bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of Rehabilitation Exoskeleton from the Perspective of Users with Spinal Cord Injury and Healthcare Professionals: a Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Fortin-Bédard Noémie , Déry Julien , Simon Margaux , Blanchette Andreanne K. , Bouyer Laurent , Gagnon Martine , Routhier François , Lamontagne Marie-Eve 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to document the acceptability of rehabilitation exoskeletons from the perspective of users with spinal cord injury (SCI) and healthcare professionals (HP).MethodsThis mixed-methods systematic review considered quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies that included adults with SCI using an exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation, as well as HP working within rehabilitation settings with individuals with SCI who used an exoskeleton. A convergent integrated approach per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used.ResultsA total of 22 studies were included. Overall, individuals with SCI and HP expressed a favorable level of acceptability. Participants reported a positive affective attitude, an overall satisfaction, and several psychological benefits. Few burdens, ethical issues and opportunity costs have also been reported in the studies. Maintaining realistic expectations towards exoskeleton use and ensuring the appropriate selection of users is important for intervention coherence. In general, there was a positive perception regarding effectiveness and self-efficacy. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies focused primarily on measuring acceptability, revealing an important gap in the literature.ConclusionsThe acceptability of exoskeletons among people with SCI and HP tends to be positive, which is promising for the sustainable implementation of this technology. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the acceptability of HP, with only two studies conducted among this population. It is crucial to persevere in documenting the acceptability of exoskeletons, notably by standardizing comprehensive approaches for measuring acceptability, and to continue refining this technology.
Emotional contexts influence vocal individuality in ungulates
Authors: Osiecka Anna N. , Lefèvre Romain , Briefer Elodie F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo group-living animals, such as most ungulates, being able to recognise the members of one’s social groups is crucial. While vocalisations often carry cues to identity, they are also impacted by the affective state of the caller, with signals often becoming more chaotic in contexts of negative valence or high arousal. How might this influence vocal individuality – and is there a pattern across taxa? To understand how the individual information content is maintained over emotionally charged contexts, we studied putatively negative and positive contact calls of seven ungulate species: cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, wild boars, horses, and Przewalski’s horses. The information content of these calls was assessed using Beecher’s statistic and the Potential of Individuality Coding. Across the species, the information content was lower in calls of negative than positive valence. In each of the species, at least one acoustic parameter was a reliable indicator of individuality across contexts. Our results indicate that negative valence overrides individual information in ungulate vocalisations at least to some extent, and imply that individual vocal recognition may require acoustic stability of certain important parameters. These findings reveal a nuanced role of affective communication in maintaining social bonds among socially complex animals.
Cytosolic CRISPR RNA for RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors: Cheng Ezra C.K. , Kwon S. Chul 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTClustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technologies have evolved rapidly over the past decade with the continuous discovery of new Cas systems. In particular, RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 proteins are promising single-effector systems to regulate target mRNAs without altering genomic DNA, yet the current Cas13 systems are still restrained by suboptimal efficiencies. Here, we show that U1-driven CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) can dramatically increase the efficiency of various applications, including RNA knockdown and editing, without modifying the Cas13 protein effectors. We confirm that U1-driven crRNAs are exported into the cytoplasm, while conventional U6 promoter-driven crRNAs are mostly confined in the nucleus. Furthermore, we reveal that the end positions of crRNAs expressed by the U1 promoter are consistent regardless of different guide sequences and lengths. We also demonstrate that U1-driven crRNAs, but not U6-driven crRNAs, can efficiently repress the translation of target genes in combination with catalytically inactive Cas13 proteins. Finally, we show that U1-driven crRNAs can counteract the inhibitory effect of miRNAs. Our simple and effective engineering enables unprecedented cytosolic RNA-targeting applications.
Transcriptomic landscape of sex differences in obesity and type 2 diabetes in subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Moldovan Roxana Andreea , Hidalgo Marta R. , Castañé Helena , Jiménez-Franco Andrea , Joven Jorge , Burks Deborah J. , Galán Amparo , García-García Francisco 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObesity represents a significant risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Significant sex differences have been identified in the prevalence, development, and pathophysiology of obesity and T2D; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to identify sex-specific biomarkers in obesity and T2D and enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with sex differences by integrating expression data.A systematic review, individual transcriptomic analysis, gene-level meta-analysis, and functional characterization were performed to achieve this aim. Eight studies and 236 subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were analyzed, identifying common and sex-specific biomarkers, many of which were previously associated with obesity or T2D.The obesity meta-analysis yielded nineteen differentially-expressed biomarkers from a sex-specific perspective (e.g.,SPATA18, KREMEN1, NPY4R, andPRM3), while a comparison of the expression profiles between sexes in T2D prompted the identification and validation of specific transcriptomic signatures in males (SAMD9, NBPF3, LDHD, andEHD3) and females (RETN, HEY1, PLPP2, andPM20D2). At the functional level, we highlighted the fundamental role of the Wnt pathway in the development of obesity and T2D in females and the roles of more significant mitochondrial damage and free fatty acids in males.Overall, our sex-specific meta-analyses supported the detection of differentially expressed genes in males and females associated with the development of obesity and T2D, emphasizing the relevance of sex-based information in biomedical data and opening new avenues for research.HighlightsFirst meta-analysis on WAT with sex as a central perspective in obesity and T2DThis study identifies 19 sex-differential biomarkers in obesity, highlighting NPY4Sex specific transcriptional signatures in SAT in the development of T2DWnt pathway genes show sex-specific roles in obesity and T2D, notably in femalesObesity increases mitogenesis in male, mediated by SPATA18, with an increased role of free fatty acids in T2D
Impaired axonal transport at the optic nerve head contributes to neurodegeneration in a novel Cre-inducible mouse model of myocilin glaucoma
Authors: Kaipa Balasankara Reddy , Kasetti Ramesh , Sundaresan Yogapriya , Li Linya , Yacoub Sam , Millar J. Cameron , Cho William , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota , Maddineni Prabhavathi , Palczewski Krzysztof , Zode Gulab S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractElevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction, leading to neurodegeneration, is the pathological hallmark of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Impaired axonal transport is an early and critical feature of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. However, a robust mouse model that replicates these human POAG features accurately has been lacking. We report the development and characterization of a novel Cre-inducible mouse model expressing a DsRed-tagged Y437H mutant of human myocilin (Tg.CreMYOCY437H). A single intravitreal injection of HAd5-Cre induced selective MYOC expression in the TM, causing TM dysfunction, reducing outflow facility, and progressively elevating IOP inTg.CreMYOCY437Hmice. Sustained IOP elevation resulted in significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and progressive axonal degeneration in Cre-inducedTg.CreMYOCY437Hmice. Notably, impaired anterograde axonal transport was observed at the optic nerve head before RGC degeneration, independent of age, indicating that impaired axonal transport contributes to RGC degeneration inTg.CreMYOCY437Hmice. In contrast, axonal transport remained intact in ocular hypertensive mice injected with microbeads, despite significant RGC loss. Our findings indicate that Cre-inducibleTg.CreMYOCY437Hmice replicate all glaucoma phenotypes, providing an ideal model for studying early events of TM dysfunction and neuronal loss in POAG.
Centralspindlin promotesC. elegansanchor cell specification, vulva induction and morphogenesis
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Skorobogata Olga , Rocheleau Christian 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTCaenorhabditis elegansvulval development is a relatively simple model of organ development whereby a signal from the overlying gonad induces three epithelial cells to undergo three rounds of cell division to generate 22 cells that make up the vulva. Specification of the vulva cell fates requires coordination between cell division and cell signaling via LIN-12/Notch and LET-23/EGFR pathways in the somatic gonad and the underlying epithelium. Here we characterize the positive regulation of vulval development by the centralspindlin complex, a conserved cytokinesis regulator. Centralspindlin, a heterotetramer of ZEN-4/KIF23 and CYK-4/RacGAP1, is essential for completion of cytokinesis during early embryonic cell divisions. We found that centralspindlin is required in the somatic gonad for division of somatic gonad precursor cells and hence specification of the LIN-3/EGF-secreting anchor cell critical for LET-23/EGFR-mediated vulval induction. However, the requirements for centralspindlin for cytokinesis during postembryonic development are incomplete as a binucleate anchor cell is frequently specified. The presence of the binucleate anchor cell correlates with vulva induction and demonstrates that LIN-12/Notch signaling, required for anchor cell specification, and LET-23/EGFR signaling, required for vulva induction, is largely functional in these cells. Centralspindlin is also partially required for cytokinesis of the vulval cells where it regulates vulva morphogenesis rather than induction. We also found that the GAP domain of CYK-4/RacGAP1 required for contractile ring assembly during embryonic division is not essential for vulval development. Thus, there appears to be different requirements for centralspindlin during postembryonic development of the somatic gonad and vulva as compared to early embryogenesis.
U2AF regulates the translation and localization of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs
Authors: Garcia Gloria R. , Palangat Murali , Moraly Josquin , Donovan Benjamin T. , Wang Bixuan , Phadke Ira , Sturgill David , Chen Jiji , Short Brittney , Rivero Gustavo A. , Swoboda David M. , Taylor Naomi , McGraw Kathy , Larson Daniel R. 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe mechanisms underlying molecular targeting to mitochondria remain enigmatic, yet this process is crucial for normal cellular function. The RNA binding proteins U2AF1/2 form a heterodimer (U2AF) that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, regulating splicing in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm. Our study identifies an unexpected role for U2AF in mitochondrial function. We demonstrate that U2AF interacts with nuclear-transcribed mitochondrial mRNAs and proteins, inhibits translation, localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane, and regulates mRNA localization to mitochondria. Moreover, an oncogenic point-mutation in U2AF1(S34F) disrupts this regulation, leading to altered mitochondrial structure, increased translation, and OXPHOS-dependent metabolic rewiring, recapitulating changes observed in bone marrow progenitors from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for U2AF, where it modulates multiple aspects of mitochondrial function by regulating the translation and mitochondrial targeting of nuclear-encoded mRNAs.
Characterization and molecular insights of a chromium-reducing bacteriumBacillus tropicus
Authors: Tuli Shanjana Rahman , Ali Md. Firoz , Jamal Tabassum Binte , Khan Md. Abu Sayem , Fatima Nigar , Ahmed Irfan , Khatun Masuma , Sharmin Shamima Akhtar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEnvironmental pollution from metal toxicity is a widespread concern. Certain bacteria hold promise for bioremediation that converts toxic chromium into a less harmful form, promoting environmental cleanup. In this study, we report the isolation and detailed characterization of a highly chromium-tolerant bacterium,Bacillus tropicusCRB14. The isolate is capable of growing on 5000 mg/l Cr (VI) in LB agar plate while on 900 mg/l Cr (VI) in LB broth with an 86.57% reduction ability within 96 hours of culture. It can also tolerate high levels of As, Cd, Co, Fe, Zn, and Pb. The plant growth-promoting potential of the isolate was demonstrated by a significant activity of nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, IAA, and siderophore production. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolate lacks plasmids for Cr resistance, suggesting genes reside on its chromosome. The presence of thechrAgene points towards Cr (VI) transport, while the absence ofycnDsuggests alternative reduction pathways. The genome harbors features like genomic islands and CRISPR-Cas systems, potentially aiding adaptation and defense. Analysis suggests a robust metabolism, potentially involved in Cr detoxification. Notably, genes for siderophore and NRP-metallophore production were identified. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data also provides the basis for molecular validation of various genes. Findings from this study highlight the potential application ofBacillus tropicusCRB14 for bioremediation while plant growth promotion can be utilized as an added benefit.
Neural Encoding of Direction and Distance across Reference Frames in Visually Guided Reaching
Authors: Caceres Alejandra Harris , Barany Deborah A. , Dundon Neil M. , Smith Jolinda , Marneweck Michelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGoal-directed actions require transforming sensory information into motor plans defined across multiple parameters and reference frames. Substantial evidence supports the encoding of target direction in gaze– and body-centered coordinates within parietal and premotor regions. However, how the brain encodes the equally critical parameter of target distance remains less understood. Here, using Bayesian pattern component modeling of fMRI data during a delayed reach-to-target task, we dissociated the neural encoding of both target direction and the relative distances between target, gaze, and hand at early and late stages of motor planning. This approach revealed independent representations of direction and distance along the human dorsomedial reach pathway. During early planning, most premotor and superior parietal areas encoded a target’s distance in single or multiple reference frames and encoded its direction. In contrast, distance encoding was magnified in gaze– and body-centric reference frames during late planning. These results emphasize a flexible and efficient human central nervous system that achieves goals by remapping sensory information related to multiple parameters, such as distance and direction, in the same brain areas.Significance statementMotor plans specify various parameters, e.g., target direction and distance, each of which can be defined in multiple reference frames relative to gaze, limb, or head. Combining fMRI, a delayed reach-to-target task, and Bayesian pattern component modeling, we present evidence for independent goal-relevant representations of direction and distance in multiple reference frames across early and late planning along the dorsomedial reach pathway. Initially, areas encoding distance also encode direction, but later in planning, distance encoding in multiple reference frames was magnified. These results emphasize central nervous system flexibility in transforming movement parameters in multiple reference frames crucial for successful goal-directed actions and have important implications for brain-computer interface technology advances with sensory integration.
Tension-induced suppression of allosteric conformational changes explains coordinated stepping of kinesin-1
Authors: Makino Tsukasa , Kanada Ryo , Mori Teppei , Miyazono Ken-ichi , Komori Yuta , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Takada Shoji , Tanokura Masaru , Kikkawa Masahide , Tomishige Michio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe dimeric motor protein kinesin-1 walks along microtubules by alternating ATP hydrolysis and movement of its two motor domains (“head”). The detached head preferentially binds to the forward tubulin-binding site after ATP binds to the microtubule-bound head, but the mechanism preventing premature binding to the microtubule while the partner head awaits ATP remains unknown. Here, we examined the role of the neck linker, the segment connecting the two heads, in this mechanism. High-resolution structural analyses of the nucleotide-free head revealed a bulge just ahead of the neck linker’s base that creates an asymmetric constraint on its mobility. While the neck linker can stretch freely backward, it must navigate around this bulge to extend forward. Based on this finding, we hypothesized that premature binding of the tethered head is suppressed by an intolerable increase in neck linker tension. Molecular dynamic simulations and single-molecule fluorescent assays supported this model. These findings demonstrate a tension-based regulation mechanism where off-pathway conformational transitions are thermodynamically suppressed through entropy loss associated with neck linker stretching, suggesting that neck linker tension influences the allosteric conformational transition rather than directly affecting the nucleotide state.
Short-term antibiotics, induced magnetic field, and magnetic sensitivity in a migratory songbird
Authors: Sherf Gaya , Levi Anat , Natan Eviatar , Vortman Yoni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe use of magnetoreception is widespread in the animal kingdom. Although much effort has been invested in unraveling the receptor and the mechanism behind this ability, the results remain inconclusive. The recently proposed ’symbiotic magnetic sensing hypothesis’ suggests that magnetotactic bacteria symbiotically act as ‘magnetic sensors’ for the host. In this study, we examined the changes in magnetic orientation of Eurasian reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) placed in Emlen funnels under the influence of antibiotics, in response to a manipulated magnetic field. We found that reed warblers of the control group showed no significant magnetic orientation when placed in a manipulated magnetic field. In contrast, reed warblers placed in an unplugged coil showed significant magnetic southwest orientation. Furthermore, reed warblers exposed to short-term antibiotic treatment (12 h) demonstrated significant magnetic orientation (southwest, regardless of season) and significantly lower directional variance. We hypothesize that individuals from the control group identified the electromagnetic noise induced by the artificial magnetic field. Taken together, this unexpected result may demonstrate the sensitivity of passerines to electromagnetic noise and a possible damping effect of antibiotics on this sensitivity. Assuming our interpretations are correct, we consider this result as indirect experimental support for the symbiotic magnetic sensing hypothesis.
Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of epitaxial
Sc1−xVxNy
thin films grown on MgO(001)
Authors: Chowdhury Susmita , Singh Niraj Kumar , Honnali Sanath Kumar , Greczynski Grzegorz , Eklund Per , le Febvrier Arnaud , Magnuson Martin 
Published: September 2024

The electronic structure of Sc1−xVxNy epitaxial films with different alloying concentrations of V are investigated with respect to effects on thermoelectric properties. Band structure calculations on Sc0.75V0.25N indicate that V 3d states lie in the band gap of the parent ScN compound in the vicinity of the Fermi level. Thus, theoretically, the presence of light (dispersive) bands at the Γ point with band multiplicity is expected to lead to lower electrical resistivity, while flat (heavy) bands at X−W−K symmetry points are associated with higher Seebeck coefficients than that of ScN. Hence, to probe the thermoelectric properties experimentally, epitaxial Sc1−xVxNy thin film samples were deposited on MgO(001) substrates. All the samples showed N substoichiometry and pseudocubic crystal structure. The N-vacancy-induced states were visible in the Sc 2p x-ray absorption spectroscopy spectra. The reference ScN and Sc1−xVxNy samples up to x=0.12 were n type, exhibiting carrier concentration of 1021 cm−3, typical for degenerate semiconductors. For the highest V alloying of x=0.15, holes became the majority charge carriers, as indicated by the positive Seebeck coefficient. The underlying electronic structure and bonding mechanisms in Sc1−xVxNy influence the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and Hall effect. Thus, this paper contributes to the fundamental understanding to correlate defects and thermoelectric properties to the electronic structure in the Sc-N system with V alloying.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multicriteria selection practices in public tender evaluation process: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Uduwage Don Nuwantha Lasitha Sampath , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeAwarding contracts based solely on the lowest price is unsuitable for every project. Consequently, most procurement systems in developed countries have progressed to the multicriteria selection practices (MSPs) for tender evaluation. MSPs consider a range of quality measures, such as completion time, life cycle cost, functional characteristics, environmental impact and innovation, alongside bid price. This study examines the prevailing MSPs in Sri Lankan public tender evaluations to enhance the effectiveness of the local tender evaluation process.Design/methodology/approachA desk study approach was employed to collect bidding documents, resulting in the identification of 66 documents. A systematic screening process was then applied to identify those bidding documents that incorporated MSPs. Subsequently, content analysis was conducted to determine the common features of the functions used in MSPs.FindingsThe study identified six primary functions related to MSPs incorporated in the bidding documents to procure building and substation projects. Three functions follow the price-to-quality method, while the remaining three follow the quality-to-price method. Among these identified functions, four functions employ objective evaluation criteria, such as thickness, capacity and operational loss. The other two functions utilize subjective evaluation criteria, such as the project’s design and technical specifications. Contract awarding will be based on either the highest score or the lowest bid, depending on the function type.Originality/valueThis study’s originality lies in exploring MSPs in the Sri Lankan public tender evaluation process and in disclosing their characteristics to promote the MSPs in Sri Lanka and developing countries.