bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) reveals spatial-metabolic changes in 3D breast cancer spheroids
Authors: Karrobi Kavon , Tank Anup , Fuzail Mohammad Ahsan , Kalidoss Madhumathi , Tilbury Karissa , Zaman Muhammad , Ferruzzi Jacopo , Roblyer Darren 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCancer cells are mechanically sensitive to physical properties of the microenvironment, which can affect downstream signaling to promote malignancy, in part through the modulation of metabolic pathways. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) can be used to measure the fluorescence lifetime of endogenous fluorophores, such as the metabolic co-factors NAD(P)H and FAD, in live samples. We used multiphoton FLIM to investigate the changes in cellular metabolism of 3D breast spheroids derived from MCF-10A and MD-MB-231 cell lines embedded in collagen with varying densities (1 vs. 4 mg/ml) over time (Day 0 vs. Day 3). MCF-10A spheroids demonstrated spatial gradients, with the cells closest to the spheroid edge exhibiting FLIM changes consistent with a shift towards oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) while the spheroid core had changes consistent with a shift towards glycolysis. The MDA-MB-231 spheroids had a large shift consistent with increased OXPHOS with a more pronounced change at the higher collagen concentration. The MDA-MB-231 spheroids invaded into the collagen gel over time and cells that traveled the farthest had the largest changes consistent with a shift towards OXPHOS. Overall, these results suggest that the cells in contact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and those that migrated the farthest had changes consistent with a metabolic shift towards OXPHOS. More generally, these results demonstrate the ability of multiphoton FLIM to characterize how spheroids metabolism and spatial metabolic gradients are modified by physical properties of the 3D ECM.
On an effective and efficient method for exploiting the wisdom of the inner crowd
Authors: Fujisaki Itsuki , Yang Kunhao , Ueda Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2023

AbstractResearchers have shown that even an individual can produce the wisdom of the crowds, called “the wisdom of the inner crowd.” However, the previous methods leave room for improvements in terms of efficacy and response time. This paper proposes a more efficient method, which required a short time, based on findings from cognitive and social psychology. The procedure is to ask participants to give two answers to the same question: first, their own estimate and, second, their estimate of public opinion. Experiments using this method showed that the averages of the two estimates were more accurate than the participants’ first estimates. That is, the wisdom of the inner crowd elicited. In addition, we found that the method could be superior to other methods in terms of efficacy and convenience. Moreover, we identified the conditions where our method worked better. We further clarify the availability and limitations of using the wisdom of the inner crowd. Overall, this paper proposes an effective and short-time method for harvesting the wisdom of the inner crowd.
First pan-specific vNAR against human TGF-β as a potential therapeutic application: in silico modeling assessment
Authors: Burciaga-Flores Mirna , Márquez-Aguirre Ana Laura , Dueñas Salvador , Gasperin-Bulbarela Jahaziel , Licea-Navarro Alexei F. , Camacho-Villegas Tanya A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImmunotherapies based on antibody fragments have been developed and applied to human diseases, describing novel antibody formats. The vNAR domains have a potential therapeutic use related to their unique properties. This work used a non-immunized Heterodontus francisci shark library to obtain a vNAR with recognition of TGF-β isoforms. The isolated vNAR T1 selected by phage display demonstrated binding of the vNAR T1 to TGF-β isoforms (-β1, -β2, -β3) by direct ELISA assay. These results are supported by using for the first time the Single-Cycle kinetics (SCK) method for Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis for a vNAR. Also, the vNAR T1 shows an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 9.61 × 10–8 M against rhTGF-β1. Furthermore, the molecular docking analysis revealed that the vNAR T1 interacts with amino acid residues of TGF-β1, which are essential for interaction with type I and II TGF-β receptors. The vNAR T1 is the first pan-specific shark domain reported against the three hTGF-β isoforms and a potential alternative to overcome the challenges related to the modulation of TGF-β levels implicated in several human diseases such as fibrosis, cancer, and COVID-19.
Strata temperatures and geothermal resource evaluation in the Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, North China
Authors: Qiao Yong , Zuo Yinhui , Tu Shiqi , Zhang Jiazhen , Yang Meihua , Zhang Tao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe development of geothermal resources in the Dongpu Depression can improve not only the economic benefits of the oilfield but also the ecological environment. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the geothermal resources in the region. Based on the heat flow, geothermal gradient and thermal properties, the temperatures and their distribution in different strata are calculated using geothermal methods, and the geothermal resource types of the Dongpu Depression are identified. The results show that the geothermal resources include low-temperature, medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources in the Dongpu Depression. The Minghuazhen and Guantao Formations mainly include low-temperature and medium-temperature geothermal resources; the Dongying and Shahejie Formations include low-temperature, medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources; the Ordovician rocks mainly include medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources. The Minghuazhen, Guantao and Dongying Formations can form good geothermal reservoirs and are favorable layers for exploring low-temperature and medium-temperature geothermal resources. The geothermal reservoir of the Shahejie Formation is relatively poor, and the thermal reservoirs may be developed in the western slope zone and the central uplift. The Ordovician carbonate strata can provide thermal reservoirs for geothermal resources, and the Cenozoic bottom temperature is more than 150 °C except for most of the western gentle slope zone. In addition, for the same stratum, the geothermal temperatures in the southern Dongpu Depression are higher than those in the northern depression.
Evaluation of the second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SSF2) used to demonstrate the aortic annulus on cardiac CT
Authors: Matsumoto Yoriaki , Fujioka Chikako , Yokomachi Kazushi , Kitera Nobuo , Nishimaru Eiji , Kiguchi Masao , Higaki Toru , Kawashita Ikuo , Tatsugami Fuminari , Nakamura Yuko , Awai Kazuo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe main purpose of pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) cardiac computed tomography (CT) for patients with severe aortic stenosis is aortic annulus measurements. However, motion artifacts present a technical challenge because they can reduce the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus. Therefore, we applied the recently developed second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SnapShot Freeze 2.0, SSF2) to pre-TAVI cardiac CT and investigated its clinical utility by stratified analysis of the patient's heart rate during scanning. We found that SSF2 reconstruction significantly reduced aortic annulus motion artifacts and improved the image quality and measurement accuracy compared to standard reconstruction, especially in patients with high heart rate or a 40% R-R interval (systolic phase). SSF2 may contribute to improving the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus.
A mathematical model for COVID-19 considering waning immunity, vaccination and control measures
Authors: Ghosh Subhas Kumar , Ghosh Sachchit 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this work we define a modified SEIR model that accounts for the spread of infection during the latent period, infections from asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic infected individuals, potential loss of acquired immunity, people’s increasing awareness of social distancing and the use of vaccination as well as non-pharmaceutical interventions like social confinement. We estimate model parameters in three different scenarios—in Italy, where there is a growing number of cases and re-emergence of the epidemic, in India, where there are significant number of cases post confinement period and in Victoria, Australia where a re-emergence has been controlled with severe social confinement program. Our result shows the benefit of long term confinement of 50% or above population and extensive testing. With respect to loss of acquired immunity, our model suggests higher impact for Italy. We also show that a reasonably effective vaccine with mass vaccination program are successful measures in significantly controlling the size of infected population. We show that for a country like India, a reduction in contact rate by 50% compared to a reduction of 10% reduces death from 0.0268 to 0.0141% of population. Similarly, for a country like Italy we show that reducing contact rate by half can reduce a potential peak infection of 15% population to less than 1.5% of population, and potential deaths from 0.48 to 0.04%. With respect to vaccination, we show that even a 75% efficient vaccine administered to 50% population can reduce the peak number of infected population by nearly 50% in Italy. Similarly, for India, a 0.056% of population would die without vaccination, while 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 30% population would bring this down to 0.036% of population, and 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 70% population would bring this down to 0.034%.
Effects of additive interactions among obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chung Goh Eun , Oh Sohee , Ahn Dong-Won , Kim Su Hwan , Jung Yong Jin , Kim Ji Won , Kim Byeong Gwan , Lee Kook Lae , Jeong Ji Bong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlthough the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with obesity or sarcopenia is known, few studies have investigated the combined effect of various body composition parameters on the risk of NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of interactions between various body composition parameters, including obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia, on NAFLD. Data of subjects who underwent health checkups between 2010 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition parameters including appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and visceral adiposity were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sarcopenia was defined as ASM/weight beyond two standard deviations below the gender-specific mean for healthy young adults. NAFLD was diagnosed using hepatic ultrasonography. Interaction analyses, including relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), synergy index (SI), and attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), were performed. Among a total of 17,540 subjects (mean age: 46.7 years, 49.4% males), the prevalence of NAFLD was 35.9%. The odds ratio (OR) of interaction between obesity and visceral adiposity affecting NAFLD was 9.14 (95% CI: 8.29–10.07). The RERI was 2.63 (95% CI: 1.71–3.55), SI was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.29–1.69) and AP was 29%. The OR of interaction between obesity and sarcopenia affecting NAFLD was 8.46 (95% CI: 7.01–10.21). The RERI was 2.21 (95% CI: 0.51–3.90). SI was 1.42(95% CI: 1.11–1.82) and AP was 26%. The OR of interaction between sarcopenia and visceral adiposity affecting NAFLD was 7.25 (95% CI: 6.04–8.71), however, there was no significant additive interaction with RERI = 0.87 (95% CI: −0.76 to 2.51). Obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia were found to be positively associated with NAFLD. Obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia were found to have additive interaction effects on NAFLD.
Rickettsia felis DNA recovered from a child who lived in southern Africa 2000 years ago
Authors: Rifkin Riaan F. , Vikram Surendra , Alcorta Jaime , Ramond Jean-Baptiste , Cowan Don A. , Jakobsson Mattias , Schlebusch Carina M. , Lombard Marlize 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Stone Age record of South Africa provides some of the earliest evidence for the biological and cultural origins of Homo sapiens. While there is extensive genomic evidence for the selection of polymorphisms in response to pathogen-pressure in sub-Saharan Africa, e.g., the sickle cell trait which provides protection against malaria, there is inadequate direct human genomic evidence for ancient human-pathogen infection in the region. Here, we analysed shotgun metagenome libraries derived from the sequencing of a Later Stone Age hunter-gatherer child who lived near Ballito Bay, South Africa, c. 2000 years ago. This resulted in the identification of ancient DNA sequence reads homologous to Rickettsia felis, the causative agent of typhus-like flea-borne rickettsioses, and the reconstruction of an ancient R. felis genome.
Reconstructing the infrared spectrum of a peptide from representative conformers of the full canonical ensemble
Authors: Kotobi Amir , Schwob Lucas , Vonbun-Feldbauer Gregor B. , Rossi Mariana , Gasparotto Piero , Feiler Christian , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Oostenrijk Bart , Scuderi Debora , Bari Sadia , Meißner Robert H. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLeucine enkephalin (LeuEnk), a biologically active endogenous opioid pentapeptide, has been under intense investigation because it is small enough to allow efficient use of sophisticated computational methods and large enough to provide insights into low-lying minima of its conformational space. Here, we reproduce and interpret experimental infrared (IR) spectra of this model peptide in gas phase using a combination of replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, and ab initio calculations. In particular, we evaluate the possibility of averaging representative structural contributions to obtain an accurate computed spectrum that accounts for the corresponding canonical ensemble of the real experimental situation. Representative conformers are identified by partitioning the conformational phase space into subensembles of similar conformers. The IR contribution of each representative conformer is calculated from ab initio and weighted according to the population of each cluster. Convergence of the averaged IR signal is rationalized by merging contributions in a hierarchical clustering and the comparison to IR multiple photon dissociation experiments. The improvements achieved by decomposing clusters containing similar conformations into even smaller subensembles is strong evidence that a thorough assessment of the conformational landscape and the associated hydrogen bonding is a prerequisite for deciphering important fingerprints in experimental spectroscopic data.
Quality of urban climate adaptation plans over time
Authors: Reckien Diana , Buzasi Attila , Olazabal Marta , Spyridaki Niki-Artemis , Eckersley Peter , Simoes Sofia G. , Salvia Monica , Pietrapertosa Filomena , Fokaides Paris , Goonesekera Sascha M. , Tardieu Léa , Balzan Mario V. , de Boer Cheryl L. , De Gregorio Hurtado Sonia , Feliu Efrén , Flamos Alexandros , Foley Aoife , Geneletti Davide , Grafakos Stelios , Heidrich Oliver , Ioannou Byron , Krook-Riekkola Anna , Matosovic Marko , Orru Hans , Orru Kati , Paspaldzhiev Ivan , Rižnar Klavdija , Smigaj Magdalena , Szalmáné Csete Maria , Viguié Vincent , Wejs Anja 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDefining and measuring progress in adaptation are important questions for climate adaptation science, policy, and practice. Here, we assess the progress of urban adaptation planning in 327 European cities between 2005 and 2020 using three ‘ADAptation plan Quality Assessment’ indices, called ADAQA-1/ 2/ 3, that combine six plan quality principles. Half of the cities have an adaptation plan and its quality significantly increased over time. However, generally, plan quality is still low in many cities. Participation and monitoring and evaluation are particularly weak aspects in urban adaptation policy, together with plan ‘consistency’. Consistency connects impacts and vulnerabilities with adaptation goals, planned measures, actions, monitoring and evaluation, and participation processes. Consistency is a key factor in the overall quality of plans. To help evaluate the quality of plans and policies and promote learning, we suggest incorporating our ADAptation plan Quality Assessment indices into the portfolio of adaptation progress assessments and tracking methodologies.
The effect of anions in the synthesis and structure of pyrazolylamidino copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Chih , Liao Po-Kuang , Chen Chia-Wei , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Horng Yih-Chern 
Published: March 2023

A plausible reaction path for synthesizing pyrazolylamidino Cu(ii) complexes is established. Cu(pzH)4X2 (X = ClO4−, BF4−, or NO3−), usually considered as an inert species for the pyrazole-nitrile coupling reaction, actually is more reactive.
Evaluation of 4H‐SiC MOSFET transfer characteristics using machine‐learning techniques
Authors: Lehmeyer Johannes A. F. , Citak Timon , Weber Heiko B. , Krieger Michael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe performance of 4H silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs critically depends on the quality of the SiC/silicon oxide interface, which typically contains a high density of interface traps. To solve this problem, fast and reliable characterization methods are required. The commonly used evaluation schemes for 3‐terminal transfer characteristics, however, neglect the presence of interface traps. Here, a method based on machine‐learning techniques is presented which extracts reliable performance parameters from transfer characteristics of 4H‐SiC MOSFETs including a quantitative estimate of the density of interface traps. This method is successfully validated by comparison with Hall‐effect measurements and applied to various MOSFET types.
Analysis the securable operation and protection coordination indices on multi‐objective sitting and sizing of synchronous distributed generations on distribution networks
Authors: Shad Hossien , Gandomkar Majid , Nikoukar Javad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDespite improving various technical indices such as operation and voltage profile, the integration of synchronous distributed generations (SDGs) may lead to the loss of protection coordination in the distribution network (DN). To tackle the problem, this paper presents a multi‐objective siting and sizing of SDGs on DN considering operation, economic and protection coordination indices simultaneously. The proposed scheme is structured in the framework of a four‐objective optimization problem, which aims to minimize the energy losses, the worst voltage security index (VSI), planning cost of SDGs and the protection index (PI) (the deviation of coordination time interval). Therefore, it is constrained to power flow equations, VSI, and protection coordination of overcurrent relays (OCRs). Then, the Pareto optimization based on the method of the weighted functions summation obtains an integrated single‐objective problem for the proposed scheme. Next, a hybrid evolutionary algorithm formed by merging particle swarm optimization (PSO) and crow search algorithm (CSA) is incorporated to achieve the optimal solution with unique response approximate conditions. Eventually, the suggested scheme is applied on distribution portion of IEEE 30‐bus ring and IEEE 69‐bus radial DN and numerical results confirm the efficient performance of SDG planning in terms of technical indicators and protective devices coordination.
Improved energy storage property in polyvinylidene fluoride‐based multilayered composite regulated by oriented carbon nanotube@SiO2 nanowires
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhao Hang , Zhang Chuying , Gao Shuyan , Zhu Tongguang , Bai Jinbo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHigh‐performance dielectric capacitors are essential components of advanced electronic and pulsed power systems for energy storage. Because of their high breakdown strength and excellent flexibility, polymer‐based capacitors are regarded as auspicious energy storage material. However, the energy storage capacity of polymer‐based capacitors is severely limited due to their low polarisation and low dielectric permittivity. The modified Stöber method was used to construct two types of CNT@SiO2 (CS) one‐dimensional core‐shell structured nanowires with different shell thicknesses. By integrating the procedures of solution mixing, melt blending, hot‐stretching orientation and hot pressing, sandwich‐structured poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites were fabricated. The CS core‐shell nanowires dispersed in the inter‐layer serve as electron donors, leading to a high permittivity, while two PVDF outer layers provide the favourable overall breakdown strength. The insulating SiO2 shell can effectively limit the migration of carriers and keep the dielectric loss at a relatively low level in the composites. The CS/PVDF composite exhibited an enhanced discharged density (~6.1 J/cm3) and breakdown strength (~241 kV/mm) when the interlayer filled with as small as 1 wt% CS nanowires with the SiO2 shell thickness of 8 nm, which is 203% and 18.7 % higher than pure PVDF (~2.01 J/cm3 at 203 kV/mm), respectively. This research presents a practical strategy for designing and fabricating advanced polymer film capacitor energy storage devices.
Ultra high step‐up soft‐switching DC/DC converter using coupled inductor and interleaved technique
Authors: Maalandish Mohammad , Babaei Ebrahim , Abolhasani Pouya , Gheisarnejad Meysam , Khooban Mohammad‐Hassan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a new ultra high step‐up soft‐switching DC/DC converter using coupled inductor and interleaved technique is presented. The primary side of the coupled inductors in up section and down section will be charged by the input power supply. The stored energy of the coupled inductors (at primary and secondary sides) is discharged to the output capacitors in up and down sections. Also, the capacitors on the coupled inductors path have clamped capacitors that cause the voltage stress across the power semiconductors to be low. Al diodes in up and down sections except output diodes are working at zero current switching turn‐off. Therefore, the reverse recovery problems of the proposed converter will be majorly solved. Therefore, power losses of the proposed converter will be decreased by using switches with lower on‐state resistance RDS(on) and lower rating power diodes. In addition, the leakage inductor causes to exclusive the current falling balance of the output diodes, significantly. In order to clarify the main advantages of the proposed converter, comparison between the proposed converter and other structures is provided. Finally, the proposed converter with turn ratio N(N2/N1) = 2 in about 300 W with operating 50 kHz is tested with real‐time TYPHOON HIL‐404 emulator in the laboratory.