bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of split renal dysfunction using radiomics based on magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Zhao Shengchao , Ding Yi , Gan Lijuan , Yang Pei , Xie Yuanliang , Hu Yun , Chen Jun , Wang Xiang , Huang Zengfa , Zhou Bin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurate and noninvasive assessment of split renal dysfunction is crucial, while there is lack of corresponding method clinically.PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of using diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI)‐based radiomics models to evaluate split renal dysfunction.MethodsWe enrolled patients with impaired and normal renal function undergoing renal DWI examination. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, mL/min) was measured using 99mTc‐DTPA scintigraphy, which is reference standard of GFR measurement. The kidneys were classified into normal (GFR ≥40), mildly impaired (20≤ GFR < 40), moderately impaired (10≤ GFR < 20), and severely impaired (GFR < 10) renal function groups. Optimized subsets of radiomics features were selected from renal DWI images and radiomics scores (Rad‐score) calculated to discriminate groups with different renal function. The radiomics model (Rad‐score based) was developed in a training cohort and validated in a test cohort. Evaluations were conducted on the discrimination, calibration, and clinical application of the method.ResultsThe final analysis included 330 kidneys. Logistic regression was used to develop three radiomics models, model A, B, and C, which were used to distinguish normal from impaired, mild from moderate, and moderate from severe renal function, respectively. The area under the curve of the three models were 0.822, 0.704, and 0.887 in the training cohort and 0.843, 0.717, and 0.897 in the test cohort, respectively, indicating efficient discrimination performance.ConclusionsDWI‐based radiomics models have potential for evaluating split renal dysfunction and discriminating between normal and impaired renal function groups and their subgroups.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based metabolite profiling of chia and quinoa seeds in comparison with wheat and oat
Authors: Farag Mohamed A. , Khattab Amira R. , Farghal Hebatullah H. , Ismail Walaa M. , Fahmy Heba A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionWith an increasing interest in healthy and affordable cereal intake, efforts are made toward exploiting underutilized cereals with high nutritional values.ObjectivesThe current study aims to explore the metabolome diversity in 14 cultivars of chia and quinoa collected from Germany, Austria, and Egypt, compared with wheat and oat as major cereals.Material and MethodsThe samples were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Multivariate data analysis (MVA) was employed for sample classification and markers characterization.ResultsA total of 114 metabolites were quantified (sugars, alcohols, organic and amino acids/nitrogenous compounds, fatty acids/esters), but the inorganic and phenolic acids were only identified. Fatty acids were the major class followed by amino acids in quinoa and chia. Chia and oats were richer in sucrose. Quinoa encompassed higher amino acids. Quinoa and chia were rich in essential amino acids. Higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids especially omega 6 and omega 9 were detected in quinoa versus omega 3 in chia compared with oat and wheat, whereas ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio of chia was the lowest. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive metabolite profiling of these pseudo cereals.ConclusionQuinoa and chia, especially red chia, are more nutritionally valuable compared with oat and wheat because of their compositional profile of free amino acids, organic acids, and essential fatty acids, besides their low ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. Such results pose them as inexpensive alternative to animal proteins and encourage their inclusion in infant formulas.
A fluorescence‐based sensor for calibrated measurement of protein kinase stability in live cells
Authors: Paul Joseph W. , Muratcioğlu Serena , Kuriyan John 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOncogenic mutations can destabilize signaling proteins, resulting in increased or unregulated activity. Thus, there is considerable interest in mapping the relationship between mutations and the stability of signaling proteins, to better understand the consequences of oncogenic mutations and potentially inform the development of new therapeutics. Here, we develop a tool to study protein‐kinase stability in live mammalian cells and the effects of the HSP90 chaperone system on the stability of these kinases. We determine the expression levels of protein kinases by monitoring the fluorescence of fluorescent proteins fused to those kinases, normalized to that of co‐expressed reference fluorescent proteins. We used this tool to study the dependence of Src‐ and Raf‐family kinases on the HSP90 system. We demonstrate that this sensor reports on destabilization induced by oncogenic mutations in these kinases. We also show that Src‐homology 2 and Src‐homology 3 domains, which are required for autoinhibition of Src‐family kinases, stabilize these kinase domains in the cell. Our expression‐calibrated sensor enables the facile characterization of the effects of mutations and small‐molecule drugs on protein‐kinase stability.
High‐throughput system for the thermostability analysis of proteins
Authors: Ito Sae , Matsunaga Ryo , Nakakido Makoto , Komura Daisuke , Katoh Hiroto , Ishikawa Shumpei , Tsumoto Kouhei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThermal stability of proteins is a primary metric for evaluating their physical properties. Although researchers attempted to predict it using machine learning frameworks, their performance has been dependent on the quality and quantity of published data. This is due to the technical limitation that thermodynamic characterization of protein denaturation by fluorescence or calorimetry in a high‐throughput manner has been challenging. Obtaining a melting curve that derives solely from the target protein requires laborious purification, making it far from practical to prepare a hundred or more samples in a single workflow. Here, we aimed to overcome this throughput limitation by leveraging the high protein secretion efficacy of Brevibacillus and consecutive treatment with plate‐scale purification methodologies. By handling the entire process of expression, purification, and analysis on a per‐plate basis, we enabled the direct observation of protein denaturation in 384 samples within 4 days. To demonstrate a practical application of the system, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 186 single mutants of a single‐chain variable fragment of nivolumab, harvesting the melting temperature (Tm) ranging from −9.3 up to +10.8°C compared to the wild‐type sequence. Our findings will allow for data‐driven stabilization in protein design and streamlining the rational approaches.
Site‐directed mutagenesis reveals the interplay between stability, structure, and enzymatic activity in RidA from Capra hircus
Authors: Rizzi Giulia , Digiovanni Stefania , Degani Genny , Barbiroli Alberto , Di Pisa Flavio , Popolo Laura , Visentin Cristina , Vanoni Maria Antonietta , Ricagno Stefano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReactive intermediate deaminase A (RidA) is a highly conserved enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 2‐imino acids to the corresponding 2‐keto acids and ammonia. RidA thus prevents the accumulation of such potentially harmful compounds in the cell, as exemplified by its role in the degradation of 2‐aminoacrylate, formed during the metabolism of cysteine and serine, catalyzing the conversion of its stable 2‐iminopyruvate tautomer into pyruvate. Capra hircus (goat) RidA (ChRidA) was the first mammalian RidA to be isolated and described. It has the typical homotrimeric fold of the Rid superfamily, characterized by remarkably high thermal stability, with three active sites located at the interface between adjacent subunits. ChRidA exhibits a broad substrate specificity with a preference for 2‐iminopyruvate and other 2‐imino acids derived from amino acids with non‐polar non‐bulky side chains. Here we report a biophysical and biochemical characterization of eight ChRidA variants obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis to gain insight into the role of specific residues in protein stability and catalytic activity. Each mutant was produced in Escherichia coli cells, purified and characterized in terms of quaternary structure, thermal stability and substrate specificity. The results are rationalized in the context of the high‐resolution structures obtained by x‐ray crystallography.
The Streptococcus phage protein paratox is an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Asakereh Iman , Rutbeek Nicole R. , Singh Manvir , Davidson David , Prehna Gerd , Khajehpour Mazdak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe bacteriophage protein paratox (Prx) blocks quorum sensing in its streptococcal host by directly binding the signal receptor and transcription factor ComR. This reduces the ability of Streptococcus to uptake environmental DNA and protects phage DNA from damage by recombination. Past work characterizing the Prx:ComR molecular interaction revealed that paratox adopts a well‐ordered globular fold when bound to ComR. However, solution‐state biophysical measurements suggested that Prx may be conformationally dynamic. To address this discrepancy, we investigated the stability and dynamic properties of Prx in solution using circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and several fluorescence‐based protein folding assays. Our work shows that under dilute buffer conditions Prx is intrinsically disordered. We also show that the addition of kosmotropic salts or protein stabilizing osmolytes induces Prx folding. However, the solute stabilized fold is different from the conformation Prx adopts when it is bound to ComR. Furthermore, we have characterized Prx folding thermodynamics and folding kinetics through steady‐state fluorescence and stopped flow kinetic measurements. Our results show that Prx is a highly dynamic protein in dilute solution, folding and refolding within the 10 ms timescale. Overall, our results demonstrate that the streptococcal phage protein Prx is an intrinsically disordered protein in a two‐state equilibrium with a solute‐stabilized folded form. Furthermore, the solute‐stabilized fold is likely the predominant form of Prx in a solute‐crowded bacterial cell. Finally, our work suggests that Prx binds and inhibits ComR, and thus quorum sensing in Streptococcus, by a combination of conformational selection and induced‐fit binding mechanisms.
Characterizing the differential susceptibility and resistance to insecticides in populations of Chrysodeixis includens and Rachiplusia nu (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil
Authors: Braga Luiz E , Warpechowski Luiz F , Diniz Luis HM , Dallanora Arthur , Reis Alexandre C , Farias Juliano R , Bernardi Oderlei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChrysodeixis includens (Walker) and Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) are major Plusiinae pests of soybean in the Southern Cone region of South America. In recent decades, C. includens was the main defoliator of soybean in Brazil, but from 2021 onwards, R. nu emerged as an important soybean pest in various regions of the country. Here, we characterize the differential susceptibility and resistance to insecticides in these Plusiinae pests from two soybean regions of Brazil.RESULTSExcept for spinetoram and chlorfenapyr (comparable lethality against both species) and a Bt‐based biopesticide (more lethal for C. includens), the tested insecticides showed higher lethality against R. nu than against C. includens, but populations of the same species, even separated by long distances, presented similar resistance levels. For both species, the 90% lethal concentration (LC90) values of most insecticides were higher than the field‐recommended dose. Nevertheless, the field‐recommended doses of spinetoram, metaflumizone, emamectin benzoate, cyclaniliprole and chlorfenapyr showed comparable control efficacy against both species, whereas indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, teflubenzuron and chlorfluazuron were more lethal for R. nu, and methoxyfenozide and the Bt‐based insecticide were more lethal for C. includens. Thiodicarb, methomyl and lambda‐cyhalothrin showed low lethality against both species.CONCLUSIONSLarge interspecific differences in the susceptibility to insecticides was found in major Plusiinae pests of soybean in Brazil. Furthermore, variations in susceptibility to insecticides occurred consistently among species and populations, regardless of the collection site and thus despite unequal temporal and spatial exposure to insecticides. These results demonstrate that accurate species identification is essential for effective control of Plusiinae in soybean. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Photon Blockade in Cavity Optomechanics Via Parametric Amplification
Authors: Xie Hong , He Le‐Wei , Shang Xiao , Lin Xiu‐Min 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhoton blockade is a quantum phenomenon in driven nonlinear systems. It can be observed in cavity optomechanical systems when nonlinear optomechanical interaction occurs at the single‐photon level. However, achieving photon blockade in experiments is challenging due to the small single‐photon optomechanical coupling strength. Here, photon blockade in an optomechanical system is investigated, where the cavity mode is either strongly or weakly squeezed. When the cavity mode is strongly squeezed, the coupling between squeezed mode and mechanical mode will be exponentially enhanced, leading to strong optical nonlinearity that is required for the realization of photon blockade. In contrast, when the cavity mode is weakly squeezed, the nonlinear optomechanical interaction is weak. It is shown that photon blockade can also be realized through the destructive interference of two paths for two‐photon excitation. Interestingly, it is found that a larger mechanical decay rate facilitates the implementation of the interference‐based photon blockade, and thermal noise effects can be significantly suppressed by the destructive interference.
Dynamic Multi‐Party to Multi‐Party Quantum Secret Sharing based on Bell States
Authors: Tian Yuan , Wang Jialong , Bian Genqing , Chang Jinyong , Li Jian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractQuantum secret sharing as a privacy‐preserving scheme necessitating collaborative efforts from all participating users to collectively recover encrypted information. This paper introduces a novel dynamic multi‐party to multi‐party quantum secret sharing protocol based on Bell states, enabling secure sharing of secrets among dynamically changing multi‐party. The protocol innovatively employs Bell states combined with simplified local unitary operations, significantly reducing the complexity and enhancing the scalability of practical implementations in quantum communication systems. Particularly, through simulation using IBM's Qiskit framework, its correctness and practicality are confirmed. Security analysis demonstrates that the protocol effectively withstands common attack methods, providing reliability, and security in quantum communication. This research presents a more flexible and efficient solution in the field of quantum secret sharing.
Investigation of COVID‐19 infection in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica during the predominance of the omicron variant
Authors: Ma Xinlei , Xiao Lanlan , Wu Jinzhi , Xu Guanhua , Lin Jin , Chen Weiqian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease that affects the older adult population. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk and prognosis associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection among patients diagnosed with PMR during the predominance of the Omicron variant.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included a cohort of patients with PMR who met the 2012 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria or the 1982 PMR diagnostic criteria and tracked their progress over time. The diagnosis of COVID‐19 was based on the clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. We collected demographic information, PMR disease activity, treatment data, and clinical data related to COVID‐19.ResultsIn total, 101 patients diagnosed with PMR were enrolled. Most patients with PMR exhibited low disease activity. Of the total cohort, 81 patients (80.2%) were categorized as individuals diagnosed with COVID‐19, while the remaining 20 (19.8%) were not diagnosed with COVID‐19. Among the patients with PMR diagnosed with COVID‐19, 65 (80.2%) exhibited the presence of the COVID‐19 antigen, while 16 (19.8%) tested positive for COVID‐19 RNA. Most COVID‐19 patients with PMR were classified as having mild disease (72, 88.9%). Two cases were identified within the confirmed infected group, resulting in a recurrence rate of 2.5% (2/81). Conversely, no relapses were observed in the non‐infected group (0/20). In our multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that pre‐COVID‐19 PMR disease activity was an independent risk factor for COVID‐19 infection (odds ratio = 30.00, 95% confidence interval: 2.137–421.117, p = 0.012).ConclusionThe increased susceptibility to COVID‐19 may be influenced by the pre‐existing disease activity of PMR.
Progress and future of China's aquatic ecological environment protection
Authors: Wang Jinnan , Xu Min , Zhang Guoshuai , Zhang Tao , Wang Dong , Zang Hongkuan , Hou Xiaoshu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSafeguarding water resources, aquatic habitats, and ecosystems is paramount for the well‐being of the populace, the future of the nation, and the sustainable development of China. With the relentless progression of ecological and environmental protection and the establishment of an ecological civilization, China's aquatic ecological environment protection has undergone five decades of exploration. The water environment protection paradigm has gradually transitioned from emphasizing pollutant emission concentration control and total pollutant emission control to prioritizing water environment quality improvement. Particularly in the past decade, regions nationwide have conducted proactive explorations and practices in source control, emission abatement, and quality enhancement. This paper systematically reviews the achievements in China's water environmental quality improvement and the characteristics of water environment management at various stages over the past half‐century. Considering the deployment of “three waters” coordination (water resources, water environment, and water ecology), green development, pollution, carbon reduction, and so forth, this paper analyzes the challenges confronted by China's aquatic ecological environment protection. Finally, future directions are prospected from six aspects: green development, climate change response, water resource allocation optimization, collaborative governance of multiple pollutants, aquatic ecological protection strengthening, and intelligent management improvement.
The mediating role of flow state between recovery and energy levels: An experience sampling method study
Authors: Chang Wan‐Jing April , Cheng Ya‐Jen Joe , Kao Kuo‐Yang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study uses a resource perspective that combines theories used commonly to explore recovery experiences as a theoretical framework and investigate the effects of recovery at the beginning of the workday on exhaustion and vigour at the end of the workday, with workflow in the morning as a mediator. An experience sampling method was used to collect data from 84 fulltime employees. Participants received three survey links each workday over a 2‐week period, resulting in 837 days‐level and 2517 data points. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test hypotheses, with results suggesting that greater recovery at the beginning of the workday correlated negatively with exhaustion and positively with vigour at the end of the workday. Recovery at the beginning correlated positively with flow state in the morning, and flow state correlated positively with vigour at the end of the workday. Flow state in the morning mediated the relationship between recovery level at the beginning and vigour at the end of the workday. These findings suggest the importance of recovery and the effects of flow state on employees' vigour.
Highly Stable Heating Fibers of Ti3C2Tx MXene and Polyacrylonitrile via Synergistic Thermal Annealing
Authors: Jeong Woojae , Shin Hwansoo , Kang Dong Jun , Jeon Hongchan , Seo Jaesik , Han Tae Hee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNanohybrid assemblies provide an effective platform for integrating the intrinsic properties of individual components into microscale fibers. In this study, a novel approach for creating mechanically and environmentally stable MXene fibers through the synergistic assembly of MXene and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), is introduced. Unlike fibers generated via a conventional stabilization process, which relies on air‐based stabilization to transform the PAN molecules into ring structures fundamental to carbon fibers, the hybrid fibers are annealed in an Ar atmosphere. This unique approach suggests MXene can serve as an oxygen provider that is essential for stabilizing PAN. As a result, significantly improved interfiber compactness is achieved and the oxidation stability of MXene is enhanced under atmospheric conditions. The resulting fibers exhibit exceptional stability, even after extended exposure to high humidity and elevated temperatures. This highlights the suitability of the thermally annealed MXene‐PAN (T‐MX‐PAN) fibers as robust electric heating elements. Notably, these fibers consistently generate heat over 1800 bending cycles. When integrated into fabrics, they demonstrate the capability to generate sufficient heat for melting ice and rapid evaporation. This study highlights the potential of T‐MX‐PAN fibers as next‐generation wearable heaters and offers valuable insights into advancing wearable technology in demanding environments.
Healthcare Privacy in an Electronic Data Age
Authors: Hester D. Micah 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn the evolving landscape of healthcare, the tension between patient privacy and the necessity for information sharing presents complex ethical and legal dilemmas. Medical confidentiality is not an absolute principle; laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, provide both protective frameworks and conditions for permissible breaches. These may include mandated reporting of communicable diseases for public health, “duty to warn” cases where imminent harm is threatened, and legal mandates like court orders. With the digitization of healthcare records and the rise of telemedicine, maintaining the integrity of confidential information has become even more challenging. Issues extend to parental access to minors’ records, access granted to family members of incapacitated adults, and the use of biobanking in research. While technology poses new risks, it also offers ways to enhance security and confidentiality. The healthcare sector must balance the utilization of technology with robust measures to mitigate risks to patient privacy. Promoting a culture of confidentiality remains crucial to address these challenges and protect the privacy rights of patients.