bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Sox8 is a critical factor for timely remyelination and oligodendroglial cell repletion in the cuprizone model
Authors: Freudenstein David , Lippert Magdalena , Popp Janina Sophie , Aprato Jessica , Wegner Michael , Sock Elisabeth , Haase Stefanie , Linker Ralf A. , González Alvarado María Nazareth 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGenome-wide association studies identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) downstream of the transcription factor Sox8, associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sox8 is known to influence oligodendrocyte terminal differentiation and is involved in myelin maintenance by mature oligodendrocytes. The possible link of a Sox8 related SNP and MS risk, along with the role of Sox8 in oligodendrocyte physiology prompted us to investigate its relevance during de- and remyelination using the cuprizone model. Sox8−/− mice and wildtype littermates received a cuprizone diet for 5 weeks (wk). Sox8−/− mice showed reduced motor performance and weight compared to wildtype controls. Brains were histologically analysed at the maximum of demyelination (wk 5) and on two time points during remyelination (wk 5.5 and wk 6) for oligodendroglial, astroglial, microglial and myelin markers. We identified reduced proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells at wk 5 as well as reduced numbers of mature oligodendrocytes in Sox8−/− mice at wk 6. Moreover, analysis of myelin markers revealed a delay in remyelination in the Sox8−/− group, demonstrating the potential importance of Sox8 in remyelination processes. Our findings present, for the first time, compelling evidence of a significant role of Sox8 in the context of a disease model.
Identification, classification, and characterization of alpha and beta subunits of LVP1 protein from the venom gland of four Iranian scorpion species
Authors: Salabi Fatemeh , Vazirianzadeh Babak , Baradaran Masoumeh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractScorpion venoms contain bioactive peptides and proteins. Some, can be used for pharmaceutical purposes. So, identification of venom proteins matters because, in addition to determining the function of the toxins can also be an excellent guide to developing new drugs. Here, we got transcriptome of venom glands from four Iranian scorpion species, including Hemsicorpius lepturus, Mesobuthus eupeus, Andructunus crassicuada, and Hottentotta saulcyi using cDNA library synthesis and high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of the venom glands. In a comparative way, we identified the cDNA encoding isoforms of subunits (alpha and beta) of BotLVP1/BmLVP1-like protein in the venom gland of three species except for H. lepturus. Characterization and structure determination of the LVP1_like proteins combined with gene map analysis provided evidence of the existence of some isoforms of LVP1_like proteins, encoded by genes with two exons and one intron, which can be classified in CSαβ superfamily in the venom gland of three Iranian scorpion species. According to the high similarity with BotLVP1 and BmLVP1, these proteins could also be potent to mediate cholesterol homeostasis. However, further research is needed to prove it, and this study just may lay the foundation lead to light up this way.
Patient-specific computational models of retinal prostheses
Authors: Kish Kathleen E. , Yuan Alex , Weiland James D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRetinal prostheses stimulate inner retinal neurons to create visual perception for blind patients. Implanted arrays have many small electrodes. Not all electrodes induce perception at the same stimulus amplitude, requiring clinicians to manually establish a visual perception threshold for each one. Phosphenes created by single-electrode stimuli can also vary in shape, size, and brightness. Computational models provide a tool to predict inter-electrode variability and automate device programming. In this study, we created statistical and patient-specific field-cable models to investigate inter-electrode variability across seven epiretinal prosthesis users. Our statistical analysis revealed that retinal thickness beneath the electrode correlated with perceptual threshold, with a significant fixed effect across participants. Electrode-retina distance and electrode impedance also correlated with perceptual threshold for some participants, but these effects varied by individual. We developed a novel method to construct patient-specific field-cable models from optical coherence tomography images. Predictions with these models significantly correlated with perceptual threshold for 80% of participants. Additionally, we demonstrated that patient-specific field-cable models could predict retinal activity and phosphene size. These computational models could be beneficial for determining optimal stimulation settings in silico, circumventing the trial-and-error testing of a large parameter space in clinic.
Regionalization of cell types in silk glands of Larinioides sclopetarius suggest that spider silk fibers are complex layered structures
Authors: Sonavane Sumalata , Westermark Per , Rising Anna , Holm Lena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn order to produce artificial silk fibers with properties that match the native spider silk we likely need to closely mimic the spinning process as well as fiber architecture and composition. To increase our understanding of the structure and function of the different silk glands of the orb weaver Larinioides sclopetarius, we used resin sections for detailed morphology, paraffin embedded sections for a variety of different histological stainings, and a histochemical method for localization of carbonic anhydrase activity. Our results show that all silk glands, except the tubuliform glands, are composed of two or more columnar epithelial cell types, some of which have not been described previously. We observed distinct regionalization of the cell types indicating sequential addition of secretory products during silk formation. This means that the major ampullate, minor ampullate, aciniform type II, and piriform silk fibers most likely are layered and that each layer has a specific composition. Furthermore, a substance that stains positive for polysaccharides may be added to the silk in all glands except in the type I aciniform glands. Active carbonic anhydrase was found in all silk glands and/or ducts except in the type I aciniform and tubuliform glands, with the strongest staining in aggregate glands and their ductal nodules. Carbonic anhydrase plays an important role in the generation of a pH gradient in the major ampullate glands, and our results suggest that some other glands may also harbor pH gradients.
Machine learning and atomistic origin of high dielectric permittivity in oxides
Authors: Shimano Yuho , Kutana Alex , Asahi Ryoji 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDiscovering new stable materials with large dielectric permittivity is important for future energy storage and electronics applications. Theoretical and computational approaches help design new materials by elucidating microscopic mechanisms and establishing structure–property relations. Ab initio methods can be used to reliably predict the dielectric response, but for fast materials screening, machine learning (ML) approaches, which can directly infer properties from the structural information, are needed. Here, random forest and graph convolutional neural network models are trained and tested to predict the dielectric constant from the structural information. We create a database of the dielectric properties of oxides and design, train, and test the two ML models. Both approaches show similar performance and can successfully predict response based on the structure. The analysis of the feature importance allows identification of local geometric features leading to the high dielectric permittivity of the crystal. Dimensionality reduction and clustering further confirms the relevance of descriptors and compositional features for obtaining high dielectric permittivity.
Unravelling the effect of New Year’s Eve celebrations on SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Authors: Geenen Caspar , Thibaut Jonathan , Laenen Lies , Raymenants Joren , Cuypers Lize , Maes Piet , Dellicour Simon , André Emmanuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPublic holidays have been associated with SARS-CoV-2 incidence surges, although a firm link remains to be established. This association is sometimes attributed to events where transmissions occur at a disproportionately high rate, known as superspreading events. Here, we describe a sudden surge in new cases with the Omicron BA.1 strain amongst higher education students in Belgium. Contact tracers classed most of these cases as likely or possibly infected on New Year's Eve, indicating a direct trigger by New Year celebrations. Using a combination of contact tracing and phylogenetic data, we show the limited role of superspreading events in this surge. Finally, the numerous simultaneous transmissions allowed a unique opportunity to determine the distribution of incubation periods of the Omicron strain. Overall, our results indicate that, even under social restrictions, a surge in transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 can occur when holiday celebrations result in small social gatherings attended simultaneously and communitywide.
Microheater with copper nanofiber network via electrospinning and electroless deposition
Authors: Kim Na Kyoung , Kim Kanghyun , Jang Hansol , An Taechang , Shin Hyun-Joon , Kim Geon Hwee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this report, we present the development of a copper nanofiber network-based microheater, designed for applications in electron microscopes, gas sensing, and cell culture platforms. The seed layer, essential for electroless deposition, was fabricated through the electrospinning of a palladium-contained polyvinylpyrrolidone solution followed by a heat treatment. This process minimized the contact resistance between nanofibers. We successfully fabricated a microheater with evenly distributed temperature by controlling the electrospinning time, heat treatment conditions, and electroless deposition time. We assessed the electrical and thermal characteristics of the microheater by examining the nanofiber density, sheet resistance, and transmittance. The microheater’s performance was evaluated by applying current, and we verified its capacity to heat up to a maximum of 350 °C. We further observed the microheater’s temperature distribution at varying current levels through an infrared camera. The entire manufacturing procedure takes place under normal pressure, eliminating the need for masking or etching processes. This renders the method easily adaptable to the mass production of microdevices. The method is expected to be applicable to various materials and sizes and is cost-effective compared to commercially produced microheaters developed through microelectromechanical system processes, which demand complex facilities and high cost.
The mechanism analysis on the farmers’ motivation of using the quality traceability system based on TAM-ECM model
Authors: He Wang , Qi Chunjie , Ding Liang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe quality traceability system for agricultural product plays an important role in tracing the production history or flow of agricultural products in China. At present, the quality traceability system is facing the problem of limited coverage and promotion. Understanding the continuous usage behavior of users can help solve this problem. This study constructed a model integrating TAM-ECM to analyze the mechanisms affecting the continuous usage intention and behavior of users of the quality traceability system, using PLS analysis method and survey data from 197 users of the GanNan navel orange quality traceability system with a usage time of up to two years. The results show that both satisfaction and usage habits directly promote the continuous usage of the quality traceability system. Lowering transaction costs significantly improves perceived value and satisfaction, and has a greater direct impact on satisfaction. Expectation confirmation level has a positive effect on perceived value, and lowering transaction costs also enhances perceived value. Perceived value、transaction cost, and satisfaction are important factors driving the continuous usage of the quality traceability system by users. The research findings provide a reference basis for the government to develop policies to attract users to use the quality traceability system for agricultural product.
Imaging and AI based chromatin biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy evaluation from liquid biopsies
Authors: Challa Kiran , Paysan Daniel , Leiser Dominic , Sauder Nadia , Weber Damien C. , Shivashankar G. V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMultiple genomic and proteomic studies have suggested that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) respond to tumor secretomes and thus could provide possible avenues for tumor prognosis and treatment evaluation. We hypothesized that the chromatin organization of PBMCs obtained from liquid biopsies, which integrates secretome signals with gene expression programs, provides efficient biomarkers to characterize tumor signals and the efficacy of proton therapy in tumor patients. Here, we show that chromatin imaging of PBMCs combined with machine learning methods provides such robust and predictive chromatin biomarkers. We show that such chromatin biomarkers enable the classification of 10 healthy and 10 pan-tumor patients. Furthermore, we extended our pipeline to assess the tumor types and states of 30 tumor patients undergoing (proton) radiation therapy. We show that our pipeline can thereby accurately distinguish between three tumor groups with up to 89% accuracy and enables the monitoring of the treatment effects. Collectively, we show the potential of chromatin biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and therapy evaluation.
Evolution of lysine-specific demethylase 1 and REST corepressor gene families and their molecular interaction
Authors: Olivares-Costa Montserrat , Oyarzún Gianluca Merello , Verbel-Vergara Daniel , González Marcela P. , Arancibia Duxan , Andrés María E. , Opazo Juan C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1) binds to the REST corepressor (RCOR) protein family of corepressors to erase transcriptionally active marks on histones. Functional diversity in these complexes depends on the type of RCOR included, which modulates the catalytic activity of the complex. Here, we studied the duplicative history of the RCOR and LSD gene families and analyzed the evolution of their interaction. We found that RCOR genes are the product of the two rounds of whole-genome duplications that occurred early in vertebrate evolution. In contrast, the origin of the LSD genes traces back before to the divergence of animals and plants. Using bioinformatics tools, we show that the RCOR and LSD1 interaction precedes the RCOR repertoire expansion that occurred in the last common ancestor of jawed vertebrates. Overall, we trace LSD1-RCOR complex evolution and propose that animal non-model species offer advantages in addressing questions about the molecular biology of this epigenetic complex.
Iron accumulation drives fibrosis, senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Maus Mate , López-Polo Vanessa , Mateo Lidia , Lafarga Miguel , Aguilera Mònica , De Lama Eugenia , Meyer Kathleen , Sola Anna , Lopez-Martinez Cecilia , López-Alonso Ines , Guasch-Piqueras Marc , Hernandez-Gonzalez Fernanda , Chaib Selim , Rovira Miguel , Sanchez Mayka , Faner Rosa , Agusti Alvar , Diéguez-Hurtado Rodrigo , Ortega Sagrario , Manonelles Anna , Engelhardt Stefan , Monteiro Freddy , Stephan-Otto Attolini Camille , Prats Neus , Albaiceta Guillermo , Cruzado Josep M. , Serrano Manuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFibrogenesis is part of a normal protective response to tissue injury that can become irreversible and progressive, leading to fatal diseases. Senescent cells are a main driver of fibrotic diseases through their secretome, known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we report that cellular senescence, and multiple types of fibrotic diseases in mice and humans are characterized by the accumulation of iron. We show that vascular and hemolytic injuries are efficient in triggering iron accumulation, which in turn can cause senescence and promote fibrosis. Notably, we find that senescent cells persistently accumulate iron, even when the surge of extracellular iron has subdued. Indeed, under normal conditions of extracellular iron, cells exposed to different types of senescence-inducing insults accumulate abundant ferritin-bound iron, mostly within lysosomes, and present high levels of labile iron, which fuels the generation of reactive oxygen species and the SASP. Finally, we demonstrate that detection of iron by magnetic resonance imaging might allow non-invasive assessment of fibrotic burden in the kidneys of mice and in patients with renal fibrosis. Our findings suggest that iron accumulation plays a central role in senescence and fibrosis, even when the initiating events may be independent of iron, and identify iron metabolism as a potential therapeutic target for senescence-associated diseases.
Low‐carbon economic optimal operation strategy of rural multi‐microgrids based on asymmetric Nash bargaining
Authors: Qin Minglei , Xu Qingshan , Liu Wei , Xu Ziming 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe multi‐microgrids operation can greatly improve the proportion of renewable energy integration and power reliability of rural microgrids through energy trading between adjacent microgrids. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimization method for the low‐carbon economic operation of rural microgrids which contain wind power, photovoltaic, biogas, and other common rural renewable energy sources. Using the asymmetric Nash bargaining model which can form the non‐linear energy mapping function to quantify the bargaining power of each microgrid to establish the multi‐microgrids energy trading model, and the non‐convex trading optimization problem is equivalently transformed into two convex optimization subproblems, subproblem 1 is microgrids alliance costs containing the emission costs, and subproblem 2 is cooperative benefits distribution. Then, the accelerated Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) method is used to solve subproblem 1 and subproblem 2, respectively, and the privacy of transaction information is also protected. The results show that: compared with the single‐microgrid operation, the combined operation of rural multi‐microgrids with biogas can greatly improve the renewable energy consumption rate, reduce carbon emission, and improve the profit income of the alliance and each microgrid. Meanwhile, the accelerated ADMM algorithm used can greatly improve the solution speed.
Design and analysis of extensible differential‐speed helical drive pipe dredging robot
Authors: Lou Fei , Guan Jing , Lu Wensai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo replace the manual labour involved in pipe dredging, this study proposes an extensible differential‐speed helical drive pipe dredging robot. The robot can be released in an inspection well to remove silt from a sewer pipe for routine maintenance. This robot consists of a differential drive system, an extensible helical drive element, a dredging plate, and a retractable feed screw. The extensible helical drive element is used to address the problem of diameter differences between the inspection well, sewage well, and drainpipe. The problem of dynamical dredging working conditions is studied by a detailed design of mechanical system. To analyze the operational process of the proposed robot, a virtual prototype is established using the ADAMS software. The simulation results show that the proposed robot can achieve the slurry‐flow operating state because of its reasonable structure and cutting, mixing, and conveying silt functions. The result presented in this study can help to improve energy efficiency and provide technical assistance for same type robots.
Numerical flow noise simulation of an axial fan with a Lattice-Boltzmann solver
Authors: Antoniou Evangelos , Romani Gianluca , Jantzen Andreas , Czwielong Felix , Schoder Stefan 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a transient and compressible solver based on the Lattice-Boltzmann Method/Very Large Eddy Simulation (LBM/VLES) approach is employed to predict unsteady flow physics and flow-induced noise generation of a low-pressure axial fan. Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic measurements provided by the European Acoustics Association (EAA) benchmark platform are used for validation purposes. Boundary and design operating conditions are applied to the numerical model to replicate the experimental setup. Simulation and experimental data are compared, showing an excellent agreement in terms of fan efficiency with less than 1% deviation, as well as broadband and tonal noise within 0.7 dBA in terms of overall sound pressure level. An advanced post-processing analysis is performed to shed light on the noise generation mechanism in tip clearance. It is observed that both fine random turbulent structures and large coherent vortices are generated in the tip gap. The continuous impingement of the fine turbulence with the following blades and the blade itself is responsible for the radiation of broadband noise, while the interaction between the large coherent tip vortices, spinning at a lower angular velocity with respect to the fan shaft, and the following blades leads to the generation of narraowband peaks at sub-harmonics of the blade-passing frequencies. Finally, a beamforming analysis further confirms that the main noise sources are located in the blade tip clearance and tip regions.
The Timing of Surgery for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Infants, on or after Weaning from Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Minhua , Liao Jiachi , Li Le 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives We conducted a meta-analysis of trials to determine the optimal time to conduct surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in infants, on or after weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant articles published prior to May 2023 in which surgery was performed to treat CDH in infants. Data were collected, and continuous data were represented by the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous data were represented by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Review Manager V.5.4 and Stata were used to synthesize results and to assess publication bias.
Results The results showed that infants undergoing surgery after being weaned from ECMO had reduced mortality (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.23–4.69; p = 0.01) and postoperative bleeding rates (OR, 16.20; 95% CI, 5.73–45.76; p < 0.00001) and reduced ECMO duration (MD, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.89–5.05; p < 0.0001) compared with those who underwent surgery while on ECMO. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital duration (MD, 5.48; 95% CI, −8.66 to 19.62; p = 0.45) or ventilator duration (MD, −1.93; 95% CI, −8.55 to 4.68; p = 0.57).
Conclusion We recommend weaning patients with CDH from ECMO before performing surgery.
Modular Synthesis of 4-Acylquinolines via Cycloaddition of 1,3-Enynes and Nitrosoarenes
Authors: Kong Wangqing , Li Xiao , Diao Chenxin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHerein, we disclose a FeBr2-promoted cycloaddition of readily available 1,3-enynes and nitrosoarenes, providing a promising platform for the synthesis of privileged 4-acylquinoline scaffolds. This simple, one-pot process is characterized by high atom-economy, broad substrate-scope, and excellent functional-group tolerance. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed, involving processes such as [4+2] cycloaddition, ring opening, aromatization, and dehydroaromatization.