bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prebiotic Index of Dried-Growol Made with Different Cassava Varieties and Cooking Methods
Authors: Wariyah Chatarina , Huda Nurul , Slamet Agus 
Published: January 2025

<p>Cassava is a staple food source of carbohydrates that contain high starch levels. However, low amylose starch consumption can result in increased postprandial blood sugar. Therefore, it is necessary to provide food based on cassava, such as dried-<em>growol</em>, which gives a feeling of satiety for a long time and has a prebiotic effect. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of cassava varieties and cooking methods on the resistant starch (RS) content and the prebiotic index of dried-<em>growol</em> produced. This research was carried out in a completely randomized factorial design with two factors, namely cassava variety (M = <em>Mentega</em>, L = <em>Lanting</em>, and K = <em>Ketan</em>) and dried-<em>growol</em> cooking method (Au = Autoclave, ST = Steaming, and PC = Pressure cooker). Dried-<em>growol</em> was processed through preparation, fermentation, boiling, cooling, and drying. The cassava and dried-<em>growol</em> were analyzed for their moisture, starch, amylose, and RS content, while the prebiotic index was analyzed on dried-<em>growol.</em> Prebiotic index testing used two cultures of lactic acid bacteria: <em>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</em> and <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em>. The results showed that RS levels were only influenced by cassava varieties. Dried-<em>growols</em> from the <em>Lanting</em> variety, cooked with steaming (L-ST) and with a pressure cooker (L-PC), contain high RS, ranging between 22.51 and 27.03 g 100 g<sup>-1</sup> dry matter, and have potential as prebiotic food as indicated by the increased viability of <em>L. rhamnosus</em> and <em>L. plantarum</em> bacteria grown in media with cooked dried-<em>growol </em>supplements of L-ST or L-PC, with a prebiotic index between 0.82 and 0.90. Thus, dried-<em>growol</em> has the potential to be a functional prebiotic food that can serve as a staple food that is beneficial for health.</p>
Discovery from in-depth molecular analyses of giant viruses: Haptophyte-infecting viruses change the genome condensing proteins of dinoflagellates
Authors: Sandaa Ruth-Anne , Wang Haina , Meng Lingjie , Otaegi-Ugartemendia Sara , Condezo Gabriela , Blanc-Mathieu Romain , Stokke Runar , Langvad Marius , Brandt David , Kalinowski Jörn , Dahle Håkon , Martín Carmen San , Ogata Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Giant viruses are extraordinary members of the virosphere due to their structural complexity and high diversity in gene content. Haptophytes are ecologically important primary producers in the ocean, and all known viruses that infect haptophytes are giant viruses. Our in-depth electron microscopic, phylogenomic and virion proteomic analyses of two haptophyte-infecting giant viruses, Haptolina ericina virus RF02 (HeV RF02) and Prymnesium kappa virus RF02 (PkV RF02), unravel their large capacity for host manipulation and arsenals that functions during the infection cycle from virus entry to release. The virus infection induces significant morphological changes of host cell that are manipulated to build a virus proliferation factory. Both viruses’ genomes encode a putative nucleoprotein (dinoflagellate/viral nucleoprotein; DVNP), which was also found in the virion proteome of PkV RF02. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that DVNPs are widespread in marine giant metaviromes. Furthermore, the analysis shows that the dinoflagellate homologues were possibly acquired from viruses of the order Imitervirales.
An intervention for Fear of Progression in Childhood Cancer Patients and their Parents: Results of a Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Herrmann Jessy , Kern Laura , Santel Anja , Kulisch Leonard Konstantin , Hoffmann Rahel , Engelhardt-Lohrke Christa , Herzog Kristina , Chen-Santel Christiane , Christiansen Holger , Schepper Florian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Fear of progression (FoP) is a significant psychosocial burden for children with cancer and their parents, influencing their quality of life (HRQoL) and emotional adjustment. There is a lack of helpful therapeutic interventions in pediatric oncology. We have developed the family-based intervention “Kinder-Progredienzangst” (KIPA, engl.: children FoP) and investigated its feasibility and efficacy.
Methods: In this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) 29 families with a child diagnosed with cancer and undergoing acute treatment or follow-up care participated. Eligibility criteria included moderate or high FoP in at least one family member. Families were randomized to either an intervention group or a waitlist-control group receiving treatment as usual. KIPAconsists of psychoeducation, anxiety confrontation, and resource activation. Participants completed questionnaires for FoP, anxiety, depression, HRQoL, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at different time points. The aim of the study was to assess participation and retention rates as well as the efficacy of KIPA. We used Mann-Whitney U tests for between-group comparisons, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests for within-group comparisons and Hedges g for effect sizes.
Results: Feasibility results showed a participation rate of 23%, with higher participation in acute treatment (51%) compared to follow-up care (15%). Retention rates were 71% overall, with significant variability between settings. Efficacy analyses revealed significant differences in parental FoP between study conditions with high effect size (W=65.5, p=.023, g=-0.855). Improvements were also noted in PTSS (W=33, p<.001, g=-1.365), anxiety (W=59, p=.017, g=-0.906) and mental (W=217, p<.001, g=1.619) and physical (W=180, p=.042, g=0.834) HRQoL. The pre-post analysis showed a significant reduction in parental FoP in both settings, and the follow-up data indicate sustainability. Effects on children’s FoP were less pronounced, with trends suggesting indirect benefits from reduced parental distress.
Conclusion: KIPA demonstrates feasibility and promising efficacy in reducing FoP among parents of pediatric oncology patients. The findings highlight the challenges of enrollment, particularly in children, and the importance of considering family dynamics. Future research should focus on optimising recruitment strategies and evaluating effects in larger multicenter trials.
The trial was retrospectively registered at the German Trail Registry (TRN: DRKS00024106, 04.05.2022).
Ultra-Wide-Field Imaging Mueller Matrix Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for Semiconductor Metrology
Authors: Jo Taeyong , OH Juntaek , Son Jaehyeon , Yoon Chnaghyeong , Hwang Eunsoo , Ahn Jinwoo , Lee Jaewon , Lee Jinsoo , Shin Jiyong , Lee Donggun , Lim Seunga , Ahn Jeongho , Sohn Younghoon , Lee Myungjun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We propose an ultra-wide-field imaging Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (IMMSE) system for semiconductor metrology. The IMMSE system achieves large-area measurements with a 20 mm × 20 mm field of view (FOV)—the largest FOV reported to date—and a spatial resolution of 6.5 µm. It enables the acquisition of over 10 million Mueller matrix (MM) spectra within the FOV, while a unique signal correction algorithm ensures spectrum consistency across the FOV. Leveraging this numerous MM spectra and machine learning, spatially dense metrology across the entire wafer area is achieved. This approach provides over 12,800 times more metrology data and 580 times higher throughput compared to conventional point-based methods, such as scanning electron microscopy. We experimentally demonstrate the potential of the IMMSE for yield enhancement in semiconductor manufacturing by identifying spatial variations of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) structures within individual chips as well as across the wafer.
Informing manure recycling potential with an integrated indicator framework
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Yanyu , Spiegal Sheri , Davidson Eric 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Livestock production has intensified globally to meet dietary demand, leading to excessive manure nutrient loss to the environment that affects ecosystems and human health. Recycling manure back to cropland potentially mitigates nutrient pollution and curtails the use of energy-intensive fertilizers. However, methods for estimating manure surplus, defined as the difference between available manure nutrients and crop nutrient requirements, vary widely. Using the contiguous United States as a case study, estimates of nitrogen (N) in manure surplus calculated following methodologies of six peer-reviewed studies ranged from -20.2 ± 2.0 to -2.4 ± 0.3 Tg N yr-1 (negative values indicating manure availability lower than crop demand). To reconcile these large differences, we developed a framework that integrates existing and new metrics for available manure N and crop N demand. We estimate that current manure surplus in the U.S. is -12.2 ± 2.0 Tg yr-1 and that improved diffusion of current technologies could increase manure surplus by 0.8 ± 0.1 Tg N yr-1. Collection of all manure from confined livestock, assuming enabling technological advancements, could add another 2.9 ± 0.1 Tg N yr-1. Reducing crop demand by improving nitrogen use efficiency could further increase manure surplus by 2.5 ± 2.4 Tg N yr-1. In combination, the gap between current manure recovery and crop N demand for synthetic fertilizers could be reduced by about 50% (6.2 ± 2.0 Tg N yr-1). Applied at the county level, this framework demonstrates regional variation in opportunities to improve manure recycling, which informs local and national strategies.
Using enantioselective biosensors to evolve asymmetric biocatalysts
Authors: d'Oelsnitz Simon , Kim Wantae , Hardtke Haley , Ikonomova Svetlana , Alperovich Nina , Vasilyeva Olga , James Michael , Zigon Eric , Johnson Charlie , Ellington Andrew , Justman Quincey , Springer Michael , Zhang Y. Jessie , Silver Pamela , Ross David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Biocatalysts are championed for their exquisite stereochemistry, but slow chromatographic separations necessary to measure enantiomeric excess can bottleneck their development. To overcome this limitation, we generate enantioselective transcription factors (eTFs) that convert enantiomer-specific analyte concentrations into programmable gene expression outputs. Using a massively parallel reporter assay, we measure dose-response curves for over 300,000 transcription factor variants in response to enantiomeric intermediates and an achiral precursor of the pharmaceutical Solifenacin. Leveraging this comprehensive dataset, we quantitatively compare the sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range of variants generated by random, site-saturation, and shuffling mutagenesis, enabling the isolation of eTFs with exceptional specificity. High-resolution structures further elucidate how sterics enforce enantioselectivity and charge interactions differentiate the imine precursor from amine reaction products. Finally, we use two eTFs to create a high-throughput chiral screen, which we pair with fluorescence activated cell sorting to evolve an imine reductase with inverted enantioselectivity. This method provides a rapid and scalable approach for asymmetric reaction screening, facilitating advancements in biocatalyst design for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Climate Change Impact Assessment and Species Distribution Model of a Critically Endangered Tree Using MaxEnt Modelling
Authors: Ferdous Minhazul , Gupta Sudipta Sen , Chowdhury Mohd Imran Hossain , Khatun Rabeya , Rakib Mehedi Hasan , Salauddin Md. , Rahman Mohammad Mostafizur , Aftad Md. Yeamim , Hossen Tanvir 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Climate change is a key factor driving species extinction by altering their habitats and populations. We can already see its impact on ecosystems around the globe, especially at the species level. Using species distribution models helps us understand how climate change might shift where species live under different climate scenarios, which is crucial for protecting endangered plants and animals. This study focuses on predicting how climate change will affect the important tree species Anisoptera scaphula in Bangladesh's Chittagong division, using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. Under the SSP2-4.5 (2021-2040) and SSP2-4.5 (2041-2060), as well as SSP5-8.5 (2021-2040) and SSP5-8.5 (2041-2060) scenario, our model predicts suitable habitats for this species in 2040 and 2060. The results show minimal changes in suitable habitats, suggesting that A. scaphulais quite resilient to climate change. These findings can guide policies for wildlife conservation and forest management, highlighting the species' importance to various animals.
Meprin β activity modulates cellular proliferation via trans-signaling IL-6-mediated AKT/ERK pathway in IR-induced kidney injury
Authors: Abousaad Shaymaa , Ahmed Faihaa , Abouzeid Ayman , Adhiambo Christine , Ongeri Elimelda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Inflammation plays a central role in the progression of kidney injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Meprin metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathophysiology of IR-induced kidney injury. Existing data from in vitro and in vivo studies show that meprins modulate interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated inflammation via proteolytic processing of IL-6 and its receptor. IL-6 trans-signaling induces proliferation through either MAPK/ERK or PI3K/AKT pathway or in crosstalk with AKT/ERK. We previously showed that meprin β modulates cellular survival (BCL-2) through IL-6/JAK/STAT signaling pathway in IR-induced kidney injury. However, it’s not known how meprin β modulation of the IL-6 signaling pathway impacts the cellular proliferation in IR-induced acute kidney injury. The goal of the current study was to determine how meprin β modulation of the IL-6 signaling pathway impacts downstream cellular proliferation in IR-induced kidney injury. We used the unilateral IR as a model of renal inflammation in wild-type (WT) and meprin β knockout (βKO) mice, with the contralateral kidneys serving as controls. The mice were sacrificed at 96 h post-IR, and kidney tissue processed for evaluation by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis utilized two-way ANOVA. RT-PCR data showed a significant increase in mRNA levels for IL-6 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in WT and βKO mice at 96 h-post IR when compared to WT control kidneys. However, the baseline mRNA levels for PCNA were significantly higher in βKO when compared to WT kidneys. Immunohistochemical data showed significant increases in IL-6, PCNA, p-AKT and p-ERK in select tubules in both genotypes at 96 h post-IR when compared to control kidneys for each genotype. Data from immunofluorescence counterstaining of kidney tissues revealed that at 96 hours post-IR, IL-6, PCNA, p-AKT, and p-ERK were primarily expressed in meprin β-expressing proximal tubules (PTs), where meprins are abundantly present. However, high levels of IL-6 were also present in the lumen of PTs and DTs from WT and βKO kidneys at 96 h post-IR, suggesting increased release/shedding into filtrate and subsequently into urine. In conclusion, this study highlights the role of meprin β activity in regulating cellular proliferation through PCNA regulation, driven by the IL-6-mediated AKT/ERK signaling pathway during the recovery phase following IR-induced kidney injury.
Insights into Singapore’s National Strategy for Primary Care Reform: Physician Attitudes, Facilitators and Barriers to Healthier SG
Authors: Tan Hao Yi , Tan Joshua Kuan , Lam Lawrence TM , Tan David HY , Chua Ying Xian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Healthier SG (HSG), introduced in July 2023 by Singapore’s Ministry of Health as a nationwide primary care reform initiative, aims to enhance preventive care within the primary care sector, strengthen patient-physician relationships, and integrate health and social care. It incorporates a transition to capitation-based payment models and introduces structured “health plans” within consultations. Given the significant role of primary care physicians in implementing HSG, understanding their perspectives – including their attitudes, as well as the facilitators and barriers they encounter – is critical for addressing operational challenges and ensuring the initiative's success.Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 15 primary care physicians from both public and private sectors directly involved in HSG. Participants were purposively sampled, and data were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, to identify key attitudes, facilitators, and barriers.Results Participants were unanimously supportive of HSG’s objectives, particularly its emphasis on preventive care and potential to address long-term healthcare challenges. However, participants also expressed frustration with various implementation issues. Facilitators included heightened patient engagement in preventive health, a structured framework to prioritise preventive care during consultations, and subsidies that increased patient uptake of recommended vaccinations and screenings. However, there were barriers including increased administrative workload, challenges in integrating HSG tasks into existing clinical workflows, and concerns about financial sustainability, particularly in private practices. Participants also noted significant gaps in patient understanding of HSG, which disrupted consultations and workflows.Conclusion While the objectives of HSG were supported by physicians, its implementation posed substantial operational and financial challenges. Addressing these barriers requires improved administrative processes, enhanced system integration, and targeted public education efforts. Policymakers should consider tailored strategies for public and private healthcare providers to ensure the programme’s long-term success. These findings provide valuable insights for optimising HSG and can inform similar healthcare reforms in other contexts.
Significant association of serum carotenoids with the systemic immune-inflammation index: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Sun Hongcun , Hu Jiandao , Jiang Wenbo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) can indicate inflammatory state. Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2001–2006 and 2017–2018 cycles of NHANES to explore the association of serum carotenoids with SII. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship. Restricted cubic splines models were used to assess potential nonlinear relationships. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Our study included 11,914 eligible participants. After adjusting for all covariates, the total carotenoids levels showed a negative correlation with SII (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin still had significant negative associations (all P < 0.001). Specifically, individuals in the highest quartile of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene had lower SII levels compared to those in the lowest quartile (all P < 0.05). Nonlinear relationships were observed between total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and SII (all P < 0.05), while a linear relationship between lycopene and SII was found (P = 0.070). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. In conclusion, this study reveals a significant negative association between serum carotenoids and SII, highlighting the potential anti-inflammatory role of carotenoids.
EffDetNet：Abnormal Detection of Dampers Based on Lightweight Network with Shared Weights of Fused Multidimensional Features
Authors: Ji Chao , Li Zhenyu , Liu Junpeng , Zhou Siyuan , He Jiayi , Mu Jingyu , Huang Xinbo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The vibration dampers on transmission lines, after prolonged exposure to natural environments, are prone to corrosion and damage caused by various external factors. Detection algorithms specifically designed for small targets like vibration dampers are still scarce. Moreover, existing algorithms often exhibit drawbacks such as limited accuracy and insufficient real-time performance.To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel detection method for abnormal vibration dampers on transmission lines based on an EffDetNet framework. Specifically, Multi-dimensional Separable Concatenated Residual Convolution module (MDSCR) is introduced to enhance contextual connections through multi-scale feature extraction. By integrating feature fusion, the model preserves more detailed features, while depthwise separable convolution reduces computational overhead, improving both accuracy and detection speed. Additionally, a Dynamic Allocation Attention mechanism (DAAM) is proposed to effectively capture diverse dimensional information, thereby enhancing feature focus and perceptual capabilities.To further optimize performance, we design a lightweight re-parameterized convolution and shared convolution detection head (LRSC), which significantly reduces model parameters and enhances computational efficiency. Finally, we adopt a Shape-IoU bounding box regression loss function to achieve faster convergence and higher detection precision.Experimental results validate the high efficiency and performance of the EffDetNet model. On the dataset constructed for this study, the model achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 94.3% and a Frames Per Second (FPS) rate of 128.3. Leveraging this model, we developed an abnormal vibration damper monitoring system for transmission lines, demonstrating significant practical engineering value.
A Brain-inspired Memory Transformation based Differentiable Neural Computer for Reasoning-based Question Answering
Authors: Liang Yao , Wang Yuwei , Fang Hongjian , Zhao Feifei , Zeng Yi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Reasoning and question answering, as fundamental cognitive functions in humans, remain significant hurdles for artificial intelligence. While large language models (LLMs) have achieved notable success, integrating explicit memory with structured reasoning capabilities remains a persistent difficulty. The Differentiable Neural Computer (DNC) model, despite addressing these issues to some extent, still faces challenges such as algorithmic complexity, slow convergence, and limited robustness.Inspired by the brain’s learning and memory mechanisms, this paper proposes a Memory Transformation based Differentiable Neural Computer (MT-DNC) model. The MT-DNC integrates working memory and long-term memory within the DNC framework, enabling the autonomous transformation of acquired experiences between these memory systems. This facilitates efficient knowledge extraction and enhances reasoning capabilities. Experimental results on the bAbI question answering task demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing Deep Neural Network (DNN) and DNC models, achieving faster convergence and superior performance. Ablation studies further confirm that the transformation of memory from working memory to long-term memory is critical for improving the robustness and stability of reasoning. This work offers new insights into incorporating brain-inspired memory mechanisms into dialogue and reasoning systems.