bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastic induces mitochondrial pathway mediated cellular apoptosis in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) via inhibition of the AKT and ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Mai Nhu Thi Quynh , Batjargal Ulziituya , Kim Won-Seok , Kim Ji-Hoon , Park Ji-Won , Kwak Ihn-Sil , Moon Byoung-San 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMicroplastics (MPs) is an escalating aquatic environmental crisis that poses significant threats to marine organisms, especially mussels. Here, we compare the cumulative toxic effects of the two most abundant morphotypes of MPs in the environment, microspheres, and microfibers, on the gill and digestive gland (DG) of Mytilus galloprovincialis in a dose-dependent (1, 10, and 100 mg/L) and time-dependent (1, 4, 7, 14, 21 days exposure) manner. DNA fragmentation assessment through TUNEL assay revealed consistency in the pattern of morphological disturbance degree and cell apoptosis proportions indicated by histopathological analysis. Upon the acute phase of exposure (day 1–4), gill and DG treated with low MPs concentration exhibited preserved morphology and low proportion of TUNEL+ cells. At higher concentrations, spherical and fibrous MP-induced structural impairments and DNA breakage occurred at distinct levels. 100 mg/L microfibers was lethal to all mussels on day 21, indicating the higher toxicity of the fibrous particles. During the chronic phase, both morphological abnormalities degree and DNA fragmentation level increased over time and with increasing concentration, but the differentials between the spherical and fibrous group was gradually reduced, particularly diminished in 10 and 100 mg/L in the last 2 weeks. Furthermore, analysis of transcriptional activities of key genes for apoptosis of 100 mg/L–day 14 groups revealed the upregulation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic induction pathway and increment in gene transcripts involving genotoxic stress and energy metabolism according to MP morphotypes. Overall, microfibers exert higher genotoxic effects on mussel. In response, mussels trigger more intense apoptotic responses together with enhanced energy metabolism to tolerate the adverse effects in a way related to the accumulation of stimuli.
Effect of thickness on the electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films
Authors: Carter Joseph L. , Kelly Catherine A. , Marshall Jean E. , Jenkins Mike J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe lower material and manufacturing costs of conductive polymers, particularly PEDOT:PSS, compared to indium tin oxide have led to significant research into their use in optoelectric devices. In this study, improvements of the electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 via the production of multilayered films were investigated. A single layer of pristine PEDOT:PSS was found to give a sheet resistance of 1639 Ω□–1. The application of an additional three layers reduced this value to 29 Ω□-1, corresponding to an increase in conductivity from 2.6 to 18.3 Scm–1. A similar trend was also found with formulations containing Tween 80. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that the additional layers increased the crystalline order and induced a slight benzoid to quinoid shift. Surface profiling showed progressive increases in surface roughness with each additional layer of pristine PEDOT:PSS; however, this was mitigated by the presence of Tween 80 in the formulations.
T cell migration requires ion and water influx to regulate actin polymerization
Authors: de Boer Leonard L. , Vanes Lesley , Melgrati Serena , Biggs O’May Joshua , Hayward Darryl , Driscoll Paul C. , Day Jason , Griffiths Alexander , Magueta Renata , Morrell Alexander , MacRae James I. , Köchl Robert , Tybulewicz Victor L. J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMigration of T cells is essential for their ability to mount immune responses. Chemokine-induced T cell migration requires WNK1, a kinase that regulates ion influx into the cell. However, it is not known why ion entry is necessary for T cell movement. Here we show that signaling from the chemokine receptor CCR7 leads to activation of WNK1 and its downstream pathway at the leading edge of migrating CD4+T cells, resulting in ion influx and water entry by osmosis. We propose that WNK1-induced water entry is required to swell the membrane at the leading edge, generating space into which actin filaments can polymerize, thereby facilitating forward movement of the cell. Given the broad expression of WNK1 pathway proteins, our study suggests that ion and water influx are likely to be essential for migration in many cell types, including leukocytes and metastatic tumor cells.
Docking for EP4R antagonists active against inflammatory pain
Authors: Gahbauer Stefan , DeLeon Chelsea , Braz Joao M. , Craik Veronica , Kang Hye Jin , Wan Xiaobo , Huang Xi-Ping , Billesbølle Christian B. , Liu Yongfeng , Che Tao , Deshpande Ishan , Jewell Madison , Fink Elissa A. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Moroz Yurii S. , Irwin John J. , Basbaum Allan I. , Roth Bryan L. , Shoichet Brian K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe lipid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediates inflammatory pain by activating G protein-coupled receptors, including the prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4R). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce nociception by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, however, the disruption of upstream prostanoid biosynthesis can lead to pleiotropic effects including gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiac complications. In contrast, by acting downstream, EP4R antagonists may act specifically as anti-inflammatory agents and, to date, no selective EP4R antagonists have been approved for human use. In this work, seeking to diversify EP4R antagonist scaffolds, we computationally dock over 400 million compounds against an EP4R crystal structure and experimentally validate 71 highly ranked, de novo synthesized molecules. Further, we show how structure-based optimization of initial docking hits identifies a potent and selective antagonist with 16 nanomolar potency. Finally, we demonstrate favorable pharmacokinetics for the discovered compound as well as anti-allodynic and anti-inflammatory activity in several preclinical pain models in mice.
Design and structural validation of peptide–drug conjugate ligands of the kappa-opioid receptor
Authors: Muratspahić Edin , Deibler Kristine , Han Jianming , Tomašević Nataša , Jadhav Kirtikumar B. , Olivé-Marti Aina-Leonor , Hochrainer Nadine , Hellinger Roland , Koehbach Johannes , Fay Jonathan F. , Rahman Mohammad Homaidur , Hegazy Lamees , Craven Timothy W. , Varga Balazs R. , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Appourchaux Kevin , Majumdar Susruta , Muttenthaler Markus , Hosseinzadeh Parisa , Craik David J. , Spetea Mariana , Che Tao , Baker David , Gruber Christian W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDespite the increasing number of GPCR structures and recent advances in peptide design, the development of efficient technologies allowing rational design of high-affinity peptide ligands for single GPCRs remains an unmet challenge. Here, we develop a computational approach for designing conjugates of lariat-shaped macrocyclized peptides and a small molecule opioid ligand. We demonstrate its feasibility by discovering chemical scaffolds for the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) with desired pharmacological activities. The designed De Novo Cyclic Peptide (DNCP)-β-naloxamine (NalA) exhibit in vitro potent mixed KOR agonism/mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonism, nanomolar binding affinity, selectivity, and efficacy bias at KOR. Proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy studies demonstrate that DNCP-β-NalA(1) induces a potent KOR-mediated antinociception in male mice. The high-resolution cryo-EM structure (2.6 Å) of the DNCP-β-NalA–KOR–Gi1 complex and molecular dynamics simulations are harnessed to validate the computational design model. This reveals a network of residues in ECL2/3 and TM6/7 controlling the intrinsic efficacy of KOR. In general, our computational de novo platform overcomes extensive lead optimization encountered in ultra-large library docking and virtual small molecule screening campaigns and offers innovation for GPCR ligand discovery. This may drive the development of next-generation therapeutics for medical applications such as pain conditions.
A micro RNA mediates shoot control of root branching
Authors: Sexauer Moritz , Bhasin Hemal , Schön Maria , Roitsch Elena , Wall Caroline , Herzog Ulrike , Markmann Katharina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPlants extract mineral nutrients from the soil, or from interactions with mutualistic soil microbes via their root systems. Adapting root architecture to nutrient availability enables efficient resource utilization, particularly in patchy and dynamic environments. Root growth responses to soil nitrogen levels are shoot-mediated, but the identity of shoot-derived mobile signals regulating root growth responses has remained enigmatic. Here we show that a shoot-derived micro RNA, miR2111, systemically steers lateral root initiation and nitrogen responsiveness through its root target TML (TOO MUCH LOVE) in the legume Lotus japonicus, where miR2111 and TML were previously shown to regulate symbiotic infections with nitrogen fixing bacteria. Intriguingly, systemic control of lateral root initiation by miR2111 and TML/HOLT (HOMOLOGUE OF LEGUME TML) was conserved in the nonsymbiotic ruderal Arabidopsis thaliana, which follows a distinct ecological strategy. Thus, the miR2111-TML/HOLT regulon emerges as an essential, conserved factor in adaptive shoot control of root architecture in dicots.
Dung removal increases under higher dung beetle functional diversity regardless of grazing intensification
Authors: Noriega Jorge Ari , Hortal Joaquín , deCastro-Arrazola Indradatta , Alves-Martins Fernanda , Ortega Jean C. G. , Bini Luis Mauricio , Andrew Nigel R. , Arellano Lucrecia , Beynon Sarah , Davis Adrian L. V. , Favila Mario E. , Floate Kevin D. , Horgan Finbarr G. , Menéndez Rosa , Milotic Tanja , Nervo Beatrice , Palestrini Claudia , Rolando Antonio , Scholtz Clarke H. , Senyüz Yakup , Wassmer Thomas , Ádam Réka , Araújo Cristina de O. , Barragan-Ramírez José Luis , Boros Gergely , Camero-Rubio Edgar , Cruz Melvin , Cuesta Eva , Damborsky Miryam Pieri , Deschodt Christian M. , Rajan Priyadarsanan Dharma , D’hondt Bram , Díaz Rojas Alfonso , Dindar Kemal , Escobar Federico , Espinoza Verónica R. , Ferrer-Paris José Rafael , Gutiérrez Rojas Pablo Enrique , Hemmings Zac , Hernández Benjamín , Hill Sarah J. , Hoffmann Maurice , Jay-Robert Pierre , Lewis Kyle , Lewis Megan , Lozano Cecilia , Marín-Armijos Diego , de Farias Patrícia Menegaz , Murcia-Ordoñez Betselene , Karimbumkara Seena Narayanan , Navarrete-Heredia José Luis , Ortega-Echeverría Candelaria , Pablo-Cea José D. , Perrin William , Pessoa Marcelo Bruno , Radhakrishnan Anu , Rahimi Iraj , Raimundo Amalia Teresa , Ramos Diana Catalina , Rebolledo Ramón E. , Roggero Angela , Sánchez-Mercado Ada , Somay László , Stadler Jutta , Tahmasebi Pejman , Triana Céspedes José Darwin , Santos Ana M. C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDung removal by macrofauna such as dung beetles is an important process for nutrient cycling in pasturelands. Intensification of farming practices generally reduces species and functional diversity of terrestrial invertebrates, which may negatively affect ecosystem services. Here, we investigate the effects of cattle-grazing intensification on dung removal by dung beetles in field experiments replicated in 38 pastures around the world. Within each study site, we measured dung removal in pastures managed with low- and high-intensity regimes to assess between-regime differences in dung beetle diversity and dung removal, whilst also considering climate and regional variations. The impacts of intensification were heterogeneous, either diminishing or increasing dung beetle species richness, functional diversity, and dung removal rates. The effects of beetle diversity on dung removal were more variable across sites than within sites. Dung removal increased with species richness across sites, while functional diversity consistently enhanced dung removal within sites, independently of cattle grazing intensity or climate. Our findings indicate that, despite intensified cattle stocking rates, ecosystem services related to decomposition and nutrient cycling can be maintained when a functionally diverse dung beetle community inhabits the human-modified landscape.
Rare X-linked variants carry predominantly male risk in autism, Tourette syndrome, and ADHD
Authors: Wang Sheng , Wang Belinda , Drury Vanessa , Drake Sam , Sun Nawei , Alkhairo Hasan , Arbelaez Juan , Duhn Clif ,   Tourette International Collaborative Genetics (TIC Genetics), Bromberg Yana , Brown Lawrence W. , Cao Xiaolong , Cheon Keun-Ah , Cheong Kyungun , Choi Hannyung , Coffey Barbara J. , Deng Li , Fremer Carolin , Garcia-Delgar Blanca , Gilbert Donald L. , Glover Danea , Grice Dorothy E. , Hagstrøm Julie , Hedderly Tammy , Heyman Isobel , Hong Hyun Ju , Huyser Chaim , Kim Heejoo , Kim Young Key , Kim Eunjoo , Kim Young-Shin , King Robert A. , Koh Yun-Joo , Kook Sodahm , Kuperman Samuel , Lee Junghan , Leventhal Bennett L. , Madruga-Garrido Marcos , Mingbunjerdsuk Dararat , Mir Pablo , Morer Astrid , Murphy Tara L. , Müller-Vahl Kirsten , Münchau Alexander , Nasello Cara , Oh Dong Hun , Plessen Kerstin J. , Roessner Veit , Shin Eun-Young , Song Dong-Ho , Song Jungeun , Thackray Joshua K. , Visscher Frank , Zinner Samuel H. , Bal Vanessa H. , Langley Kate , Martin Joanna , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Dietrich Andrea , Xing Jinchuan , Heiman Gary A. , Tischfield Jay A. , Fernandez Thomas V. , Owen Michael J. , O’Donovan Michael C. , Thapar Anita , State Matthew W. , Willsey A. Jeremy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette syndrome (TS), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display strong male sex bias, due to a combination of genetic and biological factors, as well as selective ascertainment. While the hemizygous nature of chromosome X (Chr X) in males has long been postulated as a key point of “male vulnerability”, rare genetic variation on this chromosome has not been systematically characterized in large-scale whole exome sequencing studies of “idiopathic” ASD, TS, and ADHD. Here, we take advantage of informative recombinations in simplex ASD families to pinpoint risk-enriched regions on Chr X, within which rare maternally-inherited damaging variants carry substantial risk in males with ASD. We then apply a modified transmission disequilibrium test to 13,052 ASD probands and identify a novel high confidence ASD risk gene at exome-wide significance (MAGEC3). Finally, we observe that rare damaging variants within these risk regions carry similar effect sizes in males with TS or ADHD, further clarifying genetic mechanisms underlying male vulnerability in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders that can be exploited for systematic gene discovery.
Defective oxygen inert phase stabilized high-voltage nickel-rich cathode for high-energy lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dai Zhongsheng , Li Zhujie , Chen Renjie , Wu Feng , Li Li 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPushing layered cathode to higher operating voltage can facilitate the realization of high-energy lithium-ion batteries. However, the released oxygen species initiate materials surface upon highly delithiated states will react severely with electrolyte, accelerating the structure deterioration and triggering the thermal degradation. Here we propose an inert phase of La2Mo2O9 with abundant oxygen vacancies (about 41%) by regulating the annealing temperature to engineer the cathode interface beyond conventional modifications. By employing LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as a model system and extending to higher voltage-operated LiCoO2 and Li-rich cathode, we demonstrate that the introduced lanthanum and molybdenum ions will transfer electrons to enhance the surface oxygen electronegativities, thus served as “oxygen anchor” to alleviate oxygen evolution. Furthermore, the possible released oxygen can be operando captured and reserved by β-phase La2Mo2O9 depositor for the intrinsic high oxygen vacancy formation energy. The reaction involving oxygen species with electrolyte is fundamentally diminished, thus effectively mitigate the structure deterioration and elevate the electrochemical performances, enabling a 1.5-Ah pouch-type full cell to exhibit negligible 6.0% capacity loss after 400 cycles.
Reconciling patterns of long-term topographic growth with coseismic uplift by synchronous duplex thrusting
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Chen Hanlin , Shi Xuhua , Almeida Rafael , Walker Richard , Lin Xiubin , Cheng Xiaogan , Deng Hongdan , Chen Zhuxin , Hu Xiu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHow long-term changes in surface topography relate to coseismic uplift is key to understanding the creation of high elevations along active mountain fronts, and remains hotly debated. Here we investigate this link by modeling the development of growth strata and the folding of river terraces above the Pishan duplex system in the southern Tarim Basin. We show that synchronous duplex thrusting of two neighboring faults with varying slip rates, associated with in-sequence propagation of the Pishan thrust system, is required to explain the presence of opposite-dipping panels of growth strata on the duplex front, and basinward migration of terrace fold crests. Importantly, this process of synchronous thrusting within the duplex reconciles the discrepancy between the deformation of terrace folds at the 10−1–100 million-year timescale and the maximum coseismic uplift of the 2015 Mw 6.4 Pishan earthquake on the frontal thrust. These results suggest that topography mismatch at different time scales can reflect the long-term kinematic evolution of fault systems. Thus, our study highlights the importance of characterizing complex subsurface fault kinematics for studying topographic growth, and motivates rethinking of the mountain building process in worldwide active fold-and-thrust belts, from short-term to long-term timescales.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of sweet tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehder)
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Rengang , Zhou Biao-Feng , Shen Zhao , Chen Xue-Yan , Gao Jie , Wang Baosheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLithocarpus, with >320 species, is the second largest genus of Fagaceae. However, the lack of a reference genome limits the molecular biology and functional study of Lithocarpus species. Here, we report the chromosome-scale genome assembly of sweet tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehder), the first Lithocarpus species to be sequenced to date. Sweet tea has a 952-Mb genome, with a 21.4-Mb contig N50 value and 98.6% complete BUSCO score. In addition, the per-base consensus accuracy and completeness of the genome were estimated at 60.6 and 81.4, respectively. Genome annotation predicted 37,396 protein-coding genes, with repetitive sequences accounting for 64.2% of the genome. The genome did not undergo whole-genome duplication after the gamma (γ) hexaploidy event. Phylogenetic analysis showed that sweet tea diverged from the genus Quercus approximately at 59 million years ago. The high-quality genome assembly and gene annotation resources enrich the genomics of sweet tea, and will facilitate functional genomic studies in sweet tea and other Fagaceae species.
Postfire biodiversity database for eastern Iberia
Authors: Pausas Juli G. , Álvarez-Ruiz Lola , Baz Arturo , Belliure Josabel , Benítez Guille , Ferrer-Gallego P. Pablo , Herrando-Pérez Salvador , Jiménez Joan Nicolau , Laguna Emilio , Mínguez Eduardo , Montagud Sergio , Outerelo Raimundo , Roca Vicente , Santos Xavier , Velázquez de Castro Antonio J. , Viñolas Amador , Cifuentes Julio , Gilgado José D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the summer of 2012, two fires affected Mediterranean ecosystems in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. The size of these fires was at the extreme of the historical variability (megafires). Animals are traditionally assumed to recolonize from source populations outside of the burned area (exogenous regeneration) while plants recover from endogenous regeneration (resprouting and seeding). However, there is increasing evidence of in situ fire survival in animals. To evaluate the effect of large-scale fires on biodiversity and the mechanism of recovery, in 2013, we set up 12 plots per fire, covering burned vegetation at different distances from the fire perimeter and unburned vegetation. In each plot, we followed the postfire recovery of arthropods, reptiles (including some of their parasites), and plants for 2 to 5 years. Here we present the resulting database (POSTDIV) of taxon abundance. POSTDIV totals 19,906 records for 457 arthropod taxa (113,681 individuals), 12 reptile taxa (503 individuals), 4 reptile parasites (234 individuals), and 518 plant taxa (cover-abundance). We provide examples in the R language to query the database.
Synthesis and application of a new antibacterial surfactant from apricot kernel oil
Authors: Soliman Hanaa M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFood emulsifier are mostly prepared from a lipophilic lipid tail with a hydrophilic sugar head. In this study, the lipophilic tail was obtained from apricot kernels, which are food waste, and the hydrophilic head was gluconic acid instead of sugar, in order to draw attention to the non-cyclic poly hydroxyl compounds. Thus, oleic acid of apricot kernel was used as the lipophilic moiety of the prepared surfactant. So, apricot kernel was grinned and dried, oil was extracted using soxhlet apparatus, Physical and chemical parameters and fatty acids composition of the extracted oil had been determined. The extracted oil was then hydrolyzed into glycerol and a mixture of free fatty acids. The fatty acids mixture was separated. Then, oleic acid was extracted individually in pure form using supercritical CO2 extractor, it was then confirmed according to its melting point, Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after esterification, elemental analysis, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H1NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS) to detect the corresponding molecular ion peak. The pure individual oleic acid was converted to hydroxy stearic acid, which was then converted to an amphiphilic compound (surfactant) via esterification reaction with the hydrophilic gluconic acid, and afforded a new surfactant known as 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy-6-((9-((-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoyl) oxy)octadecanoyl) oxy)hexanoic acid or stearyl gluconate for simplification. The structures elucidation of all synthesized compound was established according to elemental analysis and spectral data (Fourier transform infrared IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS). Moreover, the prepared compound was tasted for its antibacterial activity, and showed good activities against some types of bacteria. The surface-active properties, foamability, foaming stability and emulsion stability of stearyl gluconate were studied and compared with the properties of the well-known surfactant sucrose stearate, and it was clear that, the activity of stearyl gluconate as a surfactant was higher than that of sucrose stearate. Moreover, establishment of safety of this compound was performed using albino rats by acute oral toxicity and kidney and liver functions of these mice. On the other hand, the prepared surfactant was used in the production of low fat—free cholesterol mayonnaise as egg replacer. Texture properties and the sensory evaluation of the prepared mayonnaise showed that the properties were improved by using the new prepared surfactant. Thus, the prepared gluconyl stearate can be used as a safe food additive.