bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleolar Protein 56 Deficiency in Zebrafish Leads to Developmental Abnormalities and Anemia via p53 and JAK2-STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Liang Fang , Lu Xiaochan , Wu Biyu , Yang Yexin , Qin Wei
Published: April 2023

Ribosomes are the vital molecular machine for protein translation in a cell. Defects in several nucleolar proteins have been observed in human ribosomopathies. In zebrafish, a deficiency in these ribosomal proteins often results in an anemic phenotype. It remains to be determined whether any other ribosome proteins are involved in regulating erythropoiesis. Here, we generated a nucleolar protein 56 (nop56)−/− zebrafish model and investigated its function. A nop56 deficiency induced severe morphological abnormalities and anemia. WISH analysis showed that the specification of the erythroid lineage in definitive hematopoiesis and the maturation of erythroid cells were impaired in the nop56 mutants. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that the p53 signaling pathway was abnormally activated, and the injection of a p53 morpholino partially rescued the malformation, but not the anemia. Moreover, qPCR analysis showed that the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway was activated in the mutants, and the inhibition of JAK2 partially rescued the anemic phenotype. This study suggests that nop56 is a potential target for investigation in erythropoietic disorders, particularly those that may be associated with JAK-STAT activation.
Design of a Flapping Fins Mechanism for Roll Damping of Yachts at Anchor: Kinematic, Hydrodynamic and Structural Study
Authors: Guerrero Joel , Silvestri Paolo , Canepa Andrea
Published: April 2023

The design of a flapping fins stabilization system for yachts at anchor (zero speed conditions) is presented in this study. The solution presented in this manuscript took inspiration from a solution proposed for the design of a biologically inspired flapping UAV. Although the application was different, we used the same principles and methodology to design and study the stabilization mechanism discussed hereafter. The proposed system uses flapping fins to damp the roll oscillations of the vessel, and when the stabilization system is retracted, the surface of each of the fins is flush with the hull, thus offering minimum resistance when the ship is in cruise conditions. The unsteady forces of the flapping fins were computed using computational fluid dynamics, and they were used as input to conduct the structural and durability study of the proposed mechanism. The vessel’s response to roll perturbations was also studied, using a multi-body dynamics approach. From the results obtained, and the design specifications defined, it was found that the response of the stabilization system was acceptable, and that the mechanism could withstand the inertial and hydrodynamic loads.
Interpersonal Competition in Elderly Couples: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Zhennan , Qian Haoyue , Hu Yinying , Gao Xiangping
Published: April 2023

Elderly people tend not to compete with others, and if they do, the mechanism behind the competition is not clear. In this study, groups of elderly couples and matched cross-sex controls were recruited to perform a competitive button-pressing task, while their brain signals were simultaneously collected using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning. Several fundamental observations were made. First, controls showed attenuated interpersonal competition across task processes, but couples held the competition with each other. Second, couples demonstrated increased inter-brain synchronization (IBS) between the middle temporal cortex and the temporoparietal junction across task processes. Third, Granger causality analysis in couples revealed significant differences between the directions (i.e., from men to women, and from women to men) in the first half of the competitive task, whereas there was no significant difference in the second half. Finally, the groups of couples and controls could be successfully discriminated against based on IBS by using a machine-learning approach. In sum, these findings indicate that elderly couples can maintain interpersonal competition, and such maintenance might be associated with changes in the IBS of the mentalizing system. It suggests the possible positive impact of long-term spouse relationships on interpersonal interactions, both behaviorally and neurally, in terms of competition.
Perceptual Doping: A Hypothesis on How Early Audiovisual Speech Stimulation Enhances Subsequent Auditory Speech Processing
Authors: Moradi Shahram , Rönnberg Jerker
Published: April 2023

Face-to-face communication is one of the most common means of communication in daily life. We benefit from both auditory and visual speech signals that lead to better language understanding. People prefer face-to-face communication when access to auditory speech cues is limited because of background noise in the surrounding environment or in the case of hearing impairment. We demonstrated that an early, short period of exposure to audiovisual speech stimuli facilitates subsequent auditory processing of speech stimuli for correct identification, but early auditory exposure does not. We called this effect “perceptual doping” as an early audiovisual speech stimulation dopes or recalibrates auditory phonological and lexical maps in the mental lexicon in a way that results in better processing of auditory speech signals for correct identification. This short opinion paper provides an overview of perceptual doping and how it differs from similar auditory perceptual aftereffects following exposure to audiovisual speech materials, its underlying cognitive mechanism, and its potential usefulness in the aural rehabilitation of people with hearing difficulties.
Analysis of the Relationship between Higher-Order Factor Structure of Personality Disorders and the Five-Factor Model of Personality
Authors: Pešić Danilo , Lečić-Toševski Dušica , Kalanj Marko , Ristić Ivan , Vuković Olivera , Pejušković Bojana
Published: April 2023

The growing body of evidence on the dimensional classification of personality disorders (PD) has resulted in its acceptance in the ICD-11 classification, which abolished categories and retains only a general description of PD. Specifying the type of PD is optional, and the suggested domains represent maladaptive variants of the five-factor model of personality (FFM). The aim of our study was to explore the existence of a joint structure between maladaptive and normal personality traits, and to investigate how these structures are integrated. The study included 223 patients who had been diagnosed with PD and completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R). To determine the degree of overlap between PD domains and NEO PI–R scales, a canonical analysis of covariance was conducted. Our findings showed a relationship between the internalizing PD spectrum (consisting of avoidant, dependent, and borderline traits with detached and anankastic traits) and high neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and moderately low agreeableness and extroversion, suggesting the existence of a broad personality disorder factor. However, the internalizing dimensions exhibited a more pronounced effect within this construct. Furthermore, we identified a second function that demonstrated a link between the externalizing PD spectrum (including narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial traits) and high extraversion, high openness, and low agreeableness, suggesting the existence of an externalizing factor. Overall, our findings provide evidence for a joint structure of maladaptive and normal personality traits in a sample of personality disorders and emphasize the importance of integrating the FFM model in PD evaluation in clinical practice, suggesting that differentiating between major subgroups could assist in adjusting therapeutic approaches.
The Impact of Leader Humor on Employee Creativity during the COVID-19 Period: The Roles of Perceived Workload and Occupational Coping Self-Efficacy
Authors: Hu Lili , Ye Long , Guo Ming , Liu Yunshuo
Published: April 2023

Based on the relief theory and similarity attraction theory, this study investigates the influence of leader humor on employee creativity through the mediate impact of employees’ perceived workload, occupational coping self-efficacy, and employee similarity perception with a leader as a potential moderator. The data were collected through an online survey that included matched questionnaire data from 351 employees and their direct leaders in China. This study used SPSS 26 software and Mplus 7.0 software to analyze the data and found that (1) leader humor has a significant positive impact on employees’ creativity; (2) employees’ perceived workload and occupational coping self-efficacy mediated the positive relationship between leader humor and employee creativity; (3) similarity perception negatively moderated the influence of leader humor on perceived workload, and it also positively moderated the influence of leader humor on occupational coping self-efficacy. In addition to corroborating and expanding on previous findings regarding the relationship between leader humor and employee creativity during the COVID-19 period, the aforementioned conclusions also derive management implications for fostering employee creativity and reducing employee workload from the perspective of leader humor.
Architectural Glass under Climatic Actions and Fire: Review of State of the Art, Open Problems and Future Perspectives
Authors: Galuppi Laura , Franco Annalisa , Bedon Chiara
Published: April 2023

A critical issue in the design of structural glass elements in buildings is represented by the evaluation of thermally induced stresses and strains. For both climatic actions and fire, thermal stresses represent one of the main causes of premature failure, due to the high sensitivity of glass to temperature gradients. Thermal loads pose a severe safety risk for glass, due to their uneven distribution but also the lack of knowledge on the modification of mechanical properties with temperature. In design practice, approximate tools are used to describe temperature fields in glazing, which do not adequately estimate the thermally induced stresses. Additionally, the existing standards prescribe different methods for the calculation of both the temperature field and the consequent stress, usually based on strong simplifying assumptions, and there is a lack of uniformly defined procedures. Here, an accurate review of the state of the art on glass elements exposed to thermal actions, from both the scientific and the regulatory perspectives, is presented. Reference is made first to the evaluation of the thermal actions, and further to the proper assessment of both the temperature distribution and the consequent thermal stress. The paper also emphasizes open problems and future perspectives related to these topics, to evidence areas of research that should be strengthened and possible future enhancements to the current design and assessment methodologies, which should also be introduced in a regulatory framework.
Effect of Expanded Body Diameter on the Soil Surrounding a Pile Based on the Half-Face Pile Model Test of Undisturbed Soil
Authors: Xu Lina , Qi Chenhui , Niu Lei , Ding Xu
Published: April 2023

The effect of expanded body diameter on the displacement field of soil surrounding a pile under different vertical loads was investigated using the half-face pile model test of undisturbed soil. Digital image correlation technology was used to record the displacement characteristics of soil around the pile in real time. The displacement and failure characteristics of the soil around the pile were analyzed. The results show that with an increased load, the soil below the expanded body is compressed, and the soil at both ends will slip, leading to the continuous development of cracks. In a horizontal direction, the soil surrounding the pile first moves close to the pile and then tends to stabilize or move away from the pile. The horizontal and vertical displacement of the soil decreases as the distance from the pile increases. The main area of influence on the soil is below the expanded body, in which the increased diameter of the expanded body results in a gradual increase in the area of influence. Furthermore, all of the load-settlement curves show a slow decline and the bearing capacity increases with the increased diameter of the expanded body. Therefore, the research in this paper can provide an experimental method for the study of soil displacement around drill-expanded concrete piles.
The Epigenesis of Salivary Glands Carcinoma: From Field Cancerization to Carcinogenesis
Authors: Mat Lazim Norhafiza , Yousaf Anam , Abusalah Mai Abdel Haleem , Sulong Sarina , Mohd Ismail Zul Izhar , Mohamud Rohimah , Abu-Harirah Hashem A. , AlRamadneh Tareq Nayef , Hassan Rosline , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: April 2023

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are a diverse collection of malignant tumors with marked differences in biological activity, clinical presentation and microscopic appearance. Although the etiology is varied, secondary radiation, oncogenic viruses as well as chromosomal rearrangements have all been linked to the formation of SGCs. Epigenetic modifications may also contribute to the genesis and progression of SGCs. Epigenetic modifications are any heritable changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. It is now widely accepted that epigenetics plays an important role in SGCs development. A basic epigenetic process that has been linked to a variety of pathological as well as physiological conditions including cancer formation, is DNA methylation. Transcriptional repression is caused by CpG islands hypermethylation at gene promoters, whereas hypomethylation causes overexpression of a gene. Epigenetic changes in SGCs have been identified, and they have been linked to the genesis, progression as well as prognosis of these neoplasms. Thus, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the currently known evidence on the involvement of epigenetic processes in SGCs.
Immune Regulation by Cytosolic DNA Sensors in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Fukuda Keitaro
Published: April 2023

cGAS and AIM2 are CDSs that are activated in the presence of cytosolic dsDNA and are expressed in various cell types, including immune and tumor cells. The recognition of tumor-derived dsDNA by CDSs in the cytosol of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) activates the innate and acquired immunity, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. STING is the downstream signaling effector of cGAS that induces type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Owing to their ability to activate TIDCs, STING agonists have been intratumorally injected in several clinical trials to enhance the anti-tumor immune response elicited by immune checkpoint antibodies. However, they have shown minimal effect, suggesting the importance of optimizing the dose and route of administration for STING agonists and deciphering other immune pathways that contribute to anti-tumor immune responses. Recent studies have revealed that AIM2 activity induces pro-tumor growth through multiple parallel pathways, including inhibition of STING-type I IFN signaling. Thus, AIM2 could be a potential molecular target for cancer immunotherapies. This review summarizes the current research on the roles of cGAS, STING, and AIM2 in immune cells and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment and discusses the future prospects of anti-tumor treatment approaches based on these molecules.
Radiologic versus Segmentation Measurements to Quantify Wilms Tumor Volume on MRI in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Buser Myrthe A. D. , van der Steeg Alida F. W. , Wijnen Marc H. W. A. , Fitski Matthijs , van Tinteren Harm , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Littooij Annemieke S. , van der Velden Bas H. M.
Published: April 2023

Wilms tumor is a common pediatric solid tumor. To evaluate tumor response to chemotherapy and decide whether nephron-sparing surgery is possible, tumor volume measurements based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are important. Currently, radiological volume measurements are based on measuring tumor dimensions in three directions. Manual segmentation-based volume measurements might be more accurate, but this process is time-consuming and user-dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether manual segmentation-based volume measurements are more accurate and to explore whether these segmentations can be automated using deep learning. We included the MRI images of 45 Wilms tumor patients (age 0–18 years). First, we compared radiological tumor volumes with manual segmentation-based tumor volume measurements. Next, we created an automated segmentation method by training a nnU-Net in a five-fold cross-validation. Segmentation quality was validated by comparing the automated segmentation with the manually created ground truth segmentations, using Dice scores and the 95th percentile of the Hausdorff distances (HD95). On average, manual tumor segmentations result in larger tumor volumes. For automated segmentation, the median dice was 0.90. The median HD95 was 7.2 mm. We showed that radiological volume measurements underestimated tumor volume by about 10% when compared to manual segmentation-based volume measurements. Deep learning can potentially be used to replace manual segmentation to benefit from accurate volume measurements without time and observer constraints.
Potential, Limitations and Risks of Cannabis-Derived Products in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Woerdenbag Herman J. , Olinga Peter , Kok Ellen A. , Brugman Donald A. P. , van Ark Ulrike F. , Ramcharan Arwin S. , Lebbink Paul W. , Hoogwater Frederik J. H. , Knapen Daan G. , de Groot Derk Jan A. , Nijkamp Maarten W.
Published: April 2023

The application of cannabis products in oncology receives interest, especially from patients. Despite the plethora of research data available, the added value in curative or palliative cancer care and the possible risks involved are insufficiently proven and therefore a matter of debate. We aim to give a recommendation on the position of cannabis products in clinical oncology by assessing recent literature. Various types of cannabis products, characteristics, quality and pharmacology are discussed. Standardisation is essential for reliable and reproducible quality. The oromucosal/sublingual route of administration is preferred over inhalation and drinking tea. Cannabinoids may inhibit efflux transporters and drug-metabolising enzymes, possibly inducing pharmacokinetic interactions with anticancer drugs being substrates for these proteins. This may enhance the cytostatic effect and/or drug-related adverse effects. Reversely, it may enable dose reduction. Similar interactions are likely with drugs used for symptom management treating pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Cannabis products are usually well tolerated and may improve the quality of life of patients with cancer (although not unambiguously proven). The combination with immunotherapy seems undesirable because of the immunosuppressive action of cannabinoids. Further clinical research is warranted to scientifically support (refraining from) using cannabis products in patients with cancer.
Independent Reproduction of the FLASH Effect on the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Multi-Institutional Comparative Study
Authors: Valdés Zayas Anet , Kumari Neeraj , Liu Kevin , Neill Denae , Delahoussaye Abagail , Gonçalves Jorge Patrik , Geyer Reiner , Lin Steven H. , Bailat Claude , Bochud François , Moeckli Raphael , Koong Albert C. , Bourhis Jean , Taniguchi Cullen M. , Herrera Fernanda G. , Schüler Emil
Published: April 2023

FLASH radiation therapy (RT) is a promising new paradigm in radiation oncology. However, a major question that remains is the robustness and reproducibility of the FLASH effect when different irradiators are used on animals or patients with different genetic backgrounds, diets, and microbiomes, all of which can influence the effects of radiation on normal tissues. To address questions of rigor and reproducibility across different centers, we analyzed independent data sets from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and from Lausanne University (CHUV). Both centers investigated acute effects after total abdominal irradiation to C57BL/6 animals delivered by the FLASH Mobetron system. The two centers used similar beam parameters but otherwise conducted the studies independently. The FLASH-enabled animal survival and intestinal crypt regeneration after irradiation were comparable between the two centers. These findings, together with previously published data using a converted linear accelerator, show that a robust and reproducible FLASH effect can be induced as long as the same set of irradiation parameters are used.
Selecting the Appropriate Downstaging and Bridging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Is the Role of Transarterial Radioembolization? A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Victor , Miura Kohei , Kuemmerli Christoph , Capel Antonio , Eshmuminov Dilmurodjon , Ferreras David , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Cascales-Campos Pedro , Jiménez-Mascuñán María Isabel , Pons José Antonio , Castellon Maria Isabel , Sánchez-Bueno Francisco , Robles-Campos Ricardo , Ramírez Pablo
Published: April 2023

Background: Transarterial radioembolization in HCC for LT as downstaging/bridging has been increasing in recent years but some indication criteria are still unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of primary research publications conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases until November 2022. Relevant data about patient selection, HCC features and oncological outcomes after TARE for downstaging or bridging in LT were analyzed. Results: A total of 14 studies were included (7 downstaging, 3 bridging and 4 mixed downstaging and bridging). The proportion of whole liver TARE was between 0 and 1.6%. Multiple TARE interventions were necessary for 16.7% up to 28% of the patients. A total of 55 of 204 patients across all included studies undergoing TARE for downstaging were finally transplanted. The only RCT included presents a higher tumor response with the downstaging rate for LT of TARE than TACE (9/32 vs. 4/34, respectively). Grade 3 or 4 adverse effects rate were detected between 15 and 30% of patients. Conclusions: TARE is a safe therapeutic option with potential advantages in its capacity to necrotize and reduce the size of the HCC for downstaging or bridging in LT.
Fertility-Sparing Treatment and Assisted Reproductive Technology in Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma and Endometrial Hyperplasia: Pregnancy Outcomes after Embryo Transfer
Authors: Friedlander Hilary , Blakemore Jennifer K. , McCulloh David H. , Fino M. Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

The goal of fertility-sparing treatment (FST) for patients desiring future fertility with EMCA, and its precursor EH, is to clear the affected tissue and revert to normal endometrial function. Approximately 15% of patients treated with FST will have a live birth without the need for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite this low number, little information exists on the pregnancy outcomes of patients who utilize ART. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer in patients with EMCA or EH who elected for FST. This retrospective cohort study at a large urban university-affiliated fertility center included all patients who underwent embryo transfer after fertility-sparing treatment for EMCA or EH between January 2003 and December 2018. Primary outcomes included embryo transfer results and a live birth rate (defined as the number of live births per number of transfers). There were 14 patients, three with EMCA and 11 with EH, who met the criteria for inclusion with a combined total of 40 embryo transfers. An analysis of observed outcomes by sub-group, compared to the expected outcomes at our center (patients without EMCA/EH matched for age, embryo transfer type and number, and utilization of PGT-A) showed that patients with EMCA/EH after FST had a significantly lower live birth rate than expected (Z = −5.04, df = 39, p < 0.01). A sub-group analysis of the 14 euploid embryo transfers resulted in a live birth rate of 21.4% compared to an expected rate of 62.8% (Z = −3.32, df = 13, p < 0.001). Among patients with EMCA/EH who required assisted reproductive technology, live birth rates were lower than expected following embryo transfer when compared to patients without EMCA/EH at our center. Further evaluation of the impact of the diagnosis, treatment, and repeated cavity instrumentation for FST is necessary to create an individualized and optimized approach for this unique patient population.
Chalcone Derivative CX258 Suppresses Colorectal Cancer via Inhibiting the TOP2A/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Chen Xi , Lv Xiaocheng , Gao Lijie , Liu Jiawei , Wang Wei , Guo Lichao , Frasinyuk Mykhaylo S. , Zhang Wen , Watt David S. , Liu Chunming , Liu Xifu
Published: April 2023

The deregulation in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is associated with many human cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and, therefore, represents a promising target for drug development. We have screened over 300 semisynthetic and natural compounds using a Wnt reporter assay and identified a family of novel chalcone derivatives (CXs) that inhibited Wnt signaling and CRC cell proliferation. Among them, we selected CX258 for further in vitro and in vivo study to investigate the molecular mechanisms. We found that CX258 significantly inhibited β-catenin expression and nuclear translocation, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in CRC cells. Additionally, CX258 reduced the expression of DNA Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) in CRC cells. Moreover, knocking down TOP2A by siRNAs inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a finding suggesting that CX258 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and CRC cell proliferation at least partially by modulating TOP2A. Further studies showed that CDK1 that interacts with TOP2A was significantly reduced after TOP2A knockdown. We demonstrated that CX258 significantly inhibited DLD-1 CRC cell xenografts in SCID mice. In summary, we identified CX258 as a promising candidate for colorectal cancer treatment by targeting the TOP2A/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Developmental Changes of Human Neural Progenitor Cells Grafted into the Ventricular System and Prefrontal Cortex of Mouse Brain in Utero
Authors: Llach Pou Maria , Thiberge Camille , Van der Zwan Michiel , Devi Govindan Annousha , Pons Stéphanie , Maskos Uwe , Cloëz-Tayarani Isabelle
Published: April 2023

The transplantation of neural progenitors into a host brain represents a useful tool to evaluate the involvement of cell-autonomous processes and host local cues in the regulation of neuronal differentiation during the development of the mammalian brain. Human brain development starts at the embryonic stages, in utero, with unique properties at its neotenic stages. We analyzed the engraftment and differentiation of human neuronal progenitor cells (hNPCs) transplanted in utero into the mouse brain. The influence of the environment was studied by transplanting human NPCs within the lateral ventricles (LV), compared with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of immunocompetent mice. We developed a semi-automated method to accurately quantify the number of cell bodies and the distribution of neuronal projections among the different mouse brain structures, at 1 and 3 months post-transplantation (MPT). Our data show that human NPCs can differentiate between immature “juvenile” neurons and more mature pyramidal cells in a reproducible manner. Depending on the injection site, LV vs. PFC, specific fetal local environments could modify the synaptogenesis processes while maintaining human neoteny. The use of immunocompetent mice as host species allows us to investigate further neuropathological conditions making use of all of the engineered mouse models already available.
HAT1: Landscape of Biological Function and Role in Cancer
Authors: Capone Vincenza , Della Torre Laura , Carannante Daniela , Babaei Mehrad , Altucci Lucia , Benedetti Rosaria , Carafa Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Histone modifications, as key chromatin regulators, play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as cancer. Acetylation, and more specifically lysine acetylation, is a reversible epigenetic process with a fundamental role in cell life, able to target histone and non-histone proteins. This epigenetic modification regulates transcriptional processes and protein activity, stability, and localization. Several studies highlight a specific role for HAT1 in regulating molecular pathways, which are altered in several pathologies, among which is cancer. HAT1 is the first histone acetyltransferase discovered; however, to date, its biological characterization is still unclear. In this review, we summarize and update the current knowledge about the biological function of this acetyltransferase, highlighting recent advances of HAT1 in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Characteristics, Comparative Analysis, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Chloroplast Genomes of Cultivars and Wild Relatives of Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Authors: Yang Qihong , Li Ye , Cai Liangyu , Gan Guiyun , Wang Peng , Li Weiliu , Li Wenjia , Jiang Yaqin , Li Dandan , Wang Mila , Xiong Cheng , Chen Riyuan , Wang Yikui
Published: April 2023

The eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a popular vegetable around the world. However, the origin and evolution of eggplant has long been considered complex and unclear, which has become the barrier to improvements in eggplant breeding. Sequencing and comparative analyses of 13 complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of seven Solanum species were performed. Genome sizes were between 154,942 and 156,004 bp, the smallest genome was from S. torvum and the largest from S. macrocapon. Thirteen cp genomes showed highly conserved sequences and GC contents, particularly at the subgenus level. All genes in the 13 genomes were annotated. The cp genomes in this study comprised 130 genes (i.e., 80 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 42 tRNA genes), apart from S. sisymbriifolium, which had 129 (79 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 42 tRNA genes.). The rps16 was absent from the cp genome of S. sisymbriifolium, resulting in a nonsense mutation. Twelve hotspot regions of the cp genome were identified, which showed a series of sequence variations and differed significantly in the inverted repeat/single-copy boundary regions. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis was conducted using 46 cp genomic sequences to determine interspecific genetic and phylogenetic relationships in Solanum species. All species formed two branches, one of which contained all cultivars of the subgenus Leptostemonum. The cp genome data and phylogenetic analysis provides molecular evidence revealing the origin and evolutionary relationships of S. melongena and its wild relatives. Our findings suggest precise intra- and interspecies relatedness within the subgenus Leptostemonum, which has positive implications for work on improvements in eggplant breeding, particularly in producing heterosis, expanding the source of species variation, and breeding new varieties.
Improving the Electrochemical Performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Cathode Material by LiF Modification
Authors: Zhou Sisi , Zhang Xianggong , Zhang Zhihao , Liu Songting , Wang Rui
Published: April 2023

LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is a widely used commercial cathode material in the fields of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. However, its energy density still falls short of the standard and needs to be improved. The most effective method is to increase the cut-off voltage, but this will result in a drop in capacity. In this study, a LiF layer is coated on the surface of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 via an in situ method. It is found that the LiF layer may protect materials from side reactions with electrolytes, improve the interfacial stability, and enhance the cyclic performance. The bare sample shows relatively poor cycling stability, with capacity retention rates of 65.9% (0.2 C) and 12.8% (5 C) after 100 cycles, while 1% LiF-coated NCM has higher cycling stability with capacity retention rates of 83.4% (0.2 C) and 73.3% (5 C) after 100 cycles, respectively. Our findings suggest that a LiF surface layer could be a useful means of boosting the electrochemical performance of NCM cathode materials.
Aluminum Phosphide van der Waals Bilayers with Tunable Optoelectronic Properties under Biaxial Strain
Authors: Mao Caixia , Ni Hao , Qian Libing , Hu Yonghong , Huang Haiming
Published: April 2023

The electronic and optical properties of three types of aluminum phosphide bilayers are examined using density functional theory. The results indicate that they all possess proper direct gaps, which exhibit a rich variety of behaviors depending on the strain. The band gaps of these aluminum phosphide bilayers could be easily tuned in the energy range from 0 eV to 1.9 eV under a wide range of biaxial strain. Additionally, band gap transitions between direct and indirect types are found when the external strain applied on them is changed from −12% to 12%. In addition, it was found that these AlP bilayers show strong light-harvesting ability for the ultraviolet light range of the solar spectrum (400–100 nm). The results obtained here indicate that these aluminum phosphide bilayers may have significant potential applications in future nanoelectric fields.
Modelling the Structure and Optical Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide Produced by Laser Ablation: Insights from XPS and Time-Dependent DFT
Authors: Ershov Igor V. , Lavrentyev Anatoly A. , Bazhin Igor V. , Holodova Olga M. , Prutsakova Natalia V. , Zhdanova Tatiana P. , Romanov Dmitry L.
Published: April 2023

Graphene derivatives such as reduced graphene oxide and graphene-based composites are regarded as highly promising materials for optoelectronics and photodetection applications. Recently, considerable interest has arisen in using facile and environmentally friendly methods of graphene production. Despite significant progress in experimental studies of graphene and graphene-based composites, some fundamental questions about their structures, and the interaction between components in these systems, remain open. In the present work, several atomistic models of oxidized graphene fragments have been proposed based on XPS compositional analysis and DFT calculations, representing reduced graphene oxide produced by laser irradiation. The composition of the oxygen-containing functional groups, their equilibrium configuration and influence on the electronic and optical properties of graphene sheets were determined. The nature of the low-lying excited states, as well as the photoactive regions, has also been studied for the proposed models. The calculated absorption spectra of the graphene sheets were compared with experimental UV-Vis spectrum of rGO produced by laser ablation.
Effect of pH and Concentration of Dopamine Solution on the Deposited Polydopamine Film and the Prepared Graphene-like Material
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Wang Qiang , Lin Zongqiong , Pang Tiantian , Ding Ning
Published: April 2023

In this study, according to the acquired polydopamine deposition rates, polydopamine films with equal thickness were prepared under different conditions on SiO2 substrates. Subsequently, we investigated the influence of dopamine solution pH and concentration on the formation of surface aggregates of the deposited polydopamine films. Assumptions were made to explain how pH and concentration execute their effects. Based on the optimized parameters, a continuous and smooth polydopamine film with a thickness of about 14 nm and a roughness of 1.76 nm was fabricated on a silicon dioxide substrate, through the deposition for 20 minutes in a dopamine solution with a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL and a pH of 8.2. The prepared polydopamine film was then employed as a precursor and subjected to a high-temperature process for the carbonization and graphitization of the film. Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the resulting graphene-like film had fewer structural defects in comparison with previous works and the results of XPS indicated that most of the carbon atoms were bound into the cross-linked honeycomb lattice structure. The prepared graphene-like material also exhibited high electrical conductivity and satisfying mechanical elasticity.
An Illusion of Barriers to Gene Flow in Suburban Coyotes (Canis latrans): Spatial and Temporal Population Structure across a Fragmented Landscape in Southern California
Authors: Bird Savanah , Monzón Javier D. , Meyer Wallace M. , Moore Jonathan E.
Published: April 2023

Carnivores with large home ranges are especially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. As coyotes (Canis latrans) are often found living in highly modified landscapes, it is unclear how urban and suburban development impact gene flow between their populations. This study evaluated gene flow among coyotes inhabiting California sage scrub fragments within the highly developed Pomona Valley, California. We genotyped microsatellites from scat samples collected from four study sites to examine population structure between coyotes separated by a major freeway, coyotes separated by suburban development, and finally, coyotes in contiguous, natural habitat sites over 15 months. Though coyotes from all four sites were genetically distinct, near-complete turnover of individuals in sites and examination of temporal genetic structure and relatedness within one site indicated the movement of family groups through natural fragments over time. Thus, we argue that solely examining spatial genetic structure may create the illusion of genetic barriers among coyote populations where they may not exist, and that incorporating temporal components of genetic variation is critical to understanding gene flow across space and time in highly mobile animals. Understanding how to better study and manage coyotes, an apex predator, is key to the conservation of the endangered California sage scrub ecosystem.
Spatiotemporal Distributions of Scolytinae Beetles in the Subtropical Forests of Southern China
Authors: Yu Yali , Li Lanfeng , Yang Xingke , Lin Wei , Han Qunxin , Li Zhiqiang
Published: April 2023

Scolytinae beetles serve as important regulators of ecosystem integrity. However, some of these species have been identified as important pests. The Guangdong region of China exhibits unique geographic characteristics, but is also subject to substantial anthropogenic disturbances, making it an important region for ecological research. This study was designed to assess the biodiversity and abundance of these Scolytinae beetles in subtropical areas, to define indicators associated with environmental disturbances, and to thereby provide additional valuable information that can support the conservation of the ecosystem and the monitoring and controling of pest species. For these analyses, a two-season survey of Scolytinae communities was performed across three habitats to examine the patterns of variation within these communities. These analyses revealed that environmental disturbances were associated with a drop in Scolytinae beetle population diversity, with Hypothenemus sp.2, Xyleborinus andrewesi, and Xyleborinus artestriatus offering particular value as indicators associated with severe environmental disruptions. Plant diversity and composition also impacted Scolytinae beetle communities through a range of complex mechanisms. Scolytinae beetle diversity was also found to be higher during the rainy season relative to the dry season, with beetle abundance being responsive to average temperatures, but unrelated to average relative humidity levels.
How Do Pollen Grains of Convallaria majalis L. Respond to Different Habitat Conditions?
Authors: Wrońska-Pilarek Dorota , Bocianowski Jan , Lechowicz Kacper , Wiatrowska Blanka Maria , Janyszek-Sołtysiak Magdalena , Beker Cezary
Published: April 2023

To date, the effect of habitat conditions on the characteristics of pollen has not been extensively investigated; however, it needs to be remembered that it may be highly significant for the quality of their generative reproduction success. It was decided to conduct the analyses on Convallaria majalis as a common species, naturally found in many different forest habitats. Moreover, the investigations covered pollen morphology and for the first time also the variability of pollen grains in this species. The plant material came from 98 natural sites located in Poland, in nine differing forest habitats. In total, 2940 pollen grains were analyzed in terms of five quantitative features (i.e., the length of the longest and shortest polar axes–LA and SA, exine thickness–Ex, the LA/SA and Ex/LA ratios) as well as the following qualitative ones: pollen outline and shape, sulcus type and exine ornamentation. Our studies revealed that the most important pollen characteristics in C. majalis included sulcus type, exine ornamentation, distribution and size of perforations, LA and pollen shape. The study showed the response of pollen to different habitat conditions found in the nine investigated habitats. The Ex/LA ratio and Ex were these pollen characteristics, which exhibited the most marked response to the different habitat conditions. Pollen from two habitats, moist mixed coniferous forest and upland mesic broadleaved forest, exhibited the most distinct characteristics.
Similar Ones Are Not Related and Vice Versa—New Dendronotus Taxa (Nudibranchia: Dendronotidae) from the North Atlantic Ocean Provide a Platform for Discussion of Global Marine Biodiversity Patterns
Authors: Korshunova Tatiana , Grøtan Viktor V. , Johnson Kjetil B. , Bakken Torkild , Picton Bernard E. , Martynov Alexander
Published: April 2023

One new species of the genus Dendronotus (Nudibranchia: Dendronotidae) is described from Norway and Northern Ireland, as well as from the adjacent North Sea, and one new subspecies of Dendronotus arcticus is described from Norway by applying a combination of fine-scale morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. The present case demonstrates multilevel morphological and molecular similarities and differences considering on the one hand a grouping of three similar looking sympatric taxa (D. yrjargul, D. arcticus gartensis n. subsp. and D. keatleyae n. sp.), and on the other hand two different looking apparently allopatric subspecies (D. arcticus arcticus and D. arcticus gartensis n. subsp.). The type species of the genus, D. frondosus, which is the commonest dendronotid in Norway and the United Kingdom, consistently demonstrates substantial molecular and fine-scale morphological differences from D. keatleyae n. sp. The present study, apart from providing purely taxonomic information, also provides new data for a broad discussion of global biodiversity patterns.
Distinct Community Assembly Mechanisms of Different Growth Stages in a Warm Temperate Forest
Authors: Jiang Xiaolei , Guo Xiao , Lu Huicui , Yang Jinming , Li Wei , Hao Qing
Published: April 2023

Community phylogenetic structure and diversity analysis are useful complements to species-centric approaches in biodiversity studies by providing new insights into the processes that drive community assembly. In this study, we aimed to understand the differences in the relative importance of abiotic filtering, biotic interactions, and dispersal limitation on community assembly of trees at different vegetation growth stages. We also examined the influence of geographical distance, elevation, terrain, and soil. Thus, we examined the phylogenetic structures and β-diversities of saplings and adults along different abiotic gradients. The results of the net relatedness index (NRI) showed that, instead of being random, the phylogenetic structure of saplings tended to be convergent, whereas that of adults tended to be divergent. This result implies that the relative forces of abiotic filtering and biotic interactions change throughout vegetation growth. The results of generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM) showed that dispersal limitation (geographical distance) and abiotic filtering influenced the community assembly of both adults and saplings. This result confirmed our hypothesis that both deterministic and stochastic processes were prevalent. The explanatory rates of geographic distance and environmental factor distance to phylogenetic β-diversity were quite different between adults and saplings, which meant that the relative force of dispersal limitation and abiotic filtering had also changed.
Description of Neochlorella semenenkoi gen. et. sp. nov. (Chlorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae), a Novel Chlorella-like Alga with High Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Krivina Elena S. , Bobrovnikova Lidia A. , Temraleeva Anna D. , Markelova Alexandra G. , Gabrielyan David A. , Sinetova Maria A.
Published: April 2023

Despite many publications about Chlorella-like algae, their reliable and accurate identification is still difficult due to their simplicity and high phenotypic plasticity. The molecular approach has revolutionized our understanding of the diversity of ’small green balls’, and a natural classification of this group is currently being developed. This work is aimed at providing a detailed study of the phylogenetic position, morphology, ultrastructure, and physiology of the biotechnologically remarkable Chlorella-like strain IPPAS C-1210. Based on the SSU–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 phylogeny, genetic distances, and the presence of compensatory base changes (CBCs) in ITS1 and conserved regions of ITS2 secondary structures, we describe a new genus, Neochlorella, with IPPAS C-1210 as the authentic strain of the type species, N. semenenkoi gen. and sp. nov. In addition, we justify the reassignment of the strain C. thermophila ITBB HTA 1–65 into N. thermophila comb. nov. The distinctive ultrastructural and physiological traits of the new species are discussed.
Morphology, Phylogeny, and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum Species Causing Anthracnose in Camellia japonica in China
Authors: Wen Lixia , Li He
Published: April 2023

Camellia japonica is a renowned flower and an influential plant in Chinese urban landscaping. However, Colletotrichum, one of the world’s most commercially important phytopathogenic genera that causes anthracnose on a wide range of plant species, have annually caused significant economic losses to Ca. japonica. In this study, 115 strains were isolated from Ca. japonica leaves with typical symptoms from the provinces of Hunan, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guangxi, Hubei, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Shanxi. They were then subjected to pathogen identification and using method of morphology combined with ApMat gene sequence analysis, along with the pathogenicity tests based on Koch’s postulates. The 115 strains were identified as C. gloeosporioides, C. fructicola, C. siamense, C. camelliae or C. aeschynomenes. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all species produced brown lesions on healthy Ca. japonica leaves, indicating significant virulence. Furthermore, C. fructicola had the broadest distribution and the highest isolation rate., Most importantly, this is the first report in China of C. aeschynomenes causing the anthracnose disease in Ca. japonica.