bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reproducibility of the intake of trans-fatty acids estimated using a FFQ and characteristics of trans-fatty acid intake of the Japanese population: the JPHC FFQ Validation Study
Authors: Kito Kumiko , Yamamoto Junpei , Kotemori Ayaka , Nakadate Misako , Maruyama Koutatsu , Miyazaki Saori , Okada Chika , Ishihara Junko , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie
Published: December 2022

We aimed to validate a method for assessing trans-fatty acid (TFA) intake in the Japanese population using the FFQ developed in the 1990s from a prospective study that was based on the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Cohort Study. For FFQ validation, we included 565 participants (Cohort I: n 215, Cohort II: n 350) aged 40–69 years. We used a 28-d dietary record (DR) over 1 year and two FFQ administered before and after DR assessment. We calculated total TFA intake, TFA from industrial oils (i-TFA) and TFA from ruminants (r-TFA) considering a database of measurements obtained mainly from Japan. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (CC) were computed for validity and reproducibility. Energy adjustments were applied using two methods considering the TFA measurement: density method for TFA % of total energy and residual method for TFA g/d. The total TFA intake (% of the total energy intake) was 0·08–0·76 % (median, 0·27–0·37 %) in DR of both cohorts and was 0·00–1·13 % (median, 0·30–0·40 %) in FFQ. The i-TFA accounted for approximately 50 % of the total TFA intake in DR and approximately 40 % in FFQ. For total TFA (% of the total energy intake), CC were 0·54–0·69, and weighted κ coefficients were 0·88–0·92 for both cohorts. The de-attenuated CC was 0·46–0·62 for i-TFA (g/d) and 0·57–0·68 for r-TFA (g/d). Our study showed that the validity and reproducibility of TFA intake estimation using the FFQ were reasonable, suggesting its suitability among the Japanese population with low-TFA intake.
The invasive giant African land snail,Achatina fulica(Gastropoda: Pulmonata): global geographical distribution of this species as host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance
Authors: Silva G. M. , Thiengo S. C. , Sierpe Jeraldo V. L. , Rego M. I. F. , Silva A. B. P. , Rodrigues P. S. , Gomes S. R.
Published: December 2022

The giant African land snail,Achatina fulica, is an important invasive species in many countries, where it causes losses in biodiversity and agriculture, as well as impacting the health of both humans and animals, as the intermediate host of medically important nematodes. The present study is based on a comprehensive review of the literature on the nematodes that have been found in association withA. fulica, worldwide. We searched a number of different databases and used the findings to investigate the methods used to extract and identify the nematodes, their larval stages, and environment and collecting procedures of the infected molluscs. Between 1965 and 2021, 11 nematode species were recorded in association withA. fulicain 21 countries. Most of the studies recorded associations betweenA. fulicaandAngiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes cerebral angiostrongyliasis in humans andAelurostrongylus abstrusus, which provokes pneumonia in felines. The nematodes were extracted primarily by artificial digestion with hydrochloric acid or pepsin, and identified based on their morphology or through experimental infection to obtain the adult. In most cases, the nematodes were at larval stage L3,and the infectedA. fulicawere collected from anthropogenic environments. The results demonstrate the importance ofA. fulicaas a host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance, as well the contribution of anthropogenic environments to the occurrence of the parasites, and give information about the different methods used to collect and identify the nematodes found associated with this species.
Chinese Celebrities’ Political Signalling on Sina Weibo
Authors: Chen Dan , Gao Gengsong
Published: December 2022

In China, celebrities can dominate public discourse and shape popular culture, but they are under the state's close gaze. Recent studies have revealed how the state disciplines and co-opts celebrities to promote patriotism, foster traditional values and spread political propaganda. However, how do celebrities adapt to the changing political environment? Focusing on political signalling on the social media platform Sina Weibo, we analyse a novel dataset and find that the vast majority of top celebrities repost from official accounts of government agencies and state media outlets, though there are variations. Younger celebrities with more followers tend to repost from official accounts more often. Celebrities from Taiwan tend to repost less than those from the mainland and Hong Kong, despite being subject to the same rules. However, the frequent political signalling by the most influential celebrities among younger generations suggests that the state has co-opted celebrity influence on social media to broadly promote its political objectives.
Alterity, Otherness and Nomad Geometries: New Trajectories for the Interpretation of Late Neolithic Monuments
Authors: Gillings Mark
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses upon alterity and how we can more fully embrace intimations of otherness in our dealings with prehistoric monuments. Taking as its inspiration recent attempts to explain such structures, and the landscapes of which they were part, it makes two arguments. First, that while ethnographic analogies offer a vital point of departure for thinking through the possibilities raised by alterity and otherness, we may well have been overlooking a rich set of data—derived from careful excavation and painstaking metrical analyses—that has been sitting in front of us for a very long time. Second, despite over a decade of sustained critical debate, we seem remarkably timid when it comes to seeing where these data might take us. Through the lens of two Late Neolithic stone circles from southern Britain (one big, one small), research into measurement units and alignments is allied with recent excavation and survey data in order to explore ideas of hybridity, nomad-geometry and the arresting/manipulation of time and motion. Placing these glimpses of alterity front and centre, they are then used to establish new starting-points for the interpretation of these structures.
The Influenza Pandemic of 1918–19 in Spain: From the Epidemic to the Crisis of Liberalism
Authors: Fuentes Codera Maximiliano , Font Masdeu Pau
Published: December 2022

This article analyses the political impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic in Spain, a hitherto scarcely explored subject. It first discusses the evolution and impact of the pandemic, focusing on political and social responses. It then shows how these responses were related to debates about the crisis of Restoration Spain's political system. Lastly, it analyses the long-term political impact of the influenza pandemic, showing how the demands of this period can be linked to policies and discourses during the Primo de Rivera dictatorship, particularly regarding the links between the call for a ‘health dictatorship’ developed during the pandemic and the rhetorical use of medical language linked to authoritarian regenerationism between 1923 and 1930.
Judicial Independence in European Constitutional Law
Authors: Bustos Gisbert Rafael
Published: December 2022

Judicial independence in the context of rule of law backsliding – a systematisation of case law from the Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights – classic dimensions of objective and subjective independence of judges – a new third dimension: the right of judges to their own independence as final safeguard
Flamer-Caldera v Sri Lanka: Asia-Wide Implications of an Essential Evolution in CEDAW's Jurisprudence
Authors: VIJEYARASA Ramona
Published: December 2022

In 2022, the CEDAW Committee issued an Individual Communication concerning Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, a lesbian woman, human rights defender, and Executive Director of the only organization in Sri Lanka advocating for the rights of the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community. To date, the CEDAW Committee has received extensive criticisms concerning its neglect of women from diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. In this Communication, the Committee found that Sri Lanka's criminalization of consensual same-sex relations among women violates Articles 2, 5, 15, and 16 of the Convention. Importantly, the Committee makes clear that non-heterosexual relations fall within the right to marriage and family relations, enshrined in the Convention. With numerous States Parties in the region retaining criminalization, this article analyses the implications of this decision for States Parties in Asia and grapples with the question, “Is this Communication ground-breaking?” and if so, how.
Robust Seismic Images of the Hawaiian Plume
Authors: Ye Chuanwei , Liu Xin , Zhao Dapeng , Zhao Shujuan
Published: December 2022

To image the Hawaiian plume and the plume‐lithosphere interaction, we determine a robust 3‐D shear‐wave velocity (Vs) model of the upper mantle and the mantle transition zone (MTZ) beneath Hawaii by jointly inverting teleseismic S‐wave arrival times, Rayleigh‐wave phase velocities, and S‐wave receiver functions. The new Vs model reveals a continuous oblate cylinder‐like low‐Vs zone in the upper mantle beneath the Hawaiian island chain, which is surrounded by visible high‐Vs anomalies. The low‐Vs zone gradually changes to a column‐like zone beneath ∼400 km depth where the MTZ is thinner. These results not only well illustrate the Hawaiian plume in the upper mantle and the MTZ, but also reflect interaction processes between the Hawaiian plume and the overriding Pacific lithosphere, including lithosphere entraining plume, plume rejuvenating lithosphere, and lithosphere re‐aging. Although these processes have been suggested by previous numerical simulations, they are realistically revealed by the present seismic imaging.
Joint Geodynamic‐Geophysical Inversion Suggests Passive Subduction and Accretion of the Ontong Java Plateau
Authors: Dong Hao , Dai Liming , Liu Lijun , Jiang Xiaodian , Li Sanzhong , Gong Wei , Wang Liangliang , Wang Di , Li Zhong‐Hai , Yu Shengyao
Published: December 2022

In this study, we for the first time applied a joint geodynamic‐geophysical inversion approach to oceanic plateau subduction models, and compared the subduction style and corresponding topography and Bouguer gravity of two representative subduction scenarios with passive or active collision. We showed that the case of passive collision of the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) crust better explains the topography, gravity, and seismic data than the active collision scenario. This implies that the OJP did not control the regional dynamics during the collisional process. We conclude that previous studies may have overestimated the role of the OJP in triggering subduction initiation, subduction polarity reversal, and even Pacific Plate rotation.
Tides, Internal and Near‐Inertial Waves in the Yermak Pass at the Entrance of the Atlantic Water to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Artana Camila , Provost Christine , Ferrari Ramiro , Bricaud Clément , Poli Léa , Park Young‐Hyang
Published: December 2022

In the crucial region of the Yermak Plateau where warm Atlantic water enters the Arctic ocean, we examined high frequency variations in the Yermak Pass Branch over a 34 months‐long mooring data set. The mooring was ice covered only half of the time with ice‐free periods both in summer and winter. We investigated the contribution of residual tidal currents to the low frequency flow of Atlantic Water (AW) and high frequency variations in velocity shears possibly associated with internal waves. High resolution model simulations including tides show that diurnal tide forced an anticyclonic circulation around the Yermak Plateau. This residual circulation helps the northward penetration of the AW into the Arctic. Tides should be taken into account when examining low frequency AW inflow. High frequency variations in velocity shears are mainly concentrated in a broad band around 12 hr in the Yermak Pass. Anticyclonic eddies, observed during ice‐free conditions, modulate the shear signal. Semi‐diurnal internal stationary waves dominate high frequency variations in velocity shears. The stationary waves could result from the interaction of freely propagating semi‐diurnal internal waves generated by diurnal barotropic tides on critical slopes around the plateau. The breaking of the stationary waves with short length scales possibly contribute to mixing of AW at the entrance to the Arctic.
ARHGAP35 is a novel factor disrupted in human developmental eye phenotypes
Authors: Reis Linda M. , Chassaing Nicolas , Bardakjian Tanya , Thompson Samuel , Schneider Adele , Semina Elena V.
Published: December 2022

ARHGAP35 has known roles in cell migration, invasion and division, neuronal morphogenesis, and gene/mRNA regulation; prior studies indicate a role in cancer in humans and in the developing eyes, neural tissue, and renal structures in mice. We identified damaging variants in ARHGAP35 in five individuals from four families affected with anophthalmia, microphthalmia, coloboma and/or anterior segment dysgenesis disorders, together with variable non-ocular phenotypes in some families including renal, neurological, or cardiac anomalies. Three variants affected the extreme C-terminus of the protein, with two resulting in a frameshift and C-terminal extension and the other a missense change in the Rho-GAP domain; the fourth (nonsense) variant affected the middle of the gene and is the only allele predicted to undergo nonsense-mediated decay. This study implicates ARHGAP35 in human developmental eye phenotypes. C-terminal clustering of the identified alleles indicates a possible common mechanism for ocular disease but requires further studies.
Catalytic nitrogen fixation using visible light energy
Authors: Ashida Yuya , Onozuka Yuto , Arashiba Kazuya , Konomi Asuka , Tanaka Hiromasa , Kuriyama Shogo , Yamazaki Yasuomi , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: December 2022

The synthesis of ammonia from atmospheric dinitrogen, nitrogen fixation, is one of the essential reactions for human beings. Because the current industrial nitrogen fixation depends on dihydrogen produced from fossil fuels as raw material, the development of a nitrogen fixation reaction that relies on the energy provided by renewable energy, such as visible light, is an important research goal from the viewpoint of sustainable chemistry. Herein, we establish an iridium- and molybdenum-catalysed process for synthesizing ammonia from dinitrogen under ambient reaction conditions and visible light irradiation. In this reaction system, iridium complexes and molybdenum triiodide complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene-based pincer ligands act as cooperative catalysts to activate 9,10-dihydroacridine and dinitrogen, respectively. The reaction of dinitrogen with 9,10-dihydroacridine is not thermodynamically favoured, and it only takes place under visible light irradiation. Therefore, the described reaction system is one that affords visible light energy–driven ammonia formation from dinitrogen catalytically.
Moonlighting chaperone activity of the enzyme PqsE contributes to RhlR-controlled virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Borgert Sebastian Roman , Henke Steffi , Witzgall Florian , Schmelz Stefan , zur Lage Susanne , Hotop Sven-Kevin , Stephen Steffi , Lübken Dennis , Krüger Jonas , Gomez Nicolas Oswaldo , van Ham Marco , Jänsch Lothar , Kalesse Markus , Pich Andreas , Brönstrup Mark , Häussler Susanne , Blankenfeldt Wulf
Published: December 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections and also leads to severe exacerbations in cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Three intertwined quorum sensing systems control virulence of P. aeruginosa, with the rhl circuit playing the leading role in late and chronic infections. The majority of traits controlled by rhl transcription factor RhlR depend on PqsE, a dispensable thioesterase in Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) biosynthesis that interferes with RhlR through an enigmatic mechanism likely involving direct interaction of both proteins. Here we show that PqsE and RhlR form a 2:2 protein complex that, together with RhlR agonist N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), solubilizes RhlR and thereby renders the otherwise insoluble transcription factor active. We determine crystal structures of the complex and identify residues essential for the interaction. To corroborate the chaperone-like activity of PqsE, we design stability-optimized variants of RhlR that bypass the need for C4-HSL and PqsE in activating PqsE/RhlR-controlled processes of P. aeruginosa. Together, our data provide insight into the unique regulatory role of PqsE and lay groundwork for developing new P. aeruginosa-specific pharmaceuticals.
Small molecule binding to surface-supported single-site transition-metal reaction centres
Authors: DeJong M. , Price A. J. A. , Mårsell E. , Tom G. , Nguyen G. D. , Johnson E. R. , Burke S. A.
Published: December 2022

Despite dominating industrial processes, heterogeneous catalysts remain challenging to characterize and control. This is largely attributable to the diversity of potentially active sites at the catalyst-reactant interface and the complex behaviour that can arise from interactions between active sites. Surface-supported, single-site molecular catalysts aim to bring together benefits of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, offering easy separability while exploiting molecular design of reactivity, though the presence of a surface is likely to influence reaction mechanisms. Here, we use metal-organic coordination to build reactive Fe-terpyridine sites on the Ag(111) surface and study their activity towards CO and C2H4 gaseous reactants using low-temperature ultrahigh-vacuum scanning tunnelling microscopy, scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy supported by density-functional theory models. Using a site-by-site approach at low temperature to visualize the reaction pathway, we find that reactants bond to the Fe-tpy active sites via surface-bound intermediates, and investigate the role of the substrate in understanding and designing single-site catalysts on metallic supports.
Fungal sensing by dectin-1 directs the non-pathogenic polarization of TH17 cells through balanced type I IFN responses in human DCs
Authors: Gringhuis Sonja I. , Kaptein Tanja M. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , Drewniak Agata , Wevers Brigitte A. , Theelen Bart , D’Haens Geert R. A. M. , Boekhout Teun , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: December 2022

The non-pathogenic TH17 subset of helper T cells clears fungal infections, whereas pathogenic TH17 cells cause inflammation and tissue damage; however, the mechanisms controlling these distinct responses remain unclear. Here we found that fungi sensing by the C-type lectin dectin-1 in human dendritic cells (DCs) directed the polarization of non-pathogenic TH17 cells. Dectin-1 signaling triggered transient and intermediate expression of interferon (IFN)-β in DCs, which was mediated by the opposed activities of transcription factors IRF1 and IRF5. IFN-β-induced signaling led to integrin αvβ8 expression directly and to the release of the active form of the cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β indirectly. Uncontrolled IFN-β responses as a result of IRF1 deficiency induced high expression of the IFN-stimulated gene BST2 in DCs and restrained TGF-β activation. Active TGF-β was required for polarization of non-pathogenic TH17 cells, whereas pathogenic TH17 cells developed in the absence of active TGF-β. Thus, dectin-1-mediated modulation of type I IFN responses allowed TGF-β activation and non-pathogenic TH17 cell development during fungal infections in humans.
Parenteral BCG vaccine induces lung-resident memory macrophages and trained immunity via the gut–lung axis
Authors: Jeyanathan Mangalakumari , Vaseghi-Shanjani Maryam , Afkhami Sam , Grondin Jensine A. , Kang Alisha , D’Agostino Michael R. , Yao Yushi , Jain Shreya , Zganiacz Anna , Kroezen Zachary , Shanmuganathan Meera , Singh Ramandeep , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Britz-McKibbin Philip , Khan Waliul I. , Xing Zhou
Published: December 2022

Aside from centrally induced trained immunity in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood by parenteral vaccination or infection, evidence indicates that mucosal-resident innate immune memory can develop via a local inflammatory pathway following mucosal exposure. However, whether mucosal-resident innate memory results from integrating distally generated immunological signals following parenteral vaccination/infection is unclear. Here we show that subcutaneous Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination can induce memory alveolar macrophages (AMs) and trained immunity in the lung. Although parenteral BCG vaccination trains BM progenitors and circulating monocytes, induction of memory AMs is independent of circulating monocytes. Rather, parenteral BCG vaccination, via mycobacterial dissemination, causes a time-dependent alteration in the intestinal microbiome, barrier function and microbial metabolites, and subsequent changes in circulating and lung metabolites, leading to the induction of memory macrophages and trained immunity in the lung. These data identify an intestinal microbiota-mediated pathway for innate immune memory development at distal mucosal tissues and have implications for the development of next-generation vaccine strategies against respiratory pathogens.
Data-driven identification of post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection subphenotypes
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zang Chengxi , Xu Zhenxing , Zhang Yongkang , Xu Jie , Bian Jiang , Morozyuk Dmitry , Khullar Dhruv , Zhang Yiye , Nordvig Anna S. , Schenck Edward J. , Shenkman Elizabeth A. , Rothman Russell L. , Block Jason P. , Lyman Kristin , Weiner Mark G. , Carton Thomas W. , Wang Fei , Kaushal Rainu
Published: December 2022

The post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) refers to a broad spectrum of symptoms and signs that are persistent, exacerbated or newly incident in the period after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies have examined these conditions individually without providing evidence on co-occurring conditions. In this study, we leveraged the electronic health record data of two large cohorts, INSIGHT and OneFlorida+, from the national Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network. We created a development cohort from INSIGHT and a validation cohort from OneFlorida+ including 20,881 and 13,724 patients, respectively, who were SARS-CoV-2 infected, and we investigated their newly incident diagnoses 30–180 days after a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. Through machine learning analysis of over 137 symptoms and conditions, we identified four reproducible PASC subphenotypes, dominated by cardiac and renal (including 33.75% and 25.43% of the patients in the development and validation cohorts); respiratory, sleep and anxiety (32.75% and 38.48%); musculoskeletal and nervous system (23.37% and 23.35%); and digestive and respiratory system (10.14% and 12.74%) sequelae. These subphenotypes were associated with distinct patient demographics, underlying conditions before SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute infection phase severity. Our study provides insights into the heterogeneity of PASC and may inform stratified decision-making in the management of PASC conditions.
SOMAS: a platform for data-driven material discovery in redox flow battery development
Authors: Gao Peiyuan , Andersen Amity , Sepulveda Jonathan , Panapitiya Gihan U. , Hollas Aaron , Saldanha Emily G. , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Wang Wei
Published: December 2022

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries offer an environmentally benign, tunable, and safe route to large-scale energy storage. The energy density is one of the key performance parameters of organic redox flow batteries, which critically depends on the solubility of the redox-active molecule in water. Prediction of aqueous solubility remains a challenge in chemistry. Recently, machine learning models have been developed for molecular properties prediction in chemistry and material science. The fidelity of a machine learning model critically depends on the diversity, accuracy, and abundancy of the training datasets. We build a comprehensive open access organic molecular database “Solubility of Organic Molecules in Aqueous Solution” (SOMAS) containing about 12,000 molecules that covers wider chemical and solubility regimes suitable for aqueous organic redox flow battery development efforts. In addition to experimental solubility, we also provide eight distinctive quantum descriptors including optimized geometry derived from high-throughput density functional theory calculations along with six molecular descriptors for each molecule. SOMAS builds a critical foundation for future efforts in artificial intelligence-based solubility prediction models.
Analysis of genome-wide knockout mouse database identifies candidate ciliopathy genes
Authors: Higgins Kendall , Moore Bret A. , Berberovic Zorana , Adissu Hibret A. , Eskandarian Mohammad , Flenniken Ann M. , Shao Andy , Imai Denise M. , Clary Dave , Lanoue Louise , Newbigging Susan , Nutter Lauryl M. J. , Adams David J. , Bosch Fatima , Braun Robert E. , Brown Steve D. M. , Dickinson Mary E. , Dobbie Michael , Flicek Paul , Gao Xiang , Galande Sanjeev , Grobler Anne , Heaney Jason D. , Herault Yann , de Angelis Martin Hrabe , Chin Hsian-Jean Genie , Mammano Fabio , Qin Chuan , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Sedlacek Radislav , Seong J.-K. , Xu Ying ,   The IMPC Consortium, Beaudet Arthur L. , Braun Bob , Karp Natasha , Mallon Ann-Marie , Meehan Terrence , Obata Yuichi , Parkinson Helen , Smedley Damian , Tocchini-Valentini Glauco , Wells Sara , Lloyd K. C. Kent , McKerlie Colin , Moshiri Ala
Published: December 2022

We searched a database of single-gene knockout (KO) mice produced by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) to identify candidate ciliopathy genes. We first screened for phenotypes in mouse lines with both ocular and renal or reproductive trait abnormalities. The STRING protein interaction tool was used to identify interactions between known cilia gene products and those encoded by the genes in individual knockout mouse strains in order to generate a list of “candidate ciliopathy genes.” From this list, 32 genes encoded proteins predicted to interact with known ciliopathy proteins. Of these, 25 had no previously described roles in ciliary pathobiology. Histological and morphological evidence of phenotypes found in ciliopathies in knockout mouse lines are presented as examples (genesAbi2, Wdr62, Ap4e1, Dync1li1,andPrkab1). Phenotyping data and descriptions generated on IMPC mouse line are useful for mechanistic studies, target discovery, rare disease diagnosis, and preclinical therapeutic development trials. Here we demonstrate the effective use of the IMPC phenotype data to uncover genes with no previous role in ciliary biology, which may be clinically relevant for identification of novel disease genes implicated in ciliopathies.
Oscillating flower colour changes of Causonis japonica (Thunb.) Raf. (Vitaceae) linked to sexual phase changes
Authors: Furukawa Y. , Tsukaya H. , Kawakubo N.
Published: December 2022

Flower colour change may represent an ‘honest signal’ for pollinators, denoting flowers with good conditions for rewards and pollination. All previously reported flower colour changes are unidirectional, except for an incomplete case in one Fabaceae species. In this study, we discovered a very rare example of complete oscillating flower colour change associated with sexual phase changes in Causonis japonica (Vitaceae). More specifically, flower discs of C. japonica exhibit an orange colour in the initial male phase then soon fade into pink with desorption of the stamens. Several hours later in the daytime of the same or the following day, with stigma maturation and style elongation, the orange flower disc colour is recovered before fading into pink again. Importantly, we found that the colour change is caused by the accumulation and the degradation of carotenoids. Moreover, nectar secretion was roughly correlated with the abovementioned colour changes. This is the first example of an apparent oscillating colour change mediated by carotenoid content alteration in flowers.
Increase in repulsive guidance molecule-a (RGMa) in lacunar and cortical stroke patients is related to the severity of the insult
Authors: Parray Aijaz , Akhtar Naveed , Pir Ghulam Jeelani , Pananchikkal Sajitha V. , Ayadathil Raheem , Mir Fayaz Ahmad , Francis Reny , Own Ahmed , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: December 2022

Repulsive guidance molecule-a (RGMa) inhibits angiogenesis and increases inflammation. Animal models of cerebral ischemia have shown that an increased expression of RGMa leads to larger infarction and its inhibition attenuates effects of ischemia. We report on the relationship of RGMa to stroke types and severity. This is a prospective study in patients admitted to the stroke service in Qatar. We collected the clinical determinants, including NIHSS at admission, imaging and outcome at discharge and 90-days. RGMa levels were determined by measuring mRNA levels extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) within 24 h of onset and at 5 days. There were 90 patients (lacunar: 64, cortical: 26) and 35 age-matched controls. RGMa mRNA levels were significantly higher in the stroke patients: day 1: 1.007 ± 0.13 versus 2.152 ± 0.19 [p < 0.001] and day-5: 3.939 ± 0.36 [p < 0.0001]) and significantly higher in patients with severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 8) compared to milder symptoms (NIHSS < 8) at day 1 (NIHSS ≥ 8: 2.563 ± 0.36; NIHSS < 8: 1.947 ± 0.2) and day 5 (NIHSS ≥ 8: 5.25 ± 0.62; NIHSS < 8: 3.259 ± 0.419). Cortical stroke patients had marginally higher RGMa mRNA levels compared to lacunar stroke at day 1 (cortical stroke: 2.621 ± 0.46 vs lacunar stroke: 1.961 ± 0.19) and day 5 (cortical stroke: 4.295 ± 0.76 vs lacunar stroke: 3.774 ± 0.39). In conclusion, there is an increase in the level of RGMa mRNA in patients with acute stroke and seen in patients with lacunar and cortical stroke. The increase in RGMa mRNA levels is related to the severity of the stroke and increases over the initial 5 days. Further studies are required to determine the effects of the increase in RGMa on stroke recovery.
Childhood trauma and other formative life experiences predict environmental engagement
Authors: Raja Urooj S. , Carrico Amanda R.
Published: December 2022

Environmental problems continue to intensify. Yet, despite scientific consensus on threats such as climate change, broadscale public engagement with the issue is elusive. In this paper, we focus on childhood formative experiences and the extent to which they are correlated with environmental engagement. We consider two forms of environmental engagement: civic engagement, measured in hours per month devoted to an environmental protection cause, and private-sphere green behavior. Past studies about significant life experiences have shown that formative experiences, especially in childhood, correlate with environmentally sensitive attitudes and vocations in later life. However, we know less about the formative life events experienced by contemporary environmentally engaged persons. Looking at a nationally representative sample of American adults (n = 449), we find that childhood trauma predicts both civic engagement and green behavior. We also find that childhood experiences in nature and childhood travel experiences predict green behavior but not civic engagement.
Asynchronous calibration of quantitative computed tomography bone mineral density assessment for opportunistic osteoporosis screening: phantom-based validation and parameter influence evaluation
Authors: Skornitzke Stephan , Vats Neha , Kopytova Taisiya , Tong Elizabeth Wai Yee , Hofbauer Tobias , Weber Tim Frederik , Rehnitz Christoph , von Stackelberg Oyunbileg , Maier-Hein Klaus , Stiller Wolfram , Biederer Jürgen , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Heußel Claus-Peter , Wielpütz Mark , Palm Viktoria
Published: December 2022

Asynchronous calibration could allow opportunistic screening based on routine CT for early osteoporosis detection. In this phantom study, a bone mineral density (BMD) calibration phantom and multi-energy CT (MECT) phantom were imaged on eight different CT scanners with multiple tube voltages (80–150 kVp) and image reconstruction settings (e.g. soft/hard kernel). Reference values for asynchronous BMD estimation were calculated from the BMD-phantom and validated with six calcium composite inserts of the MECT-phantom with known ground truth. Relative errors/changes in estimated BMD were calculated and investigated for influence of tube voltage, CT scanner and reconstruction setting. Reference values for 282 acquisitions were determined, resulting in an average relative error between calculated BMD and ground truth of − 9.2% ± 14.0% with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.99; p < 0.0001). Tube voltage and CT scanner had a significant effect on calculated BMD (p < 0.0001), with relative differences in BMD of 3.8% ± 28.2% when adapting reference values for tube voltage, − 5.6% ± 9.2% for CT scanner and 0.2% ± 0.2% for reconstruction setting, respectively. Differences in BMD were small when using reference values from a different CT scanner of the same model (0.0% ± 1.4%). Asynchronous phantom-based calibration is feasible for opportunistic BMD assessment based on CT images with reference values adapted for tube voltage and CT scanner model.
Apitherapy combination improvement of blood pressure, cardiovascular protection, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in dexamethasone model hypertensive rats
Authors: Abd El-Hakam Fatma El-Zahraa , Abo Laban Gomaa , Badr El-Din Sahar , Abd El-Hamid Hala , Farouk Mohammed Hamdy
Published: December 2022

Hypertension-induced ventricular and vascular remodeling causes myocardial infarction, heart failure, and sudden death. Most available pharmaceutical products used to treat hypertension lead to adverse effects on human health. Limited data is available on apitherapy (bee products) combinations for treatment of hypertension. This study aims to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of combinations of natural apitherapy compounds used in the medical sector to treat a variety of diseases. Rats were assigned into six groups consisting of one control group and five hypertensive groups where hypertension (blood pressure > 140/90) was induced with dexamethasone. One of these groups was used as a hypertension model, while the remaining four hypertensive groups were treated with a propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom combination (PRV) at daily oral doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, and with losartan 10 mg/kg. The PRV combination at all doses decreased arterial blood pressure below the suboptimal value (p < 0.001), and PRV combination treatment improved dexamethasone-induced-ECG changes. The same treatment decreased angiotensin-II, endothelin-1, and tumor growth factor β serum levels in hypertensive rats. Additionally, PRV combination improved histopathological structure, and decreased serum levels of NF-kB and oxidative stress biomarkers. We concluded that PRV combination therapy may be used as a potential treatment for a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
Plant-mediated rifampicin treatment of Bemisia tabaci disrupts but does not eliminate endosymbionts
Authors: Milenovic Milan , Gouttepifre Antoine , Eickermann Michael , Junk Jürgen , Rapisarda Carmelo
Published: December 2022

Whiteflies are among the most important global insect pests in agriculture; their sustainable control has proven challenging and new methods are needed. Bacterial symbionts of whiteflies are poorly understood potential target of novel whitefly control methods. Whiteflies harbour an obligatory bacterium, Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum, and a diverse set of facultative bacterial endosymbionts. Function of facultative microbial community is poorly understood largely due to the difficulty in their selective elimination without removal of the primary endosymbiont. Since the discovery of secondary endosymbionts, antibiotic rifampicin has emerged as the most used tool for their manipulation. Its effectiveness is however much less clear, with contrasting reports on its effects on the endosymbiont community. The present study builds upon most recent method of rifampicin application in whiteflies and evaluates its ability to eliminate obligatory Portiera and two facultative endosymbionts (Rickettsia and Arsenophnus). Our results show that rifampicin reduces but does not eliminate any of the three endosymbionts. Additionally, rifampicin causes direct negative effect on whiteflies, likely by disrupting mitochondria. Taken together, results signify the end of a rifampicin era in whitefly endosymbiont studies. Finally, we propose refinement of current quantification and data analysis methods which yields additional insights in cellular metabolic scaling.
Anxiety symptoms and puberty interactively predict lower cingulum microstructure in preadolescent Latina girls
Authors: Glenn Dana E. , Merenstein Jenna L. , Bennett Ilana J. , Michalska Kalina J.
Published: December 2022

Preadolescence is a period of increased vulnerability for anxiety, especially among Latina girls. Reduced microstructure (fractional anisotropy; FA) of white matter tracts between limbic and prefrontal regions may underlie regulatory impairments in anxiety. However, developmental research on the association between anxiety and white matter microstructure is mixed, possibly due to interactive influences with puberty. In a sample of 39 Latina girls (8–13 years), we tested whether pubertal stage moderated the association between parent- and child-reported anxiety symptoms and FA in the cingulum and uncinate fasciculus. Parent- but not child-reported anxiety symptoms predicted lower cingulum FA, and this effect was moderated by pubertal stage, such that this association was only significant for prepubertal girls. Neither anxiety nor pubertal stage predicted uncinate fasciculus FA. These findings suggest that anxiety is associated with disruptions in girls’ cingulum white matter microstructure and that this relationship undergoes maturational changes during puberty.
Fractional model for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus on a complex heterogeneous network
Authors: El-Saka H. A. A. , Obaya Ibrahim , Lee Seyeon , Jang Bongsoo
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a new fractional epidemiological model on a heterogeneous network to investigate Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), which is caused by a virus in the coronavirus family. We also consider the development of equations for the camel population, given that it is the primary animal source of the virus, as well as direct human interaction with this population. The model is configured in an SIS form for both the human population and the camel population. We study the equilibrium positions of the system and the conditions for the existence of each of them, as well as the local stability of each equilibrium position. Then, we provide some numerical examples that compare real data and numerical results.
Chemistry and lung toxicity of particulate matter emitted from firearms
Authors: Kim Yong Ho , Vance Samuel A. , Aurell Johanna , Holder Amara L. , Pancras Joseph Patrick , Gullett Brian , Gavett Stephen H. , McNesby Kevin L. , Gilmour M. Ian
Published: December 2022

Smoke emissions produced by firearms contain hazardous chemicals, but little is known if their properties change depending on firearm and ammunition type and whether such changes affect toxicity outcomes. Pulmonary toxicity was assessed in mice exposed by oropharyngeal aspiration to six different types of smoke-related particulate matter (PM) samples; (1) handgun PM, (2) rifle PM, (3) copper (Cu) particles (a surrogate for Cu in the rifle PM) with and without the Cu chelator penicillamine, (4) water-soluble components of the rifle PM, (5) soluble components with removal of metal ions, and (6) insoluble components of the rifle PM. Gun firing smoke PM was in the respirable size range but the chemical composition varied with high levels of Pb in the handgun and Cu in the rifle smoke. The handgun PM did not induce appreciable lung toxicity at 4 and 24 h post-exposure while the rifle PM significantly increased lung inflammation and reduced lung function. The same levels of pure Cu particles alone and the soluble components from the rifle fire PM increased neutrophil numbers but did not cause appreciable cellular damage or lung function changes when compared to the negative (saline) control. Penicillamine treated rifle PM or Cu, slightly reduced lung inflammation and injury but did not improve the lung function decrements. Chelation of the soluble metal ions from the rifle fire PM neutralized the lung toxicity while the insoluble components induced the lung toxicity to the same degree as the rifle PM. The results show that different firearm types can generate contrasting chemical spectra in their emissions and that the rifle PM effects were mostly driven by water-insoluble components containing high levels of Cu. These findings provide better knowledge of hazardous substances in gun firing smoke and their potential toxicological profile.
Modulation of EEG theta by naturalistic social content is not altered in infants with family history of autism
Authors: Haartsen Rianne , Charman Tony , Pasco Greg , Johnson Mark H. , Jones Emily J. H. ,   The BASIS Team, Baron-Cohen Simon , Bedford Rachael , Blasi Anna , Bolton Patrick , Chandler Susie , Cheung Celeste , Davies Kim , Elsabbagh Mayada , Fernandes Janice , Gammer Issy , Garwood Holly , Gliga Teadora , Guiraud Jeanne , Hudry Kirstelle , Liew Melanie , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Maris Helen , O’Hara Louise , Pickles Andrew , Ribeiro Helen , Salomone Erica , Tucker Leslie , Volein Agnes
Published: December 2022

Theta oscillations (spectral power and connectivity) are sensitive to the social content of an experience in typically developing infants, providing a possible marker of early social brain development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting early social behaviour, but links to underlying social brain function remain unclear. We explored whether modulations of theta spectral power and connectivity by naturalistic social content in infancy are related to family history for autism. Fourteen-month-old infants with (family history; FH; N = 75) and without (no family history; NFH; N = 26) a first-degree relative with autism watched social and non-social videos during EEG recording. We calculated theta (4–5 Hz) spectral power and connectivity modulations (social–non-social) and associated them with outcomes at 36 months. We replicated previous findings of increased theta power and connectivity during social compared to non-social videos. Theta modulations with social content were similar between groups, for both power and connectivity. Together, these findings suggest that neural responses to naturalistic social stimuli may not be strongly altered in 14-month-old infants with family history of autism.
Photons guided by axons may enable backpropagation-based learning in the brain
Authors: Zarkeshian Parisa , Kergan Taylor , Ghobadi Roohollah , Nicola Wilten , Simon Christoph
Published: December 2022

Despite great advances in explaining synaptic plasticity and neuron function, a complete understanding of the brain’s learning algorithms is still missing. Artificial neural networks provide a powerful learning paradigm through the backpropagation algorithm which modifies synaptic weights by using feedback connections. Backpropagation requires extensive communication of information back through the layers of a network. This has been argued to be biologically implausible and it is not clear whether backpropagation can be realized in the brain. Here we suggest that biophotons guided by axons provide a potential channel for backward transmission of information in the brain. Biophotons have been experimentally shown to be produced in the brain, yet their purpose is not understood. We propose that biophotons can propagate from each post-synaptic neuron to its pre-synaptic one to carry the required information backward. To reflect the stochastic character of biophoton emissions, our model includes the stochastic backward transmission of teaching signals. We demonstrate that a three-layered network of neurons can learn the MNIST handwritten digit classification task using our proposed backpropagation-like algorithm with stochastic photonic feedback. We model realistic restrictions and show that our system still learns the task for low rates of biophoton emission, information-limited (one bit per photon) backward transmission, and in the presence of noise photons. Our results suggest a new functionality for biophotons and provide an alternate mechanism for backward transmission in the brain.
Genetic variants associated with glaucomatous visual field loss in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Mabuchi Fumihiko , Mabuchi Nakako , Sakurada Yoichi , Yoneyama Seigo , Kashiwagi Kenji , Yamagata Zentaro , Takamoto Mitsuko , Aihara Makoto , Iwata Takeshi , Hashimoto Kazuki , Sato Kota , Shiga Yukihiro , Nakazawa Toru , Akiyama Masato , Kawase Kazuhide , Ozaki Mineo , Araie Makoto
Published: December 2022

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by a progressive optic neuropathy with visual field loss. To investigate the genetic variants associated with visual field loss in POAG, Japanese POAG patients (n = 426) and control subjects (n = 246) were genotyped for 22 genetic variants predisposing to POAG that can be classified into those associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (IOP-related genetic variants) and optic nerve vulnerability independent of IOP (optic nerve-related genetic variants). The genetic risk score (GRS) of the 17 IOP-related and five optic nerve-related genetic variants was calculated, and the associations between the GRS and the mean deviation (MD) of automated static perimetry as an indicator of the severity of visual field loss and pattern standard deviation (PSD) as an indicator of the focal disturbance were evaluated. There was a significant association (Beta = − 0.51, P = 0.0012) between the IOP-related GRS and MD. The severity of visual field loss may depend on the magnitude of IOP elevation induced by additive effects of IOP-related genetic variants. A significant association (n = 135, Beta = 0.65, P = 0.0097) was found between the optic nerve-related, but not IOP-related, GRS and PSD. The optic nerve-related (optic nerve vulnerability) and IOP-related (IOP elevation) genetic variants may play an important role in the focal and diffuse visual field loss respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show an association between additive effects of genetic variants predisposing to POAG and glaucomatous visual field loss, including severity and focal/diffuse disturbance of visual field loss, in POAG.