bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of hydropower potential in the upper Beas basin using geographical information system and MIKE 11 Nedbor Afrstromnings Model (NAM)
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Tiwari Reet Kamal , Kumar Kamal , Rautela Kuldeep Singh , Safi Sabia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe present study aims to identify potential locations for small‐scale hydroelectric power (HEP) stations in hilly regions for the purpose of generating renewable energy. A rainfall‐runoff (R‐R) model of the Beas River catchment was established using the MIKE 11 NAM to estimate the available discharge. The model was calibrated and validated over the period of June‐2015–May‐2018 and June‐2018–May‐2020, respectively, using daily observed discharge data at the Pandoh Dam site. The model exhibited good performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.82 during calibration and 0.70 during validation and a water balance of −0.01% and −18%, respectively. However, Lmax, CK1, CK2 and CQOF are found most sensitive parameters during the calibration. Further, thirteen major streams of order five or higher were selected for the assessment of hydropower potential, resulting in the identification of 131 potential run‐of‐river (ROR) hydropower sites. The hydropower potential at two proposed sites, Bhang SHEP (9 MW) and Raison SHEP (18 MW), was estimated to be 11 and 15 MW, respectively, using 90% dependable flow. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for determining hydropower potential in ungauged basins in the Himalayas.
Nanoparticles for stimulation of neutrophil extracellular trap‐mediated immunity
Authors: Vaseruk Anna , Bila Galyna , Bilyy Rostyslav 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been identified as triggers for a self‐limited inflammatory reaction upon contact with nanoparticles within our bodies. This typically results in entrapping potentially harmful nano‐ or micro‐objects following an immune burst. The demand for potent adjuvants has led to research on particulate‐based adjuvants, particularly those that act via NET formation. Various particles, including hydrophobic nanoparticles, needle‐like microparticles, and other natural and artificial crystals, have been shown to induce NET formation, eliciting a robust humoral and cellular immune response toward co‐injected antigens. The NET formation was found to be the basis of the efficient use of alum as a vaccine adjuvant. Thus, nanoparticles with specific surface properties serve as NET‐stimulating adjuvants. In this mini‐review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge about the surface properties of particulate objects and the molecular pathways involved in inducing NET formation by neutrophils. Additionally, we discuss the potential use of nanoparticles for activating neutrophils in the tissues and the exploitation of such activation for enhancing vaccine adjuvants.
PIEZO1‐mediated mechanosensing governs NK‐cell killing efficiency and infiltration in three‐dimensional matrices
Authors: Yanamandra Archana K. , Zhang Jingnan , Montalvo Galia , Zhou Xiangda , Biedenweg Doreen , Zhao Renping , Sharma Shulagna , Hoth Markus , Lautenschläger Franziska , Otto Oliver , del Campo Aránzazu , Qu Bin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in eliminating tumorigenic cells. Efficient locating and killing of target cells in complex three‐dimensional (3D) environments are critical for their functions under physiological conditions. However, the role of mechanosensing in regulating NK‐cell killing efficiency in physiologically relevant scenarios is poorly understood. Here, we report that the responsiveness of NK cells is regulated by tumor cell stiffness. NK‐cell killing efficiency in 3D is impaired against softened tumor cells, whereas it is enhanced against stiffened tumor cells. Notably, the durations required for NK‐cell killing and detachment are significantly shortened for stiffened tumor cells. Furthermore, we have identified PIEZO1 as the predominantly expressed mechanosensitive ion channel among the examined candidates in NK cells. Perturbation of PIEZO1 abolishes stiffness‐dependent NK‐cell responsiveness, significantly impairs the killing efficiency of NK cells in 3D, and substantially reduces NK‐cell infiltration into 3D collagen matrices. Conversely, PIEZO1 activation enhances NK killing efficiency as well as infiltration. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that PIEZO1‐mediated mechanosensing is crucial for NK killing functions, highlighting the role of mechanosensing in NK‐cell killing efficiency under 3D physiological conditions and the influence of environmental physical cues on NK‐cell functions.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation and Deuteration Reactions of Bicyclic Alkenes in an Aqueous Environment
Authors: Pounder Austin , van der Zalm Joshua , Chen Aicheng , Tam William 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHerein, we report cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogenation and deuteration reactions of bicyclic alkenes using H2O and D2O as the sole hydrogen and deuterium sources, respectively, employing Zn or Mn as a metal reductant. Lewis‐acid co‐catalysts were found to promote the reaction whilst simultaneously catalyzing transesterification processes. Use of 1 atm of H2 allows for catalytic loading of the metal reductant. In all cases, the reaction operated with high functional‐group tolerance and produced reduced products in high yield.
The sound of silence: Quantification of typical absence seizures by sonifying EEG signals from a custom‐built wearable device
Authors: Borges Daniel Filipe , Fernandes João , Soares Joana Isabel , Casalta‐Lopes João , Carvalho Daniel , Beniczky Sándor , Leal Alberto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a method for long‐term (24‐h) objective quantification of absence seizures in the EEG of patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) in their real home environment using a wearable device (waEEG), comparing automatic detection methods with auditory recognition after seizure sonification.MethodsThe waEEG recording was acquired with two scalp electrodes. Automatic analysis was performed using previously validated software (Persyst® 14) and then fully reviewed by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist. The EEG data were converted into an audio file in waveform format with a 60‐fold time compression factor. The sonified EEG was listened to by three inexperienced observers and the number of seizures and the processing time required for each data set were recorded blind to other data. Quantification of seizures from the patient diary was also assessed.ResultsEleven waEEG recordings from seven CAE patients with an average age of 8.18 ± 1.60 years were included. No differences in the number of seizures were found between the recordings using automated methods and expert audio assessment, with significant correlations between methods (ρ > .89, p < .001) and between observers (ρ > .96, p < .001). For the entire data set, the audio assessment yielded a sensitivity of .830 and a precision of .841, resulting in an F1 score of .835.SignificanceAuditory waEEG seizure detection by lay medical personnel provided similar accuracy to post‐processed automatic detection by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist, but in a less time‐consuming procedure and without the need for specialized resources. Sonification of long‐term EEG recordings in CAE provides a user‐friendly and cost‐effective clinical workflow for quantifying seizures in clinical practice, minimizing human and technical constraints.
Characterization of alcohol‐related seizures in withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Kádár Bettina Kata , Gajdics Janka , Pribék Ildikó Katalin , Andó Bálint , Lázár Bence András 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlcohol‐related seizures (ARS) are one of the most important consequences of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). However, demographic and clinical characteristics, and furthermore, the relationship of ARS with delirium tremens (DT), have not yet been evaluated in detail. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to reveal the correlates of ARS and examine the interaction of ARS with the occurrence of DT and with the severity of AWS.MethodsIn the retrospective study (Study 1) 2851 medical charts of inpatient admissions characterized by AWS and DT were listed. Demographic and clinical variables of ARS were assessed. In the follow‐up study (Study 2), patients admitted with AWS without (N = 28) and with (N = 18) ARS were enrolled. Study 1 was performed between 2008 and 2023, and Study 2 was performed in 2019 in Hungary. To determine the severity of AWS, the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Scale for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA‐Ar) was used. ARS is a provoked, occasional seizure; therefore, patients with epilepsy syndrome were excluded from the two studies. Statistical analyses were performed by the means of chi‐square tests, multinomial logistic regressions, mixed ANOVA, and derivation.ResultsThe occurrence of DT, the history of ARS, and somatic co‐morbidities were found to be risk factors for the appearance of ARS. ARS was proved to be a risk factor for the development of DT. In the follow‐up study, there was no difference in the decrease of CIWA‐Ar scores between the groups.SignificanceOur present findings support the likelihood of kindling, which is one of the most important mechanisms underlying the development of ARS, but do not directly prove its presence. Additionally, our results revealed that the severity of AWS is not influenced by the presence of ARS.Plain Language SummaryProvoked, occasional seizures during AWS are defined as ARS. In the present study, predictors and interactions of these seizures with DT—the most severe form of withdrawal—and with the severity of withdrawal were examined in retrospective and follow‐up studies. The present study shows that a history of withdrawal seizures, the occurrence of DT, and somatic comorbidities are predictors of the development of seizures. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the presence of seizures does not influence the severity of withdrawal.
Synthesis and flame‐retardant analysis of a novel P/N containing flame retardant on epoxy resin composites
Authors: Soni Vishal , Dahiya Jai Bhagwan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA new reactive flame‐retardant N′‐(1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐(6‐oxido‐6H‐dibenzo[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphinin‐6‐yl)ethyl) benzohydrazide (DOPO‐BD) was synthesized via a two‐step reaction involving the Schiff base reaction between benzohydrazide and 4‐hydroxy acetophenone, followed by a reaction between the imine‐based condensation product and 9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO). The chemical structure of DOPO‐BD was well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The DOPO‐BD was utilized as a reactive flame retardant and co‐hardener in DGEBA/DDS. The epoxy composites of varying phosphorus weight percentages were synthesized. UL‐94 and LOI tests were used to investigate the flammability of composites. The epoxy composites retained good transparency, which was measured by UV–vis spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) observed an increase in the thermal stability of epoxy composites in a higher temperature range with increased char yield. In the UL‐94 and LOI tests, EP/DOPO‐BD(1.5%P) sample gave a V‐0 rating and 30% LOI value. The cone calorimeter test indicated a decrease in total heat released (THR), peak of heat release rate (pHRR), and total smoke production (TSP) for EP/DOPO‐BD(1.5%P) in comparison with epoxy (EP). The mechanical properties and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the epoxy composites were determined by Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), which showed an increase in storage modulus and a decrease in Tg.
Assessment of implicit adaptive mesh‐free CFD modelling
Authors: Zhang Tao , Barakos George N. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis work presents details and assesses implicit and adaptive mesh‐free CFD modelling approaches, to alleviate laborious mesh generation in modern CFD processes. A weighted‐least‐squares‐based, mesh‐free, discretisation scheme was first derived for the compressible RANS equations, and the implicit dual‐time stepping was adopted for improved stability and convergence. A novel weight balancing concept was introduced to improve the mesh‐free modelling on highly irregular point clouds. Automatic point cloud generations based on strand and level‐set points were also discussed. A novel, polar selection approach, was also introduced to establish high‐quality point collocations. The spatial accuracy and convergence properties were validated using 2D and 3D benchmark cases. The impact of irregular point clouds and various point collocation search methods were evaluated in detail. The proposed weight balancing and the polar selection approaches were found capable of improving the mesh‐free modelling on highly irregular point clouds. The mesh‐free flexibility was then exploited for adaptive modelling. Various adaptation strategies were assessed using simulations of an isentropic vortex, combining different point refinement mechanisms and collocation search methods. The mesh‐free modelling was then successfully applied to transonic aerofoil simulations with automated point generation. A weighted pressure gradient metric prioritising high gradient regions with large point sizes was introduced to drive the adaptation. The mesh‐free adaptation was found to effectively improve the shock resolution. The results highlight the potential of mesh‐free methods in alleviating the meshing bottleneck in modern CFD.
Should it stay, or swerve? Trading off lives in dilemma situations involving autonomous cars
Authors: Habla Wolfgang , Kataria Mitesh , Martinsson Peter , Roeder Kerstin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUsing a representative survey with 1317 individuals and 12,815 moral decisions, we elicit Swedish citizens' preferences on how algorithms for self‐driving cars should be programmed in cases of unavoidable harm to humans. Participants' choices in different dilemma situations (treatments) show that, at the margin, the average respondent values the lives of passengers and pedestrians equally when both groups are homogeneous and no group is to blame for the dilemma. In comparison, the respondent values the lives of passengers more when the pedestrians violate a social norm, and less when the pedestrians are children. Furthermore, we explain why the average respondent in the control treatment needs to be compensated with two to six passengers spared in order to sacrifice the first pedestrian, even though she values the lives of passengers and pedestrians equally at the margin. We conclude that respondents' choices are highly contextual and consider the age of the persons involved and whether these persons have complied with social norms.
The direct and spillover effects of diabetes diagnosis on lifestyle behaviours
Authors: Thomas Rhys Llewellyn , Mentzakis Emmanouil 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUsing blood sample data we exploit an arbitrary cut‐off of diabetes risk and through a fuzzy regression kink design we estimate the effect of a diabetes diagnosis on own and partner health‐related behaviours. Diabetes diagnosis increases the probability of exercising, both for those diagnosed with diabetes and their partner. We also conduct mediation analysis which suggests that joint household participation is the channel behind this effect. Our results have significant implications for the understanding of the channels that induce behavioural change, and household decision making, as well as, for the evaluation of diabetes related policies.
Early outcomes of osteofascial versus osteocutaneous fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Shilo Shahaf , Muhanna Nidal , Fliss Dan M. , Horowitz Gilad , Warshavsky Anton , Mansour Jobran , Ianculovici Clariel , Fliss Ehud , Barnea Yoav , Zaretski Arik , Yanko Ravit 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study compares early outcomes of osteofascial fibula free flap (OF‐FFF) with donor‐site primary closure and osteocutaneous (OC) FFF with donor‐site skin grafting in segmental mandibular reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective chart review of FFF mandibular reconstruction patients (2006–2022) divided into OF‐FFF and OC‐FFF groups. Clinical data, operative parameters, and early postoperative outcomes (≤ 90 days) were analyzed.ResultsThe study included 67 patients (39 OF‐FFF, 28 OC‐FFF). OF‐FFF had significantly lower donor‐site complications (12.8% vs. 53.6%, p < 0.001) and revision surgeries (7.7% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.004) compared to OC‐FFF. Recipient‐site (28.2% vs. 25%, p = 0.77) and flap (15.4% vs. 17.9%, p > 0.99) complications were comparable.ConclusionsOF‐FFF mandibular reconstruction with donor‐site primary closure is a safe and reliable technique associated with superior donor‐site and comparable flap and recipient‐site outcomes to OC‐FFF, thus may be considered as a viable alternative to OC‐FFF for selected patients.
CDK6 protein expression is associated with disease progression and treatment resistance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Steinhart Johannes , Möller Peter , Kull Miriam , Krönke Jan , Barth Thomas F. E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous malignancy of plasma cells. Despite improvement in the prognosis of MM patients after the introduction of many new drugs in the past decades, MM remains incurable since most patients become treatment‐resistant. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) is activated in many types of cancer and has been associated with drug resistance in MM. However, its association with disease stage, genetic alterations, and outcome has not been systematically investigated in large cohorts. Here, we analyzed CDK6 expression using immunohistochemistry in 203 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples of 146 patients and four healthy individuals. We found that 61.5% of all MM specimens express CDK6 at various levels. CDK6 expression increased with the progression of disease with a median of 0% of CDK6‐positive plasma cells in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n = 10) to 30% in newly diagnosed MM (n = 78) and up to 70% in relapsed cases (n = 55). The highest median CDK6 was observed in extramedullary myeloma (n = 12), a highly aggressive manifestation of MM. Longitudinal analyses revealed that CDK6 is significantly increased in lenalidomide‐treated patients but not in those who did not receive lenalidomide. Furthermore, we observed that patients who underwent lenalidomide‐comprising induction therapy had significantly shorter progression‐free survival when their samples were CDK6 positive. These data support that CDK6 protein expression is a marker for aggressive and drug‐resistant disease and describes a potential drug target in MM.
Pathogenicity Prediction of GABAA Receptor Missense Variants
Authors: Wang Ya‐Juan , Vu Giang H. , Mu Ting‐Wei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVariants in the genes encoding gamma‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunits are associated with epilepsy. To date, over 1000 clinical variants have been identified in these genes. However, the majority of these variants lack functional studies and their clinical significance is uncertain although accumulating evidence indicates that proteostasis deficiency is the major disease‐causing mechanism. Here, we apply two state‐of‐the‐art modeling tools, namely AlphaMissense and Rhapsody to predict the pathogenicity of saturating missense variants in genes that encode the major subunits of GABAA receptors in the central nervous system, including GABRA1, GABRB2, GABRB3, and GABRG2. We demonstrate that the predicted pathogenicity correlates well between AlphaMissense and Rhapsody. In addition, AlphaMissense pathogenicity score correlates modestly with plasma membrane expression, peak current amplitude, and GABA potency of the variants that have available experimental data. Furthermore, almost all annotated pathogenic variants in the ClinVar database are successfully identified from the prediction, whereas uncertain variants from ClinVar partially due to the lack of experimental data are differentiated into different pathogenicity groups. The pathogenicity prediction of GABAA receptor missense variants provides a resource to the community as well as guidance for future experimental and clinical investigations.
Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing for Modified Uridine Nucleotides Yields Signals Dependent on the Physical Properties of the Modified Base
Authors: Fleming Aaron M. , Dingman Justin C. , Wu Yizhou , Hoon Spencer S. , Burrows Cynthia J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSequencing for RNA modifications with the nanopore direct RNA sequencing platform provides ionic current levels, helicase dwell times, and base call data that differentiate the modifications from the canonical form. Herein, model RNAs were synthesized with site‐specific uridine (U) base modifications that enable the study of increasing an alkyl group size, halogen identity, or a change in base acidity to impact the nanopore data. The analysis concluded that increases in alkyl size trend with greater current blockage but a similar change in base‐call error was not found. The addition of a halogen series to C5 of U revealed that the current levels recorded a trend with the water‐octanol partition coefficient of the base, as well as the base call error. Studies with U modifications that are deprotonated (i. e., anionic) under the sequencing conditions gave broad current levels that influenced the base call error. Some modifications led to helicase dwell time changes. These insights provide design parameters for modification‐specific chemical reagents that can shift nanopore signatures to minimize false positive reads, a known issue with this sequencing approach.
Quantitative proteomics study of carnosine effect in an animal model of Western diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Moreto Fernando , Garcia Jéssica Leite , Ferreira Ana Lúcia dos Anjos , Radrezza Silvia , Costa Mariane Róvero , Romualdo Guilherme Ribeiro , Grandini Nubia Alves , Aldini Giancarlo , Correa Camila Renata , D'Amato Alfonsina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is closely related to westernized dietary (WD) patterns, displays a rising epidemiological and economic burden. Since there is no pharmacological therapy approved for this disease, mechanistic studies are warranted. In this work, we investigated the action of carnosine (CAR), a natural dipeptide with several protection roles against oxidative stress in the liver of NAFLD rats. NAFLD was induced by WD‐rich sugars and fat, verifying the histological evidence of steatosis. As intraperitoneal administration of CAR reversed liver steatosis, the protein profiles of NAFLD liver and CAR NAFLD liver were evaluated by label‐free proteomics approach. A total of 2531 proteins were identified and the 230 and 276 were significantly up‐ and downregulated, respectively, by CAR treatment of NAFLD rats and involved in fundamental pathways such as oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Perilipin 2 and apolipoprotein E, components of the plasma membrane of vesicle, resulted in highly downregulated in the CAR‐treated NAFLD liver. The advanced bioanalytical approach demonstrated the efficacy of CAR in overcoming the main symptoms of NAFLD, ameliorating the steatosis in the liver.