bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoassociative neural network for missing data imputation: A case study via the styrene production process
Authors: Agin Farough , Thibault Jules , Fauteux‐Lefebvre Clémence 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA neural network‐based model is proposed to estimate missing values of incomplete datasets to augment their size. An autoassociative neural network (AANN), for which the output vector is identical to the input vector, was built for a styrene production process dataset. The proposed model was used to investigate the ability of an AANN to estimate one to three missing variables, evaluating the impact of the size of the datasets used and the level of correlation of the missing values with other process variables. Results show that the proposed AANN model can predict the process data even when the number of records used is relatively small. Moreover, the AANN method is suitable for estimating missing variables with an accuracy that depends on the correlation coefficient of the missing values with other process variables, keeping acceptable estimation for weakly‐correlated variables. Moreover, the model was tested on noisy data, and it is shown that the model trained on noisy data can also predict missing values in an acceptable estimation range.
Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Ag(I)‐, Au(I)‐ and Au(III)‐Quinoxaline‐Wingtip N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Against Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Sahu Priyanka , Mandal Santi M. , Biswas Raju , Chakraborty Sourav , Natarajan Ramalingam , Isab Anvarhusein A. , Dinda Joydev 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntending to homogenize the biological activities of both quinoxaline and imidazole moieties, the proligand, 1‐methyl‐3‐quinoxaline‐imidazolium hexaflurophosphate (1.HPF6), and [Ag(1)2][PF6], (2); [Au(1)2][PF6], (3); and [Au(1)Cl3], (4) NHC complexes were synthesized. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Finally, single crystal X‐ray structures revealed a linear geometry for complex 2 whereas a square planar geometry for complex 4. The formation of complex 3 was confirmed and supported by its MS spectra. The antibacterial activities of all the synthesized complexes were investigated against gram‐positive bacteria and gram‐negative bacteria. The Au(III)‐NHC complex, 4 showed the highest antibacterial activity with extremely low MIC values against both the bacterial strains (0.24 μg mL−1). Monitoring of zeta potential supports the higher activity of complex 4 compared to 2 and 3. ROS production by complex 4 has also been measured in vitro in the CT26 cancer cell lines, which is directly responsible for targetting and killing the bacterial pathogens. Cell cytotoxicity assay using 293T cell lines has been performed to investigate the biocompatibility nature of complex 4. Also, an excellent hemocompatibility was assigned to it from its hemolytic studies, which provide valuable insights into the design of novel antibacterial agents.
Role of vertical circulating exosomes biomarkers in preeclampsia
Authors: Kalele Ketki , Nyahatkar Sidhanti , Sonar Swarup , Maharaj Niren Ray , Anand Krishnan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPreeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Recent research highlights the potential of vertical circulating exosomes (VCEs) as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of preeclampsia. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication, carry bioactive molecules that are messengers of the parental cell status (healthy or undergoing any pathological condition). In preeclampsia, alterations in the cargo of VCEssuch as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids play the role of biomarkers in pathophysiology complications. These exosomal contents can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms, including endothelial dysfunction, immune response dysregulation, and placental abnormalities. Early identification of specific exosomal biomarkers may facilitate timely therapeutic interventions, improving outcomes for both mother and child. This article explores the emerging role of VCEs in preeclampsia, emphasizing their diagnostic and prognostic potential, and underscores the need for further research to validate these biomarkers and integrate them into clinical practice.
Adipocyte‐specific FAK deletion promotes pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis via adipose inflammatory response to exacerbate diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ding Fei , Zheng Peng , Fang Hong‐Ting , Luo Yuan‐Yuan , Yan Xi‐Yue , Chen Hui‐Jian , Yan You‐E 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundWhite adipose tissue (WAT) has a key role in maintaining energy balance throughout the body, and their dysfunction take part in the regulation of diabetes mellitus. However, the internal regulatory mechanisms underlying are still unknown.Methods and resultsWe generated adipocyte‐specific FAK KO (FAK‐AKO) mice and investigated their phenotype. The cascade of adipocyte, macrophage in adipocyte tissues, and pancreatic β‐cells were proposed in FAK‐AKO mice and validated by cell line studies using 3T3‐L1, Raw264.7 and Min6. The FAK‐AKO mice exhibited glucose intolerance, reduced adipose tissue mass and increased apoptosis, lipolysis and inflammatory response in adipose tissue. We further demonstrate that adipocyte FAK deletion increases β cell apoptosis and inflammatory infiltrates into islets, which is potentiated if mice were treated with STZ. In the STZ‐induced diabetes model, FAK AKO mice exhibit less serum insulin content and pancreatic β cell area. Moreover, serum pro‐inflammatory factors increased and insulin levels decreased after glucose stimulation in FAK AKO mice. In a parallel vitro experiment, knockdown or inhibition of FAK during differentiation also increased apoptosis, lipolysis and inflammatory in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, whereas the opposite was observed upon overexpression of FAK. Moreover, coculturing LPS‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages with knockdown FAK of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes increased macrophage pro‐inflammatory response. Furthermore, conditioned medium from above stimulated Min6 cells apoptosis (with or without STZ), whereas the opposite was observed upon overexpression of FAK. Mechanistically, FAK protein interact with TRAF6 in adipocytes and knockdown or inhibition of FAK activated TRAF6/TAK1/NF‐κB signaling, which exacerbates inflammation of adipocytes themselves.ConclusionAdipocyte FAK deletion promotes both adipocyte apoptosis and adipose tissue inflammation. Pro‐inflammatory factors released by the FAK‐null adipose tissue further trigger apoptosis in pancreatic islets induced by the administration of STZ, thereby exacerbating the diabetes mellitus. This study reveals a link between FAK‐mediated adipose inflammation and diabetes mellitus, a mechanism that has not been previously recognized.
Fecal microbiota transplantation of patients with anorexia nervosa did not alter flexible behavior in rats
Authors: Kooij Karlijn L. , Andreani Nadia Andrea , van der Gun Luna L. , Keller Lara , Trinh Stefanie , van der Vijgh Benny , Luijendijk Mieneke , Dempfle Astrid , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Seitz Jochen , van Elburg Annemarie , Danner Unna N. , Baines John , Adan Roger A. H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivePatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are often anxious, display inflexible behavior and disrupted reward processing. Emerging evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis in patients contributes to the disease phenotype and progression.MethodsIn a preclinical study, we explored whether AN‐derived microbiota impacts cognitive flexibility, anxiety, and dopamine signaling using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in tyrosine hydroxylase‐cre rats. We performed probabilistic reversal learning task (PRLT) at the baseline, after antibiotic treatment, and following FMT from patients with AN and controls. We assessed flexible behavior, task engagement, and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine signaling during and in the absence of reward. Furthermore, anxiety‐like behavior was evaluated with open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests.ResultsNeither antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis nor AN FMT led to significant alterations in the number of reversals or lever press strategies after reinforced or nonreinforced lever presses (win and lose‐stay) in the PRLT. However, the number of initiated trials decreased after antibiotic treatment while remaining unchanged after FMT. No significant differences were observed in VTA dopamine activity, anxiety measures in the OF and EPM tests. Microbiome analysis revealed limited overlap between the microbiota of the donors and recipients.DiscussionNo evidence was found that the microbiota of patients compared to controls, nor a depleted microbiome impacts cognitive flexibility. Nonetheless, antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis resulted in reduced task engagement during the PRLT. The relatively low efficiency of the FMT is a limitation of our study and highlights the need for improved protocols to draw robust conclusions in future studies.Public SignificanceWhile our study did not reveal direct impacts of AN‐associated gut microbiota on cognitive flexibility or anxiety behaviors in our preclinical model, we observed a decrease in task engagement after antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis, underscoring that the presence of a gut microbiome matters. Our findings underscore the need for further refinement in FMT protocols to better elucidate the complex interplay between gut microbiota and behaviors characteristic of anorexia nervosa.
Preparation of longan shell biochar and its application in fabrication of nitrite electrochemical sensing electrode
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Limin , He Minghao , Wang Yuxin , Bi Decheng , Huang Jianzi , Wang Chaogang , Xu Xu , Hu Zhangli , Xu Hong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLongan shells were treated with or without phosphoric acid activation in different pyrolysis processes, to obtain four biochar materials including direct pyrolysis‐longan shell biochar (D‐LSB), stage pyrolysis‐longan shell biochar (S‐LSB), phosphoric acid activation with direct pyrolysis‐longan shell biochar (PD‐LSB), and phosphoric acid activation with stage pyrolysis‐longan shell biochar (PS‐LSB). This study is to screen out the LSB with the best electrochemical property, being applied in the fabrication of nitrite sensing electrode. A series of structural and electrochemical characterizations revealed that PD‐LSB featured hierarchically porous structures, the largest specific surface area and pore volume as well as the best conductivity, and was applied to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) after mixed with chitosan, to fabricate the electrochemical sensing electrode PD‐LSB/CS/GCE for nitrite detection. The operating condition and performance of the fabricated nitrite sensing electrode were investigated, and the results indicated that it showed the optimal response signal for nitrite detection at pH=3.0, with a linear detection range of 200.0–30000.0 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.08 μM. The fabricated nitrite sensing electrode also exhibited a good reproducibility, reproducibility and stability as well as good anti‐interference ability, and was applied for the nitrite detection in real aqueous samples successfully. This study provides useful reference information for the preparation of novel biomass materials, and an innovative electrochemical analytical technique for the quick and accurate detection of nitrite in aqueous samples.
A venturi device for stable addition of foaming agent to self‐suction liquid at high flow rates
Authors: Lu Caiyuan , Wu Yuxin , Chen Mujun , Liang Yuntao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo achieve a stable addition of foaming agent under high flow rates, an independently designed venturi structure with self‐suction of liquid to add foaming agent was numerically simulated. We simulated the effects of different self‐suction liquid structures' diameters (diameter of the tube in which the liquid is sucked in), contraction angles, throat length, and position on the suction liquid ratio (ratio of venturi self‐suction liquid flow rate to total flow rate), compared and analyzed the data, and determined the optimal self‐suction liquid structures parameters. The suction liquid ratio shows a tendency to first stabilize and then decrease as the outlet pressure increases. When the outlet pressure in range of 0.30–0.45 MPa, the suction liquid ratio remains stable at 1.14%. However, as the outlet pressure increases, the ability of the venturi structure to add foaming agent through the self‐suction liquid decreases under high flow rates, causing the suction liquid ratio to rapidly decrease to a minimum value of 0.60 MPa. We have conducted a detailed analysis of the process and flow field of suction liquid. As the outlet pressure increases, the high‐speed area of the throat gradually shrinks, and the flow field in the diffusion section fluctuates. When the outlet pressure is 0.6 MPa and the velocity field shifts toward the upper part of the diffusion section, the cavitation area will gradually disappear and lose its liquid suction ability.
Advancing the concept of windows of opportunity to explore the dynamics of the sustainability transition: The development of the EV market in the UK
Authors: Arslangulov Ural , Ackrill Robert 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, we seek to understand the interplay between industry and policy, to explain how and why the UK shifted from the promotion of low‐emission road transportation, to policy based on zero tailpipe‐emission electric vehicles (EVs), as part of its evolving net zero ambitions. For this, we unify the Multi‐Level Perspective, Multiple Streams Framework, and Multi‐Level Governance into a synthetic model—the Multi‐Level Governance and Strategy model. Within this, we identify distinct windows of opportunity (WoO) that relate to each of the technology, policy, and market factors that needed to come together to put the UK automotive industry on a specific trajectory. Utilizing (pragmatist) grounded theory to analyze our extensive interview and documentary data, we find that this trajectory resulted from the interplay of technology innovators and policy entrepreneurs in different WoO, to achieve the ultimate goal of a functioning market for EVs.
An integrated method for extracting channel network with check dams from high‐resolution DEM on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Fan Shihao , Zhang Hongming , Pu Pan , Dong Liang , Sun Hongguang , Li Hongyi , Xu Chao , Kang Bingyi , Ji Zhengjie , Chen Ruxue , Yu Wenhu , Ritsema Coen J. , Geissen Violette 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChannel networks have been widely used to model sediment transport and accumulation. Extracting channel networks in the check dam region from digital elevation models on the Loess Plateau can facilitate effective decision‐making and planning for soil and water conservation. Three methods are generally used to ensure the continuity of channel networks by removing check dams as hydrological barriers: filtering, filling and breaching. However, these methods may still cause disruption and displacement of the channel network owing to the existence of check dams. This study presents the development of an integrated method (improved regional growth and linear feature detection [iRG‐LFD]) for extracting natural continuous channel networks and locating check dams. First, a proposed improved region growth method based on channel and check dam terrain features was used to extract the complete channel network. Subsequently, the line segment detector for extracting straight lines was then improved to separate lines with different slopes. Finally, by combining the channel network and line segment detector results, a cross model was proposed for extracting check dams of different sizes. The experimental results for the Wangmaogou and Zhoutungou catchments showed minimal errors when the proposed method was used to extract the channel network, and F1‐scores of 86.67% and 86.95% were obtained for the predicted check dam samples in the two catchments, respectively. The results indicate that this method can be effectively used to extract continuous natural channel networks and accurately identify check dams and can thus be used to design soil and water conservation measures.
Where are the alcohol advertising hotspots near schools?
Authors: Mandzufas Joelie , Lombardi Karen , Johnston Robyn S. , Bivoltsis Alexia , Howard Justine , Hooper Paula , Trapp Gina S. A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedPhysically locating liquor stores near schools can strongly influence the chances of youth accessing and consuming alcohol, and may also increase children's exposure to alcohol advertising. Investigating the association between the presence of a liquor store near a school and the prevalence of outdoor alcohol advertising is crucial from a policy perspective, as it can inform future regulations on the placement of liquor stores and outdoor advertising near educational institutions.MethodsAll outdoor alcohol advertising within a 500 m radius (audit zone) of 64 randomly selected schools from local government areas across metropolitan Perth was identified by direct observation; recording the size, setting, location and content of each advertisement. Results were compared based on whether the school audit zone contained a liquor store or not.ResultsOver half (n = 36, 56%) of all school audit zones had at least one alcohol advertisement, with an average number of 5.9 alcohol advertisements per zone (SD = 10.2). The majority (97.9%) of advertisements were in the 38 audit zones containing a liquor store (average = 9.7, SD = 11.9 per zone), compared to zones without a liquor store (average = .3, SD = .7 per zone).ConclusionsPerth school zones containing a liquor store in their 500 m radius had, on average, 30 times more outdoor alcohol advertising, compared with school zones without a nearby liquor store.So What?The siting of liquor stores and the display of alcohol advertisements around educational settings require combined policy, planning and public health approaches to mitigate children's exposure to alcohol marketing, especially during school transit.
Numerical simulation of thermal performance of heat sink augmented with phase change material PCM integrated with solid and aluminum metal foam fins
Authors: Theeb Ali Hussein F. , Hussain Ihsan Y. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study introduced a novel numerical modeling for the evaluation of a hybrid heat sink design by replacing the solid fins with aluminum foam fins (AFF) for the same thickness of 2 mm within a phase change material (PCM). This innovation is designed to enhance thermal performance in electronic cooling applications. Heat fluxes of 2, 3, and 4 kW/m2 were applied to the base. The performance has been verified at set point temperatures (SPT) of 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, encompassing a range relevant to various applications. Different AFF thicknesses (4 and 6 mm) and foam porosities (0.85, 0.90, and 0.95) were investigated. The study demonstrated that AFFs improve heat transfer by increasing fin surface area and by effectively raising the thermal conductivity of the PCM. Compared to the SF heat sink, the results show that the AFF design extended the operational time by 5%–8% for the range of heat fluxes. Notably, AFFs with a thickness of 6 mm achieved a significant 41% improvement in the operation time at a lower SPT (60°C). The metal foam porosity of ε = 0.85 exhibited superior thermal performance within the investigated temperature range. This research paves the way for optimizing hybrid heat sink designs using metal foam for efficient thermal management and reduction of weight.
The m6A‐independent role of epitranscriptomic factors in cancer
Authors: Bove Guglielmo , Crepaldi Marco , Amin Sajid , Megchelenbrink Wouter Leonard , Nebbioso Angela , Carafa Vincenzo , Altucci Lucia , Del Gaudio Nunzio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractProtein function alteration and protein mislocalization are cancer hallmarks that drive oncogenesis. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) deposition mediated by METTL3, METTL16, and METTL5 together with the contribution of additional subunits of the m6A system, has shown a dramatic impact on cancer development. However, the cellular localization of m6A proteins inside tumor cells has been little studied so far. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that m6A methyltransferases are not always confined to the nucleus, suggesting that epitranscriptomic factors may also have multiple oncogenic roles beyond m6A that still represent an unexplored field. To date novel epigenetic drugs targeting m6A modifiers, such as METTL3 inhibitors, are entering into clinical trials, therefore, the study of the potential onco‐properties of m6A effectors beyond m6A is required. Here we will provide an overview of methylation‐independent functions of the m6A players in cancer, describing the molecular mechanisms involved and the future implications for therapeutics.
The safety and efficacy of myomectomy in the treatment of recurrent uterine fibroids after HIFU
Authors: Bao Yi‐Ming , Ma Wang‐Wa , Li Shuang , Jiang Li , Yang Mei‐jie , Chen Jin‐Yun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of myomectomy for recurrent uterine fibroids (UFs) after high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy (AM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) from January 2018 to December 2021 at the Three Gorges Hospital of Chongqing University were included. Among them, 73 had undergone prior HIFU ablation (Group 1), while 120 had not undergone HIFU (Group 2). Outcome measures included operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, postoperative activity times (PAT), duration of hospital stay (DOHS), and complications.ResultsThe operating time was 90.0 min (70.5, 115.0) for Group 1 and 110.0 min (81.5, 130.0) for Group 2 (P < 0.05). During all AM pathways, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications; however, operating time was shorter in Group 1. The operating time, EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications were similar in both groups during LM pathway. During the follow‐up 40 (range: 24–53) months, the rate of relief, recurrence, and reintervention in Groups 1 and 2 was 78.1% versus 74.1%, 14.6% versus 16.4%, and 3.7% versus 2.6%, respectively (P > 0.05).ConclusionMyomectomy is a safe and effective surgical method for treating recurrent UFs after HIFU. Myomectomy for treating recurrent UFs resulted in a shorter operative and hospital stay, reduced blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and fewer complications, better symptom relief rates, and lower risk of recurrence or reintervention. These findings indicate that previous HIFU ablation does not worsen the outcomes of the subsequent myomectomy.