bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in avian parental care patterns vary across the breeding cycle
Authors: Wang Daiping , Zhang Wenyuan , Yang Shuai , Richter Xiang-Yi Li 
Published: November 2023

AbstractParental care in birds consists of elaborate forms across stages, including nest building, incubation, and offspring provision. Despite their evolutionary importance, knowledge gaps exist in the extent to which parents contribute disproportionately to these forms and factors that are associated with variations in care patterns between sexes. Here, we analyzed 1533 bird species and discovered remarkable variability in care patterns. We show that parental care should not be viewed as a unitary trait but rather as a set of integrated features that exhibit considerable temporal and sex-specific variation. Our analyses also reveal moderate consistency in care patterns between breeding stages, pointing towards shared intrinsic factors driving sex-specific care. Notably, we found that species experiencing strong sexual selection on males or species facing paternity uncertainty display a tendency towards female-biased care. This work advances our understanding of the temporal variations in sex-specific contributions to avian parental care and their potential evolutionary drivers.
Catalytically inactive long prokaryotic Argonaute systems employ distinct effectors to confer immunity via abortive infection
Authors: Song Xinmi , Lei Sheng , Liu Shunhang , Liu Yanqiu , Fu Pan , Zeng Zhifeng , Yang Ke , Chen Yu , Li Ming , She Qunxin , Han Wenyuan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractArgonaute proteins (Agos) bind short nucleic acids as guides and are directed by them to recognize target complementary nucleic acids. Diverse prokaryotic Agos (pAgos) play potential functions in microbial defense. The functions and mechanisms of a group of full-length yet catalytically inactive pAgos, long-B pAgos, remain unclear. Here, we show that most long-B pAgos are functionally connected with distinct associated proteins, including nucleases, Sir2-domain-containing proteins and trans-membrane proteins, respectively. The long-B pAgo-nuclease system (BPAN) is activated by guide RNA-directed target DNA recognition and performs collateral DNA degradation in vitro. In vivo, the system mediates genomic DNA degradation after sensing invading plasmid, which kills the infected cells and results in the depletion of the invader from the cell population. Together, the BPAN system provides immunoprotection via abortive infection. Our data also suggest that the defense strategy is employed by other long-B pAgos equipped with distinct associated proteins.
Follicle-stimulating hormone orchestrates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of pancreatic islets
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhu Hong , Ren Jun , Wu Hai-Yan , Yu Jia-En , Jin Lu-Yang , Pang Hai-Yan , Pan Hai-Tao , Luo Si-Si , Yan Jing , Dong Kai-Xuan , Ye Long-Yun , Zhou Cheng-Liang , Pan Jie-Xue , Meng Zhuo-Xian , Yu Ting , Jin Li , Lin Xian-Hua , Wu Yan-Ting , Yang Hong-Bo , Liu Xin-Mei , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Ding Guo-Lian , Huang He-Feng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is involved in mammalian reproduction via binding to FSH receptor (FSHR). However, several studies have found that FSH and FSHR play important roles in extragonadal tissue. Here, we identified the expression of FSHR in human and mouse pancreatic islet β-cells. Blocking FSH signaling by Fshr knock-out led to impaired glucose tolerance owing to decreased insulin secretion, while high FSH levels caused insufficient insulin secretion as well. In vitro, we found that FSH orchestrated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in a bell curve manner. Mechanistically, FSH primarily activates Gαs via FSHR, promoting the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium pathways to stimulate GSIS, whereas high FSH levels could activate Gαi to inhibit the cAMP/PKA pathway and the amplified effect on GSIS. Our results reveal the role of FSH in regulating pancreatic islet insulin secretion and provide avenues for future clinical investigation and therapeutic strategies for postmenopausal diabetes.
Postprandial glycemic and lipidemic effects of black rice anthocyanin extract fortification in foods of varying macronutrient compositions and matrices
Authors: Ou Sean Jun Leong , Yang Dimeng , Pranata Hanny Putri , Tai E Shyong , Liu Mei Hui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAnthocyanin (ACN) fortification of commonly consumed foods is significant as a dietary strategy against the development of metabolic complications by delivering ACNs at high doses. However, its bioactivity and translated metabolic effects in the presence of varying food matrices and macro-constituents is particularly unclear. This end-to-end study investigates the metabolic effects of black rice ACN extract (BRAE) fortification—from in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and digestibility, to downstream in vivo impacts on GI, postprandial glycemia and lipidemia. The in vivo effects were investigated in two separate crossover randomised controlled trials (RCT) of 24 healthy participants each—the first RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and ACN bioavailability to a starch-rich single food over 2 h, while the second RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, lipid panel, and lipoprotein particles and subfractions to a starch- and fat-rich composite meal over 4 h. In-vitro findings confirmed the inhibitory activities of major black rice ACNs on carbohydrases (p = 0.0004), lipases (p = 0.0002), and starch digestibility (p < 0.0001). in vivo, a 27-point mean GI reduction of wheat bread was observed with BRAE fortification, despite a non-significant attenuation in postprandial glycemia. Conversely, there were no differences in postprandial glycemia when fortified bread was consumed as a composite meal, but acute lipid profiles were altered: (1) improved plasma HDL-c, ([0.0140 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00639, 0.0216)], p = 0.0028), Apo-A1 ([0.0296 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00757, 0.0515)], p = 0.0203), and Apo-B ([0.00880 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00243, 0.0152)], p = 0.0185), (2) modified LDL and HDL subfractions (p < 0.05), and (3) remodelled lipid distributions in HDL and LDL particles. This end-to-end study indicates the potential of ACN fortification in GI reduction and modulating postprandial lipoprotein profiles to starch- and fat-rich composite meals.
MOF-derived C, N-In2O3 with GdFeO3 Z-scheme heterostructure for the photocatalytic removal of tetracycline
Authors: Saravanakumar Karunamoorthy , Jagan Govindan , Lee Jongho , Park Chang Min 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMetal oxides derived from metal–organic frameworks have received considerable attention for water treatment. Herein, MIL-68 (In)–derived rod-like carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) codoped In2O3–modified GdFeO3 (CN–InO/GdF) Z-scheme heterostructures were rationally constructed through simple pyrolysis and a wet-chemical route. The synthesized CN–InO/GdF catalysts were characterized using several physicochemical techniques. Moreover, the obtained CN–InO/GdF exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward tetracycline (TC) degradation. Impressively, the optimized CN–InO/GdF-3 heterostructure catalyst displayed a boosted TC removal efficiency of 99.06% within 60 min of irradiation, which was 7.1 and 9.7 times higher than those of bare CN–InO and GdFeO3, respectively. The remarkably enhanced photoactivity of CN–InO/GdF was principally attributed to the synergistically combined interfaces hindering the recombination of photoinduced carriers, and the maintained redox capacity via Z-scheme spatial charge transfer. Finally, the tentative degradation mechanism was determined on the basis of density functional theory calculations and intermediates analysis. This work elucidated the design of highly efficient catalysts for various applications.
Age-dependent contribution of intrinsic mechanisms to sinoatrial node function in humans
Authors: Weiser-Bitoun Ido , Mori Hitoshi , Nabeshima Taisuke , Tanaka Naomichi , Kudo Daisuke , Sasaki Wataru , Narita Masataka , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Arai Takahide , Nakano Shintaro , Sumitomo Naokata , Senbonmatsu Taka-aki , Matsumoto Kazuo , Kato Ritsushi , Morrell Christopher H. , Tsutsui Kenta , Yaniv Yael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAverage beat interval (BI) and beat interval variability (BIV) are primarily determined by mutual entrainment between the autonomic-nervous system (ANS) and intrinsic mechanisms that govern sinoatrial node (SAN) cell function. While basal heart rate is not affected by age in humans, age-dependent reductions in intrinsic heart rate have been documented even in so-called healthy individuals. The relative contributions of the ANS and intrinsic mechanisms to age-dependent deterioration of SAN function in humans are not clear. We recorded ECG on patients (n = 16 < 21 years and n = 23 41–78 years) in the basal state and after ANS blockade (propranolol and atropine) in the presence of propofol and dexmedetomidine anesthesia. Average BI and BIV were analyzed. A set of BIV features were tested to designated the “signatures” of the ANS and intrinsic mechanisms and also the anesthesia “signature”. In young patients, the intrinsic mechanisms and ANS mainly contributed to long- and short-term BIV, respectively. In adults, both ANS and intrinsic mechanisms contributed to short-term BIV, while the latter also contributed to long-term BIV. Furthermore, anesthesia affected ANS function in young patients and both mechanisms in adult. The work also showed that intrinsic mechanism features can be calculated from BIs, without intervention.
Quasi-real-time range monitoring by in-beam PET: a case for 15O
Authors: Purushothaman S. , Kostyleva D. , Dendooven P. , Haettner E. , Geissel H. , Schuy C. , Weber U. , Boscolo D. , Dickel T. , Graeff C. , Hornung C. , Kazantseva E. , Kuzminchuk-Feuerstein N. , Mukha I. , Pietri S. , Roesch H. , Tanaka Y. K. , Zhao J. , Durante M. , Parodi K. , Scheidenberger C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA fast and reliable range monitoring method is required to take full advantage of the high linear energy transfer provided by therapeutic ion beams like carbon and oxygen while minimizing damage to healthy tissue due to range uncertainties. Quasi-real-time range monitoring using in-beam positron emission tomography (PET) with therapeutic beams of positron-emitters of carbon and oxygen is a promising approach. The number of implanted ions and the time required for an unambiguous range verification are decisive factors for choosing a candidate isotope. An experimental study was performed at the FRS fragment-separator of GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Germany, to investigate the evolution of positron annihilation activity profiles during the implantation of $$^{14}$$

14

O and $$^{15}$$

15

O ion beams in a PMMA phantom. The positron activity profile was imaged by a dual-panel version of a Siemens Biograph mCT PET scanner. Results from a similar experiment using ion beams of carbon positron-emitters $$^{11}$$

11

C and $$^{10}$$

10

C performed at the same experimental setup were used for comparison. Owing to their shorter half-lives, the number of implanted ions required for a precise positron annihilation activity peak determination is lower for $$^{10}$$

10

C compared to $$^{11}$$

11

C and likewise for $$^{14}$$

14

O compared to $$^{15}$$

15

O, but their lower production cross-sections make it difficult to produce them at therapeutically relevant intensities. With a similar production cross-section and a 10 times shorter half-life than $$^{11}$$

11

C, $$^{15}$$

15

O provides a faster conclusive positron annihilation activity peak position determination for a lower number of implanted ions compared to $$^{11}$$

11

C. A figure of merit formulation was developed for the quantitative comparison of therapy-relevant positron-emitting beams in the context of quasi-real-time beam monitoring. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that among the positron emitters of carbon and oxygen, $$^{15}$$

15

O is the most feasible candidate for quasi-real-time range monitoring by in-beam PET that can be produced at therapeutically relevant intensities. Additionally, this study demonstrated that the in-flight production and separation method can produce beams of therapeutic quality, in terms of purity, energy, and energy spread.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma treatment response assessment to immune checkpoint inhibitors using hybrid positron emission tomography imaging
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Gstrein Nathalie A. , Dimitriou Florentia , Sartoretti Thomas , Schaab Jan A. , Looman Esmée L. , Balermpas Panagiotis , Rupp Niels J. , Freiberger Sandra N. , Soyka Michael B. , Holzmann David , Mauthe Tina , Mueller Simon A. , Beintner-Skawran Stephan , Messerli Michael , Kenkel David , Huellner Martin W. , Meerwein Christian M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate response of sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SMM) patients to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), using hybrid PET imaging. Fifteen SMM patients underwent hybrid PET imaging before and three months after initiation of ICI. The disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated. Quantitative PET parameters of the primary tumor and their association with DSS and therapy response were investigated. Nine of the fifteen (60%) patients responded to ICI therapy. Patients with therapy response depicted on hybrid PET imaging had better DSS than those without (p = 0.0058). Quantitative PET parameters of the initial PET harbored no association with DSS or therapy response. However, these findings lack of sufficient statistical power and must be interpreted with caution. The first restaging PET-imaging after ICI initiation can help stratify patients with regard to DSS.
Using biologically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles as potential remedy against multiple drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus of bovine mastitis
Authors: Ul-Hamid Anwar , Baig Nadeem , Haider Ali , Hakeem Abbas S. , Ikram Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPresently, there is considerable emphasis on biological synthesis of nanoparticles containing bioactive reducing compounds with an aim to mitigate the harmful effects of pollutants. The approach under study is simple and ideal for the production of durable antimicrobial nanomaterials by novel single-step green synthesis of TiO2 metal oxide nanostructures using ginger and garlic crude aqueous extracts with bactericidal and catalytic activity. A variety of experimental techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanomaterials. As demonstrated using x-ray diffraction and ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, the produced nanoparticles exhibited high absorption at 318 nm with size varying between 23.38 nm for ginger and 58.64 nm for garlic in biologically-reduced TiO2. At increasing concentrations (500, 1000 µg/50 µl), nanoparticles reduced with garlic exhibited enhanced bactericidal efficacy against multiple drug-resistant S. aureus and effectively decomposed toxic methylene blue (MB) dye. In conclusion, biologically-reduced TiO2 nanoparticles may prove an effective tool in the fight against microbial illnesses and drug resistance.
A double-blind comparison of morphological and collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS) methods of skeletal identifications from Paleolithic contexts
Authors: Morin Eugène , Oldfield Ellie-May , Baković Mile , Bordes Jean-Guillaume , Castel Jean-Christophe , Crevecoeur Isabelle , Rougier Hélène , Monnier Gilliane , Tostevin Gilbert , Buckley Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractModeling the subsistence strategies of prehistoric groups depends on the accuracy of the faunal identifications that provide the basis for these models. However, our knowledge remains limited about the reproducibility of published taxonomic identifications and how they accurately reflect the range of species deposited in the archaeological record. This study compares taxonomic identifications at three Paleolithic sites (Saint-Césaire and Le Piage in France, Crvena Stijena in Montenegro) characterized by high levels of fragmentation. Identifications at these sites were derived using two methods: morphological identification and collagen fingerprinting, the latter a peptide-based approach known as ZooMS. Using a double-blind experimental design, we show that the two methods give taxonomic profiles that are statistically indistinguishable at all three sites. However, rare species and parts difficult to identify such as ribs seem more frequently associated with errors of identification. Comparisons with the indeterminate fraction indicate that large game is over-represented in the ZooMS sample at two of the three sites. These differences possibly signal differential fragmentation of elements from large species. Collagen fingerprinting can produce critical insights on the range distribution of animal prey in the past while also contributing to improved models of taphonomic processes and subsistence behavior.
Native low-density lipoproteins are priming signals of the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1β pathway in human adipose tissue and macrophages
Authors: Bissonnette Simon , Lamantia Valérie , Ouimet Benjamin , Cyr Yannick , Devaux Marie , Rabasa-Lhoret Remi , Chrétien Michel , Saleh Maya , Faraj May 
Published: November 2023

AbstractElevated plasma numbers of atherogenic apoB-lipoproteins (apoB), mostly as low-density lipoproteins (LDL), predict diabetes risk by unclear mechanisms. Upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) system in white adipose tissue (WAT) is implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, metabolic signals that stimulate it remain unexplored. We hypothesized that (1) subjects with high-apoB have higher WAT IL-1β-secretion than subjects with low-apoB, (2) WAT IL-1β-secretion is associated with T2D risk factors, and (3) LDL prime and/or activate the WAT NLRP3 inflammasome. Forty non-diabetic subjects were assessed for T2D risk factors related to systemic and WAT glucose and fat metabolism. Regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was explored using LDL without/with the inflammasome’s priming and activation controls (LPS and ATP). LDL induced IL1B-expression and IL-1β-secretion in the presence of ATP in WAT and macrophages. Subjects with high-apoB had higher WAT IL-1β-secretion independently of covariates. The direction of association of LDL-induced WAT IL-1β-secretion to T2D risk factors was consistently pathological in high-apoB subjects only. Adjustment for IL-1β-secretion eliminated the association of plasma apoB with T2D risk factors. In conclusion, subjects with high-apoB have higher WAT IL-1β-secretion that may explain their risk for T2D and may be related to LDL-induced priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04496154): Omega-3 to Reduce Diabetes Risk in Subjects With High Number of Particles That Carry "Bad Cholesterol" in the Blood—Full Text View—ClinicalTrials.gov.
Experimental study on the transporting and crushing effect of gas on coal powder during the develop stage of coal and gas outburst in roadway
Authors: Cao Jie , Hu Qianting , Dai Linchao , Yang Xuelin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, coal and gas outburst disasters are still occurring and difficult to prevent, seriously endangering the safety of coal mine production. It is well known that the transporting and crushing of outburst coal is the main pathway of energy dissipation during the coal and gas outburst process. However, a consensus regarding how much gas involves in outburst and affects energy dissipation is still lacking. Quantitative study on the gas effect on migration and fragmentation characteristics of outburst coal in restricted roadway space can improve the energy model and guide the prevention and control of gas outburst. In this paper, an improved visual coal and gas outburst dynamic effect simulation experiment system was used to conduct outburst simulation experiments at different gas pressure conditions. The results showed that the movement of outburst coal in the roadway has experienced various flow patterns. In the initial stage of the outburst, under low gas pressure condition, the motion of the outburst coal was dominated by stratified flow. However, as the gas pressure increases, the initial acceleration increases, and the outburst coal mainly move forward rapidly in the form of plug flow. The average velocity at 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 MPa gas pressure condition were 6.75, 22.22 and 35.81 m/s, respectively. Gas also has a crushing effect on outburst coal. With increasing gas pressure, the number of coal powder particles of the same mass increased significantly, and the range of the particle size distribution of the particles decreaed, and the median particle size decreased. As the gas pressure increases, the outburst intensity gradually increases, and the total energy involved in the outburst work also increases. However, the energy dissipation pathways are different. At 0.3 MPa, the energy dissipation is dominated by crushing energy, which is about six times the ejection energy. As the gas pressure increased to 0.8 MPa, the proportion of the ejection energy gradually increases to about twice that of the crushing energy. Under the experimental conditions, 2.71–13.43% of the adsorbed gas involves in the outburst (AGIO) through rapid desorption, and the proportion increases with increasing gas pressure. This paper improves the energy model of coal and gas outburst, which is applicable to risk assessment and prevention of outburst disasters.
Early-career factors largely determine the future impact of prominent researchers: evidence across eight scientific fields
Authors: Krauss Alexander , Danús Lluís , Sales-Pardo Marta 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCan we help predict the future impact of researchers using early-career factors? We analyze early-career factors of the world’s 100 most prominent researchers across 8 scientific fields and identify four key drivers in researchers’ initial career: working at a top 25 ranked university, publishing a paper in a top 5 ranked journal, publishing most papers in top quartile (high-impact) journals and co-authoring with other prominent researchers in their field. We find that over 95% of prominent researchers across multiple fields had at least one of these four features in the first 5 years of their career. We find that the most prominent scientists who had an early career advantage in terms of citations and h-index are more likely to have had all four features, and that this advantage persists throughout their career after 10, 15 and 20 years. Our findings show that these few early-career factors help predict researchers’ impact later in their careers. Our research thus points to the need to enhance fairness and career mobility among scientists who have not had a jump start early on.