bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrative taxonomy of Oecanthinae in China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea; Oecanthidae) and its implication as a model for investigating sexual selection
Authors: Zheng Yan‐Na , Jing Xuan , Wang Rui , Zhang Tao , Gu Jun‐Jie , Ma Li‐Bin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRich materials can provide more opportunities for exploring the mechanisms of speciation driven by sexual selection. Being the fastest‐evolving arthropods to date, the sword‐tailed crickets of Nudilla Gorochov, 1988 (= Laupala Otte, 1994) have rapidly diverged primarily due to the variability of their calling songs (sexual signals). In addition, they also exhibit morphological conservatism, with little variation between species. Similar circumstances can be seen in tree crickets (Oecanthinae), which have conservative morphology and a diverse range of song variations. Thus, we believe that tree crickets could serve as a model for research on sexual selection since they share a similar evolutionary history and mode of differentiation with Nudilla. However, due to the improper methods in analyzing the calling songs and nearly identical morphological features between taxa, there are many problems with the taxonomy of Oecanthinae in China. To solve these problems, we conducted an integrative taxonomic study of Chinese Oecanthinae based on comparative morphology, species delimitation, acoustical analysis, and phylogenetic analysis. This study recognized 12 Oecanthinae species in China, including four new species, and confirmed one new synonym and two misidentifications. Meanwhile, we confirmed the morphological stability of Oecanthinae, and revealed that variation in color, size, and morphology may be intraspecific polymorphism, which sometimes does not reflect the species relationships. The result indicates that the acoustic parameter freq.median can be used for efficient and accurate species delimitation in Oecanthinae. We speculate that incomplete species divergence leads to complexity in species relationships at the genetic level of Oecanthinae. The conservation of morphological characters, the interspecificity of songs and the complexity of species relationships suggest that sexual selection have played a role in the evolution of Oecanthinae. Our study resolves some systematic and taxonomic problems of Oecanthinae, clarifies the species relationships of Oecanthinae in China, and provides clues for expanding the cricket groups to be used in speciation studies.
Interlocal service collaboration network and fiscal outcomes: Empirical evidence from Nebraska counties
Authors: Qu Tingli 
Published: November 2024

AbstractU.S. local governments frequently collaborate through interlocal agreements to coordinate resources in confronting challenges that transcend jurisdictional boundaries. This research leverages unique data on cooperating entities in interlocal agreements among Nebraska counties from 2012 to 2017 to explore how collaborative network structures predict government‐wide budgetary indicators. By documenting stylized facts of these agreements and using a two‐way fixed effects estimator, the findings reveal that network centrality and clustering coefficient are associated with lower per capita revenues and expenditures, but higher property taxes and tax rates.
Mutation of rice EARLY LEAF LESION AND SENESCENCE 1 (ELS1), which encodes an anthranilate synthase α‐subunit, induces ROS accumulation and cell death through activating the tryptophan synthesis pathway in rice
Authors: Li Wenhao , Cheng Weimin , Jiang Hongrui , Fang Cheng , Peng Lingling , Tao Liangzhi , Zhan Yue , Huang Xianzhong , Ma Bojun , Chen Xifeng , Wu Yuejin , Liu Binmei , Fu Xiangdong , Wu Kun , Ye Yafeng 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYLesion‐mimic mutants (LMMs) serve as valuable resources for uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. Despite extensive research, the regulatory mechanisms of PCD and lesion formation in various LMMs remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we identified a rice LMM named early leaf lesion and senescence 1 (els1), cloned the causal gene through map‐based cloning, and confirmed its function through complementation. ELS1 encodes an anthranilate synthase α‐subunit involved in anthranilate biosynthesis. It is predominantly localized in chloroplasts and is primarily expressed in light‐exposed tissues. Mutation of ELS1 triggers upregulation of its homologous gene, ASA1, via a genetic compensation response, leading to the activation of the tryptophan (Trp) synthesis pathway and amino acid metabolism. The accumulation of abnormal Trp‐derived intermediate metabolites results in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and abnormal PCD in the els1 mutant, ultimately causing the leaf lesion phenotype. The els1 mutant also exhibits reduced chlorophyll content, upregulation of genes related to chloroplast degradation and leaf senescence, and decreased activity of photosynthetic proteins, indicating that ELS1 plays a role in chloroplast development. These factors collectively contribute to the premature leaf senescence observed in the els1 mutant. Our findings shed light on the role of ELS1 in regulating ROS accumulation and PCD in rice, providing further genetic insights into the molecular mechanisms governing leaf lesions and senescence.
Elliptic curves with complex multiplication and abelian division fields
Authors: Hamakiotes Asimina S. , Lozano‐Robledo Álvaro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLet be an imaginary quadratic field, and let be the order in of conductor . Let be an elliptic curve with complex multiplication by , such that is defined by a model over , where . In this article, we classify the values of and the elliptic curves such that (i) the division field is an abelian extension of , and (ii) the ‐division field coincides with the th cyclotomic extension of the base field.
Self-Assembly of Lamellae by Elastocapillarity in the Presence of Gravity: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Li Chengzhang , Tawfick Sameh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Elastocapillarity describes the self-organization of elastic structures under liquid surface forces, for applications to micro- and nanoscale self-assembly. It has recently become evident that precise prediction of elastocapillary self-assembly is challenged by the various phenomena arising due to fluid flow. In this study, we present experiments and a corresponding reduced-order model for the dynamic coalescence of flexible lamellae arrays. Vertical arrays of elastomeric lamellae attached to a substrate at the bottom are fabricated using 3D-printed molds. The lamellae have sub-mm thickness and a few millimeters height, a size scale that cannot be achieved by traditional microfabrication. The gaps between the elastic lamellae are filled with liquid while the tips of the lamellae, which are at the top with respect to gravity, are initially fixed, and then, they are released which leads to their spontaneous bending and coalescence. We study the cluster size as a function of system variables both experimentally and numerically. The solid lamellae are modeled as discrete rigid elements connected by torsional springs to the substrate, while the fluid flow uses lubrication theory and capillarity. Importantly, the model incorporates the gravitational forces to effectively capture the systems’ behavior ranging from the microscale with negligible gravity effect to the macroscale where gravity significantly influences the dynamics. We further derive a linearized continuum model from our nonlinear formulation, providing an analytical universal scaling law for the lamellae cluster size. This work is relevant for new polymorphic fins and lamellae devices, capillary self-folding and origami.
On the Quasi-Diagonalization and Uncoupling of Gyroscopic Circulatory Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Systems
Authors: Bulatovic Ranislav M. , Udwadia Firdaus E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A new central result that gives the necessary and sufficient conditions for two n by n skew-symmetric matrices and one symmetric matrix to be simultaneously quasi-diagonalized by a real orthogonal congruence is proved. Based on this result, the decomposition of linear multi-degree-of-freedom dynamical systems with gyroscopic, circulatory, and potential forces is investigated through a real linear coordinate transformation generated by an orthogonal matrix. Several sets of conditions, applicable to real-life structural and mechanical systems arising in aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering, under which such a coordinate transformation exists are found, thereby allowing these systems to be decomposed into independent, uncoupled subsystems, each with a maximum of two degrees of freedom. The conditions are expressed in terms of the coefficient matrices of the system. A specific form for the circulatory (gyroscopic) matrix is posited, and when the gyroscopic (circulatory) matrix is simple—a situation that commonly appears in real-life applications—it is shown that just a single necessary and sufficient condition is required for the decomposition of the multi-degree-of-freedom system. Numerical examples are provided throughout to demonstrate the analytical results.
A Study on the Influence of Polypropylene Melt Flow Index on Nonwoven Fibers Produced Through Hot Melt Centrifugal Spinning
Authors: Gunther Jason , Girard Mélanie , Dubé Martine , Tabiai Ilyass 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A hot melt centrifugal spinning process is used to manufacture polypropylene nonwoven textile such as those found in the filtering layers of medical masks. The fiber morphology and diameter distribution is influenced by the extrusion geometry and the polymer viscosity, often characterized by its melt flow index. These important geometric and physical aspects and their effects on the fiber quality are investigated in this work. The characteristics of the obtained nonwoven textile are also compared to those of the filtering layers found in a medical mask, usually made with the meltblown process. A custom-designed open-source lab-scale centrifugal spinning apparatus and the spinneret from a commercial cotton candy machine were used. This device was built at a very low cost while good quality fibers may be obtained compared to electrospinning. Its versatility allows to easily change the extrusion features. Here, a grid, nozzles, and a nozzlefree geometry, in which the polymer is extruded through a slit, were used. The behavior of five grades of polypropylene with five different melt flow indexes were compared in this process. Results show that fiber morphology improves when using the nozzle and nozzlefree geometries with a high melt flow index polymer, which were closer to the medical mask filtering layer.
Arc Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy Double-Wire High-Frequency Pulsed GMAW
Authors: Wu Kaiyuan , Wu Yongming , Chen Qianrun , Liu Zitao , Huang Hao , Hong Xiaobin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The present study used a novel double-wire pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) method, enhanced with high-frequency pulses, for welding aluminum (Al) alloy. A digital oscilloscope and high-speed photography were used to capture the voltage and current waveforms at various phases and high-frequency pulse frequencies, along with the corresponding double arc profiles. The influence mechanism of high-frequency pulse frequency on the arc average current density and arc conductivity was combined to investigate the effects of phase and high-frequency pulse frequency on arc characteristics. The experimental results revealed that arc voltage, arc power, and arc length initially decreased and then increased as the high-frequency pulse frequency rose. The phase had a significant impact on the deflection angle of the arc. The reverse phase exhibited a smaller peak deflection angle compared to the synchronous phase due to the different ratios of leading and trailing currents. However, the deflection angle of the arc remained relatively unaffected by the high-frequency pulse frequency.
Full Forward Solution of Large Deflection, End Loaded Cantilever Beams Using Elliptic Integrals
Authors: Jensen Brian D. , Erickson Jared 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper presents an algorithm to solve for all solutions to the forward problem for large deflections of inextensible end loaded Euler beams, a problem often encountered in compliant mechanism design and analysis. The forward problem is characterized by known end moment and end force (magnitude and direction), and the horizontal, vertical, and rotational deflections of the end of the beam must be found. Previous solutions have relied on the use of numerical solvers, which normally result in finding a single solution, but are unable to find all possible solutions for a given loading condition. The algorithm presented here works by reformulating the problem to have a single unknown, the end angle of the beam. Using this reformulation, a search vector of possible end angles can be used to find all solutions within desired bounds for the rotation of the end of the beam. The results were compared to nonlinear finite element modeling for verification. The results show that the vast majority of possible load conditions result in multiple (at least two) solutions, with larger end forces generally leading to more solutions. This finding suggests that such solutions may be used to design novel multi-stable compliant mechanisms, including the possibility of metamaterials with variable volume.
Draft genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
serovar. toumanoffi NRRL B-4059: identification of a novel Cry protein candidate
Authors: Murdoch Robert W. , Gemler Bryan T. , Wallace Nathan , Heater Bradley S. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the high-quality draft genome of
Bacillus thuringiensis
serovar. toumanoffi NRRL B-4059, with a complete circular chromosome and nine circular plasmids. The assembly is 7,031,170 bp and encodes 6,974 protein-coding genes, 42 rRNA genes, 107 tRNA genes, and has 34.7% GC content. Nine genes encoding Cry proteins were identified, including one previously unidentified Cry protein candidate.
Metagenome-assembled genomes of freshwater
Hyphomicrobium
sp. G-191 and
Methylophilus
sp. enriched from Cedar Swamp, Woods Hole, MA
Authors: Huang Yolanda , Schomer Rebecca , Reyes María José Rodríguez , Costa Kyle , Parales Rebecca E. , Whitaker Rachel , Dawson Scott C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Hyphomicrobium
are facultative denitrifying anaerobes capable of using one-carbon compounds as a sole carbon source.
Hyphomicrobium
sp. G-191 was enriched from Cedar Swamp, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, using a selective medium for methanol-utilizing bacteria. We present two draft metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of a
Hyphomicrobium
and a
Methylophilus
species.
Complete genome sequences of mycobacteriophages Ashwin from cluster O and Chanagan from cluster A1
Authors: Machowski Edith Erika , Gordhan Khel , Madhav Chandni , Ealand Christopher , Kana Bavesh 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Ashwin and Chanagan are double-stranded
siphoviral
mycobacteriophages isolated from a single soil sample from a lavender flowerpot in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both are capable of infecting and lyzing
Mycobacterium smegmatis
and are predicted to contain 122 and 91 open reading frames, respectively, most without known function.
Astragalus polysaccharide enhances maternal mucosal immunity against PEDV
Authors: Tang Jianli , Wang Shuaiyong , Tang Jianmei , Li Jinming 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), the major causative pathogen of porcine epidemic diarrhea, poses a severe threat to the swine industry, particularly affecting neonatal piglets. Maternal milk-derived IgA antibody is crucial for protecting piglets from PEDV infection. Despite the effectiveness of current intramuscularly administered PEDV vaccines in inducing strong systemic immune responses, their ability to generate high levels of maternal milk IgA is limited. This study explores the potential of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) to enhance PEDV vaccine efficacy, specifically focusing on maternal milk IgA levels. We first evaluated anti-PEDV antibody levels in the blood and colostrum of sows vaccinated with PEDV or subjected to feedback feeding. Our results indicated that while vaccination induced robust serum PEDV-specific IgG and IgA, milk IgA levels were lower compared to the feedback group. To address this limitation, APS was administered orally to sows before PEDV vaccination. APS supplementation significantly increased both serum and milk PEDV-specific IgA levels and enhanced cellular immune responses, as evidenced by elevated cytokine levels. Further analysis demonstrated that APS improved intestinal immune function and homeostasis in piglets. Overall, APS supplementation proved to be an effective immune booster, enhancing PEDV vaccine-induced mucosal immunity and providing a promising strategy for improving maternal immunity and piglet protection against PEDV.

IMPORTANCE
This study highlights the limitations of current porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) vaccines in inducing sufficient maternal milk IgA, which is crucial for protecting neonatal piglets. By supplementing Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) into the vaccination regimen, we demonstrated a significant enhancement in milk PEDV-specific IgA levels, as well as improved cellular immune responses. APS also bolstered intestinal immune function and homeostasis in piglets. These findings suggest that APS supplementation could serve as an immune booster to enhance maternal immunity, offering a promising approach to better protect piglets against PEDV.
Pullulan nanoparticles inhibit the pathogenicity of
Candida albicans
by regulating hypha-related gene expression
Authors: Hong Sujin , Kim Seo-Kyung , Chung Christine H. , Yun Cheol-Heui , Lee Junho , Cho Chong-Su , Huh Won-Ki 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
is a prevalent opportunistic pathogenic fungus that resides in the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans. Under specific conditions,
C. albicans
cells transition from a commensal to a pathogenic state, leading to both superficial and invasive infections. Although systemic candidiasis poses a life-threatening risk, a limited number of antifungal drugs are employed for its treatment. Moreover, the emergence of resistant strains to antifungal agents underscores the pressing need for new treatment options. In this study, we propose the use of polysaccharide nanoparticles as a strategy for treating candidiasis. We synthesized phthalic pullulan nanoparticles (PPNPs) and examined their ability to inhibit the pathogenicity of
C. albicans
. We observed that PPNPs inhibit hyphal growth, adhesion to abiotic surfaces, and biofilm formation of
C. albicans
in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect is mediated by transcriptional modulation, particularly the downregulation of hypha-related genes and the upregulation of stress-responsive genes, involving the Ras/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Furthermore, we observed that PPNPs inhibit the adhesion of
C. albicans
to human epithelial cells without inducing toxicity in human cells. In addition, PPNPs inhibited the
in vivo
pathogenicity of
C. albicans
in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, suggesting an antagonistic effect on candidiasis. Our findings suggest that PPNPs exhibit inhibitory effects on
C. albicans
biofilm formation and
in vivo
pathogenicity, indicating their potential as a novel therapeutic agent for candidiasis.

IMPORTANCE

The pathogenic process of
Candida albicans
, the primary causative species of candidiasis, involves hyphal growth, biofilm formation, and secretion of virulence factors. Of these factors, the biofilm, created by the secretion of extracellular matrix from adherent cells, shields cells from external threats, enabling them to withstand high concentrations of antifungal agents. Therefore, suppressing biofilm formation is a crucial aspect of combating candidiasis. This study developed phthalic pullulan nanoparticles (PPNPs) as a novel material for inhibiting
C. albicans
’ pathogenicity. PPNPs were internalized within
Candida
cells and reduced pathogenicity at the gene expression level, resulting in reduced
in vitro
biofilm formation, adhesion to human cells, and mortality of infected
Caenorhabditis elegans
. Moreover, PPNPs exhibited these effects without toxicity to human cells and host animals. These findings not only indicate that PPNPs can be employed to hinder
in vitro
biofilm formation but also suggest their potential as a novel treatment for candidiasis.
Genomic characteristics of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Blockley
Authors: Izumiya Hidemasa , Chiou Chien-Shun , Morita Masatomo , Sato Toshio , Noguchi Akio , Harada Tetsuya , Akeda Yukihiro , Ohnishi Makoto 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Non-typhoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) is a significant cause of foodborne illness worldwide, with increasing antimicrobial resistance posing a public health concern.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Blockley (
S
. Blockley) is relatively uncommon, and its antimicrobial resistance profile and population structure have been understudied. This study presents a comprehensive genomic analysis of 264
S
. Blockley isolates from diverse geographical regions to elucidate antimicrobial resistance patterns and population structure. Bayesian analysis classified these genomes into 10 distinct groups (BAPS A to BAPS J), further categorized into two lineages, R and S. Lineage R comprised six BAPS clusters (BAPSs A–F), predominantly found in Asia and Africa, all of which harbored the azithromycin resistance gene
mph(A
) and other resistance determinants. In contrast, lineage S, lacking
mph(A
), comprised the remaining four BAPS clusters, which were primarily found in Europe and the Americas. Several types of mutations in
gyrA
were found in lineage R, which were specific to BAPS clusters. These BAPS clusters exhibited distinct geographic distributions, with BAPS B, BAPS D, and BAPS E unique to China, Taiwan, and Japan, respectively, while BAPS H and BAPS I were predominantly found in the United States. Temporal phylogenetic analysis suggested that lineage R diverged in the 1980s, with notable microevolutionary changes. The presence of a genomic island with
mph(A
),
aph(3’)-Ia
,
aph(3”)-Ib
,
aph(6)-Id
, and
tet(A
) in lineage R underscores the public health threat, highlighting a need for continuous surveillance.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance in
Salmonella
is a global public health concern. In this study, we focused on serovar Blockley, and a whole-genome analysis revealed its global population structure. The results revealed the existence of azithromycin-resistant strains, which were characterized both phylogenetically and geographically. The resistance genes were transmitted via genomic islands, and their micro-scale evolution was also revealed. Our findings are the first to reveal the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes, including azithromycin, in serovar Blockley, and provide valuable insights into understanding the spread of antimicrobial resistance.