bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The politics of flu vaccines: international collaboration and political partisanship
Authors: Liu Rigao , Nagao Haruka , Hatungimana William , Zhang Jiakun Jack , Kennedy John James
Published: March 2024

While vaccine hesitancy has become a salient issue, few studies have examined the influence of international collaboration and vaccine developments on people's attitudes towards vaccines. The international collaboration especially with China has been an integral part of the field of influenza. In recent years, attitudes towards vaccines and China are both heavily politicized in the USA with a deepening partisan divide. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to be vaccine hesitant, and they are also more likely to view China negatively. At the same time, the USA has economic, security, and medical collaboration with Japan and most Americans display a very positive view of the country. Thus, does a more international collaboration or more country-specific vaccine development have an influence on US vaccine hesitancy? This study conducts a survey-embedded question-wording experiment to assess the roles of US–China and US–Japan collaboration and partisanship in people's willingness to get the flu vaccine. Despite the previously successful and effective US–China collaboration, this study finds that respondents especially Republicans are much less likely to receive a US–China flu vaccine than a US–Japan or USA alone. Interestingly, both Democrats and Republicans are as willing to receive a US–Japan vaccine as USA alone. These results point to critical roles of partisanship and international relations.
Ticking Two Boxes, Fighting Two Battles: Intersectional Experiences of Ethnic Minority Women Councillors in UK Local Government
Authors: Begum Neema , Sobolewska Maria
Published: March 2024

When the analytical lens of intersectionality was first applied to descriptive representation, it documented the increased level of disadvantage for those belonging to more than one underrepresented group. Although ethnic minority women have been slow to benefit from drives to boost ethnic minority or women’s representation, increasingly, political parties seeking to diversify see them as “ticking two boxes,” resulting in a new positive story of relative representational success in many countries and legislatures. However, we argue that the two narratives coexist: intersectional group membership mars the experience of ethnic minority women politicians despite their increased electoral success. Conceptualizing intersectional disadvantage beyond examining differential outcomes, we focus instead on how the mechanisms leading to those outcomes are experienced by ethnic minority women local councillors, from their selection to their working conditions and extra representative burdens. Using 85 interviews with ethnic minority women and men UK local councillors, we demonstrate how gender and racial inequalities leave ethnic minority women fighting two (or more) battles.
ON QUANTIFICATION AND EXTENSIONALITY
Authors: WEHMEIER KAI F.
Published: March 2024

We investigate whether ordinary quantification over objects is an extensional phenomenon, or rather creates non-extensional contexts; each claim having been propounded by prominent philosophers. It turns out that the question only makes sense relative to a background theory of syntax and semantics (here called a grammar) that goes well beyond the inductive definition of formulas and the recursive definition of satisfaction. Two schemas for building quantificational grammars are developed, one that invariably constructs extensional grammars (in which quantification, in particular, thus behaves extensionally) and another that only generates non-extensional grammars (and in which quantification is responsible for the failure of extensionality). We then ask whether there are reasons to favor one of these grammar schemas over the other, and examine an argument according to which the proper formalization of deictic utterances requires adoption of non-extensional grammars.
Subduction Within the Proto‐Tethys Ocean Revealed by Recognition of the Earliest Phanerozoic Intra‐Oceanic Arc, Northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Fu Changlei , Yan Zhen , Aitchison Jonathan C. , Xiao Wenjiao , Buckman Solomon , Wang Bingzhang
Published: March 2024

The possibility that the Proto‐Tethys Ocean may have undergone intra‐oceanic subduction during ocean closure remains poorly constrained due to a lack of geological evidence for a mature intra‐oceanic arc. Here we present new geochemical and geochronological data for potential arc‐related volcanic rocks adjacent to the accretionary complex and forearc basin in the North Qaidam collisional belt, northern Tibetan Plateau. The volcanic rocks are dominated by foliated basalt, andesite, tuff, and minor dacite with zircon U‐Pb ages ranging from 517 to 497 Ma. They show distinctive geochemical characteristics and can be subdivided into three groups: island‐arc intermediate‐basic volcanic rocks, back‐arc basin basalts (BABB), and dacites with intra‐oceanic arc affinity. The island‐arc volcanic rocks have variable εNd(t) values (+1.6 to +7.5) that decrease northward and were generated by partial melting of depleted mantle wedge modified by hydrous fluid and sediment melt. The BABBs have high εNd(t) values (+5.3 to +6.6) and formed through the melting of MORB‐like mantle, whereas the nearby dacites have positive εNd(t) values (+1.9 to +3.6) similar to the surrounding island‐arc volcanic rocks and were derived from partial melting of intra‐oceanic arc crust as a result of BABB underplating. Integrated analysis of the spatial‐temporal distribution of these volcanic rocks and the reconstructed intra‐oceanic arc‐trench system confirms the existence of the earliest Phanerozoic intra‐oceanic arc formed in response to north‐directed intra‐oceanic subduction. This unrecognized subduction of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean in the North Qaidam belt initiated at ca. 530 Ma, matured ca. 520 Ma, and terminated by ca. 480 Ma.
Mycorrhizal Types Modulate Responses of Global Soil Microbial Biomass to Environments Across Varied Land Use Types
Authors: Yuan Mingli , Shi Zhaoyong , Wang Fayuan , Zhang Menghan , Yang Shuang
Published: March 2024

Soil microbial biomass (SMB) is a fundamental contributor to soil ecosystem services. Mycorrhizal fungi, a significant group of soil microbes, play essential roles in regulating carbon allocation and nutrient cycles. Acknowledging the profound importance of SMB and mycorrhizal symbiosis, our objective was to explore how mycorrhizal types modulate the global patterns of SMB across varied land use types (LUTs). Using data from 329 independent studies, we categorized vegetation species with defined mycorrhizal types into arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) type (with 958 observations) or mixed AM and ectomycorrhizal (AM + ECM) type (with 481 observations). This categorization served as the foundation for our investigation into the impacts of various LUTs and environmental conditions (mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation, MAP) on global SMB patterns associated with specific mycorrhizal associations. The overall mean value of SMB was remarkably higher under AM + ECM type (92.23 ± 4.73 nmol/g) compared with that under AM type (49.45 ± 1.87 nmol/g) at a global scale. The primary factor contributing to this difference was the natural system. Additionally, the AM + ECM type (0.19 ± 0.01) exhibited a higher F:B ratio (Fungi‐to‐bacteria ratio) than the AM type (0.16 ± 0.001), attributed to the cumulative effects of different LUTs. Furthermore, SMB was markedly positively affected by aridity index under AM type and negatively influenced by temperature under AM + ECM type. Besides, MAP had a pronounced positive impact on SMB under AM type, while exhibiting a negative impact under AM + ECM type. Our study presented evidence affirming the essential role of mycorrhizal associations in shaping global patterns of SMB in response to environmental factors across varied LUTs.
Relationship Between D‐MORB and E‐MORB Magmatism During Crustal Accretion at Mid‐Ocean Ridges: Evidence From the Masirah Ophiolite (Oman)
Authors: Jansen Max N. , MacLeod Christopher J. , Johan Lissenberg C. , Parkinson Ian J. , Condon Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Enriched mid‐ocean ridge basalts (E‐MORB) commonly erupt at mid‐ocean ridges (MOR) and seamounts, but their relationship to “depleted” MORB (D‐MORB) and the processes controlling their magmatic evolution at MORs are not fully understood, hence raising more general questions about magma generation in the mantle. We here explore this conundrum through an investigation of the Masirah ophiolite (southeast Oman), a near‐unique “true” MOR ophiolite. Unlike most (e.g., Tethyan) ophiolites, it was not affected by subduction and is therefore potentially able to provide valuable geological insights into the magmatic evolution of a full section of oceanic crust. Previous work has shown that the igneous crust at Masirah was thin (1.5–2.0 km) and constructed from both D‐ and E‐MORB magmas, concluding that it formed at a slow‐spreading ridge at ∼150 Ma followed by an episode of “Nb‐enriched” magmatism with trace‐element enrichments exceeding E‐MORB during intraplate rifting ∼20 Ma later. We reinvestigate the geology of Masirah and present new field observations, geochemical data and high‐precision U‐Pb ages to constrain the magmatic history of seafloor spreading and off‐axis magmatism. We found that D‐MORB and E‐MORB magmatism at Masirah was synchronous and overlapped in both composition and time with the Nb‐enriched magmatism (no older than 135 Ma). Both types of magmatism were therefore integral in the formation of the Masirah ocean crust. The relationship between D‐MORB and E‐MORB magmatism described here may be applicable to modern MORs more broadly, but is especially prominent at Masirah due to reduced magmatism and hence a weaker crustal filter.
Advancing Permafrost Monitoring With Autonomous Electrical Resistivity Tomography (A‐ERT): Low‐Cost Instrumentation and Open‐Source Data Processing Tool
Authors: Farzamian M. , Blanchy G. , McLachlan P. , Vieira G. , Esteves M. , de Pablo M. A. , Triantafilis J. , Lippmann E. , Hauck C.
Published: March 2024

Permafrost is a widespread phenomenon in the cold regions of the globe and is under‐represented in global monitoring networks. This study presents a novel low‐cost, low‐power, and robust Autonomous Electrical Resistivity Tomography (A‐ERT) monitoring system and open‐source processing tools for permafrost monitoring. The processing workflow incorporates diagnostic and filtering tools and utilizes open‐source software, ResIPy, for data inversion. The workflow facilitates quick and efficient extraction of key information from large data sets. Field experiments conducted in Antarctica demonstrated the system's capability to operate in harsh and remote environments and provided high‐temporal‐resolution imaging of ground freezing and thawing dynamics. This data set and processing workflow allow for a detailed investigation of how meteorological conditions impact subsurface processes. The A‐ERT setup can complement existing monitoring networks on permafrost and is suitable for continuous monitoring in polar and mountainous regions, contributing to cryosphere research and gaining deeper insights into permafrost and active layer dynamics.
Machine Learning Analysis of Seismograms Reveals a Continuous Plumbing System Evolution Beneath the Klyuchevskoy Volcano in Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Steinmann René , Seydoux Léonard , Journeau Cyril , Shapiro Nikolai M. , Campillo Michel
Published: March 2024

Volcanoes produce a variety of seismic signals and, therefore, continuous seismograms provide crucial information for monitoring the state of a volcano. According to their source mechanism and signal properties, seismo‐volcanic signals can be categorized into distinct classes, which works particularly well for short transients. Applying classification approaches to long‐duration continuous signals containing volcanic tremors, characterized by varying signal characteristics, proves challenging due to the complex nature of these signals. That makes it difficult to attribute them to a single volcanic process and questions the feasibility of classification. In the present study, we consider the whole seismic time series as valuable information about the plumbing system (the combination of plumbing structure and activity distribution). The considered data are year‐long seismograms recorded at individual stations near the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group (Kamchatka, Russia). With a scattering network and a Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), we transform the continuous data into a two‐dimensional representation (a seismogram atlas), which helps us to identify sudden and continuous changes in the signal properties. We observe an ever‐changing seismic wavefield that we relate to a continuously evolving plumbing system. Through additional data, we can relate signal variations to various state changes of the volcano including transitions from deep to shallow activity, deep reactivation, weak signals during quiet times, and eruptive activity. The atlases serve as a visual tool for analyzing extensive seismic time series, allowing us to associate specific atlas areas, indicative of similar signal characteristics, with distinct volcanic activities and variations in the volcanic plumbing system.
SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein impairs airway epithelial barrier function and exacerbates airway inflammation via increased intracellular Cl− concentration
Authors: Xu Jian-Bang , Guan Wei-Jie , Zhang Yi-Lin , Qiu Zhuo-Er , Chen Lei , Hou Xiao-Chun , Yue Junqing , Zhou Yu-Yun , Sheng Jie , Zhao Lei , Zhu Yun-Xin , Sun Jing , Zhao Jincun , Zhou Wen-Liang , Zhong Nan-Shan
Published: March 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection disrupts the epithelial barrier and triggers airway inflammation. The envelope (E) protein, a core virulence structural component of coronaviruses, may play a role in this process. Pathogens could interfere with transepithelial Cl− transport via impairment of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which modulates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. However, the pathological effects of SARS-CoV-2 E protein on airway epithelial barrier function, Cl− transport and the robust inflammatory response remain to be elucidated. Here, we have demonstrated that E protein down-regulated the expression of tight junctional proteins, leading to the disruption of the airway epithelial barrier. In addition, E protein triggered the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 and downstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, resulting in an increased intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i) via up-regulating phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) expression in airway epithelial cells. This elevated [Cl−]i contributed to the heightened airway inflammation through promoting the phosphorylation of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). Moreover, blockade of SGK1 or PDE4 alleviated the robust inflammatory response induced by E protein. Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2 E protein in airway epithelial damage and the ongoing airway inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Decreased calcium permeability caused by biallelic TRPV5 mutation leads to autosomal recessive renal calcium-wasting hypercalciuria
Authors: Guleray Lafci Naz , van Goor Mark , Cetinkaya Semra , van der Wijst Jenny , Acun Melisa , Kurt Colak Fatma , Cetinkaya Arda , Hoenderop Joost
Published: March 2024

Hypercalciuria is the most common metabolic risk factor in people with kidney stone disease. Its etiology is mostly multifactorial, although monogenetic causes of hypercalciuria have also been described. Despite the increased availability of genetic diagnostic tests, the vast majority of individuals with familial hypercalciuria remain unsolved. In this study, we investigated a consanguineous pedigree with idiopathic hypercalciuria. The proband additionally exhibited severe skeletal deformities and hyperparathyroidism. Whole-exome sequencing of the proband revealed a homozygous ultra-rare variant in TRPV5 (NM_019841.7:c.1792G>A; p.(Val598Met)), which encodes for a renal Ca2+-selective ion channel. The variant segregates with the three individuals with hypercalciuria. The skeletal phenotype unique to the proband was due to an additional pathogenic somatic mutation in GNAS (NM_000516.7:c.601C>T; p.(Arg201Cys)), which leads to polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. The variant in TRPV5 is located in the TRP helix, a characteristic amphipathic helix that is indispensable for the gating movements of TRP channels. Biochemical characterization of the TRPV5 p.(Val598Met) channel revealed a complete loss of Ca2+ transport capability. This defect is caused by reduced expression of the mutant channel, due to misfolding and preferential targeting to the proteasome for degradation. Based on these findings, we conclude that biallelic loss of TRPV5 function causes a novel form of monogenic autosomal recessive hypercalciuria, which we name renal Ca2+-wasting hypercalciuria (RCWH). The recessive inheritance pattern explains the rarity of RCWH and underscores the potential prevalence of RCWH in highly consanguineous populations, emphasizing the importance of exploration of this disorder within such communities.
IKK2 controls the inflammatory potential of tissue-resident regulatory T cells in a murine gain of function model
Authors: Cardinez Chelisa , Hao Yuwei , Kwong Kristy , Davies Ainsley R. , Downes Morgan B. , Roberts Nadia A. , Price Jason D. , Hernandez Raquel A. , Lovell Jessica , Chand Rochna , Feng Zhi-Ping , Enders Anselm , Vinuesa Carola G. , Miraghazadeh Bahar , Cook Matthew C.
Published: March 2024

Loss-of-function mutations have provided crucial insights into the immunoregulatory actions of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). By contrast, we know very little about the consequences of defects that amplify aspects of Treg function or differentiation. Here we show that mice heterozygous for an Ikbkb gain-of-function mutation develop psoriasis. Doubling the gene dose (IkbkbGoF/GoF) results in dactylitis, spondylitis, and characteristic nail changes, which are features of psoriatic arthritis. IkbkbGoF mice exhibit a selective expansion of Foxp3 + CD25+ Tregs of which a subset express IL-17. These modified Tregs are enriched in both inflamed tissues, blood and spleen, and their transfer is sufficient to induce disease without conventional T cells. Single-cell transcriptional and phenotyping analyses of isolated Tregs reveal expansion of non-lymphoid tissue (tissue-resident) Tregs expressing Th17-related genes, Helios, tissue-resident markers including CD103 and CD69, and a prominent NF-κB transcriptome. Thus, IKK2 regulates tissue-resident Treg differentiation, and overactivity drives dose-dependent skin and systemic inflammation.
Hazardous explosive eruptions of a recharging multi-cyclic island arc caldera
Authors: Preine Jonas , Karstens Jens , Hübscher Christian , Druitt Tim , Kutterolf Steffen , Nomikou Paraskevi , Manga Michael , Gertisser Ralf , Pank Katharina , Beethe Sarah , Berthod Carole , Crutchley Gareth , McIntosh Iona , Ronge Thomas , Tominaga Masako , Clark Acacia , DeBari Susan , Johnston Raymond , Mateo Zenon , Peccia Ally , Jones Christopher , Kletetschka Günther , Metcalfe Abigail , Bernard Alexis , Chen Hehe , Chiyonobu Shun , Fernandez-Perez Tatiana , Joshi Kumar Batuk , Koukousioura Olga , McCanta Molly , Morris Antony , Polymenakou Paraskevi , Woodhouse Adam , Yamamoto Yuzuru , Wang Kuo-Lung , Lee Hao-Yang , Li Xiaohui , Papanikolaou Dimitrios
Published: March 2024

Caldera-forming eruptions of silicic volcanic systems are among the most devastating events on Earth. By contrast, post-collapse volcanic activity initiating new caldera cycles is generally considered less hazardous. Formed after Santorini’s latest caldera-forming eruption of ~1600 bce, the Kameni Volcano in the southern Aegean Sea enables the eruptive evolution of a recharging multi-cyclic caldera to be reconstructed. Kameni’s eruptive record has been documented by onshore products and historical descriptions of mainly effusive eruptions dating back to 197 bce. Here we combine high-resolution seismic reflection data with cored lithologies from International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 398 at four sites to determine the submarine architecture and volcanic history of intra-caldera deposits from Kameni. Our shore-crossing analysis reveals the deposits of a submarine explosive eruption that produced up to 3.1 km3 of pumice and ash, which we relate to a historical eruption in 726 ce. The estimated volcanic explosivity index of magnitude 5 exceeds previously considered worst-case eruptive scenarios for Santorini. Our finding that the Santorini caldera is capable of producing large explosive eruptions at an early stage in the caldera cycle implies an elevated hazard potential for the eastern Mediterranean region, and potentially for other recharging silicic calderas.
An expanded transcriptome atlas for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron reveals a small RNA that modulates tetracycline sensitivity
Authors: Ryan Daniel , Bornet Elise , Prezza Gianluca , Alampalli Shuba Varshini , Franco de Carvalho Taís , Felchle Hannah , Ebbecke Titus , Hayward Regan J. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Barquist Lars , Westermann Alexander J.
Published: March 2024

Plasticity in gene expression allows bacteria to adapt to diverse environments. This is particularly relevant in the dynamic niche of the human intestinal tract; however, transcriptional networks remain largely unknown for gut-resident bacteria. Here we apply differential RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and conventional RNA-seq to the model gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to map transcriptional units and profile their expression levels across 15 in vivo-relevant growth conditions. We infer stress- and carbon source-specific transcriptional regulons and expand the annotation of small RNAs (sRNAs). Integrating this expression atlas with published transposon mutant fitness data, we predict conditionally important sRNAs. These include MasB, which downregulates tetracycline tolerance. Using MS2 affinity purification and RNA-seq, we identify a putative MasB target and assess its role in the context of the MasB-associated phenotype. These data—publicly available through the Theta-Base web browser (http://micromix.helmholtz-hiri.de/bacteroides/)—constitute a valuable resource for the microbiome community.
Spatial enhancer activation influences inhibitory neuron identity during mouse embryonic development
Authors: Dvoretskova Elena , Ho May C. , Kittke Volker , Neuhaus Florian , Vitali Ilaria , Lam Daniel D. , Delgado Irene , Feng Chao , Torres Miguel , Winkelmann Juliane , Mayer Christian
Published: March 2024

The mammalian telencephalon contains distinct GABAergic projection neuron and interneuron types, originating in the germinal zone of the embryonic basal ganglia. How genetic information in the germinal zone determines cell types is unclear. Here we use a combination of in vivo CRISPR perturbation, lineage tracing and ChIP–sequencing analyses and show that the transcription factor MEIS2 favors the development of projection neurons by binding enhancer regions in projection-neuron-specific genes during mouse embryonic development. MEIS2 requires the presence of the homeodomain transcription factor DLX5 to direct its functional activity toward the appropriate binding sites. In interneuron precursors, the transcription factor LHX6 represses the MEIS2–DLX5-dependent activation of projection-neuron-specific enhancers. Mutations of Meis2 result in decreased activation of regulatory enhancers, affecting GABAergic differentiation. We propose a differential binding model where the binding of transcription factors at cis-regulatory elements determines differential gene expression programs regulating cell fate specification in the mouse ganglionic eminence.
Warmer autumns and winters could reduce honey bee overwintering survival with potential risks for pollination services
Authors: Rajagopalan Kirti , DeGrandi-Hoffman Gloria , Pruett Matthew , Jones Vincent P. , Corby-Harris Vanessa , Pireaud Julien , Curry Robert , Hopkins Brandon , Northfield Tobin D.
Published: March 2024

Honey bees and other pollinators are critical for food production and nutritional security but face multiple survival challenges. The effect of climate change on honey bee colony losses is only recently being explored. While correlations between higher winter temperatures and greater colony losses have been noted, the impacts of warmer autumn and winter temperatures on colony population dynamics and age structure as an underlying cause of reduced colony survival have not been examined. Focusing on the Pacific Northwest US, our objectives were to (a) quantify the effect of warmer autumns and winters on honey bee foraging activity, the age structure of the overwintering cluster, and spring colony losses, and (b) evaluate indoor cold storage as a management strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. We perform simulations using the VARROAPOP population dynamics model driven by future climate projections to address these objectives. Results indicate that expanding geographic areas will have warmer autumns and winters extending honey bee flight times. Our simulations support the hypothesis that late-season flight alters the overwintering colony age structure, skews the population towards older bees, and leads to greater risks of colony failure in the spring. Management intervention by moving colonies to cold storage facilities for overwintering has the potential to reduce honey bee colony losses. However, critical gaps remain in how to optimize winter management strategies to improve the survival of overwintering colonies in different locations and conditions. It is imperative that we bridge the gaps to sustain honey bees and the beekeeping industry and ensure food and nutritional security.
Economic feasibility study of organic and conventional fish farming systems of Indian major carps
Authors: Beg Mirza Masum , Roy Subha M. , Moulick Sanjib , Mandal Basudev , Kim Taeho , Mal Bimal C.
Published: March 2024

Organic aquaculture is a new approach in the modern farming system. As the capital investment is higher for setting up the organic aquaculture, it is essential to conduct an economic feasibility study with compare the conventional farming system. In the current study, economic feasibility of culturing Indian major carps (IMC) using conventional culture system and organic culture system (OCS) were evaluated. IMC was cultured for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 in experimental ponds of 0.015 hectare (ha) area each. The crude protein content of the organic and conventional feed was maintained at the same iso-nitrogenous level (32% crude protein) but the highest production to the tune of 19 tons per ha was obtained in OCS. Further, in case of OCS, apart from fish production, vermicomposting to the tune of 45,000 kg ha−1 in the first year, and 90,000 kg ha−1 from second year onward is achievable by installing a vermicomposting unit of 200 tons annual capacity. Economic analysis of the culture systems assuming a project period of 10 years showed that the highest net present value (NPV) of 1.06 million USD, a payback period of one year and nine months and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 51% are achievable per ha of fish culture pond for OCS. Sensitivity analysis of various costs performed for OCS revealed that profitability of the organic fish farming investment is most sensitive to the total fish production and sale price of the organic fishes. In terms of production of fish and economics of organic culture system is proved to be the best available technique.
Efficient quantum algorithms for set operations
Authors: Elgendy Rehab , Younes Ahmed , Abu-Donia H. M. , Farouk R. M.
Published: March 2024

Analyzing the relations between Boolean functions has many applications in many fields, such as database systems, cryptography, and collision problems. This paper proposes four quantum algorithms that use amplitude amplification techniques to perform set operations, including Intersection, Difference, and Union, on two Boolean functions in $$\mathcal {O}(\sqrt{\mathcal {N}} )$$

O
(

N

)

time complexity. The proposed algorithms employ two quantum amplitude amplification techniques divided into two stages. The first stage uses the Younes et al. algorithm for quantum searching via entanglement and partial diffusion to prepare incomplete superpositions of the truth set of the first Boolean function. In the second stage, a modified version of Arima’s algorithm, along with an oracle that represent the second Boolean function, is employed to handle the set operations. The proposed algorithms have a higher probability of success in more general and comprehensive applications when compared with relevant techniques in literature.
Semen proteome and transcriptome of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) show association with the environment and fertility outcome
Authors: Ali Nadya , Amelkina Olga , Santymire Rachel M. , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Comizzoli Pierre , Vazquez Juan M.
Published: March 2024

The ex situ population of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has been experiencing declines in reproductive success over the past 30 years of human-managed care. A potential cause may be environmental-dependent inbreeding depression with diet being one of the contributing factors since ferrets are not fed their natural diet of prairie dogs. Here, we generated and analyzed semen proteome and transcriptome data from both wild and ex situ ferrets maintained on various diets. We identified 1757 proteins across all samples, with 149 proteins unique to the semen of wild ferrets and forming a ribosomal predicted protein–protein interaction cluster. Wild ferrets also differed from ex situ ferrets in their transcriptomic profile, showing enrichment in ribosomal RNA processing and potassium ion transport. Successful fertility outcomes documented for ex situ ferrets showed the strongest association with the semen transcriptome, with enrichment in genes involved in translation initiation and focal adhesion. Fertility also synergized with the effect of diet on differentially expressed transcriptomes, mainly affecting genes enriched in mitochondrial function. Our data and functional networks are important for understanding the causes and mechanisms of declining fertility in the ex situ ferret population and can be used as a resource for future conservation efforts.
Treatment satisfaction with disease-modifying therapy is the only predictor of Adherence among multiple sclerosis patients from Upper Egypt
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Mahmoud Doaa M. , Hussein Hussein B. , Malky Islam E. L. , Mostafa Sarah S. , Gamea Ayman
Published: March 2024

Despite the proven efficacy of the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS), the rates of non-adherence are frequently high. We aimed to evaluate the rate of non-adherence to the first DMT in Upper Egypt and identify different contributing factors. Out of 310 patients, ninety-seven adult patients with RRMS were recruited from three MS units located in Upper Egypt and were subjected to the following: complete clinical history, expanded disability status score (EDSS), Eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), abbreviated Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9), Hamilton depression scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). According to MMAS-8 scores, 63 (64.9%) of patients were non-adherent to their first DMT. Non-adherent patients are more likely to have longer disease duration (p = 0.002), longer duration on first DMT (p = 0.030), first DMT-start date before 2019 (p = 0.040), and lower treatment satisfaction scores (p = 0.016). However, there was no significant relation with physical disability, depression, fatigue, or sleep quality. On the regression analysis model, a lower treatment satisfaction score was the only predictor of DMT non-adherence (p = 0.012). Despite expanding DMT options, non-adherence among MS patients in Upper Egypt is high. Treatment satisfaction with DMT is the only predictor of adherence among MS patients of Upper Egypt. Adherence and satisfaction with the prescribed DMT should be assessed carefully to maximize DMT benefits.
Positive affect and heart rate variability: a dynamic analysis
Authors: Beatton Tony , Chan Ho Fai , Dulleck Uwe , Ristl Andrea , Schaffner Markus , Torgler Benno
Published: March 2024

Traditional survey methods can provide noisy data arising from recall, memory and other biases. Technological advances (particularly in neuroscience) are opening new ways of monitoring physiological processes through non-intrusive means. Such dense continuous data provide new and fruitful avenues for complementing self-reported data with a better understanding of human dynamics and human interactions. In this study, we use a survey to collect positive affect (feelings) data from more than 300 individuals over a period of 24 h, and at the same time, map their core activities (5000 recorded activities in total) with measurements of their heart rate variability (HRV). Our results indicate a robust correlation between the HRV measurements and self-reported affect. By drawing on the neuroscience and wellbeing literature we show that dynamic HRV results are what we expect for positive affect, particularly when performing activities like sleep, travel, work, exercise and eating. This research provides new insights into how to collect HRV data, model and interpret it.
Synergistic protection of borate and silicate salts composite for controlling the chloride-induced pitting and uniform corrosion of steel reinforcement bars embedded in mortars
Authors: Hussain Raja Rizwan , Alhozaimy Abdulrahman , Al-Negheimish Abdulaziz , Singh D. D. N. , Ahmed Mshtaq
Published: March 2024

In this study, the efficacy of the combined effect of borate and silicate alkali metal salts added to mortars for controlling the chloride-induced uniform and localized corrosion of embedded steel rebars is examined. The individually added salts in mortars are found to have insignificant effects in terms of reducing the uniform corrosion rate and localized damage. However, their combination (0.50% sodium tetra borate + 0.10% sodium silicate added with respect to the weight of the binder) provides complete protection to reinforcements tested for long durations under wet/dry treatments with mortars in saline water and laboratory atmospheres. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, direct current cyclic polarization, polarization resistance, and visual observations are used for quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the protective effects of the tested additives. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the corrosion products formed on the embedded steel surfaces help explain the possible mechanisms behind the considerable improvement in the inhibitive effects of a mixed composition of borate and silicate. This combination also improves the compressive strength and workability of the mixed concrete. The results reveal that the synergistic protection provided by a mixture of borate and silicate can be attributed to the co-deposition of an iron-boron + ferrosilicate + cortensitite (an iron-silicon phase) film on the rebar surface.
Elastic wave prospecting of water-conducting fractured zones in coal mining
Authors: Zhao Bingchao , He Shenglin , Bai Kun , Lu Xiaoxiao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2024

In order to understand the development law of water-conducting fractures in overlying strata during the mining process of coal seam, an elastic wave exploration method based on key stratum theory is proposed to predict the height of water-conducting fracture zone. Taking Yushen mining area as the background, the development and evolution of fractures and the three-dimensional distribution characteristics of water-conducting fracture zone are studied by combining well-ground microseismic monitoring, high-density three-dimensional seismic exploration, borehole investigation, FLAC3D numerical simulation and similar physical simulation tests. The results indicate that the trial mining face's fracture-to-coal ratio ranges from 25.86 to 30.76, with the maximum fracture-to-coal ratio near the cutting eye at 30.76 and the minimum in the central portion of the trial mining face at 25.86. The primary characteristics of rock mass fracture distribution in the mined area are the development of fractures predominantly along high-angle and even vertical bedding planes. Within the fracture zone, fractures increase from top to bottom, with high-angle fractures developing in the lower section and high-angle and horizontal fractures developing simultaneously in the upper section. The water-conducting fracture zone undergoes a developmental process from inception to development, reaching its maximum height, and eventually stabilizing as coal seam mining progresses, overlying rock subsides, strata separation, and damage formation. The three-dimensional shape of the water-conducting fracture zone in the roof of the Yushen mining area exhibits a morphological pattern where the height of the fracture zone gradually decreases from the cutting eye towards the goaf. It also transitions from high to low along both sides and from the periphery towards the interior of the working face. In the trend and strike directions, it exhibits saddle-like characteristics. By comparing the monitoring results, the rationality of the elastic wave prospecting method for predicting the height of water-conducting fracture zones based on critical layer theory was verified. This research holds significant reference value for coal mining under similar geological conditions, especially in terms of water preservation during mining operations.
Comparative life cycle assessment of environmental impacts and economic feasibility of tomato cultivation systems in northern plains of India
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Bhardwaj Arvind , Singh Lakhwinder Pal , Singh Gurraj , Kumar Anupam , Pattnayak Kanhu Charan
Published: March 2024

To meet the growing demand for vegetable production and promote sustainable agriculture, it is imperative to implement effective input management and adopt eco-friendly farming practices. This study aims to compare the environmental impacts of conventional and organic tomato cultivation in the northern plains of India. This study utilizes SimaPro 9.1.1 software for a comprehensive cradle-to-farm gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), assessing production stages, identifying key environmental factors, and incorporating ReCiPe Midpoint and Endpoint methods with one-hectare as a functional unit. Findings reveal that conventional cultivation is more affected by fertilizer application and transplanting, while organic cultivation emphasizes transplanting and irrigation. Organic cultivation contributes 904.708 kg CO2, while conventional cultivation contributes 1307.917 kg CO2 to Global Warming potential. Switching to organic cultivation leads to a significant 35.04% decrease in all impact categories. Using the endpoint method, organic cultivation achieves a notable 27.16% reduction, scoring 58.30 compared to conventional cultivation's 80.04. The LCA analysis of tomato cultivation highlights Fertilizer application as the predominant environmental concern, emphasizing the need for sustainable techniques to minimize waste and mitigate environmental impacts. This study recommends imposing restrictions on fertilizer and pesticide use and formulating effective policies to promote the adoption of sustainable practices.
Prevalence of diabetic kidney disease and the associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in a multi-ethnic Asian country
Authors: Wan Kim Sui , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Mustapha Feisul , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli , Mat Rifin Halizah , Ismail Mastura , Moy Foong Ming , Ahmad Noor Ani
Published: March 2024

The actual prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DKD and its associated risk factors among T2D patients in Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the year 2022 clinical audit dataset from the National Diabetes Registry. DKD was defined as albuminuria, a decreased glomerular filtration rate, or both. Among 80,360 patients, 62.2% were female, 68.4% were Malay, and the mean age was 61.4 years. A total of 56.7% (95% CI 56.4–57.1%) of patients were found to have DKD. Increasing age, male sex, Malay ethnicity, longer duration of diabetes, overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, insulin, higher numbers of antihypertensive agents, antiplatelet agents, poorer HbA1c control, higher systolic blood pressure, non-achievement of triglyceride target, and non-attainment of HDL-cholesterol goal were independent risk factors associated with DKD. Clinicians, program managers, and health policymakers should target modifiable factors to manage DKD and prevent its progression to end-stage kidney disease in Malaysia.
Identification of HDAC9 and ARRDC4 as potential biomarkers and targets for treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Jing , Meng Lingzhen , Liu Zhihong , Lu Ming , Wang Ruiying
Published: March 2024

We aimed to identify the key potential insulin resistance (IR)-related genes and investigate their correlation with immune cell infiltration in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The GSE78721 dataset (68 diabetic patients and 62 controls) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and utilized for single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. IR-related genes were obtained from the Comparative Toxicology Genetics Database, and the final IR-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by intersecting with the DEGs obtained from the GSE78721 datasets. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, and the networks of the target gene with microRNA, transcription factor, and drug were constructed. Hub genes were identified based on a protein–protein interaction network. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Random Forest and Boruta analysis were combined to screen diagnostic biomarkers in T2D, which were validated using the GSE76894 (19 diabetic patients and 84 controls) and GSE9006 (12 diabetic patients and 24 controls) datasets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the biomarker expression in IR mice and control mice. In addition, infiltration of immune cells in T2D and their correlation with the identified markers were computed using CIBERSORT. We identified differential immune gene set regulatory T-cells in the GSE78721 dataset, and T2D samples were assigned into three clusters based on immune infiltration. A total of 2094 IR-DEGs were primarily enriched in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Importantly, HDAC9 and ARRDC4 were identified as markers of T2D and associated with different levels of immune cell infiltration. HDAC9 mRNA level were higher in the IR mice than in control mice, while ARRDC4 showed the opposite trend. In summary, we discovered potential vital biomarkers that contribute to immune cell infiltration associated with IR, which offers a new sight of immunotherapy for T2D.
Impact of media supplements FGF2, LIF and IGF1 on the genome activity of porcine embryos produced in vitro
Authors: Rosenbaum Bartkova Alexandra , Nemcova Lucie , Strejcek Frantisek , Gad Ahmed , Kinterova Veronika , Morovic Martin , Benc Michal , Prochazka Radek , Laurincik Jozef
Published: March 2024

In this article, we focused on the impact of precisely chemically modified FLI maturation medium enriched with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its potential to improve the efficiency of in vitro production of porcine embryos. We hypothesized that enhancing the composition of the maturation medium could result in an elevated production of embryos in vitro and can affect EGA. FLI medium resulted in a significantly higher rate of oocyte blastocyst maturation and formation compared to the control DMEM medium. In addition, immunocytochemical labelling confirmed the detection of UBF in 4-cell FLI parthenogenic embryos, suggesting similarities with natural embryo development. Through RNAseq analysis, upregulated genes present in 4-cell FLI embryos were found to play key roles in important biological processes such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and transcriptional regulation. Based on our findings, we demonstrated the positive influence of FLI medium in the evaluation of in vitro embryo production, EGA detection, transcriptomic and proteomic profile, which was confirmed by the positive activation of the embryonal genome in the 4-cell stage of parthenogenetically activated embryos.
Going to extremes: progress in exploring new environments for novel antibiotics
Authors: Quinn Gerry A. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: March 2024

The discoveries of penicillin and streptomycin were pivotal for infection control with the knowledge subsequently being used to enable the discovery of many other antibiotics currently used in clinical practice. These valuable compounds are generally derived from mesophilic soil microorganisms, predominantly Streptomyces species. Unfortunately, problems with the replication of results suggested that this discovery strategy was no longer viable, motivating a switch to combinatorial chemistry in conjunction with existing screening programmes to derive new antimicrobials. However, the chemical space occupied by these synthetic products is vastly reduced compared to those of natural products. More recent approaches such as using artificial intelligence to ‘design’ synthetic ligands to dock with molecular targets suggest that chemical synthesis is still a promising option for discovery. It is important to employ diverse discovery strategies to combat the worrying increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we reconsider whether nature can supply innovative solutions to recalcitrant infections. Specifically, we assess progress in identifying novel antibiotic-producing organisms from extreme and unusual environments. Many of these organisms have adapted physiologies which often means they produce different repertoires of bioactive metabolites compared to their mesophilic counterparts, including antibiotics. In addition, we examine insights into the regulation of extremotolerant bacterial physiologies that can be harnessed to increase the production of clinically important antibiotics and stimulate the synthesis of new antibiotics in mesophilic microorganisms. Finally, we comment on the insights provided by combinatorial approaches to the treatment of infectious diseases that might enhance the efficacy of antibiotics and reduce the development of AMR.
Flexible Properties: Adsorptive Storage and Separation
Authors: Zhang Xue-Wen , Ye Zi-Ming , Zhang Jie-Peng
Published: March 2024

When compared to conventional porous materials, metal–organic frameworks can show much larger flexibility in responses to the change of external chemical (guest) and physical (temperature, pressure, light, etc.) environments, giving rise to unique and controllable adsorption behaviours that are potentially useful for improving the performances of related applications. However, there are still many controversial understandings about the roles of various types of flexibility for adsorptive storage and separation. This chapter analyses the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of flexibility/dynamism under chemical and physical stimuli. Based on representative examples, the role of typical types of flexibility (pore-opening/pore-closing and gating behaviours) for adsorptive storage and separation is discussed, focusing on critical performances such as working capacity, selectivity, co-adsorption and purity.