bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DnaB and DciA: Mechanisms of Helicase Loading and Translocation on ssDNA
Authors: Gao Nicholas , Mazzoletti Daniele , Peng Adele , Olinares Paul Dominic B. , Morrone Castrese , Garavaglia Andrea , Gouda Nourelhoda , Tsoy Serge , Mendoza Albert , Chowdhury Ahammad , Cerullo Antonio , Bhavsar Hrutvik , Rossi Franca , Rizzi Menico , Chait Brian T , Miggiano Riccardo , Jeruzalmi David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractReplicative helicases are assembled on chromosomes by helicase loaders before initiation of DNA replication. Here, we investigate mechanisms used by the bacterial DnaB replicative helicase and the DciA helicase loader. In the present structure of the DnaB-ssDNA•ATPγS complex, the amino-terminal (NTD) tier, previously found as an open spiral in a GDP•AlF4 complex, was observed to adopt a closed planar arrangement. Further, the DnaB subunit at the top of the carboxy- terminal spiral (CTD) tier is displaced by ∼25 Å between the two forms. We suggest that remodeling the NTD layer between closed planar and open spiral configurations and migration of two distinct CTDs to the top of the DnaB spiral, which is repeated three times, mediates hand-over-hand translocation. Although DciA loaders fromVibrio choleraeandMycobacterium tuberculosisfeature an inverted domain arrangement, they use Lasso domains to contact DnaB near the Docking-Linker-Helix interface. Up to three copies of Vc-DciA bind to Vc-DnaB and suppress its ATPase activity during loading onto physiological DNA substrates. Our data suggest that DciA loads DnaB onto DNA using the ring- opening mechanism.
Can ERPs and neural oscillations be used to differentiate skilled and unskilled player performance in an ecologically valid sporting model?
Authors: Winstanley Mike , Cruse Damian , Drust Barry 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to identify neural correlates of high performance in ecological valid, sporting tasks and quantify the differences between high skilled and low skilled players. To do this, Esports was chosen to be the sporting model to facilitate clean brain activity recordings whilst playing sport. After being separated based on skilled objective classification measure, players brain activity was then recorded as they completed a visuomotor psychophysics task and Esports aim-training tasks. Results indicated that skilled players display enhanced response in time-domain activity of occipital parietal electrodes, displaying increases to p100 and p300 peak amplitude. Peak decoding using MVPA, classifying brain activity between skilled or unskilled players, is achieved during the first 300ms of the response. Furthermore, skilled players show greater modulation to visual attention, gated by alpha oscillations localized to the visual cortex, and to cognitive workload, gated by theta oscillations localized to the frontal-midline. During complex, Esports tasks however, skilled players show an increase in frontal-midline theta showing the increased drive of ACC facilitating repeated execution of precise movements. Due to the nature of the model, applied implications are suggested for both coaches and athletes of all sports to utilize this research.
Temporal cohort number, neural composition, and connectivity vary along theDrosophilalarval body axis
Authors: Vasudevan Deeptha , Wang Yi-wen , Kushkowski Eliane , Corcoran Sean , Wreden Chris C , Heckscher Ellie S 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNeural circuits are the fundamental computational units of the nervous system, and neural stem cell lineages are the fundamental developmental units of the nervous system. How these units map onto each other is a critical constraint on CNS function. The developing Drosophila nerve cord has emerged as a powerful model for studying lineage-based circuit assembly. Here, lineages are organized into temporal cohorts, which are sets of similar neurons born within a tight time window, and connectomic analysis shows that neurons of a temporal cohort have similar circuit-level connectivity. A major limitation has been the focus on a single representative segment, which is problematic because the body and nervous system comprise multiple segments organized into axially diverse regions, each with distinctive behaviors and circuits. How variation in stem cell lineage development impacts circuit configuration is unknown. Here, using the Drosophila NB3-3 lineage at different axial levels as a model, we determine the variation in cell biological decisions made by the lineage and examine its impact on temporal cohorts. We combined lineage tracing, manipulation of cell death pathways, marker gene analysis, and anterograde circuit tracing from somatosensory neurons. Depending on region, temporal cohort number is modulated by stem cell proliferation. The number and molecular identities of neurons within a temporal cohort are tuned by various cell biological mechanisms, all acting post-mitotically. Temporal cohorts can be mapped into similar or different circuits. Overall, this study provides new fundamental insight into how diverse circuits emerge from a constrained pool of stem cells in vivo.
Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria from Rhizosphere ofSonneratia apetalaCollected from Sundarbans
Authors: Rimi Arifa Afrose , Roshnee Fatiha Islam , Shuvro Kumar , Tasin Md. Habibur Rahman , Akter Rima , Islam Md Emdadul , Islam Kazi M Didarul , Rahman S M Mahbubur , Billah Md Morsaline 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNitrogen is a crucial element for plant growth, driving vibrant greenery, photosynthesis, and overall vitality. This research focused on isolating, characterizing, and identifying nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the rhizosphere ofSonneratia apetalain the Sundarbans, Khulna, Bangladesh, with the goal of assessing their potential as biofertilizers. Despite the Sundarbans’ rich microbial diversity, less than 5–10% of species have been identified due to challenges in culturing, which has limited exploration of their applications. In this study, nitrogen-fixing bacteria were isolated using nitrogen-free media, including yeast extract mannitol agar(YEMA) and Burks media, followed by an ammonification test to select ammonia-producing bacteria. This process yielded ten nitrogen-fixing bacterial isolates capable of producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Various biochemical tests, including oxidase, catalase, methyl red, indole, urease, citrate, triple sugar iron, and starch hydrolysis, were conducted. The isolates, designated AK1 to AK10, were identified asRossellomoreasp.,Clostridiumsp.,Achromobactersp.,Pseudomonassp.,Gluconacetobactersp.,Scytonemasp.,Pseudomonassp.,Nesterenkoniasp.,Gluconacetobactersp., andBacillussp., respectively. Additionally, isolates AK1, AK3, AK4, and AK10 were confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. A pot test further revealed that isolate AK-1 significantly stimulated the growth and development of maize seedlings. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of these bacterial isolates on crop yield and seed quality, to better determine their suitability as biofertilizers.
Perilipin 5 Phosphorylation is Dispensable for Upregulation of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Genes upon Fasting but Required for Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 Expression in Male Mice
Authors: Bovee Corinne E , Grandgenett Ryan P , Trevino Michelle , Dutta Sucharita , Peachee Spencer J , Kopriva Shayla , Haider Farakh , Liu Siming , Bhardwaj Gourav , Penniman Christie , O’Neill Brian T , Imai Yumi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivePerilipin 5 (PLIN5) is a lipid droplet protein highly expressed in cells that actively oxidize fatty acids. Previous in vitro studies have revealed that PLIN5 phosphorylation (p-PLIN5) at serine 155 by PKA is critical for transcriptional regulation of PPARa target genes by which PLIN5 adapt cells for fatty acid oxidation. We aim to determine the extent of p-PLIN5 in vivo and the consequence of impaired PLIN5 phosphorylation in the liver by using a whole-body knock-in of phosphorylation resistant PLIN5 (SA/SA) in mice.MethodsWe measured PLIN5 and p-PLIN5 with mass spectrometry and Phos-tag gels. We assessed serum chemistry in WT and SA/SA mice upon fasting. RNA sequencing and qPCR compared the gene expression in the liver of SA/SA and WT mice after overnight fast.ResultsPlin5 phosphorylation at S155 was increased in the liver LD fraction of fasted mice compared with that of fed mice by mass spectrometry (p<0.05). qPCR of key lipid metabolism genes did not differ between WT and SA/SA liver upon fasting. Male SA/SA mice had a higher fasting blood glucose (p<0.05) without a difference in body weight, serum insulin, or serum lipids. IRS2 was reduced in the liver of fasted male SA/SA mice (p<0.05).ConclusionPLIN5 S155 phosphorylation is dispensable for the upregulation of lipid metabolism genes important for fasting response in vivo. Impaired phosphorylation also had little effect on serum lipids or liver TG. However, SA/SA mice showed decreased IRS2 expression in the liver, which may contribute to glucose intolerance in SA/SA male mice.
Reprogramming the neuronal secretory and metabolic machinery using correctors for Alzheimer therapy
Authors: Won Jin Cho , Shang Yutong , Patil Sushmita , Qi Xin , Jena Bhanu P. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAlzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and personality changes, leading to dementia. The primary cause of the cognitive decline that characterizes AD is the loss of neurons, hypothesized as being due to secretory defects in neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. There is growing evidence that in Alzheimer there is impaired neuronal metabolism due to an increase in free radicals and mitochondrial fission, leading to loss in ATP synthesis required for neurotransmission. Therefore, impaired metabolism in neurons may lead to the observed defects in neurotransmitter release, resulting in the loss of neuronal function and connections in regions of the brain involved in memory and reasoning. In our earlier studies, peptide inhibitor targeting oligomeric ATAD3A, a protein essential for mitochondrial fission and bioenergetics, were found to partially rescue from AD, both in AD neurons and AD mice. In the current study in AD neurons, neuronal porosome reconstitution combined with either a linear or circular peptide inhibitor of ATAD3A oligomers, was able to restore AD neurons to near normal levels of viability and greatly reduce oxidative stress in mitochondria. Additionally, the peptide and a small molecule considered safe by the FDA and used as a food additive, were also able to greatly increase viability in AD neurons and provide reduction to near normal levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Collectively, these results demonstrate great promise as secretory and metabolic correctors for AD therapy.
Grin2aHypofunction Disrupts Hippocampal Network Oscillations and E/I Balance Contributing to Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Hosseini Hassan , Rodríguez Díaz Jean C. , Pritchett Dominique L. , Sheng Morgan , Jones Kevin S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundN-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, particularly those containing the GluN2A subunit, play a critical role in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. The GluN2A subunit, encoded by theGrin2agene, is essential for maintaining cognitive function, including working memory. In this study, we explore howGrin2amutations impair working memory and disrupt hippocampal network oscillations and E/I balance.MethodsGrin2amutant mice were assessed for spatial working memory deficits using the 8-arm radial maze. We utilized multi-electrode arrays and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to evaluate network oscillation and synaptic inputs to pyramidal cells inex vivohippocampal slices. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of hippocampal slices to evaluate changes in the abundance of GABAergic neurons.ResultsOur results demonstrate thatGrin2adeficiency impairs spatial working memory and disrupts coupling of theta-gamma oscillations in the hippocampus. Moreover,Grin2amutants express an overabundance of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons that integrate into hippocampal circuits and destabilize excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) input to CA1 pyramidal neurons.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical role of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors in maintaining hippocampal network synchrony. Impairments in network synchrony and E/I balance within the hippocampus may drive the cognitive deficits observed inGrin2a-related disorders such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
TiFM2.0 - Versatile mechanical measurement and actuation in live embryos
Authors: Hernandez-Rodriguez Ana R. , Lan Yisha , Ji Fengtong , McLaren Susannah B.P. , Vidigueira Joana M. N. , Li Ruoheng , Dai Yixin , Holmes Emily , Moon Lauren D. , Balasubramaniam Lakshmi , Xiong Fengzhu 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYDuring development, spatial-temporally patterned tissue-level stresses and mechanical properties create diverse tissue shapes. To understand the mechanics of small-scale embryonic tissues, precisely controlled sensors and actuators are needed. Previously, we reported a control-based approach named tissue force microscopy (TiFM1.0), which combines dynamic positioning and imaging of an inserted cantilever probe to directly measure and impose forces in early avian embryos. Here we present an upgraded system (TiFM2.0) that utilises interferometer positioning to minimise probe holder footprint, enhancing accessibility and imaging signal. This new design enables a double-probe configuration for bidirectional stretching, compression and stress propagation experiments. As proof-of-concept, we showcase a variety of examples of TiFM2.0 applications in chicken and zebrafish embryos, including the characterization of mechanical heterogeneities important for the morphogenesis of the chicken posterior body axis. We also present simplified designs and protocols for the replication of TiFM systems with minimal custom engineering for developmental biology labs.
Optogenetic Central Amygdala Stimulation is Highly Reinforcing and Strongly Outcompetes Fentanyl Self-Administration in Male, but not Female, Rats
Authors: Chaloux-Pinette E. , Vela Mirelez-Prince M. , Soto S. , Ananth K. , Tong X. , Silva V. , Rodriguez D. , Janak P. H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe central nucleus of the amygdala plays a key role in many aspects of substance use disorders, in particular biasing behaviors toward one drug or natural reward over another, yet the role of this region in opioid self-administration remains unclear. Here, we report that pharmacological inactivation of the central amygdala reduces fentanyl self-administration, while intra-central amygdala opioid receptor antagonism dose-dependently increases fentanyl self-administration. We tested whether optogenetic activation of the central amygdala would increase motivation for fentanyl in rats with a long fentanyl self-administration history. While pairing fentanyl delivery with optogenetic central amygdala activation increased fentanyl self-administration, optoactivation itself was highly reinforcing and, in choice settings, was pursued over fentanyl despite mounting effort requirements, delays, and sporadic reward availability. Of note, under free response conditions, these effects were limited to male rats; while female rats avidly responded for optogenetic activation of the central amygdala, this activation was less effective in enhancing fentanyl intake, and it was not preferred over fentanyl. In contrast, under discrete trial choice which precluded independent regulation of intake of the two options, both females and males preferred optoactivation to fentanyl. These results demonstrate that optogenetic stimulation of neural activity within the anterior central amygdala does not appear to potentiate the reinforcing effects of fentanyl, but is itself highly reinforcing regardless of sex, and, in male rats can robustly outcompete fentanyl. In contrast, in females, fentanyl intake is relatively insensitive to competing opportunities for optoactivation, except when opportunities to obtain drug or optoactivation are sparse.
The role of structural connectivity on brain function through a Markov model of signal transmission
Authors: Razban Rostam M. , Banerjee Anupam , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Bahar Ivet 
Published: November 2024

AbstractStructure determines function. However, this universal theme in biology has been surprisingly difficult to observe in human brain neuroimaging data. Here, we link structure to function by hypothesizing that brain signals propagate as a Markovian process on an underlying structure. We focus on a metric called commute time: the average number of steps for a random walker to go from region A to B and then back to A. Commute times based on white matter tracts from diffusion MRI exhibit an average ± standard deviation Spearman correlation of −0.26 ± 0.08 with functional MRI connectivity data across 434 UK Biobank individuals and −0.24 ± 0.06 across 400 HCP Young Adult brain scans. The correlation increases to −0.36 ± 0.14 and to −0.32 ± 0.12 when the principal contributions of both commute time and functional connectivity are compared for both datasets. The observed weak but robust correlations provide evidence of a relationship, albeit restricted, between neuronal connectivity and brain function. The correlations are stronger by 33% compared to broadly used communication measures such as search information and communicability. The difference further widens to a factor of 5 when commute times are correlated to the principal mode of functional connectivity from its eigenvalue decomposition. Overall, the study points to the utility of commute time to account for the role of polysynaptic (indirect) connectivity underlying brain function.
Direct comparison of EEG resting state and task functional connectivity patterns for predicting working memory performance using connectome-based predictive modeling
Authors: Pashkov Anton , Dakhtin Ivan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe use of machine learning techniques combined with advanced neuroimaging methods to reveal a complex relationship between patterns of neuronal activity and behavioral characteristics is an actively developing area in modern neuroscience. Investigating brain activity data non-invasively recorded in resting-state conditions has substantially enhanced our understanding of the neuronal foundations of cognitive functions. However, results of more recent studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging suggest that task-based paradigms may outperform resting state ones in predicting cognitive outcomes. To date, no studies have tested this hypothesis using EEG data. The aim of this study was to experimentally compare, for the first time, the predictive power of models built on high-density EEG data acquired during rest and an auditory working memory task execution, while utilizing different data processing pipelines to ensure the robustness and reliability of the findings. In accordance with previous studies, we found that modeling performance was slightly better for task EEG data compared to resting state recordings, except for high working memory load, where resting state data was superior to task-based functional connectivity in terms of predictive capacity. In general, models derived from both conditions showed overall high modeling accuracy, reaching up to R2= 0.31. Functional connectivity in the alpha frequency band was the most efficient predictor of working memory scores, followed by that of theta and beta bands. Finally, we demonstrated that the choice of parcellation atlas and functional connectivity method significantly impacted the ultimate results, which should be taken into consideration when designing future experiments.
Unlocking the drivers behind logistics service providers' participation in Morocco's logistics clusters
Authors: El Moussaoui Alaa Eddine 
Published: November 2024

PurposeIn recent years, the concept of logistics clusters has attracted the attention of several researchers and practitioners. It is an agglomeration of different types of companies and operations, notably those providing logistics services, such as supply chain organization, storage and distribution. The paper focuses on this concept by examining the factors influencing LSPs to enter the logistics clusters.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Regarding the sample size, the author interviewed 31 professionals belonging to logistics clusters located in the Moroccan economic metropolis of Casablanca.FindingsThe results show that the cost reduction, the reputation of the cluster, the learning from other LSPs, the communal services, the geographical proximity and the role of public authorities are the main factors impacting the entry of logistics service providers into these clusters.Originality/valueThis theme has never been investigated. Therefore, this research expands the literature review and tries to examine this gap of literature by studying the factors that can affect the adhesion of logistics service providers to these clusters.
Board gender diversity (BGD): compelling evidence in support for the critical mass theory
Authors: Lefley Frank , Janecek Vaclav 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the level of support and expand on the issues recently raised in the literature concerning critical mass theory and board gender diversity (BGD).Design/methodology/approachThe authors systematically searched relevant articles on the Scopus database in March 2024, identifying 132 articles. After removing book chapters, conference papers and reviews, the number was reduced to 122. An additional 16 were discarded as they were irrelevant (e.g. political, theoretical or conceptual) to the current study, leaving a final sample of 106 articles. This longitudinal study covers the period from 2016 to 2024.FindingsThe paper finds compelling evidence supporting the critical mass theory and underscores the importance of corporate BGD in today’s society. It also offers explanations for the few cases where critical mass theory may not be fully supported. It highlights that the performance benefits of corporate BGD, in many cases, only exist when there is a critical mass of female directors on the board.Practical implicationsIt lends support to policymakers in pursuing corporate BGD through quotas, provided that the incentive is not just to fill the numbers.Originality/valueThe paper offers a unique perspective on the level of support for the critical mass theory. It is believed to be the first paper to conduct a longitudinal study to investigate the support for the critical mass theory.