bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excising the ghosts of invasions past: restoring native vegetation to soil infested with invasive swallow-worts
Authors: Snyder Emmett H. U. , Jones Ian M. , Sifton Melanie A. , Timm Carla , Stevens Courtney , Bourchier Robert S. , Smith Sandy M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInvasive plants can gain a foothold in new environments by manipulating soil conditions through allelopathy or through the disruption of associations between native plants and their mycorrhizal associates. The resulting changes in soil conditions can affect the recovery of habitats long after the invasive plant has been removed. We conducted a series of greenhouse experiments to examine the effects of soil conditioned by pale swallow-wort [Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbarich; Apocynaceae], on the growth of native plants. Additionally, we tested the effects of aqueous extracts of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.; Apocynaceae), a related plant with known allelopathic effects, on the regrowth of V. rossicum from transplanted root crowns. Soil from a 15-yr-old V. rossicum infestation reduced seedling emergence in A. syriaca as well as in V. rossicum itself. Conversely, the same soil had no effect on the growth of mature A. syriaca plants. Soil conditioned by V. rossicum growth in the greenhouse had no effect on the biomass and percentage cover generated by two restoration seed mixes. Soil conditioned by A. syriaca, however, yielded lower biomass and percentage cover from both seed mixes. In contrast to the allelopathic effects of A. syriaca on seedlings, aqueous extracts of A. syriaca increased aboveground plant growth in V. rossicum. Our results suggest that the effects of V. rossicum–conditioned soil on native plants are concentrated at the seedling establishment phase. Additionally, the use of diverse native seed mixes shows great potential for restoring productivity to ecosystems affected by V. rossicum.
Biology of Euwallacea interjectus, an emerging poplar pest, reared on an ambrosia beetle artificial diet and medium of fungal symbiont
Authors: Zheng Langlang , Lai Shengchang , Zhou Yang , Jiang Nan , Hao Dejun , Dai Lulu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEuwallacea interjectus, a recently discovered pest in poplar plantations, poses a significant economic threat due to its role in causing widespread tree mortality. This pest's cryptic behaviour has hindered research and control efforts, making laboratory rearing a valuable tool for studying its development and biology. We investigated the development period and biological characteristics of E. interjectus using artificial diets and fungal medium. Our findings revealed that the development time for eggs, larvae, and pupae averages approximately 6, 18, and 6 days, respectively. Notably, first and second instar larvae displayed peak moulting periods at 3.45 ± 0.64 SD and 7.92 ± 1.77 SD days, respectively. Furthermore, we measured head capsule widths of postmolt larvae, yielding values of 318.02 ± 7.38 SD μm for first-instar larvae, 403.01 ± 11.08 SD μm for second-instar larvae, and 549.54 ± 20.74 SD μm for third-instar larvae. Our research also uncovered a positive correlation between the number of progeny (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) and the mean length of the gallery system. Interestingly, the haplodiploid reproductive strategy did not significantly affect the number of offspring produced by the foundress. Additionally, we observed that foundresses displayed higher fecundity when subjected to nutrient-rich diets as compared to nutrient-poor diets. Our results will deepen our understanding of the biology of E. interjectus and provide criteria for larval instar classification. Additionally, managing nutrient availability within the colony could be considered a viable approach to regulating population size.
Crop rotation and sowing date effects on yield of winter wheat
Authors: Groeneveld Marten , Grunwald Dennis , Piepho Hans-Peter , Koch Heinz-Josef 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSimplified cereal-based crop rotations are widely grown due to economic reasons, leading to the cultivation of wheat after wheat and associated yield losses. In this study, a crop rotation trial was conducted in Northern Germany on a Stagnic Luvisol from 2006 to 2018 with winter wheat after the four most widely used preceding crops in the region (sugar beet, winter wheat, silage maize and winter oilseed rape) in different crop rotations to evaluate potential benefits of different preceding crops. Additionally, the effects of two different sowing dates (2016–2018) and higher crop residue input (whole period) were investigated.While the pre-preceding crop had no effect, preceding crops winter oilseed rape and sugar beet led to a significantly higher yield of about 1.00 and 0.43 t/ha, respectively, compared to wheat after wheat. This was not modified by crop rotational diversity, including wheat monoculture. Wheat yield tended to be higher for the late sowing date after sugar beet, maize and wheat, while there was no effect of sowing date after oilseed rape. Higher crop residue input led to a significantly higher yield (0.30 t/ha) in wheat after wheat (after pre-preceding crop sugar beet). Overall, sugar beet and winter oilseed rape were found to be favourable preceding crops for winter wheat under the given site conditions. The effect of sowing date on yield and potential modifications of the preceding crop effect by sowing date needs further research in appropriate long-term trials.
Cystic echinococcosis in Cyprus: historical retrospective and finding of 2 Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species
Authors: Santoro Azzurra , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Santolamazza Federica , Casulli Adriano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe island of Cyprus was a historical endemic area for cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Mediterranean. During the last decades, Cyprus has been an open-air laboratory and a model for testing and implementing control measures aiming to eliminate CE as a public health problem. Despite control and surveillance measures implemented during last 50 years, molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato specimens has been never provided. In February 2023, the carcass of a stray dog collected in the Nicosia district was examined by the Veterinary Services and found infected with Echinococcus spp. worms. The worms were sent to the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURLP) for species/genotype identification. The sequences analyses of nad2 and nad5 genes allowed us to identify the tapeworms as Echinococcus canadensis, genotype G7b. In November 2023, a parasitic liver cyst was observed during the post-mortem examination of a mouflon from the same area of the dog's finding. The cyst sample was also referred to EURLP for identification and comparison with tapeworms previously collected from the dog. The sequences analysis of cox1 gene allowed to identify the cyst as E. granulosus sensu stricto, genotype G1. The finding of 2 different species of E. granulosus s.l. in a limited area raises epidemiological questions on the origin of the samples: whether distinct transmission cycles are present or a recent introduction event have occurred. From a public health perspective, it will be essential to conduct further molecular epidemiology studies to clarify the recent transmission dynamics of Echinococcus species in Cyprus.
Autonomous navigation and steering control based on wireless non-wheeled snake robot
Authors: Bao Liming , Sun Yongjun , Xie Zongwu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper mainly studies an autonomous path-planning and real-time path-tracking optimization method for snake robot. Snake robots can perform search and rescue, exploration, and other tasks in a variety of complex environments. Robots with visual sensors such as LiDAR can avoid obstacles in the environment through autonomous navigation to reach the target point. However, in an unstructured environment, the navigation of snake robot is easily affected by the external environment, causing the robot to deviate from the planned path. In order to solve the problem that snake robots are easily affected by environmental factors in unstructured environments, resulting in poor path-following ability, this paper uses the Los algorithm combined with steering control to plan the robot in real time and control the robot’s steering parameters in real time, ensuring that the robot can stably follow the planned path.
Targeting EMT using low-dose Teniposide by downregulating ZEB2-driven activation of RNA polymerase I in breast cancer
Authors: Metge Brandon J. , Alsheikh Heba Allah M. , Kammerud Sarah C. , Chen Dongquan , Das Devika , Nebane N. Miranda , Bostwick J. Robert , Shevde Lalita A. , Samant Rajeev S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMetastatic dissemination from the primary tumor is a complex process that requires crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding milieu and involves the interplay between numerous cellular-signaling programs. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains at the forefront of orchestrating a shift in numerous cellular programs, such as stemness, drug resistance, and apoptosis that allow for successful metastasis. Till date, there is limited success in therapeutically targeting EMT. Utilizing a high throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds, we uncovered a novel role of the topoisomerase inhibitor, Teniposide, in reversing EMT. Here, we demonstrate Teniposide as a potent modulator of the EMT program, specifically through an IRF7–NMI mediated response. Furthermore, Teniposide significantly reduces the expression of the key EMT transcriptional regulator, Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2). ZEB2 downregulation by Teniposide inhibited RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity and rRNA biogenesis. Importantly, Teniposide treatment markedly reduced pulmonary colonization of breast cancer cells. We have uncovered a novel role of Teniposide, which when used at a very low concentration, mitigates mesenchymal-like invasive phenotype. Overall, its ability to target EMT and rRNA biogenesis makes Teniposide a viable candidate to be repurposed as a therapeutic option to restrict breast cancer metastases.
Evidence for a finite-momentum Cooper pair in tricolor d-wave superconducting superlattices
Authors: Asaba T. , Naritsuka M. , Asaeda H. , Kosuge Y. , Ikemori S. , Suetsugu S. , Kasahara Y. , Kohsaka Y. , Terashima T. , Daido A. , Yanase Y. , Matsuda Y. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFermionic superfluidity with a nontrivial Cooper-pairing, beyond the conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer state, is a captivating field of study in quantum many-body systems. In particular, the search for superconducting states with finite-momentum pairs has long been a challenge, but establishing its existence has long suffered from the lack of an appropriate probe to reveal its momentum. Recently, it has been proposed that the nonreciprocal electron transport is the most powerful probe for the finite-momentum pairs, because it directly couples to the supercurrents. Here we reveal such a pairing state by the non-reciprocal transport on tricolor superlattices with strong spin-orbit coupling combined with broken inversion-symmetry consisting of atomically thin d-wave superconductor CeCoIn5. We find that while the second-harmonic resistance exhibits a distinct dip anomaly at the low-temperature (T)/high-magnetic field (H) corner in the HT-plane for H applied to the antinodal direction of the d-wave gap, such an anomaly is absent for H along the nodal direction. By carefully isolating extrinsic effects due to vortex dynamics, we reveal the presence of a non-reciprocal response originating from intrinsic superconducting properties characterized by finite-momentum pairs. We attribute the high-field state to the helical superconducting state, wherein the phase of the order parameter is spontaneously spatially modulated.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of primaquine exposures in lactating women and breastfed infants
Authors: Wattanakul Thanaporn , Gilder Mary Ellen , McGready Rose , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Day Nicholas P. J. , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François , Tarning Joel , Hoglund Richard M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCurrent guidelines advise against primaquine treatment for breastfeeding mothers to avoid the potential for haemolysis in infants with G6PD deficiency. To predict the haemolytic risk, the amount of drug received from the breast milk and the resulting infant drug exposure need to be characterised. Here, we develop a pharmacokinetic model to describe the drug concentrations in breastfeeding women using venous, capillary, and breast milk data. A mother-to-infant model is developed to mimic the infant feeding pattern and used to predict their drug exposures. Primaquine and carboxyprimaquine exposures in infants are <1% of the exposure in mothers. Therefore, even in infants with the most severe G6PD deficiency variants, it is highly unlikely that standard doses of primaquine (0.25-1 mg base/kg once daily given to the mother for 1-14 days) would cause significant haemolysis. After the neonatal period, primaquine should not be restricted for breastfeeding women (Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01780753).
N2 cleavage by silylene and formation of H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2
Authors: Cai Liyan , Xu Bing , Cheng Juanjuan , Cong Fei , Riedel Sebastian , Wang Xuefeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFixation and functionalisation of N2 by main-group elements has remained scarce. Herein, we report a fixation and cleavage of the N ≡ N triple bond achieved in a dinitrogen (N2) matrix by the reaction of hydrogen and laser-ablated silicon atoms. The four-membered heterocycle H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, the H2SiNN(H2) and HNSiNH complexes are characterized by infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations. The synergistic interaction of the two SiH2 moieties with N2 results in the formation of final product H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, and theoretical calculations reveal the donation of electron density of Si to π* antibonding orbitals and the removal of electron density from the π bonding orbitals of N2, leading to cleave the non-polar and strong NN triple bond.
Mechanistic basis of the dynamic response of TWIK1 ionic selectivity to pH
Authors: Chatelain Franck C. , Gilbert Nicolas , Bichet Delphine , Jauch Annaïse , Feliciangeli Sylvain , Lesage Florian , Bignucolo Olivier 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHighly selective for K+ at neutral pH, the TWIK1 channel becomes permeable to Na+ upon acidification. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we identify a network of residues involved in this unique property. Between the open and closed states previously observed by electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations show that the channel undergoes conformational changes between pH 7.5–6 involving residues His122, Glu235, Lys246 and Phe109. A complex network of interactions surrounding the selectivity filter at high pH transforms into a simple set of stronger interactions at low pH. In particular, His122 protonated by acidification moves away from Lys246 and engages in a salt bridge with Glu235. In addition, stacking interactions between Phe109 and His122, which stabilize the selectivity filter in its K+-selective state at high pH, disappear upon acidification. This leads to dissociation of the Phe109 aromatic side chain from this network, resulting in the Na+-permeable conformation of the channel.
Anti-resonant acoustic waveguides enabled tailorable Brillouin scattering on chip
Authors: Lei Peng , Xu Mingyu , Bai Yunhui , Chen Zhangyuan , Xie Xiaopeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEmpowering independent control of optical and acoustic modes and enhancing the photon-phonon interaction, integrated photonics boosts the advancements of on-chip stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). However, achieving acoustic waveguides with low loss, tailorability, and easy fabrication remains a challenge. Here, inspired by the optical anti-resonance in hollow-core fibers and acoustic anti-resonance in cylindrical waveguides, we propose suspended anti-resonant acoustic waveguides (SARAWs) with superior confinement and high selectivity of acoustic modes, supporting both forward and backward SBS on chip. Furthermore, this structure streamlines the design and fabrication processes. Leveraging the advantages of SARAWs, we showcase a series of breakthroughs for SBS within a compact footprint on the silicon-on-insulator platform. For forward SBS, a centimeter-scale SARAW supports a large net gain exceeding 6.4 dB. For backward SBS, we observe an unprecedented Brillouin frequency shift of 27.6 GHz and a mechanical quality factor of up to 1960 in silicon waveguides. This paradigm of acoustic waveguide propels SBS into a new era, unlocking new opportunities in the fields of optomechanics, phononic circuits, and hybrid quantum systems.
Visualizing the gas-sensitive structure of the CuZn surface in methanol synthesis catalysis
Authors: Jensen Sigmund , Mammen Mathias H. R. , Hedevang Martin , Li Zheshen , Lammich Lutz , Lauritsen Jeppe V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMethanol formation over Cu/ZnO catalysts is linked with a catalytically active phase created by contact between Cu nanoparticles and Zn species whose chemical and structural state depends on reaction conditions. Herein, we use variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy at elevated pressure conditions combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements to investigate the surface structures and chemical states that evolve when a CuZn/Cu(111) surface alloy is exposed to reaction gas mixtures. In CO2 hydrogenation conditions, Zn stays embedded in the CuZn surface, but once CO gas is added to the mixture, the Zn segregates onto the Cu surface. The Zn segregation is CO-induced, and establishes a new dynamic state of the catalyst surface where Zn is continually exchanged at the Cu surface. Candidates for the migrating few-atom Zn clusters are further identified in time-resolved imaging series. The findings point to a significant role of CO affecting the distribution of Zn in the multiphasic ZnO/CuZn/Cu catalysts.
Cadmium binding by the F-box domain induces p97-mediated SCF complex disassembly to activate stress response programs
Authors: Lauinger Linda , Andronicos Anna , Flick Karin , Yu Clinton , Durairaj Geetha , Huang Lan , Kaiser Peter 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe F-box domain is a highly conserved structural motif that defines the largest class of ubiquitin ligases, Skp1/Cullin1/F-box protein (SCF) complexes. The only known function of the F-box motif is to form the protein interaction surface with Skp1. Here we show that the F-box domain can function as an environmental sensor. We demonstrate that the F-box domain of Met30 is a cadmium sensor that blocks the activity of the SCFMet30 ubiquitin ligase during cadmium stress. Several highly conserved cysteine residues within the Met30 F-box contribute to binding of cadmium with a KD of 8 µM. Binding induces a conformational change that allows for Met30 autoubiquitylation, which in turn leads to recruitment of the segregase Cdc48/p97/VCP followed by active SCFMet30 disassembly. The resulting inactivation of SCFMet30 protects cells from cadmium stress. Our results show that F-box domains participate in regulation of SCF ligases beyond formation of the Skp1 binding interface.
A unifying modelling of multiple land degradation pathways in Europe
Authors: Prăvălie Remus , Borrelli Pasquale , Panagos Panos , Ballabio Cristiano , Lugato Emanuele , Chappell Adrian , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo , Maggi Federico , Peng Jian , Niculiță Mihai , Roșca Bogdan , Patriche Cristian , Dumitrașcu Monica , Bandoc Georgeta , Nita Ion-Andrei , Birsan Marius-Victor 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLand degradation is a complex socio-environmental threat, which generally occurs as multiple concurrent pathways that remain largely unexplored in Europe. Here we present an unprecedented analysis of land multi-degradation in 40 continental countries, using twelve dataset-based processes that were modelled as land degradation convergence and combination pathways in Europe’s agricultural (and arable) environments. Using a Land Multi-degradation Index, we find that up to 27%, 35% and 22% of continental agricultural (~2 million km2) and arable (~1.1 million km2) lands are currently threatened by one, two, and three drivers of degradation, while 10–11% of pan-European agricultural/arable landscapes are cumulatively affected by four and at least five concurrent processes. We also explore the complex pattern of spatially interacting processes, emphasizing the major combinations of land degradation pathways across continental and national boundaries. Our results will enable policymakers to develop knowledge-based strategies for land degradation mitigation and other critical European sustainable development goals.
Critical learning from industrial catalysis for nanocatalytic medicine
Authors: Jin Zhaokui , Jiang Lingdong , He Qianjun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSystematical and critical learning from industrial catalysis will bring inspiration for emerging nanocatalytic medicine, but the relevant knowledge is quite limited so far. In this review, we briefly summarize representative catalytic reactions and corresponding catalysts in industry, and then distinguish the similarities and differences in catalytic reactions between industrial and medical applications in support of critical learning, deep understanding, and rational designing of appropriate catalysts and catalytic reactions for various medical applications. Finally, we summarize/outlook the present and potential translation from industrial catalysis to nanocatalytic medicine. This review is expected to display a clear picture of nanocatalytic medicine evolution.
Decoupling excitons from high-frequency vibrations in organic molecules
Authors: Ghosh Pratyush , Alvertis Antonios M. , Chowdhury Rituparno , Murto Petri , Gillett Alexander J. , Dong Shengzhi , Sneyd Alexander J. , Cho Hwan-Hee , Evans Emrys W. , Monserrat Bartomeu , Li Feng , Schnedermann Christoph , Bronstein Hugo , Friend Richard H. , Rao Akshay 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe coupling of excitons in π-conjugated molecules to high-frequency vibrational modes, particularly carbon–carbon stretch modes (1,000–1,600 cm−1) has been thought to be unavoidable1,2. These high-frequency modes accelerate non-radiative losses and limit the performance of light-emitting diodes, fluorescent biomarkers and photovoltaic devices. Here, by combining broadband impulsive vibrational spectroscopy, first-principles modelling and synthetic chemistry, we explore exciton–vibration coupling in a range of π-conjugated molecules. We uncover two design rules that decouple excitons from high-frequency vibrations. First, when the exciton wavefunction has a substantial charge-transfer character with spatially disjoint electron and hole densities, we find that high-frequency modes can be localized to either the donor or acceptor moiety, so that they do not significantly perturb the exciton energy or its spatial distribution. Second, it is possible to select materials such that the participating molecular orbitals have a symmetry-imposed non-bonding character and are, thus, decoupled from the high-frequency vibrational modes that modulate the π-bond order. We exemplify both these design rules by creating a series of spin radical systems that have very efficient near-infrared emission (680–800 nm) from charge-transfer excitons. We show that these systems have substantial coupling to vibrational modes only below 250 cm−1, frequencies that are too low to allow fast non-radiative decay. This enables non-radiative decay rates to be suppressed by nearly two orders of magnitude in comparison to π-conjugated molecules with similar bandgaps. Our results show that losses due to coupling to high-frequency modes need not be a fundamental property of these systems.