bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID19 Spike protein enhances cytosol Ca2+ release from ER for its infection through stimulating the association between ACE2 and STIM1
Authors: Kim Kiwol , Lee Eun Jeoung , KANG SANG SUN 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The property and signaling mechanisms of the angiotensin produced by ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) have been well studied in the renin–angiotensin system. However, less attention has been attracted to the intracellular regulation of ACE2 protein.
Using the information which [671RKKFPLKIFKKPLKK685] motif of STIM1(stromal interaction molecule 1 precursor) is able to bind its partner proteins via two acidic amino acids (DD), we recognized that ACE2 contains the short acidic motif binding motif [799DD800] on its C-terminus. Moreover, we demonstrated that the protein interaction between STIM1 and ACE2 contributes to Ca2+ ion release from ER.
We recognized that a novel mechanism of ACE2 regulation is modulated through interaction with STIM1, which binds directly to ACE2 as a COVID19 receptor. Further, our findings provide clues why ACE2 helps to release cytoplasmic Ca2+ from store-operated Ca2+ entry to stimulate viral coat membrane fusion with host plasma membrane, after COVID19 Spike protein binding to ACE2. Our finding also implicates that COVID19 infection enhances cytoplasmic Ca2+ ion concentration by releasing Ca2+ ion from ER, through its S protein association with its host ACE2 and subsequent STIM1 activation. Thus, our findings may provide the novel target point to prevent COVID19 pandemic recurring and cure it.
Simulation of oxygen concentration in the matrix pores at different phases of composting process based on two-region model
Authors: Qin Haiguang , Liu Hongtao , Lu Yulan , Zhang Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Insufficient O2 concentration in the matrix pores, which is adjusted by air-immobile regions in compost piles, is a main factor in forming anaerobic cores in compost particles and then generating harmful off-gases during composting. However, it is unclear how the change of air-immobile regions affects temporal variation of O2 in the pores during the whole composting process and after turning. In this study, we first used a tracer-inverse calculation protocol to obtain feature parameters (proportional coefficient of gas in the air-immobile region, φ; the first-order mass transfer coefficient, α) of the air-immobile regions in the matrix pores before and after turning during whole composting process, and then predicted the temporal variation of O2 in the pores using two-region model with these measured parameters. The φ values in compost piles for initial-material, temperature-increasing, thermophilic, and curing phases were 0.38/0.40, 0.42/0.40, 0.46/0.46, and 0.41/0.45 before/after turning, respectively, while the corresponding α values were 0.002/0.001, 0.001/0, 0.004/0, and 0.005/0.001 min-1, respectively. The proportion of air-immobile regions was higher in the temperature-increasing and thermophilic phases than in the curing phase. The air-immobile regions caused difference of predicted O2 concentrations between air-mobile and air-immobile regions, and the difference was enhanced during the composting mainly by the rate of organic-matter biodegradation. Turning piles slightly decreased φ in the temperature-increasing phase and had little change in thermophilic phase, while it caused slight increases in φ during other phases. The value of α declined throughout composting process after turning. These findings provide support for reducing the production of harmful off-gases in composting.
Catalysis in frequency space: Resolving hidden surface structure and activity oscillations
Authors: Knudsen Jan , Eads Calley , Klyushin Alexander , Temperton Robert , Küst Ulrike , Boix Virginia , Kraina Azemina , Scardamaglia Mattia , Shavorskiy Andrey , Kokkonen Esko , Schnadt Joachim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In situ catalysis studies typically correlate catalytic function and majority surface structures, but neglect that difficult-to-detect minority structures might govern catalysis. Here we use an oscillating CO:O2 gas composition to drive structural oscillations on a catalytically active Pd(100) surface and collect photoelectron spectroscopy data at high measurement frequency to demonstrate that the Fourier-transformed data selectively probe oscillations of minority surface structures and of the gas phase. Using the Fourier transform phase as well as work function shifts in the Fourier-transformed photoemission signal, we synchronize all signals and prove an asymmetric CO2 production above the minority CO- and majority oxide-covered surface areas, without imaging. The methodology is easy to use with other experimental techniques, which enables a wide range of future investigations into minority structure catalysis.
Optimization of Carboxymethyl cellulase production by Bacillus sp. NAB37 and biocatalytic potential in saccharification of acid-alkali pretreated Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Saini Anita , Kumar Naveen , Aggarwal Neeraj K. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using unconventional Parthenium hysterophorus weed biomass for the production of carboxymethyl cellulase using Bacillus sp. NAB37.
Methods
Using P. hysterophorus as a substrate and submerged fermentation conditions in optimization studies helped strain NAB37 make more enzymes. The efficacy of different physiological factors was determined through a two-step approach: first, a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) investigation, and subsequently, employing the RSM-based CCD method in statistical design. Enzymatic saccharification of alkali-acid-pretreated P. hysterophorus was also used to determine the efficacy of crude cellulase.
Results
The isolate NAB37 was identified by molecular characterization of 16SrDNA. The maximum carboxymethyl cellulase production (5.38 U/ml) was obtained with a temperature of 40°C (A), a pH of 7.5 (B), a substrate concentration of 3.0% w/v (C), and a starch concentration of 1.0% w/v (D). The alkali-acid-pretreated P. hysterophorus biomass was hydrolyzed using the crude enzyme produced under optimal conditions. On utilizing the cellulase enzyme for biomass hydrolysis, a maximum 32.78% saccharification yield (of cellulose, 0.364 g/g) was achieved in 96 h when enzyme and substrate levels were 30 FPU/100 ml and 2% (w/v), respectively.
Conclusion
It is possible to hydrolyze P. hysterophorus biomass enzymatically, producing significant amounts of total reducing sugars. Thus, it can serve as a feedstock for the production of bioethanol.
PAK6 rescues pathogenic LRRK2-mediated ciliogenesis and centrosomal cohesion defects in a mutation-specific manner
Authors: Greggio Elisa , Iannotta Lucia , Fasiczka Rachel , Favetta Giulia , Zhao Yibo , Giusto Elena , Dall'Ara Elena , Wei Jianning , Ho Franz , Ciriani Claudia , Cogo Susanna , Tessari Isabella , Iaccarino Ciro , Liberelle Maxime , Bubacco Luigi , Taymans Jean-Marc , Manzoni Claudia , Kortholt Arjan , Civiero Laura , Hilfiker Sabine , Lu Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

P21 activated kinase 6 (PAK6) is a serine-threonine kinase with physiological expression enriched in the brain and overexpressed in a number of human tumors. While the role of PAK6 in cancer cells has been extensively investigated, the physiological function of the kinase in the context of brain cells is poorly understood. Our previous work uncovered a link between PAK6 and the Parkinson’s disease (PD)-associated kinase LRRK2, with PAK6 controlling LRRK2 activity and subcellular localization via phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins. Here, to gain more insights into PAK6 physiological function, we performed protein-protein interaction arrays and identified a subgroup of PAK6 binders related to ciliogenesis. We confirmed that endogenous PAK6 localizes at both the centrosome and the cilium, and positively regulates ciliogenesis not only in tumor cells but also in neurons and astrocytes. Strikingly, PAK6 rescues ciliogenesis and centrosomal cohesion defects associated with the G2019S but not the R1441C LRRK2 PD mutation. Since PAK6 binds LRRK2 via its GTPase/Roc-COR domain and the R1441C mutation is located in the Roc domain, we used microscale thermophoresis and AlphaFold2-based computational analysis to demonstrate that PD mutations in LRRK2 affecting the Roc-COR structure substantially decrease PAK6 affinity, providing a rationale for the differential protective effect of PAK6 toward the distinct forms of mutant LRRK2. Altogether, our study discloses a novel role of PAK6 in ciliogenesis and points to PAK6 as the first LRRK2 modifier with PD mutation-specificity.
Older adults’ immobility: disentangling choice and constraint
Authors: Motte-Baumvol Benjamin , Pélata Julie , Armoogum Jimmy , Bonin Olivier 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Our research challenges the prevailing notion that immobility only occurs in exceptional circumstances. Our work shows instead a close link with individuals' activity levels and constraints on their schedules. We find that retirees and non-working population groups exhibit higher immobility levels than workers, influenced by factors such as poor health, old age, low income, lack of access to a car, or rural residency. Analyzing data from last French National Transport Survey, we use structural equation models to examine the impact of various factors on immobility. Driving and walking difficulties are significant contributors to immobility, with age being a primary explanatory factor. However, living in dense urban areas tends to reduce immobility levels across household categories. Difficulties with public transport, as such, do not trigger immobility, but they are entangled with walking difficulties. Implications for public action include targeting vulnerable populations, considering age-specific interventions for reducing car dependency, and approaching policies aimed at curbing elderly car use cautiously. Implementing universal design measures to enhance physical accessibility also helps to make mobility smoother and decrease perceived walking difficulties. Finally, this paper underlines the interconnectedness of mobility, social isolation, and sedentary lifestyles, emphasizing the need for qualitative and quantitative research in this area.
Validation of a functional human AD model with four AD therapeutics utilizing patterned iPSC-derived cortical neurons integrated with microelectrode arrays
Authors: Caneus Julbert , Autar Kaveena , Akanda Nesar , Grillo Marcella , Long Chris , Jackson Max , Lindquist Sarah , Guo Xiufang , Morgan Dave , Hickman James J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Preclinical methods are needed for screening potential Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapeutics that recapitulate phenotypes found in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) stage or even before this stage of the disease. This would require a phenotypic system that reproduces cognitive deficits without significant neuronal cell death to mimic the clinical manifestations of AD during these stages. A potential functional parameter to be monitored is long-term potentiation (LTP), which is a correlate of learning and memory, that would be one of the first functions effected by AD onset. Mature human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and primary astrocytes were co-cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEA) where surface chemistry was utilized to create circuit patterns connecting two adjacent electrodes to model LTP function. LTP maintenance was significantly reduced in the presence of Amyloid-Beta 42 (Aβ42) oligomers compared to the controls, however, co-treatment with AD therapeutics (Donepezil, Memantine, Rolipram and Saracatinib) corrected Aβ42 induced LTP impairment. The results presented here illustrate the significance of the system as a validated platform that can be utilized to model and study MCI AD pathology, and potentially for the pre-MCI phase before the occurrence of significant cell death. It also has the potential to become an ideal platform for high content therapeutic screening for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Implications of Domestication in Theobroma Cacao L. Seed-borne Microbial Endophytes Diversity
Authors: Toloza-Moreno Deisy Lisseth , Yockteng Roxana , Zuñiga José Ives Pérez , Castillo Cristian Salinas , Caro-Quintero Alejandro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study of plant-microbe interactions is a rapidly growing research field, with increasing attention to the role of seed-borne microbial endophytes in protecting the plant during its development from abiotic and biotic stresses. Recent evidence suggests that seed microbiota is crucial in establishing the plant microbial community, affecting its composition and structure, and influencing plant physiology and ecology. For Theobroma cacao L., the diversity and composition of vertically transmitted microbes have yet to be addressed in detail. We explored the composition and diversity of seed-borne endophytes in cacao pods of commercial genotypes (ICS95, IMC67), AGROSAVIA genotypes (TCS01, TCS19), and landraces from Tumaco (Colombia) (AC9, ROS1, ROS2), to evaluate microbial vertical transmission and establishment in various tissues during plant development. We observed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas and Pantoea genera in the landraces and AGROSAVIA genotypes, while the commercial genotypes presented a higher number of bacteria species but in low abundance. In addition, all the genotypes and plant tissues showed a high percentage of fungi of the genus Penicillium. These results indicate that domestication in cacao has increased bacterial endophyte diversity but has reduced their abundance. We isolated some of these seed-borne endophytes to evaluate their potential as growth promoters and found that Bacillus, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas strains presented high production of indole acetic acid and ACC deaminase activity. Our results suggest that cacao domestication could lead to the loss of essential bacteria for seedling establishment and development. This study improves our understanding of the relationship and interaction between perennial plants and seed-borne microbiota.
Hydrolyzed Cow Colostrum Extract (BCFM) Inhibits Alpha-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis in B16F1 Cells via Regulation of the MC1R-cAMP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Choi Jae Hyeok , Kwak Taeil , Shin Hee Jung , Jo Yang Hee , Kin Jun Il , Kim Youngwha , Kim Junoh , Lee Woo-Ram 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cow colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is a rich natural source of nutrients, immunoglobulins, peptides, and growth factors. The bioconversion of milk and whey changes the immobilization and biochemical characterization. However, the cellular mechanism and the anti-melanin synthesis effects of hydrolyzed cow colostrum extract (BCFM) in alpha-MSH-induced B16F1 cells have not been examined. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenesis mechanism by examining the effects of BCFM in alpha-MSH-induced B16F1 cells. Cells were treated with BCFM in the presence or absence of alpha-MSH and co-cultured for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The treatment of B16F1 cells with alpha-MSH resulted in the darkening of the color of the cells and induction of melanin synthesis. In addition, the expression levels of MC1R and cAMP, as well as phosphorylation levels of CREB and PKA, were increased by alpha-MSH treatment. However, concomitant treatment with BCFM resulted in a significant decrease in these factors and phosphorylated MITF. At the same time, the expressive amount of TRP-1 and tyrosinase was also decreased in B16F1 cells. These results demonstrate the potential of BCFM for the prevention of melanogenesis progression via the regulation of the MC1R-cAMP signaling pathway in alpha-MSH-induced B16F1 cells. The administration of BCFM suppressed the expression of TRP-1 and/or tyrosinase by regulating the CREB/MITF signaling pathways in the B16F1 cells. We propose that hydrolyzed cow colostrum extract (BCFM) is suitable for use as a novel active agent for skin whitening or pharmaceutical applications.
Assessment of the Waste Management Strategies of Municipal Wastes in Turkey Concerning "Zero Waste Approach”
Authors: Çetindamar Dilara , Özbay İsmail , Karademir Aykan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To prevent the rapid consumption of natural resources in our world, it is of great importance to reintroduce wastes to the economy through recovery and recycling and to determine the circular economy and sustainable waste management strategies of cities. Each city has its own dynamics and consumption habits of the people living in the city. Considering all these, improvements should be made in municipal waste management systems with a zero waste approach and cities should be managed with an optimum waste management system. The basis of the zero waste philosophy; is that the products are the product of another material with endless use throughout their life cycle. With this system, the amount of waste going to final disposal and the need for storage facilities will be reduced, and energy and water will be saved. In cities where population growth and urbanization are rapid, waste characterization data and zero waste index guide local governments to decide on the most appropriate municipal waste management system. In this study, waste characterization data from provinces in Turkey and waste characterization of 7 regions are calculated and presented. The zero index and RWRP rates of the provinces were calculated. Kilis has the highest ZWI of 0.75 followed by Edirne (0.72), Burdur (0.70), and the Muğla (0.65). Kastamonu has the lowest ZWI with 0.28, followed by Şanlıurfa (0.31), and Afyonkarahisar (0.38).
A machine learning model to predict wildfire burn severity for pre-fire risk assessments, Utah, USA
Authors: Klimas Kipling B. , Yocom Larissa L. , Murphy Brendan P. , David Scott R. , Belmont Patrick B. , Lutz James A. , DeRose R. Justin , Wall Sara A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
High-severity burned areas can have lasting impacts on vegetation regeneration, carbon dynamics, hydrology, and erosion. Landscape models can predict erosion from burned areas using the differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR), but so far post-fire erosion modelling has been limited to areas that already burned. Here, we developed and validated a predictive burn severity model that produces continuous dNBR predictions for recently unburned forest land in Utah.
Results
Vegetation productivity, elevation and canopy fuels were the most important predictor variables in the model, highlighting the strong control of fuels and vegetation on burn severity in Utah. Final model out-of-bag R2 was 67.1%, residuals showed a correlation coefficient of 0.89 and classification accuracy into three classes was 85%. We demonstrated that dNBR can be empirically modeled relative to fuels and topography and found burn severity was highest in productive vegetation and at relatively cooler sites.
Conclusions
We found that prediction accuracy was higher when fuel moisture was lower, suggesting drier weather conditions drive more consistent and predictable burn severity patterns across a range of burn severity, vegetation types and geographic locations. Moreover, burn severity predictions from this model can be used to inform hydro-erosion models and subsequent management actions aimed at reducing burn severity and post-wildfire erosion risks.
Characterization of sexual size dimorphism in mandarin fish and association with igfbp-5a/b regulation
Authors: Yao Xiaoli , Zhou Yunhong , Nyirenda Kenneth , Song Yindu , Ma Chenxi , Qian Kelin , Zhao Yan , Tang Shoujie , Zhao Jinliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is an important cultured fish in East Asia that shows sexual size dimorphism (SSD), with females growing faster than males when reaching marketable size. However, the regulatory mechanism of SSD is not clear. To characterize SSD of mandarin fish and its association with gh/igf1/igfbp-5expression in female and male, gonadal developmental time-spectra of the females and the males from 1.5 to 4.0 mph were described, and growth parameters, serum levels of E2 and T, as well as the relative expression levels of gh, igf1, and igfbp-5a/b mRNAs were determined. The results showed that the fitting the logistic growth equation of body mass and total length of female and male were W(♀)=667.57/(1+e^(4.19-1.24*t)), W(♂)=582.71/(1+e^(4.07-1.27*t)), L(♀)=31.47/(1+e^1.95-1.08*t)), L(♂)=26.20/(1+e^(2.56-1.5*t)). The month of inflection points for body mass for females and males were 3.37 mph and 3.20 mph, respectively, when the body mass were 333.79 g and 291.36 g. The month of inflection points for total length growth were 1.80 mph and 1.70 mph, respectively, when the total length were 18.52 cm and 16.28 cm. At 1.5-2.0 mph, SSD was not clearly demonstrated. At 3.0 mph, the body mass of the females was significantly higher than that of the males (P < 0.05), E2 content of the females was significantly higher than that of the males (P< 0.05), T content of the males was significantly higher than that of the females (P < 0.05), and the expression level of brain gh and liver igf1 in the females was significantly higher than that of the males (P < 0.05). At 4.0 months of age, the body mass of the females was highly significantly higher than that of the males (P < 0.01), E2 content of the females was highly significantly higher than that of the males (P < 0.05), T content of the males was significantly higher than that of the females (P< 0.05), and the level of liver igf1 expression in the females was significantly higher than that of the males (P < 0.05). With the continuous development of gonads, muscle and liver igfbp-5a and -5b expression generally tends to increase in females and males, while igfbp-5a showed a gradual increasing trend, igfbp-5bexpression showed an "S"-type trend. There was no significant difference in muscle and liver igfbp-5a/b expression between males and females at the age of 1.5-2.0 months (P > 0.05), however, male igfbp-5a/bexpression was significantly higher than female at the age of 3.0-4.0 months (P < 0.05). This work verified that the females had faster growth rate since 3.0 mph compared to the males, which may be related to higher E2 levels in females leading to higher igf1 level, through inhibition of igfbp-5a/b expression.
Pyramid-Shaped Quantum Dot Superlattice Exhibiting Tunable Room-Temperature Superfluorescence via Oriented Attachment
Authors: Liu Xiao , Liu Zheng , Chen Xiya , Yao Ruizhao , Li Lihui , Luo Huanteng , Hyun Byung-Ryool , Li Guangcan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Superfluorescence (SF), characterized by the collective emission of photons from a dense ensemble of excited emitters, has emerged as a promising phenomenon for quantum optics and nanophotonics applications. However, SF has historically been limited to extremely low temperatures due to thermal decoherence. Here we show room-temperature tunable SF from perovskite quantum dot (QD) superlattices. Our approach involves the mesocrystallization of CsPbBr3-based QD superlattices driven by oriented attachment, which yields pyramidal-like solids with extended atomic coherency. This level of atomic-scale to nanoscale orientational structure control cannot be realized in previous QD superlattices, and it allows for quantum coherence to persist at ambient conditions. As a result, we observe multiple narrowband coherent emissions at room temperature, which we attribute to SF. Our results establish superlattices as an emerging materials platform capable of robust quantum coherence without cryogenic constraints, opening up new possibilities for quantum optics and nanophotonics applications.