bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary divergence of facial muscle physiology between domestic dogs and wolves
Authors: Burrows Anne M. , Smith Leo W. , Downing Sarah E. , Omstead K. Madisen , Smith Timothy D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDomestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are descended from gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations that inhabited Western Europe and Siberia. The specific timing of dog domestication is debated, but archeological and genetic evidence suggest that it was a multi‐phase process that began at least 15,000 years ago. There are many morphological differences between dogs and wolves, including marked divergence in facial muscle morphology, but we know little about the comparative physiology of these muscles. A better understanding of comparative facial muscle physiology between domestic dogs and gray wolves would improve our conceptual framework for the processual mechanisms in dog domestication. To address these issues, we assessed the myosin profiles (type I and type II) from the zygomaticus and orbicularis oris muscles of 6 domestic dogs and 4 gray wolves. Due to small sample sizes, statistical analyses were not done. Results reveal that sampled domestic dogs have almost 100% fast‐twitch (type II) muscle fibers while gray wolves have less than 50%, meaning that dog faces can contract fast while wolf faces are able to sustain facial muscle contraction. Sample sizes are limited but the present study indicates that dog domestication is associated with not only a change in facial muscle morphology but a concomitant change in how these muscles function physiologically. Selective pressures in the development of communication between dogs and humans using facial expression may have influenced this evolutionary divergence, but the paedomorphic retention of barking in adult dogs may have also played a role.
Adaptive trajectory tracking control of robotic manipulators based on integral sliding mode
Authors: Qi Mingce , Han Shuzhen , Guo Guangxin , Liu Pengfei , Zhi Yuanyuan , Zhao Zhanshan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes an adaptive control scheme with finite‐time convergent property based on integral sliding mode to achieve trajectory tracking control of rigid robotic manipulators. The novel adaptive gain can be adjusted automatically with the system disturbance, as long as the disturbance and its derivative are bounded without requiring more information. Therefore, the control chattering effect can be mitigated obviously. The global robustness of system is guaranteed by Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, the simulation of a two‐link manipulator is given to show that the desired trajectory tracking performance is obtained with the proposed adaptive sliding mode approach.
Diverse boards and firm performance: The strategic role of carbon disclosure in heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Dhar Bablu Kumar , Hosen Mosharrof , Bağış Mehmet , Sousa Maria José , Khatun Kazi Masuma 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the strategic role of carbon disclosure in shaping firm performance and board heterogeneity among heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh from 2013 to 2023. Using empirical data from 150 companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the research examines the impact of board diversity—specifically gender, tenure, and educational heterogeneity—on carbon disclosure practices. The findings reveal that board gender and tenure heterogeneity negatively affect carbon disclosure, whereas educational heterogeneity has a positive impact. Additionally, firm performance shows a negative effect on carbon disclosure but does not significantly moderate the influence of board heterogeneity. These results underscore the importance of board diversity in enhancing carbon disclosure practices, thereby contributing to improved environmental management and firm performance in heavily polluting industries in Bangladesh. This research, grounded in legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, and corporate governance literature, provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers focused on business strategies for environmental sustainability.
A comparative study of RSM and ANN models for predicting spray drying conditions for encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Sharma Poorva , Nickerson Michael T. , Korber Darren R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a wall material using pea protein isolate and pectin to optimize the encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei by spray drying. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to analyze the effect of processing parameters.FindingsThe results showed that both RSM and ANN could be used to successfully characterize the experimental data, although ANN demonstrated greater predictive accuracy than RSM due to a higher R2 and lower mean square error (MSE).ConclusionANN was observed to show more suitability than RSM. The encapsulation efficiency (90.7%), yield (45.5%), and wettability (169 s) of spray‐dried probiotic powder obtained under optimal spray drying conditions (inlet air temperature (132°C); feed flow rate (9.5 mL/min) and pea protein isolate concentration (7.1%)) were observed to be not significantly different (p < .05) from predicted values for all three parameters, demonstrating the validity of applied model.Significance and NoveltyIn this study, production technology of vegan base probiotic powder has been developed using mathematical modeling through the spray‐drying method. Therefore, this data can be useful for food processing industries to develop a high‐quality probiotic powder through spray drying.
Role for the PIP2‐binding protein myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate in vascular tissue: A novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Albert Anthony P. , Jahan Kazi S. , Greenberg Harry Z. E. , Shamsaldeen Yousif A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs), phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) acts as a substrate for phospholipase C (PLC)‐ and phosphoinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐mediated signaling pathways and an unmodified ligand at ion channels and other macromolecules, which are key processes in the regulation of cell physiological and pathological phenotypes. It is envisaged that these distinct roles of PIP2 are achieved by PIP2‐binding proteins, which act as PIP2 buffers to produce discrete pools of PIP2 that permits targeted release within the cell. This review discusses evidence for the expression, cell distribution, and role of myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS), a PIP2‐binding protein, in cellular signaling and function of VSMCs. The review indicates the possibilities for MARCKS as a therapeutic target for vascular disease involving dysfunctional cell proliferation and migration, endothelial barrier permeability, and vascular contractility such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and sepsis.
Voltammetric Characterization and Quantification of the Cocaine Analog Nitracaine
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Bonanni Alessandra , Stefano Protti , Baldi Federica , Merli Daniele 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSynthetic cocaine analogs are designer drugs that recently emerged as non‐controlled substitutes for their parent drug. Among them, nitracaine is of particular concern for its psychoactive effect. In this work, we present a thorough characterization of the electrochemical behavior of nitracaine, with a final quantification performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in ethanol/lithium perchlorate 0.1 M. The selectivity of the method and reproducibility of results were assessed. LOQ of 0.3 μg mL−1 and a linear dynamic range of up to 400 μg mL−1 were obtained. In addition, recoveries from 85 % to 101 % were achieved on both simulated and real samples. For nitracaine analysis in urine, a clean‐up and a preconcentration step by solid phase extraction (SPE) using the adsorbent Florisil have been developed and optimized through the Design of Experiments (DoE) strategy, thus achieving an enrichment factor of 20.
State‐of‐the‐Art 3DES Pipelined Cryptographic Engine Design Against Side‐Channel Attacks
Authors: Shi Kai , Wang Chunyang , Cheng Jiafeng , Liu Wenrui , Sun Nengyuan , Zhao Hongyang , Sha Heng , Pan Zhiyuan , Jin Ming , Wang Jinghe , Niu Zhaoyi , Li Jianghong , Wang Jiaqi , Xue Aobo , Wen Yiming , Ning Yafei , Kose Selcuk , Yu Weize 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a high‐speed, low‐latency, and high‐security hardware‐implemented triple data encryption standard (3DES) cryptographic algorithm is proposed for securing data privacy. In order to achieve a high throughput for the 3DES architecture, the whole circuit is optimized with a 24‐stage pipelined design at first. For breaking the correlation between the processed data and power dissipation of the 3DES circuit against differential power analysis (DPA) attacks, two pseudo‐random number generators (PRNGs) are embedded to randomly alter the number of pipelined stages and data substitution locations within the 3DES circuit, respectively. Under such a circumstance, the proposed 3DES circuit is able to achieve high performance and strong robustness against DPA attacks without causing much overhead. As shown in the results, under the synthesis of SMIC 14‐nm process design kits (PDK), the clock frequency, area, power dissipation, and throughput of the proposed 3DES circuit, respectively, are achieved as 1.2 GHz, 26,435 m2, 21.05 mW, and 64 Gbps. Furthermore, when DPA attacks are executed on the proposed 3DES circuit, the corresponding secret key cannot be revealed even if 2 million plaintexts are enabled. In contrast, only 40,000 plaintexts are adequate to disclose the secret key of a regular pipelined 3DES circuit.
Seasonal heterochrony of reproductive development and gene expression in a polymorphic salamander
Authors: Herrboldt Madison A. , Wright Claire N. C. , Bonett Ronald M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundLife cycle evolution includes ecological transitions and shifts in the timing of somatic and reproductive development (heterochrony). However, heterochronic changes can be tissue‐specific, ultimately leading to the differential diversification of traits. Salamanders exhibit alternative life cycle polymorphisms involving either an aquatic to terrestrial metamorphosis (biphasic) or retention of aquatic larval traits into adulthood (paedomorphic). In this study, we used gene expression and histology to evaluate how life cycle evolution impacts temporal reproductive patterns in males of a polymorphic salamander.ResultsWe found that heterochrony shifts the distribution of androgen signaling in the integument, which is correlated with significant differences in seasonal reproductive gland development and pheromone gene expression. In the testes, androgen receptor (ar) expression does not significantly vary between morphs or across seasons. We found significant differences in the onset of spermatogenesis, but by peak breeding season the testes were the same with respect to both histology and gene expression.ConclusionThis study provides an example of how seasonal heterochronic shifts in tissue‐specific ar gene expression can disparately impact seasonal development and expression patterns across tissues, providing a potential mechanism for differential diversification of reproductive traits.
foxe1 mutant zebrafish show indications of a hypothyroid phenotype and increased sensitivity to ethanol for craniofacial malformations
Authors: Raterman Sophie T. , Wagener Frank A. D. T. G. , Zethof Jan , Cuijpers Vincent , Klaren Peter H. M. , Metz Juriaan R. , Von den Hoff Johannes W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundFOXE1 mutations in humans are associated with cleft palate and hypothyroidism. We previously developed a foxe1 mutant zebrafish demonstrating mineralization defects in larvae. In the present study, we investigate the thyroid status and skeletal phenotype of adult foxe1 mutants.ResultsMutant fish have increased expression of tshβ in the pituitary, and of hepatic dio1 and dio2. In plasma, we found higher Mg levels. Together these findings are indicative of hypothyroidism. We further observed mineralization defects in scales due to enhanced osteoclast activity as measured by increased expression levels of tracp, ctsk, and rankl. Gene–environment interactions in the etiology of FOXE1‐related craniofacial abnormalities remain elusive, which prompts the need for models to investigate genotype–phenotype associations. We here investigated whether ethanol exposure increases the risk of developing craniofacial malformations in foxe1 mutant larvae that we compared to wild types. We found in ethanol‐exposed mutants an increased incidence of developmental malformations and marked changes in gene expression patterns of cartilage markers (sox9a), apoptotic markers (casp3b), retinoic acid metabolism (cyp26c1), and tissue hypoxia markers (hifaa, hifab).ConclusionTaken together, this study shows that the foxe1 mutant zebrafish recapitulates phenotypes associated with FOXE1 mutations in human patients and a clear foxe1‐ethanol interaction.
Sleep disturbances in SCN8A‐related disorders
Authors: Furia Francesca , Johannesen Katrine M. , Bonardi Claudia M. , Previtali Roberto , Aledo‐Serrano Angel , Mastrangelo Massimo , Favaro Jacopo , Masnada Silvia , di Micco Valentina , Proietti Jacopo , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Rubboli Guido , Cantalupo Gaetano , Olofsson Kern , Møller Rikke S. , Gardella Elena 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesPeople with neurodevelopmental disorders frequently experience sleep disturbances, negatively impairing their quality of life. We aimed to determine the prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances in patients with SCN8A‐related disorders.MethodsThrough a collaborative network of caregivers and clinicians, we collected data about epilepsy, cognitive/motor abilities, medications, and relevant comorbidities of patients harboring a pathogenic SCN8A variant. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ‐22‐items), and the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) were distributed and evaluated by factor scores and Composite Sleep Index. Video‐EEG‐polysomnographic recordings were performed.ResultsWe enrolled 47 patients (age range: 2–39 years), whose phenotypes ranged from SCN8A‐DEE to intellectual disability without epilepsy. In the majority of them (82%), sleep disturbances were reported and/or observed at the SDSC. The most frequent were difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep (64%), followed by sleep breathing disorder (43%), sleep–wake transition disorder (34%), and daytime sleepiness (34%). Sleep disturbances were more frequent in patients with severe DEE (96%) and ongoing seizures (93%) and were more severe in patients with sleep‐related seizures. The CSHQ and PDSS confirmed difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep. Polysomnographic recordings (9 patients/20 nights) showed an altered sleep structure in 95%, with frequent arousals, mainly not seizure related.SignificanceMore than 80% of patients with SCN8A‐related disorders presented with sleep disturbances, primarily consisting of sleep instability with difficulty of initiating and maintaining sleep. Animal studies showed sleep disturbances in SCN8A‐ and SCN1A‐Dravet Syndrome mice models, suggesting a role for voltage‐gated sodium channels in the regulation of sleep. Understanding the effects of SCN8A dysfunction on sleep stability may guide future therapeutic efforts to alleviate this often distressing symptom also in seizure‐free SCN8A patients.Plain Language SummaryIn this study, we analyzed sleep disturbances in patients with disorders related to a genetic mutation in the gene SCN8A. We found that the majority of the patients experienced sleep disturbances, mainly consisting in difficulty of initiating and maintaining sleep. Sleep disturbances were more frequent in patients with severe cognitive impairment and active epilepsy and more severe in patients with seizures during sleep.
Alginate's ability to prevent metabolic illnesses, the degradation of the gut's protective layer, and alginate‐based encapsulation methods
Authors: Ahmad Arslan , Riaz Sakhawat , Desta Derese Tamiru 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe gut serves as the body's main immunological and digestive system. Furthermore, host immunity is mostly managed there. Nutrients are further broken down and absorbed here. Numerous research investigations have shown evidence that inflammation, oxidative stress, impairment of the intestinal barrier, and imbalance in the gut microbiota can all contribute to a variety of intestinal illnesses and other issues, underscoring the growing significance of intestinal health concerns. Because of their high biological activity and lack of negative side effects, the organic food‐derived chemicals known as brown algal polysaccharides—mainly fucoidan, laminaran, and alginate—have attracted a lot of attention from academics. Because of its many benefits, sodium alginate is one of the biopolymers that has garnered the greatest attention, research, and application. Carotenoids, which are found in our food, have several positive health effects. Their low solubility in water, oxidation susceptibility, chemical instability, accessibility, and restricted solubility in water, however, restrict their use in food and medicine. In this review and in overcoming these constraints, encapsulation might be helpful. Furthermore, the primary goal of our study is to provide a fresh perspective into the control and avoidance of intestinal diseases. It provides more potent alternatives to this system, clarifies the function of alginates in enhancing the encapsulation of carotenoids, and functions as a model for the synthesis of the intestinal protective agent fucoidan.
Feedback modulation of Orai1α and Orai1β protein content mediated by STIM proteins
Authors: Nieto‐Felipe Joel , Macias‐Díaz Alvaro , Jimenez‐Velarde Vanesa , Lopez Jose J. , Salido Gines M. , Smani Tarik , Jardin Isaac , Rosado Juan A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStore‐operated Ca2+ entry is a mechanism controlled by the filling state of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, predominantly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where ER‐resident proteins STIM1 and STIM2 orchestrate the activation of Orai channels in the plasma membrane, and Orai1 playing a predominant role. Two forms of Orai1, Orai1α and Orai1β, have been identified, which arises the question whether they are equally regulated by STIM proteins. We demonstrate that STIM1 preferentially activates Orai1α over STIM2, yet both STIM proteins similarly activate Orai1β. Under resting conditions, there is a pronounced association between STIM2 and Orai1α. STIM1 and STIM2 are also shown to influence the protein levels of the Orai1 variants, independently of Ca2+ influx, via lysosomal degradation. Interestingly, Orai1α and Orai1β appear to selectively regulate the protein level of STIM1, but not STIM2. These observations offer crucial insights into the regulatory dynamics between STIM proteins and Orai1 variants, enhancing our understanding of the intricate processes that fine‐tune intracellular Ca2+ signaling.
Cassava stem biochar (CSB) for chromium removal from produced water: sustainable adsorption and environmental implications
Authors: Gajendiran Vasu , Deivasigamani Prabu , Sivamani Selvaraju , Banerjee Saikat , Prasad B.S. Naveen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDProduced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, often contains elevated levels of heavy metals, including chromium, posing significant environmental and health risks. Cassava stem biochar (CSB) was prepared by pyrolysis of cassava stem and its potential has been investigated for the removal of chromium (Cr) from produced water. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of CSB under various conditions of pH, contact time, initial produced water concentration, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, temperature and particle size.RESULTSFrom the experiment results, it was found that CSB showed good adsorption capacity of chromium ions from produced water. The adsorption process was found to be highly pH‐dependent, with maximum removal efficiency observed at a pH of 4.0. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Freundlich isotherm models, indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. The kinetic data demonstrated that the adsorption process followed pseudo‐first‐order as well as pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, suggesting a physisorption and chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters, including changes in enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS), were evaluated to gain insights into the spontaneity and feasibility of the adsorption process. The negative ΔH values indicated that the adsorption of Cr onto CSB was non‐spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The negative ΔS value suggested the adsorption is feasible.CONCLUSIONThis comprehensive study demonstrates the potential of cassava stem biochar as an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of chromium from produced water. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Pore space memory of the Tlalpan pedosedimentary sequence as an indicator of paleopedogenesis
Authors: Pogosyan Lilit , Abrosimov Konstantin , Sedov Sergey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundImaging techniques of analysis in undisturbed soil samples are powerful tools for understanding soil properties and functioning. Although micromorphological analysis has always been applied for studying soil genesis, the modern 3D X‐ray Computed Tomography (CT) approach is mostly used in soil physical studies related to soil functioning and ecological services.AimIn this study, we interpret ancient soil formation of the Late Pleistocene pedosedimentary archive of the Tlalpan sequence in the State of Tlaxcala in Central Mexico, based on soil and sediment porosity distribution in 2D and 3D.MethodsIn order to interpret ancient soil formation based on the porosity distribution, we applied both micromorphological (2D) and CT (3D) analyses in undisturbed samples of each horizon of the Tlalpan sequence.ResultsOur micromorphological observations have shown that pore space arrangement is unique for each soil horizon and that it is predetermined by the dominant pedogenetical processes and their succession, such as bioturbation, clay illuviation, and vertic shrinking/swelling. Most of the channels formed by biogenic agents (roots and mesofauna) subsequently underwent shape deformations and/or refilling. The “accommodating planes” type of voids resulted from the development of features of vertic paleosols that, in some cases, erased the past pedogenic pore space organization. Although biogenic turbation, compaction, and clay illuviation mostly affected the macro‐ and mesopores, shrinking/swelling processes affected macro‐ and mesoporosity distribution. The process that was only reflected at the microporosity level is hydroconsolidation.ConclusionsDespite the common idea that textural pores are more resistant to changes compared to meso‐ and macropores, most of soil formation processes registered in the Tlalpan sequence, including anthropogenic impact, were identified in macro‐ and mesopore space. Moreover, the changes that were registered in pore space transformation by 2D and 3D methods of analysis in undisturbed samples are crucial for identifying the sequence of formation processes and, therefore, for paleopedological interpretation. This study shows that the CT is a useful tool to access the soil formation, and pore space memory studied both in 3D and 2D is an important proxy for paleopedological research.