bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An “Invisible” Child—A Case of a Child With Anthropogenic Modification Marks and Pathological Conditions in Early Neolithic China
Authors: Fan Rong , Wei Xingtao , Zhang Juzhong , Wang Minghui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this preliminary study, we present a unique and rare case of a child with anthropogenic modification marks on his/her skeletal remains and pathological conditions that may be related to malnutrition. This child's remains were discovered at the Jiahu site. It is a relatively early Neolithic site located in northern China dated to circa 7000–5000 bc. The child was estimated to be around 8–10 years old. His/her remains were placed in a concealed way with grave goods, including a bone flute. The burial where the child was uncovered is in close proximity to two unique archeological features, including a large multiple commingled burial and a pit containing turtle shell rattles and a fork‐shaped bone tool. All these objects and bone flutes are considered as ritual paraphernalia by many scholars. Six groups of anthropogenic modification marks are documented on the child's left femur and both tibiae. Four of the groups of marks are located close to joints and the other two are on the shafts. Five groups of the thin, straight, and shallow grooves are at a transverse angle, which suggests possible excarnation actions. The context along with the marks and the child's pathological condition is indicative of a ritual setting or a ritual practitioners' mortuary practices that may have been associated with the child's underlying diseases or preparation for making bone tools, even though the intentions behind such unique mortuary practices may never be conclusive.
A New Open‐Access Method Applying GIS Techniques to the Study of Slicing, Scraping, and Tooth Marks
Authors: Westbury Eboni , Carro Sofia Samper 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study of bone surface modifications (BSMs) offers a window into behaviors and subsistence strategies adopted by ancient hominins. Geospatial software have become valuable tools for BSM analysis, facilitating the spatial recording and visualization of these modifications. This study introduces an innovative and accessible workflow that leverages the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for BSM analysis while sidestepping the limitations of proprietary software. By employing Quantum GIS (QGIS) software, this approach democratizes the analytical process and expands its potential applications. This workflow was applied in an experimental study to record slicing, scraping, and tooth marks on Tasmanian wallaby tibiae. Subsequently, a comprehensive statistical analysis was performed using the open‐access PAST software. The results yielded distinct spatial distribution patterns associated with the three types of BSMs. The key findings underscore that different butchery and consumption actions produce discernible spatial patterns on the bone surfaces, substantiated by nearest neighbor analyses. A critical aspect illuminated by the linear discriminant analysis was the variation in classification success rates. This nuanced perspective reveals that although certain BSMs exhibited consistently high classification success rates, others displayed varying success rates. This variation underscores the intricate nature of BSM interpretation and the need for a comprehensive analytical approach that integrates both spatial and morphological characteristics. In addition to its scientific contributions, this study also sheds light on practical considerations. The creation of bone templates for QGIS analysis was noted as a time‐consuming task. However, this limitation could be mitigated by collaborative efforts to build a shared digital library of skeletal templates, transforming the workflow into a more streamlined process. In sum, this study not only presents an innovative method for slicing, scraping, and tooth mark analysis using open‐access GIS but also emphasizes the method's potential applications and its role in advancing our understanding of past human behaviors.
A New Strategy for the Preparation of High‐Strength Hydrophobic Aldehyde‐Free Starch Adhesive
Authors: Zhao Hangqi , Yao Wenrui , Liu Guoying , Chen Kang , Liu Mengyao , Sun Ce , Tan Haiyan , Shen Jun , Zhang Yanhua 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTStarch adhesives are often used in the plywood sector. They are sustainable, formaldehyde‐free, and biodegradable. However, the problems of poor gluing strength and hydrophobicity need to be overcome. In this study, natural starch was oxidized by sodium persulfate to obtain oxidized starch. Oxidized starch adhesive (SSA‐15%) was crosslinked with PVA. The results show that the dry and wet shear strength of the prepared oxidized starch adhesive (SSA‐15%) can reach 2.95 MPa and 1.31 MPa, which is 163% and 120% higher than that of the natural starch adhesive. Sodium persulfate causes the large number of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in starch to oxidize directly to carboxyl groups, improving the hydrophobicity of starch. The hydroxyl group present in oxidized starch interacts with the secondary hydroxyl group in PVA to form a hydrogen bond. This interaction enhances the adhesive bonding performance, resulting in improved mechanical properties and increased bonding strength of the final products, while also contributing to the formation of a more robust network structure. The study showed that the oxidized adhesive has good hydrophobicity and storage thermal stability. It is a simple and green biomass wood adhesive, which provides theoretical support for the promotion and application of aldehyde‐free adhesives.
Enhancing Thermal Stability of PVC Through Organic Acid‐Interlayered Hydrotalcite Modification: Experimental and Computational Analysis
Authors: Duan Jinsheng , Deng Chuxuan , Liu Zhaogang , Li Yilin , Jia Peijie , Hu Yanhong , Zhang Xiaowei , Wu Jinxiu , Li Jianfei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study systematically examines the effects of diphenylphosphinic acid (DPPA) and sarcosine (SAR) intercalation into magnesium aluminum lanthanum hydrotalcite (LDHs) on its structure and thermal stability. Using charge distribution, structural optimization, energy calculations, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and thermal stability tests, the study reveals that DPPA anions, with higher negative charge density, increase the interlayer spacing to 6.08 Å and exhibit a binding energy of −0.7624 eV. SAR anions, with a thinner interlayer spacing of 4.11 Å and a binding energy of −1.603 eV, create a more stable structure. SAR's higher dipole moment (2.827 a.u.) compared to DPPA (2.077 a.u.) enhances electrostatic interactions. Thermal stability tests show SAR‐LDHs and DPPA‐LDHs extend PVC's stability to 53.67 and 56.67 min, respectively. DPPA anions provide superior stability at high temperatures, while SAR anions excel in moderate temperatures. This study offers insights for designing thermally stable composite materials.
Stress testing deep learning models for prostate cancer detection on biopsies and surgical specimens
Authors: Flannery Brennan T , Sandler Howard M , Lal Priti , Feldman Michael D , Santa‐Rosario Juan C , Pathak Tilak , Mirtti Tuomas , Farre Xavier , Correa Rohann , Chafe Susan , Shah Amit , Efstathiou Jason A , Hoffman Karen , Hallman Mark A , Straza Michael , Jordan Richard , Pugh Stephanie L , Feng Felix , Madabhushi Anant 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe presence, location, and extent of prostate cancer is assessed by pathologists using H&E‐stained tissue slides. Machine learning approaches can accomplish these tasks for both biopsies and radical prostatectomies. Deep learning approaches using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been shown to identify cancer in pathologic slides, some securing regulatory approval for clinical use. However, differences in sample processing can subtly alter the morphology between sample types, making it unclear whether deep learning algorithms will consistently work on both types of slide images. Our goal was to investigate whether morphological differences between sample types affected the performance of biopsy‐trained cancer detection CNN models when applied to radical prostatectomies and vice versa using multiple cohorts (N = 1,000). Radical prostatectomies (N = 100) and biopsies (N = 50) were acquired from The University of Pennsylvania to train (80%) and validate (20%) a DenseNet CNN for biopsies (MB), radical prostatectomies (MR), and a combined dataset (MB+R). On a tile level, MB and MR achieved F1 scores greater than 0.88 when applied to their own sample type but less than 0.65 when applied across sample types. On a whole‐slide level, models achieved significantly better performance on their own sample type compared to the alternative model (p < 0.05) for all metrics. This was confirmed by external validation using digitized biopsy slide images from a clinical trial [NRG Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)] (NRG/RTOG 0521, N = 750) via both qualitative and quantitative analyses (p < 0.05). A comprehensive review of model outputs revealed morphologically driven decision making that adversely affected model performance. MB appeared to be challenged with the analysis of open gland structures, whereas MR appeared to be challenged with closed gland structures, indicating potential morphological variation between the training sets. These findings suggest that differences in morphology and heterogeneity necessitate the need for more tailored, sample‐specific (i.e. biopsy and surgical) machine learning models. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The Voxelotor Effect: Decreased Affinity for New Drugs for Sickle Cell Disease?
Authors: Quinn Charles T. , Ware Russell E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTVoxelotor (OXBRYTA) was abruptly withdrawn from the global market in September 2024. Clinicians and patients were not prepared for this, and the sudden discontinuation has caused much consternation, uncertainty, and loss of trust.
The impacts of hospital admission in very late‐onset schizophrenia‐like psychosis: A case report
Authors: Katakami Shigeki , Satake Yuto , Suehiro Takashi , Ishimaru Daiki , Nakanishi Erina , Kanemoto Hideki , Yoshiyama Kenji , Ikeda Manabu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundVery late‐onset schizophrenia‐like psychosis (VLOSLP) is a psychotic disorder with an age of onset ≥60 years, and social isolation is a risk factor. Reports on the impact of interventions for isolation and loneliness on psychiatric symptoms in VLOSLP are limited.Case PresentationAn 87‐year‐old woman, widowed and living alone, developed psychosis, including paranoia, erotomania, and visual hallucinations, at 84 years old during a period when her interactions with others were limited by the COVID‐19 pandemic and osteoarthritis. She was eventually brought to our hospital with a local dementia outreach team. She was admitted and diagnosed with VLOSLP with mild cognitive decline through imaging and neuropsychological tests confirming the absence of dementia. Immediately after admission, her psychotic symptoms became inactive. She was transferred to another psychiatric hospital to prepare for her move to a long‐term care facility because her psychosis was alleviated. During admission, she enjoyed the company of others and occupational therapy, and her score on the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 improved from 44 at admission to 35 at discharge.ConclusionThe admission itself improved the patient's psychosis, which seemed to be related to the alleviation of isolation and loneliness.
Development of novel dual functional polyurethane: Antimicrobial and thermal energy storage by phase change material
Authors: Akbal Aytan Tuğçe , Aytan Emre , Kahraman Memet Vezir 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this study, we aim to develop a novel polyurethane (PUR) with phase changeability and antimicrobial properties for human health‐friendly thermal energy storage applications. The study consists of three steps. First, PUR prepolymer backbone was synthesized by conventional step‐growth polymerization. Second, phase change materials (PCMs) were integrated into the PUR backbone by reaction between free NCO of prepolymer and free OH and COOH of PCMs. At last, antimicrobial properties were integrated by turning nitrogen in urethane to a quaternary state by integration of iodopropane (IP) into a PUR backbone. The chemical structure was determined by FTIR. Thermal properties were determined by DSC and TGA. Antimicrobial properties were determined by the Agar well diffusion method (AWM). FTIR showed that the intended reactions were successful. PCM properties were determined by DSC. Iodopropane had no impact on phase change properties. However, DSC measurements determined the phase change enthalpy to be 28.28 J/g for the heating process and 26.12 J/g for the freezing process. AWM results showed that the prepared PUR system has antimicrobial properties.Highlights
Novel PUR was developed with dual functionality.
PUR shows thermal storage properties due to PCM integration.
PUR shows antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties after IP addition.
Protecting Children of the TikTok Era: A Discourse Analysis in the Absence of Law
Authors: Ingber Alexis Shore , Su Chris Chao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTInsufficient protections from platforms and policymakers have left children vulnerable to the harms of social media, engendering years of lively discussion around who should be held responsible for their continued engagement. Particular concerns have arisen around TikTok, a Chinese owned social media company with a distinct format and appeal toward children. In the absence of overarching governance, the public discourse fueled an understanding of how this platform may be misused. This paper analyzes the public discourse surrounding children's usage of TikTok in the United States between August 2018 and March 2021 (n = 41,731) identifying communicated harms, responsibility attribution, and public attention metrics. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of changes to TikTok's privacy policy (n = 6) revealed parallels between the discourse and actual policy changes. Results underscore that the time during which the digital discourse received (1) high public attention and (2) attributed responsibility to TikTok coincided with significant alterations to TikTok's privacy policy. Implications for platform governance and digital civic engagement research is discussed in light of rapidly changing child privacy law.
Studies on the Synthesis of di‐hydroxy Terminated di‐Carbamate via Aminolysis of Propylene Carbonate
Authors: Sharan Ishwar , Sinha Shishir , Srivastava Vimal Chandra 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study presents a work on the aminolysis of propylene carbonate (PC) and the influence of protic and aprotic solvents, a relatively scarce topic in the existing literature. In this work, di‐hydroxy terminated di‐carbamate/hydroxyurethanes (HUs) have been synthesized employing an environmentally benign approach, specifically, the aminolysis of PC with five distinct amines namely, 1,6‐hexane diamine (HDA), isophorone diamine (IPDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), utilized in stoichiometric molar ratios. The obtained HUs can be further utilized for the synthesis of non‐isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). The aminolysis of PC with HDA in the presence of a protic solvent (MeOH) resulted in a complete conversion without a catalyst. Notably, when compared to the utilization of an aprotic solvent (DMSO) with catalysts (TBAB, LiCl, LiF, DBTDL, and TEA), the exclusive use of the protic solvent (MeOH) demonstrated superior catalytic activity in the context of ring opening/aminolysis of PC. PC conversion was quantified through 1H NMR spectra. In depth structural elucidation and molecular weight determination were achieved using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and GPC analyses. Additionally, DSC assessments were employed to characterize glass transition and melting point temperatures. The utilization of solvents improves the polymer conversion, facilitates the processability of the reaction mixture, and enhances the mobility of the monomers throughout the reaction. The synthesized di‐hydroxy terminated di‐carbamates exhibit significant potential for applications in wood and metal coatings, films, adhesives, and as curing agents for epoxies.
Molecular basis of the CYFIP2 and NCKAP1 autism‐linked variants in the WAVE regulatory complex
Authors: Xie Song , Zuo Ke , De Rubeis Silvia , Ruggerone Paolo , Carloni Paolo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe WAVE regulatory pentameric complex regulates actin remodeling. Two components of it (CYFIP2 and NCKAP1) are encoded by genes whose genetic mutations increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we use a newly developed computational protocol and hotspot analysis to uncover the functional impact of these mutations at the interface of the correct isoforms of the two proteins into the complex. The mutations turn out to be located on the surfaces involving the largest number of hotspots of the complex. Most of them decrease the affinity of the proteins for the rest of the complex, but some have the opposite effect. The results are fully consistent with the available experimental data. The observed changes in the WAVE regulatory complex stability might impact on complex activation and ultimately play a role in the aberrant pathway of the complex, leading to the cell derangement associated with the disease.
Structural dynamics and binding of Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan‐extending lipid binding protein‐3 to polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Cuevas André R. , Tillman Matthew C. , Wang Meng C. , Ortlund Eric A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntracellular lipid binding proteins (iLBPs) play crucial roles in lipid transport and cellular metabolism across the animal kingdom. Recently, a fat‐to‐neuron axis was described in Caenorhabditis elegans, in which lysosomal activity in the fat liberates polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that signal to neurons and extend lifespan with durable fecundity. In this study, we investigate the structure and binding mechanisms of a lifespan‐extending lipid chaperone, lipid binding protein‐3 (LBP‐3), which shuttles dihomo‐γ‐linolenic (DGLA) acid from intestinal fat to neurons. We present the first high‐resolution crystal structure of LBP‐3, which reveals a classic iLBP fold with an unexpected and unique homodimeric arrangement via interstrand interactions that is incompatible with ligand binding. We identify key ionic interactions that mediate DGLA binding within the lipid binding pocket. Molecular dynamics simulations further elucidate LBP‐3's preferential binding to DGLA due to its rotational freedom and access to favorable binding conformations compared to other 20‐carbon PUFAs. We also propose that LBP‐3 dimerization may be a unique regulatory mechanism for lipid chaperones.
A novel method for recombinant mammalian‐expressed S‐HBsAg virus‐like particle production for assembly status analysis and improved anti‐HBs serology
Authors: Lehky Michael , Moonian Tashveen , Michel Tanja , Junker Daniel , Müsken Mathias , Strömpl Julia , Nübling Patrick , Neumann Franziska , Krumbholz Andi , Krause Gérard , Schneiderhan‐Marra Nicole , van den Heuvel Joop , Strengert Monika 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as the only lipid‐associated envelope protein of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) acts as cellular attachment and entry mediator of HBV making it the main target of neutralizing antibodies to provide HBV immunity after infection or vaccination. Despite its central role in inducing protective immunity, there is however a surprising lack of comparative studies examining different HBsAgs and their ability to detect anti‐HBs antibodies. On the contrary, various time‐consuming complex HBsAg production protocols have been established, which result in structurally and functionally insufficiently characterized HBsAg. Here, we present an easy‐to‐perform, streamlined and robust method for recombinant S‐HBsAg virus‐like particle (VLP) production by transient expression in mammalian cells and purification from the cell lysate with the aim of displaying uniform antigenic epitopes on the surface to improve serological detection of anti‐HBs antibodies. We not only compare assembly status and particle composition by transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry of our S‐HBsAg and of commonly used HBsAg reference samples, but also assess their antigenic quality and functional suitability for anti‐HBs antibody detection to identify the best performing sample for serological screenings. While we found that serum‐isolated and recombinant HBsAg VLPs are assembled differently, our S‐HBsAg VLPs detected anti‐HBs antibodies with the highest sensitivity and specificity in multiplex serology when compared to yeast or serum HBsAg making it the most suitable antigen for analysis of HBV immunity through anti‐HBs serostatus.
Astragaloside IV Alleviates Acute Hepatic Injury by Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Pyroptosis via Activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kuang Gang , Zhao Yisi , Wang Liuyang , Wen Tingyu , Liu Panting , Ma Bei , Peng Qiaozhi , Xu Fang , Ye Lin , Fan Jing 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAcute hepatic injury (AHI) is associated with poor prognosis in sepsis patient; however, to date, no specific therapeutic approach has been established for this disease. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects and action mechanisms of Astragaloside IV (AS) on AHI. C57BL/6 mice, RAW264.7 cells, and bone marrow‐derived macrophages were used in this study. Sepsis‐associated AHI model mice were established using lipopolysaccharide + D‐galactosamine. Pathological examination of liver tissues and serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase was performed to evaluate the liver function. Moreover, inflammatory cytokine levels, proportion of M1/M2 macrophages and their marker levels, and cell pyroptosis‐related indicator levels were determined in the liver of the AHI model mice with or without AS treatment. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression was determined after AS treatment. Additionally, inflammatory cytokine levels, liver injury, and macrophage polarization were evaluated after inhibiting the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. AS alleviated lipopolysaccharide + D‐galactosamine‐induced AHI and inhibited inflammatory reactions in the blood and liver of mice. AS also promoted the M1‐to‐M2 phenotypic transformation of macrophages in the liver of AHI model mice and in vitro, thereby decreasing the pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and increasing the anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels. AS increased AMPK and SIRT1 levels in the liver and macrophages. Furthermore, AS improved liver injury by elevating the expression of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis in macrophages. Overall, AS alleviated AHI by promoting M1‐to‐M2 macrophage transformation and inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis via activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.