bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOIL-1L deficiency induces cell cycle alteration which causes immaturity of skeletal muscle and cardiomyocytes
Authors: Akagi Kentaro , Baba Shiro , Fujita Hiroaki , Fuseya Yasuhiro , Yoshinaga Daisuke , Kubota Hirohito , Kume Eitaro , Fukumura Fumiaki , Matsuda Koichi , Tanaka Takayuki , Hirata Takuya , Saito Megumu K. , Iwai Kazuhiro , Takita Junko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHOIL-1L deficiency was recently reported to be one of the causes of myopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the mechanisms by which myopathy and DCM develop have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we sought to elucidate these mechanisms using the murine myoblast cell line C2C12 and disease-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Myotubes differentiated from HOIL-1L-KO C2C12 cells exhibited deteriorated differentiation and mitotic cell accumulation. CMs differentiated from patient-derived hiPSCs had an abnormal morphology with a larger size and were excessively multinucleated compared with CMs differentiated from control hiPSCs. Further analysis of hiPSC-derived CMs showed that HOIL-1L deficiency caused cell cycle alteration and mitotic cell accumulation. These results demonstrate that abnormal cell maturation possibly contribute to the development of myopathy and DCM. In conclusion, HOIL-1L is an important intrinsic regulator of cell cycle-related myotube and CM maturation and cell proliferation.
M6A-related bioinformatics analysis indicates that LRPPRC is an immune marker for ischemic stroke
Authors: Shen Lianwei , Yue Shouwei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIschemic stroke (IS) is a common cerebrovascular disease whose pathogenesis involves a variety of immune molecules, immune channels and immune processes. 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates a variety of immune metabolic and immunopathological processes, but the role of m6A in IS is not yet understood. We downloaded the data set GSE58294 from the GEO database and screened for m6A-regulated differential expression genes. The RF algorithm was selected to screen the m6A key regulatory genes. Clinical prediction models were constructed and validated based on m6A key regulatory genes. IS patients were grouped according to the expression of m6A key regulatory genes, and immune markers of IS were identified based on immune infiltration characteristics and correlation. Finally, we performed functional enrichment, protein interaction network analysis and molecular prediction of the immune biomarkers. We identified a total of 7 differentially expressed genes in the dataset, namely METTL3, WTAP, YWHAG, TRA2A, YTHDF3, LRPPRC and HNRNPA2B1. The random forest algorithm indicated that all 7 genes were m6A key regulatory genes of IS, and the credibility of the above key regulatory genes was verified by constructing a clinical prediction model. Based on the expression of key regulatory genes, we divided IS patients into 2 groups. Based on the expression of the gene LRPPRC and the correlation of immune infiltration under different subgroups, LRPPRC was identified as an immune biomarker for IS. GO enrichment analyses indicate that LRPPRC is associated with a variety of cellular functions. Protein interaction network analysis and molecular prediction indicated that LRPPRC correlates with a variety of immune proteins, and LRPPRC may serve as a target for IS drug therapy. Our findings suggest that LRPPRC is an immune marker for IS. Further analysis based on LRPPRC could elucidate its role in the immune microenvironment of IS.
Reverse causation between multiple sclerosis and psoriasis: a genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Hao , Qi Yajie , Xu Yingxin , Qi Xiaoyi , Qi Hui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObservational studies have found a potential bidirectional positive association between multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, but these studies are susceptible to confounding factors. We examined the directionality of causation using Mendelian randomization and estimated the genetic correlation using the linkage disequilibrium score. We performed Mendelian randomization analysis using large-scale genome-wide association studies datasets from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC, 115,803 individuals of European ancestry) and FinnGen (252,323 individuals of European ancestry). We selected several Mendelian randomization methods including causal analysis using summary effect (CAUSE), inverse variance-weighted (IVW), and pleiotropy-robust methods. According to CAUSE and IVW the genetic liability to MS reduces the risk of psoriasis (CAUSE odds ratio [OR] 0.93, p = 0.045; IVW OR 0.93, p = 2.51 × 10–20), and vice versa (CAUSE OR 0.72, p = 0.001; IVW OR 0.71, p = 4.80 × 10–26). Pleiotropy-robust methods show the same results, with all p-values < 0.05. The linkage disequilibrium score showed no genetic correlation between psoriasis and MS (rg =  − 0.071, p = 0.2852). In summary, there is genetic evidence that MS reduces the risk of psoriasis, and vice versa.
Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sloshower Jordan , Zeifman Richard J. , Guss Jeffrey , Krause Robert , Safi-Aghdam Hamideh , Pathania Surbhi , Pittman Brian , D’Souza Deepak Cyril 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeveral phase II studies have demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows therapeutic potential across a spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanisms underlying its often persisting beneficial effects remain unclear. Observational research suggests that improvements in psychological flexibility may mediate therapeutic effects. However, no psychedelic trials to date have substantiated this finding in a clinical sample. In an exploratory placebo-controlled, within-subject, fixed-order study, individuals with moderate to severe MDD were administered placebo (n = 19) followed by psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg) (n = 15) 4 weeks later. Dosing sessions were embedded within a manualized psychotherapy that incorporated principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Depression severity, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and values-congruent living were measured over a 16-weeks study period. Psychological flexibility, several facets of mindfulness, and values-congruent living significantly improved following psilocybin and were maintained through week 16. Additionally, improvements in psychological flexibility and experiential acceptance were strongly associated with reductions in depression severity following psilocybin. These findings support the theoretical premise of integrating psilocybin treatment with psychotherapeutic platforms that target psychological flexibility and add to emerging evidence that increasing psychological flexibility may be an important putative mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for MDD and potentially, other mental health conditions.
Gamma radiation-induced grafting of poly(butyl acrylate) onto ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer for improved crude oil flowability
Authors: Siddiq Ahmed , Ghobashy Mohamed M. , El-Adasy Abu-bakr A. A. M. , Ashmawy Ashraf M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEthylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are widely employed as pour point depressants to enhance the flow properties of crude oil. However, EVA copolymers have limitations that necessitate their development. This work investigated the modification of EVA via gamma radiation-induced grafting of butyl acrylate (BuA) monomers and the evaluation of grafted EVA as a pour point depressant for crude oil. The successful grafting of poly(butyl acrylate) p(BuA) onto EVA was verified through grafting parameters, FTIR spectroscopy, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Treating crude oil with 3000 ppm of (EVA)0kGy, (EVA)50kGy, and (1EVA:3BuA)50kGy yielded substantial reductions in pour point of 24, 21, and 21 °C, respectively. Also, rheological characterization demonstrated improving evidenced by a viscosity reduction of 76.20%, 67.70%, and 71.94% at 25 °C, and 83.16%, 74.98%, and 81.53% at 12 °C. At low dosages of 1000 ppm, the EVA-g-p(BuA) exhibited superior pour point reductions compared to unmodified EVA, highlighting the benefit of incorporating p(BuA) side chains. The grafted EVA copolymers with p(BuA) side chains showed excellent potential as crude oil flow improvers by promoting more effective adsorption and co-crystallization with paraffin wax molecules.
High visual salience of alert signals can lead to a counterintuitive increase of reaction times
Authors: Einhäuser Wolfgang , Neubert Christiane R. , Grimm Sabine , Bendixen Alexandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is often assumed that rendering an alert signal more salient yields faster responses to this alert. Yet, there might be a trade-off between attracting attention and distracting from task execution. Here we tested this in four behavioral experiments with eye-tracking using an abstract alert-signal paradigm. Participants performed a visual discrimination task (primary task) while occasional alert signals occurred in the visual periphery accompanied by a congruently lateralized tone. Participants had to respond to the alert before proceeding with the primary task. When visual salience (contrast) or auditory salience (tone intensity) of the alert were increased, participants directed their gaze to the alert more quickly. This confirms that more salient alerts attract attention more efficiently. Increasing auditory salience yielded quicker responses for the alert and primary tasks, apparently confirming faster responses altogether. However, increasing visual salience did not yield similar benefits: instead, it increased the time between fixating the alert and responding, as high-salience alerts interfered with alert-task execution. Such task interference by high-salience alert-signals counteracts their more efficient attentional guidance. The design of alert signals must be adapted to a “sweet spot” that optimizes this stimulus-dependent trade-off between maximally rapid attentional orienting and minimal task interference.
ReScape: transforming coral-reefscape images for quantitative analysis
Authors: Ferris Z. , Ribeiro E. , Nagata T. , van Woesik R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEver since the first image of a coral reef was captured in 1885, people worldwide have been accumulating images of coral reefscapes that document the historic conditions of reefs. However, these innumerable reefscape images suffer from perspective distortion, which reduces the apparent size of distant taxa, rendering the images unusable for quantitative analysis of reef conditions. Here we solve this century-long distortion problem by developing a novel computer-vision algorithm, ReScape, which removes the perspective distortion from reefscape images by transforming them into top-down views, making them usable for quantitative analysis of reef conditions. In doing so, we demonstrate the first-ever ecological application and extension of inverse-perspective mapping—a foundational technique used in the autonomous-driving industry. The ReScape algorithm is composed of seven functions that (1) calibrate the camera lens, (2) remove the inherent lens-induced image distortions, (3) detect the scene’s horizon line, (4) remove the camera-roll angle, (5) detect the transformable reef area, (6) detect the scene’s perspective geometry, and (7) apply brute-force inverse-perspective mapping. The performance of the ReScape algorithm was evaluated by transforming the perspective of 125 reefscape images. Eighty-five percent of the images had no processing errors and of those, 95% were successfully transformed into top-down views. ReScape was validated by demonstrating that same-length transects, placed increasingly further from the camera, became the same length after transformation. The mission of the ReScape algorithm is to (i) unlock historical information about coral-reef conditions from previously unquantified periods and localities, (ii) enable citizen scientists and recreational photographers to contribute reefscape images to the scientific process, and (iii) provide a new survey technique that can rigorously assess relatively large areas of coral reefs, and other marine and even terrestrial ecosystems, worldwide. To facilitate this mission, we compiled the ReScape algorithm into a free, user-friendly App that does not require any coding experience. Equipped with the ReScape App, scientists can improve the management and prediction of the future of coral reefs by uncovering historical information from reefscape-image archives and by using reefscape images as a new, rapid survey method, opening a new era of coral-reef monitoring.
Shark genome size evolution and its relationship with cellular, life-history, ecological, and diversity traits
Authors: Torralba Sáez Mario , Hofreiter Michael , Straube Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAmong vertebrates, sharks exhibit both large and heterogeneous genome sizes ranging from 2.86 to 17.05 pg. Aiming for a better understanding of the patterns and causalities of shark genome size evolution, we applied phylogenetic comparative methods to published genome-size estimates for 71 species representing the main phylogenetic lineages, life-histories and ecological traits. The sixfold range of genome size variation was strongly traceable throughout the phylogeny, with a major expansion preceding shark diversification during the late Paleozoic and an ancestral state (6.33 pg) close to the present-day average (6.72 pg). Subsequent deviations from this average occurred at higher rates in squalomorph than in galeomorph sharks and were unconnected to evolutionary changes in the karyotype architecture, which were dominated by descending disploidy events. Genome size was positively correlated with cell and nucleus sizes and negatively with metabolic rate. The metabolic constraints on increasing genome size also manifested at higher phenotypic scales, with large genomes associated with slow lifestyles and purely marine waters. Moreover, large genome sizes were also linked to non-placental reproductive modes, which may entail metabolically less demanding embryological developments. Contrary to ray-finned fishes, large genome size was associated neither with the taxonomic diversity of affected clades nor with low genetic diversity.
Spectrum-efficient user grouping and resource allocation based on deep reinforcement learning for mmWave massive MIMO-NOMA systems
Authors: Wang Minghao , Liu Xin , Wang Fang , Liu Yang , Qiu Tianshuang , Jin Minglu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMillimeter-wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output non-orthogonal multiple access (MIMO-NOMA) is proven to be a primary technique for sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication networks. However, the great increase in users and antennas brings challenges for interference suppression and resource allocation for mmWave massive MIMO-NOMA systems. This study proposes a spectrum-efficient and fast convergence deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based resource allocation framework to optimize user grouping and allocation of subchannel and power. First, an enhanced K-means grouping algorithm is proposed to reduce the multi-user interference and accelerate the convergence. Then, a dueling deep Q-network (DQN) structure is proposed to perform subchannel allocation, which further improves the convergence speed. Moreover, a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG)-based power resource allocation algorithm is designed to avoid the performance loss caused by power quantization and improve the system’s achievable sum-rate. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme outperforms other neural network-based algorithms in terms of convergence performance, and can achieve higher system capacity compared with the greedy algorithm, the random algorithm, the RNN algorithm, and the DoubleDQN algorithm.
The relation between meniscal dynamics and tibiofemoral kinematics
Authors: Van Oevelen A. , Peiffer M. , Chevalier A. , Victor J. , Steenackers G. , Audenaert E. , Duquesne K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOver the past 30 years, research on meniscal kinematics has been limited by challenges such as low-resolution imaging and capturing continuous motion from static data. This study aimed to develop a computational knee model that overcomes these limitations and enables the continuous assessment of meniscal dynamics. A high-resolution MRI dataset (n = 11) was acquired in 4 configurations of knee flexion. In each configuration, the menisci were modeled based on the underlying osseous anatomy. Principal Polynomial Shape Analysis (PPSA) was employed for continuous meniscal modeling. Maximal medial anterior horn displacement occurred in 60° of flexion, equaling 6.24 mm posteromedial, while the posterior horn remained relatively stable. At 90° of flexion, the lateral anterior and posterior horn displaced posteromedially, amounting 5.70 mm and 6.51 mm respectively. The maximal observed Average Surface Distance (ASD) equaled 0.70 mm for lateral meniscal modeling in 90° of flexion. Based on our results, a strong relation between meniscal dynamics and tibiofemoral kinematics was confirmed. Expanding on static meniscal modeling and employing PPSA, we derived and validated a standardized and systematic methodological workflow.
A soft cable loop based gripper for robotic automation of chemistry
Authors: Manes Lupo , Fichera Sebastiano , Fakhruldeen Hatem , Cooper Andrew I. , Paoletti Paolo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRobotic automation is proving itself indispensable in the modern Chemistry laboratory, but adoption is slowed down by the technical challenges of implementing such systems. This paper reports on a novel adaptive gripper mechanism that can easily and reliably grasp cylindrical and prismatic objects of various sizes with limited clearance required. The proposed design exploits the inherent compliance of a cable that is driven to fully envelope the target object. The cable is run through a rigid finger, allowing the loop to be placed around objects with minimal clearance required and to provide support for the object once the grip is complete. Thanks to the compliant nature of the mechanism, the gripper requires minimal control effort to complete a gasping task. A prototype of the gripper has been designed and built for chemistry automation tasks, where it showed very high grasp reliability with $$\le 1\%$$

≤
1
%

grasp failures.
The impact of CREBRF rs373863828 Pacific-variant on infant body composition
Authors: Amitrano Francesca , Krishnan Mohanraj , Murphy Rinki , Okesene-Gafa Karaponi A. M. , Ji Maria , Thompson John M. D. , Taylor Rennae S. , Merriman Tony R. , Rush Elaine , McCowan Megan , McCowan Lesley M. E. , McKinlay Christopher J. D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn Māori and Pacific adults, the CREBRF rs373863828 minor (A) allele is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) but reduced incidence of type-2 and gestational diabetes mellitus. In this prospective cohort study of Māori and Pacific infants, nested within a nutritional intervention trial for pregnant women with obesity and without pregestational diabetes, we investigated whether the rs373863828 A allele is associated with differences in growth and body composition from birth to 12–18 months’ corrected age. Infants with and without the variant allele were compared using generalised linear models adjusted for potential confounding by gestation length, sex, ethnicity and parity, and in a secondary analysis, additionally adjusted for gestational diabetes. Carriage of the rs373863828 A allele was not associated with altered growth and body composition from birth to 6 months. At 12–18 months, infants with the rs373863828 A allele had lower whole-body fat mass [FM 1.4 (0.7) vs. 1.7 (0.7) kg, aMD −0.4, 95% CI −0.7, 0.0, P = 0.05; FM index 2.2 (1.1) vs. 2.6 (1.0) kg/m2 aMD −0.6, 95% CI −1.2,0.0, P = 0.04]. However, this association was not significant after adjustment for gestational diabetes, suggesting that it may be mediated, at least in part, by the beneficial effect of CREBRF rs373863828 A allele on maternal glycemic status.
Riboflavin based setup as an alternative method for a preliminary screening of face mask filtration efficiency
Authors: Cavallo Aida , Al Kayal Tamer , Soldani Giorgio , Losi Paola , Tedeschi Lorena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFace masks are essential in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections and bacterial filtration efficiency, a key parameter of mask performances, requires the use of Staphylococcus aureus and specialised staff. This study aims to develop a novel method for a preliminary screening of masks or materials filtration efficiency by a green, easy and rapid setup based on the use of a riboflavin solution, a safe autofluorescent biomolecule. The proposed setup is composed of a commercial aerosol generator commonly used for aerosol therapy, custom 3D printed aerosol chamber and sample holder, a filter for downstream riboflavin detection and a vacuum pump. The filtration efficiency of four different masks was assessed using the riboflavin-based setup and the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). The averaged filtration efficiency values, measured with both methods, were similar but were higher for the riboflavin-based setup (about 2% for all tested samples) than bacterial filtration efficiency. Considering the good correlation, the riboflavin-based setup can be considered validated as an alternative method to bacterial filtration efficiency for masks and related materials fabrics filtration efficiency screening but This study aims to develop a novel method for a preliminary screening of masks or materials filtration efficiency by a green, easy and rapid setup based on the use of a riboflavin solution, a safe autofluorescent biomolecule, but not to replace regulation approaches. The proposed setup can be easily implemented at low price, is more rapid and eco-friendly and can be performed in chemical-physical laboratories without the needing of biosafety laboratory and specialised operators.
Formations of force network and softening of amorphous elastic materials from a coarsen-grained particle model
Authors: Kurita Rei , Tamura Yuto , Tani Marie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAmorphous materials, such as granular substances, glasses, emulsions, foams, and cells, play significant roles in various aspects of daily life, serving as building materials, plastics, food products, and agricultural items. Understanding the mechanical response of these materials to external forces is crucial for comprehending their deformation, toughness, and stiffness. Despite the recognition of the formation of force networks within amorphous materials, the mechanisms behind their formation and their impact on macroscopic physical properties remain elusive. In this study, we employ a coarse-grained particle model to investigate the mechanical response, wherein local physical properties are integrated into the softness of the particles. Our findings reveal the emergence of a chain-like force distribution, which correlates with the planar distribution of softness and heterogeneous density variations. Additionally, we observe that the amorphous material undergoes softening due to the heterogeneous distribution of softness, a phenomenon explicable through a simple theoretical framework. Moreover, we demonstrate that the ambiguity regarding the size ratio of the blob to the force network can be adjusted by the amplitude of planar fluctuations in softness, underscoring the robustness of the coarse-grained particle model.