bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myelin plasticity in the ventral tegmental area is required for opioid reward
Authors: Yalçın Belgin , Pomrenze Matthew B. , Malacon Karen , Drexler Richard , Rogers Abigail E. , Shamardani Kiarash , Chau Isabelle J. , Taylor Kathryn R. , Ni Lijun , Contreras-Esquivel Daniel , Malenka Robert C. , Monje Michelle 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAll drugs of abuse induce long-lasting changes in synaptic transmission and neural circuit function that underlie substance-use disorders1,2. Another recently appreciated mechanism of neural circuit plasticity is mediated through activity-regulated changes in myelin that can tune circuit function and influence cognitive behaviour3–7. Here we explore the role of myelin plasticity in dopaminergic circuitry and reward learning. We demonstrate that dopaminergic neuronal activity-regulated myelin plasticity is a key modulator of dopaminergic circuit function and opioid reward. Oligodendroglial lineage cells respond to dopaminergic neuronal activity evoked by optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic neurons, optogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons, or administration of morphine. These oligodendroglial changes are evident selectively within the ventral tegmental area but not along the axonal projections in the medial forebrain bundle nor within the target nucleus accumbens. Genetic blockade of oligodendrogenesis dampens dopamine release dynamics in nucleus accumbens and impairs behavioural conditioning to morphine. Taken together, these findings underscore a critical role for oligodendrogenesis in reward learning and identify dopaminergic neuronal activity-regulated myelin plasticity as an important circuit modification that is required for opioid reward.
Compressive strength assessment of concrete with brick chips using the CAPO-test
Authors: Nasrin Umme Suraya , Khair Abul , Ahsan Raquib 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study presents the findings of an extensive investigation to evaluate the precision and reliability of a non-destructive CAPO-Test in estimating the in situ compressive strength of concrete made from machine-crushed brick aggregates. To estimate the compressive strength of concrete built from brick and stone aggregates for several target strengths at various ages, the CAPO-Test, core test, and standard cylinder test were used. The results of the core test and cylinder test are correlated with the CAPO pullout force, demonstrating a strong relationship between pullout force and compressive strength. The results suggest that the CAPO-Test displays estimated strengths ranging from 5 to 17% of the cylinder strength and 0–6% of the core strength for concrete containing brick chips. The study validates the CAPO-Test's reliability in conducting in-situ concrete strength assessments.
Cauldrons of Bronze Age nomads reveals 2700 year old yak milk and the deep antiquity of food preparation techniques
Authors: Wilkin Shevan , Bayarsaikhan Jamsranjav , Ganbold Ankhsanaa , Batsuuri Ankhbayar , Ishtseren Lochin , Nakamura Daisuke , Eregzen Gelegdorj , Ventresca-Miller Alicia , Miller Bryan K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCauldrons, vessels that are simultaneously common and enigmatic, offer insights into past cultural and social traditions. While assumed to possess a special function, what these cauldrons contained is still largely mysterious. These vessels, such as those made from bronze or copper alloys, function as reservoirs for ancient organics through the antibacterial qualities provided by the metal surfaces. Here we show, through protein analysis, that cauldrons from the Final Bronze Age (ca. 2700 BP) were primarily used to collect blood from ruminants, primarily caprines, likely for the production of sausages in a manner similar to contemporary practices in Mongolia’s rural countryside. Our findings present a different function from the recent findings of cooked meat in copper-alloy vessels from the northern Caucasus 2000 years earlier, exposing the diversity in food preparation techniques. Our secondary findings of bovine milk within the cauldron, including peptides specific to Bos mutus, pushes back their regional domestication into the Bronze Age.
A study of chloride binding capacity of concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials
Authors: Abd El-Fattah Heba , Abd El-Zaher Yehia , Kohail Mohamed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChloride-induced steel corrosion is known to be a very common kind of deterioration of reinforced concrete. It is beneficial to bind free chloride ions to reduce the corrosion probability of the reinforcement embedded in the concrete. The binding capacity of the concrete varies according to its cementitious system. This paper investigates the chloride binding capacity of different kinds of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs): Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), Fly ash, and Metakaolin as a partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Different properties of concrete after chloride binding are assessed by carrying out the following tests: half-cell potential, accelerated corrosion test, compressive strength, rapid chloride penetration test, sorptivity test, measuring pH value of concrete, and XRD. The results showed that utilizing the SCMs in concrete can enhance the chloride binding capacity, especially those materials that have high quantities of aluminate and calcium in their chemical composition like GGBFS. Based on testing results, it’s recommended that the limit of the chloride content in the different codes should be revised regarding the binding capacity according to the type and quantity of the cementitious materials used.
Therapeutic potential activity of quercetin complexes against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Osman Mohamed E. , Abo-Elnasr Amany A. , Mohamed Eslam T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates quercetin complexes as potential synergistic agents against the important respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Six quercetin complexes (QCX1–6) were synthesized by reacting quercetin with various metal salts and boronic acids and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. Their antibacterial activity alone and in synergism with antibiotics was evaluated against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 using disc diffusion screening, broth microdilution MIC determination, and checkerboard assays. Complexes QCX-3 and QCX-4 demonstrated synergy when combined with levofloxacin via fractional inhibitory concentration indices ≤ 0.5 as confirmed by time-kill kinetics. Molecular docking elucidated interactions of these combinations with virulence enzymes sortase A and sialidase. A biofilm inhibition assay found the synergistic combinations more potently reduced biofilm formation versus monotherapy. Additionally, gene–gene interaction networks, biological activity predictions and in-silico toxicity profiling provided insights into potential mechanisms of action and safety.
Anisotropic longitudinal water proton relaxation in white matter investigated ex vivo in porcine spinal cord with sample rotation
Authors: Wallstein Niklas , Pampel André , Jäger Carsten , Müller Roland , Möller Harald E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA variation of the longitudinal relaxation time $$T_{1}$$

T
1

in brain regions that differ in their main fiber direction has been occasionally reported, however, with inconsistent results. Goal of the present study was to clarify such inconsistencies, and the origin of potential $$T_{1}$$

T
1

orientation dependence, by applying direct sample rotation and comparing the results from different approaches to measure $$T_{1}$$

T
1

. A section of fixed porcine spinal cord white matter was investigated at 3 T with variation of the fiber-to-field angle $$\theta_{{{\text{FB}}}}$$

θ
FB

. The experiments included one-dimensional inversion-recovery, MP2RAGE, and variable flip-angle $$T_{1}$$

T
1

measurements at 22 °C and 36 °C as well as magnetization-transfer (MT) and diffusion-weighted acquisitions. Depending on the technique, different degrees of $$T_{1}$$

T
1

anisotropy (between 2 and 10%) were observed as well as different dependencies on $$\theta_{{{\text{FB}}}}$$

θ
FB

(monotonic variation or $$T_{1}$$

T
1

maximum at 30–40°). More pronounced anisotropy was obtained with techniques that are more sensitive to MT effects. Furthermore, strong correlations of $$\theta_{{{\text{FB}}}}$$

θ
FB

-dependent MT saturation and $$T_{1}$$

T
1

were found. A comprehensive analysis based on the binary spin-bath model for MT revealed an interplay of several orientation-dependent parameters, including the transverse relaxation times of the macromolecular and the water pool as well as the longitudinal relaxation time of the macromolecular pool.
Low-vacuum SEM imaging and viability test of L929 cells exposed to a Euro 6 diesel exhaust gas mixture in a BAT-CELL chamber in comparison with hydrocarbons emission
Authors: Kęska Aleksandra , Rusak Agnieszka , Włostowski Radosław , Dziemieszkiewicz Mikołaj , Szymlet Natalia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExhaust emissions, which count among the most common causes of premature death worldwide, can cause irreversible changes in cells, leading to their damage or degeneration. In this research, L929 line cells were observed after exposure in the BAT-CELL chamber to exhaust gases emitted from a Euro 6 compression-ignition engine. Real road traffic conditions were simulated, taking into account air resistance while driving at speeds of 50 km/h, 120 km/h and idling engine. Morphological analysis of the cells was performed using an environmental scanning electron microscope. It has been observed that diesel exhaust fumes can cause inflammation, which can induce apoptosis or leads to necrotic cell death. The impact of the vehicle exhaust gases can inhibit cell proliferation by almost three times. Moreover, a correlation has been observed between the speed of the inflammatory reaction in cells and the presence of specific hydrocarbon compounds that determine the toxicity of exhaust gases. Research has shown that the toxicity of the emitted exhaust gases has been the highest at the driving speed of 120 km/h. In order to reduce the harmful effects of exhaust emissions, ecological alternatives and the supplementation of legal provisions regarding the compounds subject to limitation are necessary.
Associations between time in range and insulin secretory capacity in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Okada Yosuke , Uemura Fumi , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractImpaired insulin secretory capacity is associated with high glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, there are no existing reports on the association between insulin secretory capacity and time in range (TIR). This retrospective study involved 330 T2DM admitted for diabetes education who underwent intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) and had their fasting serum C-peptide immunoreactivity (S-CPR) measured within 5 days of admission. The baseline characteristics were as follows: age, 60.2 years; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 9.2%; S-CPR, 2.2 ng/mL; S-CPR index (S-CPR [ng/mL]/fasting plasma glucose [mg/dL] × 100), 1.6; and TIR, 60.3%. TIR correlated significantly with the S-CPR index, which was confirmed by multivariate analysis that included various factors such as HbA1c. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that 1.88 was the optimal S-CPR index level to predict TIR ≥ 70%. In addition to HbA1c and biguanide use, the S-CPR index was a significant factor associated with TIR > 70%. S-CPR index values of ≥ 1.88 also correlated significantly with TIR > 70%. In conclusion, insulin secretory capacity is associated with TIR in Japanese T2DM, suggesting that the S-CPR index might be a potentially useful biomarker insulin secretory capacity, in association with TIR.Trial registration UMIN0000254333.
Optimization of the fermentation media, mathematical modeling, and enhancement of paclitaxel production by Alternaria alternata after elicitation with pectin
Authors: Rezazadeh Hamzeh , Ghanati Faezeh , Bonfill Mercedes , Nasibi Fatemeh , Tabarsa Mehdi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlternaria alternata fungus is a potent paclitaxel producer isolated from Corylus avellana. The major challenge is the lack of optimized media for endophytic fungi productivity. In the effort to maximize the production of taxoids by A. alternata, several fermentation conditions, including pH (pH 4.0–7.0), different types and concentrations of carbon (fructose, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, and malt extract), and nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate) were applied step by step. Based on the results, A. alternata in a medium containing sucrose 5% (w/v) and ammonium phosphate 2.5 mM at pH 6.0 showed a rapid and sustainable growth rate, the highest paclitaxel yield (94.8 µg gFW−1 vs 2.8 µg gFW−1 in controls), and the maximum content of amino acids. Additionally, the effect of pectin was evaluated on fungus, and mycelia harvested. Pectin significantly enhanced the growth and taxoid yield on day 21 (respectively 171% and 116% of their corresponding on day 7). The results were checked out by mathematical modeling as well. Accordingly, these findings suggest a low-cost, eco-friendly, and easy-to-produce approach with excellent biotechnological potential for the industrial manufacture of taxoids.
Poor housing quality and the health of newborns and young children
Authors: Hajdu Tamás , Kertesi Gábor , Szabó Bence 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study uses linked administrative data on live births, hospital stays, and census records for children born in Hungary between 2006 and 2011 to examine the relationship between poor housing quality and the health of newborns and children aged 1–2 years. We show that poor housing quality, defined as lack of access to basic sanitation and exposure to polluting heating, is not a negligible problem even in a high-income EU country like Hungary. This is particularly the case for disadvantaged children, 20–25% of whom live in extremely poor-quality homes. Next, we provide evidence that poor housing quality is strongly associated with lower health at birth and a higher number of days spent in inpatient care at the age of 1–2 years. These results indicate that lack of access to basic sanitation, hygiene, and non-polluting heating and their health impacts cannot be considered as the exclusive problem for low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, there is also a need for public policy programs that identify those affected by poor housing quality and offer them potential solutions to reduce the adverse effects on their health.
Vortex-like vs. turbulent mixing of a Viscum album preparation affects crystalline structures formed in dried droplets
Authors: Kokornaczyk Maria Olga , Acuña Carlos , Mier y Terán Alfonso , Castelán Mario , Baumgartner Stephan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVarious types of motion introduced into a solution can affect, among other factors, the alignment and positioning of molecules, the agglomeration of large molecules, oxidation processes, and the production of microparticles and microbubbles. We employed turbulent mixing vs. laminar flow induced by a vortex vs. diffusion-based mixing during the production of Viscum album Quercus L. 10−3 following the guidelines for manufacturing homeopathic preparations. The differently mixed preparation variants were analyzed using the droplet evaporation method. The crystalline structures formed in dried droplets were photographed and analyzed using computer-supported image analysis and deep learning. Computer-supported evaluation and deep learning revealed that the patterns of the variant succussed under turbulence are characterized by lower complexity, whereas those obtained from the vortex-mixed variant are characterized by greater complexity compared to the diffusion-based mixed control variant. The droplet evaporation method could provide a relatively inexpensive means of testing the effects of liquid flow and serve as an alternative to currently used methods.
Spatiotemporal changes in fine particulate matter and ozone in the oasis city of Korla, northeastern Tarim Basin of China
Authors: Aishan Tayierjiang , Sun Yaxin , Halik Ümüt , Betz Florian , Yusup Asadilla , Rezhake Remila 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAir pollution is a serious environmental health concern for humans and other living organisms. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of air pollutant concentrations, changes in the degree of pollution, and the wavelet coherence of the air quality index (AQI) with pollutants in various monitoring stations. The analysis is based on long-term time series data (January 2016 to December 2023) of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and O3) from Korla, an oasis city in the northeastern part of the Tarim Basin, China. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and O3 in Korla showed a cyclical trend from 2016 to 2023; PM10 concentrations exhibited all-season exceedance and PM2.5 exhibited exceedance only in spring. PM2.5 and PM10 showed a seasonal distribution of spring > winter > fall > summer; O3 concentrations showed a seasonal distribution of summer > spring > fall > winter. Strong positive wavelet coherence between PM and Air Quality Index (AQI) data series suggests that the AQI data series can effectively characterize fluctuating trends in PM concentrations. Moreover, PM10 levels IV and VI were maintained at approximately 10%, indicating that sand and dust have a substantial influence on air quality and pose potential threats to the health of urban inhabitants. Based on the results of this study, future efforts must strengthen relative countermeasures for sand prevention and control, select urban greening species with anti-pollution capabilities, rationally expand urban green spaces, and restrict regulations for reducing particulate matter emissions within city areas.
Exploring the association between theobromine intake and hepatic steatosis in young people
Authors: Kong Yi , Han Li , Zhu Zhongxin , Chen Xingxing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) tends to be younger. And the role of theobromine in fatty liver disease remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary theobromine intake and degree of hepatic steatosis in individuals aged 45 and below, using data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and liver ultrasonography transient elastography. A total of 1796 participants aged below 45 years were included from NHANES 2017–2020 data after applying exclusion criteria. Multivariate regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the associations between theobromine intake and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), adjusting for potential confounders. Generalized additive models and two-piecewise linear regression were used to analyze nonlinear relationships. In the unadjusted Model 1 and preliminarily adjusted Model 2, there was no significant correlation between theobromine intake and CAP values. However, in Models 3 and 4, which accounted for confounding factors, a higher intake of theobromine was significantly associated with lower CAP values. Subgroup analyses in the fully adjusted Model 4 revealed a significant negative correlation among individuals aged 18–45, women, and white populations. Nonlinear analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship in black Americans, with the lowest CAP values at 44.5 mg/day theobromine. This study provides evidence that higher theobromine intake is correlated with lower degree of hepatic steatosis in young people, especially those aged 18–45 years, women, and whites. For black Americans, maintaining theobromine intake around 44.5 mg/day may help minimize liver steatosis. These findings may help personalize clinical nutritional guidance, prevent the degree of hepatic steatosis, and provide pharmacological approaches to reverse fatty liver disease in young people.
Effects of SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd on Functional Speech Measures in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sullivan Lauren , Martin Elizabeth , Allison Kristen M. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
This study investigated the effects of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy program on speaking rate, percent pause time, intelligibility, naturalness, and communicative participation in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method:
Six adults with PD completed 12 individual SPEAK OUT! sessions across four consecutive weeks followed by group-based LOUD Crowd sessions for five consecutive weeks. Most therapy sessions were conducted via telehealth, with two participants completing the SPEAK OUT! portion in person. Speech samples were recorded at six time points: three baseline time points prior to SPEAK OUT!, two post–SPEAK OUT! time points, and one post–LOUD Crowd time point. Acoustic measures of speaking rate and percent pause time and listener ratings of speech intelligibility and naturalness were obtained for each time point. Participant self-ratings of communicative participation were also collected at pre- and posttreatment time points.

Results:
Results showed significant improvement in communicative participation scores at a group level following completion of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd treatment program. Two participants showed a significant decrease in speaking rate and increase in percent pause time following treatment. Changes in intelligibility and naturalness were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
These findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd treatment program in improving communicative participation for people with mild-to-moderate hypokinetic dysarthria secondary to PD. This study is also the first to demonstrate positive effects of this treatment program for people receiving the therapy via telehealth.
Magnetic circuit optimisation and actuator suspension experiment of the 6‐DOF magnetic suspension platform for mini/micro LED
Authors: Cao Shinan , Niu Pingjuan , Ma Limei , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo improve the speed of mass transfer, a magnetic suspension platform (MSP) is used to transport the display chips. A novel 6‐DOF MSP is proposed in this paper. An improved Halbach array is used to supply the magnetic flux density. Two types of permanent magnets are utilised in the improved Halbach array. The smaller permanent magnet serves to consolidate the magnetic flux density, thereby enhancing the uniformity of the magnetic field. The finite element method is employed to analyse how variations in angle impact both the strength and uniformity of the magnetic flux density. The results show that the magnetisation direction of 45° is the most effective in terms of improving the uniformity and strength of the magnetic density. Finally, a 6‐DOF MSP prototype is manufactured. A magnetic density measurement experiment and a stable suspension experiment for the actuator are conducted. The results indicate an enhancement in the uniformity of the magnetic field within the air gap. Additionally, the maximum suspension positioning accuracy of the actuator is about 750 nm.
A multifunctional and reconfigurable memristive neuron circuit
Authors: Wu Zuheng , Yu Ruihan , Hu Yang , Dai Yuehua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA memristive neuron circuit which is capable of encoding input information via temporal and adaptive frequency methods within the same structure is proposed. Its multifunctionality allows switching between these modes by adjusting circuit capacitors. Furthermore, it is investigated how other parameters like input voltage and resistance influence output properties for different encoding methods. This research contributes to the development of more flexible neuromorphic computing systems.