bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tubulin-Targeted Therapy in Melanoma Increases Cell Invasive Potential by Activation of Actomyosin Cytoskeleton – anin vitrostudy
Authors: Luty Marcin , Szydlak Renata , Pabijan Joanna , Zemła Joanna , Oevreeide Ingrid H. , Prot Victorien E. , Stokke Bjørn T. , Lekka Malgorzata , Zapotoczny Bartlomiej 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOne of the most dangerous aspects of cancers is their ability to metastasize, which is the leading cause of death. Hence, it holds significance to develop therapies targeting the eradication of cancer cells, in parallel, inhibiting metastases in cells surviving the applied therapy. Here, we focused on two melanoma cell lines – WM35 and WM266-4 – representing the less and more invasive melanomas. We investigated mechanisms of cellular processes regulating the activation of actomyosin being the effect of colchicine treatment. Additionally, we investigated biophysical aspects of supplement therapy using Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632), and myosin II inhibitor ((-)-blebbistatin), focusing on the microtubules and actin filaments. We analyzed their effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of melanoma cells, supported by studies on cytoskeletal architecture using confocal fluorescence microscopy and nanomechanics using atomic force microscopy and novel method based on constriction channels. Our results showed that colchicine inhibits the migration of most melanoma cells, while for a small cell population, it paradoxically increases their migration and invasiveness. These changes are also accompanied by the formation of stress fibers compensating for the loss of microtubules. Simultaneous administration of selected agents led to the inhibition of this compensatory effect. Collectively, our results highlighted that colchicine led to actomyosin activation and increased cancer cell invasiveness. We emphasized a cellular pathway of Rho-ROCK-dependent actomyosin contraction to be responsible for the increased invasive potential of melanoma cells in tubulin-targeted therapy.HighlightsColchicine strongly increased (trans)migration in the subpopulation of melanoma cells.Colchicine disrupted tubulin but compensated for the activation of the actomyosin network.Rho-ROCK-targeted or myosin-targeted therapies vanished the side-effect of colchicine.Increased actin polymerisation correlated with the transit time in the constriction channel.Elastic modulus variations reflected observed alterations in the actomyosin network.
Salinisation and warming disrupt predator-induced drift behaviour in aquatic predator-prey interactions
Authors: Vermiert Anna-Maria , Pimentel Iris Madge , Rehsen Philipp M. , Otto Tobias , Horstmann Martin , Beermann Arne J. , Leese Florian , Weiss Linda C. , Tollrian Ralph 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPredators act as a major selective force impacting biological communities in riverine ecosystems. Often predation risk is mediated by chemical cues upon which prey species display distinct morphological or behavioural defences. For stream invertebrates, predator-induced behaviours can be drifting and hiding. However, anthropogenic stressors increasingly impact freshwater ecosystems, with predicted consequences on the chemical information transfer, potentially affecting anti-predator behaviour. Despite this, knowledge and research on the extent to which these stressors may affect evolved predator-induced behaviour and subsequent ecosystems is scarce. Therefore, we conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment (ExStreamsystem) at a lowland stream in Germany, in which we investigated the effects of direct and indirect fish predation on invertebrate communities under different stressor conditions. As stressors, we tested elevated salinity (ambient vs + 136 mg/L NaCl), elevated temperature (ambient vs. + 3.4°C), and the combination of both. Our findings reveal distinct predator-induced drift behaviour, characterised by a greater number of drifting invertebrates and a concurrent reduction in overall invertebrate numbers in the communities. Increased salinity and temperature hampered the predator-induced drift behaviour. Our results support the possibility that stressors negatively impact the prey’s ability to perceive predators’ presence and respond appropriately. This disruption may alter predator-prey relationships, thereby affecting communities and potentially ecosystem functions.Highlights▯ We hypothesised that anthropogenic stressors disrupt predator-induced behaviours in invertebrate prey species.▯ Predator-induced drift behaviour was experimentally studied under ambient and elevated salinity and temperature conditions.▯ Fish exposure elicited predator-induced drift behaviour, which decreased the number of invertebrate individuals of the communities.▯ Elevated salt and elevated temperatures alone and in combination did not induce drift behaviour.▯ We found that both stressors disrupted predator-induced drift behaviour, altering the anti-predator response of invertebrate prey.
An Intra-brainstem Circuit for Pain-induced Inhibition of Itch
Authors: Prajapati Jagat Narayan , Shah Devanshi Piyush , Barik Arnab 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPain and itch are unpleasant and distinct sensations that give rise to behaviors such as reflexive withdrawal and scratching in humans and mice. Interestingly, it has been observed that pain modulate itch through the neural circuits housed in the brain and spinal cord. However, we are yet to fully understand the identities of and mechanisms by which specific neural circuits mediate pain-induced modulation of itch. Independent studies indicate that brainstem nuclei such as the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are important for the suppression of itch by painful stimuli. Here, using mouse and viral genetics, rabies tracing, chemogenetics, and calcium imaging, we show that the synaptic connections between LPBN and RVM plays an instrumental role in the interactions between pain and itch. Notably, we found that the LPBN neurons that express the gene encoding the substance P receptor, Tacr1 (LPBNTacr1), synapse onto Tacr1-expressing RVM neurons (RVMTacr1). The RVMTacr1neurons were found to be nociceptive, sufficient for inhibiting itch, and necessary for pain-induced itch suppression. Moreover, through brain-wide anterograde and retrograde viral tracing studies, we found that the RVMTacr1neurons are bidirectionally connected with LPBN, periaqueductal gray (PAG), and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). Thus, together, our data indicate that the RVMTacr1neurons integrate nociceptive information to mediate itch-induced scratching and can mediate the physiological effects of itch through their downstream targets.
Impact of PI3K pathway alterations on response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Park Jong Chul , Basak Nandini Pal , Useche Mateo , Park Jun Seok , Ganesh Mandakulutur Subramanya , Prabha Amritha , JayaPrakash Chandra Reddy , Varvares Mark , Wirth Lori , Faquin William , Sankaran Satish , Saladi Srinivas Vinod 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTPhosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K pathway) is a major intracellular regulatory pathway commonly involved in cancer survival, proliferation, migration, and metabolism. Activating mutations and amplifications of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) are frequent genomic features of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of the PI3K pathway suppresses the anti-tumor immune response, thereby enabling tumor immune evasion. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic and genomic data of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). PI3K pathway alterations were found in 44% and were associated with poor clinical outcomes in the human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-ve) HNSCC patients.PIK3CAexpression was found to be inversely correlated with immune gene expression, decreased T-cell infiltration, and reduced CD8 T-cell cytotoxic activity. The pharmacologic inhibition of the PI3K pathway induced an increase in key immune-responsive gene expression inPIK3CA-mutant HPV-ve HNSCC cells. These findings suggest that the PI3K pathway activation promotes immune suppressive phenotype, and playing a role in conferring resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in HPV-ve subset of HNSCC patients.HighlightsAlterations in PI3K pathway are associated with poor clinical outcomes in HPV-negative HNSCC patients treated with immune checkpoint therapy.PI3K pathway activation correlates to immune suppressive tumor microenvironment in HNSCC.Pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K induces the expression of interferon-gamma responsive and antigen presentation machinery genes in HNSCC.
Antimicrobial Profile from Frog Skin Peptides
Authors: Chi Yan , Zhang Yu , Wang Xuejiang , Li Feng , Zhang Zhikai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of frog skin-derived peptides Magainin 1, Magainin 2, and Bombesin againstBacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli,andTrichoderma harzianum. Experimental setups involved uniform inoculation of the microorganisms on 20 mL agar plates, treated with varying volumes (1.5 µL, 5 µL, and 10 µL) of each peptide (10 mg/mL). ForBacillus subtilis, Magainin 2, and Bombesin demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones increasing in size proportionally to the peptide volumes. Magainin 2 showed the highest efficacy, surpassing ampicillin at higher volumes. InEscherichia coli, similar dose-dependent antibacterial effects were observed, with Magainin 2 again showing superior performance, matching or exceeding the inhibition zones of ampicillin. Notably, Magainin 2, and Bombesin exhibited antifungal activity againstTrichoderma harzianumwith Amphotericin resistance. These antibacterial peptides show inhibitory activity on fungi, gram-positive higher than gram-negative bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of Magainin 2, and Bombesin as antimicrobial agents except of Magainin 1.
Medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus reuniens are critical for working memory in an operant delayed nonmatch task
Authors: Ciacciarelli Evan J. , Dunn Scott D. , Gohar Taqdees , Sloand T. Joseph , Niedringhaus Mark , West Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWorking memory refers to the temporary retention of a small amount of information used in the execution of a cognitive task. The prefrontal cortex and its connections with thalamic subregions are thought to mediate specific aspects of working memory, including engaging with the hippocampus to mediate memory retrieval. We used an operant delayed-non match to position task, which does not require the hippocampus, to determine roles of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the nucleus reuniens thalamic region (RE), and their connection. We found that transient inactivation of the mPFC and RE using the GABA-A agonist muscimol led to a delay-independent reduction in behavioral performance in the delayed non-match to position paradigm. Critically, we used a chemogenetic approach to determine the directionality of the necessary circuitry for behavioral performance reliant on working memory. Specifically, when we targeted mPFC neurons that project to the RE (mPFC-RE) we found a delay- independent reduction in the delayed non-match to position task, but not when we targeted RE neurons that project to the mPFC (RE-mPFC). Our results suggest a broader role for the mPFC-RE circuit in mediating working memory beyond the connection with the hippocampus.
Young children’s attitudes toward science learning in early learning grades
Authors: AlAli Rommel , Al-Barakat Ali 
Published: June 2024

Purpose This research aims to investigate the attitudes of young children toward learning science in the early educational grades.Design/methodology/approach The study involved conducting interviews with seventy-three children attending institutions in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The structured interview method was employed to collect valuable data.Findings The findings of the interviews shed light on the inclination of young children to foster positive attitudes toward science education. These inclinations include the facilitation of knowledge acquisition that enables children to develop skills for applying scientific concepts in real-life contexts, the incorporation of hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom, and the prioritization of child-centered approaches to learning.Originality/value This research aims to explore the attitudes of young children in early educational grades toward learning science. Interviews were conducted with seventy-three children in Sharjah, UAE, using a structured interview method. The findings highlight children’s inclination toward positive attitudes in science education, including the importance of knowledge acquisition for applying scientific concepts in real-life contexts, hands-on activities inside and outside the classroom, and child-centered learning approaches. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations and conclusions to enhance science education experiences for young children.
Intergenerational transfer of engineering expertise: knowledge continuity management in storm surge barrier engineering
Authors: Kamps Merlijn , van den Boomen Martine , van den Bogaard Johannes , Hertogh Marcel 
Published: July 2024

PurposeEngineering knowledge continuity is crucial for the life cycle management of long-lived and complex assets, such as nuclear plants, locks and storm surge barriers. At the storm surge barriers in the Netherlands, engineering knowledge continuity is not yet fully assured, despite long-standing efforts. This study aims to explore the relationship between system characteristics, the organizational demarcation of maintenance and operation and the challenges in achieving engineering knowledge continuity and provides suggestions for improvement of theory and policy.Design/methodology/approachTen semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from various backgrounds in construction, engineering and asset management of the Dutch storm surge barriers, augmented with visits to barriers and barrier teams. A thematic analysis was used to identify and describe the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. We reviewed knowledge management policy documents and asset management consultancy reports to validate the findings. Additionally, we engaged in frequent interactions with professionals at the barriers. We achieved saturation and validation once no new issues were raised during these discussions.FindingsThe thematic analysis developed multiple themes describing the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. The key findings are that expert engineers are critically important to deal with redesigns induced by obsolescence. Moreover, due to barrier uniqueness, long redesign cycles and reliability requirements, conventional knowledge continuity tools are insufficient to enable new engineers to reach expert level. Finally, the thematic analysis shows that, in some cases, outsourcing should be reduced to facilitate internal learning.Originality/valueThe study introduces the application of the knowledge-based view of the firm and the concept of requisite knowledge redundancy to the long-term management of complex assets. It calls for more attention to long gaps in the use of unique knowledge and the effect on knowledge continuity.
Improved compensation networks for dynamic wireless power transfer in a multi-inductor track
Authors: Bertoluzzo Manuele , Di Barba Paolo , Forzan Michele , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Sieni Elisabetta 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The purpose of the study is to design the compensation network of a dynamic wireless power transfer system, considering the movement of the receiving coil along an electrified track with a large number of inductors buried on the road.

Design/methodology/approach
A finite element model has been developed to calculate the self-inductances of transmitting and receiving coils as well as the mutual inductances between the receiving coil and the transmitting ones in the nearby and for various relative positions. The calculated lumped parameters, self-inductances and mutual inductances depending on the relative positions between the coils, have been considered to design the compensation network of the active coils, which is composed of three capacitive or inductive reactances connected in the T form. The optimal values of the six reactances, three for the transmitting coils and three for the receiving one, have been calculated by resorting to the Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II.

Findings
In this paper, the results obtained by means of the optimizations have broadly discussed. The optimal values of the reactances of the compensation networks show a clear trend in the receiving part of the circuit. On the other hand, the problem seems very sensitive to the values of the reactances in the transmitting circuit.

Originality/value
Dynamic wireless power transfer system is one of the newest ways of recharging electric vehicles. Hence, the design of compensation networks for this kind of systems is a new topic, and there is the need to investigate possible solutions to obtain a good performance of the recharging system.
New design charts for evaluating the damage potential to RC frame buildings adjacent to deep excavations
Authors: Tahmoures Fatemeh , Ghanbari Ali 
Published: June 2024

PurposeUrban excavations are a cause for concern in terms of the probability of damage to nearby structures. In this study, various structural and excavation parameters were investigated to determine the probability of building damage during excavations.Design/methodology/approachFinite-element analysis software was used to develop a set of valid three-dimensional models. Models were developed to assess the effects of structural parameters (building height and position relative to the excavation site) and excavation parameters (depth and support system type) on the responses of the adjacent buildings.FindingsThe new design charts estimated the damage to reinforced concrete frame buildings during excavation by focusing on the angular distortion of the building, additional shear strain on the masonry walls and additional strain and stress on columns. This study showed that the probability of damage decreased as the distance between the building and the excavation increased. By contrast, it increased when the building was located at a distance equal to the excavation depth at its edge. According to this study, the axial stress caused by the excavation of building columns does not exceed 10.9% of the compressive strength of the concrete.Originality/valueThe proposed design charts can replace comparable charts and provide a deeper understanding of damage potential based on key parameters. These charts are more practical than previous charts with limited parameters.
Obtaining analytical solutions of (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Zoomeron equation by using modified F-expansion and modified generalized Kudryashov methods
Authors: Ozisik Muslum , Secer A. , Bayram Mustafa 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to conduct a mathematical and theoretical analysis of soliton solutions for a specific nonlinear evolution equation known as the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation. Solitons are solitary wave solutions that maintain their shape and propagate without changing form in certain nonlinear wave equations. The Zoomeron equation appears to be a special model in this context and is associated with other types of solitons, such as Boomeron and Trappon solitons. In this work, the authors employ two mathematical methods, the modified F-expansion approach with the Riccati equation and the modified generalized Kudryashov’s methods, to derive various types of soliton solutions. These solutions include kink solitons, dark solitons, bright solitons, singular solitons, periodic singular solitons and rational solitons. The authors also present these solutions in different dimensions, including two-dimensional, three-dimensional and contour graphics, which can help visualize and understand the behavior of these solitons in the context of the Zoomeron equation. The primary goal of this article is to contribute to the understanding of soliton solutions in the context of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation, and it serves as a mathematical and theoretical exploration of the properties and characteristics of these solitons in this specific nonlinear wave equation.Design/methodology/approachThe article’s methodology involves applying specialized mathematical techniques to analyze and derive soliton solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation and then presenting these solutions graphically. The overall goal is to contribute to the understanding of soliton behavior in this specific nonlinear equation and potentially uncover new insights or applications of these soliton solutions.FindingsAs for the findings of the article, they can be summarized as follows: The article provides a systematic exploration of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation and its soliton solutions, which include different types of solitons. The key findings of the article are likely to include the derivation of exact mathematical expressions that describe these solitons and the successful visualization of these solutions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of solitons in this specific nonlinear wave equation, potentially shedding light on their behavior and applications within the context of the Zoomeron equation.Originality/valueThe originality of this article is rooted in its exploration of soliton solutions within the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation, its application of specialized mathematical methods and its successful presentation of various soliton types through graphical representations. This research adds to the understanding of solitons in this specific nonlinear equation and potentially offers new insights and applications in this field.