bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aerial display that reconstructs face orientation by use of spatial blending of two face images
Authors: Kishinami Kohei , Sato Keigo , Yasugi Masaki , Suyama Shiro , Yamamoto Hirotsugu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel aerial display system that reconstructs face orientation. The proposed system forms two face images floating in mid‐air. Viewers observe a spatially blended image of the two face images, where the spatial blending ratio depends on the viewing position. Thus, the spatially blended aerial face image is perceived to look in a fixed orientation even if the viewing position is changed within a certain viewing range. We analyze the spatial blending system optical design and show results from our prototype display.
Sex differences in mechanical stress and associated labor in Hellenistic–early Roman Menainon, Sicily
Authors: Caruso Antonio , Nikita Efthymia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper explores mechanical stress in the Hellenistic/early Roman community of Menainon (Sicily) to test the existence of sex‐based division of labor. For this purpose, human skeletal remains from 79 males and 65 females, dating to the 4th–1st ca. BCE, were examined for degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc disease, cross‐sectional geometric properties, and entheseal changes. Our findings support an equal share of workload between males and females, who appeared to have experienced similar mechanical stress levels. In contrast, they do not support a systematically greater mechanical load among males, as would have been expected if females had been restricted indoors taking care of domestic tasks only, while men had dealt with most physically demanding outdoor activities. The patterns identified in the current study agree with a scenario where agriculture was a prominent subsistence activity (as attested historically for this region) and most members of this rural community engaged in agricultural tasks irrespective of sex. Our study has limitations regarding the available historical and archaeological information, which restrict our ability to formulate solid research hypotheses or fully contextualize the bioarchaeological results. Nonetheless, it does highlight the importance of critically assessing historical information regarding the role of men and women in the Greco‐Roman society.
“UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS‐chemometrics‐network pharmacology” integrated strategy to discover quality markers of raw and stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli and process optimization of stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli
Authors: Wang Shuai , Du De‐feng , Li Fei , Chen Ming‐yue , Sheng Hua‐gang , Zhang Chao , Guo Fei , Chen Zhi , Cao Guang‐shang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionFructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver‐calming and depression‐relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT‐processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q‐markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q‐markers.MethodsFirst, the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single‐factor experiments, the Box–Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation.ResultsA total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min−1. Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%.ConclusionThe content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir‐frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q‐markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT‐processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.
Deterioration study of sea‐dumped munitions in the eastern Scheldt
Authors: den Otter J. H. , Olde M. C. , van de Steeg W. , Volker A. W. F. , van der Heijden A. E. D. M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVast amounts of surplus ammunition were dumped in surface waters around the world. After degradation and corrosion of shells, both metal compounds and the energetic contents of the ammunition end up in the environment. These compounds or their metabolites are toxic to the environment and human health. Also in the Netherlands, ammunition was dumped over a period of several decades after World War II at several marine sites. One of these dumpsites is the Eastern Scheldt near Zierikzee. During the monitoring campaign of the ammunition dumpsite in the Eastern Scheldt in 2020, ammunition items were surfaced. The corrosion and presence of leak pathways of sea‐dumped munition were studied for a selection of munition items after being more than 50 years on the seabed in the Eastern Scheldt. For some of the items an estimated uniform corrosion rate of 0.01–0.03 mm/year was determined. Furthermore, a non‐destructive inspection technique based on an ultrasonic method was applied to measure the casing thickness profile. The obtained results corresponded well with the manually determined thickness profiles. The ultrasound method opens the possibility to measure the casing thickness of even intact munition items, thus avoiding the dissection of the munition item and removal of the explosive fill.
Pueraria lobata Resistant Starch Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet Mice
Authors: Lai Meiying , Li Na , Li Quancen , Ge Xiaodong , Huang Zifeng , Chen Fujie , Liu Bin , Zeng Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPueraria lobata resistant starch (PLRS) is prepared by modifying Pueraria lobata starch with pullulanase, and the PLRS modulate lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota structure are hypothesized in high‐fat diet (HFD) mice. The results reveal that the PLRS can alleviate lipid metabolism disorders by significantly upregulating the abundance of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Blautia, and Dubosiella, but markedly downregulating Staphylococcus in HFD mice. The PLRS may decrease the gain of weight, biochemical index, ameliorate hepatic impairment, and histopathological. Molecular mechanisms have elucidated that the PLRS may exert reducing fat accumulation and stabilize the gut microbiota effects through the modulation of the fatty acid metabolic signaling pathway and the PPAR signaling pathway. Therefore, these results suggest that this prebiotic carbohydrate may regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in HFD mice and can be used to prepare healthy lipid‐lowering functional foods to attenuate obesity problems.
Effect of raw coal gangue coarse aggregates on mechanical properties and compressive stress–strain response of concrete
Authors: Kou Xuting , Shen Linghua , Zhao Hui , Wang Rui , Wang Jiyang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRaw coal gangue (RCG) as one of the solid wastes can result in serious ecological and environmental pollution. Utilization of RCG as coarse aggregates in concrete can mitigate the demand for natural aggregates in engineering construction to a certain extent. This study aims to assess the impact of utilizing raw coal gangue aggregates (RCGAs) on the mechanical behaviors and compressive stress–strain responses of concrete. For this purpose, a total of 90 concrete specimens were prepared, varying in RCGA replacement ratios of 0, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% and water‐to‐cement (w/c) ratios of 0.37 and 0.47. The slump, compressive and splitting tensile strengths in cubes, and complete compressive stress–strain curves of RCGA concrete were obtained and discussed. Results indicated that as RCGA was incorporated, the peak stress and elastic modulus of concretes with 0.37 and 0.47 w/c ratios decreased by 26%–51% and 23%–57%, respectively. In addition, the crack development and microstructural characteristics of RCGA concrete were analyzed by digital image correlation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The SEM analysis indicated that the interface transition zone between RCGAs and mortar was relatively thick and loose compared to that between coarse natural aggregates and mortar, indicating the poor mechanical properties of RCGA concrete. Finally, based on the test data, a normalized stress–strain model for RCGA concrete was proposed, taking into account the influence of RCGA replacement.
Genome assembly and multi‐omic analyses reveal the mechanisms underlying flower color formation in Torenia fournieri
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Kong Haiming , Yang Jing , Jing Jiaxian , Li Siyu , Ma Nan , Yang Rongchen , Cao Yuman , Wang Yafang , Hu Tianming , Yang Peizhi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTorenia fournieri Lind. is an ornamental plant that is popular for its numerous flowers and variety of colors. However, its genomic evolutionary history and the genetic and metabolic bases of flower color formation remain poorly understood. Here, we report the first T. fournieri reference genome, which was resolved to the chromosome scale and was 164.4 Mb in size. Phylogenetic analyses clarified relationships with other plant species, and a comparative genomic analysis indicated that the shared ancestor of T. fournieri and Antirrhinum majus underwent a whole genome duplication event. Joint transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified many metabolites related to pelargonidin, peonidin, and naringenin production in rose (TfR)‐colored flowers. Samples with blue (TfB) and deep blue (TfD) colors contained numerous derivatives of petunidin, cyanidin, quercetin, and malvidin; differences in the abundances of these metabolites and expression levels of the associated genes were hypothesized to be responsible for variety‐specific differences in flower color. Furthermore, the genes encoding flavonoid 3‐hydroxylase, anthocyanin synthase, and anthocyanin reductase were differentially expressed between flowers of different colors. Overall, we successfully identified key genes and metabolites involved in T. fournieri flower color formation. The data provided by the chromosome‐scale genome assembly establish a basis for understanding the differentiation of this species and will facilitate future genetic studies and genomic‐assisted breeding.
Policy for material efficiency in homes and cars: Enabling new climate change mitigation strategies
Authors: Lifset Reid , Hertwich Edgar , Makov Tamar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMaterial efficiency (ME), making products with less material or substituting with less carbon‐intensive material without a loss of functionality, can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and complement other strategies to mitigate climate change. Seven ME strategies for cars and homes in the G7 countries were recently modeled in a study by the International Resource Panel. Modeling indicates that ME strategies focusing on construction and use of homes could lower the overall cumulative emissions in the G7 between 2016 and 2060 by 8.5 Gt CO2e (20%), while ME strategies for the production and use of cars could reduce up to 12 Gt (24%). For both homes and cars, the strategy of more intensive use—where fewer or smaller products are required to provide the same basic service—showed the greatest potential. A review of existing ME policies reveals that attention to ME in climate policy has been limited. Policy toward ME has historically focused on waste management rather than GHG reduction. Ex post evaluation of policies that do exist, especially for recycling and related waste strategies, is infrequent. Framing efficient use of materials as a measure primarily intended for climate mitigation is relatively recent and uncommon. Production‐related policy opportunities have been neglected because using ME to reduce GHGs is novel in some sectors and because increased ME faces economic and social barriers. Rebound effects where reduction of the cost of housing or transportation can increase material consumption offsetting potential gains, a problem for all efficiency‐based approaches, is understudied and not currently addressed through policy.This article is categorized under:
The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior
The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand
Poly(A) tale: From A to A; RNA polyadenylation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Authors: Mofayezi Ahmadreza , Jadaliha Mahdieh , Zangeneh Fatemeh‐zahra , Khoddami Vahid 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMost eukaryotic mRNAs and different non‐coding RNAs undergo a form of 3′ end processing known as polyadenylation. Polyadenylation machinery is present in almost all organisms except few species. In bacteria, the machinery has evolved from PNPase, which adds heteropolymeric tails, to a poly(A)‐specific polymerase. Differently, a complex machinery for accurate polyadenylation and several non‐canonical poly(A) polymerases are developed in eukaryotes. The role of poly(A) tail has also evolved from serving as a degradative signal to a stabilizing modification that also regulates translation. In this review, we discuss poly(A) tail emergence in prokaryotes and its development into a stable, yet dynamic feature at the 3′ end of mRNAs in eukaryotes. We also describe how appearance of novel poly(A) polymerases gives cells flexibility to shape poly(A) tail. We explain how poly(A) tail dynamics help regulate cognate RNA metabolism in a context‐dependent manner, such as during oocyte maturation. Finally, we describe specific mRNAs in metazoans that bear stem‐loops instead of poly(A) tails. We conclude with how recent discoveries about poly(A) tail can be applied to mRNA technology.This article is categorized under:
RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Effect of Vaginal Microecological Alterations on Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Chen Shaozhan , Zheng Qiaomei , Zhang Limin , Chen Lihong , Wang Jinhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction and Hypothesis
The objective was to investigate the correlation between endogenous vaginal microecological alterations and female pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods
Patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy were retrospectively analyzed as the POP group (n = 30) and the non-POP group (n = 30). The vaginal microbial metabolites and enzyme levels were tested using the dry chemoenzymatic method. The mRNA and protein expression were tested using real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. SPSS version 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 were performed for statistical analysis.

Results
Compared with the non-POP group, the vaginal pH, H2O2 positivity and leukocyte esterase positivity were higher in patients with POP (all p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that patients with pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) stage IV had higher rates of vaginal pH, H2O2 positivity and leukocyte esterase positivity than those with POP-Q stage III. Additionally, the mRNA expression of decorin (DCN), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in uterosacral ligament tissues were higher, whereas collagen I and III were lower. Similarly, the positive expression of MMP-3 in uterosacral ligament tissue was significantly upregulated in the POP group compared with the non-POP group (p = 0.035), whereas collagen I (p = 0.004) and collagen III (p = 0.019) in uterosacral ligament tissue were significantly downregulated in the POP group. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between vaginal microecology and collagen metabolism. In addition, MMP-3 correlated negatively with collagen I and collagen III (p = 0.002, r = −0.533; p = 0.002, r = −0.534 respectively), whereas collagen I correlated positively with collagen III (p = 0.001, r = 0.578).

Conclusions
Vaginal microecological dysbiosis affects the occurrence of female POP, which could be considered a novel therapeutic option.
Effects of the perceived temporal distance of events on mental time travel and on its underlying brain circuits
Authors: Casadio Claudia , Patané Ivan , Candini Michela , Lui Fausta , Frassinetti Francesca , Benuzzi Francesca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMental Time Travel (MTT) allows us to remember past events and imagine future ones. According to previous literature, the Temporal Distance of events affects MTT: our ability to order events worsens for close, compared to far, events. However, those studies established distances a-priori, albeit the way we perceive events’ temporal distance may subjectively differ from their objective distance. Thus, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Perceived Temporal Distance (PTD) on the MTT ability and the brain areas mediating this process. Thirty-three healthy volunteers took part in an fMRI MTT task. Participants were asked to project themselves into the past, present, or future, and to judge a series of events as relative-past or relative-future, in relation to the adopted time location. Outside the scanner, participants provided PTD estimates for each stimulus of the MTT task. Participants’ performance and functional activity were analyzed as a function of these estimations. At the behavioural level, PTD predicts the modulation of the performance for relative-past and relative-future. Bilateral angular gyrus, retrosplenial cortex, temporo-parietal region and medial, middle and superior frontal gyri mediate the PTD effect. In addition to these areas, the closer the relative-future events are perceived, the higher the involvement of left parahippocampal and lingual gyri and right cerebellum. Thus, perceived proximity of events activates frontal and posterior parietal areas, which therefore might mediate the processing of PTD in the cognitive spatial representation of time. Future proximity also activates cerebellum and medial temporal areas, known to be involved in imaginative and constructive cognitive functions.
Aspirin Responsiveness in a Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduits and Transcatheter Valve Replacement Systems
Authors: Kelleher Sean T. , Regan Irene E. , Cox Dermot , Shaw Kathryn , Franklin Orla , Kenny Damien P. , Walsh Kevin P. , McMahon Colin J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of aspirin responsiveness in a cohort of pediatric patients with in situ xenograft valved right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits and/or transcatheter valve replacements (TVR). Aspirin is routinely prescribed to these patients. Optimizing anti-platelet therapy could promote valve longevity and reduce the risk of infective endocarditis in this at-risk group. This was a prospective, observational study. Patients were recruited from both ward and outpatient settings. Patients were eligible if under 18 years and taking aspirin. Non-response to aspirin was defined as > 20% platelet aggregation using light transmission platelet aggregometry (LTA) and < 50% platelet inhibition by thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEGPM). Participants were invited to provide a confirmatory sample in cases of aspirin resistance and dose adjustments were made. Thirty patients participated. Median age was 9 years (2 months to 18 years). The majority (93%) had complex right ventricular outflow tract pathology. 13 (43%) had an RV-PA conduit and 24 (80%) had a TVR, with valve situated in conduit in 7 (23%) cases. Rate of aspirin non-response on initial testing was 23% (n = 7/30) with median LTA 74.55% (60–76%) and TEG 13.25% (0–44%) in non-responders. Non-responders were more likely to be under 1 year. Two patients required dose increases and one patient non-adherence to dose was identified. Four patients on repeat testing were responsive to aspirin by laboratory tests. The rate of aspirin non-response on laboratory testing in this cohort of patients was 23% and resulted in therapeutic intervention in 10%.
Pretreatment with a dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant (APAC) reduces ischemia–reperfusion injury in a mouse model of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion—implications for neurovascular procedures
Authors: Denorme Frederik , Frösen Juhana , Jouppila Annukka , Lindgren Antti , Resendiz-Nieves Julio C. , Manninen Hannu , De Meyer Simon F. , Lassila Riitta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Several neurovascular procedures require temporary occlusion of cerebral arteries, leading to ischemia of unpredictable length, occasionally causing brain infarction. Experimental models of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury have established that platelet adhesion and coagulation play detrimental roles in reperfusion injury following transient cerebral ischemia. Therefore, in a model of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI), we investigated the therapeutic potential of a dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant (APAC) heparin proteoglycan mimetic which is able to bind to vascular injury sites.

Methods
Brain ischemia was induced in mice by transient occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 60 min. APAC, unfractionated heparin (UFH) (both at heparin equivalent doses of 0.5 mg/kg), or vehicle was intravenously administered 10 min before or 60 min after the start of ischemia. At 24 h later, mice were scored for their neurological and motor behavior, and brain damage was quantified.

Results
Both APAC and UFH administered before the onset of ischemia reduced brain injury. APAC and UFH pretreated mice had better neurological and motor functions (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and had significantly reduced cerebral infarct sizes (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) at 24 h after transient occlusion compared with vehicle-treated mice. Importantly, no macroscopic bleeding complications were observed in either APAC- or UFH-treated animals. However, when APAC or UFH was administered 60 min after the start of ischemia, the therapeutic effect was lost, but without hemorrhaging either.

Conclusions
Pretreatment with APAC or UFH was safe and effective in reducing brain injury in a model of cerebral ischemia induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Further studies on the use of APAC to limit ischemic injury during temporary occlusion in neurovascular procedures are indicated.
Lateral medullary vascular compression manifesting as paroxysmal hypertension
Authors: Giammattei L. , Wuerzner G. , Theiler K. , Vollenweider P. , Dunet V. , Al Barajraji M. , Squair J. W. , Bloch J. , Daniel R. T. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Neurovascular compression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) has been described as a possible cause of refractory essential hypertension. We present the case of a patient affected by episodes of severe paroxysmal hypertension, some episodes associated with vago-glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Classical secondary forms of hypertension were excluded. Imaging revealed a neurovascular conflict between the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and the ventrolateral medulla at the level of the root entry zone of the ninth and tenth cranial nerves (CN IX-X REZ). A MVD of a conflict between the PICA and the RVLM and adjacent CN IX-X REZ was performed, resulting in reduction of the frequency and severity of the episodes. Brain MRI should be performed in cases of paroxysmal hypertension. MVD can be considered in selected patients.