bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal ganglion cell loss in an ex vivo mouse model of optic nerve cut is prevented by curcumin treatment
Authors: Buccarello Lucia , Dragotto Jessica , Hassanzadeh Kambiz , Maccarone Rita , Corbo Massimo , Feligioni Marco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRetinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is a pathologic feature common to several retinopathies associated to optic nerve damage, leading to visual loss and blindness. Although several scientific efforts have been spent to understand the molecular and cellular changes occurring in retinal degeneration, an effective therapy to counteract the retinal damage is still not available. Here we show that eyeballs, enucleated with the concomitant optic nerve cut (ONC), when kept in PBS for 24 h showed retinal and optic nerve degeneration. Examining retinas and optic nerves at different time points in a temporal window of 24 h, we found a thinning of some retinal layers especially RGC’s layer, observing a powerful RGC loss after 24 h correlated with an apoptotic, MAPKs and degradative pathways dysfunctions. Specifically, we detected a time-dependent increase of Caspase-3, -9 and pro-apoptotic marker levels, associated with a strong reduction of BRN3A and NeuN levels. Importantly, a powerful activation of JNK, c-Jun, and ERK signaling (MAPKs) were observed, correlated with a significant augmented SUMO-1 and UBC9 protein levels. The degradation signaling pathways was also altered, causing a significant decrease of ubiquitination level and an increased LC3B activation. Notably, it was also detected an augmented Tau protein level. Curcumin, a powerful antioxidant natural compound, prevented the alterations of apoptotic cascade, MAPKs, and SUMO-1 pathways and the degradation system, preserving the RGC survival and the retinal layer thickness. This ex vivo retinal degeneration model could be a useful method to study, in a short time window, the effect of neuroprotective tools like curcumin that could represent a potential treatment to contrast retinal cell death.
Impact of maternal antibodies and microbiota development on the immunogenicity of oral rotavirus vaccine in African, Indian, and European infants
Authors: Parker Edward P. K. , Bronowski Christina , Sindhu Kulandaipalayam Natarajan C. , Babji Sudhir , Benny Blossom , Carmona-Vicente Noelia , Chasweka Nedson , Chinyama End , Cunliffe Nigel A. , Dube Queen , Giri Sidhartha , Grassly Nicholas C. , Gunasekaran Annai , Howarth Deborah , Immanuel Sushil , Jere Khuzwayo C. , Kampmann Beate , Lowe Jenna , Mandolo Jonathan , Praharaj Ira , Rani Bakthavatsalam Sandya , Silas Sophia , Srinivasan Vivek Kumar , Turner Mark , Venugopal Srinivasan , Verghese Valsan Philip , Darby Alistair C. , Kang Gagandeep , Iturriza-Gómara Miren 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIdentifying risk factors for impaired oral rotavirus vaccine (ORV) efficacy in low-income countries may lead to improvements in vaccine design and delivery. In this prospective cohort study, we measure maternal rotavirus antibodies, environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), and bacterial gut microbiota development among infants receiving two doses of Rotarix in India (n = 307), Malawi (n = 119), and the UK (n = 60), using standardised methods across cohorts. We observe ORV shedding and seroconversion rates to be significantly lower in Malawi and India than the UK. Maternal rotavirus-specific antibodies in serum and breastmilk are negatively correlated with ORV response in India and Malawi, mediated partly by a reduction in ORV shedding. In the UK, ORV shedding is not inhibited despite comparable maternal antibody levels to the other cohorts. In both India and Malawi, increased microbiota diversity is negatively correlated with ORV immunogenicity, suggesting that high early-life microbial exposure may contribute to impaired vaccine efficacy.
Uppermost crustal structure regulates the flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Jones G. A. , Ferreira A. M. G. , Kulessa B. , Schimmel M. , Berbellini A. , Morelli A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet is controlled by subglacial processes and conditions that depend on the geological provenance and temperature of the crust beneath it, neither of which are adequately known. Here we present a seismic velocity model of the uppermost 5 km of the Greenlandic crust. We show that slow velocities in the upper crust tend to be associated with major outlet glaciers along the ice-sheet margin, and elevated geothermal heat flux along the Iceland hotspot track inland. Outlet glaciers particularly susceptible to basal slip over deformable subglacial sediments include Jakobshavn, Helheim and Kangerdlussuaq, while geothermal warming and softening of basal ice may affect the onset of faster ice flow at Petermann Glacier and the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream. Interactions with the solid earth therefore control the past, present and future dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet and must be adequately explored and implemented in ice sheet models.
Quantum theory based on real numbers can be experimentally falsified
Authors: Renou Marc-Olivier , Trillo David , Weilenmann Mirjam , Le Thinh P. , Tavakoli Armin , Gisin Nicolas , Acín Antonio , Navascués Miguel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough complex numbers are essential in mathematics, they are not needed to describe physical experiments, as those are expressed in terms of probabilities, hence real numbers. Physics, however, aims to explain, rather than describe, experiments through theories. Although most theories of physics are based on real numbers, quantum theory was the first to be formulated in terms of operators acting on complex Hilbert spaces1,2. This has puzzled countless physicists, including the fathers of the theory, for whom a real version of quantum theory, in terms of real operators, seemed much more natural3. In fact, previous studies have shown that such a ‘real quantum theory’ can reproduce the outcomes of any multipartite experiment, as long as the parts share arbitrary real quantum states4. Here we investigate whether complex numbers are actually needed in the quantum formalism. We show this to be case by proving that real and complex Hilbert-space formulations of quantum theory make different predictions in network scenarios comprising independent states and measurements. This allows us to devise a Bell-like experiment, the successful realization of which would disprove real quantum theory, in the same way as standard Bell experiments disproved local physics.
Experimental evidence for recovery of mercury-contaminated fish populations
Authors: Blanchfield Paul J. , Rudd John W. M. , Hrenchuk Lee E. , Amyot Marc , Babiarz Christopher L. , Beaty Ken G. , Bodaly R. A. Drew , Branfireun Brian A. , Gilmour Cynthia C. , Graydon Jennifer A. , Hall Britt D. , Harris Reed C. , Heyes Andrew , Hintelmann Holger , Hurley James P. , Kelly Carol A. , Krabbenhoft David P. , Lindberg Steve E. , Mason Robert P. , Paterson Michael J. , Podemski Cheryl L. , Sandilands Ken A. , Southworth George R. , St Louis Vincent L. , Tate Lori S. , Tate Michael T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAnthropogenic releases of mercury (Hg)1–3 are a human health issue4 because the potent toxicant methylmercury (MeHg), formed primarily by microbial methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic ecosystems, bioaccumulates to high concentrations in fish consumed by humans5,6. Predicting the efficacy of Hg pollution controls on fish MeHg concentrations is complex because many factors influence the production and bioaccumulation of MeHg7–9. Here we conducted a 15-year whole-ecosystem, single-factor experiment to determine the magnitude and timing of reductions in fish MeHg concentrations following reductions in Hg additions to a boreal lake and its watershed. During the seven-year addition phase, we applied enriched Hg isotopes to increase local Hg wet deposition rates fivefold. The Hg isotopes became increasingly incorporated into the food web as MeHg, predominantly from additions to the lake because most of those in the watershed remained there. Thereafter, isotopic additions were stopped, resulting in an approximately 100% reduction in Hg loading to the lake. The concentration of labelled MeHg quickly decreased by up to 91% in lower trophic level organisms, initiating rapid decreases of 38–76% of MeHg concentration in large-bodied fish populations in eight years. Although Hg loading from watersheds may not decline in step with lowering deposition rates, this experiment clearly demonstrates that any reduction in Hg loadings to lakes, whether from direct deposition or runoff, will have immediate benefits to fish consumers.
Effect of graphite oxide and exfoliated graphite oxide as a modifier for the voltametric determination of dopamine in presence of uric acid and folic acid
Authors: Vidya H. , Kumara Swamy B. E. , Sharma S. C. , Jayaprakash G. K. , Hariprasad S. A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn the present work, exfoliated graphite oxide (E-GO) was prepared by sonicating graphite oxide (GO) (prepared by modified Hummer’s and Offemam methods). Prepared GO and E-GO were characterized using infrared absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic properties of GO and E-GO towards detection of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and folic acid (FA) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Our results revealed that E-GO has a slighter advantage over the GO as an electrode modifier for detection DA, UA, and FA, which might be ascribed to the good conductivity of E-GO when compared to the GO.
Frequency domain maximum correntropy criterion spline adaptive filtering
Authors: Guo Wenyan , Zhi Yongfeng , Feng Kai 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA filtering algorithm based on frequency domain spline type, frequency domain spline adaptive filters (FDSAF), effectively reducing the computational complexity of the filter. However, the FDSAF algorithm is unable to suppress non-Gaussian impulsive noises. To suppression non-Gaussian impulsive noises along with having comparable operation time, a maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) based frequency domain spline adaptive filter called frequency domain maximum correntropy criterion spline adaptive filter (FDSAF-MCC) is developed in this paper. Further, the bound on learning rate for convergence of the proposed algorithm is also studied. And through experimental simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in suppressing non-Gaussian impulsive noises. Compared with the existing frequency domain spline adaptive filter, the proposed algorithm has better performance.
Effects of sub-threshold transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cerebral blood flow
Authors: Chen Conan , Mao Yixiang , Falahpour Maryam , MacNiven Kelly H. , Heit Gary , Sharma Vivek , Alataris Konstantinos , Liu Thomas T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown promise as a non-invasive alternative to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with implantable devices, which has been used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression. Prior work has used functional MRI to investigate the brain response to taVNS, and more recent work has also demonstrated potential therapeutic effects of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS in rheumatoid arthritis. However, no studies to date have measured the effects of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS on cerebral blood flow (CBF). The objective of this study was to determine whether high-frequency (20 kHz) sub-threshold taVNS induces significant changes in CBF, a promising metric for the assessment of the sustained effects of taVNS. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI scans were performed on 20 healthy subjects in a single-blind placebo-controlled repeated measures experimental design. The ASL scans were performed before and after 15 min of either sub-threshold taVNS treatment or a sham control. taVNS induced significant changes in CBF in the superior posterior cerebellum that were largely localized to bilateral Crus I and Crus II. Post hoc analyses showed that the changes were driven by a treatment-related decrease in CBF. Fifteen minutes of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS can induce sustained CBF decreases in the bilateral posterior cerebellum in a cohort of healthy subjects. This study lays the foundation for future studies in clinical populations, and also supports the use of ASL measures of CBF for the assessment of the sustained effects of taVNS.
Novel chemical inhibitor against SOD1 misfolding and aggregation protects neuron-loss and ameliorates disease symptoms in ALS mouse model
Authors: Woo Tae-Gyun , Yoon Min-Ho , Kang So-mi , Park Soyoung , Cho Jung-Hyun , Hwang Young Jun , Ahn Jinsook , Jang Hyewon , Shin Yun-Jeong , Jung Eui-Man , Ha Nam-Chul , Kim Bae-Hoon , Kwon Yonghoon , Park Bum-Joon 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective death of motor neurons. Mutations in Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) causing the gain of its toxic property are the major culprit of familial ALS (fALS). The abnormal SOD1 aggregation in the motor neurons has been suggested as the major pathological hallmark of ALS patients. However, the development of pharmacological interventions against SOD1 still needs further investigation. In this study, using ELISA-based chemical screening with wild and mutant SOD1 proteins, we screened a new small molecule, PRG-A01, which could block the misfolding/aggregation of SOD1 or TDP-43. The drug rescued the cell death induced by mutant SOD1 in human neuroblastoma cell line. Administration of PRG-A01 into the ALS model mouse resulted in significant improvement of muscle strength, motor neuron viability and mobility with extended lifespan. These results suggest that SOD1 misfolding/aggregation is a potent therapeutic target for SOD1 related ALS.
Cadmium exposure modulates the gut-liver axis in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Zhang Angela , Matsushita Megumi , Zhang Liang , Wang Hao , Shi Xiaojian , Gu Haiwei , Xia Zhengui , Cui Julia Yue 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe human Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) variant is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cadmium (Cd) has been shown to impair learning and memory at a greater extent in humanized ApoE4 knock-in (ApoE4-KI) mice as compared to ApoE3 (common allele)-KI mice. Here, we determined how cadmium interacts with ApoE4 gene variants to modify the gut-liver axis. Large intestinal content bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing, serum lipid metabolomics, and hepatic transcriptomics were analyzed in ApoE3- and ApoE4-KI mice orally exposed to vehicle, a low dose, or a high dose of Cd in drinking water. ApoE4-KI males had the most prominent changes in their gut microbiota, as well as a predicted down-regulation of many essential microbial pathways involved in nutrient and energy homeostasis. In the host liver, cadmium-exposed ApoE4-KI males had the most differentially regulated pathways; specifically, there was enrichment in several pathways involved in platelet activation and drug metabolism. In conclusion, Cd exposure profoundly modified the gut-liver axis in the most susceptible mouse strain to neurological damage namely the ApoE4-KI males, evidenced by an increase in microbial AD biomarkers, reduction in energy supply-related pathways in gut and blood, and an increase in hepatic pathways involved in inflammation and xenobiotic biotransformation.
Male fire ant neurotransmitter precursors trigger reproductive development in females after mating
Authors: Vander Meer Robert K. , Chinta Satya P. , Jones Tappey H. , O’Reilly Erin E. , Adams Rachelle M. M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSocial insect queens have evolved mechanisms to prevent competition from their sexual daughters. For Solenopsis invicta, the fire ant, queens have evolved a primer pheromone that retards reproductive development in their winged reproductive daughters. If these daughters are removed from the influence of the queen, it takes about a week to start reproductive development; however, it starts almost immediately after mating. This dichotomy has been unsuccessfully investigated for several decades. Here we show that male fire ants produce tyramides, derivatives of the biogenic amine tyramine, in their reproductive system. Males transfer tyramides to winged females during mating, where the now newly mated queens enzymatically convert tyramides to tyramine. Tyramine floods the hemolymph, rapidly activating physiological processes associated with reproductive development. Tyramides have been found only in the large Myrmicinae ant sub-family (6,800 species), We suggest that the complex inhibition/disinhibition of reproductive development described here will be applicable to other members of this ant sub-family.
Spatial pattern of lake evaporation increases under global warming linked to regional hydroclimate change
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Wang Linying , Li Dan , Leung L. Ruby 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLakes are critical natural resources that are vulnerable to climate change. In a warmer climate, lake evaporation is projected to increase globally, but with substantial variation between regions. Here, based on ensemble projections of climate and lake models and an attribution method, we show that future lake evaporation increase is strongly modulated by regional hydroclimate change. Specifically, a drying hydroclimate will amplify evaporation increase by enlarging surface vapor pressure deficit and reducing cloud shortwave reflection. Future lake evaporation increase is amplified in tropical America, the Mediterranean and Southeast China with drier future hydroclimates, and dampened in high latitudes and the Tibetan Plateau with wetter future hydroclimates. Such spatially coupled changes in lake evaporation and hydroclimate have important implications on regional lake water balance and volume change, which can aggravate water scarcity and flood risks.
Circular RNAs in stem cells: from basic research to clinical implications
Authors: Lu Hui-Juan , Li Juan , Yang Guodong , Yi Cun-Jian , Zhang Daping , Yu Fenggang , Ma Zhaowu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special class of endogenous RNAs with a wide variety of pathophysiological functions via diverse mechanisms, including transcription, microRNA (miRNA) sponge, protein sponge/decoy, and translation. Stem cells are pluripotent cells with unique properties of self-renewal and differentiation. Dysregulated circRNAs identified in various stem cell types can affect stem cell self-renewal and differentiation potential by manipulating stemness. However, the emerging roles of circRNAs in stem cells remain largely unknown. This review summarizes the major functions and mechanisms of action of circRNAs in stem cell biology and disease progression. We also highlight circRNA-mediated common pathways in diverse stem cell types and discuss their diagnostic significance with respect to stem cell-based therapy.
BaTiO3‐doped silicon nanocomposite anodes capacity enhancement for ultra‐high capacity rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Amli Hatem , Walwyn Graham , Ahmed Waqar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSilicon anodes are vital for the next generation ultra‐high capacity rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. This study investigates ultrasmall silicon nanopowder (30–40 nm) as an anode material. Its high capacity > 3700 mAh/g makes it attractive, given the current theoretical capacity of graphite is ten times lower (370 mAh/g). However, it has severe instability due to volume expansion of silicon particles during charging. Hence, BaTiO3 nanomaterial was used to stabilise the cycling ability and improve the capacity. This study showed that silicon anode with BaTiO3 retained 40% of its original capacity after the 100th cycle where the silicon anode without BaTiO3 lost almost all of its capacity. The silicon anode with BaTiO3 also managed to regain and sustain ∼800 mAh/g of its capacity at slow charging rate compared to the silicon anode without BaTiO3. Water was used as a solvent and the basic changes in oxidation states of the silicon anode were investigated using X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and proved the creation of COx at different rates of repeated cycling. The work also provides detailed mapping of the different stages as the silicon nanopowder undergoes cycling. It provides a simple and effective way of synthesising and testing nearly pure silicon anodes.
Coronal condensation as the source of transition-region supersonic downflows above a sunspot
Authors: Chen Hechao , Tian Hui , Li Leping , Peter Hardi , Chitta Lakshmi Pradeep , Hou Zhenyong 
Published: December 2021

Context. Plasma loops or plumes rooted in sunspot umbrae often harbor downflows with speeds of 100 km s−1. These downflows are supersonic at transition region temperatures of ∼0.1 MK. The source of these flows is not well understood.
Aims. We aim to investigate the source of sunspot supersonic downflows (SSDs) in active region 12740 using simultaneous spectroscopic and imaging observations.
Methods. We identified SSD events from multiple raster scans of a sunspot by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, and we calculated the electron densities, mass fluxes, and velocities of these SSDs. The extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) images provided by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the EUV Imager onboard the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory were employed to investigate the origin of these SSDs and their associated coronal rain.
Results. Almost all the identified SSDs appear at the footpoints of sunspot plumes and are temporally associated with the appearance of chromospheric bright dots inside the sunspot umbra. Dual-perspective EUV imaging observations reveal a large-scale closed magnetic loop system spanning the sunspot region and a remote region. We observed that the SSDs are caused by repeated coronal rain that forms and flows along these closed magnetic loops toward the sunspot. One episode of coronal rain clearly indicates that reconnection near a coronal X-shaped structure first leads to the formation of a magnetic dip. Subsequently, hot coronal plasma catastrophically cools from ∼2 MK in the dip region via thermal instability. This results in the formation of a transient prominence in the dip, from which the cool gas mostly slides into the sunspot along inclined magnetic fields under the gravity. This drainage process manifests as a continuous rain flow, which lasts for ∼2 h and concurrently results in a nearly steady SSD event. The total mass of condensation (1.3 × 1014 g) and condensation rate (1.5 × 1010 g s−1) in the dip region were found to be sufficient to sustain this long-lived SSD event, which has a mass transport rate of 0.7 − 1.2 × 1010 g s−1.
Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that coronal condensation in magnetic dips can result in the quasi-steady sunspot supersonic downflows.