bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can fiscal incentives to saving alleviate looming old-age poverty?
Authors: Tyrowicz Joanna , Makarski Krzysztof , Rutkowski Artur 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe develop a general equilibrium overlapping generations framework with incompletely rational individuals to study old-age saving incentives. Such incentives are used worldwide to help achieve the high savings rate required to sustain sufficient consumption in old age. We show that they raise the welfare of financially illiterate individuals and those with a high degree of time inconsistency. They also reduce the incidence of poverty in old age. We further quantify the fiscal cost, crowd-out, and ability to target the transfers to individuals who need the most. Given the high prevalence of these schemes, our paper has broad policy implications.
A whispering-gallery scanning microprobe for Raman spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Mao Wenbo , Li Yihang , Jiang Xuefeng , Liu Zhiwen , Yang Lan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOptical whispering-gallery-mode microsensors are a promising platform for many applications, such as biomedical monitoring, magnetic sensing, and vibration detection. However, like many other micro/nanosensors, they cannot simultaneously have two critical properties – ultrahigh sensitivity and large detection area, which are desired for most sensing applications. Here, we report a novel scanning whispering-gallery-mode microprobe optimized for both features and demonstrate enhanced Raman spectroscopy, providing high-specificity information on molecular fingerprints that are important for numerous sensing applications. Combining the superiorities of whispering-gallery modes and nanoplasmonics, the microprobe exhibits a two-orders-of-magnitude sensitivity improvement over traditional plasmonics-only enhancement; this leads to molecular detection demonstrated with stronger target signals but less optical power required than surface-enhanced-Raman-spectroscopy substrates. Furthermore, the scanning microprobe greatly expands the effective detection area and realizes two-dimensional micron-resolution Raman imaging of molecular distribution. The versatile and ultrasensitive scanning microprobe configuration will thus benefit material characterization, chemical imaging, and quantum-enhanced sensing.
Anxiolytic effect of antidiabetic metformin is mediated by AMPK activation in mPFC inhibitory neurons
Authors: Zhang Yong-mei , Zong Hai-chao , Qi Ying-bei , Chang Liu-liu , Gao Ya-nan , Zhou Ting , Yin Tao , Liu Meng , Pan Kai-jun , Chen Wen-gang , Guo Hao-ran , Guo Fei , Peng Yan-min , Wang Min , Feng Lin-yin , Zang Yi , Li Yang , Li Jia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDiabetic patients receiving the antidiabetic drug metformin have been observed to exhibit a lower prevalence of anxiety disorders, yet the precise mechanism behind this phenomenon is unclear. In our study, we found that anxiety induces a region-specific reduction in AMPK activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Concurrently, transgenic mice with brain-specific AMPK knockout displayed abnormal anxiety-like behaviors. Treatment with metformin or the overexpression of AMPK restored normal AMPK activity in the mPFC and mitigated social stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, the specific genetic deletion of AMPK in the mPFC not only instigated anxiety in mice but also nullified the anxiolytic effects of metformin. Brain slice recordings revealed that GABAergic excitation and the resulting inhibitory inputs to mPFC pyramidal neurons were selectively diminished in stressed mice. This reduction led to an excitation-inhibition imbalance, which was effectively reversed by metformin treatment or AMPK overexpression. Moreover, the genetic deletion of AMPK in the mPFC resulted in a similar defect in GABAergic inhibitory transmission and a consequent hypo-inhibition of mPFC pyramidal neurons. We also generated a mouse model with AMPK knockout specific to GABAergic neurons. The anxiety-like behaviors in this transgenic mouse demonstrated the unique role of AMPK in the GABAergic system in relation to anxiety. Therefore, our findings suggest that the activation of AMPK in mPFC inhibitory neurons underlies the anxiolytic effects of metformin, highlighting the potential of this primary antidiabetic drug as a therapeutic option for treating anxiety disorders.
Factors associated with visual field or structure progression occurring first in a prospective study on patients with untreated open-angle glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure
Authors: Sakata Rei , Araie Makoto , Yoshitomi Takeshi ,   for lower normal pressure glaucoma study members in Japan Glaucoma Society, Yoshitomi Takeshi , Ishikawa Makoto , Abe Haruki , Fukuchi Takeo , Sugiyama Kazuhisa , Ohkubo Shinji , Nitta Koji , Araie Makoto , Tomidokoro Atsuo , Hirasawa Hiroyo , Yoshikawa Keiji , Iwase Aiko , Negi Akira , Yamada Yuko , Tanihara Hidenobu , Inatani Masaru , Inoue Toshihiro , Takihara Yuji , Ohhira Saori , Kojima Sachi , Naitou Chika , Shirakashi Motohiro , Higashide Tomomi , Matsumoto Chota , Takada Sonoko , Aihara Makoto , Saito Hitomi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background/Objectives
To identify factors associated with disc/retina deterioration in stereo fundus photographs preceding that of the visual field (VF), as determined with a Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) (Structure First deterioration) and factors associated with the latter preceding the former (Field First deterioration) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) with lower normal intraocular pressure (IOP).

Subjects/Methods
Prospective cohort study. Ninety eyes of 90 patients with OAG and a baseline IOP < 15 mmHg participated in a 5-year prospective study without treatment. IOP measurements and HFA 24-2 Swedish Interactive Test Algorithm Standard tests were performed every 3 months, and fundus photographs were obtained every 6 months. VF deterioration was determined by Guided Progression Analysis and deterioration of disc/retina was determined on stereophotographs by an independent committee. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify factors associated with Structure First deterioration, and with Field First deterioration.

Results
The average baseline age and mean deviation were 53.9 ± 9.8 years and −2.8 ± 2.8 dB, respectively. During the 5-year follow-up, the probability of Field First deterioration was 49% ± 6.6% (standard error) and that of Structure First deterioration was 33% ± 6.4% (P = 0.062, log-rank test). Disc hemorrhage (DH) prior to the event (P = 0.006) was associated with Structure First deterioration, and older age was associated with Field First deterioration (P = 0.040).

Conclusions
In OAG eyes with lower normal IOP, DH was significantly associated with Structure First deterioration, and age was significantly associated with Field First deterioration.
Yeast Rad52 is a homodecamer and possesses BRCA2-like bipartite Rad51 binding modes
Authors: Deveryshetty Jaigeeth , Chadda Rahul , Mattice Jenna R. , Karunakaran Simrithaa , Rau Michael J. , Basore Katherine , Pokhrel Nilisha , Englander Noah , Fitzpatrick James A. J. , Bothner Brian , Antony Edwin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHomologous recombination (HR) is an essential double-stranded DNA break repair pathway. In HR, Rad52 facilitates the formation of Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments on RPA-coated ssDNA. Here, we decipher how Rad52 functions using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and biophysical approaches. We report that Rad52 is a homodecameric ring and each subunit possesses an ordered N-terminal and disordered C-terminal half. An intrinsic structural asymmetry is observed where a few of the C-terminal halves interact with the ordered ring. We describe two conserved charged patches in the C-terminal half that harbor Rad51 and RPA interacting motifs. Interactions between these patches regulate ssDNA binding. Surprisingly, Rad51 interacts with Rad52 at two different bindings sites: one within the positive patch in the disordered C-terminus and the other in the ordered ring. We propose that these features drive Rad51 nucleation onto a single position on the DNA to promote formation of uniform pre-synaptic Rad51 filaments in HR.
On the determinants of anti-COVID restriction and anti-vaccine movements: the case of IoApro in Italy
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Capasso Salvatore , Limosani Michele 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFollowing restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, and subsequent vaccination campaigns, sentiments against such policies were quick to arise. While individual-level determinants that led to such attitudes have drawn much attention, there are also reasons to believe that the macro context in which these movements arose may contribute to their evolution. In this study, exploiting data on business activities which supported a major Italian anti-restriction and anti-vaccine movement, IoApro, using quantitative analysis that employs both a fractional response probit and logit model and a beta regression model, we investigate the relationship between socio-economic characteristics, institutional quality, and the flourishing of this movement. Our results suggest a U-shaped relationship between income and the proliferation of the movement, meaning that support for these movements increases the greater the degree of economic decline. Our results further indicate that the share of the population between 40 and 60 years old is positively related to support for such movements, as is institutional corruption.
Synthesis of novel antibacterial and biocompatible polymer nanocomposite based on polysaccharide gum hydrogels
Authors: Abdullaev Sherzod Shukhratovich , Althomali Raed H. , Abdu Musad Saleh Ebraheem , Robertovich Magizov Rustem , Sapaev I. B. , Romero-Parra Rosario Mireya , Alsaab Hashem O. , Gatea M. Abdulfadhil , Fenjan Mohammed N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAccording to recent studies on the benefits of natural polymer-based hydrogels in biomedical applications, gellan gum (GG)/acacia gum (AG) hydrogel was prepared in this study. In order to regulate the mechanical behavior of the hydrogel, graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was included in the hydrogel matrix. In addition, metal oxide nanoparticles ZnCuFe2O4 were added to the composite for antibacterial activity. The prepared GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanobiocomposite was characterized by using FE-SEM, FTIR, EDX, XRD and TGA. The nanobiocomposite exhibited spherical morphology, which was related to the incorporation of the metal oxide nanoparticles. GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanobiocomposite showed 95.11%, 92.73% and 88.97% biocompatibility toward HEK293T cell lines within 24 h, 48 h and 72 h incubation, respectively, which indicates that this nanobiocomposite is completely biocompatible with healthy cells. Also, the nanobiocomposite was able to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on its surface up to 87%. Rheological studies showed that the nanobiocomposite has a viscoelastic structure and has a water uptake ratio of 93.2%. In comparison with other similar studies, this nanobiocomposite has exhibited superior antibacterial activity complete biocompatibility and proper mechanical properties, high swelling and water absorption capability. These results indicate that GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanocomposite can be considered as a potential candidate for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.
Room temperature bio-engineered multifunctional carbonates for CO2 sequestration and valorization
Authors: Mohamed H. , Hkiri K. , Botha N. , Cloete K. , Azizi Sh. , Ahmed A. A. Q. , Morad R. , Motlamane Th. , Krief A. , Gibaud A. , Henini M. , Chaker M. , Ahmad I. , Maaza M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis contribution reports, for the first time, on an entirely green bio-engineering approach for the biosynthesis of single phase crystalline 1-D nano-scaled calcite CaCO3. This was validated using H2O as the universal solvent and natural extract of Hyphaene thebaica fruit as an effective chelating agent. In this room temperature green process, CaCl2 and CO2 are used as the unique source of Ca and CO3 respectively in view of forming nano-scaled CaCO3 with a significant shape anisotropy and an elevated surface to volume ratio. In terms of novelty, and relatively to the reported scientific and patented literature in relation to the fabrication of CaCO3 by green nano-chemistry, the current cost effective room temperature green process can be singled out as per the following specificities: only water as universal solvent is used, No additional base or acid chemicals for pH control, No additional catalyst, No critical or supercritical CO2 usage conditions, Only natural extract of thebaica as a green effective chelating agent through its phytochemicals and proper enzematic compounds, room Temperature processing, atmospheric pressure processing, Nanoscaled size particles, and Nanoparticles with a significant shape anisotropy (1-D like nanoparticles). Beyond and in addition to the validation of the 1-D synthesis aspect, the bio-engineered CaCO3 exhibited a wide-ranging functionalities in terms of highly reflecting pigment, an effective nanofertilizer as well as a potential binder in cement industry.
Bi-HPDO3A as a novel contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Rizzo Rebecca , Capozza Martina , Carrera Carla , Terreno Enzo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA new bismuth-based CT agent was synthesized through a facile synthesis strategy. The in vitro stability, toxicity and CT performance were evaluated. The in vivo imaging performance was investigated using three different doses (0.5, 1.2 and 5 mmol/kg) and the result obtained at 1.2 mmol/kg was compared with the clinically approved CT agent iopamidol at the same dosage.
Predicting cognitive decline in a low-dimensional representation of brain morphology
Authors: Lamontagne-Caron Rémi , Desrosiers Patrick , Potvin Olivier , Doyon Nicolas , Duchesne Simon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIdentifying early signs of neurodegeneration due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a necessary first step towards preventing cognitive decline. Individual cortical thickness measures, available after processing anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are sensitive markers of neurodegeneration. However, normal aging cortical decline and high inter-individual variability complicate the comparison and statistical determination of the impact of AD-related neurodegeneration on trajectories. In this paper, we computed trajectories in a 2D representation of a 62-dimensional manifold of individual cortical thickness measures. To compute this representation, we used a novel, nonlinear dimension reduction algorithm called Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP). We trained two embeddings, one on cortical thickness measurements of 6237 cognitively healthy participants aged 18–100 years old and the other on 233 mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and AD participants from the longitudinal database, the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database (ADNI). Each participant had multiple visits ($$n \ge 2$$

n
≥
2

), one year apart. The first embedding’s principal axis was shown to be positively associated ($$r = 0.65$$

r
=
0.65

) with participants’ age. Data from ADNI is projected into these 2D spaces. After clustering the data, average trajectories between clusters were shown to be significantly different between MCI and AD subjects. Moreover, some clusters and trajectories between clusters were more prone to host AD subjects. This study was able to differentiate AD and MCI subjects based on their trajectory in a 2D space with an AUC of 0.80 with 10-fold cross-validation.
The anti-inflammatory effect of dimethyl trisulfide in experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Orján Erik Márk , Kormányos Eszter Sára , Fűr Gabriella Mihalekné , Dombi Ágnes , Bálint Emese Réka , Balla Zsolt , Balog Beáta Adél , Dágó Ágnes , Totonji Ahmad , Bátai Zoárd István , Jurányi Eszter Petra , Ditrói Tamás , Al-Omari Ammar , Pozsgai Gábor , Kormos Viktória , Nagy Péter , Pintér Erika , Rakonczay Zoltán , Kiss Lóránd 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVarious organosulfur compounds, such as dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), display anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to examine the effects of DMTS on acute pancreatitis (AP) and its mechanism of action in both in vivo and in vitro studies. AP was induced in FVB/n mice or Wistar rats by caerulein, ethanol-palmitoleic acid, or L-ornithine-HCl. DMTS treatments were administered subcutaneously. AP severity was assessed by pancreatic histological scoring, pancreatic water content, and myeloperoxidase activity measurements. The behaviour of animals was followed. Pancreatic heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression, sulfide, and protein persulfidation were measured. In vitro acinar viability, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and reactive oxygen species production were determined. DMTS dose-dependently decreased the severity of AP. It declined the pancreatic infiltration of leukocytes and cellular damage in mice. DMTS upregulated the HSP72 expression during AP and elevated serum sulfide and low molecular weight persulfide levels. DMTS exhibited cytoprotection against hydrogen peroxide and AP-inducing agents. It has antioxidant properties and modulates physiological but not pathophysiological Ca2+ signalling. Generally, DMTS ameliorated AP severity and protected pancreatic acinar cells. Our findings indicate that DMTS is a sulfur donor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and organosulfur compounds require further investigation into this potentially lethal disease.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein peptides displayed in the Pyrococcus furiosus RAD system preserve epitopes antigenicity, immunogenicity, and virus-neutralizing activity of antibodies
Authors: Cioffi Victor Bolsanelli , de Castro-Amarante Maria Fernanda , Lulla Aleksei , Andreata-Santos Robert , Cruz Mario Costa , Moreno Ana Carolina Ramos , de Oliveira Silva Mariângela , de Miranda Peres Bianca , de Freitas Junior Lucio Holanda Gondim , Moraes Carolina Borsoi , Durigon Edison Luiz , Gordon Nicola Coker , Hyvönen Marko , de Souza Ferreira Luís Carlos , Balan Andrea 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmongst the potential contribution of protein or peptide-display systems to study epitopes with relevant immunological features, the RAD display system stands out as a highly stable scaffold protein that allows the presentation of constrained target peptides. Here, we employed the RAD display system to present peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein as a tool to detect specific serum antibodies and to generate polyclonal antibodies capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro. 44 linear S-derived peptides were genetically fused with the RAD scaffold (RAD-SCoV-epitopes) and screened for antigenicity with sera collected from COVID-19-infected patients. In a second step, selected RAD-SCoV-epitopes were used to immunize mice and generate antibodies. Phenotypic screening showed that some of these antibodies were able to recognize replicating viral particles in VERO CCL-81 and most notably seven of the RAD-SCoV-epitopes were able to induce antibodies that inhibited viral infection. Our findings highlight the RAD display system as an useful platform for the immunological characterization of peptides and a potentially valuable strategy for the design of antigens for peptide-based vaccines, for epitope-specific antibody mapping, and for the development of antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
A new flexible model for maintenance and feeding expenses that improves description of individual growth in insects
Authors: Mauritsson Karl , Jonsson Tomas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMetabolic theories in ecology interpret ecological patterns at different levels through the lens of metabolism, typically applying allometric scaling to describe energy use. This requires a sound theory for individual metabolism. Common mechanistic growth models, such as ‘von Bertalanffy’, ‘dynamic energy budgets’ and the ‘ontogenetic growth model’ lack some potentially important aspects, especially regarding regulation of somatic maintenance. We develop a model for ontogenetic growth of animals, applicable to ad libitum and food limited conditions, based on an energy balance that expresses growth as the net result of assimilation and metabolic costs for maintenance, feeding and food processing. The most important contribution is the division of maintenance into a ‘non-negotiable’ and a ‘negotiable’ part, potentially resulting in hyperallometric scaling of maintenance and downregulated maintenance under food restriction. The model can also account for effects of body composition and type of growth at the cellular level. Common mechanistic growth models often fail to fully capture growth of insects. However, our model was able to capture empirical growth patterns observed in house crickets.
The type of forest edge shapes snail assemblages at forest–pasture transitions
Authors: Schmera Dénes , Boschi Cristina , Baur Bruno 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSemi-natural, nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands are local biodiversity hotspots that are increasingly threatened by land use intensification, abandonment, or indirect effects from adjacent habitats. The habitat quality of these grasslands is often influenced by neighbouring forests or intensively managed agricultural land. For example, shrubs encroaching on grassland reduce the sensitive habitat, but at the same time represent a new habitat type (transition zone at gradual forest edge). We investigated the effects of gradual and abrupt forest edges on the species richness, abundance, species composition, functional diversity and number of species of conservation importance (red-listed species) of land snail assemblages at forest–pasture transitions in the Jura Mountains, Switzerland. Forest edge type influenced the snail assemblages in different ways. Transition zones at abrupt forest edges had a higher species richness and more snail individuals than transition zones at gradual forest edges. Transition zones also differed in land snail species composition. At gradual forest edges, the transition zones contained some openland snail species, while those at abrupt forest edges had a similar species composition to the forest interior. Functional diversity was significantly higher for snails in the forests and transition zones at both abrupt and gradual edges than in pastures. In contrast, pastures and transition zones at both abrupt and gradual edges had a significantly higher number of red-listed snail species. Based on our findings, we recommend the creation of gradual forest edges through regular forest management practices, rather than through shrub encroachment into pasture, which could reduce the size of the threatened habitat.
Anapole state revealed by cloaking metallic cylinders with split ring resonators
Authors: Sarin Valiyaveettil Pushpakaran , Labate Giuseppe , Vinesh Puthiyapurayil Viswanathan , Mani Manoj , Mohanan Pezholil , Kesavath Vasudevan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes the experimental demonstration of an anapole-based cylindrical electromagnetic cloaking scheme. An anapole state is excited by arranging around a cylindrical metallic target vertical split-ring resonators, forming an equivalent surface admittance boundary condition able to suppress the scattering. Using Mie formalism and multipole scattering theory, we identify the actual reason behind the cloaking operation, characterizing the anapole condition by the scattering contributions from toroidal and electric dipole moments. Numerical results are verified using full-wave simulation softwares and subsequently validated with back-scattering measurements inside an anechoic chamber.