bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Evolution of Seismic Sequences in the Normal Fault Environment of the Southern Apennines
Authors: Scotto di Uccio Francesco , Michele Maddalena , Strumia Claudio , Supino Mariano , Beroza Gregory C. , Chiaraluce Lauro , D’Agostino Nicola , Festa Gaetano 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe use of seismic catalogs enhanced through advanced detection techniques improves the understanding of earthquake processes by illuminating the geometry and mechanics of fault systems. In this study, we performed accurate hypocentral locations, source parameters estimation and stress release modeling from catalogs of microseismic sequences nucleating in the complex normal fault system of the Southern Apennines (Italy). The application of advanced location techniques resulted in the relocation of ∼30% of the earthquakes in the enhanced catalogs, with hypocenters clearly identifying local patches on kilometer‐scale structures that feature consistent orientation with the main faults of the area. When mapping the stress change on the fault plane, the inter‐event distance compared to the size of the events suggests that the dominant triggering mechanism within the sequences is static stress transfer. The distribution of events is not isotropic but dominantly aligned along the dip direction. These slip‐dominated lineations could be associated with striations related to fault roughness and could map the boundary between locked and creeping domains in Apulian platform and basement.
Haplotype analysis identifies functional elements in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance
Authors: Thomsen Hauke , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Weinhold Niels , Vodicka Pavel , Vodickova Ludmila , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M. , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Börge , Hajek Roman , Hallmans Göran , Pettersson-Kymmer Ulrika , Späth Florentin , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have identified several loci associated with the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), a precursor condition for multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that analyzing haplotypes might be more useful than analyzing individual SNPs, as it could identify functional chromosomal units that collectively contribute to MGUS risk. To test this hypothesis, we used data from our previous GWAS on 992 MGUS cases and 2910 controls from three European populations. We identified 23 haplotypes that were associated with the risk of MGUS at the genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10−8) and showed consistent results among all three populations. In 10 genomic regions, strong promoter, enhancer and regulatory element-related histone marks and their connections to target genes as well as genome segmentation data supported the importance of these regions in MGUS susceptibility. Several associated haplotypes affected pathways important for MM cell survival such as ubiquitin-proteasome system (RNF186, OTUD3), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (HINT3), innate immunity (SEC14L1, ZBP1), cell death regulation (BID) and NOTCH signaling (RBPJ). These pathways are important current therapeutic targets for MM, which may highlight the advantage of the haplotype approach homing to functional units.
Coactivator-independent vitamin D receptor signaling causes severe rickets in mice, that is not prevented by a diet high in calcium, phosphate, and lactose
Authors: Doms Stefanie , Verlinden Lieve , Janssens Iris , Vanhevel Justine , Eerlings Roy , Houtman René , Kato Shigeaki , Mathieu Chantal , Decallonne Brigitte , Carmeliet Geert , Verstuyf Annemieke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a critical role in the regulation of mineral and bone homeostasis. Upon binding of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to the VDR, the activation function 2 (AF2) domain repositions and recruits coactivators for the assembly of the transcriptional machinery required for gene transcription. In contrast to coactivator-induced transcriptional activation, the functional effects of coactivator-independent VDR signaling remain unclear. In humans, mutations in the AF2 domain are associated with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets, a genetic disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization and growth. In the present study, we used mice with a systemic or conditional deletion of the VDR-AF2 domain (VdrΔAF2) to study coactivator-independent VDR signaling. We confirm that ligand-induced transcriptional activation was disabled because the mutant VDRΔAF2 protein was unable to interact with coactivators. Systemic VdrΔAF2 mice developed short, undermineralized bones with dysmorphic growth plates, a bone phenotype that was more pronounced than that of systemic Vdr knockout (Vdr−/−) mice. Interestingly, a rescue diet that is high in calcium, phosphate, and lactose, normalized this phenotype in Vdr−/−, but not in VdrΔAF2 mice. However, osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific VdrΔAF2 mice did not recapitulate this bone phenotype indicating coactivator-independent VDR effects are more important in other organs. In addition, RNA-sequencing analysis of duodenum and kidney revealed a decreased expression of VDR target genes in systemic VdrΔAF2 mice, which was not observed in Vdr−/− mice. These genes could provide new insights in the compensatory (re)absorption of minerals that are crucial for bone homeostasis. In summary, coactivator-independent VDR effects contribute to mineral and bone homeostasis.
Postsynaptic lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway orchestrates the transition from social competition to rank by remodeling the neural ensemble in mPFC
Authors: Zhu Ling-Shuang , Lai Chuan , Zhou Chao-Wen , Chen Hui-Yang , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Guo Ziyuan , Man Hengye , Du Hui-Yun , Lu Youming , Hu Feng , Chen Zhiye , Shu Kai , Zhu Ling-Qiang , Liu Dan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIndividuals’ continuous success in competitive interactions with conspecifics strongly affects their social hierarchy. Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is the key brain region mediating both social competition and hierarchy. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the neural ensemble in the mPFC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that in excitatory neurons of prelimbic cortex (PL), lncRNA Sera remodels the utilization of Pkm Exon9 and Exon10, resulting in a decrease in the Pkm1/2 ratio in highly competitive mice. By employing a tet-on/off system, we disrupt or rebuild the normal Pkm1/2 ratio by controlling the expression of Pkm2 in PL excitatory neurons. We find that long-term Pkm2 modulation induces timely competition alteration and hysteretic rank change, through phosphorylating the Ser845 site of GluA1. Together, this study uncovers a crucial role of lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway in the transition of social competition to rank by remodeling neural ensemble in mPFC.
Assessing flash flood erosion following storm Daniel in Libya
Authors: Normand Jonathan C. L. , Heggy Essam 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe eastern Mediterranean basin is witnessing increased storm activity impacting populous urban coastal areas that historically were not prone to catastrophic flooding. In the fall of 2023, Storm Daniel struck the eastern coast of Libya, causing unprecedented flash floods with a tragic death toll and large-scale infrastructure damages. We use Sentinel-1A C-band SAR images to characterize the resulting flash flood erosion and sediment load dynamics across the watersheds and to map damages within coastal cities at their outlets. Our results suggest that sediment loading, resulting from surface erosion, increased the density of turbid streams. The above exacerbated the catastrophic impact of the flash floods in the coastal cities of Derna and Susah, where 66% and 48% of their respective urban surface have experienced moderate-to-high damages. Our findings highlight the increased vulnerability of coastal watersheds in arid areas within the eastern Mediterranean basin due to the forecasted increase in hydroclimatic extremes and call for a transformative coastal management approach to urgently implement nature-based solutions and land-use changes to mitigate these rising risks.
Electrically activated ferroelectric nematic microrobots
Authors: Máthé Marcell Tibor , Nishikawa Hiroya , Araoka Fumito , Jákli Antal , Salamon Péter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFerroelectric nematic liquid crystals are fluids exhibiting spontaneous electric polarization, which is coupled to their long range orientational order. Due to their inherent property of making bound and surface charges, the free surface of ferroelectric nematics becomes unstable in electric fields. Here we show that ferroelectric liquid bridges between two electrode plates undergo distinct interfacial instabilities. In a specific range of frequency and voltage, the ferroelectric fluid bridges move as active interacting particles resembling living organisms like swarming insects, microbes or microrobots. The motion is accompanied by sound emission, as a consequence of piezoelectricity and electrostriction. Statistical analysis of the active particles reveals that the movement can be controlled by the applied voltage, which implies the possible application of the system in new types of microfluidic devices.
Host-pathogen interactions in the Plasmodium-infected mouse liver at spatial and single-cell resolution
Authors: Hildebrandt Franziska , Iturritza Miren Urrutia , Zwicker Christian , Vanneste Bavo , Van Hul Noémi , Semle Elisa , Quin Jaclyn , Pascini Tales , Saarenpää Sami , He Mengxiao , Andersson Emma R. , Scott Charlotte L. , Vega-Rodriguez Joel , Lundeberg Joakim , Ankarklev Johan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUpon infecting its vertebrate host, the malaria parasite initially invades the liver where it undergoes massive replication, whilst remaining clinically silent. The coordination of host responses across the complex liver tissue during malaria infection remains unexplored. Here, we perform spatial transcriptomics in combination with single-nuclei RNA sequencing over multiple time points to delineate host-pathogen interactions across Plasmodium berghei-infected liver tissues. Our data reveals significant changes in spatial gene expression in the malaria-infected tissues. These include changes related to lipid metabolism in the proximity to sites of Plasmodium infection, distinct inflammation programs between lobular zones, and regions with enrichment of different inflammatory cells, which we term ‘inflammatory hotspots’. We also observe significant upregulation of genes involved in inflammation in the control liver tissues of mice injected with mosquito salivary gland components. However, this response is considerably delayed compared to that observed in P. berghei-infected mice. Our study establishes a benchmark for investigating transcriptome changes during host-parasite interactions in tissues, it provides informative insights regarding in vivo study design linked to infection and offers a useful tool for the discovery and validation of de novo intervention strategies aimed at malaria liver stage infection.
Alternative splicing regulation in plants by SP7-like effectors from symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Betz Ruben , Heidt Sven , Figueira-Galán David , Hartmann Meike , Langner Thorsten , Requena Natalia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost plants in natural ecosystems associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to survive soil nutrient limitations. To engage in symbiosis, AM fungi secrete effector molecules that, similar to pathogenic effectors, reprogram plant cells. Here we show that the Glomeromycotina-specific SP7 effector family impacts on the alternative splicing program of their hosts. SP7-like effectors localize at nuclear condensates and interact with the plant mRNA processing machinery, most prominently with the splicing factor SR45 and the core splicing proteins U1-70K and U2AF35. Ectopic expression of these effectors in the crop plant potato and in Arabidopsis induced developmental changes that paralleled to the alternative splicing modulation of a specific subset of genes. We propose that SP7-like proteins act as negative regulators of SR45 to modulate the fate of specific mRNAs in arbuscule-containing cells. Unraveling the communication mechanisms between symbiotic fungi and their host plants will help to identify targets to improve plant nutrition.
Unraveling magneto-elastoresistance in the Dirac nodal-line semi-metal ZrSiSe
Authors: Linnartz J. F. , Kool A. , Lorenz J. P. , Müller C. S. A. , van Delft M. R. , Singha R. , Schoop L. M. , Hussey N. E. , de Visser A. , Wiedmann S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractQuantum materials are often characterized by a marked sensitivity to minute changes in their physical environment, a property that can lead to new functionalities and thereby, to novel applications. One such key property is the magneto-elastoresistance (MER), the change in magnetoresistance (MR) of a metal induced by uniaxial strain. Understanding and modeling this response can prove challenging, particularly in systems with complex Fermi surfaces. Here, we present a thorough analysis of the MER in the nearly compensated Dirac nodal-line semi-metal ZrSiSe. Small amounts of strain (0.27%) lead to large changes (7%) in the MR. Subsequent analysis reveals that the MER response is driven primarily by a change in transport mobility that varies linearly with the applied strain. This study showcases how the effect of strain tuning on the electrical properties can be both qualitatively and quantitatively understood. A complementary Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation study sheds light on the root of this change in quantum mobility. Moreover, we unambiguously show that the Fermi surface consists of distinct electron and hole pockets revealed in quantum oscillation measurements originating from magnetic breakdown.
Technology and provenience of the oldest pottery in the northern Pannonian Basin indicates its affiliation to hunter-gatherers
Authors: Petřík Jan , Slavíček Karel , Adameková Katarína , Jaques Victory A. J. , Košťál Martin , Tóth Peter , Petr Libor , Všianský Dalibor , Zikmund Tomas , Kaiser Jozef , Bátora Jozef , Bickle Penny 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConsensus holds that pottery technology came to Central Europe from the Northern Balkans with independent pottery traditions existing concurrently in Eastern Europe. An unusual grass-tempered pottery dating back to around 5800 cal BC found in lake sediments at Santovka, Slovakia, predated the earliest known Neolithic pottery in the region (~ 5500 cal BC), suggesting unexplored narratives of pottery introduction. Analyses of the pottery’s technology, origin, and grass temper shedding light on ceramic traditions' spread can unveil mobility patterns and community lifestyles. Our findings indicate a non-local provenance, low temperature firing, Festuca sp. grass temper and unique rectangular or cylindrical vessel shapes which align with Eastern European hunter-gatherer practices. Moreover, the pottery style and technology have no analogies in the contemporary Danubian pottery traditions and have more similarities to those of the Eastern traditions. The pottery's raw materials likely originated from distant areas, indicating extensive territorial access for its creators. Our findings imply late Mesolithic hunter-gatherers as the probable artisans and with implications for the site's significance in the late Mesolithic landscape.
A cognitive approach to better understand foraging strategies of the adult domestic hen
Authors: Degrande R. , Cornilleau F. , Jardat P. , Ferreira V. H. B. , Lansade L. , Calandreau L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractForaging is known to be one of the most important activities in the behavioral budget of chickens. However, how these animals adapt different foraging strategies to diverse environmental variations is currently poorly understood. To gain further insight into this matter, in the present study, hens were submitted to the sloped-tubes task. In this task, the experimenter can manipulate the information that enables the hens to find a food reward (visible or not), placed in one of two hollow tubes. First, 12 hens were tested under free-choice conditions (no penalty for exhaustive searching in both tubes). Under these conditions, the hens adopted a non-random, side-biased strategy when the food location was not directly visible. Then, we divided the hens in two cohorts of equal size to study deeper the hens’ foraging strategy when faced (1) with a different container, or (2) with a restrictive environmental constraint under forced-choice conditions (no food reward if the unbaited tube is visited first). This latter constraint increased the risk of the hen not receiving food. A change in the containers didn’t modify the search behavior of the hens. However, in forced-choice conditions when the location of the food was not directly visible, four out of six hens learned to choose by exclusion. We conclude that hens can selectively adapt their foraging strategy to the point of adopting an exclusion performance, depending on available information and environmental constraints (high or low risk).
Wireless high-resolution surface facial electromyography mask for discrimination of standardized facial expressions in healthy adults
Authors: Funk Paul F. , Levit Bara , Bar-Haim Chen , Ben-Dov Dvir , Volk Gerd Fabian , Grassme Roland , Anders Christoph , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Hanein Yael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWired high resolution surface electromyography (sEMG) using gelled electrodes is a standard method for psycho-physiological, neurological and medical research. Despite its widespread use electrode placement is elaborative, time-consuming, and the overall experimental setting is prone to mechanical artifacts and thus offers little flexibility. Wireless and easy-to-apply technologies would facilitate more accessible examination in a realistic setting. To address this, a novel smart skin technology consisting of wireless dry 16-electrodes was tested. The soft electrode arrays were attached to the right hemiface of 37 healthy adult participants (60% female; 20 to 57 years). The participants performed three runs of a standard set of different facial expression exercises. Linear mixed-effects models utilizing the sEMG amplitudes as outcome measure were used to evaluate differences between the facial movement tasks and runs (separately for every task). The smart electrodes showed specific activation patterns for each of the exercises. 82% of the exercises could be differentiated from each other with very high precision when using the average muscle action of all electrodes. The effects were consistent during the 3 runs. Thus, it appears that wireless high-resolution sEMG analysis with smart skin technology successfully discriminates standard facial expressions in research and clinical settings.
Nanoscale synchrotron x-ray analysis of intranuclear iron in melanised neurons of Parkinson’s substantia nigra
Authors: Brooks Jake , Everett James , Hill Emily , Billimoria Kharmen , Morris Christopher M. , Sadler Peter J. , Telling Neil , Collingwood Joanna F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNeuromelanin-pigmented neurons of the substantia nigra are selectively lost during the progression of Parkinson’s disease. These neurons accumulate iron in the disease state, and iron-mediated neuron damage is implicated in cell death. Animal models of Parkinson’s have evidenced iron loading inside the nucleoli of nigral neurons, however the nature of intranuclear iron deposition in the melanised neurons of the human substantia nigra is not understood. Here, scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) is used to probe iron foci in relation to the surrounding ultrastructure in melanised neurons of human substantia nigra from a confirmed Parkinson’s case. In addition to the expected neuromelanin-bound iron, iron deposits are also associated with the edge of the cell nucleolus. Speciation analysis confirms these deposits to be ferric (Fe3+) iron. The function of intranuclear iron in these cells remains unresolved, although both damaging and protective mechanisms are considered. This finding shows that STXM is a powerful label-free tool for the in situ, nanoscale chemical characterisation of both organic and inorganic intracellular components. Future applications are likely to shed new light on incompletely understood biochemical mechanisms, such as metal dysregulation and morphological changes to cell nucleoli, that are important in understanding the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s.
Overcoming challenges measuring SDG 12 progress using national registers to track chemicals in waste
Authors: Berthiaume Alicia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 contains ambitions to reduce human and ecological harm from chemicals, including those in waste, but current official indicators (measurable parameters used to evaluate sustainable development conditions) do not measure variables relevant to these goals, such as impact to humans or the environment from chemicals. Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers from around the world comprise rich datasets on chemicals in industrial waste that can and should be used to measure progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12. However, translation of these data to inform evaluation of the subsequent human and ecological impacts is impeded by gaps in assessment models. Here, data from Canada’s Pollutant Release and Transfer Register – the National Pollutant Release Inventory is used in a case study to offer perspectives on future directions to fill these gaps. The use of such Pollution Release and Transfer Registers will substantially advance the ability to quantify progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 12 aims of sound management of chemicals in waste and, importantly, human health and ecological harm reduction.
Retrospective evaluation of plasma protein tumour markers for early lung cancer detection
Authors: Davies Michael Peter Alan , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Phillips Suzannah , Lambert Angela , Tate Stephanie , Field John Kirkpatrick 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Blood-based biomarkers might help lung cancer diagnosis. A panel of serum tumour markers (TM) has been validated for hospital referrals due to clinical suspicion of lung cancer. We have compared plasma from a cohort enriched for early-stage lung cancer, including controls from a healthy population cohort.

Methods
TM assays for CEA, CYFRA 21-1, CA15.3, ProGRP and SCC were run on a Roche Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyser for a retrospective, nested case-control cohort from the Liverpool Lung Project. The primary endpoints were the sensitivity and specificity of a pre-defined TM panel using published thresholds.

Results
Except for ProGRP, TM levels were significantly higher in cases and ROC AUC values demonstrated significant discriminant power. Accuracy and levels were higher for late-stage cancers, except for ProGRP which was highest in stage 1 cancers. Although providing similar sensitivity (82.4% vs 88.5%), TMs performed worse for specificity (39.3% vs 82%) and overall (Youden’s Index 0.22 vs 0.77) and this was not improved by threshold optimisation or binary logistic regression.

Conclusions
Although the TMs were associated with lung cancer status and discriminatory with a high sensitivity when combined, performance was compromised in early-stage disease, which casts some doubt on utility in the screening setting.