bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Inert is Single‐Stranded DNA Towards DNA‐Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters? A Case Study
Authors: Rück Vanessa , Cerretani Cecilia , Vosch Tom 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA case study, detailing the effect of different DNA oligomers on a NIR‐emitting DNA‐stabilized silver nanocluster (DNA‐AgNC), is reported. The presence of single‐stranded DNA oligomers was found to adversely affect the chemical stability of (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+ with distinct degrees of destruction depending on the DNA sequence. To increase the chemical stability of the DNA‐AgNC, we implemented two protection strategies. First, hybridization of the bare DNA strands with the corresponding complementary sequences dramatically reduced the destruction of (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+, as demonstrated by the decreased drops in both the absorption and emission spectra. Secondly, saturation of the free DNA oligomers with silver cations left (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+ intact. Our investigation can thus provide an easy‐to‐implement approach to discover DNA sequences that are intrinsically less reactive towards preformed DNA‐AgNCs, and give an idea on how to protect DNA‐AgNCs from bare DNA strands.
Distinct patterns of voxel‐ and connection‐based white matter hyperintensity distribution and associated factors in early‐onset and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hong Hui , Chen Yutong , Liu Weiran , Luo Xiao , Zhang Minming ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe distribution of voxel‐ and connection‐based white matter hyperintensity (WMH) patterns in early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), as well as factors associated with these patterns, remain unclear.MethodWe analyzed the WMH distribution patterns in EOAD and LOAD at the voxel and connection levels, each compared with their age‐matched cognitively unimpaired participants. Linear regression assessed the independent effects of amyloid and vascular risk factors on WMH distribution patterns in both groups.ResultsPatients with EOAD showed increased WMH burden in the posterior region at the voxel level, and in occipital region tracts and visual network at the connection level, compared to controls. LOAD exhibited extensive involvement across various brain areas in both levels. Amyloid accumulation was associated WMH distribution in the early‐onset group, whereas the late‐onset group demonstrated associations with both amyloid and vascular risk factors.DiscussionEOAD showed posterior‐focused WMH distribution pattern, whereas LOAD was with a wider distribution. Amyloid accumulation was associated with connection‐based WMH patterns in both early‐onset and late‐onset groups, with additional independent effects of vascular risk factors in late‐onset group.Highlights
Both early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and late‐onset AD (LOAD) showed increased white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume compared with their age‐matched cognitively unimpaired participants.
EOAD and LOAD exhibited distinct patterns of WMH distribution, with EOAD showing a posterior‐focused pattern and LOAD displaying a wider distribution across both voxel‐ and connection‐based levels.
In both EOAD and LOAD, amyloid accumulation was associated with connection‐based WMH patterns, with additional independent effects of vascular risk factors observed in LOAD.
Asymmetrical disassortative pollination mediated by long‐/short‐tongued pollinators in a distylous Limonium myrianthum (Plumbaginaceae) with a short corolla tubular small flower
Authors: Jiao Fangfang , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Aiqin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn heterostylous plants, short‐tongued pollinators are often ineffective/inefficient owing to the limitations imposed by a long corolla tube. However, it is unclear how disassortative pollen transfer is achieved in small flowers. We investigated the pollination pattern and floral morph variation by analyzing heterostylous syndrome, pollinator groups, and pollen deposition after a single visitation in two Limonium myrianthum populations with short‐corolla‐tubular small flowers. The predominant pollinators in the Hutubi population were pollen‐seeking short‐tongued syrphids, which can only transfer pollen between high‐level sexual organs. In the Xishan population, nectar‐seeking short‐tongued insects were efficient pollinators with symmetrical disassortative pollen transfer between high‐ and low‐level sexual organs, whereas long‐tongued pollinators had a low efficiency between high‐level sexual organs due to the low contact probability with the stigma of long‐styled flowers (L‐morph), which no longer offered the same advantage observed in tubular flowers. Asymmetrical disassortative pollination may cause the female fitness of short‐styled (S‐morph) individuals in the Hutubi and L‐morph individuals in the Xishan population to suffer greater selection pressure and exhibit a higher degree of floral morph variation. Limonium myrianthum exhibits an unusual pollination pattern in which the small flowers with short corolla tubes make it possible for short‐tongued insects to become effective pollinators. However, factors such as the position of stigma–anther within the flower, pollinator species and their preference further caused asymmetrical disassortative pollen transfer. Therefore, more factors should be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of short‐ and long‐tongued insects in pollination service.
Breeding records and the detection of nesting predators of wild‐release red‐crowned cranes into non‐breeding areas of the Yancheng National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Dawei Wu , Xinyi Hu , Hao Chen , Guoyuang Chen , Weihua Chen , Changhu Lu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe western population of the red‐crowned crane Grus japonensis in mainland China has been decreasing in the past few decades and wild population enhancement programmes have been launched in this country. First, 14 captive‐bred red‐crowned cranes were released into the core area of Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds (YNNR), one of the most important wintering areas of this species, in 2013 (seven individuals) and 2015 (seven individuals) and then 8 more captive‐bred cranes were released into YNNR from February 2022 to February 2023. We used satellite positioning and drone monitoring to study the status of released cranes. The results showed that two individuals (No. BJZ001 and BJZ008) from the first group of released cranes were found breeding in 6 of 7 years in the YNNR from 2017 to 2023. Three individuals (No. WNNR022, WNNR025 and WNNR026) from the second group of released cranes were recorded breeding in YNNR in 2023. All released cranes lived in the YNNR year round and did not migrate with wild cranes. Raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides, were first recorded as red‐crowned crane nest predators in the YNNR. Although these released cranes breed successfully in the YNNR, nestlings might face the threat of predators in non‐traditional breeding areas. Further research is needed to determine whether offsprings of released individuals migrate with wild cranes and if breeding in their original wintering grounds is truly beneficial for population growth.
Comparison of Electrical Conductivity and Schottky Behavior of 4‐[2‐(9‐anthryl)vinyl]pyridine Based Two 1D Coordination Polymers of Zn(II) and Cd(II)
Authors: Hossain Ersad , Sk Ramjan , Das Mainak , Goura Joydeb , Roy Sourav , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah , Frontera Antonio , Mukhopadhyay Subrata 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the increase in demand of electronic devices in the modern civilization, research in material science is being projected to grow in faster rate. In this facet, coordination polymer (CP) based electronic device is one of the promising candidates to the material researchers. Herein, two new Zn(II) and Cd(II) based one‐dimensional (1D) CPs, denoted as [Zn(4‐avp)2(5‐nip)] ⋅ (solvent)x (1) and [Cd(4‐avp)(5‐nip)(CH3OH)] (2) have been synthesized using relatively less explored highly conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) based monodentate ligand, 4‐[2‐(9‐anthryl)vinyl]pyridine (4‐avp) and bidentate linker 5‐nitroisophthalic acid (H25‐nip). In this instance, the CP 1 creates 1D chain polymer, while CP 2 is made up with 1D ladder polymer. It is interesting to note that both the CPs exhibit semiconducting nature and generate metal‐semiconductor (MS) junction Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). However, Cd‐based CP 2 shows higher charge transport as compared to Zn‐CP 1, which could be due to stronger π⋅⋅⋅π contacts as well as larger size of Cd metal in CP 2. The experimental results are well corroborated with theoretical density of states (DOS) calculations.
Comparative validation of automated presurgical tractography based on constrained spherical deconvolution and diffusion tensor imaging with direct electrical stimulation
Authors: Radwan Ahmed Mohamed , Emsell Louise , Vansteelandt Kristof , Cleeren Evy , Peeters Ronald , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Theys Tom , Dupont Patrick , Sunaert Stefan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesAccurate presurgical brain mapping enables preoperative risk assessment and intraoperative guidance. This cross‐sectional study investigated whether constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) methods were more accurate than diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based methods for presurgical white matter mapping using intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) as the ground truth.MethodsFive different tractography methods were compared (three DTI‐based and two CSD‐based) in 22 preoperative neurosurgical patients undergoing surgery with DES mapping. The corticospinal tract (CST, N = 20) and arcuate fasciculus (AF, N = 7) bundles were reconstructed, then minimum distances between tractograms and DES coordinates were compared between tractography methods. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for both bundles. For the CST, binary agreement, linear modeling, and posthoc testing were used to compare tractography methods while correcting for relative lesion and bundle volumes.ResultsDistance measures between 154 positive (functional response, pDES) and negative (no response, nDES) coordinates, and 134 tractograms resulted in 860 data points. Higher agreement was found between pDES coordinates and CSD‐based compared to DTI‐based tractograms. ROC curves showed overall higher sensitivity at shorter distance cutoffs for CSD (8.5 mm) compared to DTI (14.5 mm). CSD‐based CST tractograms showed significantly higher agreement with pDES, which was confirmed by linear modeling and posthoc tests (PFWE < .05).ConclusionsCSD‐based CST tractograms were more accurate than DTI‐based ones when validated using DES‐based assessment of motor and sensory function. This demonstrates the potential benefits of structural mapping using CSD in clinical practice.
Functional gradients reveal cortical hierarchy changes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: De Rosa Alessandro Pasquale , d'Ambrosio Alessandro , Bisecco Alvino , Altieri Manuela , Cirillo Mario , Gallo Antonio , Esposito Fabrizio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFunctional gradient (FG) analysis represents an increasingly popular methodological perspective for investigating brain hierarchical organization but whether and how network hierarchy changes concomitant with functional connectivity alterations in multiple sclerosis (MS) has remained elusive. Here, we analyzed FG components to uncover possible alterations in cortical hierarchy using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) data acquired in 122 MS patients and 97 healthy control (HC) subjects. Cortical hierarchy was assessed by deriving regional FG scores from rs‐fMRI connectivity matrices using a functional parcellation of the cerebral cortex. The FG analysis identified a primary (visual‐to‐sensorimotor) and a secondary (sensory‐to‐transmodal) component. Results showed a significant alteration in cortical hierarchy as indexed by regional changes in FG scores in MS patients within the sensorimotor network and a compression (i.e., a reduced standard deviation across all cortical parcels) of the sensory‐transmodal gradient axis, suggesting disrupted segregation between sensory and cognitive processing. Moreover, FG scores within limbic and default mode networks were significantly correlated (, p < .005 after Bonferroni correction for both) with the symbol digit modality test (SDMT) score, a measure of information processing speed commonly used in MS neuropsychological assessments. Finally, leveraging supervised machine learning, we tested the predictive value of network‐level FG features, highlighting the prominent role of the FG scores within the default mode network in the accurate prediction of SDMT scores in MS patients (average mean absolute error of 1.22 ± 0.07 points on a hold‐out set of 24 patients). Our work provides a comprehensive evaluation of FG alterations in MS, shedding light on the hierarchical organization of the MS brain and suggesting that FG connectivity analysis can be regarded as a valuable approach in rs‐fMRI studies across different MS populations.
Evoked oscillatory cortical activity during acute pain: Probing brain in pain by transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalogram
Authors: De Martino Enrico , Casali Adenauer , Casarotto Silvia , Hassan Gabriel , Couto Bruno Andry , Rosanova Mario , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas , de Andrade Daniel Ciampi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTemporal dynamics of local cortical rhythms during acute pain remain largely unknown. The current study used a novel approach based on transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalogram (TMS‐EEG) to investigate evoked‐oscillatory cortical activity during acute pain. Motor (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were probed by TMS, respectively, to record oscillatory power (event‐related spectral perturbation and relative spectral power) and phase synchronization (inter‐trial coherence) by 63 EEG channels during experimentally induced acute heat pain in 24 healthy participants. TMS‐EEG was recorded before, during, and after noxious heat (acute pain condition) and non‐noxious warm (Control condition), delivered in a randomized sequence. The main frequency bands (α, β1, and β2) of TMS‐evoked potentials after M1 and DLPFC stimulation were recorded close to the TMS coil and remotely. Cold and heat pain thresholds were measured before TMS‐EEG. Over M1, acute pain decreased α‐band oscillatory power locally and α‐band phase synchronization remotely in parietal–occipital clusters compared with non‐noxious warm (all p < .05). The remote (parietal–occipital) decrease in α‐band phase synchronization during acute pain correlated with the cold (p = .001) and heat pain thresholds (p = .023) and to local (M1) α‐band oscillatory power decrease (p = .024). Over DLPFC, acute pain only decreased β1‐band power locally compared with non‐noxious warm (p = .015). Thus, evoked‐oscillatory cortical activity to M1 stimulation is reduced by acute pain in central and parietal–occipital regions and correlated with pain sensitivity, in contrast to DLPFC, which had only local effects. This finding expands the significance of α and β band oscillations and may have relevance for pain therapies.
Predicting anxiety, depression, and insomnia among Bangladeshi university students using tree‐based machine learning models
Authors: Chowdhury Arman Hossain , Rad Dana , Rahman Md. Siddikur 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMental health problem is a rising public health concern. People of all ages, specially Bangladeshi university students, are more affected by this burden. Thus, the objective of the study was to use tree‐based machine learning (ML) models to identify major risk factors and predict anxiety, depression, and insomnia in university students.MethodsA social media‐based cross‐sectional survey was employed for data collection. We used Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI‐7) scale for measuring students' anxiety, depression and insomnia problems. The tree‐based supervised decision tree (DT), random forest (RF) and robust eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) ML algorithms were used to build the prediction models and their predictive performance was evaluated using confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsOf the 1250 students surveyed, 64.7% were male and 35.3% were female. The students' ages ranged from 18 to 26 years old, with an average age of 22.24 years (SD = 1.30). Majority of the students (72.6%) were from rural areas and social media addicted (56.6%). Almost 83.3% of the students had moderate to severe anxiety, 84.7% had moderate to severe depression and 76.5% had moderate to severe insomnia problems. Students' social media addiction, age, academic performance, smoking status, monthly family income and morningness‐eveningness are the main risk factors of anxiety, depression and insomnia. The highest predictive performance was observed from the XGBoost model for anxiety, depression and insomnia.ConclusionThe study findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, families and policymakers enabling a more profound comprehension of the pressing mental health disorders. This understanding can guide the formulation of improved policy strategies, initiatives for mental health promotion, and the development of effective counseling services within university campus. Additionally, our proposed model might play a critical role in diagnosing and predicting mental health problems among Bangladeshi university students and similar settings.
Anthropometry of the nose pre‐ and post‐photogrammetric adjustments in a sample of Syrian medical students. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Torbey André , Mdawr Elian , Kahal Fares , Rmman Mohammad , Omar Abdullah , Alzabibi Mhd Amin , Kadri Saeed A. , Tawahri Enaam , Nahas Louei Darjazini 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe individual's perceived beauty, sense of identity, and general well‐being are all influenced by the social implications of the esthetics of their facial appearance. One of the major indicators of one's facial beauty is anthropometric proportions. This study was conducted to measure and evaluate the anthropometric proportions in a Syrian population, and to determine their desired nasal shape.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on Syrian university students. Lateral and frontal pictures of the participants were taken using Canon EOS 250D from a standard distance of 100 cm. These pictures were analyzed, then nasal measurements were adjusted according to the participants' desire using Adobe Photoshop 2020. All anthropometric measurements were conducted on AutoCAD® 2019 software before and after the adjustments. Data was analyzed using the SPSS‐25 using paired samplesTtest to compare the means.ResultsThe study included 53 females and 47 males. The mean age was 22.25. The mean unadjusted nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle, nasomental angle, nasofacial angle, nasal index, Byrd and Hobar ratio, and Powell‐modified Baum ratio were 141.80, 102.18, 129.21, 34.60, 71.71, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 145.89, 102.03, 130.20, 32.44, 67.96, 0.64, and 3.06 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively. While the mean of the adjusted previously mentioned angles were 144.59, 106.32, 131.19, 31.15, 62.91, 0.60, and 3.19 in the rhinoplasty‐negative participants, and 146.31, 102, 130.20, 31, 62.55, 0.62, and 3.08 in the rhinoplasty‐positive participants, respectively.ConclusionIn contrast to other populations, our study concluded that Syrians had unique anthropometric measurements and facial esthetics preferences. Moreover, the local plastic surgeons were able to identify most of the preferred nasal measurements for rhinoplasty in this ethnic group. It is advisable to use photogrammetry before rhinoplasty to identify the preferred nasal measurements of each individual to ensure the patient's satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, cross‐sectional study.
Cancer‐associated fibroblast activation predicts progression, metastasis, and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Knuutila Jaakko S. , Riihilä Pilvi , Nissinen Liisa , Heiskanen Lauri , Kallionpää Roosa E. , Pellinen Teijo , Kähäri Veli‐Matti 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer and the metastatic disease is associated with poor prognosis. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote progression of cancer, but their role in cSCC is largely unknown. We examined the potential of CAF markers in the assessment of metastasis risk and prognosis of primary cSCC. We utilized multiplexed fluorescence immunohistochemistry for profiling CAF landscape in metastatic and non‐metastatic primary human cSCCs, in metastases, and in premalignant epidermal lesions. Quantitative high‐resolution image analysis was performed with two separate panels of antibodies for CAF markers and results were correlated with clinical and histopathological parameters including disease‐specific mortality. Increased stromal expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP), α‐smooth muscle actin, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) were associated with progression to invasive cSCC. Elevation of FAP and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ) expression was associated with metastasis risk of primary cSCCs. High expression of PDGFRβ and periostin correlated with poor prognosis. Multimarker combination defined CAF subset, PDGFRα−/PDGFRβ+/FAP+, was associated with invasion and metastasis, and independently predicted poor disease‐specific survival. These results identify high PDGFRβ expression alone and multimarker combination PDGFRα−/PDGFRβ+/FAP+ by CAFs as potential biomarkers for risk of metastasis and poor prognosis.
Effects of the added sugar labeling on consumers' willingness to pay: The case of cranberry products under different nutrition‐related information treatments
Authors: Ma Xueying , Gallardo Rosa Karina , Canales Elizabeth , Atucha Amaya , Zalapa Juan , Iorizzo Massimo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Food and Drug Administration announced a rule update to the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) requiring the declaration of added sugars on the NFP starting in 2020. This study measures the impact of these changes by estimating the willingness to pay for added sugars in cranberry products under different nutrition‐related information treatments. We found significant discounts for increases in added sugars that vary across information treatments and consumer subsamples. A positive information frame about the health benefits of cranberries was not found to consistently offset the impact of additional information on the recommended daily intake limits for added sugars.