bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERK2-topoisomerase II regulatory axis is important for gene activation in immediate early genes
Authors: Bunch Heeyoun , Kim Deukyeong , Naganuma Masahiro , Nakagawa Reiko , Cong Anh , Jeong Jaehyeon , Ehara Haruhiko , Vu Hongha , Chang Jeong Ho , Schellenberg Matthew J. , Sekine Shun-ichi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe function of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is required for the activation of immediate early genes (IEGs), including EGR1 and FOS, for cell growth and proliferation. Recent studies have identified topoisomerase II (TOP2) as one of the important regulators of the transcriptional activation of IEGs. However, the mechanism underlying transcriptional regulation involving TOP2 in IEG activation has remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ERK2, but not ERK1, is important for IEG transcriptional activation and report a critical ELK1 binding sequence for ERK2 function at the EGR1 gene. Our data indicate that both ERK1 and ERK2 extensively phosphorylate the C-terminal domain of TOP2B at mutual and distinctive residues. Although both ERK1 and ERK2 enhance the catalytic rate of TOP2B required to relax positive DNA supercoiling, ERK2 delays TOP2B catalysis of negative DNA supercoiling. In addition, ERK1 may relax DNA supercoiling by itself. ERK2 catalytic inhibition or knock-down interferes with transcription and deregulates TOP2B in IEGs. Furthermore, we present the first cryo-EM structure of the human cell-purified TOP2B and etoposide together with the EGR1 transcriptional start site (–30 to +20) that has the strongest affinity to TOP2B within –423 to +332. The structure shows TOP2B-mediated breakage and dramatic bending of the DNA. Transcription is activated by etoposide, while it is inhibited by ICRF193 at EGR1 and FOS, suggesting that TOP2B-mediated DNA break to favor transcriptional activation. Taken together, this study suggests that activated ERK2 phosphorylates TOP2B to regulate TOP2-DNA interactions and favor transcriptional activation in IEGs. We propose that TOP2B association, catalysis, and dissociation on its substrate DNA are important processes for regulating transcription and that ERK2-mediated TOP2B phosphorylation may be key for the catalysis and dissociation steps.
Ubiquitination-mediated Golgi-to-endosome sorting determines the toxin-antidote duality of fission yeast wtf meiotic drivers
Authors: Zheng Jin-Xin , Du Tong-Yang , Shao Guang-Can , Ma Zhu-Hui , Jiang Zhao-Di , Hu Wen , Suo Fang , He Wanzhong , Dong Meng-Qiu , Du Li-Lin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractKiller meiotic drivers (KMDs) skew allele transmission in their favor by killing meiotic progeny not inheriting the driver allele. Despite their widespread presence in eukaryotes, the molecular mechanisms behind their selfish behavior are poorly understood. In several fission yeast species, single-gene KMDs belonging to thewtfgene family exert selfish killing by expressing a toxin and an antidote through alternative transcription initiation. Here we investigate how the toxin and antidote products of awtf-family KMD gene can act antagonistically. Both the toxin and the antidote are multi-transmembrane proteins, differing only in their N-terminal cytosolic tails. We find that the antidote employs PY motifs (Leu/Pro-Pro-X-Tyr) in its N-terminal cytosolic tail to bind Rsp5/NEDD4 family ubiquitin ligases, which ubiquitinate the antidote. Mutating PY motifs or attaching a deubiquitinating enzyme transforms the antidote into a toxic protein. Ubiquitination promotes the transport of the antidote from the trans-Golgi network to the endosome, thereby preventing it from causing toxicity. A physical interaction between the antidote and the toxin enables the ubiquitinated antidote to translocate the toxin to the endosome and neutralize its toxicity. We propose that post-translational modification-mediated protein localization and/or activity changes may be a common mechanism governing the antagonistic duality of single-gene KMDs.
Using mobile phone data to map evacuation and displacement: a case study of the central Italy earthquake
Authors: Giardini Francesca , Hadjidimitriou Natalia Selini , Mamei Marco , Bastardi Giordano , Codeluppi Nico , Pancotto Francesca 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPopulation displacement is one of the most common consequences of disasters, and it can profoundly affect communities and territories. However, gaining an accurate measure of the size of displacement in the days and weeks following a major disaster can be extremely difficult. This study uses aggregated Call Detail Records as an inexpensive and efficient technique to measure post-disaster displacement in four Italian regions affected by repeated earthquakes in 2016–2017. By comparing post-disaster mobile phone count with a forecast computed before the earthquake hit, we can compute an index of change in the presence of mobile phones (MPE). This measure, obtained thanks to advanced analytical techniques, provides a reliable indication of the effect of the earthquake in terms of immediate and medium-term displacement. We test this measure against census data and in combination with other datasets. Looking into available data on economic activities and requests for financial support to rebuild damaged buildings, we can explain MPE and identify significant factors affecting population displacement. It is possible to apply this innovative methodology to other disaster scenarios and use it by policymakers who want to understand the determinants of population displacement.
Exploring the potential of a newly developed pectin-chitosan polyelectrolyte composite on the surface of commercially pure titanium for dental implants
Authors: Alsharbaty Mohammed Husssein M. , Naji Ghassan A. , Ali Sameh S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPectin and chitosan are natural polysaccharides obtained from fruit peels and exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. They are safe for usage in food products and are renewable and biocompatible. They have further applications as wound dressings, body fat reduction, tissue engineering, and auxiliary agents in drug delivery systems. The healing process is usually long and painful. Adding a new material such as a pectin-chitosan composite to the implant surface or body would create unique biological responses to accelerate healing and delivery of target-specific medication at the implant site. The present study utilized the electrospraying process to create pectin-chitosan polyelectrolyte composite (PCPC) coatings with various ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 3:1 on commercially pure titanium substrates. By means of FESEM, AFM, wettability, cross-cut adhesion, and microhardness were assessed the PCPC coatings’ physical and mechanical properties. Subsequently, the antibacterial properties of the coating composite were assessed. AFM analysis revealed higher surface roughness for group 5 and homogenous coating for group 1. Group 3 showed the lowest water contact angle of 66.7° and all PCPC coatings had significantly higher Vickers hardness values compared to the control uncoated CpTi samples. Groups 3 and 4 showed the best adhesion of the PCPC to the titanium substrates. Groups 3, 4, and 5 showed antibacterial properties with a high zone of inhibitions compared to the control. The PCPC coating's characteristics can be significantly impacted by using certain pectin-chitosan ratios. Groups 3 (1:2) and 4 (1:3) showed remarkable morphological and mechanical properties with better surface roughness, greater surface strength, improved hydrophilicity, improved adhesion to the substrate surface, and additionally demonstrated significant antibacterial properties. According to the accomplished in vitro study outcomes, these particular PCPC ratios can be considered as an efficient coating for titanium dental implants.
A portable articulated dynamometer for ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength measurement: a design, validation, and user experience study
Authors: Cho Seung Yeon , Myong Youho , Park Sungwoo , Cho Minwoo , Kim Sungwan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMonitoring ankle strength is crucial for assessing daily activities, functional ability, and preventing lower extremity injuries. However, the current methods for measuring ankle strength are often unreliable or not easily portable to be used in clinical settings. Therefore, this study proposes a portable dynamometer with high reliability capable of measuring ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The proposed portable dynamometer comprised plates made of aluminum alloy 6061 and a miniature tension–compression load cell. A total of 41 healthy adult participants applied maximal isometric dorsiflexor and plantar flexor forces on a Lafayette Handheld Dynamometer (HHD) and the portable dynamometer. The results were cross-validated, using change in mean, and two independent examiners evaluated the inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities in separate sessions using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. Both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion measurements demonstrated a strong correlation with the HHD (r = 0.827; r = 0.973) and showed high inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities. Additionally, the participant responses to the user experience questionnaire survey indicated vastly superior positive experiences with the portable dynamometer. The study findings suggest that the designed portable dynamometer can provide accurate and reliable measurements of ankle strengths, making it a potential alternative to current methods in clinical settings.
4-E analysis and multiple objective optimizations of a novel solar-powered cogeneration energy system for the simultaneous production of electrical power and heating
Authors: Ahamad Taufique , Parvez Mohd , Lal Shiv , Khan Osama , Idrisi Mohammad Javed 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOwing to its natural and rich advantages, exploration of solar energy technology has become increasingly popular in recent years to counter the growing crude oil prices. However, its universal adoption is still limited, not only due to environmental restrictions but also due to lower overall efficiency. Rankine cycle is optimised to conduct 4-E (Exergy, Energy, Economic and Ecological) analysis. Furthermore, three sets (R-113, R-11, and R-1233zd) of refrigerants are prioritised and ranked on the basis of 4-E analysis as outcomes. The contemporary study addressed all critical factors and explains the impact of solar irradiance, mass flow rate of molten salt and steam, turbine inlet pressure, and turbine inlet temperature which are eventually weighed and prioritised using combined multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. The energy efficiency, exergetic efficiency, power/ cost of electricity, and ecological emissions are taken as the indicators of the combined cycle, respectively. The energy efficiency of the hybrid system is improved to 75.07% after including cogeneration cycle, with an increment of 54.58%. In comparison to conventional thermal powerplant setups, the power/cost of electricity and ecological efficiency have been reduced by 68% and upgraded by 16%, correspondingly. Direct normal radiation is the most critical factor followed by turbine inlet temperature. Further, the result indicates that maximum exergy destruction that occurs in the central receiver declines to 39.92%, followed by heliostat and steam turbine which was 27% and 9.32% respectively. In conclusion, the hybrid cycle can furnish cheaper electricity, with lower carbon imprint in sustainable manner with better efficiency.
Energy transmission through radiative ternary nanofluid flow with exponential heat source/sink across an inclined permeable cylinder/plate: numerical computing
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad , Shafi Jana , Rahman Mati ur , Eldin Sayed M. , Alaoui Mohammed Kbiri 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe steady two-dimension (2D) ternary nanofluid (TNF) flow across an inclined permeable cylinder/plate is analyzed in the present study. The TNF flow has been examined under the consequences of heat source/sink, permeable medium and mixed convection. For the preparation of TNF, the magnesium oxide (MgO), cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are dispersed in water. The rising need for highly efficient cooling mechanisms in several sectors and energy-related processes ultimately inspired the current work. The fluid flow and energy propagation is mathematically described in the form of coupled PDEs. The system of PDEs is reduced into non-dimensional forms of ODEs, which are further numerically handled through the Matlab package (bvp4c). It has been observed that the results display that the porosity factor advances the thermal curve, whereas drops the fluid velocity. The effect of heat source/sink raises the energy field. Furthermore, the plate surface illustrates a leading behavior of energy transport over cylinder geometry versus the variation of ternary nanoparticles (NPs). The energy dissemination rate in the cylinder enhances from 4.73 to 11.421%, whereas for the plate, the energy distribution rate boosts from 6.37 to 13.91% as the porosity factor varies from 0.3 to 0.9.
Mild internet use is associated with epigenetic alterations of key neurotransmission genes in salivary DNA of young university students
Authors: Annunzi Eugenia , Cannito Loreta , Bellia Fabio , Mercante Francesca , Vismara Matteo , Benatti Beatrice , Di Domenico Alberto , Palumbo Riccardo , Adriani Walter , Dell’Osso Bernardo , D’Addario Claudio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe potentially problematic use of the Internet is a growing concern worldwide, which causes and consequences are not completely understood yet. The neurobiology of Internet addiction (IA) has attracted much attention in scientific research, which is now focusing on identifying measurable biological markers. Aim of this study was to investigate epigenetic and genetic regulation of oxytocin receptor (OXTR), dopamine transporter (DAT1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) genes using DNA obtained from saliva samples of young university students: the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was administered to evaluate the potential existence and intensity of IA. Significant changes in DNA methylation levels at OXTR, DAT1 and SERT genes were observed in the 30 < IAT < 49 group (mild-risk internet users) compared to the IAT < 29 subjects (complete control of internet use) and IAT > 50 subjects (considered as moderately addicted). Moreover, epigenetic markers were significantly correlated, either directly (for OXTR and DAT1) or inversely (OXTR and DAT1 versus SERT), to the psychometric properties. Our data confirmed the association of OXTR, DAT1 and SERT genes in processes related to behavioural addictions and might be of relevance to suggest possible biological predictors of altered behaviours and the eventual vulnerability to develop an IA. Different other genetic pathways have been suggested to play a role in IA and research is ongoing to better define them, in order to help in the early diagnosis as well as in the development of new potential treatments.
A colorimetric detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanoparticles synthesized oxidized N-methylpyrrolidone as a reducing agent
Authors: Shao Xiaodong , Yang Dou , Wang Min , Yue Qiaoli 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, a gold nanoparticles colorimetric probe (AuNPs) with direct response to mercury ions (Hg2+) were developed using treated N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) as precursors. NMP showed good reducibility after high temperature hydrolysis and could be used as reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AuNPs. The prepared AuNPs have obvious characteristic absorption peaks and appear wine-red. At the same time, it was found that the presence of Hg2+ can cause the aggregation of AuNPs, increased the absorbance at 700 nm, and changed the color of the solution into blue-gray. This method is capable of sensitive and specific determination of Hg2+ ranging from 1 to 30 μM, with the limit of detection (LOD) at 0.3 μM. The method showed good specificity for the determination of Hg2+ and has the potential to be applied to Hg2+ detection in sewage samples in the environment.
The optimal induction dose of ciprofol combined with low-dose rocuronium in children undergoing daytime adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Pei Dongjie , Zeng Li , Xiao Ting , Wu Lei , Wang Lei , Wei Siwei , Du Zhen , Qu Shuangquan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAdenotonsillectomy is the most common daytime surgery performed on children. Anesthesiologists must select the optimal combination of drugs to ensure effective anesthesia effect and prompt recovery in children. The optimal induction dose of ciprofol in children is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of different doses of ciprofol on anesthesia induction in children undergoing daytime adenotonsillectomy and provide a reference for clinical use. 144 children aged 3–12 years, ASA I-II, undergoing daytime adenotonsillectomy, were included in this clinical trial. The children were randomly divided into three groups and given 0.4 mg/kg (C4), 0.6 mg/kg (C6), or 0.8 mg/kg (C8) of ciprofol for anesthesia induction. The primary outcome was intubation conditions. Vital signs and injection pain were also recorded. The rates of unacceptable intubation conditions were 30.6%, 8.7%, and 8.2% in the C4, C6, and C8 groups (P value < 0.0167). The overall incidence of reported injection pain was 3.5%. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure did not differ between the groups at the same time points. We found that combining 0.6 mg/kg of ciprofol with low-dose rocuronium could provide optimal intubation conditions in pediatric daytime adenotonsillectomy patients. This combination resulted in stable circulation and BIS values. This study is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2200063144, Date of Registration: 31/08/2022)
No obligatory trade-off between the use of space and time for working memory
Authors: de Vries Eelke , Fejer George , van Ede Freek 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSpace and time can each act as scaffolds for the individuation and selection of visual objects in working memory. Here we ask whether there is a trade-off between the use of space and time for visual working memory: whether observers will rely less on space, when memoranda can additionally be individuated through time. We tracked the use of space through directional biases in microsaccades after attention was directed to memory contents that had been encoded simultaneously or sequentially to the left and right of fixation. We found that spatial gaze biases were preserved when participants could (Experiment 1) and even when they had to (Experiment 2) additionally rely on time for object individuation. Thus, space remains a profound organizing medium for working memory even when other organizing sources are available and utilized, with no evidence for an obligatory trade-off between the use of space and time.
Assessing Narrative Microstructure in Mandarin-Speaking School-Age Children
Authors: Fan Zixing , Xu Jinfen 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:As a representative form of discourse, oral narratives offer a sensitive, flexible, and ecologically valid tool for language evaluation. Nevertheless, oral narrative assessments in mainland China remain uncommon among school-age children. Therefore, this study explores the effectiveness of narrative microstructural assessment in Mandarin-speaking school-age children. Its primary purpose is to lay a foundation for future clinical applications by establishing a feasible administration procedure and validating various viable measures to facilitate the evaluation of language proficiencies.Method:Narrative samples were collected through a single wordless picture from 285 Mandarin-speaking children ages 7–12 years (Grades 1–6). The samples were then coded using a semiautomatic method for 22 individual measures at word, sentence, and discourse levels.Results:The adapted elicitation method was effective for all grades, with most of the children's stories exhibiting sufficient length, coherent structure, and certain self-fabricated specifics. The semiautomatic coding was also convenient and promising. Altogether, 19 measures were identified as robust predictors of grades, revealing a general tendency of grade-related increase from Grades 1 to 5. These measures exhibited three representative nonlinear trajectory patterns with varied rates of increase. Then, we developed a comprehensive composite measure through factor analysis, which combined six individual measures. The analysis verified the single factor of narrative microstructural competence and showed strong evidence of construct validity.Conclusions:This study has provided a practical set of administration procedures, validated the efficacy of 19 individual measures as well as a composite measure, and offered corresponding field test data for clinical matching. The findings underscored the reliability and informative nature of oral narrative microstructural assessment in Mandarin-speaking school-age children.
Intraoperative gaze guidance with mixed reality
Authors: Acar Ayberk , Atoum Jumanh , Reed Amy , Li Yizhou , Kavoussi Nicholas , Wu Jie Ying 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEfficient communication and collaboration are essential in the operating room for successful and safe surgery. While many technologies are improving various aspects of surgery, communication between attending surgeons, residents, and surgical teams is still limited to verbal interactions that are prone to misunderstandings. Novel modes of communication can increase speed and accuracy, and transform operating rooms. A mixed reality (MR) based gaze sharing application on Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset that can help expert surgeons indicate specific regions, communicate with decreased verbal effort, and guide novices throughout an operation is presented. The utility of the application is tested with a user study of endoscopic kidney stone localization completed by urology experts and novice surgeons. Improvement is observed in the NASA task load index surveys (up to 25.23%), in the success rate of the task (6.98% increase in localized stone percentage), and in gaze analyses (up to 31.99%). The proposed application shows promise in both operating room applications and surgical training tasks.
Bewegungsbezogene Angst messbar machen
Authors: Pagels Larissa , Lüdtke Kerstin , Schäfer Axel 
Published: December 2023

ZusammenfassungPhysiotherapeut*innen werden vermehrt mit komplexen Beschwerdebildern
konfrontiert, bei denen u. a. durch Konditionierungsprozesse Schmerzen
oder Bewegung mit Angst assoziiert werden können. Zur Erfassung
bewegungsbezogener Angst im physiotherapeutischen Kontext sind validierte
Messinstrumente erforderlich.Das Ziel der Arbeit war, ein Scoping Review zu Messinstrumenten für die
Erhebung bewegungsbezogener Angst zu erstellen.In den Datenbanken COSMIN, Cochrane und PubMed wurde eine systematische
Literaturrecherche durchgeführt. Dabei wurden die Suchbegriffe
„fear of movement“, „kinesiophobia“,
„fear-avoidance“ und „pain-related fear”
verwendet, die mit „assessment“ kombiniert wurden. 258 Studien
in englischer und deutscher Sprache wurden inkludiert, in denen die
bewegungsbezogene Angst quantifiziert wurde. Verschiedene Studienarten wie CTs,
RCTs und Reviews wurden berücksichtigt.Zwölf „Patient Reported Outcome Measurements“ (PROMs)
konnten identifiziert werden, von denen 10 in Form von Fragebögen und 2
in Form von bildgestützten Befragungen die Daten erheben. Am
häufigsten werden die Fragebögen TSK (145 Studien) und FABQ (103
Studien) eingesetzt. Diese sind in viele weitere Sprachen übersetzt
worden und liegen in unterschiedlichen Versionen vor. Die identifizierten PROMs
erfassen 3 Dimensionen der bewegungsbezogenen Angst:
Angstvermeidungs-Überzeugungen, Kinesiophobie und Angst vor Bewegung.
Das Scoping Review bietet einen Überblick der PROMs, um deren Umsetzung
in die Praxis zu erleichtern. Die Güte der Messinstrumente wurde dabei
nicht berücksichtigt.