bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidized alginate-gelatin (ADA-GEL)/silk fibroin/Cu-Ag doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle-based hydrogels for potential wound care treatments
Authors: Akhtar Memoona , Nazneen Arooba , Awais Muhammad , Hussain Rabia , Khan Ahmad , Irfan Muhammad , Avcu Egemen , Ur Rehman Muhammad Atiq , Boccaccini Aldo R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present work focuses on developing 5% w/v oxidized alginate (alginate di aldehyde, ADA)-7.5% w/v gelatin (GEL) hydrogels incorporating 0.25% w/v silk fibroin (SF) and loaded with 0.3% w/v Cu-Ag doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Cu-Ag MBGNs). The microstructural, mechanical, and biological properties of the composite hydrogels were characterized in detail. The porous microstructure of the developed ADA-GEL based hydrogels was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, while the presence of Cu-Ag MBGNs in the synthesized hydrogels was determined using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The incorporation of 0.3% w/v Cu-Ag MBGNs reduced the mechanical properties of the synthesized hydrogels, as investigated using micro-tensile testing. The synthesized ADA-GEL loaded with 0.25% w/v SF and 0.3% w/v Cu-Ag MBGNs showed a potent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cellular studies using the NIH3T3-E1 fibroblast cell line confirmed that ADA-GEL films incorporated with 0.3% w/v Cu-Ag MBGNs exhibited promising cellular viability as compared to pure ADA-GEL (determined by WST-8 assay). The addition of SF improved the biocompatibility, degradation rate, moisturizing effects, and stretchability of the developed hydrogels, as determined in vitro. Such multimaterial hydrogels can stimulate angiogenesis and exhibit desirable antibacterial properties. Therefore further (in vivo) tests are justified to assess the hydrogels’ potential for wound dressing and skin tissue healing applications.
Association of exposure to extreme rainfall events with cause-specific mortality in North Carolina, US
Authors: Chan Kevin , Ban Jie , Ma Yiqun , Chen Kai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Extreme rainfall events could influence human health. However, the associations between extreme rainfall events and mortality remain rarely explored. Here, we conducted a time-series study using county-level mortality data in North Carolina during 2015–2018 to estimate the associations between extreme rainfall events and cause-specific mortality. We defined an extreme rainfall event as a day when a county’s daily total precipitation exceeded the 95th percentile of daily rainfall measurements from all of North Carolina’s counties during the study period. We employed a two-stage analysis where we first estimated the associations for each county and then used the estimates to obtain the state-wide associations by meta-analysis. Exposure to an extreme rainfall event was significantly associated with an increase in total, non-accidental, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and external mortality by 2.24% (95% CI: 0.67%, 3.83%), 2.38% (95% CI: 0.76%, 4.03%), 3.60% (95% CI: 0.69%, 6.60%), 6.58% (95% CI: 1.59%, 11.82%), and 6.92% (95% CI: 1.28%, 12.86%), respectively. We did not find significant differences in the mortality risks within age, sex, or race groups or by seasonality. Our findings suggest that extreme rainfall events may trigger the risk of mortality, especially from non-accidental diseases such as respiratory mortality.
Archetypes of community-based pond aquaculture in Indonesia: applying the social-ecological systems framework to examine sustainability tradeoffs
Authors: Nagel Ben , Buhari Nurliah , Partelow Stefan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We analyze archetypes of farmer groups conducting pond aquaculture across the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia using Ostrom’s social-ecological systems framework. Pond aquaculture farmers share coastal irrigation infrastructure as common property, among other resources, and are encouraged by the government to organize into groups with varying sets of evolved rules, norms, social practices and environmental conditions shaping what they produce, how and how much. Yet little is known about the diversity of these pond aquaculture communities, or what factors—both social and ecological—shape production trends and sustainability outcomes. We designed a standardized survey to collect data on 26 indicators from 85 diverse community-based fish farmer groups across the province. Data included indicators on ownership, rules, history, production trends, demographics, government involvement, livelihood dependence, environmental characteristics and risks. Clustering analysis was applied to identify five unique archetypes of pond aquaculture communities, each distinguished by a different set of development challenges and opportunities. Our findings highlight the need to move beyond a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy approach. We suggest moving towards a locally adapted capacity building strategy that can recognize contextual needs so that policy programs can better target and differentiate between farmer groups that face similar challenges. We further discuss how empowering collective action among the farmers can reduce risks associated with producing blue food for local consumption and regional markets.
Enhanced solar and wind potential during widespread temperature extremes across the U.S. interconnected energy grids
Authors: Singh Deepti , Bekris Yianna S , Rogers Cassandra D W , Doss-Gollin James , Coffel Ethan D , Kalashnikov Dmitri A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Several recent widespread temperature extremes across the United States (U.S.) have been associated with power outages, disrupting access to electricity at times that are critical for the health and well-being of communities. Building resilience to such extremes in our energy infrastructure needs a comprehensive understanding of their spatial and temporal characteristics. In this study, we systematically quantify the frequency, extent, duration, and intensity of widespread temperature extremes and their associated energy demand in the six North American Electric Reliability Corporation regions using ERA5 reanalysis data. We show that every region has experienced hot or cold extremes that affected nearly their entire extent and such events were associated with substantially higher energy demand, resulting in simultaneous stress across the entire electric gird. The western U.S. experienced significant increases in the frequency (123%), extent (32%), duration (55%) and intensity (29%) of hot extremes and Texas experienced significant increases in the frequency (132%) of hot extremes. The frequency of cold extremes has decreased across most regions without substantial changes in other characteristics. Using power outage data, we show that recent widespread extremes in nearly every region have coincided with power outages, and such outages account for between 12%–52% of all weather-related outages in the past decade depending on the region. Importantly, we find that solar potential is significantly higher during widespread hot extremes in all six regions and during widespread cold extremes in five of the six regions. Further, wind potential is significantly higher during widespread hot or cold extremes in at least three regions. Our findings indicate that increased solar and wind capacity could be leveraged to meet the higher demand for energy during such widespread extremes, improving the resilience and reliability of our energy systems in addition to limiting carbon emissions.
On a problem due to Glasser on analytically tractable moments
Authors: Campbell John M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Glasser, in 2011, introduced a remarkable integral identity of physical interest and suggested that the evaluation

∫

0

1

/

2

k

K

2

(
k
)

d

k
=

π
G

4

provides the unique analytically tractable moment of K
2 on a sub-unit interval, where K denotes the complete elliptic integral of the first kind, and where

G
=

1

1
2

−

1

3
2

+

1

5
2

−
⋯

denotes Catalan’s constant. We show how a case of Clausen’s product identity related to Ramanujan’s series for

1
π

may be applied, via an integration argument derived from our past work in fractional analysis and Fourier–Legendre theory, to show how higher moments of K
2 on the same sub-unit interval may be evaluated analytically in terms of the Γ-function. This and Glasser’s moment formula are motivated by how closely related moment formulas for powers of K arise in the study of Feynman diagrams.
High transmission of circularly polarized light and circular dichroism with all-dielectric metamaterial
Authors: Du Jian , Chen Wenhao , Zhang Hanbin , Wang Hancheng , Gao Zhujun , Xu Kaicheng , Tong Jiaming , Wang Jin , Xue Junjun , Zhi Ting , Tao Tao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The optical chirality of metamaterials gives birth to distinct responses of left circularly polarized (LCP) and right circularly polarized (RCP) light, leading to asymmetric transmission and circular dichroism (CD) of circularly polarized light. In this work, meta-atom structure composed of square and semicircular combinations were designed, which exhibits extreme high ratio of transmission, reflection and CD values in blue light range. In compare to other reported structures, the structure composed of semicircular and square combinations can achieve better asymmetric transmission. At the wavelength of 460 nm, the incident LCP light can be mostly converted to RCP light, and the incident RCP light can be almost completely reflected. Furthermore, the geometric phase can be controlled by designing the orientation angle of the meta-atom, and the metamaterial can function under any linear or circular polarization and achieving the regulation of the light field. The designed metamaterial provides promising insights into the high CD and possible applications in optical integrated devices, such as anomalously refracted, focusing, and holograms, etc.
Carbon nanotube integrated circuit technology: purification, assembly and integration
Authors: Cui Jianlei , Wei Fengqi , Mei Xuesong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As the manufacturing process of silicon-based integrated circuits (ICs) approaches its physical limit, the quantum effect of silicon-based field-effect transistors (FETs) has become increasingly evident. And the burgeoning carbon-based semiconductor technology has become one of the most disruptive technologies in the post-Moore era. As one-dimensional nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are far superior to silicon at the same technology nodes of FETs because of their excellent electrical transport and scaling properties, rendering them the most competitive material in the next-generation ICs technology. However, certain challenges impede the industrialization of CNTs, particularly in terms of material preparation, which significantly hinders the development of CNT-based ICs. Focusing on CNT-based ICs technology, this review summarizes its main technical status, development trends, existing challenges, and future development directions.
Adjustment for Renal Function Improves the Prognostic Performance of Urinary Thromboxane Metabolites
Authors: Barton Bruce A , Kronsberg Shari S , Hariri Essa , Vasan Ramachandran S , Rade Grace A , Xanthakis Vanessa , Kickler Thomas S , Rade Jeffrey J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Systemic thromboxane A2 generation, assessed by quantifying the concentration of stable thromboxane B2 metabolites (TXB2-M) in the urine adjusted for urinary creatinine, is strongly associated with mortality risk. We sought to define optimal TXB2-M cutpoints for aspirin users and nonusers and determine if adjusting TXB2-M for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in addition to urinary creatinine improved mortality risk assessment.

Methods
Urinary TXB2-M were measured by competitive ELISA in 1363 aspirin users and 1681 nonusers participating in the Framingham Heart Study. Cutpoints were determined for TXB2-M and TXB2-M/eGFR using log-rank statistics and used to assess mortality risk by Cox proportional hazard modeling and restricted mean survival time. Multivariable models were compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). A cohort of 105 aspirin users with heart failure was used for external validation.

Results
Optimized cutpoints of TXB2-M were 1291 and 5609 pg/mg creatinine and of TXB2-M/eGFR were 16.6 and 62.1 filtered prostanoid units (defined as pg·min/creatinine·mL·1.73 m2), for aspirin users and nonusers, respectively. TXB2-M/eGFR cutpoints provided more robust all-cause mortality risk discrimination than TXB2-M cutpoints, with a larger unadjusted hazard ratio (2.88 vs 2.16, AIC P &lt; 0.0001) and greater differences in restricted mean survival time between exposure groups (1.46 vs 1.10 years), findings that were confirmed in the external validation cohort of aspirin users. TXB2-M/eGFR cutpoints also provided better cardiovascular/stroke mortality risk discrimination than TXB2-M cutpoints (unadjusted hazard ratio 3.31 vs 2.13, AIC P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
Adjustment for eGFR strengthens the association of urinary TXB2-M with long-term mortality risk irrespective of aspirin use.
Autophagy markers are decreased in bone of osteoporotic patients: a monocentric comparative study
Authors: Trojani Marie-Charlotte , Clavé Arnaud , Bereder Isabelle , Camuzard Olivier , Bernard De Dompsure Régis , Gonzalez Jean-François , Trojani Christophe , Santucci-Darmanin Sabine , Carle Georges F , Breuil Véronique , Pierrefite-Carle Valérie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Osteoporosis (OP) is a pathology characterized by bone fragility affecting 30% of postmenopausal women, mainly due to estrogen deprivation and increased oxidative stress. An autophagy involvement is suspected in OP pathogenesis but a definitive proof in humans remains to be obtained.

Methods
Postmenopausal women hospitalized for femoral neck fracture (OP group) or total hip replacement (Control group) were enrolled using very strict exclusion criteria. Western blot was used to analyze autophagy level.

Results
The protein expression level of the autophagosome marker LC3-II was significantly decreased in bone of OP patients relative to the control group. In addition, the protein expression of the hormonally upregulated neu-associated kinase (HUNK), which is upregulated by female hormones and promotes autophagy, was also significantly reduced in bone of the OP group.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate for the first time that postmenopausal OP patients have a deficit in bone autophagy level and suggest that HUNK could be the factor linking estrogen loss and autophagy decline.

Clinical trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03175874, 2/6/2017.
The evolution of seminal fluid gene expression and postmating reproductive isolation in Drosophila
Authors: Flacchi Carolina , Capri Nicole , Civetta Alberto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Seminal fluid protein (Sfp) genes show, in general, a higher rate of sequence divergence than genes from other categories, which is often attributed to forms of postcopulatory sexual selection or sexual conflict. Recently, the relaxation of selective constraints has been proposed as an alternative explanation for the rapid sequence evolution of Sfps and other genes with sex-limited expression. The expression of Sfp genes is a likely target of selection, but the evolution of differences in their expression levels is less understood. Here, we explore both polymorphism and divergence in Sfp gene expression between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, how selection might have influenced their expression, and whether changes in expression might trigger the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers. In our analysis, Sfp genes showed higher divergence, but not higher polymorphism, in expression than the average male reproductive glands gene. Sfp genes with reproductive-tissue-specific expression were enriched for both directional and stabilizing selection, while relaxed selection was the predominant mode of evolution among Sfp genes with any other nonreproductive tissue-specific or nontissue-specific expression. The knockdown of single genes known to affect intraspecific sperm competition, and with patterns of expression divergence and polymorphism suggestive of directional selection, was not enough to break down postmating reproductive isolation barriers between species. Our results identify the expression of male-specific Sfp genes as an enriched target of selection and suggest a complex molecular relationship between postcopulatory sexual selection on a single gene’s expression and its effect on the onset of speciation.
Genetic variation in parasite avoidance, yet no evidence for constitutive fitness costs
Authors: Amoroso Caroline R , Shepard Leila L , Gibson Amanda K 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Behavioral avoidance of parasites is a widespread strategy among animal hosts and in human public health. Avoidance has repercussions for both individual and population-level infection risk. Although most cases of parasite avoidance are viewed as adaptive, there is little evidence that the basic assumptions of evolution by natural selection are met. This study addresses this gap by testing whether there is a heritable variation in parasite avoidance behavior. We quantified behavioral avoidance of the bacterial parasite Serratia marcescens for 12 strains of the nematode host Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that these strains varied in their magnitude of avoidance, and we estimated the broad-sense heritability of this behavior to be in the range of 11%–26%. We then asked whether avoidance carries a constitutive fitness cost. We did not find evidence of one. Rather, strains with higher avoidance had higher fitness, measured as population growth rate. Together, these results direct future theoretical and empirical work to identify the forces maintaining genetic variation in parasite avoidance.
Life at the borderlands: microbiomes of interfaces critical to One Health
Authors: Law Simon R , Mathes Falko , Paten Amy M , Alexandre Pamela A , Regmi Roshan , Reid Cameron , Safarchi Azadeh , Shaktivesh Shaktivesh , Wang Yanan , Wilson Annaleise , Rice Scott A , Gupta Vadakattu V S R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Microbiomes are foundational components of the environment that provide essential services relating to food security, carbon sequestration, human health, and the overall well-being of ecosystems. Microbiota exert their effects primarily through complex interactions at interfaces with their plant, animal, and human hosts, as well as within the soil environment. This review aims to explore the ecological, evolutionary, and molecular processes governing the establishment and function of microbiome–host relationships, specifically at interfaces critical to One Health—a transdisciplinary framework that recognizes that the health outcomes of people, animals, plants, and the environment are tightly interconnected. Within the context of One Health, the core principles underpinning microbiome assembly will be discussed in detail, including biofilm formation, microbial recruitment strategies, mechanisms of microbial attachment, community succession, and the effect these processes have on host function and health. Finally, this review will catalogue recent advances in microbiology and microbial ecology methods that can be used to profile microbial interfaces, with particular attention to multi-omic, advanced imaging, and modelling approaches. These technologies are essential for delineating the general and specific principles governing microbiome assembly and functions, mapping microbial interconnectivity across varying spatial and temporal scales, and for the establishment of predictive frameworks that will guide the development of targeted microbiome-interventions to deliver One Health outcomes.
Our Life Is a Rollercoaster! A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring the Impact of IBD on Family Members
Authors: Thapwong Parichat , Norton Christine , Rowland Emma , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts patients and their families. To provide support, understanding the effects on the wider family is crucial. However, limited research exists on the impact of IBD on family members of adults diagnosed with IBD. This study addresses this knowledge gap.

Methods
Underpinned by interpretive phenomenology, this study used in-depth, semi-structured online interviews to explore relatives’ experiences. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results
Forty-three purposively selected interviewees comprising 17 people with IBD and 26 family members (parents, children, siblings, and partners) revealed 3 main themes: (1) “life is a rollercoaster,” (2) “there have been a lot of bridges to cross along the way,” and (3) “my life would be better if…” Participants highlighted that IBD has both positive and negative impacts on family members in terms of emotional well-being, relationship, roles and responsibilities, day-to-day burden, and sibling suffering. Some employed adaptive coping strategies such as creating social networks and open communication, while others relied on maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and alcohol abuse. Family members expressed the need for proactive communication, information, and support from healthcare professionals.

Conclusions
IBD affects the emotional and psychosocial well-being of family members, eliciting both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Healthcare professionals need to adopt a holistic approach to managing IBD that considers the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by individuals and their families.
Comparison of Fecal Calprotectin and Myeloperoxidase in Predicting Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Swaminathan A , Borichevsky G M , Frampton C M , Day A S , Hampton M B , Kettle A J , Gearry R B 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Biomarkers have been proposed as surrogate treatment targets for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their relationship with IBD-related complications remains unclear. This study investigated the utility of neutrophil biomarkers fecal calprotectin (fCal) and fecal myeloperoxidase (fMPO) in predicting a complicated IBD course.

Methods
Participants with IBD were followed for 24 months to assess for a complicated IBD course (incident corticosteroid use, medication escalation for clinical disease relapse, IBD-related hospitalizations/surgeries). Clinically active IBD was defined as Harvey-Bradshaw index &gt;4 for Crohn’s disease (CD) and simple clinical colitis activity index &gt;5 for ulcerative colitis (UC). Area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curves (AUROC) and multivariable logistic regression assessed the performance of baseline symptom indices, fCal, and fMPO in predicting a complicated disease IBD course at 24 months.

Results
One hundred and seventy-one participants were included (CD, n = 99; female, n = 90; median disease duration 13 years [interquartile range, 5-22]). Baseline fCal (250 μg/g; AUROC = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.84) and fMPO (12 μg/g; AUROC = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70-0.84) predicted a complicated IBD course. Fecal calprotectin (adjusted OR = 7.85; 95% CI, 3.38-18.26) and fMPO (adjusted OR = 4.43; 95% CI, 2.03-9.64) were associated with this end point after adjustment for other baseline variables including clinical disease activity. C-reactive protein (CRP) was inferior to fecal biomarkers and clinical symptoms (pdifference &lt; .05) at predicting a complicated IBD course. A combination of baseline CRP, fCal/fMPO, and clinical symptoms provided the greatest precision at identifying a complicated IBD course.

Conclusions
Fecal biomarkers are independent predictors of IBD-related outcomes and are useful adjuncts to routine clinical care.