bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuron-secreted NLGN3 ameliorates ischemic brain injury via activating Gαi1/3-Akt signaling
Authors: Chen Zhi-guo , Shi Xin , Zhang Xian-xian , Yang Fang-Fang , Li Ke-ran , Fang Qi , Cao Cong , Chen Xiong-hui , Peng Ya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe here tested the potential activity and the underlying mechanisms of neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) against ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal cell injury. In SH-SY5Y neuronal cells and primary murine cortical neurons, NLGN3 activated Akt-mTOR and Erk signalings, and inhibited oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cytotoxicity. Akt activation was required for NLGN3-induced neuroprotection. Gαi1/3 mediated NLGN3-induced downstream signaling activation. NLGN3-induced Akt-S6K1 activation was largely inhibited by Gαi1/3 silencing or knockout. Significantly, NLGN3-induced neuroprotection against OGD/R was almost abolished by Gαi1/3 silencing or knockout. In vivo, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure induced NLGN3 cleavage and secretion, and increased its expression and Akt activation in mouse brain tissues. ADAM10 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10) inhibition blocked MCAO-induced NLGN3 cleavage and secretion, exacerbating ischemic brain injury in mice. Neuronal silencing of NLGN3 or Gαi1/3 in mice also inhibited Akt activation and intensified MCAO-induced ischemic brain injury. Conversely, neuronal overexpression of NLGN3 increased Akt activation and alleviated MCAO-induced ischemic brain injury. Together, NLGN3 activates Gαi1/3-Akt signaling to protect neuronal cells from ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Lamin A upregulation reorganizes the genome during rod photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Herrera Ivana , Fernandes José Alex Lourenço , Shir-Mohammadi Khatereh , Levesque Jasmine , Mattar Pierre 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression, including the upregulation of hallmark stress-responsive genes. While the transcriptional pathways that impart adaptive and maladaptive gene expression signatures have been the focus of intense study, the role of higher order nuclear organization in this process is less clear. Here, we examine the role of the nuclear lamina in genome organization during the degeneration of rod photoreceptors. Two proteins had previously been shown to be necessary and sufficient to tether heterochromatin at the nuclear envelope. The lamin B receptor (Lbr) is expressed during development, but downregulates upon rod differentiation. A second tether is the intermediate filament lamin A (LA), which is not normally expressed in murine rods. Here, we show that in therd1model of retinitis pigmentosa, LA ectopically upregulates in rod photoreceptors at the onset of degeneration. LA upregulation correlated with increased heterochromatin tethering at the nuclear periphery inrd1rods, suggesting that LA reorganizes the nucleus. To determine how heterochromatin tethering affects the genome, we used in vivo electroporation to misexpress LA or Lbr in mature rods in the absence of degeneration, resulting in the restoration of conventional nuclear architecture. Using scRNA-seq, we show that reorganizing the nucleus via LA/Lbr misexpression has relatively minor effects on rod gene expression. Next, using ATAC-seq, we show that LA and Lbr both lead to marked increases in genome accessibility. Novel ATAC-seq peaks tended to be associated with stress-responsive genes. Together, our data reveal that heterochromatin tethers have a global effect on genome accessibility, and suggest that heterochromatin tethering primes the photoreceptor genome to respond to stress.
Microwave excitation of atomic scale superconducting bound states
Authors: Siebrecht Janis , Huang Haonan , Kot Piotr , Drost Robert , Padurariu Ciprian , Kubala Björn , Ankerhold Joachim , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Ast Christian R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMagnetic impurities on superconductors lead to bound states within the superconducting gap, so called Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states. They are parity protected, which enhances their lifetime, but makes it more difficult to excite them. Here, we realize the excitation of YSR states by microwaves facilitated by the tunnel coupling to another superconducting electrode in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). We identify the excitation process through a family of anomalous microwave-assisted tunneling peaks originating from a second-order resonant Andreev process, in which the microwave excites the YSR state triggering a tunneling event transferring a total of two charges. We vary the amplitude and the frequency of the microwave to identify the energy threshold and the evolution of this excitation process. Our work sets an experimental basis and proof-of-principle for the manipulation of YSR states using microwaves with an outlook towards YSR qubits.
A microfluidic transistor for automatic control of liquids
Authors: Gopinathan Kaustav A. , Mishra Avanish , Mutlu Baris R. , Edd Jon F. , Toner Mehmet 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMicrofluidics have enabled notable advances in molecular biology1,2, synthetic chemistry3,4, diagnostics5,6 and tissue engineering7. However, there has long been a critical need in the field to manipulate fluids and suspended matter with the precision, modularity and scalability of electronic circuits8–10. Just as the electronic transistor enabled unprecedented advances in the automatic control of electricity on an electronic chip, a microfluidic analogue to the transistor could enable improvements in the automatic control of reagents, droplets and single cells on a microfluidic chip. Previous works on creating a microfluidic analogue to the electronic transistor11–13 did not replicate the transistor’s saturation behaviour, and could not achieve proportional amplification14, which is fundamental to modern circuit design15. Here we exploit the fluidic phenomenon of flow limitation16 to develop a microfluidic element capable of proportional amplification with flow–pressure characteristics completely analogous to the current–voltage characteristics of the electronic transistor. We then use this microfluidic transistor to directly translate fundamental electronic circuits into the fluidic domain, including the amplifier, regulator, level shifter, logic gate and latch. We also combine these building blocks to create more complex fluidic controllers, such as timers and clocks. Finally, we demonstrate a particle dispenser circuit that senses single suspended particles, performs signal processing and accordingly controls the movement of each particle in a deterministic fashion without electronics. By leveraging the vast repertoire of electronic circuit design, microfluidic-transistor-based circuits enable fluidic automatic controllers to manipulate liquids and single suspended particles for lab-on-a-chip platforms.
On-surface synthesis of a doubly anti-aromatic carbon allotrope
Authors: Gao Yueze , Albrecht Florian , Rončević Igor , Ettedgui Isaac , Kumar Paramveer , Scriven Lorel M. , Christensen Kirsten E. , Mishra Shantanu , Righetti Luca , Rossmannek Max , Tavernelli Ivano , Anderson Harry L. , Gross Leo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSynthetic carbon allotropes such as graphene1, carbon nanotubes2 and fullerenes3 have revolutionized materials science and led to new technologies. Many hypothetical carbon allotropes have been discussed4, but few have been studied experimentally. Recently, unconventional synthetic strategies such as dynamic covalent chemistry5 and on-surface synthesis6 have been used to create new forms of carbon, including γ-graphyne7, fullerene polymers8, biphenylene networks9 and cyclocarbons10,11. Cyclo[N]carbons are molecular rings consisting of N carbon atoms12,13; the three that have been reported to date (N = 10, 14 and 18)10,11 are doubly aromatic, which prompts the question: is it possible to prepare doubly anti-aromatic versions? Here we report the synthesis and characterization of an anti-aromatic carbon allotrope, cyclo[16]carbon, by using tip-induced on-surface chemistry6. In addition to structural information from atomic force microscopy, we probed its electronic structure by recording orbital density maps14 with scanning tunnelling microscopy. The observation of bond-length alternation in cyclo[16]carbon confirms its double anti-aromaticity, in concordance with theory. The simple structure of C16 renders it an interesting model system for studying the limits of aromaticity, and its high reactivity makes it a promising precursor to novel carbon allotropes15.
Structures of a sperm-specific solute carrier gated by voltage and cAMP
Authors: Kalienkova Valeria , Peter Martin F. , Rheinberger Jan , Paulino Cristina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe newly characterized sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger stands out by its unique tripartite domain composition1,2. It unites a classical solute carrier unit with regulatory domains usually found in ion channels, namely, a voltage-sensing domain and a cyclic-nucleotide binding domain1,3, which makes it a mechanistic chimera and a secondary-active transporter activated strictly by membrane voltage. Our structures of the sea urchin SpSLC9C1 in the absence and presence of ligands reveal the overall domain arrangement and new structural coupling elements. They allow us to propose a gating model, where movements in the voltage sensor indirectly cause the release of the exchanging unit from a locked state through long-distance allosteric effects transmitted by the newly characterized coupling helices. We further propose that modulation by its ligand cyclic AMP occurs by means of disruption of the cytosolic dimer interface, which lowers the energy barrier for S4 movements in the voltage-sensing domain. As SLC9C1 members have been shown to be essential for male fertility, including in mammals2,4,5, our structure represents a potential new platform for the development of new on-demand contraceptives.
Normative spatiotemporal fetal brain maturation with satisfactory development at 2 years
Authors: Namburete Ana I. L. , Papież Bartłomiej W. , Fernandes Michelle , Wyburd Madeleine K. , Hesse Linde S. , Moser Felipe A. , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Gunier Robert B. , Squier Waney , Ohuma Eric O. , Carvalho Maria , Jaffer Yasmin , Gravett Michael , Wu Qingqing , Lambert Ann , Winsey Adele , Restrepo-Méndez María C. , Bertino Enrico , Purwar Manorama , Barros Fernando C. , Stein Alan , Noble J. Alison , Molnár Zoltán , Jenkinson Mark , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Villar José , Kennedy Stephen H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMaturation of the human fetal brain should follow precisely scheduled structural growth and folding of the cerebral cortex for optimal postnatal function1. We present a normative digital atlas of fetal brain maturation based on a prospective international cohort of healthy pregnant women2, selected using World Health Organization recommendations for growth standards3. Their fetuses were accurately dated in the first trimester, with satisfactory growth and neurodevelopment from early pregnancy to 2 years of age4,5. The atlas was produced using 1,059 optimal quality, three-dimensional ultrasound brain volumes from 899 of the fetuses and an automated analysis pipeline6–8. The atlas corresponds structurally to published magnetic resonance images9, but with finer anatomical details in deep grey matter. The between-study site variability represented less than 8.0% of the total variance of all brain measures, supporting pooling data from the eight study sites to produce patterns of normative maturation. We have thereby generated an average representation of each cerebral hemisphere between 14 and 31 weeks’ gestation with quantification of intracranial volume variability and growth patterns. Emergent asymmetries were detectable from as early as 14 weeks, with peak asymmetries in regions associated with language development and functional lateralization between 20 and 26 weeks’ gestation. These patterns were validated in 1,487 three-dimensional brain volumes from 1,295 different fetuses in the same cohort. We provide a unique spatiotemporal benchmark of fetal brain maturation from a large cohort with normative postnatal growth and neurodevelopment.
The lipolysis inhibitor acipimox reverses the cardiac phenotype induced by electronic cigarettes
Authors: Espinoza-Derout Jorge , Arambulo Jose Mari Luis , Ramirez-Trillo William , Rivera Juan Carlos , Hasan Kamrul M. , Lao Candice J. , Jordan Maria C. , Shao Xuesi M. , Roos Kenneth P. , Sinha-Hikim Amiya P. , Friedman Theodore C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a prevalent alternative to conventional nicotine cigarettes among smokers and people who have never smoked. Increased concentrations of serum free fatty acids (FFAs) are crucial in generating lipotoxicity. We studied the effects of acipimox, an antilipolytic drug, on e-cigarette-induced cardiac dysfunction. C57BL/6J wild-type mice on high fat diet were treated with saline, e-cigarette with 2.4% nicotine [e-cigarette (2.4%)], and e-cigarette (2.4%) plus acipimox for 12 weeks. Fractional shortening and ejection fraction were diminished in mice exposed to e-cigarettes (2.4%) compared with saline and acipimox-treated mice. Mice exposed to e-cigarette (2.4%) had increased circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and FFAs, which were diminished by acipimox. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that e-cigarette (2.4%)-treated mice had gene expression changes in the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint pathway that was normalized by acipimox. Accordingly, we showed that acipimox suppressed the nuclear localization of phospho-p53 induced by e-cigarette (2.4%). Additionally, e-cigarette (2.4%) increased the apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, a marker of oxidative DNA damage which was normalized by acipimox. Mice exposed to e-cigarette (2.4%) had increased cardiac Heme oxygenase 1 protein levels and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). These markers of oxidative stress were decreased by acipimox. Therefore, inhibiting lipolysis with acipimox normalizes the physiological changes induced by e-cigarettes and the associated increase in inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.
Life cycle assessment of a direct air capture and storage plant in Ireland
Authors: Casaban Daniel , Tsalaporta Elena 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDespite the efforts to transition to a low carbon economy, greenhouse gas emissions are surging to critical levels. Carbon dioxide removals (CDR) methods, such as direct air capture (DAC), have been gaining substantial public attention in the last few years. DAC is essential in curbing CO2 concentrations and achieving climate targets. It is said that DAC can be deployed at anywhere, but a throughout life cycle assessment (LCA) is imperative to prove its viability. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of constructing a 1 $$\text{MT}_{{\text{CO}}_{2}}$$

MT

CO
2

plant in Ireland, using Kinsale and Corrib gas fields as storage points. The results showed that the country is an ideal candidate for scaling up this emerging industry. The efficiency is primarily influenced by the construction of the pipeline section, given a reliable sources of heat and electricity. The study highlights the significant impact of distances to the storage points on feasibility, favouring counties near of the gas fields. In conclusion, Ireland has the potential to establish its own DAC industry.
Single-detector double-beam modulation for high-sensitivity infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Seong-Min , Chang Yow-Ren , Lee Young Jong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBalanced detection based on double beams is widely used to reduce common-mode noises, such as laser intensity fluctuation and irregular wavelength scanning, in absorption spectroscopy. However, employing an additional detector can increase the total system noise due to added non-negligible thermal noise of the detector, particularly with mid-infrared (IR) detectors. Herein, we demonstrate a new optical method based on double-beam modulation (DBM) that uses a single-element detector but keeps the advantage of double-beam balanced detection. The sample and reference path beams were modulated out-of-phase with each other at a high frequency, and their average and difference signals were measured by two lock-in amplifiers and converted into absorbance. DBM was coupled with our previously reported solvent absorption compensation (SAC) method to eliminate the IR absorption contribution of water in aqueous solutions. The DBM-SAC method enabled us to acquire IR absorption spectra of bovine serum albumin solutions down to 0.02 mg/mL. We investigated the noise characteristics of DBM measurements when the wavelength was either fixed or scanned. The results demonstrate that DBM can lower the limit of detection by ten times compared to the non-modulation method.
Evolutionary game theory and simulations based on doctor and patient medical malpractice under government regulation
Authors: Song Lin , Yu Zhenlei , Fang Juntao , He Qiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhysicians-patients are the two crucial participants in medical malpractice. The government, as the central authority responsible for addressing medical malpractices, plays a pivotal role in this matter. Guided by governmental agencies, its regulations, administrative orders, and policies serve as the primary governance mechanisms to address medical malpractice, providing an effective means to balance the doctor-patient relationship and foster social harmony and stable development. A doctor-patient evolutionary game model developed based on the principles of information asymmetry and finite rationality. The study explores the strategic decision-making process of these two players within the context of medical malpractice. Through the manipulation of various parameters, the model's evolutionary equilibrium strategy is demonstrated using Vensim PLE Version 6.4 simulation. The findings reveal that government regulation, patient cognition, and the benefits associated with standardized medical practices are the pivotal factors influencing the doctor-patient evolutionary game system under government regulation. It is possible to mitigate medical malpractice through adjusting relative weights of differing strategic options, adding penalties for unlawful conduct, and normalizing malpractice charges on the basis of physicians' income from standardized practice. To effectively address medical malpractice, proposed measures include adjusting the regulatory framework, reasonably determining the strength of regulations regarding medical practitioners' illegal practices and patient medical malpractice behavior, diversifying regulatory approaches, establishing comprehensive physician–patient management systems for information to resolve medical malpractices.
Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition
Authors: Gou Caiming , Huang Qiulan , Rady Mostafa M. , Wang Linghui , Ihtisham Muhammad , El-awady Hamada H. , Seif Mohamed , Alazizi Esmail M. Y. , Eid Rania S. M. , Yan Kuan , Tahri Walid , Li Jia , Desoky El-Sayed M. , El-Sappah Ahmed H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSilicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m−1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.
Load sharing between synergistic muscles characterized by a ligand-binding approach and elastography
Authors: Grinspan Gustavo A. , Fernandes de Oliveira Liliam , Brandao Maria Clara , Pomi Andrés , Benech Nicolás 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe skeletal muscle contraction is determined by cross-bridge formation between the myosin heads and the actin active sites. When the muscle contracts, it shortens, increasing its longitudinal shear elastic modulus ($${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

). Structurally, skeletal muscle can be considered analogous to the molecular receptors that form receptor–ligand complexes and exhibit specific ligand-binding dynamics. In this context, this work aims to apply elastography and the ligand-binding framework to approach the possible intrinsic mechanisms behind muscle synergism. Based on the short-range stiffness principle and the acoustic–elasticity theory, we define the coefficient $$C$$
C
, which is directly related to the fraction saturation of molecular receptors and links the relative longitudinal deformation of the muscle to its $${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

. We show that such a coefficient can be obtained directly from $${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

estimates, thus calculating it for the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and brachialis muscles during isometric elbow flexion torque (τ) ramps. The resulting $$C\left(\tau \right)$$

C

τ

curves were analyzed by conventional characterization methods of receptor–ligand systems to study the dynamical behavior of each muscle. The results showed that, depending on muscle, $$C\left(\tau \right)$$

C

τ

exhibits typical ligand-binding dynamics during joint torque production. Therefore, the above indicates that these different behaviors describe the longitudinal shortening pattern of each muscle during load sharing. As a plausible interpretation, we suggested that this could be related to the binding kinetics of the cross-bridges during their synergistic action as torque increases. Likewise, it shows that elastography could be useful to assess contractile processes at different scales related to the change in the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle.
Anthropometric profiles and body composition of male runners at different distances
Authors: Stachoń Aleksandra , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Burdukiewicz Anna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAnthropometric parameters are crucial prerequisite to achieve success in professional running sports. However, it is not clear how these parameters are relevant for athletes performing on a less demanding sport level as academic competitions. To help coaches and selectors working on this level, we have explored anthropometric variables and body composition in 68 academic athletes: 26 sprinters, 22 middle distance runners, and 20 long distance runners. Sprinters have a more massive body shape, shorter lower legs in relation to the length of the thigh, broader shoulders and narrower hips, greater musculature and cellular mass. A slender figure, a longer shin, and the greatest subcutaneous fat and extracellular mass characterize long-distance runners. Middle-distance runners are the slimmest, and have a narrow trunk and little subcutaneous fat. Sprinters and long-distance runners are mesomorphic, while middle-distance runners present more mixed mesomorph-ectomorph type. The principal component analysis highlighted the importance of the overall size of the body, limbs musculature and the length of the lower limb together with its segments, and also body fatness. This approach emphasized the morphological distinctiveness of runners at particular distances and allows the use of somatic features as predictors of running performance.