bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal anatomy of a fossilized embryonic stage of the Cambrian-Ordovician scalidophoranMarkuelia
Authors: Dong Xi-ping , Duan Baichuan , Liu Jianbo , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: October 2022

The Wangcun fossil Lagerstätte in Hunan, South China, has yielded hundreds of fossilized embryos ofMarkuelia hunanensisrepresenting different developmental stages. Internal tissues have only rarely been observed, impeding further understanding of the soft tissue anatomy, phylogenetic affinity and evolutionary significance ofMarkuelia. In this study, we used synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) to study a new collection of fossil embryos from the Wangcun fossil Lagerstätte. We describe specimens exhibiting a spectrum of preservation states, the best of which preserves palisade structures underneath the cuticle of the head and tail, distinct from patterns of centripetal mineralization of the cuticle and centrifugal mineralization of hypha-like structures, seen elsewhere in this specimen and other fossils within the same assemblage. Our computed tomographic reconstruction of these mineralization phases preserves the gross morphology of (i) longitudinal structures associated with the tail spines, which we interpret as the proximal ends of longitudinal muscles, and (ii) a ring-shaped structure internal to the introvert, which we interpret as a ring-shaped brain, as anticipated of the cycloneuralian affinity ofMarkuelia. This is the first record of a fossilized nervous system in a scalidophoran, and the first instance in Orsten-style preservation, opening the potential for further such records within this widespread mode of high-fidelity three-dimensional preservation.
Theoretical estimates of the parameters of longitudinal undular bores in polymethylmethacrylate bars based on their measured initial speeds
Authors: Hooper Curtis G. , Khusnutdinova Karima R. , Huntley Jonathan M. , Ruiz Pablo D. 
Published: October 2022

We study the evolution of the longitudinal release wave that is generated by induced tensile fracture as it propagates through solid rectangular polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bars of different constant cross-section. High-speed multi-point photoelasticity is used to register the strain wave at three distances from the fracture site in each experiment. In all cases, oscillations develop at the bottom of the release wave that exhibit the qualitative features of an undular bore. The pre-strain, post-strain, strain rate of the release wave and the cross-section dimensions determine the evolution of the oscillations. From the wave speed and strain rate close to the fracture site, we estimate the strain rate of the release wave as well as the growth of the amplitude and duration of the leading oscillation away from the fracture site by using formulae derived from the simple analytical solution of the linearized Gardner equation (linearized near the pre-strain level at fracture). Our estimates are then compared to experimental data, where good agreements of these three parameters are found between the predictions of the model and the experimental observations. Thus, we developed an approach to estimating the key characteristics of the developing unsteady undular bore based on the measured initial speeds of the longitudinal and shear waves. This does not require a prior knowledge of the elastic moduli for the conditions of the experiments, which in PMMA are known to be strain rate dependent.
Validating hybrid fire testing with full-physical twin experiments
Authors: Neuenschwander Martin , Schulthess Patrick , Mosalam Khalid M. , Knobloch Markus 
Published: October 2022

Real fire incidents show that structural systems have specific fire-induced redundancies that make them perform better than classical structural fire analysis predicts. Properly validated hybrid fire testing has the potential to tap into such redundancies for designs. In this study, we conceived and implemented a comprehensive and novel physics-based validation strategy for hybrid fire testing. We developed a laboratory-scale thermo-mechanical proof-of-concept problem that is representative for structural systems exposed to compartment fires. We solved the proof-of-concept problem using our novel thermo-mechanical hybrid solution procedure (Schulthesset al.2020Comput. Struct.238, 106301 (doi:10.1016/j.compstruc.2020.106301)) and compared the resulting hybrid model response against the results from a full-physical laboratory set-up of the same proof-of-concept problem, which we call a full-physical twin experiment. Full-physical twin experiments constitute the top layer of a suite of benchmark tests any specific hybrid fire testing procedure must pass to qualify not only as theoretically accurate and correctly functioning but also (and more importantly) as physically sound and able to yield realistic simulation results. This paper delivers such a first-of-its-kind physics-based validation, and in doing so, the first comprehensively validated method for hybrid fire testing—a method that now allows fire test facilities to conduct meaningful full-scale hybrid fire tests of entire structural systems.
Ion Gradient-driven Bifurcations of a Multi-Scale Neuronal Model
Authors: Chesebro Anthony G. , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Weistuch Corey 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMetabolic limitations within the brain frequently arise in the context of aging and disease. As the largest consumers of energy within the brain, ion pumps that maintain the neuronal membrane potential are the most affected when energy supply becomes limited. To characterize the effects of such limitations, we analyze the ion gradients present in the Larter-Breakspear neural mass model. We show the existence and locations of Neimark-Sacker and period-doubling bifurcations in the sodium, calcium, and potassium reversal potentials, and demonstrate that these bifurcations form physiologically relevant bounds of ion gradient variability. Within these bounds, we show how depolarization of the gradients will cause decreased neural activity. We also show that the depolarization of ion gradients decreases inter-regional coherence, causing a shift in the critical point at which the coupling occurs and thereby inducing loss of synchrony between regions. In this way, we show that the Larter-Breakspear model captures ion gradient variability present at the microscale level and propagates these changes to the macroscale effects congruent with those observed in human neuroimaging studies.
Intensity and appreciation of sweet taste solutions are modulated by high-intensity aerobic exercise in adolescent athletic males
Authors: Gauthier Alexandre-Charles , Villeneuve Marc-Étienne , Cournoyer Mathieu , Mathieu Marie-Eve 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionExercise tends to reduce subsequent meal intake, but mechanisms are still unclear. Interestingly, exercise seems to influence taste, which plays a role in energy intake. The effect of exercise on specific tastes is still to be elucidated, especially among younger participants who train at high intensity.MethodsAdolescents (14-16 years old) were recruited from a high school boys hockey team. Distinct taste tests were administered using low and high concentrations of sweet (sucrose 41.0 & 82.0 g/L), salty (sodium chloride 8.7 & 17.4 g/L) and bitter (caffeine 5.0 & 10.0 g/L) solutions before and after a 30 min aerobic high-intensity exercise session (70-90% of estimated maximal heart rate). McNemmar’s tests, standard paired T tests, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Cohen’s d effect size tests were used to analyze the data.ResultsParticipants (n=19) were 14.7±0.7 years old, weighed 59.6±7.8kg, had a height of 173.4±7.9cm, and a bodyfat% of 11.6±3.1%. There were no significant differences in taste identification capacities. Participants (n=19) perceived as more intense (+31%, p=0.037) and appreciated better the low concentration sweet solution (+20%, p=0.004). Taste appreciation was also increased for the high concentration sweet solution (+15%, p=0.009). Effect sizes were medium [0.516-0.776].ConclusionHigh-intensity exercise influenced the perception of sweet taste. If higher taste intensity and appreciation of sweet can reduce energy intake, our results could help explain the effect of exercise on lowering subsequent energy intake.
Reduction in maternal mortality ratio varies by district in Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia: Estimates by cross-sectional studies using the sisterhood method and a household survey of pregnancy and birth outcomes
Authors: Kea Aschenaki Zerihun , Lindtjorn Bernt , Gebretsadik Achamyelesh , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionMaternal mortality studies conducted at national level do not provide subnational and local estimates useful for program planning and monitoring maternal mortality at lower administrative level. The aim of this study was to estimate life time risk (LTR) of maternal death and maternal mortality ratio (MMR), assess variations and reduction in MMR in Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia.MethodsThis is cross-sectional study employed the sisterhood method as part of larger household maternal mortality survey that used a 5-year recall of pregnancy and birth outcomes. We visited 8880 households and interviewed 17444 respondents 15-49 years age. We assessed reduction in MMR using the sisterhood method (main focus of this paper) and a household survey of pregnancy and birth outcomes.ResultWe analysed 17374 (99.6%) respondents; 8884 (51.1%) men and 8490 (48.9%) women. The 17,374 respondents reported 64,387 maternal sisters who had reached reproductive age. Among these, 2,402 (3.7%) sisters had died; 776 (32.3%) were pregnancy related deaths. The LTR of maternal death was 3.2% and MMR was 623 (95% CI: 573-658) per 100000 live births (LB), with reference to year 2010. The remote district (Aroresa) had a MMR of 1210 (95% CI: 1027-1318) per 100,000 LB. Assessment of MMR reduction using the two maternal mortality estimation methods showed that the MMR in Sidama Regional State declined over the past years. Significant reduction in MMR was observed in districts located near the regional centre. However, no reduction was observed in districts located distant to the regional centre.ConclusionThe high MMR with district level variations and lack of mortality reduction in districts located distant to the centre highlights the need for instituting interventions tailored to the local context to save mothers and accelerate reduction in MMR.
Knockdown resistance (kdr) Associated organochlorine Resistance in human head lice: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abbasi Ebrahim , Nasiri Zahra , Mohammadi Jalal , Yazdani Zahra , Mohseni Shokrollah 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionPediculosis is one of the vector-borne diseases that has spread in most regions of the world and has affected many populations. In previous decades, organochlorine poisons were used to treat it. But resistance to treatment against this group of insecticides affected its control. Based on this, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Knockdown Resistance in human head lice against organochlorine insecticides in the world in the form of a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsTo determine the prevalence of Knockdown Resistance against organochlorine insecticides, all English and non-English articles (at least with English titles and abstracts) were published worldwide without a time limit until the end of May 2022 and were extracted and analyzed. Statistical analysis of the data was done using statistical tests of fixed and random effects model in the meta-analysis, Cochrane, meta-regression, and I2 index.Results8 articles with a sample size of 7249 head lice were included in the meta-analysis process. The prevalence of knockdown resistance was estimated at 65.3%. Also, the prevalence of homozygote resistance was 71.9% and heterozygote resistance was 28.1%.ConclusionBased on the findings, more than half of the lice were resistant to organochlorine insecticides. As a result, due to the high prevalence of resistance, it is recommended to determine the resistance against them before using this group of insecticides to treat pediculosis and then adopting the appropriate treatment.
Plant defensin MtDef4-derived antifungal peptide with multiple modes of action and potential as a bioinspired fungicide
Authors: Tetorya Meenakshi , Li Hui , Djami-Tchatchou Arnaud Thierry , Buchko Garry W. , Czymmek Kirk J. , Shah Dilip M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractChemical fungicides have been instrumental in protecting crops from fungal diseases. However, mounting fungal resistance to many of the single-site chemical fungicides calls for the development of new antifungal agents with novel modes of action (MoA). The sequence-divergent cysteine-rich antifungal defensins with multi-site MoA are promising starting templates for design of novel peptide-based fungicides. Here, we experimentally tested such a set of 17-amino acid peptides containing the γ-core motif of the antifungal plant defensin MtDef4. These designed peptides exhibited antifungal properties different from those of MtDef4. Focused analysis of a lead peptide, GMA4CG_V6, showed it was a random coil in solution with little or no secondary structure elements. Additionally, it exhibited potent cation-tolerant antifungal activity against the plant fungal pathogenBotrytis cinerea, causal agent of gray mold disease in fruits and vegetables. Its multi-site MoA involved localization predominantly to the plasma membrane, permeabilization of the plasma membrane, rapid internalization into the vacuole and cytoplasm, and affinity for bioactive phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), PI4P, and PI5P. The sequence motif RRRW was identified as a major determinant of the antifungal activity of this peptide. While topical spray-application of GMA4CG_V6 onNicotiana benthamianaand tomato plants provided preventative and curative suppression of gray mold disease symptoms, the peptide was not internalized into plant cells. Our findings open the possibility that truncated and modified defensin-derived peptides containing the γ-core sequence could serve as promising candidates for further development as bioinspired fungicides.
Integrating current analyses of the breast cancer microbiome
Authors: Sohail Sidra , Burns Michael B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBreast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the US (American Cancer Society: About Breast Cancer, n.d.). Many cancer types have significant associations with their resident microbial communities - emerging evidence suggests that breast cancers also interact with the local tissue-associated microbiota. Studies have examined the relationship between breast cancer and its microbiome, however, the studies varied in their approaches used to evaluate these relationships. Microbiome research advances rapidly and analysis pipelines and databases are updated frequently. This dynamic environment makes inter-study comparisons and superficial evaluations challenging as no two studies are using the same standards for evaluation.Researchers have observed the microbiota of tumor tissue, surrounding normal sites, and healthy breast tissue from non-cancer individuals (Hieken et al., 2016; Urbaniak et al., 2016; Xuan et al., 2014), but they have not been able to translate their findings into information that can be used for breast cancer treatment or detection nor address what affect studying different variable regions has in their analysis. Within the majority of these studies, comparisons of the tumor tissue with adjacent normal tissue has revealed differences. This project will integrate all available studies related to breast cancer and the mammary microbiome to 1 reassess the original findings in light of advances in this rapidly progressing field and 2 incorporate all the data available as a large meta-analysis to identify general trends and specific differences across patient cohorts and studies.
Impact of Omicron Wave and Associated Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Shanghai on Health Management and Psychosocial Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Conditions
Authors: Xu Zhimin , de Melo Ghisi Gabriela Lima , Liu Xia , Cui Lixian , Grace Sherry L 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 and associated controls may be particularly problematic in the context of chronic conditions. This study investigated health management, well-being, and pandemic-related perspectives in these patients in the context of stringent measures, and associated correlates.MethodsA self-report survey was administered via Wenjuanxing in Simplified Chinese between March-June 2022 during the Omicron wave lockdown in Shanghai, China. Items from the Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were administered, as well as pandemic-related items created by a working group of the Chinese Preventive Medical Association. Chronic disease patients in this cross-sectional study were recruited through an associated community family physician group.ResultsOverall, 1775 patients, mostly married females with hypertension, participated. Mean SSS scores were 36.1±10.5/80, with 41.5% scoring in the elevated range (i.e., above 36). In an adjusted model, female, diagnosis of coronary artery disease and arrhythmia, perceived impact of pandemic on life, duration can tolerate control measures, perception of future & control measures, impact of pandemic on health condition and change to exercise routine due to pandemic were significantly associated with greater distress. Approximately one-quarter (24.5%) perceived the pandemic had a permanent impact on their life, and 44.1% perceived at least a minor impact on their health. One-third (33.5%) discontinued exercise due to the pandemic. While 47.6% stocked up on their medications before the lockdown, their remaining supply was mostly only enough for a couple of weeks and 17.5% of participants discontinued use. Chief among their fears were inability to access healthcare (83.2%), and what they stated they most needed to manage their condition was medication access (65.6%).ConclusionsSince 2020 when we assessed a similar cohort, distress and perceived impact of the pandemic has worsened. Greater access to cardiac rehabilitation in China could address these issues.
Piezo2 voltage-block regulates mechanical pain sensitivity
Authors: Carranza Oscar Sánchez , Chakrabarti Sampurna , Kühnemund Johannes , Schwaller Fred , Bégay Valérie , Lewin Gary R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPIEZO2 mechanosensitive channels are required for normal touch sensation. However, PIEZO2 channels are almost completely blocked at negative resting membrane potentials. We show that PIEZO2 voltage-block can be relieved by mutations at a conserved Arginine (R2756) which dramatically sensitizes the channel to mechanical stimuli. We generated Piezo2R2756H/R2756H and Piezo2R2756K/R2756Kknock-in mice to ask how voltage regulates the endogenous mechanosensitivity of sensory neurons. Surprisingly, mechanosensitive currents in nociceptors, neurons that detect noxious mechanical stimuli, were substantially sensitized in Piezo2 knock-in mice, but touch receptors were largely unaffected. Piezo2 knock-in mice were hypersensitive to noxious mechanical stimuli as their nociceptors acquired properties similar to ultrasensitive touch receptors. Thus, mechanical pain sensitivity can be tuned by voltage-block of PIEZO2 channels, a channel property potentially amenable for pharmacological modulation.
SUBTLE DIFFERENCES IN FINE POLYSACCHARIDE STRUCTURES GOVERN SELECTION AND SUCCESSION OF HUMAN GUT MICROBIOTA
Authors: Yao Tianming , Deemer Dane G. , Chen Ming-Hsu , Reuhs Bradly L. , Hamaker Bruce R. , Lindemann Stephen R. 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTDietary fibers are fermented in the human gut and are known to modulate microbiome composition and metabolic function, but few studies have explored to what extent the small variations in complex fiber structures impact community assembly, microbial division of labor, and organismal metabolic responses across individuals’ microbiome structures. To test the hypothesis that subtle linkage variations in chemical structures of polysaccharides afford different ecological niches for distinct communities and metabolism, we employed a 7-day in vitro sequential batch fermentation with fecal inocula from individual donors and measured microbial responses using an integrated multi-omics approach. We fermented two sorghum arabinoxylans (SAXs) as model complex polysaccharides, with fecal microbiota from three donors and an artificially high diversity mix of all three. Although differences in sugar linkage profiles across SAXs were subtle, surprisingly, consortia fermenting different AXs revealed distinct species-level genomic diversity and metabolic outcomes with nearly-identical strains on each polysaccharide across inocula. Carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZyme) genes in metagenomes revealed broad AX-related hydrolytic potentials; however, CAZyme genes enriched in different AX-fermenting consortia were specific to SAX type and displayed various catabolic domain fusions with diverse accessory motifs, suggesting they may be functionally degenerate and this degeneracy may relate to fine substrate structure. These results suggest that fine polysaccharide structure exerts deterministic selection effect for distinct fermenting consortia, which are present amongst unrelated individuals.
Differential expression analysis of sexual and apomicticBoecherauncoversFAS4as crucial for gametogenesis
Authors: Binmöller Laura , Volkert Christopher , Kiefer Christiane , Zühl Luise , Slawinska Magdalena W. , Loreth Anna , Nauerth Berit H. , Ibberson David , Martinez Rafael , Zipper Reinhard , Kohnle Maike , Schmidt Anja 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDuring sexual reproduction of higher plants, seed formation is initiated by double fertilization of egg and central cell. In contrast, pseudogamous apomicts form embryos asexually by parthenogenesis of the egg, but initiation of endosperm development still depends on central cell fertilization. It can be envisioned that these differences are determined during gametogenesis and specification of gametophytic cells. To deepen the understanding of the transcriptional basis underlying sexual and apomictic reproduction, we applied tissue type-specific RNA-Seq. We compared expression in reproductive tissues of differentBoecheraaccessions at distinct developmental stages. This confirmed previous evidence for an enrichment of RNA helicases at onset of reproductive development. We further identified a small number of members of this gene family as differentially expressed in female reproductive ovule tissues harbouring mature gametophytes from apomictic and sexual accessions. This included homologues ofA. thaliana FASCIATED STEM 4(FAS4) and ofENHANCED SILENCING PHENOTYPE 3(ESP3), which have previously been identified as potential candidates for gametogenesis and apomixis, respectively. Unlike inA. thaliana, for either of them additional homologues or copies of related genes are present inBoechera, indicating complex evolutionary histories. As the expression patterns implied potential roles ofFAS4during gametogenesis, we first studiedA. thalianalines carrying mutant alleles. Indeed, we observed defects during male and female gametogenesis and severely reduced transmission efficiencies through both parents. In conclusion, our study identifiesFAS4as crucial for plant reproduction and suggests the potential for sub-functionalization of additional homologous genes inBoecherato shape reproductive development.