bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of drought-induced crop yield/losses in two agroecologies of southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Eze Emmanuel , Girma Atkilt , Zenebe Amanuel , Okolo Chukwuebuka Christopher , Kourouma Jean Moussa , Negash Emnet 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe consequences of prolonged precipitation-deficient periods are primarily substantial water deficit. The spatial characteristics of drylands and various socioeconomic factors worsen droughts’ impacts and deepen poverty among agrarian communities, with attendant food security (stability dimension) implications. This study utilizes a combination of climate, remote sensing and field survey data to obtain first-hand information on the impacts of recent (2015 and 2017) droughts on crop yield in southern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Annual and seasonal rainfall, annual and seasonal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Deviation of NDVI (Dev-NDVI), and monthly Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) (SPI-1, SPI-3 and SPI-12) for June to October, were considered as likely factors that could relate with yield and yield loss in the area. Correlation and multiple linear stepwise regression statistical techniques were used to determine drought-yield relationships, and identify more accurate predictors of yield and yield losses in each of the drought years. The area witnessed a more widespread precipitation deficit in 2015 than in 2017, where the lowland area recorded entire crop (sorghum) losses. Also, droughts manifested spatiotemporal variations and impacts across the two different agroecologies—primarily reduction in vegetation amounts, coinciding with the planting and maturing stages of barley and sorghum. Crop failures, therefore, translated to food shortages and reduced income of smallholder farmers, which denotes food insecurity in the time of droughts. Seasonal rainfall and June Dev-NDVI predicted 66.9% of 2015 barley and sorghum yield-loss, while NDVI predicted 2017 sorghum yield by 96%. Spate irrigation should be further popularized in the low-lying areas of Raya Azebo to augment for future deficiencies in the kiremt rainfall.
A quantitative approach to the spread of variance in translational research using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Cukurova Feyza , Gustavson Britta P. , Griborio-Guzman Andres G. , Levin Leonard A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe translation of promising preclinical research into successful trials often fails. One contributing factor is the “Princess and the Pea” problem, which refers to how an initially significant effect size dissipates as research transitions to more complex systems. This work aimed to quantify the effects of spreading variability on sample size requirements. Sample size estimates were performed by Monte Carlo simulation. To simulate the process of progressing from preclinical to clinical studies, nested sigmoidal dose–response transformations with modifiable input parameter variability were used. The results demonstrated that adding variabilty to the dose–response parameters substantially increases sample size requirements compared to standared calculations. Increasing the number of consecutive studies further increases the sample size. These results quantitatively demonstrate how the spread of variability in translational research, which is not typically accounted for, can result in drastic increases in the sample size required to maintain a desired study power.
A retrospective analysis of changes in distant and breast cancer related disease-free survival events in adjuvant breast cancer trials over time
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Desnoyers Alexandra , Al-Showbaki Laith , Nadler Michelle B. , Amir Eitan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDisease-free survival (DFS) comprises both breast cancer and non-breast cancer events. DFS has not been validated as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in most breast cancer subtypes. We assessed changes to the type of events contributing to DFS over time. We identified adjuvant studies in breast cancer (BC) from 2000 to 2020 where the endpoint was DFS. We examined change in distant DFS events and the BC-related DFS using univariable and multivariable linear regression. Data were reported quantitatively using the Burnand criteria irrespective of statistical significance. We included 84 studies (88 cohorts), comprising 212,191 participants, 41,604 DFS events and 23,205 distant DFS events. The DFS event rate/100 participants/year has declined modestly over time (ß − 0.34, p = 0.001). Start year was negatively associated with distant DFS events (ß − 0.58, p < 0.0001); however, the effect was lost after adjusting for follow-up time (ß − 0.18, p = 0.096). The average number of BC-related events/100 participants/year also declined over time (ß − 0.28, p = 0.009). In multivariable analysis, start year and ER expression were quantitatively associated with distant DFS events and BC-related DFS events. DFS events have declined over time driven by a reduction in BC related events. As DFS events are increasingly defined by non-BC events, there will be limited surrogacy between DFS and OS.
ITO film stack engineering for low-loss silicon optical modulators
Authors: Lotkov Evgeniy S. , Baburin Aleksandr S. , Ryzhikov Ilya A. , Sorokina Olga S. , Ivanov Anton I. , Zverev Alexander V. , Ryzhkov Vitaly V. , Bykov Igor V. , Baryshev Alexander V. , Panfilov Yuri V. , Rodionov Ilya A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) platform is one of the promising solutions for state-of-the-art integrated optical modulators towards low-loss silicon photonics applications. One of the key challenges on this way is to optimize ITO-based thin films stacks for electro-optic modulators with both high extinction ratio and low insertion loss. In this paper we demonstrate the e-beam evaporation technology of 20 nm-thick ITO films with low extinction coefficient of 0.14 (Nc = 3.7·1020 cm−3) at 1550 nm wavelength and wide range of carrier concentrations (from 1 to 10 × 1020 cm−3). We investigate ITO films with amorphous, heterogeneously crystalline, homogeneously crystalline with hidden coarse grains and pronounced coarsely crystalline structure to achieve the desired optical and electrical parameters. Here we report the mechanism of oxygen migration in ITO film crystallization based on observed morphological features under low-energy growth conditions. Finally, we experimentally compare the current–voltage and optical characteristics of three electro-optic active elements based on ITO film stacks and reach strong ITO dielectric permittivity variation induced by charge accumulation/depletion (Δn = 0.199, Δk = 0.240 at λ = 1550 nm under ± 16 V). Our simulations and experimental results demonstrate the unique potential to create integrated GHz-range electro-optical modulators with sub-dB losses.
SAR and optical images correlation illuminates post-seismic landslide motion after the Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake (Nepal)
Authors: Lacroix Pascal , Gavillon Théo , Bouchant Clément , Lavé Jérôme , Mugnier Jean-Louis , Dhungel Samir , Vernier Flavien 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the days to weeks following an earthquake, landslides can display specific post-seismic motions, including delayed initiations and post-seismic relaxations. These motions have an uncertain origin, sometimes attributed to specificities of the landslide basal interface or to fluid transports in the landslide basal shear zone. Here we address this question, by documenting the co- and post-seismic motions of slow-moving landslides accelerated by the Gorkha earthquake (Mw 7.8, 25/04/2015, Nepal). We detect 11 slow-moving landslides over an area of 750 km$$^2$$

2

in the near field of the earthquake, and monitor their motions thanks to a time-series of Pléiades optical satellite images and SAR Sentinel-1 images. The post-seismic landslide motions are much larger than the co-seismic ones, reaching up to $$34 \,\pm\, 0.6$$

34

±

0.6

m accommodated over 2 months. A delayed initiation of several days (> 4 days) is also measured for at least two of the landslides. We analyze our findings in regards with all the previous observations on slow-moving landslides accelerated by earthquakes, and propose that the post-seismic motions are caused by diffusion of groundwater from co-seismic material contraction up to the landslide basal shear zone or from internal landslide reconfiguration. Our observations strongly suggest the main control of the hydrology in the landslide processes under seismic forcings.
Imaging of the medial rectus muscle predicts the development of optic neuropathy in thyroid eye disease
Authors: Berger Marcel , Matlach Juliane , Pitz Susanne , Berres Manfred , Axmacher Franz , Kahaly George J. , Brockmann Marc A. , Müller-Eschner Matthias 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGoal of the study was to evaluate bony orbit remodeling and extraocular muscle (EOM) volume in thyroid eye disease (TED) and their role as predicting factors for development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). Orbital computed tomography of 92 patients with TED with (76 orbits) or without DON (98 orbits) were retrospectively evaluated. Orbits (n = 40) of subjects without TED served as controls. Measurements of the bony orbit as well as EOM volume were incorporated into a generalized linear mixed model to predict DON. The angle of the medial orbital wall was significantly smaller (p < 0.001) in patients with TED (− 2.3 ± 3.6°) compared to patients with TED + DON (1.0 ± 4.1°). Both groups differed significantly from controls (− 4.2 ± 2.7°). Bowing of the medial orbital wall correlated positively with muscle volume (r = 0.564; p < 0.001). Total EOM volume was significantly larger in TED + DON (7.6 ± 2.5cm3) compared to TED only (5.6 ± 3.0cm3; p < 0.001) or controls (2.6 ± 0.5cm3). Multivariate analysis revealed the medial rectus muscle volume (TED: 1.06 ± 0.48cm3 vs. TED + DON: 2.16 ± 0.84cm3) as the strongest predictor, achieving a specifity of 86.7% and a sensitivity of 73.7% in diagnosing DON in univariate analysis. Though characterized by a wide range of variability, increased medial rectus muscle volume is the strongest predictor for DON in our patient cohort with TED when analyzing a single muscle.
Oogenesis and lipid metabolism in the deep-sea sponge Phakellia ventilabrum (Linnaeus, 1767)
Authors: Koutsouveli Vasiliki , Balgoma David , Checa Antonio , Hedeland Mikael , Riesgo Ana , Cárdenas Paco 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSponges contain an astounding diversity of lipids that serve in several biological functions, including yolk formation in their oocytes and embryos. The study of lipid metabolism during reproduction can provide information on food-web dynamics and energetic needs of the populations in their habitats, however, there are no studies focusing on the lipid metabolism of sponges during their seasonal reproduction. In this study, we used histology, lipidome profiling (UHPLC-MS), and transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) on the deep-sea sponge Phakellia ventilabrum (Demospongiae, Bubarida), a key species of North-Atlantic sponge grounds, with the goal to (i) assess the reproductive strategy and seasonality of this species, (ii) examine the relative changes in the lipidome signal and the gene expression patterns of the enzymes participating in lipid metabolism during oogenesis. Phakellia ventilabrum is an oviparous and most certainly gonochoristic species, reproducing in May and September in the different studied areas. Half of the specimens were reproducing, generating two to five oocytes per mm2. Oocytes accumulated lipid droplets and as oogenesis progressed, the signal of most of the unsaturated and monounsaturated triacylglycerides increased, as well as of a few other phospholipids. In parallel, we detected upregulation of genes in female tissues related to triacylglyceride biosynthesis and others related to fatty acid beta-oxidation. Triacylglycerides are likely the main type of lipid forming the yolk in P. ventilabrum since this lipid category has the most marked changes. In parallel, other lipid categories were engaged in fatty acid beta-oxidation to cover the energy requirements of female individuals during oogenesis. In this study, the reproductive activity of the sponge P. ventilabrum was studied for the first time uncovering their seasonality and revealing 759 lipids, including 155 triacylglycerides. Our study has ecological and evolutionary implications providing essential information for understanding the molecular basis of reproduction and the origins and formation of lipid yolk in early-branching metazoans.
Protective effects of the postbiotic deriving from cow’s milk fermentation with L. paracasei CBA L74 against Rotavirus infection in human enterocytes
Authors: Bruno Cristina , Paparo Lorella , Pisapia Laura , Romano Alessia , Cortese Maddalena , Punzo Erika , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractRotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis-associated mortality in early childhood. Emerging clinical evidence suggest the efficacy of the postbiotic approach based on cow’s milk fermentation with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CBAL74 (FM-CBAL74) in preventing pediatric acute gastroenteritis, but the mechanisms of action are still poorly characterized. We evaluated the protective action of FM-CBAL74 in an in vitro model of RV infection in human enterocytes. The number of infected cells together with the relevant aspects of RV infection were assessed: epithelial barrier damage (tight-junction proteins and transepithelial electrical resistance evaluation), and inflammation (reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation). Pre-incubation with FM-CBA L74 resulted in an inhibition of epithelial barrier damage and inflammation mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation induced by RV infection. Modulating several protective mechanisms, the postbiotic FM-CBAL74 exerted a preventive action against RV infection. This approach could be a disrupting nutritional strategy against one of the most common killers for the pediatric age.
Transcriptome analysis reveals anthocyanin regulation in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) at low temperatures
Authors: Dai Yun , Zhang Lei , Sun Xiao , Li Fei , Zhang Shifan , Zhang Hui , Li Guoliang , Fang Zhiyuan , Sun Rifei , Hou Xilin , Zhang Shujiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractChinese cabbage that prefers cold conditions is also affected by low-temperature stress, such as the accumulation of leaf anthocyanins. Research on anthocyanin biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms has made great progress. However, research on anthocyanin accumulation for resistance to biological and non-biological stress is still lacking. To study the relationship between anthocyanin accumulation of Chinese cabbage and resistance under low-temperature conditions, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on Chinese cabbage ‘Xiao Baojian’ grown at a low temperature for four time periods and at a control temperature for five time periods. In Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, 7954 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched, of which 587 DEGs belonged to "biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites." Gene temporal expression patterns were used to discover enriched genes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; flavonoid biosynthesis and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways were found in cluster 1. The interaction networks were constructed, and hub genes were selected, showing that flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes (DFR,ANS,F3H,FLS1,CHS1,CHS3, andTT8) and defense mechanisms-related genes (DFR,SNL6, andTKPR1) interact with each other. Anthocyanin biosynthesis DEGs in Chinese cabbage were evaluated under low-temperature conditions to map the relevant pathways, and expression maps of transcription factors in the flavonoid pathway were created at various periods. Low temperature upregulated the expression of genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. Taken together, our results provide further analysis of the relationship between plant anthocyanin synthesis and stress resistance and may also provide further insights for the future development of high-quality color and cold-tolerant Chinese cabbage germplasm resources.
Sterolight as imaging tool to study sterol uptake, trafficking and efflux in living cells
Authors: Králová Jarmila , Popr Martin , Valečka Jan , Bartůněk Petr 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInformation about cholesterol subcellular localization and transport pathways inside cells is essential for understanding and treatment of cholesterol-related diseases. However, there is a lack of reliable tools to monitor it. This work follows the fate of Sterolight, a BODIPY-labelled sterol, within the cell and demonstrates it as a suitable probe for visualization of sterol/lipid trafficking. Sterolight enters cells through an energy-independent process and knockdown experiments suggest caveolin-1 as its potential cellular carrier. Intracellular transport of Sterolight is a rapid process, and transfer from ER and mitochondria to lysosomes and later to lipid droplets requires the participation of active microtubules, as it can be inhibited by the microtubule disruptor nocodazole. Excess of the probe is actively exported from cells, in addition to being stored in lipid droplets, to re-establish the sterol balance. Efflux occurs through a mechanism requiring energy and may be selectively poisoned with verapamil or blocked in cells with mutated cholesterol transporter NPC1. Sterolight is efficiently transferred within and between different cell populations, making it suitable for monitoring numerous aspects of sterol biology, including the live tracking and visualization of intracellular and intercellular transport.
The lactate sensor GPR81 regulates glycolysis and tumor growth of breast cancer
Authors: Ishihara Shota , Hata Kenji , Hirose Katsutoshi , Okui Tatsuo , Toyosawa Satoru , Uzawa Narikazu , Nishimura Riko , Yoneda Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMetabolic reprogramming is a malignant phenotype of cancer. Cancer cells utilize glycolysis to fuel rapid proliferation even in the presence of oxygen, and elevated glycolysis is coupled to lactate fermentation in the cancer microenvironment. Although lactate has been recognized as a metabolic waste product, it has become evident that lactate functions as not only an energy source but a signaling molecule through the lactate receptor G-protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) under physiological conditions. However, the pathological role of GPR81 in cancer remains unclear. Here, we show that GPR81 regulates the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cell by reprogramming energy metabolism. We found that GPR81 is highly expressed in breast cancer cell lines but not in normal breast epithelial cells. Knockdown of GPR81 decreased breast cancer cell proliferation, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, glycolysis and lactate-dependent ATP production were impaired in GPR81-silenced breast cancer cells. RNA sequencing accompanied by Gene Ontology enrichment analysis further demonstrated a significant decrease in genes associated with cell motility and silencing of GPR81 suppressed cell migration and invasion. Notably, histological examination showed strong expression of GPR81 in clinical samples of human breast cancer. Collectively, our findings suggest that GPR81 is critical for malignancy of breast cancer and may be a potential novel therapeutic target for breast carcinoma.
Piezo1 activation using Yoda1 inhibits macropinocytosis in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells
Authors: Kuriyama Masashi , Hirose Hisaaki , Masuda Toshihiro , Shudou Masachika , Arafiles Jan Vincent V. , Imanishi Miki , Maekawa Masashi , Hara Yuji , Futaki Shiroh 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMacropinocytosis is a type of endocytosis accompanied by actin rearrangement-driven membrane deformation, such as lamellipodia formation and membrane ruffling, followed by the formation of large vesicles, macropinosomes. Ras-transformed cancer cells efficiently acquire exogenous amino acids for their survival through macropinocytosis. Thus, inhibition of macropinocytosis is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. To date, few specific agents that inhibit macropinocytosis have been developed. Here, focusing on the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1, we found that Yoda1, a Piezo1 agonist, potently inhibits macropinocytosis induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). The inhibition of ruffle formation by Yoda1 was dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ influx through Piezo1 and on the activation of the calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1. This suggests that Ca2+ ions can regulate EGF-stimulated macropinocytosis. We propose the potential for macropinocytosis inhibition through the regulation of a mechanosensitive channel activity using chemical tools.
The role of epiphytes in seagrass productivity under ocean acidification
Authors: Berlinghof Johanna , Peiffer Friederike , Marzocchi Ugo , Munari Marco , Quero Grazia M. , Dennis Laura , Wild Christian , Cardini Ulisse 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOcean Acidification (OA), due to rising atmospheric CO2, can affect the seagrass holobiont by changing the plant's ecophysiology and the composition and functioning of its epiphytic community. However, our knowledge of the role of epiphytes in the productivity of the seagrass holobiont in response to environmental changes is still very limited. CO2vents off Ischia Island (Italy) naturally reduce seawater pH, allowing to investigate the adaptation of the seagrassPosidonia oceanicaL. (Delile) to OA. Here, we analyzed the percent cover of different epiphytic groups and the epiphytic biomass ofP. oceanicaleaves, collected inside (pH 6.9–7.9) and outside (pH 8.1–8.2) the CO2vents. We estimated the contribution of epiphytes to net primary production (NPP) and respiration (R) of leaf sections collected from the vent and ambient pH sites in laboratory incubations. Additionally, we quantified net community production (NCP) and community respiration (CR) of seagrass communities in situ at vent and ambient pH sites using benthic chambers. Leaves at ambient pH sites had a 25% higher total epiphytic cover with encrusting red algae (32%) dominating the community, while leaves at vent pH sites were dominated by hydrozoans (21%). Leaf sections with and without epiphytes from the vent pH site produced and respired significantly more oxygen than leaf sections from the ambient pH site, showing an average increase of 47 ± 21% (mean ± SE) in NPP and 50 ± 4% in R, respectively. Epiphytes contributed little to the increase in R; however, their contribution to NPP was important (56 ± 6% of the total flux). The increase in productivity of seagrass leaves adapted to OA was only marginally reflected by the results from the in situ benthic chambers, underlining the complexity of the seagrass community response to naturally occurring OA conditions.