bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asperosaponin VI facilitates the regeneration of skeletal muscle injury by suppressing GSK‐3β‐mediated cell apoptosis
Authors: Yang Xinru , Liang Jian , Shu Yue , Wei Linlin , Wen Cailing , Luo Hui , Ma Liqing , Qin Tian , Wang Bin , Zeng Siyu , Liu Ying , Zhou Chun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAsperosaponin VI (ASA VI) is a bioactive triterpenoid saponin extracted from Diptychus roots, of Diptyl, and has previously shown protective functions in rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis. This study investigates the effects and molecular mechanisms of ASA VI on skeletal muscle regeneration in a cardiotoxin (CTX)‐induced skeletal muscle injury mouse model. Mice were subjected to CTX‐induced injury in the tibialis anterior and C2C12 myotubes were treated with CTX. Muscle fiber histology was analyzed at 7 and 14 days postinjury. Apoptosis and autophagy‐related protein expression were evaluated t s by Western blot, and muscle regeneration markers were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Docking studies, cell viability assessments, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) activation analyses were performed to elucidate the mechanism. ASA VI was observed to improve muscle interstitial fibrosis, remodeling, and performance in CTX‐treated mice, thereby increased skeletal muscle size, weight, and locomotion. Furthermore, ASA VI modulated the expression of apoptosis and autophagy‐related proteins through GSK‐3β inhibition and activated the transcription of regeneration genes. Our results suggest that ASA VI mitigates skeletal muscle injury by modulating apoptosis and autophagy via GSK‐3β signaling and promotes regeneration, thus presenting a probable therapeutic agent for skeletal muscle injury.
Investigating inclusive professional engineering identity developmental patterns of first‐year engineering majors: A person‐centered approach
Authors: Lockhart Mary Elizabeth , Rambo‐Hernandez Karen , Atadero Rebecca 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe lack of diversity within engineering degree programs and occupations has been an ongoing concern for decades. National engineering programs have placed a high priority on broadening participation in engineering and making the engineering culture more inclusive. Specifically, the cultivation of engineering students' inclusive professional engineering identities (IPEIs)—or the value these individuals place on diversity and their willingness to act inclusively within engineering contexts—might be one way to address this long‐standing lack of representation.PurposeRooted in theoretical contexts regarding professional identity development, the purpose of this study is to uncover developmental patterns of first‐year engineering students' IPEIs and factors that influence IPEI cultivation.MethodsThis study built upon the previous variable‐centered research findings regarding IPEI development. Specifically, the person‐centered approach of random intercept latent transition analysis (RI‐LTA) was utilized. RI‐LTA allows for the detection of different meaningful groups of individuals demonstrating similarities on the construct and investigating these groups for probabilistic changes over time.ResultsFour IPEI groups of students emerged with IPEI developmental patterns that were not always stable. Student IPEI classifications differed significantly across gender and students' levels of engineering identity. Furthermore, a series of intervention experiences instigated an even more malleable nature to student IPEIs.ConclusionsEngineering students' IPEIs demonstrate some likelihood to change over time, with intervention experiences enhancing the likelihoods for changes to occur. Continuing to investigate factors influencing the positive cultivation of students' IPEIs is fundamental to broadening participation in engineering and making the engineering culture more inclusive.
Central regulation of reproduction in amphibians
Authors: Hasunuma Itaru 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis review article includes a literature review of synteny analysis of the amphibian gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) genes, the distribution of GnRH 1 and GnRH2 neurons in the central nervous system of amphibians, the function and regulation of hypophysiotropic GnRH1, and the function of GnRH1 in amphibian reproductive behaviors. It is generally accepted that GnRH is the key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Three independent GnRH genes, GnRH1, GnRH2, and GnRH3, have been identified in vertebrates. Previous genome synteny analyses suggest that there are likely just two genes, gnrh1 and gnrh2, in amphibians. In three groups of amphibians: Anura, Urodela, and Gymnophiona, the distributions of GnRH1 and GnRH2 neurons in the central nervous system have also been previously reported. Moreover, these neuronal networks were determined to be structurally independent in all species examined. The somata of GnRH1 neurons are located in the terminal nerve, medial septum (MS), and preoptic area (POA), and some GnRH1 neurons in the MS and POA project into the median eminence. In contrast, the somata of GnRH2 neurons are located in the midbrain tegmentum. In amphibians, GnRH1 neurons originate from the embryonic olfactory placode, while GnRH2 neurons originate from the midbrain. The characterization and feedback regulation mechanisms of hypophysiotropic GnRH1 neurons in amphibians, the involvement of GnRH1 in amphibian reproductive behavior, and its possible mechanism of action should be elucidated in future.
Partitioning kite‐free planar graphs into two forests
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Yiqiao , Lih Ko‐Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA kite is a complete graph on four vertices with one edge removed. It is proved that every planar graph without a kite as subgraph can be partitioned into two induced forests. This resolves a conjecture of Raspaud and Wang in 2008.
Low neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.5.2.48, BF.7.14, XBB.1 subvariants by homologous or heterologous booster
Authors: Li Jianhua , Mao Haiyan , Song Wanchen , Chen Yin , Feng Yan , Li Jiaxuan , Su Lingxuan , Li Xiaoyan , Shi Wen , Wu Yutong , Huang Chen , Zhang Yanjun , Chen Keda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe recently mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variant Omicron has very high infectivity and a strong ability to evolve and evade immunity. We collected six sets of sera from uninfected individuals and individuals recovering from breakthrough infections who completed homologous or heterologous booster immunization and assessed their susceptibility against the BA.5.2.48, BF.7.14, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.5.4, and XBB.1.16 subvariants. The results demonstrated that the Omicron variants possess an exceptional potential to evade the immune barriers strengthened by vaccine administration and natural infections in the population, particularly XBB.1.16, and showed that heterologous boosters exhibit higher vaccine efficacy compared with homologous boosters.
Radar‐based heavy precipitation events in Germany and associated circulation patterns
Authors: Palarz Angelika , James Paul , Junghänel Thomas , Ostermöller Jennifer , Walawender Ewelina , Deutschländer Thomas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs projected by multiple climate models, short‐duration heavy precipitation events (SDHPEs) are expected to intensify particularly quickly under the changing climate posing substantial risk to natural and human systems. Yet over the years, SDHPEs have received less scientific attention than long‐duration heavy precipitation events (LDHPEs), mainly due to the limitations of measurement systems. Our aim is to provide insight into spatial and temporal variability of SDHPEs detected by the radar network of the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) in Germany from 2001 to 2020 as well as to explore their links to circulation patterns (CPs). The study is based on the Catalogue of Radar‐based heavy Rainfall Events (CatRaRE) generated using reprocessed gauge‐adjusted data of the DWD radar network as well as a new numerical method for classifying CPs over Central Europe called “Großwetterlagen for Reanalyses” (GWL‐REA). The results have demonstrated that SDHPEs, which are defined based on either locally valid precipitation values with a return period of 5 years (CatRaRE T5) or absolute precipitation values equal to DWD Warning Level 3 (CatRaRE W3), are common phenomena occurring most frequently in the afternoon hours of the summer season. They constitute up to 90% of all heavy precipitation events included in the catalogues covering relatively small areas—the median area of SDHPEs ranges from 22 km2 (CatRaRE T5) to 24 km2 (CatRaRE W3), while the median area of LDHPEs ranges from 175 km2 (CatRaRE W3) to 184 km2 (CatRaRE T5). As compared to LDHPEs, SDHPEs are generated by a wider spectrum of circulation conditions, including not only cyclonic but also anticyclonic CPs. In the warm season, the anticyclonic CPs, often accompanied by air mass advection from the south, can induce high thermal instability leading to the development of relatively small, isolated convective cells, which often cannot be captured by rain gauge stations.
Impact of perceived overqualification on knowledge hiding and service delivery performance: The moderating role of occupational instrumentality
Authors: Almagharbeh Bashar Khaled Anayzan , Hamouche Salima , Shamout Mohamed Dawood 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe problem of perceived overqualification (POQ) and the importance of occupational instrumentality have been acknowledged in the literature. Drawing on equity theory, we built a model that explains how and why occupational instrumentality moderates the mediatory role of knowledge hiding on the relationship between POQ and service delivery performance in the tourism and hospitality industry. Underlying this model is the notion that employees' POQ is the cause of knowledge hiding and poor service delivery performance and occupational instrumentality is the diffuser in the tourism and hospitality context. Data were obtained from employees in the aviation sector and analyzed with the PLS‐SEM technique. The findings indicate that POQ directly influences employees' knowledge hiding behavior, but this behavior does not significantly impact their service delivery performance. Knowledge hiding does not act as a mediating factor between POQ and service delivery performance. In other words, knowledge hiding does not explain the link between feeling overqualified and poor service delivery performance. Interestingly, it was observed that the effect of POQ on knowledge hiding is stronger when employees have a strong sense of occupational instrumentality. This suggests that even when employees value the contributions of their current role to their future occupation and career, they are still inclined to resort to knowledge hiding as a response to POQ. Our study results extend theorizing on the themes of interest and offer valuable practical insights.
Where are the carrots? A proposal to start crediting peer reviewers for their contribution to science
Authors: Laxdal Aron , Haugen Tommy 
Published: December 2023

Key points
The peer review system is viewed by many as being flawed and antiquated.
While it is unlikely that the system will be overhauled completely, some changes seem to be warranted.
Our proposal is to change the incentives to do peer review by making reviews a part of the tenure criteria and valuing reviews as a contribution to the literature.
The proposal would require more transparency than is currently the industry norm to prevent unwanted effects.
We believe these changes would not only increase willingness to review, but also lead to shorter turnaround times and increase the quality of reviews.
A literature synthesis of curriculum‐based measurement in writing for English learners
Authors: Alex Smith R. , Allen Abigail A. , Alley Jessica 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to systematically examine the literature around Curriculum Based Measurement in Writing (CBM‐W) for English learners (ELs) in English. We reviewed the literature to identify published research studies examining CBM‐W that disaggregated data for ELs. We identified six published studies examining the technical adequacy of CBM‐W specifically for ELs. The studies examined a variety of types of CBM‐W across diverse populations of ELs but all were restricted to stage 1 of CBM research. Only one study included ELs participating in a bilingual model of instruction and their findings contrasted with other studies including ELs participating in English‐only models of instruction. While there is emerging evidence of the technical adequacy for ELs across a variety of CBM‐W types for screening purposes, there is little evidence to currently support their use for progress‐monitoring or for ELs participating in bilingual models of instruction. Suggestions for current practice and future research are described.
Supplementing clinical lactation studies with PBPK modeling to inform drug therapy in lactating mothers: Prediction of primaquine exposure as a case example
Authors: Pan Xian , Abduljalil Khaled , Almond Lisa M. , Pansari Amita , Yeo Karen Rowland 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEvaluating the safety of primaquine (PQ) during breastfeeding requires an understanding of its pharmacokinetics (PKs) in breast milk and its exposure in the breastfed infant. Physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) modeling is primed to assess the complex interplay of factors affecting the exposure of PQ in both the mother and the nursing infant. A published PBPK model for PQ describing the metabolism by monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A; 90% contribution) and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6; 10%) in adults was applied to predict the exposure of PQ in mothers and their breastfeeding infants. Plasma exposures following oral daily dosing of 0.5 mg/kg in the nursing mothers in a clinical lactation study were accurately captured, including the observed ranges. Reported infant daily doses based on milk data from the clinical study were used to predict the exposure of PQ in breastfeeding infants greater than or equal to 28 days. On average, the predicted exposures were less than or equal to 0.13% of the mothers. Furthermore, in simulations involving neonates less than 28 days, PQ exposures remain less than 0.16% of the mothers. Assuming that MAO‐A increases slowly with age, the predicted relative exposure of PQ remains low in neonates (<0.46%). Thus, the findings of our study support the recommendation made by the authors who reported the results of the clinical lactation study, that is, that when put into context of safety data currently available in children, PQ should not be withheld in lactating women as it is unlikely to cause adverse events in breastfeeding infants greater than or equal to 28 days old.
An ab‐initio study of structural, opto‐electronic and thermoelectric aspects of zinc sulfide and zinc telluride
Authors: Erum Nazia , Ahmad Zubair , Okla Mohammad K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric aspects of Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) and Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) have been explored in detail. These calculations have been done by utilizing FP‐LAPW method via Density Functional Theory (DFT). In order to attain accurate band gaps, opto‐electronic properties are evaluated with modified Becke Johnson potential (mBJ). From band structure plots, both ZnS and ZnTe reveals direct (Γv–ΓC) band gap semiconductors in nature with bandgap value equal to 3.5 and 2.3 eV while in Density Of States (DOS) major influence is observed due to p states of S/Te and d state of Zn. Prominent variation of optical responses such as high values of imaginary dielectric constants 𝜀1 (ω) and n (ω) refractive index suggests that ZnS and ZnTe are applicant materials for future photonics and microelectronic devices. The thermoelectric aspects were explored by Boltz Trap code to determine electrical and thermal conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, power factors and figure of merit. The figure of merits is closer to 1 while compared with p‐type ZnS and ZnTe, n‐type ZnS and ZnTe has good thermoelectric properties, which are attributed to low thermal conductivity of the hole and larger effective mass. The goal of this research is to investigate not only the detailed physical aspects but also to provide an overview of its future applications in optoelectronics, displays, sensors and microelectronic industry.
Health insurance uptake, poverty and financial inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nyamugira Alexis Biringanine , Flessa Steffen , Richter Adrian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study estimates the prevalence of health insurance coverage and associated socioeconomic factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Using the nationally representative household survey of the 2017/2018 DRC Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), we applied weighted logistic regression models to identify regions and subgroups with low health insurance coverage. The study's findings revealed a low insurance coverage of less than 5%, with significant disparities across provinces and socioeconomic status. Additionally, three factors were strongly associated with the low health insurance coverage rates: education, wealth, and financial inclusion proxied by bank account ownership. Consequently, we recommend that the government, the private sector, and donors prioritize programs targeting provinces with less coverage and individuals without formal education to increase health insurance coverage. This study encourages the government to establish national programs to improve financial inclusion, which could positively impact poverty reduction and health insurance coverage. We also propose that the government initiates pilot projects for premium exemptions and through subsidies for vulnerable populations in the short term, and ensure formal employment for the majority of the population in the long term to facilitate the proper collection of premiums for individuals. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on health insurance in the DRC and sub‐Saharan Africa by identifying the socioeconomic factors that explain the prevalence of health insurance coverage. The findings of this study have important policy implications for the government, the private sector, and donors to promote health insurance coverage and achieve universal health coverage.
Heterometallic Cu−Ca/Ba MOFs of 2‐Mercaptonicotinic Acid for Fast Sensing of Fe3+, Cr2O72−/CrO42− in Water
Authors: Xu Yan , Gong Han , Wei Yongqin , Zhang Manbo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTwo heterometallic Cu−Ca/Ba metal organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Ca(H2O)6][Cu6Ca2(mna)6(H2O)6] ⋅ 6H2O}n (1) and {[(Cu6Ba3(mna)6(H2O)8] ⋅ 6H2O}n (2), were synthesized by using 2‐mercaptonicotinic acid (H2mna) as ligand via liquid‐liquid diffusion method. The frameworks of compounds 1 and 2 are both adopts hexanuclear copper cluster of [Cu6(mna)6]6− as building units. In 1, the two‐dimensional (2D) structure is formed by the linkage between [Cu6(mna)6]6− and monomeric Ca2+, while the three‐dimensional (3D) framework of 2 is constructed by [Cu6(mna)6]6− and trimer of Ba2+. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 show excellent photoluminescence with red emitting around 700 nm. Luminescent studies reveal that 1 can serve as a probe for the rapid detection of Fe3+, Cr2O72− and CrO42− ions in water with remarkable selectivity even in the presence of other analogous ions.
Effectiveness of novel artificial seabird nest modules for reducing ambient temperature transfer in a warming climate
Authors: Johns Michael E. , Bradley Russell W. , Warzybok Pete , Hester Michelle M. , Lynch Nathan , Jahncke Jaime 
Published: December 2023

AbstractArtificial habitat for cavity nesting birds can provide excellent opportunities for research and conservation efforts but may expose species to the negative impacts of warming ambient temperatures with climate change. Artificial nest boxes have been successfully used to monitor the breeding activity of the Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), a small burrow‐nesting seabird, on Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) since 1971. Mean monthly ambient air temperatures on SEFI during the summer months have increased at an annual rate of roughly 0.03°C from 1971 to 2022, along with an increase in the number of extreme heat days and average maximum temperature, confirming a warming trend at this seabird colony. Given a projected increase in global temperature, we assessed the effectiveness of traditional wooden nest boxes vs. newer ceramic modules at buffering external ambient air temperatures in normal and extreme heat days across a gradient of microclimates on SEFI. Results from fitting linear mixed effects models indicated that, on average, internal temperatures of wooden and ceramic nests (of comparable size and shape) exhibited similar rates of deviation from ambient air temperature of approximately 0.15°C, even during extreme heat events. Ceramic modules did keep nest chambers cooler by approximately 1.2°C than wooden boxes during extreme events at the warmer, drier southern location of the island. Our results can help guide future efforts to design artificial nests that can effectively provide habitat for seabirds as ambient temperatures increase.
Computational modeling of angiogenesis: The importance of cell rearrangements during vascular growth
Authors: Stepanova Daria , Byrne Helen M. , Maini Philip K. , Alarcón Tomás 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAngiogenesis is the process wherein endothelial cells (ECs) form sprouts that elongate from the pre‐existing vasculature to create new vascular networks. In addition to its essential role in normal development, angiogenesis plays a vital role in pathologies such as cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Mathematical and computational modeling has contributed to unraveling its complexity. Many existing theoretical models of angiogenic sprouting are based on the “snail‐trail” hypothesis. This framework assumes that leading ECs positioned at sprout tips migrate toward low‐oxygen regions while other ECs in the sprout passively follow the leaders' trails and proliferate to maintain sprout integrity. However, experimental results indicate that, contrary to the snail‐trail assumption, ECs exchange positions within developing vessels, and the elongation of sprouts is primarily driven by directed migration of ECs. The functional role of cell rearrangements remains unclear. This review of the theoretical modeling of angiogenesis is the first to focus on the phenomenon of cell mixing during early sprouting. We start by describing the biological processes that occur during early angiogenesis, such as phenotype specification, cell rearrangements and cell interactions with the microenvironment. Next, we provide an overview of various theoretical approaches that have been employed to model angiogenesis, with particular emphasis on recent in silico models that account for the phenomenon of cell mixing. Finally, we discuss when cell mixing should be incorporated into theoretical models and what essential modeling components such models should include in order to investigate its functional role.This article is categorized under:
Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models
Cancer > Computational Models