bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis increases lipid content in the NaHCO
3
-tolerant
Chlorella
sp. JB6
Authors: Shang Hongna , Liu Songsong , Xu Chenghui , Liu Shenkui , Liu Hua 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Microalgae are a potential source of biodiesel owing to their simple structure and high biomass and lipid production rates. Here, we demonstrate that fatty acid (FA) contents can be altered in
Chlorella
sp. JB6 in the presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO
3
). We cloned the key genes necessary for FA
de novo
synthesis conserved in JB6, including
biotin carboxyl carrier protein
(
BCCP
),
β-carboxyltransferase
(
β-CT
),
malonyl CoA-ACP malonyl transferase
(
MCMT
),
3-ketoacyl-ACP reductase
(
KAR
),
β-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase I
(
KASI
), and
KASII
, and successfully transferred plasmids carrying these genes into JB6 cells. We found that overexpression of
BCCP
,
MCMT
,
KASI
,
and KASII
inhibited the growth of JB6 cells and decreased their resistance to NaHCO
3
. Notably, ectopic expression of these genes promoted very long-chain saturated FA (>20 C) accumulation. Taken together, we demonstrate that these genes are critical for JB6 growth and resistance to NaHCO
3
and can be used for metabolic engineering.

IMPORTANCE

Fatty acid (FA) contents can be altered in Chlorella JB6 in the presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO
3
). Overexpression of the FA
de novo
synthesis genes inhibited the growth of JB6 cells and decreased their resistance to NaHCO
3
, but these transgenic JB6 strains could grow in a medium containing as high as 300 mM NaHCO
3
. In JB6, ectopic expression of the FA
de novo
synthesis genes increased the synthesis of very long-chain saturated FA (> 20C).
MK-200 Plasma Gun Facility
Authors: Kostyushin V. A. , Poznyak I. M. , Toporkov D. A. , Burmistrov D. A. , Zhuravlev K. V. , Lidzhigoryaev S. D. , Usmanov R. R. , Tsybenko V. Yu. , Nemchinov V. S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Plasma flows with high velocity, density, and energy are widely used in research on the interaction of plasma with materials, modeling of astrophysical processes, development of plasma thrusters and plasma radiation sources, and plasma injection into fusion devices. Electrodynamic plasma guns can be used to generate such flows. This paper describes the design features of a powerful pulsed plasma gun and diagnostic tools for measuring the parameters of the plasma flow generated by it.
Longitudinal Tomography of Ion Bunches in the JINR Superconducting Booster Synchrotron
Authors: Zhabitsky V. M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Methods for processing a digital signal proportional to the longitudinal intensity of ions in bunches during their acceleration in a synchrotron are discussed. Computer tomography is employed to reconstruct the longitudinal 2D ion distribution function in a bunch using data on its longitudinal profiles that depend on the bunch length and the synchrotron motion of particles. Presented are examples of tomographic reconstruction of the longitudinal distribution function of xenon ions in the JINR superconducting booster synchrotron prior to extraction (after acceleration) and on the injection plateau also with the activated electron cooling system.
Performance and ruminal fermentation of second-trimester pregnant beef cows fed short-season high-moisture corn stover or barley greenfeed during winter in western Canada
Authors: Carey R.E. , Lardner H.A. , McAllister T.A. , Penner G.B. 
Published: December 2023

This study evaluated performance and ruminal fermentation for cows fed short-season high-moisture shelled corn stover with corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (COR) or barley greenfeed (BAR) that was either swathed (S-COR; S-BAR; Experiment 1) or baled (B-COR; B-BAR; Experiment 2) as winter-feeding systems. In Experiment 1, cows were randomly assigned to S-COR or S-BAR and fed for 52 days in the fields where crops were grown. Body weight (BW), subcutaneous rib and rump fat, and body condition score (BCS) were measured, with no differences detected between treatments ( P > 0.05). However, S-COR had a lower estimated dry matter intake (DMI) than S-BAR ( P ≤ 0.03). In Experiment 2, cows were assigned to B-COR or B-BAR for 42 days and fed in field paddocks. Cows fed B-COR had less ( P ≤ 0.01) DMI, final BW, rib fat, rump fat, and BCS than B-BAR, with no differences ( P > 0.05) for ruminal pH. Total SCFA concentration was greater ( P ≤ 0.05) on day 21 for B-BAR than B-COR, but not on day 42. Under western Canadian conditions, COR may reduce DMI and the performance of pregnant cows, suggesting that additional preservation and supplementation strategies should be investigated.
Skeletal Manifestations, Bone Pain, and BMD Changes in Albanian Type 1 Gaucher Patients Treated with Taliglucerase Alfa
Authors: Velmishi Virtut , Troja Erjon , Tanka Marjeta , Bali Donjeta , Dervishi Ermira , Tako Afërdita , Kollcaku Laurant , Cullufi Paskal 
Published: December 2023

Gaucher disease is a rare, genetic lysosomal disorder leading to lipid accumulation and dysfunctions in multiple organs. Bone involvement is one of the most prevalent aspects of Gaucher disease. Pain, disability, and reduced quality of life remain the most frequent characteristics of bone involvement in Gaucher patients. Patients and Method. In this study, we will take into consideration data from 24 patients diagnosed with type 1 Gaucher disease. We followed them closely for six years in progress. At baseline, all patients started therapy with taliglucerase alfa at a mean dosage of 45 UI/kg; later, during the study, two of them switched their cure toward velaglucerase alfa. Before baseline evaluations, 12 patients had been treated with imiglucerase at variable duration times. At baseline, we performed an X-ray of long bones and the spine, and each year, different standard assessments were performed, such as bone pain, MRI of the vertebral spine and pelvis, and DEXA for bone density. Four patients left the study for various reasons, two of them at baseline and two others during year 3 (FU3). Results. At baseline, we had 8 children and 16 adults. The average age was 28.7 ± 16.5 SD years. The most frequent skeletal manifestations in our patients were reduction of tibial femoral space (40%), osteonecrosis (36%), and body vertebral reduction (32%). At baseline, 15 patients presented with bone pain to different degrees. Over the years, bone pain in our patients had a gradual improvement. The most dramatic bone pain improvement was seen in a patient who presented bone crises. Another impressive finding was a significant BMD improvement during six years of treatment. Our study showed a significant improvement in BMD comparing FU5 and baseline values (

p

= 0.0007). Especially children demonstrated a significant improvement in BMD (

p

= 0.00061) compared to adults (

p

= 0.3673). Mean BMD change was more indicative in switched patients (

p

= 0.0142) compared to naïve patients (

p

= 0.147). Conclusions. Skeletal manifestations are very different in Gaucher type 1 patients. In our study, as a result of long-term evaluations, it was noticed that the most frequent skeletal manifestation was a reduction of tibiofemoral space. Bone pain has gradually improved in all patients. Also, BMD values have been enhanced over six years of treatment, especially in children.
Cancer Evolution: A Multifaceted Affair
Authors: Ciriello Giovanni , Magnani Luca , Aitken Sarah J. , Akkari Leila , Behjati Sam , Hanahan Douglas , Landau Dan A. , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Lupiáñez Darío G. , Marine Jean-Christophe , Martin-Villalba Ana , Natoli Gioacchino , Obenauf Anna C. , Oricchio Elisa , Scaffidi Paola , Sottoriva Andrea , Swarbrick Alexander , Tonon Giovanni , Vanharanta Sakari , Zuber Johannes 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Cancer cells adapt and survive through the acquisition and selection of molecular modifications. This process defines cancer evolution. Building on a theoretical framework based on heritable genetic changes has provided insights into the mechanisms supporting cancer evolution. However, cancer hallmarks also emerge via heritable nongenetic mechanisms, including epigenetic and chromatin topological changes, and interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Recent findings on tumor evolutionary mechanisms draw a multifaceted picture where heterogeneous forces interact and influence each other while shaping tumor progression. A comprehensive characterization of the cancer evolutionary toolkit is required to improve personalized medicine and biomarker discovery.

Significance:
Tumor evolution is fueled by multiple enabling mechanisms. Importantly, genetic instability, epigenetic reprogramming, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment are neither alternative nor independent evolutionary mechanisms. As demonstrated by findings highlighted in this perspective, experimental and theoretical approaches must account for multiple evolutionary mechanisms and their interactions to ultimately understand, predict, and steer tumor evolution.
p53R245W Mutation Fuels Cancer Initiation and Metastases in NASH-driven Liver Tumorigenesis
Authors: Dibra Denada , Gagea Mihai , Qi Yuan , Chau Gilda P. , Su Xiaoping , Lozano Guillermina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Obesity is a significant global health concern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are common risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are closely associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity and diabetes. The TP53 tumor suppressor is the most frequently mutated gene in liver cancers, with half of these alterations being missense mutations. These mutations produce highly abundant proteins in cancer cells which have both inhibitory effects on wildtype (WT) p53, and gain-of-function (GOF) activities that contribute to tumor progression. A Western diet increases p53 activity in the liver. To elucidate the functional consequences of Trp53 mutations in a NASH-driven liver tumorigenesis model, we generated somatic mouse models with Trp53 deletion or the missense hotspot mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes and placed mice on a high-fat, choline-deficient diet. p53R245W in the presence of diet increased fatty liver, compensatory proliferation in the liver parenchyma, and enriched genes of tumor-promoting pathways such as KRAS signaling, MYC, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition when compared with controls in the premalignant liver. Moreover, p53R245W suppressed transcriptional activity of WT p53 in the liver in vivo under metabolic challenges, and shortened survival and doubling of HCC incidence as compared with control heterozygous mice. Complete loss of Trp53 also significantly accelerated liver tumor incidence and lowered time-to-tumor development compared with WT controls. p53R245W GOF properties increased carcinoma initiation, fueled mixed hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastatic disease. Collectively, our in vivo studies indicate that p53R245W has stronger tumor promoting activities than Trp53 loss in the context of NASH.

Significance:
Using somatic NASH-driven mouse models with p53 deletion or mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes, we discovered that p53R245W increased carcinoma initiation, fueled hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastases.
Event-induced modulation of aperiodic background EEG: Attention-dependent and age-related shifts in E:I balance, and their consequences for behavior
Authors: Kałamała Patrycja , Gyurkovics Máté , Bowie Daniel C. , Clements Grace M. , Low Kathy A. , Dolcos Florin , Fabiani Monica , Gratton Gabriele 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The broadband shape of the EEG spectrum, summarized using the slope of a 1/fx function, is thought to reflect the balance between excitation and inhibition in cortical regions (E:I balance). This balance is an important characteristic of neural circuits and could inform studies of aging, as older adults show a relative deficit in inhibitory activity. Thus far, no studies have leveraged the event-related temporal dynamics of 1/fx activity to better understand the phases of information processing, especially in the context of aging. Here, for the first time, we examined variations of this activity during the foreperiod of a cued flanker task in younger (YA) and older adults (OA), with picture cues varying in task relevance, relative novelty, and valence. We report a biphasic change in the spectral slope after cue presentation, independent of cue-elicited event-related potentials (ERPs), with an initial period of steeper slope (indicating cortical inhibition, similar in YA and OA) followed by a flattening (indicating cortical excitation, especially in OA). The reduction in slope steepness was associated with lower performance and greater congruency costs in the flanker task. Finally, more novel cues reduced the shift towards excitation in OA, partly restoring their E:I balance, and diminishing congruency costs. These findings demonstrate that the broadband shape of the EEG spectrum varies dynamically in a manner that is predictive of subsequent behavior. They also expand our understanding of how neural communication shapes cognition in YA and OA and has implications for neuroscientific models of cognitive processing and age-related cognitive decline.
Reconstructing brain functional networks through identifiability and deep learning
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano , Aktürk Tuba , Yıldırım Ebru , Yerlikaya Deniz , Yener Görsev , Güntekin Bahar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We propose a novel approach for the reconstruction of functional networks representing brain dynamics based on the idea that the coparticipation of two brain regions in a common cognitive task should result in a drop in their identifiability, or in the uniqueness of their dynamics. This identifiability is estimated through the score obtained by deep learning models in supervised classification tasks and therefore requires no a priori assumptions about the nature of such coparticipation. The method is tested on EEG recordings obtained from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients, and matched healthy volunteers, for eyes-open and eyes-closed resting–state conditions, and the resulting functional networks are analysed through standard topological metrics. Both groups of patients are characterised by a reduction in the identifiability of the corresponding EEG signals, and by differences in the patterns that support such identifiability. Resulting functional networks are similar, but not identical to those reconstructed by using a correlation metric. Differences between control subjects and patients can be observed in network metrics like the clustering coefficient and the assortativity in different frequency bands. Differences are also observed between eyes open and closed conditions, especially for Parkinson’s disease patients.
The Tree-Crop Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration Experiment (T-REX): A Science-Based Path for Sustainable Water Management and Climate Resilience
Authors: Bambach Nicolas , Knipper Kyle , McElrone Andrew J. , Nocco Mallika , Torres-Rua Alfonso , Kustas William , Anderson Martha , Castro Sebastian , Edwards Erica , Duran-Gomez Moises , Gal Andrew , Tolentino Peter , Wright Ian , Roby Matthew , Gao Feng , Alfieri Joseph , Prueger John , Hipps Lawrence , Saa Sebastian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Water scarcity threatens agriculture in California. During the last two decades, historically severe droughts have led to severe water shortages. Under projected changes in climate, droughts of greater severity and duration will exacerbate this situation. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds, which require consistent water supplies for irrigation. Almonds are the most commonly grown crop in California, covering nearly 1.4 million acres over about 8,000 farms. In response to these challenges, almond growers are considering a myriad of management strategies to save water and mitigate climate change. The Tree-Crop Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration Experiment (T-REX) aims to identify water and orchard management opportunities to maximize water use efficiency and carbon sequestration in almonds and other woody perennial tree crops. The project combines satellite, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and proximal sensing technologies to retrieve key variables used to model surface fluxes and biophysical properties. We aim to advance our understanding of water management and cultural practices on water–carbon relationships in tree-perennial agroecosystems. Through new methods, such as evapotranspiration-based irrigation scheduling, even a modest 10% decrease in almond orchard irrigation across the state equates to about a third of the water in Lake Oroville, California’s second-largest reservoir, at average levels. From a carbon perspective, almond orchards could sequester 8% of the state’s current greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning toward climate-smart practices. As such, the almond industry is uniquely positioned to curb water use and contribute to climate change mitigation while maintaining economic viability of almond production. An overview of initial results related to evapotranspiration observational and modeling uncertainty and carbon sequestration potential are presented in this article.
Does Trade Openness and Human Capital abate Unemployment? Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Amin Aadil , Tariq Asif , Ahmad Masroor 
Published: December 2023

This study comprehensively investigates the impact of trade openness and human capital on India’s unemployment rate using time-series data from 1990 to 2019. The ARDL bound testing approach was used to determine the long and short-run relationship among the variables. The empirical findings indicate that trade openness and human capital have a negative impact on the unemployment rate in both the long and short run, suggesting that trade openness and human capital have reduced the unemployment rate in India. These results have significant implications for policymakers in crafting policies that promote continuous trade openness and help reduce unemployment in India. To succeed, trade liberalisation must be integrated into a reasonable set of structural and macroeconomic policies, supplemented by complementary policies such as maintaining an adequate inflation rate and macroeconomic stability and nurturing human capital. The study recommends that India should prioritise improving and enhancing efficient schooling and training programs, with a particular focus on career skills for young people. Policymakers can use the study’s findings to guide policy decisions to reduce unemployment and promote trade openness. JEL Codes: E24, F14, F63, C32
An analysis of long-term survival after pneumonectomy for lung cancer: A retrospective study of 20 years
Authors: Ravishankar Ramanish , Hussain Azar , Arif Salman , Khan Tanveer , Gooseman Michael , Tentzeris Vasileios , Cowen Michael , Qadri Syed 
Published: December 2023

Introduction The incidence of pneumonectomy for lung cancer in the UK is continuing to decline in the era of minimally invasive thoracic surgery totalling approximately 3.5% of lung cancer resections annually. Literature is lacking for long-term survival of pneumonectomies. This study updates our previous results. Between 1998 and 2008, 206 patients underwent pneumonectomy compared to 98 patients between 2009 and 2018. Methods From January 1998 until December 2018, 304 patients underwent pneumonectomy. This was a retrospective study; data was analysed for age, gender, laterality, histology and time period. Results Operative mortality was 4.3% overall which was lower than the national average of 5.8%. In the last five years, there were no in-hospital, operative or 30-day mortality. During this period, 90-day mortality was 9.2%. Left-sided pneumonectomies had significantly better overall survival (3.00 vs. 2.03 years; p = 0.0015), squamous cell carcinoma (3.23 vs. 1.54 years; p = 0.00012) as well as those aged less than 70 (2.79 vs. 2.13 years; p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in survival between gender ( p = 0.48). Intervention from 1998 to 2008 had significantly greater survival compared to the latter 10 years (2.68 vs. 2.46 years; p = 0.031). The Cox model shows that laterality, age, histology and time period remain significant with multivariate testing. No patient survived after 16 years. Discussion Our updated retrospective study has built on our previous results by reinforcing the success of pneumonectomies. The incidence of pneumonectomies is likely to decrease with the deployment of nation-wide lung cancer screening in the UK due to earlier detection.
Impact and Sustainability of a Palliative Care Education Module in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Thompson Shelley L. , Lindgren Allison , McDermott Jaime , Barnes Stephanie G. , Tennyson Carolina D. , Granger Bradi 
Published: December 2023

Background Approximately 6.7 million American adults are living with heart failure (HF). Current therapies are geared toward preventing progression and managing symptoms, as there is no cure. Multiple studies have shown the benefit of including palliative care (PC) in patients with HF to improve symptoms and quality of life. Heart failure guidelines recommend the inclusion of PC in therapy, but referrals are often delayed. A previous pilot project demonstrated increased involvement of PC when targeted education was given to patients with HF. Objective Educate patients with HF on PC and examine the impact on PC consults, readmission, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) transfers and evaluate sustainability of the intervention. Methods Patients (n = 124) admitted to an academic hospital with a diagnosis of HF were asked to view an educational module on PC. Patients who completed the module were placed in the intervention group (n = 39). Patients who declined were placed in the usual care group (n = 38). The number of PC consults, re-admissions, mortality, and transfers to the ICU were compared among participants and those who declined. Results were compared to previous pilot project. Results Eleven patients in the intervention group (IG) requested a PC consult vs one in the usual care group (UCG) ( P = .006). There was no statistically significant difference in readmissions, mortality, or ICU transfers between groups. Conclusions This sustainable project again demonstrated education on PC increases utilization of PC but does not statistically impact mortality, re-admissions, or transfers to higher levels of care.