: Rilaković Andrea , da Silva Santana Alisson , Zarić Miloš , Manthena Vamsi , Golus Jeffrey A , Kruger Greg R , Vélez Ana M , Peterson Julie A
Published: December 2024

The efficacy of aerial application and chemigation of insecticides is not well explored for western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith), management in corn. In the short term, inadequate application of insecticides can lead to control failures when insect pests are not effectively targeted. In the longer term, exposure to sublethal insecticide concentrations can contribute to the evolution of insecticide resistance. The goal of this study was to compare aerial application and chemigation under simulated conditions to determine the most effective insecticide application method for managing S. albicosta. Three larval stages were exposed to the highest and lowest label rates of commercial formulations of bifenthrin (36.8 and 112.1 g a.i. ha−1) and chlorantraniliprole (52.7 and 75.1 g a.i. ha−1). Experiments were conducted in spray chambers, utilizing a carrier volume of 18.7 L ha−1 for aerial application and 1.57 cm ha−1 for chemigation. Mortality was recorded at 16, 24, and 41 h after infestation. The simulated aerial application was more effective than simulated chemigation in controlling S. albicosta, resulting in 100% mortality 24 h after infestation. Within the chemigation applications, chlorantraniliprole treatments were effective at both rates for all instars, while the high rate of bifenthrin exhibited greater efficacy than the lower rate. In conclusion, it was evidenced that the same insecticide active ingredients do not yield equivalent efficacy when applied via aerial application compared to chemigation. The present study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate insecticide application methods in controlling S. albicosta larvae.
Revolutionizing energy markets: commercialization of natural gas projects through blockchain technology
Authors: Nwamordi Ikechukwu Stephen
Published: December 2024

The integration of blockchain technology into natural gas projects heralds a transformative era in the energy sector, promising efficiency, transparency, and innovation across the entire value chain. This article explores the convergence of natural gas operations and blockchain technology, elucidating the potential applications and benefits of blockchain in optimizing extraction, distribution, and trading processes. Through real-world case studies and industry initiatives, we showcase how blockchain can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance regulatory compliance in natural gas projects. Despite challenges such as scalability, interoperability, and regulatory uncertainty, the future outlook for blockchain in the natural gas industry is promising. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and regulatory alignment, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of blockchain to revolutionize the energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.