bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brainstem astrocytes control homeostatic regulation of caloric intake
Authors: Clyburn Courtney , Carson Kaitlin E. , Smith Caleb R. , Travagli R. Alberto , Browning Kirsteen N.
Published: January 2023

Prolonged high‐fat diet (HFD) exposure is associated with hyperphagia, excess caloric intake and weight gain. After initial exposure to a HFD, a brief (24–48 h) period of hyperphagia is followed by the regulation of caloric intake and restoration of energy balance within an acute (3–5 day) period. Previous studies have demonstrated this occurs via a vagally mediated signalling cascade that increases glutamatergic transmission via activation of NMDA receptors located on gastric‐projecting neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). The present study used electrophysiological recordings from thin brainstem slice preparations, in vivo recordings of gastric motility and tone, measurement of gastric emptying rates, and food intake studies to investigate the hypothesis that activation of brainstem astrocytes in response to acute HFD exposure is responsible for the increased glutamatergic drive to DMV neurons and the restoration of caloric balance. Pharmacological and chemogenetic inhibition of brainstem astrocytes reduced glutamatergic signalling and DMV excitability, dysregulated gastric tone and motility, attenuated the homeostatic delay in gastric emptying, and prevented the decrease in food intake that is observed during the period of energy regulation following initial exposure to HFD. Understanding the mechanisms involved in caloric regulation may provide critical insights into energy balance as well as into the hyperphagia that develops as these mechanisms are overcome.

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Key points

Initial exposure to a high fat diet is associated with a brief period of hyperphagia before caloric intake and energy balance is restored.

This period of homeostatic regulation is associated with a vagally mediated signalling cascade that increases glutamatergic transmission to dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons via activation of synaptic NMDA receptors.

The present study demonstrates that pharmacological and chemogenetic inhibition of brainstem astrocytes reduced glutamatergic signalling and DMV neuronal excitability, dysregulated gastric motility and tone and emptying, and prevented the regulation of food intake following high‐fat diet exposure.

Astrocyte regulation of glutamatergic transmission to DMV neurons appears to involve release of the gliotransmitters glutamate and ATP.

Understanding the mechanisms involved in caloric regulation may provide critical insights into energy balance as well as into the hyperphagia that develops as these mechanisms are overcome.
New Perspectives on Reverse Translation: Brief History and Updates
Authors: Wicaksono Adhityo , Kharisma Viol Dhea , Parikesit Arli Aditya
Published: January 2023

Since the 1950s, reverse translation has been an enigmatic part of Crick’s central dogma of molecular biology. It might be described as the possibility to back-translate information from proteins to nucleic acids (or codons). A few studies have attempted to theorize and/or conduct in vitro experiments to test the likelihood of reverse translation, with ideas often involving the creation of peptide recognition sites that bridge the peptide and the codon. However, due to many constraints including an asymmetrical informational transfer, the stability of protein-peptide bonds, the structural non-uniformity of protein R-groups, and the informational loss in post-translational protein modifications, this concept requires follow-up studies. On the other hand, current bioinformatic tools that rely on computational programs and biological databases represent a growing branch of biology. Bioinformatics-based reverse translationcan utilize codon usage tables to predict codons from their peptide counterparts. In addition, the development of machine learning tools may allow for the exploration of biological reverse translation in vitro. Thus, while in vivo reverse translation appears to be nearly impossible (due to biological complexity), related biological and bioinformatics studies might be useful to understand better thecentral dogma’s informational transfer and to develop more complex biological machinery.
Validation of a Fully Integrated Numerical Simulation Method to Assess Structural Integrity on a Flexible Model of FOWT Using RB-FEA
Authors: Knezevic David , Pinguet Romain , Martin Bruce , Peterson John , Podskarbi Mat , Price Seth , Vallaghe Sylvain
Published: January 2023

This work is part of the DIGIFLOAT project. This project aims to provide a digital twin software framework that enables high-fidelity structural integrity analysis for a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) in its as-is state — we refer to this as a structural digital twin (SDT). The same framework is also applicable at design time to assess an extensive range of operational conditions with high-fidelity analysis. In order to achieve this purpose, we validate in this work, a complete system-level FOWT structural analysis framework, which is integrated with NREL OpenFAST and Akselos’ Integra® software. OpenFAST provides the global motions and loads, and these are mapped in the time-domain to the structural model for structural analysis. The structural analysis includes all relevant loads from the system-level model: wind turbine aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, servo-control, and mooring. We demonstrate that the Reduced Basis Finite Element Analysis (RB-FEA) used in Integra® makes detailed structural analysis of FOWT hulls efficient, and that this is an enabler for FOWT SDTs.
Prediction of Heave and Pitch Low Frequency Wave Forces and Motions of a Semi-Submersible Floating Wind Turbine and Comparison With Model Test Data
Authors: Fonseca Nuno , Siva de Sousa Carlos Eduardo , Berthelsen Petter Andreas
Published: January 2023

Most of the floating wind turbine (FWT) sub-structure concepts are designed with long natural periods of the vertical motions to de-tune from the wave frequency range. The consequence is that the natural frequencies of heave, roll and pitch are excited by low frequency wave and wind loads. The paper focus is on the low frequency (LF) wave drift loads and the related heave and pitch responses of a semi-submersible type of FWT (12MW INO WINDMOOR). It presents several approaches to calculate the wave drift force coefficients and related forces in irregular waves, namely mean wave drift coefficients combined with Newman’s approximation, quadratic transfer functions (QTFs) neglecting the free surface integral from the 2nd order potential flow solution and QTFs based on the full 2nd order solution. The different approximations are used to perform nonlinear time domain simulations of the FWT motions and the results compared to the model test data (the model tests were performed in the ocean basin of SINTEF at a scale of 1:40). The LF damping of heave and pitch is represented by a linear and a quadratic damping coefficient identified from decay model tests. The coupled numerical solution requires a correct representation of the surge mode of motion. In this case, the wave drift forces are represented by empirical QTFs, while the LF damping includes a contribution from the calm water damping represented by a linear and a quadratic coefficient, together with a wave drift damping coefficient. The numerical results show a good agreement with the model test data in irregular waves when full QTFs are used to calculate the wave drift forces.
Motion and Tension Response Study of a 15MW Offshore Reference Floating Wind Turbine With a Semisubmersible
Authors: Chen Jiaxing , Su Zhiyong , Ding Yu , Liu Allen , Duggal Arun
Published: January 2023

A comprehensive study has been carried out to understand the system motion and mooring tension response under various environmental conditions for the 15MW offshore reference wind turbine. The publicly available data of IEA 15MW offshore reference wind turbine and the UMaine VolturnUS-S reference semisubmersible platform and its associated chain catenary mooring system are used for this study. The simulations are run in the time domain using OrcaFlex for a coupled aero-servo-hydro model. To simulate the stochastic turbulent wind as observed in the real world, wind fields are generated by TurbSim and imported into OrcaFlex. The simulations account for various environmental conditions which include individual and combined wind, waves, and current. Response statistics are summarized to study the impact of individual environmental component on the system responses. Furthermore, the responses are also inspected in the frequency domain. It can be shown that the responses under a general combined wind, waves, current condition can be decomposed into the responses in three frequency regions (low frequency, wave frequency, and high frequency). Each region is dominated by either a specific (or up to two) environmental component(s) or the resonant responses of the superstructure (tower and turbine). A further investigation also reveals that, in operational conditions, the high-frequency motions from the superstructure could contribute significantly to the tension response of the mooring line. Given the large number of cycles and amplitudes of this response, severe fatigue damage could be accumulated in a short time and leads to premature mooring failure. The underlying physics of this high-frequency tension response is examined, and a possible solution is proposed to mitigate the issue.
Model Testing of Non-Linear Mooring System Using an Active Mooring Simulator for Floating Offshore Wind Systems
Authors: McGlynn Alyssa , Kimball Richard , Ward Jacob , Libby Curtis , Fowler Matt
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the development, testing and validity of an active mooring simulator for basin testing of scale model floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). The mooring simulator uses closed loop force control and a lookup table to actuate linear and non-linear mooring response for a semi-submersible 11MW FOWT at 1:56.7 scale. Presented is the validation of the system performance on the bench and against traditional springs in the basin. Three mooring systems were actuated by the mooring simulator:

1) Linearized polyester semi-taut mooring,

2) Non-linear polyester semi-taut mooring,

3) Non-linear catenary mooring.

Characterization and verification of the simulated mooring system was done by direct comparison to an actual spring system. Validation results include linear actuated free decays and irregular wave tests in comparison to traditional spring setup. Non-linear mooring responses were also simulated under irregular sea states specified by ABS guidelines.

The control system uses a proportional-integrator (PI) controller with active force feedback and a lookup table. The force-displacement relationship of the represented mooring systems includes static and dynamic stiffness components developed from OrcaFlex simulations. This relationship is fed into the controller for the active mooring system via a lookup table. The actuation of non-linear force displacement relationships allows for basin test results to be more accurate to the increasingly non-linear mooring systems being developed.
Recent Hydrodynamic Modeling Enhancements in OpenFAST
Authors: Wang Lu , Jonkman Jason , Hayman Greg , Platt Andy , Jonkman Bonnie , Robertson Amy
Published: January 2023

To improve the hydrodynamic modeling capabilities of the offshore wind design and modeling tool OpenFAST, a restructuring of the HydroDyn hydrodynamics module was undertaken with several new features implemented. The generation of the wave field is now separated from HydroDyn into a new module called SeaState. Unlike previous versions of HydroDyn, which precomputed the wave kinematics at the undisplaced positions of the hydrodynamic nodes, the new SeaState module computes the complete time history of the wave field at the vertices of a user-defined wave grid. During the simulation, the wave kinematics at any point within the grid can be efficiently interpolated, allowing the strip-theory wave loads to be evaluated based on the wave kinematics at the displaced structure position. A phase correction was also implemented for the potential-flow wave-exciting loads to account for large structure displacements. Several wave-stretching methods were implemented for the strip-theory solution along with a wave-load redistribution method that ensures smooth variation of the nodal loads as the nodes of a discrete hydrodynamic mesh enter and exit the water. The load smoothing is included to avoid the excitation of unphysical high-frequency structural vibration during hydroelastic simulations. The MacCamy-Fuchs diffraction correction for the strip-theory solution and the capability to insert a constrained NewWave into extreme stochastic sea states with directional spreading were also added. The present article documents the formulations of the new improvements to HydroDyn with example applications and numerical results.
Comparison of Morison Forces With CFD Modelling for a Surface Piercing Column of a FOWT
Authors: H. Dadmarzi Fatemeh , Califano Andrea , Fonseca Nuno , Berthelsen Petter Andreas
Published: January 2023

An accurate estimation of the low-frequency wave loads on floating wind turbines is important for design of mooring systems. In order to add wave drift viscous effects, to the potential flow loads from radiation/diffraction codes, one approach would be to use the drag term in Morison’s equation integrated to the instantaneous free surface. The aim of this study is to define the drag coefficients depending on distance to free surface and KC (Keulegan-Carpenter) number. A systematic series of CFD simulations of Stokes fifth order waves has been done for a fixed structure resembling the floating wind turbine structure studied in WINDMOOR project. Simulations are run with the CFD code STAR-CCM+. The structure is a tripod composed of three vertical columns joined at the bottom by pontoons and at the top by deck beams.

As one of the steps towards the analysis of the whole structure, the sectional CFD forces on one of the columns is studied here. Morison mass and drag coefficients are determined for each cross section of the column from the CFD simulation. Obtained sectional coefficients and total forces are compared with the available experimental data in the literature for a circular cylinder. The possible interaction effects between the columns are investigated. Forces on the sections close to the free surface are addressed and the accuracy of the Morison formula for these sections is discussed.
Numerical Modelling and Field Testing of a Pneumatic Mooring Damper for Application in Floating Offshore Wind
Authors: Khalid Faryal , Thies Philipp R. , Johanning Lars , Twohey Andrew , Grandelli Patrick , Newsam David
Published: January 2023

The cost associated to mooring systems of floating offshore wind (FOW) turbines can be reduced by introducing innovative components that lower the design load requirements. An ideal FOW mooring system must possess sufficient stiffness to maintain station-keeping whilst providing the necessary compliance to dampen peak loads. The Intelligent Mooring System (IMS) is a component that provides this combination of desirable stiffness characteristics; it demonstrates a nonlinear stiffness response that not only reduces mooring loads but also loads transferred to other components and subsystems of the turbine. This results in providing an opportunity to reduce the load capacity and associated cost of the mooring system.

The key innovation, performance and reliability aspects of the IMS have been physically proven in previous experimental work. This paper presents the results of a numerical modelling study to develop the IMS to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, that is, a demonstration in relevant environment. The IMS is integrated into the mooring system of the IEA 15-MW FOW reference turbine in OrcaFlex using a stiffness profile based on physical lab testing. Coupled hydro-aerodynamic simulations are used to highlight the load reduction potential offered by various configurations of the IMS in different water depths. The results of this study confirm that the load reduction potential of the IMS is larger in shallow water at rated wind speeds relative to deep water sites or extreme weather conditions. The IMS demonstrates a maximum reduction of up to 20%, indicating the possibility of lowering the design requirements for other mooring components leading to cost saving benefits. The paper will be of interest to practitioners and researchers tasked with the design, analysis and installation of mooring systems for floating wind.
Real-Time Hybrid Testing of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Using a Surrogate-Based Aerodynamic Emulator
Authors: Ransley Edward , Brown Scott , Edwards Emma , Tosdevin Tom , Monk Kieran , Reynolds Alastair , Greaves Deborah , Hann Martyn
Published: January 2023

Physical modelling of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) is challenging due to the complexities associated with simultaneous application of two different scaling laws, governing the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic loading on the structure. To avoid these issues, this paper presents a real-time hybrid testing strategy in which a feedback-loop, consisting of an on-board fan, and control algorithm, is utilised to emulate the aerodynamic forces acting on the FOWT system. Here, we apply this strategy to a 70th-scale IEA Wind 15MW reference wind turbine mounted on a version of the VolturnUS-S platform. Unlike other similar methods, which directly simulate the aerodynamic loads for the fan’s control using an aerodynamic code running in parallel with the experiment, this example utilises a surrogate model trained on numerical model data calculated in advance. This strategy enables high fidelity numerical model data, or even physical data, to be included in the aerodynamic emulation, by removing the requirement for real-time simulation, and, therefore, potentially enables more accurate loading predictions to be used in the experiments. This paper documents the development of the real-time hybrid testing system in the Coastal Ocean And Sediment Transport (COAST) Laboratory at the University of Plymouth in the U.K., including the hardware, software and instrumentation set-up, and demonstrates the power of the surrogate-based aerodynamic emulator based on numerical data calculated using OpenFAST.
Increasing Efficiency and Power Density of Floating Offshore Wind Platforms: Assessing the Viability of Gyroscopic Stabilization and Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Toland Talia , Emunah Gabriel , DuPont Bryony
Published: January 2023

There are substantial benefits to the adoption of offshore wind, namely consistent power production, the ability to deploy much larger turbines than traditionally installed onshore, and minimal disruption to residential or urban environments. However, over 80 percent of the ideal global offshore wind resource requires a floating turbine system because the water depth exceeds the maximum for fixed-bottom systems. Furthermore, many concerns and technical issues of fixed-bottom systems can potentially be mitigated with floating offshore wind — there would be significantly less disruption to the ocean floor, structures could be placed such that they are not visible from shore, and the operations and maintenance of these structures could be easier as floating platforms could potentially be towed quayside for maintenance. Additionally, there is an opportunity for floating offshore wind systems to generate more power and/or work more efficiently in that they can be combined with other energy capturing systems, such as wave energy converters (WECs). Wave energy converters transform energy from the waves into mechanical or electrical energy. WECs have yet to converge toward any one design, especially since there are many ways to capture energy from a cyclically moving fluid. It is also relatively expensive to design and build these systems, and as such, no singular economically efficient system has emerged in the industry. If WECs themselves are still not economically feasible, we see this as an opportunity to combine two emerging systems — floating offshore wind turbines and wave energy converters — to create a hybrid power generation system that would have a higher power density, increased efficiency, and potentially, eventual higher economic returns as the LCOE of each individual system continues to decrease.

This work is an exploratory design study of how wave energy converters (WECs) could be concurrently used to improve floating offshore wind platforms. Additionally, we will explore the use of gyroscopic stabilizers located within the floating offshore wind turbine platform, in addition to including wave energy converters that would extend off the sides of the platform and would be partially submerged. If feasible, this hybrid system would not only increase the efficiency of the wind turbine system themselves (by maintaining a more constant angle of attack into the wind and reducing stress from cyclical loading) but also generate more power, thus achieving a higher power density in a given location.
Low protease activity in B cell follicles promotes retention of intact antigens after immunization
Authors: Aung Aereas , Cui Ang , Maiorino Laura , Amini Ava P. , Gregory Justin R. , Bukenya Maurice , Zhang Yiming , Lee Heya , Cottrell Christopher A. , Morgan Duncan M. , Silva Murillo , Suh Heikyung , Kirkpatrick Jesse D. , Amlashi Parastoo , Remba Tanaka , Froehle Leah M. , Xiao Shuhao , Abraham Wuhbet , Adams Josetta , Love J. Christopher , Huyett Phillip , Kwon Douglas S. , Hacohen Nir , Schief William R. , Bhatia Sangeeta N. , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: January 2023

The structural integrity of vaccine antigens is critical to the generation of protective antibody responses, but the impact of protease activity on vaccination in vivo is poorly understood. We characterized protease activity in lymph nodes and found that antigens were rapidly degraded in the subcapsular sinus, paracortex, and interfollicular regions, whereas low protease activity and antigen degradation rates were detected in the vicinity of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). Correlated with these findings, immunization regimens designed to target antigen to FDCs led to germinal centers dominantly targeting intact antigen, whereas traditional immunizations led to much weaker responses that equally targeted the intact immunogen and antigen breakdown products. Thus, spatially compartmentalized antigen proteolysis affects humoral immunity and can be exploited.
The drivers and impacts of Amazon forest degradation
Authors: Lapola David M. , Pinho Patricia , Barlow Jos , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Berenguer Erika , Carmenta Rachel , Liddy Hannah M. , Seixas Hugo , Silva Camila V. J. , Silva-Junior Celso H. L. , Alencar Ane A. C. , Anderson Liana O. , Armenteras Dolors , Brovkin Victor , Calders Kim , Chambers Jeffrey , Chini Louise , Costa Marcos H. , Faria Bruno L. , Fearnside Philip M. , Ferreira Joice , Gatti Luciana , Gutierrez-Velez Victor Hugo , Han Zhangang , Hibbard Kathleen , Koven Charles , Lawrence Peter , Pongratz Julia , Portela Bruno T. T. , Rounsevell Mark , Ruane Alex C. , Schaldach Rüdiger , da Silva Sonaira S. , von Randow Celso , Walker Wayne S.
Published: January 2023

Approximately 2.5 × 10
6
square kilometers of the Amazon forest are currently degraded by fire, edge effects, timber extraction, and/or extreme drought, representing 38% of all remaining forests in the region. Carbon emissions from this degradation total up to 0.2 petagrams of carbon per year (Pg C year
−1
), which is equivalent to, if not greater than, the emissions from Amazon deforestation (0.06 to 0.21 Pg C year
−1
). Amazon forest degradation can reduce dry-season evapotranspiration by up to 34% and cause as much biodiversity loss as deforestation in human-modified landscapes, generating uneven socioeconomic burdens, mainly to forest dwellers. Projections indicate that degradation will remain a dominant source of carbon emissions independent of deforestation rates. Policies to tackle degradation should be integrated with efforts to curb deforestation and complemented with innovative measures addressing the disturbances that degrade the Amazon forest.
Highly efficient p-i-n perovskite solar cells that endure temperature variations
Authors: Li Guixiang , Su Zhenhuang , Canil Laura , Hughes Declan , Aldamasy Mahmoud H. , Dagar Janardan , Trofimov Sergei , Wang Luyao , Zuo Weiwei , Jerónimo-Rendon José J. , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Wang Chenyue , Zhu Rui , Zhang Zuhong , Yang Feng , Nasti Giuseppe , Naydenov Boris , Tsoi Wing C. , Li Zhe , Gao Xingyu , Wang Zhaokui , Jia Yu , Unger Eva , Saliba Michael , Li Meng , Abate Antonio
Published: January 2023

Daily temperature variations induce phase transitions and lattice strains in halide perovskites, challenging their stability in solar cells. We stabilized the perovskite black phase and improved solar cell performance using the ordered dipolar structure of β-poly(1,1-difluoroethylene) to control perovskite film crystallization and energy alignment. We demonstrated p-i-n perovskite solar cells with a record power conversion efficiency of 24.6% over 18 square millimeters and 23.1% over 1 square centimeter, which retained 96 and 88% of the efficiency after 1000 hours of 1-sun maximum power point tracking at 25° and 75°C, respectively. Devices under rapid thermal cycling between −60° and +80°C showed no sign of fatigue, demonstrating the impact of the ordered dipolar structure on the operational stability of perovskite solar cells.
Collective super- and subradiant dynamics between distant optical quantum emitters
Authors: Tiranov Alexey , Angelopoulou Vasiliki , van Diepen Cornelis Jacobus , Schrinski Björn , Sandberg Oliver August Dall’Alba , Wang Ying , Midolo Leonardo , Scholz Sven , Wieck Andreas Dirk , Ludwig Arne , Sørensen Anders Søndberg , Lodahl Peter
Published: January 2023

Photon emission is the hallmark of light-matter interaction and the foundation of photonic quantum science, enabling advanced sources for quantum communication and computing. Although single-emitter radiation can be tailored by the photonic environment, the introduction of multiple emitters extends this picture. A fundamental challenge, however, is that the radiative dipole-dipole coupling rapidly decays with spatial separation, typically within a fraction of the optical wavelength. We realize distant dipole-dipole radiative coupling with pairs of solid-state optical quantum emitters embedded in a nanophotonic waveguide. We dynamically probe the collective response and identify both super- and subradiant emission as well as means to control the dynamics by proper excitation techniques. Our work constitutes a foundational step toward multiemitter applications for scalable quantum-information processing.
Complex scaffold remodeling in plant triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: De La Peña Ricardo , Hodgson Hannah , Liu Jack Chun-Ting , Stephenson Michael J. , Martin Azahara C. , Owen Charlotte , Harkess Alex , Leebens-Mack Jim , Jimenez Luis E. , Osbourn Anne , Sattely Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2023

Triterpenes with complex scaffold modifications are widespread in the plant kingdom. Limonoids are an exemplary family that are responsible for the bitter taste in citrus (e.g., limonin) and the active constituents of neem oil, a widely used bioinsecticide (e.g., azadirachtin). Despite the commercial value of limonoids, a complete biosynthetic route has not been described. We report the discovery of 22 enzymes, including a pair of neofunctionalized sterol isomerases, that catalyze 12 distinct reactions in the total biosynthesis of kihadalactone A and azadirone, products that bear the signature limonoid furan. These results enable access to valuable limonoids and provide a template for discovery and reconstitution of triterpene biosynthetic pathways in plants that require multiple skeletal rearrangements and oxidations.
Dieter Oesterhelt (1940–2022)
Authors: Hegemann Peter , Michel Hartmut
Published: January 2023

Pioneer of membrane protein research
In Science Journals
Authors: Smith Keith T. , Hallberg Dorothy L. , Funk Michael A. , Foley John F. , Osborne Ian S. , Lopez Bianca , Szuromi Phil , Alderton Gemma , Kelly Priscilla N. , Hurtley Stella M. , Stern Peter , Grocholski Brent , Olingy Claire
Published: January 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Human neutralizing antibodies to cold linear epitopes and subdomain 1 of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Bianchini Filippo , Crivelli Virginia , Abernathy Morgan E. , Guerra Concetta , Palus Martin , Muri Jonathan , Marcotte Harold , Piralla Antonio , Pedotti Mattia , De Gasparo Raoul , Simonelli Luca , Matkovic Milos , Toscano Chiara , Biggiogero Maira , Calvaruso Veronica , Svoboda Pavel , Cervantes Rincón Tomás , Fava Tommaso , Podešvová Lucie , Shanbhag Akanksha A. , Celoria Andrea , Sgrignani Jacopo , Stefanik Michal , Hönig Vaclav , Pranclova Veronika , Michalcikova Tereza , Prochazka Jan , Guerrini Giuditta , Mehn Dora , Ciabattini Annalisa , Abolhassani Hassan , Jarrossay David , Uguccioni Mariagrazia , Medaglini Donata , Pan-Hammarström Qiang , Calzolai Luigi , Fernandez Daniel , Baldanti Fausto , Franzetti-Pellanda Alessandra , Garzoni Christian , Sedlacek Radislav , Ruzek Daniel , Varani Luca , Cavalli Andrea , Barnes Christopher O. , Robbiani Davide F.
Published: January 2023

Emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants diminishes the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral monoclonal antibodies. Continued development of immunotherapies and vaccine immunogens resilient to viral evolution is therefore necessary. Using coldspot-guided antibody discovery, a screening approach that focuses on portions of the virus spike glycoprotein that are both functionally relevant and averse to change, we identified human neutralizing antibodies to highly conserved viral epitopes. Antibody fp.006 binds the fusion peptide and cross-reacts against coronaviruses of the four genera, including the nine human coronaviruses, through recognition of a conserved motif that includes the S2′ site of proteolytic cleavage. Antibody hr2.016 targets the stem helix and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants. Antibody sd1.040 binds to subdomain 1, synergizes with antibody rbd.042 for neutralization, and, similar to fp.006 and hr2.016, protects mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 against infection when present as a bispecific antibody. Thus, coldspot-guided antibody discovery reveals donor-derived neutralizing antibodies that are cross-reactive with Orthocoronavirinae, including SARS-CoV-2 variants.
N-Phenylpyridine-3-Carboxamide and 6-Acetyl-1H-Indazole Inhibit the RNA Replication Step of the Dengue Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Sow Aïssatou Aïcha , Pahmeier Felix , Ayotte Yann , Anton Anaïs , Mazeaud Clément , Charpentier Tania , Angelo Léna , Woo Simon , Cerikan Berati , Falzarano Darryl , Abrahamyan Levon , Lamarre Alain , Labonté Patrick , Cortese Mirko , Bartenschlager Ralf , LaPlante Steven R. , Chatel-Chaix Laurent
Published: January 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) is a
Flavivirus
that causes the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease. Clinical manifestation of DENV infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe symptoms that can lead to death.
Answer to January 2023 Photo Quiz
Authors: Rattin Jacob , Albarillo Fritzie S. , Kanakis Constantine , Abdelsattar Zaid M. , Syed Daneyal , Harrington Amanda , Ananthanarayanan Vijayalakshmi
Published: January 2023

Read the full article for the answer.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Aeromonas veronii Isolates from Channel Catfish
Authors: Abernathy Jason W. , Zhang Dunhua , Liles Mark R. , Lange Miles D. , Shoemaker Craig A. , Beck Benjamin H.
Published: January 2023

The genomes of seven
Aeromonas veronii
strains isolated from tissues of healthy or diseased channel catfish obtained from Alabama, USA, fish farms were sequenced and annotated. These genome sequences will enable comparative analyses to determine the roles these bacteria play in catfish aquaculture and the development of new preventative or management strategies.
FOXO3A acts as immune response modulator in human virus-negative inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Makrutzki-Zlotek Kamila , Escher Felicitas , Karadeniz Zehra , Aleshcheva Ganna , Pietsch Heiko , Küchler Konstanze , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Heidecker Bettina , Poller Wolfgang , Landmesser Ulf , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Thevathasan Tharusan , Skurk Carsten
Published: January 2023

Objective

Inflammatory cardiomyopathy is characterised by inflammatory infiltrates leading to cardiac injury, left ventricular (LV) dilatation and reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Several viral pathogens and autoimmune phenomena may cause cardiac inflammation.

The effects of the gain of functionFOXO3Asingle-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12212067 on inflammation and outcome were studied in a cohort of patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) in relation to cardiac viral presence.

Methods

Distribution of the SNP was determined in virus-positive and virus-negative DCMi patients and in control subjects without myocardial pathology. Baseline and outcome data were compared in 221 virus-negative patients with detection of cardiac inflammation and reduced LVEF according to their carrier status of the SNP.

Results

Distribution of SNP rs12212067 did not differ between virus-positive (n=22, 19.3%), virus-negative (n=45, 20.4 %) and control patients (n=18, 23.4 %), indicating the absence of susceptibility for viral infection or inflammation per se (p=0.199). Patients in the virus-negative DCMi group were characterised by reduced LVEF 35.5% (95% CI) 33.5 to 37.4) and increased LVEDD (LV end-diastolic diameter) 59.8 mm (95% CI 58.5 to 61.2). Within the group, SNP and non-SNP carriers had similarly impaired LVEF 39.2% (95% CI 34.3% to 44.0%) vs 34.5% (95% CI 32.4 to 36.5), p=0.083, and increased LVEDD 58.9 mm (95% CI 56.3 to 61.5) vs 60.1 mm (95% CI 58.6 to 61.6), p=0.702, respectively. The number of inflammatory infiltrates was not different in both SNP groups at baseline. Outcome after 6 months showed a significant improvement in LVEF and clinical symptoms in SNP rs12212067 carriers 50.9% (95% CI 45.4 to 56.3) versus non-SNP carriers 41.7% (95% CI 39.2 to 44.2), p≤0.01. The improvement in clinical symptoms and LVEF was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac inflammation (ΔCD45RO+p≤0.05; ΔMac-1+p≤0.05; ΔLFA-1+p≤0.01; ΔCD54+p≤0.01) in the SNP cohort versus non-SNP cohort, respectively. Subgroup analyses identified ΔMac-1+, ΔLFA-1+, ΔCD3+and Δperforin+as predictors for improvement in cardiac function in SNP-positive patients.

Conclusion

FOXO3A might act as modulator of the cardiac immune response, diminishing cardiac inflammation and injury in pathogen-negative DCMi.
Clinical characteristics, evaluation and outcomes of chylopericardium: a systematic review
Authors: Verma Beni , Kumar Ashwin , Verma Nikita , Agrawal Ankit , Yesilyaprak Abdullah , Furqan Muhammad M , Mahalwar Gauranga , Berglund Felix , Manna Sayan , Schleicher Mary , Raeisi-Giglou Pejman , Nasser Mohamed , Jabri Ahmad , Wang Tom Kai Ming , Klein Allan L
Published: January 2023

Objective

Chylopericardium (CPE) is a rare condition associated with accumulation of triglyceride-rich chylous fluid in the pericardial cavity. Due to minimal information on CPE within the literature, we conducted a systematic review of all published CPE cases to understand its clinical characteristics, management and outcomes.

Methods

We performed a literature search and identified cases of patients with CPE from 1946 until May 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We identified relevant articles for pooled analyses of clinical, diagnostic and outcome data.

Results

A total of 95 articles with 98 patients were identified. Patient demographics demonstrated male predominance (55%), with a mean age of 37±15 years. Time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 5 (Q1 4.5, Q3 14) days, with 74% of patients symptomatic on presentation. Idiopathic CPE (60%) was the most common aetiology. Cardiac tamponade secondary to CPE was seen in 38% of cases. Pericardial fluid analysis was required in 94% of cases. Lymphangiography identified the leakage site in 59% of patients. Medical therapy (total parenteral nutrition, medium-chain triglycerides or octreotide) was undertaken in 63% of cases. In our cohort, 32% progressed towards surgical intervention. During a median follow-up of 180 (Q1 180, Q3 377) days, CPE recurred in 16% of cases. Of the patients with recurrence, 10% were rehospitalised.

Conclusion

CPE tends to develop in younger patients and may cause serious complications. Many patients fail medical therapy, thereby requiring surgical intervention. Although overall mortality is low, associated morbidities warrant close follow-up and possible reintervention and hospitalisations.
Potential mechanisms linking high-volume exercise with coronary artery calcification
Authors: Zambrano Angelica , Tintut Yin , Demer Linda L , Hsu Jeffrey J
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have found an association between high volumes of physical activity and increased levels of coronary artery calcification (CAC) among older male endurance athletes, yet the underlying mechanisms have remained largely elusive. Potential mechanisms include greater exposure to inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and oxidised low-density lipoproteins, as acute strenuous physical activity has been found to enhance their systemic release. Other possibilities include post-exercise elevations in circulating parathyroid hormone, which can modify the amount and morphology of calcific plaque, and long-term exposure to non-laminar blood flow within the coronary arteries during vigorous physical activity, particularly in individuals with pre-existing atherosclerosis. Further, although the association has only been identified in men, the role of testosterone in this process remains unclear. This brief review discusses the association between high-volume endurance exercise and CAC in older men, elaborates on the potential mechanisms underlying the increased calcification, and provides clinical implications and recommendations for those at risk.
Effect of quercetin supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broilers when fed different protein diets
Authors: Hoque Md Raihanul , Kim In Ho
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flavonoid supplementation to a low-protein diet (LCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, and excreta gas emission of broilers. In total, 800 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers (BW; 42.90 ± 1.43 g) were randomly sorted into one of the 4 dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment; 20 birds/pen). Treatment diets were high-protein diet (HCP), basal diet; LCP, basal diet − 2.5% protein; TRT1, LCP + 0.025% quercetin; and TRT2, LCP + 0.050% quercetin. Experimental diets were provided to broilers from days 8 to 35. HCP, TRT1, and TRT2 showed higher body weight gain (BWG) than the LCP group during days 8–21 and in the overall experiment. However, feed conversion ratio of the HCP group was improved than that of the LCP group during days 8–21 and in the overall period. The increasing level of quercetin supplementations brought a linear increase in BWG. Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella counts in excreta samples of the experimental groups showed no significant difference. Flavonoid supplementation (0.050%) reduced drip loss in breast muscle more than that in the LCP group and showed a linear reduction. Through improved digestion, quercetin addition to an LCP reversed the BWG.
Using a multi-proxy paleolimnological approach to track the effects of multiple stressors on a naturally acidic lake from Killarney Provincial Park (Ontario, Canada)
Authors: Simmatis Brigitte , Lanigan Courtney , Lambert Breanna , Meyer-Jacob Carsten , Michelutti Neal , Paterson Andrew M. , Smol John P
Published: January 2023

Ruth-Roy Lake (Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada) is an ultra-oligotrophic, naturally acidic waterbody. Lakes in Killarney Provincial Park were impacted by long-range transportation of contaminants from copper-nickel smelting operations in nearby Sudbury, but recent lake monitoring indicates that Ruth-Roy Lake has been less acidic than inferred pre-industrial pH conditions. We assessed the effects of pH change, reduced sulphur emissions, and drivers of reduced acidity using biological and geochemical paleolimnological techniques. Ruth-Roy Lake experienced notable biological and chemical change over the past ~150 years. All examined proxies supported that Ruth-Roy Lake was naturally acidic but further acidified as early as ca. 1920s, with the strongest acidification signal apparent in ca. 1940s. Biological recovery in diatom and cladoceran assemblages, however, is modest. We highlight the importance of understanding reference conditions to assess ecosystem recovery and climate-mediated change in clear acidic lakes located in industrial landscapes.
Advances and new ideas for neutron-capture astrophysics experiments at CERN n_TOF
Authors: Domingo-Pardo C. , Babiano-Suarez V. , Balibrea-Correa J. , Caballero L. , Ladarescu I. , Lerendegui-Marco J. , Tain J. L. , Tarifeño-Saldivia A. , Aberle O. , Alcayne V. , Altieri S. , Amaducci S. , Andrzejewski J. , Bacak M. , Beltrami C. , Bennett S. , Bernardes A. P. , Berthoumieux E. , Boromiza M. , Bosnar D. , Caamaño M. , Calviño F. , Calviani M. , Cano-Ott D. , Casanovas A. , Cerutti F. , Cescutti G. , Chasapoglou S. , Chiaveri E. , Chiera N. M. , Colombetti P. , Colonna N. , Camprini P. Console , Cortés G. , A. Cortés-Giraldo M. , Cosentino L. , Cristallo S. , Dellmann S. , Di Castro M. , Di Maria S. , Diakaki M. , Dietz M. , Dressler R. , Dupont E. , Durán I. , Eleme Z. , Fargier S. , Fernández B. , Fernández-Domínguez B. , Finocchiaro P. , Fiore S. , García-Infantes F. , Gawlik-Ramięga A. , Gervino G. , Gilardoni S. , González-Romero E. , Guerrero C. , Gunsing F. , Gustavino C. , Heyse J. , Hillman W. , Jenkins D. G. , Jericha E. , Junghans A. , Kadi Y. , Kaperoni K. , Käppeler F. , Kaur G. , Kimura A. , Knapová I. , Köster U. , Kokkoris M. , Krtička M. , Kyritsis N. , Lederer-Woods C. , Lerner G. , Manna A. , Martínez T. , Masi A. , Massimi C. , Mastinu P. , Mastromarco M. , Maugeri E. A. , Mazzone A. , Mendoza E. , Mengoni A. , Milazzo P. M. , Mönch I. , Mucciola R. , Murtas F. , Musacchio-Gonzalez E. , Musumarra A. , Negret A. , Pérez de Rada A. , Pérez-Maroto P. , Patronis N. , Pavón-Rodríguez J. A. , Pellegriti M. G. , Perkowski J. , Petrone C. , Pirovano E. , Plaza J. , Pomp S. , Porras I. , Praena J. , Quesada J. M. , Reifarth R. , Rochman D. , Romanets Y. , Rubbia C. , Sánchez A. , Sabaté-Gilarte M. , Schillebeeckx P. , Schumann D. , Sekhar A. , Smith A. G. , Sosnin N. V. , Stamati M. , Sturniolo A. , Tagliente G. , Tarrío D. , Torres-Sánchez P. , Turko J. , Urlass S. , Vagena E. , Valenta S. , Variale V. , Vaz P. , Vecchio G. , Vescovi D. , Vlachoudis V. , Vlastou R. , Wallner T. , Woods P. J. , Wright T. , Zarrella R. , Žugec P. ,   The n_TOF Collaboration
Published: January 2023

This article presents a few selected developments and future ideas related to the measurement of $$(n,\gamma )$$

(
n
,
γ
)

data of astrophysical interest at CERN n_TOF. The MC-aided analysis methodology for the use of low-efficiency radiation detectors in time-of-flight neutron-capture measurements is discussed, with particular emphasis on the systematic accuracy. Several recent instrumental advances are also presented, such as the development of total-energy detectors with $$\gamma $$
γ
-ray imaging capability for background suppression, and the development of an array of small-volume organic scintillators aimed at exploiting the high instantaneous neutron-flux of EAR2. Finally, astrophysics prospects related to the intermediate i neutron-capture process of nucleosynthesis are discussed in the context of the new NEAR activation area.
Feature Selection Based on the Discriminative Significance for Sparse Binary-Valued and Imbalanced Dataset
Authors: Zhu Qiuming
Published: January 2023

Identifying the significant, or dominant, features is important to reveal the cause-and-effect relations in many pattern recognition applications, such as medical diagnosis, gene analysis, cyber security, finance and insurance fraud detection, etc. Samples that are sparsely populated and binary-valued in highly imbalanced datasets pose a challenge to the identification of these features. This paper explores an approach based on the confusion matrix measurement of the feature values with respect to their potential classification outcomes. The approach is able to compute the Discriminative Significances of the features and rank the features unbiasedly with respect to the imbalance ratios of the datasets. Experiment results on real-world and experimental datasets show that the approach made consistent evaluations of the features and identified the most significant ones accordingly on the sparse and binary-valued samples of the class-imbalanced datasets.
IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION REDUCING POVERTY AND INCOME INEQUALITY IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES? EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Authors: ADEBAYO NATHANIEL ADEYEMI
Published: January 2023

Enlisting entrepreneurship policies to address the twin issues of poverty and income inequality in particular, and development in general, has become a standard practice in low-income and less developed countries. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is quintessential in this respect. This study investigates the extent to which entrepreneurship education has reduced both poverty and income inequality among entrepreneurs in South Western Nigeria. The study sample consists of tertiary institution graduates who undertook mandatory entrepreneurship coursework and then operated as micro, small and medium enterprise owners post-graduation. Data analysis reveals weak relationships between entrepreneurship education and both poverty reduction and income inequality, and a marginal effect of entrepreneurship education on the incidence of poverty, depth of poverty and severity of poverty. The study explores factors responsible for these results and makes recommendations on how to enhance the effect of entrepreneurship education.
SOCIAL NETWORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND DIGITAL MICROENTERPRISE GROWTH IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION
Authors: TOP MODOU , ZHI YANG
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to examine the role of social networking relationships in growing an informal sector digital microenterprise and the mediating effect of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO). Using data from 248 digital microenterprises in the informal sector of Senegal, this study utilizes multiple regression and Hayes process macro Model 4 to show that social networking relationships are positively associated with online informal microbusiness’ growth and IEO. It further reveals that IEO is related to digital microenterprise growth and partially mediates its link with social networking relationships. This study contributes to the social capital literature by showing that social relationships with external entities can provide resources to buffer against infrastructure and resource deficits and other growth challenges found in developing countries. It also extends the literature on IEO by facilitating a deeper understanding of individual entrepreneurial behaviors that can help transform resources from social networking relationships into growth in an informal digital environment.
Fixed point theorems for nonexpansive and 𝒫-Lipschitzian mappings
Authors: Tlili Anouer
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present some new fixed point results for nonexpansive and [Formula: see text]-Lipschitzian operators as defined in a Banach algebra. Also we try to show that these results can be proved under some weaker conditions. An example showing the importance of our result is also included.