bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure, Property, and Performance of Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhao Jian , Liu Huiyuan , Li Xianguo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCatalyst layer (CL) is the core component of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which determines the performance, durability, and cost. However, difficulties remain for a thorough understanding of the CLs’ inhomogeneous structure, and its impact on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties, operating performance, and durability. The inhomogeneous structure of the CLs is formed during the manufacturing process, which is sensitive to the associated materials, composition, fabrication methods, procedures, and conditions. The state-of-the-art visualization and characterization techniques are crucial to examine the CL structure. The structure-dependent physicochemical and electrochemical properties are then thoroughly scrutinized in terms of fundamental concepts, theories, and recent progress in advanced experimental techniques. The relation between the CL structure and the associated effective properties is also examined based on experimental and theoretical findings. Recent studies indicated that the CL inhomogeneous structure also strongly affects the performance and degradation of the whole fuel cell, and thus, the interconnection between the fuel cell performance, failure modes, and CL structure is comprehensively reviewed. An analytical model is established to understand the effect of the CL structure on the effective properties, performance, and durability of the PEM fuel cells. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the CL structure-associated studies are highlighted for the development of high-performing PEM fuel cells.
Graphical abstract
Characteristics of older cyclists with self-perceived needs for improvement in cycling competence: SiFAr trial
Authors: Keppner Veronika , Sieber Cornel C. , Freiberger Ellen , Kob Robert , Krumpoch Sebastian , Siebentritt Hanna M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Older cyclists are in great risk of being injured or killed in a traffic-related accident and their needs should find more consideration in safety guidelines, urban planning, and future intervention programs.

Objective
The aim for this cross-sectional analysis was to comprehensively explore characteristics of community-dwelling cyclists aged 65 years and older with a self-perceived need to increase cycle competence.

Methods
118 older adults (mean age 73.3 ± 5.2 years, 61% women) performed a standardized cycle course representing specific cycling skills. Additionally, health and functional assessments were carried out and characteristics regarding demographic, health, falls, bicycle equipment/type and cycling biography/behavior were obtained.

Results
The majority (67.8%) of this community-dwelling adults reported being unsafe when cycling and 41.3% had a bicycle fall in the past year. More than half of the participants showed at least one limitation in each of the measured cycling skills. Women significantly had more frequent limitations in four of the cycling skills measured (p ≤ 0.001) compared to men. While no significant differences were found for falls, health and functional characteristics, women and men differed significantly in terms of bicycle type, equipment, and perceived safety (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Limitations in cycling should be compensated by preventive bicycle training and a safe cycling infrastructure. Bicycle fit, the wearing of bicycle helmets and promotion of a sense of security while cycling can further reduce accident risk and must find recognition in safety guidelines. In addition, educational initiatives have to dismantle gender-related bicycle stereotypes.
Transcriptome reveals the molecular mechanism of chaetoviridin A inhibiting the spore germination of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Zhang Yun , Yang Yuanxue , Wang Aiyu , Xue Chao , Zhao Ming , Zhang Jianhua 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe pathogen Verticillium dahliae causes Verticillium wilt in a number of crops, including cotton Verticillium wilt. Chaetoviridin A, a secondary metabolite of Chaetomium globosum, significantly inhibits the growth of V. dahliae. Spore germination is a major part of the disease cycle. However, the molecular mechanism of chaetoviridin A inhibiting spore germination of V. dahliae is unknown. In this work, we found that chaetoviridin A significantly inhibited spore germination of V. dahliae. Transcriptome analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in linolenic acid metabolism, alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, Arachidonic acid metabolism and Purine metabolism pathways at 1 h, which were related to cell membrane. At 3 h, DEGs were enriched in the pathways of galactose metabolism, diterpenoid biosynthesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism, which were mainly related to amino acid metabolism and sugar metabolism. Several genes related to glucose metabolism were identified, mainly including Glucagon endo-1,3-alpha-glucosidase agn1, glucoamylase, maltose O-acetyltransferase, and beta-galactosidase. Stress resistance gene PAL, detoxification gene P450 2C31 and ABA receptor were also down- regulated. These genes may be related to spore germination. These results provide a theoretical basis for chaetoviridin A to control fungal diseases.
Assessment of the influence of soil inoculation on changes in the adaptability of maize hybrids
Authors: Kálmán Csaba Dániel , Kálmán László , Szél Sándor , Mórocz Salamon Katalin , Nagy Zoltán , Kiss Erzsébet , Posta Katalin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to present the results of the field trial carried out to collect and assess data on the interaction of maize (Zea mays L) genotypes and beneficial microorganisms. The small plot field trial consisting of untreated control plots and plots treated with biostimulants was conducted in three consecutive years (2019, 2020 and 2021). Yield is a particularly important trait from the aspect of maize breeding as well as maize production; therefore, the present study focused more closely on how it was influenced by the biostimulant treatments. The level of grain yield, grain moisture content at harvest and grain dry-matter content were observed and recorded as the components of yield. The nutritional value of kernels was also tested, and protein, oil and starch contents were analysed as the most important components of this trait. The results reflected that the treatment with biostimulants constituted from beneficial microorganisms can be listed among the factors influencing the grain yield, in addition to the seasonal effect, the genotype and the nutrient supply of the soil. The treatment with biostimulants, even on its own among the factors, had an impact on the quantity and components of yield, and on the characteristics determining the kernel nutritional value. The interaction between the genotypes and the interacting microorganisms is of specific importance. The most spectacular result was attained with the application of one of the biostimulants leading to elevated grain yield in 75% of the maize genotypes in the study, along with a kernel nutritive value equal to the control group over all of the three years of the trial.
AI, the beauty of places, and the metaverse: beyond “geometrical fundamentalism”
Authors: Lavdas Alexandros A. , Mehaffy Michael W. , Salingaros Nikos A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs the tech world moves increasingly toward an AI-generated virtual universe — the so-called “metaverse” — new paradigms define the impacts of this technology on its human users. AI and VR, like the Internet before them, offer both remarkable opportunities and pitfalls. Virtual Reality constitutes a new kind of human environment, and experiencing it relies upon human neurological mechanisms evolved to negotiate — and survive in — our ancestral physical environments. Despite the unrestricted freedom of designing the virtual universe, interacting with it is affected strongly by the body’s built-in physiological and psychological constraints. The eventual success of the metaverse will be determined by how successfully its designers manage to accommodate unconscious mechanisms of emotional attachment and wellbeing. Some fundamental misunderstandings coming from antiquated design models have influenced virtual environmental structures. It is likely that those design decisions may be handicapping the metaverse’s ultimate appeal and utility.
From the Surface Ocean to the Seafloor: Linking Modern and Paleo‐Genetics at the Sabrina Coast, East Antarctica (IN2017_V01)
Authors: Armbrecht Linda , Focardi Amaranta , Lawler Kelly‐Anne , O’Brien Phil , Leventer Amy , Noble Taryn L. , Opdyke Bradley , Duffy Meghan , Evangelinos Dimitris , George Simon C. , Lieser Jan , López‐Quirós Adrián , Post Alix , Ostrowski Martin , Paulsen Ian , Armand Leanne 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWith ongoing climate change, research into the biological changes occurring in particularly vulnerable ecosystems, such as Antarctica, is critical. The Totten Glacier region, Sabrina Coast, is currently experiencing some of the highest rates of thinning across all East Antarctica. An assessment of the microscopic organisms supporting the ecosystem of the marginal sea‐ice zone over the continental rise is important, yet there is a lack of knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these organisms throughout the water column, and their occurrence and/or preservation in the underlying sediments. Here, we provide a taxonomic overview of the modern and ancient marine bacterial and eukaryotic communities of the Totten Glacier region, using a combination of 16S and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing (modern DNA) and shotgun metagenomics (sedimentary ancient DNA, sedaDNA). Our data show considerable differences between eukaryote and bacterial signals in the water column versus the sediments. Proteobacteria and diatoms dominate the bacterial and eukaryote composition in the upper water column, while diatoms, dinoflagellates, and haptophytes notably decrease in relative abundance with increasing water depth. Little diatom sedaDNA is preserved in the sediments, which are instead dominated by Proteobacteria and Retaria. We compare the diatom microfossil and sedaDNA record and link the weak preservation of diatom sedaDNA to DNA degradation while sinking through the water column to the seafloor. This study provides the first assessment of DNA transfer from ocean waters to sediments and an overview of the microscopic communities occurring in the climatically important Totten Glacier region.
TREM2 deficiency in microglia accelerates photoreceptor cell death and immune cell infiltration following retinal detachment
Authors: Zhou Wenchuan , Zhou Yutong , He Jincan , Rao Yuqing , Fei Ping , Li Jing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRetinal detachment (RD) occurs in several major retinal conditions and often causes irreversible vision loss due to photoreceptor cell death. Retinal residential microglial cells are activated following RD and participate in photoreceptor cell death via direct phagocytosis and the regulation of inflammatory responses. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an innate immune receptor exclusively expressed on microglial cells in the retina, and has been reported to affect microglial cell homeostasis, phagocytosis and inflammatory responses in the brain. In this study, increased expression of multiple cytokines and chemokines in the neural retina was observed starting at 3 h following RD. Trem2 knockout (Trem2−/−) mice exhibited significantly more photoreceptor cell death than wild-type controls at 3 days after RD, and the number of TUNEL positive photoreceptor cells progressively decreased from day 3 to day 7 post-RD. A significant thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), with multiple folds was observed in the Trem2−/− mice at 3 days post-RD. Trem2 deficiency reduced microglial cell infiltration and phagocytosis of stressed photoreceptors. There were more neutrophils in Trem2−/− retina following RD than in controls. Using purified microglial cells, we found Trem2 knockout is associated with increased CXCL12 expression. The aggravated photoreceptor cell death was largely reversed by blocking the CXCL12-CXCR4 mediated chemotaxis in Trem2−/− mice after RD. Our findings suggested that retinal microglia are protective in preventing further photoreceptor cell death following RD by phagocytosing presumably stressed photoreceptor cells and by regulating inflammatory responses. TREM2 is largely responsible for such protective effect and CXCL12 plays an important role in regulating neutrophil infiltration after RD. Collectively, our study pinpointed TREM2 as a potential target of microglial cells to ameliorate RD-induced photoreceptor cell death.
Mitochondria-derived H2O2 triggers liver regeneration via FoxO3a signaling pathway after partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Bai Hua , Fang Cong-Wen , Shi Ying , Zhai Song , Jiang An , Li Ying-Na , Wang Lin , Liu Qi-Ling , Zhou Geng-Yao , Cao Jia-Hao , Li Jia , Yang Xue-Kang , Qin Xu-Jun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce oxidative injury and are generally regarded as toxic byproducts, although they are increasingly recognized for their signaling functions. Increased ROS often accompanies liver regeneration (LR) after liver injuries, however, their role in LR and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, by employing a mouse LR model of partial hepatectomy (PHx), we found that PHx induced rapid increases of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and intracellular H2O2 at an early stage, using a mitochondria-specific probe. Scavenging mitochondrial H2O2 in mice with liver-specific overexpression of mitochondria-targeted catalase (mCAT) decreased intracellular H2O2 and compromised LR, while NADPH oxidases (NOXs) inhibition did not affect intracellular H2O2 or LR, indicating that mitochondria-derived H2O2 played an essential role in LR after PHx. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of FoxO3a impaired the H2O2-triggered LR, while liver-specific knockdown of FoxO3a by CRISPR-Cas9 technology almost abolished the inhibition of LR by overexpression of mCAT, demonstrating that FoxO3a signaling pathway mediated mitochondria-derived H2O2 triggered LR after PHx. Our findings uncover the beneficial roles of mitochondrial H2O2 and the redox-regulated underlying mechanisms during LR, which shed light on potential therapeutic interventions for LR-related liver injury. Importantly, these findings also indicate that improper antioxidative intervention might impair LR and delay the recovery of LR-related diseases in clinics.
Matrix Gla Protein drives stemness and tumor initiation in ovarian cancer
Authors: Nieddu V. , Melocchi V. , Battistini C. , Franciosa G. , Lupia M. , Stellato C. , Bertalot G. , Olsen J. V. , Colombo N. , Bianchi F. , Cavallaro U. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOvarian cancer (OC) displays the highest mortality among gynecological tumors, mainly due to early peritoneal dissemination, the high frequency of tumor relapse following primary debulking, and the development of chemoresistance. All these events are thought to be initiated and sustained by a subpopulation of neoplastic cells, termed ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC), that are endowed with self-renewing and tumor-initiating properties. This implies that interfering with OCSC function should offer novel therapeutic perspectives to defeat OC progression. To this aim, a better understanding of the molecular and functional makeup of OCSC in clinically relevant model systems is essential. We have profiled the transcriptome of OCSC vs. their bulk cell counterpart from a panel of patient-derived OC cell cultures. This revealed that Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), classically known as a calcification-preventing factor in cartilage and blood vessels, is markedly enriched in OCSC. Functional assays showed that MGP confers several stemness-associated traits to OC cells, including a transcriptional reprogramming. Patient-derived organotypic cultures pointed to the peritoneal microenvironment as a major inducer of MGP expression in OC cells. Furthermore, MGP was found to be necessary and sufficient for tumor initiation in OC mouse models, by shortening tumor latency and increasing dramatically the frequency of tumor-initiating cells. Mechanistically, MGP-driven OC stemness was mediated by the stimulation of Hedgehog signaling, in particular through the induction of the Hedgehog effector GLI1, thus highlighting a novel MGP/Hedgehog pathway axis in OCSC. Finally, MGP expression was found to correlate with poor prognosis in OC patients, and was increased in tumor tissue after chemotherapy, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. Thus, MGP is a novel driver in OCSC pathophysiology, with a major role in stemness and in tumor initiation.
Caspase 6/NR4A1/SOX9 signaling axis regulates hepatic inflammation and pyroptosis in ischemia-stressed fatty liver
Authors: Sheng Mingwei , Weng Yiqi , Cao Yingli , Zhang Chen , Lin Yuanbang , Yu Wenli 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe mechanism of nonalcoholic fatty liver susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury has not been fully clarified. Caspase 6 is a critical regulator in innate immunity and host defense. We aimed to characterize the specific role of Caspase 6 in IR-induced inflammatory responses in fatty livers. Human fatty liver samples were harvested from patients undergoing ischemia-related hepatectomy to evaluate Caspase 6 expression. in mice model, we generated Caspase 6-knockout (Caspase 6KO) mice to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of macrophage Caspase 6 in IR-stimulated fatty livers. In human liver biopsies, Caspase 6 expression was upregulated combined with enhanced serum ALT level and severe histopathological injury in ischemic fatty livers. Moreover, Caspase 6 was mainly accumulated in macrophages but not hepatocytes. Unlike in controls, the Caspase 6-deficiency attenuated liver damage and inflammation activation. Activation of macrophage NR4A1 or SOX9 in Caspase 6-deficient livers aggravated liver inflammation. Mechanistically, macrophage NR4A1 co-localized with SOX9 in the nuclear under inflammatory conditions. Specifically, SOX9 acts as a coactivator of NR4A1 to directly target S100A9 transcription. Furthermore, macrophage S100A9 ablation dampened NEK7/NLRP3-driven inflammatory response and pyroptosis in macrophages. In conclusion, our findings identify a novel role of Caspase 6 in regulating NR4A1/SOX9 interaction in response to IR-stimulated fatty liver inflammation, and provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of fatty liver IR injury.
A holistic view on the role of egg yolk in Old Masters’ oil paints
Authors: Ranquet Ophélie , Duce Celia , Bramanti Emilia , Dietemann Patrick , Bonaduce Ilaria , Willenbacher Norbert 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOld Masters like Botticelli used paints containing mixtures of oils and proteins, but “how” and “why” this was done is still not understood. Here, egg yolk is used in combination with two pigments to evaluate how different repartition of proteinaceous binder can be used to control the flow behavior as well as drying kinetics and chemistry of oil paints. Stiff paints enabling pronounced impasto can be achieved, but paint stiffening due to undesired uptake of humidity from the environment can also be suppressed, depending on proteinaceous binder distribution and colloidal paint microstructure. Brushability at high pigment loading is improved via reduction of high shear viscosity and wrinkling can be suppressed adjusting a high yield stress. Egg acts as antioxidant, slowing down the onset of curing, and promoting the formation of cross-linked networks less prone to oxidative degradation compared to oil alone, which might improve the preservation of invaluable artworks.
Potent and selective covalent inhibition of the papain-like protease from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sanders Brian C. , Pokhrel Suman , Labbe Audrey D. , Mathews Irimpan I. , Cooper Connor J. , Davidson Russell B. , Phillips Gwyndalyn , Weiss Kevin L. , Zhang Qiu , O’Neill Hugh , Kaur Manat , Schmidt Jurgen G. , Reichard Walter , Surendranathan Surekha , Parvathareddy Jyothi , Phillips Lexi , Rainville Christopher , Sterner David E. , Kumaran Desigan , Andi Babak , Babnigg Gyorgy , Moriarty Nigel W. , Adams Paul D. , Joachimiak Andrzej , Hurst Brett L. , Kumar Suresh , Butt Tauseef R. , Jonsson Colleen B. , Ferrins Lori , Wakatsuki Soichi , Galanie Stephanie , Head Martha S. , Parks Jerry M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDirect-acting antivirals are needed to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The papain-like protease (PLpro) domain of Nsp3 from SARS-CoV-2 is essential for viral replication. In addition, PLpro dysregulates the host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein from host proteins. As a result, PLpro is a promising target for inhibition by small-molecule therapeutics. Here we design a series of covalent inhibitors by introducing a peptidomimetic linker and reactive electrophile onto analogs of the noncovalent PLpro inhibitor GRL0617. The most potent compound inhibits PLpro with kinact/KI = 9,600 M−1 s−1, achieves sub-μM EC50 values against three SARS-CoV-2 variants in mammalian cell lines, and does not inhibit a panel of human deubiquitinases (DUBs) at >30 μM concentrations of inhibitor. An X-ray co-crystal structure of the compound bound to PLpro validates our design strategy and establishes the molecular basis for covalent inhibition and selectivity against structurally similar human DUBs. These findings present an opportunity for further development of covalent PLpro inhibitors.
Arabidopsis TRB proteins function in H3K4me3 demethylation by recruiting JMJ14
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhong Zhenhui , Gallego-Bartolomé Javier , Feng Suhua , Shih Yuan-Hsin , Liu Mukun , Zhou Jessica , Richey John Curtis , Ng Charmaine , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , Wohlschlegel James , Wu Keqiang , Jacobsen Steven E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractArabidopsis telomeric repeat binding factors (TRBs) can bind telomeric DNA sequences to protect telomeres from degradation. TRBs can also recruit Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to deposit tri-methylation of H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) over certain target loci. Here, we demonstrate that TRBs also associate and colocalize with JUMONJI14 (JMJ14) and trigger H3K4me3 demethylation at some loci. The trb1/2/3 triple mutant and the jmj14-1 mutant show an increased level of H3K4me3 over TRB and JMJ14 binding sites, resulting in up-regulation of their target genes. Furthermore, tethering TRBs to the promoter region of genes with an artificial zinc finger (TRB-ZF) successfully triggers target gene silencing, as well as H3K27me3 deposition, and H3K4me3 removal. Interestingly, JMJ14 is predominantly recruited to ZF off-target sites with low levels of H3K4me3, which is accompanied with TRB-ZFs triggered H3K4me3 removal at these loci. These results suggest that TRB proteins coordinate PRC2 and JMJ14 activities to repress target genes via H3K27me3 deposition and H3K4me3 removal.