bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spike is a spike: On the universality of spike features in four epilepsy models
Authors: Sargsyan Armen , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Melkonian Dmitri , O'Brien Terence J. , van Luijtelaar Gilles 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveFrequency properties of the EEG characteristics of different seizure types including absence seizures have been described for various rodent models of epilepsy. However, little attention has been paid to the frequency properties of individual spike–wave complexes (SWCs), the constituting elements characterizing the different generalized seizure types. Knowledge of their properties is not only important for understanding the mechanisms underlying seizure generation but also for the identification of epileptiform activity in various seizure types. Here, we compared the frequency properties of SWCs in different epilepsy models.MethodsA software package was designed and used for the extraction and frequency analysis of SWCs from long‐term EEG of four spontaneously seizing, chronic epilepsy models: a post‐status epilepticus model of temporal lobe epilepsy, a lateral fluid percussion injury model of post‐traumatic epilepsy, and two genetic models of absence epilepsy—GAERS and rats of the WAG/Rij strain. The SWCs within the generalized seizures were separated into fast (three‐phasic spike) and slow (mostly containing the wave) components. Eight animals from each model were used (32 recordings, 104 510 SWCs in total). A limitation of our study is that the recordings were hardware‐filtered (high‐pass), which could affect the frequency composition of the EEG.ResultsWe found that the three‐phasic spike component was similar in all animal models both in time and frequency domains, their amplitude spectra showed a single expressed peak at 18–20 Hz. The slow component showed a much larger variability across the rat models.SignificanceDespite differences in the morphology of the epileptiform activity in different models, the frequency composition of the spike component of single SWCs is identical and does not depend on the particular epilepsy model. This fact may be used for the development of universal algorithms for seizure detection applicable to different rat models of epilepsy.Plain Language SummaryThere is a large variety between people with epilepsy regarding the clinical manifestations and the electroencephalographic (EEG) phenomena accompanying the epileptic seizures. Here, we show that one of the EEG signs of epilepsy, an epileptic spike, is universal, since it has the same shape and frequency characteristics in different animal models of generalized epilepsies, despite differences in recording sites and location.
Preparation of Cu‐MOF/Bi2WO6 Binary Composites by the Solvothermal Method: Its Characterization and Application as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Tomar Sneha , Singh V. K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn this research, the synthesis of a binary composite was conducted by combining Cu‐MOF and Bi2WO6. The resulting composite, denoted as CuBW, was systematically prepared with varying weight percentages: CuBW20, CuBW50, and CuBW80. To assess the properties of the composites, multiple characterization techniques were employed, including FTIR, XRD, FESEM‐Elemental Mapping, BET‐BJH, TEM, HRTEM‐SAED, and XPS. The composites were subjected to electrochemical testing utilizing a three‐electrode system, with 3 M KOH serving as the electrolyte. Through the electrochemical study, various parameters were evaluated and subsequently compared to determine any differences or similarities among the different compositions. CuBW80 exhibits superior performance with a specific capacity of 1137 F g−1, specific energy of 11 Wh kg−1, and specific power of 4000 W kg−1 at an operating current density of 0.5 A g−1. In the cyclic stability test, CuBW80 demonstrated superior performance by retaining approximately 83% of its initial specific capacitance over 10000 cycles. This further highlights its resilience and durability, reinforcing its suitability for extended and reliable use in energy storage applications.
Building Resilient Food Security Against Global Crisis: New Evidence From China
Authors: Chen Zuanxu , Zhang Marina , Dong Rebecca Kechen , Wang Shengpeng 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe existing literature addresses the importance of food system disruptions and the risk of the global food crisis. However, there is insufficient understanding of response strategies and their effectiveness evaluations. This study offers a comprehensive introduction to China's food security policies and evaluates their effectiveness in enhancing the nation's risk resistance capability. Utilizing the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), we evaluated China's provincial food security resilience (FSR) from 2003 to 2020 and adopted the ArcGIS platform to map spatiotemporal trends. Our findings reveal significant improvements in FSR nationwide, with a notable average annual growth rate of 1%–5%. However, regional disparities persist, with higher resilience observed in eastern provinces compared to the west. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of China's food security policies, which have synergistically enhanced grain production, agricultural mechanization, and farmers’ economic conditions. The article offers policy recommendations aimed at bolstering China's FSR and challenges with global implications. Our study contributes to the broader discourse on global food security by offering a nuanced understanding of the effectiveness of policy interventions in a major agricultural economy.
Red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume detection in patients with endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Rafiei Sorouri Zahra , Kabodmehri Roya , Milani Forozan , Parvari Parmoon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndometrial cancer is the most common malignancy in women in developed countries, and its incidence is increasing annually. Due to the availability and cost‐effectiveness of serum markers of red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV), we decided to investigate these two important markers in patients with endometrial cancer and assess their role in diagnosing the tumor and differentiate it from endometrial hyperplasia and other causes of bleeding.MethodsThis is a case‐control study that examined the data of patients who were referred to Al‐Zahra Hospital during 2022–2023 with complaints of abnormal bleeding and underwent diagnostic curettage. Based on the pathology findings, the patients were divided into 3 groups, including endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and control. The clinical characteristics and results of MPV and RDW were compared in these three groups. The IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. was used for data analysis.ResultsIn this study, 87 women were examined in three groups endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and control with a mean age of 52.70 ± 11.63 years. The results showed that the endometrial cancer group, had higher gravida, underlying disease, history of radiation therapy, anticoagulant therapy, blood transfusion, surgery, and family history of cancer (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the endometrial cancer group had lower menstrual age and history of using contraceptives than other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in this study, the results indicated that the levels of MPV and RDW in the endometrial cancer group were significantly higher than in the endometrial hyperplasia and control groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionSince MPV and RDW are cheap and accessible and can be easily obtained from complete blood count panels, they can be used as suitable diagnostic markers for endometrial cancer. However, conducting comprehensive multicenter prospective studies with a larger sample size can be helpful.
Antibodies to specific domains of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein‐1 and its relationship with protection from severe malarial anemia: A prospective study among Ghanaian children
Authors: Nkansah Charles , Osei‐Boakye Felix , Abbam Gabriel , Appiah Samuel K. , Derigubah Charles A. , Bani Simon B. , Daud Samira , Alhassan Emmanuel K. , Adjei Isaac , Appiah‐Kubi Emmanuel , Koduah Anastasia , Boakye Bright , Abdulai Samsiyatu , Anass Neena I. , Serwaa Dorcas , Ukwah Boniface N. , Usanga Victor U. , Chukwurah Ejike F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPlasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein‐1 (PfEMP‐1) is important in malaria pathogenicity as it mediates Pf‐infected erythrocytes cytoadherence to host endothelial microvasculature receptors. Naturally acquired antibodies against specific PfEMP‐1 antigens may be beneficial in clinical malaria protection. This study determined antibodies to DBLα2, CIDRα1, DBLβ12, and DBLγ6 domains of PfEMP‐1 in children with P. falciparum malaria in Tamale, Ghana.MethodsSixty P. falciparum‐infected children, and 30 controls, aged 1–12 years were recruited for this case‐control study from April to July 2023 in Northern Ghana. Participants with uncomplicated malaria had asexual P. falciparum in peripheral blood and Hb ≥ 5.0 g/dL, and severe malaria was diagnosed when participants had Hb < 5.0 g/dL in addition to asexual P. falciparum in peripheral blood. Blood cell indices were measured using hematology analyzer, and IgG antibodies to DBLα2, CIDRα1, DBLβ12, and DBLγ6 domains of PfEMP‐1 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.ResultsThe prevalence of PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies among P. falciparum‐infected children and the uninfected group was 65.0% and 6.7%, respectively. PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies were present in 83.3% of uncomplicated malaria cases, and 46.7% in severe malaria subjects. Plasma levels of PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies were elevated in participants with uncomplicated malaria compared to those with severe malaria (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin, RBC, HCT, and platelet were significantly lower among P. falciparum‐infected children without PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies than among those with the antibodies. Prevalence of anemia among children with PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies and those without the antibodies were 74.4% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionThe high prevalence of PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies to DBLα2, CIDRα1, DBLβ12, and DBLγ6 domains observed in participants with uncomplicated malaria, and the relationship between PfEMP‐1 IgG antibodies and blood cell parameters could indicate that the antibodies may be related to effective erythropoietic response in P. falciparum malaria. Immune antibodies against DBLα2, CIDRα1, DBLβ12, and DBLγ6 domains of PfEMP‐1 may suppress the deteriorating effects of PfEMP‐1 antigens and provide immune protection against severe malarial anemia in children.
Exploring Bark‐Water Interaction Effects on Stemflow Nutrient Concentrations in Urban Trees
Authors: Lima Marcelle Teodoro , Mathias Samir Leite , Guandique Manuel Enrique Gamero , de Menezes Aparecido Junior , Van Stan John Toland , Tonello Kelly Cristina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the influence of bark properties on nutrient fluxes in urban environments, focusing on the relationship between bark wettability, chemical composition, and the concentrations of nutrients in stemflow and adjacent soil across eight urban tree species. Through a comprehensive analysis involving chemical assays and ecohydrological measurements, we explored how variations in bark characteristics affect water interaction and subsequent chemical dynamics within urban landscapes. Contrary to the initial hypothesis that bark properties would significantly influence nutrient flux, results revealed a complex scenario where environmental and anthropogenic factors in urban settings seemingly overshadow the direct impact of bark characteristics on nutrient dynamics. Our findings indicate that while bark properties such as wettability and chemical composition do vary among tree species, these variations do not directly correlate with significant differences in stemflow or soil nutrient concentrations. This suggests a homogenising effect of urban environments on ecohydrological processes, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of urban forest ecology that incorporates both biological traits and urban‐specific environmental influences. This research contributes to the field of urban ecohydrology by underscoring the complexity of nutrient fluxes in urban forests and suggesting that effective urban tree management requires an integrated approach that considers the interplay between tree physiological traits and urban environmental conditions. Our study calls for further research to unravel the intricate dynamics of urban ecosystems, aiming to enhance the sustainability and ecological benefits of urban forests.
Regionalization Strategy Guided Long Short‐Term Memory Model for Improving Flood Forecasting
Authors: Ye Kejia , Liang Zhongmin , Chen Hongyu , Qian Mingkai , Hu Yiming , Bi Chenglin , Wang Jun , Li Binquan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFlood forecasting in data‐scarce catchments is challenging for hydrologists. To address this issue, a regional long short‐term memory model (R‐LSTM) is proposed. Given the diverse physical characteristics of sub‐catchments, this model scalarises the runoff data based on catchment attributes including area, confluence path length, slope and minimum and maximum runoff values, thereby eliminating the local influence and producing a geomorphological‐runoff factor as the model input. To assess the effectiveness of R‐LSTMs for flood forecasting in data‐scarce basins, the Jiaodong Peninsula in China was selected as the study area. The proposed R‐LSTMs are compared with local LSTMs, regional LSTMs that do not use catchment attributes, or regional LSTMs that incorporate catchment attributes in different ways. The results show that R‐LSTMs outperform the benchmarking LSTM models, especially in the simulation of flood peaks. The study indicates the potential of regionalization and the benefit of building the scalarised inputs of runoff data for regional LSTM that consider catchment attributes meticulously. The research findings can provide a reference for flood forecasting in data‐scarce regions.
Quantifying the Role of Calibration Strategies on Surface‐Subsurface Hydrologic Model Performance
Authors: Abbas Salam A. , Bailey Ryan T. , White Jeremy T. , Arnold Jeffrey G. , White Michael J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDistributed, coupled surface‐groundwater hydrologic models are high‐dimensional, given the necessity to reflect the spatially diverse nature of complex hydrologic processes. Furthermore, inverse/inference problems involving these high‐dimensional models are naturally ill‐posed, given the limited information content of state observations that are typically assimilated. Many inversion/inference algorithms do not cope well with high dimensionality, leaving the practitioner to make subjective choices related to uncertain model inputs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of these subjective calibration choices within a formal sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, and parameters estimation (SA‐UA‐PE) framework on model testing for a surface‐subsurface hydrologic model. In doing so, we address the concepts of ‘over‐parameterisation’ and ‘under‐parameterisation’. We completed a series of numerical experiments, testing several otherwise subjective aspects of the calibration process: (1) the number (5, 10, 15, 20) and type (soil, aquifer, land surface, channel) of calibration parameters selected); (2) the type of state observations assimilated (streamflow, groundwater head); and (3) the length of testing period (1 to 14 years), using monthly streamflow and groundwater head as testing data. The experiments were completed for models of the Winnebago River watershed (Minnesota, Iowa), (significant tile drainage) and the Nanticoke River watershed (Delaware, Maryland (significant groundwater‐channel interactions). The selected hydrologic model is SWAT+, using the gwflow module for physically based groundwater storage and flow modelling, and simulations are run for the 2000–2015 period. Through this process, we found that increasing the number of parameters from 5 to 15 improves the representation of streamflow, principally through an improvement of groundwater storage representation and baseflow generation, but minimal improvement when increasing to 20 parameters. Therefore, the SA‐UA‐PE process can be optimised based on an ideal number of parameters that yield adequate results while maintaining a lower computational burden. The method presented here can be used for any watershed, using integrated surface‐subsurface hydrologic models.
Advancing the utilization of 2D materials for electrocatalytic seawater splitting
Authors: Ligani Fereja Shemsu , Mehmood Andleeb , Ji Qianqian , Raza Waseem , Hussen Ahmed , Hu Jie , Zhai Shuo , Cai Xingke 
Published: October 2024

AbstractApplying catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion holds great promise for developing clean and sustainable energy sources. One of the main advantages of electrocatalysis is its ability to reduce conversion energy loss significantly. However, the wide application of electrocatalysts in these conversion processes has been hindered by poor catalytic performance and limited resources of catalyst materials. To overcome these challenges, researchers have turned to two‐dimensional (2D) materials, which possess large specific surface areas and can easily be engineered to have desirable electronic structures, making them promising candidates for high‐performance electrocatalysis in various reactions. This comprehensive review focuses on engineering novel 2D material‐based electrocatalysts and their application to seawater splitting. The review briefly introduces the mechanism of seawater splitting and the primary challenges of 2D materials. Then, we highlight the unique advantages and regulating strategies for seawater electrolysis based on recent advancements. We also review various 2D catalyst families for direct seawater splitting and delve into the physicochemical properties of these catalysts to provide valuable insights. Finally, we outline the vital future challenges and discuss the perspectives on seawater electrolysis. This review provides valuable insights for the rational design and development of cutting‐edge 2D material electrocatalysts for seawater‐electrolysis applications.image
Sparse‐View Photoacoustic Reconstruction Method for Diabetic Retinopathy Using Feature Fusion Network
Authors: Chang Xiaohan , Cai Lingbo , Wang Jianlei , Dong Hongyang , Han Jing , Wang Chun 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDiabetic retinopathy is one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, and photoacoustic imaging is an effective method for imaging diabetic retinal vessels. Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging noninvasive imaging method based on the photoacoustic effect, which offers advantages of contrast, resolution, and depth imaging. Appropriate photoacoustic reconstruction methods are essential for obtaining high‐quality photoacoustic images. In this study, a multi‐input self‐attention multiscale feature fusion network (SAMF‐Net) is proposed for photoacoustic reconstruction. The algorithm accepts two inputs, namely the original photoacoustic signal and the traditional reconstructed image. Furthermore, a global feature extraction module based on the self‐attention mechanism is employed to focus on the global information. The results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits superior reconstruction capability under different sparse detection views. The method has instructive value for photoacoustic image reconstruction and has the potential for further application in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Engineering Shape to Overcome Contraction: The Role of Polymer–Collagen Hybrids in Advanced Dermal Substitutes
Authors: Leon‐Valdivieso Christopher Y. , Bethry Audrey , Pinese Coline , Dai Michèle , Pompee Christian , Pernot Jean‐Marc , Garric Xavier 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCollagen gels are the standard dermal equivalents par excellence, however the problem of rapid cell‐mediated contraction remains unresolved. Therefore, the development of hybrid constructs (HCs) based on collagen and polymeric scaffolds is proposed to address the mechanical instability that usually limits the formation of new, functional tissue. Equally important, these synthetic structures should be temporary (degradable) while ensuring that cells are well‐adapted to the new extracellular environment. In this study, we screened a library of scaffolds made of various polymers, including homopolymers of polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly D,L‐lactide (PLA50), their blends (PCL/PLA50), and copolymers (poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone), PCLLA50) to prepare HCs in a layer‐by‐layer fashion. The properties of polymers and copolymers along with their processability by electrospinning and 3D‐printing were evaluated. Then, we assessed the HCs resistance toward cell‐mediated contraction as well as the degradation of the polymeric scaffolds. Our results indicate that scaffolds with higher PLA50 content (e.g., PLA50 100%, PCL/PLA50 or PCLLA50, both at 50/50 caprolactone‐to‐D,L‐lactide molar ratio) presented more drawbacks in terms of handleability and processing, while those with greater PCL presence showed structural steadiness and ease to use. All the scaffolds integrated well with the collagen gel to form the corresponding HCs. With few exceptions, the HCs demonstrated good resistance to cell‐derived contraction over 3 weeks. Notably, HCs based on PCLLA50 90/10 (both versions, electrospun or 3D‐printed) performed best, showing only a 5%–17% area reduction compared to the 93% observed in collagen‐only gels. This copolymer displayed hydrolytic degradation depending on its shape, with up to 45% and 65% loss of molecular weight for the electrospun and 3D‐printed forms, respectively, correlating with their progressive change in mechanical features. HCs containing PCLLA50 90/10 also exhibited a better fibroblast distribution, enhanced myofibroblastic differentiation, and a three‐fold increase in cell proliferation (when the electrospun type was used) compared to collagen controls. These findings were instrumental in selecting a potential HC that might be used for future experiments in vivo.
A review article on the development of dopaminergic neurons and establishment of dopaminergic neuron–based in vitro models by using immortal cell lines or stem cells to study and treat Parkinson's disease
Authors: Göksu Azize Yasemin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe primary pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, a critical midbrain region. In vitro models based on DA neurons provide a powerful platform for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PD and testing novel therapeutic strategies. A deep understanding of DA neuron development, including the signalling pathways and transcription factors involved, is essential for advancing PD research. This article first explores the differentiation and maturation processes of DA neurons in the midbrain, detailing the relevant signalling pathways. It then compares various in vitro models, including primary cells, immortalized cell lines, and stem cell‐based models, focusing on the advantages and limitations of each. Special attention is given to the role of immortalized and stem cell models in PD research. This review aims to guide researchers in selecting the most appropriate model for their specific research goals. Ethical considerations and clinical implications of using stem cells in PD research are also discussed.