bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Super-sectioning with multi-sheet reversible saturable optical fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT) microscopy
Authors: Bodén Andreas , Ollech Dirk , York Andrew G. , Millett-Sikking Alfred , Testa Ilaria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLight-sheet fluorescence microscopy is an invaluable tool for four-dimensional biological imaging of multicellular systems due to the rapid volumetric imaging and minimal illumination dosage. However, it is challenging to retrieve fine subcellular information, especially in living cells, due to the width of the sheet of light (>1 μm). Here, using reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) and a periodic light pattern for photoswitching, we demonstrate a super-resolution imaging method for rapid volumetric imaging of subcellular structures called multi-sheet RESOLFT. Multiple emission-sheets with a width that is far below the diffraction limit are created in parallel increasing recording speed (1–2 Hz) to provide super-sectioning ability (<100 nm). Our technology is compatible with various RSFPs due to its minimal requirement in the number of switching cycles and can be used to study a plethora of cellular structures. We track cellular processes such as cell division, actin motion and the dynamics of virus-like particles in three dimensions.
Risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary localized renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chung Jae Hoon , Song Wan , Kang Minyong , Sung Hyun Hwan , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Seo Seong IL 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo evaluate the recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 1265 cases of initial solitary localized RCC were analyzed. The baseline characteristics, complexity (REANL nephrometry score), intra- and peri-operative outcomes, and recurrence were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors affecting recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Recurrence after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) occurred in 29 patients (2.29%). The median follow-up was 36.0 months. The N domain (nearness to collecting system/sinus) (odd ratio (OR) 3.517, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.557–7.945, p = 0.002), operation time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001–1.010, p = 0.013), and perioperative transfusion (OR 5.450, 95% CI 1.197–24.816, p = 0.028) affected recurrence. Distant metastasis among patients with recurrence was significantly associated with nearness to the collecting system/sinus (OR 2.982, 95% CI 1.162–7.656, p = 0.023) and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus (OR 0.758, 95% CI 0.594–0.967, p = 0.026). Nearness to the collecting system/sinus, operation time, and perioperative transfusion affect recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Moreover, the proximity to the collecting system/sinus and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus were significantly related to distant metastasis after RAPN.
An environmental perspective of energy consumption, overpopulation, and human capital barriers in South Asia
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Husnain Muhammad Iftikhar ul , Azimi Mohammad Naim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrior literature is substantive in highlighting the nexus between pollutant and socio-economic predictors; however, the role of human interaction has not been sufficiently explored. Thus, the present study examines the validity of the environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in the presence of energy consumption, overpopulation, and human capital index in five South Asian countries. It employs fixed effects, random effects, and dynamic panel causality techniques with a set of panel data from 1972 to 2021. The baseline results validate the existence of the EKC hypothesis in the recipient panel. Nevertheless, the findings reveal that energy consumption and population density have positive effects, while human capital has negative impacts on CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the study observes that energy consumption and per capita GDP have a significant causal link with CO2 emissions, whereas CO2 emissions are evident to have causality with population density and human capital index. The results are robust and suggest that the consolidation of an effective regulatory framework and technological improvements are substantial measures to improve environmental quality in South Asia. Moreover, allocating sufficient resources to uplift contemporary educational and health status would be imperative to improving environmental quality as aspired to by the Paris Agreement.
Expression network analysis of bovine skin infested with Rhipicephalus australis identifies pro-inflammatory genes contributing to tick susceptibility
Authors: Mantilla Valdivieso Emily F. , Ross Elizabeth M. , Raza Ali , Nguyen Loan , Hayes Ben J. , Jonsson Nicholas N. , James Peter , Tabor Ala E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe skin is the primary feeding site of ticks that infest livestock animals such as cattle. The highly specialised functions of skin at the molecular level may be a factor contributing to variation in susceptibility to tick infestation; but these remain to be well defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the bovine skin transcriptomic profiles of tick-naïve and tick-infested cattle and to uncover the gene expression networks that influence contrasting phenotypes of host resistance to ticks. RNA-Seq data was obtained from skin of Brangus cattle with high (n = 5) and low (n = 6) host resistance at 0 and 12 weeks following artificial tick challenge with Rhipicephalus australis larvae. No differentially expressed genes were detected pre-infestation between high and low resistance groups, but at 12-weeks there were 229 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; FDR < 0.05), of which 212 were the target of at least 1866 transcription factors (TFs) expressed in skin. Regulatory impact factor (RIF) analysis identified 158 significant TFs (P < 0.05) of which GRHL3, and DTX1 were also DEGs in the experiment. Gene term enrichment showed the significant TFs and DEGs were enriched in processes related to immune response and biological pathways related to host response to infectious diseases. Interferon Type 1-stimulated genes, including MX2, ISG15, MX1, OAS2 were upregulated in low host resistance steers after repeated tick challenge, suggesting dysregulated wound healing and chronic inflammatory skin processes contributing to host susceptibility to ticks. The present study provides an assessment of the bovine skin transcriptome before and after repeated tick challenge and shows that the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes is a prominent feature in the skin of tick-susceptible animals. In addition, the identification of transcription factors with high regulatory impact provides insights into the potentially meaningful gene–gene interactions involved in the variation of phenotypes of bovine host resistance to ticks.
Enhanced methane production with co-feeding spent coffee grounds using spare capacity of existing anaerobic food waste digesters
Authors: Kim Danbee , Cha Junho , Lee Changsoo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith increasing coffee consumption worldwide, the efficient and sustainable management of spent coffee grounds (SCG) has become increasingly challenging. This study investigated the anaerobic co-digestion of small amounts of SCG with food waste (FW) at increasing co-feeding ratios of 1:100–1:10 (volatile solids basis) to assess the possibility of SCG treatment using the spare capacity of existing anaerobic digesters. Co-feeding SCG increased methane production compared to FW mono-digestion in the tested range of co-feeding ratios without compromising process stability. Methane yield did not further increase when the SCG/FW ratio increased above 4%, and process failure occurred at a 1:10 co-feeding ratio without trace element supplementation. The enhanced methanogenic performance was attributed to increased protein removal efficiency, which was potentially related to the promotion of peptide hydrolysis. The overall results suggest that co-feeding appropriate small amounts of SCG to FW digesters can be a realistic sustainable option for SCG management.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties of an extract from coffee pulp for the development of a phytocosmetic
Authors: dos Santos Érica Mendes , de Macedo Lucas Malvezzi , Ataide Janaína Artem , Delafiori Jeany , de Oliveira Guarnieri João Paulo , Rosa Paulo César Pires , Ruiz Ana Lucia Tasca Gois , Lancellotti Marcelo , Jozala Angela Faustino , Catharino Rodrigo Ramos , Camargo Gisele Anne , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia , Mazzola Priscila Gava 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConsumer demand for natural, chemical-free products has grown. Food industry residues, like coffee pulp, rich in caffeine, chlorogenic acid and phenolic compounds, offer potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a phytocosmetic only with natural products containing coffee pulp extract as active pharmaceutical ingredient with antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing activity. Eight samples from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora Pierre were analyzed for caffeine, chlorogenic acid, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and healing potential. The Robusta IAC—extract had the greatest prominence with 192.92 μg/mL of chlorogenic acid, 58.98 ± 2.88 mg GAE/g sample in the FRAP test, 79.53 ± 5.61 mg GAE/g sample in the test of total phenolics, was not cytotoxic, and MIC 3 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. This extract was incorporated into a stable formulation and preferred by 88% of volunteers. At last, a scratch assay exhibited the formulation promoted cell migration after 24 h, therefore, increased scratch retraction. In this way, it was possible to develop a phytocosmetic with the coffee pulp that showed desirable antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties.
Recovering whole-body angular momentum and margin of stability after treadmill-induced perturbations during sloped walking in healthy young adults
Authors: Shokouhi Shabnam , Sritharan Prasanna , Lee Peter Vee-Sin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough humans are well-adapted to negotiating sloped terrain, balance recovery after a disturbance on slopes is poorly understood. This study investigated how slope affects recovery from unanticipated simulated trips and slips. Eighteen healthy young adults walked on a split-belt treadmill at 1.25 m/s and three slope angles (downhill: − 8°; level: 0°; uphill: + 8°), with slip- and trip-like perturbations applied randomly at heel-strike. We evaluated balance recovery using whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) and perturbation response (PR), for which larger PR values indicate greater deviation of the margin of stability from baseline, therefore, greater destabilisation after perturbation. Overall, trips were more destabilising than slips, producing larger PR and greater range and integral of WBAM across all tested slopes, most significantly in the sagittal plane. Contrary to expectation, sagittal-plane PR post-trip was greatest for level walking and smallest for downhill walking. Heightened vigilance during downhill walking may explain this finding. Recovery strategy in both frontal and sagittal planes was consistent across all slopes and perturbation types, characterized by a wider and shorter first recovery step, with trips requiring the greatest step adjustment. Our findings advance understanding of the robustness of human locomotion and may offer insights into fall prevention interventions.
Solvent-thermal approach of MIL-100(Fe)/Cygnea/Fe3O4/TiO2 nanocomposite for the treatment of lead from oil refinery wastewater (ORW) under UVA light
Authors: Zamani Wahid , Rastgar Saeedeh , Hedayati Aliakbar , Tajari Mohsen , Ghiasvand Zahra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe main purpose of this research endeavor is to reduce lead concentrations in the wastewater of an oil refinery through the utilization of a material composed of oyster shell waste (MIL-100(Fe)/Cygnea/Fe3O4/TiO2. Initially, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized via solvent-thermal synthesis. It was subsequently coated layer by layer with the organic–metallic framework MIL-100 (Fe) using the core–shell method. Additionally, the solvent-thermal method was utilized to integrate TiO2nanoparticles into the magnetic organic–metallic framework’s structure. Varieties of analytical analysis were utilized to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the synthetic final photocatalyst. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption technique (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron diffraction pattern (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Following the characterization of the final photocatalyst, the physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles synthesized in each step, several primary factors that significantly affect the removal efficiency in the advanced oxidation system (AOPs) were examined. These variables consist of pH, photocatalyst dosage, lead concentration, and reaction temperature. The synthetic photocatalyst showed optimal performance in the removal of lead from petroleum wastewater under the following conditions: 35 °C temperature, pH of 3, 0.04 g/l photocatalyst dosage, and 100 mg/l wastewater concentration. Additionally, the photocatalyst maintained a significant level of reusability after undergoing five cycles. The findings of the study revealed that the photocatalyst dosage and pH were the most influential factors in the effectiveness of lead removal. According to optimal conditions, lead removal reached a maximum of 96%. The results of this investigation showed that the synthetic photocatalyst, when exposed to UVA light, exhibited an extraordinary capacity for lead removal.
3D culture of alginate-hyaluronic acid hydrogel supports the stemness of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Pangjantuk Amorn , Kaokaen Palakorn , Kunhorm Phongsakorn , Chaicharoenaudomrung Nipha , Noisa Parinya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system is being employed more frequently to investigate cell engineering and tissue repair due to its close mimicry of in vivo microenvironments. In this study, we developed natural biomaterials, including hyaluronic acid, alginate, and gelatin, to mimic the creation of a 3D human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) extracellular environment and selected hydrogels with high proliferation capacity for 3D MSC culture. Human mesenchymal stem cells were encapsulated within hydrogels, and an investigation was conducted into the effects on cell viability and proliferation, stemness properties, and telomere activity compared to the 2D monolayer culture. Hydrogel characterization, cell proliferation, Live/Dead cell viability assay, gene expression, telomere relative length, and MSC stemness-related proteins by immunofluorescence staining were examined. The results showed that 3D alginate-hyaluronic acid (AL-HA) hydrogels increased cell proliferation, and the cells were grown as cellular spheroids within hydrogels and presented a high survival rate of 77.36% during the culture period of 14 days. Furthermore, the 3D alginate-hyaluronic acid (AL-HA) hydrogels increased the expression of stemness-related genes (OCT-4, NANOG, SOX2, and SIRT1), tissue growth and development genes (YAP and TAZ), and cell proliferation gene (Ki67) after culture for 14 days. Moreover, the telomere activity of the 3D MSCs was enhanced, as indicated by the upregulation of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT) and the relative telomere length (T/S ratio) compared to the 2D monolayer culture. Altogether, these data suggest that the 3D alginate-hyaluronic acid (AL-HA) hydrogels could serve as a promising material for maintaining stem cell properties and might be a suitable carrier for tissue engineering proposals.
Enhancing multi-UAV air combat decision making via hierarchical reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Jintao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the realm of air combat, autonomous decision-making in regard to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has emerged as a critical force. However, prevailing autonomous decision-making algorithms in this domain predominantly rely on rule-based methods, proving challenging to design and implement optimal solutions in complex multi-UAV combat environments. This paper proposes a novel approach to multi-UAV air combat decision-making utilizing hierarchical reinforcement learning. First, a hierarchical decision-making network is designed based on tactical action types to streamline the complexity of the maneuver decision-making space. Second, the high-quality combat experience gained from training is decomposed, with the aim of augmenting the quantity of valuable experiences and alleviating the intricacies of strategy learning. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is validated using the advanced UAV simulation platform JSBSim. Through comparisons with various baseline algorithms, our experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method in both even and disadvantaged air combat environments.
Study of waterpipe smoking topography in Fars province of Iran
Authors: Hosseini S. , Karimi G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite a sharp increase in the use of the waterpipe (WP) has been noted recently in Iran, no information is available for the smoking behavior and topography parameters. The present study is intended to obtain the inhalation and smoking topography parameters for the Iranian WP smokers. The smoking data collected from 122 smoking sessions, including 192 WP smokers in the Iranian Fars province have been used to perform smoking topography assessments. The influence of demographic and smoking parameters on puffing data is obtained. Results have indicated that gender and tobacco type strongly affect puff volume and duration. Women smokers inhale smaller volume of smoke than men and puff duration is significantly increased for regular smokers than occasional smokers. However, the results of the present study have not revealed a major effect of age, residence and setting on the puffing behavior.
A look at the performance of barrel and wedge assembly in cable bolts applications
Authors: Rastegarmanesh Ashkan , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , McDougall Kevin , Aziz Naj , Anzanpour Sina , Nourizadeh Hadi , Taheri Abbas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPretensioning is one of the most common practices in cable bolting. A barrel and wedge is typically used in the free end of the cable to hold the pretension load. This study investigates the performance of barrel and wedge in cable bolt large-scale laboratory pull out tests. Twenty-five experiments have been completed containing various barrel and wedge and cable sizes under different loading conditions, namely monotonic and cyclic. The results indicated barrel and wedges undergo constant displacement throughout the experiment. The cyclic tests suggest that the barrel and wedge assembly displacement are almost entirely non-reversible. Two distinct behaviours, namely exponential and deflection point based, were observed. The study concludes that barrel and wedge assemblies can significantly influence the performance of cable bolts under axial load.
Purcell-enhanced single photons at telecom wavelengths from a quantum dot in a photonic crystal cavity
Authors: Phillips Catherine L. , Brash Alistair J. , Godsland Max , Martin Nicholas J. , Foster Andrew , Tomlinson Anna , Dost René , Babazadeh Nasser , Sala Elisa M. , Wilson Luke , Heffernan Jon , Skolnick Maurice S. , Fox A. Mark 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuantum dots are promising candidates for telecom single photon sources due to their tunable emission across the different low-loss telecommunications bands, making them compatible with existing fiber networks. Their suitability for integration into photonic structures allows for enhanced brightness through the Purcell effect, supporting efficient quantum communication technologies. Our work focuses on InAs/InP QDs created via droplet epitaxy MOVPE to operate within the telecoms C-band. We observe a short radiative lifetime of 340 ps, arising from a Purcell factor of 5, owing to integration of the QD within a low-mode-volume photonic crystal cavity. Through in-situ control of the sample temperature, we show both temperature tuning of the QD’s emission wavelength and a preserved single photon emission purity at temperatures up to 25K. These findings suggest the viability of QD-based, cryogen-free C-band single photon sources, supporting applicability in quantum communication technologies.
The Dark Tetrad: analysis of profiles and relationship with the Big Five personality factors
Authors: Gómez-Leal Raquel , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo , Gutiérrez-Cobo María José , Cabello Rosario , Megías-Robles Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Dark Tetrad (DT) is composed of the traits of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism. Most studies analyzing the DT have employed a variable-centered approach, analyzing the traits separately. In the present study, we treat DT as a whole, adopting a person-centered approach. We analyzed different homogeneous subgroups of individuals characterized by specific DT profiles, aiming to examine their relationship with Big Five personality factors. A sample of 1149 participants (50.1% women, 18–79 years) completed The Short Dark Triad and the Assessment of Sadistic Personality instrument to assess DT, while the Mini-IPIP was used to assess the Big Five personality factors. Cluster analysis yielded five groups: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Mean DT, Low DT, and High DT group. The main results showed that the High DT group was distinguished by higher levels of extraversion and lower levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness (compared with the Low DT group). Moreover, the Narcissism group was characterized by higher scores on emotional stability, openness to experience, and extraversion. Finally, distribution according to gender varied across DT groups (more men than women in the High DT group and the opposite in the Low DT group). Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
A macrocyclic kinase inhibitor overcomes triple resistant mutations in EGFR-positive lung cancer
Authors: Suzuki Mai , Uchibori Ken , Oh-hara Tomoko , Nomura Yumi , Suzuki Ryusei , Takemoto Ai , Araki Mitsugu , Matsumoto Shigeyuki , Sagae Yukari , Kukimoto-Niino Mutsuko , Kawase Yusuke , Shirouzu Mikako , Okuno Yasushi , Nishio Makoto , Fujita Naoya , Katayama Ryohei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrigatinib-based therapy was effective against osimertinib-resistant EGFR C797S mutants and is undergoing clinical studies. However, tumor relapse suggests additional resistance mutations might emerge. Here, we first demonstrated the binding mode of brigatinib to the EGFR-T790M/C797S mutant by crystal structure analysis and predicted brigatinib-resistant mutations through a cell-based assay including N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis. We found that clinically reported L718 and G796 compound mutations appeared, consistent with their proximity to the binding site of brigatinib, and brigatinib-resistant quadruple mutants such as EGFR-activating mutation/T790M/C797S/L718M were resistant to all the clinically available EGFR-TKIs. BI-4020, a fourth-generation EGFR inhibitor with a macrocyclic structure, overcomes the quadruple and major EGFR-activating mutants but not the minor mutants, such as L747P or S768I. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed the binding mode and affinity between BI-4020 and EGFR mutants. This study identified potential therapeutic strategies using the new-generation macrocyclic EGFR inhibitor to overcome the emerging ultimate resistance mutants.