bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-dose brain radiation: lowering hyperphosphorylated-tau without increasing DNA damage or oncogenic activation
Authors: Iacono Diego , Murphy Erin K. , Stimpson Cheryl D. , Perl Daniel P. , Day Regina M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBrain radiation has been medically used to alter the metabolism of cancerous cells and induce their elimination. Rarely, though, brain radiation has been used to interfere with the pathomechanisms of non-cancerous brain disorders, especially neurodegenerative disorders. Data from low-dose radiation (LDR) on swine brains demonstrated reduced levels of phosphorylated-tau (CP13) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in radiated (RAD) versus sham (SH) animals. Phosphorylated-tau and APP are involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. We determined if the expression levels of hyperphosphorylated-tau, 3R-tau, 4R-tau, synaptic, intraneuronal damage, and DNA damage/oncogenic activation markers were altered in RAD versus SH swine brains. Quantitative analyses demonstrated reduced levels of AT8 and 3R-tau in hippocampus (H) and striatum (Str), increased levels of synaptophysin and PSD-95 in frontal cortex (FCtx), and reduced levels of NF-L in cerebellum (CRB) of RAD versus SH swine. DNA damage and oncogene activation markers levels did not differ between RAD and SH animals, except for histone-H3 (increased in FCtx and CRB, decreased in Str), and p53 (reduced in FCtx, Str, H and CRB). These findings confirm the region-based effects of sLDR on proteins normally expressed in larger mammalian brains and support the potential applicability of LDR to beneficially interfere against neurodegenerative mechanisms.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with Crohn’s disease: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Cai Xianlei , Li Xueying , Liang Chao , Zhang Miaozun , Xu Yuan , Dong Zhebin , Weng Yihui , Yu Weiming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMitochondrial DNA plays a critical role in the pathophysiological process of inflammation. However, the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remains poorly understood. We conducted a comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) using three instrumental variables (IVs) to explore the causal associations between mtDNA-CN and IBD, including Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC). MR-Egger regression, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), and weighted mode methods were used to evaluate the potential causal associations. The robustness of the IVW estimates was determined using the leave-one-out sensitivity test. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the results from the three sets of IVs. Upon analysis, the findings of the current study revealed that genetically predicted mtDNA-CN was not associated with IBD (CD + UC) and UC. The results of MR analyses between mtDNA-CN and CD risk were inconsistent by using three sets of IVs. After a meta-analysis, we found that genetically predicted mtDNA-CN was associated with CD risk (odds ratio = 2.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.37–3.18). This finding was also confirmed by multivariable MR analyses and remained robust when tested with the leave-one-out sensitivity test. In conclusion, genetically predicted mtDNA-CN was found to be associated with CD risk. Therefore, mtDNA levels in the blood could potentially be used as a marker for CD risk assessment. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate the results of this study.
Thiol-ene click reaction as an effective tool for the synthesis of PEG-functionalized alkoxysilanes-precursors of anti-fog coatings
Authors: Kaczmarek Marta , Przybylska Agnieszka , Szymańska Anna , Dutkiewicz Agnieszka , Maciejewski Hieronim 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe article presents a very simple method of glass modification to obtain the anti-fog effect. Silanes containing two types of functional groups, namely a hydrophilic and polar polyether group and an alkoxysilyl group (to bond with the surface of the modified material) were synthesized in thiol-ene reactions. The hydrothiolation reactions of polyethers containing a C=C terminal bond with mercaptoalkoxysilane proceeded efficiently, yielding quantitatively appropriate products under mild reaction conditions. This method enabled the synthesis of a series of alkoxysilanes functionalized with polyethers, differing in structure. The group of obtained derivatives was characterized by 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR, and FT-IR analyses, and then used to prepare coatings on glass using the sol–gel method. The coated glass surfaces exhibited transparency, superhydrophilic or hydrophilic properties, anti-fog and anti-frost performance.
Impact of malt concentration in solid substrate on mycelial growth and network connectivity in Ganoderma species
Authors: Nussbaum Natalie , von Wyl Tabea , Gandia Antoni , Romanens Edwina , Rühs Patrick Alberto , Fischer Peter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith its distinctive material properties, fungal mycelium has emerged as an innovative material with a diverse array of applications across various industries. This study focuses on how the growth strategies of wood fungi adapt to nutrient availability. The effect of malt extract concentration in the growth medium on radial growth kinetics, morphology, mycelium network connectivity, and mechanical characteristics of mycelium from two Ganoderma species were investigated. While an evident pattern of radial growth rate enhancement with malt concentrations was not apparent, there was a discernible trend towards denser mycelium network characteristics as revealed by spectrophotometry. Increased malt extract contents corresponded to elevated optical density measurements and were visually confirmed by denser mycelium networks in photographic images. Investigating the mechanical characteristics of mycelium cultivated on varying solid substrate concentrations, the Young’s modulus exhibited a substantial difference between mycelium grown on 5 wt% malt substrate and samples cultivated on 2 wt% and 0.4 wt% malt substrates. The obtained results represent a new understanding of how malt availability influences mycelial growth of two Ganoderma species, a crucial insight for potentially refining mycelium cultivation across diverse applications, including meat alternatives, smart building materials, and alternative leather.
Local niches explain coexistence in environmentally-distinct contact zones between Western Mediterranean vipers
Authors: Freitas Inês , Tarroso Pedro , Zuazo Óscar , Zaldívar Ricardo , Álvarez Javier , Meijide-Fuentes Manuel , Meijide Federico , Martínez-Freiría Fernando 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpecies’ ecological niches are frequently analysed to gain insights into how anthropogenic changes affect biodiversity. Coping with these changes often involves shifts in niche expression, which can disrupt local biotic interactions. Secondary contact zones, where competition and ecological segregation commonly occur, are ideal for studying the ecological factors influencing species’ niches. In this study, we investigated the effect of climate and landscape factors on the ecological niches of two viper species,Vipera aspisandVipera latastei, across three contact zones in northern Iberia, characterized by varying levels of landscape alteration. Using niche overlap tests, ecological niche models and spatial analyses we observed local variation in the expression of the species’ niches across the three contact zones, resulting from the different abiotic and biotic conditions of each area. Rather than spatial niche segregation, we observed high niche overlap, suggesting niche convergence. A pattern of asymmetrical niche variation was identified in all contact zones, driven by species' climatic tolerances and the environmental conditions of each area.V. aspisgenerally exhibited a wider niche, except in the southernmost zone where the pure Mediterranean climate favoredV. latastei. Human-induced landscape changes intensified niche asymmetry, by favoring the most generalistV. aspisover the specialistV. latastei, increasing habitat overlap, and likely competition. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of niche expression at range margins, anticipating a heightened impact of landscape changes inV. latastei. The methodological framework implemented here, and our findings, hold significant relevance for biodiversity management and conservation in human-impacted areas.
KRAS4A and KRAS4B in liquid biopsy of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with Pembrolizumab or chemotherapy plus Pembrolizumab
Authors: Chiari Rita , Palladino Silvia , Emili Rita , De Lisa Mariagrazia , Sarti Donatella , Catalano Vincenzo , Magnani Mauro , Graziano Francesco , Ruzzo Annamaria 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKRAS is involved in the stability and expression of PD-L1. We investigated the expression of circulating mRNA (cmRNA) of KRAS4A and KRAS4B and the possible impact on progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy. Patients without driver mutations undergoing Pembrolizumab (P) or P plus chemotherapy (PC) were prospectively accrued for liquid biopsy analysis of KRAS4A, KRAS4B, and PD-L1 cmRNA. Both KRAS isoforms were also studied for association with PD-L1 cmRNA. Of 56 patients, 28 received P and 28 PC. Patients with high levels of both KRAS isoforms showed significantly better PFS. The median PFS for KRAS4A was 29 months (95% CI 22–29 months) and KRAS4B 24 months (95% CI 13–29 months), respectively. The median PFS of patients with low levels of both isoforms was 12 months (95% CI 6–15 months for KRAS4A and 95% CI 5–20 months for KRAS4B). High KRAS4A retained a significant positive association with PFS in the multivariate model. An exploratory analysis in treatment subgroups found a positive association between high KRAS4A and KRAS4B with PFS in patients treated with P. PD-L1 cmRNA was significantly higher in patients with high KRAS isoforms levels and this effect was pronounced for high KRAS4A carriers. KRAS4A deserves further investigation as a potential marker for defining patients who may benefit the most from immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy and improving personalized cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
Heterogeneous Oriented Structure model of thermoelectric transport in conducting polymers
Authors: Limelette Patrice , Leclerc Nicolas , Brinkmann Martin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUnderstanding transport phenomena in conducting polymers (CP) is a main issue in order to optimize their performance and despite intense investigations, the influence of their microstructure remains controversial. By analyzing the thermoelectric measurements performed on highly oriented and non-oriented CP films, we show that an Heterogeneous Oriented Structure (HOSt) model considering both ordered and disordered domains is able to account for the thermoelectric transport in CP. This model unveils the key role of the crystallinity, the anisotropy and the alignment degree of these domains. It points out the importance of the thermal conductivity in the interpretation of the thermopower $$\alpha $$
α
and explains the frequently observed electrical conductivity $$\sigma $$
σ
cut-off in the $$\alpha -\sigma $$

α
-
σ

curves due to the disordered domains. By varying the alignment degree depending on the orientation and the anisotropy according to the face-on or the edge-on polymers conformation, the HOSt model successfully describes the overall measured thermoelectric properties by demonstrating its applicability to a wide variety of both oriented and non-oriented CP.
Weakened weekdays: lockdown disrupts the weekly cycle of risk tolerance
Authors: Fedrigo Virginia , Guenther Benno , Jenkins Rob , Galizzi Matteo M. , Sanders Jet G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRisk tolerance decreases from Monday to Thursday and increases on Friday. Antecedents of this weekly risk cycle are difficult to investigate experimentally as manipulating the seven-day cycle is impractical. Here we used temporal disorientation during the UK COVID-19 lockdown to conduct a natural experiment. In two studies, we measured responses to risk in participants with either a strong or weak sense of weekday, after either a short or long period of disruption to their weekly routine by lockdown. In Study 1 (N = 864), the weekly risk cycle was consistent in risk attitude measures specifically to participants who reported a strong sense of weekday. In Study 2 (N = 829), the weekly risk cycle was abolished, even for participants who retained a strong sense of weekday. We propose that two factors sustain the weekly risk cycle. If the sense of weekday is lacking, then weekday will have little effect because the current day is not salient. If weekday associations decay, then weekday will have little effect because the current day is not meaningful. The weekly risk cycle is strong and consistent when (i) sense of weekday is robust and (ii) weekday associations are maintained.
Analysis of diurnal to seasonal variations and trends in air pollution potential in an urban area
Authors: Soleimanpour Mahshad , Alizadeh Omid , Sabetghadam Samaneh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAir pollution is the world’s largest environmental health threat to humans and has wide-ranging adverse effects on the environment. The term ventilation coefficient (VC), which is a function of the average wind speed through the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and the PBL height (PBLH), can be used to estimate air pollution potential. We analyzed PBLH, wind speed through PBL, and VC over Tehran using ERA5, and PM2.5 surface concentration using MERRA-2 during 1991–2020. Both PBLH and VC undergo substantial diurnal variations, with higher values during the day and much lower values at night. As a result, PM2.5 concentration in Tehran is the maximum in the early morning, while it is relatively lower in the afternoon. The average wind speed through PBL shows the same diurnal variation in all seasons, except in winter when winds in PBL are stronger at night than during the day. Both PBLH and VC over Tehran show substantial seasonal variations, with much higher values in summer followed in decreasing order by spring, autumn, and winter, highlighting an extremely high air pollution potential in winter. Hence, due to high pollutant emissions, the occurrence of severe air pollution is expected to be a common feature in Tehran in winter. PBLH has significantly increased over Tehran both during the day and at night for the period 1991–2020, primarily in response to the surface warming in recent decades, while wind speed through PBL has significantly declined only at night. The overall impact of such changes is an increase in VC over Tehran both during the day and at night, although the increasing trend of VC is statistically significant only at night. Our results highlight the urgent need for the implementation of effective sustainable policies to reduce air pollution and its adverse effects in winter when air pollution potential is high in Tehran.
The impact of phage treatment on bacterial community structure is minor compared to antibiotics
Authors: Gundersen Madeleine S. , Fiedler Alexander W. , Bakke Ingrid , Vadstein Olav 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPhage treatment is suggested as an alternative to antibiotics; however, there is limited knowledge of how phage treatment impacts resident bacterial community structure. When phages induce bacterial lysis, resources become available to the resident community. Therefore, the density of the target bacterium is essential to consider when investigating the effect of phage treatment. This has never been studied. Thus, we invaded microcosms containing a lake-derived community with Flavobacterium columnare strain Fc7 at no, low or high densities, and treated them with either the bacteriophage FCL-2, the antibiotic Penicillin or kept them untreated (3 × 3 factorial design). The communities were sampled over the course of one week, and bacterial community composition and density were examined by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and flow cytometry. We show that phage treatment had minor impacts on the resident community when the host F. columnare Fc7 of the phage was present, as it caused no significant differences in bacterial density α- and β-diversity, successional patterns, and community assembly. However, a significant change was observed in community composition when the phage host was absent, mainly driven by a substantial increase in Aquirufa. In contrast, antibiotics induced significant changes in all community characteristics investigated. The most crucial finding was a bloom of γ-proteobacteria and a shift from selection to ecological drift dominating community assembly. This study investigated whether the amount of a bacterial host impacted the effect of phage treatment on community structure. We conclude that phage treatment did not significantly affect the diversity or composition of the bacterial communities when the phage host was present, but introduced changes when the host was absent. In contrast, antibiotic treatment was highly disturbing to community structure. Moreover, higher amounts of the bacterial host of the phage increased the contribution of stochastic community assembly and resulted in a feast-famine like response in bacterial density in all treatment groups. This finding emphasises that the invader density used in bacterial invasion studies impacts the experimental reproducibility. Overall, this study supports that phage treatment is substantially less disturbing to bacterial communities than antibiotic treatments.
Study on the relation of the solar coronal rotation with magnetic field structures
Authors: Xiang N. B. , Zhao X. H. , Deng L. H. , Li F. Y. , Zheng S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDaily solar spectral irradiances (SSIs) at the spectral intervals 1–40, 116–264 and 950–1600 nm and four categories of solar small-scale magnetic elements ($$MF_{no}$$

M

F

no

, $$MF_{anti}$$

M

F

anti

, $$MF_{tran}$$

M

F

tran

and $$MF_{in}$$

M

F

in

) are used to study the temporal variation of coronal rotation and investigate the relation of the coronal rotation with magnetic field structures through continuous wavelet transform and Pearson correlation analysis. The results reveal the contributions of different magnetic structures to the temporal variation of the rotation for the coronal atmosphere during different phases of the solar cycle. During the solar maximum, the temporal variation of rotation for the coronal plasma atmosphere is mainly dominated by the small-scale magnetic elements of $$MF_{anti}$$

M

F

anti

; whereas during the epochs of the relatively weak solar activity, it is controlled by the joint effect of the small-scale magnetic elements of both $$MF_{anti}$$

M

F

anti

and $$MF_{in}$$

M

F

in

. The weaker the solar activity, the stronger the effect of $$MF_{in}$$

M

F

in

would be. Furthermore, this study presents an explanation for the inconsistent results for the coronal rotation issue among the previous studies, and also reveals the reason why the coronal atmosphere rotates faster than the lower photosphere.
Smart city construction and new-type urbanization quality improvement
Authors: Zhou RongJun , Chen Siqi , Zhang Bingbing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFirst, utilising text quantitative analysis techniques, this paper analyses the smart city pilot policy in depth and clarifies its theoretical mechanism that influence the quality of new-type urbanisation. The revised entropy technique is then used to calculate the new-type urbanisation quality of 276 Chinese cities with a prefecture level or higher from 2007 to 2018. The above action mechanism is evaluated using the Difference-in-Difference model, employing the smart city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment (DID). The results indicate that the implementation of the smart city pilot policy can significantly enhance the quality of new-type urbanisation, and this conclusion is robust under a variety of conditions, including parallel trend testing, tendency score matching, exclusion of other policy interference and placebo testing. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the smart city pilot strategy has a greater impact on the qualitative improvement of new-type urbanisation in historic industrial bases, resource-based cities, and large-scale cities. The mechanism test confirmed that the construction of smart cities has improved the quality of new-type urbanisation primarily through the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure brought about by smart industrial policy and scientific and technological innovation fostered by smart government and smart people's livelihood policies.
Elucidating salient site-specific functional connectivity features and site-invariant biomarkers in schizophrenia via deep neural networks
Authors: Chan Yi Hao , Yew Wei Chee , Chew Qian Hui , Sim Kang , Rajapakse Jagath C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSchizophrenia is a highly heterogeneous disorder and salient functional connectivity (FC) features have been observed to vary across study sites, warranting the need for methods that can differentiate between site-invariant FC biomarkers and site-specific salient FC features. We propose a technique named Semi-supervised learning with data HaRmonisation via Encoder-Decoder-classifier (SHRED) to examine these features from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans gathered from four sites. Our approach involves an encoder-decoder-classifier architecture that simultaneously performs data harmonisation and semi-supervised learning (SSL) to deal with site differences and labelling inconsistencies across sites respectively. The minimisation of reconstruction loss from SSL was shown to improve model performance even within small datasets whilst data harmonisation often led to lower model generalisability, which was unaffected using the SHRED technique. We show that our proposed model produces site-invariant biomarkers, most notably the connection between transverse temporal gyrus and paracentral lobule. Site-specific salient FC features were also elucidated, especially implicating the paracentral lobule for our local dataset. Our examination of these salient FC features demonstrates how site-specific features and site-invariant biomarkers can be differentiated, which can deepen our understanding of the neurobiology of schizophrenia.