bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new modelling approach for predicting process evolution of cork-rubber composites slabs vulcanization
Authors: Lopes Helena , Silva Susana P. , Carvalho João Paulo , Machado José
Published: May 2022

In order to predict the evolution of the vulcanization process of cork-rubber slabs, a numerical approach was developed combining heat transfer by conduction and kinetics models. A one-dimensional model was applied to predict the evolution of temperature and degree of cure at different stages of the vulcanization of a cork-rubber composite. Also, due to the degradation verified by the compound, an existent reversion model was added to the problem. Based on rheometer data, cure and reversion parameters were determined. Experimental data were used to determine the thermal properties of the compound, assuming a constant value or according to its degree of cure and temperature. The results obtained by simulation showed a good correspondence with experimental results, even when assuming constant thermal properties. The application of the proposed methodology provides information about the optimum process parameters for each thickness slab, without compromising the homogeneity and characteristics of the final product, which can be a valuable tool during the development and product stages of cork-rubber composites.
Glycine betaine modulates chromium (VI)-induced morpho-physiological and biochemical responses to mitigate chromium toxicity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars
Authors: Singh Deepti , Singh Chandan Kumar , Singh Dharmendra , Sarkar Susheel Kumar , Prasad Saroj Kumar , Sharma Nathi Lal , Singh Ishwar
Published: May 2022

Chromium (Cr) accumulation in crops reduces yield. Here, we grew two chickpea cultivars, Pusa 2085 (Cr-tolerant) and Pusa Green 112 (Cr-sensitive), in hydroponic and pot conditions under different Cr treatments: 0 and 120 µM Cr and 120 µM Cr + 100 mM glycine betaine (GB). For plants grown in the hydroponic media, we evaluated root morphological attributes and plasma membrane integrity via Evans blue uptake. We also estimated H+-ATPase activity in the roots and leaves of both cultivars. Plants in pots under conditions similar to those of the hydroponic setup were used to measure growth traits, oxidative stress, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, proline levels, and nutrient elements at the seedling stage. Traits such as Cr uptake in different plant parts after 42 days and grain yield after 140 days of growth were also evaluated. In both cultivars, plant growth traits, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, nutrient contents, and grain yield were significantly reduced under Cr stress, whereas oxidative stress and proline levels were increased compared to the control levels. Further, Cr uptake was remarkably decreased in the roots and leaves of Cr-tolerant than in Cr-sensitive cultivars. Application of GB led to improved root growth and morpho-physiological attributes and reduced oxidative stress along with reduced loss in plasma membrane integrity and subsequently increase in H+-ATPase activity. An increment in these parameters shows that the exogenous application of GB improves the Cr stress tolerance in chickpea plants.
Effects of drying methods and solvent extraction on quantification of major bioactive compounds in pomegranate peel waste using HPLC
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Pratibha  , Neeraj  , Sami Rokayya , Khojah Ebtihal , Aljahani Amani H. , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M.
Published: May 2022

Bioactive compound characterization is an essential step for utilizing pomegranate peel waste as food and nutraceuticals ingredients. In the present investigation, the effects of different drying methods (freeze, tray-oven, and sun) and extraction solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water, acetone, and hexane were investigated on the extraction and recovery of major bioactive compounds (ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and punicalagin) of pomegranate peel for two pomegranate varieties (i.e., Bhagwa and Ganesh) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that the freeze dried pomegranate peel powder of both pomegranate varities potential to extraction higher amount of bioactive compounds with methanol as extraction solvent as compared to other drying methods and solvents. Freeze-dried peel powder of Bhagwa pomegranate showed a higher amount of gallic acid (32.2 mg/g), ellagic acid (13.6 mg/g), punicalagin (15.2 mg/g), and quercetin (2.5 mg/g) with methanol solvent as compared to the other extract of Bhagwa and Ganesh varieties. The basis on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that the freeze-drying method of drying pomegranate peel powder and methanol as an extraction solvent are effective to recover higher amounts of bioactive compounds that can be utilized in food and pharmaceutical sectors at commercial scale.
Representing logic gates over Euclidean space via heaviside step function
Authors: Iacovelli Giovanni , Iacovelli Claudio
Published: May 2022

Theoretical concepts asserted by Alan Turing are the basis of the computation and hence of machine intelligence. Turing Machine, the fundamental computational model, has been proven to be reducible to a logic circuit and, at the same time, portable into a computer program that can be expressed through a combination of fundamental programming language control structures. This work proposes a mathematical framework that analytically models logic gates employing Heaviside Step Function. The existence of a correspondence between a generic finite-time algorithm and the proposed mathematical formulation is proven. The proposed interpretation is given through a well-defined logical circuit analytical expression. Relevant geometrical applications, related to polygon processing, having wide implications in engineering branches are presented together with a new Penalty Method for constrained optimization problems handling. A detailed simulation campaign is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the applications derived from the proposed mathematical framework.
Study of water-conducting fractured zone development law and assessment method in longwall mining of shallow coal seam
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Ji Dongliang , Han Penghua , Li Quansheng , Zhao Hongbao , He Fulian
Published: May 2022

Starting from the source of mining, scientific understanding of surface damage law and assessment method in longwall mining of shallow coal seam is conducive to solving the problems of geological hazards and deterioration of the ecological environment, and promoting the coordinated development of efficient coal mining and environmental protection. Based on numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, the surface damage process and spatiotemporal evolution of fracture field are discussed. The influencing factors and assessment method of surface damage are clarified. The results show that surface damage undergone the immediate roof caving stage, the fracture and instability stage of main roof, the spatial amplification stage of separation layer, the instability stage of surface damage control layer and the mining damage stability stage. Under the critical extraction condition, the cracks above the goaf are divided into the crack area outside the cut, the crack area inside the cut, the re-compaction area in the middle goaf, the crack area behind the longwall face, and the crack area in front of the longwall face. The overburden reaches critical failure ahead of surface critical mining. The sensitivity of loose layer thickness to surface subsidence coefficient is greater than that of mining thickness to surface subsidence coefficient. Surface damage control should be adjusted to local conditions, and finally realize zoning treatment and zoning repair. Through the three-step method of "longwall face rapid advancing method, local grouting reinforcement overburden method and zoning treatment ground fissures method", the surface damage control of 12,401 longwall face is realized. This research provides theoretical guidance and application value for surface ecological restoration in similar mining area.
Variational autoencoder provides proof of concept that compressing CDT to extremely low-dimensional space retains its ability of distinguishing dementia
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sabyasachi , Dion Catherine , Libon David J. , Price Catherine , Tighe Patrick , Rashidi Parisa
Published: May 2022

The clock drawing test (CDT) is an inexpensive tool to screen for dementia. In this study, we examined if a variational autoencoder (VAE) with only two latent variables can capture and encode clock drawing anomalies from a large dataset of unannotated CDTs (n = 13,580) using self-supervised pre-training and use them to classify dementia CDTs (n = 18) from non-dementia CDTs (n = 20). The model was independently validated using a larger cohort consisting of 41 dementia and 50 non-dementia clocks. The classification model built with the parsimonious VAE latent space adequately classified dementia from non-dementia (0.78 area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) in the original test dataset and 0.77 AUROC in the secondary validation dataset). The VAE-identified atypical clock features were then reviewed by domain experts and compared with existing literature on clock drawing errors. This study shows that a very small number of latent variables are sufficient to encode important clock drawing anomalies that are predictive of dementia.
The functional and structural neural correlates of dynamic balance impairment and recovery in persons with acquired brain injury
Authors: Joubran Katherin , Bar-Haim Simona , Shmuelof Lior
Published: May 2022

Dynamic balance control is associated with the function of multiple brain networks and is impaired following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This study aims to characterize the functional and structural correlates of ABI-induced dynamic balance impairments and recovery following a rehabilitation treatment. Thirty-one chronic participants with ABI participated in a novel rehabilitation treatment composed of 22 sessions of a perturbation-based rehabilitation training. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Community Balance and Mobility scale (CB&M) and the 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT). Brain function was estimated using resting-state fMRI imaging that was analysed using independent component analysis (ICA), and regions-of-interest analyses. Brain morphology was also assessed using structural MRI. ICA revealed a reduction in component-related activation within the sensorimotor and cerebellar networks post-intervention. Improvement in CB&M scale was associated with a reduction in FC within the cerebellar network and with baseline FC within the cerebellar-putamen and cerebellar-thalamic networks. Improvement in 10MWT was associated with baseline FC within the cerebellar-putamen and cerebellar-cortical networks. Brain volume analysis did not reveal structural correlates of dynamic balance, but dynamic balance was correlated with time since injury. Our results show that dynamic balance recovery is associated with FC reduction within and between the cerebellar and sensorimotor networks. The lack of global structural correlates of dynamic balance may point to the involvement of specific networks in balance control.
A biodegradable chipless sensor for wireless subsoil health monitoring
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sarath , Waimin Jose , Zareei Amin , Sedaghat Sotoudeh , Raghunathan Nithin , Shakouri Ali , Rahimi Rahim
Published: May 2022

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an integral component of the contemporary agricultural revolution that focuses on enhancing food productivity in proportion to the increasing global population while minimizing resource waste. While the recent advancements in PA, such as the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, have significantly improved the surveillance of field conditions to achieve high yields, the presence of batteries and electronic chips makes them expensive and non-biodegradable. To address these limitations, for the first time, we have developed a fully Degradable Intelligent Radio Transmitting Sensor (DIRTS) that allows remote sensing of subsoil volumetric water using drone-assisted wireless monitoring. The device consists of a simple miniaturized resonating antenna encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer material such that the resonant frequency of the device is dependent on the dielectric properties of the soil surrounding the encapsulated structure. The simple structure of DIRTS enables scalable additive manufacturing processes using cost-effective, biodegradable materials to fabricate them in a miniaturized size, thereby facilitating their automated distribution in the soil. As a proof-of-concept, we present the use of DIRTS in lab and field conditions where the sensors demonstrate the capability to detect volumetric water content within the range of 3.7–23.5% with a minimum sensitivity of 9.07 MHz/%. Remote sensing of DIRTS can be achieved from an elevation of 40 cm using drones to provide comparable performance to lab measurements. A systematic biodegradation study reveals that DIRTS can provide stable readings within the expected duration of 1 year with less than 4% change in sensitivity before signs of degradation. DIRTS provides a new steppingstone toward advancing precision agriculture while minimizing the environmental footprint.
Small molecules released from islets of Langerhans determined by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry
Authors: Ogunkunle Emmanuel O. , Donohue Matthew J. , Steyer Daniel J. , Adeoye Damilola I. , Eaton Wesley J. , Roper Michael G.
Published: May 2022

Islets of Langerhans are the endocrine tissue within the pancreas that secrete hormones for maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis.
Biosynthetic cell membrane vesicles to enhance TRAIL-mediated apoptosis driven by photo-triggered oxidative stress
Authors: Li Feida , Wang Xiaoyan , Wu Ming , Guan Jianhua , Liang Yuzhi , Liu Xiaolong , Lin Xinyi , Liu Jingfeng
Published: May 2022

Due to its tumor-specificity and limited side effects, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has shown great potential in cancer treatments.
Two-photon fluorescence imaging and ratiometric quantification of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase-A in neurons
Authors: Mei Yuxiao , Liu Zhichao , Liu Meijun , Gong Jiacheng , He Xiao , Zhang Qi-Wei , Tian Yang
Published: May 2022

A two-photon ratiometric fluorescence probe for selective and quantification of mitochondrial MAO-A in neurons.
Metal–organic-framework-based photocatalysts for microorganism inactivation: a review
Authors: Cai Chenjian , Fan Gongduan , Du Banghao , Chen Zhuoyi , Lin JiuHong , Yang Shangwu , Lin Xin , Li Xia
Published: May 2022

A metal–organic framework (MOF) is a porous coordination material composed of multidentate organic ligands and metal ions or metal clusters.
Effects of Ru doping on the structural stability and electrochemical properties of Li2MoO3 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: He Zhi-Xin , Yu Hai-tao , He Fei , Xie Ying , Yuan Lang , Yi Ting-feng
Published: May 2022

Li2Mo1–xRuxO3 materials were successfully prepared via a molten salt method. Our results confirmed that the electronic conductivity and lithium diffusion dynamics were improved, being responsible for the enhancement of performance of the materials.
Collective guiding of acoustically propelled nano- and microparticles
Authors: Nitschke Tobias , Stenhammar Joakim , Wittkowski Raphael
Published: May 2022

A new method for efficiently guiding motile nano- and microparticles to a target in a complex environment such as the human vasculature is proposed and computationally demonstrated, with potential applications in targeted drug delivery.
A dual-channel fluorescent ratio probe with hypoxia targeting and hypoxia activation capacity for tumour imaging
Authors: Yuan Pengcheng , Xu Xiaodan , Xiao Bing , Shi Xueying , Zhang Wei , Xu Hongxia , Piao Ying , Shen Youqing , Slater Nigel K. H. , Tang Jianbin
Published: May 2022

Illustration of the fluorescent ratio probe (OPDEA/BOD-NO2) with hypoxia targeting and hypoxia activation capacity for in vivo tumour imaging.
Unusual thermoelectric properties mediated by solute segregation in tellurium alloyed CoSbS
Authors: Gao Weihong , Yang Yuxi , Deng Mingqi , Sun Bin , Fu Yudong , Wei Xiang , Li Yixuan , Liu Zihang , Sui Jiehe
Published: May 2022

A Te dopant segregated along the grain boundaries as precipitates in CoSbS resulted in increased grain size, leading to unusual thermoelectric properties.
Neural network dynamic surface position control of n‐joint robot driven by PMSM with unknown load observer
Authors: Yang Qing , Yu Haisheng , Meng Xiangxiang , Shang Yuliang
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems of low accuracy and poor stability due to modeling error, external disturbance and unknown load, which exist in the position servo control of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) driven joint robot, this article is to propose the radial basis function (RBF) neural networks dynamic surface control strategy with the Sage‐Husa adaptive Kalman filter load torque observer. For the unknown load torque of the robot, the PMSM load torque observer is established by using the Sage‐Huga adaptive Kalman filter. The RBF neural network dynamic surface controller is designed using the online approximation capability of the neural network, which is used to approximate the modeling error, external interference and filtering error generated by the dynamic surface control of the joint robot online. Combining the above strategies, the n‐joint robot position controller is designed. The stability of this control strategy is demonstrated by stability analysis. Simulations and experiments on the two‐joint robot show that the control strategy ensures the accuracy and stability of the joint robot position control.
A fabrication method for adaptive dielectric gradient insulating components
Authors: Shen Zikui , Jia Zhidong , Hao Yanpeng , Xin Zhenyu , Wang Xilin
Published: May 2022

Dielectric gradient components have advantages in electric field mitigation and insulation improvement. In this paper, we propose a fabrication method for adaptive dielectric gradient components using in situ AC electric field, including the mechanism and the corresponding operational procedures for industrial applications. Based on the electric polarisation and self‐assembly effect of the filler particles in the liquid matrix, the chain‐like structure in the high field strength region is constructed to enhance the local permittivity and mitigate the maximum of the spatial electric field. The dielectric gradient basin insulator is prepared by this method, and its flashover voltage is increased by 12.8% compared with that of a homogeneous dielectric basin insulator, and the improvement is 20.8% when metal particles are present on the surface. The more non‐uniform the initial electric field is, the greater the improvement in flashover voltage. This method is expected to promote the industrial application of dielectric gradient insulating components.
The MUSE eXtremely deep field: first panoramic view of an Mg II emitting intragroup medium
Authors: Leclercq Floriane , Verhamme Anne , Epinat Benoit , Simmonds Charlotte , Matthee Jorryt , Bouché Nicolas F. , Garel Thibault , Urrutia Tanya , Wisotzki Lutz , Zabl Johannes , Bacon Roland , Abril-Melgarejo Valentina , Boogaard Leindert , Brinchmann Jarle , Cantalupo Sebastiano , Contini Thierry , Kerutt Josephine , Kusakabe Haruka , Maseda Michael , Michel-Dansac Léo , Muzahid Sowgat , Nanayakkara Themiya , Richard Johan , Schaye Joop
Published: May 2022

Using the exquisite data from the MUSE eXtremely Deep Field (MXDF), we report the discovery of an Mg IIemission nebula with an area above a 2σsignificance level of 1000 proper kpc2. This provides the first panoramic view of the spatial distribution of magnesium in the intragroup medium of a low-mass group of five star-forming galaxies atz = 1.31. The galaxy group members are separated by less than 50 physical kpc in projection and ≈120 km s−1in velocity space. The most massive galaxy has a stellar mass of 109.35 M⊙and shows an Mg IIP-Cygni line profile, indicating the presence of an outflow, which is consistent with the spatially resolved spectral analysis showing ≈+120 km s−1shift of the Mg IIemission lines with respect to the systemic redshift. The other galaxies are less massive and only show Mg IIin emission. The detected Mg IInebula has a maximal projected extent of ≈70 kpc, including a low-surface-brightness (≈2 × 10−19erg s−1cm−2arcsec−2) gaseous bridge between two subgroups of galaxies. The presence of absorption features in the spectrum of a background galaxy located at an impact parameter of 19 kpc from the closest galaxy of the group indicates the presence of gas enriched in magnesium even beyond the detected nebula seen in emission, which suggests that we are observing the tip of a larger intragroup medium. The observed Mg IIvelocity gradient suggests an overall rotation of the structure along the major axis of the most massive galaxy. Our MUSE data also reveal extended Fe II* emission in the vicinity of the most massive galaxy, aligned with its minor axis and pointing towards a neighboring galaxy. Extended [O II] emission is found around the galaxy group members and at the location of the Mg IIbridge. Our results suggest that both tidal stripping effects from galaxy interactions and outflows are enriching the intragroup medium of this system.
Pandora: A fast open-source exomoon transit detection algorithm
Authors: Hippke Michael , Heller René
Published: May 2022

We present Pandora, a new software to model, detect, and characterize transits of extrasolar planets with moons in stellar photometric time series. Pandora uses an analytical description of the transit light curve for both the planet and the moon in front of a star with atmospheric limb darkening and it covers all cases of mutual planet–moon eclipses during transit. The orbital motion of the star-planet-moon system is computed with a high accuracy as a nested Keplerian problem. We have optimized Pandora for computational speed to make it suitable for large-scale exomoon searches in the new era of space-based high-accuracy surveys. We demonstrate the usability of Pandora for exomoon searches by first simulating a light curve with four transits of a hypothetical Jupiter with a giant Neptune-sized exomoon in a one-year orbit around a Sun-like star. The 10 min cadence of the data matches that of the upcoming PLATO mission and the noise of 100 parts per million is dominated by photon noise, assuming a photometrically quiet, mV = 11 Sun-like star for practicality. We recovered the simulated system parameters with the UltraNest Bayesian inference package. The run-time of this search is about five hours on a standard computer. Pandora is the first photodynamical open-source exomoon transit detection algorithm, implemented fully in the python programming language and available for the community to join the search for exomoons.
VLBI observations of VIK J2318−3113, a quasar atz = 6.44
Authors: Zhang Y. , An T. , Wang A. , Frey S. , Gurvits L. I. , Gabányi K. É. , Perger K. , Paragi Z.
Published: May 2022

Context.The nature of jets in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the early Universe and their feedback to the host galaxy remains a highly topical question. Observations of the radio structure of high-redshift AGNs enabled by very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) provide indispensable input into studies of their properties and role in the galaxies’ evolution. To date, only five AGNs at redshiftz > 6 have been studied with the VLBI technique.

Aims.VIK J2318−3113 is a recently discovered quasar atz = 6.44 that had not been imaged with VLBI before the current work. Here we present the first VLBI imaging results of this high-redshift quasar, with the aim of corroborating its high-resolution appearance with the physical model of the object.

Methods.We carried out VLBI phase-referencing observations of VIK J2318−3113 using the Very Long Baseline Array at two frequencies, 1.6 and 4.7 GHz, and obtained the first view at the radio structure on the milliarcsecond scale.

Results.The source was clearly detected at 1.6 GHz. We found that almost all of its radio emission comes from the parsec-scale core region. Our dual-frequency observations constrain the spectral index and brightness temperature of the radio core. Its properties are similar to those of other known high-redshift radio-loud AGNs.
Thermodynamics of Graphene beyond the Linear Approximation
Authors: Mir Showkat Ahmad , Shah M. Ashraf
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the thermodynamic correction due to the deformed Dirac equation in a homogeneous magnetic field. We study the deformation of both the massive and massless Dirac equation. The deformation will occur from generalized uncertainty principle, which occurs due to a minimal length. As the massless Dirac equation in (2+1) gives the behaviour of electrons in systems like sheet of graphene, this deformed Dirac equation will be used to analyze the thermal properties of graphene in a magnetic eld. Due to the existence of minimal length the degeneracy of systems gets modied, as there exist states which vanish when minimal length considerations are ignored. Thus, we will also analyze the implication of this additional degeneracy due to these states to the thermodynamics of the systems. In the case of graphene the minimal length or zero point length is the inter-atomic distance, which occurs by going beyond the linear regime of graphene.
Anisotropic and valley-resolved beam-splitter based on a tilted Dirac system
Authors: Zhou Xixuan , Zheng Jianlong , Zhai Feng
Published: May 2022

We investigate theoretically valley-resolved lateral shift of electrons traversing an n–p–n junction bulit on a typical tilted Dirac system (8-Pmmn borophene). A gauge-invariant formula on Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift of transmitted beams is derived, which holds for any anisotropic isoenergy surface. The tilt term brings valley dependence of relative position between the isoenergy surface in n region and that in the p region. Consequently, valley double refraction can occur at the n–p interface. The exiting positions of two valley-polarized beams depend on the incident angle and energy of incident beam and barrier parameters. Their spatial distance D can be enhanced to be ten to a hundred times larger than the barrier width. Due to tilting-induced high anisotropy of the isoenergy surface, D depends strongly on the barrier orientation. It is always zero when the junction is along the tilt direction of Dirac cones. Thus GH effect of transmitted beams in tilted Dirac systems can be utilized to design anisotropic and valley-resolved beam-splitter.
A new effective potential for deuteron
Authors: Koohrokhi Taha , Kartal Sehban
Published: May 2022

We calculate for the first time the static properties of the deuteron, within the framework of supersymmetric quantum mechanics, analytically. A new effective potential and its partner are derived from a superpotential so that all parameters are fitted by the experimental data. An analytical expression is obtained for the deuteron wave function and contributions of the orthogonal 13
S
1 and 13
D
1 states are determined, explicitly. Compared to one pion exchange, the superpotential produces an electrostatic as well as two pion exchange terms for the potential. The saddle point radius of the potential and the maximum of the wave function are linearly proportional. In comparison with other methods, the approach presented in this paper is a new and extensible symmetry-based approach that, despite its straightforward calculations and explicit analytical expressions, provides a good explanation for two-body effective interactions such as two-nucleon systems and diatomic molecules.
Multiple aspects of the maternal reproductive investment in a polytocous species: What do mothers really control?
Authors: Brogi Rudy , Chirichella Roberta , Merli Enrico , Apollonio Marco
Published: May 2022

One of the factors facilitating the expansion and proliferation of wild boar Sus scrofa is the plasticity of its reproductive biology. Nevertheless, the real influence of maternal and environmental factors on number and sex of the offspring is still controversial. While the litter size was shown to be related with the maternal condition, the strength of this relation remains to be understood, together with the possible role played by environmental conditions. Analogously, it is unclear whether wild boar females can adjust their offspring sex. We investigated multiple aspects of wild boar maternal investment by means of a 10-year dataset of female reproductive traits and a set of biologically meaningful environmental variables. The maternal condition slightly affected the litter size but not the offspring sex, and environment did not affect the litter size or the offspring sex. Moreover, mothers did not cope with the higher costs entailed by producing sons by placing them in the most advantageous intrauterine position, nor by allocating less resources on daughters. Our set of results showed that the female reproductive investment is quite rigid in comparison with other aspects of wild boar reproductive biology. Wild boar females seem to adopt a typical r-strategy, producing constantly large litters and allocating resources on both sexes regardless of internal and external conditions. Such strategy may be adaptive to cope with environmental unpredictability and an intense human harvest, contributing to explain the extreme success of wild boar within human-dominated landscapes.
Evolution of parthenogenetic reproduction in Caucasian rock lizards: A review
Authors: Arakelyan Marine , Spangenberg Victor , Petrosyan Varos , Ryskov Alexey , Kolomiets Oksana , Galoyan Eduard
Published: May 2022

Despite numerous works devoted to hybrid origin of parthenogenesis in reptiles, the causes of hybridization between different species, resulting in the origin of parthenogenetic forms, remain uncertain. Recent studies demonstrate that sexual species considered parental to parthenogenetic rock lizards (Darevskia spp.) avoid interspecific mating in the secondary overlap areas. A specific combination of environmental factors during last glaciation period was critical for ectotherms, which led to a change in their distribution and sex ratio. Biased population structure (e.g., male bias) and limited available distributional range favored the deviation of reproductive behavior when species switched to interspecific mates. To date, at least 7 diploid parthenogenetic species of rock lizards (Darevskia, Lacertidae) originated through interspecific hybridization in the past. The cytogenetic specifics of meiosis, in particular the weak checkpoints of prophase I, may have allowed the formation of hybrid karyotypes in rock lizards. Hybridization and polyploidization are 2 important evolutionary forces in the genus Darevskia. At present, throughout backcrossing between parthenogenetic and parental species, the triploid and tetraploid hybrid individuals appear annually, but no triploid species found among Darevskia spp. on current stage of evolution. The speciation by hybridization with the long-term stage of diploid parthenogenetic species, non-distorted meiosis, together with the high ecological plasticity of Caucasian rock lizards provide us with a new model for considering the pathways and persistence of the evolution of parthenogenesis in vertebrates.
Determinants of RPA megafoci localization to the nuclear periphery in response to replication stress
Authors: Kim Seong Min , Forsburg Susan L
Published: May 2022

Upon replication stress, ssDNA, coated by the ssDNA-binding protein RPA, accumulates and generates a signal to activate the replication stress response. Severe replication stress induced by the loss of minichromosome maintenance helicase subunit Mcm4 in the temperature-sensitive Schizosaccharomyces pombe degron mutant (mcm4-dg) results in the formation of a large RPA focus that is translocated to the nuclear periphery. We show that resection and repair processes and chromatin remodeler Swr1/Ino80 are involved in the large RPA foci formation and its relocalization to nuclear periphery. This concentrated accumulation of RPA increases the recruitment of Cds1 to chromatin and results in an aberrant cell cycle that lacks MBF-mediated G1/S accumulation of Tos4. These findings reveal a distinct replication stress response mediated by localized accumulation of RPA that allows the evasion of cell cycle arrest.
A Saccharomyces cerevisiae model and screen to define the functional consequences of oncogenic histone missense mutations
Authors: Lemon Laramie D , Kannan Sneha , Mo Kim Wai , Adams Miranda , Choi Haley G , Gulka Alexander O D , Withers Elise S , Nurelegne Hasset T , Gomez Valeria , Ambrocio Reina E , Tumminkatti Rhea , Lee Richard S , Wan Morris , Fasken Milo B , Spangle Jennifer M , Corbett Anita H
Published: May 2022

Somatic missense mutations in histone genes turn these essential proteins into oncohistones, which can drive oncogenesis. Understanding how missense mutations alter histone function is challenging in mammals as mutations occur in a single histone gene. For example, described oncohistone mutations predominantly occur in the histone H3.3 gene, despite the human genome encoding 15 H3 genes. To understand how oncogenic histone missense mutations alter histone function, we leveraged the budding yeast model, which contains only 2 H3 genes, to explore the functional consequences of oncohistones H3K36M, H3G34W, H3G34L, H3G34R, and H3G34V. Analysis of cells that express each of these variants as the sole copy of H3 reveals that H3K36 mutants show different drug sensitivities compared to H3G34 mutants. This finding suggests that changes to proximal amino acids in the H3 N-terminal tail alter distinct biological pathways. We exploited the caffeine-sensitive growth of H3K36-mutant cells to perform a high copy suppressor screen. This screen identified genes linked to histone function and transcriptional regulation, including Esa1, a histone H4/H2A acetyltransferase; Tos4, a forkhead-associated domain-containing gene expression regulator; Pho92, an N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein; and Sgv1/Bur1, a cyclin-dependent kinase. We show that the Esa1 lysine acetyltransferase activity is critical for suppression of the caffeine-sensitive growth of H3K36R-mutant cells while the previously characterized binding interactions of Tos4 and Pho92 are not required for suppression. This screen identifies pathways that could be altered by oncohistone mutations and highlights the value of yeast genetics to identify pathways altered by such mutations.
A haploid pseudo-chromosome genome assembly for a keystone sagebrush species of western North American rangelands
Authors: Melton Anthony E , Child Andrew W , Beard Richard S , Dumaguit Carlos Dave C , Forbey Jennifer S , Germino Matthew , de Graaff Marie-Anne , Kliskey Andrew , Leitch Ilia J , Martinez Peggy , Novak Stephen J , Pellicer Jaume , Richardson Bryce A , Self Desiree , Serpe Marcelo , Buerki Sven
Published: May 2022

Increased ecological disturbances, species invasions, and climate change are creating severe conservation problems for several plant species that are widespread and foundational. Understanding the genetic diversity of these species and how it relates to adaptation to these stressors are necessary for guiding conservation and restoration efforts. This need is particularly acute for big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata; Asteraceae), which was once the dominant shrub over 1,000,000 km2 in western North America but has since retracted by half and thus has become the target of one of the largest restoration seeding efforts globally. Here, we present the first reference-quality genome assembly for an ecologically important subspecies of big sagebrush (A. tridentata subsp. tridentata) based on short and long reads, as well as chromatin proximity ligation data analyzed using the HiRise pipeline. The final 4.2-Gb assembly consists of 5,492 scaffolds, with nine pseudo-chromosomal scaffolds (nine scaffolds comprising at least 90% of the assembled genome; n = 9). The assembly contains an estimated 43,377 genes based on ab initio gene discovery and transcriptional data analyzed using the MAKER pipeline, with 91.37% of BUSCOs being completely assembled. The final assembly was highly repetitive, with repeat elements comprising 77.99% of the genome, making the Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata genome one of the most highly repetitive plant genomes to be sequenced and assembled. This genome assembly advances studies on plant adaptation to drought and heat stress and provides a valuable tool for future genomic research.
SUMOylation of Dorsal attenuates Toll/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Hegde Sushmitha , Sreejan Ashley , Gadgil Chetan J , Ratnaparkhi Girish S
Published: May 2022

In Drosophila, Toll/NF-κB signaling plays key roles in both animal development and in host defense. The activation, intensity, and kinetics of Toll signaling are regulated by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, SUMOylation, or ubiquitination that target multiple proteins in the Toll/NF-κB cascade. Here, we have generated a CRISPR-Cas9 edited Dorsal (DL) variant that is SUMO conjugation resistant. Intriguingly, embryos laid by dlSCR mothers overcome dl haploinsufficiency and complete the developmental program. This ability appears to be a result of higher transcriptional activation by DLSCR. In contrast, SUMOylation dampens DL transcriptional activation, ultimately conferring robustness to the dorso-ventral program. In the larval immune response, dlSCR animals show an increase in crystal cell numbers, stronger activation of humoral defense genes, and high cactus levels. A mathematical model that evaluates the contribution of the small fraction of SUMOylated DL (1–5%) suggests that it acts to block transcriptional activation, which is driven primarily by DL that is not SUMO conjugated. Our findings define SUMO conjugation as an important regulator of the Toll signaling cascade, in both development and host defense. Our results broadly suggest that SUMO attenuates DL at the level of transcriptional activation. Furthermore, we hypothesize that SUMO conjugation of DL may be part of a Ubc9-dependent mechanism that restrains Toll/NF-κB signaling.
Optimal scheduling of building integrated energy systems using an improved ant lion algorithm
Authors: Wei Liming , Xv Shuo
Published: May 2022

In order to deal with the increasingly severe energy shortage problem, to find new energy solutions and to alleviate the dual pressure of domestic energy and environment, building a new type of multi-energy complementary power system has become one of the hot issues in recent years. This paper presents an optimal scheduling model of building integrated energy system (BIES) based on the comprehensive utilization of electricity, heat and gas. Based on the traditional combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system, this model adds wind power and photoelectric renewable energy power generation systems, ground source heat pump system and energy storage system. Then, taking the environmental cost and system operation and maintenance cost as the objective function, it is solved by using the improved multi-objective ant lion algorithm based on differential evolution. Finally, a building in Northeast China is taken as an example to verify the simulation. The simulation results show that the optimal scheduling model of building integrated energy system proposed in this paper can promote the consumption of renewable energy such as wind power and photoelectric, realize the peak cutting and valley filling of power load, effectively reduce the economic operation cost of the system, reduce carbon emissions and effectively solve the problem of environmental pollution to a certain extent.
Identification and Quantitative Analysis of 2-Fluoromethamphetamine and Its Metabolites in Human Urine
Authors: Ishii Ayumu , Sato Kazuki , Kusakabe Kosuke , Kato Noriyuki , Wada Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Various synthetic drugs have appeared over the past years across the world, and phenethylamine derivatives are among them; indeed, aromatic fluoro analogs of methamphetamine and amphetamine have been in the illicit drug market since the early 2000s. Although they are currently widely abused across the world, little information is available on their metabolism and toxicology. Recently, we came across an alleged 2-fluoromethamphetamine (2-FMA) drug abuse case. The urine obtained from the alleged abuser was analyzed as part of a criminal investigation. 2-FMA, 2-fluoroamphetamine (2-FAP) and some related compounds were detected by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In forensic science, both an “unchanged” drug and its metabolite(s) need to be detected in urine to verify the illicit drug use. Notably, the detection of 2-FAP, which is a plausible 2-FMA metabolite, is insufficient as evidence of 2-FMA use because 2-FAP is widely available and may be present as such in taken liquids. In this study, we synthesized analytical standards for N-hydroxy 2-FMA (N-OH-2-FMA) and two diastereomers of 2-fluoroephedrine, which are plausible metabolites of 2-FMA. Using these standards, the urine specimen was found to contain N-OH-2FMA and one diastereomer of 2-fluoroephedrine; moreover, the concentrations of these compounds were successfully determined. The results of our study suggest that N-hydroxylation and aliphatic hydroxylation are the characteristic metabolic pathways of 2-FMA compared with that of methamphetamine. This evidence indicates that both N-OH-2-FMA and 2-fluoroephedrine are plausible candidates as analytical targets for drug-use certification in forensic science.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in returning travellers in Canada: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Lieu Anthony , Mah Jordan , Desgagnés Noémie , Pillai Dylan R
Published: May 2022

In high-income, low-prevalence settings, travel patterns largely govern malaria transmission; the COVID-19 pandemic has led to travel restrictions resulting in a decrease in malaria case incidence. The proportion of travellers seeking pre-travel has decreased; with the easing of borders, an increase in malaria cases may occur.
Sculpture, Faith, and the Many Worlds of Victorian Sculpture: W. F. Woodington, Genesis (1862)
Authors: Nichols Kate
Published: May 2022

This roundtable comment piece raises questions about the significance of materials, subject matter and form, and location and display to interpretations of W. F. Woodington’s 1862 Genesis panel at St Paul’s Cathedral. The panel was commissioned as an adjunct to the Wellington Memorial, and depicts the conclusion of the first military engagement in the Bible, the Battle of the Vale of Siddim. It features 18 human figures, three sheep, and two cows, and is inscribed with a passage from Genesis 14. 20. My comment piece reconceptualizes the panel as an assemblage bringing together many worlds, human and non-human, alongside the worlds of faith which were the impetus for the roundtable. It brings together biblical subject matter with the commemoration of military heroes; Italian marble quarry workers; the racially charged material of white marble; memories of sheep on their way to slaughter at Smithfield market; archaeological discoveries; the figure of Sodom in Victorian culture, and classical sculptural form. It asks how these varied geographies, time periods, and contributors to this object, human and non-human, might shift or mediate our understanding of this frieze as something more than an adjunct to a memorial to a military hero.
Serosal involvement in adult-onset Still’s disease: A multicentre and retrospective study
Authors: Li Yixuan , Guo Ruru , Li Wenjing , Feng Jiaqi , Jin Yuyang , Li Jia , Lu Liangjing , Feng Xuebing , Chen Xiaoxiang
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study evaluated the characteristics of serosal involvement in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

Methods

Patients meeting the Yamaguchi classification criteria were classified into AOSD with and without serosal involvement according to their manifestations and sonography/radiography. Clinical data was retrospectively reviewed from 102 patients with AOSD in two centres.

Results

Forty-two patients (41.2%) had serosal involvement. The frequencies of pulmonary infiltrate and impaired liver function were significantly higher in patients with serosal involvement (p = .002 and p = .007, respectively), who also had a higher modified systemic score (p = .009). In addition, the percentages of CD3+ T cells (p < .001) and, especially, the CD8+ T cells (p = .004) were significantly increased in the peripheral blood of AOSD patients with serosal involvement. Notably, patients with serosal involvement were more likely to develop macrophage activation syndrome (p = .047) and a chronic pattern (p = .016) during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients with serosal involvement demonstrated the more severe disease activity and different immune phenotypes; these patients were more likely to develop macrophage activation syndrome, and they may require more aggressive treatment at an early time to control their systemic inflammation.
The circadian clock mutantlhy cca1 elf3paces starch mobilization to dawn despite severely disrupted circadian clock function
Authors: Alexandre Moraes Thiago , Mengin Virginie , Peixoto Bruno , Encke Beatrice , Krohn Nicole , Höhne Melanie , Krause Ursula , Stitt Mark
Published: May 2022

Many plants, including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), accumulate starch in the daytime and remobilize it to support maintenance and growth at night. Starch accumulation is increased when carbon is in short supply, for example, in short photoperiods. Mobilization is paced to exhaust starch around dawn, as anticipated by the circadian clock. This diel pattern of turnover is largely robust against loss of day, dawn, dusk, or evening clock components. Here, we investigated diel starch turnover in the triple circadian clock mutant lhy cca1 elf3, which lacks the LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL and the CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) dawn components and the EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) evening components of the circadian clock. The diel oscillations of transcripts for the remaining clock components and related genes like REVEILLE and PHYTOCHROME-INTERACING FACTOR family members exhibited attenuated amplitudes and altered peak time, weakened dawn dominance, and decreased robustness against changes in the external light–dark cycle. The triple mutant was unable to increase starch accumulation in short photoperiods. However, it was still able to pace starch mobilization to around dawn in different photoperiods and growth irradiances and to around 24 h after the previous dawn in T17 and T28 cycles. The triple mutant was able to slow down starch mobilization after a sudden low-light day or a sudden early dusk, although in the latter case it did not fully compensate for the lengthened night. Overall, there was a slight trend to less linear mobilization of starch. Thus, starch mobilization can be paced rather robustly to dawn despite a major disruption of the transcriptional clock. It is proposed that temporal information can be delivered from clock components or a semi-autonomous oscillator.