bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PAM‐Engineered Toehold Switches as Input‐Responsive Activators of CRISPR‐Cas12a for Sensing Applications
Authors: Bagheri Neda , Chamorro Alejandro , Idili Andrea , Porchetta Alessandro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe RNA‐programmed CRISPR effector protein Cas12a has emerged as a powerful tool for gene editing and molecular diagnostics. However, additional bio‐engineering strategies are required to achieve control over Cas12a activity. Here, we show that Toehold Switch DNA hairpins, presenting a rationally designed locked protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) in the loop, can be used to control Cas12a in response to molecular inputs. Reconfiguring the Toehold Switch DNA from a hairpin to a duplex conformation through a strand displacement reaction provides an effective means to modulate the accessibility of the PAM, thereby controlling the binding and cleavage activities of Cas12a. Through this approach, we showcase the potential to trigger downstream Cas12a activity by leveraging proximity‐based strand displacement reactions in response to target binding. By utilizing the trans‐cleavage activity of Cas12a as a signal transduction method, we demonstrate the versatility of our approach for sensing applications. Our system enables rapid, one‐pot detection of IgG antibodies and small molecules with high sensitivity and specificity even within complex matrices. Besides the bioanalytical applications, the switchable PAM‐engineered Toehold Switches serve as programmable tools capable of regulating Cas12a‐based targeting and DNA processing in response to molecular inputs and hold promise for a wide array of biotechnological applications.
Electrically conducting polymers and composites for applications in space exploration
Authors: Ryan Emily A. , Seibers Zach D. , Reynolds John R. , Shofner Meisha L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPushing the boundaries of space exploration and settlement requires innovative materials that are multi‐functional, reusable, and tolerant of the extreme hazards in space environments. Polymers represent an interesting class of materials for these applications due to their range of properties, low density, and ease of manufacturing. Electrically conductive materials based on polymers and other organic materials can be beneficial for safety purposes or for integrating advanced functions, such as dust mitigation and non‐destructive evaluation. Given the unique demands of the space industry, emerging materials developed for space may not appear in conventional forums. Conversely, many investigators focus on polymers and composites for other applications and may not realize the suitability of their material for space. This review provides an informational bridge between experts from conventional polymer fields and more space‐focused research groups. First, a brief history of polymer material integration from Apollo to Artemis is used as a context for their increasing importance to space exploration. Next, a polymer and composite materials‐focused summary of space hazards is discussed for different space environments. Finally, different space applications suitable for electrically conductive polymers and composites are discussed in the context of enabling space exploration and developing new terrestrial technology.
Shared genetic risk between anorexia nervosa and cardiovascular disease events: Evidence from genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Qi Baiyu , Graff Mariaelisa , Eating Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics C  , Bulik Cynthia M , North Kari E , Munn‐Chernoff Melissa A 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular complications occur in up to 80% of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), yet the underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation. We assessed the genetic correlation (rg) between AN and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events to inform whether elevated cardiovascular risk among individuals with AN is due to shared genetic effects.MethodWe used genome‐wide association study summary statistics for AN (N = 72,517), AN with binge eating (N = 12,630), AN without binge eating (N = 12,516), and six CVD events (N = 390,142 to 977,323). We calculated the rgs via linkage disequilibrium score regression and corrected for multiple testing using false discovery rate.ResultsSignificant rgs emerged between AN with heart failure (rg = –0.11, SE = 0.05, q = .04) and myocardial infarction (rg = –0.10, SE = 0.03, q = .01). AN with binge eating had a significant rg with myocardial infarction (rg = –0.15, SE = 0.06, q = .02). No significant rg emerged between AN without binge eating and any CVD event.DiscussionSome loci affect the liability to AN and CVD in opposite directions and the shared genetic effects may not be consistent across all CVD events. Our results provide further evidence suggesting that the elevated cardiovascular risk in AN may not be due to shared genetic underpinnings, but more likely a downstream consequence of the disease.
Stone milling conditions and starter culture source influence phytic acid content and antioxidant activity in whole‐grain sourdough bread
Authors: Kulathunga Jayani , Simsek Senay 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThere is interest in whole‐grain sourdough bread related to evidence of increased nutrient availability and antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants play a remarkable role in the body's defense system against reactive oxygen species. In contrast, phytic acid has adverse effects as it reduces the availability of minerals. This research study was carried out to compare the phytic acid content and antioxidant activity of stone‐milled whole‐grain flour and sourdough bread made with two different starter cultures.FindingsThe phytic acid content of all the bread samples was significantly (p < .05) lower than the flour samples they were produced from. Significant (p < .05) differences were observed in sourdoughs' phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities with different starter cultures. The antioxidant capacity of polyphenols extracted from bread samples was negatively correlated with the coarse particle size fraction and positively correlated with the fine particle size fraction.ConclusionsThe phytic acid content and antioxidant capacity of the bread were affected by the starter culture. Processing whole‐grain flour into sourdough bread reduced the phytic acid content and improved the antioxidant activity.Significance and NoveltyThe content of bioactive compounds and anti‐nutritional factors in sourdough bread can be monitored by using different milling conditions, particle sizes, and starter cultures.
Unraveling the role of δ‐zeins in methionine bio‐fortification of maize
Authors: Devi Veena , Sethi Mehak , Singh Alla , Chaudhary Dharam P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMaize is a major ingredient of animal feed. However, its nutritional quality is poor due to the deficiency of essential amino acid methionine. The animal feed, prepared as a corn–legume mixture to balance the nutritional quality, remains deficient in methionine. Therefore, the bio‐fortification of maize for methionine is the best option to make nutritionally balanced animal and poultry feed. The present study was designed to evaluate the profile of zeins and the expression profile of methionine‐associated target genes in high‐ and low‐methionine maize.FindingsResults of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the 10‐kDa zein was accumulated during kernel development, and its accumulation was higher in high methionine lines. Gene expression analysis through real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that higher expression of 10‐ and 18‐kDa zeins is associated with higher methionine accumulation.ConclusionsThe above results indicate that 10‐ and 18‐kDa genes are the potential targets for the methionine bio‐fortification in maize, which is required for animal and poultry feed.Significance and NoveltyThe present study suggests that 10‐ and 18‐kDa genes are the major source of methionine, and the regulation of these genes is crucial to enhancing the methionine content in maize. The results indicate that these genes are potential targets for genetic engineering in maize to enhance methionine accumulation.
Establishment and validation of a prediction model for nonrecovery of left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction patients combined with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Yang Yang , Dong You Zheng , Hou An Xue , Liu De Ping , He Jin Wu , Chen Jun Ye , Jiang Xing Hua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the risk factors for nonrecovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during follow‐up in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) combined with reduced LVEF, and establish and verify a risk prediction model based on these factors.MethodsIn this study, patients with AMI who underwent PCI in a high‐volume PCI center between December 2018 and December 2021 were consecutively enrolled, screened, and randomly assigned to the model establishment and validation cohorts. A predictive model method based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used for establishment and validation.ResultsCardiac troponin I, myoglobin, left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension, multivessel disease, and no‐reflow were identified as potential predictors of LVEF recovery failure. The areas under the curve were 0.703 and 0.665 in the model establishment and validation cohorts, respectively, proving that the prediction model had some predictive ability. The calibration curves of the two cohorts showed good agreement with those of the nomogram model. In addition, the decision curve analysis showed that the model had a net clinical benefit.ConclusionThis prediction model can assess the risk of nonrecovery of LVEF in patients with AMI undergoing PCI combined with LVEF reduction during follow‐up, and conveniently screen high‐risk patients with nonrecoverable LVEF early.
Lactate dehydrogenase‐to‐albumin ratio: A superior inflammatory marker for predicting contrast‐associated acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zeng Ji‐Lang , Chen Jun‐Han , Zhang Li‐Wei , Chen Li‐Chuan , Liang Wen‐Jia , You Zhebin , Lin Kai‐Yang , Guo Yansong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeInflammation is commonly considered a mechanism underlying contrast‐associated acute kidney injury (CA‐AKI). This study aimed to explore the predictive capability of the novel inflammatory marker lactate dehydrogenase‐to‐albumin ratio (LAR) for CA‐AKI following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and further compare it with other common inflammatory biomarkers.MethodsThis study enrolled 5,435 patients undergoing elective PCI. The primary outcome was CA‐AKI, and the secondary outcome was all‐cause mortality. All patients were grouped into three groups based on the LAR tertiles.ResultsThree hundred fifteen patients (5.8%) experienced CA‐AKI during hospitalization. The fully adjusted logistic regression suggested a significant increase in the risk of CA‐AKI in LAR Tertile 3 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68−3.83, p < .001) and Tertile 2 (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.42−3.20, p < .001) compared to Tertile 1. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that LAR exhibited significantly superior predictive capability for CA‐AKI compared to other inflammatory biomarkers. Regarding the secondary outcome, multivariate COX regression analysis showed a positive correlation between elevated LAR levels and all‐cause mortality.ConclusionIn patients undergoing elective PCI, LAR was significantly independently associated with CA‐AKI, and it stood out as the optimal inflammatory biomarker for predicting CA‐AKI.
Challenges and protective strategies on zinc anode toward practical aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
Authors: Al‐Abbasi Malek , Zhao Yanrui , He Honggang , Liu Hui , Xia Huarong , Zhu Tianxue , Wang Kexuan , Xu Zhu , Wang Huibo , Zhang Wei , Lai Yuekun , Ge Mingzheng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOver the past decades, there has been a growing interest in rechargeable aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) as a viable substitute for lithium‐ion batteries. This is primarily due to their low cost, lower redox potential, and high safety. Nevertheless, the progress of Zn metal anodes has been impeded by various challenges, including the growth of dendrites, corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reaction during repeated cycles that result in low Coulombic efficiency and a short lifetime. Therefore, we represent recent advances in Zn metal anode protection for constructing high‐performance AZIBs. Besides, we show in‐depth analyses and supposed hypotheses on the working mechanism of these issues associated with mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes. Meanwhile, design principles and feasible strategies are proposed to suppress dendrites' formation of Zn batteries, including electrode design, electrolyte modification, and interface regulation, which are suitable for restraining corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction. Finally, the current challenges and future trends are raised to pave the way for the commercialization of AZIBs. These design principles and potential strategies are applicable in other metal‐ion batteries, such as Li and K metal batteries.
Comparative study on structural behavior of ferrocement wall panels
Authors: Gopal Deepana , Shobarajkumar D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this fast‐developing world both in the form of trends and population. House is a basic need for everyone and it is always preferred to be completed within a minimum time. Ferrocement wall panels will be a great advantage it accommodate quicker construction. It also helps the building to be built with required shape and size and also with a better aesthetic appearance. Other advantages include less cost and also provide better insulation for soundproofing. Because of their ease of replace ability, they can be assembled into an appropriate framework. They can be restructured anywhere at any time, so it is a better substitute than any other kinds of walls. In this investigation, the structural behaviour of ferrocement wall panels of size 2.5 and 3 m in length, 1 m width with 30 mm thickness has been casted with and without addition of nanosilica which obtained from Zea mays was investigated. Amorphous nanosilica has been extracted from Zea mays plant by a series of process like separating the parts of the Zea mays plant, washing the parts to remove dirt, acid wash, drying, calcination, sol–gel adjustment and then post filtration pre, post filtration, which include corrosive pre‐treatment by acid wash, draining, sol–gel adjustment and drying in hot air oven have been used in this work, which will enhance the mechanical properties of ferrocement. ANSYS Software was used to create finite element models to analyse the behaviour of the wall panel from static response to failure. Finally, the experimental and numerical model comparisons were presented and evaluated.
TGFβ‐induced EN1 promotes tumor budding of adenoid cystic carcinoma in patient‐derived organoid model
Authors: Hui Zhixuan , Wang Bo , Liu Zhengyan , Wei Jinhui , Gan Jiaxing , Landstrom Marene , Mu Yabing , Zang Guangxiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and basal cell adenoma (BCA) share many histological characteristics and often need a differential diagnosis in clinical pathology. Recently, we found homeobox protein engrailed‐1 (EN1) was a potential diagnostic marker for ACC in an organoids library of salivary gland tumors (SGTs). Here we aim to confirm EN1 as a differential diagnostic marker for ACC, and further investigate the regulatory mechanism and biological function of EN1 in tumor progression. The transcriptional analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were performed and revealed that EN1 was specifically and highly expressed in ACC, and accurately differentiated ACC from BCA. Furthermore, TGFβ signaling pathway was found associated with ACC, and the regulation of EN1 through TGFβ was detected in the human ACC cell lines and patient‐derived organoids (PDOs). TGFβ‐induced EN1 was important in promoting tumor budding in the PDOs model. Interestingly, a high level of EN1 and TGFβ1 in the budding tips was observed in ACC clinical samples, and the expression of EN1 and TGFβ1 in ACC was significantly associated with the clinical stage. In summary, our study verified EN1 is a good diagnostic marker to differentiate ACC from BCA. TGFβ‐induced EN1 facilitates the tumor budding of ACC, which might be an important mechanism related to the malignant phenotype of ACC.
CCheXR‐Attention: Clinical concept extraction and chest x‐ray reports classification using modified Mogrifier and bidirectional LSTM with multihead attention
Authors: Rani Somiya , Jain Amita , Kumar Akshi , Yang Guang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRadiology reports cover different aspects from radiological observation to the diagnosis of an imaging examination, such as x‐rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans. Abundant patient information presented in radiology reports poses a few major challenges. First, radiology reports follow a free‐text reporting format, which causes the loss of a large amount of information in unstructured text. Second, the extraction of important features from these reports is a huge bottleneck for machine learning models. These challenges are important, particularly the extraction of key features such as symptoms, comparison/priors, technique, finding, and impression because they facilitate the decision‐making on patients' health. To alleviate this issue, a novel architecture CCheXR‐Attention is proposed to extract the clinical features from the radiological reports and classify each report into normal and abnormal categories based on the extracted information. We have proposed a modified Mogrifier long short‐term memory model and integrated a multihead attention method to extract the more relevant features. Experimental outcomes on two benchmark datasets demonstrated that the proposed model surpassed state‐of‐the‐art models.
Automatic measurement of fetal abdomen subcutaneous soft tissue thickness from ultrasound image based on a U‐shaped attention network with morphological method
Authors: Yuan Zhenming , Xu Tianhao , Yu Cheng , Ye Xiaojun , Zhang Jian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFetal abdominal subcutaneous soft tissue thickness (FASSTT) is a key indicator in evaluating fetal growth, development, and nutritional status. Currently, manual measurement in FASSTT faces the problems of difficulty in positioning, time consumption, and inaccurate measurement. Therefore, this article proposes an automatic measurement scheme for FASSTT. Firstly, a U‐shaped attention network VGG‐SeUnet is proposed to automatically segment the subcutaneous soft tissue area of the fetal abdomen. Secondly, based on the segmentation results, a morphological method is proposed to obtain FASSTT. Specifically, the segmentation network uses VGG16 as the encoder and connects the decoder through jump connections for multi‐scale fusion. We introduce channel attention to jump connections, which enables the model to select key channels for feature fusion. At the same time, the model uses the proposed DF_Loss function for training to solve the problem of sample imbalance. Based on the segmentation results, a morphological distance transformation algorithm is proposed to obtain FASSTT by drawing the maximum inscribed circle and calculating its diameter. The method is evaluated on a fetal abdominal circumference ultrasound dataset containing 135 samples. The DSC, mIOU, mPA, Precision and Recall of the segmentation experiments reache 88.9%, 81.02%, 90.44%, 86.38%, and 90.44% respectively. The difference between FASSTT's result from that provided by radiologist is 0.0615 cm in Average Error (AVE) and 0.081 cm in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The overall performance of this algorithm is superior to existing methods with excellent performance, and the measurement error is less than 1 millimeter. This result proves that the proposed scheme in this paper can achieve automated measurement of FASSTT and assist doctors in subsequent evaluation of fetal development and nutritional status.
To sleep or not to sleep: Dormancy and life history traits in Eucypris virens (Crustacea, Ostracoda)
Authors: Bellin Nicolò , Rossi Valeria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDormancy represents an investment with its own costs and benefit. Besides the advantage obtained from the avoidance of harsh environments and from the synchronization of life cycles with seasonal changes, an organism could benefit from a temporary stop in growth and reproduction. To test this hypothesis a transgenerational experiment was carried out comparing the life history traits of clonal females of Eucypris virens from resting and non‐resting eggs at two different photoperiods: short day length (6:18 L:D), proxy of favorable but unpredictable late winter‐spring hydroperiod, and long day length (16:8 L:D) proxy of dry predictable unfavorable season, inducing resting egg production and within‐generation plasticity (WGP). Clonal females that were dormancy deprived showed the highest age at first deposition and the lowest fecundity. Dormancy seems to work as a resetting mechanism of reproduction. Transgenerational plasticity (TGP) had a bounce back pattern: the phenotype of F1 generation was influenced by cues experienced in the F0 generation but the effects of F0 exposure were not evident in the F2. TGP might be adaptive when a mother experiences some kind of seasonality or stochasticity producing both resting and nonresting eggs. A positive relationship between the number of resting eggs and the total number of eggs per females suggested the absence of trade‐off between dormancy and reproduction. Both WGP and TGP increase the mother long term fitness with important consequences on population dynamics, on the way a species spread throughout space and time and might respond to climate change.