bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innate face detectors in the nidopallium of young domestic chicks
Authors: Kobylkov Dmitry , Rosa-Salva Orsola , Zanon Mirko , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoon after birth, naïve animals and newborn babies show spontaneous attraction towards faces and face-like stimuli with three dark features representing eyes and a mouth/beak. While neurons selectively responding to faces have been found in the inferotemporal cortex of adult primates, face-selective domains in the brains of young monkeys seem to develop only later in life after exposure to faces. This has fueled a debate on the role of experience in the development of face-detector mechanisms, since face preferences are well documented in naïve animals, such as domestic chicks reared without exposure to faces. Here we demonstrate that neurons in a cortex-homologue area of one-week-old face-naïve domestic chicks selectively respond to a face-like configuration. Our single-cell recordings show that these face detectors do not respond to alternative configurations or isolated facial features. Moreover, the population activity of face-selective neurons accurately encoded the face-like stimulus as a unique category. Thus, our findings show that face detectors are present in the brains of very young animals without pre-existing experience.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Netrin/Dscam1 Signaling Dictate Axonal Projection Direction inDrosophilaSmall Ventral Lateral Clock Neurons
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wang Yuedong , Liu Xian , Han Junhai , Tian Yao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAxon projection is a spatial and temporal-specific process in which the growth cone receives environmental signals guiding axons to their final destination. However, the mechanisms underlying changes in axonal projection direction without well-defined landmarks remain elusive. Here, we present evidence showcasing the dynamic nature of axonal projections inDrosophila’s small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs). Our findings reveal that these axons undergo an initial vertical projection in the early larval stage, followed by a subsequent transition to a horizontal projection in the early-to-mid third instar larvae. The vertical projection of s-LNv axons correlates with mushroom body calyx expansion, while the s-LNv-expressed Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) interacts with Netrins to regulate the horizontal projection. During a specific temporal window, locally newborn dorsal clock neurons (DNs) secrete Netrins, facilitating the transition of axonal projection direction in s-LNvs. Our study establishes a compellingin vivomodel to probe the mechanisms of axonal projection direction switching in the absence of clear landmarks. These findings underscore the significance of dynamic local microenvironments in the complementary regulation of axonal projection direction transitions.
A Vascular Dissection and Rupture Linked Metabolite Acts Via BLT2 Receptor
Authors: Li Yuyu , Yu Jiaqi , Chen Weiyao , Tan Xin , Xu Xuan , Lin Rui , Wang Xue , Jiang Wenxi , Du Jie , Wang Yuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease that requires effective drug treatment to prevent progression and rupture. Because arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in inflammation and vascular homeostasis, we investigated the roles of arachidonic acid metabolites in TAD pathogenesis and their utility as therapeutic targets.METHODSSerum metabolomics analysis was performed to characterize arachidonic acid metabolites in TAD patients and a TAD mouse model. 12/15-LOX expression was profiled in the aortic tissues of TAD patients and the TAD mouse model. Four-week-old male Alox15 knockout mice (Alox15−/−), 12-HETE-treated mice, ML351 (12/15-LOX inhibitor)-treated mice, and LY255283 (leukotriene B 4 receptor 2 [BLT2] antagonist)-treated mice received β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN, 1 g/kg/day) for 4 weeks to model TAD, then underwent assessment of TAD progression. Interaction of 12-HETE produced by macrophages with BLT2 receptor-expressing cells was detected by molecular docking and immunoblotting.RESULTSSerum levels of 12-HETE and the expression of 12/15-LOX in aortic tissue were significantly increased in TAD patients and BAPN-treated TAD mice. BAPN-induced TAD progression was significantly ameliorated in Alox15-deficient or -suppressed mice. 12-HETE directly interacted with BLT2 receptors on macrophages, activating the downstream NOX-1/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway to induce inflammatory cytokine release. This initiated inflammatory cell recruitment and exacerbated extracellular matrix degradation, leading to phenotype switching in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Additionally, treatment with ML351 and LY255283 significantly reduced the rates of dissection rupture and combined treatment could maximize the curative effect.CONCLUSIONS12-HETE may amplify the inflammatory cascade and trigger aberrant phenotype switching in VSMCs during TAD development. The reduction of circulating 12-HETE or antagonism of its receptor may be new targets for TAD prevention and treatment.Clinical PerspectiveWhat Is New?The expression levels of 12/15-LOX and its metabolite 12-HETE were elevated in TAD patients and TAD mice.Increased levels of 12-HETE directly bind to BLT2 receptors in macrophages, thereby initiating inflammatory cascades that downregulate VSMC differentiation markers through the suppression of IL-6.Deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of 12/15-LOX and suppression of BLT2 mitigated TAD development by alleviating inflammation and VSMC phenotype switching.What Are the Clinical Implications?The inhibition of 12-HETE-related pathways, through mechanisms such as reducing the plasma 12-HETE content or blocking its receptor, may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for TAD.Further studies are needed to explore the diagnostic value of serum 12-HETE as a novel biomarker for TAD.
Oxytocin signaling regulates maternally-directed behavior during early life
Authors: Zelmanoff Daniel , Kaufman Menachem , Dine Julien , Wietek Jonas , Litvin Anna , Abraham Shaked , Cohen Savanna , Yizhar Ofer 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOxytocin is essential in shaping social behavior across the lifespan. While the role of oxytocin signaling in parental care has been widely investigated, little is known about its function in social behavior during early life. This is partly due to the lack of precise technologies for studying the developing brain. Here, we studied the role of oxytocin in pup social behavior under acute separation from and reunion with the mother. We show that the activity of oxytocin neurons was increased by acute maternal separation and returned to baseline after reunion. Behaviorally, maternally-separated pups emitted more ultrasonic vocalizations upon reunion, which were further modulated by nipple attachment behavior. These effects were attenuated by blocking the oxytocin receptor during maternal separation. To investigate the role of oxytocin neurons with higher precision, we established a method for transcranial optogenetic silencing of neuronal activity in untethered and freely behaving pups. Using this approach, we found that silencing of oxytocin neurons during maternal separation disrupted vocal behavior during separation and reunion in a sex-specific manner. Our findings reveal an important role of oxytocin in context-dependent vocal communication in pups, offering new insights into the mechanisms of social behavior during early life.
Functional correlation between WRN and SAMHD1 in end-resection
Authors: Perdichizzi Benedetta , Pichierri Pietro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDouble-strand breaks (DSBs) can cause chromosome rearrangements, leading to cancer and some genetic diseases. WRN and SAMHD1 are proteins implicated in DSB processing and form a complex. Our study shows that SAMHD1 influences the nuclear recruitment of WRN in response to CPT-induced DSBs. Silencing SAMHD1 restores single-stranded DNA formation in WRN-deficient cells. However, DSB accumulation from CPT treatment is not recovered in WRN S1133A or WS cells when SAMHD1 is silenced. This suggests SAMHD1 cooperates with WRN in DNA damage repair and may have additional protective roles when WRN function in DSBs processing is impaired.
Single Transcript Level Atlas of Oxytocin and the Oxytocin Receptor in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Ryu Vitaly , Gumerova Anisa , Pevnev Georgii , Korkmaz Funda , Kannangara Hasni , Cullen Liam , Witztum Ronit , Sims Steven , Frolinger Tal , Moldavski Ofer , Barak Orly , Cao Jay J. , Lizneva Daria , Goosens Ki A. , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTOxytocin (OXT), a primitive nonapeptide known to regulate reproduction and social behaviors, is synthesized primarily in the hypothalamus and is secretedviahypophyseal-portal system of the posterior pituitary gland. Given that pituitary hormones, traditionally thought of as regulators of single targets, display an array of central and peripheral actions, OXT also directly affects bone and body composition. Its effects on bone remodeling are physiologically relevant, as elevated OXT levels during pregnancy and lactation could cause calcium mobilization from the maternal skeleton for intergenerational calcium transfer towards fetal bone growth. There is an equally large body of evidence that has established the presence of OXT receptors (OXTRs) in the brain through which central functions, such as social bonding, and peripheral functions, such as the regulation of body composition, can be exerted. To purposefully address the effects of OXT on the brain, we used RNAscope to map OXT and OXTR expression, at the single transcript level, in the whole mouse brain. Identification of brain nuclei with the highest OXT and OXTR transcript density will shed further light on functional OXT nodes that could be further interrogated experimentally to define new physiologic circuitry.
A fungal metabolic regulator underlies infectious synergism duringCandida albicans-Staphylococcusaureus intra-abdominal co-infection
Authors: Paul Saikat , Todd Olivia A , Eichelberger Kara R , Tkaczyk Christine , Sellman Bret R , Noverr Mairi C , Cassat James E , Fidel Paul L , Peters Brian M 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTCandida albicansandStaphylococcus aureusare two commonly associated pathogens that cause nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. Our prior and current work using a murine model of polymicrobial intra-abdominal infection (IAI) uncovered synergistic lethality that was driven byCandida-induced upregulation of functionalS. aureus⍺-toxin leading to polymicrobial sepsis and organ damage. In order to determine the candidal effector(s) mediating enhanced virulence, an unbiased screen ofC. albicanstranscription factor mutants was undertaken and revealed thatzcf13Δ/Δ failed to drive augmented ⍺-toxin or lethal synergism during co-infection. Using a combination of transcriptional and phenotypic profiling approaches,ZCF13was shown to regulate genes involved in pentose metabolism, includingRBK1andHGT7that contribute to fungal ribose catabolism and uptake, respectively. Subsequent experiments revealed that ribose inhibited the staphylococcalagrquorum sensing system and concomitantly repressed toxicity. Unlike wild-typeC. albicans,zcf13Δ/Δ was unable to effectively utilize ribose during co-culture or co-infection leading to exogenous ribose accumulation andagrrepression. Forced expression ofRBK1andHGT7in thezcf13Δ/Δ mutant fully restored pathogenicity during co-infection. Collectively, our results detail the interwoven complexities of cross-kingdom interactions and highlight how intermicrobial metabolism impacts polymicrobial disease pathogenesis with devastating consequences for the host.
A whole-genome CRISPR screen identifies the spindle accessory checkpoint as a locus of nab-paclitaxel resistance in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Mondal Priya , Alyateem George , Mitchell Allison V. , Gottesman Michael M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer, but resistance to the drugs used remains a major challenge. A genome-wide CRISPR interference and knockout screen in the PANC-1 cell line with the drug nab-paclitaxel has identified a group of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) genes that enhance survival in nab-paclitaxel. Knockdown of these SAC genes (BUB1B, BUB3, and TTK) attenuates paclitaxel-induced cell death. Cells treated with the small molecule inhibitors BAY 1217389 or MPI 0479605, targeting the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK), also enhance survival in paclitaxel. Overexpression of these SAC genes does not affect sensitivity to paclitaxel. These discoveries have helped to elucidate the mechanisms behind paclitaxel cytotoxicity. The outcomes of this investigation may pave the way for a deeper comprehension of the diverse responses of pancreatic cancer to therapies including paclitaxel. Additionally, they could facilitate the formulation of novel treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer.
Scalable and Efficient Generation of Mouse Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells
Authors: Ding Xinbao , Li Liangdao , Gao Jingyi , Yi Dain , Schimenti John C 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrimordial germ cells (PGCs) are the founder cells of the germline. The ability to generate PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent stem cells has advanced our knowledge of gametogenesis and holds promise for developing infertility treatments. However, generating an ample supply of PGCLCs for demanding applications such as high-throughput genetic screens has been a limitation. Here, we demonstrated that simultaneous overexpressing 4 transcriptional factors -Nanogand three PGC master regulatorsPrdm1,Prdm14andTfap2c- in suspended mouse epiblast like cells (EpiLCs) and formative embryonic stem cells (ESCs) results in efficient and cost-effective production of PGCLCs. The overexpression ofNanogenhances the PGC regulatory network and suppresses differentiation of somatic lineages, enabling a significant improvement in the efficiency of PGCLC production. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that differentiated PGCLCs exhibit similarities toin vivoPGCs and are more advanced compared to cytokine-induced PGCLCs. These differentiated PGCLCs could be sustained over prolonged periods of culture and could differentiate into spermatogonia-like cellsin vitro. Importantly, the ability to produce PGCLCs at scale, without using costly cytokines, enables biochemical and functional genomic screens to dissect mechanisms of germ cell development and infertility.
A Major Role of Class III HD-ZIPs in Promoting Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode Syncytium Formation inArabidopsis
Authors: Liu Xunliang , Mitchum Melissa G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCyst nematodes use a stylet to secrete plant CLE-like peptide effector mimics into selected root cells of their host plants to hijack CLE signaling pathways for feeding site (syncytium) formation. Here, we identifiedATHB8, a HD-ZIP III family transcription factor, as a downstream component of the CLE signaling pathway in syncytium formation.ATHB8is expressed in the early stages of syncytium initiation, and then transitions to neighboring cells of the syncytium as it expands; an expression pattern coincident with auxin response at the infection site. Conversely,MIR165a, which expresses in endodermal cells and moves into the vasculature to suppress HD-ZIP III TFs, is down-regulated near the infection site. Knocking down HD-ZIP III TFs by inducible over-expression ofMIR165ainArabidopsisdramatically reduced female development of the sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii). HD-ZIP III TFs are known to function downstream of auxin to promote cellular quiescence and define stem cell organizer cells in vascular patterning. Taken together, our results suggest that HD-ZIP III TFs may function as a connecting point for CLE and auxin signaling pathways in promoting syncytium formation, possibly by inducing root cells into a quiescent status and priming them for initial syncytial cell establishment and/or subsequent cellular incorporation.
Lattice QED in an external magnetic field: Evidence for dynamical chiral symmetry breaking
Authors: Kogut J. B. , Sinclair D. K. 
Published: February 2024

We simulate quantum electrodynamics (QED) in a strong constant homogeneous external magnetic field on a Euclidean space-time lattice using the rational hybrid Monte Carlo method, developed for simulating lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Our primary goal is to measure the chiral condensate in the limit when the input electron mass m is zero. We observe a nonzero value, indicating that the external magnetic field catalyzes chiral symmetry breaking as predicted by approximate truncated Schwinger-Dyson methods. Such behavior is associated with dominance by the lowest Landau level which causes the effective dimensional reduction from 3+1 dimensions to 1+1 dimensions for charged particles (electrons and positrons) where the attractive forces of QED can produce chiral symmetry breaking with a dynamical electron mass and associated chiral condensate. Since our lattice simulations use bare (lattice) parameters, while the Schwinger-Dyson analyses work with renormalized quantities, direct numerical comparison will require renormalization of our lattice results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Correlation function distributions for
O(N)
lattice field theories in the disordered phase
Authors: Yunus Cagin , Detmold William 
Published: February 2024

Numerical computations in strongly interacting quantum field theories are often performed using Monte Carlo sampling methods. A key task in these calculations is to estimate the value of a given physical quantity from the distribution of stochastic samples that are generated using the Monte Carlo method. Typically, the sample mean and sample variance are used to define the expectation values and uncertainties of computed quantities. However, the Monte Carlo sample distribution contains more information than these basic properties, and it is useful to investigate it more generally. In this work, the exact form of the probability distributions of two-point correlation functions at zero momentum in O(N) lattice field theories in the disordered phase and in infinite volume are determined. These distributions allow for a robust investigation of the efficacy of the Monte Carlo sampling procedure and are shown also to allow for improved estimators of the target physical quantity to be constructed. The theoretical expectations are shown to agree with numerical calculations in the O(2) model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring users’ adoption intention of virtual try-on apps: how users’ individual characteristics affect post-use feelings
Authors: Hua Wen , Liu Yidong , Zhang Zongdeng , Li Meng , Yu Xiaofan 
Published: February 2024

PurposeTo gain a deeper understanding of the determinants impacting the intention of Chinese young consumers to utilize virtual try-on apps (VTOs), this study adopts a modified version of the electronic technology acceptance model (e-TAM). The primary objective is to investigate how consumers' characteristics influence their post-use feelings, subsequently affecting their attitude towards VTOs and their intention to use them. Additionally, this research aims to explore potential gender differences within this process.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a sample of 243 college students from a university in China was recruited to participate in on-site software use. A total of 227 valid questionnaires were collected and used for data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to empirically evaluate the data and test the research hypotheses. Additionally, multiple group comparisons were conducted based on gender to examine potential differences in the acceptance process.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal a significant association between users' individual characteristics and post-use feelings. Moreover, there are notable differences between male and female students in terms of their perceptions of innovativeness, knowledge and understanding regarding post-use feelings. Notably, four variables within post-use feelings, except for perceived compatibility, are found to be predictive of attitude towards VTOs. Additionally, it is observed that attitude towards VTOs directly influences users' intention to utilize them.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the research on consumers' intention to use VTOs by examining the antecedents of post-use feelings, specifically four consumers’ individual characteristics. The findings of this study offer managerial insights for professionals to formulate marketing positioning and communication strategies.
Tussle of identities: Indian women engineers on work–family conflict
Authors: Purang Pooja , Dutta Archita , Biwalkar Sailee 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aims to focus on understanding the work–family conflict of Indian women engineers through the lens of identity conflict.

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 Indian women engineers working in India and abroad of varying ages and work experience helped in understanding the types, sources and coping decisions about work–family conflicts experienced by them. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the qualitative data.

Findings
The findings reveal that as women engineers negotiate their “engineering” and “woman” identities, work–family conflict manifests as a battle of time and responsibilities, psychological strain and behaviour-based conflict. Furthermore, self-expectations and negative social sanctions play an important role in augmenting the experiences of these conflicts. The results also reveal how women re-strategize their career decisions to conciliate their conflicting identities.

Originality/value
This study furthers the literature on resolving work–family conflict by taking an identity perspective. Recommendations in literature such as work flexibility and part-time work, place the onus on women to increase their capacities to perform different roles better. Examining work–family conflict from an identity perspective allows us to look at the psychological processes underlying the challenges women face in balancing work and home in a male-dominated profession. These give insights into the need to go beyond accommodations in the workplace to redefine gender roles and relations for equal participation of women in the modern workforce.