bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new l‐serine binding orphan SerBP affects indole synthesis in Pantoea ananatis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Jiajia , Zheng Jing , Wu Liqing , Zhou Xinyi , Ban Yali , Sun Yuanhao , Zhang Haotian , Feng Yongjun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIndole is traditionally known as a metabolite of l‐tryptophan and now as an important signaling molecule in bacteria, however, the understanding of its upstream synthesis regulation is very limited. Pantoea ananatis YJ76, a predominant diazotrophic endophyte isolated from rice (Oryza sativa), can produce indole to regulate various physiological and biochemical behaviors. We constructed a mutant library of YJ76 using the mTn5 transposon insertion mutation method, from which an indole‐deficient mutant was screened out. Via high‐efficiency thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (hiTAIL‐PCR), the transposon was determined to be inserted in a gene (RefSeq: WP014605468.1) of unknown function that is highly conserved at the intraspecific level. Bioinformatics analysis implied that the protein (Protein ID: WP089517194.1) encoded by the mutant gene is most likely to be a new orphan substrate‐binding protein (SBP) for amino acid ABC transporters. Amino acid supplement cultivation experiments and surface plasmon resonance revealed that the protein could bind to l‐serine (KD = 6.149 × 10−5 M). Therefore, the SBP was named as SerBP. This is the first case that a SBP responds to l‐serine ABC transports. As a precursor of indole synthesis, the transmembrane transported l‐serine was directly correlated with indole signal production and the mutation of serBP gene weakened the resistance of YJ76 to antibiotics, alkali, heavy metals, and starvation. This study provided a new paradigm for exploring the upstream regulatory pathway for indole synthesis of bacteria.
Diurnal to interannual variability of low‐level cloud cover over western equatorial Africa in May–October
Authors: Moron Vincent , Camberlin P. , Aellig R. , Champagne O. , Fink A. H. , Knippertz P. , Philippon N. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study examines the diurnal to interannual variations of the stratiform cloud cover in May–October (1971–2019) from a 3‐hourly station database and from ERA5 reanalyses over western equatorial Africa (WEA). The main diurnal variations of the local‐scale fraction and genus of stratiform clouds are synthesized into three canonical diurnal types (i.e., “clear,” “clear afternoon,” “cloudy” days). The interannual variations of frequencies of the three diurnal types during the cloudiest months (JJAS) are mostly associated with two main mechanisms: a meridional shallow overturning cell associating more “cloudy” and less “clear” and “clear afternoon” days to anomalous southerlies below 900 hPa over and around WEA, anomalous ascent around 5°–7°N, anomalous northerlies between 875 and 700 hPa, and anomalous subsidence over the equatorial Atlantic. This circulation is strongly related to interannual variations of the equatorial Atlantic upwelling (i.e., more clouds when the upwelling is strong) associated with a meridional shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the Tropical Atlantic and adjacent continents. The second mechanism operates mostly in the zonal direction and involves again the coupled ocean–atmosphere system over the equatorial Atlantic, but also the remote El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). An anomalously cold equatorial Atlantic drives increased low‐level westerlies toward the Congo Basin. Warm ENSO events promote broad warm and easterly anomalies in the middle and upper troposphere, which increase the local static stability, and thus the local stratiform cloud cover over WEA. The present study suggests new mechanisms responsible for interannual variations of stratiform clouds in WEA, thus providing avenues of future research regarding the stability of the stratiform cloud deck under the ongoing differential warming of tropical ocean and land masses.
Effects of elevated nitrogen fertilizer on the multi‐level structure and thermal properties of rice starch granules and their relationship with chalkiness traits
Authors: Guo Changchun , Wuza Riqu , Tao Ziling , Yuan Xiaojuan , Luo Yinghan , Li Feijie , Yang Guotao , Chen Zongkui , Yang Zhiyuan , Sun Yongjian , Ma Jun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDChalkiness in rice reduces its market value and affects consumer acceptance. Research on the mechanism of chalkiness formation has focused primarily on the activity of key enzymes of carbon metabolism and starch accumulation. The relationship between the formation of chalkiness induced by N fertilizer and rice starch's multi‐level structure and thermal properties still needs to be fully elucidated.RESULTSIn this study, the rates of chalky grains and degree of chalkiness decreased with the increase in N fertilizer dosage. This was attributed to an increased proportion of short chains, ordered structure carbon chains, small starch granules, and branched starches, and a higher degree of crystallinity and ΔHg in protein, and a decreased proportion of amylose, large starch granules, and weighted average diameter of starch granule surface area and volume. Application of N fertilizer promoted an increased proportion of short‐branched chain amylopectin to develop a more ordered carbohydrate structure and crystalline lamella. These effects enhanced the normal development and compactness of starch granules in grains, and improved their arrangement morphology, thereby reducing the chalkiness in rice.CONCLUSIONThese changes in starch multi‐level structure and protein improve the physicochemical characteristics of starch and enhance the fullness, crystallinity and compactness of starch granules, while synergistically increasing the regularity and homogeneity of starch granules and thus optimizing the stacking pattern of starch granules, leading to a reduction in rice chalkiness under nitrogen fertilization and thus improving the appearance of rice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
What is the extension of bench terrace construction for forest plantations? The case of North Central Portugal
Authors: Martins Martinho A. S. , Parente Joana , Keizer Jan J. , Vieira Diana C. S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOver the last decades, the establishment of new fast‐growing forest plantations has been prospering. Although the European continent has the lowest share worldwide of forest plantations out of its total forest area, the Portuguese reality contrasts this. Since the last century, eucalypt plantations have increased widely in Portugal, and nowadays, it represents 36% of the total country's forests. Consequently, the soils of these plantations are commonly targeted with intensive soil mobilization by heavy machinery before planting, which in the case of sloped areas, frequently results in bench terracing. This study aims to quantify the widespread bench terracing implementation over the last 20 years in the Caramulo Mountains in north central Portugal. To do so, an analysis of satellite imagery was performed with Google Earth Pro, which allowed determining the coverage of forest areas where new terraces have been implemented, and their respective temporal dynamics. These results were then compared with additional spatiotemporal databases on land cover, topography, and bedrock, in order to understand the drivers of terrace implementation. Till date, 15% of the forest area in the mountains of Caramulo is under terraces, and over the last 20 years, the construction rate of new terraced land decreased in time, from 4% between 2000 and 2004 to 2% between 2015 and 2019. Among the two bedrock types existent in the area, terracing was found nearly exclusive over schist bedrock type (97%), while few areas were implemented over granites (3%). Their distribution was found limited above 30° of slope angle while 39% were found implemented below 15° of slope angle, conflicting with literature recommendations. Terracing was also found to be a driver of land cover change in 12% of the newly constructed terraces, whereas 8% were constructed over previous pine plantations and 4% on shrublands. This study allowed identifying several knowledge gaps associated with terracing implementation. Therefore, the authors of this work suggest a multidisciplinary approach when planning new terraces for a better assessment of the benefits and impacts of such land management practices.
Quantity or quality? Policy effects on innovations in the wind power industry in China
Authors: Jiang Zihao , Shi Jiarong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study evaluates the effects of policy on the quantity and quality of innovations based on microdata collected from Chinese enterprises from 2006 to 2020 and then identifies the moderating effect of technological opportunity. The results indicate that while policy significantly increases the quantity of innovation, it inhibits its quality, and when technological opportunities are added to this mix, it does not significantly moderate the impact of policy on innovation quantity but does weaken its negative effect on innovation quality.
Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Liver tumors
Authors: O'Neill Allison F. , Meyers Rebecka L. , Katzenstein Howard M. , Geller James I. , Tiao Greg M. , López‐Terrada Dolores , Malogolowkin Marcio ,   the Liver Tumor Committee
Published: July 2023

AbstractLiver tumors account for approximately 1%–2% of all pediatric malignancies, with the two most common tumors being hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous Children's Oncology Group studies have meaningfully contributed to the current understanding of disease pathophysiology and treatment, laying groundwork for the ongoing prospective international study of both HB and HCC. Future work is focused on elucidating the biologic underpinnings of disease to support an evolution in risk categorization, advancements in the multidimensional care required to treat these patients, and the discovery of novel therapies.
Effect of hybridization and stacking sequences on mechanical properties and thermal stability of aloe vera‐roselle‐glass fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Vijayan R. , Natarajan Elango , Palanikumar K. , Krishnamoorthy A. , Markandan Kalaimani , Ramesh S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEnvironment friendly polymer composites made of plant based natural fibers such as bamboo fiber, roselle fiber (RF), aloe vera fiber (AF) oil, or kenaf fiber are cardinal of the current world toward sustainability. They offer lower carbon footprint, higher biodegradability, higher specific strength, higher thermal, and acoustic characteristics. On the other hand, properties of synthetic glass fibers (GFs) such as high specific strength to weight ratio, great resistance during impact, and high durability extend their application perspective for various engineering materials. As such, in the present study, mechanical properties and thermal stability of hybrid laminate comprising of natural fiber (i.e., AF and RF) and synthetic fiber (i.e., GF) fabricated using hand layup process were investigated. Experimental findings reveal that sequencing of the fibers significantly affects properties of the composite. Introducing a layer of AF between RF increased the tensile strength by 30.2% respectively while hybrid laminates composed of three successive layers of RF exhibited 12.6% higher impact strength compared to hybrid laminate composed of AF. Besides, the thermal stability of hybrid laminates was higher (i.e., minimal weight loss of <6.1% when heated up to 800°) compared to neat polymer or laminates with single reinforcement. The enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and tribological properties of the “greener” hybrid laminates can be employed in various structural or lightweight industrial applications.Highlights
Hybridization using natural fibers and synthetic fibers are attempted and investigated.
Fiber sequencing significantly affects mechanical properties of the composite.
Higher thermal stability of hybrid laminates, that is, minimal weight loss of <6.1% when heated up to 800°.
Laminated composed of AF in between RF exhibited lowest frictional coefficient.
“Green” hybrid polymer laminate suitable for various structural and lightweight industrial applications is identified.
Temperature‐dependent inter‐laminar fracture behavior of waste short carbon fiber embedded glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Dasari Srinivasu , Patnaik Satyaroop , Prusty Rajesh Kumar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDelamination is one of the life‐limiting failure modes for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite composites resulting in poor damage tolerance, as this failure mode occurs at considerably lower loads. Owing to the enormous demand and mass production of FRP composites, a large amount of fiber waste is produced worldwide. This triggers concern about utilizing these fiber wastes for some valuable applications. The present study aims to improve the overall damage tolerance of laminated glass/epoxy composites via the introduction of waste short carbon fibers (SCFs) reinforcement in the epoxy matrix. The effect of various SCF contents (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) in glass fiber/epoxy composites were evaluated experimentally for their interlaminar fracture toughness in terms of both crack development and propagation under mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness tests, at elevated temperatures (30, 50, and 70°C). Based on the experimental results, glass/epoxy composite with 0.1 wt% of SCF revealed 13.49% and 20.45% increment in mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness, respectively, at ambient temperature. A positive reinforcement effect could be noticed for GIC and GIIC values up to 50°C. However, due to residual interfacial stresses, interfacial debonding, and epoxy softening, a negative reinforcement effect could be noticed at 70°C. Delamination initiation and crack propagation mechanisms have been explored at elevated temperatures. Fractographic studies have been carried out using a scanning electron microscope to identify the failure mechanisms.
The role of leucine and isoleucine in tuning the hydropathy of class A GPCRs
Authors: Baumann Christian , Zerbe Oliver 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLeucine and Isoleucine are two amino acids that differ only by the positioning of one methyl group. This small difference can have important consequences in α‐helices, as the β‐branching of Ile results in helix destabilization. We set out to investigate whether there are general trends for the occurrences of Leu and Ile residues in the structures and sequences of class A GPCRs (G protein‐coupled receptors). GPCRs are integral membrane proteins in which α‐helices span the plasma membrane seven times and which play a crucial role in signal transmission. We found that Leu side chains are generally more exposed at the protein surface than Ile side chains. We explored whether this difference might be attributed to different functions of the two amino acids and tested if Leu tunes the hydrophobicity of the transmembrane domain based on the Wimley‐White whole‐residue hydrophobicity scales. Leu content decreases the variation in hydropathy between receptors and correlates with the non‐Leu receptor hydropathy. Both measures indicate that hydropathy is tuned by Leu. To test this idea further, we generated protein sequences with random amino acid compositions using a simple numerical model, in which hydropathy was tuned by adjusting the number of Leu residues. The model was able to replicate the observations made with class A GPCR sequences. We speculate that the hydropathy of transmembrane domains of class A GPCRs is tuned by Leu (and to some lesser degree by Lys and Val) to facilitate correct insertion into membranes and/or to stably anchor the receptors within membranes.
Evaluating the CoMorph‐A parametrization using idealized simulations of the two‐way coupling between convection and large‐scale dynamics
Authors: Daleu Chimene L. , Plant Robert S. , Stirling Alison J. , Whitall Mike 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe present a new methodology to test the interactions of convection schemes with their larger scale environment. A single‐column model (SCM) using the new Met Office convection scheme, CoMorph‐A, and the new Met Office–Natural Environment Research Council cloud‐resolving model (CRM) are coupled to damped‐gravity‐wave‐derived large‐scale dynamics. The coupled models are used to investigate convective responses to stimulus forcings under the influence of interactive large‐scale dynamics. Within CoMorph‐A, the default entrainment varies with the prediction of convection size that is dependent on earlier rainfall, and the sensitivity of the SCM results to the entrainment formulation is explored. We demonstrate that the behaviour of the SCM using CoMorph‐A is now very similar to that of the CRM. For temperature or moisture stimulus applied separately, the SCM adjusts to a new equilibrium that is similar to that in the CRM, but its transient convective responses to stimuli acting to suppress convection are markedly too fast. For a combination of stimuli acting to enhance convection, the SCM responses are stronger than in the CRM. Finally, convective rainfall in the SCM is relatively insensitive to a combination of stimuli acting to enhance and suppress convection simultaneously, in agreement with the CRM. However, the SCM recovery from a non‐precipitating state is overly delayed for the default entrainment formulation but is too rapid when the entrainment rate is fixed at a low rate to represent only the deep convective state. We examined the responses to moisture stimuli of different strengths. Both models produce a monotonic increase of precipitation with column relative humidity (CRH) as well as the sharp increase of precipitation as CRH exceeds a threshold, as seen in observations. Though both models correctly capture the observed CRH threshold, differences from the observed precipitation–CRH relationship are noted. For instance, above the threshold the increase of precipitation with CRH is more abrupt in the SCM than in the CRM and observations. A similar behaviour is obtained in the SCM using low entrainment rate.
The natural domain and its social representation in the community resilience concept
Authors: Stotten Rike 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMountain communities in Alpine areas are prone to natural hazard events and sensitive to climate change. In these areas, where communities are complex human‐environmental entanglements, strong community resilience is essential. Community resilience is shaped by a set of interacting domains that provide insights into a community's resilience level and highlights the proactive human agency the domains contain. The relevance of human agency for the natural, economic, social, cultural, and political domains has not yet been revealed. This study explores the interdependencies of the community resilience domains, particularly the natural domain, through the lens of social representation theory. Qualitative data from two remote mountain villages in the Upper Ötztal Valley in Tyrol, Austria, were analyzed. The research reveals that the natural domain is shaped through its social representation. Understanding this social representation contributes to a broader understanding of community resilience and can empower communities to harness the capacities that enhance it.
Synthesis of Microparticles with Diverse Thermally Responsive Shapes Originated from the Same Janus Liquid Crystalline Microdroplets
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Fu Jiemin , Yang Shu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLiquid crystalline elastomer (LCE)‐based microparticles that can change shapes in response to external stimuli are of great interest for potential applications such as artificial cells, micro‐actuators, micro‐valves, and smart drug carriers. Here, the synthesis of LCE microparticles with diverse temperature‐dependent anisotropic shapes originated from the same Janus microdroplets is reported. The Janus microdroplets, suspended in an aqueous solution of surfactants, are transformed from microdroplets consisting of a mixture of liquid crystal (LC) monomers, oligomers, silicone oil, and an organic solvent, after the removal of the organic solvent. The molecular alignment of the LC part at the interface, whether planar, homeotropic, or hybrid, is dependent on the choice of the surfactants but not affected by the silicone oil. After polymerization and solvent extraction of the unreacted components, LCE microparticles of various shapes are obtained depending on the concentration and composition of the surfactants, the weight ratio of the LC part to the silicone oil part, and the choice of the extraction solvent. The microparticles that undergo different synthetic pathways show distinct thermally responsive shapes, much like how stem cells differentiate in different environmental conditions.
Translocation of Proteins through Solid‐State Nanopores Using DNA Polyhedral Carriers
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Juan , Liu Xuan , Chen Yiming , Liang Yuan , Wang Qi , Jiang Shuoxing , Zhang Cheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe detection of biomolecules at the single molecule level has important applications in the fields of biosensing and biomedical diagnosis. The solid‐state nanopore (SS nanopore) is a sensitive tool for detecting single molecules because of its unique label‐free and low sample consumption properties. SS nanopore translocation of small biomolecules is typically driven by an electronic field force and is thus influenced by the charge, shape, and size of the target molecules. Therefore, it remains challenging to control the translocation of biomolecules through SS nanopores, particularly for different proteins with complex conformations and unique charges. Toward this problem, a DNA polyhedral carrier coating strategy to assist protein translocation through SS nanopores is developed, which facilitates target protein detection. The current signal‐to‐noise ratios are improved significantly using this DNA carrier loading strategy. The proposed method should aid the detection of proteins, which are difficult to translocate through nanopores. This coating‐assisted method offers a wide range of applications for SS nanopore detection and promotes the development of single‐molecule detection.
Controllable Black‐to‐Yellow Phase Transition by Tuning the Lattice Symmetry in Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Li Yuhao , Qin Minchao , Wang Yunfan , Li Shiang , Qin Zhaotong , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Su Chun‐Jen , Ke Yubin , Lu Xinhui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe black‐to‐yellow phase transition in perovskite quantum dots (QDs) is more complex than in bulk perovskites, regarding the role of surface energy. Here, with the assistance of in situ grazing‐incidence wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS/GISAXS), distinct phase behaviors of cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) QD films under two different temperature profiles–instant heating‐up (IHU) and slow heating‐up (SHU) is investigated. The IHU process can cause the phase transition from black phase to yellow phase, while under the SHU process, the majority remains in black phase. Detailed studies and structural refinement analysis reveal that the phase transition is triggered by the removal of surface ligands, which switches the energy landscape. The lattice symmetry determines the transition rate and the coexistence black‐to‐yellow phase ratio. The SHU process allows longer relaxation time for a more ordered QD packing, which helps sustain the lattice symmetry and stabilizes the black phase. Therefore, one can use the lattice symmetry as a general index to monitor the CsPbI3 QD phase transition and finetune the coexistence black‐to‐yellow phase ratio for niche applications.