bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges and possible conservation implications of recolonizing dholes Cuon alpinus in Nepal
Authors: Ghimirey Yadav , Acharya Raju , Yadav Kaushal , Rai Jeevan , Baral Rishi , Neupane Utsav , Basnet Binod , Gilbert Martin , Poudel Shashank , van Rensburg Berndt J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Endangered dhole Cuon alpinus is a medium-sized canid that was historically distributed widely across East, Central, South and Southeast Asia. In Nepal, following heavy persecution during the 1970s and 1980s, the species was locally extirpated across large parts of the country. After decades of near absence, the dhole is reportedly showing signs of recovery in various areas of Nepal. We carried out three surveys using camera traps (resulting in a total of 6,550 camera-trap days), reviewed literature and interviewed herders and conservation practitioners (40 interviews) to determine the historical and current distribution of dholes in the country, and the species’ current status. Our camera traps recorded five images of dholes, and the literature review and interview survey provided further insights into the historical and current presence of dholes in Nepal. The combined findings suggest dholes have recolonized many areas where they had been locally extirpated, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area in central Nepal and the Tinjure–Milke–Jaljale forests in the eastern part of the country. Although these returns are encouraging, challenges remain for dhole recolonization, including conflict with livestock herders, human hunting of wild ungulates affecting the species’ prey base, increasing infrastructure development in forested areas, and diseases.
Dislodging the compulsory dispute settlement mechanism: Analysis of Article 281 of UNCLOS
Authors: Kunoy Bjørn 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArticle 281 of UNCLOS allows states parties to a dispute to set aside the compulsory dispute resolution procedures under Section 2 of Part XV. This article discusses the recent jurisprudence that appears in the interpretations of Article 281. It discusses in turn whether, first, Article 281 provides requirements for agreements under Article 281(1) to activate the opt-out procedure from the compulsory dispute settlement mechanism; second, whether such agreements under Article 281(1) must include an explicit exclusion from the procedures under Section 2 of Part XV of UNCLOS; and, finally, whether agreements under Article 281(1) must include a compulsory dispute settlement procedure allowing binding decisions. It is concluded that Article 281 is not designed for compulsory dispute settlement procedures, which is the object and purpose of Article 282. Instead, Article 281 opts for consensual dispute settlement mechanisms which, under certain circumstances, may set aside the compulsory dispute settlement mechanism in Section 2 of Part XV.
Long noncoding RNA DLEU2 and ROR1 pathway induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells in breast cancer
Authors: Islam Syed S. , Al-Tweigeri Taher , Al-Harbi Layla , Ujjahan Shafat , Al-Mozaini Maha , Tulbah Asma , Aboussekhra Abdelilah 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) patient who receives chemotherapy for an extended length of time may experience profound repercussions in terms of metastases and clinical outcomes due to the involvement of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism and enriched cancer stem cells (CSCs). BC cells that express high levels of lncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukemia-2 (lncRNA DLEU2) and type I tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor ROR1 (ROR1) may play roles in the enhanced ability of the activation EMT and CSC induction. Here we find that lncRNA DLEU2 and ROR1 are specifically upregulated in tumor tissues compared to their normal counterparts in TCGA, PubMed GEO datasets, and samples from archived breast cancer tumor tissues. Following chemotherapy, lncRNA DLEU2 and ROR1 were enhanced in BC tumor cells, coupled with the expression of CSCs, EMT-related genes, and BMI1. Mechanistically, ROR1 and lncRNA DLEU2 overexpression led to enhanced tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, cell-cycle dysregulation, chemoresistance, as well as BC cell’s abilities to invade, migrate, develop spheroids. These findings imply that the role of lncRNA DLEU2 and ROR1 in BC therapeutic failure is largely attributed to EMT, which is intricately linked to enriched CSCs. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a lncRNA DLEU2 and ROR1-based regulatory loop governs EMT and CSC self-renewal, implying that targeting this regulatory pathway may improve patients’ responses to chemotherapy and survival.
Light-responsive MXenegel via interfacial host-guest supramolecular bridging
Authors: Lin Yu-Liang , Zheng Sheng , Chang Chun-Chi , Lee Lin-Ruei , Chen Jiun-Tai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLiving in the global-changing era, intelligent and eco-friendly electronic components that can sense the environment and recycle or reprogram when needed are essential for sustainable development. Compared with solid-state electronics, composite hydrogels with multi-functionalities are promising candidates. By bridging the self-assembly of azobenzene-containing supramolecular complexes and MXene nanosheets, we fabricate a MXene-based composite gel, namely MXenegel, with reversible photo-modulated phase behavior. The MXenegel can undergo reversible liquefication and solidification under UV and visible light irradiations, respectively, while maintaining its conductive nature unchanged, which can be integrated into traditional solid-state circuits. The strategy presented in this work provides an example of light-responsive conducting material via supramolecular bridging and demonstrates an exciting platform for functional soft electronics.
Phase transition and electrical conversion properties of Ge/Sb nano-multilayer films on flexible substrates
Authors: Wang Cheng , Hu Yifeng , Li Li 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFlexible information memory is the key component of flexible electronic devices and the core of intelligent wearable devices. In this paper, Ge/Sb multilayer phase change films of various thickness ratios were prepared using polyether ether ketone as substrate, and their flexible phase change properties and device conversion characteristics were studied. After bending for 100000 times and bending experiments with different bending radius, the film can still realize the transition from amorphous to crystalline states, and the resistance fluctuation was small. Bending, stretching and pressing of the film resulted in grain refinement and increasing of crystalline resistance. The flexible electronic devices using Ge/Sb multilayer films were prepared. The phase change memory device can realize reversible conversion between SET and RESET states with different pulse widths in flat, bent states and after bending many times. All findings show that Ge/Sb multilayer films on PEEK substrate have broad application prospects in high-performance flexible memory in the future.
The ecology, subsistence and diet of ~45,000-year-old Homo sapiens at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany
Authors: Smith Geoff M. , Ruebens Karen , Zavala Elena Irene , Sinet-Mathiot Virginie , Fewlass Helen , Pederzani Sarah , Jaouen Klervia , Mylopotamitaki Dorothea , Britton Kate , Rougier Hélène , Stahlschmidt Mareike , Meyer Matthias , Meller Harald , Dietl Holger , Orschiedt Jörg , Krause Johannes , Schüler Tim , McPherron Shannon P. , Weiss Marcel , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Welker Frido 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRecent excavations at Ranis (Germany) identified an early dispersal of Homo sapiens into the higher latitudes of Europe by 45,000 years ago. Here we integrate results from zooarchaeology, palaeoproteomics, sediment DNA and stable isotopes to characterize the ecology, subsistence and diet of these early H. sapiens. We assessed all bone remains (n = 1,754) from the 2016–2022 excavations through morphology (n = 1,218) or palaeoproteomics (zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (n = 536) and species by proteome investigation (n = 212)). Dominant taxa include reindeer, cave bear, woolly rhinoceros and horse, indicating cold climatic conditions. Numerous carnivore modifications, alongside sparse cut-marked and burnt bones, illustrate a predominant use of the site by hibernating cave bears and denning hyaenas, coupled with a fluctuating human presence. Faunal diversity and high carnivore input were further supported by ancient mammalian DNA recovered from 26 sediment samples. Bulk collagen carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data from 52 animal and 10 human remains confirm a cold steppe/tundra setting and indicate a homogenous human diet based on large terrestrial mammals. This lower-density archaeological signature matches other Lincombian–Ranisian–Jerzmanowician sites and is best explained by expedient visits of short duration by small, mobile groups of pioneer H. sapiens.
SHR and SCR coordinate root patterning and growth early in the cell cycle
Authors: Winter Cara M. , Szekely Pablo , Popov Vladimir , Belcher Heather , Carter Raina , Jones Matthew , Fraser Scott E. , Truong Thai V. , Benfey Philip N. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPrecise control of cell division is essential for proper patterning and growth during the development of multicellular organisms. Coordination of formative divisions that generate new tissue patterns with proliferative divisions that promote growth is poorly understood. SHORTROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR) are transcription factors that are required for formative divisions in the stem cell niche of Arabidopsis roots1,2. Here we show that levels of SHR and SCR early in the cell cycle determine the orientation of the division plane, resulting in either formative or proliferative cell division. We used 4D quantitative, long-term and frequent (every 15 min for up to 48 h) light sheet and confocal microscopy to probe the dynamics of SHR and SCR in tandem within single cells of living roots. Directly controlling their dynamics with an SHR induction system enabled us to challenge an existing bistable model3 of the SHR–SCR gene-regulatory network and to identify key features that are essential for rescue of formative divisions in shr mutants. SHR and SCR kinetics do not align with the expected behaviour of a bistable system, and only low transient levels, present early in the cell cycle, are required for formative divisions. These results reveal an uncharacterized mechanism by which developmental regulators directly coordinate patterning and growth.
An epigenetic barrier sets the timing of human neuronal maturation
Authors: Ciceri Gabriele , Baggiolini Arianna , Cho Hyein S. , Kshirsagar Meghana , Benito-Kwiecinski Silvia , Walsh Ryan M. , Aromolaran Kelly A. , Gonzalez-Hernandez Alberto J. , Munguba Hermany , Koo So Yeon , Xu Nan , Sevilla Kaylin J. , Goldstein Peter A. , Levitz Joshua , Leslie Christina S. , Koche Richard P. , Studer Lorenz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe pace of human brain development is highly protracted compared with most other species1–7. The maturation of cortical neurons is particularly slow, taking months to years to develop adult functions3–5. Remarkably, such protracted timing is retained in cortical neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) during in vitro differentiation or upon transplantation into the mouse brain4,8,9. Those findings suggest the presence of a cell-intrinsic clock setting the pace of neuronal maturation, although the molecular nature of this clock remains unknown. Here we identify an epigenetic developmental programme that sets the timing of human neuronal maturation. First, we developed a hPSC-based approach to synchronize the birth of cortical neurons in vitro which enabled us to define an atlas of morphological, functional and molecular maturation. We observed a slow unfolding of maturation programmes, limited by the retention of specific epigenetic factors. Loss of function of several of those factors in cortical neurons enables precocious maturation. Transient inhibition of EZH2, EHMT1 and EHMT2 or DOT1L, at progenitor stage primes newly born neurons to rapidly acquire mature properties upon differentiation. Thus our findings reveal that the rate at which human neurons mature is set well before neurogenesis through the establishment of an epigenetic barrier in progenitor cells. Mechanistically, this barrier holds transcriptional maturation programmes in a poised state that is gradually released to ensure the prolonged timeline of human cortical neuron maturation.
Real-world implementation of a multilevel interventions program to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV in China
Authors: Yin Xueru , Wang Wei , Chen Hui , Mao Qing , Han Guorong , Yao Lyufeng , Gao Qingwei , Gao Yunfei , Jin Jie , Sun Tong , Qi Minghua , Zhang Hua , Li Baijun , Duan Chongyang , Cui Fuqiang , Tang Weiming , Chan Polin , Liu Zhihua , Hou Jinlin ,   SHIELD Study Group
Published: January 2024

AbstractReducing hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a fundamental step toward the HBV elimination goal. The multicentred, multilevel SHIELD program aimed to use an intense intervention package to reduce HBV MTCT in China. This study was conducted in diverse health settings across China, encompassing 30,109 pregnant women from 178 hospitals, part of the interim analysis of stage II of the SHIELD program, and 8,642 pregnant women from 160 community-level health facilities in stage III of the SHIELD program. The study found that the overall MTCT rate was 0.23% (39 of 16,908; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16–0.32%) in stage II and 0.23% (12 of 5,290; 95% CI: 0.12–0.40%) in stage III. The MTCT rate was lower among participants who were compliant with the interventions (stage II: 0.16% (95% CI: 0.10–0.26%); stage III: 0.03% (95% CI: 0.00–0.19%)) than among those who were noncompliant (3.16% (95% CI: 1.94–4.85%); 1.91% (95% CI: 0.83–3.73%); P < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate that the comprehensive interventions among HBV-infected pregnant women were feasible and effective in dramatically reducing MTCT.
Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of the yellow grouper, Epinephelus awoara
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Yang Yang , Hua Sijie , Ruan Qingxin , Li Duo , Wang Le , Wang Xi , Wen Xin , Liu Xiaochun , Meng Zining 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEpinephelus awoara, as known as yellow grouper, is a significant economic marine fish that has been bred artificially in China. However, the genetic structure and evolutionary history of yellow grouper remains largely unknown. Here, this work presents the high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of yellow grouper using PacBio single molecule sequencing technique (SMRT) and High-through chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies. The 984.48 Mb chromosome-level genome of yellow grouper was assembled, with a contig N50 length of 39.77 Mb and scaffold N50 length of 41.39 Mb. Approximately 99.76% of assembled sequences were anchored into 24 pseudo-chromosomes with the assistance of Hi-C reads. Furthermore, approximately 41.17% of the genome was composed of repetitive elements. In total, 24,541 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 22,509 (91.72%) genes were functionally annotated. The highly accurate, chromosome-level reference genome assembly and annotation are crucial to the understanding of population genetic structure, adaptive evolution and speciation of the yellow grouper.
Enhancing apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity of evodiamine through protein-based nanoparticles in breast cancer cells
Authors: Solanki Raghu , Rajput Pradeep Kumar , Jodha Bhavana , Yadav Umesh C. S. , Patel Sunita 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the cutting-edge era of developing precision therapeutics, nanoparticles have emerged as a potent drug delivery system. Altering the size of poorly water-soluble drugs to nanoscale could confer change in their physical properties, including enhanced water solubility and bioavailability. Evodiamine (EVO), a natural indolequinone alkaloid extract from Evodia rutaecarpa, has shown several important pharmacological applications, anti-cancer being one of them. Protein-based nano-drug delivery systems have gained the interest of researchers due to their better biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity and non-toxicity. In the present study, EVO encapsulated BSA nanoparticles (ENPs) were synthesized and characterized, which were nanoscale-sized (~ 150 nm), monodispersed, spherical shaped, and showed high entrapment efficiency (~ 86%) and controlled drug release. The in-vitro anti-cancer activity of ENPs on human breast cancer cells was dose- and time-dependent. The apoptotic molecular mechanism investigated using FACS, qRT-PCR, and western blotting analysis, revealed increased expression of p53 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Biological studies demonstrated comparatively more efficient and targeted delivery of ENPs than pure EVO. The comprehensive physiochemical characterization and in-vitro validation collectively pinpoint ENPs as a promising avenue for harnessing the therapeutic potential of the natural anti-cancer compound EVO. The findings indicate improved cytotoxicity, positioning ENPs as a propitious strategy for advancing breast cancer treatment.
Discovery of ex situ individuals of Andrias sligoi, an extremely endangered species and one of the largest amphibians worldwide
Authors: Nishikawa Kanto , Matsui Masafumi , Yoshikawa Natsuhiko , Tominaga Atsushi , Eto Koshiro , Fukuyama Ibuki , Fukutani Kazumi , Matsubara Kohei , Hattori Yasunari , Iwato Shohei , Sato Tsukasa , Shimizu Zenkichi , Onuma Hirokazu , Hara Sotaro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe South China giant salamander, Andrias sligoi, is one of the largest extant amphibian species worldwide. It was recently distinguished from another Chinese species, the Chinese giant salamander, Andrias davidianus, which is considered Critically Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It appears too late to save this extremely rare and large amphibian in situ. Another extant species of the same genus, Andrias japonicus, inhabits Japan. However, the introduction of Chinese giant salamanders into some areas of Japan has resulted in hybridization between the Japanese and Chinese species. During our genetic screening of giant salamanders in Japan, we unexpectedly discovered four individuals of the South China giant salamander: two were adult males in captivity, and one had recently died. The last individual was a preserved specimen. In this study, we report these extremely rare individuals of A. sligoi in Japan and discuss the taxonomic and conservational implications of these introduced individuals.
Tuning enhanced dielectric properties of (Sc3+–Ta5+) substituted TiO2 via insulating surface layers
Authors: Tuichai Wattana , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk , Danwittayakul Supamas , Thongbai Prasit 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, we achieved significantly enhanced giant dielectric properties (EG-DPs) in Sc3+–Ta5+ co-doped rutile-TiO2 (STTO) ceramics with a low loss tangent (tanδ ≈ 0.05) and high dielectric permittivity (ε′ ≈ 2.4 × 104 at 1 kHz). We focused on investigating the influence of insulating surface layers on the nonlinear electrical properties and the giant dielectric response. Our experimental observations revealed that these properties are not directly correlated with the grain size of the ceramics. Furthermore, first-principles calculations indicated the preferred formation of complex defects, specifically 2Ta diamond and 2ScVo triangular-shaped complexes, within the rutile structure of STTO; however, these too showed no correlation. Consequently, the non-Ohmic properties and EG-DPs of STTO ceramics cannot be predominantly attributed to the grain boundary barrier layer capacitor model or to electron-pinned defect-dipole effects. We also found that the semiconducting grains in STTO ceramics primarily arise from Ta5+, while Sc3+ plays a crucial role in forming a highly resistive outer surface layer. Notably, a significant impact of grain boundary resistance on the nonlinear electrical properties was observed only at lower co-dopant concentrations in STTO ceramics (1 at%). The combination of low tanδ values and high ε′ in these ceramics is primarily associated with a highly resistive, thin outer-surface layer, which substantially influences their non-Ohmic characteristics.
Structural vulnerability in EPCR suggests functional modulation
Authors: Erausquin Elena , Rodríguez-Fernández Adela , Rodríguez-Lumbreras Luis Ángel , Fernández-Recio Juan , Dichiara-Rodríguez María Gilda , López-Sagaseta Jacinto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is a fundamental component of the vascular system in mammals due to its contribution in maintaining blood in a non-prothrombotic state, which is crucial for overall life development. It accomplishes this by enhancing the conversion of protein C (PC) into the anticoagulant activated protein C (APC), with this property being dependent on a known EPCR conformation that enables direct interaction with PC/APC. In this study, we report a previously unidentified conformation of EPCR whereby Tyr154, critical for PC/APC binding, shows a striking non-canonical configuration. This unconventional form is incompatible with PC/APC binding, and reveals, for the first time, a region of structural vulnerability and potential modulation in EPCR. The identification of this malleability enhances our understanding of this receptor, prompting inquiries into the interplay between its plasticity and function, as well as its significance within the broader framework of EPCR's biology, which extends to immune conditions.
HNF4A guides the MLL4 complex to establish and maintain H3K4me1 at gene regulatory elements
Authors: Thakur Avinash , Park Kwangjin , Cullum Rebecca , Fuglerud Bettina M. , Khoshnoodi Mina , Drissler Sibyl , Stephan Tabea L. , Lotto Jeremy , Kim Donghwan , Gonzalez Frank J. , Hoodless Pamela A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A/NR2a1), a transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte identity, controls genes that are crucial for liver functions, primarily through binding to enhancers. In mammalian cells, active and primed enhancers are marked by monomethylation of histone 3 (H3) at lysine 4 (K4) (H3K4me1) in a cell type-specific manner. How this modification is established and maintained at enhancers in connection with transcription factors (TFs) remains unknown. Using analysis of genome-wide histone modifications, TF binding, chromatin accessibility and gene expression, we show that HNF4A is essential for an active chromatin state. Using HNF4A loss and gain of function experiments in vivo and in cell lines in vitro, we show that HNF4A affects H3K4me1, H3K27ac and chromatin accessibility, highlighting its contribution to the establishment and maintenance of a transcriptionally permissive epigenetic state. Mechanistically, HNF4A interacts with the mixed-lineage leukaemia 4 (MLL4) complex facilitating recruitment to HNF4A-bound regions. Our findings indicate that HNF4A enriches H3K4me1, H3K27ac and establishes chromatin opening at transcriptional regulatory regions.