julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Water’s path from moss to soil Vol. 2: how soil-moss combinations affect soil water fluxes and soil loss in a temperate forest
2024-03-19

Abstract Mosses are key components of many ecosystems and particularly related to water cycling. In principle, the importance of mosses for water-related processes is known; however, their influence is rarely quantified in scientific studies. To fill this research gap, this study concentrates on the influence of mosses of different species on surface runoff, the amount of percolated water, soil loss, and the temporal dynamics of soil water content. For this purpose, an experimental approach consisting of an ex situ rainfall simulation (45 mm h − 1 for 30 min) with infiltration boxes equipped with biocrust wetness probes was applied. On average, mosses significantly reduced surface runoff by 91% and soil loss by almost 100%, while the amount of percolated water was increased by 85% compared with bare soils. These processes were superimposed by desiccation cracks, and partly water repellency, with the result that the respective influences could not be quantified individually. However, by simultaneously measuring the water content in the substrates during rainfall simulations, we were able to achieve a better understanding of the water flows in the substrates. For instance, water content at 3 cm substrate depth was higher under mosses than in bare soils, implying that mosses facilitated infiltration. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that mosses play an important role in soil hydrology and in protecting the soil from erosion, and it is imperative that further experiments will be conducted to elucidate the apparently underestimated effects of mosses and their specific traits on soil water fluxes and sediment transport.
Water Quality Monitoring with the Multiplexed Assay MitoOxTox for Mitochondrial Toxicity, Oxidative Stress Response, and Cytotoxicity in AREc32 Cells
2024-03-19

Mitochondria play a key role in the energy production of cells, but their function can be disturbed by environmental toxicants. We developed a cell-based mitochondrial toxicity assay for environmental chemicals and their mixtures extracted from water samples. The reporter gene cell line AREc32, which is frequently used to quantify the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress response of water samples, was multiplexed with an endpoint of mitochondrial toxicity. The disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was quantified by high-content imaging and compared to measured cytotoxicity, predicted baseline toxicity, and activation of the oxidative stress response. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitors showed highly specific effects on the MMP, with minor effects on cell viability. Uncouplers showed a wide distribution of specificity on the MMP, often accompanied by specific cytotoxicity (enhanced over baseline toxicity). Mitochondrial toxicity and the oxidative stress response were not directly associated. The multiplexed assay was applied to water samples ranging from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent and surface water to drinking and bottled water from various European countries. Specific effects on MMP were observed for the WWTP influent and effluent. This new MitoOxTox assay is an important complement for existing <i>in vitro</i> test batteries for water quality testing and has potential for applications in human biomonitoring.
The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis
2024-03-19

Abstract Pleistocene environments are among the most studied issues in paleoecology and human evolution research in eastern Africa. Many data have been recorded from archaeological sites located at low and medium elevations (≤ 1500 m), whereas few contexts are known at 2000 m and above. Here, we present a substantial isotopic study from Melka Kunture, a complex of prehistoric sites located at 2000—2200 m above sea level in the central Ethiopian highlands. We analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of 308 faunal tooth enamel samples from sites dated between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma to investigate the animal diets and habitats. The carbon isotopic results indicate that the analyzed taxa had C 4 -dominated and mixed C 3 -C 4 diets with no significant diachronic changes in feeding behavior with time. This is consistent with faunal and phytolith analyses, which suggested environments characterized by open grasslands (with both C 3 and C 4 grasses), patches of bushes and thickets, and aquatic vegetation. However, palynological data previously documented mountain forests, woodlands, and high-elevation grasslands. Additionally, the carbon isotopic comparison with other eastern African localities shows that differences in elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies and habitat partitioning, even though plant species vary according to altitudinal gradients. In contrast, the oxygen isotopic comparison suggests significant differences consistent with the altitude effect. Our approach allows us to detect diverse aspects of animal behavior, habitat, and vegetation that should be considered when reconstructing past environments.
Integrative Kinase Activity Profiling and Phosphoproteomics of rd10 Mouse Retina during cGMP-Dependent Retinal Degeneration
2024-03-19

Inherited retinal degenerative diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare diseases that lead to a progressive loss of photoreceptor cells and, ultimately, blindness. The overactivation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG), one of the key effectors of cGMP-signaling, was previously found to be involved in photoreceptor cell death and was studied in murine IRD models to elucidate the pathophysiology of retinal degeneration. However, PKG is a serine/threonine kinase (STK) with several hundred potential phosphorylation targets and, so far, little is known about the specificity of the target interaction and downstream effects of PKG activation. Here, we carried out both the kinome activity and phosphoproteomic profiling of organotypic retinal explant cultures derived from the rd10 mouse model for IRD. After treating the explants with the PKG inhibitor CN03, an overall decrease in peptide phosphorylation was observed, with the most significant decrease occurring in seven peptides, including those from the known PKG substrate cyclic-AMP-response-element-binding CREB, but also Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) peptides and TOP2A. The phosphoproteomic data, in turn, revealed proteins with decreased phosphorylation, as well as proteins with increased phosphorylation. The integration of both datasets identified common biological networks altered by PKG inhibition, which included kinases predominantly from the so-called AGC and CaMK families of kinases (e.g., PKG1, PKG2, PKA, CaMKs, RSKs, and AKTs). A pathway analysis confirmed the role of CREB, Calmodulin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and CREB modulation. Among the peptides and pathways that showed reduced phosphorylation activity, the substrates CREB, CaMK2, and CaMK4 were validated for their retinal localization and activity, using immunostaining and immunoblotting in the rd10 retina. In summary, the integrative analysis of the kinome activity and phosphoproteomic data revealed both known and novel PKG substrates in a murine IRD model. This data establishes a basis for an improved understanding of the biological pathways involved in cGMP-mediated photoreceptor degeneration. Moreover, validated PKG targets like CREB and CaMKs merit exploration as novel (surrogate) biomarkers to determine the effects of a clinical PKG-targeted treatment for IRDs.
Effective Targeting of Melanoma Cells by Combination of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Bcl-w Inhibitors
2024-03-19

Recent advances in melanoma therapy have significantly improved the prognosis of metastasized melanoma. However, large therapeutic gaps remain that need to be closed by new strategies. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins critically contribute to apoptosis deficiency and therapy resistance. They can be targeted by BH3 mimetics, small molecule antagonists that mimic the Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3) of proapoptotic BH3-only proteins. By applying in vitro experiments, we aimed to obtain an overview of the possible suitability of BH3 mimetics for future melanoma therapy. Thus, we investigated the effects of ABT-737 and ABT-263, which target Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bcl-w as well as the Bcl-2-selective ABT-199 and the Mcl-1-selective S63845, in a panel of four BRAF-mutated and BRAF-WT melanoma cell lines. None of the inhibitors showed significant effectiveness when used alone; however, combination of S63845 with each one of the three ABTs almost completely abolished melanoma cell survival and induced apoptosis in up to 50–90% of the cells. Special emphasis was placed here on the understanding of the downstream pathways involved, which may allow improved applications of these strategies. Thus, cell death induction was correlated with caspase activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphorylation of histone H2AX, and ROS production. Caspase dependency was demonstrated by a caspase inhibitor, which blocked all effects. Upregulation of Mcl-1, induced by S63845 itself, as reported previously, was blocked by the combinations. Indeed, Mcl-1, as well as XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis), were strongly downregulated by combination treatments. These findings demonstrate that melanoma cells can be efficiently targeted by BH3 mimetics, but the right combinations have to be selected. The observed pronounced activation of apoptosis pathways demonstrates the decisive role of apoptosis in the loss of cell viability by BH3 mimetics.
Dynamics of cuticle-associated transcript profiles during moulting of the bed bug Cimex lectularius
2024-03-19

The bed bug Cimex lectularius is a worldwide human pest. The sequenced genome allows molecular analyses of all aspects of bed bug biology. The present work was conducted to contribute to bed bug cuticle biology. As in other insect species, the C. lectularius cuticle consists of the three horizontal layers procuticle, epicuticle and envelope. To analyse the genes needed for the establishment of the stratified cuticle, we studied the expression pattern of 42 key cuticle-related genes at the transition of the penultimate nymphal stage to adult animals when a new cuticle is formed. Based on gene expression dynamics, in simplified model, we distinguish two key events during cuticle renewal in C. lectularius. First, upon blood feeding, modulation of ecdysone signalling culminates in the transcriptional activation of the transcription factor Clec-Ftz-F1 that possibly controls the expression of 32 of the 42 genes tested. Second, timed expression of Clec-Ftz-F1 seems to depend also on the insulin signalling pathway as RNA interference against transcripts of the insulin receptor delays Clec-Ftz-F1 expression and stage transition. An important observation of our transcript survey is that genes needed for the construction of the three cuticle layers are largely expressed simultaneously. Based on these data, we hypothesise a considerable synchronous mechanism of layer formation rather than a strictly sequential one. Together, this work provides a basis for functional analyses of cuticle formation in C. lectularius.
We want you! Recruitment strategies for the success of a citizen science project on urban wildlife ecology
2024-03-19

In this case study, we report on the recruitment of participants for a citizen science (CS) project on urban wildlife monitoring (about 860 participants), and the consequences of recruitment strategies for achieving the project goals. We describe the approach that we used to identify our target audience and to design the core message for the recruitment campaign. We searched for participants who were interested in wildlife and in the scientific research process. We based the recruitment campaign on the appeal of discovering wildlife in people’s immediate surroundings. Recruitment was successful in terms of the number of applications we received. Participants’ interests reflected their focus on wildlife, and we discuss how this was reflected in their engagement. We use this case study to highlight the importance of deliberately designing recruitment strategies for CS projects. Such strategies will have implications for participants’ motivation and ultimately may influence their contributions to the project.
Functionalization of Chlorotonils: Dehalogenil as Promising Lead Compound for In Vivo Application
2024-03-19

Abstract The natural product chlorotonil displays high potency against multidrug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria and Plasmodium falciparum . Yet, its scaffold is characterized by low solubility and oral bioavailability, but progress was recently made to enhance these properties. Applying late‐stage functionalization, we aimed to further optimize the molecule. Previously unknown reactions including a sulfur‐mediated dehalogenation were revealed. Dehalogenil , the product of this reaction, was identified as the most promising compound so far, as this new derivative displayed improved solubility and in vivo efficacy while retaining excellent antimicrobial activity. We confirmed superb activity against multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. and mature transmission stages of Plasmodium falciparum . We also demonstrated favorable in vivo toxicity, pharmacokinetics and efficacy in infection models with S. aureus . Taken together, these results identify dehalogenil as an advanced lead molecule.
Social support in older adults: Validation and norm values of a brief form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-6)
2024-03-19

Background Social relations are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health across the life span. As social roles, networks and needs change with age a valid assessment of social support in older adults and age-specific norms are necessary. The present work aims to [1) assess the level of social support in individuals &gt; 60 years of the general German population, [2) evaluate the brief six-item form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-6) in this age group and to [3) provide age-specific norm values. Methods We analyze data of N = 706 people representative for the German population collected in 2021. To assess social support, we used the F-SozU K-6. We tested for selectivity, item difficulty, internal consistency, construct and factor validity, as well as factorial invariance. Additionally, we assessed correlations and associations with depression, loneliness, and sociodemographic factors. Furthermore, we reported norm values for respondents &gt; 60 years. Results Participants &gt; 60 years reported a mean level of 23.97 ( SD = 4.82) of social support. Results of the CFA confirmed a very good model fit. Measurement invariance across sex and age was shown. Associations with ADS and LS-S supported construct validity. Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex, increasing age, having a partner, and a higher equivalized household income were associated with higher levels of social support. Conclusion The F-SozU K-6 is a reliable and economical tool to assess perceived social support in older adults. Norm values for individual &gt; 60 years are provided.
From Criegee to Breslow: How π‐Donors Steer the Route of Olefin Ozonolysis
2024-03-19

Abstract While π‐bonds typically undergo cycloaddition with ozone, resulting in the release of much‐noticed carbonyl O ‐oxide Criegee intermediates, lone‐pairs of electrons tend to selectively accept a single oxygen atom from O 3 , producing singlet dioxygen. We questioned whether the introduction of potent electron‐donating groups, akin to N‐heterocyclic olefins, could influence the reactivity of double bonds – shifting from cycloaddition to oxygen atom transfer or generating lesser‐known, yet stabilized, donor‐substituted Criegee intermediates. Consequently, we conducted a comparative computational study using density functional theory on a series of model olefins with increasing polarity due to (asymmetric) π‐donor substitution. Reaction path computations indicate that highly polarized double bonds, instead of forming primary ozonides in their reaction with O 3 , exhibit a preference for accepting a single oxygen atom, resulting in a zwitterionic species formally identified as a carbene‐carbonyl adduct. This previously unexplored reactivity potentially introduces aldehyde umpolung chemistry (Breslow intermediate) through olefin ozonolysis. Considering solvent effects implicitly reveals that increased solvent polarity further directs the trajectories toward a single oxygen atom transfer reactivity by stabilizing the zwitterionic character of the transition state. The competing modes of chemical reactivity can be explained by a bifurcation of the reaction valley in the post‐transition state region.
The understanding of the agriculturally shaped environment - from the theoretical construct to an applied indicator of sustainable development
2024-03-19

Sustainable development of the resource ‘land’ is increasingly being discussed with a focus on rural areas. Understanding is key to solving land use conflicts. It can lead to joint solutions and can thus enable sustainable development at a practical level. It goes beyond environmental consciousness, which is related to general issues, and instead aims to address concrete challenges in the context of sustainable development at an applicable level. ‘Understanding’ with regard to land use conflicts has not yet been defined in the literature.Based on this motivation, it is the aim of this study to create the construct of ‘understanding’ conceptually, to validate it empirically with structural equation modelling, and to demonstrate that understanding might be an important prerequisite for sustainable development. In this case, the focus is not on a general kind of understanding, but rather on specific aspects of understanding in relation to the agriculturally shaped environment in rural areas.The empirical data for the paper were collected by means of a large-scale population survey in Western Pomerania, Germany, a rural peripheral region characterized by typical land-use conflicts in predominantly rural areas.A tripartite division of the construct into cognitive, emotional, and opinion levels was derived theoretically. The data collected showed that this construct is supported empirically and that it can be applied as an SDG indicator. Thus, the refined construct of understanding the agriculturally shaped environment can make a substantial contribution towards closing the knowledge/attitude-behavior gap.
About the ability of agnostic x-ray tests of the Kerr hypothesis to discover new physics
2024-03-19

In the past decade, we have seen an unprecedented progress in our ability of testing general relativity in the strong field regime with black hole observations. Most studies have focused on the so-called tests of the Kerr hypothesis: they have tried to verify whether the spacetime geometry around black holes is described by the Kerr solution as expected in general relativity. One can follow either a theory-specific analysis or an agnostic approach. Each strategy has its advantages and disadvantages. In this work, we study the ability of agnostic x-ray tests of the Kerr hypothesis to discover new physics. We simulate x-ray observations of bright Galactic black holes of specific theories of gravity and we analyze the simulated data with a reflection model employing the correct theory of gravity and another reflection model for agnostic tests of the Kerr hypothesis. Our results suggest that agnostic x-ray tests are valid tools to discover new physics, but their constraining power may be lower than a theory-specific analysis.
FARS‐ADL across Ataxias: Construct Validity, Sensitivity to Change, and Minimal Important Change
2024-03-20

Abstract Background Patient‐focused outcomes present a central need for trial‐readiness across all ataxias. The Activities of Daily Living part of the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS‐ADL) captures functional impairment and longitudinal change but is only validated in Friedreich Ataxia. Objective Validation of FARS‐ADL regarding disease severity and patient‐meaningful impairment, and its sensitivity to change across genetic ataxias. Methods Real‐world registry data of FARS‐ADL in 298 ataxia patients across genotypes were analyzed, including (1) cross‐correlation with FARS‐stage, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Patient‐Reported Outcome Measure (PROM)‐ataxia, and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions visual analogue scale (EQ5D‐VAS); (2) sensitivity to change within a trial‐relevant 1‐year median follow‐up, anchored in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI‐C); and (3) general linear modeling of factors age, sex, and depression (nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]). Results FARS‐ADL correlated with overall disability (rho FARS‐stage = 0.79), clinical disease severity (rho SARA = 0.80), and patient‐reported impairment (rho PROM‐ataxia = 0.69, rho EQ5D‐VAS = –0.37), indicating comprehensive construct validity. Also at item level, and validated within genotype (SCA3, RFC1), FARS‐ADL correlated with the corresponding SARA effector domains; and all items correlated to EQ5D‐VAS quality of life. FARS‐ADL was sensitive to change at a 1‐year interval, progressing only in patients with worsening PGI‐C. Minimal important change was 1.1. points based on intraindividual variability in patients with stable PGI‐C. Depression was captured using FARS‐ADL (+0.3 points/PHQ‐9 count) and EQ5D‐VAS, but not FARS‐stage or SARA. Conclusion FARS‐ADL reflects both disease severity and patient‐meaningful impairment across genetic ataxias, with sensitivity to change in trial‐relevant timescales in patients perceiving change. It thus presents a promising patient‐focused outcome for upcoming ataxia trials. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Facile Oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) Using Cu(I) Salts
2024-03-20

The synthesis, luminescence, and electrochemical properties of the Ce(III) compound, [(C<sub>5</sub>Me<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(2,6-<sup>i</sup>Pr<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O)Ce(THF)], <b>1</b>, were investigated. Based on the electrochemical data, treatment of <b>1</b> with CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) results in the formation of the corresponding Ce(IV) complexes, [(C<sub>5</sub>Me<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(2,6-<sup>i</sup>Pr<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O)Ce(X)]. Each complex has been characterized using NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as structurally determined using X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the treatment of [(C<sub>5</sub>Me<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(2,6-<sup>i</sup>Pr<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O)Ce(Br)] with AgF results in the formation of the putative [(C<sub>5</sub>Me<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(2,6-<sup>i</sup>Pr<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O)Ce(F)]. The electronic structure of these Ce(IV)-X complexes was investigated by bond analyses and the Ce(IV)-F moiety using quantum chemistry NMR calculations.