bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A barley MLA immune receptor is activated by a fungal nonribosomal peptide effector for disease susceptibility
Authors: Leng Yueqiang , Kümmel Florian , Zhao Mingxia , Molnár István , Doležel Jaroslav , Logemann Elke , Köchner Petra , Xi Pinggen , Yang Shengming , Moscou Matthew J. , Fiedler Jason D. , Du Yang , Steuernagel Burkhard , Meinhardt Steven , Steffenson Brian J. , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Zhong Shaobin
Published: December 2024

The barley Mla locus contains functionally diversified genes that encode intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs) and confer strain‐specific immunity to biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal pathogens.

In this study, we isolated a barley gene Scs6, which is an allelic variant of Mla genes but confers susceptibility to the isolate ND90Pr (BsND90Pr) of the necrotrophic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. We generated Scs6 transgenic barley lines and showed that Scs6 is sufficient to confer susceptibility to BsND90Pr in barley genotypes naturally lacking the receptor. The Scs6‐encoded NLR (SCS6) is activated by a nonribosomal peptide (NRP) effector produced by BsND90Pr to induce cell death in barley and Nicotiana benthamiana. Domain swaps between MLAs and SCS6 reveal that the SCS6 leucine‐rich repeat domain is a specificity determinant for receptor activation by the NRP effector.

Scs6 is maintained in both wild and domesticated barley populations. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Scs6 is a Hordeum‐specific innovation.

We infer that SCS6 is a bona fide immune receptor that is likely directly activated by the nonribosomal peptide effector of BsND90Pr for disease susceptibility in barley. Our study provides a stepping stone for the future development of synthetic NLR receptors in crops that are less vulnerable to modification by necrotrophic pathogens.
Epigenetic regulation of lignin biosynthesis in wood formation
Authors: Ma Hongyan , Su Liwei , Zhang Wen , Sun Yi , Li Danning , Li Shuang , Lin Ying‐Chung Jimmy , Zhou Chenguang , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Lignin, a major wood component, is the key limiting factor for wood conversion efficiency. Its biosynthesis is controlled by transcriptional regulatory networks involving transcription factor (TF)–DNA interactions. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying these interactions in lignin biosynthesis remain largely unknown.

Here, using yeast one‐hybrid, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified that PtrbZIP44‐A1, a key wood‐forming TF, directly interacts with the promoters of PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2, genes involved in the monolignol biosynthetic pathway.

We used yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, biochemical analyses, transient and CRISPR‐mediated transgenesis in Populus trichocarpa to demonstrate that PtrHDA15, a histone deacetylase, acts as an epigenetic inhibitor and is recruited by PtrbZIP44‐A1 for chromatin histone modifications to repress PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2, leading to reduced lignin deposition. In transgenic lines overexpressing PtrbZIP44‐A1 or PtrHDA15, histone acetylation at the promoters of PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2 decreased, reducing their expression and lignin content. Conversely, in loss‐of‐function ptrbzip44‐a1 and ptrhda15 mutants, histone acetylation levels at PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2 promoters increased, enhancing target gene expression and lignin content.

Our study uncovered an epigenetic mechanism that suppresses lignin biosynthesis. This finding may help fill a knowledge gap between epigenetic regulation and lignin biosynthesis during wood formation in Populus.
“Supply‐Side Versus Demand‐Side Unmet Need: Implications for Family Planning Programs”: A Comment
Authors: Karra Mahesh
Published: December 2024

I review a study by Senderowicz and Maloney (2022), which proposes an approach to classifying women's reasons for not using contraception as either being driven by supply‐side factors or by a lack of demand. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from seven countries, the authors conclude that most unmet need can be attributed to demand‐side reasons for non‐use. I replicate the analysis and find errors in the authors’ calculations. When corrected, the relative differences between demand‐side and supply‐side reasons are smaller, and the proportion of women reporting supply‐side reasons is larger than demand‐side reasons in two countries. In addition, the approach does not account for endogeneity between supply and demand, which cannot be disentangled using cross‐sectional data like the DHS. Using longitudinal data, I find that more than four out of five women with “demand‐side unmet need” use contraception after receiving an intervention that reduced supply‐side barriers. I discuss the extent of inference gained by these indicators for informing programs, noting that women's true reasons for non‐use may be poorly proxied with cross‐sectional data, and prioritizing resources based on these reasons would fail to reach a nontrivial proportion of non‐users who would have preferred to contracept if access were improved.
QTL‐Seq Associated With Grain Elongation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) Approach
Authors: Johar Prerna , Salgotra Romesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification is the prerequisite for an effective molecular plant breeding programme for introgression of genes of interest via marker‐assisted selection (MAS) technology. The bulk segregant analysis (BSA) is a high‐throughput QTL mapping approach to rapidly identify genomic loci regulating the trait of interest. QTL‐Seq identifies candidate genomic regions more efficiently and entails an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the traits. Among the various grain quality characteristics, grain elongation (GE) is one of the most important and targeted traits of basmati rice. GE is the most desirable feature of basmati rice that is influenced by starch properties. The inheritance of GE in rice has not been evidently illuminated because of its composite and variable pattern. In this study, we reported the QTLs responsible for GE using a QTL‐seq (bulked segregant analysis + whole genome resequencing) approach based on the F2 population of the rice crop. Genome‐wide SNP profiling of extreme phenotypic bulks from the F2 population of Basmati 370 and Pusa Basmati 1121 identified the genomic regions on Chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 6. These genomic regions were further validated using CAPS/dCAPS markers in the F3 population of rice. Identified markers can be used in future rice improvement programmes to enhance the export potential of basmati rice with improved GE with distinct starch properties.
Engendering equality: Unraveling the influence of family cues on young men's attitudes toward women's rights
Authors: Morell Sara , Hahn Lauren , Ostfeld Mara
Published: December 2024

What explains the gender gap in support for the protection and advancement of women's rights? We argue that because boys receive less and more delayed information outside the home about gender inequality than girls, the cues boys receive inside the home play an outsized role in their adult attitudes about women's rights. Using a large national survey, we demonstrate that men's attitudes toward women's rights are, in fact, more heavily influenced by the perceived attitudinal norms within their family than are women's. Through a follow‐up survey experiment with a national sample of U.S. teenagers, we explore this further and illustrate that one‐time statements from a single family member shift support for women's rights among young men, but not young women. Importantly, statements from other authority figures do not impact attitudes. Our findings highlight the gendered manner in which familial socialization shapes the gendered attitudes that frame women's lives.
GhCOMT33D modulates melatonin synthesis, impacting plant response to Cd2+ in cotton viaROS
Authors: Zhang Menghao , Chen Xiugui , Wang Ning , Guan Lijun , Wang Lidong , Chen Xiao , Yang Zhining , Sun Yuping , Fan Yapeng , Meng Yuan , Liu Mengyue , Chen Wenhua , Wu Fange , Song Ruize , Wang Shuai , Lu Xuke , Wang Junjuan , Guo Lixue , Zhao Lanjie , Nan Hongyu , Zhang Kunpeng , Feng Keyun , Ye Wuwei
Published: December 2024

Caffeic acid‐3‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) serves as the final pivotal enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in governing the synthesis of melatonin in plants. This research used bioinformatics to analyze the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, and promoter cis‐acting elements of the upland cotton COMT gene family members， which it identified as the key gene GhCOMT33D to promote melatonin synthesis and responding to Cd2+ stress. After silencing GhCOMT33D through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS), cotton seedlings showed less resistance to Cd2+ stress. Under Cd2+ stress, the melatonin content in the silenced plants significantly decreased, while ROS, MDA, and proline accumulated in the plant cells. The stomatal aperture of the leaves was reduced, hindering normal photosynthesis, leading to cotton leaves withering and yellowing, and epidermal cells becoming twisted and deformed, with a large number of gaps appearing. The non‐silenced plants had a significantly higher melatonin content and were in better condition, providing important evidence for further research on how plant melatonin enhances the Cd2+ resistance of cotton and its regulatory mechanisms.
Exogenous 5‐aminolevulinic acid promotes carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruits by regulating ethylene biosynthesis and signaling
Authors: Wang Junwen , He Yongmei , Wang Guangzheng , Li Ruirui , Niu Yu , Liu Kai , Zhang Jing , Tang Zhongqi , Lyu Jian , Xie Jianming , Wu Yue , Yu Jihua
Published: December 2024

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) can not only improve fruit yield and quality, but also increase the lycopene content in tomato fruits. Furthermore, ALA has been shown to promote system‐2 ethylene production in tomato fruits. However, the specific interactions between ALA and ethylene during fruit ripening remain unclear. In this study, we treated tomato fruits with ALA, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) + AgNO3, and AOA + AgNO3 + ALA and analyzed ethylene emissions, carotenoid contents, and the relative gene expression levels related to fruit ripening, carotenoid contents, ethylene synthesis, and signal transduction. The ALA treatment significantly enhanced ethylene bursts and carotenoid accumulation, and significantly upregulated the expression of ethylene and carotenoid‐related genes, such as SlACS2, SlACS4, SlACO1, SlPSY1, and SlPDS. We also observed that the gene expression levels associated with carotenoid synthesis were downregulated in fruits treated with a combination of ethylene inhibitors (AOA + AgNO3). However, there was a significant upregulation in the gene expression levels associated with carotenoid synthesis and an increase in carotenoid content when fruits were treated with AOA + AgNO3 + ALA. After silencing SlACO1 expression, the total carotenoid content and SlPSY1 expression decreased significantly, while this effect was reversed after exogenous application of ALA. These results indicated that ALA promotes carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruits by promoting ethylene biosynthesis. In conclusion, our results highlighted the role of ALA in promoting carotenoid accumulation and ripening in tomato fruits by regulating ethylene synthesis, thereby providing a novel strategy for improving fruit quality.
Indirect restrictions demobilize supporters of abortion rights
Authors: Connors Elizabeth C. , Del Ponte Alessandro , DeScioli Peter
Published: December 2024

State governments have created a multitude of indirect restrictions on abortion in the decades since Roe v. Wade. Here we test whether indirect restrictions demobilize abortion supporters relative to direct restrictions. We draw on research from moral psychology showing that people judge indirect offenses as less morally wrong than direct offenses, holding constant the consequences of the offenses. In two experiments, pro‐choice participants answered how much they oppose a banning policy (a direct restriction), a defunding policy (an indirect restriction), or an excluding policy (the same as defunding but framed as more direct). In both experiments, pro‐choice participants were less opposed to defunding than banning or excluding, even when the number of women affected was held constant. These results support the hypothesis that indirect restrictions can demobilize political opponents.
Exploring the Influence of Parental Personality Types on Children’s Academic Choices
Authors: Mohamed Aki Faznil Yanti , Mohamed Baqutayan Shadiya
Published: December 2024

The academic decisions that children make are frequently influenced by several different circumstances. One of the most important yet understudied aspects of this is the influence of the personality types of their parents. The objective of this report is to understand how parental personalities may impact a child's inclination towards science or art subjects. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Test was used for parents to indicate the relationship between parental personality type and the academic choices made by their children, particularly in the field of science and art. The results indicated that children from the INTJ, INFJ, and ENFJ parents’ personality types, are likely to choose science subjects, while children from ENTJ parents’ personality types choose art subjects. This sheds light on the association between parental personality types and children's academic choices; aiding educators and policymakers better tailor educational approaches to accommodate diverse student needs and aspirations.
The Autonomous Urban Passenger Ferry milliAmpere2: Design and Testing
Authors: Eide Egil , Breivik Morten , Brekke Edmund F. , Eriksen Bjørn-Olav H. , Wilthil Erik. , Helgesen Øystein K. , Thyri Emil H. , Veitch Erik , Alsos Ole Andreas , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: December 2024

Autonomous urban passenger ferries have the potential to enhance urban mobility. However, despite advances in recent years, operating autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) in urban waterways remain challenging, not least because transporting passengers raises safety standards to the fore. This paper presents the autonomous urban passenger ferry “milliAmpere2,” developed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. Design features and test results are presented, covering the investigation of five research questions related to human-centered design, batteries and propulsion, autonomous navigation and control, remote monitoring and control, and risk assessment. A three-week public trial of the “milliAmpere2,” held in 2022, helped to synthesize research outcomes in the context of its operational environment in a confined and well-trafficked urban waterway. The “milliAmpere2” project adds to a growing number of use cases demonstrating the viability of ASVs for passenger transportation. Outstanding challenges for future research are identified, including human-autonomy teaming, remote management of fleet operation, and interactions with passengers, traffic, and remote operators.
Modeling voice production and self-perception in noise: Understanding the Lombard effect in non-phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction
Authors: Castro Christian , Cortés Juan P. , Rivera Lucía Z. , Prado Pavel , Weinstein Alejandro , Zañartu Matías
Published: December 2024

The sensorimotor adaptation process is crucial for maintaining oral communication. Recent studies have shown that individuals with non-phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction (NPVH) experience difficulties in sensorimotor adaptation when speaking in noise (known as the Lombard effect). However, the role of auditory and somatosensory feedback in the dynamics of adaptation to speaking in noise is still unclear. In this study, the use of a simple three-parameter mathematical model, known as SimpleDIVA model, was extended to explore the adaptation dynamics of speaking in noise among a group of participants with typical voices and NPVH. All participants were asked to utter a series of syllables under three conditions: baseline (quiet environment), Lombard (speech-shaped noise at 80 dB), and recovery (quiet environment after 5 min of rest). The results indicate that participants with NPVH did not return to baseline after exposure to speaking under noise. The SimpleDIVA model analysis reveals a diminished feedforward learning rate and reduced somatosensory feedback gain in participants with NPVH in comparison to participants with typical voices. This suggests that participants with NPVH may be using less somatosensory information when speaking in noise and may require more time to update the feedforward commands during and after speaking in noise.
Charting the transcriptomic landscape of primary and metastatic cancers in relation to their origin and target normal tissues
Authors: Sanghvi Neel , Calvo-Alcañiz Camilo , Rajagopal Padma S. , Scalera Stefano , Canu Valeria , Sinha Sanju , Schischlik Fiorella , Wang Kun , Madan Sanna , Shulman Eldad , Papanicolau-Sengos Antonios , Blandino Giovanni , Ruppin Eytan , Nair Nishanth Ulhas
Published: December 2024

Metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet understanding how metastatic tumors adapt from their origin to their target tissues remains a fundamental challenge. To address this, we assessed whether primary and metastatic tumors more closely resemble their tissues of origin or target tissues in terms of gene expression. We analyzed expression profiles from multiple cancer types and normal tissues, including single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from both paired and unpaired patient cohorts. Primary tumors were overall more transcriptomically similar to their tissues of origin, while metastases shifted toward their target tissues. However, pathway-level analysis highlighted critical metabolic and immune transcriptomic changes toward target tissues during metastasis in both primary and metastatic tumors. In addition, primary tumors exhibited higher activity in cancer hallmarks such as “Activating Invasion and Metastasis” when compared to metastases. This comprehensive analysis provides a transcriptome-wide view of the processes through which cancer tumors adapt to their metastatic environments before and after metastasis.
Gene acquisition by giant transposons primes eukaryotes for rapid evolution via horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Urquhart Andrew S. , Gluck-Thaler Emile , Vogan Aaron A.
Published: December 2024

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) disseminates genetic information between species and is a powerful mechanism of adaptation. Yet, we know little about its underlying drivers in eukaryotes. Giant
Starship
transposons have been implicated as agents of fungal HGT, providing an unprecedented opportunity to reveal the evolutionary parameters behind this process. Here, we characterize the
ssf
gene cluster, which contributes to formaldehyde resistance, and use it to demonstrate how mobile element evolution shapes fungal adaptation. We found that
ssf
clusters have been acquired by various distantly related
Starships
, which each exhibit multiple instances of horizontal transfer across fungal species (at least nine events, including between different taxonomic orders). Many
ssf
clusters have subsequently integrated into their host’s genome, illustrating how
Starships
shape the evolutionary trajectory of fungal hosts beyond any single transfer. Our results demonstrate the key role
Starships
play in mediating rapid and repeated adaptation via HGT, elevating the importance of mobile element evolution in eukaryotic biology.
Inhibitors of malaria parasite cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases block asexual blood-stage development and mosquito transmission
Authors: Gomez-Gonzalez Paula-Josefina , Gupta Antima , Drought Laura G. , Patel Avnish , Okombo John , van der Watt Mariëtte , Walker-Gray Ryan , Schindler Kyra A. , Burkhard Anna Y. , Yeo Tomas , Narwal Sunil K. , Bloxham Talia S. , Flueck Christian , Walker Eloise M. , Rey Joshua A. , Fairhurst Kate J. , Reader Janette , Park Heekuk , Pollard Harry G. , Stewart Lindsay B. , Brandner-Garrod Luke , Kristan Mojca , Sterk Geert-Jan , van Nuland Youri M. , Manko Emilia , van Schalkwyk Donelly A. , Zheng Yang , Leurs Rob , Dechering Koen J. , Aguiar Anna Caroline C. , Guido Rafael V. C. , Pereira Dhelio B. , Tumwebaze Patrick K. , Nosbya Samuel L. , Rosenthal Philip J. , Cooper Roland A. , Palmer Mike , Parkinson Tanya , Burrows Jeremy N. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié , Small-Saunders Jennifer L. , Duffy James , Fidock David A. , Brown Alan , Gardner Mark , Baker David A.
Published: December 2024

Cyclic nucleotide–dependent phosphodiesterases (PDEs) play essential roles in regulating the malaria parasite life cycle, suggesting that they may be promising antimalarial drug targets. PDE inhibitors are used safely to treat a range of noninfectious human disorders. Here, we report three subseries of fast-acting and potent
Plasmodium falciparum
PDEβ inhibitors that block asexual blood-stage parasite development and that are also active against human clinical isolates. Two of the inhibitor subseries also have potent transmission-blocking activity by targeting PDEs expressed during sexual parasite development. In vitro drug selection experiments generated parasites with moderately reduced susceptibility to the inhibitors. Whole-genome sequencing of these parasites detected no mutations in PDEβ but rather mutations in downstream effectors: either the catalytic or regulatory subunits of cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase (PKA) or in the 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase that is required for PKA activation. Several properties of these
P. falciparum
PDE inhibitor series make them attractive for further progression through the antimalarial drug discovery pipeline.
Ultrathin rubbery bio-optoelectronic stimulators for untethered cardiac stimulation
Authors: Rao Zhoulyu , Ershad Faheem , Guan Ying-Shi , Paccola Mesquita Fernanda C. , da Costa Ernesto Curty , Morales-Garza Marco A. , Moctezuma-Ramirez Angel , Kan Bin , Lu Yuntao , Patel Shubham , Shim Hyunseok , Cheng Kuan , Wu Wenjie , Haideri Tahir , Lian Xiaojun Lance , Karim Alamgir , Yang Jian , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Hochman-Mendez Camila , Yu Cunjiang
Published: December 2024

Untethered electrical stimulation or pacing of the heart is of critical importance in addressing the pressing needs of cardiovascular diseases in both clinical therapies and fundamental studies. Among various stimulation methods, light illumination–induced electrical stimulation via photoelectric effect without any genetic modifications to beating cells/tissues or whole heart has profound benefits. However, a critical bottleneck lies in the lack of a suitable material with tissue-like mechanical softness and deformability and sufficient optoelectronic performances toward effective stimulation. Here, we introduce an ultrathin (<500 nm), stretchy, and self-adhesive rubbery bio-optoelectronic stimulator (RBOES) in a bilayer construct of a rubbery semiconducting nanofilm and a transparent, stretchable gold nanomesh conductor. The RBOES could maintain its optoelectronic performance when it was stretched by 20%. The RBOES was validated to effectively accelerate the beating of the human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, acceleration of ex vivo perfused rat hearts by optoelectronic stimulation with the self-adhered RBOES was achieved with repetitive pulsed light illumination.
Structural and molecular properties of mumps virus inclusion bodies
Authors: Katoh Hiroshi , Kimura Ryuichi , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Matsuoka Kohei , Hosogi Mika , Kitai Yuki , Akahori Yukiko , Kato Fumihiro , Kataoka Michiyo , Kobayashi Hirotaka , Nagata Noriyo , Suzuki Tadaki , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Oki Shinya , Takeda Makoto
Published: December 2024

Viral RNA synthesis of mononegaviruses occurs in cytoplasmic membraneless organelles called inclusion bodies (IBs). Here, we report that IBs of mumps virus (MuV), which is the causative agent of mumps and belongs to the family
Paramyxoviridae
, displayed liquid organelle properties formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. Super-resolution microscopic analysis of MuV IBs demonstrated that nucleocapsid and phospho (P)-proteins formed a cage-like structure and that the viral polymerase adopted a reticular pattern and colocalized with viral RNAs. In addition, we characterized host RNAs localized in MuV IBs by a spatial transcriptome analysis, and found that RNAs containing G-quadruplex motif sequences (G4-RNAs) were concentrated. An in vitro phase separation assay showed that the G4-RNAs interacted with the P protein and enhanced condensation in P droplets. Together, our data show that MuV generates IBs with a characteristic cage-like structure and host G4-RNAs play an important role in forming MuV IBs.
Laser-induced adhesives with excellent adhesion enhancement and reduction capabilities for transfer printing of microchips
Authors: Li Chenglong , Zhang Shun , Jiang Jing , Wang Suhao , He Shuchang , Song Jizhou
Published: December 2024

Transfer printing based on tunable and reversible adhesive that enables the heterogeneous integration of materials is essential for developing envisioned electronic systems. An adhesive with both adhesion enhancement and reduction capabilities in a rapid and selective manner is challenging. Here, we report a laser-induced adhesive, featuring a geometrically simple shape memory polymer layer on a glass backing, with excellent adhesion modulation capability for programmable pickup and noncontact printing of microchips. Selective and rapid laser heating substantially enhances the adhesive’s adhesion strength from kilopascal to megapascal within 10 ms due to the shape fixing effect, allowing for precise and programmable pickup. Conversely, the enhanced adhesion can be quickly reduced and eliminated within 3 ms through the shape recovery effect, enabling noncontact printing. Demonstrations of transfer printing microlight-emitting diodes (LEDs) and mini-LEDs onto various low-adhesive flat, rough, and curved surfaces highlight the unusual capabilities of this adhesive for deterministic assembly.
Removing “flavor” from pathogenic antibodies hits a therapeutic sweet spot
Authors: Vergoossen Dana L. E. , Huijbers Maartje G.
Published: December 2024

Endoglycosidase CU43 removes IgG Fc glycans, inhibits IgG effector functions, and prevents pathology in multiple disease models.
It’s the little things in life: Lymph node microniches drive T
H
2 formation in allergic asthma
Authors: Butler Kelly , Williams Adam
Published: December 2024

Lymph node IL-2 microniches guide development of T
H
2 cells through induction of Blimp-1 expression and an IL-10–positive feedback loop.
Genomic insights on cgMLST markers, drug resistance, and urease cluster of
Proteus mirabilis
strains
Authors: Lian Shitao , Liu Yadong , Hu Songnian , Shen Chen , Ma Yinping , Yin Peng , He Zilong
Published: December 2024

Proteus mirabilis
, a significant pathogenic bacterium within the Enterobacteriaceae family, is widely distributed across various natural environments. This study conducted a genomic comparison analysis of 1,267 strains of
P. mirabilis
using extensive genome data from public databases. The objective was to elucidate the pan-genomic structure of
P. mirabilis
, revealing the composition and distribution of core and accessory gene families among different strains. Additionally, an attempt was made to construct a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme specific to this species in order to enhance the precision of describing genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, the study delved into the mechanisms of resistance of
P. mirabilis
to carbapenems and quinolones. Our findings underscore significant challenges posed by
P. mirabilis
in terms of antibiotic resistance, with widespread resistance observed particularly against beta-lactams and an increasing trend in resistance to carbapenems and quinolones. These results highlight the severity of
P. mirabilis
as a pathogen and underscore its rapid evolution and adaptability in developing resistance. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the antibiotic resistance of
P. mirabilis
, providing important insights for the development of future antimicrobial drugs, promoting effective treatment and control of this pathogen, and mitigating its threat to human health.

IMPORTANCE

The bacterium
Proteus mirabilis
is a common pathogenic bacterium that is known to cause a variety of human infections. The drug-resistant genes carried by
P. mirabilis
present a significant challenge to clinical treatment, particularly in regard to the organism’s notable resistance to commonly used beta-lactam and quinolone drugs. Furthermore, the prevalence of the urease gene cluster of
P. mirabilis
at the urease gene level may be associated with the formation of kidney stones. The objective of the study is to analyze the bacterium’s drug resistance, urease gene clusters, and gene distribution in genomes in order to facilitate the development of antimicrobial drugs and improve the treatment and control of
P. mirabilis
infections.
Timing of mass redeposition of sponge spicules from the peri-Tethyan shelf into the deep Carpathian Basin and their relation to mid-Cretaceous global sea level changes
Authors: Bąk Marta , Bąk Krzysztof , al. et
Published: December 2024

Table S1: Sponge spicules content in samples studied related to lithostratigraphic units; Table S2: Occurrence of radiolarians and deep-water agglutinated foraminifers (DWAF) in the samples studied, related to lithostratigraphic units; Table S3: Carbon isotope data from organic matter from the samples studied.
Supplemental Material: A one-million-year isotope record from siderites formed in modern ferruginous sediments
Authors: Vuillemin Aurèle , al. et
Published: December 2024

Supplemental Figures S1–S9 and Supplemental Tables S1–S5 
Supplemental Material: Geochronology and geochemistry of deeply buried basement along the western Superior Craton and eastern Trans-Hudson Orogen (North America)
Authors: Nesheim Timothy O. , al. et
Published: December 2024

Figures S1–S4 and Tables S1–S4.
Rare intrapelvic migration of a sliding hip screw after hip fracture fixation
Authors: Donovan Richard Laurence , Jiang Michael , Bassett James , Acharya Mehool
Published: December 2024

Sliding hip screws (SHSs) are commonly used for the operative treatment of extracapsular neck of femur fractures. We report 2 rare cases of intrapelvic migration of an SHS, resultant of non-unions, threatening regional major vessels. Only a handful of such cases have previously been reported in the literature. We provide an up-to-date review of the literature, propose rationale for how a lag screw may migrate, and suggest how this complication can be prevented.
Rare presentation of Ewing’s sarcoma underscores the diagnostic challenges in atypical cases
Authors: Karim Azmat , Chawla Deepanshu , Jaglan Simran , Karim Aman
Published: December 2024

A female patient in her late teens presented with an initially episodic right-sided chest pain that gradually became persistent and associated with a high-grade fever, starting 15 days earlier but worsening over a week. Physical examination revealed tenderness on the right side of the chest and reduced air entry in the right middle and lower lung fields. Initial imaging demonstrated a right-sided pleural effusion with a chest wall mass lesion. A chronic infection like tuberculosis (TB) was suspected. However, an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis confirmed an exudative pleural effusion with low adenosine deaminase. Further, fine needle aspiration cytology of the mass revealed atypical small round cells with scanty cytoplasm and an immunohistochemistry profile consistent with Ewing’s sarcoma. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges accompanying an unusual presentation of Ewing’s sarcoma in the TB endemic region, which typically affects long bones but, in this instance, is manifested with pleural involvement and symptoms.
Prediction of low birth weight from fetal ultrasound and clinical characteristics: a comparative study between a low- and middle-income and a high-income country
Authors: Sanchez-Martinez Sergio , Marti-Castellote Pablo Miki , Hoodbhoy Zahra , Bernardino Gabriel , Prats-Valero Josa , Aguado Ainhoa M. , Testa Lea , Piella Gemma , Crovetto Francesca , Snyder Corey , Mohsin Shazia , Nizar Ambreen , Ahmed Rimsha , Jehan Fyezah , Jenkins Kathy , Gratacós Eduard , Crispi Fatima , Chowdhury Devyani , Hasan Babar S , Bijnens Bart
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) pose a significant global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to analyse two cohorts of high-risk pregnant women for APO to comprehend risk factors and improve prediction accuracy.

Methods

We considered an LMIC and a high-income country (HIC) population to derive XGBoost classifiers to predict low birth weight (LBW) from a comprehensive set of maternal and fetal characteristics including socio-demographic, past and current pregnancy information, fetal biometry and fetoplacental Doppler measurements. Data were sourced from the FeDoC (Fetal Doppler Collaborative) study (Pakistan, LMIC) and theIMPACT (Improving Mothers for a Better PrenAtal Care Trial) study (Spain, HIC), and included 520 and 746 pregnancies assessed from 28 weeks gestation, respectively. The models were trained on varying subsets of the mentioned characteristics to evaluate their contribution in predicting LBW cases. For external validation, and to highlight potential differential risk factors for LBW, we investigated the generalisation of these models across cohorts. Models’ performance was evaluated through the area under the curve (AUC), and their interpretability was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations.

Results

In FeDoC, Doppler variables demonstrated the highest value at predicting LBW compared with biometry and maternal clinical data (AUCDoppler, 0.67; AUCClinical, 0.65; AUCBiometry, 0.63), and its combination with maternal clinical data yielded the best prediction (AUCClinical+Doppler, 0.71). In IMPACT, fetal biometry emerged as the most predictive set (AUCBiometry, 0.75; AUCDoppler, 0.70; AUCClinical, 0.69) and its combination with Doppler and maternal clinical data achieved the highest accuracy (AUCClinical+Biometry+Doppler, 0.81). External validation consistently indicated that biometry combined with Doppler data yielded the best prediction.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insights into the predictive role of different clinical and ultrasound descriptors in two populations at high risk for APO, highlighting that different approaches are required for different populations. However, Doppler data improves prediction capabilities in both settings, underscoring the value of standardising ultrasound data acquisition, as practiced in HIC, to enhance LBW prediction in LMIC. This alignment contributes to bridging the health equity gap.
Preparation and properties of LSMW–CSPG solid composite electrolyte for IT-SOFCS
Authors: Yang Jie , Jiang Qingtao
Published: December 2024

Composite electrolytes of La[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]Mo[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] (LSMW) and Ce[Formula: see text]Sm[Formula: see text]Pr[Formula: see text]Gd[Formula: see text] O[Formula: see text] (CSPG) with varying molar ratios of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, and 5:5 were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The characterization and electrochemical performances of the composite electrolyte LSMW–CSPG were studied. The experimental results reveal that when the composite electrolytes are pressed into discs and sintered at 850[Formula: see text]C for 3 h, they exhibit relative densities above 95% and sintering shrinkage rates below 4%, indicating high sintering activity. The conductivity of the LSMW–CSPG composite electrolyte increases with temperature and CSPG dosage, initially rising and then declining. The maximum conductivity was observed for the LSMW–CSPG composite with a molar ratio of 7:3, which was three times higher than that of the LSMW electrolyte alone, reaching 0.0298 S ⋅ cm[Formula: see text] at 800[Formula: see text]C. The activation energy for this composite was determined to be 1.46 eV.
Photoluminescent properties and luminescent thermal stabilities of 100 mol% activator Tb2(MoO4)3 green phosphor
Authors: Yu Mingxin , Lu Guojun , Zhao Hongwei , Yao Wang , Chen Xuanting , Huang Nihui , Cao Chunyan , Xie An
Published: December 2024

100 mol% activator orthorhombic Tb2(MoO4)3 green phosphors were prepared using a solid-state reaction method. The impact of sintering temperature on the crystalline phase structures, the compositions, the sizes and morphologies of particles, the values of energy bandgap ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]), the photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, the fluorescence lifetimes, PL quantum yield (PLQY), and the luminescent thermal stabilities of the prepared material were comprehensively investigated. The particle size increased from 2.54 to 5.81 [Formula: see text]m and the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] decreased from 3.60 to 3.41 eV with the calcine temperature increased from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. The Tb2(MoO4)3 green phosphor prepared at [Formula: see text] exhibited optimal PL intensity though it did not possess the highest PLQY with 380 nm excitation. Moreover, the sample prepared at [Formula: see text] showed better thermal stabilities than that prepared at [Formula: see text]. The research proved the sintering temperature has great effects on the properties of Tb2(MoO4)3 phosphors.
TPRepair: Tree-Based Pipelined Repair in Clustered Storage Systems
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Nan Fulin , Shen Zhirong , Shu Jiwu , Chen Zhisheng , Wang Xiaoli , Xu Quanqing , Yang Chuanhui , Kaplun Dmitrii , Cai Yuhui
Published: December 2024

Erasure coding is an effective technique for guaranteeing data reliability for storage systems, yet it incurs a high repair penalty with amplified repair traffic. The repair becomes more intricate in clustered storage systems with the bandwidth diversity property. We present
TPRepair
, a
T
ree-based
P
ipelined
Repair
approach, aiming to expedite the overall repair process with the tailored pipelined repair procedure.
TPRepair
first prioritizes selecting racks with the current minimum load to participate in the repair process. It subsequently formulates tree-based links, tailored to align seamlessly with the pipelined repair procedure.
TPRepair
further designs an optimization algorithm to reduce the bottleneck load when repairing multiple chunks. Large-scale simulations demonstrate that
TPRepair
can increase 13.8%-41.3% of the balance ratio without amplifying cross-rack traffic. Meanwhile, Alibaba Cloud ECS experiments indicate that
TPRepair
can increase repair throughput by 11.3% to 72.9%.
A Fluorinated Ether Co-solvent Enables High Operating Temperature Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jonah , Keating Michael J. , Asare Harrison , Biddinger Elizabeth J. , Messinger Robert J. , West William C. , Jones John-Paul
Published: December 2024

Li-ion batteries are commonly used as electrochemical energy storage systems due to their high energy density. However, few Li-ion batteries can reliably function at elevated temperatures, which is necessary for space and defense applications. In this study, Li-ion electrolytes were prepared and investigated for use at 100 °C. The previously developed baseline electrolyte, 1.0 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in 1:1 ethylene carbonate (EC):ethyl-methyl carbonate (v/v) with 2 wt% vinylene carbonate (VC), was altered to observe the effects of the lithium salts lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) and lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), and the fluorinated co-solvent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE). The resulting formulations showed significantly improved capacity retention at 100 °C in multiple cell configurations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of the electrodes following cycling at high temperatures with the improved electrolyte revealed the cathode-electrolyte-interface to be boron-rich, while the graphite anodes were found to have little boron but were more fluorine rich compared to the baseline anodes. Raman spectroscopy determined notable changes in solvation structure upon addition of the TTE diluent. Overall, the use of various Li salts as well as the TTE co-solvent improved specific capacity retention at 100 °C in Li-ion cells.
Enhancing student learning with flipped teaching and retrieval practice integration
Authors: Gopalan Chaya
Published: December 2024

Flipped teaching (FT) actively engages students and promotes information retrieval. This study compared FT and traditional teaching (TT) in a graduate physiology course, showing better student outcomes with FT and FT plus retrieval practice (FTR). Gender had no impact: both male and female students performed equally well. Although students preferred TT, they learned better with FT and FTR. This suggests FT and FTR are more effective than traditional lectures.
Estimating descending activation patterns from EMG in fast and slow movements using a model of the stretch reflex
Authors: Zhang Lei , Schöner Gregor
Published: December 2024

We propose a new method that directly estimates descending activation from measured electromyographic (EMG) signals and arm kinematics by inverting a model of the spinal stretch reflex, without the need for muscle models or an arm dynamics model. This approach identifies key features of the time structure of descending activation as movement speed is varied, while also revealing the significant contribution of the spinal stretch reflex to movement generation.
Activated Bentonite for Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Concrete—A Review
Authors: Fode Tsion Amsalu , Jande Yusufu Abeid Chande , Kivevele Thomas
Published: December 2024

Bentonite mostly exists in many counties and studies reported employment of activated bentonite in the concrete improves concrete performance more than using raw bentonite. However, it is not well‐known which range of bentonite activation temperature and employment dose gives the best concrete performance for the sustainability of activated bentonite in construction materials. Therefore, the present study detail reviewed the effect of activated bentonite at different heating temperatures and replacement doses of bentonite on the durability, physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of concrete. Also, environmental and economic beneficiary of employing activated bentonite in concrete is evaluated. As the review of various studies reveals, activation of bentonite between 201 and 800°C increases the pozzolanic reactivity of bentonite. Hence, the activated pozzolana can easily consume free calcium hydroxide to form a secondary C–S–H gel that can improve the mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties of activated bentonite blended concrete in addition to lessening energy consumption compared to conventional concrete. Besides these, adding 15%–20% of activated bentonite in concrete significantly improves the mechanical properties; specifically, most studies found the optimum activated bentonite dose is 15% by weight of cement in concrete. This replacement indicates lessened energy consumption by around 45% compared to the total employment of ordinary Portland cement in concrete production.
Exploring the Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice During COVID‐19: A KAP Model Approach
Authors: Ghaith Abrar , Alghreiz Islam , Afifi Tayseer
Published: December 2024

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic had a major effect on economics, cultures, and world health. Effective prevention, management, and control of the virus depend on an understanding of its origins and early conditions. This study examines pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) on COVID‐19 prevention and control in Kuwait using the KAPs approach.

Methods: From August 15 to August 30, 2022, a cross‐sectional survey design was used in the study. A convenience sample of 400 participants was obtained. Data were collected via an online survey that consisted of demographic questions and a KAPs survey about COVID‐19. The survey had been piloted before and was deemed to have a respectable level of dependability. Based on predetermined scoring levels, participants’ anonymous replies were divided into categories such as adequate/inadequate knowledge, positive/negative attitudes, and appropriate/inappropriate practices.

Results: Half of the participants were married, and most of the participants were female. They were mostly in the age range of 31–40 years. The most common highest level of education attained was a master’s degree. There were noticeable differences in the demographics. Overall, 83.5% of participants showed adequate knowledge, 94% had a good attitude, and 52.5% had appropriate practice. Males had a greater understanding of transmission but lesser knowledge of clinical presentation. The group with the highest rates of proper behavior and adequate Knowledge was those aged 31–40 years. Being married was associated with higher knowledge. The educational level had a substantial impact on results, with master’s degree holders having greater rates of adequate knowledge. Although knowledge and attitude ratings showed a good correlation, attitude by itself could not significantly predict actual preventative measures, highlighting the necessity for behavior‐change‐focused treatments.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of educating pharmacists about evidence‐based practices to improve their involvement in COVID‐19 prevention and control. The importance of disseminating clear information via a variety of communication methods is underscored by the positive association found between knowledge and practice. The study focuses on pharmacists in Kuwait in particular since it acknowledges the need to bolster their optimistic outlooks and aggressive involvement in tackling health issues. In conclusion, these results highlight how important focused interventions and education are to successful pandemic management.
Stress and Obesity Signaling Converge on CREB Phosphorylation to Promote Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaoying , Teper Yaroslav , Sinnett-Smith James , Markarian Mineh , Hines O. Joe , Li Gang , Eibl Guido , Rozengurt Enrique
Published: December 2024

One of the deadliest types of cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Chronic stress and obesity are recognized as risk factors for PDAC. We hypothesized that the combination of stress and obesity strongly promotes pancreatic cancer development and growth. Here, we show that the stress mediator norepinephrine and the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol rapidly stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation at Ser133 in human PDAC cells. Exposure to the nonselective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol or selective antagonists, including nebivolol, atenolol, or ICI118551, blocked CREB phosphorylation elicited by norepinephrine or isoproterenol in PDAC cells. Stimulation of PDAC cells with neurotensin, a neuropeptide implicated in obesity and PDAC, also stimulated CREB phosphorylation at Ser133. Mechanistically, norepinephrine induced CREB phosphorylation at Ser133 via PKA, whereas neurotensin promoted CREB phosphorylation predominantly through protein kinase D. Our results indicate that CREB is a point of signal convergence that mediates proliferation in PDAC cells and raised the possibility that stress and diet cooperate in promoting PDAC in vivo. To test this notion, mice expressing KrasG12D in all pancreatic lineages (KC mice) and fed an obesogenic high fat, calorie diet that promotes early PDAC development were subjected to social isolation stress. We show that social isolation stress induced a significant increase in the proportion of advanced PDAC precursor lesions (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) in KC mice subjected to an obesogenic high fat, calorie diet.

Implications: Our data imply that chronic (social isolation) stress cooperates with diet-induced obesity in accelerating the development of pancreatic cancer.