bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of 5-HT receptor antagonists in the regulation of fibrosis in a 3D human liver spheroid model
Authors: Redenšek Trampuž Sara , van Riet Sander , Nordling Åsa , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major health problem leading to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, among other diseases, and for which there is still no approved drug treatment. Previous studies in animal models and in LX-2 cells have indicated a role for serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HT receptors in stellate cell activation and the development of NASH. In the current study, we investigated the extent to which these findings are applicable to a human NASH in vitro model consisting of human liver spheroids containing hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. Treatment of the spheroids with 5-HT or free fatty acids (FFA) induced fibrosis, whereas treatment of the spheroids with the 5-HT receptor antagonists ketanserin, pimavanserin, sarpogrelate, and SB269970 inhibited FFA-induced fibrosis via a reduction in stellate cell activation as determined by the expression of vimentin, TGF-β1 and COL1A1 production. siRNA-based silencing of 5-HT2A receptor expression reduced the anti-fibrotic properties of ketanserin, suggesting a role for 5-HT receptors in general and 5-HT2A receptors in particular in the FFA-mediated increase in fibrosis in the human liver spheroid model. The results suggest a contribution of the 5-HT receptors in the development of FFA-induced human liver fibrosis with implications for further efforts in drug development.
Properties of AlxGa1−xAs grown from a mixed Ga–Bi melt
Authors: Khvostikova Olga , Vlasov Alexey , Ber Boris , Salii Roman , Khvostikov Vladimir 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThick smoothly graded AlxGa1−xAs layers (50–100 µm) are used in light-emitting diode structures and also for creation of high-power photovoltaic converters with side-input of laser radiation. To achieve the required thickness of the AlxGa1−xAs layer the high temperature LPE growth technique is required. However high epitaxial temperature increases the unintentional doping level. Epitaxy from mixed Ga–Bi melts was investigated as a way to solve this problem. It was found that for growing relatively thick AlxGa1−xAs layers, it is expedient to use Ga–Bi melts with 20 at% or less bismuth content. SIMS and Hall characterization of AlxGa1−xAs layers revealed that the growth of AlxGa1−xAs from mixed Ga-Bi melts reduces the background doping level (including carbon) and influences the native defect formation keeping the n-type conductivity. This effect is explained by the changes of the group III and V elements concentrations in the melt as well as Bi incorporation in the lattice.
The association between lipid biomarkers and osteoarthritis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Zhong Xian , Zhang Meiling , Xu Ming , Pei Bin , Qian Da 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo explore the association between lipid markers and osteoarthritis (OA). First, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was used to screen participants with lipid markers, OA and relevant covariates, and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between lipid markers and OA; Then, under the theoretical framework of Mendelian randomization (MR), two-sample MR was performed using GWAS data of lipid markers and OA to explore the causal association between the two, which was analyzed by inverse variance weighting (IVW) method. Heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis and pleiotropy analysis were also performed. The NHANES database screened a total of 3706 participants, of whom 836 had OA and 2870 did not have OA. When lipid markers were used as continuous variables, multivariate logistic results showed an association between HDL, LDL and OA (HDL, OR (95%):1.01 (1.00, 1.01); LDL, OR (95%):1.00 (0.99, 1.00)). When lipid markers were used as categorical variables, multivariate logistic results showed the fourth quartile result of 0.713 (0.513, 0.992) for LDL relative to the first quartile. In MR study, the results of the IVW method for TG, TL, HDL and LDL showed OR (95% CI) of 1.06 (0.97–1.16), 0.95 (0.85–1.06), 0.94 (0.86–1.02) and 0.89 (0.80–0.998) with P-values of 0.21, 0.37. 013, 0.046. The heterogeneity tests and multiplicity analyses showed P-values greater than 0.05, and sensitivity analyses showed no abnormal single nucleotide polymorphisms. Through NHANES database and MR analyses, LDL was found to be a protective factor for OA, while HDL still needs further study. Our results provide new biomarkers for preventive and therapeutic strategies for OA.
Virtually simulated interpersonal touch negatively affects perceived closeness and social affiliation to an avatar partner
Authors: Saini Garima , Zain Maham , Noronha Marigrace , Bonin Robert P. , Lomanowska Anna M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInterpersonal touch is an essential component of human non-verbal communication, facilitating social affiliation and bonding. With the widespread use of digital interfaces and online platforms in all realms of human interactions, there are fewer opportunities for communicating through touch. Popular online platforms that virtually simulate human interactions rely primarily on visual and auditory modalities, providing limited or no capacity for the exchange of tactile cues. Previous studies of virtual interactions have explored the simulation of social touch using haptic devices, but little is known about how the visual representation of interpersonal touch is perceived and integrated into a virtual social experience. In two studies we examined how the exchange of virtual touch mediated by simulated 3-dimensional human characters, or avatars, within an online virtual environment influenced affiliation towards an unfamiliar interaction partner. Surprisingly, the exchange of virtual touch negatively affected the perceived closeness and affiliation to the partner and the social evaluation of the interaction but did not affect the level of physiological arousal during the interaction. These results indicate that the visual representation of social touch is sufficient to virtually communicate touch-related cues that impact social affiliation, but the influence of touch may be dependent on the interaction context.
An Antarctic lichen isolate (Cladonia borealis) genome reveals potential adaptation to extreme environments
Authors: Cho Minjoo , Lee Seung Jae , Choi Eunkyung , Kim Jinmu , Choi Soyun , Lee Jun Hyuck , Park Hyun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCladonia borealis is a lichen that inhabits Antarctica’s harsh environment. We sequenced the whole genome of a C. borealis culture isolated from a specimen collected in Antarctica using long-read sequencing technology to identify specific genetic elements related to its potential environmental adaptation. The final genome assembly produced 48 scaffolds, the longest being 2.2 Mbp, a 1.6 Mbp N50 contig length, and a 36 Mbp total length. A total of 10,749 protein-coding genes were annotated, containing 33 biosynthetic gene clusters and 102 carbohydrate-active enzymes. A comparative genomics analysis was conducted on six Cladonia species, and the genome of C. borealis exhibited 45 expanded and 50 contracted gene families. We identified that C. borealis has more Copia transposable elements and expanded transporters (ABC transporters and magnesium transporters) compared to other Cladonia species. Our results suggest that these differences contribute to C. borealis’ remarkable adaptability in the Antarctic environment. This study also provides a useful resource for the genomic analysis of lichens and genetic insights into the survival of species isolated from Antarctica.
Multicentric evaluation of sensitivity of eight commercial anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays and their correlation to virus neutralization titers in seropositive subjects
Authors: Fajfr Miroslav , Pajer Petr , Ruzek Daniel , Sleha Radek , Janovska Sylva , Bohonek Milos , Kabickova Hana , Kubicková Pavla , Stefanik Michal , Strakova Petra , Bostik Pavel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDiagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus is mainly based on direct detection. Determination of specific antibodies has been used mostly for epidemiological reasons. However, select immunoassays showed good correlation to plaque reduction virus neutralization test (PRNT) in smaller patient cohorts, which suggests their potential as predictors of virus neutralization titer. A total of 3,699 samples from Covid-19 patients were included in the multicentric study performed in the Czech Republic. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were evaluated by 8 commercial antibody assays. Simultaneously, PRNT evaluations were performed with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.258 variant. All immunoassays showed an overall high true positive diagnostic value ranging from 79.17 to 98.04%. Several commercial EIA methods showed highly positive correlation between the assay results and PRNT levels, e.g., Liaison CoV-2 TrimericS IgG DiaSorin (Spearman r = 0.8833; Architect SASRS-CoV-2 IgG Abbott (r = 0.7298); NovaLisa SARS-CoV-2 IgG NovaTec (r = 0.7103) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG Euroimmun (r = 0.7094). While this correlation was less positive for other assays, those, conversely, presented higher true positive values. For most immunoassays, the positive percent agreement of the results was ≥ 95% in sera exhibiting PRNT levels of 1:80 and higher. The assays tested have shown variable correlation to PRNT. Those possessing high positive predictive values serve well as qualitative tests, while others can be utilised as quantitative tests highly predictive of neutralization antibody levels.
Influence of periodic pulse intake on the ventilation efficiency of positive pressure explosion-proof robot
Authors: Fang Ming , Chu Xufeng , Yu Liang , Fang Yu , Hou Liangliang , Cheng Xu , Wang Junlong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe ventilation work is an important step to be completed before the start of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot. The existing explosion-proof technology uses constant pressure inflation, which will cause explosive gas to accumulate in the corner area of the cavity for a long time. In order to solve this problem, a ventilation method with periodic pulse intake is proposed. Based on the finite element method, the cleaning and ventilation process of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot is simulated and analyzed. The concentration of explosive gas in the robot cavity with time under constant pressure intake and pulse intake with different periods and amplitudes is compared. The simulation results show that the pulse intake is beneficial to the ventilation of the corner position. The period and amplitude of the pulse intake has an effect on the ventilation efficiency, when the period is the same, the greater the amplitude of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency; when the amplitude is the same, the smaller the period of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency. After experimental verification, the validity of the simulation results is proved. This study helps to improve the ventilation efficiency of positive-pressure explosion-proof robots and provides guidance for practical applications.
The AR6 Scenario Explorer and the history of IPCC Scenarios Databases: evolutions and challenges for transparency, pluralism and policy-relevance
Authors: Cointe Béatrice 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEmissions scenarios have always been a crucial part of IPCC reports. They are instrumental to the shared assessment of climate research and to its policy relevance. Since the early days of climate change research, the number of emissions and mitigation scenarios in the literature has grown exponentially. An infrastructure was developed to collect, standardize, and share increasing amounts of scenarios data. The Integrated Assessment Modeling (IAM) community and IIASA have led this work. This infrastructure is central to the work of the IPCC Working Group III, but it also serves to coordinate and disseminate scenarios research. Adopting a socio-historical perspective, this article focuses on the AR6 Scenarios Database as a keystone in this infrastructure and as a site where tensions regarding the role and mandate of the IPCC are play. It retraces the co-evolution of IPCC Scenarios Databases and of the IAM community, and shows how the AR6 Scenarios Database compares and contrasts with previous Scenarios Databases. It then unpacks how ambitions to enhance diversity and transparency in the AR6 Working Group III use of scenarios translated in the design and use of the AR6 database. It analyses the attempt to expand the scope of the database beyond IAMs and discusses the challenges encountered in the process.
Variable step‐size estimation over UDP‐based wireless networks with application to a hydrogen‐powered UAV
Authors: Liang Shi , Cai Chenxiao , Xia Min , Lin Hong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the problem of state estimation for systems over wireless networks using user datagram protocol is focused on. It is known that for such a system, the probability density function of the system state follows a Gaussian mixture model (GMM), and the number of components in this model grows exponentially over time, which makes the computation of optimal estimates infeasible. To compute optimal estimates, based on Kullback‐Leibler divergence, a strategy with variable step‐sizes to truncate and fuse the GMM is proposed. Based on the obtained GMM, a variable step‐size estimator is designed to compute optimal estimates during an estimation cycle. The advantages of the proposed estimator are twofold: (1) its estimation performance is superior to that of existing one‐step fast estimators; (2) its estimation efficiency is much higher than that of the optimal estimator. Finally, trajectory tracking has been proposed for a real‐world hydrogen‐powered unmanned aerial vehicle to show the effectiveness of our methods.
Stochastic unit commitment based on energy‐intensive loads participating in wind and solar power consumption
Authors: Qian Liang , Lin Shunfu , Zhou Bo , Wang Wei , Bian Xiaoyan , Li Fangxing , Li Dongdong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe fluctuation and intermittency of wind and solar power outputs result in increased regulation pressure on thermal units in power systems. Adjustable energy‐intensive loads (such as electrolytic aluminium and steel plants) have great potential for participating in demand response (DR) programs with the goal of reducing thermal unit regulation pressure. This paper proposes an optimal scheduling method of unit commitment (UC) which gives consideration to energy‐intensive loads participating in wind and solar power consumption. The UC method adopts the nonparametric kernel density estimation method to model wind and solar power outputs and then uses the Frank‐Copula function to describe the correlation between the scenarios of wind and solar power outputs. A stochastic unit commitment (SUC) model introduces a chance‐constrained theory of a reserve coefficient to describe time‐variant scenarios on the basis of the deviation between the typical and simulative scenarios. The simulation results based on the IEEE 118‐bus system show that the energy‐intensive load in the SUC model can flexibly adjust and respond to changes in wind and solar power output, reduce the impact of the uncertainties of wind and solar power output, and promote the consumption of wind and solar power.
Impacts of grid‐scale battery systems on power system operation, case of Baltic region
Authors: AhmadiAhangar Roya , Plaum Freddy , Haring Tobias , Drovtar Imre , Korotko Tarmo , Rosin Argo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGrid stability can be affected by the large‐scale utilisation of renewable energy sources because there are fluctuations in generation and load. These issues can be effectively addressed by grid‐scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), which can respond quickly and provide high energy density. Different roles of grid‐scale BESS in power systems are addressed, following optimal operation approaches classification. Furthermore, integrating BESSs into distribution grids is discussed to manage challenges from distributed generation. BESSs aid in voltage control, enhance frequency regulation, and offer black‐start services. Aggregating distributed BESSs can provide ancillary services and improve grid economics. For consumers, BESSs optimise energy costs, enhance reliability, and support self‐consumption from renewables. Novel BESS services include congestion relief, system adequacy, and power quality enhancement. Moreover, the ancillary services provided in different European countries through BESS are analysed. Finally, a case study was conducted among three Baltic DSOs to analyse the required amendments to Grid Codes and Electricity Market Acts for the integration of grid scale BESS.
Dual-Innervated Gracilis Free Functional Muscle Transfers in Facial Palsy Patients: Comparing Long-Term Outcomes between One- versus Two-Stage Procedures
Authors: Wen Y. Edward , Thachil Roshni L. , Madrazo Adolfo Zamaro , Sanchez Cristina V. , Reisch Joan S. , Rozen Shai M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background In facial reanimation, dual-innervated gracilis free functional muscle transfers (FFMTs) may have amalgamated increases in tone, excursion, synchroneity, and potentially spontaneity when compared with single innervation. The ideal staging of dual-innervated gracilis FFMTs has not been investigated. We aim to compare objective long-term outcomes following one- and two-stage dual-innervated gracilis FFMTs.
Methods Included were adult patients with facial paralysis who underwent either one- (one-stage group) or two-stage (two-stage group) dual-innervated gracilis FFMT with ≥1 year of postoperative follow-up. Facial measurements were obtained from standardized photographs of patients in repose, closed-mouth smile, and open-mouth smile taken preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, and 3 years postoperatively. Symmetry was calculated from the absolute difference between the paralyzed and healthy hemiface; a lower value indicates greater symmetry.
Results Of 553 facial paralysis patients, 14 were included. Five and nine patients were in the one- and two-stage groups, with mean follow-up time, respectively, being 2.5 and 2.6 years. Within-group analysis of both groups, most paralyzed-side and symmetry measurements significantly improved over time with maintained significance at 3 years postoperatively in closed and open-mouth smile (all p ≤ 0.05). However, only the two-stage group had maintained significance in improvements at 3 years postoperatively in paralyzed-side and symmetry measurements in repose with commissure position (median change [interquartile range, IQR], 7.62 [6.00–10.56] mm), commissure angle (median change [IQR], 8.92 [6.18–13.69] degrees), commissure position symmetry (median change [IQR], −5.18 [−10.48 to −1.80] mm), commissure angle symmetry (median change [IQR], −9.78 [−11.73 to −7.32] degrees), and commissure height deviation (median change [IQR], −5.70 [−7.19 to −1.64] mm; all p ≤ 0.05). In the between-group analysis, all measurements were comparable in repose, closed-mouth smile, and open-mouth smile (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion Long-term outcomes demonstrate that both one- and two-stage dual-innervated gracilis FFMTs significantly improve excursion, but only two-stage reconstruction significantly improves resting tone.
Acetal Substitution Reactions: Stereoelectronic Effects, Conformational Analysis, Reactivity vs Selectivity, and Neighboring-Group Participation
Authors: Woerpel K. A. , Chun Yuge , Luu Khoi B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAcetal substitution reactions can proceed by a number of mechanisms, but oxocarbenium ion intermediates are involved in many of these reactions. Our research has focused on understanding the conformational preferences, structures, and reactions of these intermediates. This account summarizes our observations that electrostatic effects play a significant role in defining the preferred conformations, and that torsional effects determine how those intermediates react. Neighboring-group effects are not as straightforward as they might seem, considering that oxocarbenium ion intermediates are in equilibrium with structures that involve stabilization by a nearby substituent.1	Introduction2	Unexpected Stereoselectivities3	Determining Conformational Preferences of Oxocarbenium Ions4	Structures of Carbocations by NMR Spectroscopy and X-ray Crystallography5	Stereoelectronic Models for Reactions Involving Other Oxocarbenium Ions6	Stereoselectivity and Reactivity: When They Correlate, When They Do Not7	Neighboring–Group Participation Is Not as Simple as It Seems8	What Is True for Carbocations Is True for Carbonyl Compounds9	Stereoelectronic and Torsional Effects in Reactions of Enolates10	Summary of Expected Selectivities for Reactions of Cyclic Acetals11	Conclusion
Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Open Carpal Tunnel Release and Thread Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Akhoondinasab Mohammad-Reza , Saraee Amir , Akbari Hossein , Forghani Siamak-Farokh , Naderi Babak 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background and Objectives Surgical techniques for carpal tunnel release (CTR) have gradually become less invasive. No substantial evidence supports replacing the open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) with novel minimally invasive approaches. Thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) is a new minimally invasive CTR method associated with promising results. This study aimed to compare the aesthetic and functional outcomes of OCTR with TCTR.
Materials and Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in a hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. Patients were randomized to OCTR and TCTR groups through simple randomization. Data such as demographics, nerve conduction study, electromyography, pain, and sensory evaluation by monofilament test were recorded in patients at baseline and after 3 months. Aesthetic evaluation was conducted by assessing the scar length and patients' satisfaction 3 months after the surgery.
Results Twenty patients (10 in each group) entered the final analysis. Nerve conduction study, electromyography, and sensory evaluation were similar between groups 3 months after the operation. The TCTR group had lower postsurgical pain (p < 0.001) and lower scar length (p < 0.001) compared to the OCTR group. Overall satisfaction was not statistically different between TCTR and OCTR.
Conclusion The TCTR method is safe in patients with CTS, and its efficacy is similar to OCTR. It can be a good alternative for OCTR, with a better aesthetic outcome.
Atomistic mechanism of structural and volume relaxation below glass transition temperature in a soda-lime silicate glass revealed by Raman spectroscopy and its DFT calculations
Authors: Suzuki Taisuke , Hamada Yuya , Shimizu Masahiro , Urata Shingo , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Miura Kiyotaka 
Published: January 2024

To elucidate the atomistic origin of volume relaxation in soda-lime silicate glass annealed below the glass transition temperature (Tg), the experimental and calculated Raman spectra were compared. By decomposing the calculated Raman spectra into specific groups of atoms, the Raman peaks at 800, 950, 1050, 1100, and 1150 cm−1 were attributed to oxygen and silicon in Si–O–Si, non-bridging oxygen in the Q2 unit, bridging oxygen in low-angle Si–O–Si, non-bridging oxygen in the Q4 unit, and bridging oxygen in high-angle Si–O–Si, respectively. Based on these attributions, we found that by decreasing the fictive temperature by annealing below Tg − 70 K, a homogenization reaction Q2 + Q4 → 2Q3 and an increase in average Si–O–Si angle occurred simultaneously. By molecular dynamics simulation, we clarified how the experimentally demonstrated increase in average Si–O–Si angle contributes to volume shrinkage; increasing Si–O–Si angles can expand the space inside the rings, and Na can be inserted into the ring center.