bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labeling of the serotonergic neuronal circuits emerging from the raphe nuclei via some retrograde tracers
Authors: Hussein Mona N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSerotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) is a very important neurotransmitter emerging from the raphe nuclei to several brain regions. Serotonergic neuronal connectivity has multiple functions in the brain. In this study, several techniques were used to trace serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe (MnR) that project toward the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (Arc), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DM), lateral hypothalamic area (LH), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), fasciola cinereum (FC), and medial habenular nucleus (MHb). Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), retro‐adeno‐associated virus (rAAV‐CMV‐mCherry), glycoprotein‐deleted rabies virus (RV‐ΔG), and simultaneous microinjection of rAAV2‐retro‐Cre‐tagBFP with AAV‐dio‐mCherry in C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. In addition, rAAV2‐retro‐Cre‐tagBFP was microinjected into Ai9 mice. Serotonin immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of retrogradely traced serotonergic neurons in the raphe nuclei. The results indicated that rAAV2‐retro‐Cre‐tagBFP microinjection in Ai9 mice was the best method for tracing serotonergic neuron circuits. All of the previously listed nuclei exhibited serotonergic neuronal projections from the DR and MnR, with the exception of the FC, which had very few projections from the DR. The serotonergic neuronal projections were directed toward the Arc by the subpeduncular tegmental (SPTg) nuclei. Moreover, the RV‐ΔG tracer revealed monosynaptic non‐serotonergic neuronal projections from the DR that were directed toward the Arc. Furthermore, rAAV tracers revealed monosynaptic serotonergic neuronal connections from the raphe nuclei toward Arc. These findings validate the variations in neurotropism among several retrograde tracers. The continued discovery of several novel serotonergic neural circuits is crucial for the future discovery of the functions of these circuits.Research Highlights
Various kinds of retrograde tracers were microinjected into C57BL/6 and Ai9 mice.
The optimum method for characterizing serotonergic neuronal circuits is rAAV2‐retro‐Cre‐tagBFP microinjection in Ai9 mice.
The DR, MnR, and SPTg nuclei send monosynaptic serotonergic neuronal projections toward the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Whole‐brain quantification analysis of retrograde‐labeled neurons in different brain nuclei following rAAV2‐retro‐Cre‐tagBFP microinjection in the Arc, DM, LH, and VMH is shown.
Differential quantitative analysis of median and dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons emerging toward the PVH, DM, LH, Arc, VMH, MHb, and FC is shown.
Optimization of ultracentrifugation‐based method to enhance the purity and proteomic profiling depth of plasma‐derived extracellular vesicles and particles
Authors: Wan Zurong , Gu Jinghua , Balaji Uthra , Bojmar Linda , Molina Henrik , Heissel Søren , Pagano Alexandra E. , Peralta Christopher , Shaashua Lee , Ismailgeci Dorina , Narozniak Hope K. , Song Yi , Jarnagin William R. , Kelsen David P. , Bromberg Jaqueline , Pascual Virginia , Zhang Haiying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCirculating extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) are being investigated as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and disease monitoring. However, the suboptimal purity of EVPs isolated from peripheral blood plasma has posed a challenge of in‐depth analysis of the EVP proteome. Here, we compared the effectiveness of different methods for isolating EVPs from healthy donor plasma, including ultracentrifugation (UC)‐based protocols, phosphatidylserine‐Tim4 interaction‐based affinity capture (referred to as “PS”), and several commercial kits. Modified UC methods with an additional UC washing or size exclusion chromatography step substantially improved EVP purity and enabled the detection of additional proteins via proteomic mass spectrometry, including many plasma membrane and cytoplasmic proteins involved in vesicular regulation pathways. This improved performance was reproduced in cancer patient plasma specimens, resulting in the identification of a greater number of differentially expressed EVP proteins, thus expanding the range of potential biomarker candidates. However, PS and other commercial kits did not outperform UC‐based methods in improving plasma EVP purity. PS yielded abundant contaminating proteins and a biased enrichment for specific EVP subsets, thus unsuitable for proteomic profiling of plasma EVPs. Therefore, we have optimized UC‐based protocols for circulating EVP isolation, which enable further in‐depth proteomic analysis for biomarker discovery.
The natural history of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency in Israel
Authors: Pode‐Shakked Ben , Landau Yuval E. , Shaul Lotan Nava , Manor Joshua , Haham Nitsan , Kristal Eyal , Hershkovitz Eli , Hazan Guy , Haham Yarden , Almashanu Shlomo , Anikster Yair , Staretz‐Chacham Orna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) deficiency is an ultra‐rare autosomal‐recessive inborn error of metabolism, affecting no less than five mitochondrial multienzyme complexes. With approximately 30 patients reported to date, DLD deficiency was associated with three major clinical presentations: an early‐onset encephalopathic phenotype with metabolic acidosis, a predominantly hepatic presentation with liver failure, and a rare myopathic phenotype. To elucidate the demographic, phenotypic, and molecular characteristics of patients with DLD deficiency within the Israeli population, data were collected from metabolic disease specialists in four large tertiary medical centers in the center and south of Israel. Pediatric and adult patients with biallelic variants in DLD were included in the study. A total of 53 patients of 35 families were included in the cohort. Age at presentation ranged between birth and 10 years. Wide phenotypic variability was observed, from asymptomatic individuals in their sixth decade of life, to severe, neonatal‐onset disease with devastating neurological sequelae. Six DLD variants were noted, the most common of which was the c.685G>T (p.G229C) variant in homozygous form (24/53 patients, 45.3%; 13/35 families), observed mostly among patients of Ashkenazi‐Jewish descent, followed by the homozygous c.1436A>T (p.D479V) variant, found in 20 patients of Bedouin descent (37.7%; 16/35 families). Overall, patients did not necessarily present as one of the previously described distinct clinical phenotypes. DLD deficiency is a panethnic disorder, with significant phenotypic variability, and comprises a continuum, rather than three distinct clinical presentations.
Development of a cyclic ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry‐based collision cross‐section database of permethylated human milk oligosaccharides
Authors: Habibi Sanaz C. , Bradford Victoria R. , Baird Sophie C. , Lucas Shadrack Wilson , Chouinard Christopher D. , Nagy Gabe 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are an important class of biomolecules responsible for the healthy development of the brain‐gut axis of infants. Unfortunately, their accurate characterization is largely precluded due to a variety of reasons – there are over 200 possible HMO structures whereas only 10s of these are available as authentic analytical standards. Furthermore, their isomeric heterogeneity stemming from their many possible glycosidic linkage positions and corresponding α/β anomericities further complicates their analyses. While liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry remains the gold standard for HMO analyses, it often times cannot resolve all possible isomeric species and thus warrants the development of other orthogonal approaches. High‐resolution ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry has emerged as a rapid alternative to condensed‐phase separations but largely has remained limited to qualitative information related to the resolution of isomers. In this work, we have assessed the use of permethylation to improve both the resolution and sensitivity of HMO analyses with cyclic ion mobility separations coupled with mass spectrometry. In addition to this, we have developed the first‐ever high‐resolution collision cross‐section database for permethylated HMOs using our previously established calibration protocol. We envision that this internal reference database generated from high‐resolution cyclic ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry will greatly aid in the accurate characterization of HMOs and provide a valuable, orthogonal, approach to existing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry‐based methods.
From tyrosine to hydroxytyrosol: a pathway involving biologically active compounds and their determination in wines by ultra performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ramirez Marina , Cerezo Ana B. , Valero Eva , Troncoso Ana M. , Garcia‐Parrilla M. Carmen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundHydroxytyrosol (HT) is a bioactive compound present in a limited number of foods such as wines, olives, and olive oils. During alcoholic fermentation, yeast converts aromatic amino acids into higher alcohols such as tyrosol, which can undergo hydroxylation into HT. The aim of this study was to validate an analytical method using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS‐MS) to quantify HT and its precursors (tyrosine, hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and tyrosol) in wines. Their occurrence was evaluated in a total of 108 commercial Spanish wine samples.ResultsThe validated method simultaneously determined both HT and its precursors, with adequate limits of detection between 0.065 and 21.86 ng mL−1 and quantification limits between 0.199 and 66.27 ng mL−1 in a 5 min run. The concentration of HT in red wines was significantly higher (0.12–2.24 mg L−1) than in white wines (0.01–1.27 mg L−1). The higher the alcoholic degree, the higher was the content of HT. The bioactive 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid was identified in Spanish wines for the first time at 3.90–127.47 mg L−1, being present in all the samples.ConclusionThe highest HT concentrations were found in red wines and in wines with higher ethanol content. These data are useful for a further estimation of the intake of these bioactive compounds and to enlarge knowledge on chemical composition of wines. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Blue Light Compromises Bacterial β‐Lactamases Activity to Overcome β‐Lactam Resistance
Authors: dos Anjos Carolina , Wang Yin , Truong‐Bolduc Que Chi , Bolduc Paul K. , Liu Matthew , Hooper David C. , Anderson R. Rox , Dai Tianhong , Leanse Leon G. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveIn this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of antimicrobial blue light (aBL; 410 nm wavelength) against β‐lactamase‐carrying bacteria and the effect of aBL on the activity of β‐lactamases.MethodsPseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains carrying β‐lactamases as well as a purified β‐lactamase enzymes were studied. β‐lactamase activity was assessed using a chromogenic cephalosporin hydrolysis assay. Additionally, we evaluated the role of porphyrins in the photoreaction, as well as protein degradation by sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Finally, we investigated the bactericidal effect of combined aBL‐ceftazidime exposure against a metallo‐β‐lactamase expressing P. aeruginosa strain.ResultsOur study demonstrated that aBL effectively killed β‐lactamase‐producing bacteria and reduced β‐lactamase activity. After an aBL exposure of 1.52 J/cm2, a 50% reduction in enzymatic activity was observed in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, we found a 40% decrease in the photoreaction activity of porphyrins following an aBL exposure of 64.8 J/cm2. We also revealed that aBL reduced β‐lactamase activity via protein degradation (after 136.4 J/cm2). Additionally, aBL markedly improved the bactericidal effect of ceftazidime (by >4‐log10) in the metallo‐β‐lactamase P. aeruginosa strain.ConclusionOur results provide evidence that aBL compromises bacterial β‐lactamase activity, offering a potential approach to overcome β‐lactam resistance in bacteria.
Reactively Processed Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) Composite–Based Multilayered Films with Improved Properties for Sustainable Packaging Applications: Structural Characterization and Biodegradation Mechanism
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Botlhoko Orebotse Joseph , Mphahlele Caroline , Lekalakala Rakgoshi , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Ray Suprakas Sinha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, it is attempted to enhance the properties and biodegradability of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) using nanocomposite technology to meet the demand for sustainable packaging applications. Two nanoclays containing PBAT composites are reactively processed and integrated into the multilayered films. Reactive processing facilitates the dispersion and distribution of nanoclay particles in the PBAT matrix. The multilayered films comprising reactively processed PBAT composites exhibited a 24.5%–31.5% reduction in the oxygen transmission rate and improved dimensional stability and tensile properties. Moreover, the degradability of the multilayered film comprising reactively processed PBAT composites reached 82% in 180 days. In contrast, a neat PBAT film of similar thickness attained only 53% degradation in the same period. The biodegradation mechanism is proposed based on the topology of the disintegrated films studied using scanning electron microscopy, chemical bond vibrations determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and structural evolution by small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS). The SWAXS analysis is used to understand the changes in the degree of crystallinity, long‐range periodic order, and crystalline and amorphous layer thickness of the multilayered films before and after degradation. Such multilayered films can find applications where packaging or biomedical devices cannot be recycled.
Hafnium surface changes during dissolution in concentrated sulfuric acid
Authors: Carriello G. M. , Pegoraro G. M. , Alves L. R. , Mambrini G. P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractScientific studies involving hafnium have grown significantly in recent years due to the potential applications that this metal has. These potential applications come from the properties of this element, which for many years since its discovery were neglected in research. Among the factors that contributed to this was the high cost of extracting its ores from nature. One of the properties is the solubility of this metal in concentrated sulfuric acid, reacting to form hafnium(IV) sulfate and hydrogen gas. This acid is one of the few that can dissolve this metal, since hafnium is highly resistant to corrosion. The present work reports a chemometrically planned study on the surface of hafnium metal during its dissolution in sulfuric acid at different temperatures (13 °C, 25 °C and 97 °C) and for different times (5 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes). Samples of metallic hafnium were completely immersed in sulfuric acid, subsequently characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the mass variation of the samples was analyzed. The corrosion of hafnium occurs only after the rupture of the protective film of hafnium(IV) oxide of the material, this rupture being faster as the temperature increases.
Nanosecond laser micromachining of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced ZK60 matrix composites
Authors: Wu Z. , Li C. W. , Zhang Y. , Liu Y. L. , Song J. Y. , Yang C. M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a nanosecond laser was used to etch the surface of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced ZK60 (GNPs/ZK60) matrix composites, and the effects of different scanning speeds, pulse repetition frequency and laser power on the etched morphology of the machined surface were investigated. The experimental results show that the etched groove width and heat affected zone width of GNPs/ZK60 composites are significantly increased compared with ZK60 material due to the influence of graphene, and the growth rate of the difference in heat affected zone width between GNPs/ZK60 composites and ZK60 materials is most significantly affected by the pulse repetition frequency. In addition, the dross height increases with the increase of laser power, while the scaly dross structure becomes increasingly clear.
M2 macrophage exosome‐derived Apoc1 promotes ferroptosis resistance in osteosarcoma by inhibiting ACSF2 deubiquitination
Authors: Yin Ping , Tang Min , Zhao Guosheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of M2 macrophage exosomes (M2‐Exos) in ferroptosis in OS. A mouse model was established to investigate the in vivo role of M2‐Exos. We investigated their effects on ferroptosis in OS using erastin, a ferroptosis activator, and deferoxamine mesylate, an iron chelator. In vitro, we investigated whether the Apoc1/Acyl‐CoA Synthetase Family Member 2 (ACSF2) axis mediates these effects, using shApoc1 and shACSF2. The mechanisms whereby Apoc1 regulates ACSF2 were examined using cyclohexanone, a protein synthesis inhibitor, and MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor. M2‐Exos reversed the inhibitory effects of erastin on OS cells, thus enhancing their viability, migration, invasion, proliferation, and reducing ferroptosis. Apoc1 was highly expressed in M2‐Exos, and interfering with this expression reversed the effects of M2‐Exos on OS cells. ACSF2 mediated the effects of M2‐Exos‐derived Apoc1. Apoc1 interacted with ACSF2, which, in turn, interacted with USP40. Apoc1 overexpression increased ACSF2 ubiquitination, promoting its degradation, whereas USP40 overexpression inhibited ACSF2 ubiquitination and promoted its expression. Apoc1 overexpression inhibited ACSF2 binding to USP40. M2‐Exos‐derived Apoc1 promoted ferroptosis resistance by inhibiting USP40 binding to ACSF2 and promoting ACSF2 ubiquitination and degradation, thus enhancing OS development.
Enterprise rent‐seeking and high‐quality development: A perspective based on institutional deficiencies
Authors: Bei Ningyu , Chen Zili , Li Weining 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBased on the puzzle of mismatch between China's current innovation environment construction and firms' innovation achievements, this paper uses data of Chinese A‐share listed firms and tries to explore whether rent‐seeking is a strategic choice for firms to achieve high‐quality development in the context of institutional deficiencies. This paper finds that (1) corporate rent‐seeking can significantly increase total factor productivity (TFP), a result that still holds after various robustness tests such as the instrumental variables method. The mechanism test finds that corporate rent‐seeking can significantly incentivize corporate innovation, especially high‐quality innovation. (2) Rent‐seeking has a stronger effect on TFP in high‐tech enterprises, patent‐intensive industries, and non‐overcapacity industries; institutional factors such as the reasonableness of the government‐market relationship and the degree of distortion in the factor market have a significant negative and positive moderating effect on the promotion of TFP by rent‐seeking, respectively. Further sub‐sample tests show that the TFP promotion effect of rent‐seeking in firms with stronger willingness and demand for innovation is more influenced by the institutional environment factors. The above results suggest that rent‐seeking can act as an alternative means for firms to satisfy their innovation needs in the absence of institutions, and thus increase TFP. (3) Industry‐based tests show that rent‐seeking can promote overall technological progress, but it does not have the “lubricant” effect of optimizing the allocation of resources, and rent‐seeking is always a suboptimal choice for the allocation of resources. Unlike previous studies that emphasized the negative consequences of rent‐seeking, we highlight the potential benefits of rent‐seeking in the context of China's transition economy from a total factor productivity (TFP) perspective, which enriches the research in the area of rent‐seeking and TFP.
How environmentally friendly are electric cars? The relationship between lithium usage and water resources, Chile example
Authors: Karacan Rıdvan , Kayacan Eda Yalçin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe extraction of minerals such as lithium, widely used in the battery technologies of electric vehicles, is a process that necessitates consideration of its environmental impacts. This study aims to examine the environmental impacts of electric vehicles and the effects of lithium mining on water resources, particularly in regions abundant in lithium reserves like Chile. The analyses indicate a long‐term relationship between lithium mining and irrigation water sources. This study establishes a foundation for understanding the relationship between the environmental sustainability of electric vehicles and the environmental impacts of lithium mining.
A wideband power amplifier based on filtering matching for both input and output network
Authors: Cai Qi , Liang Yongxin , Gao Zicheng , Quan Xue , Che Wenquan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA new input–output matching structure is presented in this article. The proposed method is used to realize a wideband high‐efficiency power amplifier. By combining the design of input–output matching network with a band‐pass filter, the fundamental and harmonic impedances are transformed to high efficiency region. In this case, a continuous Class‐F PA with wide bandwidth and high efficiency is obtained. Meanwhile, the bias circuit is also integrated in the matching network to simplify the wideband PA topology. After experimental verification, the fabricated PA has a measured drain efficiency of 62.2%–76.5% in the range of 1.35–2.8 GHz, with an output power of 39.1–42 dBm.
Polarization conversion metasurface enabled broadband circularly polarized patch antenna
Authors: Ding Lijun , Zhou Xin , Liu Yahong , Gao Wenyu , Yuan Xin , Song Kun , Gong Xuejian , Guo Yao , Navarro‐Cía Miguel , Zhao Xiaopeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAssembling polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) and a simple patch antenna to realize a circularly polarized (CP) antenna with over 10% fractional bandwidth (BW) is a challenging task. A kind of PCM composed of S‐ring and grating structure that converts linearly polarized (LP) wave into CP wave in a broadband frequency from 8.74 to 12 GHz can address the challenge. The universality of the PCM in realizing antenna polarization conversion is verified by using a standard LP horn antenna. Then, we design a broadband LP rectangular patch antenna to demonstrate that the present PCM can be integrated with small antenna devices to achieve CP antenna. A broadband CP patch antenna with a 12.4% −10 dB BW and 11.3% 3 dB axial ratioBW is obtained. The antenna gain reaches 8.1 dB with the enhancement gain of 4.1 dB. The findings are very attractive for wireless communication, radar monitoring, and satellite systems because the proposed antenna has excellent broadband CP performances, simple structure, and easy fabrication.