bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of NaHCO3 diffusion-driven pH changes on the electrical relaxation behaviour of sandstones
Authors: Mansfeld Arne Marvin , Kemna Andreas 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
Fluid chemistry in the vadose zone absent of organic life is governed by the interactions between rock mineral surfaces, water and atmospheric carbon dioxide [CO$_2$] since carbon and its aquatic species control the system pH. Even though the effects of high carbon concentrations in the pore fluids of rocks and soils can be controlled ex-situ, their non-invasive monitoring and control still face difficulty, due to the inaccessibility of pore spaces. We propose monitoring the effect of carbon-rich solutions via their influence on the electrical relaxation behaviour, using the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method. Generally, the SIP response is determined by the rock’s texture and the chemical composition of the electrical double layer (EDL) forming at the mineral–water interface. The understanding of how the relaxation behaviour of rocks and soils is controlled by pore water salinity and pH and how fast the EDL adapts to changes in pore fluid chemistry, however, is still limited. In this study, we conducted a series of controlled experiments where the diffusion of sodium hydrogencarbonate solution into quartz-rich sandstones was monitored with SIP at high temporal resolution. To identify the underlying relaxation processes, we analysed the obtained complex conductivity spectra by performing a Debye decomposition, yielding the system’s relaxation-time distribution. Our results show that increasing pH leads to increased imaginary conductivities and systematic shifts in the peak relaxation time of the system. The observed temporal dynamics of the peak relaxation time can be described with a diffusion-type equation. We find that the dynamics are not governed by the permeability or porosity of the rock. In one experiment, salinities high enough to diminish the polarization of the system were reached. This reduction in polarization at peak frequency cannot be explained through simple Stern layer polarization models alone, suggesting that diffusive layer polarization plays an important role with increasing pH. While polarization magnitude reduces significantly, peak spectral position shifts towards larger relaxation times suggesting a reduction in the mobilities of the surface ions. Due to the increased salinity, the double layer thickness decreases, in turn decreasing the relaxation length scale, and lowering the diffuse layers screening effect. This study shows that the SIP method can capture the dynamic changes at the mineral–water interfaces in rocks in response to changing pH over a broad range of salinities, making SIP a promising method for the monitoring of subsurface processes associated with changes in the inorganic carbon concentration of the pore fluid.
“The PO-Driven Model”: A Basic Science Pipeline for the Bioeconomy with Solutions Inspired by Convergent Evolution for Connecting Parallel Research Ideas
Authors: Roy Tilottama , Lee Jung-Youn , Kawashima Tomokazu , Monroe Grey , Chakrabarty Prosanta 
Published: December 2024

Synopsis
Basic science research, also called “curiosity-driven research,” is fundamental work done with no immediate economic goals but rather a focus on discovery for discovery’s sake. However, basic science research is often needed to seed more applied, economically oriented, research. Both basic and applied research efforts are important aspects of the “bioeconomy,” defined here as the contributions to the overall economy from various biology-related fields spanning everything from museum-based natural history research to agricultural food and material production to healthcare. Here, we propose that more collaborative efforts across federal granting agencies in a venture-capitalist-like “PO-driven model” can help drive applied innovation from collaborations facilitated by program officers (POs). POs from NSF, DOE, DARPA, USDA, NASA, and other federal agencies should seek out parallel and complementary research ideas from grantees and provide funds to build teams of researchers who may otherwise be unaware of one another. Researchers working in different fields may also be unaware that the different organisms they are studying independently may have evolved similar traits (i.e., convergent evolution) that POs may recognize and who can then facilitate novel research avenues connecting those independent researchers (we provide examples of some projects inspired by convergent evolution here). In this top-down approach to research funding, the US bioeconomy will be pouring fuel on the fire of scientific productivity in this country.
Elucidating Infectious Causes of Fever of Unknown Origin: A Laboratory-Based Observational Study of Patients with Suspected Ebola Virus Disease, Guinea, 2014
Authors: Postigo-Hidalgo Ignacio , Magassouba N’Faly , Krüger Nadine , Guilavogui Marie Louise , Kruger Detlev H , Klempa Boris , Drexler Jan Felix 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in sub-Saharan Africa often remains unexplained.

Methods
We performed a retrospective laboratory-based observational study of 550 Guinean patients with FUO testing negative for Ebola virus from March to December 2014. Blood-borne pathogens were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR), serologic tests, and targeted and unbiased high-throughput sequencing (HTS).

Results
In 275 of 550 individuals, we found evidence of ≥1 pathogen by molecular methods. We identified Plasmodium in 35.6% of patients via PCR, with P falciparum constituting 96.4% of these cases. Pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and Klebsiella, were detected in 18.4% of patients through PCR and HTS. Resistance determinants against first-line antibiotics were found in 26.9% of pooled sera by HTS. Yellow fever, Lassa, and Ebola viruses were detected in 5.8% of patients by RT-PCR; HTS-guided RT-PCR confirmed Orungo virus infection in 1 patient. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the viral genomes matched the available genomic data in terms of location and time. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed immunoglobulin M antibodies against yellow fever, Ebola, dengue, West Nile, and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses in 11 of 100 patients who were PCR or RT-PCR negative. One in 5 patients who were infected presented coinfections, predominantly malaria associated with sepsis-causing bacteria, in adults (12.1%) and children (12.5%), whereas viral coinfections were rare. Patients presented fever (74.7%), asthenia (67.7%), emesis (38.2%), diarrhea (28.3%), and hemorrhage (11.8%), without clear etiology associations.

Conclusions
An exhaustive laboratory investigation elucidated infectious causes of FUO in 52.3% of patients. Quality control and strengthening laboratory capacities in sub-Saharan Africa are essential for patient care, outbreak response, and regionally appropriate diagnostics.
Comparative in vitro efficacy of AR-12 derivatives against Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Kuo Chih-Feng , Chen You-Yan , Chiu Ching-Chen , Chiu Chih-Wei , Li Tang-Chi , Chang Yu-Shan , Tsao Nina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) results in invasive diseases. Our published studies show that AR-12 can directly kill GAS. However, AR-12 is toxic to the human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1 cells) even at its MIC. In this study, we examined various AR-12 pyrrole derivatives, selected the most effective one and used it to combat GAS.

Methods
The bacterial numbers after treatment with AR-12 derivatives were assessed using either spectrophotometry or the colony-forming unit assay. The integrity of cell envelope and the contents of proteins and nucleic acids in GAS were sequentially examined by staining with SYTOX Green, SYPRO or propidium iodide. The protein expression was assessed by western blotting. The cytotoxicity of AR-12 derivatives was evaluated using WST-1 assay, the lactate dehydrogenase release assay and Annexin V staining.

Results
We tested AR-12 pyrrole derivatives P12, P12-3 and P12-8 on GAS growth and found that P12 and P12-8 were effective against various M-type strains. Both P12 and P12-8 disrupted the GAS envelope and reduced protein and nucleic acid content in GAS at their MICs. At sub-MIC levels, both P12 and P12-8 inhibited GAS chaperone protein and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B expression. P12 and P12-8 also exhibited a synergistic effect with gentamicin against GAS. However, only P12-8 did not affect cell death at its MIC. Besides its bactericidal efficacy, P12-8 also enhanced the clearance of intracellular bacteria in GAS-infected A549 and HMEC-1 cells.

Conclusions
Among these three AR-12 derivatives, P12-8 had the best potential to be an alternative agent to fight against GAS.
Comparing simulated aerial and chemigation insecticide applications to manage western bean cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn
Authors: Rilaković Andrea , da Silva Santana Alisson , Zarić Miloš , Manthena Vamsi , Golus Jeffrey A , Kruger Greg R , Vélez Ana M , Peterson Julie A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The efficacy of aerial application and chemigation of insecticides is not well explored for western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith), management in corn. In the short term, inadequate application of insecticides can lead to control failures when insect pests are not effectively targeted. In the longer term, exposure to sublethal insecticide concentrations can contribute to the evolution of insecticide resistance. The goal of this study was to compare aerial application and chemigation under simulated conditions to determine the most effective insecticide application method for managing S. albicosta. Three larval stages were exposed to the highest and lowest label rates of commercial formulations of bifenthrin (36.8 and 112.1 g a.i. ha−1) and chlorantraniliprole (52.7 and 75.1 g a.i. ha−1). Experiments were conducted in spray chambers, utilizing a carrier volume of 18.7 L ha−1 for aerial application and 1.57 cm ha−1 for chemigation. Mortality was recorded at 16, 24, and 41 h after infestation. The simulated aerial application was more effective than simulated chemigation in controlling S. albicosta, resulting in 100% mortality 24 h after infestation. Within the chemigation applications, chlorantraniliprole treatments were effective at both rates for all instars, while the high rate of bifenthrin exhibited greater efficacy than the lower rate. In conclusion, it was evidenced that the same insecticide active ingredients do not yield equivalent efficacy when applied via aerial application compared to chemigation. The present study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate insecticide application methods in controlling S. albicosta larvae.
Revolutionizing energy markets: commercialization of natural gas projects through blockchain technology
Authors: Nwamordi Ikechukwu Stephen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The integration of blockchain technology into natural gas projects heralds a transformative era in the energy sector, promising efficiency, transparency, and innovation across the entire value chain. This article explores the convergence of natural gas operations and blockchain technology, elucidating the potential applications and benefits of blockchain in optimizing extraction, distribution, and trading processes. Through real-world case studies and industry initiatives, we showcase how blockchain can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance regulatory compliance in natural gas projects. Despite challenges such as scalability, interoperability, and regulatory uncertainty, the future outlook for blockchain in the natural gas industry is promising. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and regulatory alignment, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of blockchain to revolutionize the energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Functional interactions among H2O2, NO, H2S, and melatonin in the physiology, metabolism, and quality of horticultural Solanaceae
Authors: Corpas Francisco J , Rivero Rosa M , Freschi Luciano , Palma José M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cellular signaling is a key component of both intra- and intercellular communication, playing a crucial role in the development of higher plants as well as in their responses to environmental conditions of both abiotic and biotic origin. In recent decades, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and melatonin have gained significant relevance in plant physiology and biochemistry due to their signaling functions and their interactions, forming a comprehensive cellular communication network. The Solanaceae family of plants includes a group of horticultural crops of great global importance, for instance, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, which are of major agroeconomic significance due to their widespread cultivation and consumption. The primary objective of this work is to analyze the functions of this group of signaling molecules, particularly in these crops, and to explore how their exogenous application or the genetic manipulation of their endogenous concentration could serve as a promising biotechnological tool in the horticultural agroindustry. This approach could help mitigate the negative effects of various external stress factors and even preserve the organoleptic quality of these fruits during postharvest storage.
The Remedy of Loue (1584): An Unattested Printed Text Found in the Binding of a Chester Court-Book
Authors: Durrant Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article introduces the fragments of an unattested and unstudied Elizabethan printed text, The Remedy of Loue (1584), a prose adaptation of Ovid’s Remedia Amoris, which survives within the binding of MS EDC 1/27 (1590-1593), a folio-sized court-book produced for the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Chester. The article begins by considering what kind of literary text has surfaced here and why its recovery matters; it then moves on to offer some provisional scenarios to account for The Remedy becoming available as binding materials in Chester, as well as suggesting some connections between Chester stationers and London.
Graham Pollard and ‘Oxford Peciae’: False Starts and Discoveries
Authors: Hanna Ralph 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Graham Pollard, who had begun life as a book-seller, spent many years researching the Oxford book-trade, extensive materials that remain unpublished but available among the Bodleian Library’s Pollard MSS. To determine how students had been able to acquire standard text-books, he investigated the possibility of local book-production through pecia, four-leaf-quires to be rented out for copying. This study ultimately proved a dead-end, but in the process, Pollard discovered an interesting local practice: the preparation of books for indexing through the provision of arabic column- and line-numbering. The essay examines this practice and offers a preliminary list of more than eighty examples of the procedure.
Testing colour–magnitude pattern as a method in the search for changing-look AGNs
Authors: Zhu Li-Tao , Wang Zhongxiang , Devanand P U , Gupta Alok C , Dogra Karan , Li Jie , Zhang Ju-Jia , Ji Shun-Hao , Sun Si-Si 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
We develop a simple method to search for changing-look (CL) active galactic nucleus (AGN) candidates, and conduct a test run. In this method, optical variations of AGNs are monitored and CL-AGNs may appear to have a pattern of being bluer when in brightening flare-like events. Applying this method, previously classified type 2 AGNs that show the bluer-when-brighter (BWB) pattern are selected. Among more than ten thousands type 2 AGNs classified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we find 73 candidates with possibly the strongest BWB pattern. We note that 13 of them have previously been reported as CL-AGNs. We have observed nine candidates, and found that five among them showed the CL transition from type 2 to type 1. In addition, we also test extending the selection to previously classified type 1 AGNs in the SDSS by finding sources with a possible redder-when-brighter pattern, but none of the three sources observed by us is found to show the transition from type 1 to type 2. We discuss the variation properties in both the success and failure cases, and plan to observe more candidates selected with the method. From the observational results, a detailed comparison between the CL-AGNs and none CL-AGNs will help quantitatively refine the selection criteria and in turn allow us to configure the general properties of CLAGNs.
The uncommon intracluster medium features of the first massive clusters selected independently of their baryon content
Authors: Andreon S , Radovich M , Moretti A , Desert F -X , Hamana T , Pizzardo M , Romero C , Roussel H , Trinchieri G 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Our current knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of galaxy clusters comes primarily from detailed studies of clusters selected by their minority components: hot baryons. Most of these studies select the clusters using the component that is being investigated, the intracluster medium (ICM), making the sample choice prone to selection effects. Weak-gravitational lensing allows us to select clusters by the total mass component and, being independent of the type of matter, makes the sample choice unbiased with respect to the baryon content. In this paper, we study four galaxy clusters at intermediate redshift ($0.25\lt z\lt 0.61$), selected from the weak-lensing survey of Miyazaki et al.. We derive core-excised X-ray luminosities, richness-based masses, Compton parameters, and profiles of mass, pressure, and electron densities. These quantities are derived from shear data, Compton maps, and our own X-ray and SZ follow-up. When compared to ICM-selected clusters of the same mass, in the range 2 to $5 \ 10^{14}$ M$_\odot$, our small sample of four clusters is expected to have on average 0.2 rare ($\gt 2\sigma$) features, while we observed on average two rare features in each one of the seven explored properties: richness, core-excised luminosity, Compton parameter, pressure, and electron pressure profiles, and central values of them. The abundance of rare and unique features in such a small sample indicates a fundamental bias in our knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of clusters when derived from ICM-selected samples.
Rapid degradation of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) reveals essential roles in both gene repression and active transcription
Authors: English David M , Lee Samuel N , Sabat Khadija A , Baker India M , Pham Trong Khoa , Collins Mark O , Cowley Shaun M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) removes acetyl groups from lysine residues on core histones, a critical step in regulating chromatin accessibility. Despite histone deacetylation being an apparently repressive activity, suppression of HDACs causes both up- and downregulation of gene expression. Here we exploited the degradation tag (dTAG) system to rapidly degrade HDAC1 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) lacking its paralog, HDAC2. The dTAG system allowed specific degradation and removal of HDAC1 in &lt;1 h (100x faster than genetic knockouts). This rapid degradation caused increased histone acetylation in as little as 2 h, with H2BK5 and H2BK11 being the most sensitive. The majority of differentially expressed genes following 2 h of HDAC1 degradation were upregulated (275 genes up versus 15 down) with increased proportions of downregulated genes observed at 6 h (1153 up versus 443 down) and 24 h (1146 up versus 967 down), respectively. Upregulated genes showed increased H2BK5ac and H3K27ac around their transcriptional start site (TSS). In contrast, decreased acetylation and chromatin accessibility of super-enhancers was linked to the most strongly downregulated genes. These findings suggest a paradoxical role for HDAC1 in the maintenance of histone acetylation levels at critical enhancer regions required for the pluripotency-associated gene network.
A tunable and reversible thermo-inducible bio-switch for streptomycetes
Authors: Lv Lanxin , Liu Shuo , Fu Yudie , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Meiyan , Sun Jiahe , Wang Yi , Lu Yinhua , Niu Guoqing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Programmable control of bacterial gene expression holds great significance for both applied and academic research. This is particularly true for Streptomyces, a genus of Gram-positive bacteria and major producers of prodigious natural products. Despite that a few inducible regulatory systems have been developed for use in Streptomyces, there is an increasing pursuit to augment the toolkit of high-performance induction systems. We herein report a robust and reversible thermo-inducible bio-switch, designated as StrepT-switch. This bio-switch enables tunable and reversible control of gene expression using physiological temperatures as stimulation inputs. It has been proven successful in highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering, as well as programmable control of antibiotic production and morphological differentiation. The versatility of the device is also demonstrated by thermal induction of a site-specific relaxase ZouA for overproduction of actinorhodin, a blue pigmented polyketide antibiotic. This study showcases the exploration a temperature-sensing module and exemplifies its versatility for programmable control of various target genes in Streptomyces species.
5′ terminal nucleotide determines the immunogenicity of IVT RNAs
Authors: Wolczyk Magdalena , Szymanski Jacek , Trus Ivan , Naz Zara , Tame Tola , Bolembach Agnieszka , Choudhury Nila Roy , Kasztelan Karolina , Rappsilber Juri , Dziembowski Andrzej , Michlewski Gracjan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In vitro transcription (IVT) is a technology of vital importance that facilitated the production of mRNA therapeutics and drove numerous breakthroughs in RNA biology. T7 polymerase-produced RNAs can begin with either 5′-triphosphate guanosine (5′-pppG) or 5′-triphosphate adenosine (5′-pppA), generating potential agonists for the RIG-I/type I interferon response. While it is established that IVT can yield highly immunogenic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) via promoterless transcription, the specific contribution of initiating nucleosides to this process has not been previously reported. Our study shows that IVT-derived RNAs containing 5′-pppA are significantly more immunogenic compared with their 5′-pppG counterparts. We observed heightened levels of dsRNAs triggered by IVT with 5′-pppA RNA, activating the RIG-I signaling pathway in cultured cells, as well as in ex vivo and in vivo mouse models, where the IFN-β gene was substituted with the mKate2 fluorescent reporter. Elevated levels of dsRNA were found in both short and long 5′-pppA RNAs, including those of COVID-19 vaccines. These findings reveal the unexpected source of IVT RNA immunogenicity, offering valuable insights for both academic research and future medical applications of this technology.