bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequential roles for red blood cell binding proteins enable phased commitment to invasion for malaria parasites
Authors: Hart Melissa N. , Mohring Franziska , DonVito Sophia M. , Thomas James A. , Muller-Sienerth Nicole , Wright Gavin J. , Knuepfer Ellen , Saibil Helen R. , Moon Robert W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInvasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium merozoites is critical to their continued survival within the host. Two major protein families, the Duffy binding-like proteins (DBPs/EBAs) and the reticulocyte binding like proteins (RBLs/RHs) have been studied extensively in P. falciparum and are hypothesized to have overlapping, but critical roles just prior to host cell entry. The zoonotic malaria parasite, P. knowlesi, has larger invasive merozoites and contains a smaller, less redundant, DBP and RBL repertoire than P. falciparum. One DBP (DBPα) and one RBL, normocyte binding protein Xa (NBPXa) are essential for invasion of human RBCs. Taking advantage of the unique biological features of P. knowlesi and iterative CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we determine the precise order of key invasion milestones and demonstrate distinct roles for each family. These distinct roles support a mechanism for phased commitment to invasion and can be targeted synergistically with invasion inhibitory antibodies.
Strain-enhanced electrical performance in stretchable semiconducting polymers
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wang Zhihui , Yan Yongkun , Yang Longfei , Chi Kai , Wu Yangjiang , Li Wenhao , Yi Zhiying , Liu Yunqi , Zhao Yan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntrinsically stretchable semiconducting polymers are promising candidates for developing wearable electronics, but remain underdeveloped because the correlation between the microstructural evolution during stretching and the resultant charge transport is not clearly understood. In this study, we clarify the impact of molecular orientation on the dynamic performance of stretched semiconducting polymers, controlling molecular orientations via solvent-dependent spin-coating. We found that strain-enhanced electrical performance is feasible by quelling disorders within the face-on-packed aggregates. Strain facilitates 3D ordering in face-on-packed films, but increase the π-π orientation disorders and lamellar dislocation in the edge-on analogue, which contribute inversely to the charge transport. Consequently, the face-on samples maintain strain-resistant energetic disorder and a 1.5× increase in on-current, achieving a 10-times-higher retention than the edge-on analogue upon 100% strain. Furthermore, we developed a reliable way for measuring the photoelectrical stretchability of semiconducting polymer. This study contributes to developing high-performance stretchable semiconducting polymers.
Reduced mammillary body volume in individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis: an analysis of the COBRE data set
Authors: Milczarek Michal M. , Gilani Syed Irtiza A. , Lequin Maarten H. , Vann Seralynne D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhile the frontal cortices and medial temporal lobe are well associated with schizophrenia, the involvement of wider limbic areas is less clear. The mammillary bodies are important for both complex memory formation and anxiety and are implicated in several neurological disorders that present with memory impairments. However, little is known about their role in schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have reported a loss of neurons in the mammillary bodies but there are also reports of increased mammillary body volume. The findings from in vivo MRI studies have also been mixed, but studies have typically only involved small sample sizes. To address this, we acquired mammillary body volumes from the open-source COBRE dataset, where we were able to manually measure the mammillary bodies in 72 individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis and 74 controls. Participant age ranged from 18 to 65. We found the mammillary bodies to be smaller in the patient group, across both hemispheres, after accounting for the effects of total brain volume and gender. Hippocampal volumes, but not subiculum or total grey matter volumes, were also significantly lower in patients. Given the importance of the mammillary bodies for both memory and anxiety, this atrophy could contribute to the symptomology in schizophrenia.
Influence of lifestyle factors with the outcome of menstrual disorders among adolescents and young women in West Bengal, India
Authors: Dhar Shrinjana , Mondal Kousik Kr. , Bhattacharjee Pritha 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMenstruation is a natural phenomenon for every female, starting from adolescents to menopausal age. Any disturbances in menstrual patterns can eventually affect one’s physical as well as psychological health which in turn hamper the quality of life of women. Several factors including genetic predisposition as well as lifestyle modifications adversely affect normal menstrual patterns. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of menstrual disorders among adolescents and young women as well as the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional random survey was conducted from January 2020 to January 2022 in various schools and colleges. A structured questionnaire was prepared which include anthropometric details, demographic information, and lifestyle patterns. The data were extracted for further statistical analysis. In the overall study population, the prevalence of PCOS, Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Polymenorrhea, Hypomenorrhea and the irregular menstrual cycle was found at 14.14%, 15.14%, 6.29%, 3.70%, 5.16% and 44.83% respectively. The mean BMI of the study population was 19.949 ± 4.801 kg/m2 and the mean WHr was 0.872 ± 0.101, indicating a moderate to high risk of metabolic disorder among the study population. Increased BMI, short sleep, and sedentary and vigorous physical activity can contribute to the risk of developing menstrual disorders. Unhealthy food habits are a major risk factor for menstrual disorders. Lifestyle modifications like healthy food habits, sleeping patterns, physical activity, etc. can effectively reduce the risk of menstrual disorders and also cut down the severity of more complex health problems. In-depth biochemical and molecular analysis is required to identify specific biomarkers.
Exome-wide association study of treatment-resistant depression suggests novel treatment targets
Authors: Shah Shrey B. , Peddada Teja N. , Song Christopher , Mensah Maame , Sung Heejong , Yavi Mani , Yuan Peixiong , Zarate Carlos A. , Mickey Brian J. , Burmeister Margit , Akula Nirmala , McMahon Francis J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a severe form of major depressive disorder (MDD) with substantial public health impact and poor treatment outcome. Treatment outcome in MDD is significantly heritable, but genome-wide association studies have failed to identify replicable common marker alleles, suggesting a potential role for uncommon variants. Here we investigated the hypothesis that uncommon, putatively functional genetic variants are associated with TRD. Whole-exome sequencing data was obtained from 182 TRD cases and 2021 psychiatrically healthy controls. After quality control, the remaining 149 TRD cases and 1976 controls were analyzed with tests designed to detect excess burdens of uncommon variants. At the gene level, 5 genes, ZNF248, PRKRA, PYHIN1, SLC7A8, and STK19 each carried exome-wide significant excess burdens of variants in TRD cases (q < 0.05). Analysis of 41 pre-selected gene sets suggested an excess of uncommon, functional variants among genes involved in lithium response. Among the genes identified in previous TRD studies, ZDHHC3 was also significant in this sample after multiple test correction. ZNF248 and STK19 are involved in transcriptional regulation, PHYIN1 and PRKRA are involved in immune response, SLC7A8 is associated with thyroid hormone transporter activity, and ZDHHC3 regulates synaptic clustering of GABA and glutamate receptors. These results implicate uncommon, functional alleles in TRD and suggest promising novel targets for future research.
Terrorist attacks sharpen the binary perception of “Us” vs. “Them”
Authors: Jović Milan , Šubelj Lovro , Golob Tea , Makarovič Matej , Yasseri Taha , Krstićev Danijela Boberić , Škrbić Srdjan , Levnajić Zoran 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTerrorist attacks not only harm citizens but also shift their attention, which has long-lasting impacts on public opinion and government policies. Yet measuring the changes in public attention beyond media coverage has been methodologically challenging. Here we approach this problem by starting from Wikipedia’s répertoire of 5.8 million articles and a sample of 15 recent terrorist attacks. We deploy a complex exclusion procedure to identify topics and themes that consistently received a significant increase in attention due to these incidents. Examining their contents reveals a clear picture: terrorist attacks foster establishing a sharp boundary between “Us” (the target society) and “Them” (the terrorist as the enemy). In the midst of this, one seeks to construct identities of both sides. This triggers curiosity to learn more about “Them” and soul-search for a clearer understanding of “Us”. This systematic analysis of public reactions to disruptive events could help mitigate their societal consequences.
Machine learning prediction and classification of behavioral selection in a canine olfactory detection program
Authors: Eyre Alexander W. , Zapata Isain , Hare Elizabeth , Serpell James A. , Otto Cynthia M. , Alvarez Carlos E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThere is growing interest in canine behavioral research specifically for working dogs. Here we take advantage of a dataset of a Transportation Safety Administration olfactory detection cohort of 628 Labrador Retrievers to perform Machine Learning (ML) prediction and classification studies of behavioral traits and environmental effects. Data were available for four time points over a 12 month foster period after which dogs were accepted into a training program or eliminated. Three supervised ML algorithms had robust performance in correctly predicting which dogs would be accepted into the training program, but poor performance in distinguishing those that were eliminated (~ 25% of the cohort). The 12 month testing time point yielded the best ability to distinguish accepted and eliminated dogs (AUC = 0.68). Classification studies using Principal Components Analysis and Recursive Feature Elimination using Cross-Validation revealed the importance of olfaction and possession-related traits for an airport terminal search and retrieve test, and possession, confidence, and initiative traits for an environmental test. Our findings suggest which tests, environments, behavioral traits, and time course are most important for olfactory detection dog selection. We discuss how this approach can guide further research that encompasses cognitive and emotional, and social and environmental effects.
Statistical inferences under step stress partially accelerated life testing based on multiple censoring approaches using simulated and real-life engineering data
Authors: Rahman Ahmadur , Kamal Mustafa , Khan Shahnawaz , Khan Mohammad Faisal , Mustafa Manahil SidAhmed , Hussam Eslam , Atchadé Mintodê Nicodème , Al Mutairi Aned 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEvaluating the lifespan distribution of highly reliable commodities under regular use is exceedingly difficult, time consuming, and extremely expensive. As a result of its ability to provide more failure data faster and at a lower experimental cost, accelerated life testing has become increasingly important in life testing studies. In this article, we concentrate on parametric inference for step stress partially life testing utilizing multiple censored data based on the Tampered Random Variable model. Under normal stress circumstances, the lifespan of the experimental units is assumed to follow the Nadarajah–Haghighi distribution, with and being the shape and scale parameters, respectively. Maximum likelihood estimates for model parameters and acceleration factor are developed using multiple censored data. We build asymptotic confidence intervals for the unknown parameters using the observed Fisher information matrix. To demonstrate the applicability of the different methodologies, an actual data set based on the timings of subsequent failures of consecutive air conditioning system failures for each member of a Boeing 720 jet aircraft fleet is investigated. Finally, thorough simulation studies utilizing various censoring strategies are performed to evaluate the estimate procedure performance. Several sample sizes were studied in order to investigate the finite sample features of the considered estimators. According to our numerical findings, the values of mean squared errors and average asymptotic confidence intervals lengths drop as sample size increases. Furthermore, when the censoring level is reduced, the considered estimates of the parameters approach their genuine values.
Long-range linkage effects in adapting sexual populations
Authors: Rouzine Igor M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn sexual populations, closely-situated genes have linked evolutionary fates, while genes spaced far in genome are commonly thought to evolve independently due to recombination. In the case where evolution depends essentially on supply of new mutations, this assumption has been confirmed by mathematical modeling. Here I examine it in the case of pre-existing genetic variation, where mutation is not important. A haploid population with$$N$$Ngenomes,$$L$$Lloci, a fixed selection coefficient, and a small initial frequency of beneficial alleles$${f}_{0}$$f0is simulated by a Monte-Carlo algorithm. When the number of loci,L, is larger than a critical value of$${\text{4log}}^{2} \left( {Nf_{0} } \right),$$4log2Nf0,simulation demonstrates a host of linkage effects that decrease neither with the distance between loci nor the number of recombination crossovers. Due to clonal interference, the beneficial alleles become extinct at a fraction of loci$$1-2\mathrm{log}\left(N{f}_{0}\right)/{L}^{0.5}$$1-2logNf0/L0.5. Due to a genetic background effect, the substitution rate varies broadly between loci, with the fastest value exceeding the one-locus limit by the factor of$${[{L}^{0.5}/\mathrm{log}\left(Ns\right)]}^{0.75}.$$[L0.5/logNs]0.75.Thus, the far-situated parts of a long genome in a sexual population do not evolve as independent blocks. A potential link between these findings and the emergence of new Variants of Concern of SARS-CoV-2 is discussed.
Evaluation of in vitro biocompatibility of human pulp stem cells with allogeneic, alloplastic, and xenogeneic grafts under the influence of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Heitzer Marius , Zhao Qun , Greven Johannes , Winnand Philipp , Zhang Xing , Bläsius Felix Marius , Buhl Eva Miriam , Wolf Michael , Neuss Sabine , Hildebrand Frank , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTherapies using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) or stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promising applications for bone tissue engineering. This in vitro experiment evaluated the joint osteogenic capability of DPSCs and EVs on alloplastic (maxresorp), allogeneic (maxgraft), and xenogeneic (cerabone) bone grafts. We hypothesize that osteogenic differentiation and the proliferation of human DPSCs vary between bone grafts and are favorable under the influence of EVs. DPSCs were obtained from human wisdom teeth, and EVs derived from DPSCs were isolated from cell culture medium. DPSCs were seeded on alloplastic, allogeneic, and xenogeneic bone graft substitutes for control, and the same scaffolds were administered with EVs in further groups. The cellular uptake of EVs into DPSC cells was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell vitality staining and calcein acetoxymethyl ester staining were used to evaluate cell attachment and proliferation. Cell morphology was determined using scanning electron microscopy, and osteogenic differentiation was explored by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red staining. Within the limitations of an in vitro study without pathologies, the results suggest that especially the use of xenogeneic bone graft substitutes with DPSCS and EVs may represent a promising treatment approach for alveolar bone defects.
Predicting of tunneling resistivity between adjacent nanosheets in graphene–polymer systems
Authors: Zare Yasser , Gharib Nima , Nam Dong-Hyun , Chang Young-Wook 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this work, the tunneling resistivity between neighboring nanosheets in grapheme–polymer nanocomposites is expressed by a simple equation as a function of the characteristics of graphene and tunnels. This expression is obtained by connecting two advanced models for the conductivity of graphene-filled materials reflecting tunneling role and interphase area. The predictions of the applied models are linked to the tested data of several samples. The impressions of all factors on the tunneling resistivity are evaluated and interpreted using the suggested equation. The calculations of tunneling resistivity for the studied examples by the model and suggested equation demonstrate the same levels, which confirm the presented methodology. The results indicate that the tunneling resistivity decreases by super-conductive graphene, small tunneling width, numerous contacts among nanosheets and short tunneling length.
Ancient DNA confirms diverse origins of early post-Columbian cattle in the Americas
Authors: Delsol Nicolas , Stucky Brian J. , Oswald Jessica A. , Cobb Charles R. , Emery Kitty F. , Guralnick Robert 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBefore the arrival of Europeans, domestic cattle (Bos taurus) did not exist in the Americas, and most of our knowledge about how domestic bovines first arrived in the Western Hemisphere is based on historical documents. Sixteenth-century colonial accounts suggest that the first cattle were brought in small numbers from the southern Iberian Peninsula via the Canary archipelago to the Caribbean islands where they were bred locally and imported to other circum-Caribbean regions. Modern American heritage cattle genetics and limited ancient mtDNA data from archaeological colonial cattle suggest a more complex story of mixed ancestries from Europe and Africa. So far little information exists to understand the nature and timing of the arrival of these mixed-ancestry populations. In this study we combine ancient mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from a robust sample of some of the earliest archaeological specimens from Caribbean and Mesoamerican sites to clarify the origins and the dynamics of bovine introduction into the Americas. Our analyses support first arrival of cattle from diverse locales and potentially confirm the early arrival of African-sourced cattle in the Americas, followed by waves of later introductions from various sources over several centuries.
Dual Ni/Co-hemin metal–organic framework-PrGO for high-performance asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor
Authors: Mousaabadi Kimia Zarean , Ensafi Ali A. , Naghsh Erfan , Hu Jin-Song , Rezaei Behzad 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, we conducted direct synthesis of a dual metal–organic framework (Ni/Co-Hemin MOF) on phosphorous-doped reduced graphene oxide (PrGO) to serve as an active material in high-performance asymmetrical supercapacitors. The nanocomposite was utilized as an active material in supercapacitors, exhibiting a noteworthy specific capacitance of 963 C g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, along with a high rate capability of 68.3% upon increasing the current density by 20 times, and superior cycling stability. Our comprehensive characterization and control experiments indicated that the improved performance can be attributed to the combined effect of the dual MOF and the presence of phosphorous, influencing the battery-type supercapacitor behavior of GO. Additionally, we fabricated an asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor (AHSC) using Ni/Co-Hemin/PrGO/Nickel foam (NF) and activated carbon (AC)/NF. This AHSC demonstrated a specific capacitance of 281 C g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, an operating voltage of 1.80 V, an impressive energy density of 70.3 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 0.9 kW kg−1. Notably, three AHSC devices connected in series successfully powered a clock for approximately 42 min. These findings highlight the potential application of Hemin-based MOFs in advanced supercapacitor systems.
Light exposure behaviors predict mood, memory and sleep quality
Authors: Siraji Mushfiqul Anwar , Spitschan Manuel , Kalavally Vineetha , Haque Shamsul 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAmple research has shown that light influences our emotions, cognition, and sleep quality. However, little work has examined whether different light exposure-related behaviors, such as daytime exposure to electric light and nighttime usage of gadgets, especially before sleep, influence sleep quality and cognition. Three-hundred-and-one Malaysian adults (MeanAge±SD = 28 ± 9) completed the Light Exposure Behavior Assessment tool that measured five light exposure behaviors. They also completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and single items assessing trouble in memory and concentration. A partial least square structural equation model, showing 72.72% predictive power, revealed that less use of wearable blue filters outdoors during the day and more within one hour before sleep predicted early peak time (direct effect = −0.25). Increased time spent outdoors predicted a positive affect (direct effect = 0.33) and a circadian phase advancement (direct effect: rising time = 0.14, peak time = 0.20, retiring time = 0.17). Increased use of mobile phone before sleep predicted a circadian phase delay (direct effect: retiring time = −0.25; rising time = −0.23; peak time = −0.22; morning affect = −0.12), reduced sleep quality (direct effect = 0.13), and increased trouble in memory and concentration (total effect = 0.20 and 0.23, respectively). Increased use of tunable, LED, or dawn-simulating electric light in the morning and daytime predicted a circadian phase advancement (direct effect: peak time = 0.15, morning affect = 0.14, retiring time = 0.15) and good sleep quality (direct effect = −0.16). The results provide valuable insights into developing a healthy light diet to promote health and wellness.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on A549 non-small cell lung cancer growth in a clinically relevant surgical xenograft model
Authors: Jun Ji Hae , Shim Jae-Kwang , Oh Ju Eun , Kim Kwang-Sub , Kwak Young-Lan , Soh Sarah 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe perioperative milieu following curative lung cancer surgery is accompanied by a stress response. Inflammasomes mediate inflammation resulting in the unfavorable immunomodulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity, thus promoting cancer progression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the innate immune system, chronic inflammation, and lung cancer progression in a clinically relevant human-to-mouse xenograft model. The human lung cancer cell line A549-luc was subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice. Saline or dexmedetomidine was administered for 2 weeks via an implanted osmotic minipump. After 4 weeks, the tumor size and weight were measured. NK cell activity, serum interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were also measured. IL-10, IL-18, and inflammasome expression levels were assessed in the tumor tissues. DEX caused a decrease in tumor size, tumor weight, and IL-1β and TNF-α levels and an increase in NK cell activity and IFN-γ level. IL-10 and IL-18 expression was significantly decreased in the DEX-treated group. NLRP3, CTP1A, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and caspase-1 protein levels were decreased in the DEX-treated group. In conclusion, the use of DEX for 2 weeks inhibited lung cancer progression by suppressing inflammasome- and IL-1β signaling-induced inflammation and enhancing NK cell activity.