bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetris-inspired detector with neural network for radiation mapping
Authors: Okabe Ryotaro , Xue Shangjie , Vavrek Jayson R. , Yu Jiankai , Pavlovsky Ryan , Negut Victor , Quiter Brian J. , Cates Joshua W. , Liu Tongtong , Forget Benoit , Jegelka Stefanie , Kohse Gordon , Hu Lin-wen , Li Mingda 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRadiation mapping has attracted widespread research attention and increased public concerns on environmental monitoring. Regarding materials and their configurations, radiation detectors have been developed to identify the position and strength of the radioactive sources. However, due to the complex mechanisms of radiation-matter interaction and data limitation, high-performance and low-cost radiation mapping is still challenging. Here, we present a radiation mapping framework using Tetris-inspired detector pixels. Applying inter-pixel padding for enhancing contrast between pixels and neural networks trained with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation data, a detector with as few as four pixels can achieve high-resolution directional prediction. A moving detector with Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) further achieved radiation position localization. Field testing with a simple detector has verified the capability of the MAP method for source localization. Our framework offers an avenue for high-quality radiation mapping with simple detector configurations and is anticipated to be deployed for real-world radiation detection.
Carbon dioxide capture and functionalization by bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)-borylene complexes
Authors: Fan Jun , Koh An-Ping , Wu Chi-Shiun , Su Ming-Der , So Cheuk-Wai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDerivatives of free monocoordinated borylenes have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to exhibit transition-metal-like reactivity, in particular small molecules capture. However, such complexes are rare as the formation is either endergonic, or the resulting adduct is a transient intermediate that is prone to reaction. Here, we present the synthesis of two bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)-borylene complexes capable of capturing and functionalizing carbon dioxide. The capture and subsequent functionalization of CO2 by the bis(NHC)-disilylamidoborylene 1 is demonstrated by the formation of the bis(NHC)-isocyanatoborylene-carbon dioxide complex 3. Reversible capture of CO2 is observed using the bis(NHC)-mesitylborylene 2, and the persistent bis(NHC)-mesitylborylene-carbon dioxide adduct 4 can be stabilized by hydrogen bonding with boric acid. The reactions of 4 with ammonia-borane and aniline demonstrate that the captured CO2 can be further functionalized.
Prey killing without invasion by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus defective for a MIDAS-family adhesin
Authors: Tyson Jess , Radford Paul , Lambert Carey , Till Rob , Huwiler Simona G. , Lovering Andrew L. , Elizabeth Sockett R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a predator of other Gram-negative bacteria. The predator invades the prey’s periplasm and modifies the prey’s cell wall, forming a rounded killed prey, or bdelloplast, containing a live B. bacteriovorus. Redundancy in adhesive processes makes invasive mutants rare. Here, we identify a MIDAS adhesin family protein, Bd0875, that is expressed at the predator-prey invasive junction and is important for successful invasion of prey. A mutant strain lacking bd0875 is still able to form round, dead bdelloplasts; however, 10% of the bdelloplasts do not contain B. bacteriovorus, indicative of an invasion defect. Bd0875 activity requires the conserved MIDAS motif, which is linked to catch-and-release activity of MIDAS proteins in other organisms. A proteomic analysis shows that the uninvaded bdelloplasts contain B. bacteriovorus proteins, which are likely secreted into the prey by the Δbd0875 predator during an abortive invasion period. Thus, secretion of proteins into the prey seems to be sufficient for prey killing, even in the absence of a live predator inside the prey periplasm.
Transplantation of gut microbiota derived from patients with schizophrenia induces schizophrenia-like behaviors and dysregulated brain transcript response in mice
Authors: Wei Nana , Ju Mingliang , Su Xichen , Zhang Yan , Huang Yonghe , Rao Xinyue , Cui Li , Lin Zhibing , Dong Yi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSchizophrenia (SCZ), as a neurodevelopmental disorder and devastating disease, affects approximately 1% of the world population. Although numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the causes of SCZ occurrence, it is not clearly understood. Recently, the emerging roles of the gut microbiota in a range of brain disorders, including SCZ, have attracted much attention. While the molecular mechanism of gut microbiota in regulating the pathogenesis of SCZ is still lacking. Here, we first confirmed the difference of gut microbiome between SCZ patients and healthy controls, and then, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to clarify the roles of SCZ patients-derived microbiota in a specific pathogen free (SPF) mice model. 16 S rDNA sequencing confirmed that a significant difference of gut microbiome was present between two groups of FMT mice, which has a similar trend with the above human gut microbiome. Furthermore, we found that transplantation of fecal microbiota from SCZ patients into SPF mice was sufficient to induce schizophrenia-like (SCZ-like) symptoms, such as deficits in sociability and hyperactivity. Furthermore, the brains of mice colonized with SCZ microbiota displayed dysregulated transcript response and alternative splicing of SCZ-relevant genes. Moreover, 10 key genes were identified to be correlated with SCZ by an integrative transcriptome data analysis. Finally, 4 key genes were identified to be correlated with the 12 differential genera between two groups of FMT mice. Our results thus demonstrated that the gut microbiome might modify the transcriptomic profile in the brain, thereby modulating social behavior, and our present study can help better understand the link between gut microbiota and SCZ pathogenesis through the gut-brain axis.
Three million images and morphological profiles of cells treated with matched chemical and genetic perturbations
Authors: Chandrasekaran Srinivas Niranj , Cimini Beth A. , Goodale Amy , Miller Lisa , Kost-Alimova Maria , Jamali Nasim , Doench John G. , Fritchman Briana , Skepner Adam , Melanson Michelle , Kalinin Alexandr A. , Arevalo John , Haghighi Marzieh , Caicedo Juan C. , Kuhn Daniel , Hernandez Desiree , Berstler James , Shafqat-Abbasi Hamdah , Root David E. , Swalley Susanne E. , Garg Sakshi , Singh Shantanu , Carpenter Anne E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe identification of genetic and chemical perturbations with similar impacts on cell morphology can elucidate compounds’ mechanisms of action or novel regulators of genetic pathways. Research on methods for identifying such similarities has lagged due to a lack of carefully designed and well-annotated image sets of cells treated with chemical and genetic perturbations. Here we create such a Resource dataset, CPJUMP1, in which each perturbed gene’s product is a known target of at least two chemical compounds in the dataset. We systematically explore the directionality of correlations among perturbations that target the same protein encoded by a given gene, and we find that identifying matches between chemical and genetic perturbations is a challenging task. Our dataset and baseline analyses provide a benchmark for evaluating methods that measure perturbation similarities and impact, and more generally, learn effective representations of cellular state from microscopy images. Such advancements would accelerate the applications of image-based profiling of cellular states, such as uncovering drug mode of action or probing functional genomics.
Ginkgolic acid inhibits orthopneumo- and metapneumo- virus infectivity
Authors: Luck Maria I. , Subillaga Erick J. , Borenstein Ronen , Sabo Yosef 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are important human respiratory pathogens from the Pneumoviridae family. Both are responsible for severe respiratory tract infections in infants, young children, elderly individuals, adults with chronic medical conditions, and immunocompromised patients. Despite their large impact on human health, vaccines for hRSV were only recently introduced, and only limited treatment options exist. Here we show that Ginkgolic acid (GA), a natural compound from the extract of Ginkgo biloba, with known antiviral properties for several viruses, efficiently inhibits these viruses’ infectivity and spread in cultures in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate that the drug specifically affects the entry step during the early stages on the viruses’ life cycle with no effect on post-entry and late stage events, including viral gene transcription, genome replication, assembly and particles release. We provide evidence that GA acts as an efficient antiviral for members of the Pneumoviridae family and has the potential to be used to treat acute infections.
A tripe diffusion bioconvective model for thixotropic nanofluid with applications of induced magnetic field
Authors: Albedah Mohammed A. , Li Zhixiong , Tlili Iskander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOwing to enhanced thermal characteristics of nanomaterials, multidisciplinary applications of such particles have been utilized in the industrial and engineering processes, chemical systems, solar energy, extrusion processes, nuclear systems etc. The aim of current work is to suggests the thermal performances of thixotropic nanofluid with interaction of magnetic force. The suspension of microorganisms in thixotropic nanofluid is assumed. The investigation is further supported with the triple diffusion flow. The motivations for considering the triple diffusion phenomenon are associated to attaining more thermal applications. The flow pattern is subject to novel stagnation point flow. The convective thermal constraints are incorporated. The modeled problem is numerically evaluated by using shooting technique. Different consequences of physical parameters involving the problem are graphically attributed. The insight analysis is presented for proposed problem with different engineering applications. It is claimed that induced magnetic field enhanced due to magnetic parameter while declining results are observed for thixotropic parameter. The heat transfer enhances due to variation of Dufour number. Furthermore, low profile of nanoparticles concentration has been observed for thixotropic parameter and nano-Lewis number.
Polysacharide of Agaricus blazei gel mitigates bone necrosis in model of the jaws related to bisphosphonate via Wnt signaling
Authors: Costa de Sousa Vanessa , Nunes Sousa Fátima Regina , Felipe Vasconcelos Raquel , Angelino Barreto Gisele , Martins Conceição S. , Romero Dias Nilson , Costa Sislana , Chaves Bernardino Maria Jennifer , de Almeida Silva George , Linhares Nadine , Gondim Delane , Marques Mirna , Chaves Helliada , Alves Karuza , Leitão Renata , Brito Gerly A. C. , Nobre Pinho Ribeiro Maria Elenir , Goes Paula 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo investigate de effect of PAb gel on the bone tissue of rats submitted to Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Initially, 54 animals were submitted to BRONJ model by Zoledronic Acid (ZA) (0.1 mg/kg 3x/wk for 9 wk, ip), followed by the 1st upper left molar extraction at the 8th wk. After tooth removal, the animals were divided into 3 groups, ZA that received placebo gel or PAb gel that received 1% PAb gel, inside the dental alveolus. The control Group (CONTROL) received 0.1 mg/kg of 0.9% saline and then placebo gel. Three weeks after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized, and maxillae were colleted for macroscopic, radiographic, histological and Raman spectomery assays. Additionally, GSK3b, beta-catenin, and Runx2 mRNA expressions were determined. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) levels. PAb gel improved mucosal healing, increased the number of viable osteocytes, while it reduced the number of empty lacunae, as well as the amount of bone sequestration. Furthermore, PAb gel positively influenced the number and functionality of osteoblasts by stimulating Wnt signaling, thereby inducing bone remodeling. Additionally, PAb gel contributed to improved bone quality, as evidenced by an increase in bone mineral content, a decrease in bone solubility, and an enhancement in the quality of collagen, particularly type I collagen. PAb gel mitigated bone necrosis by stimulating of bone remodeling through Wnt signaling and concurrently improved bone quality. PAb gel emerges as a promising pharmacological tool for aiding in BRONJ therapy or potentially preventing the development of BRONJ.
A secure and highly efficient blockchain PBFT consensus algorithm for microgrid power trading
Authors: Yao Zhongyuan , Fang Yonghao , Pan Heng , Wang Xiangyang , Si Xueming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere are a series of challenges in microgrid transactions, and blockchain technology holds the promise of addressing these challenges. However, with the increasing number of users in microgrid transactions, existing blockchain systems may struggle to meet the growing demands for transactions. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient and secure blockchain consensus algorithm designed to meet the demands of large-scale microgrid electricity transactions. The algorithm begins by utilizing a Spectral clustering algorithm to partition the blockchain network into different lower-level consensus set based on the transaction characteristics of nodes. Subsequently, a dual-layer consensus process is employed to enhance the efficiency of consensus. Additionally, we have designed a secure consensus set leader election strategy to promptly identify leaders with excellent performance. Finally, we have introduced an authentication method that combines zero-knowledge proofs and key sharing to further mitigate the risk of malicious nodes participating in the consensus. Theoretical analysis indicates that our proposed consensus algorithm, incorporating multiple layers of security measures, effectively withstands blockchain attacks such as denial of service. Simulation experiment results demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms similar blockchain algorithms significantly in terms of communication overhead, consensus latency, and throughput.
The role of stroke-induced immunosuppression as a predictor of functional outcome in the neurorehabilitation setting
Authors: Vaghi Gloria , Morotti Andrea , Piella Elisa Maria , Avenali Micol , Martinelli Daniele , Cristina Silvano , Allena Marta , Grillo Valentina , Corrado Michele , Bighiani Federico , Cammarota Francescantonio , Antoniazzi Alessandro , Ferrari Federica , Mazzacane Federico , Cavallini Anna , Pichiecchio Anna , Rognone Elisa , Martinis Luca , Correale Luca , Castiglia Stefano Filippo , Trabassi Dante , Serrao Mariano , Tassorelli Cristina , De Icco Roberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStroke affects the interconnection between the nervous and immune systems, leading to a down-regulation of immunity called stroke-induced immunosuppression (SII). The primary aim of this study is to investigate SII role as a predictor of functional, neurological, and motor outcomes in the neurorehabilitation setting (NRB). We conducted a prospective observational study enrolling post-acute stroke patients hospitalized for neurorehabilitation. At NRB admission (T0) and discharge (T1), we assessed presence of SII (defined by a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 5) and we evaluated functional independence (Functional Independence Measure-FIM, Barthel Index-BI), motor performances (Tinetti Score, Hauser Ambulation Index) and neurological impairment (NIHSS). We enrolled 96 patients (45.8% females, 70.6 ± 13.9 years, 88.5% ischemic stroke). At T0, 15.6% of patients (15/96) had SII. When compared to immunocompetent patients (IC), the SII group was characterized by worse baseline functional independence, motor performances and neurological disability. The same was confirmed at T1 (FIM p = 0.012, BI p = 0.007, Tinetti p = 0.034, NIHSS p = 0.001). Neurological disability demonstrated a less pronounced improvement in SII (ΔNIHSS: SII: − 2.1 ± 2.3 vs. IC: − 3.1 ± 2.5, p = 0.035). SII group presented a higher percentage of infectious complications during the neurorehabilitation period (SII 80% vs. IC 25.9%; p = 0.001). SII may represent a negative prognostic factor in the neurorehabilitation setting. SII patients were characterized by poorer functional, motor, neurological performances and higher risk of infectious complications. ClinicaTrial registration: NCT05889169.
Utility of accessible SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoassays in vaccinated adults with a history of advanced HIV infection
Authors: Ferrari Ludovica , Ruggiero Alessandra , Stefani Chiara , Benedetti Livia , Piermatteo Lorenzo , Andreassi Eleonora , Caldara Federica , Zace Drieda , Pagliari Matteo , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Jones Christopher , Iannetta Marco , Geretti Anna Maria ,   The EVAN-COV Study Group, Ansaldo Lorenzo , Bertoli Ada , Bonfante Francesco , Braccialarghe Neva , Checchi Davide , Compagno Mirko , De Simone Giuseppe , Geretti Anna Maria , Grelli Sandro , Meloni Diletta , Mulas Tiziana , Piermatteo Lorenzo , Sarmati Loredana , Teti Elisabetta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccessible SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoassays may inform clinical management in people with HIV, particularly in case of persisting immunodysfunction. We prospectively studied their application in vaccine recipients with HIV, purposely including participants with a history of advanced HIV infection. Participants received one (n = 250), two (n = 249) or three (n = 42) doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Adverse events were documented through questionnaires. Sample collection occurred pre-vaccination and a median of 4 weeks post-second dose and 14 weeks post-third dose. Anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were measured with the Roche Elecsys chemiluminescence immunoassays. Neutralising activity was evaluated using the GenScript cPass surrogate virus neutralisation test, following validation against a Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test. T-cell reactivity was assessed with the Roche SARS-CoV-2 IFNγ release assay. Primary vaccination (2 doses) was well tolerated and elicited measurable anti-spike antibodies in 202/206 (98.0%) participants. Anti-spike titres varied widely, influenced by previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure, ethnicity, intravenous drug use, CD4 counts and HIV viremia as independent predictors. A third vaccine dose significantly boosted anti-spike and neutralising responses, reducing variability. Anti-spike titres > 15 U/mL correlated with neutralising activity in 136/144 paired samples (94.4%). Three participants with detectable anti-S antibodies did not develop cPass neutralising responses post-third dose, yet displayed SARS-CoV-2 specific IFNγ responses. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is well-tolerated and immunogenic in adults with HIV, with responses improving post-third dose. Anti-spike antibodies serve as a reliable indicator of neutralising activity. Discordances between anti-spike and neutralising responses were accompanied by detectable IFN-γ responses, underlining the complexity of the immune response in this population.
The oral cavity and intestinal microbiome in children with functional constipation
Authors: Kwiatkowska Monika , Gołębiewski Marcin , Sikora Marcin , Rycharska Ewa Łoś , Krogulska Aneta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConstipation is a widespread problem in paediatric practice, affecting almost 30% of children. One of the key causal factors of constipation may be disturbances in the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal microbiome. The aim of the study was to determine whether the oral and fecal microbiomes differ between children with and without constipation. A total of 91 children over three years of age were included in the study. Of these, 57 were qualified to a group with constipation, and 34 to a group without. The saliva and stool microbiomes were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Functional constipation was associated with characteristic bacterial taxa in the fecal microbiota. Statistically significant differences were found at the family level: Burkholderiaceae (q = 0.047), Christensenellaceae (q = 0.047), Chlostridiaceae (q = 0.047) were significantly less abundant in the constipation group, while the Tannerellaceae (q = 0.007) were more abundant. At the genus level, the significant differences were observed for rare genera, including Christensenellaceae r-7 (q = 2.88 × 10−2), Fusicatenibacter (q = 2.88 × 10−2), Parabacteroides (q = 1.63 × 10−2), Romboutsia (q = 3.19 × 10−2) and Subdoligranulum (q = 1.17 × 10−2). All of them were less abundant in children with constipation. With the exception of significant taxonomic changes affecting only feces, no differences were found in the alpha and beta diversity of feces and saliva. Children with functional constipation demonstrated significant differences in the abundance of specific bacteria in the stool microbiome compared to healthy children. It is possible that the rare genera identified in our study which were less abundant in the constipated patients (Christensellaceae r-7, Fusicatenibacter, Parabacteroides, Romboutsia and Subdoligranulum) may play a role in protection against constipation. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to the saliva microbiome.
Impaired recognition of interactive intentions in adults with autism spectrum disorder not attributable to differences in visual attention or coordination via eye contact and joint attention
Authors: Jording Mathis , Hartz Arne , Vogel David H. V. , Schulte-Rüther Martin , Vogeley Kai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAltered nonverbal communication patterns especially with regard to gaze interactions are commonly reported for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study we investigate and differentiate for the first time the interplay of attention allocation, the establishment of shared focus (eye contact and joint attention) and the recognition of intentions in gaze interactions in adults with ASD compared to control persons. Participants interacted via gaze with a virtual character (VC), who they believed was controlled by another person. Participants were instructed to ascertain whether their partner was trying to interact with them. In fact, the VC was fully algorithm-controlled and showed either interactive or non-interactive gaze behavior. Participants with ASD were specifically impaired in ascertaining whether their partner was trying to interact with them or not as compared to participants without ASD whereas neither the allocation of attention nor the ability to establish a shared focus were affected. Thus, perception and production of gaze cues seem preserved while the evaluation of gaze cues appeared to be impaired. An additional exploratory analysis suggests that especially the interpretation of contingencies between the interactants’ actions are altered in ASD and should be investigated more closely.