bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulated microgravity improves maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Forghani Parvin , Rashid Aysha , Armand Lawrence C. , Wolfson David , Liu Rui , Cho Hee Cheol , Maxwell Joshua T. , Jo Hanjoong , Salaita Khalid , Xu Chunhui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) possess tremendous potential for basic research and translational application. However, these cells structurally and functionally resemble fetal cardiomyocytes, which is a major limitation of these cells. Microgravity can significantly alter cell behavior and function. Here we investigated the effect of simulated microgravity on hiPSC-CM maturation. Following culture under simulated microgravity in a random positioning machine for 7 days, 3D hiPSC-CMs had increased mitochondrial content as detected by a mitochondrial protein and mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA ratio. The cells also had increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Consistently, simulated microgravity increased mitochondrial respiration in 3D hiPSC-CMs, as indicated by higher levels of maximal respiration and ATP content, suggesting improved metabolic maturation in simulated microgravity cultures compared with cultures under normal gravity. Cells from simulated microgravity cultures also had improved Ca2+ transient parameters, a functional characteristic of more mature cardiomyocytes. In addition, these cells had improved structural properties associated with more mature cardiomyocytes, including increased sarcomere length, z-disc length, nuclear diameter, and nuclear eccentricity. These findings indicate that microgravity enhances the maturation of hiPSC-CMs at the structural, metabolic, and functional levels.
Trends and factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Ethiopia: multivariate decomposition analysis
Authors: Zemene Melkamu Aderajew , Dagnaw Fentaw Teshome , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Dagnew Enyew , Zewdie Amare , Haimanot Aysheshim Belaineh , Dessie Anteneh Mengist 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTeenage is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. This stage is a time of change and needs particular care and ongoing support. Adolescent pregnancy remains a common health care problem in low- and middle-income countries, and it is associated with higher maternal and neonatal complications. Thus, this study aimed to determine the trends and factors associated with them that either positively or negatively contributed to the change in teenage pregnancy in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data from 2005 to 2016 were used for this study. A total weighted sample of 10,655 (3265 in 2005, 4009 in 2011, and 3381 in 2016) teenagers was included. Trends and the proportion of teenage pregnancies for each factor over time were explored. Then, a logit-based multivariate decomposition analysis for a non-linear response model was fitted to identify the factors that contributed to the change in teenage pregnancy. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 and the analysis was carried out on weighted data. Teenage pregnancy declined significantly from 16.6% (95% CI: 15.4, 17.9) to 12.5% (95% CI: 11.4, 13.6) in the study period, with an annual reduction rate of 2.5%. About 49.8% of the decrease in teenage pregnancy was attributed to the change in the effect of the characteristics. The compositional change in primary educational status (41.8%), secondary or above educational status (24.55%), being from households with a rich wealth index (1.41%) were factors positively contributed to the decline in teenage pregnancy, whereas being from a Muslim religion (−12.5%) was the factor that negatively contributed to the reduction in teenage pregnancy. This study has shown that teenage pregnancy declined significantly; however, it is still unacceptably high. The changes in compositional factors of teenagers were responsible for the observed reduction in the prevalence of teen pregnancy rates in Ethiopia. Educational status, religion, and wealth index were found to be significant factors that contributed to the reduction in teenage pregnancy. Therefore, intervention programs targeting adolescents should address the socio-economic inequalities of these influential factors to reduce teenage pregnancy and related complications.
Design of a novel analogue peptide with potent antibiofilm activities against Staphylococcus aureus based upon a sapecin B-derived peptide
Authors: Akhash Nasim , Farajzadeh Sheikh Ahmad , Farshadzadeh Zahra 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNowadays, antimicrobial peptides are promising to confront the existing global crisis of antibiotic resistance. Here, a novel analogue peptide (mKLK) was designed based upon a D-form amidated sapecin B-derived peptide (KLK) by replacing two lysine residues with two tryptophan and one leucine by lysine, and inserting one alanine. The mKLK displayed superior amphipathic helixes in which the most of hydrophobic residues are confined to one face of the helix and had a higher hydrophobic moment compared with KLK. The mKLK retained its antibacterial activity and structure in human serum, suggesting its stability to proteolytic degradation. The values of MIC and MBC for mKLK were equal to those of KLK against clinical strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). However, mKLK showed more capability of in vitro inhibiting, eradicating, and dispersing MRSA and MSSA biofilms compared with KLK. Furthermore, a remarkable inhibitory activity of mKLK against MRSA and MSSA biofilms was seen in the murine model of catheter-associated biofilm infection. Results of this study show that mKLK not only exhibits antibacterial activity and serum stability but also a potent biofilm inhibitory activity at sub-MIC concentrations, confirming its potential therapeutic advantage for preventing biofilm-associated MRSA and MSSA infections.
The significant influence of the Atlantic multidecadal variability to the abrupt warming in Northeast Asia in the 1990s
Authors: Zhang Kaiwen , Zuo Zhiyan , Suarez-Gutierrez Laura , Bu Lulei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNortheast Asia experienced unprecedented abrupt warming in the 1990s since the last century. Based on a robust time series and rank frequency evaluation, the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Grand Ensembles of CMIP5 (MPI-GE5), CMIP6 (MPI-GE6), EC-Earth3 and IPSL-CM6A-LR were identified as the models that best simulate the external forcing and internal variability in observations and represent observations most adequately. The negative-to-positive phase transition of the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV), combined with the external forcing, can explain 88% [60%−111%] of the 1990s warming. With prescribed anthropogenic emissions in the near future, a phase shift in the AMV to +2 (-2) standard deviation will amplify (weaken) the warming over Northeast Asia by 37% [29%−49%] (19% [15%−25%]). This highlights the importance of natural climate variability in Northeast Asia’s government decision-making and risk management, and emphasizes that only climate models with an adequate representation of forced warming can quantify these contributions correctly.
Integrative modeling uncovers p21-driven drug resistance and prioritizes therapies for PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer
Authors: Yip Hon Yan Kelvin , Shin Sung-Young , Chee Annabel , Ang Ching-Seng , Rossello Fernando J. , Wong Lee Hwa , Nguyen Lan K. , Papa Antonella 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUtility of PI3Kα inhibitors like BYL719 is limited by the acquisition of genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of resistance which cause disease recurrence. Several combination therapies based on PI3K inhibition have been proposed, but a way to systematically prioritize them for breast cancer treatment is still missing. By integrating published and in-house studies, we have developed in silico models that quantitatively capture dynamics of PI3K signaling at the network-level under a BYL719-sensitive versus BYL719 resistant-cell state. Computational predictions show that signal rewiring to alternative components of the PI3K pathway promote resistance to BYL719 and identify PDK1 as the most effective co-target with PI3Kα rescuing sensitivity of resistant cells to BYL719. To explore whether PI3K pathway-independent mechanisms further contribute to BYL719 resistance, we performed phosphoproteomics and found that selection of high levels of the cell cycle regulator p21 unexpectedly promoted drug resistance in T47D cells. Functionally, high p21 levels favored repair of BYL719-induced DNA damage and bypass of the associated cellular senescence. Importantly, targeted inhibition of the check-point inhibitor CHK1 with MK-8776 effectively caused death of p21-high T47D cells, thus establishing a new vulnerability of BYL719-resistant breast cancer cells. Together, our integrated studies uncover hidden molecular mediators causing resistance to PI3Kα inhibition and provide a framework to prioritize combination therapies for PI3K-mutant breast cancer.
Molecular characterization of Fusarium venenatum-based microbial protein in animal models of obesity using multi-omics analysis
Authors: Lee Daniel Junpyo , Kang An Na , Lee Junbeom , Kwak Min-Jin , Mun Daye , Lee Daseul , Oh Sangnam , Kim Younghoon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicrobial protein, produced by fermentation of Fusarium venenatum is a promising candidate alternative protein source. Previous study has demonstrated its ability to improve hyperlipidemia in rats, yet the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of F. venenatum as an alternative protein source and its impact on lipid metabolism using multi-omics analysis. Initial experiments with Caenorhabditis elegans revealed that F. venenatum enhanced longevity, improved immune responses, and reduced lipid metabolism by downregulating fat synthesis-related genes. Subsequently, we conducted experiments with mice on a high-fat diet to confirm the anti-obesity effects of F. venenatum. The groups fed F. venenatum showed improved lipid profiles and reduced hepatic fat accumulation. Furthermore, fecal metabolomic analysis showed higher excretion of primary bile acid and cholesterol in the groups fed F. venenatum which might lead to a decrease in lipid digestion and hepatic fat accumulation. Collectively, this series of experiments revealed the potential of F. venenatum as a sustainable alternative protein and its application as an anti-obesity supplement.
Peripheral nerve regeneration following scaffold-free conduit transplant of autologous dermal fibroblasts: a non-randomised safety and feasibility trial
Authors: Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Aoyama Tomoki , Noguchi Takashi , Ushimaru Mika , Amino Yoko , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Matsuyama Noriko , Yoshida Shiori , Nagai-Tanima Momoko , Matsui Keiko , Arai Yasuyuki , Torii Yoko , Miyazaki Yudai , Akieda Shizuka , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The use of Bio 3D nerve conduits is a promising approach for peripheral nerve reconstruction. This study aimed to assess their safety in three patients with peripheral nerve defects in their hands.

Methods
We describe a single institution, non-blinded, non-randomised control trial conducted at Kyoto University Hospital. Eligibility criteria included severed peripheral nerve injuries or a defect in the region distal to the wrist joint not caused by a congenital anomaly; a defect with a length of ≤20 mm in a nerve with a diameter ≤2 mm; failed results of sensory functional tests; ability to register in the protocol within 6 months from the day of injury; refusal of artificial nerve or autologous nerve transplantation; age 20–60 years; and willingness to participate and provide informed written consent. Six weeks before transplantation, skin was harvested, dermal fibroblasts were isolated and expanded, and Bio 3D nerve conduits were created using a Bio 3D printer. Bio 3D nerve conduits were transplanted into the patients’ nerve defects. The safety of Bio 3D nerve conduits in patients with a peripheral nerve injury in the distal part of the wrist joint were assessed over a 48-week period after transplantation.

Results
No adverse events related to the use of Bio 3D nerve conduits were observed in any patient, and all three patients completed the trial.

Conclusions
Bio 3D nerve conduits were successfully used for clinical nerve reconstruction without adverse events and are a possible treatment option for peripheral nerve injuries.
Improving the geographical origin classification of Radix glycyrrhizae (licorice) through hyperspectral imaging assisted by U-Net fine structure recognition
Authors: Zhang Hui , Pan YiXia , Chen Yuan , Zhang HongXu , Xie JianHui , Gong XingChu , Zhu JieQiang , Yan JiZhong 
Published: January 2024

Collecting hyperspectral data of licorice from different origins, processing the data in three methods, and using multiple classifiers for origin classification, the results showed that the U-Net method could effectively improve the accuracy of origin classification.
Perspectives and awareness of endoscopy healthcare professionals on sustainable practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy: results of the LEAFGREEN survey
Authors: Cunha Neves João A. , Rodriguez de Santiago Enrique , Pohl Heiko , Lorenzo-Zúñiga Vicente , Cunha Miguel F. , Voiosu Andrei M. , Römmele Christoph , Penman Douglas G. , Albéniz Eduardo , Siau Keith , Donnelly Leigh , Elli Luca , Pioche Mathieu , Beilenhoff Ulrike , Arvanitakis Marianna , Weusten Bas L.A.M. , Bisschops Raf , Hassan Cesare , Messmann Helmut , Gralnek Ian M. , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is one of healthcare’s main contributors to climate change. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ attitudes and the perceived barriers to implementation of sustainable GI endoscopy.
Methods The LEAFGREEN web-based survey was a cross-sectional study conducted by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Green Endoscopy Working Group. The questionnaire comprised 39 questions divided into five sections (respondent demographics; climate change and sustainability beliefs; waste and resource management; single-use endoscopes and accessories; education and research). The survey was available via email to all active members of the ESGE and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) in March 2023.
Results 407 respondents participated in the survey (11% response rate). Most participants (86%) agreed climate change is real and anthropogenic, but one-third did not consider GI endoscopy to be a significant contributor to climate change. Improvement in the appropriateness of endoscopic procedures (41%) and reduction in single-use accessories (34%) were considered the most important strategies to reduce the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. Respondents deemed lack of institutional support and knowledge from staff to be the main barriers to sustainable endoscopy. Strategies to reduce unnecessary GI endoscopic procedures and comparative studies of single-use versus reusable accessories were identified as research priorities.
Conclusions In this survey, ESGE and ESGENA members acknowledge climate change as a major threat to humanity. Further improvement in sustainability beliefs and professional attitudes, reduction in inappropriate GI endoscopy, and rational use of single-use accessories and endoscopes are critically required.
How does the opening of high-speed rail drive energy restructuring? New micro evidence from China
Authors: Feng Yanchao , Zhang Juan , Luo Renfu , Pan Yuxi , Niu Shuhai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAgainst the dual backdrop of China vigorously promoting high-speed railways (HSR) construction and establishing an ecological civilization system, HSR as urban transportation infrastructure, is currently gaining growing attention from the academic community due to its environmental benefits as well as its effects in energy conservation and emission reduction. In this context, this research treats the initiation of HSR as a quasi-natural experiment, meanwhile empirically examining the effect of HSR on energy structure restructuring and exploring the micro-level channels through which it operates. The empirical results validate the reduction effect of HSR opening on fuel energy consumption of industrial enterprises, especially the usage of fuel coal. This highlight remains valid across a series of robustness tests. Moreover, it is evident that the “driving effect” of enterprise technological innovation capability and the “industrial upgrading effect” of enterprise relocation are effective transmission pathways in the process of HSR opening influencing the adjustment of energy consumption structure. Moreover, the unique characteristics of enterprise, industry, and region introduce a certain degree of heterogeneity. The low-energy-consumption effect of HSR is more pronounced in high-carbon industry enterprises, technology-intensive enterprises, firms engaged in innovation pilot cities, small to the medium-sized city and resource-based city. This paper provides a new perspective on energy structure adjustment, contributing to offering solid experiences and references for environmental governance in China and other emerging economies.
Prediction of physical realizations of the coordinated universal time with gated recurrent unit
Authors: Rivera-Ruiz Mayra Alejandra , López-Romero José Mauricio , Mendez-Vazquez Andres 
Published: January 2024

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), produced by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), is the official worldwide time reference. Given that there is no physical signal associated with UTC, physical realizations of the UTC, called UTC(k), are very important for demanding applications such as global navigation satellite systems, communication networks, and national defense and security, among others. Therefore, the prediction of the time differences UTC-UTC(k) is important to maintain the accuracy and stability of the UTC(k) timescales. In this paper, we report for the first time the use of a deep learning (DL) technique called Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to predict a sequence of H futures values of the time differences UTC-UTC(k) for ten different UTC(k) timescales. UTC-UTC(k) time differences published on the monthly Circular T document of the BIPM are used as training samples. We utilize a multiple-input, multiple-output prediction strategy. After a training process where about 300 past values of the difference UTC-UTC(k) are used, H (H = 6) values of the Circular T can be predicted using p (typically p = 6) past values. The model has been tested with data from ten different UTC(k) timescales. When comparing GRU results with other standard DL algorithms, we found that the GRU approximation has a good performance in predicting UTC(k) timescales. According to our results, the GRU error in predicting UTC-UTC(k) values is typically 1 ns. The frequency instability of the UTC(k) timescale is the main limitation in reducing the GRU error in the time difference prediction.
Effect of laser power on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of laser cladding Mo2NiB2 coatings
Authors: Zhang Shitao , Liu Minghui , Wang Haoran , Jiang Chunxia , Zhao Yuantao , Li Wenge , Liu Yanbo , Yin Li , Zhang Jing , Pan Zhengyang , Sun Boyang 
Published: January 2024

In this study, Mo2NiB2 coatings were prepared by the laser cladding technique and the relationship between coating microstructure and corrosion resistance with cladding power was analyzed. The results showed that Mo2NiB2 was reactively generated in all coatings while Mo2FeB2 and (Fe, Ni) were also present in the coatings due to dilution of the substrate. There was a good metallurgical bond between the coating and the substrate. The white cermet phase and black Fe-rich phase alternated within the coatings. As observed from the surface, the ceramic phase spreads out in a flattened shape and the black Fe-rich phase was present in a large number of pores. Due to the overdilution of the substrate, the volume of the ceramic phase decreased at a power of 800 W and the Fe content within the coating increased. The corrosion resistance of the coatings increased as the laser power increased from 500 to 700 W. Then the corrosion resistance of the coatings decreased at 800 W due to the excess Fe content and the decrease in the relative content of Mo2NiB2 and (Fe, Ni). Mo2NiB2 coating prepared at 700 W has the best corrosion resistance.
Study the optical properties of Cs3CeI6: First-principles calculations
Authors: Xie Wei , Hu Fuyun , Gong Sha , Peng Liping 
Published: January 2024

The band structure, density of states, and optical properties of a novel material, Cs3CeI6 are calculated for the first time using the density functional theory method in first-principles calculations. It is found that Cs3CeI6 possesses a direct bandgap with an energy value of 3.05 eV. Examination of the density of states indicates that the conduction band minimum is primarily composed of Ce-5d and Ce-4f orbitals, while the valence band maximum is mainly contributed by Ce-4f orbitals. Photoluminescence (P.L.) spectroscopy reveals distinctive bimodal emission peaks at 432 and 468 nm, which serve as characteristic signatures of Ce3+ ions. This bimodal emission arises from spontaneous radiative transitions between excited 5d orbitals and the 2F7/2 and 2F5/2 states within the 4f orbital, as confirmed by crystal field calculations. The difference between these two emission peaks corresponds to variations in energy levels associated with Ce3+ ions due to crystal field disturbances. Moreover, Cs3CeI6 exhibits an exciton binding energy of 225 meV due to strong localization effects in Ce-4f orbitals and binding properties inherent in its zero-dimensional structure, promoting exciton formation. Such a substantial exciton binding energy offers significant advantages for potential electroluminescence applications. Based on these findings, we anticipate promising prospects for the use of Cs3CeI6 in electroluminescent devices.
Ferromagnetic resonance-based heat dissipation in dumbbell-like Au–Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Tonthat Loi , Kuwahata Akihiro , Yabukami Shin 
Published: January 2024

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) holds promise for heating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in cancer therapy, especially for rapidly heating MNPs. This study aims to enhance the FMR-based heating efficiency of multifunctional hybrid gold and iron oxide nanoparticles (Au-Fe3O4 NPs) as theranostic agents. We experimentally investigate the FMR-based heating properties of newly developed dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4 NPs, which feature ∼5 nm gold and 15 nm iron oxide components, in comparison to our previously developed Au-coated Fe3O4 NPs (Fe3O4 core ∼5.2 nm, Au shell thickness ∼0.5 nm). For comparison, we also synthesize pure Fe3O4 NPs (∼11 nm) under the same experimental conditions as the dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4 NPs but without 5 nm Au seeds. Temperature measurements are taken at various DC fields (HDC = 0‒1600 Oe) under a radiofrequency (RF) field (fAC = 4 GHz, HAC = 1.265 Oe) for ∼13s. The results reveal a rapid temperature rise during RF field ON, followed by a decline upon RF field OFF. Remarkably, dumbbell-like Au-Fe3O4 NPs achieve a peak temperature increase of 23.4 °C, corresponding to a heating rate of 1.73 °C/s at HDC = 400 Oe, surpassing the combined values of ∼11 nm Fe3O4 NPs (11.0 °C, i.e., 0.83 °C/s at HDC = 1000 Oe) and ∼5 nm Au NPs (3.5 °C). Comparing these results to our previously developed Au-coated Fe3O4 NPs, which achieved a heating rate of 1.29 °C/s (temperature rise 16.9 °C) under HDC = 1200 Oe with an RF field at fAC = 4 GHz and a significantly higher HAC = 4 Oe (i.e. for HAC = 1.265 Oe, the estimated heating rate was 0.129 °C/s with a temperature rise of 1.69 °C), the dumbbell-shaped Au-Fe3O4 NPs demonstrate a substantially higher temperature increase by 13.4 times. These findings highlight the exceptional potential of dumbbell-shaped Au-Fe3O4 NPs for application in magnetic hyperthermia.