bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High temperature mortality of Wolbachia impacts the sex ratio of the parasitoid Ooencyrtus mirus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Power Nancy R. , Rugman-Jones Paul F. , Stouthamer Richard , Ganjisaffar Fatemeh , Perring Thomas M. 
Published: September 2022

Background
Wolbachia bacteria are estimated to occur in more than half of all insect species. In Hymenoptera, Wolbachia often manipulates its host’s reproduction to its own advantage. Wolbachia is likely the reason that males are rare in the uniparental Ooencyrtus mirus Triapitsyn & Power (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). The likelihood of producing male offspring can be increased by giving mothers a continuous supply of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) host eggs to parasitize for 2–3 weeks, by feeding the parents antibiotics, or by rearing parent wasps at high temperatures; all variables that have been shown to correlate with depleting Wolbachia titers in other organisms. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether thelytoky in O. mirus is due to Wolbachia, and if so, at what time in development the sex change occurs. We also wished to determine if Wolbachia removal results in the production of intersexes, as in some other hymenopterans. Finally, mating behavior was observed to see if and where it breaks down as a result of the species becoming thelytokous.

Methods
Females were collected from parental lines of O. mirus reared at 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36 °C. The offspring of these females were reared at 26 °C, and their sex-ratio was determined. In a subsequent experiment, the parental generation was switched between 26 °C and 36 °C during development to narrow down the critical period at which changes occurred that subsequently affected the sex-ratio of their offspring.

Results
The sex ratio was male biased in the offspring of O. mirus parents reared at 34 °C and 36 °C (high temperatures), even if the offspring themselves were reared at 26 °C. The constant temperature at which the percentage of males started to increase after two generations was 31 °C (10% males), rising to 39% males at 33 °C, and 100% males at 34 °C and 36 °C. Lasting more than 2 days, the critical period for the change toward a male biased sex ratio was during the second half of the parent’s development. Molecular diagnostic assays confirmed that O. mirus females contain Wolbachia and males do not. Examination of preserved males and male-female pairs under a dissecting microscope showed no signs of intersex characters. Observation of the mating behavior of live O. mirus showed that males initiate courtship by drumming their antennae on a female’s antennae, but after a few seconds, the females typically turn and walk away. However, a few instances of possible copulation were noted.

Conclusions
As hypothesized, the results indicated that thelytoky in O. mirus is likely mediated by Wolbachia bacteria. To maximize the population growth rate without generating males, the best temperature for mass rearing this species is 30 °C.
PTC2 region genotypes counteract Biomphalaria glabrata population differences between M-line and BS90 in resistance to infection by Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Blouin Michael S. , Bollmann Stephanie R. , Tennessen Jacob A. 
Published: September 2022

Background
Biomphalaria glabrata is a snail intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni, a trematode responsible for human schistosomiasis. BS90 is one of the most well studied strains of B. glabrata owing to its high resistance to infection by most strains of S. mansoni. An F2 mapping study from 1999 identified two RAPD markers that associated with what appeared to be single-locus, dominant resistance by the BS90 population relative to the susceptible M-line population. One marker cannot be mapped, but the other, OPM-04, maps to within 5 Mb of PTC2, a region we recently showed has a very large effect on resistance within another snail population challenged by the same strain of parasite (PR1). Here we tested the hypothesis that the PTC2 region contains the causal gene/s that explain the iconic resistance of BS90 snails.

Methods
We used marker-assisted backcrossing to drive the BS90 version of the PTC2 region (+/−~1 Mb on either side) into an M-line (susceptible strain) genetic background, and the M-line version into a BS90 genetic background. We challenged the offspring with PR1-strain schistosomes and tested for effects of allelic variation in the PTC2 region in a common genetic background.

Results
Relative to M-line haplotypes, the BS90 haplotype actually confers enhanced susceptibility. So we reject our original hypothesis. One possible explanation for our result was that the causal gene linked to OPM-04 is near, but not in the PTC2 block that we introgressed into each line. So we used an F2 cross to independently test the effects of the PTC2 and OPM-04 regions in a randomized genetic background. We confirmed that the BS90 haplotype confers increased susceptibility, and we see a similar, although non-significant effect at OPM-04. We discuss possible reasons why our results differed so dramatically from those of the 1999 study. We also present Pacbio assemblies of the PTC2 and flanking region in BS90 and M-line, compare with previously published PTC2 haplotypes, and discuss candidate genes that might be behind the enhanced susceptibility of the BS90 haplotype.
Screening of potential key ferroptosis-related genes in sepsis
Authors: Cui Shunan , Niu Kun , Xie Yining , Li Shuo , Zhu Wenzhi , Yu Ling , Tan Hongyu 
Published: September 2022

Background
Sepsis leads to multiple organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection with a high incidence and mortality. The effect of ferroptosis on the development of sepsis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the key ferroptosis-related genes involved in sepsis and further explore the potential biological functions of these ferroptosis-related genes in sepsis using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods
The GSE13904 (from children) and GSE28750 (from adults) datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from the FerrDb database. The ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by the limma R package. The DAVID online database or clusterProfiler R package was used for the functional enrichment analysis. Then, the STRING database was used to predict the interactions of proteins, and the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape was used to confirm key clustering modules. Then, the miRNAs and lncRNAs associated with the key clustering modules were predicted by miRWalk 2.0 and LncBase v.2 respectively. Finally, we generated a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) polymicrobial sepsis model in C57 male mice and examined the expression of the mRNAs and noncoding RNAs of interest in peripheral blood leukocytes by PCR during the acute inflammation phase.

Results
In total, 34 ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified in both adult and pediatric septic patients. These ferroptosis-related DEGs were mainly enriched in inflammatory pathways. Then, a significant clustering module containing eight genes was identified. Among them, the following five genes were closely associated with the MAPK signaling pathway: MAPK14, MAPK8, DUSP1, MAP3K5 and MAPK1. Then, crucial miRNAs and lncRNAs associated with biomarker MAPK-related genes were also identified. In particular, let-7b-5p and NEAT1 were selected as noncoding RNAs of interest because of their correlation with ferroptosis in previous studies. Finally, we examined the mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs of interest using CLP-induced sepsis in peripheral blood leukocytes of mice. The results showed that MAPK14, MAPK8, MAP3K5, MAPK1 and NEAT1 were upregulated, while DUSP1 and let-7b-5p were downregulated in the CLP group compared with the sham group.

Conclusions
The MAPK signaling pathway may play a key role in regulating ferroptosis during sepsis. This study provides a valuable resource for future studies investigating the mechanism of MAPK-related ferroptosis in sepsis.
Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Ferromagnetic SrRuO3 Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition with Layer‐by‐Layer Growth Fashion
Authors: Deng Zhixiong , Liu Junhua , Hong Yuhao , Wei Long , Hu Shilin , Xiao Wen , Li Lin , Wang Lingfei , Chen Kai , Liao Zhaoliang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOne of the keys to the construction of metal oxide heterostructures is the short characteristic length scale, which requires controlled growth and interface engineering on an atomic level. At present, the growth mode of SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films grown on TiO2‐terminated (001) SrTiO3 (STO) substrates usually transitions from 2D layer‐by‐layer to step‐flow at the first few growth periods, which is not conducive to the construction of superlattices or multilayer films. In this paper, persistent layer‐by‐layer growth of SRO thin films is demonstrated by regulating the growth conditions. As a result, the thickness can be precisely controlled down to a single unit cell (u.c.) and achieve precise regulation of superlattices. Interestingly, the physical properties are well comparable to that of traditional step‐flow mode and the critical thickness (tc) for the dead layer is only 3 u.c. Through constructing SRO/STO superlattices, the SRO layers become more conductive and a quasi‐2D ferromagnetic monolayer film is achieved. The results pave a path toward SRO heterostructure synthesis and properties control at an atomic scale.
Age differences in expenditure responses to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits
Authors: Waehrer Geetha M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractUsing data from the 2007–2011 and 2012–2014 Consumer Expenditure Surveys, this study finds that unlike younger adults, senior Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants' food‐at‐home expenditures did not respond to the 2009 increase in SNAP benefits. Higher benefits did not shift seniors' Engel curve for food‐at‐home spending suggesting that in‐kind SNAP benefits are equivalent to cash income for seniors, unlike younger adults. The 2013 decrease in SNAP benefits had no effect on senior or younger adult food spending. Changes in benefits also resulted in spillover effects on non‐food spending for seniors and younger adults including spending on transportation, utilities, health services, and other expenditures.
Atomically precise copper nanoclusters as ultrasmall molecular aggregates: Appealing compositions, structures, properties, and applications
Authors: Zhang Leon Li‐Min , Wong Wai‐Yeung 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMetal nanoclusters (NCs) are ultrasmall molecular aggregates consisting of dozens to hundreds of metal atoms consolidated by organic ligands, which represent an emerging area of nanoscience. Amide a myriad of metal NCs, copper NCs (CuNCs) comprise a low‐cost, high‐value subclass that has attracted great attention. The variable copper cores and diversity of protecting ligands have rendered CuNCs interesting molecular aggregates featuring structural and compositional versatility, hence showing distinctive properties and potential applications. In the present review, we have summarized the progress on atomically precise CuNCs that exhibit a range of appealing properties and applications in different fields. This review is expected to provide not only an overview of the current development on atomically precise CuNCs, but also possible directions for the future design of novel CuNCs for fundamental studies and practical applications.
Evaluating perceptual and semantic interpretability of saliency methods: A case study of melanoma
Authors: Bokadia Harshit , Yang Scott Cheng‐Hsin , Li Zhaobin , Folke Tomas , Shafto Patrick 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn order to be useful, XAI explanations have to be faithful to the AI system they seek to elucidate and also interpretable to the people that engage with them. There exist multiple algorithmic methods for assessing faithfulness, but this is not so for interpretability, which is typically only assessed through expensive user studies. Here we propose two complementary metrics to algorithmically evaluate the interpretability of saliency map explanations. One metric assesses perceptual interpretability by quantifying the visual coherence of the saliency map. The second metric assesses semantic interpretability by capturing the degree of overlap between the saliency map and textbook features—features human experts use to make a classification. We use a melanoma dataset and a deep‐neural network classifier as a case‐study to explore how our two interpretability metrics relate to each other and a faithfulness metric. Across six commonly used saliency methods, we find that none achieves high scores across all three metrics for all test images, but that different methods perform well in different regions of the data distribution. This variation between methods can be leveraged to consistently achieve high interpretability and faithfulness by using our metrics to inform saliency mask selection on a case‐by‐case basis. Our interpretability metrics provide a new way to evaluate saliency‐based explanations and allow for the adaptive combination of saliency‐based explanation methods.
Neuroprotection of Low‐Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation after Ischemic Stroke in Rats
Authors: Buetefisch Cathrin M. , Wei Ling , Gu Xiaohuan , Epstein Charles M. , Yu Shan P. 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveStroke is a leading cause of human death and disability. Effective early treatments with reasonable therapeutic windows remain critically important to improve the outcomes of stroke. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an established noninvasive technique that has been applied clinically and in animal research for multiple brain disorders, but few studies have examined acute neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. The present investigation tested the novel approach of low‐frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) as an acute treatment after ischemic stroke.MethodsAdult male rats received focal ischemic surgery through occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 60 minutes. The rats received either rTMS or sham treatment with 1.5‐, 3‐, 4‐, or 7‐hour delay after the onset of stroke. Low‐frequency and low‐intensity rTMS was applied to the rat brain for two 30‐minute episodes separated by a 1‐hour interval.ResultsThree days after stroke, compared to stroke controls, rats receiving rTMS treatment with a 1.5‐hour delay showed a 35% reduction of infarct volume. Protective effects were also seen with 3‐ or 4‐hour‐delayed treatments by rTMS, shown as reduced infarct volume and cell death. rTMS treatment upregulated the antiapoptotic factor Bcl‐2 and downregulated the proapoptotic caspase‐3 cleavage, expressions of Bax and matrix metallopeptidase‐9. In sensorimotor functional assessments 3 to 21 days after stroke, rats receiving rTMS treatment with a 1.5‐ or 3‐hour delay showed significantly better performance compared to stroke controls.InterpretationThese results support the inference that low‐frequency rTMS may be feasible as a neuroprotective acute treatment after ischemic stroke. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:336–347
Bi‐polaron Transport and Magnetic Field Induced Pauli Spin Blockade in Redox‐Active Molecular Junctions
Authors: Ding Xiaohai , Xue Junhong , Ding Shuaishuai , Chen Cong , Wang Xiaojing , Yu Xi , Hu Wenping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe report the bi‐polaron transport and magnetic field induced Pauli spin‐blockade in solid‐state molecular junctions (MJs) evidenced by a positive magnetoresistance (MR). The junction was made of thin layers of redox‐active ruthenium polypyridyl‐oligomers Ru(tpy)2 sandwiched between conducting amorphous carbon (a‐C) electrodes. The redox‐active Ru(tpy)2 molecule, which enables small polaron and deep traps in the charge transport of the Ru(tpy)2 MJ as revealed by the temperature‐dependent current–voltage response, leads to the formation of the bi‐polaron and magnetic field induced Pauli spin blockade, resulting into the MR. At the meantime, the reliable and controllable device performance renders a rigid thickness‐dependent MR evolution. The bi‐polaron transport revealed in our study underscores the importance of the multi‐particle transport by molecular design in MJs and laid the foundation for magnetic‐electronic function in molecular‐scale devices.
DNA‐Encoded Nanomaterials with Controllable Properties
Authors: Guo Yuchun , Ren Jiangtao , Wang Erkang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDNA as an attractive capping ligand or template has been extensively utilized for synthesizing nanomaterials, and fabricating nano‐systems with tuneable properties. This review aims to summarize related significant progress on DNA‐encoded nanomaterials and their controllable properties including catalysis, surface plasmon resonance, chirality, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence, moreover, to present the underlying clues to engineer nanomaterials with DNA on the basis of DNA‐metal ion and DNA‐nanomaterial interactions. The apparent utility of diverse DNA modules including DNA homopolymers (e. g., poly adenine), secondary structures (e. g., triplex) and DNA nanostructures (e. g., DNA origami), etc., is revealed, which is derived from their strong specific interactions, stimulus‐responsive features, or excellent addressable functions, etc. Accompanied by insight into the underlying mechanism of DNA‐participated interactions, it is anticipated that, new DNA‐encoded nanomaterials will be reported and contribute to exploration of intelligent nanocatalysts, nanoprobes and nanomedicines.
Synthesis and properties of environmentally friendly double‐network fire fighting gel: Based on natural polymer/industrial solid waste
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Huilin , Qi Guansheng , Hu Xiangming , Sun Lulu , Su Hao , Zhang Qian 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, a new kind of environmental friendly double‐network gel material was prepared. The first network structure was formed by the graft copolymerization of sodium lignosulfonate (LS) and acrylic acid (AA), and the second network structure was formed by the chelation reaction of sodium alginate (SA) and carbide slag clarified solution (Ca2+). Through an orthogonal experiment, the effects of raw material addition on the compressive strength and apparent viscosity of the gel were analyzed. According to the analysis results, the optimal experimental ratio was obtained, i.e., 2 wt% of LS, 0.25 wt% of SA, 15 wt% of AA, 0.1 wt% of MBA and 0.3 wt% of APS. Furthermore, the structure of the gel are characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, XPS, and TG‐DTG, and the results prove that the gel successfully polymerized and a stable three‐dimensional network structure is formed. The results of water absorption experiment disclose that the gel is sensitive to ions and pH, and the water absorption rate reaches 121.25 times. In addition, the results of the air leakage experiment and fire extinguishing experiment show that the gel can effectively cover the surface of crushed coal and densely fill the gaps, demonstrating a good plugging capability and fire extinguishing capability.
Inhibitor of NF‐κB Kinase Subunit ε Contributes to Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in Lupus‐Prone Mice Through Microglial Activation
Authors: Karino Kohei , Kono Michihito , Takeyama Shuhei , Kudo Yuki , Kanda Masatoshi , Abe Nobuya , Aso Kuniyuki , Fujieda Yuichiro , Kato Masaru , Oku Kenji , Amengual Olga , Atsumi Tatsuya 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by multiorgan dysfunction. Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) occurs in 30–40% of lupus patients and is the most severe presentation of SLE, frequently resulting in limitation of daily life. Recent studies have shown that microglia, tissue‐resident macrophages in the central nervous system, are involved in the pathogenesis of NPSLE. This study was undertaken to explore new therapeutic targets for NPSLE focusing on microglia.MethodsRNA sequencing of microglia in MRL/lpr, lupus‐prone mice, as well as that of microglia cultured in vitro with cytokines were performed. A candidate gene, which could be a therapeutic target for NPSLE, was identified, and its role in microglial activation and phagocytosis was investigated using specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA. The effect of intracerebroventricular administration of the inhibitor on the behavioral abnormalities of MRL/lpr was also evaluated.ResultsTranscriptome analysis revealed the up‐regulation of Ikbke, which encodes the inhibitor of NF‐κB kinase subunit ɛ (IKBKε) in both microglia from MRL/lpr mice and cytokine‐stimulated microglia in vitro. Intracerebroventricular administration of an IKBKε inhibitor ameliorated cognitive function and suppressed microglial activation in MRL/lpr mice. Mechanistically, IKBKε inhibition reduced glycolysis, which dampened microglial activation and phagocytosis.ConclusionThese findings suggest that IKBKε plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of NPSLE via microglial activation, and it could serve as a therapeutic target for NPSLE.
Interactions between hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and serum albumins: multispectral and molecular docking analyses
Authors: Li Meng‐shuo , Zhang Jing , Zhu Ya‐xian , Zhang Yong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH‐PAHs) can bind to serum albumin and influence their distribution and elimination in organisms. Here, multispectral analysis and molecular docking methods were used to investigate the binding mechanism of two OH‐PAHs, 1‐hydroxyphenanthrene (1‐OHPhe) and 9‐hydroxyphenanthrene (9‐OHPhe), with two homologous serum albumins, human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The quenching constants of HSA with 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe were much larger than those for BSA. Energy transfer from the tryptophan (Trp) residues in HSA to 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe was more probable than from Trp in BSA. The interactions of 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe with Trp in HSA and BSA altered the microenvironment of Trp. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding modes and binding forces of 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe with HSA and BSA were different. The two OH‐PAHs were used as fluorescent probes to analyze the microenvironmental hydrophobicities of HSA and BSA, which were distinctly different. The structural difference between HSA and BSA induced significant variations in their binding behaviour with 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe. Moreover, HSA was more susceptible to 1‐OHPhe and 9‐OHPhe than BSA. This work suggests that the differences between the two serum albumins should be considered in related studies.