bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization and comparative analysis of gene repression-mediating domains interacting with yeast pleiotropic corepressors Sin3, Cyc8 and Tup1
Authors: Lettow Julia , Kliewe Felix , Aref Rasha , Schüller Hans-Joachim 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTranscriptional corepressors Sin3, Cyc8 and Tup1 are important for downregulation of gene expression by recruiting various histone deacetylases once they gain access to defined genomic locations by interaction with pathway-specific repressor proteins. In this work we systematically investigated whether 17 yeast repressor proteins (Cti6, Dal80, Fkh1, Gal80, Mig1, Mot3, Nrg1, Opi1, Rdr1, Rox1, Sko1, Ume6, Ure2, Xbp1, Yhp1, Yox1 and Whi5) representing several unrelated regulatory pathways are able to bind to Sin3, Cyc8 and Tup1. Our results show that paired amphipathic helices 1 and 2 (PAH1 and PAH2) of Sin3 are functionally redundant for some regulatory pathways. WD40 domains of Tup1 proved to be sufficient for interaction with repressor proteins. Using length variants of selected repressors, we mapped corepressor interaction domains (CIDs) in vitro and assayed gene repression in vivo. Systematic comparison of CID minimal sequences allowed us to define several related positional patterns of hydrophobic amino acids some of which could be confirmed as functionally supported by site-directed mutagenesis. Although structural predictions indicated that certain CIDs may be α-helical, most repression domains appear to be randomly structured and must be considered as intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) adopting a defined conformation only by interaction with a corepressor.
Assessment of the perception of vertical subjectivity in children born preterm
Authors: Riera-Tur Laura , Lubián-Gutiérrez Manuel , Benavente-Fernández Isabel , Lubián-López Simón , Martín-Mateos Antonio J. , Lechuga-Sancho Alfonso M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractChildren born preterm have increased rates of paediatric mortality and morbidity. Prematurity has been associated with impaired visual perception and visuo-motor integration. The alteration of the perception of verticality translates into alterations of the vestibular system at central and/or peripheral level, which may manifest itself in symptoms such as imbalance, dizziness or even vertigo. The aim of this study was to compare subjective visual vertical (SVV) test scores in children born preterm with those of children born at term at ages between 7 and 10. One hundred ten children with no neurodevelopmental disorder of 7 to 10 years of age were studied using a mobile application on a smartphone attached to a wall by means of a rotating plate. The SVV test was compared between two groups: a group of 55 preterm children (53 very preterm children born under 32 weeks of gestational age and 2 preterm with very low birth weight) and another group of 55 children born at term (after 37 weeks of gestational age). The SVV results were analysed for comparison with respect to prematurity, sex and age. We found no significant differences in the SVV study in the comparison between preterm and term children. In addition, no significant differences were observed regarding sex or age between 7 and 10 years. Conclusion: We found no alterations in the perception of vertical subjectivity in children between 7 and 10 years of age, with antecedents of very preterm birth and/or very low birth weight.

What is Known:

• The different studies published so far suggest the existence of balance disorders in premature children, although in most of these studies the children are examined at an age when the vestibular system is not mature and with non-specific tests for the study of the vestibular system.

What is New:

• We compared the results of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test in a group of 55 preterm children (53 very preterm children born under 32 weeks of gestational age and 2 preterm with very low weight at birth) and in a group of 55 children born at term (after 37 weeks of gestational age), at the ages of 7 to 10 years and observed no differences.

• We conclude that, if there had been any vestibular alterations due to very premature birth, these must have been compensated by the age of 7.
Metabolomics analysis reveals cytotoxic effects of ouabain towards psoriatic keratinocytes via impairment of glutathione metabolism
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Fei Fei , Song Wei , Ma Hehua , Xu Zhenzhen , Yue Jing , Cao Bei , Sun Runbin , Zhao Yu , Yang Yuanxun , Jiang Junyi , Geng Yan , Weng Zuyi , Li Juan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOuabain is a cardiac glycoside long studied for treating heart diseases, but the attempts to evaluate its anti-psoriatic activity have not been reported. We aimed to explore the effects of ouabain on proliferation and metabolism towards psoriatic keratinocytes. In human HaCaT keratinocytes, ouabain potently decreased viability, promoted apoptosis and caused G2/M cycle arrest. Metabolomics analysis indicated that ouabain markedly impaired glutathione metabolism. The solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is an amino acid transporter highly specific to cysteine, which is critical for glutathione synthesis. Ouabain downregulated SLC7A11, reduced cysteine uptake and subsequently inhibited glutathione synthesis, probably through inhibiting Akt/mTOR/beclin axis that regulate protein activity of SLC7A11. The impaired glutathione synthesis and oxidative stress caused by ouabain may contribute to its cytotoxicity towards psoriatic keratinocytes. Our results provide experimental evidence supporting further study of ouabain as a potential anti-psoriatic agent.
Intelligence at play: game-based assessment using a virtual-reality application
Authors: Simons Alexander , Wohlgenannt Isabell , Zelt Sarah , Weinmann Markus , Schneider Johannes , vom Brocke Jan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that video games may indicate or even develop intellectual and cognitive abilities. As intelligence is one of the most widely used predictors of job performance, video games could thus have potential for personnel assessment. However, few studies have investigated whether and how virtual reality (VR) games can be used to make inferences about intelligence, even though companies increasingly use VR technology to recruit candidates. This proof-of-concept study contributes to bridging this gap between research and practice. Under controlled laboratory conditions, 103 participants played the commercial VR game Job Simulator and took the short version of the intelligence test BIS-4. Correlation and regression analysis reveal that, on average, participants who completed the game more quickly than others had higher levels of general intelligence and processing capacity, suggesting that VR games may provide useful supplementary tools in the prediction of job performance. Still, our results also indicate that game-based assessments have limitations that deserve researchers’ attention, which lead us to discuss directions for future research.
Regulation of MEK inhibitor selumetinib sensitivity by AKT phosphorylation in the novel BRAF L525R mutant
Authors: Nakai Chikako , Mimaki Sachiyo , Matsushima Koutatsu , Shinozaki Eiji , Yamazaki Kentaro , Muro Kei , Yamaguchi Kensei , Nishina Tomohiro , Yuki Satoshi , Shitara Kohei , Bando Hideaki , Suzuki Yutaka , Akagi Kiwamu , Nomura Shogo , Fujii Satoshi , Sugiyama Masaya , Nishida Nao , Mizokami Masashi , Koh Yasuhiro , Koshizaka Takuya , Okada Hideki , Abe Yukiko , Ohtsu Atsushi , Yoshino Takayuki , Tsuchihara Katsuya 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundOncogenic mutations inBRAFgenes are found in approximately 5–10% of colorectal cancers. The majority ofBRAFmutations are located within exons 11–15 of the catalytic kinase domains, withBRAFV600E accounting for more than 80% of the observedBRAFmutations. Sensitivity to BRAF- and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors varies depending onBRAFmutations and tumor cell types. Previously, we newly identified,BRAFL525R-mutation, in the activation segment of the kinase in colorectal cancer patient. Here, we characterized the function of theBRAFL525R mutation.MethodsHEK293 cells harboring aBRAFmutation (V600E or L525R) were first characterized and then treated with cetuximab, dabrafenib, and selumetinib. Cell viability was measured using WST-1 assay and the expression of proteins involved in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways was evaluated using western blot analysis.ResultsThe MEK inhibitor selumetinib effectively inhibited cell proliferation and ERK phosphorylation inBRAFL525R cells but not inBRAFV600E cells. Further studies revealed that AKT phosphorylation was reduced by selumetinib inBRAFL525R cells but not inBRAFV600E cells or selumetinib-resistantBRAFL525R cells. Moreover, the AKT inhibitor overcame the selumetinib resistance.ConclusionsWe established a model system harboringBRAFL525R using HEK293 cells.BRAFL525R constitutively activated ERK. AKT phosphorylation caused sensitivity and resistance to selumetinib. Our results suggest that a comprehensive network analysis may provide insights to identify effective therapies.
Gendered late working life trajectories, family history and welfare regimes: evidence from SHARELIFE
Authors: Schmitz Wiebke , Naegele L. , Frerichs F. , Ellwardt L. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEarlier employment choices based on family events in earlier life have an impact up until late working life, especially in welfare regimes that encourage the breadwinner-caretaker division. We investigate types of late employment patterns and how these are associated with earlier family events. We also test whether the association between early family history and late working life varies across five welfare regimes. Using retrospective life history data from SHARELIFE, our sample consists of 10,913 women and 10,614 men aged 65 years and older. Late working life trajectories are analyzed using gender-separate sequence analyses, which are summarized into eight groups applying cluster analyses. Using average marginal and interaction effects, we explain how the association between types of late working life, coresidential partnership history and parenthood history differs by welfare states. For instance, women’s late employment is either shaped by unpaid care or paid (full- or part-time) work but not both, whereas men’s late working life is mainly shaped by full-time work. Family history in earlier life is linked to unpaid care and part-time work—an association strongest in liberal and southern welfare regimes. However, among men earlier family events are linked to full-time work. Policymakers need gender-specific strategies to integrate workers into late working life. The implementation of new policies should aim to prevent these social inequalities in early life, as employment decisions caused by family history in earlier life stages—especially for women—tend to cumulate over the life course.
Simple approximative algorithms for free-support Wasserstein barycenters
Authors: Lindheim Johannes von 
Published: March 2023

AbstractComputing Wasserstein barycenters of discrete measures has recently attracted considerable attention due to its wide variety of applications in data science. In general, this problem is NP-hard, calling for practical approximative algorithms. In this paper, we analyze a well-known simple framework for approximating Wasserstein-$${\varvec{p}}$$pbarycenters, where we mainly consider the most common case$${\varvec{p}}={\varvec{2}}$$p=2and$${\varvec{p}}={\varvec{1}}$$p=1, which is not as well discussed. The framework produces sparse support solutions and shows good numerical results in the free-support setting. Depending on the desired level of accuracy, this requires only$${\varvec{N}}-{\varvec{1}}$$N-1or$${\varvec{N(N}}-{\varvec{1)/2 }}$$N(N-1)/2standard two-marginal optimal transport (OT) computations between the$${\varvec{N}}$$Ninput measures, respectively, which is fast, memory-efficient and easy to implement using any OT solver as a black box. What is more, these methods yield a relative error of at most$${\varvec{N}}$$Nand$${\varvec{2}}$$2, respectively, for both$${\varvec{p}}={\varvec{ 1, 2}}$$p=1,2. We show that these bounds are practically sharp. In light of the hardness of the problem, it is not surprising that such guarantees cannot be close to optimality in general. Nevertheless, these error bounds usually turn out to be drastically lower for a given particular problem in practice and can be evaluated with almost no computational overhead, in particular without knowledge of the optimal solution. In our numerical experiments, this guaranteed errors of at most a few percent.
The b-symbol weight distributions of all semiprimitive irreducible cyclic codes
Authors: Vega Gerardo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUp to a new invariant $$\mu (b)$$

μ
(
b
)

, the complete b-symbol weight distribution of a particular kind of two-weight irreducible cyclic codes, was recently obtained by Zhu et al. (Des Codes Cryptogr 90(5):1113–1125, 2022). The purpose of this paper is to simplify and generalize the results of Zhu et al., and obtain the b-symbol weight distributions of all one-weight and two-weight semiprimitive irreducible cyclic codes.
The Diaptomidae (Copepoda, Calanoida) of Tunisia and the role of spatial and environmental factors as drivers of their distribution patterns
Authors: Marrone Federico , Stoch Fabio , Turki Souâd , Naselli-Flores Luigi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEven in a biodiversity hotspot such as the Mediterranean basin, aspects relating to the distribution of some groups of microcrustaceans still need clarification. In this paper, we critically analyse the available information on diaptomid copepods in Tunisian inland waters and, based on the largest sampling campaign to date carried out in the country, report new data on their distribution. In the frame of this study, 248 crustacean samples were collected from 190 sites, and 10 diaptomid species belonging to 7 genera and 2 subfamilies were found in the samples. Their distribution follows a climate gradient determined by precipitation, and ecological variables mainly affect diaptomid distribution in the study area, while pure spatial factors are of negligible importance. Diaptomid biodiversity is therefore strongly linked to the diversity of inland waters that characterise the country. This is especially true in the wetlands of the Medjerda alluvial plain, where six diaptomid species co-occurred sympatrically, with up to four or five species coexisting syntopically and synchronically in some sites. Unfortunately, the natural water bodies of this plain are currently strongly threatened by urban expansion and agricultural reclamation, and the risk of local extinction for the species they host is increasingly high.
Protective effects of curcumin and Ginkgo biloba extract combination on a new model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Assi Abdel-Azim , Farrag Magda M. Y. , Badary Dalia M. , Allam Essmat A. H. , Nicola Mariam A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative illnesses, and yet, no workable treatments have been discovered to prevent or reverse AD. Curcumin (CUR), the major polyphenolic compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are natural substances derived from conventional Chinese herbs that have long been shown to provide therapeutic advantages for AD. The uptake of curcumin into the brain is severely restricted by its low ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Meanwhile, GBE has been shown to improve BBB permeability. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects and pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin and GBE combination to find out whether GBE can enhance curcumin’s beneficial effects in AD by raising its brain concentration. Results revealed that CUR + GBE achieved significantly higher levels of curcumin in the brain and plasma after 30 min and 1 h of oral administration, compared to curcumin alone, and this was confirmed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The effect of combined oral treatment, for 28 successive days, on cognitive function and other AD-like alterations was studied in scopolamine-heavy metal mixtures (SCO + HMM) AD model in rats. The combination reversed at least, partially on the learning and memory impairment induced by SCO + HMM. This was associated with a more pronounced inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, hippocampal amyloid beta (Aβ1-42), and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) count, and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukine-1beta (IL-1β), as compared to the curcumin alone-treated group. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and increased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), when compared with the curcumin alone. These findings support the concept that the combination strategy might be an alternative therapy in the management/prevention of neurological disorders. This study sheds light on a new approach for exploring new phyto-therapies for AD and emphasizes that more research should focus on the synergic effects of herbal drugs in future.Graphical abstract
Stakeholder Perceptions of the Acceptability of Peer-Mediated Intervention for Minimally Speaking Preschoolers on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: O’Donoghue Michelle , Kennedy Norelee , Forbes John , Murphy Carol-Anne 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPeer mediated intervention (PMI) is an evidence-based approach to supporting social and communication development for children on the autism spectrum. For PMI to be integrated into everyday practice, it needs to be acceptable to stakeholders. This article engaged with autistic individuals, early childhood educators, parents, and speech and language pathologists on the prospective acceptability of implementing PMI with minimally speaking preschoolers in inclusive preschool settings. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The transcriptions were analyzed qualitatively using reflexive thematic analysis. Stakeholders described PMI as an acceptable intervention approach for this population and provided valuable insights to inform the development and implementation of PMIs. Attention needs to be paid to how to support preschools to adopt a PMI-friendly philosophy.
Antimicrobial potential of Ericaria selaginoides extracts against Listeria monocytogenes in “mató”, a Catalan fresh cheese
Authors: Rubiño S. , Aymerich T. , Peteiro C. , Bover-Cid S. , Hortós M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The objective of this work was to assess the antimicrobial effect of crude extracts and non-polar and mid-polar subfractions of the brown macroalga Ericaria selaginoides, using a mid-polarity extraction medium. The activity was evaluated through challenge testing against Listeria monocytogenes in Catalan “mató” (fresh cheese) selected as a food matrix. Three concentrations were tested, representing 2 ×, 4 × and 10 × Minimum Bactericidal Concentration values obtained for crude extract in previous in vitro assays. Ericaria selaginoides extracts inhibited L. monocytogenes growth in a dose-dependent manner. Intermediate concentrations of the three extracts were able to notably reduce the growth rate of the pathogen. Highest concentration of crude extract and non-polar subfraction were able to completely inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes during the 10 days of storage at 8 °C. Moreover, a slight listericidal effect was observed in presence of the non-polar subfraction, reducing the L. monocytogenes level by ca. 3 log after 10 days of refrigerated storage. These results prove the potential of E. selaginoides extracts as a source of valuable antimicrobial compounds that can be used as natural food ingredients to develop safer fresh dairy food.
Cognitive Effects Following Offline High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) in Healthy Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Mei , Nikolin Stevan , Samaratunga Nisal , Chow Esther Jia Hui , Loo Colleen K. , Martin Donel M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHigh-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) is a commonly used form of rTMS to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that ‘offline’ HF-rTMS may have cognitive enhancing effects, although the magnitude and moderators of these effects remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the cognitive effects of offline HF-rTMS in healthy individuals. A literature search for randomised controlled trials with cognitive outcomes for pre and post offline HF-rTMS was performed across five databases up until March 2022. This study was registered on the PROSPERO international prospective protocol for systematic reviews (PROSPERO 2020 CRD 42,020,191,269). The Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in randomised trials. Separate analyses examined the cognitive effects of excitatory and inhibitory forms of offline HF-rTMS on accuracy and reaction times across six cognitive domains. Fifty-three studies (N = 1507) met inclusion criteria. Excitatory offline HF-rTMS showed significant small sized effects for improving accuracy (k = 46, g = 0.12) and reaction time (k = 44, g = -0.13) across all cognitive domains collapsed. Excitatory offline HF-rTMS demonstrated a relatively greater effect for executive functioning in accuracy (k = 24, g = 0.14). Reaction times were also improved for the executive function (k = 21, g = -0.11) and motor (k = 3, g = -0.22) domains following excitatory offline HF-rTMS. The current review was restricted to healthy individuals and future research is required to examine cognitive enhancement from offline HF-rTMS in clinical cohorts.
Embodying Time in the Brain: A Multi-Dimensional Neuroimaging Meta-Analysis of 95 Duration Processing Studies
Authors: Naghibi Narges , Jahangiri Nadia , Khosrowabadi Reza , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Coull Jennifer T. , Tahmasian Masoud 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTime is an omnipresent aspect of almost everything we experience internally or in the external world. The experience of time occurs through such an extensive set of contextual factors that, after decades of research, a unified understanding of its neural substrates is still elusive. In this study, following the recent best-practice guidelines, we conducted a coordinate-based meta-analysis of 95 carefully-selected neuroimaging papers of duration processing. We categorized the included papers into 14 classes of temporal features according to six categorical dimensions. Then, using the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) technique we investigated the convergent activation patterns of each class with a cluster-level family-wise error correction at p < 0.05. The regions most consistently activated across the various timing contexts were the pre-SMA and bilateral insula, consistent with an embodied theory of timing in which abstract representations of duration are rooted in sensorimotor and interoceptive experience, respectively. Moreover, class-specific patterns of activation could be roughly divided according to whether participants were timing auditory sequential stimuli, which additionally activated the dorsal striatum and SMA-proper, or visual single interval stimuli, which additionally activated the right middle frontal and inferior parietal cortices. We conclude that temporal cognition is so entangled with our everyday experience that timing stereotypically common combinations of stimulus characteristics reactivates the sensorimotor systems with which they were first experienced.