bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEVI Fibrils are Induced by Bacterial Surface Molecules and Exert Antimicrobial Activity Against ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Vogel Verena , Olari Lia-Raluca , Bauer Richard , Burczyk Sandra , Witz Fiona , Walker Emely , Jaber Nourice , Rupp Ulrich , Stifel Ulrich , Zinngrebe Julia , Read Clarissa , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela , Münch Jan , Spellerberg Barbara 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) is an amyloid fibril formed by the self-assembly of the PAP248-286 peptide, a cleavage product of prostatic acid phosphatase, which is naturally present in human seminal plasma. SEVI is known to enhance HIV-1 infection by promoting virion attachment to cells, potentially facilitating sexual spread. Beyond its role in HIV transmission, findings highlight a physiological function for SEVI in innate immunity. As many amyloids display antimicrobial effects, we tested SEVI fibrils for antibacterial activity against microbial ESKAPE pathogens and urogenital bacteria, includingPseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiaeandListeria monocytogenes. SEVI exhibited direct dose-dependent antibacterial effects in radial diffusion and survival assays, with activity observed at physiologically relevant concentrations. Bacterial surface molecules such as lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acid induced the formation of SEVI fibrils, as confirmed by kinetic assays. Preincubation with epigallocatechin gallate, a fibril disruptor, abolished SEVI’s antibacterial activity, pointing to the importance of its fibrillar structure. Mechanistic studies and electron microscopy revealed limited bacterial membrane disruption and the intracellular accumulation of polyphosphate granules inP. aeruginosa, indicating a stress response. In conclusion, SEVI exerts a potent antibacterial activity against pathogens found in the urogenital tract indicating a potential physiological role in vaginal mucosal immunity.
Tsc1Deletion in Purkinje Neurons Disrupts the Axon Initial Segment, Impairing Excitability and Cerebellar Function
Authors: Brown Samuel P. , Jena Achintya K. , Osko Joanna J. , Ransdell Joseph L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLoss-of-function mutations in tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) are prevalent monogenic causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Selective deletion ofTsc1from mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons has been shown to cause several ASD-linked behavioral impairments, which are linked to reduced Purkinje neuron repetitive firing rates. We used electrophysiology methods to investigate why Purkinje neuron-specificTsc1deletion (Tsc1mut/mut) impairs Purkinje neuron firing. These studies revealed a depolarized shift in action potential threshold voltage, an effect that we link to reduced expression of the fast-transient voltage-gated sodium (Nav) current inTsc1mut/mutPurkinje neurons. The reduced Nav currents in these cells was associated with diminished secondary immunofluorescence from anti-pan Nav channel labeling at Purkinje neuron axon initial segments (AIS). Interestingly, anti-ankyrinG immunofluorescence was also found to be significantly reduced at the AIS ofTsc1mut/mutPurkinje neurons, suggesting Tsc1 is necessary for the organization and functioning of the Purkinje neuron AIS. An analysis of the 1stand 2ndderivative of the action potential voltage-waveform supported this hypothesis, revealing spike initiation and propagation from the AIS ofTsc1mut/mutPurkinje neurons is impaired compared to age-matched control Purkinje neurons. HeterozygousTsc1deletion resulted in no significant changes in the firing properties of adult Purkinje neurons, and slight reductions in anti-pan Nav and anti-ankyrinG labeling at the Purkinje neuron AIS, revealing deficits in Purkinje neuron firing due toTsc1haploinsufficiency are delayed compared to age-matchedTsc1mut/mutPurkinje neurons. Together, these data reveal the loss ofTsc1impairs Purkinje neuron firing and membrane excitability through the dysregulation of proteins necessary for AIS organization and function.
Evening blue light exposure during adolescence induces avoidance behaviors and rewires medial amygdala circuit
Authors: Bonilla Pablo , McBride David , Shanks Alexandria , Kartik Janhvi , Bhan Ashita , Porcu Alessandra 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAdolescents are being increasingly exposed to artificial blue light from electronic devices, raising concerns about its effects on brain development and mental health. The medial amygdala (MeA), a brain region critical for emotional regulation, is light-sensitive, yet how evening blue light during puberty influences its circuitry and behavior remains unknown.Using a light cycle disruption paradigm, we found that adolescent mice exposed to evening blue light displayed increased avoidance behaviors compared to those exposed to darkness or reduced blue light conditions. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing revealed altered cell-type composition and disrupted synaptic communication pathways in the MeA.In vivocalcium imaging showed increased activity in MeA somatostatin neurons during avoidance behaviors, while chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons reduced these behaviors.Our findings identify the MeA as a key integrator of emotional responses to environmental blue light, suggesting evening blue light exposure during puberty as a potential risk factor for affective disorders.TeaserEvening blue light exposure during adolescence alters medial amygdala functions, leading to anxiety-like behaviors.
Dependence of cell fate potential and cadherin switching on primitive streak coordinate during differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Zhu Ye , Warmflash Aryeh 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDuring gastrulation, the primitive streak (PS) forms and begins to differentiate into mesendodermal subtypes. This process involves an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is marked by cadherin switching, where E-Cadherin is downregulated, and N-Cadherin is upregulated. To understand the relationships between differentiation, EMT, and cadherin switching, we made measurements of these processes during differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to PS and subsequently to mesendoderm subtypes using established protocols, as well as variants in which signaling through key pathways including Activin, BMP, and Wnt were modulated. We found that perturbing signaling so that cells acquired identities ranging from anterior to posterior PS had little impact on the subsequent differentiation potential of cells but strongly impacted the degree of cadherin switching. The degree of E-Cadherin downregulation and N-Cadherin upregulation were uncorrelated and had different dependence on signaling. The exception to the broad potential of cells throughout the PS was the loss of definitive endoderm potential in cells with mid to posterior PS identities. Thus, cells induced to different PS coordinates had similar potential within the mesoderm but differed in cadherin switching. Consistently, E-Cadherin knockout did not alter cell fates outcomes during differentiation. Overall, cadherin switching and EMT are modulated independently of cell fate commitment in mesendodermal differentiation.
A brainstem-thalamic circuitry for affective-motivational responses to cold pain
Authors: Reddy Prannay , Okuda Takao , Rani Mousmi , Prajapati Jagat Narayan , Koul Smriti , Samineni Vijay , Barik Arnab 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe medial thalamus is crucial for the sensory and affective-motivational responses to chronic pain. However, a mechanistic understanding of how the distinct subnuclei of the medial thalamus mediate behavioral responses to pain remains lacking. Taking advantage of intersectional viral genetics, chemogenetics, optogenetics, in-vivo imaging, and ex-vivo physiology, we reveal that the neurons in the parafascicular (PF) nuclei of the medial thalamus receive monosynaptic inputs from the lateral parabrachial nuclei (LPBN) in mice. LPBN is an essential nucleus in the ascending pain pathway, receiving projections from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The PF neurons downstream of LPBN (PFpost-LPBN) are nociceptive, sensitized by peripheral neuropathy, acutely aversive, and, when activated, drive both sensory and affective-motivational responses to cold pain. In contrast, the LPBN target neurons in the intralaminar centromedian thalamus (CMpost-LPBN), another nociceptive nucleus of the medial thalamus, are primarily involved in the affective-motivational aspects of pain. Together, we reveal that the LPBN, through two closely related thalamic nuclei, influences behavior in mice with cold hypersensitivity due to peripheral neuropathies.
Efferent signaling along nociceptive peripheral terminalsin vivois enhanced during inflammation
Authors: Gershon Devora , Barkai Omer , Engelmayer Nurit , Katz Ben , Lev Shaya , Binshtok Alexander M 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPrimary nociceptors are essentially characterized as afferent neurons carrying noxious sensory information from the periphery to the CNS. However, the information flow on primary nociceptors is bidirectional. Nociceptor peripheral terminals release a variety of mediators to the target organ in the vicinity of the injured area. These mediators promote sensitization of adjacent sensory neurons, vasodilation, and edema and affect innate and adaptive immunity, leading to hyperalgesia and inflammation that often expands beyond the injured areas. Many theories associate these phenomena with the antidromic action potential propagation along nociceptor terminals; however, the antidromic efferent signaling at the single nociceptor terminals has never been demonstrated. Here, usingin vivocalcium imaging from the individual nociceptive terminals innervating the mouse cornea together with a computational approach, we demonstrated that short-lasting activation of a single terminalin vivowas sufficient to activate the remote, non-activated terminal, which branches from the same nociceptor fiber. This increase was dependent on the activation of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. Moreover, we showed that the efferent signaling along nociceptive terminals increases under inflammatory conditions, culminating in enhanced calcium signaling in the remote non-activated terminals. This inflammation-induced increase in intra-terminal calcium could trigger the enhanced release of inflammatory mediators, spilling over wider areas and affecting terminals from adjacent unstimulated receptive fields, leading to the expansion of hyperalgesia and inflammation.
The impact of education quality indicators on students’ satisfaction
Authors: Ikram Maryam , Saleem Syed Muhammad Umer , Mehmood Waqas 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aims to determine the impact of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) education quality indicators nexus using teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment on students’ satisfaction (SS) in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachAn investigation was conducted using empirical research involving 440 postgraduate students from 11 private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique, and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings proved the existence of a significant and positive relationship between teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment of SS in Pakistani HEIs.Originality/valueThe novelty of this article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the impact of teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods, assessment and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan.
Going beyond the surface: the nexus between decent work, faculty engagement and intrinsic religiosity in Pakistan’s higher education institutions
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Adnan , Hussain Khalid , Aamir Muhammad , Rehan Muhammad Farooq , Khan Shoaib Masood 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study examines the impact of five dimensions of decent work on the faculty engagement in Pakistan’s higher education institutions. Furthermore, it examines the moderating influence of intrinsic religiosity on the associations above.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a cross-sectional approach to collect data from 542 faculty members working with higher education institutions through electronic and in-person questionnaire administration.FindingsThe findings indicate that safe interpersonal working conditions, opportunities for free time and rest, adequate compensation, and the availability of healthcare services significantly positively impact the level of work engagement among faculty members. Additionally, the research revealed that intrinsic religiosity reinforces the previously established significant associations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research acknowledges specific constraints that could impact the applicability of its findings, including the utilization of a cross-sectional methodology, the dependence on self-reported information, and the possibility of sample biases. Subsequent investigations may rectify these constraints to provide a more all-encompassing comprehension of the subject matter.Practical implicationsThe findings possess practical significance for the management of HEIs in cultivating an ideal working atmosphere for faculty members. Ensuring adequate compensation, secure working environments and healthcare accessibility is underscored to enhance faculty engagement. Furthermore, acknowledging the significance of intrinsic religiosity can improve faculty engagement.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the current body of literature by investigating the complex relationship among decent work, faculty engagement, and intrinsic religiosity in the specific context of higher education institutions in Pakistan.
A case of warts in toe webs due to HPV type 7: Case report and literature review
Authors: Tochigi Mei , Takamiya Yuko , Ochiai Sawako , Anzawa Kazushi , Tsutsui Kiyohiro , Shimizu Akira 
Published: February 2025

Abstract“Butcher's warts” are skin lesions caused by human papillomavirus type 7 (HPV type 7). Another clinically distinctive lesion, “warts in toe webs” (WTW), localized between the toes, has also been reported but remains poorly understood. We report the case of an 84‐year‐old man with a refractory, cauliflower‐like lesion between his toes which was unresponsive to yokuinin and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. The patient had no history of meat of fish handling. Biopsy revealed papillary thickening of the stratum corneum and vacuolated cells. Polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed HPV type 7. Treatment modifications, including maintaining a dry interdigital environment, led to resolution within 2 months. Our review of 19 previously reported WTW cases indicates a distinct clinical profile: all cases involved males from Asia, with a prevalence of fungal coinfection. This case indicates the importance of HPV typing for diagnosis and maintaining a dry interdigital environment to enhance treatment outcomes.
Methods to prevent overdevelopment of fingermarks with 1,2‐indanedione/zinc
Authors: Choi Hongjin , Kwon Nokyeon , Kim Jiwon , Park Dasom , Cheon Jimin , Hong Sungwook 
Published: February 2025

AbstractA piece of paper submitted as evidence can both have fingermarks with a high and low amount of sweat. When such paper is treated with 1,2‐indanedione/zinc and subsequently heated at 160°C for 10 s, fingermarks with high sweat content may become overdeveloped. Attempts to prevent overdevelopment by reducing the heating time to <10 s were ineffective. However, it was found that maintaining the heating time at 10 s and reducing the temperature to below 160°C effectively prevented overdevelopment. In forensic practice involving latent fingermarks on actual evidence, an effective enhancement technique involves initially placing approximately 15 sheets of paper between the sample and an iron preheated to 160°C, and then applying heat for 10 s. This is subsequently followed by a secondary heating without the paper. This procedure has proven effective in enhancing fingermarks with both high and low sweat contents.
Improve the visualization effect of fingerprint immunolabeling based on biotin‐avidin system
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Peng , Liang Mu‐Wen , Du Bin , Zhao Ya‐Bin , Tong Zhao‐Yang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractImmunolabeling based on fluorescence is a new technique that has been recently applied in the field of forensic science. In this paper, a new immunofluorescence method based on signal amplification was applied to develop fingermarks and improve the quality of pattern recognition with clear ridge details and high contrast. The high affinity between biotin and avidin and the one‐to‐many binding mode can connect several fluorescent groups together to achieve a signal amplification effect. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of the fingermark sample, as displayed by the biotin‐avidin signal amplification system (BAS), was nearly three times higher than that revealed by previous immunolabeling methods based on fluorescence. Specifically, more fluorescent chromophores were bound to the friction ridges in BAS. Two proteins were selected as experimental target proteins for fingermark immunofluorescence visualization to optimize the visualization effect. The results showed that compared to keratin 1, dermcidin as the target protein in BAS achieved a more desirable effect, with 88.9% of the experimental samples left on nonporous objects having identification value. This method provides new insights for the development of fingermark spectra and is expected to become an effective and safe technology in the field of forensic science.
Effect of lotus rhizome residue on the quality and nutritional properties of wheat‐based noodles
Authors: Duan Ruibing , Huang Zhenfu , Chen Xianqiang , Liu Yanzhao , Li Jie , Yan Shoulei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLotus rhizome residue (LRr), the primary byproduct of lotus rhizome processing, is abundant in dietary nutrients such as dietary fiber and polyphenols. To enhance the utilization efficiency of LRr and develop noodles with elevated nutritional value, this study investigates the impact of LRr on cooking and nutritional characteristics of noodles. The results showed that the addition of LRr increased the viscoelasticity of dough, but when the amount of LRr was 10%, the viscoelasticity decreased. The addition of 2%–6% LRr can effectively mitigate cooking loss and enhance noodle expansion rate. However, excessive addition results in elevated cooking loss and diminished expansion rate. The reduction in β‐sheet and disulfide bond content within gluten, along with the observed structural looseness of dough, are the primary factors contributing to the aforementioned phenomenon. The noodles prepared using the optimal formula exhibited a significant improvement in both phenol and dietary fiber content. Specifically, the dietary fiber content increased from 4% to 11.5%, and the expected glycemic index will decrease from 81.3 to 72.5. The present study establishes a fundamental basis for enhancing the economic value of byproducts from lotus rhizome industry and for innovating formulations of high‐fiber noodle.Practical ApplicationWhen the amount of LRrt was 10%, the dietary fiber content increased from 4% to 11.5% and expected glycemic index will decrease from 81.3 to 72.5. In comparison to whole wheat noodles, LRr noodles presented significant merits in terms of antioxidant capacity and glycemic index. Not only do LRr noodles serve as a premium source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fiber but they also exhibit a notably lower eGI.
Benchmarking tree species classification from proximally sensed laser scanning data: Introducing the FOR‐species20K dataset
Authors: Puliti Stefano , Lines Emily R. , Müllerová Jana , Frey Julian , Schindler Zoe , Straker Adrian , Allen Matthew J. , Winiwarter Lukas , Rehush Nataliia , Hristova Hristina , Murray Brent , Calders Kim , Coops Nicholas , Höfle Bernhard , Irwin Liam , Junttila Samuli , Krůček Martin , Krok Grzegorz , Král Kamil , Levick Shaun R. , Luck Linda , Missarov Azim , Mokroš Martin , Owen Harry J. F. , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Pitkänen Timo P. , Puletti Nicola , Saarinen Ninni , Hopkinson Chris , Terryn Louise , Torresan Chiara , Tomelleri Enrico , Weiser Hannah , Astrup Rasmus 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Proximally sensed laser scanning presents new opportunities for automated forest ecosystem data capture. However, a gap remains in deriving ecologically pertinent information, such as tree species, without additional ground data. Artificial intelligence approaches, particularly deep learning (DL), have shown promise towards automation. Progress has been limited by the lack of large, diverse, and, most importantly, openly available labelled single‐tree point cloud datasets. This has hindered both (1) the robustness of the DL models across varying data types (platforms and sensors) and (2) the ability to effectively track progress, thereby slowing the convergence towards best practice for species classification.

To address the above limitations, we compiled the FOR‐species20K benchmark dataset, consisting of individual tree point clouds captured using proximally sensed laser scanning data from terrestrial (TLS), mobile (MLS) and drone laser scanning (ULS). Compiled collaboratively, the dataset includes data collected in forests mainly across Europe, covering Mediterranean, temperate and boreal biogeographic regions. It includes scattered tree data from other continents, totaling over 20,000 trees of 33 species and covering a wide range of tree sizes and forms. Alongside the release of FOR‐species20K, we benchmarked seven leading DL models for individual tree species classification, including both point cloud (PointNet++, MinkNet, MLP‐Mixer, DGCNNs) and multi‐view 2D‐based methods (SimpleView, DetailView, YOLOv5).

2D Image‐based models had, on average, higher overall accuracy (0.77) than 3D point cloud‐based models (0.72). Notably, the performance was consistently >0.8 across scanning platforms and sensors, offering versatility in deployment. The top‐scoring model, DetailView, demonstrated robustness to training data imbalances and effectively generalized across tree sizes.

The FOR‐species20K dataset represents an important asset for developing and benchmarking DL models for individual tree species classification using proximally sensed laser scanning data. As such, it serves as a crucial foundation for future efforts to classify accurately and map tree species at various scales using laser scanning technology, as it provides the complete code base, dataset, and an initial baseline representative of the current state‐of‐the‐art of point cloud tree species classification methods.