bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New structural insights into the PI‐2 pilus from Streptococcus oralis, an early dental plaque colonizer
Authors: Yadav Rajnesh Kumari , Krishnan Vengadesan 
Published: May 2022

Streptococcus oralis is a member of the mitis group of oral streptococci and an early colonizer in dental plaque biofilm, a major cause of periodontal disease, dental caries, and other oral infections. S. oralis promotes biofilm growth by coaggregating in a mutualistic partnership with other early colonizers such as Actinomyces oris. For this cell‐to‐cell interaction, A. oris is known to use its sortase‐dependent pilus (type 2), but whether S. oralis uses its PI‐2 (pilus islet 2) pilus is still to be determined. The PI‐2 pilus is predicted to have a heterodimeric structure consisting of two different protein subunits with their own location and function: the tip PitA pilin for adhesion and the backbone PitB pilin for length. Thus far, structural information remains incomplete about the role of PI‐2 pili in the mutualistic mechanism between S. oralis and A. oris. We now report on the crystal structure analysis of PitA and PitB using X‐ray crystallography, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and molecular docking studies. Accordingly, we propose a structural model for the PI‐2 pilus, wherein repeating PitB subunits are arranged head‐to‐tail to form the long backbone structure with PitA on the outer tip. By performing both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we examined the role played by PitA in mediating the mutualistic interaction between S. oralis and A. oris, which appears to involve the coaggregation factor CafA. We also reveal that the galactose monosaccharide is a conceivable ligand for PitA and thereby might be used to inhibit coaggregation and control oral biofilm development.DatabaseStructural coordinates for the PitA fragment, PitA fragment TbXO4 derivative, full‐length PitA, and PitB from S. oralis have been deposited at the Protein Data Bank as 7VCR, 7W7I, 7VCN, 7W6B, and 7W7I, respectively. Streptococcus pneumoniae PitB coordinates have been deposited as 7F7Y.
Atomistic insight into ideal strength, fracture toughness, deformation, and failure mechanisms of magnetocaloric Fe2AlB2
Authors: Shah Shafqat Hussain 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe thermal and magnetic cycling of a magnetocaloric material degrades its mechanical properties and device performance. We used ab initio tensile and shear simulations to investigate the mechanical properties such as ideal strength, fracture toughness and deformation and failure mechanisms of Fe2AlB2 at finite strain. The weakest direction of Fe2AlB2 is [010], and the weakest slip system is (010)[100]. The ideal tensile strength (σm = 12.51 GPa) of Fe2AlB2 is less than its ideal shear strength (τm = 13.32 GPa). The strain energy difference (ΔE = −13 eV/f.u.) of Fe2AlB2 confirms cleavage fracture as its most plausible failure mode. The concomitant changes in the c‐lattice parameter and Al–Al bond along the c‐axis determine the ideal tensile strength of Fe2AlB2. Likewise, the subtle changes in the a‐lattice parameter and Al–Al bond along the a‐axis specify its ideal shear strength. The tensile strain induces a magnetic to nonmagnetic transition in Fe2AlB2 at the critical tensile strain (εc = 0.08). A similar transition occurs at the critical fracture strain (εcf = 0.48) due to shear deformation. The brittle nature of Fe2AlB2 is predicted by its anisotropic Poisson's ratios, strength ratio, and failure mode. The fracture toughness of Fe2AlB2 for mode I fracture is (KIc = 2.17 MPa m1/2), mode II fracture is (KIIc = 1.33 MPa m1/2), and mode III fracture is (KIIIc = 1.16 MPa m1/2). The failure mechanism of Fe2AlB2 due to the tensile deformation is marked by the sharp and appreciable changes in the lattice parameters, bonding characteristics, and magnetic moment of Fe at the critical fracture strain (εcf = 0.44). This study provides a fundamental understanding of the mechanical behavior of Fe2AlB2 at the finite strain relevant to the cycling stability of the magnetocaloric Fe2AlB2.
Targeted regulation of FoxO1 in chondrocytes prevents age‐related osteoarthritis via autophagy mechanism
Authors: Yue Jiaji , Aobulikasimu Aikebaier , Sun Weichao , Liu Shuyu , Xie Wei , Sun Wei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAutophagy is designated as a biological recycling process to maintain cellular homeostasis by the sequestration of damaged proteins and organelles in plasma and cargo delivery to lysosomes for degradation and reclamation. This organelle recycling process promotes chondrocyte homeostasis and has been previously implicated in osteoarthritis (OA). Autophagy is widely involved in regulating chondrocyte degeneration markers such as MMPs, ADAMSTs and Col10 in chondrocytes. The critical autophagy‐related (ATG) proteins have now been considered the protective factor against late‐onset OA. The current research field proposes that the autophagic pathway is closely related to chondrocyte activity. However, the mechanism is complex yet needs precise elaboration. This review concluded that FoxO1, a forkhead O family protein, which is a decisive mediator of autophagy, facilitates the pathological process of osteoarthritis. Diverse mechanisms regulate the activity of FoxO1 and promote the initiation of autophagy, including the prominent AMPK and Sirt‐2 cellular pathways. FoxO1 transactive is regulated by phosphorylation and acetylation processes, which modulates the downstream ATGs expression. Furthermore, FoxO1 induces autophagy by directly interacting with ATGs proteins, which control the formation of autophagosomes and lysosomes fusion. This review will discuss cutting‐edge evidence that the FoxO–autophagy pathway plays an essential regulator in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Hoplostethus roseus, a new roughy fish from the western Pacific based on morphology and DNA barcoding (family Trachichthyidae)
Authors: Su Yo , Lin Hsiu‐Chin , Ho Hsuan‐Ching 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA new species of the roughy fish genus Hoplostethus is described from 11 types and a non‐type specimen collected from Taiwanese waters. It can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters: pectoral‐fin rays 14–17 (modally 15–16); pyloric caeca 65–84; total gill rakers 19–20; predorsal scales 18–22; oral cavity, branchial chamber, top and underside of tongue, and peritoneum uniformly black; distal margin of membrane between dorsal‐fin spines black; caudal fin without a black margin; caudal‐fin base brownish. Comparisons of the new species with similar species are provided. DNA barcoding supports the monophyly of the new species, which appears to be closely related to Hoplostethus japonicus [average cytochrome c oxidase subunit I Kimura‐2‐parameter (COI K2P) distance of 4.1%].
Emotionally focused therapists' experiences serving interabled couples in couple therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Tapia‐Fuselier Jose L. , Ray Dee C. , Allan Robert , Reyes Ana Guadalupe 
Published: May 2022

AbstractInterabled couples navigate various systems of care as they respond to the needs of the disabled partner. Interabled couples are defined as one disabled partner and one nondisabled partner. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has shown benefits in reducing relationship distress and increasing the experience of security within couples. The study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to address how EFT therapists make sense of their lived experience working with interabled couples in couple therapy. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of therapists' serving interabled couples. The study explored the experiences of 10 EFT therapists who served at least one interabled couple in couple therapy. Findings resulted in four superordinate themes, (a) ableism; (b) self‐of‐the‐therapist; (c) reported relationship dynamics of interabled couples; and (d) the “fit” of EFT approach with interabled couples. The themes demonstrate a need to further identify disability‐responsive practices within EFT in serving interabled couples.
Defective fractalkine‐CX3CR1 signaling aggravates neuroinflammation and affects recovery from cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Mendiola Andrew S. , Church Kaira A. , Cardona Sandra M. , Vanegas Difernando , Garcia Shannon A. , Macklin Wendy , Lira Sergio A. , Ransohoff Richard M. , Kokovay Erzsebet , Lin Chin‐Hsing Annie , Cardona Astrid E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMicroglia have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. The fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 limits the activation of pathogenic microglia and the human polymorphic CX3CR1I249/M280 (hCX3CR1I249/M280) variant increases disease progression in models of MS. However, the role of hCX3CR1I249/M280 variant on microglial activation and central nervous system repair mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, using transgenic mice expressing the hCX3CR1I249/M280 variant, we aimed to determine the contribution of defective CX3CR1 signaling to neuroinflammation and remyelination in the cuprizone model of focal demyelination. Here, we report that mice expressing hCX3CR1I249/M280 exhibit marked demyelination and microgliosis following acute cuprizone treatment. Nanostring gene expression analysis in demyelinated lesions showed that hCX3CR1I249/M280 but not CX3CR1‐deficient mice up‐regulated the cuprizone‐induced gene profile linked to inflammatory, oxidative stress, and phagocytic pathways. Although CX3CR1‐deficient (CX3CR1‐KO) and fractalkine‐deficient (FKN‐KO) mice displayed a comparable demyelination and microglial activation phenotype to hCX3CR1I249/M280 mice, only CX3CR1‐deficient and CX3CR1‐WT mice showed significant myelin recovery 1 week from cuprizone withdrawal. Confocal microscopy showed that hCX3CR1I249/M280 variant inhibits the generation of cells involved in myelin repair. Our results show that defective fractalkine signaling contributes to regional differences in demyelination, and suggest that the CX3CR1 pathway activity may be a key mechanism for limiting toxic gene responses in neuroinflammation.imageCover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15416
From Dürer's Magic Square to Klumpenhouwer Tesseracts: On Melencolia (2013) by Philippe Manoury
Authors: Besada José L. , Guichaoua Corentin , Andreatta Moreno 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTMany Western art music composers have taken advantage of tabulated data for nourishing their creative practices, particularly since the early twentieth century. The arrival of atonality and serial techniques was crucial to this shift. Among the authors dealing with these kinds of tables, some have considered the singular mathematical properties of magic squares. This paper focuses on a particular case study in this sense: Philippe Manoury's Third String Quartet, entitled Melencolia. We mainly analyse mainly several strategies conceived by the French composer – through his own sketches – in order to manipulate pitches and pitch‐classes over time. For that purpose, we take advantage of Klumpenhouwer networks as a way to settle wide and dense isographic relationships. Our hyper‐K‐nets sometimes reach a total of 32 arrows that allow geometrical arrangements as tesseracts in which their different dimensions cluster related families of isographies. In doing so, we aim to provide an instructive example of how to contextualise K‐nets and isographies as powerful tools for the analysis of compositional practices.
Standing for Europe: Citizens' perceptions of European symbols as evidence of a “banal Europeanism”?
Authors: Foret François , Trino Noemi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article analyses the perception of the symbols of the European Union (EU) by citizens. Relying on a survey of a representative sample of the population in eight countries (France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom) carried out in December 2020, it investigates to which extent these symbols are considered as good representations of the EU and differences related to political, cultural, social and economic belongings. Empirically, our findings show a large acknowledgement of these symbols in congruence with general attitudes towards the EU. Theoretically, it offers some evidence of the existence of a “banal Europeanism” taking ‐ to a certain extent ‐ European symbolism as granted in contrast with its politicisation in elite discursive struggles.
Do ancient wheats contain less gluten than modern bread wheat, in favour of better health?
Authors: Brouns Fred , Geisslitz Sabrina , Guzman Carlos , Ikeda Tatsuya M. , Arzani Ahmad , Latella Giovanni , Simsek Senay , Colomba Mariastella , Gregorini Armando , Zevallos Victor , Lullien‐Pellerin Valerie , Jonkers Daisy , Shewry Peter R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPopular media messaging has led to increased public perception that gluten‐containing foods are bad for health. In parallel, ‘ancient grains’ have been promoted with claims that they contain less gluten. There appears to be no clear definition of ‘ancient grains’ but the term usually includes einkorn, emmer, spelt and Khorasan wheat. Gluten is present in all wheat grains and all can induce coeliac disease (CD) in genetically susceptible individuals. Analyses of ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’ wheats show that the protein content of modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) has decreased over time while the starch content increased. In addition, it was shown that, compared to bread wheat, ancient wheats contain more protein and gluten and greater contents of many CD‐active epitopes. Consequently, no single wheat type can be recommended as better for reducing the risks of or mitigating the severity of CD. An estimated 10% of the population of Western countries suffers from gastrointestinal symptoms that lack a clear organic cause and is often referred to as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many of these patients consider themselves gluten sensitive, but in most cases this is not confirmed when tested in a medical setting. Instead, it may be caused by gas formation due to fermentation of fructans present in wheat or, in some patients, effects of non‐gluten proteins. A significant overlap of symptoms with those of CD, IBS and inflammatory bowel disease makes a medical diagnosis a priority. This critical narrative review examines the suggestion that ‘ancient’ wheat types are preferred for health and better tolerance.
Climate and land‐use drive the functional composition of vascular plant assemblages across Norway
Authors: Petersen Tanja K. , Vuorinen Katariina E. M. , Bendiksby Mika , Speed James D. M. 
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, biogeography has described the distribution of species. But as plant functional traits and functional diversity underpin ecosystem dynamics, understanding drivers of functional diversity at biogeographical scales is essential to understand spatial variation in ecosystem characteristics, particularly in light of ongoing environmental changes. Here we investigate geographic patterns of functional diversity and ‐traits of the Norwegian flora. We explore whether climate, land‐use or glacial history are important drivers of functional diversity. We combine species occurrence records and assemblage‐means of functional traits to assess the spatial distribution of functional traits and ‐diversity of native vascular plants in Norway in a 20 × 20 km grid. We use multiple‐model inference to identify which environmental factors contribute the most in explaining the spatial patterns of trait distributions and functional diversity. Additionally, we use the constructed models to predict potential changes in distributions of traits and functional diversity given different climate change scenarios.Both individual traits and functional diversity display clear geographic patterns, predictable by climate, landscape and glacial history. Traits related to plant size and growth peak in warmer areas and are predicted to increase in the future, as is functional richness and dispersion. In contrast, functional evenness peaks in northern regions and is predicted to decrease in the future.The different environmental drivers vary in degree of importance, effect sizes and ‐directions on the assemblage‐averaged functional traits and ‐diversity. This underlines the importance of multiple drivers in determining plant assemblage functionality. In the face of climate‐ and land‐use change, Norway is expected to become warmer, wetter and experience a substantial increase in anthropogenic land‐uses, such as increased urbanisation. In turn, the functional composition of the Norwegian flora is predicted to shift towards tall, woody, fast‐growing species.
Cine gastric MRI reveals altered Gut–Brain Axis in Functional Dyspepsia: gastric motility is linked with brainstem‐cortical fMRI connectivity
Authors: Sclocco Roberta , Fisher Harrison , Staley Rowan , Han Kyungsun , Mendez April , Bolender Andrew , Coll‐Font Jaume , Kettner Norman W. , Nguyen Christopher , Kuo Braden , Napadow Vitaly 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction, and its putative pathophysiology involves dysregulation of gastric motility and central processing of gastric afference. The vagus nerve modulates gastric peristalsis and carries afferent sensory information to brainstem nuclei, specifically the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Here, we combine MRI assessment of gastric kinematics with measures of NTS functional connectivity to the brain in patients with FD and healthy controls (HC), in order to elucidate how gut–brain axis communication is associated with FD pathophysiology.MethodsFunctional dyspepsia and HC subjects experienced serial gastric MRI and brain fMRI following ingestion of a food‐based contrast meal. Gastric function indices estimated from 4D cine MRI data were compared between FD and HC groups using repeated measure ANOVA models, controlling for ingested volume. Brain connectivity of the NTS was contrasted between groups and associated with gastric function indices.Key ResultsPropagation velocity of antral peristalsis was significantly lower in FD compared to HC. The brain network defined by NTS connectivity loaded most strongly onto the Default Mode Network, and more strongly onto the Frontoparietal Network in FD. FD also demonstrated higher NTS connectivity to insula, anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortices, and pre‐supplementary motor area. NTS connectivity was linked to propagation velocity in HC, but not FD, whereas peristalsis frequency was linked with NTS connectivity in patients with FD.Conclusions & InferencesOur multi‐modal MRI approach revealed lower peristaltic propagation velocity linked to altered brainstem‐cortical functional connectivity in patients suffering from FD suggesting specific plasticity in gut–brain communication.
Administrative intensity in local government: Do administrative scale economies exist in New South Wales local government?
Authors: Yarram Subba Reddy , Tran Carolyn‐Thi Thanh Dung , Dollery Brian Edward 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA vast empirical literature has investigated economies of scale in local service provision, especially in water and waste management. By contrast, the question of scale economies in local government administration has attracted much less attention, especially in Australian local government. To address this gap in the Australian empirical literature, we investigated administrative scale economies in the New South Wales (NSW) local government system for rural, regional, and urban local authorities over the period 2014/15 to 2017/18. We find that total municipal population and municipal staff exhibit a U‐shaped relationship with the total administration costs of urban councils in NSW. However, we find no economies of scale for administrative intensity in rural and regional councils in NSW.Related ArticlesErtas, Nevbahar. 2015. “Policy Narratives and Public Opinion Concerning Charter Schools.” Politics & Policy 43(3): 426–51. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12120/full.Wallis, Joe, Tor Brodtkorb, Brian Dollery, and Muiris MacCarthaigh. 2017. “Local Government Reform: Expressed Leadership Identities of Commissioners in Inquiries Proposing Municipal Mergers in Northern Ireland and New South Wales.” Politics & Policy 45(2): 285–308. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12199.Miragliotta, Narelle, Sarah Murray, and Martin Drum. 2021. “Values, Partisan Interest, and the Voting Age: Lessons from Australia.” Politics & Policy 49(5): 1192–215. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12413.
Auxin response factors in plant adaptation to drought and salinity stress
Authors: Verma Swati , Negi Neelam Prabha , Pareek Shalini , Mudgal Gaurav , Kumar Deepak 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSalinity and drought stresses affect plant growth worldwide and limit crop production. Auxin is crucial in regulating plants' salinity and drought stress adaptative response. As a chemical messenger, auxin influences gene expression through a family of functionally distinct transcription factors, the DNA‐binding AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs). Various studies have revealed the important roles of ARFs in regulating drought and salinity stress responses in plants. Different ARFs regulate soluble sugar content, promote root development, and maintain chlorophyll content under drought and saline stress conditions to help plants adapt to these stresses. The functional characterization of ARFs pertaining to the regulation of drought and salinity stress responses is still in its infancy. Interestingly, the small RNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation of ARF expression has been shown to influence plant responses to both stresses. The current knowledge on the diverse roles of ARFs in conferring specificity to auxin‐mediated drought and salinity stress responses has not been reviewed to date. In this review, we summarize the recent research concerning the role of ARFs in response to drought and salinity stresses: gene expression patterns, functional characterization, and post‐transcriptional regulation under drought and salinity stresses. We have also reviewed the modulation of ARF expression by other molecular regulators in the context of drought and salt stress signaling.