bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of NOTCH2 in gastric adenocarcinoma: A novel early diagnostic target
Authors: Li Mei , He Wenting , Wang Furong , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiaoxia , Li Qinan , Liu Tao , Li Yumin
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

NOTCH2 is overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC), and its enhanced activity is significantly correlated with worse tumor characteristics. We aim to analyze the clinicopathologic correlation between NOTCH2 and the molecular typing of GC by immunohistochemistry and by transcriptional sequencing.

Methods

In this immunohistochemical study, we detected NOTCH2, EBER, P53, HER2, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 and evaluated the association of NOTCH2 with clinical and histopathological features in a large single‐institutional series of gastric adenocarcinomas (n = 488). The correlation was also investigated between immunohistochemical results and survival outcomes.

Results

High NOTCH2 expression (2+/3+) was found in 139/488 (27.5%) samples analyzed. NOTCH2 expression was correlated with early stage T1 (P < 0.0001), GC in the fundus (P = 0.0364), and positive P53 status (P = 0.0019). We did not find an association between NOTCH2 and HER2, microsatellite instability, EBER, and overall survival. Through RNA sequencing, it was revealed that NOTCH2 plays an important biological function in the pathogenesis and development of GC.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that NOTCH2 may be a potential diagnostic target for GC due to the fact that its high expression is closely associated with the early stages of cancer.
Population genomics highlights structural variations in local adaptation to saline coastal environments in woolly grape
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Peng Wenjing , Xiao Hua , Cao Shuo , Chen Zhuyifu , Su Xiangnian , Luo Yuanyuan , Liu Zhongjie , Peng Yanling , Yang Xiping , Jiang Guo‐Feng , Xu Xiaodong , Ma Zhiyao , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: April 2024

Structural variations (SVs) are a feature of plant genomes that has been largely unexplored despite their significant impact on plant phenotypic traits and local adaptation to abiotic and biotic stress. In this study, we employed woolly grape (Vitis retordii), a species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia with both coastal and inland habitats, as a valuable model for examining the impact of SVs on local adaptation. We assembled a haplotype‐resolved chromosomal reference genome for woolly grape, and conducted population genetic analyses based on whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) data from coastal and inland populations. The demographic analyses revealed recent bottlenecks in all populations and asymmetric gene flow from the inland to the coastal population. In total, 1,035 genes associated with plant adaptive regulation for salt stress, radiation, and environmental adaptation were detected underlying local selection by SVs and SNPs in the coastal population, of which 37.29% and 65.26% were detected by SVs and SNPs, respectively. Candidate genes such as FSD2, RGA1, and AAP8 associated with salt tolerance were found to be highly differentiated and selected during the process of local adaptation to coastal habitats in SV regions. Our study highlights the importance of SVs in local adaptation; candidate genes related to salt stress and climatic adaptation to tropical and subtropical environments are important genomic resources for future breeding programs of grapevine and its rootstocks.
CsRAXs negatively regulate leaf size and fruiting ability through auxin glycosylation in cucumber
Authors: Chen Jiacai , Liu Liu , Chen Guangxin , Wang Shaoyun , Liu Ye , Zhang Zeqin , Li Hongfei , Wang Liming , Zhou Zhaoyang , Zhao Jianyu , Zhang Xiaolan
Published: April 2024

Leaves are the main photosynthesis organ that directly determines crop yield and biomass. Dissecting the regulatory mechanism of leaf development is crucial for food security and ecosystem turn‐over. Here, we identified the novel function of R2R3‐MYB transcription factors CsRAXs in regulating cucumber leaf size and fruiting ability. Csrax5 single mutant exhibited enlarged leaf size and stem diameter, and Csrax1/2/5 triple mutant displayed further enlargement phenotype. Overexpression of CsRAX1 or CsRAX5 gave rise to smaller leaf and thinner stem. The fruiting ability of Csrax1/2/5 plants was significantly enhanced, while that of CsRAX5 overexpression lines was greatly weakened. Similarly, cell number and free auxin level were elevated in mutant plants while decreased in overexpression lines. Biochemical data indicated that CsRAX1/5 directly promoted the expression of auxin glucosyltransferase gene CsUGT74E2. Therefore, our data suggested that CsRAXs function as repressors for leaf size development by promoting auxin glycosylation to decrease free auxin level and cell division in cucumber. Our findings provide new gene targets for cucumber breeding with increased leaf size and crop yield.
Characterisation of bond between cement paste and steel fibres with different surface roughness using SEM
Authors: Antonova Anna , Eik Marika , Puttonen Jari
Published: April 2024

The performance of cementitious composites reinforced with fibres or/and bars depends on the bond strength between inclusion and cementitious matrix. The nature of formation of fibre‐matrix bond is crucial for enhancing the reliability and utilisation of reinforced composites. The research provides a review on the recently published result about the changes in the microstructure of cement matrix surrounding steel fibres with different surface roughness, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with k‐means clustering algorithm for image segmentation. The debonding pattern of the fibre‐matrix bond after the tensile loading cycles was discussed by observing the amount of adhered cement paste to the pulled out fibre surface with SEM. Therefore, analysis of SEM images enabled to explain the connection between the micro‐scale properties of cement paste and fibre after application of cyclic loading.
The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality
Authors: Brizzi Giulia , Riva Giuseppe , Romano Daniele
Published: April 2024

Our physical and psychological well‐being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.
Competence Drives Interest or Vice Versa? Untangling the Bidirectional Relationships between Creative Self‐Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation for Creativity in Shaping Employee Creativity
Authors: Chen Tingting , Kim Tae‐Yeol , Gong Yaping , Liang Yongyi
Published: April 2024

Research has examined creative self‐efficacy and intrinsic motivation for creativity as important antecedents to employee creativity, but little is known about how the two antecedents influence each other to foster employee creativity. This study proposes two theoretical possibilities. First, by enhancing resilience, creative self‐efficacy can promote intrinsic motivation for creativity, which in turn boosts employee creativity. Task difficulty further strengthens creative self‐efficacy's effect on intrinsic motivation for creativity and employee creativity (via resilience). Second, by fostering creative process engagement, intrinsic motivation for creativity can promote creative self‐efficacy, which in turn boosts employee creativity. Task variability further amplifies the effect of intrinsic motivation for creativity on creative self‐efficacy and employee creativity (via creative process engagement). Results from two experiments and two field studies largely supported the hypothesized relationships. We extend the creativity literature by untangling the interrelationships between creative self‐efficacy and intrinsic motivation for creativity in shaping employee creativity.
Pigeonholes and Johari windows: Rehumanising ethnicity categorisation in health care
Authors: Danquah Adam
Published: April 2024

Categorisation Can Bring Clarity

Categorisation is just what we do in health care. It allows for definitions to be shared, so conditions can be targeted and treatments standardised. It allows for concepts and constructs to become testable objects of research. And, with the increasing push for diversity and inclusion, it allows for disparities to be identified to evidence progress and enable accountability.

Categorisation Can Also Confound

But could these distinctions be doing as much harm as good? In this article, I review work from the field of inclusive education, focusing particularly on “awarding gaps” and “differential attainment” (i.e. differences in the proportions of degrees with higher grades awarded to some groups of learners compared with others). In doing so, I draw attention to the paradox inherent in empirically studying these topics: increasing recognition of unfairness is dependent on categorising individuals into groups of students, which risks reinforcing negative, reductive associations and alienating those who cannot relate to their designation.

Categorisation Requires Care

Using the case of ethnicity categorisation (and mixed ethnicity categories in particular), I use this paper to explore this unwelcome impact of categorisation in more detail. I acknowledge how difficult it would be to overhaul our system of categorisation and finish with thoughts on how we might mitigate its impact in our practice.
Philosophy as dia‐philosophy: Hector‐Neri Castañeda's theoretical defense of pluralism
Authors: Dolcini Nevia
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on Hector‐Neri Castañeda's significant contributions to metaphilosophy. In his 1980 work, On Philosophical Method, Castañeda articulates a unique perspective, characterizing philosophy as fundamentally a dia‐philosophical activity. By asserting the supremacy of synthesis over analysis within the metaphilosophical hierarchy, his account provides a purely theoretical defense of philosophical pluralism devoid of any relativistic inclinations. Despite Castañeda's enduring influence and profound impact on ongoing discussions in ontology, logic, and the philosophy of language, his metaphilosophical insights have largely been neglected. In the context of today's increasingly diverse philosophical landscape, this paper posits that Castañeda's pluralist metaphilosophy retains substantial theoretical relevance.
Physical models of bacterial chromosomes
Authors: Harju Janni , Broedersz Chase P.
Published: April 2024

The interplay between bacterial chromosome organization and functions such as transcription and replication can be studied in increasing detail using novel experimental techniques. Interpreting the resulting quantitative data, however, can be theoretically challenging. In this minireview, we discuss how connecting experimental observations to biophysical theory and modeling can give rise to new insights on bacterial chromosome organization. We consider three flavors of models of increasing complexity: simple polymer models that explore how physical constraints, such as confinement or plectoneme branching, can affect bacterial chromosome organization; bottom‐up mechanistic models that connect these constraints to their underlying causes, for instance, chromosome compaction to macromolecular crowding, or supercoiling to transcription; and finally, data‐driven methods for inferring interpretable and quantitative models directly from complex experimental data. Using recent examples, we discuss how biophysical models can both deepen our understanding of how bacterial chromosomes are structured and give rise to novel predictions about bacterial chromosome organization.
The double burden of malnutrition in individuals: Identifying key challenges and re‐thinking research focus
Authors: Kiosia Agklinta , Dagbasi Aygul , Berkley James A. , Wilding John P. H. , Prendergast Andrew J. , Li Jia V. , Swann Jon , Mathers John C. , Kerac Marko , Morrison Douglas , Drake Lesley , Briend Andre , Maitland Kathryn , Frost Gary
Published: April 2024

The ‘double burden of malnutrition’ is a global health challenge that increasingly affects populations in both low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This phenomenon refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity, as well as other diet‐related non‐communicable diseases, in the same population, household or even individual. While noteworthy progress has been made in reducing undernutrition in some parts of the world, in many of these areas, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, particularly in urban areas, resulting in greater numbers of people who were undernourished in childhood and have overweight or obesity in adulthood. This creates a complex and challenging situation for research experts and policymakers who must simultaneously address the public health burdens of undernutrition and overweight/obesity. This review identifies key challenges and limitations in the current research on the double burden of malnutrition in individuals, including the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the drivers of malnutrition, the importance of context‐specific interventions and the need for greater attention to the food environment and food systems. We advocate for the re‐evaluation of research strategies and focus, with a greater emphasis on multidisciplinary and systems approaches and greater attention to the synergistic relationship between the biological, environmental, commercial and socio‐economic determinants of malnutrition. Addressing these key challenges can enable us to better comprehend and tackle the multifaceted and dynamic issues of the double burden of malnutrition, particularly in individuals and work towards more effective and sustainable solutions.
Does Self‐employment Pay? The Role of Unemployment and Earnings Risk
Authors: García‐Cabo Joaquín , Madera Rocio
Published: April 2024

This paper documents the role of unemployment and earnings risk in reconciling evidence in payoff differentials between self‐employment and paid‐employment. Using Spanish administrative data, we characterize the distribution and dynamics of earnings and document lower and less dispersed earnings in self‐employment. We consider alternative hypotheses and highlight the role of lower unemployment risk in self‐employment. We decompose earnings risk dynamics by estimating a life‐cycle earnings process. Indeed, the self‐employed experience lower returns but also face lower volatility and persistence of shocks throughout their life‐cycle. Our results challenge the conventional view that self‐employment necessarily entails higher risk and highlight that accounting for differences in labour earnings risk is important to reconcile the payoff differentials between self‐employment and paid‐employment.
Autonomic modulation of heart rate during physical activity in pregnant women: A systematic review of literature
Authors: Jaques Lucas Alves , Stermer Pedro Rafael Rocha , de Oliveira Ana Karoline Brito , Marães Vera Regina Fernandes da Silva , Jácomo Raquel Henriques , Alves Aline Teixeira , Cunha Katiane da Costa , da Silva Marianne Lucena
Published: April 2024

Background

There are important physiological changes in the heart rate autonomic modulation in pregnant women and these changes may affect the way their bodies respond to exercise stimulus. The objective of this review is to verify the physical exercise influence on autonomic modulation of heart rate in pregnant women.

Methods

This study is a Systematic Review. The electronic databases used to search for the studies were Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PUBMED, Regional Health Portal and EMBASE. Experimental studies that evaluated heart‐rate variability in pregnant women practicing physical exercises were included. And articles that addressed only fetal heart‐rate variability, case reports, congress abstracts, clinical trial protocols without results, preprints, and gray literature were excluded. There were no language or publication year restrictions. The descriptors used in the Search were Cardiac Chronotropism, Sympathetic Nervous System, Pregnancy, and Physical Exercise. For statistical analysis, the fixed effect model was used.

Results

A total of 3106 articles were found, and 12 studies were included, which 5 were nonrandomized clinical trials, 4 were randomized clinical trials, and 3 were cross‐sectional studies. Three hundred and four pregnant women were included in the studies. The application of physical exercise was varied, but in general they used aerobic exercises and with increased variability of the heart rate and reflex on the autonomic modulation of heart rate.

Conclusion

Most studies demonstrate benefits heart rate in pregnant women, but limited research makes it hard to compare specific types of exercise and larger studies are needed to identify the best exercise.
A survey of practice in the anesthetic management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis spine fusion by the North American Pediatric Spine Anesthesiologists Collaborative
Authors: Gilbertson Laura E. , Muhly Wallis T. , Montana Michael C. , Chidambaran Vidya , DiCindio Sabina , Sadacharam Kesavan , Wilder Robert T. , Whyte Simon D. , Hifko Alan , Sponseller Paul D. , Frankville David D. ,   North American Pediatric Spine Anesthesiologists Investigators
Published: April 2024

Background

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) affects 2%–4% of the general pediatric population. While surgical correction remains one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in pediatrics, limited consensus exists on the perioperative anesthetic management.

Aims

To examine the current state of anesthetic management of typical AIS spine fusions at institutions which have a dedicated pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon.

Methods

A web‐based survey was sent to all members of the North American Pediatric Spine Anesthesiologists (NAPSA) Collaborative. This group included 34 anesthesiologists at 19 different institutions, each of whom has a Harms Study Group surgeon performing spine fusions at their hospital.

Results

Thirty‐one of 34 (91.2%) anesthesiologists completed the survey, with a missing response rate from 0% to 16.1% depending on the question. Most anesthesia practices (77.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 67.7–93.4) do not have patients come for a preoperative visit prior to the day of surgery. Intravenous induction was the preferred method (74.2%; 95% CI 61.3–89.9), with the majority utilizing two peripheral IVs (93.5%; 95% CI 90.3–100) and an arterial line (100%; 95% CI 88.8–100). Paralytic administration for intubation and/or exposure was divided (51.6% rocuronium/vecuronium, 45.2% no paralytic, and 3.2% succinylcholine) amongst respondents. While tranexamic acid was consistently utilized for reducing blood loss, dosing regimens varied. When faced with neuromonitoring signal issues, 67.7% employ a formal protocol. Most anesthesiologists (93.5%; 95% CI 78.6–99.2) extubate immediately postoperatively with patients admitted to an inpatient floor bed (77.4%; 95% CI 67.7–93.3).

Conclusion

Most anesthesiologists (87.1%; 95% CI 80.6–99.9) report the use of some form of an anesthesia‐based protocol for AIS fusions, but our survey results show there is considerable variation in all aspects of perioperative care. Areas of agreement on management comprise the typical vascular access required, utilization of tranexamic acid, immediate extubation, and disposition to a floor bed. By recognizing the diversity of anesthetic care, we can develop areas of research and improve the perioperative management of AIS.
Co‐occurrence of Epstein–Barr virus‐positive nodal T/NK‐cell lymphoma and nodal T‐follicular helper cell lymphoma of different clonal origins: An autopsy case report
Authors: Hoshi Daisuke , Migita Nami , Ishizawa Shin , Sato Yasuharu , Yamamura Koichi , Kiyokawa Etsuko
Published: April 2024

Nodal T‐follicular helper cell lymphoma (TFHL) is a subset of T‐cell lymphoma and frequently co‐occurs with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive B‐cell lymphoma but not with T/NK‐cell lymphoma. Recently, a new entity with a worse prognosis, called EBV‐positive nodal T/NK‐cell lymphoma (NTNKL) has been established. Here, we report an autopsy case of synchronous multiple lymphomas, including TFHL and NTNKL. The patient was a 78‐year‐old female admitted with pneumonia. Although pneumonic symptoms were improved, fever, pancytopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation emerged, implicating lymphoma. She died on the 21st hospital day without a definitive diagnosis. The autopsy revealed the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes throughout her body. Histological analysis revealed three distinct regions in the left inguinal lymph node. The first region consists of small‐sized lymphocytes with T‐follicular helper phenotype and extended follicular dendritic cell meshwork, indicating TFHL. The second region included EBV‐positive large B cells. The third region comprised EBV‐positive large cells with cytotoxic T/NK cell phenotype, indicating NTNKL. Clonality analysis of the first and the third regions showed different patterns. Since various hematopoietic malignancies progress from common clonal hematopoiesis according to existing literature, this case may help to understand TFHL and NTNKL.
Application and attitudes: active restoration in the context of biodiversity offsetting
Authors: Hernandez Stephanie , Dorrough Josh , Ruoso Laure‐Elise , Brazill‐Boast James , Newman Kate , Oliver Ian , Plant Roel
Published: April 2024

The global trend in offsetting for no‐net‐loss (NNL) is increasing, focusing on protecting high‐condition habitats and restoring degraded ones. Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) promotes active restoration (AR; reconstruction of missing ecosystem properties, AR) on offset sites. We examined (1) the adoption of AR under the BOS, and (2) practical constraints and attitudes toward AR. Records of management actions on 138 proposed offset sites revealed that AR was proposed for 19.3% (12,180 ha) of the total offset area (67,310 ha). For areas with a low‐moderate condition score (26,528 ha), AR was proposed for only 27.3% (7248 ha), despite these being the areas where it would be most likely to be necessary. A survey of 111 individuals involved in offsetting policy and restoration revealed that while 76% agreed AR was necessary for NNL, financial constraints were seen as a major barrier. A structural equation model indicated that positive attitudes toward AR rules and AR as a social imperative were strongly linked to agreement on the necessity of AR for NNL outcomes. Our results indicate that attitudes could influence the adoption of AR on offset sites, even in cases where policies are explicitly designed to provide financial incentives for AR, as exemplified in the context of NSW.
Serpentinization and potential Ni‐Cr mineralization of the Andong ultramafic block in South Korea
Authors: Davaasuren Otgon‐Erdene , Koh Sang‐Mo , Lee Bum Han , Heo Chul‐Ho
Published: April 2024

Small‐ to medium‐sized serpentinized ultramafic blocks have been found in several locations in South Korea. Ultramafic‐hosted serpentinization, described as a major hydrothermal process that affects the lithospheric mantle, is known to play a key role in mass fluxes enhanced by multiple fluid–rock interactions that ultimately lead to the formation of hydrothermal mineralization and natural hydrogen production. In this study, we attempted to interpret the hydrothermal alteration and associated Ni‐Cr mineralization of the Andong serpentinized ultramafic block (ASUB). Based on the mineralogical and geochemical studies, the serpentinites and serpentinized ultramafic rocks of the ASUB are interpreted to be derived from mantle peridotite. It shows the dunite, lherzolite, and wehrlite compositions which are mainly composed of olivine and pyroxene. Hydrothermal alteration transformed the ultramafic rock into serpentinitic rock, resulting in changes in rock textures from the parent rock (plutonic texture) to moderately altered rock (pseudomorphic porphyritic texture) and strongly altered rock (pseudomorphic fine grained texture) with mineralogical changes. Serpentinization and Ni‐Cr mineralization do not show any relationship. Considering the reported crystallization age of the parental rock (222 Ma) and measured age (214–187 Ma) of the granites intruded into the ASUB, the source magma responsible for the final hydrothermal event including serpentinization is inferred to be the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic granitic pluton. The ASUB might have formed due to the ascent of a mantle plume along the extensional regime (i.e., rift) in the supra‐subduction zone (SSZ), rather than in ophiolite‐related mid‐oceanic ridges or abyssal environments, which are identified in many places. Ni‐Cr mineralization, with the close association of pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and Cr‐spinel, likely resulted from co‐precipitation and dissemination during the crystallization of the parent peridotitic magma derived from the mantle.
The feasibility of introducing a whole blood component for traumatic haemorrhage in the UK
Authors: McCullagh Josephine , Basham Peter , Davies Jane , Hicks Vicky , Hunter Alastair , Lancut Julia , Green Laura
Published: April 2024

Background

The interest in re‐introducing whole blood (WB) transfusion for the management of traumatic major haemorrhage is increasing. However, due to the current leucodepletion filters used in the UK a WB component was not readily available. Instead, an alternative but similar component, leucocyte depleted red cell and plasma (LD‐RCP), which provided a unique experience in assessing the feasibility of a WB component was used whilst a WB component was being manufactured.

Study Design and Methods

Between November 2018 and October 2020, LD‐RCP replaced RBC as standard of care for all trauma patients with major haemorrhage in London. The aims of the study were to assess (a) deliverability, (b) component wastage and (c) safety.

Results

Over the study period a total of 1208 LD‐RCP units were delivered, of which 96.5% were delivered ‘On Time In Full’ (OTIF). Of the 1208 units, 733 (60.68%) were transfused and 475 (39.3%) units were wasted. Component wastage reduced significantly throughout the study (p = 0.001). A total of 177 patients had a blood group recorded, 86 were group O and 91 were non‐group O. There was no statistically significantly difference between haemoglobin (p = 0.422), or bilirubin levels (p = 0.084) between group O and non‐group O patients.

Discussion

It was feasible for NHS Blood and Transplant to deliver LD‐RCP on time in full, however component wastage was high due to short shelf life and limited use of the component. Low titre group O LD‐RCP units were not associated with clinical evidence of haemolysis.
Class II knotted‐like homeodomain protein SlKN5 with BEL1‐like homeodomain proteins suppresses fruit greening in tomato fruit
Authors: Ezura Kentaro , Lu Yu , Suzuki Yutaka , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ariizumi Tohru
Published: April 2024

Knotted1‐like homeodomain (KNOX) proteins are essential in regulating plant organ differentiation. Land plants, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), have two classes of the KNOX protein family, namely, class I (KNOX I) and class II KNOX (KNOX II). While tomato KNOX I proteins are known to stimulate chloroplast development in fruit, affecting fruit coloration, the role of KNOX II proteins in this context remains unclear. In this study, we employ CRISPR/Cas9 to generate knockout mutants of the KNOX II member, SlKN5. These mutants display increased leaf complexity, a phenotype commonly associated with reduced KNOX II activity, as well as enhanced accumulation of chloroplasts and chlorophylls in smaller cells within young, unripe fruit. RNA‐seq data analyses indicate that SlKN5 suppresses the transcriptions of genes involved in chloroplast biogenesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and gibberellin catabolism. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction assays reveal that SlKN5 physically interacts with three transcriptional repressors from the BLH1‐clade of BEL1‐like homeodomain (BLH) protein family, SlBLH4, SlBLH5, and SlBLH7, with SlBLH7 showing the strongest interaction. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of these SlBLH genes confirmed their overlapping roles in suppressing chloroplast biogenesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and lycopene cyclization. Transient assays further demonstrate that the SlKN5–SlBLH7 interaction enhances binding capacity to regulatory regions of key chloroplast‐ and chlorophyll‐related genes, including SlAPRR2‐like1, SlCAB‐1C, and SlGUN4. Collectively, our findings elucidate that the KNOX II SlKN5‐SlBLH regulatory modules serve to inhibit fruit greening and subsequently promote lycopene accumulation, thereby fine‐tuning the color transition from immature green fruit to mature red fruit.
Domestication has altered gene expression and secondary metabolites in pea seed coat
Authors: Klčová Barbora , Balarynová Jana , Trněný Oldřich , Krejčí Petra , Cechová Monika Zajacová , Leonova Tatiana , Gorbach Daria , Frolova Nadezhda , Kysil Elana , Orlova Anastasia , Ihling Сhristian , Frolov Andrej , Bednář Petr , Smýkal Petr
Published: April 2024

The mature seed in legumes consists of an embryo and seed coat. In contrast to knowledge about the embryo, we know relatively little about the seed coat. We analyzed the gene expression during seed development using a panel of cultivated and wild pea genotypes. Gene co‐expression analysis identified gene modules related to seed development, dormancy, and domestication. Oxidoreductase genes were found to be important components of developmental and domestication processes. Proteomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that domestication favored proteins involved in photosynthesis and protein metabolism at the expense of seed defense. Seed coats of wild peas were rich in cell wall‐bound metabolites and the protective compounds predominated in their seed coats. Altogether, we have shown that domestication altered pea seed development and modified (mostly reduced) the transcripts along with the protein and metabolite composition of the seed coat, especially the content of the compounds involved in defense. We investigated dynamic profiles of selected identified phenolic and flavonoid metabolites across seed development. These compounds usually deteriorated the palatability and processing of the seeds. Our findings further provide resources to study secondary metabolism and strategies for improving the quality of legume seeds which comprise an important part of the human protein diet.
Ocimum kilimandscharicum4CL11 negatively regulates adventitious root development via accumulation of flavonoid glycosides
Authors: Lavhale Santosh G. , Kondhare Kirtikumar R. , Sinthadurai Veenothini S. , Barvkar Vitthal T. , Kale Rutuja S. , Joshi Rakesh S. , Giri Ashok P.
Published: April 2024

4‐Coumarate‐CoA Ligase (4CL) is an important enzyme in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Multiple 4CLs are identified in Ocimum species; however, their in planta functions remain enigmatic. In this study, we independently overexpressed three Ok4CL isoforms from Ocimum kilimandscharicum (Ok4CL7, ‐11, and ‐15) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, Ok4CL11 overexpression (OE) caused a rootless or reduced root growth phenotype, whereas overexpression of Ok4CL15 produced normal adventitious root (AR) growth. Ok4CL11 overexpression in N. benthamiana resulted in upregulation of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and associated glycosyltransferases accompanied by accumulation of specific flavonoid‐glycosides (kaempferol‐3‐rhamnoside, kaempferol‐3,7‐O‐bis‐alpha‐l‐rhamnoside [K3,7R], and quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside) that possibly reduced auxin levels in plants, and such effects were not seen for Ok4CL7 and ‐15. Docking analysis suggested that auxin transporters (PINs/LAXs) have higher binding affinity to these specific flavonoid‐glycosides, and thus could disrupt auxin transport/signaling, which cumulatively resulted in a rootless phenotype. Reduced auxin levels, increased K3,7R in the middle and basal stem sections, and grafting experiments (intra and inter‐species) indicated a disruption of auxin transport by K3,7R and its negative effect on AR development. Supplementation of flavonoids and the specific glycosides accumulated by Ok4CL11‐OE to the wild‐type N. benthamiana explants delayed the AR emergence and also inhibited AR growth. While overexpression of all three Ok4CLs increased lignin accumulation, flavonoids, and their specific glycosides were accumulated only in Ok4CL11‐OE lines. In summary, our study reveals unique indirect function of Ok4CL11 to increase specific flavonoids and their glycosides, which are negative regulators of root growth, likely involved in inhibition of auxin transport and signaling.
Sensitivity of bilateral trade between Korea and China to exchange rate fluctuations: Insights from the semiconductor industry
Authors: Baek Jungho , Piao Shanyu , Nam Soojoong
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the bilateral semiconductor trade between Korea and China. We present compelling evidence emphasising the significant role of exchange rate changes in Korea's semiconductor trade with China, affecting both short‐term and long‐term dynamics. Our analysis also reveals an asymmetrical effect of bilateral exchange rates on Korea's semiconductor trade with China. Specifically, we find that exchange rate asymmetries primarily manifest as a long‐term phenomenon in Korea's semiconductor exports to China. At the same time, they influence both short‐ and long‐term dynamics in Korea's semiconductor imports from China.
Consensus on the definition and attributes of person‐centered teamwork: An e‐Delphi study
Authors: Viljoen Alida , Leech Ronell , Slater Paul , Heyns Tanya
Published: April 2024

Background

Effective health care relies on person‐centeredness and teamwork, which are known to improve outcomes. These two concepts have been defined individually, but we could not find a definition of the combined concept. A preliminary definition was developed through a concept analysis; however, consensus on the concept has not been reached.

Aim

The aim of this study was to reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person‐centered teamwork.

Methods

A consensus design allowed experts to collaborate and share their experience and wisdom to refine and reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person‐centered teamwork. An e‐Delphi was used to engage the experts.

Results

Three rounds of online engagement with 12 experts were needed to reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person‐centered teamwork. The attributes reached consensus of 82% after the first round. The definition had 82% consensus after the three rounds. The definition had been adjusted and refined according to the expert input. The newly adjusted definition was established.

Linking Evidence to Action

We successfully used the e‐Delphi method to obtain consensus on the attributes and definition of person‐centered teamwork. The definition of person‐centered teamwork can be further developed and included in clinical practice to guide improved clinical outcomes. The consensus definition of person‐centered teamwork provides a clear understanding of the meaning thereof, which may in turn enrich the usability thereof in clinical practice. Person‐centered teams improve outcomes for persons receiving care in hospitals. Building person‐centered teams are now better understood and the foundation of building these teams defined. We engaged with 12 experts in the academic and clinical field of person‐centeredness and teamwork. The use and value of the Delphi method to obtain consensus is now better understood and can assist future research development.
The impact of head-worn devices in an auditory-aided visual search task
Authors: Lladó Pedro , Hyvärinen Petteri , Pulkki Ville
Published: April 2024

Head-worn devices (HWDs) interfere with the natural transmission of sound from the source to the ears of the listener, worsening their localization abilities. The localization errors introduced by HWDs have been mostly studied in static scenarios, but these errors are reduced if head movements are allowed. We studied the effect of 12 HWDs on an auditory-cued visual search task, where head movements were not restricted. In this task, a visual target had to be identified in a three-dimensional space with the help of an acoustic stimulus emitted from the same location as the visual target. The results showed an increase in the search time caused by the HWDs. Acoustic measurements of a dummy head wearing the studied HWDs showed evidence of impaired localization cues, which were used to estimate the perceived localization errors using computational auditory models of static localization. These models were able to explain the search-time differences in the perceptual task, showing the influence of quadrant errors in the auditory-aided visual search task. These results indicate that HWDs have an impact on sound-source localization even when head movements are possible, which may compromise the safety and the quality of experience of the wearer.
Dynamics of meniscus-bound particle clusters in extensional flow
Authors: Chaudhary Sagar , Velankar Sachin S. , Schroeder Charles M.
Published: April 2024

Capillary suspensions are three-phase mixtures containing a solid particulate phase, a continuous liquid phase, and a second immiscible liquid forming capillary bridges between particles. Capillary suspensions are encountered in a wide array of applications including 3D printing, porous materials, and food formulations, but despite recent progress, the micromechanics of particle clusters in flow is not fully understood. In this work, we study the dynamics of meniscus-bound particle clusters in planar extensional flow using a Stokes trap, which is an automated flow control technique that allows for precise manipulation of freely suspended particles or particle clusters in flow. Focusing on the case of a two-particle doublet, we use a combination of experiments and analytical modeling to understand how particle clusters rearrange, deform, and ultimately break up in extensional flow. The time required for cluster breakup is quantified as a function of capillary number Ca and meniscus volume V. Importantly, a critical capillary number Cacrit for cluster breakup is determined using a combination of experiments and modeling. Cluster relaxation experiments are also performed by deforming particle clusters in flow, followed by flow cessation prior to breakup and observing cluster relaxation dynamics under zero-flow conditions. In all cases, experiments are complemented by an analytical model that accounts for capillary forces, lubrication forces, hydrodynamic drag forces, and hydrodynamic interactions acting on the particles. Results from the analytical models are found to be in good agreement with experiments. Overall, this work provides a new quantitative understanding of the deformation dynamics of capillary clusters in extensional flow.
Optical imaging reveals chemotherapy-induced metabolic reprogramming of residual disease and recurrence
Authors: Sunassee Enakshi D. , Deutsch Riley J. , D’Agostino Victoria W. , Castellano-Escuder Pol , Siebeneck Elizabeth A. , Ilkayeva Olga , Crouch Brian T. , Madonna Megan C. , Everitt Jeffrey , Alvarez James V. , Palmer Gregory M. , Hirschey Matthew D. , Ramanujam Nirmala
Published: April 2024

Fewer than 20% of triple-negative breast cancer patients experience long-term responses to mainstay chemotherapy. Resistant tumor subpopulations use alternative metabolic pathways to escape therapy, survive, and eventually recur. Here, we show in vivo, longitudinal metabolic reprogramming in residual disease and recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer xenografts with varying sensitivities to the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel. Optical imaging coupled with metabolomics reported an increase in non–glucose–driven mitochondrial metabolism and an increase in intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity during regression and residual disease in resistant MDA-MB-231 tumors. Conversely, sensitive HCC-1806 tumors were primarily reliant on glucose uptake and minimal changes in metabolism or heterogeneity were observed over the tumors’ therapeutic life cycles. Further, day-matched resistant HCC-1806 tumors revealed a higher reliance on mitochondrial metabolism and elevated metabolic heterogeneity compared to sensitive HCC-1806 tumors. Together, metabolic flexibility, increased reliance on mitochondrial metabolism, and increased metabolic heterogeneity are defining characteristics of persistent residual disease, features that will inform the appropriate type and timing of therapies.
Constraining global transport of perfluoroalkyl acids on sea spray aerosol using field measurements
Authors: Sha Bo , Johansson Jana H. , Salter Matthew E. , Blichner Sara M. , Cousins Ian T.
Published: April 2024

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly persistent anthropogenic pollutants that have been detected in the global oceans. Our previous laboratory studies demonstrated that PFAAs in seawater are remobilized to the air in sea spray aerosols (SSAs). Here, we conducted field experiments along a north-south transect of the Atlantic Ocean to study the enrichment of PFAAs in SSA. We show that in some cases PFAAs were enriched >100,000 times in the SSA relative to seawater concentrations. On the basis of the results of the field experiments, we estimate that the secondary emission of certain PFAAs from the global oceans via SSA emission is comparable to or greater than estimates for the other known global sources of PFAAs to the atmosphere from manufacturing emissions and precursor degradation.
Hierarchical and reconfigurable interfibrous interface of bioinspired Bouligand structure enabled by moderate orderliness
Authors: Chen Si-Ming , Wang Guang-Zhen , Hou YuanZhen , Yang Xiao-Nian , Zhang Si-Chao , Zhu ZiBo , Li JiaHao , Gao Huai-Ling , Zhu Yin-Bo , Wu HengAn , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: April 2024

Introducing natural Bouligand structure into synthetics is expected to develop high-performance structural materials. Interfibrous interface is critical to load transfer, and mechanical functionality of bioinspired Bouligand structure yet receives little attention. Here, we propose one kind of hierarchical and reconfigurable interfibrous interface based on moderate orderliness to mechanically reinforce bioinspired Bouligand structure. The interface imparted by moderate alignment of adaptable networked nanofibers hierarchically includes nanofiber interlocking and hydrogen-bonding (HB) network bridging, being expected to facilitate load transfer and structural stability through dynamic adjustment in terms of nanofiber sliding and HB breaking-reforming. As one demonstration, the hierarchical and reconfigurable interfibrous interface is constructed based on moderate alignment of networked bacterial cellulose nanofibers. We show that the resultant bioinspired Bouligand structural material exhibits unusual strengthening and toughening mechanisms dominated by interface-microstructure multiscale coupling. The proposed interfibrous interface enabled by moderate orderliness would provide mechanical insight into the assembly of widely existing networked nanofiber building blocks toward high-performance macroscopic bioinspired structural assemblies.
Adaptive functions of structural variants in human brain development
Authors: Ding Wanqiu , Li Xiangshang , Zhang Jie , Ji Mingjun , Zhang Mengling , Zhong Xiaoming , Cao Yong , Liu Xiaoge , Li Chunqiong , Xiao Chunfu , Wang Jiaxin , Li Ting , Yu Qing , Mo Fan , Zhang Boya , Qi Jianhuan , Yang Jie-Chun , Qi Juntian , Tian Lu , Xu Xinwei , Peng Qi , Zhou Wei-Zhen , Liu Zhijin , Fu Aisi , Zhang Xiuqin , Zhang Jian-Jun , Sun Yujie , Hu Baoyang , An Ni A. , Zhang Li , Li Chuan-Yun
Published: April 2024

Quantifying the structural variants (SVs) in nonhuman primates could provide a niche to clarify the genetic backgrounds underlying human-specific traits, but such resource is largely lacking. Here, we report an accurate SV map in a population of 562 rhesus macaques, verified by in-house benchmarks of eight macaque genomes with long-read sequencing and another one with genome assembly. This map indicates stronger selective constrains on inversions at regulatory regions, suggesting a strategy for prioritizing them with the most important functions. Accordingly, we identified 75 human-specific inversions and prioritized them. The top-ranked inversions have substantially shaped the human transcriptome, through their dual effects of reconfiguring the ancestral genomic architecture and introducing regional mutation hotspots at the inverted regions. As a proof of concept, we linked
APCDD1
, located on one of these inversions and down-regulated specifically in humans, to neuronal maturation and cognitive ability. We thus highlight inversions in shaping the human uniqueness in brain development.