bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the transcriptome, lipidome, and c-di-GMP production between BCGΔBCG1419c and BCG, with Mincle- and Myd88-dependent induction of proinflammatory cytokines in murine macrophages
Authors: Flores-Valdez Mario Alberto , Peterson Eliza J. R. , Aceves-Sánchez Michel de Jesús , Baliga Nitin S. , Morita Yasu S. , Sparks Ian L. , Saini Deepak Kumar , Yadav Rahul , Lang Roland , Mata-Espinosa Dulce , León-Contreras Juan Carlos , Hernández-Pando Rogelio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe have previously reported the transcriptomic and lipidomic profile of the first-generation, hygromycin-resistant (HygR) version of the BCGΔBCG1419c vaccine candidate, under biofilm conditions. We recently constructed and characterized the efficacy, safety, whole genome sequence, and proteomic profile of a second-generation version of BCGΔBCG1419c, a strain lacking the BCG1419c gene and devoid of antibiotic markers. Here, we compared the antibiotic-less BCGΔBCG1419c with BCG. We assessed their colonial and ultrastructural morphology, biofilm, c-di-GMP production in vitro, as well as their transcriptomic and lipidomic profiles, including their capacity to activate macrophages via Mincle and Myd88. Our results show that BCGΔBCG1419c colonial and ultrastructural morphology, c-di-GMP, and biofilm production differed from parental BCG, whereas we found no significant changes in its lipidomic profile either in biofilm or planktonic growth conditions. Transcriptomic profiling suggests changes in BCGΔBCG1419c cell wall and showed reduced transcription of some members of the DosR, MtrA, and ArgR regulons. Finally, induction of TNF-α, IL-6 or G-CSF by bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with either BCGΔBCG1419c or BCG required Mincle and Myd88. Our results confirm that some differences already found to occur in HygR BCGΔBCG1419c compared with BCG are maintained in the antibiotic-less version of this vaccine candidate except changes in production of PDIM. Comparison with previous characterizations conducted by OMICs show that some differences observed in BCGΔBCG1419c compared with BCG are maintained whereas others are dependent on the growth condition employed to culture them.
Efficacy of melatonin in alleviating disorders arising from repeated exposure to sevoflurane in males and females of the Wistar rats during preadolescence
Authors: Heydari Fatemeh , Nasiri Mahdieh , Haroabadi Arash , Fahanik Babaei Javad , Pestehei Seyed Khalil 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPediatricians use sevoflurane due to its fast action and short recovery time. However, studies have shown that repeated exposure to anesthesia can affect learning and memory. Melatonin, an indole-type neuroendocrine hormone, has significant anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Melatonin’s impact on cognitive behavior in sevoflurane-anesthetized males and females of the Wistar rats during preadolescence was examined in this research. The cognitive function was evaluated by shuttle box and morris water maze tests, while interleukin-10, Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated using ELISA kits. The expression levels of the apoptosis-linked proteins, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, were determined using the western blotting technique. The learning and memory latencies of the rats were more significant in the sevoflurane groups than in the control group; however, the latencies were significantly shorter in the sevoflurane and melatonin groups than in the control group. The levels of MDA, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3 were significantly higher in the sevoflurane groups than in the control group. We also found that the levels of CAT and Bcl-2 were significantly reduced in the sevoflurane groups compared to the control group. Increasing levels of CAT, Bcl-2, and decreasing levels of MDA, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3 in response to melatonin indicate a possible contribution to the recovery from the sevoflurane impairment. Melatonin shows neuroprotective effects in male and female rats with sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment. This suggests melatonin could be a valuable treatment for learning and memory deficits resulting from repeated exposure to sevoflurane, possibly by controlling apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Dynamical and individualised approach of transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation effects in non-human primates
Authors: Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Alkhawashki Mohammad , Ross James , Gatica Marilyn , Zhang Chencheng , Sallet Jerome , Kaiser Marcus 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLow-frequency transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) allows to alter brain functioning with a high spatial resolution and to reach deep targets. However, the time-course of TUS effects remains largely unknown. We applied TUS on three brain targets for three different monkeys: the anterior medial prefrontal cortex, the supplementary motor area and the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex. For each, one resting-state fMRI was acquired between 30 and 150 min after TUS as well as one without stimulation (control). We captured seed-based brain connectivity changes dynamically and on an individual basis. We also assessed between individuals and between targets homogeneity and brain features that predicted TUS changes. We found that TUS prompts heterogenous functional connectivity alterations yet retain certain consistent changes; we identified 6 time-courses of changes including transient and long duration alterations; with a notable degree of accuracy we found that brain alterations could partially be predicted. Altogether, our results highlight that TUS induces heterogeneous functional connectivity alterations. On a more technical point, we also emphasize the need to consider brain changes over-time rather than just observed during a snapshot; to consider inter-individual variability since changes could be highly different from one individual to another.
Body mass index is associated with clinical outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yoon Hee-Young , Kim Hoseob , Bae Yoonjong , Song Jin Woo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAssociation between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains uncertain. We investigated the association between BMI and clinical outcomes in patients with IPF using national health claims data. The study included 11,826 patients with IPF and rare incurable disease exemption codes (mean age: 68.9 years, male: 73.8%) and available BMI data who visited medical institutions between January 2002 and December 2018. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association of BMI with all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Based on BMI, 3.1%, 32.8%, 27.8%, and 36.4% were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed independent associations of overweight (hazard ratio [HR] 0.856, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.801–0.916) and underweight (HR 1.538, 95% CI 1.347–1.757) with mortality in patients with IPF. Similarly, overweight (HR 0.887, 95% CI 0.834–0.943) and underweight (HR 1.265, 95% CI 1.104–1.449) were also associated with hospitalization in patients with IPF in the multivariable analysis. Spline HR curve analysis adjusted for all covariates revealed a non-linear relationship between BMI and mortality in patients with IPF. Our data suggest that BMI is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with IPF.
Correlating semiconductor nanoparticle architecture and applicability for the controlled encoding of luminescent polymer microparticles
Authors: Scholtz Lena , Eckert J. Gerrit , Graf Rebecca T. , Kunst Alexandra , Wegner K. David , Bigall Nadja C. , Resch-Genger Ute 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLuminophore stained micro- and nanobeads made from organic polymers like polystyrene (PS) are broadly used in the life and material sciences as luminescent reporters, for bead-based assays, sensor arrays, printable barcodes, security inks, and the calibration of fluorescence microscopes and flow cytometers. Initially mostly prepared with organic dyes, meanwhile luminescent core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) like spherical semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are increasingly employed for bead encoding. This is related to their narrower emission spectra, tuneability of emission color, broad wavelength excitability, and better photostability. However, correlations between particle architecture, morphology, and photoluminescence (PL) of the luminescent nanocrystals used for encoding and the optical properties of the NP-stained beads have been rarely explored. This encouraged us to perform a screening study on the incorporation of different types of luminescent core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals into polymer microparticles (PMPs) by a radical-induced polymerization reaction. Nanocrystals explored include CdSe/CdS QDs of varying CdS shell thickness, a CdSe/ZnS core/shell QD, CdSe/CdS quantum rods (QRs), and CdSe/CdS nanoplatelets (NPLs). Thereby, we focused on the applicability of these NPs for the polymerization synthesis approach used and quantified the preservation of the initial NP luminescence. The spectroscopic characterization of the resulting PMPs revealed the successful staining of the PMPs with luminescent CdSe/CdS QDs and CdSe/CdS NPLs. In contrast, usage of CdSe/CdS QRs and CdSe QDs with a ZnS shell did not yield luminescent PMPs. The results of this study provide new insights into structure–property relationships between NP stained PMPs and the initial luminescent NPs applied for staining and underline the importance of such studies for the performance optimization of NP-stained beads.
Estimating the severity of landscape degradation in future management scenarios based on modeling the dynamics of Hoor Al-Azim International Wetland in Iran-Iraq border
Authors: Joorabian Shooshtari Sharif , Jahanishakib Fatemeh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTemporal and spatial changes in land cover in wetland ecosystems indicate the severity of degradation. Understanding such processes in the past, present, and future might be necessary for managing any type of development plan. Therefore, this research has monitored and analyzed the Hoor Al-Azim International Wetland to determine the orientation of its changes in various future scenarios. Wetland status modeling was conducted using developed hybrid approaches and cellular automata along with evaluating the accuracy of the modeled maps. The dynamics of the landscape were simulated using a higher accuracy approach in three scenarios—Water Conservation, Water Decreasing, and Business-as-Usual- to get the level of degradation of the wetland. The results showed that the amount of water in the wetland has decreased in all three periods, and the salt lands and vegetation have undergone drastic changes. The water bodies experienced a reduction of 148,139 ha between 1985 and 2000, followed by a decrease of 9107 ha during the 2000–2015 period. However, based on the results, these developments are expressed better by the developed hybrid approach than the CA-MC approach and are more reliable for future simulation. The figure of merit index, which assesses the hybrid model's accuracy, yielded a value of 18.12%, while the CA-MC model's accuracy was estimated at 14.42%. The assessment of degradation in hexagonal units showed the least degradation in the water conservation scenario compared with the other two scenarios in 2030.
Thermal decomposition study of 4-methyloxybenzyl-glycoside by TG/DTA and on-line pyrolysis-photoionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Lei , Wang Yiming , Yang Liutianyi , Jian Meiling , Ding Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA flavor precursor of 4-methyloxybenzyl-2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (MBGL) was synthesized via a modified Koenigs–Knorr reaction. The thermal decomposition behaviour and pyrolysis intermediate products of the glycoside were studied by simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS). TG/DTA results showed that the largest mass loss rate appeared at a Tp of 246.7 °C. PIMS was used to identify the pyrolysis products of MBGL at 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The experimental apparatus had some advantages in real-time analysis and fewer secondary reactions. Some important pyrolysis intermediates, such as the ions of the 4-methyloxybenzyl group at m/z 121 and the glycone moiety at m/z 347, were detected by PIMS. The results indicate that the MBGL was probably showed a different pyrolysis way compared with the other glycosides. This work reports a useful application of synchrotron VUV PIMS in a thermal decomposition study of glycoside flavor precursors.
Arrayed electro-optic modulators for novel WDM multiplexing
Authors: Siahkal‑Mahalle Behrang Hadian , Abedi Kambiz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a novel silicon-on-chip integrated 4 × 1 wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) multiplexer has been developed. This is the first time that the multiplexer design incorporates arrayed electro-optical modulators with crosstalk cancellation. The design utilizes two types of electro-optic modulators in each channel. The first modulator, based on 1D-PhCNBC, extracts the desired wavelengths from the WDM spectrum. The second modulator, based on coupled hybrid plasmonics, acts as a switch to eliminate crosstalk of the desired optic wavelength signal at the multiplexer output. By combining the advantages of electro-optical modulators and crosstalk cancellation techniques, we anticipate that our proposed design contributes to the advancement of WDM multiplexing technology and facilitates the implementation of efficient and compact optical communication systems. Additionally, this synergy enables enhanced performance, reduced signal interference, and improved signal quality, leading to more reliable and high-speed data transmission in optical networks. The functionality of the device is theoretically simulated using 3D-FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) method.
Comparative analysis, diversification, and functional validation of plant nucleotide-binding site domain genes
Authors: Hussain Athar , Khan Aqsa Anwer , Aslam Muhammad Qasim , Nazar Aquib , Zaman Nadir , Amin Ayesha , Mahmood Muhammad Arslan , Mukhtar M. Shahid , Rahman Hafiz Ubaid Ur , Farooq Muhammed , Saeed Muhammed , Amin Imran , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNucleotide-binding site (NBS) domain genes are one of the superfamily of resistance genes involved in plant responses to pathogens. The current study identified 12,820 NBS-domain-containing genes across 34 species covering from mosses to monocots and dicots. These identified genes are classified into 168 classes with several novel domain architecture patterns encompassing significant diversity among plant species. Several classical (NBS, NBS-LRR, TIR-NBS, TIR-NBS-LRR, etc.) and species-specific structural patterns (TIR-NBS-TIR-Cupin_1-Cupin_1, TIR-NBS-Prenyltransf, Sugar_tr-NBS etc.) were discovered. We observed 603 orthogroups (OGs) with some core (most common orthogroups; OG0, OG1, OG2, etc.) and unique (highly specific to species; OG80, OG82, etc.) OGs with tandem duplications. The expression profiling presented the putative upregulation of OG2, OG6, and OG15 in different tissues under various biotic and abiotic stresses in susceptible and tolerant plants to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD). The genetic variation between susceptible (Coker 312) and tolerant (Mac7) Gossypium hirsutum accessions identified several unique variants in NBS genes of Mac7 (6583 variants) and Coker312 (5173 variants). The protein–ligand and proteins-protein interaction showed a strong interaction of some putative NBS proteins with ADP/ATP and different core proteins of the cotton leaf curl disease virus. The silencing of GaNBS (OG2) in resistant cotton through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) demonstrated its putative role in virus tittering. The presented study will be further helpful in understanding the plant adaptation mechanism.
Assessment of depression symptoms among cancer patients: a cross-sectional study from a developing country
Authors: Battat Maher , Omair Nawal , WildAli Mohammad A. , Alkaissi Aidah , Amer Riad , Koni Amer A. , Salameh Husam T. , Zyoud Sa’ed H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCancer patients experience psychological symptoms such as depression during the cancer treatment period, which increases the burden of symptoms. Depression severity can be assessed using the beck depression inventory (BDI II). The purpose of the study was to use BDI-II scores to measure depression symptoms in cancer patients at a large tertiary hospital in Palestine. A convenience sample of 271 cancer patients was used for a cross-sectional survey. There are descriptions of demographic, clinical, and lifestyle aspects. In addition, the BDI-II is a tool for determining the severity of depression. Two hundred seventy-one patients participated in the survey, for a 95% response rate. Patients ranged in age from 18 to 84 years, with an average age of 47 years. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:1, and 59.4% of the patients were outpatients, 153 (56.5%) of whom had hematologic malignancies. Most cancer patients (n = 104, 38.4%) had minimal depression, while 22.5%, 22.1%, and 17.0% had mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. Education level, economic status, smoking status, and age were significantly associated with depression. The BDI-II is a useful instrument for monitoring depressive symptoms. The findings support the practice of routinely testing cancer patients for depressive symptoms as part of standard care and referring patients who are at a higher risk of developing psychological morbidity to specialists for treatment as needed.
High FoM quad‐band THz perfect metamaterial absorber‐based RI sensor for gas sensing applications
Authors: Mishu Sumaia Jahan , Rahman Muhammad Asad , Dhar Nipa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHere, a novel design of a microstructured quad‐band terahertz metamaterial absorber is presented consisting of a copper‐based merged circular and square split ring resonator‐integrated over a lead glass substrate intended to detect changes in the surrounding medium's refractive index for gas sensing applications through THz spectroscopy. Outstanding performance is shown by the suggested absorber, which achieves a maximum absorption rate of 99.4%, 98.7%, 99.2%, and 99.4%, at resonance frequencies of 8.055 (), 8.423 (), 9.257 (), and 9.507 () THz, respectively. The quality factors (Q‐factors) attained are 201, 129, 298, and 271 for these four absorption bands. The obtained sensitivity values at these four distinct bands are 3898, 2927, 4719, and 4102 GHz per refractive index unit with high figure of merits (FoM) of 97, 95, 152, and 117, respectively, throughout a range of refractive indices from n = 1.00 to n = 1.05 (with a step size of 0.005). The study's novelty lies in its novel design and remarkable ability to excel in gas sensing with high sensitivity and high FoM across not just one but four distinct THz bands. Furthermore, each band demonstrates significantly superior performance in sensitivity, Q‐factor, and FoM, among other parameters compared to prior research in both gas detection and RI monitoring scenarios, hence exhibiting its potential across a wide range of applications.
Determining the parameters of a dielectric ellipsoid for minimising front echo in Gaussian pulse scattering analysis
Authors: İşcan Emre , Tabatadze Vasil , Eker Sebahattin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA novel numerical method is introduced for minimising the presence of scattering echoes in the frontal area of a dielectric ellipsoid through the application of the method of auxiliary sources (MAS) method. This approach utilises a Gaussian radio pulse that spans the frequency spectrum from 0 to 6 GHz. The approach involves determining the properties of an ellipsoid, such as its dimensions and a dielectric permittivity, using a specially developed MATLAB software package to make this ellipsoid invisible. This provides a valuable military and defence technology tool, particularly for stealth and invisibility technology applications. It is beneficial for avoiding detection by radar systems utilised for enemy surveillance and identifying concealed objects. This aims to eliminate the need for metamaterials for invisibility cloaking. The suggested methodology has been confirmed through a validation process, which involved a comparison of the outcomes derived from numerical experiments conducted during pulse echo observations using the FDTD method and an analytical solution. MAS offers a notable advantage over other methods and commercial software by significantly reducing computational time for simulating and analysing 3D dielectric objects. This allows for quicker consideration of various parameter scenarios and optimisation for desired outcomes.
A benchmark rapidly oscillating chemically peculiar (roAp) star:αCir
Authors: Kallinger T. , Weiss W. W. , Kuschnig R. , Stassun K. G. 
Published: May 2024

Context.The brightest chemically peculiar magnetic (mCP) star,αCir, is also pulsating. Precise photometric and spectroscopic data, preferably with a long time base, are needed to investigate its evolutionary aspects as well. The present investigation ofαCir offers a space-based high-precision photometry study with high time resolution, covering 20+ years and supplemented by high resolution spectroscopy from the ground.Aims.We discuss the controversial rotation periods that have been recently reported and we consider new determinations of the actual values. We process the complex pulsation frequency spectrum, considering the implications in modelling the structure ofαCir.Methods.We developed an automated Bayesian algorithm to consistently search for periodic signals in the WIRE, SMEI, TESS, and BRITE space photometric datasets, complemented by radial velocity data from HARPS.Results.New observations in 2021 and 2023 from TESS and BRITE indicate a detection ofαCir as a triple system. The rotation period ofαCirAhas been determined as 4.4792890 ± 0.0000018 d. The TESS data show a rich frequency spectrum including threel = 0, sixl = 1, twol = 2, and onel = 3 modes. Of these, five are shown to be rotationally split. The dipole modes show significant curvature in the echelle diagram, probably due to the strong magnetic field ofαCir.Conclusions.Overall,αCir continues to be a cornerstone of mCP stars. A confirmation of the triple system requires additional space photometry and/or high-resolution spectroscopy to increase the time base. These data are also needed to improve the quality of the pulsation frequency spectrum and to investigate the evolutionary effects at play. A detailed seismic modelling study that considers the effects of a magnetic field on pulsation is subsequently recommended.