bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A critical role of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in coupling between evening and morning circadian oscillators in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Yoshikawa Tomoko , Honma Ken‐ichi , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi , Yamagata Yoko , Honma Sato 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCa2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) is widely expressed in the brain and is involved in various functions, including memory formation, mood and sleep. We previously reported that CaMKIIα is involved in the circadian molecular clock. Mice lacking functional CaMKIIα (K42R mice) exhibited a gradual increase in activity time (α decompression) of running‐wheel (RW) activity due to a lengthened circadian period (τ) of activity offset under constant darkness (DD). In the present study, to investigate the functional roles of CaMKIIα in behavioural rhythms, we measured RW and general movements simultaneously under prolonged DD. Tau became longer as the relative intensity of behaviour activity within an activity time shifted from activity onset towards activity offset. In some K42R mice, α was gradually expanded with a marked reduction of RW activity, while general movements persisted without noticeable decline, which was followed by an abrupt shortening of α (α compression) with differential phase shifts of the activity onset and offset and recovery of RW activity. These results suggest that an internal coupling between the oscillators controlling activity onset and offset is bidirectional but with different strengths. The α compression occurred recurrently in 38% of K42R mice examined with an average interval of 37 days in association with attenuation of RW activity but never in the wild‐type (WT) mice. Consistent with behavioural rhythms, the circadian period of the PER2::LUC rhythm in the cultured suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) slice was significantly longer in K42R than in WT. These findings are best interpreted by assuming that a loss of functional CaMKIIα attenuates the coupling between the onset and offset oscillators.
Deciphering cutaneous melanoma prognosis through LDL metabolism: Single‐cell transcriptomics analysis via 101 machine learning algorithms
Authors: Xie Jiaheng , Wu Dan , Zhang Pengpeng , Zhao Songyun , Qi Min 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCutaneous melanoma poses a formidable challenge within the field of oncology, marked by its aggressive nature and capacity for metastasis. Despite extensive research uncovering numerous genetic and molecular contributors to cutaneous melanoma development, there remains a critical knowledge gap concerning the role of lipids, notably low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), in this lethal skin cancer. This article endeavours to bridge this knowledge gap by delving into the intricate interplay between LDL metabolism and cutaneous melanoma, shedding light on how lipids influence tumour progression, immune responses and potential therapeutic avenues. Genes associated with LDL metabolism were extracted from the GSEA database. We acquired and analysed single‐cell sequencing data (GSE215120) and bulk‐RNA sequencing data, including the TCGA data set, GSE19234, GSE22153 and GSE65904. Our analysis unveiled the heterogeneity of LDL across various cell types at the single‐cell sequencing level. Additionally, we constructed an LDL‐related signature (LRS) using machine learning algorithms, incorporating differentially expressed genes and highly correlated genes. The LRS serves as a valuable tool for assessing the prognosis, immunity and mutation status of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Furthermore, we conducted experiments on A375 and WM‐115 cells to validate the function of PPP2R1A, a pivotal gene within the LRS. Our comprehensive approach, combining advanced bioinformatics analyses with an extensive review of current literature, presents compelling evidence regarding the significance of LDL within the cutaneous melanoma microenvironment.
Increasing spread rates of tropical non‐native macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Wesselmann Marlene , Hendriks Iris E. , Johnson Mark , Jordà Gabriel , Mineur Frederic , Marbà Núria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWarming as well as species introductions have increased over the past centuries, however a link between cause and effect of these two phenomena is still unclear. Here we use distribution records (1813–2023) to reconstruct the invasion histories of marine non‐native macrophytes, macroalgae and seagrasses, in the Mediterranean Sea. We defined expansion as the maximum linear rate of spread (km year−1) and the accumulation of occupied grid cells (50 km2) over time and analyzed the relation between expansion rates and the species' thermal conditions at its native distribution range. Our database revealed a marked increase in the introductions and spread rates of non‐native macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea since the 1960s, notably intensifying after the 1990s. During the beginning of this century species velocity of invasion has increased to 26 ± 9 km2 year−1, with an acceleration in the velocity of invasion of tropical/subtropical species, exceeding those of temperate and cosmopolitan macrophytes. The highest spread rates since then were observed in macrophytes coming from native regions with minimum SSTs two to three degrees warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, most non‐native macrophytes in the Mediterranean (>80%) do not exceed the maximum temperature of their range of origin, whereas approximately half of the species are exposed to lower minimum SST in the Mediterranean than in their native range. This indicates that tropical/subtropical macrophytes might be able to expand as they are not limited by the colder Mediterranean SST due to the plasticity of their lower thermal limit. These results suggest that future warming will increase the thermal habitat available for thermophilic species in the Mediterranean Sea and continue to favor their expansion.
Projected ocean temperatures impair key proteins used in vision of octopus hatchlings
Authors: Hua Qiaz Q. H. , Kültz Dietmar , Wiltshire Kathryn , Doubleday Zoe A. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlobal warming is one of the most significant and widespread effects of climate change. While early life stages are particularly vulnerable to increasing temperatures, little is known about the molecular processes that underpin their capacity to adapt to temperature change during early development. Using a quantitative proteomics approach, we investigated the effects of thermal stress on octopus embryos. We exposed Octopus berrima embryos to different temperature treatments (control 19°C, current summer temperature 22°C, or future projected summer temperature 25°C) until hatching. By comparing their protein expression levels, we found that future projected temperatures significantly reduced levels of key eye proteins such as S‐crystallin and retinol dehydrogenase 12, suggesting the embryonic octopuses had impaired vision at elevated temperature. We also found that this was coupled with a cellular stress response that included a significant elevation of proteins involved in molecular chaperoning and redox regulation. Energy resources were also redirected away from non‐essential processes such as growth and digestion. These findings, taken together with the high embryonic mortality observed under the highest temperature, identify critical physiological functions of embryonic octopuses that may be impaired under future warming conditions. Our findings demonstrate the severity of the thermal impacts on the early life stages of octopuses as demonstrated by quantitative proteome changes that affect vision, protein chaperoning, redox regulation and energy metabolism as critical physiological functions that underlie the responses to thermal stress.
Interplay of management and environmental drivers shifts size structure of reef fish communities
Authors: Canty Steven W. J. , Nowakowski A. Justin , Cox Courtney E. , Valdivia Abel , Holstein Daniel M. , Limer Benjamin , Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Craig Nicole , Drysdale Ian , Giro Ana , Soto Mélina , McField Melanie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCountries are expanding marine protected area (MPA) networks to mitigate fisheries declines and support marine biodiversity. However, MPA impact evaluations typically assess total fish biomass. Here, we examine how fish biomass disaggregated by adult and juvenile life stages responds to environmental drivers, including sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and human footprint, and multiple management types at 139 reef sites in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region. We found that total fish biomass generally appears stable across the region from 2006 to 2018, with limited rebuilding of fish stocks in MPAs. However, the metric of total fish biomass masked changes in fish community structure, with lower adult than juvenile fish biomass at northern sites, and adult:juvenile ratios closer to 1:1 at southern sites. These shifts were associated with different responses of juvenile and adult fish to environmental drivers and management. Juvenile fish biomass increased at sites with high larval connectivity and coral cover, whereas adult fish biomass decreased at sites with greater human footprint and SST anomalies. Adult fish biomass decreased primarily in Honduran general use zones, which suggests insufficient protection for adult fish in the southern MAR. There was a north–south gradient in management and environmental drivers, with lower coverage of fully protected areas and higher SST anomalies and coastal development in the south that together may undermine the maintenance of adult fish biomass in the southern MAR. Accounting for the interplay between environmental drivers and management in the design of MPAs is critical for increasing fish biomass across life history stages.
Study on magnesia alumina spinel heat storage ceramics for solar thermal power generation
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Cheng Tiantian , Hao Shuai , Wu Jianfeng , Zhou Yang , Qiu Saixi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSolar thermal storage ceramic materials use photothermal power generation technology to store heat energy, which is an important way to use clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. In this paper, MgAl2O4 ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering with fused magnesia and α‐Al2O3 as the primary raw materials and TiO2 as the additive. The phase composition, microstructure, physical properties, thermal shock resistance, and thermal physical properties of MgAl2O4 thermal storage ceramics were studied. The results show that the main crystalline phase of B4 is MgAl2O4 and the secondary crystalline phase is MgTi2O5. Ti4+ is dissolved into MgAl2O4 lattice, which distorts the lattice, reduces activation energy, and promotes sintering. The sample B4 (69.73 wt% α‐Al2O3, 30.27 wt% fused magnesia, and 7 wt% TiO2) sintered at 1510°C had the best comprehensive physical properties, and its bending strength and bulk density were 89.41 MPa and 3.27 g/cm3, respectively. After 30 thermal shock cycles, the bending strength of the sample B4 is slightly lost. The thermal stress generated during the expansion and contraction of the grain volume led to the decrease of the bending strength. From room temperature to 1000°C, the specific heat capacity of sample B4 is .44–1.25 J/(g·K). The heat capacity increases with the increase of temperature, and the heat storage density increases. The heat storage density is 1218.75 kJ/kg (1000°C). Heat capacity increases with temperature due to intensified lattice vibration at high temperatures. Therefore, magnesia alumina spinel ceramics show great potential in solar thermal energy storage.
Evaluation of the clinical application of personalized 3D printing and CAD/CAM resin crowns to replace stainless steel crowns in paediatric dentistry
Authors: Huang Huei‐Yu , Yang Ya‐Ting , Chuang Chun‐Chao , Shen Yung‐Kang , Chen Mu‐Hsiung , Lin Wei‐Chun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundChildren with dental caries are treated with stainless steel metal crowns (SSC), but the aesthetics and precision still need to be improved. Currently, both 3D‐printed resin crowns (PRC) and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) resin crowns (CRC) meet the clinical requirements for crown applications in terms of strength, production time, cost, and aesthetics.AimThis study replaced SSC with customized resin crowns by 3D printing and CAD/CAM.DesignIn this study, PRC, CRC, and SSC were used for incisor and molar restorations, and 60 crowns were made with 10 for each group. The fabrication efficiency, surface characteristics, marginal fit, and stability of the two different crowns were evaluated.ResultsPRC and CRC show superior color and surface characteristics, though production times are longer (5.3–12.4 times and 3.3–9.1 times, respectively) than for SSC (p < .05). They, however, can be completed within 80 min. Edge gaps for PRC and CRC are significantly lower (13.0–19.2 times and 13.0–13.7 times) than for SSC (p < .05). All materials exhibit good stability.ConclusionThe 3D‐PRCs and CAD/CAM resin crowns may replace SSCs as a potential choice for clinical child caries.
High‐Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine for Prevention of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Hospitalizations in Older Adults
Authors: Palmu Arto A. , Pepin Stephanie , Syrjänen Ritva K. , Mari Karine , Mallett Moore Tamala , Jokinen Jukka , Nieminen Heta , Kilpi Terhi , Samson Sandrine I. , De Bruijn Iris 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe assessed the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of high‐dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV‐HD) versus standard‐dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV‐SD) in preventing respiratory or cardiovascular hospitalizations in older adults.MethodsFinFluHD was a phase 3b/4 modified double‐blind, randomized pragmatic trial. Enrolment of 121,000 adults ≥65 years was planned over three influenza seasons (October to December 2019–2021). Participants received a single injection of QIV‐HD or QIV‐SD. The primary endpoint was first occurrence of an unscheduled acute respiratory or cardiovascular hospitalization (ICD‐10 primary discharge J/I codes), from ≥14 days post‐vaccination until May 31. The study was terminated after one season due to COVID‐19; follow‐up data for 2019–2020 are presented.Results33,093 participants were vaccinated (QIV‐HD, n = 16,549; QIV‐SD, n = 16,544); 529 respiratory or cardiovascular hospitalizations (QIV‐HD, n = 257; QIV‐SD, n = 272) were recorded. The rVE of QIV‐HD versus QIV‐SD to prevent respiratory/cardiovascular hospitalizations was 5.5% (95% CI, −12.4 to 20.7). When prevention of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations were considered separately, rVE estimates of QIV‐HD versus QIV‐SD were 5.4% (95% CI, −28.0 to 30.1) and 7.1% (95% CI, −15.0 to 25.0), respectively. Serious adverse reactions were <0.01% in both groups.ConclusionsDespite insufficient statistical power due to the impact of COVID‐19, rVE point estimates demonstrated a trend toward a benefit of QIV‐HD over QIV‐SD. QIV‐HD was associated with lower respiratory or cardiovascular hospitalization rates than QIV‐SD, with a comparable safety profile. Adequately powered studies conducted over multiple influenza seasons are needed to determine statistical significance of QIV‐HD compared with QIV‐SD against preventing respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04137887
Identification of IGF2 promotes skin wound healing by co‐expression analysis
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Teng Ying , Li Huan , Luo Ding , Li Hongkun , Shen Jinghan , Du Simin , Zhang Yuyue , Wang Dali , Jing Jie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOral mucosa is an ideal model for studying scarless wound healing. Researchers have shown that the key factors which promote scarless wound healing already exist in basal state of oral mucosa. Thus, to identify the other potential factors in basal state of oral mucosa will benefit to skin wound healing. In this study, we identified eight gene modules enriched in wound healing stages of human skin and oral mucosa through co‐expression analysis, among which the module M8 was only module enriched in basal state of oral mucosa, indicating that the genes in module M8 may have key factors mediating scarless wound healing. Through bioinformatic analysis of genes in module M8, we found IGF2 may be the key factor mediating scarless wound healing of oral mucosa. Then, we purified IGF2 protein by prokaryotic expression, and we found that IGF2 could promote the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells. Moreover, IGF2 promoted wound re‐epithelialization and accelerated wound healing in a full‐thickness skin wound model. Our findings identified IGF2 as a factor to promote skin wound healing which provide a potential target for wound healing therapy in clinic.
Thermal shock resistance of a novel (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 environmental barrier coating
Authors: Yan Lingxuan , Peng Yin , Luo Zhixin , Wang Haoyu , Wang Ziyu , Luo Yixiu , Wang Jiemin , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMulticomponent rare earth (RE) disilicates have been recognized as promising candidates for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). In this work, a novel EBC system with (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 as top coat and Si as bond coat was deposited on SiC‐based substrates by atmospheric plasma spraying technology and subjected to 200 thermal shock cycles at 1350°C. The composition and microstructure evolution in the coating during thermal cycling were investigated using x‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the as‐prepared EBC remains dense and integrated, and no obvious spalling or penetrating cracks could be observed in the coating after 200 thermal shock cycles. Furthermore, the average thickness of thermal growth oxide layer between (6RE1/6)2Si2O7 top coat and Si bond coat is 0.71 ± 0.17 µm and 0.98 ± 0.23 µm before and after the thermal cycling, respectively, indicating the excellent thermal shock resistance of (6RE1/6)2Si2O7 EBC. The present study presents a novel EBC with excellent thermal shock ability and is expected to contribute to the development of EBC for advanced SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites.
Rolling with the punches—How competition shapes the morphology of small passerines on small islands
Authors: Kelly David J. , O'Connell Darren P. , Ó Marcaigh Fionn , Kelly Seán B. A. , Karya Adi , Analuddin Kangkuso , Marples Nicola 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimWallacea is a global biodiversity hotspot and Sulawesi is the largest island in this region, notable for a high proportion of endemic species. The Wakatobi archipelago, off the southeastern peninsular arm of Sulawesi, is home to several endemic bird species. Although islands are known to influence the morphology of their resident species, competitive interactions also exert strong influences on morphology. Here, we consider the contributions of both islands and competitors on two morphological traits of two bird species in a small passerine guild found on the Wakatobi islands.LocationWakatobi archipelago, Sulawesi Tenggara, Indonesia.TaxonWakatobi White‐eye (Zosterops flavissimus) and Wakatobi Sunbird (Cinnyris infrenatus).MethodsWorking with morphological measures (from netting studies), population density metrics (from transect surveys) and fundamental data from islands (area, distance from mainland and elevation), we investigated (by means of multiple linear regression) which terms best explained variation in the body size and bill size of two small passerine birds endemic to the Wakatobi islands.ResultsBoth island metrics and competitor presence/density were useful in describing the variation in body size of both bird species. However, only competitor presence/density was useful in describing variation in bill size of the birds. The best models describing variation in these traits included terms representing both interspecific and intraspecific competition.Main ConclusionsOur findings indicate that simple island metrics may be useful in predicting some of the variation in some functional traits of island species. However, in this example, simple island metrics were insufficient to explain the full variation in body size of endemic birds across the Wakatobi archipelago and were of no use in predicting the variation in their bill size. As bill morphology frequently dictates diet and feeding niche, it is a trait which may determine population divergence and speciation. If simple island metrics fail to describe such diversification, it is surely important to capture that information in other ways.
Informal care provided in US nursing homes: Reduced from 2010 to 2021 and lower for Medicaid residents
Authors: Li Yue , Cai Xueya , Kim Yeunkyung (Yoon) , Kim Jihye 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the trend of informal care (unpaid care provided by family or other caregivers) provided to nursing home residents before or during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study assessed this trend during 2010–2021, for all and Medicaid versus non‐Medicaid residents.MethodsUsing data from the RAND Health and Retirement Study longitudinal file, our study sample included a total of 2025 resident‐years (860 for Medicaid and 1165 for non‐Medicaid residents). We fit two‐part regression models to determine adjusted trends in average amount of informal care over time, and difference by resident Medicaid status.ResultsInformal care received by residents reduced substantially over time, from an average of 39.2 h in the past month of interview in 2010–11 to 23.2 h in 2018–19, and then to 11.2 h in the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–21). The reduced hours were due to both reduced percentages of nursing home residents who received any informal care and reduced hours of care among those who did receive it over time. Multivariable analyses confirmed this trend and similar downward trends for Medicaid versus non‐Medicaid residents. Medicaid residents on average received 10.02 fewer hours of informal care per month (95% confidence interval −17.16, −2.87; p = 0.006) than non‐Medicaid residents after adjustment for resident characteristics and time trends.ConclusionInformal care provided to nursing home residents during 2010–2021 reduced over time, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–21). Medicaid residents tended to receive less informal care than non‐Medicaid residents.
Histological assessment of microtia cartilage, a potential source of autograft tissue in ear reconstruction
Authors: Lam David D. , Hegde Neel V. , Patel Divya D. , Lakeland Daniel L. , Guardino Nicholas , Kochhar Amit , Mariani Francesca V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCartilage is a strong and flexible connective tissue that has many forms and functions in our body. While cartilage exhibits some forms of limited repair, for the most part, it is not particularly regenerative. Thus, in situations where patients require cartilage reconstruction, surgeons may use autografts to replace missing or damaged tissue. Cartilage tissues from different regions of the body exhibit histological differences and are in limited supply. Thus, it is important to characterize these differences to determine the most appropriate autograft source. In the case of microtia, a congenital deformity where the pinna is underdeveloped, reconstruction commonly utilizes cartilage sourced from a patient's own costal cartilage. This presents a potential morbidity risk. In this study, we evaluate the histological characteristics of microtia cartilage compared with normal auricular and costal cartilage obtained from human patients undergoing surgical resection. Histochemistry was used to evaluate cellularity, lipid content, and ECM content. Using a Bayesian statistical approach, we determined that while costal cartilage is the standard tissue donor, the microanatomy of microtia cartilage more closely reflects normal auricular cartilage than costal cartilage. Therefore, microtia cartilage may serve as an additional reservoir for cartilage during reconstruction.