bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic nonlinear soft sensor modelling method using linear slow feature analysis and least squares support vector regression for batch processes
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Liu Ke , Zhang Han , Deng Guanlong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractData‐driven soft sensor models have been extensively utilized in industrial processes. Batch processes are usually employed to manufacture low‐volume and high value‐added products in chemical, materials, and pharmaceutical industries. The most distinctive features of batch process lie in nonlinear, repetition, and slow time varying characteristics. In this paper, a data‐driven soft sensor modelling method based on linear slow feature analysis (LSFA) and least squares support vector regression (LSSVR) is proposed. In this method, LSFA was used to effectively capture the driving force behind the data features that change as slowly as possible. Then, a LSSVR model was constructed between the extracted slow feature variables and quality variables. Finally, a numerical example, industrial penicillin fermentation processes, and cobalt oxalate synthesis process were utilized to confirm the prediction accuracy and model reliability of the proposed approach.
Kinetic growth model and metabolic effect of a bacterial consortia from a petrochemical processing plant
Authors: Prithiraj Alicia , Tichapondwa Shepherd , Chirwa Evans M. N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study focused on presenting the newly developed growth model for bacterial species present in a petrochemical processing plant in South Africa. The findings of the study serve as a theoretical basis for future experiments aimed at understanding the formation of bacterial metabolites as the bacteria develops. An unstructured kinetic model using AQUASIM 2.3, together with experimental spectrophotometric results, were used to evaluate the growth of Gram‐negative bacteria in a batch reactor system. Spectrophotometer results showed the absence of a stationary phase. The exponential bacterial growth phase supported the total organic carbon (TOC) results, showing that bacterial growth occurred on days 6 and 13; this is rarely reported in literature, as the growth in this system was much slower than the growth of single‐strain studies. The TOC concentration values indicated that carbon sources did not deplete in the death phase, suggesting the presence of a long‐term stationary phase and the production of acetate. The presence of Pseudomonas sp. and sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) are commonly reported in industrial systems as they play a role in equipment failure in industry. However, in this multispecies study, methods using third generation sequencing together with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have shown that the selective attachment and production of acetate by abundant Clostridium sp. has ascertained their role in equipment failures in the petrochemical environment.
Activation of Dendritic Cells Isolated from the Blood of Patients with Prostate Cancer by Ex Vivo Fluid Shear Stress Stimulation
Authors: Dombroski Jenna A. , Antunovic Monika , Schaffer Kerry R. , Hurley Paula J. , King Michael R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProstate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States and a leading cause of cancer‐related death in men. Treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer include hormone therapies, chemotherapies, radioligand therapies, and immunotherapies. Provenge (sipuleucel‐T) is an autologous cancer‐vaccine‐based immunotherapy approved for men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Administration of sipuleucel‐T involves leukapheresis of patient blood to isolate antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs), and subsequent incubation of isolated APCs with both an antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) before their infusion back into the patient. Although sipuleucel‐T has been shown to improve overall survival, other meaningful outcomes, such as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and radiographic response, are inconsistent. This lack of robust response may be due to limited ex vivo activation of DCs using current protocols. Earlier studies have shown that many cell types can be activated ex vivo by external forces such as fluid shear stress (FSS). We hypothesize that novel fluid shear stress technologies and methods can be used to improve ex vivo efficacy of prostate cancer DC activation in prostate cancer. Herein, we report a new protocol for activating DCs from patients with prostate cancer using ex vivo fluid shear stress. Ultimately, the goal of these studies is to improve DC activation to expand the efficacy of therapies such as sipuleucel‐T. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Sample collection and DC isolationBasic Protocol 2: Determination and application of fluid shear stressBasic Protocol 3: Flow cytometry analysis of DCs after FSS stimulation
Making the grade: An analysis of sustainability reporting standards and Global Reporting Initiative adherence ratings
Authors: Friske Wesley , Nikolov Atanas Nik , Morgan Todd 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSustainability reporting standards provide a systematic way for organizations to describe their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to stakeholders. Unfortunately, even organizations that have voluntarily adopted reporting standards may fail to disclose material ESG information to relevant stakeholders. This study aims to investigate how the institutional environment influences an organization's adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative's sustainability reporting standards. Our analysis is based on a panel data sample of 4380 organizations that adopted Global Reporting Initiative's reporting guidelines from 2006 to 2015. Results of a generalized estimating equation model suggest that institutional norms and the pressure to achieve organizational legitimacy lead to relatively high adherence ratings for state‐owned enterprises and public institutions, large organizations, publicly traded companies, and organizations that conduct external audits of their reports. Our study has multiple implications for researchers and policymakers. First, we answer calls for more large‐scale, cross‐country research on sustainability reporting standards. Second, we add to the literature on sustainability reporting by documenting how institutional factors affect the credibility and transparency of ESG information contained within sustainability reports. Third, for policymakers, we identify the types of organizations that are least likely to comply with reporting guidelines. Policymakers can use this information to target underachieving organizations.
Nocturnal behavioral patterns of African ungulates in zoos
Authors: Gübert Jennifer , Schneider Gaby , Hahn‐Klimroth Max , Dierkes Paul W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCurrently, most studies on ungulates' behavior are conducted during the daylight hours, but their nocturnal behavior patterns differ from those shown during day. Therefore, it is necessary to observe ungulates' behavior also overnight. Detailed analyses of nocturnal behavior have only been conducted for very prominent ungulates such as Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), African Elephants (Loxodonta africana), or livestock (e.g., domesticated cattle, sheep, or pigs), and the nocturnal rhythms exhibited by many ungulates remain unknown. In the present study, the nocturnal rhythms of 192 individuals of 18 ungulate species from 20 European zoos are studied with respect to the behavioral positions standing, lying—head up, and lying—head down (the typical REM sleep position). Differences between individuals of different age were found, but no differences with respect to the sex were seen. Most species showed a significant increase in the proportion of lying during the night. In addition, the time between two events of “lying down” was studied in detail. A high degree of rhythmicity with respect to this quantity was found in all species. The proportion of lying in such a period was greater in Artiodactyla than in Perissodactyla, and greater in juveniles than in adults.
The distribution of bushmeat mammals in unflooded forests of the Central Amazon is influenced by poaching proxies
Authors: de Souza Ferreira Neto Gilson , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato , Phillips Matthew J. , Massara Rodrigo Lima 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMedium to large rainforest mammals are key conservation flagship groups that offer non‐redundant ecosystem functions, but anthropic pressures, such as illegal hunting, may strongly affect their occupancy in Amazonia. We combined camera traps and occupancy models to assess the influence of distance from human settlements, the number of families per settlement and the synergetic effect of the average weight of 27 species on the occupancy probability of mammals. Specifically, we classified mammal species according to the game preferences of hunters (i.e. a group of species depleted for bushmeat, a group of species hunted for retaliation and a group of non‐hunted species). We also accounted for the influence on the detection probability of each group of both the number of days each camera operated and the body weight of mammals. The occupancy probability of the bushmeat group (i.e. deer, peccaries, agoutis, pacas and armadillos) was lower at locations closer to human settlements. Still, the number of families correlated positively with occupancy, with the occupancy probability of the group being slightly higher at sites with more families. This difference was probably due to larger and more abundant crops and fruiting trees attracting wildlife at such sites. Conversely, the occupancy probability of the retaliation group (i.e. carnivores) and the non‐hunted group (i.e. opossums, spiny rats, squirrels and anteaters) were indifferent to anthropogenic stressors. The detection probability of the non‐hunted and particularly the most depleted species correlated negatively with body weight. This may suggest that larger species, especially those from the bushmeat group, are rarer or less abundant in the system, possibly because they are the preferable target of hunters. In the long term, locals will likely need to travel long distances to find harvest meat. Poaching also threatens food security since game bushmeat is an essential source of protein for isolated rural Amazonians.
Protective role of eugenol against diabetes‐induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis in rat testes
Authors: Chilukoti Sri R. , Sahu Chittaranjan , Jena Gopabandhu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDiabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder alters gonadal development and spermatogenesis, reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage, and apoptosis, which subsequently lead to male subfertility. Eugenol is an antioxidant, traditionally used as medication for digestive disorders and antioxidant therapy, decrease transport of glucose from GIT to systemic circulation. This experiment was aimed to decipher cellular and molecular insights of eugenol in protecting diabetic germ cells in rats. Rats were assigned randomly into five groups: control, eugenol control (Eugenol 400; EUG), diabetic (DIA), diabetic + eugenol 100 (DIA + EUG 100), and diabetic + eugenol 400 (DIA + EUG 400). EUG 400 and DIA + EUG 400 groups received 400 mg/kg eugenol orally. DIA + EUG 100 group received 100 mg/kg eugenol. Treatment was conducted for 4 weeks. Type 1 diabetes was induced by injecting a single i.p. dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Morphometric, biochemical, sperm parameters, oxidative stress, hormonal levels, histopathology, and fibrosis in the testis and epididymis, were evaluated. DNA damage was evaluated using halo and comet assays; DNA fragmentation and apoptosis using TUNEL assay. Eugenol treatment significantly normalized biochemical parameters, reduced MDA while increased albumin and GSH levels in diabetes. Eugenol significantly increased sperm numbers, motility and attenuated abnormal sperm head morphology in diabetes. Moreover, eugenol significantly reversed diabetes‐induced cellular damages, altered spermatogenesis, and collagen deposition in testis and epididymis. It also significantly attenuated diabetes‐associated DNA breaks and apoptosis. These findings suggest that 4 weeks treatment with 400 mg/kg of eugenol could be beneficial for diabetic patients to prevent subfertility.
ZNF746 plays cardinal roles on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell invasion and migration and regulates mitochondrial dynamics and morphological changes of CRC cells—Role of combined melatonin and 5‐FU regimen
Authors: Huang Chi‐Ruei , Chu Yu‐Ting , Chang Chia‐Lo , Yip Hon‐Kan , Chen Hong‐Hwa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe underlying mechanism of colorectal cells developing into cancer cells has been extensively investigated, yet is still not fully delineated, resulting in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) remains regrettably an unmet need. Zinc Finger Protein 746/Parkin‐interacting substrate (ZNF746/PARIS) has previously been identified to play a fundamental role on bladder cancer cell proliferation and metastasis that were effectively inhibited by melatonin (Mel). In this study, we utilized ex vivo/in vivo studies to verify whether the ZNF746 signaling was also crucial in CRC growth/invasion/migration. Tissue‐bank specimens showed that the protein expression of ZNF746 was significantly increased in CRC than that of healthy colorectal tissues (p < 0.001). Additionally, in vitro study demonstrated that excessive expression of ZNF746 significantly inhibited mitochondrial activity via (1) interfering with the dynamic balance of mitochondrial fusion/fission and (2) inhibiting the protein expression of MFN1/MFN2/PGC1a (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, we identified that inhibition of ZNF746 protein expression significantly reduced the resistance of CRC cell lines to the anticancer drug of 5‐FU (p < 0.001), whereas overexpression of ZNF746 significantly augmented resistance of CRC cells to 5‐FU (all p < 0.001). Finally, using the cell culture method, we found that combined Mel and 5‐FU was superior to merely one on promoting the CRC cell apoptosis (p < 0.001). Our results confirmed that ZNF746 signaling played a cardinal role of CRC cell proliferation/survival and combined Mel and 5‐FU treatment attenuated the resistance of CRC cells to the drug mainly through suppressing this signaling.
Impact of haptic simulators in preclinical dental education: A systematic review
Authors: Bandiaky Octave Nadile , Lopez Serena , Hamon Ludovic , Clouet Roselyne , Soueidan Assem , Le Guehennec Laurent 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHaptic technologies have opened a new avenue in preclinical dental education, with evidence that they can be used to improve student performance. The aim of this systematic review was to (1) determine the effect of haptic simulators on motor skill acquisition during preclinical dental training, (2) explore students’ perception, and (3) explore the ability of haptic systems to distinguish users based on their initial level of manual dexterity.MethodsA comprehensive search of articles published up to February 2023 was performed using five databases (i.e., PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and specialized journals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis 2020 guidelines were followed, and the risk of bias was assessed. Only studies on the application of haptic simulators in dentistry preclinical training were included. Qualitative synthesis of data was performed, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID = CRD42022337177).ResultsTwenty‐three clinical studies, including 1303 participants, were included. The authors observed a statistically significant improvement in dental students’ motor skills in various dental specialties, such as restorative dentistry, pediatric, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and dental surgery, after haptic training. Haptic technologies were perceived well by all participants, with encouraging data regarding their ability to differentiate users according to their initial level of manual dexterity.ConclusionsOur work suggests that haptic simulators can significantly improve motor skill acquisition in preclinical dental training. This new digital technology, which was well perceived by the participants, also showed encouraging results in discriminating users according to their level of experience.
Identifying factors influencing orthodontic residency program selection
Authors: Nanney Eleanor M , Shumaker Abbigale , Gutierrez Triny , Mitchell Kelly , Bowers Sylvia A. Frazier , Wiesen Chris , Mihas Paul , Jacox Laura Anne 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe desirability of Orthodontic Residency remains high today relative to the past 30 years. This investigation seeks to re‐assess factors influencing Orthodontic Residency program selection amidst contemporary challenges and changes, including increasing student debt, reduced residency stipends, and shifting practice models.MethodsThis mixed‐methods study consisted of interviews (qualitative) and surveys (quantitative). Fifteen final‐year dental students and first‐year orthodontic residents were interviewed one‐on‐one following a topic guide and then transcripts were analyzed using MAXQDA2022 to identify values, factors, and influences related to program selection and ranking. Qualitative findings and previous studies provided the basis for a survey distributed to residency applicants in 2020‐22. Data were analyzed with bivariate and descriptive statistics with stratification by debt group.ResultsInterviews (N = 15) elevated the importance of location, interview experience, program cost, and clinical education. Surveys (N = 239) identified the most desirable factors for program selection: satisfied residents, strong clinical training with multiple techniques, good interview impressions, low cost, high patient numbers, a strong reputation, and good clinical facilities with new technology. Less desirable factors include programs that are hospital‐based, certificate‐only, research‐intensive, and require considerable after‐hours work.ConclusionsClinical education and interview experiences are key for residency selection, consistent with prior studies, though program cost has grown in importance. Findings can help guide orthodontic programs in recruiting applicants and suggest a need to limit educational costs.
Measuring context–response associations that drive habits
Authors: Labrecque Jennifer S. , Lee Kristen M. , Wood Wendy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPeople achieve important life outcomes of health, financial security, and productivity by repeating operant behavior. To identify whether such operants reflect goal pursuit or habit, the present research introduces a new paradigm that yields objective measures of learning and controls for the motivations of goal pursuit. In two experiments, participants practiced a sequential task of making sushi and then completed a test of the strength of cue–response (habit) associations in memory. Finally, they repeated the sushi task without instructions while under cognitive load (designed to impede deliberation about goals). As predicted, greater task practice yielded stronger cue–response associations, which in turn promoted task success. Practice did not improve performance by enhancing goal intentions or other task motivations. We conclude that repetition facilitates performance by creating mental associations that automatically activate practiced, habitual responses upon perception of recurring context cues.
The incidence of movement disorder increases with age and contrasts with subtle and limited neuroimaging abnormalities in argininosuccinic aciduria
Authors: Gurung Sonam , Karamched Saketh , Perocheau Dany , Seunarine Kiran K. , Baldwin Tom , Alrashidi Haya , Touramanidou Loukia , Duff Claire , Elkhateeb Nour , Stepien Karolina M. , Sharma Reena , Morris Andrew , Hartley Thomas , Crowther Laura , Grunewald Stephanie , Cleary Maureen , Mundy Helen , Chakrapani Anupam , Batzios Spyros , Davison James , Footitt Emma , Tuschl Karin , Lachmann Robin , Murphy Elaine , Santra Saikat , Uudelepp Mari‐Liis , Yeo Mildrid , Finn Patrick F. , Cavedon Alex , Siddiqui Summar , Rice Lisa , Martini Paolo G. V. , Frassetto Andrea , Heales Simon , Mills Philippa B. , Gissen Paul , Clayden Jonathan D. , Clark Christopher A. , Eaton Simon , Kalber Tammy L. , Baruteau Julien 
Published: December 2023

AbstractArgininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle detoxifying neurotoxic ammonia and the nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis cycle. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA), a rare disease with hyperammonemia and NO deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy and movement disorder, associated with NO‐mediated downregulation of central catecholamine biosynthesis. A neurodegenerative phenotype has been proposed in ASA. To better characterise this neurodegenerative phenotype in ASA, we conducted a retrospective study in six paediatric and adult metabolic centres in the UK in 2022. We identified 60 patients and specifically looked for neurodegeneration‐related symptoms: movement disorder such as ataxia, tremor and dystonia, hypotonia/fatigue and abnormal behaviour. We analysed neuroimaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an individual with ASA with movement disorders. We assessed conventional and DTI MRI alongside single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) with dopamine analogue radionuclide 123I‐ioflupane, in Asl‐deficient mice treated by hASL mRNA with normalised ureagenesis. Movement disorders in ASA appear in the second and third decades of life, becoming more prevalent with ageing and independent from the age of onset of hyperammonemia. Neuroimaging can show abnormal DTI features affecting both grey and white matter, preferentially basal ganglia. ASA mouse model with normalised ureagenesis did not recapitulate these DTI findings and showed normal 123I‐ioflupane SPECT and cerebral dopamine metabolomics. Altogether these findings support the pathophysiology of a late‐onset movement disorder with cell‐autonomous functional central catecholamine dysregulation but without or limited neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons, making these symptoms amenable to targeted therapy.