bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitosan nanocapsules withAlstonia booneiextract modulate the immune system in Wistar rats
Authors: Gildas Fonye Nyuyfoni , Francois Eya’ane Meva , Chris Rosaire Ninpa Kuissi , Hans-Denis Bamal , Veronique Fannang Simone , Hai Yen Beglau Thi , Fetzer Marcus N. A. , Antoinette Ntoumba Agnes , Laure Nguemfo Edwige , Jean Batiste Hzounda Fokou , Guilaine Djuidje Annie , Augustine Kuinze Kojap , Alex Kevin Tako Djimefo , Armel Florian Tchangou Njiemou , Ines Madeleine Evouna Danielle , Bertrand Dongmo Alain , Awawou Paboudam Gbambie , Christoph Janiak 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe development of biosynthetic methods for nanoparticles using plants presents an exciting opportunity to better utilize our rich and diverse medicinal flora. We are particularly interested in creating nanocapsules usingAlstonia boonei, a Cameroonian plant known for its immunomodulatory properties.Chitosan nanocapsules were synthesized from the methanol/dichloromethane extract of the powdered stem bark ofA. booneiafter harvest and drying. The encapsulation of the secondary metabolites was achieved using the ionic gelation method, which involved the agitation of a chitosan solution, extract, and tripolyphosphate. Subsequently, the encapsulation efficiency was calculated. Infrared spectroscopy identified the various functional groups present in the nanocapsules. The acute toxicological profile of these chitosan nanocapsules at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg, along with their immunomodulatory activities, was evaluated in Wistar rats. The immunomodulatory potential was assessed in dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressed rats by measuring total blood count, delayed-type hypersensitivity response, and hemagglutinating antibody titre between groups of animals after 14 days of treatment.The data collected on the synthesis and characterization confirmed the formation of nanocapsules. This was evidenced by infrared spectroscopy and an entrapment efficiency of 69%. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of chitosan in the polymer material. SEM imaging further confirmed the formation of nanocapsules. The toxicological profile of these nanocapsules was found to be satisfactory. Administration of chitosan nanocapsules containingAl. booneimethanol/dichloromethane extracts at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight significantly prevented dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression in rats. This was achieved by increasing the parameters of total blood count (hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, lymphocytes, and granulocyte counts), hemagglutinating antibody titre values, and delayed type hypersensitivity response induced by chicken red blood cells. However, doses of 500 mg/kg of crudeA. booneiextract and 500 mg/kg body weight of empty chitosan nanocapsules did not show this effect.The nanocapsules generated from the extracts of chitosan andA. booneiare responsible for immunostimulatory activity and possess therapeutic potentials for the prevention of depressed immune depressed conditions with satisfactory safety at acute dose.
Inosculation as a tool for living architecture: Methods and early results
Authors: Faucon P. , Fertet A. , Bombail A. , Gouguec C. , Montil C. , de la Sayette A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAmong the ways to introduce more plants within the city, living architecture could lower material required for building a house. However, trees are not supposed to have a house-like shape, so it is needed to give them this shape. That is why, we choose to investigate the assembly of living trees through inosculation. To do so, we initiated this work in March 2021, in our greenhouse, on five species:Acer platanoides, Celtis australis, Cornus Mas, Corylus colurnaandPyrus communis. We tested two types of contact (parallel or perpendicular) between two trees from the same species with scraped bark, or not, maintained by diverse tools (screw, fishing line, buddy tape and flexible stretch tie). From this, we get interesting anastomosis results with half of the trees showing signs of inosculation by spring 2022.
mcRigor: a statistical method to enhance the rigor of metacell partitioning in single-cell data analysis
Authors: Liu Pan , Li Jingyi Jessica 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn single-cell data analysis, addressing sparsity often involves aggregating the profiles of homogeneous single cells into metacells. However, existing metacell partitioning methods lack checks on the homogeneity assumption and may aggregate heterogeneous single cells, potentially biasing downstream analysis and leading to spurious discoveries. To fill this gap, we introduce mcRigor, a statistical method to detect dubious metacells, which are composed of heterogeneous single cells, and optimize the hyperparameter of a metacell partitioning method. The core of mcRigor is a feature-correlation-based statistic that measures the heterogeneity of a metacell, with its null distribution derived from a double permutation scheme. As an optimizer for existing metacell partitioning methods, mcRigor has been shown to improve the reliability of discoveries in single-cell RNA-seq and multiome (RNA+ATAC) data analyses, such as uncovering differential gene co-expression modules, enhancer-gene associations, and gene temporal expression. Moreover, mcRigor enables benchmarking and selection of the most suitable metacell partitioning method with optimized hyperparameters tailored to specific datasets, ensuring reliable downstream analysis. Our results indicate that among existing metacell partitioning methods, MetaCell and SEACells consistently outperform MetaCell2 and SuperCell, albeit with the trade-off of longer runtimes.
New Record of Four Thrips Species Infesting Flower Buds ofMagnolia champacain India
Authors: Rachana R.R. , Firake D.M. , Tyagi Kaomud , Prasad K.V. , Amarendra B. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe golden-flowered, highly fragrant local variety ofMagnolia champaca, known as ‘Sonchafa,’ is very popular loose flower crop in Maharashtra and adjoining states of India. In response to the rising thrips problems in Sonchafa (M. champaca) fields leading to significant economic losses, we looked into the thrips’ species composition infesting the plant in the Western Maharashtra region of India. Four thrips species were newly recorded as pests, includingPsephenothrips machili(Moulton),Thrips florumSchmutz,Thrips hawaiiensis(Morgan) andThrips orientalis(Bagnall). Among these,P. machiliwas identified as the dominant species, responsible for 63% to 71% of bud damage across various fields. This study also marks the first report of an anthophilous host association ofP. machiliwithM. champaca, causing significant economic damage. The observed damage symptoms include, the typical distortion of flower tissues and buds, black spots on buds were ascribed toP. machili. The other three species were found in groups and caused silvery streaks on early-stage buds. The diagnostic characteristics of all the reported species are provided here, accompanied by photomicrographs.
Development of a CRISPR activation system for targeted gene upregulation inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Bourgade Barbara , Xie Hao , Lindblad Peter , Stensjö Karin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe photosynthetic cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 offers a promising sustainable solution for simultaneous CO2fixation and compound bioproduction. While various heterologous products have now been synthesised inSynechocystis, limited genetic tools hinder further strain engineering for efficient production. Here, we present a versatile CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system forSynechocystis, enabling robust multiplexed activation of both heterologous and endogenous targets. Following tool characterisation, we applied CRISPRa to explore targets influencing biofuel production, specifically isobutanol (IB) and 3-methyl-1-butanol (3M1B), demonstrating a proof-of-concept approach to identify key reactions constraining compound biosynthesis. Notably, individual upregulation of target genes, such aspyk1, resulted in up to 4-fold increase in IB/3M1B formation while synergetic effects from multiplexed targeting further enhanced compound production, highlighting the value of this tool for rapid metabolic mapping. Interestingly, activation efficacy did not consistently predict increases in compound formation, suggesting complex regulatory interactions influencing bioproduction. This work establishes the first CRISPRa system in cyanobacteria, providing an adaptable platform for high-throughput screening, metabolic pathway optimisation and functional genomics. Our CRISPRa system provides a crucial advance in the genetic toolbox available forSynechocystisand will facilitate innovative applications in both fundamental research and metabolic engineering in cyanobacteria.
Cell polarity control by an unconventional G-protein complex in bacteria
Authors: Dinet Céline , Sebban-Kreuzer Corinne , Byrne-Kodjabachian Deborah , Lhospice Sébastien , Herrou Julien , Durbesson Fabien , Vincentelli Renaud , Michelot Alphée , Mignot Tâm 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInMyxococcus xanthus, cell polarity and motility are regulated by the small GTPase MglA and its associated regulators, MglB, a potential GTPase Activating Protein and the RomRX complex, a potential Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor. However, recent results have questioned the exact function of these regulators. Using a new type of fluorescent nucleotides for fluorescence-based anisotropy, we first demonstrate that RomRX does not function as a GEF but as an effector that binds strictly to MglAGTP. Secondly, based on an enzymology model, we found that MglB functions as a weak catalyst, unlike typical GAPs, and requires additional factors to dissociate from MglA. We demonstrate that RomRX, and specifically RomR, effectively competes with MglA by sequestering MglB. This low affinity interaction is still permissive for GAP activity but sufficient to partition these proteinsin vivoas indicated by a biomimetic assay in oil emulsion droplets reconstituting these interactions in a cell-sized environment. These results suggest a new model for cell polarity where RomRX exerts a dual function, targeting MglAGTPto the pole via its effector function and preventing its accumulation at the lagging pole by destabilizing the MglA-MglB complex.
A lipid transport Mla Pqi Chimeric system is essential forBrucella abortussurvival in macrophages
Authors: Lannoy Adélie , Ronneau Alexi , García Miguel Fernández , Dieu Marc , Renard Patricia , Fernández Antonia García , Condez-Alvarez Raquel , De Bolle Xavier 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe envelope of diderm bacteria comprises of an inner membrane (IM) and an outer membrane (OM). Several pathways have been recently identified that facilitate the transport of phospholipids between the two membranes inEscherichia coli, including maintaining OM lipid asymmetry (Mla) and paraquat inducible (Pqi) systems. In this study, we report the identification and the characterization of a complex named Mpc in the intracellular pathogenBrucella abortus. Mpc is conserved in numerous species of Hyphomicrobiales and exhibits homology to both the Mla and Pqi systems. Mpc is essential for bacterial growth under conditions of envelope stress and for survival within macrophages during the early stages of infection. Analyses of protein-protein interactions and structural predictions indicate that the Mpc complex bridges IM to OM. The absence of this system results in an altered lipid composition of the OM vesicles, supporting the fact that Mpc plays a role in the transport of lipids between membranes. The discovery of a novel lipid trafficking system enhances the diversity and complexity of known lipid trafficking systems within diderm bacteria.
Novel environment exposure drives temporally defined and region-specific chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes in the hippocampus
Authors: Duffy Erin E. , Traunmüller Lisa , Liu Hanqing , Sanalidou Stella , Assad Elena G. , Sun Senmiao , Pajarillo Naeem S. , Niu Nancy , Griffith Eric C. , Greenberg Michael E. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCuriosity-driven interactions with novel cues in our environment represent a common behavioral trait across the animal kingdom. Exposure to a novel environment (NE) reshapes the brain by promoting structural and functional changes in multiple brain areas, including the hippocampus. This experience-dependent circuit reorganization is thought to be driven in part by changes in gene expression. While NE exposure has been shown to rapidly induce the expression of FOS and other immediate-early gene transcription factors (IEG TFs), the downstream IEG-driven genes (e.g. late response genes) that serve to mediate NE-dependent circuit remodeling, as well as the DNA regulatory elements that drive the expression of these genes, remain largely unexplored. We employed a combination of hippocampal single-nucleus multiomics and bulk RNA sequencing of the DG, CA3, and CA1 regions to characterize over time the NE-driven gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes downstream of IEG induction. We observe strong hippocampal region-specificity in excitatory neuron late-response gene programs as well as diversity in the inhibitory neuron and non-neuronal gene responses. In addition, compared to a short exposure, prolonged exposure to NE caused more robust induction of late-response genes, suggesting that sustained environmental stimulation is more effective at triggering the long-lasting molecular changes that support memory formation. Notably, chromatin-level analyses revealed thousands of cell-type-specific changes in chromatin accessibility in response to NE exposure. Coordinated analysis of both chromatin accessibility and gene expression within individual cells revealed the Fos binding site referred to as the AP-1 motif as a major predictor of neuronal cell-type-specific late-response gene expression. Together, these data provide a rich resource of hippocampal chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes in response to novel experience, a physiological stimulus that affects learning and memory.
Scalable Multispecies Ion Transport in a Grid-Based Surface-Electrode Trap
Authors: Delaney Robert D. , Sletten Lucas R. , Cich Matthew J. , Estey Brian , Fabrikant Maya I. , Hayes David , Hoffman Ian M. , Hostetter James , Langer Christopher , Moses Steven A. , Perry Abigail R. , Peterson Timothy A. , Schaffer Andrew , Volin Curtis , Vittorini Grahame , Burton William Cody 
Published: November 2024

Quantum processors based on linear arrays of trapped ions have achieved exceptional performance, but scaling to large qubit numbers requires realizing two-dimensional ion arrays as envisioned in the quantum charge-coupled device (QCCD) architecture. Here, we present a scalable method for the control of ion crystals in a grid-based surface-electrode Paul trap and characterize it in the context of transport operations that sort and reorder multispecies crystals. By combining cowiring of control electrodes at translationally symmetric locations in each grid site with the sitewise ability to exchange the voltages applied to two special electrodes gated by a binary input, site-dependent operations can be achieved using only a fixed number of analog voltage signals and a single digital input per site. In two separate experimental systems containing nominally identical grid traps, one using Yb+171−Ba+138 crystals and the other Ba+137−Sr+88, we demonstrate this method by characterizing the conditional intrasite crystal reorder and the conditional exchange of ions between adjacent sites on the grid. Averaged across a multisite region of interest, we measure subquanta motional excitation in the axial in-phase and out-of-phase modes of the crystals following these operations at exchange rates of 2.5 kHz. In this initial demonstration, the logic controlling the voltage exchange occurs in software, but the applied signals mimic a proposed hardware implementation using crossover switches. These techniques can be further extended to implement other conditional operations in the QCCD architecture such as gates, initialization, and measurement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sustainable UAM operations in integrated transport system
Authors: Dziugiel Bartosz , Liberacki Adam , Di Vito Vittorio , Menichino Aniello , Duca Gabriella 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Today all domains of life are affected by development of digital technologies. They are seen as shaping the future of transportation as well. This paper aims to identify the development directions of urban air mobility (UAM) applications as driven by sustainability criteria as well as resulting from development of digitalisation, information and communication technologies as well as smart-city related trends.

Design/methodology/approach
Sustainability was assumed as key indicator standing behind perceived attractiveness of UAM. For defined sustainability – consisting of economic, environmental and social components, the base sustainability level of UAM was analysed. Then the potential for increase of sustainability was examined as resulted from UAM applications taking advantage from smart-city concept.

Findings
Development of digital technologies can support development of UAM as driving its integration within external systems especially transport systems. Deployment of information and communication technologies creates new opportunities for UAM in terms of multitask applications, shared platforms solutions leading to significant increase level of sustainability of UAM.

Practical implications
Results of this paper can be directly used by researchers as well as industry. They indicate both the trends related to development of UAM as integrated component of transport system as well as directly describe new, more sustainable UAM applications contributing to the successful implementation of UAM in urban conditions as well as efficient development of smart-city concepts consolidating UAM valuable functionalities.

Originality/value
Research results cover UAM sustainability definition, description of new, more sustainable UAM applications as well as revolutionary meaning of digital technologies especially in the context of climate neutrality and operational efficiency improvement in four-dimensional urban transport ecosystems.
Can an OTT platform develop brand advocates via customer engagement? An integration of platform and message-based factors
Authors: Singh Sonali , Misra Richa , Bhatnagr Puneett , Aggarwal Ekta 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe study follows platform theory (PT) and information processing theory (IPT) to understand the determinants of customer engagement (CE) on an over-the-top (OTT) platform. Platform-based factors include superior streaming infrastructure (SSI), multilayer analytics (MA), secure monetisation (SM) and convenient navigability (CN), while message-based factors include content diversification (CD), interactive elements (IE) and content localisation (CL). The study further investigates the impact of CE on brand advocacy (BA).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the quantitative method using the cross-sectional survey to collect the data using judgemental sampling. Data were collected from 650 users of OTT services. Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesised relationship.FindingsThe impact of platform and message-based factors on CE is significant, except for the IE. As per the results, SSI is the most significant platform-based factor of CE, followed by MA, CN and SM. The study also found that CL followed by CD has a substantial influence as a message-based factor for OTT providers. The significant impact of CE is also established on BA, as per the findings of the study.Practical implicationsThe outcome of the study is relevant to managers and practitioners in the highly competitive OTT industry. The new research framework emphasises the increasing importance of platform- and message-based factors for CE and BA. The study will also assist OTT providers in guiding strategic and operational decisions in the context of the OTT industry to increase customer loyalty in emerging economies.Originality/valueThe study introduces a novel approach to assessing OTT subscriber engagement by integrating PT and IPT. The final outcome of the research model is BA, which is highly relevant for an OTT operator as it helps retain existing subscribers and attract new ones through BA.
Environmental analysis in UK modern methods of construction (MMC) housing: insights from early-stage architectural design process
Authors: Shibeika Amna , Oliveira Sonja 
Published: November 2024

PurposeModern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been promoted as a solution to address housing shortages and meet sustainability goals in the UK. However, the practical functioning of MMC, particularly in relation to early-stage environmental analyses, remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical insights into how architects engage in environmental analysis in early-stage MMC housing designs.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative pilot study is based on a detailed case study of a UK architectural firm specializing in modular housing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight architects with varying MMC experience. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data allowed for the exploration of key themes influencing early-stage environmental analysis, offering a narrative account of architects’ experiences in MMC practices.FindingsThe study reveals that environmental analysis in MMC is shaped by social, organisational and project-based factors. Three key themes emerged: uncertainty in environmental assumptions, dependencies on external consultants and the dominance of Passivhaus principles in design decisions. These factors challenge the integration of environmental considerations during the early design stages of MMC projects.Research limitations/implicationsAs this is a single case study, the findings might not be generalizable. Future research should expand on multiple firms and project settings to validate and broaden these findings.Originality/valueThis study provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges architects face when integrating environmental analysis into MMC. This reveals the relational and interdependent nature of environmental analysis in MMC projects, where decisions are shaped by multiple social, organisational and project-specific factors. By emphasizing these interdependencies, this study provides original insights into how environmental considerations can be integrated more effectively into the early design stages of MMC projects.