bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential gene expression in a tripartite interaction:Drosophila,Spiroplasmaand parasitic wasps
Authors: Higareda Alvear Victor Manuel , Mateos Mariana , Cortez Diego , Tamborindeguy Cecilia , Martinez-Romero Esperanza 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSeveral facultative bacterial symbionts of insects protect their hosts against natural enemies.Spiroplasma poulsoniistrainsMel (hereafterSpiroplasma), a male-killing heritable symbiont ofDrosophila melanogaster, confers protection against some species of parasitic wasps. Several lines of evidence suggest thatSpiroplasma-encoded ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) are involved in the protection mechanism, but the potential contribution of the fly-encoded functions (e.g., immune response), has not been deeply explored.MethodsHere we used RNA-seq to evaluate the response ofD. melanogasterto infection bySpiroplasmaand parasitism by theSpiroplasma-susceptible waspLeptopilina heterotoma, and theSpiroplasma-resistant waspGanaspissp. In addition, we used quantitative (q)PCR to evaluate the transcript levels of theSpiroplasma-encoded Ribosomal inactivation protein (RIP) genes.ResultsIn the absence ofSpiroplasmainfection, we found evidence ofDrosophilaimmune activation byGanaspissp., but not byL. heterotoma, which in turn negatively influenced functions associated with male gonad development. As expected for a symbiont that kills males, we detected extensive downregulation in theSpiroplasma-infected treatments of genes known to have male-biased expression. We detected very few genes whose expression patterns appeared to be influenced by theSpiroplasma-L. heterotomainteraction, and these genes are not known to be associated with immune response. For most of these genes, parasitism byL. heterotoma(in the absence ofSpiroplasma) caused an expression change that was at least partly reversed when bothL. heterotomaandSpiroplasmawere present. It is unclear whether such genes are involved in theSpiroplasma-mediated mechanism that leads to wasp death and/or fly rescue. Nonetheless, the expression pattern of some of these genes, which reportedly undergo expression shifts during the larva-to-pupa transition, is suggestive of an influence ofSpiroplasmaon the development time ofL. heterotoma-parasitized flies. One of the five RIP genes (RIP2) was consistently highly expressed independently of wasp parasitism, in two substrains ofsMel. Finally, the RNAseq data revealed evidence consistent with RIP-induced damage in the ribosomal (r)RNA of theSpiroplasma-susceptible, but not theSpiroplasma-resistant, wasp. Acknowledging the caveat that we lacked adequate power to detect the majority of DE genes with fold-changes lower than 3, we conclude that immune priming is unlikely to contribute to theSpiroplasma-mediated protection against wasps, and that the mechanism by whichGanaspis sp. resists/toleratesSpiroplasmadoes not involve inhibition of RIP transcription.
Efficient Water Splitting System Enabled by Multifunctional Platinum‐Free Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhong Yaotang , Lu Yitong , Pan Zhenghui , Yang Jie , Du Guohao , Chen Jiawei , Zhang Qiankui , Zhou Hebing , Wang John , Wang Chunsheng , Li Weishan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTremendous research efforts have been focused on the development of a water splitting system (WSS) to harvest hydrogen fuels, but currently available WSSs are complicated and cost‐ineffective mainly due to the applications of noble platinum or different electrocatalysts. Herein, a novel WSS comprising electricity generation from solar panels, electricity storage in rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs), and water splitting in electrolyzers, enabled by hybrid cobalt nanoparticles/N‐doped carbon embellished on carbon cloth (Co–NC@CC) as multifunctional platinum‐free electrocatalysts is reported. Consequently, the Co–NC@CC electrode presents excellent trifunctional electrocatalytic activity with an onset potential of 0.94 V for oxygen reduction reaction, and an overpotential of 240 and 73 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively. For a proof‐of‐concept application, a rechargeable ZAB assembled from the high‐performance Co–NC@CC air cathode exhibits a high open circuit potential of 1.63 V and a superior energy density of 1051 Wh kg−1Zn. Furthermore, an overall water splitting electrolyzer constructed by the symmetrical Co–NC@CC electrodes delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.57 V. Such a solar‐powered WSS can harvest hydrogen day and night, demonstrating a potential for application in sustainable renewable energy.
Swarming Microdroplets to a Dexterous Micromanipulator
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Fan Xinjian , Tian Chenyao , Yang Mingxuan , Sun Lining , Xie Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMany astonishing biological collective behaviors exist in nature, and artificial microrobotic swarms have been developed by emulating these scenarios. However, these microswarms typically have single structures and lack the adaptability that many biological swarms exhibit to thrive in complex environments. Inspired by viscoelastic fire ant aggregations and using a combination of experiment and simulation, a strategy to trigger ferrofluid droplets into forming microswarms exhibiting both liquid‐like and solid‐like behaviors is reported. By spatiotemporally programming an applied magnetic field, microswarms can be liquefied to implement reversible elongation with a high aspect ratio and solidified into entireties to perform overturning and bending behaviors. It is demonstrated that reconfigurability enables the microswarm to be a mobile dexterous micromanipulator, acting not only as a soft “octopus arm” to explore a confined environment and grasp a targeted object but also adaptively navigate multiple terrains, such as uneven surfaces, curved grooves, complex mazes, high steps, narrow channels, and even wide gaps. This microrobotic swarm can reconfigure both shapes and tasks based on the demands of the environment, presenting novel solutions for a variety of applications.
An Antioxidant Nanoparticle Enhances Exercise Performance in Rat High‐intensity Running Models
Authors: Toriumi Takuto , Kim Ahram , Komine Shoichi , Miura Ikuru , Nagayama Suminori , Ohmori Hajime , Nagasaki Yukio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough the adverse effects of excessively generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the body during aerobic exercise have been debated, there are few reports on the remarkable effects of the application of conventional antioxidants on exercise performance. The conventional antioxidants could not enhance exercise performance due to their rapid excretion from the body and serious adverse effects on the cellular respiratory system. In this study, impact of the original antioxidant self‐assembling nanoparticle, redox‐active nanoparticle (RNP), is investigated on the exercise performance of rats during running experiments. With an increase in the dose of the administered RNP, the all‐out time of the rat running extends in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, with an increase in the dose of the low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) antioxidant, the all‐out running time of the rats decreases. The control group and LMW antioxidant treated group decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) and increase oxidative stress after running. However, the RNP group maintains a similar RBC level and oxidative stress as that of the sedentary group. The results suggest that RNP, which shows long‐blood circulation without disturbance of mitohormesis, effectively removes ROS from the bloodstream to suppresses RBC oxidative stress and damage, thus improving exercise performance.
A Spider‐Silk‐Inspired Wet Adhesive with Supercold Tolerance
Authors: Liu Xi , Shi Lianxin , Wan Xizi , Dai Bing , Yang Man , Gu Zhen , Shi Xinghua , Jiang Lei , Wang Shutao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConventional adhesives often encounter interfacial failure in humid conditions due to small droplets of water condensed on surface, but spider silks can capture prey in such environment. Here a robust spider‐silk‐inspired wet adhesive (SA) composed of core–sheath nanostructured fibers with hygroscopic adhesive nanosheath (poly(vinylpyrrolidone)) and supporting nanocore (polyurethane) is reported. The wet adhesion of the SA is achieved by a unique dissolving–wetting–adhering process of core–sheath nanostructured fibers, revealed by in situ observations at macro‐ and microscales. Further, the SA maintains reliable adhesion on wet and cold substrates from 4 to −196 °C and even tolerates splashing, violent shaking, and weight loading in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C), showing promising applicability in cryogenic environments. This study will provide an innovative route to design functional wet adhesives.
Biosynthesis of 6‐Hydroxymellein Requires a Collaborating Polyketide Synthase‐like Enzyme
Authors: Kahlert Lukas , Villanueva Miranda , Cox Russell J. , Skellam Elizabeth J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe polyketide synthase (PKS)‐like protein TerB, consisting of inactive dehydratase, inactive C‐methyltransferase, and functional ketoreductase domains collaborates with the iterative non reducing PKS TerA to produce 6‐hydroxymellein, a key pathway intermediate during the biosynthesis of various fungal natural products. The catalytically inactive dehydratase domain of TerB appears to mediate productive interactions with TerA, demonstrating a new mode of trans‐interaction between iterative PKS components.
Reduction of CO2 Emission from Off‐Gases of Steel Industry by Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Angeli Sofia D. , Gossler Sabrina , Lichtenberg Sven , Kass Gilles , Agrawal Anand Kumar , Valerius Miriam , Kinzel Klaus Peter , Deutschmann Olaf 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn a novel process, CO2 and CH4 from the off‐gases of the coke oven and blast furnace are used in homogeneous reforming of those greenhouse gases to valuable syngas, a mixture of H2 and CO. Synthetic mixtures of the off‐gases from those large apparatuses of steel industry are fed to a high‐temperature, high‐pressure flow reactor at varying temperature, pressure, residence time, and mixing ratio of coke oven gas (COG) to blast furnace gas (BFG). In this study, a maximal reduction of 78.5 % CO2 and a CH4 conversion of 95 % could be achieved at 1350 °C, 5.5 bar, and a COG/BFG ratio of 0.6. Significant carbonaceous deposits were formed but did not block the reactor tube in the operational time window allowing cyclic operation of the process. These measurements were based on prior thermodynamic analysis and kinetic predictions using an elementary‐step reaction mechanism.
Bipartite consensus tracking for antagonistic topologies with leader's unknown input
Authors: Nan Xiaoya , Lv Yuezu , Duan Zhisheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the bipartite consensus tracking problem of linear multiagent systems on leader‐follower signed directed graph is studied, where the leader's unknown input is taken into consideration. Based on only local relative information of neighboring agents, discontinuous distributed adaptive protocols are proposed, where nonlinear function is introduced for each agent to tackle leader's unknown input. To avoid tremors phenomenon, continuous distributed protocols are further presented to achieve practical bipartite consensus. Both the state feedback and output feedback cases are investigated. Different from existing literature showing bipartite consensus achievement with gauge transformation, this paper reveals a novel property of the signed Laplacian matrix, which plays a key role in simplifying the bipartite consensus demonstration. Two practical examples on synchronization of Chua's circuits are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed protocols.
Real‐time vehicle detection and tracking using 3D LiDAR
Authors: Wang Heng , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper studies the problem of vehicle detection and tracking for an autonomous vehicle using 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). In order to increase the accuracy of vehicle detection and tracking, a new clustering algorithm is proposed to obtain vehicle candidates from preprocessed point cloud data collected by the LiDAR. A classifier trained by the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is used to detect vehicles from vehicle candidates. Kalman filter and global nearest neighbor (GNN) algorithm are used to track vehicles, and the accuracy of vehicle detection result is further improved by the aid of tracking results. The proposed method has been verified on a testing platform.
Prickly pear for biogas production: technical‐economic validation of a biogas power installation in an area with a high prevalence of cacti in Italy
Authors: Timpanaro Giuseppe , Cosentino Salvatore , Danzì Carmelo , Foti Vera T. , Testa Giorgio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe prickly pear in Italy is mostly used for human nutrition, although different cultivars of Cactaceae are intended for different uses around the world. Currently, there is a new bio‐economy for the prickly pear linked to the use of cladodes and fruit wastes for energy and numerous biotechnological derivatives. This paper focuses on the technical and economic validation of a bioenergy‐production installation, as the scientific literature has shown for years that it is possible to use the prickly pear in diets mixed with other materials. The varietal reconversion of part of the prickly pears produced domestically by traditional Italian farms geared exclusively to the production of fruit for human consumption is proposed. In this way, the introduction of biomass prickly pear varieties facilitates the construction of a shared biogas plant (organised as a district) and a network between the different actors in the area. The results show that, with the methanogenic potential of prickly pear, equal to 240 mc t−1, it is possible to feed a 300 kW plant, particularly favoured by the current system of Italian public incentives for investments in agro‐energy. This result can be achieved in a short supply chain, through the organization of a district composed of 30–40 producers, with an average size of 5 ha of prickly pears, in an area on the slopes of the Etna volcano where there is other biomass such as citrus pulp residues and olive pomace to be used in mixtures with cladodes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Heart rate variability in the evaluation of the autonomic nervous system of premature infants
Authors: de Souza Filho Luiz Fernando Martins , Martins de Oliveira Jordana Campos , Silva Rebelo Ana Cristina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne way to analyze the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is through heart rate variability (HRV). This approach is based on the analysis of the distance between the peaks of two consecutive R waves expressed in electrocardiograms. HRV evaluations have been developed and have become more accessible and reliable through technological advances that enable the data collection in a simpler, non‐invasive, and reliable way. However, there is little information in the scientific literature on the implementation of this methodology to assess the ANS of preterm infants. In this article, we survey the barriers, potential uses, and other topics regarding the assessment of the ANS in preterm infants using HRV.
A Dual‐Functional Lactate Sensor Based on Silver Nanoparticle‐coated Carbon Dots
Authors: Park Joo Hee , Yu Kai , Min Jin‐Young , Chung Young‐Ho , Yoon Ji Young 
Published: March 2021

Herein, a silver nanoparticle‐coated carbon dots (Ag‐CDs) was fabricated to detect lactate using colorimetric and fluorometric methods. When the Ag‐CDs were decomposed by H2O2 produced from the lactate oxidase (LOx) catalytic reaction, the color of the Ag‐CDs solution changed from yellowish to transparent, and the fluorescence of the quenched CDs was simultaneously recovered. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) decomposition was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing an increase in AgN bond peaks due to ionization of Ag NPs. The Ag‐CDs sensor could recognize lactate specifically, even in the presence of numerous potentially interfering biomarkers. The fabricated sensor displayed good sensitivity and selectivity, with a low detection limit of 0.6 μM and 10 μM for H2O2 and lactate sensing, respectively. Finally, the Ag‐CDs sensor could be applied to determination of lactate to intracellular imaging in 4T1 cells using confocal microscopy.
Inorganic Enzyme Mimics
Authors: Zhang Yihong , Muhammad Faheem , Wei Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEnzyme mimics (or artificial enzymes) have emerged as valuable alternatives to natural enzymes since the pioneering work of Ronald Breslow. They have numerous advantages over natural enzymes, such as high stability, low cost, and tailorable activity. Among varieties of materials explored to mimic enzymes, the inorganic ones, including inorganic complexes and nanomaterials, have attracted increasing interest over the last decade and have the potential to address the current challenges in energy, environment, health, etc.
Two Triterpene Synthases from Imperata cylindrica Catalyzing the Formation of a Pair of Diastereoisomers through Boat or Chair Cyclization
Authors: Naraki Shingo , Kakihara Mai , Kato Sayuri , Saga Yusuke , Mannen Kazuto , Takase Shohei , Takano Akihito , Shinpo Sayaka , Hosouchi Tsutomu , Nakane Takahisa , Suzuki Hideyuki , Kushiro Tetsuo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractImperata cylindrica is known to produce a pair of triterpenes, isoarborinol and fernenol, that exhibit identical planar structures but possess opposite stereochemistry at six of the nine chiral centers. These differences arise from a boat or a chair cyclization of the B‐ring of the substrate. Herein, we report the characterization of three OSC genes from I. cylindrica. IcOSC1 and IcOSC5 were identified as isoarborinol and fernenol synthases, respectively, while IcOSC3 was characterized as a multifunctional enzyme that produces glutinol and friedelin as its major products. Mutational studies of isoarborinol and fernenol synthases revealed that the residues surrounding the DCTAE motif partially affected the conformation of the B‐ring during cyclization. Additionally, the IcOSC1‐W255H mutant produced the rare triterpene boehmerol. The introduced histidine residue presumably abstracted a proton from the intermediary carbocation at C18 during the 1,2‐rearrangement. Expression analysis indicated that all OSC genes were highly expressed in stems.
Neuropeptide expression in the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora—New insights into the complexity of a “simple” nervous system
Authors: Nielsen Sofie K. D. , Koch Thomas L. , Wiisbye Sofus H. , Grimmelikhuijzen Cornelis J. P. , Garm Anders 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBox jellyfish have an elaborate visual system and perform advanced visually guided behaviors. However, the rhopalial nervous system (RNS), believed to be the main visual processing center, only has 1000 neurons in each of the four eye carrying rhopalia. We have examined the detailed structure of the RNS of the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora, using immunolabeling with antibodies raised against four putative neuropeptides (T. cystophora RFamide, VWamide, RAamide, and FRamide). In the RNS, T. cystophora RF‐, VW‐, and RAamide antibodies stain sensory neurons, the pit eyes, the neuropil, and peptide‐specific subpopulations of stalk‐associated neurons and giant neurons. Furthermore, RFamide ir+ neurites are seen in the epidermal stalk nerve, whereas VWamide antibodies stain the gastrodermal stalk nerve. RFamide has the most widespread expression including in the ring and radial nerves, the pedalium nerve plexus, and the tentacular nerve net. RAamide is the putative neurotransmitter in the motor neurons of the subumbrellar nerve net, and VWamide is a potential marker for neuronal differentiation as it is found in subpopulations of undifferentiated cells both in the rhopalia and in the bell. The results from the FRamide antibodies were not included as only few cells were stained, and in an unreproducible way. Our studies show hitherto‐unseen details of the nervous system of T. cystophora and allowed us to identify specific functional groups of neurons. This identification is important for understanding visual processing in the RNS and enables experimental work, directly addressing the role of the different neuropeptides in vision.
A real‐world implementation of a nationwide, long‐term monitoring program to assess the impact of agrochemicals and agricultural practices on biodiversity
Authors: Andrade Camila , Villers Alexandre , Balent Gérard , Bar‐Hen Avner , Chadoeuf Joël , Cylly Daniel , Cluzeau Daniel , Fried Guillaume , Guillocheau Sarah , Pillon Olivier , Porcher Emmanuelle , Tressou Jessica , Yamada Ohri , Lenne Nicolas , Jullien Jérôme , Monestiez Pascal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBiodiversity has undergone a major decline throughout recent decades, particularly in farmland. Agricultural practices are recognized to be an important pressure on farmland biodiversity, and pesticides are suspected to be one of the main causes of this decline in biodiversity. As part of the national plan for reduction of pesticides use (Ecophyto), the French ministry of agriculture launched the 500 ENI (nonintended effects) monitoring program in 2012 in order to assess the unintended effects of agricultural practices, including pesticide use, on biodiversity represented by several taxonomic groups of interest for farmers. This long‐term program monitors the biodiversity of nontargeted species (earthworms, plants, coleoptera, and birds), together with a wide range of annual data on agricultural practices (crop rotation, soil tillage, weed control, fertilizers, chemical treatments, etc.). Other parameters (e.g., landscape and climatic characteristics) are also integrated as covariates during the analyses. This monitoring program is expected to improve our understanding of the relative contribution of the different drivers of population and community trends. Here, we present the experience of setting up the 500 ENI network for this ambitious and highly complex monitoring program, as well as the type of data it collects. The issue of data quality control and some first results are discussed. With the aim of being useful to readers who would like to set up similar monitoring schemes, we also address some questions that have arisen following the first five years of the implementation phase of the program.
Detection of the elusive Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) using environmental DNA at Malpelo island (Eastern Pacific, Colombia)
Authors: Juhel Jean‐Baptiste , Marques Virginie , Polanco Fernández Andrea , Borrero‐Pérez Giomar H. , Mutis Martinezguerra Maria , Valentini Alice , Dejean Tony , Manel Stéphanie , Loiseau Nicolas , Velez Laure , Hocdé Régis , Letessier Tom B. , Richards Eilísh , Hadjadj Florine , Bessudo Sandra , Ladino Felipe , Albouy Camille , Mouillot David , Pellissier Loïc 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Monitoring large marine mammals is challenging due to their low abundances in general, an ability to move over large distances and wide geographical range sizes.

The distribution of the pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (Kogia sima) sperm whales is informed by relatively rare sightings, which does not permit accurate estimates of their distribution ranges. Hence, their conservation status has long remained Data Deficient (DD) in the Red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which prevent appropriate conservation measures.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding uses DNA traces left by organisms in their environments to detect the presence of targeted taxon, and is here proved to be useful to increase our knowledge on the distribution of rare but emblematic megafauna.

Retrieving eDNA from filtered surface water provides the first detection of the Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) around the remote Malpelo island (Colombia).

Environmental DNA collected during oceanic missions can generate better knowledge on rare but emblematic animals even in regions that are generally well sampled for other taxa.