bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-biased metal oxide electrolyte-gated thin-film transistors for enhanced protonation in complex biofluids
Authors: Hwang Chuljin , Song Yoonseok , Baek Seokhyeon , Choi Jun-Gyu , Park Sungjun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractpH sensing technology is pivotal for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and diagnosing human health conditions. Indium–gallium–zinc oxide electrolyte-gated thin-film transistors (IGZO EGTFTs) are highly regarded as ion-sensing devices due to the pH-dependent surface chemistry of their sensing membranes. However, applying EGTFT-based pH sensors in complex biofluids containing diverse charged species poses challenges due to ion interference and inherently low sensitivity constrained by the Nernst limit. Here, we propose a dual-biased (DB) EGTFT pH sensing platform, acquiring back-gate-assisted sensitivity enhancement and recyclable redox-coupled protonation at the semiconductor-biofluid interface. A solution-processed amorphous IGZO film, used as the proton-sensitive membrane, ensures scalable uniformity across a 6-inch wafer. These devices demonstrate exceptional pH resistivity over several hours when submerged in solutions with pH levels of 4 and 8. In-depth electrochemical investigations reveal that back-gate bias significantly enhances sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit, reaching 85 mV/pH. This improvement is due to additional charge accumulation in the channel, which expands the sensing window. As a proof of concept, we observe consistent variations in threshold voltage during repeated pH cycles, not only in standard solutions but also in physiological electrolytes such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and artificial urine, confirming the potential for reliable operation in complex biological environments.
Longitudinal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody durability in Puerto Rico
Authors: Madewell Zachary J. , Graff Nathan E. , Lopez Velma K. , Rodriguez Dania M. , Wong Joshua M. , Maniatis Panagiotis , Medina Freddy A. , Muñoz Jorge L. , Briggs-Hagen Melissa , Adams Laura E. , Rivera-Amill Vanessa , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Major Chelsea G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics of antibody responses following vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection is important for informing effective vaccination strategies and other public health interventions. This study investigates SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics in a Puerto Rican cohort, analyzing how IgG levels vary by vaccination status and previous infection. We assess waning immunity and the distribution of hybrid immunity with the aim to inform public health strategies and vaccination programs in Puerto Rico and similar settings. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to identify SARS-CoV-2 infections and related outcomes in Ponce, Puerto Rico, from June 2020–August 2022. Participants provided self-collected nasal swabs every week and serum every six months for RT-PCR and IgG testing, respectively. IgG reactivity against nucleocapsid (N) antigens, which generally indicate previous infection, and spike (S1) and receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigens, which indicate history of either infection or vaccination, was assessed using the Luminex Corporation xMAP® SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG Assay. Prior infection was defined by positive RT-PCRs, categorized by the predominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant at the event time. Demographic information, medical history, and COVID-19 vaccination history were collected through standardized questionnaires. Of 882 participants included in our analysis, 34.0% experienced at least one SARS-CoV-2 infection, with most (78.7%) occurring during the Omicron wave (December 2021 onwards). SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence increased over time, reaching 98.4% by the final serum collection, 67.0% attributable to vaccination alone, 1.6% from infection alone, and 31.4% from both. Regardless of prior infection status, RBD and S1 IgG levels gradually declined following two vaccine doses. A third dose boosted these antibody levels and showed a slower decline over time. N-antibody levels peaked during the Omicron surge and waned over time. Vaccination in individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited the highest and most durable antibody responses. N or S1 seropositivity was associated with lower odds of a subsequent positive PCR test during the Omicron period, with N antibodies showing a stronger association. By elucidating the differential decay of RBD and S1 antibodies following vaccination and the complexities of N-antibody response following infection, this study in a Puerto Rican cohort strengthens the foundation for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies.
LieRHRV system for remote lie detection using heart rate variability parameters
Authors: Davoodi Moran , Aspis Nitay , Drori Yael , Weiser-Bitoun Ido , Yaniv Yael 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe standard polygraph, or lie detector, is limited by its reliance on average heart rate, subjective examiner interpretation, and the need for direct subject contact. Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) offers a promising contactless alternative, by using facial videos to extract heart rate variability (HRV). We introduce "LieRHRV," a remote lie detection algorithm based solely on extracted HRV parameters. To test the HRV parameter quality, we compared these parameters to HRV parameters extracted from ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) records archived in five gold-standard ECG/PPG datasets. A prospective study of 39 healthy volunteers was also performed to evaluate the accuracy of lie detection based on PPG- or rPPG-derived HRV parameters. Effective HRV parameter extraction from both PPG and ECG sources was demonstrated, with comparable outcomes among 60% of the parameters on average with the publicly available datasets, and prospective study with 80% of the parameters. LieRHRV performance on ECG, PPG or rPPG (with parameters selected for PPG) exhibited an accuracy of 83.3 ± 3%, 87.3 ± 4% or 91.7 ± 3.5%, respectively. In comparison, the naïve model for ECG, PPG or rPPG data achieved an accuracy of 58.3 ± 3%, 61.0 ± 3% or 67.0 ± 5%, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of LieRHRV, and offers a promising avenue for advancing lie detection technologies beyond polygraph limitations.
N7-methyladenosine-induced SLC7A7 serves as a prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer and promotes CRC progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Fuqi , Zhang Shiqian , Chen Zhuang , Gu Xiaoming , Zhang Ge , Zhang Hairong , Yuan Weitang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSolute transport family 7A member 7 (SLC7A7) mutations contribute to lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI), which is the mechanism of action that has been extensively studied. In colorectal cancer (CRC), SLC7A7 appears to play a role, but the features and mechanisms are not yet well understood. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Enrichment analysis was performed to characterize, immune infiltration, methylation, genetic instability, and crucial pathways of SLC7A7. Afterward, functional experiments were conducted in vitro to investigate how SLC7A7 affects tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (me-RIP) were carried out to confirm the methylation modification of SLC7A7 and related functions. High levels of expression of SLC7A7 are predictive of a worse prognosis for CRC patients. Enrichment analysis showed that SLC7A7 was significantly enriched during EMT and could be enriched in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, immune infiltration analysis of pan-cancer showed that SLC7A7 was significantly enriched in macrophages, and methylation analysis showed that SLC7A7 methylation modification affected the prognosis of specific cancers. SLC7A7 was indicated to promote the migration and invasion of CRC cells in in vitro functional experiments. Mechanistically, SLC7A7 was observed to potentially interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, possibly by influencing adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) expression. Furthermore, we identified that SLC7A7 undergoes N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification, which may regulate SLC7A7 mRNA stability, with Quaking (QKI) potentially playing a role in this process by recognizing the m7G modification. Our results indicate that SLC7A7 may promote CRC metastasis through the SLC7A7/APC/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, m7G modification might be involved in regulating SLC7A7 mRNA stability, highlighting a novel layer of regulation.
Development and characterization of fluorescent cholesteryl probes with enhanced solvatochromic and pH-sensitive properties for live-cell imaging
Authors: Rubio Vicente , McInchak Nicholas , Fernandez Genesis , Benavides Dana , Herrera Diana , Jimenez Catherine , Mesa Haylee , Meade Jonathan , Zhang Qi , Stawikowski Maciej J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe present novel fluorescent cholesteryl probes (CNDs) with a modular design based on the solvatochromic 1,8-phthalimide scaffold. We have explored how different modules—linkers and head groups—affect the ability of these probes to integrate into lipid membranes and how they distribute intracellularly in mouse astrocytes and fibroblasts targeting lysosomes and lipid droplets. Each compound was assessed for its solvatochromic behavior in organic solvents and model membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations and lipid partitioning using giant unilamellar vesicles showed how these analogs behave in model membranes compared to cholesterol. Live-cell imaging demonstrated distinct staining patterns and cellular uptake behaviors, further validating the utility of these probes in biological systems. We compared the empirical results with those of BODIPY-cholesterol, a well-regarded fluorescent cholesterol analog. The internalization efficiency of fluorescent CND probes varies in different cell types and is affected mainly by the head groups. Our results demonstrate that the modular design significantly simplifies the creation of fluorescent cholesteryl probes bearing distinct spectral, biophysical, and cellular targeting features. It is a valuable toolkit for imaging in live cells, measuring cellular membrane dynamics, and studying cholesterol-related processes.
The moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms
Authors: Liao Mei Chih , Choi Ming Sing Jessica , Huang Chak Hei Ocean , Lam Stanley Kam Ki , Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Wong Janet Yuen-Ha , Fung Hong Wang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLoneliness has been recognized as a pressing global health threat. Research shows that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms, but less is known about what factors might influence this relationship. This study tested the hypothesis that mindfulness would buffer the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. A total of 220 Chinese adults completed validated measures of loneliness, mindfulness, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderator analyses were conducted. Mindfulness was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = -.485, p  < .001) after controlling for demographic variables and loneliness. Furthermore, mindfulness was a statistically significant moderator. Loneliness was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms when the levels of mindfulness were low. Mindfulness buffered the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Encouraging mindfulness practices might offer community-wide benefits from a public health perspective. While some studies showed that mindfulness could reduce loneliness, future studies should further evaluate whether mindfulness-based programs could also prevent the mental health consequences of loneliness.
Priority areas and implementation of ecological corridor through forest restoration to safeguard biodiversity
Authors: Beltrão Mayara Guimarães , Gonçalves Camila Francisco , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Carmignotto Ana Paula , Silveira Luis Fábio , Galetti Pedro Manoel , Galetti Mauro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEcological Corridors (ECs) are proposed as cost-effective solutions to improve ecological connectivity in fragmented landscapes. Planning the implementation of ECs must take into account landscape features as they affect the viability of the endeavor and the ECs associated costs. A novel set of geoprocessing tools were used to assess (i) economic viability; (ii) socioeconomic cost-effectiveness; and (iii) to determine priority targets for ECs establishment in a highly fragmented region of Atlantic Forest. Landscape features (e.g. size, edge density, number of patches), land use and cover, and Enhanced Vegetation Index data were obtained from remote sensing. Composition and configuration landscape metrics were estimated by geostatistical methods. Study area was represented by 35,344 forest fragments, of which 94% were composed of fragments smaller than 10 hectares in size, leading to a landscape characterized by low connectivity. We identified 13 priority fragments for protection and propose five ecological corridors. These five ECs connect six priority fragments, with a total of 283.93 ha of area to restore, on an estimated cost of nearly US$550.000,00. Conserving the biodiversity of one of the most threatened and fragmented tropical rainforest regions could be promoted at modest costs, through the protection of key fragments and their reconnection in the landscape.
EPLIN, a prospective oncogenic molecule with contribution to growth, migration and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zeng Jianyuan , Wang Cai , Ruge Fiona , Ji Edison Ke , Martin Tracey A. , Sanders Andrew J. , Jia Shuqin , Hao Chunyi , Jiang Wen G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMost pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, with poor survival rates and drug resistance making pancreatic cancer one of the highest causes of cancer death in the UK. Understanding the underlying mechanism behind its carcinogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance has become an essential task for researchers. We have discovered that a well-established tumour suppressor, EPLIN, has an oncogenic rather than suppressive role in pancreatic cancer. Notably, upregulation of EPLIN was observed in pancreatic cancer samples compared to normal samples at RNA and protein levels. Moreover, the presence of EPLIN resulted in poor clinical outcomes in patients. We also report that inhibition of EPLIN led to reduced cellular growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cells. EPLIN regulates expression and phosphorylation levels of several key players in MAPK and PIK3CA-AKT signalling pathways, as well as key contributors of EMT. Furthermore, EPLIN mediates the inhibitory ability PIK3 kinases, MEK and ERK inhibitors have on cell migration. EPLIN was also found to have an impact on pancreatic cancer cells response to chemotherapeutic and EGFR/HER2 targeted therapeutic agents, namely gemcitabine, fluorouracil (5FU) and neratinib (Nerlynx).
Bee pollen peptides as potent tyrosinase inhibitors with anti-melanogenesis effects in murine b16f10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos
Authors: Sangtanoo Papassara , Srimongkol Piroonporn , Saisavoey Tanatorn , Puthong Songchan , Buakeaw Anumart , Suttisuwan Rutairat , Jatupornpipat Marisa , Pimtong Wittaya , Reamtong Onrapak , Karnchanatat Aphichart 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOne important functional food ingredient today, valued for its health properties and ability to prevent disease, is bee pollen, which comprises a combination of nectar, pollen from plants, and the secretions of bees. In this research, the tyrosinase (TYR) inhibiting abilities of the peptides derived from bee pollen protein hydrolysates are investigated. Various proteases were utilized to generate these peptides, followed by testing at different concentrations. Tyrosinase inhibition activity was detected in all cases, while the hydrolysate drawn from 5.0% w/v neutrase exhibited the best IC50 value and was thus investigated further via ultrafiltration to separate the active fractions. The highest potential for tyrosinase inhibition was recorded for the fractions below 0.65 kDa. Subsequent purification steps via SEC and RP-HPLC led to the identification of the VDGYPAAGY (named VY-9) peptide via LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS in fraction F1–2, known for its non-toxic and hydrophobic characteristics albeit poor water solubility. The synthesized VY-9 peptide demonstrated competitive inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.55 ± 0.03 µM for mono-phenolase and 2.54 ± 0.06 µM for di-phenolase activities, as confirmed by molecular docking analysis revealing dominant hydrogen bond interactions with TYR. Effective concentrations of 0.2–1.6 µM of VY-9 showed negligible cytotoxicity in B16F10 cells. Melanin synthesis suppression was examined via qRT-PCR, and western blot in MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Cell death in zebrafish embryos was evaluated in vivo using a toxicity assay which revealed no significant influence from VY-9, while anti-melanogenic effects were observed when the concentration was 4 µM, suggesting bee pollen-derived peptides’ potential in cosmetic and pharmaceutical depigmentation applications.
Association of relative fat mass (RFM) index with diabetes-related mortality and heart disease mortality
Authors: Woolcott Orison O. , Samarasundera Edgar , Heath Alicia K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAlthough studies have examined the association of the Relative Fat Mass (RFM, a novel anthropometric index used as a surrogate for whole-body fat percentage) with all-cause mortality, the association of RFM with diabetes-related mortality and heart disease mortality has not been thoroughly investigated. In addition, no study has compared the associations of RFM and waist circumference (a surrogate for intra-abdominal fat) with cause-specific mortality and all-cause mortality. In the present study, we addressed these knowledge gaps. We used data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. NHANES III was used for validation. Analyses included 46,535 adults (mean age 46.5 years). During a median follow-up time of 9.7 years, 6,101 participants died (743 from diabetes; 1,514 from heart disease). Compared with BMI and WC, RFM was more strongly associated with diabetes-related mortality in both women and men, adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, and smoking status. All anthropometric measures were similarly strongly associated with heart disease mortality and all-cause mortality. RFM showed greater predictive discrimination of mortality. Similar results were found in NHANES III (n = 14,448). In conclusion, RFM is strongly associated with diabetes-related mortality, heart disease mortality, and all-cause mortality, and outperforms conventional adiposity measures for prediction of mortality.
Experimental and formula deduction on the mechanical performance of Fang in Dou-Gong of Song dynasty
Authors: Zhang Long , Liu Chuang , Zhou Ting , Qin Yuqing , Gao Song 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn Song dynasty, Dou-Gong construction techniques, Tou-Xin-Zao and Ji-Xin-Zao, varied by the number of Fang connecting to the exterior. This study examines the impact of Fang connections on the mechanical characteristics of Dou-Gong. Six full-scale models were constructed and subjected to quasi-static loading tests in the horizontal Beam and Fang directions under vertical load. The hysteresis behavior, deformation, and stiffness variations were obtained and analyzed. The test results revealed the hysteresis curve of Dou-Gong developed into a flat shape, with good deformation recovery ability and seismic performance. Beam-direction loading led to brittle failure, with Dou-Gong having fewer Fang experiencing bearing capacity loss and those with more Fang succumbing to overturning. Beam-direction stiffness rose by approximately 29% as the number of connecting Fang increased. Fang-direction loading induced ductile failure, predominantly characterized by overturning. Notably, Fang-direction stiffness remained largely unchanged by the varying number of connecting Fang. Dou-Gong slip deformation ratio decreased by 5 -10% as the number of Fang increased. Furthermore, Fang-direction exhibited about 10% greater slip deformation capacity than the Beam-direction. Based on the force transfer mechanism of Dou-Gong components, a stiffness formula for the elastic stage of Dou-Gong in the Beam-direction and Fang-direction was established and validated against experimental data.
Preventive maintenance in urban public transport: the role of engine oil analysis
Authors: Gołębiowski Wojciech , Wolak Artur , Zając Grzegorz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEngine oil is a valuable source of information on the technical condition of the drive unit. Under the influence of many factors, including operating conditions, time, high temperature, and various types of contamination, the oil gradually degrades, which can result in serious engine damage. The subject of the article focuses on an attempt to answer the questions of how engine failure affects the degradation of engine oil and whether we can use this knowledge to detect potential problems in public transport vehicles at an early stage. The research material consisted of samples of engine oil in the SAE 10 W-40 viscosity class and data on vehicle faults obtained from the service of a public transport company. The oils come from two city buses belonging to the fleet of diesel-powered vehicles, in which critical cooling system failures were diagnosed during engine tests, excluding the vehicle from further use. The conducted studies analyzed the degree of oil degradation, which included determining the changes in kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C via a Stabinger SVM 3001 viscometer. The physicochemical parameters of the oil, such as the degree of oxidation, nitration, total acid number (TAN), total base number (TBN), and content of impurities in the form of soot and glycol, were examined via FTIR spectroscopy. The degree of impurities and the general quality of the oil were also determined via a blotter spot test. Additionally, to determine the degree of metal abrasion and changes in the depletion of additives, elemental analysis via the HDXRF method was used. As a result of the tests carried out, potential correlations between the oil condition and the technical condition of the vehicle in real operating conditions were confirmed.
Assessment of surface treatment methods for strengthening the interfacial adhesion in CARALL fiber metal laminates
Authors: Balkundhi Madhusudhan , Baloor Satish Shenoy , Bolar Gururaj 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetal and polymer interface bonding significantly influences the mechanical performance of fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Therefore, the effect of surface treatments (mechanical abrasion, nitric acid etching, P2 etching, sulfuric acid anodizing (SAA), and electric discharge machine (EDM) texturing) carried on aluminum 2024-T3 alloy sheets was evaluated considering surface morphology, surface topography, and surface roughness. Further, the influence of surface treatments on interfacial adhesion strength and failure mode between the aluminum alloy and carbon fiber prepreg was investigated. The surface treatments increased the surface roughness of the aluminum substrates. Surfaces treated using SAA, nitric acid, and P2 etchant showed improved wettability, while mechanically abraded and EDM textured substrates showcased hydrophobic behavior. The selected surface treatments significantly affected interfacial adhesion between the epoxy polymer and aluminum alloy. SAA and EDM texturing greatly enhanced the interfacial peel strength of FMLs. In the case of interfacial shear strength, EDM textured substrate showed superior performance, followed by SAA. Moreover, untreated and mechanically abraded specimens exhibited weaker bonding and adhesive failure at the aluminum-epoxy interface, whilst chemical treatments resulted in mixed model failure. EDM textured surface underwent cohesive failure, while a dominant mixed mode failure and fiber adhesion were observed in the SAA-treated specimen.