bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic hardship trajectories of college‐educated families living in or near poverty: Assessing predictors and outcomes
Authors: Tighe Lauren A. , Davis‐Kean Pamela E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study examined the longitudinal trajectories of economic hardship for low‐income families with a college education.

Background

The relation between parental education and family income to parenting behaviors and children's achievement is well documented. Less is known on how high education and low income interact within families, particularly over time.

Method

The sample consisted of 537 families who were low‐income and college‐educated when their child was in kindergarten. We used latent growth curve analyses to classify families into different trajectory classes based on economic hardship over several years. We then examined predictors and outcomes of each class.

Results

Within this sample of low‐income, college‐educated families, there were two economic hardship trajectories: Transient (i.e., short‐term) and Chronic (i.e., long term). Parents in the transient class were more likely to work an occupation requiring a postsecondary degree and had higher educational expectations than the chronic class. We conducted additional analyses to test for generalizability and comparison to other family types.

Conclusion

Parental education attainment may provide a protective buffer for parents and children when facing short‐ or long‐term economic hardship.

Implications

This study highlights the sustained importance of educational attainment and the need for policy and program solutions to address families' diverse needs.
Temperature, resources and predation interact to shape phytoplankton size–abundance relationships at a continental scale
Authors: Gjoni Vojsava , Glazier Douglas S. , Wesner Jeff S. , Ibelings Bastiaan W. , Thomas Mridul K.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Communities contain more individuals of small species and fewer individuals of large species. According to the ‘metabolic theory of ecology’, the relationship of log mean abundance with log mean body size across communities should exhibit a slope of −3/4 that is invariant across environmental conditions. Here, we investigate whether this slope is indeed invariant or changes systematically across gradients in temperature, resource availability and predation pressure.

Location

1048 lakes across the USA.

Time Period

2012.

Major Taxa Studied

Phytoplankton.

Results

We found that the size–abundance relationship across all sampled phytoplankton communities was significantly lower than −3/4 and near −1 overall. More importantly, we found strong evidence that the environment affects the slope: it varies between −0.33 and −0.93 across interacting gradients of temperature, resource (phosphorus) supply and zooplankton predation pressure. Therefore, phytoplankton communities have orders of magnitude more small or large cells depending on environmental conditions across geographical locations.

Conclusion

Our results emphasise the importance of the environmental factors' effect on macroecological patterns that arise through physiological and ecological processes. An investigation of the mechanisms underlying the link between individual energetics constrain and macroecological patterns would allow to predict how global warming and changes in nutrients will alter large‐scale ecological patterns in the future.
Significance of malnutrition defined with Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Okuyama Takayuki , Hoshino Kouki , Hagiwara Kei , Kawai Shunsuke , Ishii Norihiro , Igarashi Takamichi , Araki Kenichiro , Shirabe Ken
Published: August 2023

Aim

A recent study reported the utility of the definition of malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in many types of cancers and chronic inflammatory disease. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the significance of malnutrition defined with GLIM criteria in patients with hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and also to compare malnutrition using handgrip strength.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 174 patients who had undergone curative hepatic resection for HCC including both skeletal muscle area and handgrip strength. Patients were divided according to malnutrition defined by GLIM or modified GLIM and clinicopathologic and short‐ and long‐term outcomes were analyzed. The modified GLIM criteria was defined using both handgrip strength and skeletal muscle area.

Results

Malnutrition defined by GLIM criteria was diagnosed in 47 patients (26.7%) and malnutrition defined by modified GLIM criteria was diagnosed in 21 patients (11.9%). Malnutrition defined by GLIM or modified GLIM criteria was associated with poorer liver function and malignant tumor behavior, but modified GLIM criteria predicted the postoperative complication and recurrence‐free survival outcome independently. In patients with poor liver function, malnutrition defined by modified GLIM criteria predicted postoperative complication and overall and recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusions

Malnutrition defined by modified GLIM criteria using both handgrip strength and skeletal muscle area can more accurately predict short‐ and long‐term outcomes compared to malnutrition defined by the GLIM criteria. Nutritional and exercise therapy could become more important in patients with malnutrition and poor liver function.
College and university libraries and user responses to COVID‐19 health information needs
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: August 2023

In the first of two special collections of COVID‐19‐related manuscripts, this issue focuses on how colleges and universities libraries and their users responded to the need for health information during the pandemic.
Screening of lactobacilli strains isolated from artisanal Poro de Tabasco cheese for their ability to biosynthesise conjugated linoleic acid under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Sosa‐Castañeda Jesus , Reyes‐Díaz Ricardo , Heredia‐Castro Priscilia Y. , Benítez‐Romero Lucio , Méndez‐Romero José Isidro , Hernández‐Mendoza Adrián , González‐Córdova Aarón F. , Vallejo‐Cordoba Belinda
Published: August 2023

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of linoleic acid isomers which have been shown to provide beneficial health effects; particularly, the isomers cis‐9, trans‐11 (c9‐t11) and trans‐10, cis‐12 (t10‐c12) are those with proven biological activity. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have demonstrated the ability to synthesise CLA in culture media or in fermented milk, however, few studies have considered the possibility that LAB can continue to produce CLA in the human gut. Therefore, the objective of this study was to screen lactobacilli strains isolated from artisanal Poro de Tabasco cheese for their ability to biosynthesise CLA under simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD) and to evaluate their survival and gut colonisation capacity under these conditions. First of all, LAB strains were identified molecularly and their CLA biosynthesis capacity in culture media and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were evaluated. Besides, bacterial survival to the gastrointestinal conditions and gut colonisation capacity by their adhesion and autoaggregation properties were assessed. Sixteen LAB strains were phenotypically and genotypically identified and were classified within the Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Companilactobacillus farciminis species. Nine strains were able to synthesise CLA in culture media supplemented with linoleic acid (7.19–18.78 μg mL−1; with a conversion rate of 0.43–1.13%) and seven of them achieved it under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (4.28–47.67 μg mL−1; with a conversion rate of 0.51–5.75%), with an outstanding performance of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LC12. In addition, the viable counts demonstrated that all the study strains achieved to survive under gastric conditions with a high population survival rate of 94.5%, except for LC19 (67%); however, all the nine strains recovered their viability with a high capacity to colonise the gut. Therefore, they may be considered as potential probiotic CLA‐producing strains, mainly Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LC12 since it was able to produce the closest CLA concentration to Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55739 (positive control). Thus, these strains can be used as starter cultures for designing promising functional foods with beneficial claims associated to the CLA content in the food matrix or produced after consumed.
GC–MS‐based metabolomics elucidates the impact of cereal‐based microbial starters on the metabolite profile of mahewu prepared from yellow maize
Authors: Daji Grace Abosede , Green Ezekiel , Akanni Gabriel Bidemi , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Published: August 2023

Fermentation of yellow maize using different inocula yields mahewu products with varying compositions. Comprehensive analysis of the metabolites influencing distinctive characteristics of mahewu from sorghum malt (YMSM); wheat (YMW), malted millet (YMMM) and malted yellow maize (YMYM) inocula was investigated using an untargeted gas chromatography high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐HRTOF‐MS)‐based metabolomics. Metabolites in mahewu from different inocula included phenols, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), benzenes, amides, amines, cyclic compounds, fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), esters, ketones and vitamins which differentiated metabolites identified in raw yellow maize (RYM). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the mahewu and related inocula were distinguished across PC1 and PC2. The OPLS‐DA result further intensifies the significant (P ≤ 0.05) metabolite causing variations among samples. This study serves as the first report into the metabolome of yellow maize mahewu from different inocula, serving as a foundation for the quality control of mahewu products for further research.
The investigation of the functional properties of single and mixed milk/lupine protein systems
Authors: Ivanov Maksim , Munialo Claire D.
Published: August 2023

Proteins play an important role in the human diet. While animal proteins have traditionally been a dietary staple due to their techno‐functional properties, factors such as cost, availability and sustainability concerns have driven the search for alternative protein sources. In this study, the techno‐functional properties of lupine proteins were studied. Protein isolates were shown to exhibit superior properties, with α‐La outperforming WPI and LPI in foaming and gelation properties. The combination of WPI and LPI displayed greater stability to pH changes, which is an important factor for the structural integrity of food products, contributing to quality, customer acceptance and shelf‐life. The findings of this study can contribute to existing knowledge on the functional properties of proteins from plant sources such as lupine, which can therefore help to enhance its usage and alleviate the overdependence on soy as an alternative protein.
Yoghurt fortification with green papaya powder and banana resistant starch: effects on the physicochemical and bioactive properties
Authors: Sarker Ayesha , Jung Yangjin , Siddiqui Rafat
Published: August 2023

For enhanced nutritional and health benefits, yoghurts have been fortified with plant‐based ingredients. In this study, functional yoghurts were formulated by incorporating banana resistant starch (BRS) and green papaya powder (GPP) into partially skimmed milk (2%). These yoghurts were analysed for various parameters over a 21‐day storage period at 5 °C, including pH, titratable acidity (TA), firmness, viscosity, water activity (aw), water‐holding capacity (WHC), colour, probiotic viability, protein and dietary fibre content, antioxidant activity (AA), and total phenolic content (TPC). The results demonstrated that the optimal addition of BRS and GPP significantly enhanced the WHC, nutritional, antioxidative, and TPC properties of the yoghurts (P < 0.05). Total dietary fibre was 73% higher, and TPC and AA were increased by 320.6% and 274%, respectively, in yoghurt containing a higher proportion of GPP than the control. During the storage period, the viable total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts in yoghurts were above 8 log CFU mL−1. However, the formulated yoghurts exhibited decreased firmness and viscosity, as well as a darker colour (reduced L*) compared to the control, which significantly affected consumer preference (P < 0.05). Overall, the incorporation of plant‐based ingredients like BRS and GPP can effectively enhance the nutritional and functional values of yoghurts.
Evaluation of the fate of key bioactive pigments and physical properties of steamed bread fortified with Gardenia fruit pomace
Authors: Fan Mingcong , Li Na , Li Yan , Qian Haifeng , Rao Zhiming , Wang Li
Published: August 2023

Gardenia fruit pomace (GFP) is an industrial by‐product containing abundant bioactive components. Incorporating GFP into wheat flour improves the exterior quality of food and enhances healthy functions. This study developed a suitable GFP‐fortified wheat product by applying different cooking methods (steaming, boiling and baking). The fate of bioactive crocin derivatives, physical properties and in vitro digestion of GFP‐fortified wheat products was evaluated. The results showed that the steaming, boiling and baking treatments reduced the trans‐crocin‐4 content by 14.41%, 27.54% and 35.17%, respectively, but had no significant effect on geniposide. Combined with the colour change, the steaming treatment was suitable for developing GFP‐fortified steamed bread. With increasing GFP concentration, the increasing b* value indicated that the steamed bread developed a yellow hue. Meanwhile, GFP enrichment of steamed bread could retain most crocins and slow starch digestion by decreasing rapidly digestible starch content. Furthermore, the steamed bread with 1% GFP showed good overall sensory acceptance (flavour, taste, and mouthfeel). Therefore, GFP is a promising option for improving steamed bread's appearance and nutritional quality.
Attracting solvers' participation in crowdsourcing contests: The role of linguistic signals in task descriptions
Authors: Wu Shuang , Liu Qian , Zhao Xin , Sun Baowen , Liao Xiuwu
Published: August 2023

Many companies gain external expertise, lower their costs and generate publicity by using crowdsourcing platforms to complete tasks by leveraging the power of the crowd. However, the number of solvers attracted by crowdsourcing tasks varies widely. Although some well‐known crowdsourcing contests have attracted large numbers of participants, many tasks still suffer from low participation rates. Prior research aimed at solving this problem has focused on factors such as task rewards and durations while overlooking whether a well‐written description might motivate solvers to choose a task. Based on signalling theory, this study investigates the effect of task descriptions on solvers' participation by focusing on informational and affective linguistic signals. Our model is validated by analysing 13 929 descriptions posted in single‐winner tasks on epwk.com, a Chinese competitive crowdsourcing platform. For informational linguistic signals, the results reveal that there are inverted U‐shaped relationships between both concreteness and specificity and solver participation, whereas linguistic accuracy has a positive effect on solver participation. For affective linguistic signals, positive emotional words have a positive relationship with solver participation, whereas negative emotional words have the opposite effect. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
AR/PCC herb pair inhibits osteoblast pyroptosis to alleviate diabetes‐related osteoporosis by activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway
Authors: Fu Fangda , Luo Huan , Du Yu , Chen Yuying , Tian Kun , Pan Jin , Li Jian , Wang Nani , Bao Ronghua , Jin Hongting , Tong Peijian , Ruan Hongfeng , Wu Chengliang
Published: August 2023

Osteoporosis is a prevalent complication of diabetes, characterized by systemic metabolic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture, particularly in the spine. Anemarrhenae Rhizoma/Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (AR/PCC) herb pair has been extensively employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine to manage diabetes; however, its potential to ameliorate diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) has remained obscure. Herein, we explored the protective efficacy of AR/PCC herb pair against DOP using a streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced rat diabetic model. Our data showed that AR/PCC could effectively reduce the elevated fasting blood glucose and reverse the osteoporotic phenotype of diabetic rats, resulting in significant improvements in vertebral trabecular area percentage, trabecular thickness and trabecular number, while reducing trabecular separation. Specifically, AR/PCC herb pair improved impaired osteogenesis, nerve ingrowth and angiogenesis. More importantly, it could mitigate the aberrant activation of osteoblast pyroptosis in the vertebral bodies of diabetic rats by reducing increased expressions of Nlrp3, Asc, Caspase1, Gsdmd and IL‐1β. Mechanistically, AR/PCC activated antioxidant pathway through the upregulation of the antioxidant response protein Nrf2, while concurrently decreasing its negative feedback regulator Keap1. Collectively, our in vivo findings demonstrate that AR/PCC can inhibit osteoblast pyroptosis and alleviate STZ‐induced rat DOP, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating DOP.
Genome‐based epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Spain: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: Salmerón P. , Buckley C. , Arando M. , Alcoceba E. , Romero B. , Clavo P. , Whiley D. , Serra‐Pladevall J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates combined with epidemiological and phenotypic data provides better understanding of population dynamics.

Aim

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae isolates from three centres in Spain and determine associations of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

Genetic characterization was performed in 170 N. gonorrhoeae isolates. WGS was carried out with the HiSeq platform (Illumina). Genome assemblies were submitted to the PubMLST Neisseria database website to determine NG‐MAST, MLST and NG‐STAR. Antimicrobial resistance genes and point mutations were identified with PubMLST. Phylogenomic comparison was based on whole‐genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis.

Results

Twenty‐six MLST, 49 NG‐MAST and 41 NG‐STAR sequence types were detected, the most prevalent being MLST‐ST9363 (27.1%), NG‐MAST ST569 (12.4%) and NG‐STAR ST193 (14.7%). Phylogenetic analysis identified 13 clusters comprising 69% of the isolates, with two of note: one involved cefixime‐resistant isolates from Barcelona presenting a mosaic penA X and belonging to MLST‐ST7363 and the other involved azithromycin‐resistant isolates from Mallorca that possessed the C2611T mutation in the four 23S rRNA alleles belonging to MLST‐ST1901.

Conclusion

The population of N. gonorrhoeae is quite heterogeneous in Spain. Our results agree with previous data published in Europe, albeit with some differences in distribution between regions. This study describes the circulation of two gonococcal populations with a specific resistance profile and sequence type in a specific geographic area. WGS is an effective tool for epidemiological surveillance of gonococcal infection and detection of resistance genes.
Does dinocyst wall composition really reflect trophic affinity? New evidence from ATR micro‐FTIR spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Meyvisch Pjotr , Mertens Kenneth Neil , Gurdebeke Pieter Roger , Sandt Christophe , Pospelova Vera , Vrielinck Henk , Borondics Ferenc , Louwye Stephen
Published: August 2023

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) microscope Fourier transform infrared (micro‐FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the dinosporin composition in the walls of modern, organic‐walled dinoflagellate resting cysts (dinocysts). Variable cyst wall compositions were observed, which led to the erection of four spectrochemical groups, some with striking similarities to other resistant biomacromolecules such as sporopollenin and algaenan. Furthermore, possible proxies derivable from the spectrochemical composition of modern and fossil dinocysts were discussed. The color of the dinocyst walls was reflected in the spectral data. When comparing that color with a standard and the results of a series of bleaching experiments with oxidative agents, eumelanin was assigned as a likely pigment contributing to the observed color. Following this assignment, the role of eumelanin as an ultraviolet sunscreen in colored dinocysts was hypothesized, and its implications on the autofluorescence and morphological preservation of dinocysts were further discussed. Unlike what had previously been assumed, it was shown that micro‐FTIR data from dinocysts cannot be used to unambiguously infer trophic affinities of their associated cells. Finally, using methods with high spatial resolutions (synchrotron transmission micro‐FTIR and optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy), it was shown that dinocyst wall layers are chemically homogenous at the probed scales. This study fills a large knowledge gap in our understanding of the chemical nature of dinocyst walls and has nuanced certain assumptions and interpretations made in the past.
Histopathological insight into a healed case of osteoradionecrosis treated with triple therapy medical management
Authors: Arya Richa , Hall Gillian , Patel Vinod
Published: August 2023

There is increasing interest in the management of osteoradionecrosis via pharmacological therapy as an alternative to surgery. Successful outcomes have been presented in the literature based on clinical and radiographic assessment. The current case reports on a clinically healed case of osteoradionecrosis who subsequently underwent resection for the purpose of oro‐dento‐facial rehabilitation providing a rare insight into the histopathological status of resolved case via medical management.
Strategies for Cartilage Repair in Osteoarthritis Based on Diverse Mesenchymal Stem Cells‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Huang Shanjun , Liu Yujiao , Wang Chenglong , Xiang Wei , Wang Nianwu , Peng Li , Jiang Xuanang , Zhang Xiaomin , Fu Zhijiang
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes disability and significant economic and social burden. Cartilage injury is one of the main pathological features of OA, and is often manifested by excessive chondrocyte death, inflammatory response, abnormal bone metabolism, imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, and abnormal vascular or nerve growth. Regrettably, due to the avascular nature of cartilage, its capacity to repair is notably limited. Mesenchymal stem cells‐derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs‐EVs) play a pivotal role in intercellular communication, presenting promising potential not only as early diagnostic biomarkers in OA but also as efficacious therapeutic strategy. MSCs‐EVs were confirmed to play a therapeutic role in the pathological process of cartilage injury mentioned above. This paper comprehensively provides the functions and mechanisms of MSCs‐EVs in cartilage repair.
Improving rice eating and cooking quality by enhancing endogenous expression of a nitrogen‐dependent floral regulator
Authors: Zhang Yuyi , Zhang Shunan , Zhang Jinfei , Wei Wei , Zhu Tao , Qu Hongye , Liu Ying , Xu Guohua
Published: August 2023

Improving rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) is one of the primary tasks in rice production to meet the rising demands of consumers. However, improving grain ECQ without compromising yield faces a great challenge under varied nitrogen (N) supplies. Here, we report the approach to upgrade rice ECQ by native promoter‐controlled high expression of a key N‐dependent floral and circadian clock regulator Nhd1. The amplification of endogenous Nhd1 abundance alters rice heading date but does not affect the entire length of growth duration, N use efficiency and grain yield under both low and sufficient N conditions. Enhanced expression of Nhd1 reduces amylose content, pasting temperature and protein content while increasing gel consistence in grains. Metabolome and transcriptome analyses revealed that increased expression of Nhd1 mainly regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids in the grain filling stage. Moreover, expression level of Nhd1 shows a positive relationship with grain ECQ in some local main cultivars. Thus, intensifying endogenous abundance of Nhd1 is a promising strategy to upgrade grain ECQ in rice production.
Beyond the North–South divide: Litigation's role in resolving climate change loss and damage claims
Authors: Tigre Maria Antonia , Wewerinke‐Singh Margaretha
Published: August 2023

Within the international climate regime, legal aspects surrounding loss and damage (L&D) are contentious topics, implicating liability, compensation and notions of vulnerability. The attribution of responsibility and the pursuit of redress for L&D present intricate legal and governance challenges. The ongoing debates under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are characterized by a pronounced North–South divide and have done little to provide tangible support to those most affected by L&D. This apparent neglect has prompted exploration of alternative avenues for climate harm redress. The burgeoning field of litigation for liability and compensation of climate harm holds potential significance for L&D discourse, but its efficacy, especially in compensation claims relating to the adverse effects of climate change, is uncertain. There is, as yet, no precedent of plaintiffs succeeding in an L&D case, with numerous legal, evidentiary and practical barriers persisting, particularly for Global South plaintiffs aiming to hold Northern governments and actors accountable. This article scrutinizes recent advances in climate litigation and their potential to facilitate or obstruct L&D litigation. Focusing on seminal L&D cases, namely, Lliuya v RWE and Asmania et al v Holcim, we present a novel legal critique of climate litigation's capacity to assist climate‐vulnerable States, populations and communities in pursuing redress for L&D, based on pertinent case law and an examination of overarching issues of attribution and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Chronic changes in muscle architecture and aponeurosis structure following calf muscle strain injuries
Authors: B. Nielsen Louise , B. Svensson Rene , U. Fredskild Niels , H. Mertz Kenneth , Magnusson S. Peter , Kjaer Michael , Bayer Monika L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Muscle strain injuries in the human calf muscles are frequent sports injuries with high recurrence. Potential structural and functional changes in the medial head of the musculus gastrocnemius (GM) and the associated aponeurosis are not well documented.

Purpose

To test whether a GM muscle strain injury affects muscle fascicle length, pennation angle, and the morphology of the deep aponeurosis at rest and during muscle contraction long time after the injury. Additionally, electromyography (EMG) of the GM and the soleus muscle during a unilateral heel rise was measured in the injured and uninjured calf.

Methods

GM fascicle length, pennation angle, and aponeurosis thickness was analyzed on dynamic ultrasonography (US) recordings in 10 participants with a chronic calf strain. In addition, US images taken across the distal portion and mid‐belly of the GM were analyzed at three different ankle positions. EMG recordings were obtained during a unilateral heel rise.

Results

The pennation angle of the injured distal GM was significantly larger compared to the uninjured GM in the contracted, but not the relaxed state. Pennation angle increased more in the injured compared to the uninjured GM during contraction. Fascicle length was shorter in the most distal portion of the injured GM. Fascicles at the distal portion of the injured GM showed a pronounced curvilinear shape as the muscle contracted and the aponeurosis was enlarged in the injured compared to the uninjured GM. The ratio between GM and soleus EMG activity showed a significantly higher relative soleus activity in the injured compared to the healthy calf.

Conclusion

The greater change in pennation angle and curvilinear fascicle shape during contraction suggest that a long‐term consequence after a muscle strain injury is that some muscle fibers at the distal GM are not actively engaged. The significantly enlarged aponeurosis indicates a substantial and long‐lasting connective tissue involvement following strain injuries.
Accelerating DNA computing via freeze-thaw cycling
Authors: Zhu Yun , Xiong Xiewei , Cao Mengyao , Li Li , Fan Chunhai , Pei Hao
Published: August 2023

DNA computing harnesses the immense potential of DNA molecules to enable sophisticated and transformative computational processes but is hindered by low computing speed. Here, we propose freeze-thaw cycling as a simple yet powerful method for high-speed DNA computing without complex procedures. Through iterative cycles, we achieve a substantial 20-fold speed enhancement in basic strand displacement reactions. This acceleration arises from the utilization of eutectic ice phase as a medium, temporarily increasing the effective local concentration of molecules during each cycle. In addition, the acceleration effect follows the Hofmeister series, where kosmotropic anions such as sulfate (SO
4
2−
) reduce eutectic phase volume, leading to a more notable enhancement in strand displacement reaction rates. Leveraging this phenomenon, freeze-thaw cycling demonstrates its generalizability for high-speed DNA computing across various circuit sizes, achieving up to a remarkable 120-fold enhancement in reaction rates. We envision its potential to revolutionize molecular computing and expand computational applications in diverse fields.
A brain-inspired algorithm that mitigates catastrophic forgetting of artificial and spiking neural networks with low computational cost
Authors: Zhang Tielin , Cheng Xiang , Jia Shuncheng , Li Chengyu T , Poo Mu-ming , Xu Bo
Published: August 2023

Neuromodulators in the brain act globally at many forms of synaptic plasticity, represented as metaplasticity, which is rarely considered by existing spiking (SNNs) and nonspiking artificial neural networks (ANNs). Here, we report an efficient brain-inspired computing algorithm for SNNs and ANNs, referred to here as neuromodulation-assisted credit assignment (NACA), which uses expectation signals to induce defined levels of neuromodulators to selective synapses, whereby the long-term synaptic potentiation and depression are modified in a nonlinear manner depending on the neuromodulator level. The NACA algorithm achieved high recognition accuracy with substantially reduced computational cost in learning spatial and temporal classification tasks. Notably, NACA was also verified as efficient for learning five different class continuous learning tasks with varying degrees of complexity, exhibiting a markedly mitigated catastrophic forgetting at low computational cost. Mapping synaptic weight changes showed that these benefits could be explained by the sparse and targeted synaptic modifications attributed to expectation-based global neuromodulation.
Response to Comment on “Dying in the Sun: Direct evidence for elevated UV-B radiation at the end-Permian mass extinction”
Authors: Jardine Phillip E. , Peng Huiping , Marshall John E. A. , Lomax Barry H. , Bomfleur Benjamin , Kent Matthew S. , Fraser Wesley T. , Liu Feng
Published: August 2023

Seddon and Zimmermann have raised questions about the evidence for increased UV-B flux across the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME) that was presented in our recent study, specifically regarding the measurement of UV-B–absorbing compound (UAC) levels in fossil pollen. We respond to these points, arguing that the comparison of FTIR spectra of >250 million–year–old Permian fossil pollen with ~700-year-old subfossil pollen is not valid and that negligible nonrandom interference derived from water vapor fluctuations during data generation cannot coincidentally produce a substantial UAC peak during the EPME. Furthermore, we refute the suggestion that the measured aromatic peak at 1600 cm
−1
could have been influenced by diagenetic products from other organic constituents of pollen. The most productive route forward will be to generate sporomorph geochemical data from additional Permian-Triassic boundary sections to test the results put forward in our study.
Sustained CD28 costimulation is required for self-renewal and differentiation of TCF-1
+
PD-1
+
CD8 T cells
Authors: Humblin Etienne , Korpas Isabel , Lu Jiahua , Filipescu Dan , van der Heide Verena , Goldstein Simon , Vaidya Abishek , Soares-Schanoski Alessandra , Casati Beatrice , Selvan Myvizhi E. , Gümüş Zeynep H. , Wieland Andreas , Corrado Mauro , Cohen-Gould Leona , Bernstein Emily , Homann Dirk , Chipuk Jerry , Kamphorst Alice O.
Published: August 2023

During persistent antigen stimulation, such as in chronic infections and cancer, CD8 T cells differentiate into a hypofunctional programmed death protein 1–positive (PD-1
+
) exhausted state. Exhausted CD8 T cell responses are maintained by precursors (Tpex) that express the transcription factor T cell factor 1 (TCF-1) and high levels of the costimulatory molecule CD28. Here, we demonstrate that sustained CD28 costimulation is required for maintenance of antiviral T cells during chronic infection. Low-level CD28 engagement preserved mitochondrial fitness and self-renewal of Tpex, whereas stronger CD28 signaling enhanced glycolysis and promoted Tpex differentiation into TCF-1
neg
exhausted CD8 T cells (Tex). Furthermore, enhanced differentiation by CD28 engagement did not reduce the Tpex pool. Together, these findings demonstrate that continuous CD28 engagement is needed to sustain PD-1
+
CD8 T cells and suggest that increasing CD28 signaling promotes Tpex differentiation into more functional effector-like Tex, possibly without compromising long-term responses.
Activation of a
Vibrio cholerae
CBASS anti-phage system by quorum sensing and folate depletion
Authors: Severin Geoffrey B. , Ramliden Miriam S. , Ford Kathryne C. , Van Alst Andrew J. , Sanath-Kumar Ram , Decker Kaitlin A. , Hsueh Brian Y. , Chen Gong , Yoon Soo Hun , Demey Lucas M. , O'Hara Brendan J. , Rhoades Christopher R. , DiRita Victor J. , Ng Wai-Leung , Waters Christopher M.
Published: August 2023

A major challenge faced by bacteria is infection by bacteriophage (phage). Abortive infection is one strategy for combating phage in which an infected cell kills itself to limit phage replication, thus protecting neighboring kin. One class of abortive infection systems is the
c
yclic oligonucleotide
b
ased
a
nti-phage
s
ignaling
s
ystem (CBASS) which relies on two core enzymatic activities; an oligo-nucleotide cyclase that is activated following phage infection and a cyclic-oligo-nucleotide sensitive effector whose activity kills the infected cell. However, the mechanisms behind the deployment and activation of these lethal CBASS systems prior to and following infection have largely remained a mystery. While exploring unique genomic features of the current pandemic
Vibrio cholerae
biotype El Tor for clues underlying its pandemic success we found its CBASS was spuriously activated by the folate biosynthesis inhibitor sulfamethoxazole, but only after the population had reached a high-cell density. This population density-dependent activity revealed that transcription of both the oligo-nucleotide cyclase,
dncV
, and the CBASS phospholipase effector,
capV
, is enhanced at high-cell density by quorum sensing. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the
V. cholerae
CBASS is deployed when the environment is densely populated and activated in response to a perturbation in folate biosynthesis.

IMPORTANCE

To counteract infection with phage, bacteria have evolved a myriad of molecular defense systems. Some of these systems initiate a process called abortive infection, in which the infected cell kills itself to prevent phage propagation. However, such systems must be inhibited in the absence of phage infection to prevent spurious death of the host. Here, we show that the cyclic oligonucleotide based anti-phage signaling system (CBASS) accomplishes this by sensing intracellular folate molecules and only expressing this system in a group. These results enhance our understanding of the evolution of the seventh
Vibrio cholerae
pandemic and more broadly how bacteria defend themselves against phage infection.
Gut microbial dysbiosis occurring during pulmonary fungal infection in rats is linked to inflammation and depends on healthy microbiota composition
Authors: Popovic Dusanka , Kulas Jelena , Tucovic Dina , Popov Aleksandrov Aleksandra , Malesevic Anastasija , Glamoclija Jasmina , Brdaric Emilija , Sokovic Bajic Svetlana , Golic Natasa , Mirkov Ivana , Tolinacki Maja
Published: August 2023

While the effect of gut microbiota and/or inflammation on a distant body site, including the lungs (gut–lung axis), has been well characterized, data about the influence of lung microbiota and lung inflammation on gut homeostasis (lung–gut axis) are scarce. Using a well-characterized model of pulmonary infection with the fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
, we investigated alterations in the lung and gut microbiota by next-generation sequencing of the V3–V4 regions of total bacterial DNA. Pulmonary inflammation due to the fungus
A. fumigatus
caused bacterial dysbiosis in both lungs and gut, but with different characteristics. While increased alpha diversity and unchanged bacterial composition were noted in the lungs, dysbiosis in the gut was characterized by decreased alpha diversity indices and modified bacterial composition. The altered homeostasis in the lungs allows the immigration of new bacterial species of which 41.8% were found in the feces, indicating that some degree of bacterial migration from the gut to the lungs occurs. On the contrary, the dysbiosis occurring in the gut during pulmonary infection was a consequence of the local activity of the immune system. In addition, the alteration of gut microbiota in response to pulmonary infection depends on the bacterial composition before infection, as no changes in gut bacterial microbiota were detected in a rat strain with diverse gut bacteria. The data presented support the existence of the lung–gut axis and provide additional insight into this mechanism.

IMPORTANCE

Data regarding the impact of lung inflammation and lung microbiota on GIT are scarce, and the mechanisms of this interaction are still unknown. Using a well-characterized model of pulmonary infection caused by the opportunistic fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
, we observed bacterial dysbiosis in both the lungs and gut that supports the existence of the lung–gut axis.
Did subducted graphite fertilize the Franciscan mantle wedge with radiogenic Os?
Authors: Toma Jonathan , Creaser Robert A.
Published: August 2023

A new chronology for graphite formation related to subduction-zone metamorphism in Laytonville Quarry (California, USA) of the Franciscan Complex using the Re-Os decay system yields a precise graphite-pyrite Re-Os age of 161.39 ± 2.08 Ma (MSWD = 0.15; n = 5). Combined with Raman thermometry estimates (461–506 °C), this age links graphitization to the early stages of Franciscan subduction, synchronous with deep (blueschist-eclogite) rather than shallow subduction processes. Initial 187Os/188Os (0.195) of Laytonville graphite suggests that radiogenic 187Os/188Os signatures (0.130–0.158) preserved in some Franciscan forearc mantle peridotites (ca. 160–150 Ma) were plausibly sourced from graphitic carbon in the subducted slab, with graphitization being the primary mechanism for Os release. This conclusion implies that graphitic carbon is an important mineralogical host for Os recycling in subduction settings.
Evolution of Miocene normal and dextral faulting in the lower Colorado River region near Blythe, California, USA
Authors: Mavor Skyler P. , Bennett Scott E.K. , Crow Ryan S. , Singleton John S. , Langenheim Victoria , Stockli Daniel , Stelten Mark , Brickey Timothy A. , Umhoefer Paul J. , Beard L. Sue
Published: August 2023

The evolution of strain in nascent continental plate boundaries commonly involves distributed deformation and transitions between different styles of deformation as the plate boundary matures. Distributed NW-striking faults, many with km-scale right-lateral separation, are prevalent near Blythe, California, and have been variably interpreted to have accommodated either Middle Miocene NE-SW extension as normal faults or Late Miocene to Pliocene dextral shear as strike-slip faults. However, with poor timing and kinematic constraints, it is unclear how these faults relate to known domains of Neogene deformation and the evolution of the Pacific–NorthAmerica plate boundary. We present kinematic data (n = 642 fault planes, n = 512 slickenlines) that demonstrate that these faults dominantly dip steeply northeast; ~96% of measured faults record normal, dextral, or oblique dextral-normal kinematics that likely reflect a gradational transition between normal and dextral oblique kinematic regimes. We constrain fault timing with 11.7 Ma and 7.0 Ma 40Ar/39Ar dates of rocks cut by faults, and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of calcite mineralized during oblique dextral faulting that demonstrates fault slip at ca. 10–7 Ma and perhaps as late as ca. 4 Ma. This Late Miocene dextral oblique faulting is best compatible with a documented regional transition from Early to Middle Miocene NE-directed extension during detachment fault slip to subsequent NW-directed dextral shear. We estimate 11–38 km of cumulative dextral slip occurred across a 50-km-wide zone from the Palen to Riverside mountains, including up to 20 km of newly documented dextral shear that may partly alleviate the regional discrepancy of cumulative dextral shear along this part of the Late Miocene Pacific–North America plate boundary.
Metabolometer Based on Toroidal Response
Authors: Cojocari M. , Merenkov A. , Kovalev F. , Shitov S. , Basharin A.
Published: August 2023

Toroidal metamaterials stand out by extremely high-Qresonances. Their radiation losses are suppressed, and fields in the metamolecules are extremely high and sensitive to the additional losses. In this work, we introduce a novel concept of metabolometer. It is based on the combination of a microwave high-Qfactor toroidal metamaterial as readout device with embedded micro-pad superconductor as an absorber of terahertz (THz) radiation. We establish that a pad with 20 kΩ/sq sheet resistance reduces metamaterialQ-factor and changes the stop-band level by as much as –50 dB at 1.5 GHz. Importantly, this sensitivity to the additional losses requires no galvanic connection to the absorber. This allows one to detect THz heating of superconducting pad via the change in metamaterial transmission spectrum. We consider the absorber as a superconducting hafnium film because of its nonlinear response at 1.5 GHz below$${{T}_{c}} = 400$$mK. Respectively, we estimate the losses in hafnium over temperature at the metamaterial resonant frequency using Mattis–Bardeen theory. This approach can significantly improve the future design of the terahertz/millimeter-wave detectors.
Tunneling Mechanism for Changing the Motion Direction of a Pulsating Ratchet. Temperature Effect
Authors: Rozenbaum V. M. , Shapochkina I. V. , Trakhtenberg L. I.
Published: August 2023

A pulsating ratchet with a spatially periodic double-well potential profile undergoing shift fluctuations for half a period is considered. The motion direction in such a ratchet is determined by the probability of overcoming which of the barriers surrounding the shallow potential well is greater. At relatively high temperatures, in accordance with the Arrhenius law, the probabilities of overcoming the barriers are determined by their heights, and at temperatures close to absolute zero, when the ratchet moves according to the tunnel mechanism, the barrier shapes are also important. Therefore, for narrow high and low wide barriers, the overcoming mechanism may turn out to be different and, moreover, dependent on temperature. As a result, a temperature-induced change in the direction of the ratchet motion is possible. A simple interpolation theory is presented to illustrate this effect. Simple criteria are formulated for the shape of the potential relief, using which one can experimentally observe motion reversal.
Relationship between adverse events prevalence, patient safety culture and patient safety perception in a single sample of patients: a cross-sectional and correlational study
Authors: Chirinos Muñoz Mónica Susana , Orrego Carola , Montoya Cesar , Sunol Rosa
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the relationship between adverse events prevalence (AEP), patient safety culture (PSC) and patient safety perception (PSP).

Design

Cross-sectional, ex post facto comparative study on a single sample of patients.

Setting

Four medium-high-level hospitals were included in the study—two public and two private from Zulia State in Venezuela.

Participants

556 medical records and patients were studied for the prevalence and PSP study, and 397 of the healthcare providers involved in the care of these patients were surveyed for the PSC study, at two public and two private hospitals.

Outcome measurement

The primary outcome of this study was the association between AEP, PSC and PSP, and according to hospital funding type, private and public.

Results

An inverse association was observed between AEP and its severity and Patient Safety Culture Index (rho=−0.8, p=0.5) (95% CI 0.26–0.10) and Patient Safety Perception Index (rho=−0.6, p=0.18) (95% CI 0.10–0.28), which were protective factors for patient safety. No association was identified between PSC and PSP (rho=0.0001). No statistical differences were identified by hospital type (p=0.93) (95% CI 0.70–1.2).

Conclusions

The analysis of the variable correlations studied (AEP, PSC and PSP) within the same sample offers an interesting and useful perspective. In this sample, although no correlation was observed between the three variables as an interacting set, some correlation patterns were observed between pairs of variables that could guide further studies.