bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Pyruvate Export and Extracellular Pyruvate Concentration in Primary Astrocyte Cultures
Authors: Denker Nadine , Dringen Ralf 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAstrocyte-derived pyruvate is considered to have neuroprotective functions. In order to investigate the processes that are involved in astrocytic pyruvate release, we used primary rat astrocyte cultures as model system. Depending on the incubation conditions and medium composition, astrocyte cultures established extracellular steady state pyruvate concentrations in the range between 150 µM and 300 µM. During incubations for up to 2 weeks in DMEM culture medium, the extracellular pyruvate concentration remained almost constant for days, while the extracellular lactate concentration increased continuously during the incubation into the millimolar concentration range as long as glucose was present. In an amino acid-free incubation buffer, glucose-fed astrocytes released pyruvate with an initial rate of around 60 nmol/(h × mg) and after around 5 h an almost constant extracellular pyruvate concentration was established that was maintained for several hours. Extracellular pyruvate accumulation was also observed, if glucose had been replaced by mannose, fructose, lactate or alanine. Glucose-fed astrocyte cultures established similar extracellular steady state concentrations of pyruvate by releasing pyruvate into pyruvate-free media or by consuming excess of extracellular pyruvate. Inhibition of the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 by AR-C155858 lowered extracellular pyruvate accumulation, while inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake by UK5099 increased the extracellular pyruvate concentration. Finally, the presence of the uncoupler BAM15 or of the respiratory chain inhibitor antimycin A almost completely abolished extracellular pyruvate accumulation. The data presented demonstrate that cultured astrocytes establish a transient extracellular steady state concentration of pyruvate which is strongly affected by modulation of the mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism.
Forward stability and model path selection
Authors: Kissel Nicholas , Mentch Lucas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMost scientific publications follow the familiar recipe of (i) obtain data, (ii) fit a model, and (iii) comment on the scientific relevance of the effects of particular covariates in that model. This approach, however, ignores the fact that there may exist a multitude of similarly-accurate models in which the implied effects of individual covariates may be vastly different. This problem of finding an entire collection of plausible models has also received relatively little attention in the statistics community, with nearly all of the proposed methodologies being narrowly tailored to a particular model class and/or requiring an exhaustive search over all possible models, making them largely infeasible in the current big data era. This work develops the idea of forward stability and proposes a novel, computationally-efficient approach to finding collections of accurate models we refer to as model path selection (MPS). MPS builds up a plausible model collection via a forward selection approach and is entirely agnostic to the model class and loss function employed. The resulting model collection can be displayed in a simple and intuitive graphical fashion, easily allowing practitioners to visualize whether some covariates can be swapped for others with minimal loss.
Ammoniacal nitrogen recovery from swine slurry using a gas-permeable membrane: pH control strategies and feed-to-trapping volume ratio
Authors: Serra-Toro Andreu , Abboud Yasmina Ben Hammou , Cardete-Garcia Maria Alicia , Astals Sergi , Valentino Francesco , Mas Francesc , Dosta Joan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGas-permeable membrane (GPM) technology is gaining interest to recover nitrogen from residual effluents due to its effectiveness, simple operation and capacity of producing a nutrient rich product with fertilising value. In this study, a GPM contactor was used at 25 °C to recover total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) from swine slurry as a concentrated (NH4)2SO4 solution. Firstly, a synthetic solution was tested on a wide pH range (6–12). Results showed that the ammonia mass transfer constants (Km) increased from 7.9·10−9 to 1.2·10−6 m/s as the pH increased. The reagent consumption to control the pH per mole nitrogen recovered had a minimum at pH 9, which showed a Km value of 3.0·10−7 m/s. Secondly, various pH control strategies were tested using swine slurry, including (i) no pH control, (ii) pH control at 8.5, 9.0 and 10.0, and (iii) an initial spike of the NaOH equivalent to the required to control the pH at 9. The test without pH control reached a TAN recovery of around 60%, which could be an interesting strategy when high nitrogen recoveries or short operating times are not required. The pH control at 9 stood out as the most favourable operating condition due to its high Km and lower reagent consumption. Thirdly, several feed-to-trapping volume ratios ranging from 1:1 to 15:1 were tested using swine slurry at pH 9. These assays revealed that a GPM process with a high feed-to-trapping volume ratio fastens the recovery of 99% of TAN as a high purity (NH4)2SO4 solution containing 40 g N/L.
Contrasting trophic transfer patterns of cadmium and mercury in the Arctic marine food web of east Hudson Bay, Canada
Authors: Rohonczy Jillian , Chételat John , Robinson Stacey A. , Arragutainaq Lucassie , Heath Joel P. , McClelland Christine , Mickpegak Raymond , Forbes Mark R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe investigated trophic transfer of cadmium (Cd) through an Arctic marine food web in Hudson Bay and compared it with mercury (Hg), a metal known to strongly biomagnify. We evaluated blue mussel, sea urchin, common eider, sculpin, Arctic cod, and ringed seal for the influence of dietary and biological variables on variation in Cd and Hg concentrations. Age and size influenced metal concentrations among individuals within a vertebrate species. Consumer carbon and sulfur isotope values were correlated with their Cd and Hg concentrations, indicating habitat-specific feeding influenced metal bioaccumulation. Trophic transfer patterns for Cd depended on the vertebrate tissue, with food web biodilution observed for the muscle but not the liver. Liver Cd concentrations were higher in ringed seal and some common eider relative to prey. In contrast, we observed mercury biomagnification for both tissues. Tissue- and species-specific physiology can explain discrepancies of Cd trophic transfer in this Arctic marine food web.
Effectiveness of the Elos 2.0 Program, a Classroom Good Behavior Game Version in Brazil
Authors: Caetano Sheila C. , Mariano Marília , da Silva Anderson Ribeiro , Mendes-Sousa Marília Moreira , Ferreira Natália Alexandre , Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Mari Jair J. , Sanchez Zila M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a universal classroom behavior management method to reduce disruptive problems. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Elos 2.0 Program, a GBG version from Brazil, on the TOCA-C subscales: concentration problems, disruptive behavior, and prosocial behavior. We evaluated 2030 children aged 6–10 years. The Elos 2.0 program had a positive effect on concentration improvement by 0.254 standard deviations (Cohen’s d = 0.254, 95%CI = 0.038–0.469), and on prosocial behavior by 0.436 standard deviations (Cohen’s d = 0.436, 95%CI = 0.139–0.734). The odds of no disruptive behavior in Elos 2.0 were 4.88 times (95%CIOR = 1.89–12.60), compared to the control group. Our findings indicate that the Elos 2.0 program is associated with modest/robust improvements in children’s prosocial and concentration skills and a decrease in disruptive behavior. This study is a preliminary support for the implementation of the Elos 2.0 Program in Brazilian public schools. REBEC/Brazil: U1111-1228–2342.
Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with connective tissue diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Erdogan Mustafa , Esatoglu Sinem Nihal , Kilickiran Avci Burcak , Hatemi Gulen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe evidence for the treatment of connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) mostly depends on subgroup or post hoc analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Thus, we performed a meta-analysis of RCTs that reported outcomes for CTD-PAH. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for CTD-PAH treatment. The selected outcomes were functional class (FC) change, survival rates, 6-min walk distance (6-MWD), clinical worsening (CW), N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-proBNP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), right atrial pressure (RAP), and cardiac index (CI). The meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020153560). Twelve RCTs conducted with 1837 patients were included. The diagnoses were systemic sclerosis in 59%, SLE in 20%, and other CTDs in 21%. The pharmacological interventions were epoprostenol, treprostinil, sildenafil, tadalafil, bosentan, macitentan, ambrisentan, riociguat, and selexipag. There was a significant difference between interventions and placebo in FC, 6MWD, CW, PVR, RAP, and CI that favored intervention. Our analysis showed a 39% reduction in the CW risk with PAH treatment. The short-term survival rates and mean serum NT-proBNP changes were similar between the study and control groups. Treatment for CTD-PAH had favorable effects on clinical and hemodynamic outcomes but not on survival and NT-proBNP levels. Different from the previous meta-analyses that focused on 6-MWD, time to clinical worsening, and CW as outcomes, this meta-analysis additionally reports the pooled analysis of change in FC, hemodynamic measurements (RAP, PVR, CI), and NT-proBNP, some of which have prognostic value for PAH.
Overpotential on Oxygen-Evolving Platinum and Ni-Fe-Cu Anode for Low-Temperature Molten Fluoride Electrolytes
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Haarberg Geir Martin , Mallah Abdul Rahman , Gunnarsson Gudmundur , Jamieson Thomas Luke , Gallino Isabella , Saevarsdottir Gudrun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo eliminate climate gas emissions from aluminum electrolysis, modifying a cryolite-based electrolyte partly replacing Na with K reduces liquidus, allowing a process temperature of 800°C. This enables the use of various metallic alloys for oxygen-evolving inert anode technology. This alternative process requires a higher energy efficiency to compensate for an increased reaction voltage, which highlights the importance of evaluating the kinetics and overpotential on oxygen-evolving anodes. This study evaluates anodic overpotentials using steady-state polarization on platinum and three Ni-Fe-Cu-based alloy compositions in a KF-NaF-AlF3-Al2O3(sat.) electrolyte at 800°C. The polarization curve on the platinum anode reveals two linear Tafel regions, while Ni-Fe-Cu anodes exhibit a single Tafel region. Notably, Ni-Fe-Cu anodes treated with high-temperature air oxidation to develop a pre-formed oxide layer exhibit better electrocatalytic activity than untreated anodes of corresponding composition. The kinetic equations, based on a theoretical model for the proposed mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction, are derived and utilized to simulate overpotential and current, taking into account surface coverage. This model accurately predicts the two experimentally observed Tafel regions on the platinum anode, indicating a two-step charge transfer-controlled mechanism. We illustrate that multiple Tafel slopes can be attributed to the potential-dependent surface coverage of an adsorbate and can be correlated with the particular rate-determining step.
Would God Really Send Me to Hell for Stealing a Wispa Bar?
Authors: Effingham Nikk 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper discusses the problem of Hell, defending the Aquinas-Anselm-Edwards response that any immoral act deserves eternal punishment because it offends against God. I argue that the response is more defensible than one might at first think, but nevertheless faces a serious objection. If we differentiate two different problems of Hell—the logical problem and the evidential problem—we see that, in light of this objection, the Aquinas-Anselm-Edwards response only solves the logical problem of Hell.
Mass cytometry revealed the circulating immune cell landscape across different Suzuki stages of Moyamoya disease
Authors: Liu Chenglong , Ge Peicong , Zhang Bojian , Chan Liujia , Pang Yuheng , Tao Chuming , Li Junsheng , He Qiheng , Liu Wei , Mou Siqi , Zheng Zhiyao , Zhao Zhikang , Sun Wei , Zhang Qian , Wang Rong , Zhang Yan , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Dong , Zhao Jizong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMoyamoya disease (MMD) is a cerebrovascular disorder marked by progressive arterial narrowing, categorized into six stages known as Suzuki stages based on angiographic features. Growing evidence indicates a pivotal role of systemic immune and inflammatory responses in the initiation and advancement of MMD. This study employs high-dimensional mass cytometry to reveal the immunophenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood immune cells (PBMCs) at various Suzuki stages, offering insights into the progression of MMD. PBMC samples from eight patients with early-stage MMD (Suzuki stages II and III) and eight patients with later-stage MMD (Suzuki stages IV, V, and VI) were analyzed using high-dimensional mass cytometry to evaluate the frequency and phenotype of immune cell subtypes. We identified 15 cell clusters and found that the immunological features of early-stage MMD and later-stage MMD are composed of cluster variations. In this study, we confirmed that, compared to later-stage MMD, the early-stage MMD group exhibits an increase in non-classical monocytes. As the Suzuki stage level increases, the proportions of plasmacytoid DCs and monocyte-derived DCs decrease. Furthermore, T cells, monocytes, DCs, and PMN-MDSCs in the early-stage MMD group show activation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. We summarized and compared the similarities and differences between early-stage MMD patients and later-stage MMD patients. There is a potential role of circulating immune dysfunction and inflammatory responses in the onset and development of MMD.
Molecular Mutations in Histiocytosis: A Comprehensive Survey of Genetic Alterations
Authors: Pai Padmini , Nirmal Arnav , Mathias Lian , Jain Siya , Shetty Manasa Gangadhar , Sundara Babitha Kampa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHistiocytosis represents a group of uncommon disorders characterized by the abnormal accumulation of specialized immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, or monocyte-derived cells, in various tissues and organs. Over 100 distinct subtypes have been documented, each displaying a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and histological characteristics. Till today, histiocytosis has been addressed through a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, with varying responses from individual patients. Due to its atypical symptoms, it has been prone to misdiagnosis. Advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of these conditions are paving the way for improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies. Researchers have extensively investigated various mutations in patient samples. However, no paper has yet provided a comprehensive summary of the collective analysis of mutations and pathways. Hence, this paper consolidates research efforts that specifically concentrate on gene mutations identified in patient samples of different subtypes of histiocytosis. These insights are essential for developing targeted therapies and improving diagnosis. Further, it provides potential insights to enhance the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for rare diseases.
Graphical Abstract
Parts of the figure were drawn by using pictures from Servier Medical Art. Servier Medical Art by Servier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Functional cure is associated with younger age in children undergoing antiviral treatment for active chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Jing , Xu Zhiqiang , Fan Peiyao , Dong Yi , Wang Fuchuan , Gao Yinjie , Yan Jianguo , Cao Lili , Ji Dong , Feng Danni , Zhong Yanwei , Zhang Yang , Hong Weiguo , Zhang Chao , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims
Functional cure is difficult to achieve using current antiviral therapies; moreover, limited data are available regarding treatment outcomes in children. This retrospective study aimed to assess the frequency of functional cure among children undergoing antiviral treatment for active chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods
A total of 372 children aged 1–16 years, with active CHB were enrolled and underwent either nucleos(t)ide analog monotherapy or combination therapy with interferon-α (IFN-α) for 24–36 months. All children attended follow-up visits every 3 months. Functional cure was defined as evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA loss, circulating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss/seroconversion, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss.

Results
After 36 months of antiviral treatment and/or follow-up visits, children with CHB aged 1– < 7 years exhibited higher rates of HBV DNA clearance, HBeAg seroconversion, and HBsAg loss than CHB children ≥ 7–16 years of age (93.75% versus [vs.] 86.21% [p < 0.0001]; 79.30% vs. 51.72% [p < 0.0001]; and 50.78% vs. 12.93% [p < 0.0001], respectively). Longitudinal investigation revealed more rapid dynamic reduction in HBV DNA, HBeAg, and HBsAg levels in children aged 1–7 years than in those aged ≥ 7–16 years with CHB. According to further age-stratified analysis, HBsAg loss rates were successively decreased in children with CHB who were 1– < 3, 3– < 7, 7– < 12, and 12–16 years of age (62.61% vs. 41.13% vs. 25.45% vs. 1.64%, respectively; p < 0.0001) at 36 months. In addition, baseline HBsAg level < 1,500 IU/mL was found to favor disease cure among these pediatric patients. No serious adverse events were observed throughout the study period.

Conclusion
Results of the present study demonstrated that children aged 1– < 7 years, with active CHB can achieve a high functional cure rate by undergoing antiviral therapy compared to those aged ≥ 7 years, who undergo antiviral therapy. These data support the use of antiviral treatment at an early age in children with CHB. However, future prospectively randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the findings of this study.

Graphical Abstract
The younger age, the higher functional cure rate in children with chronic hepatitis B undergoing on-time antiviral treatment.
White light emission in 0D halide perovskite [(CH3)3S]2SnCl6·H2O crystals through variation of doping ns2 ions
Authors: Lin Yitong , Zhong Yu , Lin Yangpeng , Lin Jiawei , Pang Lei , Zhang Zhilong , Zhao Yi , Huang Xiao-Ying , Du Ke-Zhao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of white LEDs, the research of new and efficient white light emitting materials has attracted increasing attention. Zero dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites with superior luminescent property are promising candidates for LED application, due to their abundant and tailorable structure. Herein, [(CH3)3S]2SnCl6·H2O is synthesized as a host for dopant ions Bi3+ and Sb3+. The Sb3+ doped, or Bi3+/Sb3+ co-doped, [(CH3)3S]2SnCl6·H2O has a tunable optical emission spectrum by means of varying dopant ratio and excitation wavelength. As a result, we can achieve single-phase materials suitable for emission ranging from cold white light to warm white light. The intrinsic mechanism is examined in this work, to clarify the dopant effect on the optical properties. The high stability of title crystalline material, against water, oxygen and heat, makes it promising for further application.
Graphical Abstract
Effects of Varying Equivalence Ratios on the Combustion Efficiency Characteristic of a Dual-Fuel Compression Ignition Engine by Changing Intake Pressures and Exhaust Gas Recirculation Rates
Authors: Lee Jeongwoo , Chu Sanghyun , Kang Jaegu , Min Kyoungdoug 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn general, a leaner mixture condition improves combustion efficiency in compression ignition (CI) combustion using diesel. However, in the case of leaner air–fuel mixture conditions, it disturbs flame propagation in spark ignition combustion using gasoline, i.e., low reactivity fuel, causing a decrease in combustion efficiency. Since dual-fuel combustion in a CI engine typically involves the use of high- and low-reactivity fuels together, the differing reactivity conditions in the cylinder become as important as the local equivalence ratio in the cylinder. Thus, there is a need to verify the effect of a leaner mixture condition on combustion efficiency in dual-fuel CI combustion. For this reason, this study experimentally evaluates the effects of varying equivalence ratios on the combustion efficiency of gasoline/diesel dual-fueled CI combustion in a 0.4-L single-cylinder engine under low-speed (1500 rpm) and low-load (total LHV 570 J/str) conditions. To vary the equivalence ratios, intake pressures and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rates were, respectively, changed under the part-load condition. The results emphasize that as the equivalence ratio becomes leaner by increasing the intake pressure, combustion efficiency worsens due to the low reactivity properties and certain flame propagation modes of gasoline combustion. On the contrary, increasing the EGR rate did not significantly influence combustion efficiency, but it effectively helped reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Based on these results, it is concluded that optimizing dual-fuel CI combustion to suppress NOx emissions is better achieved using EGR, rather than creating a leaner mixture condition.