bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV Mitigated Diabetic Nephropathy by Restructuring Intestinal Microflora and Ferroptosis
Authors: Lyu Xin , Zhang Ting‐ting , Ye Zhen , Chen Ce 
Published: February 2024

ScopeTo investigate the underlying mechanism of Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) in ameliorating diabetic nephropathy (DN) by regulating intestinal microbiota ecology and intestinal mucosal barrier.Methods and resultsGenetically db/db mice are used to establish DN mouse model to monitor the therapeutic effects of AS‐IV and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) against DN. Supplementation with AS‐IV dramatically attenuates several clinical indicators of DN in db/db mice. In addition, AS‐IV markedly improves intestinal barrier function, modifies intestinal permeability, and reduces inflammation. Moreover, AS‐IV treatment remarkably improves intestinal dysbiosis in db/db mice, characterized by an elevated abundance of Akkermansia, Ligilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus, indicating the fundamental role of the microbiome in DN progression. Furthermore, FMT derived from AS‐IV‐treated db/db mice is potentially efficient in antagonizing renal dysfunction, rebalancing gut microbiota, and improving intestinal permeability in recipient db/db mice. AS‐IV‐enriched Akkermansia muciniphila dramatically alleviates DN and intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in db/db mice. Intriguingly, AS‐IV intervention dramatically diminishes ferroptosis in the kidney and colon tissues.Conclusion Intestinal microbiome alterations and ferroptosis modulation by AS‐IV may play instrumental roles in this mechanism, providing compelling evidence for the role of the gut‐renal axis in DN.
Doppler effect‐based low‐Earth orbit satellite constellation parameters
Authors: Boumalek Kaouther , Aris Skander , Benslama Malek 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study focuses on the manifestation of the Doppler effect in low‐Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations with laser inter‐satellite links (LISLs). In this letter, the LEO satellite constellation parameters that influence the variation of the Doppler effect in LISLs are presented. The LEO satellite constellation configurations that perform LISLs with less possible Doppler effect could be designed based on the tendency of the Doppler wavelength shift (DWS) as a function of the LEO satellite constellation's parameters. The paper presents the main LEO satellite constellation parameters that involve the variation of the Doppler effect, such as the altitude of the satellites, the orbital plane number within the constellation, and the inclination angle of the orbital plane. In addition to the operating laser wavelength that is employed as a data carrier. These parameters could be helpful to control the Doppler effect in LISL before building an LEO constellation.
What are patients' perspectives on the value of physical therapy? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Barrett Dustin R. , Nielsen Lauren M. , Rhon Daniel I. , Young Jodi L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess and identify patients' perceptions about the overall value of physical therapy services for musculoskeletal conditions and how these values were associated with their outcomes.MethodsThe association between the perceived value of physical therapy (as a score) and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference and physical function at 6‐weeks was assessed in a prospective cohort. Generalised linear models were used to identify relationships between the value of physical therapy score and PROMIS outcomes. Kendall's tau was used to identify correlations between responses and outcomes.ResultsA total of 133 participants met the final inclusion criteria. The majority of participants were female (63.9%) with a mean age of 55.53 (SD 15.36) years. A majority of participants (63.9%) reported a previous positive personal experience with physical therapy. There was no significant relationship between perceived value of physical therapy and pain interference (β −0.32, p = 0.07, 95% CI−0.67, 0.03) or physical function (β 0.19, p = 0.29, 95% CI−0.16, 0.54). Stronger beliefs in agreement with the value of non‐invasive treatment were significant, but weakly correlated with lower pain interference (r = −0.18, p = 0.048) and higher physical function scores (r = 0.22, p = 0.03).ConclusionsParticipants had an overall positive perception of the value of physical therapy prior to initiating physical therapy, but this perception was not associated with 6‐week pain and function outcomes. A better understanding of the driving factors encouraging patients to seek physical therapy services is needed to provide value‐based care.
Cellular and molecular characteristics of stromal Lkb1 deficiency‐induced gastrointestinal polyposis based on single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Cai Zhaohua , Jiang Yangjing , Tong Huan , Liang Min , Huang Yijie , Fang Liang , Liang Feng , Hu Yunwen , Shi Xin , Wang Jian , Wang Zi , Ji Qingqi , Huo Huanhuan , Shen Linghong , He Ben 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiver kinase B1 (Lkb1), encoded by serine/threonine kinase (Stk11), is a serine/threonine kinase and tumor suppressor that is strongly implicated in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS). Numerous studies have shown that mesenchymal‐specific Lkb1 is sufficient for the development of PJS‐like polyps in mice. However, the cellular origin and components of these Lkb1‐associated polyps and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we generated tamoxifen‐inducible Lkb1flox/flox;Myh11‐Cre/ERT2 and Lkb1flox/flox;PDGFRα‐Cre/ERT2 mice, performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and imaging‐based lineage tracing, and aimed to investigate the cellular complexity of gastrointestinal polyps associated with PJS. We found that Lkb1flox/+;Myh11‐Cre/ERT2 mice developed gastrointestinal polyps starting at 9 months after tamoxifen treatment. scRNA‐seq revealed aberrant stem cell‐like characteristics of epithelial cells from polyp tissues of Lkb1flox/+;Myh11‐Cre/ERT2 mice. The Lkb1‐associated polyps were further characterized by a branching smooth muscle core, abundant extracellular matrix deposition, and high immune cell infiltration. In addition, the Spp1–Cd44 or Spp1–Itga8/Itgb1 axes were identified as important interactions among epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune compartments in Lkb1‐associated polyps. These characteristics of gastrointestinal polyps were also demonstrated in another mouse model, tamoxifen‐inducible Lkb1flox/flox;PDGFRα‐Cre/ERT2 mice, which developed obvious gastrointestinal polyps as early as 2–3 months after tamoxifen treatment. Our findings further confirm the critical role of mesenchymal Lkb1/Stk11 in gastrointestinal polyposis and provide novel insight into the cellular complexity of Lkb1‐associated polyp biology. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Study on mechanical properties of vacuum‐infused glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic methacrylic resin composites
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Cao Yanxia , Zhang Chong , Zhou Lei , Gao Yafei , Wang Wanjie , Guan Hongtao , Mu Shuxiang , Zhang Jianmin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the growing environmental awareness has prompted increased attention towards the substitution of nonrecyclable thermosetting epoxy resin composite materials with recyclable thermoplastic composite materials. The objective of this study is to utilize a laboratory‐made polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) binary liquid resin (PMBLR) to prepare thermoplastic resin/glass fiber (GF) composite materials using the vacuum‐assisted perfusion method. These composites are then compared with GF‐reinforced thermosetting epoxy resin composites. The investigation reveals a significant influence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) content on the mechanical properties of pure MMA and PMBLR casting resins, which also incorporate N‐methyl‐N‐((1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl) methyl) aniline (DMA) as redox composite initiators. The optimal mechanical properties for both types of casting resins are achieved at a DMA:BPO:MMA ratio of 0.5:1.2:100. Additionally, at a PMMA concentration of 24 wt% in PMBLR under this specific initiator ratio, the composites demonstrate the most desirable properties. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of PMBLR/GF composites and epoxy/GF composites indicates that the former exhibit superior 90° tensile strength, bending strength, and short beam shear strength. The fracture morphology analysis highlights discernible micro‐ductile fracture characteristics in PMBLR/GF composites, distinguishing them from epoxy/GF composites. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) results further reveal a higher storage modulus and loss factor in PMBLR/GF composites when compared to epoxy/GF composites.Highlights
Glass fiber‐reinforced composites were fabricated at ambient temperature.
A degradable PMMA/MMA binary thermoplastic resin (PMBLR) was developed as a replacement for non‐degradable epoxy.
PMBLR composites exhibit enhanced strength compared to epoxy: tensile (+18.8%), bending (+27.4%), and short beam shear (+34.3%).
Legacy effects of long‐term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards
Authors: Ferlauto Max , Schmitt Lauren , Burghardt Karin 
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact StatementAs cities grow, it is essential to understand how landscape management decisions in urban spaces alter ecosystem function. This study demonstrates that the ubiquitous practice of long‐term leaf litter removal in suburbs, even in relatively small patches of a yard, reduces the soil's ability to cycle nutrients in plant litter and results in lower amounts of carbon stored in the soil. Even two years of retaining leaves where they previously were removed is insufficient to restore decomposition rates or carbon pools. This research is an important step in creating best practices for litter management to maintain essential ecosystem functions, like carbon sequestration, water holding capacity, and soil fertility.Summary

Seasonal senesced leaf litter removal eliminates considerable organic material from suburban soils annually. We test if this disturbance alters decomposition and carbon cycles and depletes soils of organic matter over time, creating persistent legacy effects.
We used a factorial experimental design to implement 1–2 years of current leaf litter manipulations (remove or retain fallen leaves) within historically raked and unraked areas in suburban Maryland yards. We then compared total organic soil carbon and decomposition using a standardized substrate decomposition methodology (Tea Bag Index) across treatment plots.
Long‐term litter removal in suburban yards reduced decomposition rates by 17% and total soil organic carbon concentration by up to 24% compared to areas where leaf litter was retained in situ. In contrast, short‐term management changes (1–2 years) did not significantly impact decomposition rates or total organic soil carbon concentrations.
Our findings suggest that long‐term suburban litter raking creates legacy effects that alter decomposition and carbon storage process trajectories that are not easily reversed. This is important in understanding urban ecosystem function and sustainable management.
Effects of succession crops and soil tillage on suppressing the syndrome ‘basses richesses’ vector Pentastiridius leporinus in sugar beet
Authors: Pfitzer René , Rostás Michael , Häußermann Patrick , Häuser Thilo , Rinklef André , Detring Justus , Schrameyer Klaus , Voegele Ralf T. , Maier Johann , Varrelmann Mark 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the most important vector of syndrome ‘basses richesses’ (SBR), a new disease that leads to severe economic losses in sugar beet. In this study, different soil tillage methods (ploughing and cultivator) and crops (winter wheat, spring wheat, maize and bare soil) following SBR‐infested sugar beet were tested as potential management options in field trials. In the laboratory, the survival and development of first and third instar nymphs on wheat and maize was studied to further assess their suitability as host plants.RESULTSIn five out of seven field sites, reduced soil tillage had no effect on adult planthopper emergence compared to ploughing. In two sites, reduced tillage resulted in higher emergence rates. In nearly all field sites, up to 98.9% fewer emerging adults were detected in bare soil and maize, when compared to winter wheat. Under laboratory conditions, the lowest survival rate was found in first instar nymphs feeding on maize seedlings (4.2%), while 66.7% survived on wheat, over a period of 300 days. In contrast, 73.3% and 70% of third instar nymphs survived on wheat and maize over a period of 150 days.CONCLUSIONSoil tillage had little effect against Pentastiridius leporinus. Maize is a poor host for first instars but a suitable resource for third instar nymphs, the stage which encounters maize under field conditions. Hence, reductions in planthopper emergence in the field were likely caused by starvation due to the long host‐free period between sugar beet harvest and the sowing of maize. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of clustering strategy for automatic segmentation of tissue regions in mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Xu Guang , Gan Shengfeng , Guo Bo , Yang Li 
Published: February 2024

RationaleMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has been widely used in biomedical research fields. Each pixel in MSI consists of a mass spectrum that reflects the molecule feature of the tissue spot. Because MSI contains high‐dimensional datasets, it is highly desired to develop computational methods for data mining and constructing tissue segmentation maps.MethodsTo visualize different tissue regions based on mass spectrum features and improve the efficiency in processing enormous data, we proposed a computational strategy that consists of four procedures including preprocessing, data reduction, clustering, and quantitative validation.ResultsIn this study, we examined the combination of t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) and hierarchical clustering (HC) for MSI data analysis. Using publicly available MSI datasets, one dataset of mouse urinary bladder, and one dataset of human colorectal cancer, we demonstrated that the generated tissue segmentation maps from this combination were superior to other data reduction and clustering algorithms. Using the staining image as a reference, we assessed the performance of clustering algorithms with external and internal clustering validation measures, including purity, adjusted Rand index (ARI), Davies–Bouldin index (DBI), and spatial aggregation index (SAI). The result indicated that SAI delivered excellent performance for automatic segmentation of tissue regions in MSI.ConclusionsWe used a clustering algorithm to construct tissue automatic segmentation in MSI datasets. The performance was evaluated by comparing it with the stained image and calculating clustering validation indexes. The results indicated that SAI is important for automatic tissue segmentation in MSI, different from traditional clustering validation measures. Compared to the reports that used internal clustering validation measures such as DBI, our method offers more effective evaluation of clustering results for MSI segmentation. We envision that the proposed automatic image segmentation strategy can facilitate deep learning in molecular feature extraction and biomarker discovery for the biomedical applications of MSI.
Reconceptualizing Virtual Operations Support Teams (VOSTs) as an experiential learning tool for emergency management education
Authors: Silver Amber , Morgan Carey , Morrison Derek 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVirtual Operations Support Teams (VOSTs) have proliferated across the United States and abroad as a means of addressing the informational needs of emergency management agencies. These groups of trusted agents act as “force multipliers” by monitoring social media to extract actionable information, including on‐the‐ground impacts, public sentiment, misinformation and gossip, and calls for assistance. However, while these teams have been credited as a resource‐efficient means of improving situational awareness, issues pertaining to recruitment and retention, trust, and legitimacy continue to be a challenge. This research utilizes a case study approach to examine how academic institutions might leverage VOSTs as a tool for emergency management education and in doing so, address some of the challenges outlined above. In this paper, we present the participation of a university‐affiliated VOST in two state‐level activations: the 2022 Texas wildfires and the 2022 NYC marathon. These case studies are then contextualized with the results of semistructured interviews conducted with emergency managers in both states. The results demonstrate that VOSTs facilitated through and supported by academic institutions can address many of the challenges outlined above, while also providing valuable experience for students. The paper concludes with a discussion on lessons learned and opportunities for future research.
Modal identification of non‐classically damped structures using generalized sparse component analysis
Authors: Yao Xiao‐Jun , Yi Ting‐Hua , Qu Chun‐Xu , Li Hong‐Nan 
Published: February 2024

SummaryModal identification method based on blind source separation (BSS) technique has gained extensive attentions for civil structures. Developing the complex modes estimation method is important in practical applications because the assumption of proportional damping is not always satisfied. Sparse component analysis (SCA) performs well in underdetermined BSS problems. However, SCA is confined to the situation of proportional damping. In this study, a generalized SCA method is proposed to extend the original SCA method to both real and complex modes identification. First, the general formulation of complex modes is extended by the analytic form to eliminate the complex conjugate part in the BSS model. A new single‐source‐point detection method that is available to handle real and complex modes is proposed. Local outlier factor method is adopted to remove the outliers in single source points. Subsequently, complex‐valued modal matrix is calculated by the clustering technique. Then, modal responses are recovered using the complex version of smoothed zero norm method, where modal frequencies and damping ratios can be extracted. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated for identification of real and complex modes, close modes, and underdetermined problem. The application to a benchmark structure demonstrates the effectiveness for practical applications.
What affects the continued learning about energy? Evidence from a 4‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Kubsch Marcus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEnergy is a central concept across the sciences and an important goal of science education is to support all students so that they develop a full understanding of the energy concept. However, given the abstract and complex nature of the energy concept, only a few students develop an understanding so that they can use energy ideas to make sense of phenomena. Research into energy learning progressions aims at developing models of learning about energy to guide instruction so that students can be best supported in developing competence and has provided a rich model of how students' understanding of energy develops over time. Being largely based on cross‐section data, however, the extent to which this model can guide instruction is limited, especially concerning the continued learning of students about energy. To address this gap—the limited evidence regarding what supports students' continued learning about energy—it was investigated how holding non‐normative ideas and the integratedness of students' energy knowledge affect students' continued learning about energy. Drawing on data from a 4‐year longitudinal study covering Grades 6–9 on students' learning about energy, diagnostic classification models were used to characterize students' non‐normative idea profiles and the integratedness of their knowledge and then related both to their continued learning. The results suggest no detrimental effects of holding non‐normative ideas and strong positive effects of holding integrated knowledge for students' continued learning about energy. Implications for teaching and future research are discussed.
A novel method for the remediation of o‐ and p‐aminophenol from industrial wastewater by hexacyanoferrate (III) ions using Ir‐complex catalyst
Authors: Goel Anjali , Rani Monika 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this manuscript o‐ and p‐aminophenols model environmental pollutants are being remedied by catalytic oxidation process. A kinetic‐spectrophotometric technique was used to study the remediation of o‐ and p‐aminophenol by hexacyanoferrate (III) ions as an oxidant and synthesized Ir‐DTPy complex as a catalyst in aqueous alkaline medium. The optimum pH for these experiments was 9.0 and 11.0 for o‐ and p‐aminophenol respectively at the constant temperature 25°C. It has been studied how variations in the concentration of the catalyst (Ir‐DTPy), the hexacyanoferrate (III) ions, and substrate affect the rate of the reaction. At four different temperatures, ranging from 25 to 40°C, the change in reaction rate has been analyzed with thermodynamic variables like free energy of activation, enthalpy, frequency factor, and activation energy. FTIR, UV‐Vis, and ESI‐MS spectroscopic analytical methods have been used to identify the oxidized products. 2‐aminophenoxazin‐3‐one and NN'‐bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐amino‐1, 4‐benzoquinone di‐imine are the main products of oxidation of o‐and p‐aminophenol, respectively. Therefore, this technique for removing o‐ and p‐aminophenol from contaminated water resources is very effective and environmentally safe.
LEAP-ASIA-2019: Summary of Centrifuge Experiments on Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spreading – Application of the Generalized Scaling Law
Authors: Tobita Tetsuo , Ichii Koji , Ueda Kyohei , Uzuoka Ryosuke , Vargas Ruben R. , Okamura Mitsu , Sjafruddin Asri Nurani , Takemura Jiro , Hang Lyu , Iai Susumu , Boksmati Jad , Fusco Alessandro , Torres-Garcia Samy , Haigh Stuart , Madabhushi Gopal , Manzari Majid , Escoffier Sandra , Li Zheng , Kim Dong Soo , Manandhar Satish , Hung Wen-Yi , Huang Jun-Xue , Pham Truong-Nhat-Phuong , Zeghal Mourad , Abdoun Tarek , Korre Evangelia , Kutter Bruce L. , Carey Trevor J. , Stone Nicholas , Zhou Yan-Guo , Liu Kai , Ma Qiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the framework of Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects (LEAP), round-robin centrifuge model tests were conducted in collaboration with ten international institutes on identical saturated sloping sand layers with a wide range of initial conditions. Two tests, one with a model following conventional centrifuge scaling law and the other with a model following the generalized scaling law (GSL), were assigned to each institute for two purposes: (1) validation of the generalized scaling law (GSL) and (2) development of additional experimental data sets to fill the gaps in the existing experimental data sets. The GSL may be validated when the ground deformation is small (less than 250 mm in the present study). The trend surface was updated with the new data sets, whose trend is consistent with the previous one.