Urbanisation is a major anthropogenic perturbation presenting novel ecological and evolutionary challenges to wild populations. Symbiotic microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tracts (gut) of vertebrates have mutual connections with host physiology and respond quickly to environmental alterations. However, the impact of anthropogenic changes and urbanisation on the gut microbiota remains poorly understood, especially in early development. To address this knowledge gap, we characterised the gut microbiota of juvenile great tits ( Parus major ) reared in artificial nestboxes and in natural cavities in an urban mosaic, employing two distinct frameworks characterising the urban space. Microbial diversity was influenced by cavity type. Alpha diversity was affected by the amount of impervious surface surrounding the breeding location, and positively correlated with tree cover density. Community composition differed between urban and rural sites: these alterations covaried with sound pollution and distance to the city centre. Overall, the microbial communities reflect and are possibly influenced by the heterogeneous environmental modifications that are typical of the urban space. Strikingly, the choice of framework and environmental variables characterising the urban space can influence the outcomes of such ecological studies. Our results open new perspectives to investigate the impact of microbial symbionts on the adaptive capacity of their hosts.

The paracellular passage of ions and small molecules across epithelia is controlled by tight junctions, complex meshworks of claudin polymers that form tight seals between neighboring cells. How the nanoscale architecture of tight junction meshworks enables paracellular passage of specific ions or small molecules without compromising barrier function is unknown. Here we combine super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy in live and fixed cells and tissues, multivariate classification of super-resolution images and fluorescence resonance energy transfer to reveal the nanoscale organization of tight junctions formed by mammalian claudins. We show that only a subset of claudins can assemble into characteristic homotypic meshworks, whereas tight junctions formed by multiple claudins display nanoscale organization principles of intermixing, integration, induction, segregation, and exclusion of strand assemblies. Interestingly, channel-forming claudins are spatially segregated from barrier-forming claudins via determinants mainly encoded in their extracellular domains also known to harbor mutations leading to human diseases. Electrophysiological analysis of claudins in epithelial cells suggests that nanoscale segregation of distinct channel-forming claudins enables barrier function combined with specific paracellular ion flux across tight junctions.

The previously unpublished cuneiform fragment BM 47886+47914 belongs to an astral compendium written no later than 140/139 BCE. It contains a rare combination of procedures connected to mathematical astronomy, including a previously unknown one for Mercury’s daily motion, and what appear to be astrological procedures. It is argued that the fragment is an indirect join to BM 55555+55562 ( ACT No. 210 =  BMAPT No. 95), a similar, undated compendium of planetary and lunar procedures, including one mentioning a “year of the Sun,” for which a Greek origin has been proposed. BM 47886+47914 preserves a date of writing, with possible implications for the origin of the “year of the Sun.”

The present text analyzes two Hebrew copies of a Lurianic dissertation used by Christian Knorr von Rosenroth for the Latin translation printed in 1677 in Kabbala denudata as Tractatus I. Liber Druschim. This article first identifies the Hebrew source for Knorr von Rosenroth’s translation and offers new insights into his style and method of translation, contributing to a better understanding of Rosenroth’s approach to kabbalistic tradition. Secondly, this article contributes to the history of the transmission of Lurianic manuscripts and posits Sulzbach as an important center for the circulation and translation of kabbalistic knowledge.

Magnetic two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have attracted a lot of attention because modern preparation techniques are capable of providing single-crystal films of these materials with precise control of thickness down to the single-layer limit. It opens up a way to study a rich variety of electronic and magnetic phenomena with promising routes toward potential applications. We have investigated the initial stages of epitaxial growth of the magnetic van der Waals semiconductor FeBr2 on a single-crystal Au(111) substrate by means of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy electron emission microscopy (LEEM), and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM). Magnetic properties of the one- and two-layer thick films were measured via X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). Our findings show a striking difference in the magnetic behavior of the single layer of FeBr2 and its bulk counterpart, which can be attributed to the modifications in the crystal structure due to the interaction with the substrate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate four different automated activity monitoring (AAM) systems to identify anovulatory cows in early lactation. A total of 852 lactating Holstein cows (221 primiparous and 631 multiparous cows) from four commercial dairy herds were enrolled. On each farm, cows were equipped with a respective AAM system (SB: Smartbow; HT: Heatime; DP: Delpro; and CM: CowManager). Each cow was sampled three times within the voluntary waiting period (VWP) in a two-week interval to detect the blood progesterone (P4) concentration. Cows were classified based on the concentration of P4 as follows: (1) none of the three blood P4 concentrations exceeded 1.0 ng/mL (anovulatory); (2) at least one of the three blood P4 concentrations was above 1.0 ng/mL (ovulatory). Cows were classified based on estrus alerts as follows: (1) no estrus alert was detected by an AAM system from 7 to 60 DIM (anestrus); (2) at least one estrus alert was detected by an AAM system from 7 to 60 DIM (estrus). Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for each AAM system for anovulatory cows [(SB: 77.6%; 26.8%; 89.3%; 36.7%; and 84.1%); (HT: 79.2%; 63.6%; 83.6%; 52.8%; and 88.9%); (DP: 47.2%; 78.8%; 41.5%; 19.5%; and 91.6%); (CM: 80.5%; 23.7%; 92.7%; 39.1%; and 85.3%)].

2,6-Dipicolinoylbis(N,N-dialkylthioureas), H2LR, readily react with uranyl salts under formation of monomeric or dimeric complexes of the compositions [UO2(LR)(solv)] (solv = donor solvents such as H2O, MeOH or DMF) or [{UO2(LR)(µ-OMe)}2]2− (1). In such complexes, the uranyl ions are exclusively coordinated by the “hard” O,N,O or N,N,N donor atom sets of the central ligand unit and the lateral sulfur donor atoms do not participate in the coordination. Different conformations have been found for the dimeric anions. The bridging methanolato ligands and the four uncoordinated sulfur atoms can adopt different orientations with respect to the equatorial coordination spheres of the uranyl units. The presence of non-coordinated sulfur atoms offers the opportunity for the coordination of additional, preferably “soft” metal ions. Thus, reactions with [AuCl(PPh3)], lead acetate or acetates of transition metal ions such as Ni2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, or Cd2+, were considered for the syntheses of bimetallic complexes. Various oligometallic complexes with uranyl units were prepared: [{UO2(LR)(μ-OMe)(Au(PPh3)}2] (2), [(UO2)3Pb2(LR)4(MeOH)2(μ-OMe)2] (3), [M{UO2(LR)(OAc)}2] (M= Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn or Cd) (R = Et: 5, RR = morph: 6), or [(UO2)(NiI)2(LR)2] (7). The products were extensively studied spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction.

Amidst the current great-power competition and geopolitical tensions, why have western states formulated different strategies towards Beijing? Drawing upon literature on domestic politics and securitization, this article posits that the different China strategies are jointly shaped by, ceteris paribus, (1) whether interdependence with Beijing is anticipated to bring cost or benefit to the interest groups central to the decision-making process and (2) whether securitization of China is high or low in the country. The combination thereof leads to four main types of China strategies: pragmatic detachment, confrontation, business as usual, and distancing. These four strategies are further empirically assessed in a focused, structured comparative case study on Germany, the US, New Zealand, and Romania. Findings from this research support the societal approach of studying international relations in that foreign strategies are more than an automatic response to structural conditions, e.g., interdependence, and are constantly constructed and contested by societal actors within the confines of state-led securitization.

Dans le contexte actuel de concurrence entre grandes puissances et de tensions géopolitiques, pourquoi les États occidentaux ont-ils formulé différentes stratégies à l’égard de Pékin ? Se fondant sur la littérature relative à la politique nationale et la sécuritisation, cet article postule que les différentes stratégies vis-à-vis de la Chine sont façonnées conjointement par, ceteris paribus, a) si les groupes d'intérêts centraux dans le processus de prise de décisions doivent bénéficier ou non de l'interdépendance avec Pékin ; et b) si la sécuritisation de la Chine est faible ou élevée dans le pays. En combinant ces deux éléments, l'on obtient quatre principaux types de stratégies par rapport à la Chine : le détachement pragmatique, la confrontation, la routine habituelle et la distanciation. Ces quatre stratégies sont évaluées plus avant sur le plan empirique dans une étude de cas comparative structurée et concentrée sur l'Allemagne, les États-Unis, la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Roumanie. Les résultats de ce travail de recherche viennent étayer l'approche sociétale de l’étude des relations internationales en cela que les stratégies étrangères se révèlent être bien plus qu'une réponse automatique aux conditions structurelles (l'interdépendance). Les acteurs sociétaux les construisent et les contestent en permanence, dans les limites de la sécuritisation menée par l’État.

En medio de la actual competencia entre las grandes potencias y las tensiones geopolíticas, ¿por qué los Estados occidentales han formulado diferentes estrategias con respecto a Pekín? Este artículo se basa en la literatura sobre política interna y securitización y postula que las diferentes estrategias con relación a China están configuradas conjuntamente por, ceteris paribus, a) si se prevé que la interdependencia con Pekín traerá costes o beneficios a los grupos de interés de mayor relevancia en el proceso de toma de decisiones; y b) si la securitización de China es alta o baja en el país. La combinación de estos dos factores conduce a cuatro tipos principales de estrategias en relación a China: desapego pragmático, confrontación, «hacer como si nada» y distanciamiento. Estas cuatro estrategias se evalúan empíricamente en un estudio de caso comparativo estructurado y centrado en Alemania, Estados Unidos, Nueva Zelanda y Rumanía. Las conclusiones de esta investigación respaldan el enfoque social del estudio de las relaciones internacionales en el sentido de que las estrategias en materia de política son más que una respuesta automática a las condiciones estructurales, como por ejemplo la interdependencia, y que son constantemente construidas e impugnadas por los agentes sociales dentro de los límites de la securitización dirigida por el Estado.

Understanding acids and bases at interfaces is relevant for a range of applications from environmental chemistry to energy storage. We present combined ab initio and force-field molecular dynamics simulations of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide highly concentrated electrolytes at the interface with air and graphene. In agreement with surface tension measurements at the air–water interface, we find that HCl presents an ionic surface excess, while NaOH displays an ionic surface depletion, for both interfaces. We further show that graphene becomes less hydrophilic as the water ions concentration increases, with a transition to being hydrophobic for highly basic solutions. For HCl, we observe that hydronium adsorbs to both interfaces and orients strongly toward the water phase, due to the hydrogen bonding behavior of hydronium ions, which donate three hydrogen bonds to bulk water molecules when adsorbed at the interface. For NaOH, we observe density peaks of strongly oriented hydroxide ions at the interface with air and graphene. To extrapolate our results from concentrated electrolytes to dilute solutions, we perform single ion-pair ab initio simulations, as well as develop force-field parameters for ions and graphene that reproduce the density profiles at high concentrations. We find the behavior of hydronium ions to be rather independent of concentration. For NaOH electrolytes, the force-field simulations of dilute NaOH solutions suggest no hydroxide adsorption but some adsorption at high concentrations. For both interfaces, we predict that the surface potential is positive for HCl and close to neutral for NaOH.

The northern white rhinoceros (NWR) is probably the earth’s most endangered mammal. To rescue the functionally extinct species, we aim to employ induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate gametes and subsequently embryos in vitro. To elucidate the regulation of pluripotency and differentiation of NWR PSCs, we generated iPSCs from a deceased NWR female using episomal reprogramming, and observed surprising similarities to human PSCs. NWR iPSCs exhibit a broad differentiation potency into the three germ layers and trophoblast, and acquire a naïve-like state of pluripotency, which is pivotal to differentiate PSCs into primordial germ cells (PGCs). Naïve culturing conditions induced a similar expression profile of pluripotency related genes in NWR iPSCs and human ESCs. Furthermore, naïve-like NWR iPSCs displayed increased expression of naïve and PGC marker genes, and a higher integration propensity into developing mouse embryos. As the conversion process was aided by ectopic BCL2 expression, and we observed integration of reprogramming factors, the NWR iPSCs presented here are unsuitable for gamete production. However, the gained insights into the developmental potential of both primed and naïve-like NWR iPSCs are fundamental for in future PGC-specification in order to rescue the species from extinction using cryopreserved somatic cells.

We present a novel three-dimensional model of compressional wave attenuation (1/QP) for the Eastern and eastern Southern Alps in Europe that includes the eastern part of the Adriatic indenter, termed here the Dolomites Sub-Indenter. Our approach employed waveform data from the SWATH-D network, a dense temporary network operational between 2017 and 2019, as well as selected stations of the larger AlpArray Seismic Network. A spectral inversion method using frequency-independent quality factor QP, was applied to derive 3578 path-averaged attenuation values (t*) from 126 local earthquakes. These were then inverted using the damped least square inversion (local earthquake tomography) for the attenuation structure. The resulting QP model, which builds on and complements a previously calculated 3-D velocity model (VP and VP/VS), exhibits good resolution down to ~ 20 km depth. Several anomalies can be correlated with the distribution of other physical parameters (VP and VP/VS) and regional tectonic features. Notably, the Friuli-Venetian region exhibits the highest attenuation (lowest QP) anomaly, coinciding with low VP values and increased VP/VS. This anomaly is likely associated with a high density of faults and fractures, as well as the presence of fluid-filled sediments along the active thrust front in the eastern segment of the Southern Alps. Another intriguing observation is the low attenuation (high QP) anomaly along the northwestern edge of the Dolomites Sub-Indenter (NWDI), located south of the Periadriatic fault and east of the Giudicarie fault, where seismicity is notably absent. This anomaly coincides with Permian magmatic rocks at the surface and may be a measure of their strength at depth.Graphical Abstract

Eps15-homology domain containing proteins (EHDs) are eukaryotic, dynamin-related ATPases involved in cellular membrane trafficking. They oligomerize on membranes into filaments that induce membrane tubulation. While EHD crystal structures in open and closed conformations were previously reported, little structural information is available for the membrane-bound oligomeric form. Consequently, mechanistic insights into the membrane remodeling mechanism have remained sparse. Here, by using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, we determined structures of nucleotide-bound EHD4 filaments on membrane tubes of various diameters at an average resolution of 7.6 Å. Assembly of EHD4 is mediated via interfaces in the G-domain and the helical domain. The oligomerized EHD4 structure resembles the closed conformation, where the tips of the helical domains protrude into the membrane. The variation in filament geometry and tube radius suggests a spontaneous filament curvature of approximately 1/70 nm −1 . Combining the available structural and functional data, we suggest a model for EHD-mediated membrane remodeling.

The incorporation of fluorine into amino acids is an important strategy to produce tailored building blocks with unique properties for peptide-based materials. Phenylalanine is frequently modified due to its role in cation–π interactions and the formation of amyloid fibres. Previous studies have utilized gas-phase vibrational spectroscopy to study interactions between canonical amino acids. In this study, we employ a combination of cryogenic gas-phase infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory to study the interactions in proton-bound dimers of side-chain fluorinated phenylalanines. Our findings reveal how the position and number of fluorine atoms affect the interactions and structures of the dimers. Monofluorinated phenylalanines adopt charge-solvated structures in which the two amino acids interact via their ammonium and amine functions (NH3+⋯NH2). The dimer with the perfluorinated side chain forms multiple charge-solvated and salt-bridged structures with varying interaction types. These structural changes are attributed to the significant reduction of electron density in the aromatic systems.

The previously unpublished cuneiform fragment BM 47886+47914 belongs to an astral compendium written no later than 140/139 BCE. It contains a rare combination of procedures connected to mathematical astronomy, including a previously unknown one for Mercury’s daily motion, and what appear to be astrological procedures. It is argued that the fragment is an indirect join to BM 55555+55562 (ACT No. 210 = BMAPT No. 95), a similar, undated compendium of planetary and lunar procedures, including one mentioning a “year of the Sun,” for which a Greek origin has been proposed. BM 47886+47914 preserves a date of writing, with possible implications for the origin of the “year of the Sun.”

Background

Past selection events left footprints in the genome of domestic animals, which can be traced back by stretches of homozygous genotypes, designated as runs of homozygosity (ROHs). The analysis of common ROH regions within groups or populations displaying potential signatures of selection requires high-quality SNP data as well as carefully adjusted ROH-defining parameters. In this study, we used a simultaneous testing of rule- and model-based approaches to perform strategic ROH calling in genomic data from different pig populations to detect genomic regions under selection for specific phenotypes.

Results

Our ROH analysis using a rule-based approach offered by PLINK, as well as a model-based approach run by RZooRoH demonstrated a high efficiency of both methods. It underlined the importance of providing a high-quality SNP set as input as well as adjusting parameters based on dataset and population for ROH calling. Particularly, ROHs ≤ 20 kb were called in a high frequency by both tools, but to some extent covered different gene sets in subsequent analysis of ROH regions common for investigated pig groups. Phenotype associated ROH analysis resulted in regions under potential selection characterizing heritage pig breeds, known to harbour a long-established breeding history. In particular, the selection focus on fitness-related traits was underlined by various ROHs harbouring disease resistance or tolerance-associated genes. Moreover, we identified potential selection signatures associated with ear morphology, which confirmed known candidate genes as well as uncovered a missense mutation in the ABCA6 gene potentially supporting ear cartilage formation.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the strengths and unique features of rule- and model-based approaches as well as demonstrate their potential for ROH analysis in animal populations. We provide a workflow for ROH detection, evaluating the major steps from filtering for high-quality SNP sets to intersecting ROH regions. Formula-based estimations defining ROHs for rule-based method show its limits, particularly for efficient detection of smaller ROHs. Moreover, we emphasize the role of ROH detection for the identification of potential footprints of selection in pigs, displaying their breed-specific characteristics or favourable phenotypes.

Ratiometric green–red fluorescent nanosensors for fluorometrically monitoring pH in the acidic range were designed from 80 nm-sized polystyrene (PS) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs), red emissive reference dyes, and a green emissive naphthalimide pH probe, analytically and spectroscopically characterized, and compared regarding their sensing performance in aqueous dispersion and in cellular uptake studies. Preparation of these optical probes, which are excitable by 405 nm laser or LED light sources, involved the encapsulation of the pH-inert red-fluorescent dye Nile Red (NR) in the core of self-made carboxylated PSNPs by a simple swelling procedure and the fabrication of rhodamine B (RhB)-stained SiO2-NPs from a silane derivative of pH-insensitive RhB. Subsequently, the custom-made naphthalimide pH probe, that utilizes a protonation-controlled photoinduced electron transfer process, was covalently attached to the carboxylic acid groups at the surface of both types of NPs. Fluorescence microscopy studies with the molecular and nanoscale optical probes and A549 lung cancer cells confirmed the cellular uptake of all probes and their penetration into acidic cell compartments, i.e., the lysosomes, indicated by the switching ON of the green naphthalimide fluorescence. This underlines their suitability for intracellular pH sensing, with the SiO2-based nanosensor revealing the best performance regarding uptake speed and stability.

We previously reported the successful design, synthesis and testing of the prototype opioid painkiller NFEPP that does not elicit adverse side effects. The design process of NFEPP was based on mathematical modelling of extracellular interactions between G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ligands, recognizing that GPCRs function differently under pathological versus healthy conditions. We now present an additional and novel stochastic model of GPCR function that includes intracellular dissociation of G-protein subunits and modulation of plasma membrane calcium channels and their dependence on parameters of inflamed and healthy tissue (pH, radicals). The model is validated against in vitro experimental data for the ligands NFEPP and fentanyl at different pH values and radical concentrations. We observe markedly reduced binding affinity and calcium channel inhibition for NFEPP at normal pH compared to lower pH, in contrast to the effect of fentanyl. For increasing radical concentrations, we find enhanced constitutive G-protein activation but reduced ligand binding affinity. Assessing the different effects, the results suggest that, compared to radicals, low pH is a more important determinant of overall GPCR function in an inflamed environment. Future drug design efforts should take this into account.