bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrosynthesis of buckyballs with fused-ring systems from PCBM and its analogue
Authors: Wang Wei-Feng , Liu Kai-Qing , Niu Chuang , Wang Yun-Shu , Yao Yang-Rong , Yin Zheng-Chun , Chen Muqing , Ye Shi-Qi , Yang Shangfeng , Wang Guan-Wu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract[6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), a star molecule in the fullerene field, has found wide applications in materials science. Herein, electrosynthesis of buckyballs with fused-ring systems has been achieved through radical α-C−H functionalization of the side-chain ester for both PCBM and its analogue, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-propionic acid methyl ester (PCPM), in the presence of a trace amount of oxygen. Two classes of buckyballs with fused bi- and tricyclic carbocycles have been electrochemically synthesized. Furthermore, an unknown type of a bisfulleroid with two tethered [6,6]-open orifices can also be efficiently generated from PCPM. All three types of products have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A representative intramolecularly annulated isomer of PCBM has been applied as an additive to inverted planar perovskite solar cells and boosted a significant enhancement of power conversion efficiency from 15.83% to 17.67%.
Environmental modulation of global epistasis in a drug resistance fitness landscape
Authors: Diaz-Colunga Juan , Sanchez Alvaro , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInteractions between mutations (epistasis) can add substantial complexity to genotype-phenotype maps, hampering our ability to predict evolution. Yet, recent studies have shown that the fitness effect of a mutation can often be predicted from the fitness of its genetic background using simple, linear relationships. This phenomenon, termed global epistasis, has been leveraged to reconstruct fitness landscapes and infer adaptive trajectories in a wide variety of contexts. However, little attention has been paid to how patterns of global epistasis may be affected by environmental variation, despite this variation frequently being a major driver of evolution. This is particularly relevant for the evolution of drug resistance, where antimicrobial drugs may change the environment faced by pathogens and shape their adaptive trajectories in ways that can be difficult to predict. By analyzing a fitness landscape of four mutations in a gene encoding an essential enzyme of P. falciparum (a parasite cause of malaria), here we show that patterns of global epistasis can be strongly modulated by the concentration of a drug in the environment. Expanding on previous theoretical results, we demonstrate that this modulation can be quantitatively explained by how specific gene-by-gene interactions are modified by drug dose. Importantly, our results highlight the need to incorporate potential environmental variation into the global epistasis framework in order to predict adaptation in dynamic environments.
Expansion microscopy applied to mono- and dual-species biofilms
Authors: Valdivieso González David , Jara Josué , Almendro-Vedia Víctor G. , Orgaz Belén , López-Montero Iván 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExpansion microscopy (ExM) is a new super-resolution technique based on embedding the biological sample within a hydrogel and its physical expansion after swelling. This allows increasing its size by several times while preserving its structural details. Applied to prokaryotic cells, ExM requires digestion steps for efficient expansion as bacteria are surrounded by a rigid cell wall. Furthermore, bacteria can live in social groups forming biofilms, where cells are protected from environmental stresses by a self-produced matrix. The extracellular matrix represents an additional impenetrable barrier for ExM. Here we optimize the current protocols of ExM and apply them to mono- and dual-species biofilms formed by clinical isolates of Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecalis, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus. Using scanning electron microscopy for comparison, our results demonstrate that embedded bacteria expanded 3-fold. Moreover, ExM allowed visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of the biofilm and identifying the distribution of different microbial species and their interactions. We also detected the presence of the extracellular matrix after expansion with a specific stain of the polysaccharide component. The potential applications of ExM in biofilms will improve our understanding of these complex communities and have far-reaching implications for industrial and clinical research.
Real-time estimation of the effective reproduction number of COVID-19 from behavioral data
Authors: Bokányi Eszter , Vizi Zsolt , Koltai Júlia , Röst Gergely , Karsai Márton 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMonitoring the effective reproduction number$$R_t$$Rtof a rapidly unfolding pandemic in real-time is key to successful mitigation and prevention strategies. However, existing methods based on case numbers, hospital admissions or fatalities suffer from multiple measurement biases and temporal lags due to high test positivity rates or delays in symptom development or administrative reporting. Alternative methods such as web search and social media tracking are less directly indicating epidemic prevalence over time. We instead record age-stratified anonymous contact matrices at a daily resolution using a longitudinal online-offline survey in Hungary during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach is innovative, cheap, and provides information in near real-time for estimating$$R_t$$Rtat a daily resolution. Moreover, it allows to complement traditional surveillance systems by signaling periods when official monitoring infrastructures are unreliable due to observational biases.
A graph-based approach can improve keypoint detection of complex poses: a proof-of-concept on injury occurrences in alpine ski racing
Authors: Zwölfer Michael , Heinrich Dieter , Wandt Bastian , Rhodin Helge , Spörri Jörg , Nachbauer Werner 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor most applications, 2D keypoint detection works well and offers a simple and fast tool to analyse human movements. However, there remain many situations where even the best state-of-the-art algorithms reach their limits and fail to detect human keypoints correctly. Such situations may occur especially when individual body parts are occluded, twisted, or when the whole person is flipped. Especially when analysing injuries in alpine ski racing, such twisted and rotated body positions occur frequently. To improve the detection of keypoints for this application, we developed a novel method that refines keypoint estimates by rotating the input videos. We select the best rotation for every frame with a graph-based global solver. Thereby, we improve keypoint detection of an arbitrary pose estimation algorithm, in particular for ‘hard’ keypoints. In the current proof-of-concept study, we show that our approach outperforms standard keypoint detection results in all categories and in all metrics, in injury-related out-of-balance and fall situations by a large margin as well as previous methods, in performance and robustness. The Injury Ski II dataset was made publicly available, aiming to facilitate the investigation of sports accidents based on computer vision in the future.
Quantum mechanisms for selective detection in complex gas mixtures using conductive sensors
Authors: Kamarchuk G. , Pospelov A. , Kamarchuk L. , Belan V. , Herus A. , Savytskyi A. , Vakula V. , Harbuz D. , Gudimenko V. , Faulques E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we consider new quantum mechanisms for selective detection in complex gaseous media which provide the highest possible efficiency of quantum sensors and for the first time analyze their nature. On the basis of these quantum mechanisms, the concepts of quantum detection and innovative methods of analysis are developed, which are virtually impossible to implement in the conventional conductive sensors and nanosensors. Examples of original solutions to problems in the field of detection and analysis of human breath using point-contact sensors are considered. A new method of analysis based on detection of metastable quantum states of the "point-contact sensor—breath" system in dynamic mode is proposed. The conductance histogram of dendritic Yanson point contacts recorded for this system is a unique energy signature of breath which allows differentiation between the states of human body. We demonstrate that nanosized Yanson point contacts, which, thanks to their quantum properties, can replace a massive spectrometer, open up wide opportunities for solving complex problems in the field of breath analysis using a new generation of portable high-tech quantum sensor devices.
Develop the artificial neural network approach to predict thermal transport analysis of nanofluid inside a porous enclosure
Authors: Nasir Saleem , Berrouk Abdallah S. , Gul Taza , Ali Aatif 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study explores the impacts of heat transportation on hybrid (Ag + MgO) nanofluid flow in a porous cavity using artificial neural networks (Bayesian regularization approach (BRT-ANN) neural networks technique). The cavity considered in this analysis is a semicircular shape with a heated and a cooled wall. The dynamics of flow and energy transmission in the cavity are influenced by various features such as the effect of magnetize field, porosity and volume fraction of nanoparticles. To explore the outcomes of these features on hybrid nanofluid thermal and flow transport, a BRT-ANN model is developed. The ANN model is trained using a dataset generated through numerical scheme. The trained ANN model is then used to predict the heat and flow transport characteristics for various input parameters. The accuracy of the ANN simulation is confirmed through comparison of the predicted results with the results obtained through numerical simulations. By maintaining the corrugated wall uniformly heated, we inspected the levels of isotherms, streamlines and heat transfer distribution. A graphical illustration highlights the characteristics of the Hartmann and Rayleigh numbers, permeability component in porous material, drag force and rate of energy transport. According to the percentage analysis, nanofluids (Ag + MgO/H2O) are prominent to enhance the thermal distribution of traditional fluids. The study demonstrates the potential of ANNs in predicting the impacts of various factors on hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transport, which can be useful in designing and optimizing heat transfer systems.
Risk factors for 5-year complications after midurethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence: a retrospective cohort study from Taiwan
Authors: Chou Tai-Fu , Hsia Ying-Fang , Hwang Tseh-Lee , Lin Wu-Chou , Chen Daniel Tzu-Li , Huang Chien-Fong , Kuo Chin-Chi , Chen Huey-Yi , Chiang Hsiu-Yin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMidurethral sling surgery is the current gold standard worldwide for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, with over 90% of surgeons worldwide using the midurethral sling for SUI between 2008 and 2018. However, concerns surround mesh-related adverse events associated with the midurethral sling. The decision to use the midurethral sling for surgical treatment has become a challenging one for clinicians, surgeons and patients. We sought to determine the factors for 5-year complications after midurethral sling surgery, to improve the clinical decision-making process. Records were reviewed from a total of 1961 female patients who underwent their first midurethral sling surgery for SUI between 2003 and 2018 at a single teaching hospital in Taiwan. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model calculated the hazard ratios of risk factors for surgical complications, after adjusting for confounders. Surgical complications (i.e., secondary surgery and urinary retention) occurred in 93 (4.7%) patients within 5 years following the index operations. These patients were more likely to be older, to have a history of menopausal syndrome within 1 year prior to the index operation, a medication history of oral antidiabetic drug use, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), slower average flow rate, and longer voiding time compared with patients without surgical complications. In the multivariate analysis, HRT (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.787; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–3.158, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with surgical complications at 5 years, after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, menopause syndrome, average flow rate, and sling type. Our findings suggest that a medication history of HRT may be a risk factor associated with surgical complications, especially urinary retention, at 5 years in women undergoing midurethral sling surgery for SUI.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) represses the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression and may be a potential therapeutic agent in psoriasis: a case–control and experimental study
Authors: Mohany Khalid M. , Elkady Sherouk , Youssef Eman M. Kamal , Sayed Noorhan M. , Idriss Naglaa Kamal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe investigated the whole blood GLUT1 mRNA expression and serum pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels in psoriatic patients and tested their correlations with the severity of psoriasis using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Also, we tested the GLUT1 mRNA expression after an in vitro treatment of human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell lines with PEDF. The case–control part of the study recruited 74 participants (44 psoriatic patients and 30 healthy volunteers). Whole blood GLUT1 mRNA fold changes were estimated by RT-PCR, and serum PEDF, IL-6, fetuin-A, and PTX3 levels were measured by ELISA kits. In the experimental part, the HSF cell lines were treated with different concentrations of PEDF for different times to test its effect on the GLUT1 mRNA expression. The whole blood GLUT 1 expression significantly increased in psoriatic patients and correlated positively with serum IL-6, fetuin-A, PTX3 levels and with the severity of psoriasis while negatively with serum PEDF levels. The PEDF-treated HSF cell lines showed a time- and dose-dependent decline in the GLUT 1 mRNA expression. The whole blood GLUT 1 mRNA is a non-invasive biomarker that is associated with the severity of psoriasis. PEDF represses GLUT 1 expression and may be a potential therapeutic agent in psoriasis.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04242082.
Arsenic exposure to mouse visceral leishmaniasis model through their drinking water linked to the disease exacerbation via modulation in host protective immunity: a preclinical study
Authors: Ahmed Ghufran , Jamal Fauzia , Tiwari Ritesh K. , Singh Veer , Rai Sachchida Nand , Chaturvedi Sanjay K. , Pandey Krishna , Singh Santosh K. , Kumar Ashish , Narayan Shyam , Vamanu Emanuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA large body of evidence has shown a direct link between arsenic exposure and drug resistance to Leishmania parasites against antimonial preparations in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) hyper-endemic regions, especially in India and its sub-continent. However, the implicated roles of arsenic on the VL host, pathophysiological changes, and immune function have not yet been clarified, particularly at the reported concentration of arsenic in the VL hyper-endemic area of Bihar, India. Herein, we exposed the mouse VL model to arsenic (0.5 mg/L to 2 mg/L) through their drinking water and analyzed its effect on T cells proliferation, Th1/Th2-mediators, MAPK signaling cascade, and parasite load in preclinical models. Coherently, the parasite count in Giemsa stained spleen imprint has been investigated and found significant positive associations with levels of arsenic exposure. The liver and kidney function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, Creatinine, Urea, etc.) are apparent to hepatonephric toxicity in arsenic exposed VL mice compared to unexposed. This observation appears to be consistent with the up-regulated expression of immune regulatory Th2 mediators (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β) and down-regulated expression of Th1 mediators (IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α) with a suppressed leishmanicidal function of macrophage (ROS, NO, iNOS). We also established that arsenic exposure modulated the host ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling cascade, limited T lymphocyte proliferation, and a lower IgG2a/IgG1 ratio to favor the Leishmania parasite survival inside the host. This study suggests that the contorted Th1-subtype and exacerbated Th2-subtype immune responses are involved in the increased susceptibility and pathogenesis of Leishmania parasite among subjects/individuals regularly exposed to arsenic.
Visceral obesity determined in routine preoperative CT scans predicts risk of postoperative burst abdomen
Authors: Mehdorn Matthias , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Moulla Yusef , Pape Johanna , Denecke Timm , Gockel Ines , Kassahun Woubet Tefera , Meyer Hans-Jonas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBurst abdomen (BA) remains a severe postoperative complication after abdominal surgery. Obesity is a known risk factor for postoperative complications but objective parameters such as body mass index fail to predict BA after abdominal surgery. In recent literature, CT-derived body composition assessment could predict obesity-related diseases and surgical site infections. We report data from the institutional wound register, comparing patients with BA to a subgroup of patients without BA. The CT images were evaluated for intraabdominal and subcutaneous fat tissues. Univariate and multivariate risk factor analysis was performed in order to evaluate CT-derived obesity parameters as risk factor for BA. 92 patients with BA were compared to 32 controls. Patients with BA had significantly more visceral obesity (VO; p < 0.001) but less subcutaneous obesity (SCO) on CT scans. VO and SCO both were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.452 and 0.572) but VO and SCO were inversely correlated (r = −0.189). Multivariate analysis revealed VO as significant risk factor for postoperative BA (OR 1.257; 95% CI 1.084–1.459; p = 0.003). Our analysis of patients with postoperative BA revealed VO as major risk factor for postoperative BA. Thus, preoperative CT scans gives valuable information on possible risk stratification.
Understanding subduction infancy to mature subduction in Southwest Japan via the self-consistent formation of a weak slab interface
Authors: Lee Changyeol , Kim YoungHee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe weak slab interface controls long-term subduction dynamics. A weak hydrous layer at the slab interface promotes mechanical decoupling between the forearc mantle and the subducting slab and converts a hot forearc mantle to a cold mantle. Often referred to as a cold nose, the cold forearc mantle, plays a key role in the transition from subduction infancy to mature subduction. This study was the first to numerically demonstrate the self-consistent formation of a weak hydrous layer with permeability anisotropy based on the Southwest Japan subduction zone case, where transition-related geological features were present. Our models showed that mechanical decoupling by spontaneous downdip growth of the weak hydrous layer created a cold nose by converting a hot forearc mantle to a cold mantle. The emergence of a cold nose explained the migration of the forearc-to-arc volcanic front, expressed as the formation of mid-Miocene forearc high-magnesium andesite and Quaternary arc adakite. Furthermore, the weak hydrous layer providing a pathway for free-water transport toward the mantle wedge tip elucidates slab/mantle-derived geochemical components in deep groundwater as well as large S-wave delay times and non-volcanic seismic tremors in the forearc.
Comparative genomics and proteomics analysis of phages infecting multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli O177 isolated from cattle faeces
Authors: Montso Peter Kotsoana , Kropinski Andrew M. , Mokoena Fortunate , Pierneef Rian Ewald , Mlambo Victor , Ateba Collins Njie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens has become a major global health concern. To address this challenge, innovative strategies such as bacteriophage therapy must be optimised. Genomic characterisation is a crucial step in identifying suitable phage candidates for combating AMR pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterise seven phages that infect the Escherichia coli O177 strain using a whole genome sequencing. The analysis of genome sequences revealed that these phages had linear dsDNA, with genome sizes spanning from 136, 483 to 166,791 bp and GC content varying from 35.39 to 43.63%. Taxonomically, the phages were classified under three different subfamilies (Stephanstirmvirinae, Tevenvirinae, and Vequintavirinae) and three genera (Phapecoctavirus, Tequatrovirus, and Vequintavirus) within the class Caudoviricetes. In silico PhageAI analysis predicted that all the phages were virulent, with confidence levels between 96.07 and 97.26%. The phage genomes contained between 66 and 82 ORFs, which encode hypothetical and putative functional proteins. In addition, the phage genomes contained core genes associated with molecular processes such as DNA replication, transcription modulation, nucleotide metabolism, phage structure (capsid and tail), and lysis. None of the genomes carried genes associated with undesirable traits such as integrase, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and toxins. The study revealed high genome and proteome homology among E. coli O177 phages and other known Escherichia phages. The results suggest that the seven phages are new members of the genera Phapecoctavirus, Tequatrovirus, and Vequintavirus under the subfamilies Stephanstirmvirinae, Tevenvirinae, and Vequintavirinae, respectively.
Applying artificial neural network in predicting sepsis mortality in the emergency department based on clinical features and complete blood count parameters
Authors: Wong Beata Pui Kwan , Lam Rex Pui Kin , Ip Carrie Yuen Ting , Chan Ho Ching , Zhao Lingyun , Lau Michael Chun Kai , Tsang Tat Chi , Tsui Matthew Sik Hon , Rainer Timothy Hudson 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA complete blood count (CBC) is routinely ordered for emergency department (ED) patients with infections. Certain parameters, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), might have prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the presenting CBC parameters combined with clinical variables in predicting 30-day mortality in adult ED patients with infections using an artificial neural network (ANN). We conducted a retrospective study of ED patients with infections between 17 December 2021 and 16 February 2022. Clinical variables and CBC parameters were collected from patient records, with NLR, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) calculated. We determined the discriminatory performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and performed a 70/30 random data split and supervised ANN machine learning. We analyzed 558 patients, of whom 144 (25.8%) had sepsis and 60 (10.8%) died at 30 days. The AUROCs of NLR, MLR, PLR, and their sum were 0.644 (95% CI 0.573–0.716), 0.555 (95% CI 0.482–0.628), 0.606 (95% CI 0.529–0.682), and 0.610 (95% CI 0.534–0.686), respectively. The ANN model based on twelve variables including clinical variables, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, NLR, and PLR achieved an AUROC of 0.811 in the testing dataset.