bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing variable flip angles in magnetization‐prepared gradient‐echo sequences for efficient 3D‐T1ρ mapping
Authors: Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , De Moura Hector L. , Keerthivasan Mahesh B. , Regatte Ravinder R. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeTo optimize the choice of the flip angles of magnetization‐prepared gradient‐echo sequences for improved accuracy, precision, and speed of 3D‐T1ρ mapping.MethodsWe propose a new optimization approach for finding variable flip‐angle values that improve magnetization‐prepared gradient‐echo sequences used for 3D‐T1ρ mapping. This new approach can improve the accuracy and SNR, while reducing filtering effects. We demonstrate the concept in the three different versions of the magnetization‐prepared gradient‐echo sequences that are typically used for 3D‐T1ρ mapping and evaluate their performance in model agarose phantoms (n = 4) and healthy volunteers (n = 5) for knee joint imaging. We also tested the optimization with sequence parameters targeting faster acquisitions.ResultsOur results show that optimized variable flip angle can improve the accuracy and the precision of the sequences, seen as a reduction of the mean of normalized absolute difference from about 5%–6% to 3%–4% in model phantoms and from 15%–16% to 11%–13% in the knee joint, and improving SNR from about 12–28 to 22–32 in agarose phantoms and about 7–14 to 13–17 in healthy volunteers. The optimization can also compensate for the loss in quality caused by making the sequence faster. This results in sequence configurations that acquire more data per unit of time with SNR and mean of normalized absolute difference measurements close to its slower versions.ConclusionThe optimization of the variable flip angle can be used to increase accuracy and precision, and to improve the speed of the typical imaging sequences used for quantitative 3D‐T1ρ mapping of the knee joint.
Study of micro‐elongated thermoelastic medium loaded with a piezoelectric layer under the influence of gravity using the dual‐phase‐lag model
Authors: Othman Mohamed I. A. , Eraki Ebtesam E. M. , Ismail Mohamed F. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper aims to examine the influence of gravity on a thermoelastic micro‐elongated layer when a piezoelectric layer is above it, utilizing the theory of Lord–Shulman (L–S) and also the model of dual‐phase‐lag (DPL). A partial differential equation was transformed into an ordinary differential equation using the normal mode analysis. Aluminum epoxy numerical computations are carried out, and the results are presented in graphical format. The L–S theory and the model of DPL are compared in the presence and absence of gravity and it is found that gravity has quite a massive influence on all the physical quantities.
Exploring fundraising executives' careers in arts and culture: The role of tenure and career switching
Authors: Massi Marta , Carbonare Piergiacomo Mion Dalle , Prokupek Marek , Turrini Alex 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFundraisers play a crucial role in helping arts and culture organizations obtain the financial resources they need to carry out their missions and support their causes. However, research on fundraisers' careers is still in its infancy. As the profession gains importance, understanding the main motivating factors of fundraisers' career paths is key. This study investigates the effects of three variables that emerged as relevant motivations for fundraiser careers, that is, education, career promotion and sector experience, on fundraising executives' tenure and career switching. In addition, this research identifies profiles of fundraising executives in the arts and culture organizations in the United States. Moreover, this study explores the role of non‐profit orientation as a moderator of the relationship between career switching and tenure, and parallel titles as a moderator of the relationship between sector experience and tenure. Managerial implications are outlined.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C‐2 Alkylation of Indoles followed by a Post‐Synthetic Modification via the Ugi Reaction
Authors: Januário Marcelo Augusto Pereira , de Souza Demetrius P. , Zukerman‐Schpector Julio , Corrêa Arlene G. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIndole derivatives substituted at the C‐2 position have shown important biological activities. Due to these properties, several methods have been described for the preparation of structurally diverse indoles. In this work, we have synthesized highly functionalized indole derivatives via Rh(III)‐catalyzed C‐2 alkylation with nitroolefins. Under the optimized condition, 23 examples were prepared with 39–80 % yield. Moreover, the nitro compounds were reduced and submitted to the Ugi four‐component reaction, furnishing a series of new indole‐peptidomimetics in moderate to good overall yields.
A review of the unintended gender effects of international development efforts
Authors: van der Harst Maria , Koch Dirk‐Jan , van den Brink Marieke 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThere is widespread recognition among scholars, international aid providers and evaluators of the need to take into account the unintended outcomes of international development efforts. Practitioners have also signed on to charters that promise they will do their utmost best to ‘do no harm’. This article focusses on the often overlooked unintended gender effects. A rigorous literature review was conducted to reveal some of the most prominent unintended consequences as documented in primary research in development studies. Five prevalent unintended gender effects were identified: (1) household dynamics, (2) anti‐foreign backfire, (3) overburdening of women, (4) human trafficking and sexual exploitation and (5) hype. While not all of the unintended gender effects are negative, most of the reported unintended effects jeopardise the intended outcomes of the interventions. This research provides both a call and a tool to analyse more systematically the unintended gender effects of international development efforts.
Multifunctional composite foam with high strength and sound‐absorbing based on step assembly strategy for high performance electromagnetic shielding
Authors: Huang Chen‐Hung , Dong Yu‐En 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSoft polyurethane (PU) materials exhibit excellent structural stability, sound absorption and heat insulation, and they can be used to prepare multifunctional conductive composites with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding function. On the basis of a multistep assembly strategy, our study constructed composite foams with sound absorption and EMI shielding properties by designing different functional layers and expanded the application field of PU foam. First, carbon black particles are compounded with PU foam to improve the mechanical properties and conductivity of pure foam. Then, an aluminum layer and a knitted fabric layer were introduced to construct composite foam samples with a sandwich structure, endowing the materials with excellent EMI shielding performance. The resultant composite foam material exhibits effective EMI shielding performance and good sound absorption performance, which are 58.33 dB and >0.3, respectively. Moreover, the composite foam material demonstrates high bursting strength and compression resistance, suggesting that it can be used under different conditions. The employment of the multistep assembly strategy provides PU foam with a flexible range of applications, offering an innovative approach for preparing multifunctional conductive composite materials.
Evaluating the maturation of mental health systems in developing countries
Authors: Nishio Akihiro , Marutani Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundGiven the need for a simple tool to evaluate mental healthcare provision at the local level, we compared the duration of untreated mental illness (DUM) and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) between rural and urban areas in Cambodia, and Cambodia's DUP was also compared with that of other countries.MethodsDUM and background data were obtained at the first consultation from 940 participants in Phnom Penh (PP), the capital city, and Siem Reap province (SR) in 2016–2017. DUP data were obtained from DUM by excluding individuals with nonpsychotic mental illnesses (e.g., mood disorders, neurotic disorders, substance use, epilepsy). Student's t‐test was used to compare DUM and DUP, and analysis of variance was conducted to identify associations.ResultsMean DUM significantly differed between PP (0.6 [SD 2.3] years) and SR (4.2 [5.9] years). Mean DUP was also significantly different (0.5 [2.2] years in PP vs. 4.3 [6.7] years in SR). DUM was strongly associated with DUP. The prevalence of the various disorders differed between rural and urban areas. DUM also varied by diagnosis, indicating that DUP is a better index than DUM. However, in some cases DUM can be used, given its strong association with DUP. DUP in PP was almost the same as in developed countries and was about four times longer in SR.ConclusionDUP in rural areas is much longer than in urban areas in developing countries. Although DUP is an effective index, more data from other places and before/after interventions are required to verify it further.
Insights into the catalytic mechanism of a bacterial deglycase essential for utilization of fructose‐lysine
Authors: Kovvali Sravya , Gao Yuan , Cool Austin , Lindert Steffen , Wysocki Vicki H. , Bell Charles E. , Gopalan Venkat 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAmadori rearrangement products are stable sugar‐amino acid conjugates that are formed nonenzymatically during preparation, dehydration, and storage of foods. Because Amadori compounds such as fructose‐lysine (F‐Lys), an abundant constituent in processed foods, shape the animal gut microbiome, it is important to understand bacterial utilization of these fructosamines. In bacteria, F‐Lys is first phosphorylated, either during or after uptake to the cytoplasm, to form 6‐phosphofructose‐lysine (6‐P‐F‐Lys). FrlB, a deglycase, then converts 6‐P‐F‐Lys to L‐lysine and glucose‐6‐phosphate. Here, to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of this deglycase, we first obtained a 1.8‐Å crystal structure of Salmonella FrlB (without substrate) and then used computational approaches to dock 6‐P‐F‐Lys on this structure. We also took advantage of the structural similarity between FrlB and the sugar isomerase domain of Escherichia coli glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase (GlmS), a related enzyme for which a structure with substrate has been determined. An overlay of FrlB—6‐P‐F‐Lys on GlmS—fructose‐6‐phosphate structures revealed parallels in their active‐site arrangement and guided our selection of seven putative active‐site residues in FrlB for site‐directed mutagenesis. Activity assays with eight recombinant single‐substitution mutants identified residues postulated to serve as the general acid and general base in the FrlB active site and indicated unexpectedly significant contributions from their proximal residues. By exploiting native mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to surface‐induced dissociation, we distinguished mutations that impaired substrate binding versus cleavage. As demonstrated with FrlB, an integrated approach involving x‐ray crystallography, in silico approaches, biochemical assays, and native MS can synergistically aid structure–function and mechanistic studies of enzymes.
An efficient computational protocol for template‐based design of peptides that inhibit interactions involving SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins
Authors: Chenna Akshay , Khan Wajihul Hasan , Dash Rozaleen , Saraswat Saurabh , Chugh Archana , Rathore Anurag S. , Goel Gaurav 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex of SARS‐CoV‐2 lies at the core of its replication and transcription processes. The interfaces between holo‐RdRp subunits are highly conserved, facilitating the design of inhibitors with high affinity for the interaction interface hotspots. We, therefore, take this as a model protein complex for the application of a structural bioinformatics protocol to design peptides that inhibit RdRp complexation by preferential binding at the interface of its core subunit nonstructural protein, nsp12, with accessory factor nsp7. Here, the interaction hotspots of the nsp7‐nsp12 subunit of RdRp, determined from a long molecular dynamics trajectory, are used as a template. A large library of peptide sequences constructed from multiple hotspot motifs of nsp12 is screened in‐silico to determine sequences with high geometric complementarity and interaction specificity for the binding interface of nsp7 (target) in the complex. Two lead designed peptides are extensively characterized using orthogonal bioanalytical methods to determine their suitability for inhibition of RdRp complexation. Binding affinity of these peptides to accessory factor nsp7, determined using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, is slightly better than that of nsp12: dissociation constant of 133nM and 167nM, respectively, compared to 473nM for nsp12. A competitive ELISA is used to quantify inhibition of nsp7‐nsp12 complexation, with one of the lead peptides giving an IC50 of 25μM . Cell penetrability and cytotoxicity are characterized using a cargo delivery assay and MTT cytotoxicity assay, respectively. Overall, this work presents a proof‐of‐concept of an approach for rational discovery of peptide inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 protein–protein interactions.
Magnolol alleviates pulmonary fibrosis inchronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting transient receptor potential vanilloid 4‐ankyrin repeat domain
Authors: Niu Lin , Lu Yu‐jie , Zu Xing‐wang , Yang Wen , Shen Fu‐kui , Xu Yan‐yan , Jiang Min , Xie Yang , Li Su‐yun , Gao Jie , Bai Gang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTransient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) plays a role in regulating pulmonary fibrosis (PF). While several TRPV4 antagonists including magnolol (MAG), have been discovered, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MAG on alleviating fibrosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on TRPV4, and to further analyze its mechanism of action on TRPV4. COPD was induced using cigarette smoke and LPS. The therapeutic effect of MAG on COPD‐induced fibrosis was evaluated. TRPV4 was identified as the main target protein of MAG using target protein capture with MAG probe and drug affinity response target stability assay. The binding sites of MAG at TRPV4 were analyzed using molecular docking and small molecule interaction with TRPV4‐ankyrin repeat domain (ARD). The effects of MAG on TRPV4 membrane distribution and channel activity were analyzed by co‐immunoprecipitation, fluorescence co‐localization, and living cell assay of calcium levels. By targeting TRPV4‐ARD, MAG disrupted the binding between phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase γ and TRPV4, leading to hampered membrane distribution on fibroblasts. Additionally, MAG competitively impaired ATP binding to TRPV4‐ARD, inhibiting TRPV4 channel opening activity. MAG effectively blocked the fibrotic process caused by mechanical or inflammatory signals, thus alleviating PF in COPD. Targeting TRPV4‐ARD presents a novel treatment strategy for PF in COPD.
Apoptotic and anti‐Warburg effect of Morusin via ROS mediated inhibition of FOXM1/c‐Myc signaling in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Koo Ja Il , Sim Deok Yong , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Ahn Chi‐Hoon , Park JiEon , Park Su‐Yeon , Lee Dain , Shim Bum‐Sang , Kim Bonglee , Kim Sung‐Hoon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThough Morusin is known to induce apoptotic, antiprolifertaive, and autophagic effects through several signaling pathways, the underlying molecular mechanisms of Morusin still remain unclear until now. To elucidate antitumor mechanism of Morusin, cytotoxicity assay, cell cycle analysis, Western blotting, TUNEL assay, RNA interference, immunofluorescense, immunoprecipitation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and inhibitor study were applied in this study. Morusin enhanced cytotoxicity, increased the number of TUNEL positive cells, sub‐G1 population and induced the cleavages of PARP and caspase3, attenuated the expression of HK2, PKM2, LDH, c‐Myc, and Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) along with the reduction of glucose, lactate, and ATP in DU145 and PC3 cells. Furthermore, Morusin disrupted the binding of c‐Myc and FOXM1 in PC‐3 cells, which was supported by String and cBioportal database. Notably, Morusin induced c‐Myc degradation mediated by FBW7 and suppressed c‐Myc stability in PC3 cells exposed to MG132 and cycloheximide. Also, Morusin generated ROS, while NAC disrupted the capacity of Morusin to reduce the expression of FOXM1, c‐Myc, pro‐PARP, and pro‐caspase3 in PC‐3 cells. Taken together, these findings provide scientific evidence that ROS mediated inhibition of FOXM1/c‐Myc signaling axis plays a critical role in Morusin induced apoptotic and anti‐Warburg effect in prostate cancer cells. Our findings support scientific evidence that ROS mediated inhibition of FOXM1/c‐Myc signaling axis is critically involved in apoptotic and anti‐Warburg effect of Morusin in prostate cancer cells.
Primary pulmonary lymphoma diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided transthoracic needle biopsy
Authors: Sekimoto Yasuhito , Sekiya Mitsuaki , Kohmaru Makiko , Okuma Tomoko , Tajima Manabu , Sato Hideaki , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: June 2023

Key messageUltrasound‐guided transthoracic needle biopsy is a relatively safe procedure diagnosing subpleural pulmonary mass and has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of lung cancer. However, the usefulness in other rare malignancies is unknown. This case shows the effectiveness in diagnosing not only lung cancer but also rare malignancies including primary pulmonary lymphoma.
Robust adaptive dynamic memory‐event‐triggered attitude control for nonlinear multi‐UAVs resist actuator hysteresis
Authors: Shao Xinfeng , Ye Dan 
Published: June 2023

SummaryThis article studies the memory‐based dynamic event‐triggered (MBDET) robust adaptive fuzzy control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear MASs subject to Backlash‐Like Hysteresis. The considered MASs are modeled as a class of nonlinear leader‐following multiagent systems with multiple inputs for each subsystem, which can be used to model multiple multi‐rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (Multi‐UAV) attitude systems. In the framework of backstepping recursive design, the fuzzy approximation technology, the parameter estimation technology, and the first‐order filtering technology are integrated, and an effective fuzzy adaptive control method is proposed, which solves the problems of Backlash‐Like Hysteresis and external disturbances in the system while avoiding the “explosion of complexity”. In order to relieve the communication pressure of Multi‐UAV attitude systems, a novel dynamic memory‐event‐triggered mechanism (DMETM) based on user‐set parameters is developed. Compared with the traditional event‐triggered mechanism, this DMETM has larger triggering time intervals, effectively reduces communication frequency, and has greater flexibility in balancing system performance and communication bandwidth resource constraints. The closed‐loop stability analysis scheme for Multi‐UAV attitude systems is presented by combining the backstepping recursive design technique and Lyapunov stability theory, which proves that closed‐loop stability and tracking performance can be ensured. Finally, the design method is successfully applied to show the effectiveness of the proposed method to solve the dynamic memory‐event‐triggered attitude control problem for nonlinear Multi‐UAVs.
Bio‐geomorphic alteration through shifting flow regime in a modified monsoonal river system in Korea
Authors: Lee Chanjoo , Choi Hun , Kim Donggu , van Oorschot Mijke , Penning Ellis , Geerling Gertjan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRiver processes and patterns are affected by changes in the watershed driven by natural and human‐induced causes. A sudden pattern alteration from a “white river” (bare soils) to a “green river” (vegetated) influences riverine biodiversity and can increase flood risk. Despite these significant impacts, knowledge on the triggers that kickstart feedback exacerbating changes in bio‐geomorphic patterns is insufficient. In this study, we collected and analyzed detailed monitoring data on a sandy, hydro‐morphologically active, and monsoon‐driven river in Korea. The surface area covered by vegetation has been increasing; this increase intensified after the 2014–2015 drought, which provided a window of opportunity for vegetation establishment. During the drought, pioneer vegetation densely colonized bare sandbars and temporarily exposed riverbed. Despite partial rejuvenation by several subsequent floods, succession to woody vegetation occurred, resulting in a stable vegetation cover. Narrowing and incision of a low‐water channel occurred, and secondary channels formed inside the floodplain. The results of this study show a rapid bio‐geomorphic alteration triggered by the shifts in flow regime in a river primed by human‐induced changes. Furthermore, modified monsoon‐driven rivers might be on the brink of similar bio‐physical alterations triggered through shifting flow regime following climate change, leading to increased flood risk and impacts on endemic biodiversity.
Identifying potential significant factors impacting zero‐inflated proportion data
Authors: Ribaud Mélina , Gabriel Edith , Hughes Joseph , Soubeyrand Samuel 
Published: June 2023

AbstractClassical supervised methods like linear regression and decision trees are not completely adapted for identifying impacting factors on a response variable corresponding to zero‐inflated proportion data (ZIPD) that are dependent, continuous and bounded. In this article we propose a within‐block permutation‐based methodology to identify factors (discrete or continuous) that are significantly correlated with ZIPD, we propose a performance indicator quantifying the percentage of correlation explained by the subset of significant factors, and we show how to predict the ranks of the response variables conditionally on the observation of these factors. The methodology is illustrated on simulated data and on two real data sets dealing with epidemiology. In the first data set, ZIPD correspond to probabilities of transmission of Influenza between horses. In the second data set, ZIPD correspond to probabilities that geographic entities (eg, states and countries) have the same COVID‐19 mortality dynamics.
Preparation of novel pyrazole substituted triazole libraries and estimation of their biological activity
Authors: Laxminarayana Vanaparti , Balha Megha , Tamminana Ramana 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe have constructed a new library of 1,2,3‐triazole tethered pyrazole derivatives (6 a–h & 7 a–h) from propargyl alcohol through simultaneous click process, oxidation, condensation, and rearrangement under mild reaction conditions. The final products were obtained in moderate to good yields. All the compound structures were characterized by analytical and spectral (1H NMR, 13C NMR & HRMS) studies. Furthermore, the evaluation of biological activity of newly synthesized molecules was done against three human cancer cell lines, such as HeLa (Human cervical cancer), A549 (Human alveolar adenocarcinoma), MCF‐7 (Human breast adenocarcinoma). Compound 7 e has showed good anti‐proliferation activity with HeLa (IC50 0.13±0.02 μM), MCF‐7 (IC50 2.7±0.3 μM), while compounds 6 a and 6 g gave favourable anti‐proliferation against above three human cancer cell lines, compared with the standard drug Doxorubicin.