bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Root Hydrotropism and Recovery From Drought by MIZ1‐like Genes in Tomato
Authors: Wexler Yonatan , Kiere Yvonne , Sobol Guy , Nuriel Roye , Azoulay‐Portal Shaked , Cohen Amir , Toporik Hila , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Finkler Aliza , Shkolnik Doron
Published: November 2024

Drought limits crop performance worldwide. Plant roots' ability to grow toward moisture, termed hydrotropism, is considered one strategy for optimizing water recruitment from the growth medium. Based on the sequence of the hydrotropism‐indispensable MIZ1 protein in Arabidopsis thaliana, we identify hydrotropism and drought‐responsive genes in tomato. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome‐editing technology for targeted mutagenesis of three hydrotropism‐associated loci (MIZ1‐like) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We show that the three tomato MIZ1‐like genes are drought‐responsive and two of them are hydrostimulation‐responsive. Examination of the root hydrotropic response of triple and double mutants indicated the gene SlMIZ1‐1 as indispensable for tomato root hydrotropism. Moreover, expression of the SlMIZ1‐1 gene in the Arabidopsis miz1 mutant effectively complemented the lost MIZ1 functionality, including root hydrotropic bending and generation of hydrotropic Ca2+ signals. Transcriptome analysis of hydrostimulated tomato root tips under control gravity and continuous clinorotation conditions was performed to identify gravitropism‐ and hydrotropism‐responsive genes. This analysis suggested the involvement of ethylene and ABA signalling in modulating the interplay between hydrotropism and gravitropism. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms that underlie hydrotropism and drought response holds great potential for improving crop performance under limiting water availability due to global climate changes.
Reconsidering Martin Heidegger on the modern university
Authors: Ward Lee
Published: November 2024

Martin Heidegger's 1933 Freiburg University Rector's Address is normally considered in terms of the horrors of its association with National Socialism. This study re‐frames the debate about the Address by situating it in the context of the tradition of philosophical reflection upon the political and historical significance of the modern research university. I highlight aspects of the Address that signified continuity with distinctively liberal presuppositions embedded in foundational ideas of the Humboldtian university. I conclude with reflections on how Heidegger's Address sheds light on the issues of university governance and academic freedom as the contemporary neoliberal university confronts its own challenges.
Toxoplasma gondii Infection of BALB/c Mice Perturbs Host Neurochemistry
Authors: Abdelati Abdelsalam Aisha A. , Woods Stuart , Henriquez Selina , Curran Lucy , Westrop Gareth , Roberts Craig W.
Published: November 2024

Toxoplasma gondii infection has been associated with psychoneurological disease in humans and behavioural changes in rodents. However, the mechanisms accounting for this have not been fully described and in some cases could be argued to reflect the severe neuropathology that some mice suffer during infection. Herein we employ a multi‐omics approach to extensively examine BALB/c mice that are resistant to toxoplasmic encephalitis. Using a combination of LCMS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) and RNAseq we demonstrate that infection alters the neurochemistry and the transcriptome of the brains of BALB/c mice. Notable changes to tryptophan, purine, arginine, nicotinamide and carnitine metabolism were observed in infected mice and this was accompanied with changes to the levels of a number of transcripts associated with enzymes these metabolic pathways. In addition, changes were seen in transcripts of many immunologically important genes known to contribute to immunity to T. gondii. Changes in the levels of additional transcripts during infection have previously been associated with psychoneurological diseases. The results demonstrate that the BALB/c mouse, with its relatively mild neurological disease, is a useful model for characterising the effects of T. gondii infection on murine neurochemistry. The results also implicate specific biochemical pathways in mediating these changes and should inform further mechanistic studies and suggest therapeutic targets.
Aspirational goals for the future of functional traits in restoration: a response to Gornish et al. (2023)
Authors: Merchant Thomas K. , Henn Jonathan J. , de Silva Isabel , Van Cleemput Elisa , Suding Katharine N.
Published: November 2024

Quantitative functional traits, as presented in the ecology literature, can add great utility to the restoration toolbox. Yet, we see significant barriers to the realization of this utility in restoration practice. By addressing these barriers through co‐producing research, developing tools, and modifying policy, the field of restoration ecology can greatly increase the utility of traits. Gornish et al. (2023) argue that functional traits are already widely used in restoration projects and challenge the logistical feasibility of some of our proposed solutions to promote the use of traits in restoration. Here we continue the conversation and expand on our vision for the future of functional traits in restoration. We contend that we should not be content with the current state of the field and show how focus, inclusion, and ambition can drive advancement.
Optimal sampling strategy for probability estimation: An application to the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Monitoring program
Authors: Ma Huidi , Leibowicz Benjamin D. , Hasenbein John J.
Published: November 2024

Imported agricultural pests can cause substantial damage to agriculture, food security, and ecosystems. In the United States, the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Monitoring (AQIM) program conducts random sampling to estimate the probabilities that cargo and passengers arriving at ports of entry carry pests. Assessing these risks accurately is critical to enable effective policies and operational procedures. This study introduces a pathway‐level analysis with an objective function aligned with AQIM's goal, offering a new perspective compared to the current container‐by‐container approach, which relies on heuristics to set inspection rates. We formulate an optimization model that minimizes the mean squared error of the probability estimates that AQIM obtains. The central decision‐making tradeoff that the model explores is whether it is preferable to sample more arriving containers (and fewer boxes per container) or more boxes per container (and fewer containers), given limited resources. We first derive an analytical solution for the optimal sampling strategy by leveraging several approximations. Then, we apply our model to a numerical case study of maritime cargo sampling at the Port of Long Beach. Across a wide range of parameter settings, the optimal strategy samples more containers (but fewer boxes per container) than the current AQIM protocol. The difference between the two strategies and the accuracy improvement with the optimal approach are larger if the pest statuses of boxes in the same container are more strongly correlated. We recommend that AQIM record box‐level (beyond only container‐level) inspection data, which could be used to estimate this correlation and other model parameters.
Rational surfaces with a non‐arithmetic automorphism group
Authors: Li Jennifer , Torres Sebastián
Published: November 2024

In [Algebraic surfaces and hyperbolic geometry, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2012], Totaro gave examples of a K3 surface such that its automorphism group is not commensurable with an arithmetic group, answering a question of Mazur in Section 7 of [Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. (N.S.) 29 (1993), no. 1, 14–50]. We give examples of rational surfaces with the same property. Our examples are Looijenga pairs, that is, there is a connected singular nodal curve such that .
An Improved Direct Forcing Immersed Boundary Method With Integrated Mooring Algorithm for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Soydan Ahmet , Wang Widar Weizhi , Bihs Hans
Published: November 2024

An upgraded direct forcing immersed boundary method is implemented in the open-source hydrodynamic framework REEF3D::CFD for simulating the six-degrees-of-freedom motions of a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) based on the OC5 semi-submersible design. The direct forcing method is enhanced with a new density interpolation method across the fluid–structure interface that removes unphysical spurious phenomena and ensures stable and accurate wave load calculations on floating objects. A quasi-static algorithm is used for modeling the mooring system of the OC5 platform and restraining its motions in waves. The Navier–Stokes equations are solved on a staggered structured rectilinear grid for the hydrodynamic simulations. The level-set method is used to capture the free surface of the ocean waves. A ray-casting algorithm is employed to get inside–outside information near the fluid–solid interface while maintaining the underlying Cartesian grid in the hydrodynamic domain. The performance and accuracy of the mooring algorithm are compared to the widely-used mooring model MoorDyn, which is coupled to the hydrodynamic solver in REEF3D::CFD. The study demonstrates that the enhanced direct forcing method with the integrated quasi-static mooring algorithm in REEF3D::CFD provides a robust and accurate tool, suitable for the numerical analysis of the state-of-the-art FOWT in ocean waves.
Dissipation in Skewed Boundary Layers
Authors: Peacock Robert , Folk Masha , Pullan Graham
Published: November 2024

The entropy generation within a turbulent, collateral boundary layer is well understood and is characterized by a dissipation coefficient, Cd. However, it is common for the transverse pressure gradients in turbomachines to create highly skewed boundary layers, where the velocity varies in direction as well as magnitude. A combined experimental and high-fidelity computational approach is used to quantify the effect of skew on the dissipation coefficient for the first time. At a nominal condition of 14 deg of skew and Reθ of 1000, the increase in dissipation coefficient is 20% as determined from direct numerical simulation and 28% from experimental measurements, relative to the collateral boundary layer. Experimental data over a range of skew angles and Reθ values show that Cd increases approximately linearly with skew so that, at a skew of 25∘, loss is 70% greater than in the collateral boundary layer. The implications for loss estimation are examined by evaluating boundary layer loss, in the Harrison turbine cascade, with and without the influence of skew on Cd. By accounting for the skew in the boundary layer, a new proposed model has been used to calculate the loss coefficient in the Harrison cascade within 4% of the experimentally measured value.
Tensile, Flexural, and Fatigue Responses of Lightweight Pumice-Reinforced Magnesium Composite: Experimentation Followed by an Analytical Modeling
Authors: Nagarajan Bhuvanesh , Govindasamy Kumaresan , Chenrayan Venkatesh , Shahapurkar Kiran
Published: November 2024

Featherweight material to sustain mountainous loads is an extreme contrast. Still, in reality, the automobile and aerospace industries seek very light materials with high specific strength to survive in global competition. This study offers a timely answer to the problems faced by those sectors. Through the use of a stir-assisted squeeze casting method, the current investigation aims to generate a lightweight magnesium composite that is reinforced with porous low-density pumice particles at weight percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15%. An examination of the density indicates that there is a downward tendency in conjunction with the growing reinforcement. In comparison to the magnesium alloy in its natural state, the Pumice 15 coupon achieves a tensile strength increment of 47%, flexural strength increment of 35%, and a 10-time increment in service cycle at fatigue increase. The micromechanics model is implemented to justify the strengthening process in terms of the adhesion between the filler matrix and the interface shear strength. The property plots that were drafted provide evidence that the suggested material is lightweight while exhibiting a significant amount of strength in tensile, flexural, and fatigue. Post-fracture surface morphology analysis exhibits distinct tensile, flexural, and fatigue patterns.
Acoustic imaging of geometrically shielded sound sources using tailored Green's functions
Authors: Wang Lican , Peng Zhenjun , Chen Bao , Ma Zhida , Chen Wangqiao , Zhou Peng , Zhou Guocheng , Zhong Siyang
Published: November 2024

In light of the growing market of urban air mobility, it is crucial to accurately detect the stationary or moving noise sources within the complex scattering environments caused by aircraft structures such as airframes and engines. This study combines conventional and wavelet-based beamforming techniques with an acoustic scattering prediction method to develop an acoustic imaging approach that considers scattering effects. Tailored Green's function is numerically evaluated and used to compute the steering vectors and the specific delayed time used in those beamforming methods. By examining common scenarios where a scatterer is positioned between the source plane and the array plane, it is observed that beamforming in a scattering environment differs from that in free space, leading to improved resolution alongside scattering-induced side lobes. The effectiveness of the developed method is validated through numerical simulations and experimental studies, confirming its improved ability to localize both stationary and rotating sound sources in a shielded environment. This advancement offers effective techniques for acoustic measurement and fault monitoring in the presence of structural scatterers.
Evaluation of inner product–based demultiplexing of vortex-based underwater acoustic communications signals in realistic environments
Authors: Kelly Mark. E. , McKinley Matthew , Liu Guangpeng , Shi Chengzhi
Published: November 2024

Acoustic vortex beams have garnered recent interest as an avenue to improve underwater acoustic communication bandwidth and speed. Design and deployment of these systems in ocean environments and at operational ranges has yet to be demonstrated due to the challenging and dynamic nature of the underwater acoustic environment. This manuscript presents methods to model the time series of vortex-based communication signals in ocean environments using ray tracing algorithms. The methods are used to assess the effects of Doppler, ocean turbulence, positional error, and range-dependent environmental parameters on the inner product demultiplexing of the communication signals encoded in the acoustic orbital angular momentum.
Detection and quantification of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) total nucleic acids in wastewater settled solids from two California communities
Authors: Wolfe Marlene K. , Varkila Meri R. J. , Zulli Alessandro , Parsonnet Julie , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: November 2024

Wastewater surveillance for infectious agents has proved useful in identifying the circulation of viruses within populations. We investigated the presence and concentration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 total nucleic acids (including both viral RNA and proviral DNA) in wastewater solids. We retrospectively measured HIV-1 nucleic acids in two samples per week for 26 months at two wastewater treatment plants serving populations with different prevalences of HIV infections in San Francisco and Santa Clara County, California, USA. We detected HIV nucleic acids in a majority of samples with concentrations ranging from non-detect to 3.9 × 10
5
cp/g (
N
= 459 samples total). Concentrations of HIV-1 were significantly higher in samples from the wastewater treatment plant serving a population with a higher prevalence of people living with HIV than in the plant serving a population with a lower prevalence. The HIV-1 nucleic acids amplified were primarily DNA and thus represented proviral DNA shedding into wastewater. Additionally, we found that HIV-1 nucleic acid concentrations in wastewater solids were orders of magnitude higher than those in liquid wastewater indicating that the HIV-1 target preferentially sorbs to solids. Whether concentrations of HIV-1 in wastewater solids can be used to identify the number of incident cases remains unknown. Additional work on HIV-1 shedding from individuals with viremia and people living with HIV is needed to translate wastewater measurements into quantitative information on infections. Additional work may also be needed to document non-human sources of HIV-1 nucleic acids in wastewater.

IMPORTANCE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 has infected nearly 100 million people since it emerged in the 1980s. Antiretroviral therapy prevents transmission of HIV and also allows infected individuals to live healthy lives with normal life expectancy. Consequently, identifying unrecognized cases of HIV is of paramount importance. Since wastewater represents a composite biological sample from a community, it may provide valuable information on HIV-1 prevalence that can be used to inform HIV testing and outreach.
Microbial consortia driving (ligno)cellulose transformation in agricultural woodchip bioreactors
Authors: Schiml Valerie C. , Walter Juline M. , Hagen Live H. , Varnai Aniko , Bergaust Linda L. , De Leon Arturo Vera Ponce , Elsgaard Lars , Bakken Lars R. , Arntzen Magnus Ø.
Published: November 2024

Freshwater ecosystems can be largely affected by neighboring agriculture fields where potential fertilizer nitrate run-off may leach into surrounding water bodies. To counteract this eutrophic driver, farmers in certain areas are utilizing denitrifying woodchip bioreactors (WBRs) in which a consortium of microorganisms convert the nitrate into nitrogen gases in anoxia, fueled by the degradation of lignocellulose. Polysaccharide-degrading strategies have been well described for various aerobic and anaerobic systems, including the use of carbohydrate-active enzymes, utilization of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and other redox enzymes, as well as the use of cellulosomes and polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). However, for denitrifying microorganisms, the lignocellulose-degrading strategies remain largely unknown. Here, we have applied a combination of enrichment techniques, gas measurements, multi-omics approaches, and amplicon sequencing of fungal ITS and procaryotic 16S rRNA genes to identify microbial drivers for lignocellulose transformation in woodchip bioreactors and their active enzymes. Our findings highlight a microbial community enriched for (ligno)cellulose-degrading denitrifiers with key players from the taxa
Giesbergeria
,
Cellulomonas
,
Azonexus,
and UBA5070 (
Fibrobacterota
). A wide substrate specificity is observed among the many expressed carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) including PULs from Bacteroidetes. This suggests a broad degradation of lignocellulose subfractions, including enzymes with auxiliary activities whose functionality is still puzzling under strict anaerobic conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Freshwater ecosystems face significant threats from agricultural runoff, which can lead to eutrophication and subsequent degradation of water quality. One solution to mitigate this issue is using denitrifying woodchip bioreactors (WBRs), where microorganisms convert nitrate into nitrogen gases utilizing lignocellulose as a carbon source. Despite the well-documented polysaccharide-degrading strategies in various systems, the mechanisms employed by denitrifying microorganisms in WBRs remain largely unexplored. This study fills a critical knowledge gap by revealing the degrading strategies of denitrifying microbial communities in WBRs. By integrating state-of-the-art techniques, we have identified key microbial drivers including
Giesbergeria
,
Cellulomonas
,
Azonexus
, and UBA5070 (
Fibrobacterota
) playing significant roles in lignocellulose transformation and showcasing a broad substrate specificity and complex metabolic capability. Our findings advance the understanding of microbial ecology in WBRs and by revealing the enzymatic activities, this research may inform efforts to improve water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from WBRs.
Identification of
Veillonella parvula
and
Streptococcus gordonii
adhesins mediating co-aggregation and its impact on physiology and mixed biofilm structure
Authors: Dorison Louis , Béchon Nathalie , Martin-Gallausiaux Camille , Chamorro-Rodriguez Susan , Vitrenko Yakov , Ouazahrou Rania , Villa Romain , Deschamps Julien , Briandet Romain , Gribaldo Simonetta , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Beloin Christophe
Published: November 2024

The dental plaque is a polymicrobial community where biofilm formation and co-aggregation, the ability to bind to other bacteria, play a major role in the construction of an organized consortium. One of its prominent members is the anaerobic diderm
Veillonella parvula,
considered a bridging species, which growth depends on lactate produced by oral streptococci. Understanding how
V. parvula
co-aggregates and the impact of aggregation has long been hampered due to the lack of appropriate genetic tools. Here we studied co-aggregation of the naturally competent strain
V. parvula
SKV38 with various oral bacteria and its effect on cell physiology. We show that
V. parvula
requires different trimeric autotransporters of the type V secretion system to adhere to oral streptococci and actinomyces. In addition, we describe a novel adhesin of
Streptococcus gordonii,
VisA (SGO_2004), as the protein responsible for co-aggregation with
V. parvula
. Finally, we show that co-aggregation does not impact cell-cell communication, which is mainly driven by environmental sensing, but plays an important role in the architecture and species distribution within the biofilm.

IMPORTANCE

Our research explores the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion within the dental plaque, focusing on
Veillonella parvula
, a key player in the oral microbiome. Dependent on lactate from streptococci,
V. parvula
plays a crucial bridging role in the formation of dental biofilms by co-aggregating with other bacteria. Despite its importance, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of co-aggregation remains limited. Our study shows that
V. parvula
uses different trimeric autotransporters to adhere to oral Streptococci and Actinomyces. We additionally identify a novel adhesin from
S. gordonii
, VisA (SGO_2004) facilitating this interaction. We found that although co-aggregation does not affect cell-cell communication, it is critical for biofilm structure and species distribution. This research opens up new avenues for exploring microbial interactions in dental health and diseases.
STRIPAK, a fundamental signaling hub of eukaryotic development
Authors: Kück Ulrich , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY

The striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex is involved in the regulation of many developmental processes in eukaryotic microorganisms and all animals, including humans. STRIPAK is a component of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a highly conserved serine-threonine phosphatase composed of catalytic subunits (PP2Ac), a scaffolding subunit (PP2AA) and various substrate-directing B regulatory subunits. In particular, the B′′′ regulatory subunit called striatin has evoked major interest over the last 20 years. Studies in fungal systems have contributed substantially to our current knowledge about STRIPAK composition, assembly, and cellular localization, as well as its regulatory role in autophagy and the morphology of fungal development. STRIPAK represents a signaling hub with many kinases and thus integrates upstream and downstream information from many conserved eukaryotic signaling pathways. A profound understanding of STRIPAK’s regulatory role in fungi opens the gateway to understanding the multifarious functions carried out by STRIPAK in higher eukaryotes, including its contribution to malignant cell growth.
Streptococcus agalactiae
strain COH1 transcriptome in association with stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells
Authors: Vollmuth Nadine , Sauerwein Till , Foerstner Konrad U. , Westermann Alexander J. , Schubert-Unkmeir Alexandra , Lam Daryl W. , Kim Brandon J.
Published: November 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae
(Group
B Streptococcus
) strain COH1 is a representative strain of serotype III, multi-locus sequence type 17, which is disproportionately associated with neonatal meningitis. Here we report the transcriptome of COH1 when interacting with human brain endothelial cells compared with COH1 alone.
Metagenome-assembled genomes of 72
Escherichia coli
strains from vaginal samples collected from pregnant women
Authors: Boutouchent Nassim , Vu Thi Ngoc Anh , Landraud Luce , Kennedy Sean P.
Published: November 2024

We report 72 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of
Escherichia coli
recovered from the vaginal microbiomes of pregnant women. The MAGs have an estimated median genome size of 5.1 Mb (IQR 4.9–5.3). The average number of unique genes identified per genome was 3,330 genes (IQR 3,356–3,501), with a mean of 1,708 per genome being annotated.
$$^{235}\text {U(n}_{\text {th}}\text {,f)}$$ mass yield evaluation with associated covariance matrix
Authors: Cheikh S. M. , Kessedjian G. , Serot O. , Chebboubi A. , Bernard D. , Vallet V.
Published: November 2024

The study of fission yields has a major impact on the characterization and understanding of the fission process and its applications. Mass yield evaluation represents a key element in order to perform the best estimation of independent and cumulative fission product yields. Today, the lack of analysis-based correlation matrix between the different fission observables induces many inconsistencies in the evaluations. In particular, the mass yield uncertainties are drastically overestimated in comparison to chain yields while these two quantities only differ from the emission of delayed neutrons. In this work, a new consistent process of mass yield evaluation is proposed taking into account the description of the covariance matrix. For $$^{235}\text {U(n}_{\text {th}}\text {,f)}$$

235

U(n
th

,f)

mass yields, existing data cover a large range of produced masses which makes it possible to propose an evaluation of mass yields independently of any model with a precision closed to $$1.5\%$$

1.5
%

for the high yields. This new precision brings the possibility to discuss the origin of the structures in the post-neutron mass yields, in particular the consistency with the pre-neutron mass yields and the prompt neutron multiplicity per mass. The work is the first part of the $$^{235}\text {U(n}_{\text {th}}\text {,f)}$$

235

U(n
th

,f)

thermal neutron induced fission yield evaluation which will be included in the new JEFF-4 library.
Fabrication of High-Performance Neural Stimulation Electrode through Pulsed Electrochemical Deposition of IrOx onto Nano-Porous Platinum
Authors: Nasirzadehroshenin Fatemeh , Feng Zhange
Published: November 2024

Electrodes for neural stimulation are pivotal in medical and brain science applications. This study aims to prepare novel neural stimulating electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance and improved mechanical stability through a two-step electrochemical deposition process. Initially, a highly porous platinum (Porous-Pt) electrode with high nanoscale roughness is fabricated, followed by the incorporation of IrOx onto the Porous-Pt surface. The resulting IrOx/Porous-Pt electrode combines the advantages of both materials, offering low impedance, significantly increased CIC, and improved mechanical stability. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the porous surface of the electrode consisting of sphere-shaped Pt nanoparticles offers a significant effective surface area, promoting strong adhesion and stability for uniform IrOx deposition onto Porous-Pt. This characteristic contributed to the long-term mechanical stability of the IrOx/Porous-Pt electrode.
Application of AVO Characteristics Analysis and Seismic Dispersion AVO Inversion to the Carbonate Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in Region Y of the Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Li Hong , Yin Hongwei , Tang Jinliang , Xiao Pengfei
Published: November 2024

In recent years, breakthroughs in deep hydrocarbon exploration have been continuously achieved in the Tarim Basin of China. The Ordovician carbonate stratum has been shown to contain vast oil and gas resources. However, challenges remain in understanding the seismic response characteristics and accurately identifying the hydrocarbon reservoirs. These challenges can be attributed to factors including the significant burial depth of the target layers and complex geologic structures. To effectively support hydrocarbon exploration and resource assessment in the Tarim Basin, this study focused on the following three aspects in Region Y. First, according to the analysis of prestack amplitude versus offset (AVO) characteristics in well‐adjacent seismic traces and seismic forward modeling, we demonstrated that different fluid‐filled reservoirs have distinctly different AVO characteristics. This means that the hydrocarbon reservoirs in the study area can be identified by AVO inversion. Second, based on the theory that seismic waves exhibit amplitude attenuation and velocity dispersion when propagating through fluid‐filled media, the seismic dispersion AVO inversion technique was developed to obtain equations for the attributes of primary (P) and shear (S) seismic wave dispersion. Finally, this technique was applied in Region Y and further verified using actual drilling data from single wells and well profiles. The application results demonstrate that hydrocarbon reservoirs can be effectively identified using this technique and provide a technical reference for reservoir identification in other areas of the Tarim Basin. The AVO characteristic analysis is the prerequisite for the successful application of this method; the key is to find accurate inversion equations and parameters to recognize the AVO response patterns in the study area.
Effectiveness of a Saffron and Withania Supplement on Mood in Women With Mild‐to‐Moderate Anxiety During the COVID‐19 Lockdown
Authors: Pages-García Cristina , De Almagro M. Cristina , Ruiz-Moreno Jorge , De Castellar Roser
Published: November 2024

Background: A nutritional supplement based on medicinal plants (saffron and ashwagandha), tryptophan, and vitamin B6 could contribute to alleviating/improving mood and associated disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of this combination supplement. During the study period, participants underwent a period of forced home confinement due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, which represented an unexpected impact factor.

Methods: This open‐label prospective trial enrolled a cohort of female employees who reported mild to moderate anxiety. The primary objective was to evaluate changes in the level of anxiety using the adapted Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) after 12 weeks of regular supplementation with Safromotive (two tablets daily, for 12 weeks). The secondary objectives were to evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and tolerability.

Results: In total, 46 women with a mean age of 45.0 (6.5) years were included. A statistically significant improvement in HARS was observed, with a 7.5‐unit decrease from baseline to 12 weeks (p  < 0.0001) and from 4 to 12 weeks of supplement intake (p = 0.0058). However, no significant changes were found during the lockdown period (between weeks 8 and 12 of the study). No relationship was found between women’s sociodemographic characteristics and the HARS total score. A significant reduction in the HRQoL questionnaire score of 1.2 units was observed between baselines and 12 weeks of treatment (p = 0.0273). At the end of the study, 78.6% of the women reported consistency the supplement intake during the study course.

Conclusion: This nutritional supplement composed of saffron, ashwagandha, tryptophan, and vitamin B6 appears to improve anxiety and HRQoL, but confinement could have impacted the evolution of the outcome.
Does Fever Caused by the COVID‐19 Virus Before Labor Increase the Rate of MSAF and Affect Maternal and Fetal Outcomes?
Authors: Feng Runrun , Tao Yu , Sun Haiyan , Cao Cen , Gu Hairong , Hu Junmei , Chang Wenwen , Li Xia , Jiang Ziyan
Published: November 2024

Objective: The main objective of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in the occurrence of MSAF between fever and nonfever–pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Study Design: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Among the 400 pregnant women included in the final data analysis, 238 had fever during delivery, while 162 nonfever–pregnant women met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and served as controls. We collected various obstetric and neonatal parameters for both groups of patients, compared, and statistically tested the significance of these parameters. For parameters with significant statistical differences and clinical significance, we performed logistic regression analysis to explore potential risk factors for MSAF.

Result: In a sample of 400 parturients, a total of 69 individuals (17.25%) were discovered to have MSAF with the prevalence increasing to 21.85% in the fever population. A statistically significant association was observed between fever during pregnancy and MSAF, with a higher risk of development observed in fever–pregnant women compared to nonfever ones. Specifically, the odds of developing MSAF increased by a factor of 0.979 in fever‐pregnant women compared to nonfever ones, as determined by a logistic regression model (OR = 1.979, 95% CI = 1.061∼3.693, p = 0.032). Moreover, pregnant women with COVID‐19 infection had a significantly higher risk of developing MSAF, with the odds increasing by a factor of 2.567 compared to uninfected pregnant women (OR = 3.567, 95% CI = 1.622∼7.845, p = 0.002). In addition, the study also identified abnormal fetal heart monitoring (p < 0.05) and gestational age (p < 0.05) as independent risk factors for the occurrence of MSAF.

Conclusion: For pregnant women infected with COVID‐19, the rate of MSAF disturbance significantly increases, therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to fetal heart changes and amniotic fluid conditions, and actively managing labor is beneficial for improving delivery outcomes.
Limitations and Benefits of Link Quality Prediction in Stochastic Wireless Multihop Networks
Authors: Shi Xiaofei , Liao Wenxing , Hu Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

In wireless multihop networks, such as wireless sensor networks, link quality (LQ) is one of the most important metrics and is widely used in higher‐layer applications such as routing protocols. An accurate LQ prediction may greatly improve the performance of wireless multihop networks. Researchers have proposed a lot of LQ prediction models in recent years. However, due to the dynamic and stochastic nature of wireless transmission, the performance of LQ prediction is limited. In this article, we mainly analyze the influence of stochastic nature of wireless transmission on LQ prediction models and study the limitation of such models. Then, we discuss the benefits in the application of wireless multihop networks with the performance‐limited LQ prediction models.
Risk Factors for Refractory Anaphylaxis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Yazıcı Ramiz , Mutlu Hüseyin , Sert Ekrem Taha , Kokulu Kamil , Turan Ömer Faruk
Published: November 2024

Background: Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and can result in death. Identifying the factors that trigger anaphylaxis and increase its severity is important for preventing refractory anaphylaxis (RA). In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with an increased risk of developing RA. Preventive measures to reduce the frequency and intensity of anaphylactic events are essential to provide the best care for allergic patients. Aggravating factors can trigger or increase the severity of anaphylaxis and therefore need to be recognized and avoided.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1378 patients over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with anaphylaxis in our clinic between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. We divided the patients into two groups: anaphylaxis and RA. We evaluated the patients’ clinical characteristics in the ED, demographic information, and elicitors that caused anaphylaxis.

Results: Of the 1384 anaphylaxis patients included in the study, 46 (3.3%) were diagnosed as RA. We determined that having a history of anaphylaxis is the most important determinant of the increased risk of RA. Having a history of anaphylaxis (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.71–5.72), beta‐blockers/ACEI use (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.71–5.42), IV contrast agent (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.64–5.39), and low blood pressure or related symptoms (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.67–5.43) were more frequently associated with severe reactions.

Conclusion: We found that having low blood pressure or related symptoms, a known history of anaphylaxis, beta‐blockers/ACEI, and IV contrast agent are risk factors for RA. To prevent mortality and morbidity in patients with this risk factor, early interventions such as rapidly repeating epinephrine doses and rapid fluid resuscitation should not be avoided.
Alcohol and Cannabis Use Associated with Cardiometabolic Biomarkers among “All of Us” Cancer Survivors
Authors: Arizpe Angel , Chapman Tiffany M. , Rodriguez Claudia , Carvajal Alberto , Queen Katelyn J. , Navarro Stephanie , Ochoa-Dominguez Carol Y. , Kim Sue E. , Toledo-Corral Claudia M. , Farias Albert J.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Cancer survivors are at increased risk for cardiometabolic comorbidities following cancer treatment, which may be further exacerbated by cannabis and alcohol use. We aimed to examine the direct relationships of cannabis, alcohol, and the co-use of both substances with cardiometabolic risk factors and to explore disparities by race/ethnicity and sex.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data were extracted from adult cancer survivors in the “All of Us” from 2018 to 2022. Cannabis use was defined as occasional or frequent/regular cannabis use (vs. never) in the past 3 months and hazardous alcohol intake (AUDIT-C >3 for females; AUDIT-C >4 for males) versus nonhazardous in the past year, respectively. Co-use was defined as participants who engaged in regular cannabis and hazardous alcohol intake. We identified binary cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic system biomarkers, with high values defined by clinically established cutoffs or >75th percentile. We used multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Results:

In our sample (N = 7,054), 7.6% were Hispanic, 6.2% were Black, and 86.2% were White cancer survivors. Less than 5% of Hispanic and White survivors reported substance co-use compared with 7% of Black survivors. Compared with never-users, co-users were 1.58 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.19) more likely to have high blood pressure. No significant associations were found between co-use and immune biomarkers or sex differences.

Conclusions:

Co-use of cannabis and hazardous alcohol may worsen high blood pressure in survivors, who are at higher risk for cardiometabolic comorbidities.

Impact:

The study investigates substance use and cardiometabolic biomarkers, urging much research on their effects on cancer survivors.
Supplementary Table 6 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AZD5582-treated cells compared to control
Supplementary Table 3 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

List of antibodies
Supplementary Table 2 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

List of sgRNAs and their sequences
Supplementary Table 1 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

List of compounds screened, their putative targets and supplier info.
Supplementary Figure 6 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

All uncropped western blot images
Supplementary Figure 2 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

A subset of OSCCs is vulnerable to AZD5582 and other IAP inhibitors.
Figure 3 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

AZD5582 sensitivity is correlated with dependency on fitness genes from the NF-κB pathway. A, The STRING protein–protein interaction network of AZD5582 targets (BIRC2, BIRC3, and XIAP) and 12 fitness genes correlated with drug sensitivity. Default parameters were applied, and the relevant significantly enriched pathways are highlighted. B, Twelve correlated fitness genes ranked by the significant level of their correlation with AZD5582. Blue bars highlight the three fitness genes from the NF-κB pathway that are directly connected to AZD5582 putative targets. C, Correlation plots of AZD5582 lnIC50 (y-axis) and CRISPR score of the three NF-κB pathway fitness genes (IKBKG, RNF31, and MAP3K7) and boxplots of the dependent and nondependent OSCC cell lines. Red, sensitive lines. D, Western blots showing the effective knockout of fitness genes in sensitive and resistant OSCC cell lines. E, Bar charts showing the percentage of apoptotic cells induced by depletion of the fitness genes. Error bars show the mean ± SD of two biological repeats, each with technical triplicate. An unpaired Student t test was used, with nontargeting (NT) serving as a comparator. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.005. F, The tumor growth curve of ORL-207 xenografts demonstrated the in vivo antitumor efficacy of AZD5582. G, Boxplot showing the weights of tumor xenografts harvested from the control or AZD5582-treated mice. H, Western blot analysis of ORL-207 xenografts confirm the on-target degradation of cIAP1 by AZD5582. Control group tumors (C1, C2, C3, and C4), AZD5582 group tumors (A1, A2, A3, and A4), and ORL-207 cell line lysates were used as the positive controls. lnIC50, natural log of IC50.
Figure 1 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

High-throughput compound screening identifies AZD5582 as a potent inhibitor that targets OSCC vulnerabilities. A, Barcharts showing pathway coverage of the 339 curated compounds screened on 21 OSCC cell lines. Using IC50 of <1 µmol/L as the cutoff for “sensitive” lines, we classified the compounds as broadly active (>90% of the cell lines being sensitive; red), selective (between 10% and 90% of the cell lines being sensitive; orange), and nonactive (<10% of the cell lines being sensitive; gray). B, Dot plots of the natural log of IC50 (lnIC50) for the 72 selective compounds (sorted by the largest range) across 21 OSCC cell lines. Sensitive cell lines are those with lnIC50 < 0 (IC50 < 1 µmol/L). C, Workflow and example of integration of CRISPR screen with drug screen data. The correlation between drug sensitivity and gene dependency is estimated using Pearson R, whereas the effect size is measured using Cohen's d effect size analysis. D, Plot of Cohen's d effect size vs. Pearson R for the 27,936 drug–gene pairs. The top right quadrant contains the most promising drug–gene pairs with a high level of correlation (Pearson R > 0.3) and huge effect size (Cohen's d > 0.8).
Omentin Increases Glucose Uptake, but Not Insulin Sensitivity in Human Myotubes Dependent on Extracellular Lactotransferrin
Authors: Ratter-Rieck Jacqueline M. , Zepina Alexandra , Niersmann Corinna , Röhrig Karin , Riols Fabien , Haid Mark , Lintelmann Jutta , Hauck Stefanie M. , Roden Michael , Weigert Cora , Herder Christian
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Omentin (intelectin-1) is an adipokine produced by the stromal vascular fraction of visceral adipose tissue and has been positively associated with insulin sensitivity. The underlying mechanism of action, however, is largely unknown. It has been described that omentin may increase insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake of adipocytes, but effects on other insulin-sensitive tissues such as skeletal muscle are unexplored. We therefore investigated effects of omentin on insulin sensitivity and metabolism of primary human myotubes. Methods: Primary human myotubes were treated with 0.5 or 2 µg/mL omentin and subsequently protein detection, glucose uptake assay, lactate assay, and lipidomics analysis were performed. Results: Omentin did not affect skeletal muscle insulin signaling, as assessed by basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS1 and AKT. Omentin increased basal, but not insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. While increased glycolytic activity was confirmed by elevated lactate release after omentin treatment, effects on cellular lipid composition were limited to an increase in total triacylglycerol concentration. Increased glucose uptake by omentin was counteracted by addition of extracellular lactotransferrin, which can bind to omentin. Conclusions: Overall, increased basal glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells suggests differential effects of omentin on insulin-sensitive tissues. Moreover, an involvement of lactotransferrin in omentin’s mechanism of action may partially explain contradictory results of epidemiological studies on the role of omentin in different diseases.