bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological and hormonal responses of drought‐stressed Eucalyptus seedlings infected with Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense
Authors: Santos Beatriz , Pinto Glória , Berenguer Helder , Correia Barbara , Amaral Joana , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Alves Artur 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe contribution of Eucalyptus globulus plantations to timber production for pulp, paper and energy production may be hampered by climate change. It is expected that Eucalyptus productivity may be affected through drought stress and changes to both pathogen distribution/pathogenicity and host–pathogen interactions. The impact of the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense on E. globulus, causing cankers and dieback, is well known but the impact of drought on disease development is still understudied. Our aim was to study the effect of drought on N. kwambonambiense infection by inoculating E. globulus plants under well‐watered conditions or with water limitation. Non‐infected plants for both water regimes were also analysed. Morphophysiological, biochemical and hormonal parameters were assessed 65 days post‐inoculation. Inoculation under conditions of water stress decreased water potential and photosynthetic efficiency and increased abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and lipid peroxidation. Water‐stressed infected plants also showed higher fungal colonization and external lesion length in comparison with well‐watered inoculated plants. Our results indicate that drought increased E. globulus predisposition to N. kwambonambiense infection and may also have promoted a change in the lifestyle of the fungus. Identifying host–pathogen interaction responses under different stress conditions is necessary to provide knowledge for decision‐making in the management of forest systems in general and of Eucalyptus production in particular.
New perspectives on CESEE insurance markets
Authors: Srbinoski Bojan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe insurance markets of Central Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) present a unique landscape characterized by intricate geopolitical and institutional dynamics. Despite being a relatively small region, the countries within CESEE navigate a complex political and institutional environment. The development of insurance markets across CESEE is marked by considerable disparities, reflecting diverse approaches to market reforms. Despite the markets being open, a lack of competition prevails, with a pronounced presence of multinational insurance groups and their foreign affiliates. This paper provides an update on current challenges in the region.
Research data infrastructures in environmental sciences—Challenges and implementation approaches focusing on the integration of software components
Authors: Henzen Christin , Rümmler Arne , Figgemeier Heiko , Wagner Michael , Bernard Lars , Müller‐Pfefferkorn Ralph 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResearch data infrastructures are quickly evolving and show a wide variety, for instance in the way they address user requirements and use cases as well as how they provide user‐required information through their software architecture. In this article, we discuss challenges and provide approaches to developing software architectures and software components for research data infrastructures in environmental sciences. Taking the GeoKur research project on harmonizing land use time series as the use case for curation and quality assurance of environmental research data, we designed, implemented, and tested approaches and software components with particular regard to data management planning as well as provenance and quality information management. We aim to illustrate how to better meet researchers’ needs and provide tightly interlinked software components.
Comparison of Eddy Viscosity Models for High Turbulence Nozzle Guide Vane Flows
Authors: Amend Jonas , Povey Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this paper we investigate the performance of eddy viscosity turbulence models for high-pressure nozzle guide vane (NGV) flows with engine-realistic turbulence. Using metrics such as integrated kinetic energy (KE) loss and mixing rate, we compare simulation results using turbulence models with high-fidelity experimental data from fully-cooled NGVs, operating at engine-matched conditions of Reynolds number and Mach. For the widely-used k–ω shear stress transport (SST) model, the aerodynamic and thermal wakes of the NGVs were undermixed. We compare simulation results with those using other common turbulence models including the standard k–ω, baseline k–ω, Spalart–Allmaras, and baseline explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model. Alternative turbulence models formulations are explored, with an emphasis on modifications to the implementation of the shear stress limiter. We also investigate the sensitivity of models to the specified inlet turbulence intensity. We demonstrate that predictions of integrated KE loss, as well as the decay trends of the aerodynamic and thermal wakes are a closer match to experimental data for the baseline algebraic Reynolds stress model than for other turbulence models in more common use for NGV predictions.
Novel and Robust Forward Kinematic Algorithm for Real-Time Control of General Six-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Robot for Tele-Manipulation and Tele-Navigation
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Dwarakanath T. A. , Bhutani Gaurav , Sinha S. K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The forward kinematics (FK) of a 6-6 universal-prismatic-spherical (UPS) structure of a parallel robot is highly nonlinear, coupled, and has a one-to-many nature of mapping. There exists no close form solution to a forward kinematic problem (FKP), and real-time kinematic control is extremely difficult. This paper presents the implementation of time efficient and robust solution for FKP using a trajectory modifier algorithm along with a Newton Raphson (NR) method. One micrometer in translation and 0.001 deg in orientation accuracy with an average pose computation time of 2.3 ms are achieved. The novel algorithm is elaborated and the detailed performance parameters are tabulated. The paper presents trajectory following experiments to show robust, real-time FK solution and efficient kinematic control on both standalone and master–slave modes to be used for robot-assisted neurosurgery. The neuro-registration using the FK solutions in real time in a tele-manipulation mode is demonstrated.
Effects of polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles on the sediment microbiome and metabolome at high and low temperatures
Authors: Guo Feng , Liu Biao , Zhao Jiaying , Hou Yiran , Wu Junfeng , Zhou Changrui , Hu Hui , Zhang Tingting , Yang Ziyan 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Global warming has led to a high incidence of extreme heat events, and the frequent occurrence of extreme heat events has had extensive and far-reaching impacts on wetland ecosystems. The widespread distribution of plastics in the environment, including polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), and tire particles (TPs), has caused various environmental problems. Here, high-throughput sequencing techniques and metabolomics were used for the first time to investigate the effects of three popular microplastic types: PE, PLA, and TP, on the sediment microbiome and the metabolome at both temperatures. The microplastics were incorporated into the sediment at a concentration of 3% by weight of the dry sediment (wt/wt), to reflect environmentally relevant conditions. Sediment enzymatic activity and physicochemical properties were co-regulated by both temperatures and microplastics producing significant differences compared to controls. PE and PLA particles inhibited bacterial diversity at low temperatures and promoted bacterial diversity at high temperatures, and TP particles promoted both at both temperatures. For bacterial richness, only PLA showed inhibition at low temperature; all other treatments showed promotion. PE, PLA, and TP microplastics changed the community structure of sediment bacteria, forming two clusters at low and high temperatures. Furthermore, PE, PLA, and TP changed the sediment metabolic profiles, producing differential metabolites such as lipids and molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids and their derivatives, especially TP had the most significant effect. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of microplastic contamination.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we added 3% (wt/wt) microplastic particles, including polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles, to natural sediments under simulated laboratory conditions. Subsequently, we simulated the sediment microbial and ecosystem responses under different temperature conditions by incubating them for 60 days at 15°C and 35°C, respectively. After synthesizing these results, our study strongly suggests that the presence of microplastics in sediment ecosystems and exposure under different temperature conditions may have profound effects on soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and metabolite profiles. This is important for understanding the potential hazards of microplastic contamination on terrestrial ecosystems and for developing relevant environmental management strategies.
Daptomycin avoids drug resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Faure Agathe , Manuse Sylvie , Gonin Mathilde , Grangeasse Christophe , Jault Jean-Michel , Orelle Cédric 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Drug-resistant bacteria are a serious threat to human health as antibiotics are gradually losing their clinical efficacy. Comprehending the mechanism of action of antimicrobials and their resistance mechanisms plays a key role in developing new agents to fight antimicrobial resistance. The lipopeptide daptomycin is an antibiotic that selectively disrupts Gram-positive bacterial membranes, thereby showing slower resistance development than many classical drugs. Consequently, it is often used as a last resort antibiotic to preserve its use as one of the least potent antibiotics at our disposal. The mode of action of daptomycin has been debated but was recently found to involve the formation of a tripartite complex between undecaprenyl precursors of cell wall biosynthesis and the anionic phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol. BceAB-type ABC transporters are known to confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides that sequester some precursors of the peptidoglycan, such as the undecaprenyl pyrophosphate or lipid II. The expression of these transporters is upregulated by dedicated two-component regulatory systems in the presence of antimicrobial peptides that are recognized by the system. Here, we investigated whether daptomycin evades resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter from the bacterial pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Although daptomycin can bind to the transporter, our data showed that the BceAB transporter does not mediate resistance to the drug and its expression is not induced in its presence. These findings show that the pioneering membrane-active daptomycin has the potential to escape the resistance mechanism mediated by BceAB-type transporters and confirm that the development of this class of compounds has promising clinical applications.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance is rising in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and dangerously spreading, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. Daptomycin is an antimicrobial peptide that is one of the last antibiotics approved for clinical use. Understanding the resistance mechanisms toward last-resort antibiotics such as daptomycin is critical for the success of future antimicrobial therapies. BceAB-type ABC transporters confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides that target precursors of cell-wall synthesis. In this study, we showed that the BceAB transporter from the human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
does not confer resistance to daptomycin, suggesting that this drug and other calcium-dependent lipopeptide antibiotics have the potential to evade the action of this type of ABC transporters in other bacterial pathogens.
Polyploidy is widespread in Microsporidia
Authors: Khalaf Amjad , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , Blaxter Mark L. , Jaron Kamil S. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites with an extremely broad host range. They have both economic and public health importance. Ploidy in microsporidia is variable, with a few species formally identified as diploid and one as polyploid. Given the increase in the number of studies sequencing microsporidian genomes, it is now possible to assess ploidy levels across all currently explored microsporidian diversity. We estimate ploidy for all microsporidian data sets available on the Sequence Read Archive using k-mer-based analyses, indicating that polyploidy is widespread in Microsporidia and that ploidy change is dynamic in the group. Using genome-wide heterozygosity estimates, we also show that polyploid microsporidian genomes are relatively homozygous, and we discuss the implications of these findings on the timing of polyploidization events and their origin.

IMPORTANCE
Microsporidia are single-celled intracellular parasites, distantly related to fungi, that can infect a broad range of hosts, from humans all the way to protozoans. Exploiting the wealth of microsporidian genomic data available, we use k-mer-based analyses to assess ploidy status across the group. Understanding a genome’s ploidy is crucial in order to assemble it effectively and may also be relevant for better understanding a parasite’s behavior and life cycle. We show that tetraploidy is present in at least six species in Microsporidia and that these polyploidization events are likely to have occurred independently. We discuss why these findings may be paradoxical, given that Microsporidia, like other intracellular parasites, have extremely small, reduced genomes.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Indian government’s policies to strengthen health warning labels on smokeless tobacco products: findings from the 2010–2019 Tobacco Control Project India Surveys
Authors: Holdroyd Ian , Puntambekar Namrata , Driezen Pete , Gravely Shannon , Quah Anne C K , Xu Steve Shaowei , Gupta Prakash C , Fong Geoffrey T , Pednekar Mangesh S 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundSmokeless tobacco (SLT) packaging in India had a single symbolic (a scorpion) health warning label (HWL) in 2009 covering 40% of the front surface. In 2011, it was replaced with four pictorial images. In 2016, HWLs were enlarged to 85% on the front and back. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the old (symbolic and smaller images) and larger HWLs.MethodsData were from the Tobacco Control Project India Survey and included respondents who used SLT in Wave 1 (2010–2011, n=5911), Wave 2 (2012–2013, n=5613) and Wave 3 (2018–2019, n=5636). Using a repeated-measures design, weighted logistic regression models assessed whether there were changes in seven HWL effectiveness measures within the domains of awareness, salience, cognitive and behavioural responses. A cohort design was employed to test whether HWL effectiveness in Waves 1 and 2 was associated with quitting SLT in Waves 2 and 3, respectively.ResultsThe 2011 HWL revision did not result in any significant changes in HWL effectiveness. There was no significant change in HWL awareness and salience after larger HWLs were introduced in 2016, but respondents were more likely to consider SLT health risks (Wave 2=17.9%, Wave 3=33.6%, p<0.001) and quitting SLT (Wave 2=18.9%, Wave 3=36.5, p<0.001). There was no change in HWLs stopping SLT use (Wave 2=36.6%, Wave 3=35.2%, p=0.829); however, respondents were more likely to avoid looking at HWLs (Wave 2=10.1%, Wave 3=40.2%, p<0.001). Effectiveness of older, symbolic and smaller pictorial HWLs was not associated with quitting SLT.DiscussionThere was no significant change in HWL effectiveness following the revision from a symbolic to a pictorial image, but enlarging pictorial images resulted in some improved cognitive and behavioural effects. Results suggested wear-out of HWL salience and that the effectiveness of warnings depends on both their design and time since implementation.
An analysis of nonconforming virtual element methods on polytopal meshes with small faces
Authors: Park Hyeokjoo , Kwak Do Y. 
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we analyze nonconforming virtual element methods on polytopal meshes with small faces for the second-order elliptic problem. We propose new stability forms for 2D and 3D nonconforming virtual element methods. For the 2D case, the stability form is defined by the sum of an inner product of approximate tangential derivatives and a weighed [Formula: see text]-inner product of certain projections on the mesh element boundaries. For the 3D case, the stability form is defined by a weighted [Formula: see text]-inner product on the mesh element boundaries. We prove the optimal convergence of the nonconforming virtual element methods equipped with such stability forms. Finally, several numerical experiments are presented to verify our analysis and compare the performance of the proposed stability forms with the standard stability form [B. Ayuso de Dios, K. Lipnikov and G. Manzini, The nonconforming virtual element method, ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal. 50 (2016) 879–904].
High performance electrode based on platinum nanoparticle-silicon nanowire nanohybrid and aptamer for detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Song Zhiqian , Jiang Lei , Gao Chao , Qiao Qiwei , Geng Chenggang , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: January 2024

A high-performance electrode based on platinum nanoparticle-silicon nanowire (PtNP@SiNW) nanohybrid and Escherichia coli (E. coli) aptamer was developed and used for detection of E. coli. The E. coli in the test solution could be adsorbed specifically onto the electrode surface by the aptamers modified on the PtNP@SiNW nanohybrids and influence the electron transfer between the electrode and the electrolyte, based on which the electrochemical assay of E. coli was achieved. The sensing system showed a good linearity in the testing concentration range (1.3 × 102−3.6 × 105 CFU/mL) with a high sensitivity (1.17 [Formula: see text]A/lg C[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]). The nanostructured PtNP@SiNW hybrid was revealed to play an important role in performance enhancement. Furthermore, the biosensor also exhibited fast response, good selectivity and stability. This high-performance PtNP@SiNW nanohybrid-aptamer-based electrode has great potential for future practical applications in the field of foodborne pathogenic bacteria detection.
Is social semiotics a unitary research field? An introductory and comparative mapping of Argentinean, Brazilian, French, Italian and English-speaking semiotic approaches to social meaning-making
Authors: Barreneche Sebastián Moreno 
Published: January 2024

In the 1980s, researchers from different academic circles around the world started paying attention to the functioning of the social realm with a focus on signification and sense-making. Since then, they have shown particular interest in studying practices, interactions and spatiality, among other objects of study, as activities that convey social meaning and produce sense. This is how the field of social semiotics emerged within general semiotics. However, the emergence of this new research field occurred in a fragmented manner. Nowadays, English-speaking ‘social semiotics’ coexists with at least two French sociosémiotiques, with Argentinean sociosemiótica, with Italian sociosemiotica and with Brazilian sociossemiótica. This article examines these five accounts of social semiotics in a comparative manner with a focus on the theoretical and methodological references they use as their sources. Therefore, the article should function as an introductory roadmap for researchers within the social and human sciences interested in approaching contemporary social semiotics and sociosemiotic research.
Ptpn23 Controls Cardiac T-Tubule Patterning by Promoting the Assembly of Dystrophin-Glycoprotein Complex
Authors: Xu Chen , Zhang Ge , Wang Xinjian , Huang Xiaozhi , Zhang Jiayin , Han Shuxian , Wang Jinxi , Hall Duane D. , Xu Ruoqing , He Feng , Chang Xing , Wang Fudi , Xie Wenjun , Wu Zhichao , Song Long-Sheng , Han Peidong 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Cardiac transverse tubules (T-tubules) are anchored to sarcomeric Z-discs by costameres to establish a regular spaced pattern. One of the major components of costameres is the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). Nevertheless, how the assembly of the DGC coordinates with the formation and maintenance of T-tubules under physiological and pathological conditions remains unclear.

METHODS:

Given the known role of Ptpn23 (protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 23) in regulating membrane deformation, its expression in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy was determined. Taking advantage of Cre/Loxp, CRISPR/Cas9, and adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)–mediated in vivo gene editing, we generated cardiomyocyte-specific
Ptpn23
and
Actn2
(α-actinin-2, a major component of Z-discs) knockout mice. We also perturbed the DGC by using dystrophin global knockout mice (
Dmd
E4*
). MM 4-64 and Di-8-ANEPPS staining, Cav3 immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to determine T-tubule structure in isolated cells and intact hearts. In addition, the assembly of the DGC with
Ptpn23
and dystrophin loss of function was determined by glycerol-gradient fractionation and SDS-PAGE analysis.

RESULTS:

The expression level of Ptpn23 was reduced in failing hearts from dilated cardiomyopathy patients and mice. Genetic deletion of
Ptpn23
resulted in disorganized T-tubules with enlarged diameters and progressive dilated cardiomyopathy without affecting sarcomere organization. AAV9-mediated mosaic somatic mutagenesis further indicated a cell-autonomous role of
Ptpn23
in regulating T-tubule formation. Genetic and biochemical analyses showed that Ptpn23 was essential for the integrity of costameres, which anchor the T-tubule membrane to Z-discs, through interactions with α-actinin and dystrophin. Deletion of α-actinin altered the subcellular localization of Ptpn23 and DGCs. In addition, genetic inactivation of dystrophin caused similar T-tubule defects to
Ptpn23
loss-of-function without affecting Ptpn23 localization at Z-discs. Last, inducible
Ptpn23
knockout at 1 month of age showed Ptpn23 is also required for the maintenance of T-tubules in adult cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Ptpn23 is essential for cardiac T-tubule formation and maintenance along Z-discs. During postnatal heart development, Ptpn23 interacts with sarcomeric α-actinin and coordinates the assembly of the DGC at costameres to sculpt T-tubule spatial patterning and morphology.