bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divalent cations in human liver pyruvate kinase exemplify the combined effects of complex-equilibrium and allosteric regulation
Authors: Martin Tyler A. , Fenton Aron W. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThere is growing recognition that the functional outcome of binding of an allosteric regulator to a protein/enzyme is influenced by the presence of other ligands. Here, this complexity is exemplified in the allosteric regulation of human liver pyruvate kinase (hLPYK) that is influenced by the presence of a range of divalent cation types and concentrations. For this system, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (activator) and alanine (inhibitor) both influence the protein’s affinity for the substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ were the primary divalent cations evaluated, although Zn2+, Cd2+, V2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+also supported activity. Allosteric coupling between Fru-1,6-BP and PEP and between Ala and PEP varied depending on divalent cation type and concentration. Due to complicating interactions among small molecules, we did not attempt the fitting of response trends and instead we discuss a range of potential mechanisms that may explain those observed trends. Specifically, observed “substrate inhibition” may result from substrate A in one active site acting as an allosteric regulator for the affinity for substrate B in a second active site of a multimer. We also discuss apparent changes in allosteric coupling that can result from a sub-saturating concentration of a third allosteric ligand.
Effect of sub-dermal exposure of silver nanoparticles on hepatic, renal and cardiac functions accompanying oxidative damage in male Wistar rats
Authors: Olugbodi Janet Olayemi , Lawal Bashir , Bako Godiya , Onikanni Amos Sunday , Abolenin Sulama M. , Mohammud Soliman S. , Ataya Farid S. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been generally used due to their strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal and antimicrobial properties. However, their toxicity is a subject of sustained debate, thus requiring further studies. Hence, this study examines the adverse effects of the sub-dermal administered dose of AgNPs (200 nm) on the liver, kidney and heart of male Wistar rats. Thirty male rats were randomly distributed into six groups of five animals per group. Group A and D served as the control and received distilled water for 14 and 28 days respectively. Groups B and C were sub-dermally exposed to AgNPs at 10 and 50 mg/kg daily for 14 days while E and F were sub-dermally exposed to AgNPs at 10 and 50 mg/kg daily for 28 days. The liver, kidney and heart of the animals were collected, processed and used for biochemical and histological analysis. Our results revealed that the subdermal administration of AgNPs induced significant increased (p < 0.05) activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) while decreasing the levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total thiol groups in the rat tissues. Our findings suggest that the subdermal administration of AgNPs induced oxidative stress and impaired the hepatic, renal and cardiac functions of male Wistar rats.
Measuring real-time cognitive engagement in remote audiences
Authors: Levordashka Ana , Stanton Fraser Danaë , Gilchrist Iain D. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractResponses to arts and entertainment media offer a valuable window into human behaviour. Many individuals worldwide spend the vast majority of their leisure time engaging with video content at home. However, there are few ways to study engagement and attention in this natural home viewing context. We used motion-tracking of the head via a web-camera to measure real-time cognitive engagement in 132 individuals while they watched 30 min of streamed theatre content at home. Head movement was negatively associated with engagement across a constellation of measures. Individuals who moved less reported feeling more engaged and immersed, evaluated the performance as more engaging, and were more likely to express interest in watching further. Our results demonstrate the value of in-home remote motion tracking as a low-cost, scalable metric of cognitive engagement, which can be used to collect audience behaviour data in a natural setting.
Feasibility of using intermittent active monitoring of vital signs by smartphone users to predict SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity
Authors: Dolezalova Nikola , Gkrania-Klotsas Effrossyni , Morelli Davide , Moore Alex , Cunningham Adam C. , Booth Adam , Plans David , Reed Angus B. , Aral Mert , Rennie Kirsten L. , Wareham Nicholas J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEarly detection of highly infectious respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19, can help curb their transmission. Consequently, there is demand for easy-to-use population-based screening tools, such as mobile health applications. Here, we describe a proof-of-concept development of a machine learning classifier for the prediction of a symptomatic respiratory disease, such as COVID-19, using smartphone-collected vital sign measurements. The Fenland App study followed 2199 UK participants that provided measurements of blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, and resting heart rate. Total of 77 positive and 6339 negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were recorded. An optimal classifier to identify these positive cases was selected using an automated hyperparameter optimisation. The optimised model achieved an ROC AUC of 0.695 ± 0.045. The data collection window for determining each participant’s vital sign baseline was increased from 4 to 8 or 12 weeks with no significant difference in model performance (F(2) = 0.80, p = 0.472). We demonstrate that 4 weeks of intermittently collected vital sign measurements could be used to predict SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity, with applicability to other diseases causing similar vital sign changes. This is the first example of an accessible, smartphone-based remote monitoring tool deployable in a public health setting to screen for potential infections.
SpineTool is an open-source software for analysis of morphology of dendritic spines
Authors: Pchitskaya Ekaterina , Vasiliev Peter , Smirnova Daria , Chukanov Vyacheslav , Bezprozvanny Ilya 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDendritic spines form most excitatory synaptic inputs in neurons and these spines are altered in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Reliable methods to assess and quantify dendritic spines morphology are needed, but most existing methods are subjective and labor intensive. To solve this problem, we developed an open-source software that allows segmentation of dendritic spines from 3D images, extraction of their key morphological features, and their classification and clustering. Instead of commonly used spine descriptors based on numerical metrics we used chord length distribution histogram (CLDH) approach. CLDH method depends on distribution of lengths of chords randomly generated within dendritic spines volume. To achieve less biased analysis, we developed a classification procedure that uses machine-learning algorithm based on experts’ consensus and machine-guided clustering tool. These approaches to unbiased and automated measurements, classification and clustering of synaptic spines that we developed should provide a useful resource for a variety of neuroscience and neurodegenerative research applications.
Modified ulnar lengthening for correction of the Masada type 2 forearm deformity in hereditary multiple exostosis
Authors: Cao Shu , Zeng Jian-Fa , Xiao Sheng , Dong Zhong-Gen , Xu Zi-Li , Liu Hong , Li Xin , Fang Ke , Wen Jie , Zeng Ming , Tang Zhong-Wen , Li Bo , Gong Hao-Li , Li Fan-Ling 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFew articles have reported on the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis, possibly because of the high redislocation rate and other complications. This study precisely declares the use of modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities. 20 children with Masada type 2 forearm deformities were admitted for surgical treatment at our hospital from February 2014 to February 2021. There were 13 girls and 7 boys, ranging in age from 3.5 to 15 years (mean: 9 years) at the time of operation. We removed the prominent osteochondromas of the distal ulna and the proximal radius, positioned a classic Ilizarov external fixator on the forearm and then performed ulnar transverse one-third proximal diaphyseal subperiosteal osteotomy. We adopted modified ulnar lengthening postoperatively. The effects of surgical correction of deformity and functional improvement of the limb were assessed via regular follow-up and X-ray. The patients were followed up for 36 months, and the ulna was lengthened 26.99 mm on average; all radial heads remained relocated. The radiographic evaluations, including relative ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip, were improved. The functions of the elbow and forearm were all improved after surgery. Modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostoses has been proven to be an effective and reliable technique in the early stage.
Novel gain-tuning for sliding mode control of second-order mechanical systems: theory and experiments
Authors: Xuan-Mung Nguyen , Nguyen Ngoc Phi , Pham Dinh Ba , Dao Nhu-Ngoc , Nguyen Huu Tiep , Ha Le Nhu Ngoc Thanh , Vu Mai The , Hong Sung Kyung 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe sliding mode control is well-known as a useful control technique that can be applied in several real-world applications. However, a straightforward and efficient process of selecting the sliding mode control gains remains a challenging but interesting topic. This paper investigates a novel gain tuning method for the sliding mode control of second-order mechanical systems. Firstly, we obtain relations between the gains and the natural and damping ratio of the closed-loop system. Secondly, the time constant of the system’s actuators and the system response performance criteria, including settling time and delay time, are taken into consideration to determine appropriate ranges of the gains. These gain ranges allow control designers to select the controller gains in a time-saving manner and ensure that the desired system performance is met and the actuators work properly. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the gain tuning process of a sliding mode altitude controller for an actual quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this method.
Sickness absence transitions among Swedish twins with back, neck or shoulder pain and common mental disorders applying a multi-state approach
Authors: Kärkkäinen Sanna , Bergström Jakob , Ropponen Annina , Wang Mo , Narusyte Jurgita , Svedberg Pia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe aimed to investigate transitions to and from sickness absence, or disability pension among individuals with back, neck, or shoulder pain and/or with common mental disorders (CMDs), and the role of familial (genetics and shared environment) influences on the transitions. Swedish twins born 1935–1985 who responded to pain and CMDs survey items (N = 41,516) were followed on average 8.7 years for sickness absence states in national registers. Multi-state Cox regression models were applied for three exposure groups: pain, CMDs, and presence of both, compared to unexposed. Exposure discordant twin pairs, stratified by zygosity, were analysed to assess the role of familial factors. Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals and transition intensities were calculated. HRs were similar for transitions between states among those with pain or CMDs. The highest HRs were for transitions from entry to sickness absence and sickness absence to disability pension among those with both pain and CMDs (HRs: 1.61 and 1.43, respectively). Higher HRs for dizygotic compared to monozygotic twins for the first transition to sickness absence and for altering back to not being sickness absent indicate familial confounding. Back, neck, or shoulder pain and/or CMDs indicate a higher risk to become sickness absent and for repeated sickness absence episodes over time compared to unaffected.
The aversive bystander effect whereby egalitarian bystanders overestimate the confrontation of prejudice
Authors: Szekeres Hanna , Halperin Eran , Kende Anna , Saguy Tamar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEveryday expression of prejudice continues to pose a social challenge across societies. We tend to assume that to the extent people are egalitarian, they are more likely to confront prejudice—but this might not necessarily be the case. We tested this assumption in two countries (US and Hungary) among majority members of society, using a behavioral paradigm for measuring confronting. Prejudice was directed at various outgroup minority individuals (African Americans, Muslims and Latinos in the US, and Roma in Hungary). Across four experiments (N = 1116), we predicted and found that egalitarian (anti-prejudiced) values were only associated with hypothetical confronting intentions, but not with actual confronting, and stronger egalitarians were more likely to overestimate their confronting than weaker egalitarians—to the point that while intentions differed, the actual confronting rate of stronger and weaker egalitarians were similar. We also predicted and found that such overestimation was associated with internal (and not external) motivation to respond without prejudice. We also identified behavioral uncertainty (being uncertain how to intervene) as a potential explanation for egalitarians’ overestimation. The implications of these findings for egalitarians’ self-reflection, intergroup interventions, and research are discussed.
A refined information processing capacity metric allows an in-depth analysis of memory and nonlinearity trade-offs in neurocomputational systems
Authors: Schulte to Brinke Tobias , Dick Michael , Duarte Renato , Morrison Abigail 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSince dynamical systems are an integral part of many scientific domains and can be inherently computational, analyses that reveal in detail the functions they compute can provide the basis for far-reaching advances in various disciplines. One metric that enables such analysis is the information processing capacity. This method not only provides us with information about the complexity of a system’s computations in an interpretable form, but also indicates its different processing modes with different requirements on memory and nonlinearity. In this paper, we provide a guideline for adapting the application of this metric to continuous-time systems in general and spiking neural networks in particular. We investigate ways to operate the networks deterministically to prevent the negative effects of randomness on their capacity. Finally, we present a method to remove the restriction to linearly encoded input signals. This allows the separate analysis of components within complex systems, such as areas within large brain models, without the need to adapt their naturally occurring inputs.
Physiology of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during growth on industrial sugar cane molasses can be reproduced in a tailor-made defined synthetic medium
Authors: Eliodório Kevy Pontes , Cunha Gabriel Caetano de Gois e , Lino Felipe Senne de Oliveira , Sommer Morten Otto Alexander , Gombert Andreas Karoly , Giudici Reinaldo , Basso Thiago Olitta 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFully defined laboratory media have the advantage of allowing for reproducibility and comparability of results among different laboratories, as well as being suitable for the investigation of how different individual components affect microbial or process performance. We developed a fully defined medium that mimics sugarcane molasses, a frequently used medium in different industrial processes where yeast is cultivated. The medium, named 2SMol, builds upon a previously published semi-defined formulation and is conveniently prepared from some stock solutions: C-source, organic N, inorganic N, organic acids, trace elements, vitamins, Mg + K, and Ca. We validated the 2SMol recipe in a scaled-down sugarcane biorefinery model, comparing the physiology of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in different actual molasses-based media. We demonstrate the flexibility of the medium by investigating the effect of nitrogen availability on the ethanol yield during fermentation. Here we present in detail the development of a fully defined synthetic molasses medium and the physiology of yeast strains in this medium compared to industrial molasses. This tailor-made medium was able to satisfactorily reproduce the physiology of S. cerevisiae in industrial molasses. Thus, we hope the 2SMol formulation will be valuable to researchers both in academia and industry to obtain new insights and developments in industrial yeast biotechnology.
Laboratory investigation of GO-SA-MWCNTs ternary hybrid nanoparticles efficacy on dynamic viscosity and wear properties of oil (5W30) and modeling based on machine learning
Authors: Sepehrnia Mojtaba , Davoodabadi Farahani Somayeh , Hamidi Arani Abolfazl , Taghavi Ali , Golmohammadi Hamidreza 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the present study, the properties of ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF) of oil (5W30) - Graphene Oxide (GO)-Silica Aerogel (SA)-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in volume fractions ($$\varphi )$$φ)of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5% and at temperatures 5 to 65 °C has been measured. This THNF is made in a two-step method and a viscometer device made in USA is used for viscosity measurements. The wear test was performed via a pin-on-disk tool according to the ASTM G99 standard. The outcomes show that the viscosity increases with the increase in the$$\varphi$$φ, and the reduction in temperature. By enhancing the temperature by 60 °C, at$$\varphi$$φ= 1.2% and a shear rate (SR) of 50 rpm, a viscosity reduction of approximately 92% has been observed. Also, the results showed that with the rise in SR, the shear stress increased and the viscosity decreased. The estimated values of THNF viscosity at various SRs and temperatures show that its behavior is non-Newtonian. The efficacy of adding nanopowders (NPs) on the stability of the friction and wear behavior of the base oil has been studied. The findings of the test display that the wear rate and friction coefficient increased about 68% and 4.5% for$$\varphi$$φ= 1.5% compared to$$\varphi$$φ= 0. Neural network (NN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Gaussian process regression (GPR) based on machine learning (ML) have been used to model viscosity. Each model predicted the viscosity of the THNF well, and Rsquare > 0.99.
Cancer associated macrophage-like cells in metastatic renal cell carcinoma predicts for poor prognosis and tracks treatment response in real time
Authors: Ali Amama , Adams Daniel L. , Kasabwala Dimpal M. , Tang Cha-Mei , Ho Thai H. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRenal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is a fatal urological cancer, with one third of patients diagnosed with metastasis, resulting in a 5-year survival of only 12%. Recent advancements in therapies have increased survival in mRCC, but lack efficacy in subtypes, due to treatment resistance and toxic side effects. Currently, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets are limitedly used as blood based biomarkers to help determine RCC prognosis. Cancer associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) are a potential mRCC biomarker which have been identified in peripheral blood of patients with malignant tumors and have been shown to predict poor clinical patient outcomes based on their number and size. In this study, blood samples from 40 RCC patients were obtained to evaluate the clinical utility of CAMLs. CAML changes were monitored during treatment regimens to evaluate their ability to predict treatment efficacy. It was observed that patients with smaller CAMLs had better progression free survival (HR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.22–6.60, p = 0.0273) and overall survival (HR = 3.95, 95% CI 1.45–10.78, p = 0.0154) versus patients with larger CAMLs. These findings suggest that CAMLs can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker for patients with RCC which may help improve management of advanced RCC.
The CD133 and CD34 cell types in human umbilical cord blood have the capacity to produce infectious dengue virus particles
Authors: Vats Amrita , Ho Tzu-Chuan , Puc Irwin , Chang Chiung-Hsin , Perng Guey-Chuen , Chen Po-Lin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAlthough dengue virus (DENV) can establish infections in hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs), there is little information on dengue virus persistent infection in CD34+ and CD133+ cell surface glycoproteins of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). CD34 and CD133 also function as cell–cell adhesion factors, which are present in umbilical cord blood (UCB). In this study, we sought to establish a persistent infection model of DENV infection in UCB using a prolonged period of infection lasting 30 days. Post-infection, the results exhibited a productive and non-productive phase of DENV production. Using a plaque assay, Western blot, and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that CD133 and CD34 cells are target cells for DENV infection. Moreover, we showed that DENV particles can be recovered from the non-productive phase of DENV-infected CD34 and CD133 cells after co-incubation with Vero cells. We concluded that CD133 and CD34 retain their capacity to produce the infectious virus due to proliferation and their ability to repopulate, as deduced from a BrdU proliferation assay and flow cytometry analysis using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding. In summary, the platform to co-culture infected primitive HSCs from their non-productive phase onto Vero cells will give new insights into understanding the DENV dynamics in cell-to-cell transmission and reactivation of the virus.
Multi-objective optimization of multiple droplet impacts on a molten PCM using NSGA-II optimizer and artificial neural network
Authors: Faghiri Shahin , Poureslami Parham , Partovi Aria Hadi , Shafii Mohammad Behshad 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEmbracing an interaction between the phase change material (PCM) and the droplets of a heat transfer fluid, the direct contact (DC) method suggests a cutting-edge solution for expediting the phase change rates of PCMs in thermal energy storage (TES) units. In the direct contact TES configuration, when impacting the molten PCM pool, droplets evaporate, provoking the formation of a solidified PCM area (A). Then, they reduce the created solid temperature, leading to a minimum temperature value (Tmin). As a novelty, this research intends to maximize A and minimize Tmin since augmenting A expedites the discharge rate, and by lowering Tmin, the generated solid is preserved longer, resulting in a higher storage efficacy. To take the influences of interaction between droplets into account, the simultaneous impingement of two ethanol droplets on a molten paraffin wax is surveyed. Impact parameters (Weber number, impact spacing, and the pool temperature) govern the objective functions (A and Tmin). Initially, through high-speed and IR thermal imaging, the experimental values of objective functions are achieved for a wide range of impact parameters. Afterward, exploiting an artificial neural network (ANN), two models are fitted to A and Tmin, respectively. Subsequently, the models are provided for the NSGA-II algorithm to implement multi-objective optimization (MOO). Eventually, utilizing two different final decision-making (FDM) approaches (LINMAP and TOPSIS), optimized impact parameters are attained from the Pareto front. Regarding the results, the optimum amount of Weber number, impact spacing, and pool temperature accomplished by LINMAP and TOPSIS procedures are 309.44, 2.84 mm, 66.89 °C, and 294.98, 2.78 mm, 66.89 °C, respectively. This is the first investigation delving into the optimization of multiple droplet impacts for TES applications.