bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TnSmu1 is a functional integrative and conjugative element in Streptococcus mutans that when expressed causes growth arrest of host bacteria
Authors: McLellan Lisa K. , Anderson Mary E. , Grossman Alan D.
Published: October 2022

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are major drivers of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. They mediate their own transfer from host cells (donors) to recipients and allow bacteria to acquire new phenotypes, including pathogenic and metabolic capabilities and drug resistances. Streptococcus mutans, a major causative agent of dental caries, contains a putative ICE, TnSmu1, integrated at the 3′ end of a leucyl tRNA gene. We found that TnSmu1 is a functional ICE, containing all the genes necessary for ICE function. It excised from the chromosome and excision was stimulated by DNA damage. We identified the DNA junctions generated by excision of TnSmu1, defined the ends of the element, and detected the extrachromosomal circle. We found that TnSmu1 can transfer from S. mutans donors to recipients when co‐cultured on solid medium. The presence of TnSmu1 in recipients inhibited successful acquisition of another copy and this inhibition was mediated, at least in part, by the likely transcriptional repressor encoded by the element. Using microscopy to track individual cells, we found that activation of TnSmu1 caused an arrest of cell growth. Our results demonstrate that TnSmu1 is a functional ICE that affects the biology of its host cells.
Chronic jetlag reprograms gene expression in the colonic smooth muscle layer inducing diurnal rhythmicity in the effect of bile acids on colonic contractility
Authors: Desmet Louis , Thijs Theo , Segers Anneleen , Depoortere Inge
Published: October 2022

Background

Secondary bile acids entrain peripheral circadian clocks and inhibit colonic motility via the bile acid receptor GPBAR1. We aimed to investigate whether chronodisruption affected the rhythm in serum bile acid levels and whether this was associated with alterations in clock gene and Gpbar1 mRNA expression in the colonic smooth muscle layer. We hypothesized that this in turn may affect the rhythm in the inhibitory effect of secondary bile acids on colonic contractility.

Methods

Mice were exposed to 4 weeks of chronic jetlag induction. The expression of Gpbar1 and clock genes was measured in colonic smooth muscle tissue using RT‐qPCR over 24 h (4 h time interval). The effect of secondary bile acids on electrical field‐induced neural contractions was measured isometrically in colonic smooth muscle strips.

Key Results

Chronic jetlag abolished the rhythmicity in serum bile acid levels. This was associated with a phase‐shift in diurnal clock gene mRNA fluctuations in smooth muscle tissue. Chronic jetlag induced a rhythm in Gpbar1 expression in the colonic smooth muscle layer. In parallel, a rhythm was induced in the inhibitory effect of taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), but not deoxycholic acid, on neural colonic contractions that peaked together with Gpbar1 expression.

Conclusions & Inferences

Chronodisruption abolished the rhythm in bile acid levels which might contribute to a shift in smooth muscle clock gene expression. Our findings suggest that chronodisruption caused a transcriptional reprogramming in the colonic smooth layer thereby inducing a rhythm in the expression of Gpbar1 and in the inhibitory effect of TDCA on colonic contractility.
Studying flowers in 3D using photogrammetry
Authors: Leménager Marion , Burkiewicz Jérôme , Schoen Daniel J. , Joly Simon
Published: October 2022

Flowers are intricate and integrated three‐dimensional (3D) structures predominantly studied in 2D due to the difficulty in quantitatively characterising their morphology in 3D. Given the recent development of analytical methods for high‐dimensional data, the reconstruction of flower models in three dimensions represents the limiting factor to studying flowers in 3D.

We developed a floral photogrammetry protocol to reconstruct 3D models of flowers based on images taken with a digital single‐lens reflex camera, a turntable and a portable lightbox.

We demonstrate that photogrammetry allows a rapid and accurate reconstruction of 3D models of flowers from 2D images. It can reconstruct all visible parts of flowers and has the advantage of keeping colour information. We illustrated its use by studying the shape and colour of 18 Gesneriaceae species.

Photogrammetry is an affordable alternative to micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) that requires minimal investment and equipment, allowing it to be used directly in the field. It has the potential to stimulate research on the evolution and ecology of flowers by providing a simple way to access 3D morphological data from a variety of flower types.
Molecular evidence for adaptive evolution of drought tolerance in wild cereals
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Guang , Zeng Fanrong , Han Zhigang , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Zeng Meng , Yang Zujun , Xu Fei , Wu Dezhi , Deng Fenglin , Xu Shengchun , Chater Caspar , Korol Abraham , Shabala Sergey , Wu Feibo , Franks Peter , Nevo Eviatar , Chen Zhong‐Hua
Published: October 2022

The considerable drought tolerance of wild cereal crop progenitors has diminished during domestication in the pursuit of higher productivity. Regaining this trait in cereal crops is essential for global food security but requires novel genetic insight.

Here, we assessed the molecular evidence for natural variation of drought tolerance in wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum), wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides), and Brachypodium species collected from dry and moist habitats at Evolution Canyon, Israel (ECI).

We report that prevailing moist vs dry conditions have differentially shaped the stomatal and photosynthetic traits of these wild cereals in their respective habitats. We present the genomic and transcriptomic evidence accounting for differences, including co‐expression gene modules, correlated with physiological traits, and selective sweeps, driven by the xeric site conditions on the African Slope (AS) at ECI. Co‐expression gene module ‘circadian rhythm’ was linked to significant drought‐induced delay in flowering time in Brachypodium stacei genotypes. African Slope‐specific differentially expressed genes are important in barley drought tolerance, verified by silencing Disease‐Related Nonspecific Lipid Transfer 1 (DRN1), Nonphotochemical Quenching 4 (NPQ4), and Brassinosteroid‐Responsive Ring‐H1 (BRH1).

Our results provide new genetic information for the breeding of resilient wheat and barley in a changing global climate with increasingly frequent drought events.
ITGB4 deficiency induces DNA damage by downregulating HDAC1 in airway epithelial cells under stress stimulation
Authors: Xu Kun , Yao Ye , Liu Huijun , Yang Ming , Yuan Lin , Du Xizi , Yang Yu , Qin Ling , Wang Weijie , Zhou Kai , Wu Xinyu , Liu Chi
Published: October 2022

Background

DNA damage in airway epithelia under exogenous disruptors can trigger various pulmonary diseases. Integrin beta 4 (ITGB4) is a structural adhesion molecule, which is indicated to regulate the process of DNA damage in airway epithelia for its unique long cytoplasmic domain subunit.

Methods

The expression level of ITGB4 and the degree of DNA damage were observed in the house dust mite (HDM)‐stressed model and ozone‐challenged model, respectively. Besides, ITGB4 conditional knockout mice and ITGB4‐deficient airway epithelial cells were constructed to observe the influence of ITGB4 deficiency on DNA damage. Furthermore, the influence of ITGB4 deficiency on HDAC1 expression in airway epithelia was determined under stress stimulation. Finally, corresponding intervention strategies were carried out to verify the involvement of the ITGB4‐mediated HDAC1 pathway in DNA damage of airway epithelial cells.

Results

HDM stress and ozone challenge reduced the expression of ITGB4, which is accompanied by the increased expression of 8‐oxoG and γ‐H2AX both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, ITGB4 deficiency in airway epithelia aggravates the degree of DNA damage under HDM stimulation and ozone stress, respectively. Furthermore, ITGB4 deficiency downregulated the expression of HDAC1 during DNA damage, and restoring HDAC1 can reverse the enhanced DNA damage in airway epithelial cells after exogenous stress.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the involvement of ITGB4 in the regulation of DNA damage through mediating HDAC1 in airway epithelial cells under exogenous stress. These results supply some useful insights into the mechanism of DNA damage in airway epithelial cells, which would provide possible targets for early prediction and intervention of pulmonary diseases.
Predictors of psychological distress during self‐isolation
Authors: Kent Jessica N. , Kilby Christopher J.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Global pandemics, such as the current COVID‐19 pandemic, are predicted to increase in prevalence in the future. Transmission suppression techniques such as social distancing and stay‐at‐home restrictions have introduced an abundance of additional stressors while simultaneously reducing our capacity to cope with stress, thus increasing the collective burden of the pandemic. Numerous psychosocial factors have been identified to protect against distress in difficult circumstances. However, it is unknown whether these factors will continue to be protective in the pandemic context.

Design

The aim of the current study was to determine whether locus of control (LOC), coping style or self‐compassion were debilitating or protective factors towards psychological well‐being (depression, anxiety, stress and positive and negative affect) during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

In the current study, Australian adults (N = 176) completed a longitudinal online survey (two time points, 2 weeks apart) incorporating measures of demographics, locus of control, coping, self‐compassion (measured at T1), depression, anxiety, stress and positive and negative affect (measured at T1 and T2) throughout June–August 2020, during the height of lockdown in Australia.

Results

Multiple regression analyses suggested that avoidant coping was predictive of increases in stress and negative affect across time points. Additionally, self‐compassion was predictive of increased positive affect across time points.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the pandemic context represents a unique stressor, demanding a distinctive set of strategies and psychosocial characteristics to cope. Interventions targeted at reducing avoidant coping behaviours and promoting self‐compassion may contribute to improvements in psychological well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as future pandemics.
Seasonal variation in effect of anti‐PD‐1 initiation on overall survival among patients with advanced melanoma
Authors: Ellebaek Eva , Schina Aimilia , Schmidt Henrik , Haslund Charlotte Aaquist , Bastholt Lars , Svane Inge Marie , Donia Marco
Published: October 2022

Melanoma is a highly immunogenic cancer, and circannual rhythms influence the activity of the immune system. We retrospectively collected information on all cases with metastatic melanoma (ocular melanoma excluded) that initiated treatment with BRAF‐inhibitor‐based therapy (BRAFi) or anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy (PD‐1). Cases were divided in two groups based on treatment initiation in the summer half‐year (April to September) or winter half‐year (October to March). We collected a total of 1054 (BRAF‐i) and 1205 (PD‐1) patient cases. Median follow‐up was 39.7 (BRAFi) and 47.5 (PD‐1) months. We did not observe differences in outcomes across patients who were treated in summer versus winter in the BRAFi cohort. Furthermore, we did not observe significant differences in ORR, CRR, and PFS in the PD‐1 cohort. However, in patients with BRAF wild‐type disease of the PD‐1 cohort, treatment initiation in summer was associated with an improved OS (mOS 39.7 months [summer] versus 21.3 months [winter]; HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.86, p = .0007). This result remained robust to multivariable proportional hazards adjustment (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.87, p = .001). Initiation of immunotherapy in summer is associated with prolonged survival in patients with BRAF wild‐type melanoma living in Denmark.
Mydriasis and anisocoria in a pediatric hyperhidrosis patient with interesting findings in the family cat
Authors: Sandhu Mandeep , Eisenstein Kimberly
Published: October 2022

Here, we report a case of unilateral ocular mydriasis in a pediatric patient with longstanding hyperhidrosis, as well as similar findings in her cat. The patient had been undergoing treatment of her hyperhidrosis with topical glycopyrrolate. This case highlights the potential side effect profile of topical antimuscarinics and the importance of counseling patients on proper precautions.
Female donor hearts can improve survival for male pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Greenberg Jason W. , Moore Ryan A. , Kulshrestha Kevin , Lorts Angela , Perry Tanya , Huang Bin , Chen Chen , Morales David L. S. , Zafar Farhan
Published: October 2022

Background

Both gender‐ and weight‐matching between donor and recipient are thought to impact survival in pediatric heart transplantation, with clinical dogma holding that male donor hearts and “ideal” weight‐matching yield superior survival. The composite impacts of gender and weight on post‐transplant survival (PTS) are understudied.

Methods

All pediatric (age <18) heart recipients between 1989 and 2021 with the complete recipient and donor gender and weight data were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Patients were grouped by recipient–donor gender (M & F) and donor‐to‐recipient weight ratio (DRWR; undersized [<0.8], ideal‐sized [0.8–1.5], oversized [>1.5]).

Results

A total of 10 697 patients were identified. Among male recipients, PTS was greatest with oversized DRWR from either male or female donors (median 22.4 and 20.6 years; p < .001 vs. others) and lowest for undersized DRWR from either male or female donors (median 13.4 and 13.2 years; p < .001 vs. others). The majority (64%) of male recipients received ideal‐sized DRWR, among which female donor hearts yielded superior survival to males (median 18.9 vs. 17.4 years, p = .014). No differences in PTS existed for female recipients on the basis of gender‐match, DRWR, and gender/DRWR together (all p > .1).

Conclusions

When considered together, gender and DRWR pairings impact PTS in male—but not female—pediatric heart transplant recipients. For males receiving ideal‐sized DRWR organs (most common pairing, >60%), male recipients achieve superior survival when female donor hearts are transplanted. These findings suggest that if weight is being used for size‐matching, donor gender should also be considered, particularly for male recipients.
Knowing failably and Moorean assertions
Authors: Hetherington Stephen
Published: October 2022

Knowledge‐fallibilism is a species of a genus that I call knowledge‐failabilism. Each is a theory of knowledge's nature. One apparent challenge to knowledge‐failabilism's truth is theprima facieabsurdity of Moorean assertions like ‘It's raining but I do not believe that it is.’ Does each such assertion convey an implicit and unfortunate contrast, even a contradiction? I argue that thisUntenable Contrast analysisfails: no such contrast is present within the speaker's perspective at the pertinent time.
Genetic variants in 5′UTR and exonic region of NPY gene alter the reproduction performance in Indian cattle breeds
Authors: Singh Umesh , Alex Rani , Chaudhary Ayushi , Deb Rajib , Raja Thiruvothur Venketesan , Rathod Bharatsingh , Savaliya Bhagavanji Dayabhai , Kumar Sushil , Das Achintya Kumar
Published: October 2022

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most potent orexigenic factors which can produce diverse effects on behaviour and other physiological functions and is highly conserved in evolution. The present study was aimed to identify and associate SNPs in the 5′ UTR and exon2 region of the NPY gene with reproduction and production traits in Kankrej cattle of Indian origin. Three mutations in the 5′‐UTR region and one mutation in the exon2 region of the NPY gene were identified by PCR‐SSCP and PCR‐RFLP, respectively, followed by sequencing. Further, association studies were conducted with reproduction and production traits in Kankrej cattle. The GACCGA genotyped animals based on the 5′UTR variants indicated better dry period and calving interval, whereas with GGCCGG genotypes showed higher total lactation milk yield and 305‐day milk yield in comparison to other genotypes. Also, service period and inter calving period varied significantly among the genotypes of exon2, as the GG genotyped animals had significantly longer calving interval. Other traits like age at first heat, age at first service and age at first calving were not affected by the mutations. So, the present study outlined that the bovine NPY gene may be considered to be one of the candidate gene for improvement of reproductive performance of cattle, after validation on large sample size.
Disentangling the diversity of small farm business models in Euro‐Mediterranean contexts: A resilience perspective
Authors: Prosperi Paolo , Galli Francesca , Moreno‐Pérez Olga M. , Chiffoleau Yuna , Grando Stefano , Karanikolas Pavlos , Rivera Maria , Goussios Giannis , Pinto‐Correia Teresa , Brunori Gianluca
Published: October 2022

With growing concern for the unsustainability of food systems, the international research community has turned its attention to small farms as key actors to potentially face the global food crisis. This study aims to support a policy design that values the diversity of small farms business models vis‐à‐vis environmental, economic, social and institutional challenges affecting European farming systems. Building on the existing classification of five small farm types in the EU, our analysis targets the business model dynamics of small farms in four Euro‐Mediterranean countries: Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. For this analysis, we applied resilience thinking to the Business Model Canvas framework. This innovative conceptual framework allows us to depict the architecture of small farms business models and their role in farming systems. The diversity of small farms business models and their continuous adaptation to changing conditions allows for the identification of a strongly heterogeneous assemblage of farms that contribute to the resilience of food systems at local, regional and multiple other scales.
Congress report: Online workshop on assessment of technical files for blood screening in vitro diagnostics for sub‐Sahara African countries
Authors: Mbunkah Herbert A. , Kafere Chancelar , Samukange Washington , Nübling Micha , Reinhardt Jens
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The online workshop on IVD regulation was performed to broaden the understanding of the technical documentation needed for IVD licensing and the strategies to asses it.

Background

Testing of blood donors and donations significantly reduces the risk of transmitting transfusion‐transmissible infections. Many test systems are commercially available, but not all meet the recommended sensitivity and specificity standards. Many African countries either lack functional structures for the regulation of IVDs this poses a threat to the quality of the blood supply.

Materialsand Methods

The Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut BloodTrain organised an online workshop in September 2021 to introduce staff from several National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in Africa to the regulation of IVD and the technical information that need to be provided by the manufacturers of blood screening IVD. Their evaluation was trained in practical exercises.

Results

This online workshop brought together over hundred participants from NRAs of 12 African countries. Speakers from PEI, Blood Train, WHO and academia, with experience in IVD regulation trained participants in the various topics addressed during this workshop.

Conclusions

This workshop presented a great starting point for most participating NRAs to set up and/or strengthen their regulatory structures for IVDs.
Evaluation of faecal lactoferrin as a morbidity biomarker in Schistosoma mansoni infection
Authors: Elhadad Heba , Mohamed Mostafa A. , Mohamed Marwa Morsy , Abdo Sarah
Published: October 2022

Objective

Lactoferrin is an 80 KDa iron‐binding glycoprotein that plays a significant role in the innate immune system and is considered to be an important microbicide molecule. This study aimed to assess the concentration of lactoferrin in Schistosoma mansoni‐infected cases before and after praziquantel treatment.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out on 250 individuals aged from 5 to 30 years. Stool samples were examined for the presence of parasitic infections using Kato‐Katz and formalin ethyl acetate techniques. All S. mansoni‐positive cases were treated with praziquantel and stool samples were recollected 21 days later. Faecal lactoferrin level was determined before and after treatment.

Results

The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 14.4%. Among 36 participants infected with S. mansoni, the cure rate was 91.7%. A statistically significant difference in the mean lactoferrin level before and after treatment was detected (1648.95 pg/ml ± 656.5 vs. 1162.8 pg/ml ± 356.8). This difference was statistically significant in the middle and older age groups, in males and in the absence of coinfection with other parasites.

Conclusion

Lactoferrin could be a promising biomarker associated with S. mansoni infection, however, it could not be used to assess the severity of infection.
Investigation of Gradient Platinum Loading and Porosity Distribution for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Mousa Hassan , Xing Lei , Das Prodip K.
Published: October 2022

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are in development as a low-cost alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). AEMFCs produce water at the anode side and consume it at the cathode side, resulting in no cathode water flooding like in PEMFCs. However, it brings complexity to water transportation behavior and requires appropriate water balance to avoid membrane drying out. In this study, a two-dimensional two-phase multi-physics model has been developed to investigate the impacts of three key electrode parameters (porosity, catalyst loading, and ionomer content) that are responsible for water production and transport as well as the performance of an AEMFC. A piecewise constant function along the x-direction (reactant diffusion direction) is used to apply the gradient on the porosity and platinum loading. The present results show that a larger porosity gradient near the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL)/flow channel interface and lower near the GDL/microporous layer (MPL) interface can enhance mass transport and water removal, which is benefited the AEMFC performance. However, anode GDL porosity gradients show a lower AEMFC performance compared to the cathode porosity gradients. Moreover, it was confirmed that for both electrodes, the performance of AEMFC was significantly dependent on each electrode parameter.
HFE7500 Coolant Dielectric Strength Augmentation Under Convective Conditions
Authors: Iradukunda Ange Christian , Huitink David , Kayijuka Kevin , Gebrael Tarek , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: October 2022

Power densification and rising module heat losses cannot be managed by traditional “external-to-case” cooling solutions. This is especially pronounced in high voltage systems, where intervening layers of insulating material between the power devices and cooling solution need to be sufficiently thick to provide adequate voltage isolation. As operating voltages increase, the required thicknesses for these insulating layers become so large that they limit the ability to extract the heat. A direct cooling approach that addresses voltage separation issues represents a unique opportunity to deliver coolant to the hottest regions, while opening up the opportunity for increased scaling of power electronics modules. However technical concerns about long-term performance of coolants and their voltage isolation characteristics coupled with integration challenges impede adoption. Here, the reliability and performance of a dielectric fluid of the hydrofluoroether type, HFE7500, are examined to advance the feasibility of a direct cooling approach for improved thermal management of high-voltage, high-power module. The breakdown voltage of the dielectric fluid is characterized through relevant temperatures, flow rates, and electric fields with the ultimate goal of developing design rules for direct integrated cooling schemes.
Simple precession calculation for Mercury: A linearization approach
Authors: Hall Michael J. W.
Published: October 2022

The additional perihelion precession of Mercury due to general relativity can be calculated by a method that is no more difficult than solving for the Newtonian orbit. This method relies on linearizing the relativistic orbit equation, is simpler than standard textbook methods, and is closely related to Newton's theorem on revolving orbits. The main result is accurate for all values of [Formula: see text] for near-circular orbits.
Near-infrared photoglottography for measuring multiple glottal events
Authors: Chi Yujie , Honda Kiyoshi , Wei Jianguo
Published: October 2022

Near-infrared (NIR) photoglottography (PGG) is a non-invasive method for monitoring glottal activities which retains functionality of conventional PGG using visible light with more convenient accessibility. This paper is to investigate its performance in comparison with simultaneously recorded electroglottography (EGG) signals. Results showed that NIR PGG detects continuous transillumination for glottal aperture and vocal-fold contact. Glottal timing markers known as glottal closure and opening instants are detectable agreeing to the corresponding EGG-based instants. Further, it was inferred that variations of glottal waveforms based on NIR PGG reflect vertical vocal-fold edge motions.
Differences in Muscle Demand and Joint Contact Forces Between Running and Skipping
Authors: Roelker Sarah A. , DeVita Paul , Willson John D. , Neptune Richard R.
Published: October 2022

Skipping has been proposed as a viable cross-training exercise to running due to its lower knee contact forces and higher whole-body energy expenditure. However, how individual muscle forces, energy expenditure, and joint loading are affected by differences in running and skipping mechanics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare individual muscle forces, energy expenditure, and lower extremity joint contact forces between running and skipping using musculoskeletal modeling and simulations of young adults (n = 5) performing running and skipping at 2.5 m·s−1 on an instrumented treadmill. In agreement with previous work, running had greater knee and patella contact forces than skipping which was accompanied by greater knee extensor energetic demand. Conversely, skipping had greater ankle contact forces and required greater energetic demand from the uniarticular ankle plantarflexors. There were no differences in hip contact forces between gaits. These findings further support skipping as a viable alternative to running if the primary goal is to reduce joint loading at the commonly injured patellofemoral joint. However, for those with ankle injuries, skipping may not be a viable alternative due to the increased ankle loads. These findings may help clinicians prescribe activities most appropriate for a patient’s individual training or rehabilitation goals.
Is It Really Worth the Effort? Examining the Effects of Mental Fatigue on Physical Activity Effort Discounting
Authors: Harris Sheereen , Stratford Paul , Bray Steven R.
Published: October 2022

Physical activity (PA) guidelines are informed by epidemiological evidence but do not account for people’s motivation for exerting physical effort. Previous research has shown that people are less motivated to engage in moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA when fatigued. In a two-study series, we investigated how intensity and duration affected people’s willingness to engage in PA using an effort-discounting paradigm. A secondary purpose was to examine whether effort discounting was affected by mental fatigue. Both studies revealed a significant Intensity × Duration interaction demonstrating a reduced willingness to engage in PA of higher intensities across increasing duration levels. Study 1 demonstrated greater effort discounting for vigorous-intensity PA with increasing mental fatigue; however, this effect was not observed in Study 2. Findings provide novel insight toward people’s motivation for engaging in PA based on the properties of the task, and some evidence suggesting feelings of fatigue may also influence motivation to exert physical effort.
Fusible mantle cumulates trigger young mare volcanism on the cooling Moon
Authors: Su Bin , Yuan Jiangyan , Chen Yi , Yang Wei , Mitchell Ross N. , Hui Hejiu , Wang Hao , Tian Hengci , Li Xian-Hua , Wu Fu-Yuan
Published: October 2022

The Chang’E-5 (CE5) mission has demonstrated that lunar volcanism was still active until two billion years ago, much younger than the previous isotopically dated lunar basalts. How the small Moon retained enough heat to drive such late volcanism is unknown, particularly as the CE5 mantle source was anhydrous and depleted in heat-producing elements. We conduct fractional crystallization and mantle melting simulations that show that mantle melting point depression by the presence of fusible, easily melted components could trigger young volcanism. Enriched in calcium oxide and titanium dioxide compared to older Apollo magmas, the young CE5 magma was, thus, sourced from the overturn of the late-stage fusible cumulates of the lunar magma ocean. Mantle melting point depression is the first mechanism to account for young volcanism on the Moon that is consistent with the newly returned CE5 basalts.
Diffusion and bulk flow of amino acids mediate calcium waves in plants
Authors: Bellandi Annalisa , Papp Diana , Breakspear Andrew , Joyce Joshua , Johnston Matthew G. , de Keijzer Jeroen , Raven Emma C. , Ohtsu Mina , Vincent Thomas R. , Miller Anthony J. , Sanders Dale , Hogenhout Saskia A. , Morris Richard J. , Faulkner Christine
Published: October 2022

In plants, a variety of stimuli trigger long-range calcium signals that travel rapidly along the vasculature to distal tissues via poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we use quantitative imaging and analysis to demonstrate that traveling calcium waves are mediated by diffusion and bulk flow of amino acid chemical messengers. We propose that wounding triggers release of amino acids that diffuse locally through the apoplast, activating the calcium-permeable channel GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR-LIKE 3.3 as they pass. Over long distances through the vasculature, the wound-triggered dynamics of a fluorescent tracer show that calcium waves are likely driven by bulk flow of a channel-activating chemical. We observed that multiple stimuli trigger calcium waves with similar dynamics, but calcium waves alone cannot initiate all systemic defense responses, suggesting that mobile chemical messengers are a core component of complex systemic signaling in plants.
Deep cis-regulatory homology of the butterfly wing pattern ground plan
Authors: Mazo-Vargas Anyi , Langmüller Anna M. , Wilder Alexis , van der Burg Karin R. L. , Lewis James J. , Messer Philipp W. , Zhang Linlin , Martin Arnaud , Reed Robert D.
Published: October 2022

Butterfly wing patterns derive from a deeply conserved developmental ground plan yet are diverse and evolve rapidly. It is poorly understood how gene regulatory architectures can accommodate both deep homology and adaptive change. To address this, we characterized the cis-regulatory evolution of the color pattern gene
WntA
in nymphalid butterflies. Comparative assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) and in vivo deletions spanning 46 cis-regulatory elements across five species revealed deep homology of ground plan–determining sequences, except in monarch butterflies. Furthermore, noncoding deletions displayed both positive and negative regulatory effects that were often broad in nature. Our results provide little support for models predicting rapid enhancer turnover and suggest that deeply ancestral, multifunctional noncoding elements can underlie rapidly evolving trait systems.
An evolutionary trade-off between host immunity and metabolism drives fatty liver in male mice
Authors: Nikkanen Joni , Leong Yew Ann , Krause William C. , Dermadi Denis , Maschek J. Alan , Van Ry Tyler , Cox James E. , Weiss Ethan J. , Gokcumen Omer , Chawla Ajay , Ingraham Holly A.
Published: October 2022

Adaptations to infectious and dietary pressures shape mammalian physiology and disease risk. How such adaptations affect sex-biased diseases remains insufficiently studied. In this study, we show that sex-dependent hepatic gene programs confer a robust (~300%) survival advantage for male mice during lethal bacterial infection. The transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), which masculinizes hepatic gene expression at puberty, is essential for this advantage. However, protection by BCL6 protein comes at a cost during conditions of dietary excess, which result in overt fatty liver and glucose intolerance in males. Deleting hepatic BCL6 reverses these phenotypes but markedly lowers male survival during infection, thus establishing a sex-dependent trade-off between host defense and metabolic systems. Our findings offer strong evidence that some current sex-biased diseases are rooted in ancient evolutionary trade-offs between immunity and metabolism.
In Science Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , Funk Michael A. , Osborne Ian S. , Vinson Valda , Lavine Marc S. , Hurtley Stella M. , Charneski Catherine A. , Ray L. Bryan , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Zahn Laura M. , Jiang Di , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Olingy Claire
Published: October 2022

Highlights from the
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In Other Journals
Authors: Smith Keith T. , Lopez Bianca , Simonti Corinne , Ash Caroline , Lavine Marc S. , Hurtley Stella M. , Yeston Jake
Published: October 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Heart risks fuel debate over COVID-19 boosters
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: October 2022

With benefits unclear, some scientists question new round of shots for young people
Formation of the Green Mountain anticlinorium in northern Vermont at ca. 420 Ma
Authors: Tam* Evan , Webb Laura E. , Aiken Cheyne , Kim Jonathan , Klepeis Keith
Published: October 2022

The Appalachian Mountains in northern Vermont host a complex rock record of the tectonic evolution of eastern Laurentia, from the opening of the Iapetus Ocean to the subsequent formation of a convergent Paleozoic margin involving multiple phases of orogenesis. Prior 40Ar/39Ar studies in Vermont and northern Massachusetts have generally interpreted two major events associated with a dominantly Ordovician Taconic orogeny and a Devonian Acadian orogeny; intermediate ages were considered to reflect Taconic metamorphism and/or deformation that was “partially reset” during the Acadian orogeny. However, recent studies have documented Salinic ages in northern Vermont, aligning with multiple lines of evidence in southern Quebec for an intervening Salinic orogeny during the Silurian.

This study reports integrated microstructural and 40Ar/39Ar geochronological analyses of samples collected across the Green Mountain anticlinorium in northern Vermont. The dominant S2 and S3 foliations are defined in thin section by predominantly white mica/quartz microlithons and aligned mica cleavage domains in schist to graphitic schist that formed under greenschist-facies conditions. Correlation of microstructures across the field area and associated 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages reveal a spatial pattern associated with microstructural development across the anticlinorium. In the eastern limb, the oldest plateau age, 457.6 ± 2.0 Ma (1σ), is interpreted to reflect the timing of formation of S2. The youngest plateau age, 419.0 ± 2.4 Ma, comes from the western limb of the anticline near the trace of the Honey Hollow fault, where S2 is completely transposed by S3. Intermediate ages were obtained across the axis of the anticline, where S3 is a crenulation cleavage. While the Green Mountain anticlinorium has been previously interpreted to have formed in the Devonian during the Acadian orogeny, the typical ca. 386–355 Ma ages are notably absent in the data set, except in locally disturbed spectra.

The results of this work are closely aligned with published results of 40Ar/39Ar dating in southern Quebec that reflect deformation during Taconic and Salinic orogenesis. These new data, together with recently reported ages of west-directed transport on Taconic thrusts along the western Green Mountain front at ca. 420 Ma, suggest a phase of mountain building in the New England Appalachians that has been previously unreported in Vermont. The formation of the Green Mountain anticlinorium coincided with a complex tectonic interval that overlapped temporally with (1) the transition from Salinic thrusting to normal faulting, (2) magmatism attributed to slab breakoff, and (3) syntectonic deposition in the Connecticut Valley–Gaspé Basin.
High-magnitude stresses induced by mineral-hydration reactions
Authors: Plümper Oliver , Wallis David , Teuling Floris , Moulas Evangelos , Schmalholz Stefan M. , Amiri Hamed , Müller Thomas
Published: October 2022

Fluid-rock interactions play a critical role in Earth’s lithosphere and environmental subsurface systems. In the absence of chemical mass transport, mineral-hydration reactions would be accompanied by a solid-volume increase that may induce differential stresses and associated reaction-induced deformation processes, such as dilatant fracturing to increase fluid permeability. However, the magnitudes of stresses that manifest in natural systems remain poorly constrained. We used optical and electron microscopy to show that one of the simplest hydration reactions in nature [MgO + H2O = Mg(OH)2] can induce stresses of several hundred megapascals, with local stresses of as much as ∼1.5 GPa. We demonstrate that these stresses not only cause fracturing but also induce plastic deformation with dislocation densities (1015 m−2) exceeding those typical of tectonically deformed rocks. If these reaction-induced stresses can be transmitted across larger length scales, they may influence the bulk stress state of reacting regions. Moreover, the structural damage induced may be the first step toward catastrophic rock failure, triggering crustal seismicity.
Early Au-rich sulfide liquid saturation explains the low Au endowment of continental intraplate alkaline magmas
Authors: Rottier Bertrand , Chelle-Michou Cyril , Casanova Vincent , Pastore Camille , Tollan Peter
Published: October 2022

Alkaline magmatic systems formed in intraplate settings have a low Au endowment, contrasting with the high Au fertility of alkaline magmatic systems in arc and rift settings, which host numerous Au-rich porphyries and Cu-Au and Au-Ag epithermal deposits. Among other factors, the Au fertility of a magmatic system is determined by the Au concentration of the ore-forming magma, which is strongly controlled by the amount and chemistry of magmatic sulfides that fractionated during magma differentiation. To better explore the factors controlling the low Au endowment of alkaline magmatic systems formed in intraplate settings, we studied magmatic sulfide and silicate melt inclusions hosted in various phenocrysts from the Mont-Dore Massif (France). The magmatic system was saturated with Cu-poor, Au-rich sulfide liquid during its differentiation from basanite to trachyandesite, leading to a strong depletion of both Cu and Au in the residual melt. This presumably reduced the capacity of the magmatic system to form Au-rich magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. Such evolution contrasts with previous studies conducted in sulfide-saturated magmatic systems formed in arc settings, where an Au-poor monosulfide solid solution was the main sulfide phase to crystallize, only marginally affecting the Au budget of those systems. We conclude that the observed saturation of Au-rich sulfide liquid during evolution of the studied volcanic products could explain the low Au endowment of intraplate alkaline magmatic systems.
Flexural and shear behaviours of GFRP-reinforced concrete beams based on nonlinear finite element studies
Authors: Barrage R. , Polak M.A.
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the finite element analysis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete beams. The research focuses on refining and validating concrete constitutive modelling within the commercial software ABAQUS. The accuracy of the proposed models is evaluated against a set of experimentally tested GFRP-reinforced concrete beams with, and without, GFRP shear reinforcement. The validated models are then used to conduct a parametric study on the influence of slenderness and shear reinforcement on the behaviour of GFRP-reinforced beams, the results of which are compared to the CSA S806-12 and ACI440.1R-15 design provisions. A discussion is provided on the effectiveness of the current design methods in predicting strength and failure modes of the GFRP-reinforced beams.
The environment dependent dilaton in the laboratory and the solar system
Authors: Brax Philippe , Fischer Hauke , Käding Christian , Pitschmann Mario
Published: October 2022

We consider the environment-dependent dilaton in the laboratory and the solar system and derive approximate analytical solutions to the field theory equations of motion in the presence of a one or two mirror system or a sphere. The solutions obtained herein can be applied toqBOUNCE experiments, neutron interferometry and for the calculation of the dilaton field induced “Casimir force” in theCannexexperiment as well as for Lunar Laser Ranging. They are typical of the Damour–Polyakov screening mechanism whereby deviations from General Relativity are suppressed by a vanishingly small direct coupling of the dilaton to matter in dense environments. We specifically focus on dilaton models which are compatible with the late time acceleration of the expansion of the Universe, i.e. the cosmological dilaton. We show how future laboratory experiments will essentially test a region of parameter space with$$A_2\simeq \lambda ^2$$A2≃λ2where$$A_2$$A2is the quadratic coupling strength of the dilaton to matter and$$\lambda $$λis the steepness of the exponential runaway potential. Current constraints favour the large$$A_2$$A2regime implying that the environment-dependent dilaton satisfies two of the swampland conjectures, i.e. the distance conjecture whereby the field excursion should not exceed the Planck scale and the de Sitter conjecture specifying that the running dilaton potential should be steep enough with a large$$\lambda $$λ.
Superradiant instability of dyonic Reissner–Nordström black holes
Authors: Myung Yun Soo
Published: October 2022

We investigate the superradiant instability of dyonic Reissner–Nordström (dRN) black holes with two charges under an electrically charged massive scalar perturbation. Two conditions for possessing a trapping well are obtained from analyzing asymptotic scalar potential and far-region wave functions. It is clear that the superradiant instability is not allowed in the dRN black holes because the conditions for a trapping well are not compatible with the superradiance condition.
LONG-LASTING APPROPRIATION SUCCESS OF AN INNOVATION? A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF BAYER’S ASPIRIN AND ROUNDUP
Authors: HURMELINNA-LAUKKANEN PIA , YANG JIALEI
Published: October 2022

Changes such as expiring patents and shifting environments challenge a firm trying to reach long-lasting appropriation success of an innovation. To understand how appropriation can be continued over time, this study investigates and compares Bayer’s two innovations, Aspirin medicine and Roundup herbicide. Whereas for the first, appropriation success has been continued through decades, for the latter, such a continuum has not realised. Our findings suggest that long-lasting appropriation success lies in adjusting the appropriation strategy by identifying the most substantial appropriability premises for innovation (appropriability mechanisms and complementary assets) and the ways to use them in different situations, paying specific attention to the shifting appropriability conditions. For long-term success, it is critical for firms to recognise that isolating appropriability mechanisms and complementary assets can have varied and distinctive implications depending on the pertinent contextual factors at innovation level and to strategise accordingly.
On the Stability of Hyperelastic Spherical and Cylindrical Shells Subjected to External Pressure Using a Numerical Approach
Authors: Aghaienezhad F. , Ansari R. , Darvizeh M.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the incremental equilibrium equations and corresponding boundary conditions for the isotropic, hyperelastic and incompressible shells are derived and then employed in order to analyze the behavior of spherical and cylindrical shells subjected to external pressure. The generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is utilized to solve the eigenvalue problem that results from a linear bifurcation analysis. The results are in full agreement with the previously obtained results and the effects of thickness and mode number are studied on the shell’s stability. For the spherical and cylindrical shells of arbitrary thickness which are subjected to external hydrostatic pressure, the symmetrical buckling takes place at a value of [Formula: see text] which depends on the geometric parameter [Formula: see text] and the mode number [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the undeformed inner and outer radii, respectively, and [Formula: see text] is the ratio of the deformed inner radius to the undeformed inner radius.
The Effectiveness of Standard Friction Models in Predicting the Behavior of Micropatterned Surfaces
Authors: Florio Catherine S.
Published: October 2022

Computational modeling methods were used to explore how well the behavior of a surface with a micropatterned array of uniformly shaped and spaced semi-cylindrical ribs, as predicted through a deterministic model, may be represented using a traditional Coulomb-based bulk-effects friction model. The effects of the numerical solution method, contact enforcement method, material damage model, and the number of asperities considered were first examined when the micropatterned ribs were directly included in the computational domain. The tribological behavior, defined as the static and kinetic friction forces and the associated energy dissipated, was then recreated for a comparable smooth-surface system using a Coulomb-based bulk-effects friction model, exploring the influence of user-input parameters such as the friction coefficients. With properly selected bulk-effects model parameters, the tribological behavior could be matched between the two types of models. However, the bulk-effects model could not capture the local and time-dependent effects of the asperity interactions on the force and energy measures, which are important in designing micropatterned surfaces. Through the understanding of the influences on model function that is gained through this work, a means to determine the appropriateness of each of these interface model types in studying particular phenomena of interest is provided.