bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of external magnetic field on the preparation of nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon films
Authors: Du Wenhan , Chen Wangze , Gu Yanxiang , Yang Jingjing , Hu Susu , Du Xiaojiao , Zhang Keke
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared on quartz substrates and silicon wafers using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique with high-purity graphite as the target material. Simultaneously, a permanent NdFeB magnet was placed on the substrate site to study the effect of an additional external magnetic field on the film growth. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the microstructure and surface morphology of the nitrogen-doped DLC films with and without additional magnetic field. The obtained results indicate that the deposited DLC films were amorphous for both conditions. The C1s and N1s core energy levels of the XPS spectrum confirmed the formation of N=C, N≡C, and N–C bonds in the films. With an increasing nitrogen flow rate, the nitrogen content of the DLC films prepared without an additional magnetic field increased. When the nitrogen flow rate was 9 sccm, the maximum nitrogen content in the film prepared without an additional magnetic field was 24.33%. However, the maximum nitrogen content in the film prepared with an additional magnetic field increased to 32.55%, at the nitrogen flow rate of 3 sccm, and the sp3/sp2 ratio reached 1.39. The SEM results showed that the surface of the nitrogen-doped DLC film was smooth, flat, and compact after the application of the additional magnetic field, and the film was closely bonded with the substrate.
Study on the motion of squirmers close to a curved boundary
Authors: Zheng Kaixuan , Wang Jingwen , Zhang Pengfei , Nie Deming
Published: July 2023

We numerically investigate the behaviors of a hydrodynamic squirmer interacting with a circular obstacle using the lattice Boltzmann method. It is interesting to find that in most cases, pullers (gaining thrust from the front) move forward while pushers (gaining thrust from the rear) move backward. We describe six swimming patterns of the squirmer: orbiting forward, ∞-loop, dancing forward, C-loop, orbiting backward, and scattering; notably, three of these have not been previously reported. The association between pressure and viscous stress can reasonably explain the movement of the squirmer near the obstacle. In certain modes, squirmers can swim faster near obstacles. The swimming Reynolds number Res and dipolarity β have significant effects on the averaged velocity and Strouhal number of the swimming patterns. A stronger polarity encourages the squirmers to swim faster and “bounce” more often.
Study on the effect of neutron shielding design on tritium breeding based on water-cooled ceramic blanket for CFETR
Authors: Li Jie , Li Hang , Wu Muquan , Zhu Xiang , Yan Peiguang , Lin Xiaodong , Zhang Jie , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2023

The Chinese Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is a magnetic confinement fusion reactor independently designed and developed by China, which is based on the ITER design experience. As one of the candidates for the CFETR, the water cooled ceramic blanket (WCCB) mainly carries out many important tasks, such as tritium breeding and radiation shielding. The high tritium breeding ability is one of the most significant goals of the blanket. For the design of the CFETR, in addition to meeting the requirements of tritium breeding, the design of the blanket must also consider meeting relevant shielding limits. Due to the limited space of the blanket, the improvement in tritium breeding space will inevitably lead to the reduction in neutron shielding space behind the breeding area, and vice versa. Therefore, under the premise of meeting the requirements of neutron shielding, increasing the tritium breeding space as much as possible is the focus of research. In this work, a three-dimensional neutronics model containing the WCCB blanket is developed, and the neutronics performance is calculated based on 1.5 GW fusion power. A set of nuclear analyses are carried out by the MCNP code, including analysis of the neutron wall load, tritium breeding ratio (TBR), and fast neutron fluence of the TF coil. It is found that the shielding space of certain blanket modules could be optimized. After the shielding optimization, the global TBR increased from 1.168 to 1.186, an increase of 0.018 TBR. The current research has important guiding significance for the future design and optimization of the WCCB for the CFETR.
A novel stabilized P1 × P0 finite element formulation for the time-dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Chen Xi , Drapaca Corina
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present a derivation of a new stabilized finite element formulation for the time-dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations when the P1 × P0 element pair is used. Unlike the traditional choice in the literature, we motivate the expression of the stabilization from the inconsistency caused by the P1 × P0 element pair in the procedure of integration by parts and also suggest adding a grad-div term to the stabilization. We show that for large γ, the conventional approach may lead to locking and result in a less accurate numerical velocity, while the addition of grad-div stabilization may help to improve performance as demonstrated through numerical experiments. Numerical experiments with the Taylor–Green vortex show the effectiveness of the dissipation provided by the stabilization in our and the conventional formulations for both large and small viscosities. A brief discussion on the interpretation of simulation results from both the perspectives of numerical partial differential equations and physics is presented, and a slightly different new view is proposed within the finite element framework.
Impact of extreme heatwaves and life-history traits on seed germination responses in Cumberland Plain Woodland native plant species
Authors: Alvarez Philippa R. , Krix Daniel W. , Offord Catherine A. , Murray Brad R.
Published: July 2023

Context The Cumberland Plain Woodland (CPW) is a threatened ecological community that is expected to experience heatwaves of increasing intensity and frequency into the future. Given the central role that temperature plays in regulating seed germination, understanding the impacts of such heatwaves on key germination attributes is vital to identify potential impacts on plant community structure. Aims To determine the impacts of increased heatwave intensity and frequency treatments on seed germination within and across 15 native species of the CPW. We also examined the influence of interspecific variation in life-history traits on germination responses. Methods Seeds were exposed to seven heatwave treatments of increasing intensity and frequency. Life-history trait data were also collected for each species’ dormancy type, fire response traits, life form and seed mass. Key results There was evidence within the study species of a significant effect of heatwave treatment. Germination duration was prolonged for the two most extreme simulated heatwave events. Life-history traits could not explain germination responses after heatwave treatments, however, larger seeded species had quicker germination onset and shorter periods of germination over small-seeded species; and trees had lower proportions of germination than any other life form. Conclusions Increases in heatwave intensity and frequency have an impact on seed germination responses in native species of the CPW. Life-history traits could not explain germination responses across species along the heatwave gradient. Implications Projected increases in heatwave intensity and frequency are likely to impact seed germination, and thus community composition, in species from the CPW.
The Pronunciation of German ch as Velar or Palatal from 1784 to 1841
Authors: Hall Tracy Alan
Published: July 2023

Throughout most of the eighteenth-century, grammarians believed that ch in German words like
Macht ‘power’ and Licht ‘light’ had only one place of articulation. In the final quarter of
that century three studies discovered that ch in such words represented two places of articulation corresponding
to what modern-day linguists call ‘velar’ and ‘palatal’ (Mäzke 1776; Hemmer 1776; Fränklin 1778). The present
article concentrates on the years following those three works. While the most widespread claim was that ch
represented only one place of articulation, a number of scholars continued in the tradition of Mäzke, Hemmer, and Fränklin by
recognizing that ch had more than one place of articulation. The purpose of this article is to document those
innovative studies and to assess their understanding of the phonetics and phonology of German ch.
Dairy Cow Living Space and Lying Times: The Impact of Space Allowance on Environment-Host Interactions and Competition for Resources
Authors: Thompson J.S. , Green M.J.
Published: July 2023

Dairy cow health and welfare is of critical importance to the industry. Citizens and consumers must accept husbandry practices in order to continue purchasing behaviours. A common management practice is the housing of dairy cows, with this method increasing in duration or turning to year-round housing. Housed infrastructure recommendations that improve a cow’s environment based on animal welfare are likely to simultaneously improve health and production, which have historically been used to assess environment suitability. The conditions within dairy cow housing are therefore fundamental to the sustainability of dairy farming and the well-being of farmed cattle. Although the majority of dairy cows are housed for a duration of time in a year, little scientific research has been undertaken to assess the fundamental impact on behaviours the housed infrastructure may have. Concerningly, even the most fundamental feature of the housed environment, living space, has limited evidence for how it affects dairy cows.

This case study focuses on the results of a long-term randomized controlled trial that assessed the impact that increasing living space had on a group of high-yielding dairy cows. The trial was undertaken in a unique, purpose-built, robotic milking facility, which allowed internal layout reconfiguration. Location sensors were used to calculate daily time budgets and assess how cows interacted with the different living space options provided. There will be discussion based on how to assess the housed environment, questions to ask the herdsperson and differential diagnoses to explore.

Information

© The Authors 2023
Study on the coupling coordination and obstacle factors between high-quality agricultural development and ecological construction in China
Authors: Gao Dandan
Published: July 2023

This paper takes the level of high-quality agricultural development and ecological construction in 31 provinces of China from 2011 to 2021 as the research object. The coupling coordination degree model and Moran index are used to explore the coupling coordination stage, types and spatiotemporal evolution trend of agricultural high-quality development and ecological construction in China. The obstacle model is used to determine the key obstacle factors influencing the coupling development of high-quality agricultural and ecological construction in China. The results are as follows: from 2011 to 2021, high-quality agricultural development and ecological construction in 31 provinces maintained a relatively stable growth trend. However, the coupling coordination level between the two is low, and thus such level belongs to the high-quality development lag type of primary coordination agriculture. The agricultural externality index, land yield rate and per capita rural power generation are the biggest obstacles to the coordinated development of high-quality agricultural development and ecological construction in China.
Prediction of molecular field points using SE(3)-transformer model
Authors: Hinz Florian B , Mahmoud Amr H , Lill Markus A
Published: July 2023

Due to their computational efficiency, 2D fingerprints are typically used in similarity-based high-content screening. The interaction of a ligand with its target protein, however, relies on its physicochemical interactions in 3D space. Thus, ligands with different 2D scaffolds can bind to the same protein if these ligands share similar interaction patterns. Molecular fields can represent those interaction profiles. For efficiency, the extrema of those molecular fields, named field points, are used to quantify the ligand similarity in 3D. The calculation of field points involves the evaluation of the interaction energy between the ligand and a small probe shifted on a fine grid representing the molecular surface. These calculations are computationally prohibitive for large datasets of ligands, making field point representations of molecules intractable for high-content screening. Here, we overcome this roadblock by one-shot prediction of field points using generative neural networks based on the molecular structure alone. Field points are predicted by training an SE(3)-Transformer, an equivariant, attention-based graph neural network architecture, on a large set of ligands with field point data. Resulting data demonstrates the feasibility of this approach to precisely generate negative, positive and hydrophobic field points within 0.5 Å of the ground truth for a diverse set of drug-like molecules.
Brain-inspired methods for achieving robust computation in heterogeneous mixed-signal neuromorphic processing systems
Authors: Zendrikov Dmitrii , Solinas Sergio , Indiveri Giacomo
Published: July 2023

Neuromorphic processing systems implementing spiking neural networks with mixed signal analog/digital electronic circuits and/or memristive devices represent a promising technology for edge computing applications that require low power, low latency, and that cannot connect to the cloud for off-line processing, either due to lack of connectivity or for privacy concerns. However, these circuits are typically noisy and imprecise, because they are affected by device-to-device variability, and operate with extremely small currents. So achieving reliable computation and high accuracy following this approach is still an open challenge that has hampered progress on the one hand and limited widespread adoption of this technology on the other. By construction, these hardware processing systems have many constraints that are biologically plausible, such as heterogeneity and non-negativity of parameters. More and more evidence is showing that applying such constraints to artificial neural networks, including those used in artificial intelligence, promotes robustness in learning and improves their reliability. Here we delve even more into neuroscience and present network-level brain-inspired strategies that further improve reliability and robustness in these neuromorphic systems: we quantify, with chip measurements, to what extent population averaging is effective in reducing variability in neural responses, we demonstrate experimentally how the neural coding strategies of cortical models allow silicon neurons to produce reliable signal representations, and show how to robustly implement essential computational primitives, such as selective amplification, signal restoration, working memory, and relational networks, exploiting such strategies. We argue that these strategies can be instrumental for guiding the design of robust and reliable ultra-low power electronic neural processing systems implemented using noisy and imprecise computing substrates such as subthreshold neuromorphic circuits and emerging memory technologies.
Escaping Empire
Authors: Mawson Stephanie
Published: July 2023

This article explores the flight of indigenous communities from Philippine lowlands into mountain spaces, a frequent and widespread response to Spanish colonization in the seventeenth century. During this period, indigenous zones of refuge were not exceptional but present in almost every part of Luzon and the Visayas. The shared history of flight and resistance frustrated the ambitions of Spanish missionaries and military commanders for much of the colonial period and beyond. In the uplands, indigenous communities made use of local geographies and ecologies to bolster their resistance and maintain their autonomy. In dialogue with recent scholarship on colonial frontiers and indigenous hinterlands, this article challenges the perception of a colonial dominance that spread inexorably across the archipelago in the seventeenth century. It offers a new perspective on the history of colonization and confronts the perceived upland-lowland divide that has typified Southeast Asian historiography, demonstrating that upland and lowland spaces had shared histories of resistance, migration, and trade throughout the colonial period.
Molecular phylogeny of Urvillea (Paullinieae, Sapindaceae) and its implications in stem vascular diversity
Authors: Cunha Neto Israel L , Rizzieri Yanã C , Cabanillas Pablo A , Martins Fabiano M , Marques Natália F , Somner Genise V , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Onyenedum Joyce G
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

The tribe Paullinieae has the highest diversity of vascular variants among the seed plants. The developmental diversity is better understood in the species-rich genera Paullinia and Serjania; however, the phylogeny and diversity of vascular variants in the smaller genera of Paullinieae remain understudied. Here we investigate the evolution of development of stem vasculatures in the small genus Urvillea.

Methods

We generate the first molecular phylogeny of Urvillea derived from 11 markers using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian approach. In combination with phylogenetic reconstruction, stochastic character mapping is used to assess evolutionary changes in stem ontogenies, determined from developmental anatomy of stems collected in the field or from herbarium and wood collections.

Key Results

Urvillea is supported as a monophyletic group and sister to Serjania. There are five stem ontogenies in Urvillea, including typical growth and four different vascular variants. Most stem ontogenies initiate with lobed stems in primary growth. Lobed stems in secondary growth are ancestral in Urvillea, but this ontogeny was lost multiple times. A reversal to typical growth occurred in non-climbing species. Phloem wedges, fissured stems, and ectopic cambia each evolved once independently. Phloem wedges is an intermediate developmental stage in the formation of fissured stems, which is characterized by a continuous fragmentation of vascular tissues. Lobed stems may generate constriction zones and lobes may split or not.

Conclusions

Urvillea is the third most diverse genus (after Serjania and Paullinia) with respect to the number of vascular variants within Paullinieae. One ontogeny (fissured stems) is exclusive to the genus. Differential cambial activity and ectopic cambia are the main ontogenetic processes generating stem diversity. The evolutionary history of vascular variants demonstrates the large developmental plasticity of the cambium in such a small genus and further demonstrates that complex anatomies have repeatedly evolved within Paullinieae lianas.
Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome: A Rare Genodermatosis Presenting as Skin Papillomas
Authors: Theodorakopoulou Elina , McCarthy Alec D , Almpanis Zannis , Aguilera Shino Bay
Published: July 2023

The authors present a rare case of Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome that presented primarily as an aesthetic case. Previous providers failed to accurately diagnose BHD, despite the patient’s history of pneumothoraces. This female patient complained of numerous recurrent, small skin-colored growths on the face and neck and patchy hypopigmentation from the multiple treatments she had to undergo for her “bumpy skin.” She also suffered 4 spontaneous pneumothoraces. Following histopathologic and genetic testing, the patient was diagnosed with BHD. Computed tomography and ultrasound scans revealed multiple cysts in both lungs and an angiomyolipoma in both kidneys. This patient had undergone a variety of treatments to aesthetically remove and heal her skin bumps from several healthcare providers, all of whom had misdiagnosed her condition.

Level of Evidence: 5
ZetaDesign: an end-to-end deep learning method for protein sequence design and side-chain packing
Authors: Yan Junyu , Li Shuai , Zhang Ying , Hao Aimin , Zhao Qinping
Published: July 2023

Computational protein design has been demonstrated to be the most powerful tool in the last few years among protein designing and repacking tasks. In practice, these two tasks are strongly related but often treated separately. Besides, state-of-the-art deep-learning-based methods cannot provide interpretability from an energy perspective, affecting the accuracy of the design. Here we propose a new systematic approach, including both a posterior probability and a joint probability parts, to solve the two essential questions once for all. This approach takes the physicochemical property of amino acids into consideration and uses the joint probability model to ensure the convergence between structure and amino acid type. Our results demonstrated that this method could generate feasible, high-confidence sequences with low-energy side conformations. The designed sequences can fold into target structures with high confidence and maintain relatively stable biochemical properties. The side chain conformation has a significantly lower energy landscape without delegating to a rotamer library or performing the expensive conformational searches. Overall, we propose an end-to-end method that combines the advantages of both deep learning and energy-based methods. The design results of this model demonstrate high efficiency, and precision, as well as a low energy state and good interpretability.
Public art and social media: street art tourism, sociocultural agency and cultural production in contemporary Lisbon
Authors: Garrido Castellano Carlos , Raposo Otávio
Published: July 2023

This essay engages with Guias do Mocho [Mocho’s Tourist Guides], a bottom-up cultural tourism initiative emerging in Quinta do Mocho, a ‘peripheral’ neighbourhood of Lisbon, as a way of problematizing the relationship between public and street art and social media aesthetics. Scholarship on digital creative industries and street art tourism tends to emphasize the complicities of this kind of cultural experience with neoliberal understandings of the urban space. By examining an example of bottom-up, localized guided tours that operates through social media in the context of peripheral areas of Lisbon, we argue that public art and social media should be seen as part of a more complicated correlation, one in which the affects and effects of creative, site-specific projects are actively developed and expanded in unforeseen ways. Our research demonstrates that public art and social media are mutually developing a renewed economy of attention and system of valorization. The critical examination of both elements is compulsory when measuring the impact of art-driven processes of community development.
Atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source: role of advanced imaging of left atrial function
Authors: Chousou Panagiota Anna , Chattopadhyay Rahul , Ring Liam , Khadjooi Kayvan , Warburton Elizabeth A , Mukherjee Trisha , Bhalraam U , Tsampasian Vasiliki , Potter John , Perperoglou Aris , Pugh Peter John , Vassiliou Vassilios S
Published: July 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in over 30% of patients following an embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) when monitored with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Identifying AF in ESUS survivors has significant therapeutic implications, and AF risk is essential to guide screening with long-term monitoring. The present study aimed to establish the role of left atrial (LA) function in subsequent AF identification and develop a risk model for AF in ESUS.

Methods and results

We conducted a single-centre retrospective case–control study including all patients with ESUS referred to our institution for ILR implantation from December 2009 to September 2019. We recorded clinical variables at baseline and analysed transthoracic echocardiograms in sinus rhythm. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to inform variables associated with AF. Lasso regression analysis was used to develop a risk prediction model for AF. The risk model was internally validated using bootstrapping. Three hundred and twenty-three patients with ESUS underwent ILR implantation. In the ESUS population, 293 had a stroke, whereas 30 had suffered a transient ischaemic attack as adjudicated by a senior stroke physician. Atrial fibrillation of any duration was detected in 47.1%. The mean follow-up was 710 days. Following lasso regression with backwards elimination, we combined increasing lateral PA (the time interval from the beginning of the P wave on the surface electrocardiogram to the beginning of the A′ wave on pulsed wave tissue Doppler of the lateral mitral annulus) [odds ratio (OR) 1.011], increasing Age (OR 1.035), higher Diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.027), and abnormal LA reservoir Strain (OR 0.973) into a new PADS score. The probability of identifying AF can be estimated using the formula. Model discrimination was good [area under the curve (AUC) 0.72]. The PADS score was internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 samples of 150 patients showing consistent results with an AUC of 0.73.

Conclusion

The novel PADS score can identify the risk of AF on prolonged monitoring with ILR following ESUS and should be considered a dedicated risk stratification tool for decision-making regarding the screening strategy for AF in stroke.
Where the wild things are: genetic associations of environmental adaptation in the Oryza rufipogon species complex
Authors: Wang Diane R , Kantar Michael B , Murugaiyan Varunseelan , Neyhart Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

Crop wild relatives host unique adaptation strategies that enable them to thrive across a wide range of habitats. As pressures from a changing climate mount, a more complete understanding of the genetic variation that underlies this adaptation could enable broader utilization of wild materials for crop improvement. Here, we carry out environmental association analyses (EAA) in the Oryza rufipogon species complex (ORSC), the wild progenitor of cultivated Asian rice, to identify genomic regions associated with environmental adaptation characterized by variation in bioclimatic and soil variables. We further examine regions for colocalizations with phenotypic associations within the same collection. EAA results indicate that significant regions tend to associate with single environmental variables, although 2 significant loci on chromosomes 3 and 5 are detected as common across multiple variable types (i.e. precipitation, temperature, and/or soil). Distributions of allele frequencies at significant loci across subpopulations of cultivated Oryza sativa indicate that, in some cases, adaptive variation may already be present among cultivars, although evaluation in cultivated populations is needed to empirically test this. This work has implications for the potential utility of wild genetic resources in pre-breeding efforts for rice improvement.
Lepidopteran Synteny Units reveal deep chromosomal conservation in butterflies and moths
Authors: Traut Walther , Sahara Ken , ffrench-Constant Richard H
Published: July 2023

DNA is compacted into individual particles or chromosomes that form the basic units of inheritance. However, different animals and plants have widely different numbers of chromosomes. This means that we cannot readily tell which chromosomes are related to which. Here, we describe a simple technique that looks at the similarity of genes on each chromosome and thus gives us a true picture of their homology or similarity through evolutionary time. We use this new system to look at the chromosomes of butterflies and moths or Lepidoptera. We term the associated synteny units, Lepidopteran Synteny Units (LSUs). Using a sample of butterfly and moth genomes from across evolutionary time, we show that LSUs form a simple and reliable method of tracing chromosomal homology back through time. Surprisingly, this technique reveals that butterfly and moth chromosomes show conserved blocks dating back to their sister group the Trichoptera. As Lepidoptera have holocentric chromosomes, it will be interesting to see if similar levels of synteny are shown in groups of animals with monocentric chromosomes. The ability to define homology via LSU analysis makes it considerably easier to approach many questions in chromosomal evolution.
Nursing Home Resident Preferences for Daily Care and Activities: A Latent Class Analysis of National Data
Authors: Duan Yinfei , Ng Weiwen , Bowblis John R , Akosionu Odichinma , Shippee Tetyana P
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Uncovering subgroups of nursing home residents sharing similar preference patterns is useful for developing systematic approaches to person-centered care. This study aimed to (i) identify preference patterns among long-stay residents, and (ii) examine the associations of preference patterns with resident and facility characteristics.

Research Design and Methods

This study was a national cross-sectional analysis of Minimum Data Set assessments in 2016. Using resident-rated importance for 16 preference items in the Preference Assessment Tool as indicators, we conducted latent class analysis to identify preference patterns and examined their associations with resident and facility characteristics.

Results

We identified 4 preference patterns. The high salience group (43.5% of the sample) was the most likely to rate all preferences as important, whereas the low salience group (8.7%) was the least likely. The socially engaged (27.2%) and the socially independent groups (20.6%) featured high importance ratings on social/recreational activities and maintaining privacy/autonomy, respectively. The high salience group reported more favorable physical and sensory function than the other 3 groups and lived in facilities with higher staffing of activity staff. The low salience and socially independent groups reported a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, whereas the low salience or socially engaged groups reported a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment. Preference patterns also varied by race/ethnicity and gender.

Discussion and Implications

Our study advanced the understanding of within-individual variations in preferences, and the role of individual and environmental factors in shaping preferences. The findings provided implications for providing person-centered care in NHs.
CsBZIP40 confers resistance against citrus bacterial canker by repressing CsWRKY43-CsPrx53/CsSOD13 cascade mediated ROS scavenging
Authors: Li Qiang , Qin Xiujuan , Zhang Miao , Yu Qiyuan , Jia Ruirui , Fan Jie , Huang Xin , Fu Jia , Zhang Chenxi , Xian Baohang , Yang Wen , Long Qin , Peng Aihong , Yao Lixiao , Chen Shanchun , He Yongrui
Published: July 2023

As the bacterial etiologic agent causing citrus bacterial canker (CBC), Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) seriously impacts citrus plantation and fruit production globally. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that CsBZIP40 can positively impact CBC resistance in the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). However, the mechanistic basis for the protective benefits conferred by CsBZIP40 is yet to be delineated. Here, we show that CsBZIP40 positively regulates CBC resistance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in transgenic sweet orange overexpressing CsBZIP40. CsBZIP40 directly binds to the TGA-box of the CsWRKY43 promoter to repress its transcriptional activity. CsWRKY43 overexpression induces CBC susceptibility in transgenic sweet oranges. In contrast, its inhibition produces strong resistance to CBC. CsWRKY43 directly binds to the W-boxes of the CsPrx53 and CsSOD13 promoters to positively regulate the activities of these antioxidant enzymes, resulting in the negative regulation of ROS homeostasis and CBC resistance in sweet orange plants. CsPrx53/CsSOD13 knockdown enhances ROS accumulation and CBC resistance. Overall, our results outline a regulatory pathway through which CsBZIP40 transcriptionally represses CsWRKY43-CsPrx53/CsSOD13 cascade-mediated ROS scavenging in a manner conducive to CBC resistance. These mechanisms underscore the potential importance of CsBZIP40, CsWRKY43, CsPrx53, and CsSOD13, providing promising strategies for the prevention of CBC.
Migration Deals Seen through the Lens of the ICESCR
Authors: Pijnenburg Annick
Published: July 2023

Human rights violations in the context of migration deals have received considerable attention, especially when it comes to more frequently explored human rights such as the principle of non-refoulement, the right to life, and the prohibition on torture. However, such deals also have a negative impact on the socio-economic rights of people on the move, who often live in dire conditions and lack access to education, health care, and work. This article therefore seeks to answer the following question: to what extent do European Union Member States have obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights towards people on the move contained in third countries as a result of migration deals? The analysis shows that EU Member States may have two types of obligations and examines their nature and scope. First, EU Member States have direct obligations when exercising extraterritorial jurisdiction. This is the case when they can take reasonable measures to avoid reasonably foreseeable human rights violations that result from migration deals. Secondly, they may also have global obligations within the framework of international assistance and cooperation. While the nature and scope of these obligations remain unclear, this article explores whether EU Member States have an obligation to provide international assistance and cooperation to third countries that host people on the move as a result of migration deals. It also examines whether EU Member States can comply with their obligations of international assistance and cooperation by cooperating with third countries on migration control. The article uses the examples of European migration deals with Turkey and Libya to illustrate the analysis.
Invasive Non-CandidaFungal Infections in Acute Burns—A 13-Year Review of a Single Institution and Review of the Literature
Authors: Akhavan Arya Andre , Shamoun Feras , Lagziel Tomer , Rostami Sohayla , Cox Carrie A , Cooney Carisa M , Sood Geeta , Scott Hultman Charles , Caffrey Julie A
Published: July 2023

The past decade has demonstrated increased burn wound infections with atypical invasive fungal organisms. The range of previously regiospecific organisms has expanded, and plant pathogens are increasingly represented. Our institution sought to examine changes in severe fungal non-Candida infections in our patients, via retrospective review of patients admitted to our burn center from 2008 to 2021. We identified 37 patients with atypical invasive fungal infections. Non-Candida genera included Aspergillus (23), Fusarium (8), Mucor (6), and 13 cases of 11 different species, including the second-ever human case of Petriella setifera. Three fungi were resistant to at least one antifungal. Concomitant infections included Candida (19), Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (14), Enterococcus and Enterobacter (13), Pseudomonas (9), and 14 additional genera. Complete data was available for 18 patients, who had a median of 3.0 (IQR 8.5, range 0–15) additional bacteria required a median of 1 (IQR 7, range 0–14) systemic antibacterials and 2 (IQR 2.5, range 0–4) systemic antifungals. One case of total-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa required bacteriophage treatment. One case of Treponema pallidum was found in infected burn wound tissue. Every patient required Infectious Disease consultation. Eight patients became bacteremic and one developed Candida fermentatifungemia. There were five patient deaths (13.8%), all due to overwhelming polymicrobial infection. Burn patients with atypical invasive fungal infections can have severe concomitant polymicrobial infections and multidrug resistance with fatal results. Early Infectious Disease consultation and aggressive treatment is critical. Further characterization of these patients may provide better understanding of risk factors and ideal treatmentpatterns.
First records of elm zigzag sawfly (Hymenoptera: Argidae) in the United States
Authors: Oten Kelly L F , Day Eric , Dellinger Theresa , Disque Heather Harmon , Barringer Lawrence E , Cancelliere Jessica , Somers Liam , Bertone Matthew A
Published: July 2023

The elm zigzag sawfly (EZS), Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi, was detected in the United States for the first time in Virginia in 2021. In 2022, it was confirmed in 4 additional states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, and New York. These are the first records of this species in the United States and demonstrate a rapid range expansion of an invasive defoliating pest. Native to Asia, EZS feeds exclusively on Ulmus spp. (elms; Ulmaceae). In the United States, feeding damage ranges in severity from minor to severe. Young instars create a zigzag-shaped pattern in leaves as they feed, while older larvae feed more completely on foliage, leaving only the midvein and sometimes thick lateral veins. This more complete feeding often obscures the signature zigzag defoliation of younger instars. Long-term health impacts to host trees are unknown, though aesthetic damage, growth loss, and branch dieback occur in Europe where it is also invasive. Little is known about management options for this pest, and continued expansion of this species’ range in the United States is expected.
Healthcare Costs of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Commercially Insured Younger Adults
Authors: Sahrmann John M , Olsen Margaret A , Keller Matthew R , Yu Holly , Dubberke Erik R
Published: July 2023

In a US adult population aged <65 years, attributable costs due to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) were highest in persons with hospital onset and lowest in those with community-associated CDI treated outside a hospital. The economic burden of CDI in younger adults underscores the need for additional CDI-preventive strategies.
Performance of Blood-Based Nucleocapsid Antigen Tests for Diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Infectious Viral Shedding: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mathur Sujata , So Matthew , Tahir Peggy , Peluso Michael J , Martin Jeffrey N , Kelly J Daniel
Published: July 2023

Data on the performance of blood-based nucleocapsid antigen tests for diagnosing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and infectious viral shedding are limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review to assess the performance of blood-based nucleocapsid (N) antigen tests in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection and identifying infectiousness. This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42022339635). We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Coronavirus Research Database for relevant studies published through 27 February 2023. Each study's risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Our findings indicate that the performance of the N-antigen test is influenced by factors such as assay type, sampling timing, and illness severity. Sensitive assays provide suitable methods for viable screening and laboratory diagnostic tests in different clinical and research settings during the early phase of illness.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses of People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus After 3 Doses of Messenger RNA BNT162b2 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tau Luba , Hagin David , Freund Tal , Halperin Tamar , Adler Amos , Marom Rotem , Ahsanov Svetlana , Matus Natasha , Levi Inbar , Gerber Gal , Lev Shir , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Turner Dan
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown good serological and cellular immune responses in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) after receipt of 2 doses of messenger RNAA (mRNA) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine. Data are missing regarding the response after 3 vaccine doses.

Methods

We followed up a group of PLWH who received 3 doses of the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine and for whom data of humoral immune response after 2 vaccine doses were available. Patients provided a blood sample 4–6 months after the booster dose. The aim of the study was to measure the serological and cellular response after the third dose and to evaluate factors associated with the vaccine response.

Results

Fifty patients have provided a serum sample for serological evaluation after the booster. The anti–receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin (Ig) G titers were higher after the booster with a median delta of 3240 arbitrary units/mL. The median CD4+ T-cell count was 660/μL (interquartile range, 515–958/μL) and had no influence on the antibody level. Factors associated with lower delta included higher CD8+ T-cell count (P = .02) and longer time between the third dose and the blood test (P = .01). Higher anti-RBD IgG titer after the second vaccine (P = .03), as well as a longer interval between second and third doses (P = .031) were associated with higher delta. There was no increase in the median number of activated interferon γ+ and tumor necrosis factor α+ CD4+ T cells after the booster (n = 8).

Conclusions

The anti-RBD IgG level after 3 doses of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine was higher than the level after 2 doses, suggesting additional value of the booster. Cellular response did not further increase after a booster.
Imaging of plant calcium-sensor kinase conformation monitors real time calcium-dependent decoding in planta
Authors: Liese Anja , Eichstädt Bernadette , Lederer Sarah , Schulz Philipp , Oehlschläger Jan , Matschi Susanne , Feijó José A , Schulze Waltraud X , Konrad Kai R , Romeis Tina
Published: July 2023

Changes in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) concentration are among the earliest reactions to a multitude of stress cues. While a plethora of Ca2+-permeable channels may generate distinct Ca2+ signatures and contribute to response specificities, the mechanisms by which Ca2+ signatures are decoded are poorly understood. Here, we developed a genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based reporter that visualizes the conformational changes in Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs/CPKs). We focused on two CDPKs with distinct Ca2+-sensitivities, highly Ca2+-sensitive Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtCPK21 and rather Ca2+-insensitive AtCPK23, to report conformational changes accompanying kinase activation. In tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes, which naturally display coordinated spatial and temporal Ca2+ fluctuations, CPK21-FRET, but not CPK23-FRET, reported oscillatory emission ratio changes mirroring cytosolic Ca2+ changes, pointing to the isoform-specific Ca2+-sensitivity and reversibility of the conformational change. In Arabidopsis guard cells, CPK21-FRET-monitored conformational dynamics suggest that CPK21 serves as a decoder of signal-specific Ca2+ signatures in response to abscisic acid and the flagellin peptide flg22. Based on these data, CDPK-FRET is a powerful approach for tackling real-time live-cell Ca2+ decoding in a multitude of plant developmental and stress responses.
Phytophthora RxLR effector PcSnel4B promotes degradation of resistance protein AtRPS2
Authors: Gao Huhu , Guo Yuchen , Ren Mengyuan , Tang Lijun , Gao Wenxin , Tian Song , Shao Guangda , Peng Qin , Gu Biao , Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xili
Published: July 2023

Phytophthora capsici deploys effector proteins to manipulate host immunity and facilitate its colonization. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that a Sne-like (Snel) RxLR effector gene PcSnel4 is highly expressed at the early stages of P. capsici infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. Knocking out both alleles of PcSnel4 attenuated the virulence of P. capsici, while expression of PcSnel4 promoted its colonization in N. benthamiana. PcSnel4B could suppress the hypersensitive reaction (HR) induced by Avr3a-R3a and RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE 2 (AtRPS2), but it did not suppress cell death elicited by Phytophthora infestin 1 (INF1) and Crinkler 4 (CRN4). COP9 signalosome 5 (CSN5) in N. benthamiana was identified as a host target of PcSnel4. Silencing NbCSN5 compromised the cell death induced by AtRPS2. PcSnel4B impaired the interaction and colocalization of Cullin1 (CUL1) and CSN5 in vivo. Expression of AtCUL1 promoted the degradation of AtRPS2 and disrupted HR, while AtCSN5a stabilized AtRPS2 and promoted HR, regardless of the expression of AtCUL1. PcSnel4 counteracted the effect of AtCSN5 and enhanced the degradation of AtRPS2, resulting in HR suppression. This study deciphered the underlying mechanism of PcSnel4-mediated suppression of HR induced by AtRPS2.
First contact: Fine structure of the impact flash and ejecta during hypervelocity impact
Authors: Simpson Gary , Moreno Justin , Shaeffer Matthew , Ramesh K T
Published: July 2023

Hypervelocity impacts are a significant threat in low-earth orbit and in hypersonic flight applications. The earliest observable phenomena and mechanisms activated under these extreme conditions are typically obscured by a very bright flash, called the impact flash, that contains the signatures of the critical mechanisms, the impacting materials, and the impact environment. However, these signatures have been very difficult to observe because of the small length and time scales involved coupled with the high intensities associated with the flash. Here we perform experiments investigating the structure and characteristics of the impact flash generated by 3 km s−1 spherical projectile impacts on structural metals using temporally co-registered high-resolution diagnostics. Reciprocal impact configurations, in which the projectile and target material are swapped, are used to demonstrate the coupling of early-stage mechanisms in the flash and later-stage ejection mechanisms responsible for the development of the impact crater.
Advocacy efforts of the Society of Behavioral Medicine: a 6-year update
Authors: Buscemi Joanna , Figueroa Roger , Bell Brooke M , Dulin Akilah , Shen Megan , Schneider Kristin L , Pagoto Sherry , Fitzgibbon Marian
Published: July 2023

Six years ago, we published a paper describing the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s (SBM) health policy organizational leadership structure and policy initiatives. The purpose of the current paper is to provide an update on changes in the infrastructure and new policy initiatives that have been developed since 2017. We review each of the policy leadership arms of SBM including details of the work of each and goals for the future. The SBM engages in several health policy advocacy efforts through their Advocacy Council and Position Statements Committee. The Advocacy Council launched the Health Policy Ambassador Program in 2020. The Ambassador Program serves to train members to develop longer-term relationships with legislative staff around key policy priority areas. The Position Statements Committee is responsible for overseeing the development and dissemination of health policy position statements. Both groups work together and with partner organizations to increase the impact of our science. Over the last 6 years, developing a stronger infrastructure and implementing metrics for progress such as tracking social media engagement has helped to move SBM’s policy agenda forward. The work of the policy-related leadership teams can serve as a model for other organizations who are interested in further developing their policy advocacy efforts.