bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing polyploid genetic resources for enhanced rebaudioside A synthesis and agronomic traits in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Joshi Sivendra , K. T. Venkatesha , Gupta Abhilasha , Padalia Rajendra Chandra , Kumar Dipender 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni stores over 20 glycosides in leaves and stem, the primary sweetening compounds are stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevioside is 250–300 times and rebaudioside A is 350–450 times sweeter than sucrose. These glycosides can be substituted for free sugars being used in food and beverage industries. Due to limitations in the improvement of stevia through conventional breeding, induced polyploidy technique is a quick way to achieve enhanced leaf yield with increased secondary metabolites production. Presented study was conducted to develop genetic resources by inducing polyploidy and characterizing it. The apical meristem of 30-day-old seedlings was treated with colchicine solutions, ranging from 0.05 to 0.30%. Flow-cytometric analysis confirmed 13 tetraploids and one triploid genotype. Tetraploid plants showed significant changes in plant height, had larger leaf area, thicker leaves and higher levels of stevioside and rebaudioside A content, as compared to control. The triploid plant also surpassed the diploid control in number of branches per plant, leaf thickness, leaf area and fresh stem weight. The tetraploid line (ST 6) had 65.7% higher rebaudioside A content compared to diploid control. Correlation study revealed that leaf area and leaf thickness had an inverse correlation with rebaudioside A content. These newly developed polyploid genotypes offer valuable genetic resources for future stevia breeding programmes and as polyploid varieties for commercial cultivation.
Groundwater resources: Challenges & solutions
Authors: Cooper Richard J. , Hiscock Kevin M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Through the provision of drinking and agricultural irrigation water, groundwater resources fundamentally underpin the existence of modern human society across large regions of the world. Despite this, decades of unsustainable exploitation have led to acute degradation of groundwater quantity and quality, creating pressing challenges that society must address if we are to maintain viable access to this crucial resource for future generations. Taking stock of the current situation, in this contribution we begin by reviewing some of the major global groundwater resource pressures, before exploring a range of technological, engineering, societal and nature-based solutions to address these challenges. We look at examples of emerging groundwater resource threats and potential innovative solutions to tackle them, before concluding with a forward look at future research opportunities that can ultimately enhance our management of this vital resource.
Upstream and Downstream Wind‐Stress Forcing of Seasonal Variability of Luzon Strait Deep Overflow Transport
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Jiayan , Wu Lixin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Luzon Strait Deep Overflow (LZDO) transports deep‐water masses from the Pacific Ocean (upstream) to the South China Sea (SCS, downstream), playing a vital role in shaping the hydrographic and biogeochemical structure and regulating abyssal circulation within the SCS. Recent studies suggest that the seasonal variability of LZDO transport is primarily wind‐driven; however, the specific mechanisms and key wind‐forcing areas remain unclear. In this study, we use numerical model experiments to demonstrate that the seasonal variability of the LZDO is driven by wind stress both within the downstream SCS and upstream Pacific Ocean. This finding contrasts with previous views that considered the LZDO hydraulically controlled at the Luzon Strait sill and thus influenced solely by the upstream Pacific Ocean forcing. Additionally, we identify that the LZDO is particularly sensitive to wind forcing in specific North Pacific regions where geostrophic contours connect to the Luzon Strait due to topographic effects.
Sound Velocities of the Hydrous Iron‐Rich HH1‐Phase: Implications for Lower Mantle Seismic Heterogeneities
Authors: Liu Lu , Baron Alfred Q. R. , Ohtani Eiji , Fukui Hiroshi , Ikuta Daijo , Ishikawa Daisuke , Zhang Li 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe investigated the compressional and shear velocities, VP and VS, of the HH1‐phase by combining the inelastic x‐ray scattering and x‐ray diffraction experiments. In the pressure range of 64.7–79.6 GPa and at room temperature, the VP and VS were measured to be 9.66–11.05 and 4.9–6.4 km·s⁻1, respectively. We employed a simplified model to quantitatively discuss the sound velocity differences between hydrous and anhydrous phase assemblages in the mid‐lower mantle, revealing that the hydrous assemblage exhibits increased VS and a reduced VP/VS ratio compared to its anhydrous counterpart. This suggests formation of seismic scatterers in the mid‐lower mantle exhibiting high VS anomalies may be related to the heterogeneous distribution of water. Moreover, the interpretation of a large VP/VS ratio as indicating the presence of water in the upper mantle and crust may not be applicable for detecting water in the lower mantle.
Spatial Characteristics and Connectivity of Urban Floods in Eastern China: Insights From a Newly Established Data Set During 2010–2020
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Zhong Linhao , Yang Yang , Han Xinlei , Jiang Xiaoling , Shi Zitong , Jiang Dabang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDue to limited data, the spatial characteristics and connectivity of urban floods in eastern China remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a new data set of urban floods in eastern China during 2010–2020, compiled from multiple sources. Based on this data set, our analysis identified four high‐frequency urban flood centers in South, Southeast, Southwest, and North China. Distinct regional differences are revealed for regions from south to north, with monthly peaks shifting from May to August and precipitation thresholds decreasing from high to low. Furthermore, we uncovered widespread interconnections among urban floods both within and across regions by using complex networks analysis. Strong local connectivity within regions is associated with northwestern Pacific subtropical high and moisture flux convergence. Meanwhile, links across regions are significant between Southwest China and both Southeast and North China, with Southwest China vortex likely playing a critical role.
Drivers of Nickel Distribution and Seasonality in the Southern Ocean: New Perspectives From the GEOTRACES GIpr07 Transect
Authors: Cloete R. , Planquette H. , van Horsten N. R. , Samanta S. , Chen X.‐G. , Achterberg E. P. , Middag R. , Janssen D. J. , Bowie A. R. , van der Merwe P. , Loock J. C. , Mtshali T. N. , Fietz S. , Roychoudhury A. N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWinter dissolved nickel (dNi) and particulate nickel (pNi) concentrations were measured in the Southern Ocean (GEOTRACES GIpr07 transect) to investigate biogeochemical cycling within the water column and over seasonal timescales. Concentrations of dNi ranged from 1.98 to 8.21 nmol kg−1 with low surface concentrations and maxima in deepest sampled water masses. Combining our winter data with the GEOTRACES Intermediate Data Product (2021) shows insignificant seasonal dNi variation in surface waters north of the Antarctic Polar Front, indicating the dominance of year‐round mixing processes. However, lower summer concentrations than winter in the Antarctic Zone (∆0.23 nmol kg−1) suggest a role for biological processes at high latitudes. For pNi, concentrations ranged from 5 to 49 pmol kg−1 with higher values in surface/near‐surface water masses. Vertical attenuation factors (b values) for pNi (0.19 ± 0.06) and particulate phosphorus (pP; 0.43 ± 0.10) suggest a greater retention of Ni in particles than P, invoking scavenging processes or refractory Ni phases. Water mass analysis shows that remineralization of pNi contributes a maximum of 6% of the highest measured dNi. Instead, dNi distributions and macronutrient relationships were largely explained by phytoplankton uptake in surface waters, and mixing and advection of Atlantic and Antarctic origin water masses, each with different preformed nutrient compositions. Winter trace metal measurements provide new perspectives regarding the balance between biological and physical drivers in the Southern Ocean. For Ni, the biological component is small with respect to physical mixing processes and over the timescales in which water masses accumulate Ni during their transport.
Adaptive Process of Bottom‐Trapped Buoyant Coastal Current When Encountering a Protruding Coastal Headland
Authors: Zhou Silu , Wu Hui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCoastal current encountering a protruding headland is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Previous studies indicated that the coastal current either moves well around headland or separates offshore, leaving the upstream region unaffected. Yet, these studies often assumed a deep vertical coastal wall, and the coastal current was either of barotropic character or surface‐advected, with weak interactions with the sloping topography. Here in this study, we conducted numerical experiments to investigate how a protruding headland regulates the “bottom‐trapped” buoyant coastal current over a sloping coastal topography. It was found that at the initial stage, the coastal current separates at the sharp headland tip due to local increased centrifugal force, forming a secondary bulge on the lee side of the headland. Upstream of the headland, a countercurrent is formed shoreward of the front, which fills the space between front and coast, thus pushing the front offshore. This process persists as long as the cross‐shelf scale of headland is larger than the baroclinic Rossby deformation radius. The final effect is that the front adapts its cross‐shelf location to minimize the form drag induced by the headland, and consequently the separation on the lee side of the headland was reduced. Downstream of the headland, the plume front weakens and the alongshore propagation is slowed down, because more freshwater is stranded upstream. Such dynamics are distinct from the surface‐advected buoyant coastal current, and may explain the fact that many buoyant coastal currents along zigzag coastline are wide and their alongshore extension distances are limited.
Assessment and ascertainment in psychiatric molecular genetics: challenges and opportunities for cross-disorder research
Authors: Cai Na , Verhulst Brad , Andreassen Ole A. , Buitelaar Jan , Edenberg Howard J. , Hettema John M. , Gandal Michael , Grotzinger Andrew , Jonas Katherine , Lee Phil , Mallard Travis T. , Mattheisen Manuel , Neale Michael C. , Nurnberger John I. , Peyrot Wouter J. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Smoller Jordan W. , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are highly comorbid, heritable, and genetically correlated [1–4]. The primary objective of cross-disorder psychiatric genetics research is to identify and characterize both the shared genetic factors that contribute to convergent disease etiologies and the unique genetic factors that distinguish between disorders [4, 5]. This information can illuminate the biological mechanisms underlying comorbid presentations of psychopathology, improve nosology and prediction of illness risk and trajectories, and aid the development of more effective and targeted interventions. In this review we discuss how estimates of comorbidity and identification of shared genetic loci between disorders can be influenced by how disorders are measured (phenotypic assessment) and the inclusion or exclusion criteria in individual genetic studies (sample ascertainment). Specifically, the depth of measurement, source of diagnosis, and time frame of disease trajectory have major implications for the clinical validity of the assessed phenotypes. Further, biases introduced in the ascertainment of both cases and controls can inflate or reduce estimates of genetic correlations. The impact of these design choices may have important implications for large meta-analyses of cohorts from diverse populations that use different forms of assessment and inclusion criteria, and subsequent cross-disorder analyses thereof. We review how assessment and ascertainment affect genetic findings in both univariate and multivariate analyses and conclude with recommendations for addressing them in future research.
Itaconate facilitates viral infection via alkylating GDI2 and retaining Rab GTPase on the membrane
Authors: Yin Shulei , Tao Yijie , Li Tianliang , Li Chunzhen , Cui Yani , Zhang Yunyan , Yin Shenhui , Zhao Liyuan , Hu Panpan , Cui Likun , Wu Yunyang , He Yixian , Yu Shu , Chen Jie , Lu Shaoteng , Qiu Guifang , Song Mengqi , Hou Qianshan , Qian Cheng , Zou Zui , Xu Sheng , Yu Yizhi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetabolic reprogramming of host cells plays critical roles during viral infection. Itaconate, a metabolite produced from cis-aconitate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) by immune responsive gene 1 (IRG1), is involved in regulating innate immune response and pathogen infection. However, its involvement in viral infection and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the IRG1-itaconate axis facilitates the infections of VSV and IAV in macrophages and epithelial cells via Rab GTPases redistribution. Mechanistically, itaconate promotes the retention of Rab GTPases on the membrane via directly alkylating Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor beta (GDI2), the latter of which extracts Rab GTPases from the membrane to the cytoplasm. Multiple alkylated residues by itaconate, including cysteines 203, 335, and 414 on GDI2, were found to be important during viral infection. Additionally, this effect of itaconate needs an adequate distribution of Rab GTPases on the membrane, which relies on Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (GGTase-II)-mediated geranylgeranylation of Rab GTPases. The single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed high expression of IRG1 primarily in neutrophils during viral infection. Co-cultured and in vivo animal experiments demonstrated that itaconate produced by neutrophils plays a dominant role in promoting viral infection. Overall, our study reveals that neutrophils-derived itaconate facilitates viral infection via redistribution of Rab GTPases, suggesting potential targets for antiviral therapy.
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ radiosensitizes tumors by decreasing mitochondrial oxygen consumption
Authors: Rondeau Justin D. , Lipari Sara , Mathieu Barbara , Beckers Claire , Van de Velde Justine A. , Mignion Lionel , Da Silva Morais Mauricio , Kreuzer Marvin , Colauzzi Ilaria , Capeloa Tania , Pruschy Martin , Gallez Bernard , Sonveaux Pierre 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHypoxic tumors are radioresistant stemming from the fact that oxygen promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) propagation after water radiolysis and stabilizes irradiation-induced DNA damage. Therefore, an attractive strategy to radiosensitize solid tumors is to increase tumor oxygenation at the time of irradiation, ideally above a partial pressure of 10 mm-Hg at which full radiosensitization can be reached. Historically, the many attempts to increase vascular O2 delivery have had limited efficacy, but mathematical models predicted that inhibiting cancer cell respiration would be more effective. Here, we report that mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ can radiosensitize human breast tumors in mice. This was not a class effect, as neither MitoTEMPO nor SKQ1 shared this property. At clinically relevant nanomolar concentrations, MitoQ completely abrogated the oxygen consumption of several human cancer cell lines of different origins, which was associated with a glycolytic switch. Using orthotopic breast cancer models in mice, we observed that pretreating hypoxic MDA-MB-231 tumors with MitoQ delayed tumor growth with both single dose irradiation and clinically relevant fractionated radiotherapy. Oxygenated MCF7 tumors were not radiosensitized, suggesting an oxygen enhancement effect of MitoQ. Because MitoQ already successfully passed Phase I clinical trials, our findings foster its clinical evaluation in combination with radiotherapy.
Transplantation of derivative retinal organoids from chemically induced pluripotent stem cells restored visual function
Authors: Zhao Ning , Zhang Chang-Jun , Zhang Xiao , Wang Wen , Jin Kangxin , Jin Zi-Bing 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAs an emerging type of pluripotent stem cells, chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) avoid the risks of genomic disintegration by exogenous DNAs from viruses or plasmids, providing a safer stem cell source. To verify CiPSCs’ capacity to differentiate into retinal organoids (ROs), we induced CiPSCs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts by defined small-molecule compounds and successfully differentiated the CiPSCs into three-dimensional ROs, in which all major retinal cell types and retinal genes were in concordance with those in vivo. We transplanted retinal photoreceptors from ROs into the subretinal space of retinal degeneration mouse models and the cells could integrate into the host retina, establish synaptic connections, and significantly improve the visual functions of the murine models. This proof-of-concept study for the first time demonstrated that CiPSCs could differentiate into ROs with a full spectrum of retinal cell types, and provided new insights into chemical approach-based retinal regeneration for degenerative diseases.
Citric acid is more effective than sodium thiosulfate in chelating calcium in a dissolution model of calcinosis
Authors: Burgess Kyle A. , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Saiani Alberto , Miller Aline F. , Herrick Ariane L. , Watson Rachel E. B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCalcinosis cutis affects 20–40% of patients with systemic sclerosis. This study tests the hypothesis that calcium-chelating polycarboxylic acids can induce calcium dissolution without skin toxicity or irritancy. We compared citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to sodium thiosulfate (STS) for their ability to chelate calcium in vitro using a pharmaceutical dissolution model of calcinosis (hydroxyapatite (HAp) tablet), prior to evaluation of toxicity and irritancy in 2D in vitro skin models. Resultant data was used to predict therapeutic concentrations for application in a validated 3D skin irritation model (SkinEthic™; EpiSkin SA) and to assay maximal percutaneous absorption. Dissolution performance was further assessed via ability to dissolve a calcified matrix laid down in vitro. Pharmacological dissolution studies identified that polycarboxylic acids were superior to STS in dissolving HAp tablets. In vitro, compounds had little effect on cell numbers at concentrations of < 10 mM. When applied topically to 3D models as near-saturated solutions, chelators were not irritant nor did they impact model structure histologically. CA was the most efficient chelator of calcium salts. This study highlights polycarboxylic acids, particularly CA, as potential therapies to target calcinosis cutis: these should now be investigated in human studies.
Isolating high-quality RNA for RNA-Seq from 10-year-old blood samples
Authors: Portelli Charlene , Seria Elisa , Attard Ritienne , Barzine Mitra , Esquinas-Roman Eva M. , Borg Carbott Francesca , Cassar Karen , Vella Matthew , Scicluna Brendon P. , Ebejer Jean-Paul , Farrugia Rosienne , Bezzina Wettinger Stephanie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThere is much interest in analysing RNA, particularly with RNA Sequencing, across both research and diagnostic domains. However, its inherent instability renders it susceptible to degradation. Given the imperative for RNA integrity in such applications, proper storage and biobanking of blood samples and successful subsequent RNA isolation is essential to guarantee optimal integrity for downstream analyses. Especially for larger collections, it would be particularly beneficial if these methods would additionally offer affordability, minimal blood volume requirements and also long-term storage. In this study, RNA of high quality, suitable for transcriptomics, has been successfully isolated from 400 µL of EDTA and citrated whole blood samples in Boom’s lysis buffer stored at −85 °C for 10 years. Isolation was carried out using a modified Zymo Research Quick-RNA kit protocol. This isolation method showed significant improvement in RNA integrity when compared to RNA extracted using the original Boom method. RNA Sequencing provided high-quality data comparable to that of other studies using recently frozen blood in RNA stabilisation tubes. Additionally, sequencing data from blood collected in citrate and EDTA anticoagulants also showed excellent correlation.
A novel scoring protocol reveals age-related differences in abstract compared to concrete thinking in cued autobiographical remembering
Authors: Hovhannisyan Mariam , Raffaelli Quentin , Chau Nadine , Andrews-Hanna Jessica R. , Grilli Matthew D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHuman imagination has garnered growing interest in many fields. However, it remains unclear how to characterize different forms of imaginative thinking and how imagination differs between young and older adults. Here, we introduce a novel scoring protocol based on recent theoretical developments in the cognitive neuroscience of imagination to provide a broad tool with which to characterize imaginative thinking. The scoring protocol distinguishes between concrete/perceptual forms of imagination termed the “mind’s eye” and abstract/reflective forms of imagination termed the “mind’s mind.” The protocol also captures whether thoughts pertain to the self, others, or both. We applied this scoring protocol with high inter-rater reliability across two studies involving distinct participants and narrative-based imagination tasks. When compared to young adults, older adults showed a bias toward general content, which is a feature of the mind’s mind form of thinking while describing aloud their memories of specific, past events (Study 1). Further, older adults made fewer references to the self. In a separate study of only older adults (Study 2), increasing age was not associated with a bias toward the mind’s mind while describing specific past or future events. These results reveal that imaginative thinking can be characterized within the Mind’s Eye Mind’s Mind framework, with implications for understanding cognitively normal older age.