bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure Preserving Polytopal Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for the Numerical Modeling of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Corti Mattia , Bonizzoni Francesca , Antonietti Paola F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany neurodegenerative diseases are connected to the spreading of misfolded prionic proteins. In this paper, we analyse the process of misfolding and spreading of both$$\alpha $$α-synuclein and Amyloid-$$\beta $$β, related to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, respectively. We introduce and analyze a positivity-preserving numerical method for the discretization of the Fisher-Kolmogorov equation, modelling accumulation and spreading of prionic proteins. The proposed approximation method is based on the discontinuous Galerkin method on polygonal and polyhedral grids for space discretization and on$$\vartheta -$$ϑ-method time integration scheme. We prove the existence of the discrete solution and a convergence result where the Implicit Euler scheme is employed for time integration. We show that the proposed approach is structure-preserving, in the sense that it guarantees that the discrete solution is non-negative, a feature that is of paramount importance in practical application. The numerical verification of our numerical model is performed both using a manufactured solution and considering wavefront propagation in two-dimensional polygonal grids. Next, we present a simulation of$$\alpha $$α-synuclein spreading in a two-dimensional brain slice in the sagittal plane. The polygonal mesh for this simulation is agglomerated maintaining the distinction of white and grey matter, taking advantage of the flexibility of PolyDG methods in the mesh construction. Finally, we simulate the spreading of Amyloid-$$\beta $$βin a patient-specific setting by using a three-dimensional geometry reconstructed from magnetic resonance images and an initial condition reconstructed from positron emission tomography. Our numerical simulations confirm that the proposed method is able to capture the evolution of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Evaluation of Anti-Biofilm and in Vitro Wound Healing Activity of Bacterial Cellulose Loaded with Nanoparticles and Borax
Authors: Kart Nur Bozbeyoglu , Sulak Mine , Mutlu Doğukan , Kuzucu Volkan , Arslan Sevki , Dogan Nazime Mercan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBiofilms are a severe problem for public health because of the contributing recurrence of infections. Therefore, combating biofilms is a critical issue. In our study, we loaded zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide borax (ZnOBorax), zinc copper oxide (ZnCuO2) nanoparticles and borax into bacterial cellulose (BC) to impart anti-biofilm and wound healing activity. The prepared BC loaded with nanoparticles (BC–NPs) was analysed via scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles’ geometric structure and placement in BC fibres were observed. We evaluated the biofilm inhibition and biofilm degradation activities of the BC–NPs against some pathogens via a crystal violet (CV) assay and XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) reduction assay. The effects of BC–NPs on cell proliferation and wound-healing ability were analysed in L929 cell line. BC–NPs exhibited better biofilm degradation activity than biofilm inhibition activity. According to the results of the CV assay, BC–ZnONPs, BC–Borax and BC–ZnOBoraxNPs inhibited 65.53%, 71.74% and 66.60% of biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. BC–ZnCuO2NPs showed the most degradation activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria innocua biofilms. The XTT reduction assay results indicated a considerable reduction in the metabolic activity of the biofilms. Moreover, compared to the control group, BC loaded with borax and ZnO nanoparticle promoted cell migration without cytotoxicity.
Examining the impact of e-leadership on strategic innovation at work: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Hassan Yusuf , Pandey Jayesh , Majumdarr Shubh , Pereira Vijay , Behl Abhishek , Bazal-Shoham Ofra 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the relationship between e-leadership and strategic innovations in the workplace. It proposes a moderated mediation model that examines inter-team coordination's mediating role and knowledge integration capability's moderating role in this relationship. A sample of 241 working professionals from the United States participated in the study. The findings of this research establish a positive and significant relationship between e-leadership and strategic innovation. e-leadership positively influences the development and implementation of innovative strategies within organizations. Additionally, the study identifies inter-team coordination as a mediator, highlighting the importance of effective team coordination in translating e-leadership into strategic innovation. Furthermore, the research reveals knowledge integration capability as a moderator, indicating that the ability to effectively integrate knowledge across teams and departments enhances the impact of e-leadership on promoting strategic innovation. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners and organizations. Recognizing the significance of e-leadership can help foster an innovative culture and improve strategic decision-making processes. Understanding the mediating and moderating role of Inter-team coordination and knowledge integration capability, emphasizes the importance of knowledge-sharing mechanisms within organizations, highlighting the need for effective knowledge management strategies.
Effect of UV-induced crosslink network structure on the properties of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend
Authors: Bian Xueyan , Fan Suju , Xia Gang , Xin John H. , Jiang Shouxiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOver the past few decades, biobased polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as the most promising option to replace some of the fossil-based and nonbiodegradable polymers due to environmental concerns. In this study, a flexible polymer, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) was blended with PLA to improve the toughness and flexibility of PLA, and the PLA/PBAT blend was further UV-induced to form crosslink structure. The results show that the flexibility and toughness of PLA could be significantly enhanced when PBAT was introduced, and the compatibility of PLA and PBAT could be enhanced by the development of a crosslink structure. Especially, the elongation at break and unnotched impact strength of ABT-UV30 (PLA/PBAT/triallyisocyanurate (TAIC) exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for 30 min) was increased to 3.9 and 8.4 times of neat PLA. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA was increased from 63.4 to 72.9 °C as the radiation duration was prolonged to 60 min. The melting point temperature of PBAT was also increased gradually until it eventually coincided with that of PLA. The thermalgravimetric analyzer thermograms show that a moderate amount of UV radiation can improve the thermal stability of the sample while an excessive amount of UV radiation can reduce the degradation temperature.
Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
Authors: Čonč Špela , Oliveira Teresa , Belotti Elisa , Bufka Luděk , Černe Rok , Heurich Marco , Breg Valjavec Mateja , Krofel Miha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Context
Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited to general topographical habitat characteristics and rarely consider the effects of microhabitat characteristics.

Objectives
We used the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as a model species to investigate the effects of microhabitat characteristics and human infrastructure on habitat selection. We also tested whether there is evidence for a functional response in habitat selection across a large gradient of habitat availability.

Methods
We developed a new approach for detecting rocky outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques and GPS-telemetry data, we assessed lynx habitat selection and functional responses across two geologically contrasting areas in Europe.

Results
We detected > 1 million rocky outcrops and confirmed their strong selection by lynx. Lynx also selected steep, rugged, and rocky areas, especially for day-resting sites. Furthermore, lynx avoided paths during the day but selected them and other linear anthropogenic infrastructure during the night, indicating the behaviour-specific impact of human infrastructure. We also observed a functional response in the selection of rocky and rugged areas, as lynx’ selection of such habitats increased with their lower availability. This highlights the importance of preserving such terrains, especially when they are rare in a landscape.

Conclusions
Our results highlight the importance of incorporating remote sensing techniques and data on microhabitat features in animal habitat selection research. We also recommend caution when developing new infrastructure for human recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological features and in rugged terrain.
Anthropomorphizing Machines: Reality or Popular Myth?
Authors: Coghlan Simon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccording to a widespread view, people often anthropomorphize machines such as certain robots and computer and AI systems by erroneously attributing mental states to them. On this view, people almost irresistibly believe, even if only subconsciously, that machines with certain human-like features really have phenomenal or subjective experiences like sadness, happiness, desire, pain, joy, and distress, even though they lack such feelings. This paper questions this view by critiquing common arguments used to support it and by suggesting an alternative explanation. Even if people’s behavior and language regarding human-like machines suggests they believe those machines really have mental states, it is possible that they do not believe that at all. The paper also briefly discusses potential implications of regarding such anthropomorphism as a popular myth. The exercise illuminates the difficult concept of anthropomorphism, helping to clarify possible human relations with or toward machines that increasingly resemble humans and animals.
Distinguishing genelet circuit input pulses via a pulse detector
Authors: Yancey Colin , Schulman Rebecca 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChemical systems have the potential to direct the next generation of dynamic materials if they can be integrated with a material while acting as the material’s own regulatory network. Chemical networks that use DNA and RNA strand displacement coupled with RNA synthesis and degradation, such as genelets, are promising chemical systems for this role. Genelets can produce a range of dynamic behaviors that respond to unique sets of environmental inputs. While a number of networks that generate specific types of outputs which vary in both time and amplitude have been developed, there are fewer examples of networks that recognize specific types of inputs in time and amplitude. Advanced chemical circuits in biology are capable of reading a given substrate concentration with relatively high accuracy to direct downstream function, demonstrating that such a chemical circuit is possible. Taking inspiration from this, we designed a genelet circuit which responds to a range of inputs by delivering a binary output based on the input concentration, and tested the network’s performance using an in silico model of circuit behavior. By modifying the concentrations of two circuit elements, we demonstrated that such a network topography could yield various target input concentration profiles to which a given circuit is sensitive. The number of unique elements in the final network topography as well as the individual circuit element concentrations are commensurate with properties of circuits that have been demonstrated experimentally. These factors suggest that such a network could be built and characterized in the laboratory.
Ruled by robots: preference for algorithmic decision makers and perceptions of their choices
Authors: Chugunova Marina , Luhan Wolfgang J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
As technology-assisted decision-making is becoming more widespread, it is important to understand how the algorithmic nature of the decision maker affects how decisions are perceived by those affected. We use an online experiment to study the preference for human or algorithmic decision makers in redistributive decisions. In particular, we consider whether an algorithmic decision maker will be preferred because of its impartiality. Contrary to previous findings, the majority of participants (over 60%) prefer the algorithm as a decision maker over a human—but this is not driven by concerns over biased decisions. However, despite this preference, the decisions made by humans are regarded more favorably. Subjective ratings of the decisions are mainly driven by participants’ own material interests and fairness ideals. Participants tolerate any explainable deviation between the actual decision and their ideals but react very strongly and negatively to redistribution decisions that are not consistent with any fairness principles.
Handwriting in primary school: comparing standardized tests and evaluating impact of grapho-motor parameters
Authors: Sparaci Laura , Fantasia Valentina , Bonsignori Chiara , Provenzale Cecilia , Formica Domenico , Taffoni Fabrizio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA growing number of primary school students experience difficulties with grapho-motor skills involved in handwriting, which impact both form and content of their texts. Therefore, it is important to assess and monitor handwriting skills in primary school via standardized tests and detect specific grapho-motor parameters (GMPs) which impact handwriting legibility. Multiple standardized tools are available to assess grapho-motor skills in primary school, yet little is known on between-test agreement, on impact of specific GMPs on children’s overall performance and on which GMPs may be specifically hard to tackle for children that are starting to consolidate their handwriting skills. These data would be extremely relevant for clinicians, therapists and educators, who have to choose among different assessment tools as well as design tailored intervention strategies to reach adequate performance on different GMPs in cases of poor handwriting. To gain better understanding of currently available standardized tools, we compared overall performance of 39 Italian primary school children (19 second graders and 20 third graders) experiencing difficulties with handwriting on three standardized tests for grapho-motor skills assessment and explored the impact of individual GMPs on child performance. Results showed some agreement between tests considering all children in our sample, but no agreement in second grade and only limited agreement in third grade. Data also allowed highlighting significant correlations between some GMP scores and children’s overall performance in our sample. Finally, children in our sample appeared to experience specific difficulties with some GMPs, such as letter joins and alignment.
What makes randomized controlled trials so successful—for now? Or, on the consonances, compromises, and contradictions of a global interstitial field
Authors: Neuwinger Malte 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a major success story, promising to improve science and policy. Despite some controversy, RCTs have spread toward Northern and Southern countries since the early 2000s. How so? Synthesizing previous research on this question, this article argues that favorable institutional conditions turned RCTs into “hinges” between the fields of science, politics, and business. Shifts toward behavioral economics, New Public Management, and evidence-based philanthropic giving led to a cross-fertilization among efforts in rich and poor countries, involving states, international organizations, NGOs, researchers, and philanthropic foundations. This confluence of favorable institutional conditions and savvy social actors established a “global interstitial field” inside which support for RCTs has developed an unprecedented scope, influence, operational capacity, and professional payoff. However, the article further argues that the hinges holding together this global interstitial field are “squeaky” at best. Because actors inherit the illusio of their respective fields of origin—their central incentives and stakes—the interstitial field produces constant goal conflicts. Cooperation between academics and practitioners turns out to be plagued by tensions and contradictions. Based on this analysis, the article concludes that the global field of RCT support will probably differentiate into its constituent parts. As a result, RCTs may lose the special status they have gained among social science and policy evaluation methods, turning into one good technique among others.
Plant characterization of insect-protected soybean
Authors: Stojšin Duška , Vertuan Hallison , Meng Chen , Effertz Roger , Jose Marcia , Mahadeo Debbie , Crivellari Augusto , Hu Christy , Berger Geraldo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInsect-protected soybean (SIP) that produces the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 insecticidal crystal proteins has been developed to provide protection from feeding damage caused by targeted lepidopteran insect pests. Typically, as part of environmental risk assessment (ERA), plant characterization is conducted, and the data submitted to regulatory agencies prior to commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops. The objectives of this research were to: (a) compare soybean with and without the SIP trait in plant characterization field trials designed to fulfill requirements for submissions to global regulatory agencies and address China-specific considerations and (b) compare risk assessment conclusions across regions and the methodologies used in the field trials. The soybean with and without the SIP trait in temperate, tropical, and subtropical germplasm were planted in replicated multi-location trials in the USA (in 2012 and 2018) and Brazil (in 2013/2014 and 2017/2018). Agronomic, phenotypic, plant competitiveness, and survival characteristics were assessed for soybean entries with and without the SIP trait. Regardless of genetic background, growing region, season, or testing methodology, the risk assessment conclusions were the same: the evaluated insect-protected soybean did not differ from conventional soybean in evaluated agronomic, phenotypic, competitiveness, and survival characteristics indicating no change in plant pest/weed potential. These results reinforce the concept of data transportability across global regions, different seasons, germplasm, and methodologies that should be considered when assessing environmental risks of GM crops.
Improved resilience and proteostasis mediate longevity upon DAF-2 degradation in old age
Authors: Molière Adrian , Park Ji Young Cecilia , Goyala Anita , Vayndorf Elena M. , Zhang Bruce , Hsiung Kuei Ching , Jung Yoonji , Kwon Sujeong , Statzer Cyril , Meyer David , Nguyen Richard , Chadwick Joseph , Thompson Maximilian A. , Schumacher Björn , Lee Seung-Jae V. , Essmann Clara L. , MacArthur Michael R. , Kaeberlein Matt , David Della , Gems David , Ewald Collin Y. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLittle is known about the possibility of reversing age-related biological changes when they have already occurred. To explore this, we have characterized the effects of reducing insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) during old age. Reduction of IIS throughout life slows age-related decline in diverse species, most strikingly in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we show that even at advanced ages, auxin-induced degradation of DAF-2 in single tissues, including neurons and the intestine, is still able to markedly increase C. elegans lifespan. We describe how reversibility varies among senescent changes. While senescent pathologies that develop in mid-life were not reversed, there was a rejuvenation of the proteostasis network, manifesting as a restoration of the capacity to eliminate otherwise intractable protein aggregates that accumulate with age. Moreover, resistance to several stressors was restored. These results support several new conclusions. (1) Loss of resilience is not solely a consequence of pathologies that develop in earlier life. (2) Restoration of proteostasis and resilience by inhibiting IIS is a plausible cause of the increase in lifespan. And (3), most interestingly, some aspects of the age-related transition from resilience to frailty can be reversed to a certain extent. This raises the possibility that the effect of IIS and related pathways on resilience and frailty during aging in higher animals might possess some degree of reversibility.
Factors influencing the antioxidant properties of binary mixtures of quercetin and chlorogenic acid as well as quercetin and kaempferol
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAntioxidant properties are considered a measure of the ability of a given antioxidant or mixture to counteract or neutralize reactive oxygen species. Polyphenols commonly found in plants are compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of the presented paper is to assess the antioxidant properties of selected polyphenolic compounds (i.e., chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and quercetin) and selected binary mixtures thereof. These properties were determined in the systems that differ not only in the contents of antioxidants but also of metal ions, hydrogen ions, water and the reaction solvents. The obtained results indicate both antagonistic and additive antioxidant effects in the tested systems, the magnitude or change of which depends on the differentiating factor used in the tests. The greatest impact on the antioxidant effect of the mixture is observed in the presence of metal and hydrogen ions in the system containing chlorogenic acid and quercetin. The relationships discussed in this paper reveal the complexity of the problem regarding the assessment of antioxidant properties, and the obtained results will develop social awareness of naturally occurring antioxidant mixtures.
Graphic abstract
All-Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Cell Surface Heat Shock Protein 90 Mediates Tau Protein Internalization and Degradation in Human Microglia
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Lan , Hoang Thi Xoan , Kim Jae Young 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the role of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in modulating the expression of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and its influence on the uptake and degradation of tau proteins in immortalized human microglia cells. We demonstrate that ATRA significantly upregulates Hsp90 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, enhancing both extracellular and intracellular Hsp90 levels. Our results show that ATRA-treated cells exhibit increased tau protein uptake via caveolae/raft-dependent endocytosis pathways. This uptake is mediated by surface Hsp90, as evidenced by the inhibition of tau internalization using an extracellular Hsp90-selective inhibitor. Further, we establish that the exogenously added full-sized monomeric tau proteins bind to Hsp90. The study also reveals that ATRA-enhanced tau uptake is followed by effective degradation through both lysosomal and proteasomal pathways. We observed a significant reduction in intracellular tau levels in ATRA-treated cells, which was reversed by lysosome or proteasome inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of both degradation pathways. Our findings highlight the potential therapeutic role of ATRA in Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. By enhancing Hsp90 expression and facilitating tau degradation, ATRA could contribute to the clearance of pathological tau proteins, offering a promising strategy for mitigating neurodegeneration. This research underscores the need for further exploration into the molecular mechanisms of tau protein internalization and degradation, which could provide valuable insights into the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.