bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced detection of viruses for improved water safety
Authors: Hayes Emalie K. , Gouthro Madison T. , Fuller Megan , Redden David J. , Gagnon Graham A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHuman viruses pose a significant health risk in freshwater environments, but current monitoring methods are inadequate for detecting viral presence efficiently. We evaluated a novel passive in-situ concentration method using granular activated carbon (GAC). This study detected and quantified eight enteric and non-enteric, pathogenic viruses in a freshwater recreational lake in paired grab and GAC passive samples. The results found that GAC passive sampling had a higher detection rate for all viruses compared to grab samples, with adenovirus found to be the most prevalent virus, followed by respiratory syncytial virus, norovirus, enterovirus, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and rotavirus. GAC in-situ concentration allowed for the capture and recovery of viral gene copy targets that ranged from one to three orders of magnitude higher than conventional ex-situ concentration methods used in viral monitoring. This simple and affordable sampling method may have far-reaching implications for reducing barriers associated with viral monitoring across various environmental contexts.
Comparative analysis of pancreatic amylase activity in laboratory rodents
Authors: Böswald Linda F. , Kienzle Ellen , Matzek Dana , Schmitz Marion , Popper Bastian A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlpha-amylase is the main enzyme for starch digestion in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. There are species differences in the enzymatic activity of pancreatic amylase that are related to the digestive strategy and natural diet of a species. This aspect is well investigated in pet and farm animals, while in common laboratory animal rodents, information is scarce. In the context of the 3R concept, detailed knowledge of the digestive physiology should be the basis of adequate nutrition, experimental planning and data interpretation. The present study aimed to obtain reference data on amylase activity in pancreatic tissue and duodenal digesta in laboratory mice, rats and hamsters. In addition, digesta was stained with Lugol’s iodine to visualize starch in the process of degradation throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Amylase activity in pancreatic tissue and duodenal digesta was significantly lower in hamsters than rats and mice. The Lugol staining showed intense starch degradation in the hamsters’ forestomachs, presumably by microbial fermentation. A possible explanation is that the prae-duodenal microbial starch fermentation enhances digestibility and reduces the need for pancreatic amylase in hamsters. Rats and mice may rely more on pancreatic amylase for prae-caecal starch digestion, while the microbial fermentation is mainly located in the caecum. The results clearly show species differences in the digestive capacity for starch in mice, rats and hamsters that need to be considered in the feeding of these species in the laboratory setting as well as in the use of rodents as translational animal models.
Increased Ca2 + transport across the mitochondria-associated membranes by Mfn2 inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in ischemia/reperfusion kidney injury
Authors: Wang Shun , Sang Xiaohong , Li Suhua , Yang Wenjun , Wang Shihan , Chen Haixia , Lu Chen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRenal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which leads to acute kidney injury (AKI), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in a variety of clinical situations. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of Mfn2 during renal I/R injury. Overexpression of Mfn2 in NRK-52E rat renal tubular epithelial cells and rats, then we constructed hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) cells and I/R rat model. Apoptosis, ROS, ATP, Ca2+ levels in cells and rats, as well as renal tissue and functional injury in rats were detected respectively. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was further examined in cells and rats. The morphological changes of mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) were also detected. Mfn2 expression is reduced in H/R-treated NRK-52E cells and renal tissue of I/R rats. At the cellular level, overexpression of Mfn2 promoted cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, attenuated mitochondrial damage and Ca2+ overload, and ER stress. In addition, Mfn2 also restored the MAMs structure. In vivo experiments found that overexpression of Mfn2 could improve renal function and alleviate tissue injury. Concomitant with elevated Mfn2 expression in the kidney, reduced renal cell apoptosis, restored mitochondrial function, and reduced calcium overload. Finally, ER stress in rat kidney tissue was alleviated after overexpression of Mfn2. These results reveal that Mfn2 contributes to ER stress, mitochondrial function, and cell death in I/R injury, which provides a novel therapeutic target for AKI.
Feasibility of a novel neurofeedback system: a parallel randomized single-blinded pilot study
Authors: Horváth Dávid , Négyesi János , Rácz Melinda , Győri Tamás , Matics Zsolt , Puskin Artyom , Csipor János , Rácz Levente 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNeurocognitive assessment tools have been proposed to optimize, maintain, and improve perceptual-cognitive performance. Here, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a novel neurofeedback system, neuroMoon (nM), on cognitive abilities compared with one of the most popular perceptual-cognitive training (PCT) tools both in sports and rehabilitation called NeuroTracker (NT). Thirty-one young athletes performed a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests from the Vienna Test System before and after a 12-session computer-based cognitive training program using nM (n = 11, age 22.6 ± 3.8 years), nM sham (CON, n = 10, age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) or NT (n = 10, age 20.5 ± 1.7 years) device. A series of repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to detect changes in cognitive abilities in response to the training. Participants had faster median reaction time in both the color-naming and word-reading conditions of the Stroop test (all p < 0.005), regardless of group. Regarding the task switching test, statistical analysis indicated faster working time and mean reaction time of the incongruent stimuli, repetition task, and shifting task (all p < 0.005), nevertheless, these changes were also regardless of group. In addition, we found fewer omitted (pre: 17.5 ± 8.3, post: 6.4 ± 1.5, d = 1.311) and more correct (pre: 261.6 ± 36.1, post: 278.6 ± 38.7, d = − 1.020) post-intervention answers in the determination test, regardless of group. Finally, participants in each group performed the digit span backward test with larger post (6.42 ± 1.54) vs. pre (5.55 ± 1.43) scores following the PCT (d = − 0.801). Overall, PCT with nM as compared with NT induced similar results in cognitive abilities suggesting its potential to be used to achieve and maintain better mental performance. However, considering that the sham stimulation also induced similar improvements in cognitive abilities, future studies should clearly determine the cognitive measures that could benefit from NF training.
Measuring urban quality and change through the detection of physical attributes of decay
Authors: Vallebueno Andrea , Lee Yong Suk 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe quality of the urban environment is crucial for societal well-being. Yet, measuring and tracking the quality of urban environment, their evolution, and spatial disparities is difficult due to the amount of on-the-ground data needed to capture these patterns. The growing availability of street view images presents new prospects in identifying urban features. However, the reliability and consistency of these methods across different locations and time remains largely unexplored. We aim to develop a comprehensive index of urban quality and change at the street segment level using Google Street View (GSV) imagery. We focus on eight object classes that indicate urban decay or contribute to an unsightly urban space, such as potholes, graffiti, garbage, tents, barred or broken windows, discolored or dilapidated façades, weeds, and utility markings. We train an object detection model on a dataset of images from different cities and assess the performance of these urban indices. We evaluate the effectiveness of this method in various urban contexts over time and discuss its potential for urban planning and public policy. We demonstrate the use of these indices in three applications: the Tenderloin in San Francisco, the Doctores and Historic Center neighborhoods in Mexico City, and South Bend, Indiana.
BNT162b2 vaccine induced variant-specific immunity, safety and risk of Omicron breakthrough infection in children aged 5 to 11 years: a cohort study
Authors: Yung Chee Fu , Le Bert Nina , Kam Kai Qian , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Tan Chee Wah , Mah Yun Yan , Zhang Jinyan , Yeoh Aileen Ying-Yan , Zhu Feng , Hariharaputran Smrithi , Chong Chia Yin , Bertoletti Antonio , Wang Linfa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThere is little information on BNT162b2 vaccine-induced variant-specific immunogenicity, safety data and dynamics of breakthrough infections in pediatric populations. We addressed these questions using a prospective two dose BNT162b2 (10 mcg) vaccination cohort study of healthy children 5–11 years in Singapore. Follow up included blood samples at scheduled visits, daily vaccination symptom diary and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) and spike-specific T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants were performed. The mean age of 127 participants was 8.27 years (SD 1.95) and 51.2% were males. The median sVNT level against original variant after 1 dose and 2 dose vaccination was 61.4% and 95.1% respectively (p < 0.0001). Neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant was the lowest, median 22.4% (IQR 16.5–30.8). However, T cell IFN-γ cytokine response against Omicron variant was high and remained so about 4 months after vaccination. Fever rate increased significantly from 4% (dose 1) to 11.5% (dose 2). The risk of Omicron breakthrough infection decreased by 7.8% for every 1% increase in sVNT inhibition level measured after dose 2 vaccination. BNT162b2 vaccines were safe, induced good T cell responses but poor neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in children. Low neutralizing antibody levels post-vaccination was predictive of subsequent breakthrough infection.
Hippophae rhamnoides reverses decreased CYP2D6 expression in rats with BCG-induced liver injury
Authors: Zou Huiqiong , Hao Peipei , Cao Yingying , Li Li , Ding Ruifeng , Bai Xuefeng , Xue Yongzhi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HRP) on the activity of CYP2D6 via the CAMP/PKA/NF-κB pathway in rats with Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG)-induced immunological liver injury. BCG (125 mg/kg) was injected to establish the rat model of liver injury. HRP was administered intragastrically for one week as the intervention drug. Proteomics techniques were used to analyze protein expression levels, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the liver injury process. ELISA or western blotting was used to detect specific protein levels. Dextromethorphan was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography to reflect the metabolic activity of CYP2D6. BCG downregulated the expression of CYP2D6, cAMP, PKA, IκB, and P-CREB and upregulated that of NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CREB in the liver; HRP administration reversed these effects. Therefore, HRP may restore the metabolic function of the liver by reversing the downregulation of CYP2D6 through inhibition of NF-κB signal transduction and regulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/CYP2D6 pathway. These findings highlight the role of HRP as an alternative clinical drug for treating hepatitis B and other immune-related liver diseases.
Innovative geopolymer-based cold asphalt emulsion mixture as eco-friendly material
Authors: Dulaimi Anmar , Al Busaltan Shakir , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Lu Dong , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Ameen Arman 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in cold asphalt emulsion mixture (CAEM) due to its numerous advantages, including reduced CO2 emissions, energy savings, and improved safety during construction and application. However, CAEM has often been considered inferior to hot mix asphalt (HMA) in terms of performance. To address this issue and achieve desirable performance characteristics, researchers have been exploring the modification of CAEM using high-cost additives like ordinary Portland cement. In this study, the focus was on investigating the effects of utilizing waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and calcium carbide residue (CCR) as modifiers to enhance the properties of CAEM. The aim was to develop an innovative geopolymer geopolymer-based cold asphalt emulsion mixture (GCAE). The results of the study revealed that the use of waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution led to an increase in early hydration, which was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the experimental findings demonstrated that waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution significantly contributed to the rapid development of early-age strength in GCAE. As a result, GCAE showed great potential for utilization in pavement applications, particularly for roads subjected to harsh service conditions involving moisture and temperature. By exploring these alternative modifiers, the study highlights a promising avenue for enhancing the performance of CAEM and potentially reducing the reliance on expensive additives like ordinary Portland cement. The development of GCAE has the potential to offer improved performance and durability in pavement applications, thus contributing to sustainable and efficient road infrastructure.
A new approach to predict microhardness of two-phase in cutting S32760 duplex stainless steel
Authors: Zhang Xiangyuan , Yang Lin , Zheng Minli , Liu Jialiang , Zhou Mingjia , Gong Fukang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe uneven distribution of microhardness in the two-phase structure of S32760 duplex stainless steel after cutting is attributed to variations in the crystal structure, which significantly impact the material's performance. This paper presents a new approach to predict the microhardness of two-phase based on the flow stresses in the austenitic and ferrite. The effect of strain, strain rate, and temperature on the flow stress in the shear plane of orthogonal cutting S32760 was analyzed, and the prediction model for microhardness of two-phase considering the two-phase flow stress was established to obtain a mapping relationship between the two-phase flow stress and the two-phase microhardness of S32760. The impact of cutting dosages on shear strain, strain rate, and temperature in the shear plane was investigated. A function relationship between cutting dosages and microhardness of austenite and ferrite in the shear plane was established, two-phase microhardness experiments were conducted, and the model's accuracy was validated with a prediction error of less than 6%. This study provided insights into the impact of strain, strain rate, and temperature in the shear plane on the microhardness of the two-phase, thus contributing to the theoretical foundation of processing techniques in duplex stainless steel.
Exploring outer space biophysical phenomena via SpaceLID
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Tao , Zeng Xian , Chu Xinyi , Zhuoma Dongzhi , Zhao Yufen , Chen Yu Zong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtensive investigations in outer space have revealed not only how life adapts to the space environment, but also that interesting biophysical phenomena occur. These phenomena affect human health and other life forms (animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi), and to ensure the safety of future human space exploration need to be further investigated. This calls for joint research efforts between biologists and physicists, as these phenomena present cross-disciplinary barriers. Various national organizations provide useful forums for bridging this gap. Additional discussion avenues and database resources are helpful for facilitating the interdisciplinary investigations of these phenomena. In this paper, we present the newly established Space Life Investigation Database (SpaceLID, https://bidd.group/spacelid/) which provides information about biophysical phenomena occurring in space. Examples obtained using the database are given while discussing the underlying causes of these phenomena and their implications for the physiology and health of life in space.
Subnational biodiversity reporting metrics for mountain ecosystems
Authors: Ly Amina , Geschke Jonas , Snethlage Mark A. , Stauffer Kerrie L. , Nussbaumer Jasmin , Schweizer Dominic , Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Fischer Markus , Urbach Davnah 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBiodiversity indicators are used to assess progress towards conservation and sustainability goals. However, the spatial scales, methods and assumptions of the underlying reporting metrics can affect the provided information. Using mountain ecosystems as an example, we compare biodiversity protection at subnational scale using the site-based approach of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG indicator 15.4.1) with an area-based approach compatible with the targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
DNA damage induced by CDK4 and CDK6 blockade triggers anti-tumor immune responses through cGAS-STING pathway
Authors: Fan Huimin , Liu Wancheng , Zeng Yanqiong , Zhou Ying , Gao Meiling , Yang Liping , Liu Hao , Shi Yueyue , Li Lili , Ma Jiayuan , Ruan Jiayin , Cao Ruyun , Jin Xiaoxia , Chen Jian , Cheng Genhong , Yang Heng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCDK4/6 are important regulators of cell cycle and their inhibitors have been approved as anti-cancer drugs. Here, we report a STING-dependent anti-tumor immune mechanism responsible for tumor suppression by CDK4/6 blockade. Clinical datasets show that in human tissues, CDK4 and CDK6 are over-expressed and their expressions are negatively correlated with patients’ overall survival and T cell infiltration. Deletion of Cdk4 or Cdk6 in tumor cells significantly reduce tumor growth. Mechanistically, we find that Cdk4 or Cdk6 deficiency contributes to an increased level of endogenous DNA damage, which triggers the cGAS-STING signaling pathway to activate type I interferon response. Knockout of Sting is sufficient to reverse and partially reverse the anti-tumor effect of Cdk4 and Cdk6 deficiency respectively. Therefore, our findings suggest that CDK4/6 inhibitors may enhance anti-tumor immunity through the STING-dependent type I interferon response.
Quasi-fractionalization of edge spin in chirality-assisted cluster-based Haldane state on triangular spin tube
Authors: Sugimoto Takanori , Tohyama Takami 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFractionalization of quantum degrees of freedom holds the key to finding new phenomena in physics, e.g., the quark model in hadron physics and the spin-charge separation in strongly-correlated electron systems. A typical example of the fractionalization in quantum spin systems is the spin-1 Haldane state, whose intriguing characteristics are well described by fractionalized virtual spins, delivering two individual spin-1/2 degrees of freedom as edge states. Here we theoretically propose an exotic extension of the Haldane state to the pseudo spin-1 model consisting of the mixture of real spin and spin chirality, resulting in quasi-fractionalization of spin-1/2 magnetization, i.e., an approximately-1/4 spin. Existence of the edge state is confirmed both analytically and numerically in a triangular spin tube, combining a low-energy perturbation theory and variational matrix-product state method. Our study not only proposes an unconventional quantum spin object but paves a way to chop the elementary quantities further.
A universal programmable Gaussian boson sampler for drug discovery
Authors: Yu Shang , Zhong Zhi-Peng , Fang Yuhua , Patel Raj B. , Li Qing-Peng , Liu Wei , Li Zhenghao , Xu Liang , Sagona-Stophel Steven , Mer Ewan , Thomas Sarah E. , Meng Yu , Li Zhi-Peng , Yang Yuan-Ze , Wang Zhao-An , Guo Nai-Jie , Zhang Wen-Hao , Tranmer Geoffrey K. , Dong Ying , Wang Yi-Tao , Tang Jian-Shun , Li Chuan-Feng , Walmsley Ian A. , Guo Guang-Can 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGaussian boson sampling (GBS) has the potential to solve complex graph problems, such as clique finding, which is relevant to drug discovery tasks. However, realizing the full benefits of quantum enhancements requires large-scale quantum hardware with universal programmability. Here we have developed a time-bin-encoded GBS photonic quantum processor that is universal, programmable and software-scalable. Our processor features freely adjustable squeezing parameters and can implement arbitrary unitary operations with a programmable interferometer. Leveraging our processor, we successfully executed clique finding on a 32-node graph, achieving approximately twice the success probability compared to classical sampling. As proof of concept, we implemented a versatile quantum drug discovery platform using this GBS processor, enabling molecular docking and RNA-folding prediction tasks. Our work achieves GBS circuitry with its universal and programmable architecture, advancing GBS toward use in real-world applications.
A blockchain‐based user authorization management method for information exchanging of federation of industry and commerce
Authors: Yang Jingqi , Li Hanqing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe blockchain does not need the central organization to make trust endorsement, which is suitable for large scale information exchange between different regions. In addition, blockchain has the characteristics of decentralization and tamper resistant, so that it no longer needs an intermediary platform. A blockchain‐based user authorization management method is proposed, which applies blockchain as an underlaying security mechanism for distributed user authorization management within a trusted community of a distributed information exchange sites of federation of industry and commerce. This method can ensure the reliability, consistency, and integrity of user authorization information. With this method, an elastic data exchange trusted community can be built between the data owner and the authorized data user according to the data exchange needs to achieve reliable distributed access authorization.
Fixed‐time adaptive tracking control for MIMO nonlinear system with input delay saturation based on echo state network
Authors: Lun Shuxian , Wu Meixia , Lu Xiaodong , Li Ming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe paper expounds the question of echo state network‐based fixed‐time adaptive tracking control for a type of multi‐input multi‐output nonlinear strict‐feedback system with input delayed saturation. Based on the feature that echo state network can obtain better estimation performance at lower computational cost, it is utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear function in the controller design course. By constructing an auxiliary system, a time‐delay system with input saturation is eliminated. Moreover, command filtering techniques can be applied to avoid the “complexity explosion” problem in the backstepping method. Then, the closed‐loop system is attested to be semi‐global practical fixed‐time stable. In the end, a simulation shows the valid scheme.