bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uniform Boundedness on Extremal Subsets in Alexandrov Spaces
Authors: Fujioka Tadashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we study extremal subsets in Alexandrov spaces with dimension n, curvature

$$\ge \kappa $$

≥
κ

, and diameter

$$\le D$$

≤
D

. We show that the following three quantities are uniformly bounded above in terms of n,

$$\kappa $$

κ

, and D: (1) the number of extremal subsets in an Alexandrov space; (2) the Betti numbers of an extremal subset; (3) the volume of an extremal subset. The proof is an application of essential coverings introduced by Yamaguchi.
Baihu Jia Renshen Decoction may improve skeletal muscle and adipose tissue functions of type I diabetic rats by affecting pancreatic β-cell function
Authors: Chu Shufang , Liu Deliang , Zhao Hengxia , Liu Ling , Li Juntong , Wang Gaoxiang , Liu Xuemei , Li Huilin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Baihu Jia Renshen Decoction (BJRD) is used for diabetes mellitus (DM) management in clinics.

Objective
To elucidate the potential mechanism of BJRD in treating type 1 DM (T1DM).

Methods
T1DM models were established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats were subsequently randomly divided into the normal control (NC), model (MOD), insulin (INS), INS + BJRD-medium dose (MID), and INS + BJRD-high dose (HIGH) groups. The rats’ body weight was measured. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the muscle and adipose tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to verify the DEG levels.

Results
Body weights of MOD, INS, MID, and HIGH groups were significantly reduced as compared to those of NC group. Compared with NC group, MOD group showed significant Hspa1b and Notch3 downregulation and Camkk2 level elevation. Compared with MOD group, INS group showed further downregulation of the Hspa1b level, whereas MID group exhibited an increase. The Camkk2 levels in INS, MID, and HIGH groups were further reduced. The Notch3 levels did not significantly change in INS and MID groups, whereas that of HIGH group increased. Additionally, compared with NC group, MOD group demonstrated upregulation of the Myl1, Mylpf, Acacb, and Pygm levels and downregulation of Fasn level. Compared with MOD group, Myl1, Mylpf, and Pygm levels in INS, MID, and HIGH groups were down-regulated, whereas Fasn and Acacb levels were up-regulated.

Conclusion
BJRD may influence pancreatic β-cell function, thereby enhancing the function of the skeletal muscle and adipose tissues in a T1DM rat model.
Angelica decursiva (Miq.) Franch. & Sav. extract inhibits UVB-mediated photoaging by regulating MAPK-related inflammatory pathways
Authors: Kim Ha-Rim , Lee Seung-Hyeon , Kim Young-Soo , Kim Sang-Nam , Kim Seon-Young , Park Mi Hee 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation negatively impacts skin health by inducing inflammation and accelerating photoaging through increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), collagen degradation, and inhibition of procollagen synthesis. Angelica decursiva (Miq.) Franch. & Sav. has various biological effects, however, the anti-wrinkle effect has not been reported yet. It has been reported that the ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Objectives
This study investigated the protective effects of Angelica decursiva (Miq.) Franch. & Sav. extract (ADE) against UVB-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts (Hs68).

Results
ADE was non-toxic at all concentrations, confirming its safety for cosmetic applications. Furthermore, pretreatment with ADE significantly inhibited UVB-induced degradation of type I procollagen and suppressed MMP-1 expression in Hs68 cells. Additionally, abdominal skin exposure to UVB led to a significant increase in MMP-1 levels and accelerated collagen degradation. However, pretreatment with ADE effectively mitigated these effects, reducing MMP-1 expression and preserving collagen integrity.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that ADE possesses anti-photoaging properties and could serve as a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations aimed at preventing UVB-induced wrinkle formation.
Field investigation of bicycles for indirect bridge structural health monitoring
Authors: May Richard , Chai Hwa Kian , Reynolds Thomas , Lu Yong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIndirect structural health monitoring (iSHM) for bridges typically utilises motorised vehicles. A large number of pedestrian and cycle bridges worldwide cannot practically be accessed by these vehicles. Nevertheless, such bridges are equally susceptible to ongoing accumulation of defects. This paper reports field investigation of using bicycles as exciters and sensor carriers for identifying bridge modal parameters. Data are gathered simultaneously from the moving bicycle and the subject bridge to reduce ambiguity. Bridge modal frequencies estimated using bicycle-mounted sensors are compared to baseline properties estimated using ambient and pedestrian heel drop inputs. Changes in baseline modal frequencies are observed to be correlated with varying temperature, a known cause of environmental and operational variation (EOV). The possible pollution of recorded signals due to human–bicycle interaction dynamics is considered. The combined rider–bicycle–bridge system is observed to exhibit nonstationary frequency behaviour during freewheeling traversals, and bridge resonance due to harmonic pedalling forces is demonstrated. Increased pedalling cadence is correlated with reduced frequency nonstationarity for the combined system. It is suggested that this could be due to an increase in the rider–bike subsystem fundamental frequency caused by rider posture. Collectively, these observations suggest the potential for the use of fleets of bicycles for iSHM, while highlighting the need for greater understanding of potential confounding due to rider–bicycle and rider–bicycle–bridge interaction dynamics as a source of EOV.
Ecological Dynamics as an Accurate and Parsimonious Contributor to Applied Practice: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Collins Dave , Carson Howie J. , Rylander Pär , Bobrownicki Ray 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWith sport coaches adopting and working toward increasingly evidence-grounded approaches to practice, skill acquisition has appropriately become a critical area for consideration. As part of this growing interest in skill acquisition, the ecological dynamics approach has garnered attention amongst scholars and practitioners with myriad media (e.g. peer-reviewed articles, books, podcasts and social-media outputs) extolling its benefits. In doing this, however, the available guidance, advice and scholarship have typically positioned ecological dynamics as a direct competitor to existing or traditional cognitive approaches, advising against practical integration of approaches due to theoretical incompatibility. As a standalone approach, we are concerned that there are mechanistic and epistemological issues and inconsistencies that prevent experimental comparisons and limit its applicability, novelty and capability to comprehensively address real-world athlete and coach needs. Based on this, in this Current Opinion paper, we lay out these concerns and critically examine the clarity, coherence and consistency of the approach and its associated literature. In concluding, we also suggest that a more evidence-based and mechanistically driven approach that draws upon a wider set of theoretical perspectives can offer greater benefit to athletes, coaches and practitioners in real-world sport.
Clinicians’ Perceptions of Videoconferencing Versus Face-to-Face Therapy With Children and Adolescents
Authors: Lasecke Meagan , Rousseau Alexandra , Tan Xin Yu , Wu YingHua , Baeza-Hernandez Katerina , Bunge Eduardo L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTherapists are essential in providing videoconferencing therapy (VCT), a crucial solution to the shortage of child psychological services. Understanding the barriers to adoption for providers can help increase access to treatment for children and families. The objectives are as follows: to understand (1) child therapists’ attitudes towards VCT compared to face-to-face (FF) services, (2) how the pandemic affected child therapists’ perceptions and usage of VCT, and (3) how child therapists’ perceptions of therapeutic rapport and patient engagement relate to perceived no-show rates. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 181 therapists completed a web-based training survey. VCT was rated better than FF by 19% of participants and about the same as FF by 25%. The majority of participants were either “extremely satisfied” (48%) or “somewhat satisfied” (41%) with VCT. Participants retrospectively rated their perceived usefulness of VCT before the pandemic (M = 2.95) significantly higher (p < .001) than their perceived usefulness of VCT during the pandemic (M = 4.31). After completing the training survey, participants were willing to devote 53.73% of clinical time to seeing patients via VCT (compared to FF). Perceived therapeutic rapport (p < .05, OR = 1.61) and patient engagement (p < .01, OR = 2.09) were independent predictors of perceived VCT no-show rates for children. Nearly half of child therapists either prefer VCT or consider it equivalent to FF services. Furthermore, child therapists have moderate to high satisfaction with VCT and plan to continue using it for over 50% of their clinical services. This study highlights that VCT is likely to remain a permanent modality in child psychological services.
Transcriptional profiling of Fraxinus excelsior leaves during the early infection phase of ash dieback
Authors: Ferrari Renata Callegari , Chano Victor , Shrestha Karuna , Dominguez-Flores Tania , Ridley Maia , Fussi Barbara , Seidel Hannes , Gailing Oliver , Budde Katharina B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ash dieback (ADB) has been causing the progressive decline of Fraxinus excelsior trees throughout Europe, urging research and forest management to develop strategies to combat ADB. A genetically heritable component in susceptibility to this fungal disease was reported in common gardens. Thus, exploring the molecular basis of ADB susceptibility will further support breeding initiatives in the future. We performed transcriptional profiling of infected and uninfected leaves from two ash genotypes with different susceptibility to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Leaf rachises were sampled one week following inoculation. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to compare between treatments in each genotype (individual response) or in genotypes and treatments combined (common response). Due to the heterogeneity in the response, only DEGs were discussed that passed stringent assessment. Our results revealed that UW1, the most susceptible genotype, showed a total of 515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), some of them possibly suggesting a self-control mechanism, hindering an effective immune response and causing increased susceptibility. On the other hand, FAR3, the least susceptible genotype with 230 DEGs, seemed to induce a contained but more efficient response, hinting toward a salicylic acid-mediated process and activating pathogen-related (like) proteins as thaumatin-like, peroxidases, and chitinases. In the common response, 512 DEGs were modulated and transcripts from the phenylpropanoid pathway were commonly altered in both genotypes. Altogether, this work comprised an initial transcriptional exploration including two selected genotypes with distinct susceptibility to ADB, however, the heterogenous response indicated the need to further improve the experimental inoculation approach. Exploring gene expression patterns in ADB susceptibility holds promise to reveal early response mechanisms, and new markers related to susceptibility, as well as to contribute to developing strategies that may help contain ADB.
Advancing sustainable renewable energy: XGBoost algorithm for the prediction of water yield in hemispherical solar stills
Authors: Sarow Salwa Ahmad , Flayyih Hasan Abbas , Bazerkan Maryam , Al-Haddad Luttfi A. , Al-Sharify Zainab T. , Ogaili Ahmed Ali Farhan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe increasing demand for clean water necessitates innovative approaches to optimize water productivity through renewable energy systems. This study harnessed computer science-based algorithm to forecast the productivity of hemispherical solar stills (HSS) enhanced by various sand beds, reflectors, and a vapor extraction fan using XGBoost analysis. Initially explored was the effect of different sand types and bed heights on HSS performance, with the findings indicating that black sand, especially at a height of 1 cm combined with reflectors and a fan, markedly improved efficiency and production. An economic analysis revealed a significant reduction in water treatment costs with the optimized system. The current work extends these experimental insights through XG-Boost to predict productivity, employing evaluation metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Squared Error (CVRMSE), and the determination coefficient (R2), with resulted values denoted as 0.43708%, 0.95879%, 0.2780%, 0.05290%, 12.2078%, and 0.88144% respectively. This approach significantly advances the predictability and efficiency of solar distillation systems by pressing global challenges of water scarcity and sustainability and the use of solar energy.
A Novel Heterozygous IHH c.331_333del Mutation Identified in a Fetus with Brachydactyly Type A1 Causes IHH Protein Maturation Failure in HEK293T Cells
Authors: Zhu Ting , Guan Lijie , Chen Dan , Luo Yi , Zhu Mianmian , Sun Rongyue , Shi Jiamin , Wang Qiu , Chen Yuan , Wang Yihong , Wang Hongwei , Lu Zhongqiu , Wang Dan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBrachydactyly A1 (BDA1) is a rare disorder characterized by the disproportionate shortening of fingers and/or toes with or without symphalangism. Mutations in Indian hedgehog signaling molecule (IHH), which impair the effect of functional IHH protein derived from its precursor IHH, are commonly identified in patients with BDA1 or acrocapitofemoral dysplasia (ACFD). The ultrasound phenotype of fetuses with IHH mutations has rarely been described. To better understand the consequences of IHH mutation, we analyzed the characteristics of a Chinese fetus with BDA1 caused by a novel heterozygous IHH mutation. Clinical data and genomic DNA were collected from the proband and family members. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify potential causative mutations. Sequence analysis was performed to investigate the conservation of the affected leucine residue in IHH. Protein 3D modeling was performed to predict the effects of the mutation on protein structure. In vitro overexpression transfection experiments in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cell lines were performed to evaluate the pathogenicity of the identified mutation. The fetal proband carried a novel heterozygous mutation in IHH (NM_002181.4: c.331_333delCTG, NP_002172.2: p.Leu111del) inherited from the father; this mutation manifested as shortening of the limbs, with more severe shortening observed in the proximal extremities than in the distal extremities, as evidenced by ultrasound. The Leu111 residue is highly conserved among vertebrates, and deletion of this residue destabilizes the protein structure. Western blotting analysis of HEK293T cells in overexpression transfection experiments revealed that the Leu111del mutation led to an increase in the level of the IHH precursor and a reduction in the level of functional IHH protein compared with those in HEK293T cells expressing wild-type IHH, indicating that this mutation might cause IHH protein dysmaturity. The novel heterozygous mutation c.331_333delCTG (p.Leu111del) in the IHH gene is the likely cause of BDA1 in this Chinese fetus. This mutation causes IHH protein maturation failure. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of BDA1 and the clinical identification of fetal BDA1.
Study on the Positive Temperature Anomalies in East Antarctica During the Winter of 2018
Authors: Shan Yulong , Ding Jinfeng , Zhu Xiaoqian , Qi Wei , Liu Lei , Liu Xichuan , Ding Minghu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEast Antarctica has experienced significant positive temperature anomalies during winter 2018, with Zhongshan (ZS) station recording its highest winter average temperature since 2008 and fourth highest since its establishment in 1989. This study employs observational data and ERA5 reanalysis to diagnose the phenomenon, revealing that temperature anomalies at 300 hPa are mainly driven by advection and adiabatic processes, which is the second highest recorded from 2000 to 2020. However, diabatic process are significantly important at 700 hPa, being the third highest during the period. The reduction in sea ice, combined with enhanced sinking motion and increased sea‐air temperature difference, together contributes to the variations of diabatic heating. The increased precipitation, exceeding the historical average by 100% along the southwestern shore of Prydz Bay, further induces localized warming. The increased atmospheric pressure associated with the negative Southern Annular Mode phase is the primary cause influencing the advection, adiabatic, and diabatic processes.
Adapting Ensemble‐Calibration Techniques to Probabilistic Solar‐Wind Forecasting
Authors: Edward‐Inatimi N. O. , Owens M. J. , Barnard L. , Turner H. , Marsh M. , Gonzi S. , Lang M. , Riley P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSolar‐wind forecasting is critical for predicting events which can affect Earth's technological systems. Typically, forecasts combine coronal model outputs with heliospheric models to predict near‐Earth conditions. Ensemble forecasting generates sets of outputs to create probabilistic forecasts which quantify forecast uncertainty, vital for reliable/actionable forecasts. We adapt meteorological methods to create a calibrated solar‐wind ensemble and probabilistic forecast for ambient solar wind, a prerequisite for accurate coronal mass ejection (CME) forecasting. Calibration is achieved by adjusting ensemble inputs/outputs to align the ensemble spread with observed event frequencies. We produce hindcasts in near‐Earth space using coronal‐model output over Solar Cycle 24, as input to Heliospheric Upwind eXtrapolation with time dependence (HUXt) solar‐wind model. Making spatial perturbations to the coronal model output at 0.1 AU, we produce ensembles of inner‐boundary conditions for HUXt, evaluating how forecast accuracy was impacted by the scales of perturbations applied. We found optimal spatial perturbations described by Gaussian distributions with variances of 20° latitude and 10° longitude; these might represent spatial uncertainty within the coronal model. This produced probabilistic forecasts better matching observed frequencies. Calibration improved forecast reliability, reducing the Brier score by 9% and forecast decisiveness increasing AUC ROC score by 2.5%. Improvements were subtle but systematic. Additionally, we explored statistical post‐processing to correct over‐confidence bias, improving forecast actionability. However, this method, applied post‐run, does not affect the solar‐wind state used to propagate CMEs. This work represents the first formal calibration of solar‐wind ensembles, laying groundwork for comprehensive forecasting systems like a calibrated multi‐model ensemble.
Exploring cost reduction strategies for serum free media development
Authors: Quek Jun Ping , Gaffoor Azra Anwar , Tan Yu Xuan , Tan Tessa Rui Min , Chua Yu Feng , Leong Dawn Sow Zong , Ali Alif Sufiyan , Ng Say Kong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCultivated meat production offers solutions in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. However, serum-free media (SFM) used in cultivating the cells are expensive, contributing to at least 50% of variable operating costs. This review explores technologies for cost-effective SFM, focusing on reducing cost from using growth factors and recombinant proteins, using affordable raw materials for basal media, and implementing cost-saving measures like media recycling and reducing waste build-up.
Emerging influence of the Australian Monsoon on Indian Ocean interannual variability in a warming climate
Authors: Chen Mengyan , Collins Matthew , Yu Jin-Yi , Wang Xin , Zhang Lei , Tam Chi-Yung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Tripole (IOT) represent primary modes of interannual variability in the Indian Ocean, impacting both regional and global climate. Unlike the IOD, which is closely related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), our findings unveil a substantial influence of the Australian Monsoon on the IOT. An anomalously strong Monsoon induces local sea surface temperature (SST) variations via the wind-evaporation-SST mechanism, triggering atmospheric circulation anomalies in the eastern Indian Ocean. These circulation changes lead to changes in oceanic heat transport, facilitating the formation of the IOT. Our analysis reveals a strengthening connection between the Australian Monsoon and the IOT in recent decades, with a projected further strengthening under global warming. This contrasts with the diminished coupling between ENSO and IOD in recent decades from observations and model projections, illustrating evolving Indian Ocean dynamics under the warming climate.
HSP60 controls mitochondrial ATP generation for optimal virus-specific IL-21-producing CD4 and cytotoxic CD8 memory T cell responses
Authors: Ghahari Nazanin , Shegefti Saina , Alaei Mahsa , Amara Amine , Telittchenko Roman , Isnard Stéphane , Routy Jean-Pierre , Olagnier David , van Grevenynghe Julien 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe have shown that virus-specific CD4 and CD8 memory T cells (TM) induce autophagy after T cell receptor (TCR) engagement to provide free glutamine and fatty acids, including in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). These nutrients fuel mitochondrial ATP generation through glutaminolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathways, to fulfill the bioenergetic demands for optimal IL-21 and cytotoxic molecule production in CD4 and CD8 cells, respectively. Here, we expand our knowledge on how the metabolic events that occur in the mitochondria of virus-specific TM down-stream of the autophagy are regulated. We show that HSP60 chaperone positively regulates the protein levels for multiple glutaminolysis- and FAO-related enzymes, thereby actively fueling the levels of cellular alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) and related mitochondrial ATP-dependent antiviral T cell immunity in both CD4 and CD8 TM. Finally, we provide a way to rescue defective ATP generation in mitochondria and dependent effector functions in virus-specific TM including anti-HIV-1 protective responses, when HSP60 expression is impaired after TCR engagement in patients, in the form of dimethyl 2-oxoglutarate (DMKG) supplementation.
Zweifel olefination for C-glycosylation
Authors: Trauner Florian , Boutet Bilel , Pilz Fabian , Weber Verena , Didier Dorian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractC-glycosides are significant in medicinal chemistry due to their resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, making them more stable and bioavailable compared to O-glycosides. Their unique structure also offers potential for developing drugs with improved therapeutic properties, particularly in treating diseases like diabetes and cancer. The main challenge in synthesizing C-glycosides lies in forming the carbon-carbon bond between the sugar and aglycone efficiently, while controlling the stereochemistry and minimizing side reactions. Starting from glycal derivatives, the Zweifel olefination presents an elegant opportunity to access C-glycosides in a selective manner. α-Lithiation of D-glucal, L-rhamnal, D-xylal and L-arabinal scaffolds was employed as a starting point in the synthesis of corresponding unsaturated aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkenyl-C-glycosides. This provides a straightforward strategy towards pharmacorelevant gliflozins and other unreported rhamnal- and xylal-analogs.