bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of prediction error in the development of language learning and memory
Authors: Kray Jutta , Sommerfeld Linda , Borovsky Arielle , Häuser Katja
Published: May 2024

Prediction error plays a pivotal role in theories of learning, including theories of language acquisition and use. Researchers have investigated whether and under which conditions children, like adults, use prediction to facilitate language comprehension at different levels of linguistic representation. However, many aspects of the reciprocal relation between prediction error and the development of language learning remain unclear. In this article, we review studies in language development that can inform us about the role of prediction error in updating, learning, and retrieving linguistic information. We argue that the study of individual differences in linguistic and cognitive skills will help the field understand more thoroughly whether, when, and why prediction aids language learning, and whether prediction error necessarily results in language learning and retrieval from memory. We close with a discussion of the needs and challenges for researchers to answer these questions.
PhysOM: Physarum polycephalum Oriented Microstructures
Authors: Garnier David‐Henri , Schmidt M. P. , Rohmer Damien
Published: May 2024

Biological shapes possess fascinating properties and behaviours that are the result of emergent mechanisms: they can evolve over time, dynamically adapt to changes in their environment, while also exhibiting interesting mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal. In this work, we bring and extend an existing biological‐inspired model of the Physarum polycephalum, aka the blob, to the field of computer graphics, in order to design porous organic‐like microstructures that resemble natural foam‐like cells or filament‐like patterns with variable local properties. In contrast to approaches based on static global optimization that provides only limited expressivity over the result, our method allows precise control over the local orientation of 3D patterns, relative cell extension and precise infill of shapes with well defined boundaries. To this end, we extend the classical agent‐based model for Physarum to fill an arbitrary domain with local anisotropic behaviour. We further provide a detailed analysis of the model parameters, contributing to the understanding of the system behaviour. The method is fast, parallelizable and scalable to large volumes and compatible with user interaction, allowing a designer to guide the structure, erase parts and observe its evolution in real‐time. Overall, our method provides a versatile and efficient means of generating intricate organic microstructures that have potential applications in fields such as additive manufacturing, design or biological representation and engineering.
Effects of the selective AMPA modulator NBI‐1065845 on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam or ethinyl estradiol–levonorgestrel in healthy adults
Authors: Lin Swan , Ionescu Adrian , Maynard‐Scott Jessica , Kennedy Mike , Walling David P. , Furey Maura , Singh Jaskaran B.
Published: May 2024

This parallel‐arm, phase I study investigated the potential cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A induction effect of NBI‐1065845 (TAK‐653), an investigational α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor potentiator in phase II development for major depressive disorder. The midazolam treatment arm received the sensitive CYP3A substrate midazolam on Day 1, followed by NBI‐1065845 alone on Days 5–13; on Day 14, NBI‐1065845 was administered with midazolam, then NBI‐1065845 alone on Day 15. The oral contraceptive treatment arm received ethinyl estradiol–levonorgestrel on Day 1, then NBI‐1065845 alone on Days 5–13; on Day 14, NBI‐1065845 was administered with ethinyl estradiol–levonorgestrel, then NBI‐1065845 alone on Days 15–17. Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analyses. The midazolam treatment arm comprised 14 men and 4 women, of whom 16 completed the study. Sixteen of the 17 healthy women completed the oral contraceptive treatment arm. After multiple daily doses of NBI‐1065845, the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence interval) for maximum observed concentration were: midazolam, 0.94 (0.79–1.13); ethinyl estradiol, 1.00 (0.87–1.15); and levonorgestrel, 0.99 (0.87–1.13). For area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to infinity, the GMRs were as follows: midazolam, 0.88 (0.78–0.98); and ethinyl estradiol, 1.01 (0.88–1.15). For levonorgestrel, the GMR for AUC from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration was 0.87 (0.78–0.96). These findings indicate that NBI‐1065845 is not a CYP3A inducer and support its administration with CYP3A substrates. NBI‐1065845 was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals observed after coadministration of midazolam, ethinyl estradiol, or levonorgestrel.
Concentration‐QTc modeling of sitravatinib in patients with advanced solid malignancies
Authors: Dickinson Adam , Liu Yong , Uvarov Artem , Peyret Thomas , Marier J. F. , Chin Curtis , Tran Jonathan Q.
Published: May 2024

Sitravatinib (MGCD516) is an orally available, small molecule, tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumors. Concentration‐corrected QT interval (QTc; C‐QTc) modeling was undertaken, using 767 matched concentration‐ECG observations from 187 patients across two clinical studies in patients with advanced solid malignancies, across a dose range of 10–200 mg, via a linear mixed‐effects (LME) model. The effect on heart rate (HR)‐corrected QT interval via Fridericia's correction method (QTcF) at the steady‐state maximum concentration (Cmax,ss) for the sitravatinib proposed therapeutic dosing regimen (100 mg malate once daily [q.d.]) without and with relevant intrinsic and extrinsic factors were predicted. No significant changes in HR from baseline were observed. Hysteresis between sitravatinib plasma concentration and change in QTcF from baseline (ΔQTcF) was not observed. There was no significant relationship between sitravatinib plasma concentration and ΔQTcF. The final C‐QTc model predicted a mean (90% confidence interval [CI]) ΔQTcF of 3.92 (1.95–5.89) ms and 2.94 (0.23–6.10) ms at the proposed therapeutic dosing regimen in patients with normal organ function (best case scenario) and patients with hepatic impairment (worst‐case scenario), respectively. The upper bounds of the 90% CIs were below the regulatory threshold of concern of 10 ms. The results of the described C‐QTc analysis, along with corroborating results from nonclinical safety pharmacology studies, indicate that sitravatinib has a low risk of QTc interval prolongation at the proposed therapeutic dose of 100 mg malate q.d.
The international political economy of Saudi Arabia: Sovereign fund and foreign policy
Authors: Flynn Curran , Aldamer Shafi
Published: May 2024

This article develops a framework for attributing motivations to Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) investment by noting that there are two major subdivisions, those that argue that the investments are undertaken due to macroeconomic factors and those that argue there is a political element as well. The political literature is divided into three subcategories of domestic political considerations, geopolitical competition and economic diplomacy. The literature of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) does not include any discussion of economic diplomacy as a consideration, an omission this article seeks to rectify. Using a realist understanding of international political economy (IPE), the article explores the influence of elites, the nature of PIF investments in America, India, China and Russia, and collaboration with other SWFs on investment. The article concludes that economic diplomacy should be considered as one of a multitude of variables that determine how and where the PIF invests.
Trade costs and the integration of British West Africa in the global economy, c. 1840–1940
Authors: Tadei Federico , Aslanidis Nektarios , Martinez Oscar
Published: May 2024

Despite the essential role of trade for African economies, in the extensive literature on the historical evolution of international trade costs, Africa is still missing. In this article, we contribute to filling this gap by (1) providing the first estimates of British West Africa's trade costs with Britain c. 1840–1940 by computing relative price gaps in a representative sample of African export and European import prices, and (2) analysing the main determinants of trade costs trends, by regressing price gaps on measures of transport costs, market efficiency, and trade barriers. The results uncover a diverging pattern in African and global trade costs trends, which was not noticed in the previous literature. British West Africa experienced a reduction in its trade costs with Britain c. 1840–70, similar to the one we observe in other world areas, thanks to improvements in shipping technology and market efficiency. From the late 1870s, however, as colonial monopsonistic trading companies consolidated their control of African export markets, trade costs continued to decline in the rest of the world, but not in British West Africa. Consequently, from the late nineteenth century, trade for West Africa became relatively more expensive than for other world regions.
The socialization of adolescent housing awareness
Authors: Gawrys Michael R. , Skobba Kim
Published: May 2024

Adolescent attitudes toward housing are influenced by established norms, particularly preferences for single‐family detached dwellings, years before making independent housing‐related decisions. In today's challenging homeownership landscape, this study, guided by housing adjustment theory, explores the timing and factors shaping adolescents' awareness of housing. In surveying 12–18‐year‐old 4‐H participants in a Southeastern state, age emerges as a pivotal factor, with awareness of housing by at least age 12. The impact of housing costs on participants' responses suggests exposure to broader affordability challenges. Analyzing these early experiences may offer educational opportunities to empower adolescents to make informed housing decisions later in life.
A simulation‐guided tri‐spiral condenser design for enhancing lemongrass essential oil recovery
Authors: Dhotre Irsha , Sathe Vivek
Published: May 2024

We present a groundbreaking achievement in essential oil extraction, showcasing the development of a highly efficient tri‐spiral condenser for use in microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) setups. This innovative condenser is specifically designed to swiftly cool vapors, optimizing oil yield during the MAE process. Our investigations demonstrate a notable improvement in oil purity, attributed to the expedited condensation facilitated by the tri‐spiral design. Traditional heat exchangers, like the Liebig condenser, fall short in efficiently handling the high vapor production rates of MAE. In response to this challenge, our tri‐spiral condenser design enhances condensation speed, resulting in a remarkable 12.2% increase in oil yield compared with the Liebig condenser (2.1% with tri‐spiral vs. 1.87% with Liebig), as validated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Beyond elevating oil purity, our design holds promise for diverse applications requiring rapid cooling. This work not only advances laboratory practices but also contributes to the broader societal need for efficient and sustainable methods in the essential oil extraction industry.

Practical applications

The innovative tri‐spiral condenser design, as elucidated in this article, presents significant practical applications, especially in the realm of lemongrass essential oil recovery. This breakthrough technology holds promise for the fragrance and cosmetics industries, where lemongrass essential oil is a valuable ingredient. The novel condenser design enhances extraction efficiency, leading to a higher concentration of essential oil with improved aromatic compounds. Cosmetic manufacturers can benefit from a more potent and fragrant lemongrass oil for skincare and aromatherapy products. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector could leverage this advancement for developing therapeutic products harnessing the medicinal properties of lemongrass. By optimizing essential oil recovery, the tri‐spiral condenser design not only caters to the needs of the fragrance, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, but also aligns with a broader trend towards sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, ensuring the accessibility of high‐quality lemongrass essential oil for diverse applications.
Future proofing core facilities with a seven‐pillar model
Authors: Tranfield Erin M. , Lippens Saskia
Published: May 2024

Centralised core facilities have evolved into vital components of life science research, transitioning from a primary focus on centralising equipment to ensuring access to technology experts across all facets of an experimental workflow. Herein, we put forward a seven‐pillar model to define what a core facility needs to meet its overarching goal of facilitating research. The seven equally weighted pillars are Technology, Core Facility Team, Training, Career Tracks, Technical Support, Community and Transparency. These seven pillars stand on a solid foundation of cultural, operational and framework policies including the elements of transparent and stable funding strategies, modern human resources support, progressive facility leadership and management as well as clear institute strategies and policies. This foundation, among other things, ensures a tight alignment of the core facilities to the vision and mission of the institute. To future‐proof core facilities, it is crucial to foster all seven of these pillars, particularly focusing on newly identified pillars such as career tracks, thus enabling core facilities to continue supporting research and catalysing scientific advancement.

Lay abstract: In research, there is a growing trend to bring advanced, high‐performance equipment together into a centralised location. This is done to streamline how the equipment purchase is financed, how the equipment is maintained, and to enable an easier approach for research scientists to access these tools in a location that is supported by a team of technology experts who can help scientists use the equipment. These centralised equipment centres are called Core Facilities.

The core facility model is relatively new in science and it requires an adapted approach to how core facilities are built and managed. In this paper, we put forward a seven‐pillar model of the important supporting elements of core facilities. These supporting elements are: Technology (the instruments themselves), Core Facility Team (the technology experts who operate the instruments), Training (of the staff and research community), Career Tracks (for the core facility staff), Technical Support (the process of providing help to apply the technology to a scientific question), Community (of research scientist, technology experts and developers) and Transparency (of how the core facility works and the costs associated with using the service). These pillars stand on the bigger foundation of clear policies, guidelines, and leadership approaches at the institutional level. With a focus on these elements, the authors feel core facilities will be well positioned to support scientific discovery in the future.
Between forests and coasts: Fishworkers on the move in India
Authors: Chakravarty Siddharth , Sharma Ishita
Published: May 2024

The Covid‐19 lockdown in India in March 2020 revealed the presence of Adivasi communities in the marine fishing industry of Goa, a coastal state in India. While the migration for work of Adivasi communities from the central regions of the country is well recorded, their movement across geographies of the forest and the coast is relatively unknown. Working with initial data collected during the lockdown, interviews conducted after the pandemic and using secondary materials, the paper sought to understand the social and material conditions in the forest and the coastal regions that shape this movement. Centring the waged relation of Adivasi workers opened the door to thinking about the marine fishing sector in India as a capitalist industry, while paying attention to social reproduction highlighted how the coastal and forest regions are spatially linked through their movement and labour. This highlights that the coasts and forests are going through distinct processes of capitalist intensification and expansion. Making connections between ecological appropriation, historical processes of resource extraction and marginalization, the paper finds that the extraction of fish resources in Goa is made productive through the hierarchization and differentiation of Adivasi workers. It reveals how the social relations of identity and caste mediate access to and define conditions of work at sea.
A (Sub)penny for Your Thoughts: Tracking Retail Investor Activity in TAQ
Authors: BARBER BRAD M. , HUANG XING , JORION PHILIPPE , ODEAN TERRANCE , SCHWARZ CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2024

We placed 85,000 retail trades in six retail brokerage accounts from December 2021 to June 2022 to validate the Boehmer et al. algorithm, which uses subpenny trade prices to identify and sign retail trades. The algorithm identifies 35% of our trades as retail, incorrectly signs 28% of identified trades, and yields uninformative order imbalance measures for 30% of stocks. We modify the algorithm by signing trades using the quoted spread midpoints. The quote midpoint method does not affect identification rates but reduces the signing error rates to 5% and provides informative order imbalance measures for all stocks.
Hypothesized life cycle of the snow algae Chlainomonas sp. (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyta) from the Cascade Mountains, USA
Authors: Matsumoto Maya , Hanneman Clare , Camara A. G. , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Hamilton Trinity L. , Kodner Robin B.
Published: May 2024

Chlainomonas (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyta) is one of the four genera of snow algae known to produce annual pink or red blooms in alpine snow. No Chlainomonas species have been successfully cultured in the laboratory, but diverse cell types have been observed from many field‐collected samples, from multiple species. The diversity of morphologies suggests these algae have complex life cycles with changes in ploidy. Over 7 years (2017–2023), we observed seasonal blooms dominated by a Chlainomonas species from late spring through the summer months on a snow‐on‐lake habitat in an alpine basin in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington, USA. The Bagley Lake Chlainomonas is distinct from previously reported species based on morphology and sequence data. We observed a similar collection of cell types observed in other Chlainomonas species, with the addition of swarming biflagellate cells that emerged from sporangia. We present a life cycle hypothesis for this species that links cell morphologies observed in the field to seasonally available habitat. The progression of cell types suggests cells are undergoing both meiosis and fertilization in the life cycle. Since the life cycle is the most fundamental biological feature of an organism, with direct consequences for evolutionary processes, it is critical to understand how snow algal life cycles will influence their responses to changes in their habitat driven by climate warming. For microbial taxa that live in extreme environments and are difficult to culture, temporal field studies, such as we report here, may be key to creating testable hypotheses for life cycles.
CXCL5/CXCL8 induces neutrophilic inflammation in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Park Seong‐Eun , Park Kanghyun , Kim Eungyung , Kim Chae Yeon , Hwang Sung‐Min , Lee Jae‐Mok , Suh Jo‐Young , Lee Youngkyun , Kim Myoung Ok , Kim Yong‐Gun
Published: May 2024

Objective and Background

This research aimed to examine the role of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8; also known as IL‐8) in neutrophilic inflammation triggered by peri‐implantitis and to shed light on the underlying mechanisms that link them to the development of this condition.

Materials

This study included 40 patients who visited the Department of Periodontology at Kyungpook University Dental Hospital. They were divided into two groups based on their condition: healthy implant (HI) group (n = 20) and peri‐implantitis (PI) group (n = 20). Biopsy samples of PI tissue were collected from the patients under local anesthesia. HI tissue was obtained using the same method during the second implant surgery. To construct libraries for control and test RNAs, the QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐Seq Library Prep Kit (Lexogen, Inc., Austria) was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were pooled based on representative cytokines obtained from RNA sequencing results and subjected to Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis were performed to visually assess expression levels and analyze tissue histology. Student's t‐test was employed to conduct statistical analyses.

Results

Initially, heatmaps were used to examine gene expression variations between the HI and PI groups based on the results of RNA sequencing. Notably, among various cytokines, CXCL5 and CXCL8 had the highest expression levels in the PI group compared with the HI group, and they are known to be associated with inflammatory responses. In the gingival tissues, the expression of genes encoding cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and CXCL5/CXCL8 was assessed via RT‐qPCR. The mRNA expression level of CXCL5/CXCL8 significantly increased in the PI group compared with the HI group (p < .045). Contrarily, the mRNA expression level of interleukin 36 receptor antagonist (IL36RN) significantly decreased (p < .008). IHC enabled examination of the distribution and intensity of CXCL5/CXCL8 protein expression within the tissue samples. Specifically, increased levels of CXCL5/CXCL8 promote inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion within the peri‐implant tissues. These effects are mediated through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This study found that the PI sites had higher gene expression level of CXCL8/CXCL5 in the soft tissue than HI sites, which could help achieve more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Comparison of hematologic variables between dogs with congenital intrahepatic and extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Authors: Couture Yanick , Keys Deborah , Summers Stacie
Published: May 2024

Background

Dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) are predisposed to gastrointestinal inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding, unlike dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS). Limited information is available about hematologic differences between dogs with IHPSS and dogs with EHPSS.

Objective

Compare hemogram variables between dogs with IHPSS and EHPSS. We hypothesized that hematologic variables would differ between the 2 populations, with a higher frequency and severity of anemia and microcytosis in dogs with IHPSS.

Animals

Twenty‐six client‐owned dogs with IHPSS and 35 client‐owned dogs with EHPSS.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Dogs were included if a CBC was performed before shunt attenuation. Contingency analysis was performed to determine if the frequency of clinical signs and of hematologic variables below the reference range differed between groups. Hematologic and selected biochemical variables were compared between groups using an analysis of covariance with age as a covariate.

Results

Gastrointestinal clinical signs (IHPSS, 81% vs EHPSS, 34%; P = .01), anemia (31% vs 6%; P = .01), microcytosis (77% vs 29%; P = .002), and hypochromia (77% vs 49%; P = .03) were more common in dogs with IHPSS than in dogs with EHPSS. Dogs with IHPSS had lower packed cell volume (34% vs 41%, P = .04), hemoglobin concentration (11.5 g/dL vs 13.7 g/dL, P = .03), mean corpuscular volume (57 fL vs 65 fL; P = .001), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (32 g/dL vs 33 g/dL; P = .04) than dogs with EHPSS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with IHPSS had a higher frequency of anemia, microcytosis, and hypochromia and exhibited more gastrointestinal clinical signs.
Impact of susceptible wheat cultivars on epidemiological parameters involved in the introduction and spread of wheat dwarf disease
Authors: Armand Thomas , Souquet Marlène , Pichon Elodie , Jacquot Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

Defence mechanisms in plants have been naturally or artificially selected to cope with virus infection and/or insect colonization. This creates a range of host susceptibility to viruses and/or insects that can impact the epidemiology of insect‐borne viral diseases. Wheat dwarf disease (WDD), one of the most important viral diseases on small‐grain cereals, is caused by wheat dwarf virus (WDV), which is transmitted by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus. In the current context of the unavailability of either WDV‐resistant/tolerant wheat cultivars or effective methods to control WDD in French cereal fields, the accurate characterization of WDV‐susceptible genotypes must be considered to improve management strategies against this viral disease. In this study, the impact of 12 wheat cultivars on epidemiological parameters related to the introduction (host selection and virus infection) and spread (insect performance and virus transmission) of WDD was evaluated. Results showed no differences between the tested cultivars for host selection made by P. alienus, whereas four tested cultivars (Complice, Filon, Hyking and Nemo) reduced survival and/or fecundity of the leafhopper. Characterization of virus–host interactions highlights the lower host and source quality of cv. Filon for WDV. Finally, multivariate analyses allowed the identification of cvs Filon, Boregar, Solindo CS, Complice and Hyking as less suitable hosts for WDV and/or P. alienus, suggesting that these cultivars could present interesting genetic resource(s) that should be considered for future breeding programmes against WDD.
Macroprudential policies, capital controls, and income inequality
Authors: You Yu , Hu Xiaoying , Huang Zongye
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the impact of macroprudential policies, capital controls, and their joint effect on income inequality. Using a panel dataset covering 60 countries from 2000 to 2019, we find that macroprudential policies and capital controls can mitigate income inequality, which are robust to various subsets of policy indexes. However, the effectiveness of macroprudential policies on income inequality depends on the tightness of capital controls. We verify that macroprudential policies affect income inequality through private sector leverage, and both capital controls and macroprudential policies have significant influences on gross capital flows and net capital flows to affect income inequality.
Effect of a graded running race on lower limb muscle damage, jump performance and muscle soreness in men and women
Authors: Macchi Robin , Kunimasa Yoko , Chavet Pascale , Corcelle Baptiste , Pomportes Laura , Fazzari Camille , Hays Arnaud , Vercruyssen Fabrice , Rossi Francesca , Bendahan David , Nicol Caroline
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Delayed structural and functional recovery after a 20 km graded running race was analyzed with respect to the sex effect.

Methods

Thirteen female and 14 male recreational runners completed the race and three test sessions: one before (PRE) and two after, once on Day 1 or 2 (D1‐2) and then on Day 3 or 4 (D3‐4). Muscle damage was assessed indirectly using ultrasonography to quantify changes in cross‐sectional area (CSA) of 10 lower‐limb muscles. Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed for three muscle groups. Functional recovery was quantified by kinetic analysis of a squat jump (SJ) and a drop jump (DJ) test performed on a sledge ergometer. Linear mixed models were used to assess control group reproducibility and recovery patterns according to sex.

Results

Regardless of sex, DOMS peaked at D1‐2 for all muscle groups and resolved at D3‐4. CSA was increased in each muscle group until D3‐4, especially in the semimembranosus muscle. A specific increase was found in the short head of the biceps femoris in women. Regardless of sex, SJ and DJ performances declined up to D3‐4. Depending on the muscle, positive and/or negative correlations were found between structural and functional changes. Some of these were sex‐specific.

Conclusion

Structural and functional recovery was incomplete in both sexes up to D3‐4, although DOMS had disappeared. More emphasis should be placed on hamstring muscle recovery. Highlighting the intermuscular compensations that can occur during multi‐joint testing tasks, the structural‐functional relationships were either positive or negative, muscle‐ and sex‐dependent.
GmNLP1 and GmNLP4 activate nitrate‐induced CLE peptides NIC1a/b to mediate nitrate‐regulated root nodulation
Authors: Fu Mengdi , Yao Xiaolei , Li Xiaolin , Liu Jing , Bai Mengyan , Fang Zijun , Gong Jiming , Guan Yuefeng , Xie Fang
Published: May 2024

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is an energy‐intensive process, to maintain the balance between growth and nitrogen fixation, high concentrations of nitrate inhibit root nodulation. However, the precise mechanism underlying the nitrate inhibition of nodulation in soybean remains elusive. In this study, CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated knockout of GmNLP1 and GmNLP4 unveiled a notable nitrate‐tolerant nodulation phenotype. GmNLP1b and GmNLP4a play a significant role in the nitrate‐triggered inhibition of nodulation, as the expression of nitrate‐responsive genes was largely suppressed in Gmnlp1b and Gmnlp4a mutants. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GmNLP1b and GmNLP4a can bind to the promoters of GmNIC1a and GmNIC1b and activate their expression. Manipulations targeting GmNIC1a and GmNIC1b through knockdown or overexpression strategies resulted in either increased or decreased nodule number in response to nitrate. Additionally, transgenic roots that constitutively express GmNIC1a or GmNIC1b rely on both NARK and hydroxyproline O‐arabinosyltransferase RDN1 to prevent the inhibitory effects imposed by nitrate on nodulation. In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of the GmNLP1/4‐GmNIC1a/b module in mediating high nitrate‐induced inhibition of nodulation.
¿Qué fe se enseña? Valores y principios religiosos en tres manuales de catequesis
Authors: Paz-González Erick Adrián , Sánchez Teodosio Mireya
Published: May 2024

Los manuales de catequesis católicos constituyen un soporte discursivo poco estudiado, pero importante por su función formativa, que se enmarca en dinámicas de poder institucional. A través de ellos se transmiten valores y principios religiosos a la comunidad, particularmente a las infancias, y con ello se abona en sus procesos de socialización.Mediante el análisis crítico de discurso se estudiaron tres manuales de catequesis de iniciación cristiana (para los sacramentos de eucaristía, reconciliación y confirmación) de tres zonas mexicanas (norte, centro y sur), con el objetivo de localizar los valores y principios que articulan a cada uno de ellos y evidenciar parte de los intereses institucionales con las infancias. Se encontraron cuatro que funcionan como eje: el amor, la alegría, la libertad y el compromiso; sin embargo, cuentan con un carácter polisémico, incluso impreciso.Esto muestra tres puntos: (1) no puede hablarse de una única catequesis católica, explicada en parte por las historias e intereses de las instituciones como enunciadoras; (2) los valores y principios, aunque se compartan, cambian radicalmente su orientación y alcances, evidenciando su polisemia; y (3) la presencia o ausencia de la dimensión práctica o vivencial permite inferir los intereses institucionales.
A Novel Approach for Real-Time Tire-Ground Enveloping Modeling
Authors: Stocco Davide , Larcher Matteo , Biral Francesco , Bertolazzi Enrico
Published: May 2024

Over the past decades, simulation has become vital in vehicle development and virtual testing, especially for autonomous vehicles. High-performance hard real-time simulators, which are crucial for those undertakings, require efficient algorithms to accurately model vehicle behavior within virtual environments. A prime example is tire-ground contact modeling, which is pivotal if we aim to achieve a high level of realism when simulating wheeled vehicles. Contact modeling focuses on an accurate estimation of the parameters needed to compute the forces and torques generated by vehicle-ground interaction. However, the complexity of this task is compounded by the fact that tire-ground contact is a highly nonlinear phenomenon, which is further exacerbated by the need to perform tests to fine-tune state-of-the-art tire-ground contact models. To tackle those challenges, we have developed a novel enveloping model that does not require any fitting of experimental data and is based on the 3D geometry of the intersection between undeformed volumes. In this paper, we provide a detailed description of the algorithm's formulation, the current software implementation (available as an open-source library), as well as the achieved scalability and real-time performance.
Effect of Interstage Torsional Damping on Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of Two-Stage Planetary Gear System
Authors: Man Jianhao , Chen Long , He Junjie , Hu Wei , Lu Kuihua , Liu Xiao-ang
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the influence of interstage torsional damping on the nonlinear dynamics of a two-stage planetary gear transmission system. A comprehensive nonlinear dynamic model is developed, incorporating interstage torsional damping, stiffness, time-varying meshing parameters, damping, and tooth side clearance. The nonlinear equations are derived and solved using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. The investigation reveals that the changes in torsional damping between stages significantly affect the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system, especially under load fluctuations. Bifurcation characteristics are analyzed using phase diagrams, Poincaré diagrams, time history diagrams, and frequency–domain spectrograms. The simulation results demonstrate that heightened torsional damping between stages distinctly affects the motion states across excitation frequencies. Notably, it mitigates the unstable motion state caused by high-frequency excitation when tooth side clearance is minimal.
Unified control of temporal and spatial scales of sensorimotor behavior through neuromodulation of short-term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Zhou Shanglin , Buonomano Dean V.
Published: May 2024

Neuromodulators have been shown to alter the temporal profile of short-term synaptic plasticity (STP); however, the computational function of this neuromodulation remains unexplored. Here, we propose that the neuromodulation of STP provides a general mechanism to scale neural dynamics and motor outputs in time and space. We trained recurrent neural networks that incorporated STP to produce complex motor trajectories—handwritten digits—with different temporal (speed) and spatial (size) scales. Neuromodulation of STP produced temporal and spatial scaling of the learned dynamics and enhanced temporal or spatial generalization compared to standard training of the synaptic weights in the absence of STP. The model also accounted for the results of two experimental studies involving flexible sensorimotor timing. Neuromodulation of STP provides a unified and biologically plausible mechanism to control the temporal and spatial scales of neural dynamics and sensorimotor behaviors.
Structural mechanisms of Tad pilus assembly and its interaction with an RNA virus
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Theodore Matthew , Xing Zhongliang , Narsaria Utkarsh , Yu Zihao , Zeng Lanying , Zhang Junjie
Published: May 2024

Caulobacter crescentus
Tad (tight adherence) pili, part of the type IV pili family, are crucial for mechanosensing, surface adherence, bacteriophage (phage) adsorption, and cell-cycle regulation. Unlike other type IV pilins, Tad pilins lack the typical globular β sheet domain responsible for pilus assembly and phage binding. The mechanisms of Tad pilus assembly and its interaction with phage ΦCb5 have been elusive. Using cryo–electron microscopy, we unveiled the Tad pilus assembly mechanism, featuring a unique network of hydrogen bonds at its core. We then identified the Tad pilus binding to the ΦCb5 maturation protein (Mat) through its β region. Notably, the amino terminus of ΦCb5 Mat is exposed outside the capsid and phage/pilus interface, enabling the attachment of fluorescent and affinity tags. These engineered ΦCb5 virions can be efficiently assembled and purified in
Escherichia coli
, maintaining infectivity against
C. crescentus
, which presents promising applications, including RNA delivery and phage display.
Colossal anisotropic absorption of spin currents induced by chirality
Authors: Sun Rui , Wang Ziqi , Bloom Brian P. , Comstock Andrew H. , Yang Cong , McConnell Aeron , Clever Caleb , Molitoris Mary , Lamont Daniel , Cheng Zhao-Hua , Yuan Zhe , Zhang Wei , Hoffmann Axel , Liu Jun , Waldeck David H. , Sun Dali
Published: May 2024

The chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, in which the structural chirality of a material determines the preference for the transmission of electrons with one spin orientation over that of the other, is emerging as a design principle for creating next-generation spintronic devices. CISS implies that the spin preference of chiral structures persists upon injection of pure spin currents and can act as a spin analyzer without the need for a ferromagnet. Here, we report an anomalous spin current absorption in chiral metal oxides that manifests a colossal anisotropic nonlocal Gilbert damping with a maximum-to-minimum ratio of up to 1000%. A twofold symmetry of the damping is shown to result from differential spin transmission and backscattering that arise from chirality-induced spin splitting along the chiral axis. These studies reveal the rich interplay of chirality and spin dynamics and identify how chiral materials can be implemented to direct the transport of spin current.
Oxidative phosphorylation regulates B cell effector cytokines and promotes inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Li Rui , Lei Yanting , Rezk Ayman , Diego A. Espinoza  , Wang Jing , Feng Huiru , Zhang Bo , Barcelos Isabella P. , Zhang Hang , Yu Jing , Huo Xinrui , Zhu Fangyi , Yang Changxin , Tang Hao , Goldstein Amy C. , Banwell Brenda L. , Hakonarson Hakon , Xu Hongwei , Mingueneau Michael , Sun Bo , Li Hulun , Bar-Or Amit
Published: May 2024

Dysregulated B cell cytokine production contributes to pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study we investigated how cytokine secretion by pro-inflammatory (GM-CSF–expressing) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10–expressing) B cells is regulated. Pro-inflammatory human B cells required increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) compared with anti-inflammatory B cells. OXPHOS reciprocally modulated pro- and anti-inflammatory B cell cytokines through regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) signaling. Partial inhibition of OXPHOS or ATP-signaling including with BTK inhibition resulted in an anti-inflammatory B cell cytokine shift, reversed the B cell cytokine imbalance in patients with MS, and ameliorated neuroinflammation in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)–induced experimental autoimmune encephalitis mouse model. Our study identifies how pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are metabolically regulated in B cells and identifies ATP and its metabolites as a “fourth signal” that shapes B cell responses and is a potential target for restoring the B cell cytokine balance in autoimmune diseases.
Draft genome sequence of a Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
strain from deer meat showing an IS-element integration in the B-subunit of the Shiga toxin Stx2b gene
Authors: Projahn Michaela , Schumann Sandy , Müller Sandra , Ferl Mathias , Scholz Heike , Göhler André , Schuh Elisabeth , Borowiak Maria
Published: May 2024

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) are important food-borne pathogens. Here we report sequence data of the STEC strain BfR-EC-18960, which has integrated IS elements in the B-subunit of the Shiga toxin Stx2b gene. The strain was isolated from deer meat at a local butchery in Germany in 2021.
Association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and poor functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Gao Xuxuan , Liang Jingru , Wu Qiheng , Shen Linlin , Zheng Yifeng , Ma Yu , Peng Yuping , He Yan , Yin Jia
Published: May 2024

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with active COVID-19 infection often have more severe symptoms and worse recovery. COVID-19 infection can cause gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is also a risk factor for poor outcomes in AIS patients. However, the association between gut microbiota and functional outcomes among AIS patients with COVID-19 infection has not been fully clarified yet. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbial community among AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection, AIS patients with post-acute COVID-19 infection, and AIS patients without COVID-19 infection. We found that AIS patients with acute COVID-19 experienced poorer recovery and significant gut dysbiosis, characterized by higher levels of
Enterobacteriaceae
and lower levels of
Ruminococcaceae
and
Lachnospiraceae
. Furthermore, a shorter time window (less than 28 days) between COVID-19 infection and stroke was identified as a risk factor for poor functional outcomes in AIS patients with COVID-19, and the enrichment of
Enterobacteriaceae
was indicated as a mediator in the relationship between infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of early intervention after COVID-19 infection, especially by regulating the gut microbiota, which plays a role in the prognosis of AIS patients with COVID-19 infection.

IMPORTANCE

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the association between respiratory system and cerebrovascular system through the gut-lung axis and gut-brain axis. However, the specific connection between gut bacteria and the functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with COVID-19 is not fully understood yet. In our study, we observed a significant decrease in bacterial diversity and shifts in the abundance of key bacterial families in AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, we identified that the time window was a critical influence factor for stroke outcomes, and the enrichment of
Enterobacteriaceae
acted as a mediator in the relationship between the infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our research provides a new perspective on the complex interplay among AIS, COVID-19 infection, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Moreover, recognizing
Enterobacteriaceae
as a potential mediator of poor stroke prognosis offers a novel avenue for future exploration and therapeutic interventions.
Favorable impact of PD1/PD-L1 antagonists on bone remodeling: an exploratory prospective clinical study and ex vivo validation
Authors: Gassner Tamara , Chittilappilly Christina , Pirich Theo , Neuditschko Benjamin , Hackner Klaus , Lind Judith , Aksoy Osman , Graichen Uwe , Klee Sascha , Herzog Franz , Wiesner Christoph , Errhalt Peter , Pecherstorfer Martin , Podar Klaus , Vallet Sonia
Published: May 2024

Background

Skeletal morbidity in patients with cancer has a major impact on the quality of life, and preserving bone health while improving outcomes is an important goal of modern antitumor treatment strategies. Despite their widespread use in early disease stages, the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on the skeleton are still poorly defined. Here, we initiated a comprehensive investigation of the impact of ICIs on bone health by longitudinal assessment of bone turnover markers in patients with cancer and by validation in a novel bioengineered 3D model of bone remodeling.

Methods

An exploratory longitudinal study was conducted to assessserum markers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide, CTX) and formation (procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, PINP, and osteocalcin, OCN) before each ICI application (programmed cell death 1 (PD1) inhibitor or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor) for 6 months or until disease progression in patients with advanced cancer and no evidence of bone metastases. To validate the in vivo results, we evaluated osteoclast (OC) and osteoblast (OB) differentiation on treatment with ICIs. In addition, their effect on bone remodeling was assessed by immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and proteomics analysis in a dynamic 3D bone model.

Results

During the first month of treatment, CTX levels decreased sharply but transiently. In contrast, we observed a delayed increase of serum levels of PINP and OCN after 4 months of therapy. In vitro, ICIs impaired the maturation of preosteoclasts by inhibiting STAT3/NFATc1 signaling but not JNK, ERK, and AKT while lacking any direct effect on osteogenesis. However, using our bioengineered 3D bone model, which enables the simultaneous differentiation of OB and OC precursor cells, we confirmed the uncoupling of the OC/OB activity on exposure to ICIs by demonstrating impaired OC maturation along with increased OB differentiation.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the inhibition of the PD1/PD-L1 signaling axis interferes with bone turnover and may exert a protective effect on bone by indirectly promoting osteogenesis.
Macaulay’s theorem for vector-spread algebras
Authors: Crupi Marilena , Ficarra Antonino , Lax Ernesto
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be the standard graded polynomial ring, with K a field, and let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], be a [Formula: see text]-tuple whose entries are non-negative integers. To a t-spread ideal I in S, we associate a unique [Formula: see text]-vector and we prove that if I is t-spread strongly stable, then there exists a unique t-spread lex ideal which shares the same [Formula: see text]-vector of I via the combinatorics of the t-spread shadows of special sets of monomials of S. Moreover, we characterize the possible [Formula: see text]-vectors of t-vector spread strongly stable ideals generalizing the well-known theorems of Macaulay and Kruskal–Katona. Finally, we prove that among all t-spread strongly stable ideals with the same [Formula: see text]-vector, the t-spread lex ideals have the largest Betti numbers.
Welcome to AI Matters 10(1)
Authors: Yao Ziyu
Published: May 2024

Welcome to the first issue of the AI Matters Newsletter in 2024! This issue will start with a conference report by Dr. Louise A. Dennis. This report particularly summarizes the awarded papers and keynote speeches at HRI 2023, AAMAS 2023, ICAIL 2023, and more! Dr. Richard G. Freedman from Smart Information FlowTechnologies (SIFT) will then present us an exciting, upcoming challenge - the 2025 EAAI Mentored Undergraduate Research Challenge: Playing Word Association Games. Finally, this issue will end with a book review written by Dr. David S. Rogers at the American Military University. In this review article, Dr. Rogers introduced us a new book, titled "Understanding Large Language Models: Learning Their Underlying Concepts and Technologies", recently written by Thimira Amaratunga and published by Apress.