bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subpopulations of corticotropin‐releasing factor containing neurons and internal circuits in the chicken central extended amygdala
Authors: Pross Alessandra , Metwalli Alek H. , Abellán Antonio , Desfilis Ester , Medina Loreta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn mammals, the central extended amygdala is critical for the regulation of the stress response. This regulation is extremely complex, involving multiple subpopulations of GABAergic neurons and complex networks of internal and external connections. Two neuron subpopulations expressing corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), located in the central amygdala and the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL), play a key role in the long‐term component of fear learning and in sustained fear responses akin to anxiety. Very little is known about the regulation of stress by the amygdala in nonmammals, hindering efforts for trying to improve animal welfare. In birds, one of the major problems relates to the high evolutionary divergence of the telencephalon, where the amygdala is located. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of CRF neurons of the central extended amygdala in chicken and the local connections within this region. We found two major subpopulations of CRF cells in BSTL and the medial capsular central amygdala of chicken. Based on multiple labeling of CRF mRNA with different developmental transcription factors, all CRF neurons seem to originate within the telencephalon since they express Foxg1, and there are two subtypes with different embryonic origins that express Islet1 or Pax6. In addition, we demonstrated direct projections from Pax6 cells of the capsular central amygdala to BSTL and the oval central amygdala. We also found projections from Islet1 cells of the oval central amygdala to BSTL, which may constitute an indirect pathway for the regulation of BSTL output cells. Part of these projections may be mediated by CRF cells, in agreement with the expression of CRF receptors in both Ceov and BSTL. Our results show a complex organization of the central extended amygdala in chicken and open new venues for studying how different cells and circuits regulate stress in these animals.
The association between oral health status and physical function in elderly patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Uemura Yusuke , Shibata Rei , Ishikawa Shinji , Takemoto Kenji , Murohara Toyoaki , Watarai Masato 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesOral health problems are common and are associated with various geriatric conditions in older adults. The importance of oral health has not been fully highlighted in the assessment and management of patients with heart failure. Here, we investigated the association between oral health status and the decline in physical function during hospitalization in elderly patients with acute heart failure.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated oral health using the revised oral assessment guide in 77 patients aged 65 years or older who were admitted to hospital for acute heart failure. Oral health problems were defined as a revised oral assessment guide score ≥9.ResultsOral health problems were identified in 66.2% of the patients. Patients with oral health problems had high prevalence of decreased physical function, undernutrition, and cognitive impairment. A reduction in the Barthel Index, as an indicator of activities of daily living during hospitalization, was significant in the enrolled patients. The Barthel Index decreased more in patients with oral health problems than those with normal oral health. Furthermore, the revised oral assessment guide score on admission was found to be the only independent predictor of changes in the Barthel Index during hospitalization in the multivariate analyses.ConclusionsOral assessment using the revised oral assessment guide during hospitalization could provide useful information for the management of elderly heart failure patients.
The nexus between corporate social responsibility of airports and passenger satisfaction: A cross‐country study
Authors: Alam Fahad , Yang Qing , Bandara Yapa Mahinda , Ahmad Nisar , Chiwaridzo Option Takunda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article investigates the role of passenger perception on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in improving passenger satisfaction by examining the direct and mediating effects through service standards, customer facilities, corporate image, and corporate reputation in a cross‐culture context. A questionnaire survey was carried out on airport user experiences from 528 passengers using China and Pakistan airports. Smart PLS‐3.3 was used to test the formulated hypothesis. The results showed that CSR significantly affects passenger satisfaction. The results also revealed CSR initiatives have a significant effect on the service standard, customer facilities, corporate image, and corporate reputation. Customer facilities and corporate image were found to be significant mediators for CSR‐satisfaction link. However, the service standard and corporate reputation showed an insignificant relationship.
Predictive modeling of the JET D–T plasma boundary
Authors: Kaveeva Elizaveta , Veselova Irina , Rozhansky Vladimir , Pitts Richard A. , Mikhailov Vladislav , Zinoviev Alexander 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe SOLPS‐ITER3.0.8 code with new Grad‐Zhdanov module was applied for predictive modeling of tritium plasma and deuterium‐tritium mixture in tokamak JET. The moderate power scenario of shot JPN #85278 modeled earlier for deuterium plasma was taken as a starting point. Effect of puffing increase, which was applied in experiment, on divertor conditions and inter‐ELM tungsten sputtering for both working gases and on isotope separation in their mixture is analyzed. Both for attached and for semi‐detached outer targets, the tritium plasma shows moderate increase in SOL width compared to deuterium one. The tungsten sputtering at the outer target in the inter‐ELM period for tritium is an order of magnitude bigger than that for deuterium. The D–T separation in the D–T mixture is moderate.
Negative emotions increase unhealthy eating: Evidence from the Wuhan lockdown during COVID‐19
Authors: Cai Xiqian , Wu JunJie , Xu Wenchao , Zhu Jialiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper studies how negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and boredom can affect unhealthy food consumption. Using the Wuhan lockdown as an external shock, we examine the changes in food consumption in a city that was not in lockdown. We applied the difference‐in‐differences method to a large scanner dataset from a retail monopoly in China. Our findings reveal that negative emotions induced by the pandemic lockdown significantly elevated consumer spending on unhealthy food items such as crisps, sugary beverages, regular soda, and low‐alcohol beverages. Notably, the effect of unhealthy food consumption was more pronounced among younger and wealthier demographics. Triggering factors, like information about confirmed new deaths and infections as well as proximity to local hospitals, were found to strongly influence the consumption of unhealthy foods. Overall, the lockdown's impact extended beyond short‐term increases in snack consumption to substantial increases in overall dietary and nutritional intake.
Aqueous‐phase reforming of model compounds of wet biomass to hydrogen on alumina‐supported metal catalysts
Authors: Zambare Rohini S. , Vaidya Prakash D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCatalytic aqueous‐phase reforming (APR) of wet biomass such as microalgae and activated sludge is a potential technique for the production of H2‐rich gaseous products. In the present work, model compounds such as ethylene glycol, xylose and alanine were selected as representatives of the polyols, carbohydrates and proteins in wet biomass. APR trials were performed in a stirred batch reactor using commercial Pt/Al2O3 and Ru/Al2O3 catalysts. The reforming reactions were investigated at different conditions: temperature (T), 498 to 518 K, feed concentration, 1 to 5 wt. %, catalyst loading (ω), 2 to 6 kg/m3, and reaction time (t), 1 to 6 h. The commercial Pt/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited higher reforming activity. The influence of reaction parameters on turnover frequency (TOFH₂), hydrogen yield (Y‐H2) and carbon‐to‐gas conversion (C to G conversion) was studied. The values of TOFH₂ for Pt/Al2O3 were measured at T = 518 K, ω = 2 kg/m3 and t = 3 h using 1 wt% feed and these values were 19.2, 4 and 6 1/min for ethylene glycol, xylose and alanine. The values of TOFH₂ over Ru/Al2O3 under identical conditions were: ethylene glycol–12.4, xylose–1.4 and alanine–5.4 1/min. The activation energies for H2 production from ethylene glycol, xylose and alanine over Pt/Al2O3 and Ru/Al2O3 catalysts were determined. APR of the mixture of model compounds was also studied over laboratory‐made Pt/Al2O3 and Ru/Al2O3 catalysts at the optimum reaction conditions. Thus, this work has provided crucial insights into the production of H2 from model compounds of wet biomass using Al2O3‐supported catalysts.
Automatic mechanism generation for the combustion of advanced biofuels: A case study for diethyl ether
Authors: Michelbach Christian A. , Tomlin Alison S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAdvanced biofuels have the potential to supplant significant fractions of conventional liquid fossil fuels. However, the range of potential compounds could be wide depending on selected feedstocks and production processes. Not enough is known about the engine relevant behavior of many of these fuels, particularly when used within complex blends. Simulation tools may help to explore the combustion behavior of such blends but rely on robust chemical mechanisms providing accurate predictions of performance targets over large regions of thermochemical space. Tools such as automatic mechanism generation (AMG) may facilitate the generation of suitable mechanisms. Such tools have been commonly applied for the generation of mechanisms describing the oxidation of non‐oxygenated, non‐aromatic hydrocarbons, but the emergence of biofuels adds new challenges due to the presence of functional groups containing oxygen. This study investigates the capabilities of the AMG tool Reaction Mechanism Generator for such a task, using diethyl ether (DEE) as a case study. A methodology for the generation of advanced biofuel mechanisms is proposed and the resultant mechanism is evaluated against literature sourced experimental measurements for ignition delay times, jet‐stirred reactor species concentrations, and flame speeds, over conditions covering φ = 0.5–2.0, P = 1–100 bar, and T = 298–1850 K. The results suggest that AMG tools are capable of rapidly producing accurate models for advanced biofuel components, although considerable upfront input was required. High‐quality fuel specific reaction rates and thermochemistry for oxygenated species were required, as well as a seed mechanism, a thermochemistry library, and an expansion of the reaction family database to include training data for oxygenated compounds. The final DEE mechanism contains 146 species and 4392 reactions and in general, provides more accurate or comparable predictions when compared to literature sourced mechanisms across the investigated target data. The generation of combustion mechanisms for other potential advanced biofuel components could easily capitalize on these database updates reducing the need for future user interventions.
Optimizing a high‐sensitivity NanoLuc‐based bioluminescence system for in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial treatment
Authors: Shang Weilong , Hu Zhen , Li Mengyang , Wang Yuting , Rao Yifan , Tan Li , Chen Juan , Huang Xiaonan , Liu Lu , Liu He , Guo Zuwen , Peng Huagang , Yang Yi , Hu Qiwen , Li Shu , Hu Xiaomei , Zou Jiao , Rao Xiancai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFocal and systemic infections are serious threats to human health. Preclinical models enable the development of new drugs and therapeutic regimens. In vivo, animal bioluminescence (BL) imaging has been used with bacterial reporter strains to evaluate antimicrobial treatment effects. However, high‐sensitivity bioluminescent systems are required because of the limited tissue penetration and low brightness of the BL signals of existing approaches. Here, we report that NanoLuc (Nluc) showed better performance than LuxCDABE in bacteria. However, the retention rate of plasmid constructs in bacteria was low. To construct stable Staphylococcus aureus reporter strains, a partner protein enolase (Eno) was identified by screening of S. aureus strain USA300 for fusion expression of Nluc‐based luciferases, including Nluc, Teluc, and Antares2. Different substrates, such as hydrofurimazine (HFZ), furimazine (FUR), and diphenylterazine (DTZ), were used to optimize a stable reporter strain/substrate pair for BL imaging. S. aureus USA300/Eno‐Antares2/HFZ produced the highest number of photons of orange‐red light in vitro and enabled sensitive BL tracking of S. aureus in vivo, with sensitivities of approximately 10 CFU from mouse skin and 750 CFU from mouse kidneys. USA300/Eno‐Antares2/HFZ was a powerful combination based on the longitudinal evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics. The optimized S. aureus Eno‐Antares2/HFZ pair provides a technological advancement for the in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial treatment.
Neuromuscular implants: Interfacing with skeletal muscle for improved clinical translation of prosthetic limbs
Authors: Quinn Kiara N. , Tian Yucheng , Budde Ryan , Irazoqui Pedro P. , Tuffaha Sami , Thakor Nitish V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAfter an amputation, advanced prosthetic limbs can be used to interface with the nervous system and restore motor function. Despite numerous breakthroughs in the field, many of the recent research advancements have not been widely integrated into clinical practice. This review highlights recent innovations in neuromuscular implants—specifically those that interface with skeletal muscle—which could improve the clinical translation of prosthetic technologies. Skeletal muscle provides a physiologic gateway to harness and amplify signals from the nervous system. Recent surgical advancements in muscle reinnervation surgeries leverage the “bio‐amplification” capabilities of muscle, enabling more intuitive control over a greater number of degrees of freedom in prosthetic limbs than previously achieved. We anticipate that state‐of‐the‐art implantable neuromuscular interfaces that integrate well with skeletal muscle and novel surgical interventions will provide a long‐term solution for controlling advanced prostheses. Flexible electrodes are expected to play a crucial role in reducing foreign body responses and improving the longevity of the interface. Additionally, innovations in device miniaturization and ongoing exploration of shape memory polymers could simplify surgical procedures for implanting such interfaces. Once implanted, wireless strategies for powering and transferring data from the interface can eliminate bulky external wires, reduce infection risk, and enhance day‐to‐day usability. By outlining the current limitations of neuromuscular interfaces along with potential future directions, this review aims to guide continued research efforts and future collaborations between engineers and specialists in the field of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal medicine.
Fabrication and lubrication performance of sustainable Pickering‐like water‐in‐water emulsions using plant protein microgels
Authors: You Kwan‐Mo , Murray Brent S. , Connell Simon D. , Sarkar Anwesha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAqueous multiphasic systems have attracted a great deal of interest recently owing to the growing demands of sustainability for the development of stable “oil‐free” emulsions, often complicated by their limited stability against droplet coarsening. Although particles may provide ultrastability to water‐in‐water (W/W) emulsions formed in phase‐separating polymer systems, the need for lubrication in such W/W emulsions presents an important challenge for their use in diverse applications. Herein, W/W Pickering emulsions were stabilized by sustainable plant protein (pea)‐based microgels (PPM) using starch and xanthan gum as the biopolymers to generate the W/W phase separating droplet structures. The lubricity of these systems was compared with that of parallel systems stabilized by animal (whey) protein microgels (WPM). New results reveal that PPM are more soft and adhesive than WPM and outperform the latter in boundary lubrication performance, in striking contrast to the behavior of the non‐microgelled pea or whey proteins. Furthermore, the PPM tend to stabilize a different, less spherical type of W/W droplet than the WPM that may explain the lower friction observed in PPM‐stabilized systems. The novel approach of fabricating W/W emulsions stabilized by sustainable microgels opens up new solutions in designing aqueous lubricants for future nutritional and biomedical applications.
Effects of clamping end‐tidal CO2 on neurofluidic low‐frequency oscillations
Authors: Kish Brianna , Chen J. Jean , Tong Yunjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, low‐frequency oscillations (LFOs) (0.01–0.1 Hz) have been a subject of interest in resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging research. They are believed to have many possible driving mechanisms, from both regional and global sources. Internal fluctuations in the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) has long been thought of as one of these major driving forces, but its exact contributions compared with other mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. This study examined the effects of end‐tidal PCO2 (PetCO2) oscillations on LF cerebral hemodynamics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics under “clamped PetCO2” and “free‐breathing” conditions. Under clamped PetCO2, a participant's PetCO2 levels were fixed to their baseline average, whereas PetCO2 was not controlled in free breathing. Under clamped PetCO2, the fractional amplitude of hemodynamic LFOs in the occipital and sensorimotor cortex and temporal lobes were found to be significantly reduced. Additionally, the fractional amplitude of CSF LFOs, measured at the fourth ventricle, was found to be reduced by almost one‐half. However, the spatiotemporal distributions of blood and CSF delay times, as measured by cross‐correlation in the LF domain, were not significantly altered between conditions. This study demonstrates that, while PCO2 oscillations significantly mediate LFOs, especially those observed in the CSF, other mechanisms are able to maintain LFOs, with high correlation, even in their absence.
Evaluating Listening Effort in Unilateral, Bimodal, and Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Nyirjesy Sarah C. , Lewis Jessica H. , Hallak Diana , Conroy Sara , Moberly Aaron C. , Tamati Terrin N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate listening effort (LE) in unilateral, bilateral, and bimodal cochlear implant (CI) users. Establish an easy‐to‐implement task of LE that could be useful for clinical decision making.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary neurotology center.MethodsThe Sentence Final Word Identification and Recall Task, an established measure of LE, was modified to include challenging listening conditions (multitalker babble, gender, and emotional variation; test), in addition to single‐talker sentences (control). Participants listened to lists of sentences in each condition and recalled the last word of each sentence. LE was quantified by percentage of words correctly recalled and was compared across conditions, across CI groups, and within subjects (best aided vs monaural).ResultsA total of 24 adults between the ages of 37 and 82 years enrolled, including 4 unilateral CI users (CI), 10 bilateral CI users (CICI), and 10 bimodal CI users (CIHA). Task condition impacted LE (P < .001), but hearing configuration and listener group did not (P = .90). Working memory capacity and contralateral hearing contributed to individual performance.ConclusionThis study adds to the growing body of literature on LE in challenging listening conditions for CI users and demonstrates feasibility of a simple behavioral task that could be implemented clinically to assess LE. This study also highlights the potential benefits of bimodal hearing and individual hearing and cognitive factors in understanding individual differences in performance, which will be evaluated through further research.
Proof‐of‐Concept Computer Vision Model for Instrument and Anatomy Detection During Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery
Authors: Nwosu Obinna , Suresh Krish , Lee Daniel J. , Crowson Matthew G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHigh‐definition video captured during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) can serve as imaging data for computer vision algorithms. This report describes a proof‐of‐concept model for automated anatomy and instrument detection during TEES.
Long‐Term Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in Monosensitized and Polysensitized Children With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yuan Xuan , Xie Shaobing , Zhang Hua , Zhang Junyi , Fan Ruohao , Jiang Weihong , Xie Zhihai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis (AR).Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral center.MethodsOne hundred thirty children were enrolled and categorized into 2 groups: monosensitized to only dust mites and polysensitized to at least 1 additional allergen beyond dust mites. All patients received SCIT targeting dust mites for 3 years, followed by a 5‐year monitoring period. The Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Symptom and Medication Score (SMS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) were assessed before SCIT (T0); at 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years of SCIT; immediately after SCIT (T3); and 2 years post‐SCIT (T5). Safety was assessed based on adverse events (AEs).ResultsFifty‐one monosensitized and 50 polysensitized children completed the study. At T3, 47 monosensitized and 46 polysensitized children were effectively treated, with no significant between‐group difference in efficacy (P > .05). The TNSS, SMS, VAS scores, and RQLQ score were significantly lower at T1, T2, T3, and T5 than at T0 in both groups (P < .05). The differences in the TNSS, SMS, VAS score, and RQLQ score between the 2 groups were nonsignificant at T0, T1, T2, and T3 (P > .05), but significant at T5 (P < .05). No serious AEs were reported.ConclusionMonosensitized and polysensitized children exhibited similar beneficial efficacy and safety after 3 years of dust mite SCIT. Monosensitized children derived more benefits 2 years after discontinuation.