bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of amygdala‐ventral pallidum pathway in depression‐like behaviors in male mice
Authors: Guo Hao , Guo Jintao , Gao Zihang , Luo Fei , Zhang Enming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe basolateral amygdala (BLA) appears to serve an important function in the pathophysiology of depression. Depressive symptoms, such as anhedonia are largely caused by dysfunction in the brain's reward system, in which the ventral pallidum (VP) participates in by controlling dopamine release. However, the role of the BLA‐VP pathway in the development of depression remains poorly understood. To investigate this pathway, we employed the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) mouse model, in which we injected retroAAV expressing GFP‐Cre into the VP and AAV expressing hM4Di‐mCherry into the BLA. We then used CNO to activate the Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) for all behavioral tests. The CUMS procedure resulted in significant depression symptoms such as decreased sucrose preference, limited weight gain, decreased immobile latency, and increased immobile time in the forced swim and tail suspension tests. Inhibition of the BLA‐VP glutamatergic projections reversed these depression‐like behaviors. We found that suppressing the BLA‐VP circuitry had beneficial effects on CUMS‐induced depression‐like behaviors such as anorexia, anhedonia, and despair. Specifically, upon suppression of glutamatergic projections in the BLA‐VP circuitry, these depression‐like behaviors were significantly alleviated, which highlights the vital role of this circuitry in the development of depression. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of suppressing this circuitry seem to be associated with the brain's reward system, warranting further investigation.
Genome‐scale reconstruction of the metabolic network in Streptococcus thermophilus S‐3 and assess urea metabolism
Authors: Hou Chengjie , Song Xin , Xiong Zhiqiang , Wang Guangqiang , Xia Yongjun , Ai Lianzhong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDStreptococcus thermophilus is an important strain widely used in dairy fermentation, with distinct urea metabolism characteristics compared to other lactic acid bacteria. The conversion of urea by S. thermophilus has been shown to affect the flavor and acidification characteristics of milk. Additionally, urea metabolism has been found to significantly increase the number of cells and reduce cell damage under acidic pH conditions, resulting in higher activity. However, the physiological role of urea metabolism in S. thermophilus has not been fully evaluated. A deep understanding of this metabolic feature is of great significance for its production and application. Genome‐scale metabolic network models (GEMs) are effective tools for investigating the metabolic network of organisms using computational biology methods. Constructing an organism‐specific GEM can assist us in comprehending its characteristic metabolism at a systemic level.RESULTSIn the present study, we reconstructed a high‐quality GEM of S. thermophilus S‐3 (iCH492), which contains 492 genes, 608 metabolites and 642 reactions. Growth phenotyping experiments were employed to validate the model both qualitatively and quantitatively, yielding satisfactory predictive accuracy (95.83%), sensitivity (93.33%) and specificity (100%). Subsequently, a systematic evaluation of urea metabolism in S. thermophilus was performed using iCH492. The results showed that urea metabolism reduces intracellular hydrogen ions and creates membrane potential by producing and transporting ammonium ions. This activation of glycolytic fluxes and ATP synthase produces more ATP for biomass synthesis. The regulation of fluxes of reactions involving NAD(P)H by urea metabolism improves redox balance.CONCLUSIONModel iCH492 represents the most comprehensive knowledge‐base of S. thermophilus to date, serving as a potent tool. The evaluation of urea metabolism led to novel insights regarding the role of urease. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Powers of vertex cover ideals of simplicial trees
Authors: Bijender  , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn 2011, Herzog et al. conjectured that if is the cover ideal of a chordal graph, then is componentwise linear for all . In 2022, Hà and Van Tuyl considered objects more general than chordal graphs and posed the following problem: let be the cover ideal of a simplicial tree . Is it true that is componentwise linear for all In this paper, we give an affirmative answer to this problem.
Min–max optimization of node‐targeted attacks in service networks
Authors: Fortz Bernard , Mycek Mariusz , Pióro Michał , Tomaszewski Artur 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article considers resilience of service networks that are composed of service and control nodes to node‐targeted attacks. Two complementary problems of selecting attacked nodes and placing control nodes reflect the interaction between the network operator and the network attacker. This interaction can be analyzed within the framework of game theory. Considering the limited performance of the previously introduced iterative solution algorithms based on non‐compact problem models, new compact integer programming formulations of the node attack optimization problem are proposed, which are based on the notion of pseudo‐components and on a bilevel model. The efficiency of the new formulations is illustrated by the numerical study that uses two reference networks (medium‐size and large‐size), and a wide range of the sizes of attacks and controllers placements.
Synthetic copolymers with natural product side‐chain pendents
Authors: Banerjee Arnab , Nandi Rhituparna , Ghoshal Meghna , Chowdhury Pampa , Khatua Arindam , Bisai Alakesh , De Priyadarsi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDehydroabietic acid is a natural product in the class of rosins. Here we report the design, synthesis and characterization of copolymers containing dehydroabietate side‐chain pendents, derived from homologated dehydroabietic ethyl methacrylate and tert‐butoxy carbonyl (Boc) l‐alanine methacryloyloxyethyl ester with varying comonomer proportions by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The cleavage of Boc groups from the copolymers resulted in water‐soluble copolymers with cationic surface charge. Since proper hydrophobic−hydrophilic balance in a single polymer chain is maintained, the copolymers self‐assembled in aqueous media with a critical aggregation concentration of 2.8–3.0 mg L−1, confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy. 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, SEM and AFM were used to further investigate the aqueous solution self‐assembly of random copolymers. The collective findings from 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering, SEM and AFM clearly revealed the existence of micellar particles in water with alanine units on the surface of the nanoaggregates and homologated dehydroabietate pendents along with the hydrophobic main‐chain backbone in the core. In addition, to get a clear insight into the nanoaggregates' potential for drug encapsulation in aqueous medium, Nile Red was incorporated as a model hydrophobic dye. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
An adaptive modeling for bifacial solar module levelized cost and performance analysis for mining application
Authors: Kumar Bojja Shiva , Kunar B. M. , Murthy Ch. S. N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPower density and efficiency typically dominate design approaches for power electronics. However, cost optimality is in no way guaranteed by these strategies. A design framework that minimizes the (i) levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), (ii) collection of light, and (iii) irradiance of the generation system is proposed as a solution to this flaw. From an improvement of the swarm behavior optimization model to get a minimum LCOE of solar panel, we design to optimize height, tilt angle, azimuth angle, and some parameters to solve the objective function and LCOE improvement problem to obtain the optimal design problem. In adaptive salp swarm optimization (ASSO), this change's proposed model producer swarm behavior is regarded as an adaptive process that keeps the algorithm from prematurely converging during exploration. The proposed algorithm's performance was confirmed using benchmark test functions, and the results were compared with those of the salp swarm optimization (SSO) and other efficient optimization algorithms. LCOE condition as far as “land‐related cost” and “module‐related cost” demonstrates that the optimal design of bifacial farms is determined by the interaction of these parameters. This proposed model can be used to evaluate visibility on building surfaces that are suitable for mining applications like crushing. Experimentation results show Minimum LCOE AS 0.05 (€/Kw)minimum irradiance and collection light as 336.23(w/m2) and 83.02%n proposed framework model. The swarm optimization method is contrasted with the optimal parameters derived from a conventional solver.
Use of double‐stranded RNA targeting β2 divergent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit to control pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum at larval and adult stages
Authors: Ligonniere Sebastien , Raymond Valerie , Goven Delphine 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years, the use of the RNA interference technology (RNAi) has emerged as one of the new strategies for species‐specific control of insect pests. Its specificity depends on the distinctiveness of the target gene sequence for a given species. In this work, we assessed in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (A. pisum) the use of a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) that targets the β2 divergent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit (dsRNA‐β2), which shares low sequence identity with other subunits, to control populations of this pest at different developmental stages. Because nAChRs are targeted by neonicotinoid insecticides such as imidacloprid, we also assessed the effect of dsRNA‐β2 coupled to this insecticide on aphid survival. Finally, because the effect of a control agent on beneficial insect must be considered before any use of new pest management strategies, the acute toxicity of dsRNA‐β2 combined with imidacloprid was evaluated on honeybee Apis mellifera.RESULTSIn this work, we demonstrated that dsRNA‐β2 alone has an insecticidal effect on aphid larvae and adults. Moreover, dsRNA‐β2 and imidacloprid effects on aphid larvae and adults were additive, meaning that dsRNA‐β2 did not alter the efficacy of imidacloprid on these two developmental stages. Also, no obvious acute toxicity on Apis mellifera was reported.CONCLUSIONUsing RNAi that targets β2 divergent nAChR subunit is effective alone or combined with imidacloprid to control A. pisum at larval and adult stages. Because no obvious Apis mellifera mortality has been reported, this RNAi‐based pest management strategy should be considered to control insect pest. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterization of three glutathione S‐transferases potentially associated with adaptation of the wheat blossom midge Sitodiplosis mosellana to host plant defense
Authors: Zhang Guojun , Meng Linqin , Chen Rui , Wang Wen , Jing Xiangfeng , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan , Cheng Weining 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsect glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), a multifunctional protein family, play a crucial role in detoxification of plant defensive compounds. However, they have been rarely investigated in Sitodiplosis mosellana, a destructive pest of wheat worldwide. In this study, we characterized for the first time a delta (SmGSTd1) and two epsilon GST genes (SmGSTe1 and SmGSTe2) and analyzed their expression patterns and functions associated with adaptation to host plant defense in this species.RESULTSExpression of these SmGST genes greatly increased in S. mosellana larvae feeding on resistant wheat varieties Kenong1006, Shanmai139 and Jinmai47 which contain higher tannin and ferulic acid, the major defensive compounds of wheat against this pest, compared with those feeding on susceptible varieties Xinong822, Xinong88 and Xiaoyan22. Their expression was also tissue‐specific, most predominant in larval midgut. Recombinant SmGSTs expressed in Escherichia coli could catalyze the conjugation of 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, with activity peak at pH around 7.0 and temperature between 30 and 40 °C. Notably, they could metabolize tannin and ferulic acid, with the strongest metabolic ability by SmGSTe2 against two compounds, followed by SmGSTd1 on tannin, and SmGSTe1 on ferulic acid.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that these SmGSTs are important in metabolizing wheat defensive chemicals during feeding, which may be related to host plant adaptation of S. mosellana. Our study has provided information for future investigation and development of strategies such as host‐induced gene silencing of insect‐detoxifying genes for managing pest adaptation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Proteomics analysis of an individual formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue section using isobaric‐tag amplification
Authors: Cho Ara , Ahn Jinsung , Kim Andrew , Lee Jeong Hyun , Ryu Han Suk , Kim Kristine M. , Yi Eugene C. 
Published: October 2023

RationaleThe comprehensive analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues is essential for retrospective clinical studies. However, detecting low‐abundance proteins and obtaining proteome‐scale data from FFPE samples pose analytical challenges in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. To overcome this challenge, our study focuses on implementing an isobaric labeling approach to improve the detection of low‐abundance target proteins in FFPE tissues, thereby enhancing the qualitative and quantitative analysis.MethodsWe employed an isobaric labeling approach utilizing synthetic peptides or proteins to enable the qualitative and quantitative measurement of target proteins in FFPE tissue samples. To achieve this, we incorporated tandem mass tag (TMT)‐labeled recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides into TMT‐labeled metastatic breast cancer FFPE tissues. Through this strategy, we successfully detect coexisting CD276 (B7‐H3) and CD147 proteins while identifying over 6000 proteins using targeted analysis of individual FFPE tissue sections.ResultsOur findings provide compelling evidence that the incorporation of isobaric labeling, along with the inclusion of TMT‐labeled peptides or proteins, greatly enhances the detection of target proteins in FFPE tissue samples. By employing this approach, we were able to obtain robust qualitative measurements of CD276 and CD147 proteins, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying more than 6000 proteins in FFPE samples.ConclusionsThe integration of an isobaric labeling approach, in conjunction with synthetic peptides or proteins, presents a valuable strategy for enhancing the detection and validation of target proteins in FFPE tissue analysis. This technique holds immense potential in retrospective clinical studies, as it enables comprehensive analysis of low‐abundance proteins and facilitating proteome‐scale investigations in FFPE samples. By leveraging this methodology, researchers can unlock new insights into disease mechanisms and advance our understanding of complex biological processes.
Revisiting Some Building Blocks of Contemporary Capitalism that Center Selfishness
Authors: Byttebier Koen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOnce the insight is reached that the economic principles on which capitalism is based are by no means laws of nature, but rather mainly the result of value choices that have been made as of the fifteenth to sixteenth century (cf. Chap. 1), a logical step is to subject some of the building blocks of the prevailing, capitalist socio-economic order to an ethical examination.
Heat as a Force of Nature
Authors: Fuchs Hans U. , Corni Federico 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHere on Earth, nature comes to life with the „fire” of the Sun—when the Sun’s light is received, heat is created to which, as Sadi Carnot said, „we must attribute the great movements which attract our attention here on Earth; it is to heat that we owe the agitations of the atmosphere, the rise of clouds, the fall of rain and other meteors, the currents of water which channel the surface of the globe, and of which man has thus far employed but a small portion. Even earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are the result of heat.
Whole-genome sequence and mass spectrometry study of the snow blight fungus Phacidium infestans (Karsten) DSM 5139 growing at freezing temperatures
Authors: Zerouki C. , Chakraborty K. , Kuittinen S. , Pappinen A. , Turunen O. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhacidium infestans (synonym Gremmenia infestans) is a significant pathogen that impacts Pinus species across the northern regions of Europe and Asia. This study introduces the genome sequence of P. infestans Karsten DSM 5139 (Phain), obtained through Pacbio technology. The assembly resulted in 44 contigs, with a total genome size of 36,805,277 bp and a Guanine–Cytosine content of 46.4%. Genome-mining revealed numerous putative biosynthetic gene clusters that code for virulence factors and fungal toxins. The presence of the enzyme pisatin demethylase was indicative of the potential of Phain to detoxify its environment from the terpenoid phytoalexins produced by its host as a defense mechanism. Proteomic analysis revealed the potential survival strategies of Phain under the snow, which included the production of antifreeze proteins, trehalose synthesis enzymes, desaturases, proteins related to elongation of very long-chain fatty acids, and stress protein responses. Study of protein GH11 endoxylanase expressed in Escherichia coli showed an acidic optimum pH (pH 5.0) and a low optimum temperature (45 °C), which is reflective of the living conditions of the fungus. Mass spectrometry analysis of the methanol extract of Phain, incubated at − 3 °C and 22 °C, revealed differences in the produced metabolites. Both genomic and mass spectrometry analyses showed the ability of Phain to adapt its metabolic processes and secretome to freezing temperatures through the production of osmoprotectant and cryoprotectant metabolites. This comprehensive exploration of Phain's genome sequence, proteome, and secretome not only advances our understanding of its unique adaptive mechanisms but also expands the possibilities of biotechnological applications.
Shaping the auditory peripersonal space with motor planning in immersive virtual reality
Authors: Geronazzo Michele , Barumerli Roberto , Cesari Paola 
Published: October 2023

AbstractImmersive audio technologies require personalized binaural synthesis through headphones to provide perceptually plausible virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) simulations. We introduce and apply for the first time in VR contexts the quantitative measure called premotor reaction time (pmRT) for characterizing sonic interactions between humans and the technology through motor planning. In the proposed basic virtual acoustic scenario, listeners are asked to react to a virtual sound approaching from different directions and stopping at different distances within their peripersonal space (PPS). PPS is highly sensitive to embodied and environmentally situated interactions, anticipating the motor system activation for a prompt preparation for action. Since immersive VR applications benefit from spatial interactions, modeling the PPS around the listeners is crucial to reveal individual behaviors and performances. Our methodology centered around the pmRT is able to provide a compact description and approximation of the spatiotemporal PPS processing and boundaries around the head by replicating several well-known neurophysiological phenomena related to PPS, such as auditory asymmetry, front/back calibration and confusion, and ellipsoidal action fields.
High levels of CRBN isoform lacking IMiDs binding domain predicts for a worse response to IMiDs-based upfront therapy in newly diagnosed myeloma patients
Authors: Borsi Enrica , Mazzocchetti Gaia , Dico Angela Flores , Vigliotta Ilaria , Martello Marina , Poletti Andrea , Solli Vincenza , Armuzzi Silvia , Taurisano Barbara , Kanapari Ajsi , Pistis Ignazia , Zamagni Elena , Tacchetti Paola , Pantani Lucia , Mancuso Katia , Rocchi Serena , Rizzello Ilaria , Cavo Michele , Terragna Carolina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the immunoderivative (IMiD) agents have been extensively used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). IMiDs and their newer derivatives CRBN E3 ligase modulator bind the E3 ligase substrate recognition adapter protein cereblon (CRBN), which has been recognized as one of the IMiDs’ direct target proteins, and it is essential for the therapeutic effect of these agents.High expression of CRBN was associated with improved clinical response in patients with MM treated with IMiDs, further confirming that the expression of IMiDs’ direct target protein CRBN is required for the anti-MM activity. CRBN’s central role as a target of IMiDs suggests potential utility as a predictive biomarker of response or resistance to IMiDs therapy. Additionally, the presence of alternatively spliced variants of CRBN in MM cells, especially those lacking the drug-binding domain for IMiDs, raise questions concerning their potential biological function, making difficult the transcript measurement, which leads to inaccurate overestimation of full-length CRBN transcripts. In sight of this, in the present study, we evaluated the CRBN expression, both full-length and spliced isoforms, by using real-time assay data from 87 patients and RNA sequencing data from 50 patients (n = 137 newly diagnosed MM patients), aiming at defining CRBN’s role as a predictive biomarker for response to IMiDs-based induction therapy. We found that the expression level of the spliced isoform tends to be higher in not-responding patients, confirming that the presence of a more CRBN spliced transcript predicts for lack of IMiDs response.