bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Six type-I PKS classes and highly conserved melanin and elsinochrome gene clusters found in diverse Elsinoë species
Authors: Heerden Alishia van , Pham Nam Q. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J. , Wilken P. Markus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Elsinoë species are phytopathogenic fungi that cause serious scab diseases on economically important plants. The disease symptoms arise from the effects of a group of phytotoxins known as elsinochromes, produced via a type-I polyketide synthase (PKS) biosynthetic pathway. The elsinochrome gene cluster was first annotated in Elsinoë fawcettii where the main type-I PKS gene was characterized as EfPKS1. A later study showed that this gene and the associated cluster had not been correctly annotated, and that EfPKS1 was actually the anchor gene of the melanin biosynthetic pathway. A new type-I PKS gene EfETB1 associated with elsinochrome production was also identified. The aim of this study was to identify all type-I PKS genes in the genomes of seven Elsinoë species with the goal of independently verifying the PKS containing clusters for both melanin and elsinochrome production. A total of six type-I PKS classes were identified, although there was variation between the species in the number and type of classes present. Genes similar to the E. fawcettii EfPKS1 and EfETB1 type-I PKS genes were associated with melanin and elsinochrome production respectively in all species. The complete melanin and elsinochrome PKS containing clusters were subsequently annotated in all the species with high levels of synteny across Elsinoë species. This study provides a genus-level overview of type-I PKS distribution in Elsinoë species, including an additional line of support for the annotation of the melanin and elsinochrome PKS containing clusters in these important plant pathogens.
Human APOE variants in Alzheimer’s Disease and type III hyperlipoproteinemia: insights from Long-Evans knock-in rat models with humanized App and APOE
Authors: Yesiltepe Metin , Yin Tao , Tambini Marc , Bao Hanmei , Pan Meixia , Han Xianlin , D'Adamio Luciano 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

APOE is a major genetic factor in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), with APOE4 significantly increasing risk, APOE3 acting as a neutral isoform, and APOE2 offering protective effects. The primary hypothesis links APOE isoforms to LOAD through their impact on Aβ production and deposition, which is thought to be related to their effects on lipid metabolism. Specifically, APOE4 enhances Aβ production and accumulation in amyloid plaques more than APOE3. In contrast, APOE3-Aβ complexes, which promote Aβ clearance and reduce Aβ aggregation, are approximately 20 times more prevalent than APOE4-Aβ complexes, highlighting differences in their functional interactions. APOE is also important in lipid metabolism, affecting both peripheral and central systems. It is involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins and plays a key role in triglyceride and cholesterol regulation. APOE2 is notably associated with Hyperlipoproteinemia type III (HLP), which is characterized by mixed hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia due to impaired binding to Low Density Lipoproteins receptors. To explore the impact of human APOE isoforms on lipid metabolism and LOAD, we developed Long-Evans rats with the rat Apoe gene replaced by human APOE2, APOE3, or APOE4. These rats were crossed with those carrying a humanized App allele, enabling the expression of human Aβ, which is more aggregation-prone than rodent Aβ. This model offers a significant advancement for studying APOE-Aβ interactions. We found that APOE2hAβ rats had the highest levels of APOE in serum and brain, with no significant transcriptional differences among isoforms, suggesting variations in protein translation or stability. Elevated Aβ43 levels in male APOE4hAβ rats compared to APOE2hAβ rats highlight the model’s utility for amyloid pathology studies. Additionally, a lipidomic analysis of 222 lipid molecular species in serum samples showed that APOE2hAβ rats displayed elevated triglycerides and cholesterol, making them a valuable model for studying HLP. These rats also exhibited elevated levels of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and lysophosphatidylcholine. Minimal differences in lipid profiles between APOE3hAβ and APOE4hAβ rats reflect findings from mouse models. Future studies will include comprehensive lipidomic analyses in various CNS regions to further validate these models and explore the effects of APOE isoforms on lipid metabolism in relation to AD pathology.
Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Post Cemented to Root Canal Dentin Obturated with Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer
Authors: Patthanawijit Lalita , Yanpiset Kallaya , Saikaew Pipop , Jantarat Jeeraphat 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of etching modes of ScotchbondTM Universal Plus adhesive (SUP) and post cementation time on the push-out bond strength (POBS) of a fiber post cemented in root canals obturated with calcium silicate-based sealer (CSS).
Methods: Fifty-four teeth were randomly allocated to 6 groups (n=9) based on etching modes: self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER); post space preparation (PSP) and cementation time: immediate (Im) or 7-day delayed (De): G1:SE/Im-Im, G2:ER/Im-Im, G3:SE/Im-De, G4:ER/Im-De, G5:SE/De-De, and G6:ER/De-De. The root canals were obturated with CSS and the PSP was performed. The fiber post was cemented using RelyXTM Universal resin cement and SUP according to each group’s design. For the POBS test, 1-mm slices of the coronal, middle, and apical regions were tested using a universal testing machine. The failure mode analysis was determined using a stereomicroscope. The data was analyzed with three-way analysis of variance.
Results: No negative effects of etching modes, PSP or cementation time on POBS were detected (p>0.05). Additionally, the root canal region also did not significantly affect the bond strength (p>0.05).
Conclusion: No significant differences were observed between the etching modes, post space preparation and cementation time and among root canal regions. However, the highest bond strength was demonstrated in the Im-De groups.
Clinical relevance: The different etching modes of adhesive and post cementation time did not affect the bond strength of fiber post in calcium silicate filled-root canal.
Accounting for the slowdown in output growth after the Great Recession: A wealth preference approach
Authors: Inagaki Kazuma , Ono Yoshiyasu , Tsuruga Takayuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Previous studies have argued that US output growth declined persistently after the Great Recession. To explain the persistent slowdown in output growth, we develop a simple model that incorporates wealth preferences and downward nominal wage rigidity into a standard monetary growth model. Our model predicts that output initially grows at a constant steady rate and slows endogenously afterward. In the model, persistent stagnation occurs together with the declining real interest rate. Applying our model to the US data, we show that it successfully explains the slowdown in output growth along with the declines in the real interest rate. We also examine the model with the Japanese data. The model replicates the persistent stagnation that has been observed since the 1990s.
JEL Classification: E41, E47, O10
An Efficient Multi-Scale Approach for Single Image and Video Dehazing Using Gradient based Guided Filter and Correlation Factor
Authors: Kumari Neelam Kumari Neelam , Kansal Isha Kansal Isha , Sharma Preeti Sharma Preeti 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Dehazing is an emerging computer vision research area aiming to restore image visibility by eliminating haze, a degradation caused by atmospheric scattering and environmental pollution. Accurate modeling of hazy images is challenging, despite the widespread use of the atmospheric scattering model. However, single image dehazing is more difficult since it requires an accurate measurement of the ambient light and transmission map. This work proposes a multi-scale Gradient domain Weighted Guided Filter (GWGIF) based dehazing method for hazy photos and videos. This work has established a computationally efficient method for estimation of physical model parameters. Initially, an image pyramid was constructed from the hazy input image. Subsequently, at the coarsest level of the pyramid, the scene transmission map and atmospheric light were estimated. Following that, with the help of GWGIF, transmission at the level of its finest has been obtained. Transmission map estimation has been done using Minimum Preserving Subsampling (MPS) and then by iterative up sampling with GWGIF has been applied to prevent information loss. Thereafter, Gradient Based Correlation Factor (GCF) has been introduced to expand the usage of the single-image dehazing technology to live video dehazing, thereby reducing dehazed videos flickering artifacts.
Symptom clusters of patients with advanced thyroid cancer: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Ming , Gou Juxiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate and analyze the symptom clusters of patients with advanced thyroid cancer and provide a basis for developing targeted symptom management measures.
Methods
Patients who visited a multidisciplinary outpatient service for advanced thyroid cancer at a tertiary A hospital in Sichuan Province from April 2022 to April 2023 were selected using convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Thyroid Cancer module (MDASI-THY). Symptom clusters were extracted by exploratory factor analysis.
Results
Disturbed sleep had the highest incidence (75.7%) and severity (3.0 points), while mood distress had the highest incidence (63.5%) and severity (2.0 points) of symptom interference. Three symptom clusters were identified: mood-fatigue-sleep, digestive tract-sensation, and thyroid cancer-specific symptom clusters.
Conclusion
Patients with advanced thyroid cancer have multiple symptom clusters that seriously affect their daily lives. Health care professionals should conduct targeted observation and preventive treatment to reduce the burden of symptoms on patients.
Secondary ovarian insufficiency (SOI) and infertility due to glucocorticosteroid-induced adrenal hypoandrogenism
Authors: Benor Ariel , Mochizuki Lyka , Barad David H . , Patrizio Pasquale , Gleicher Norbert 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

That ovarian insufficiency and resulting infertility can have iatrogenic causes is well known; but that never before included corticosteroid therapy. We now report two longstanding so-called “unexplained” infertility cases which, upon presentation to our center were diagnosis with secondary ovarian insufficiency (SOI) as a consequence of abnormally low adrenal androgen production following prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Androgens at small growing follicle stages act synergistically to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in fostering follicle growth and maturation. Hypoandrogenism, therefore, reduces numbers and quality of follicles and oocytes and, in most severe cases, can lead to complete arrest of folliculogenesis and SOI. Both women demonstrated caseation of pituitary ACTH secretion, leading to very low peripheral androgen levels. Discontinuation of exogenous corticosteroid therapies and exogenous androgen supplementation with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) reversed their abnormal endocrine profiles. One patient since conceived through in vitro fertilization, while the second patient is still in treatment. Here presented observation suggests that iatrogenic-induced ovarian insufficiency - and, in most severe case SOI - may be more common than is currently appreciated and, frequently, may be misdiagnosed as “unexplained” infertility.
Psychosocial experiences and outcomes for individuals with breast cancer after mainstream genetic testing
Authors: Beard Catherine , Monohan Katrina , Lang Nitzan , Cicciarelli Linda , James Paul A , Forrest Laura E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective Mainstreaming is a model of care where non-genetics health professionals offer genetic testing directly to patients. This study aimed to evaluate the patient experience of the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre (FCC) breast cancer mainstream program.Methods A sequential mixed methods approach using a cross-sectional survey followed by qualitative interviews was adopted. Psychosocial outcomes included participants’ genetics knowledge, decision regret, impact of test result, adaptation to genetic information, and family communication. Descriptive and comparative analysis compared participant outcomes according to receipt of genetic counselling. Deductive content analysis using a pre-defined codebook was used to analyse the interview data.Results 68 participants completed the online survey, with no significant difference observed depending on receipt of genetic counselling when it came to decision regret, cancer risk perception and adaptation to genetic test result. 20 participants were interviewed and reported a preference for mainstreaming over the traditional genetics service model of care.Conclusion This study demonstrates that while patients preferred the mainstream model of care, it is crucial to involve an FCC to ensure limited genetic counselling resources are provided to the most necessary patients.Practice Implications Breast cancer mainstream programs should include an FCC to provide genetic counselling for high-risk patients.
Interface Bonding Properties between High-Strength Steel Wire Mesh Reinforced Polyurethane Cement （HSSWM-PUC）and Concrete
Authors: Li Wande , Qiu Jiaqi , Zhang Kexin , Wang Yi , Bao Longsheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The bonding properties exhibited by high-strength steel wire mesh reinforced polyurethane cement (HSSWM-PUC) and concrete interface were investigated. A total of 27 specimens with HSSWM-PUC as the reinforcement material were assigned into nine groups, and six specimens with high-strength steel wire mesh reinforced polymer mortar (HSSWM-PM) as the reinforcement material were assigned into two groups. Double-sided shear test was performed out on the specimen. The factors for concrete compressive strength, interfacial bond width, interfacial bond length and different interfacial treatment methods were considered in the experiment. The mechanical properties (e.g., interface failure mode, interface shear-end slip curve, interface peak shear and corresponding end slip) were investigated after the test was performed. As indicated by the results, there were two failure modes of bonding between HSSWM-PUC and concrete interface, i.e., peeling failure in the concrete layer and tensile fracture of the steel strand. The interface shear-end slip test curve displayed three stages, i.e., linear slip growth stage, rapid slip development stage and slip instability growth stage. The interfacial bond property can be enhanced by strengthening the compressive strength for concrete or increasing bond length and width on bond performance. The bonding properties exhibited by the specimens administrated with grooves were obviously better than those administrated with deep and shallow gouges. Interface stripping failure served as the main interface bonding failure mode between HSSWM-PM and concrete. Under the identical interface treatment, the interface bonding property between HSSWM-PM and concrete was obviously worse than that between HSSWM-PUC and concrete.
Exploring the functional quality attributes of smart home for the elderly based on qualitative research and Kano model
Authors: Li Peishan , Yang Qin , Liu Xing , Wei Chunnan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the functional attributes of smart home for the elderly across different age groups, aiming to identify features that fulfill users’ needs and give convenience, thereby offering scientific guidance for future smart home designs for the elderly.
Methods: This study conducts semi-structured interviews with elderly individuals in China, analyzing transcripts using NVivo to guide questionnaire design. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey is administered to the elderly in China, with the data processed using both the traditional Kano model and the Better-Worse-based Kano model.
Results: The study results reveal that the elderly aged 60-69 prioritize health, life and entertainment functions, identifying two are Must-be quality, five are One-dimensional quality and one is Attractive quality. The elderly aged 70 and above focus on health, life and emotion functions, identifying one is Must-be quality, six are One-dimensional quality and two are Attractive quality.
Conclusions: The study reveals distinct needs among different elderly age groups. Through the classification of functional attributes of smart home for the elderly, development strategies can be precisely formulated to better meet the needs of different age groups.
A Method for Optimal Installation of Photovoltaic Power Plants
Authors: Lucena Matheus D. , Brito Nubia S. D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A method is proposed to optimize the placement of Photovoltaic Power Plants (PVPP) within High Voltage Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) to minimize electrical losses and achieve Minimum Global Cost (MGC). Integrating Digital Image Processing (DIP) with metaheuristic algorithms like Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Tabu Search (TS), real EDS data, including existing PVPP, was utilized. Results across three scenarios (10 MWp, 20 MWp, and 50 MWp) consistently identified the best bus as the optimal location, achieving reductions in annual energy losses of 8.55%, 14.89%, and 16.81%, with corresponding payback periods (PP) of 12.0, 7.78, and 5.71 years respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that both GA and TS effectively addressed the problem, with TS showing lower variability in finding optimal solutions compared to GA. This approach demonstrates significant technical and economic benefits in optimizing PVPP location and sizing within EDS.
Sorghum grain-derived Kafirin nanoparticles for effective delivery of Corosolic acid into breast cancer cells for potential treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Petchimuthu Priya , Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Pandian Sureshbabu Ram Kumar , Sankaranarayanan Murugesan , Sundar Krishnan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The protein nanocarrier technology provides various benefits, including the successful delivery of loaded drugs into cancer cells. After delivery, the drug carrier is degraded and expelled from the body. In the present work, corosolic acid-encapsulated kafirin nanoparticles (CA-Kaf NPs) were successfully developed to deliver corosolic acid into MCF-7 cells effectively. Initially, kafirin protein was isolated from sorghum grains and confirmed. Then, corosolic acid was loaded into kafirin protein using a modified desolvation method, and their physicochemical properties, stability, drug release, and cytotoxic potential were investigated. The efficiency of encapsulating corosolic acid into Kaf NPs was 81.13 ± 1.27% and the loading capacity was 8.38 ± 0.51%. The CA-Kaf NPs exhibited an amorphous, spherical shape with a size range of 280–680 nm and a zeta potential of + 2 mV. CA-Kaf NPs released corosolic acid slowly and steadily in an acidic medium (pH 5.4) and are highly biocompatible in a physiological environment. CA-Kaf NPs significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7 cells after 24 h with IC50 value of 58.85 µg × mL− 1 and induced apoptosis. MCF-7 cells treated with CA-Kaf NPs, showed standard apoptotic morphological changes including contracted nuclei and damaged membrane bodies. The release of corosolic acid, from CA-Kaf NPs, leads to a significant increase in reactive oxygen species and damages the mitochondrial membrane potential integrity. These findings imply that CA-Kaf NPs, which target the delivery of corosolic acid into MCF-7 cells and facilitate endocytosis, could have a significant therapeutic potential for breast cancer.
Research on the Development of a Monitoring Experimental Platform for Top Coal Migration Trajectory in Longwall Top Coal Caving and Optimization of Coal Drawing Process
Authors: Zhao Zhining , Pan Weidong , Deng Cang , Li Xinyuan , Liang Suyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Understanding the migration trajectory characteristics of top coal in longwall top coal caving (LTCC) is crucial for studying the flow properties of granular top coal, drawing laws, and optimizing the coal drawing process. To monitor the migration trajectory of top coal during the drawing process, an experimental platform was developed for monitoring the top coal migration trajectory in LTCC. Using this platform, physical simulation experiments of LTCC were conducted. A multi-step experimental procedure was designed, including "model construction, marker point installation, simulated coal drawing, data collection, and trajectory inversion." The migration trajectories of top coal at different layers during the coal drawing process were obtained, and the drawing body of top coal was inferred. Additionally, a bi-directional top coal drawing body equation was theoretically derived, establishing a quantitative relationship between the gangue content (cumulative and instantaneous) and top coal recovery. Based on this, field process optimization was carried out, adjusting the "four-level" method to a double-opening group coal drawing method. The instantaneous gangue content threshold at the coal drawing openings was set to 35%. The measured top coal recovery at the working face reached 90.12%, an increase of approximately 14.87 percentage points compared to the previous recovery. The cumulative gangue content was controlled at around 9.25%, and the coordination efficiency of coal caving reached 68.2%, which is close to the theoretically derived results. This indicates that the theory can provide certain theoretical guidance for determining relevant process parameters in coal drawing operations.
Self-Assembled Chambered Cardiac Organoids for Modeling Cardiac Chamber Formation and Cardiotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Pei Duanqing , ZOU XINLE , WANG FANWEN , ZHENG HUILIN , KONG TIANCI 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The human heart, crucial for health and longevity, is a primary focus of medical research. Despite advancements in cardiac organoid technology, replicating early cardiac chamber formation stages remains challenging. Here, we develop chambered cardiac organoids (CCOs) by orchestrating cardiac signaling pathways, including the synergistic modulation of FGF and Wnt signaling via the HAND1 transcription factor. These CCOs exhibit stable chambers with self-organized outer myocardial and inner endocardial layers, and express developmental markers such as NKX2.5, TNNT2, and NAPPA, demonstrating physiological functionality including spontaneous contractions and calcium transients. Immunofluorescence and single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the presence and stability of cardiomyocytes within CCOs. Further validation showed CCOs' involvement in critical processes like endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and valvulogenesis. Ultrastructural and electrophysiological analysis revealed organized myofibrils and atrial-like action potentials. Importantly, CCOs proved effective in assessing cardiotoxicity through observable morphological changes, demonstrating specific cellular responses to established cardiotoxic compounds, thereby highlighting their potential for drug testing and safety evaluations. Our findings offer insights into cardiac chamber formation mechanisms and establish a robust platform for drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine, representing a significant advancement in functional cardiac organoid development for both basic research and translational applications.