bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miRNA Signature of Urine Extracellular Vesicles Shows the Involvement of Inflammatory and Apoptotic Processes in Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zapała Barbara , Kamińska Agnieszka , Piwowar Monika , Paziewska Agnieszka , Gala-Błądzińska Agnieszka , Stępień Ewa Ł. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of urine-derived extracellular vesicles (uEVs) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
UEVs were characterized by size distribution and microRNA content by next-generation small RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Results
A subset of sixteen miRNAs enriched in T2DM patients with DKD, including hsa-miR-514a-5p, hsa-miR‑451a, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-214, or hsa-miR‑503 was identified. Eight miRNAs as hsa-miR-21-3p, hsa-miR-4792, hsa-miR‑375, hsa-miR-1268a, hsa-miR-501-5p, or hsa-miR-582 were downregulated. Prediction of potential target genes and pathway enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) confirmed possible functions related to cellular processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling, that promote diabetic complications, such as DKD. Among them, hsa-miR-375, hsa-miR-503, and hsa-miR-451a make important contribution. Additionally, downregulated hsa-miR-582-5p has not been reported so far in any diabetes-related pathways.

Conclusions
This study revealed the most significant miRNAs in uEVs of patients with T2DM. However, as this is a bioinformatic prediction that we performed based on the putative targets of the identified miRNAs. Thus, further in vitro functional studies are needed to confirm our findings. Knowing the fact that EVs are crucial in transferring miRNAs, there is a great need toto discover their involvement in the pathomechanism of T2DM-related kidney disease.
Ergo, SMIRK is safe: a safety case for a machine learning component in a pedestrian automatic emergency brake system
Authors: Borg Markus , Henriksson Jens , Socha Kasper , Lennartsson Olof , Sonnsjö Lönegren Elias , Bui Thanh , Tomaszewski Piotr , Sathyamoorthy Sankar Raman , Brink Sebastian , Helali Moghadam Mahshid 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntegration of machine learning (ML) components in critical applications introduces novel challenges for software certification and verification. New safety standards and technical guidelines are under development to support the safety of ML-based systems, e.g., ISO 21448 SOTIF for the automotive domain and the Assurance of Machine Learning for use in Autonomous Systems (AMLAS) framework. SOTIF and AMLAS provide high-level guidance but the details must be chiseled out for each specific case. We initiated a research project with the goal to demonstrate a complete safety case for an ML component in an open automotive system. This paper reports results from an industry-academia collaboration on safety assurance of SMIRK, an ML-based pedestrian automatic emergency braking demonstrator running in an industry-grade simulator. We demonstrate an application of AMLAS on SMIRK for a minimalistic operational design domain, i.e., we share a complete safety case for its integrated ML-based component. Finally, we report lessons learned and provide both SMIRK and the safety case under an open-source license for the research community to reuse.
Resources that Help Sustain Environmental Volunteer Activist Leaders
Authors: Gulliver Robyn E. , Pittaway Charlie , Fielding Kelly S. , Louis Winnifred R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEnvironmental activism organizations depend on recruiting and retaining individuals willing to engage in leadership tasks on a voluntary basis. This study examined the resources which help or hinder sustained environmental volunteer activist leadership behaviors. Interviews with 21 environmental volunteer activist leaders were analyzed within a Resource Mobilization Theory framework. While six resources supporting sustained engagement in volunteer activist leadership behaviors were identified, only three were sought by all participants: time, community support, and social relationships. Money, volunteers and network connections were considered valuable resources, however their acquisition generated significant additional administrative burdens. Social relationships sustained volunteer activist leaders through fostering feelings of positive emotions connected with the group. We conclude with suggestions for organizations seeking to increase retention of activist volunteer leaders: namely larger organizations sharing their resources to reduce administrative demands on volunteer activist leaders in smaller organizations; developing movement infrastructure groups to build and sustain networks; and the prioritization of positive relationships within volunteer teams.
Potential of the enzyme laccase for the synthesis and derivatization of antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Hahn Veronika 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLaccases [E.C. 1.10.3.2, benzenediol:dioxygen oxidoreductase] can oxidize phenolic substances, e.g. di- and polyphenols, hydroxylated biaryls, aminophenols or aryldiamines. This large substrate spectrum is the basis for various reaction possibilities, which include depolymerization and polymerization reactions, but also the coupling of different substance classes. To catalyze these reactions, laccases demand only atmospheric oxygen and no depletive cofactors. The utilization of mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions such as room temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the avoidance of organic solvents makes the laccase-mediated reaction a valuable tool in green chemistry for the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as antimicrobial substances. In particular, the production of novel antibiotics becomes vital due to the evolution of antibiotic resistances amongst bacteria and fungi. Therefore, laccase-mediated homo- and heteromolecular coupling reactions result in derivatized or newly synthesized antibiotics. The coupling or derivatization of biologically active compounds or its basic structures may allow the development of novel pharmaceuticals, as well as the improvement of efficacy or tolerability of an already applied drug. Furthermore, by the laccase-mediated coupling of two different active substances a synergistic effect may be possible. However, the coupling of compounds that have no described efficacy can lead to biologically active substances by means of laccase. The review summarizes laccase-mediated reactions for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds valuable for medical purposes. In particular, reactions with two different reaction partners were shown in detail. In addition, studies with in vitro and in vivo experimental data for the confirmation of the antibacterial and/or antifungal efficacy of the products, synthesized with laccase, were of special interest. Analyses of the structure–activity relationship confirm the great potential of the novel compounds. These substances may represent not only a value for pharmaceutical and chemical industry, but also for other industries due to a possible functionalization of surfaces such as wood or textiles.
Service productivity: a systematic review of a dispersed research area
Authors: Hofmeister Johannes , Kanbach Dominik K. , Hogreve Jens 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe service productivity literature has grown remarkably over the last two decades and has gathered substantial knowledge. However, with the gradual acceleration of knowledge production about service productivity, the collective evidence becomes more fragmented and interdisciplinary. The purpose of this literature review is to systematically identify and analyze 190 publications focusing on service productivity to link previously dispersed studies as a next step in theory development. By clustering existing service productivity research into macroeconomic, mesoeconomic, and microeconomic dimensions, our review reveals that much progress has been made in advancing the open-ended theory of optimal service productivity. Reviewing key insights from the existing literature, we show that the majority of service productivity research adopts a one-sided industrial perspective that primarily focuses on firm productivity. Although valuable, these studies most often leave out consumers’ time and effort, neglecting the value of consumer-generated input. Thus, the present research offers a new conceptualization of service productivity by emphasizing it as an open and customer-inclusive process that transcends the service producer–customer divide. Finally, we contribute a set of propositions. Within these propositions, we identify beneficial conditions and means for firms to improve service productivity. In sum, the article provides policymakers, researchers, and practitioners with valuable guidance for developing means to generate positive effects in a service economy that lacks productivity.
Challenges and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in SMEs: learnings from seven European projects
Authors: Agrawal R. , De Tommasi L. , Lyons P. , Zanoni S. , Papagiannis G. K. , Karakosta C. , Papapostolou A. , Durand A. , Martinez L. , Fragidis G. , Corbella M. , Sileni L. , Neusel L. , Repetto M. , Mariuzzo I. , Kakardakos T. , Güemes E. Llano 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper analyses challenges and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by reviewing research design and results out of seven European projects: SPEEDIER, SMEmPower Efficiency, E2Driver, Innoveas, Triple-A, DEESME and ICCEE. These projects aim to improve SMEs’ awareness of energy efficiency and support an effective decision-making-oriented approach to it. Drivers and barriers to energy efficiency improvements in European SMEs of various industrial sectors have been investigated by means of surveys, focused group discussions and interviews. A meta-analysis of the results of the seven EU projects was carried out to discover trends related to energy efficiency in European SMEs; this was supported by the use of a unifying analytic framework that enabled merging and cross-validation of the findings of the seven projects. The analysis indicated, by means of new data collected by the seven projects, that staff training, facilitation of energy audits, development of corporate policy measures and collaboration between SMEs involved in the same supply chain are key mechanisms to improve the uptake of energy efficiency measures in SMEs which has significant potential to achieve higher energy savings and energy cost reductions.
Risk of asthma in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Tong , Yu Hai-Yang , Yang Miao , Song Yi-Fan , Fu Jian-Hua 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the available literature on the association between preterm infant bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pre-adulthood asthma.

Methods
Studies examining the association between BPD and asthma in children and adolescents were systematically reviewed, and a meta-analysis was conducted. We searched Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from the database inception to March 26, 2022. The pooled odds ratio (OR) estimate was used in our meta-analysis to calculate the correlation between BPD and the probability of developing asthma before adulthood. Stata 12.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis.

Results
The correlation between asthma and BPD in preterm newborns was examined in nine studies. We used a random effect model to pool the OR estimate. Our results indicated a marked increase in the risk of subsequent asthma in preterm infants with BPD [OR = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–2.09]. Moreover, there was no obvious heterogeneity across the studies (P = 0.617, I2 = 0%). The pooled OR remained stable and ranged from 1.65 (95% CI = 1.35–2.01) to 1.78 (95% CI = 1.43–2.21). Regarding publication bias, the funnel plot for asthma risk did not reveal any noticeable asymmetry. We further performed Begg’s and Egger’s tests to quantitatively evaluate publication bias. There was no evidence of a publication bias for asthma risk (P > |Z| = 0.602 for Begg’s test, and P > |t| = 0.991 for Egger’s test).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that preterm infants with BPD have a much higher risk of developing asthma in the future (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.43–2.09). Preterm infants with BPD may benefit from long-term follow-up.
Heterologous expression and functional characterization of cysteamine dioxygenase from the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum
Authors: Yoda Kotaro , Takagi Toshiyuki , Koito Tomoko , Okai Masahiko , Makita Hiroko , Mitsunobu Satoshi , Yoshida Takao , Inoue Koji 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn invertebrates inhabiting hydrothermal vent areas, hypotaurine, a precursor of taurine, is thought to mitigate the toxicity of hydrogen sulfide in vent fluids. Information about hypotaurine synthesis pathways in invertebrates is limited, although two pathways, the cysteamine [2-aminoethanethiol (AET)] pathway and the cysteine sulfinate (CSA) pathway are known in mammals. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding AET dioxygenase (ADO), the central enzyme of the AET pathway, from the vent mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum. In the encoded protein (BsADO), functionally important residues, including metal-binding histidines, are conserved. In maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis, BsADO clustered with ADOs of other invertebrates. By reverse transcription PCR, BsADO mRNA was detected in all tissues examined at similar levels, suggesting that its function is distinct from that of the CSA pathway, predominantly expressed in the gill. BsADO with a His tag, expressed in Escherichia coli in the presence of Fe2+, converted AET to hypotaurine, but BsADO expressed in the absence of iron exhibited lower activity. BsADO was active from pH 8 to 11, and from 0 °C to 37 °C, with a peak at 20 °C. This is the first functional characterization of ADO in marine invertebrates.
Accounting for Polychromatic Light in Virtual Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing
Authors: Yue Xian , Yang Yaliang , Dai Hao , Chen Shen , Geng Chao , Zhang Yudong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVirtual Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing (vSHWS) has some significant advantages and is promising for aberration measurement in the field of biomedical optical imaging. The illumination sources used in vSHWS are almost broadband, but are treated as monochromatic sources (only using center wavelength) in current data processing, which may cause errors. This work proposed a data processing method to take into account the multiple wavelengths of the broadband spectrum, named multiple-wavelength centroid-weighting method. Its feasibility was demonstrated through a series of simulations. A wavefront generated with a set of statistical human ocular aberrations was used as the target wavefront to evaluate the performance of the proposed and current methods. The results showed that their performance was very close when used for the symmetrical, but the wavefront error of the proposed method was much smaller than that of the current method when used for the asymmetrical spectrum, especially for the broader spectrum. These results were also validated by using 20 sets of clinical human ocular aberrations including normal and diseased eyes. The proposed method and the obtained conclusions have important implications for the application of vSHWS.
Was COVID-19 an unexpected catalyst for more equitable learning outcomes? A comparative analysis after two years of disrupted schooling in Australian primary schools
Authors: Miller Andrew , Fray Leanne , Gore Jennifer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBy the end of 2021, more than 168 million students across the globe had missed a year of face-to-face schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In NSW, Australia, most students engaged in learning from home for eight weeks during 2020 and a further 14 weeks during 2021. This study provides robust empirical evidence on how two years of disruptions to schooling affected student learning. Drawing on matched data for 3,827 Year 3 and 4 students from 101 NSW government schools, this paper compares student achievement growth in mathematics and reading for 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (second year of the pandemic) student cohorts. While overall there was no significant difference between cohorts, when analysed by socio-educational advantage, we were surprised to find that students in the lowest band achieved approximately three months’ additional growth in mathematics. Arguably, grave concerns about the potentially dire impact of COVID-19 on the learning of disadvantaged students were met by investments that made a difference. We argue that targeted funding and system-wide initiatives to support more equitable outcomes should remain a priority after the pandemic if Australia is to meet its aspirations for excellence and equity.
Effects of thermo-chemical and enzymatic pre-treatment of tropical seaweeds and freshwater macrophytes on biogas and bioethanol production
Authors: Jelani F. , Walker G. , Akunna J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe use of aquatic biomass as potential sources for bioenergy production has attracted significant attention worldwide. Production of biogas and bioethanol from both marine and freshwater plants using same pre-treatment methods were evaluated and the results indicate that both processes can be potentially enhanced appropriate methods of pre-treatment. In this study, the effects of thermochemical and enzymatic pre-treatment of selected seaweeds and freshwater macrophytes for biogas and bioethanol production were investigated. It was found that methane biogas yield from the anaerobic digestion of selected aquatic plants was highly dependent on the plant species. For example, biomethane yields of 189, 195, 221, 234 mL/g volatile solids were obtained following anaerobic digestion of acid and enzymatic pre-treatment of Laminaria digitata, Sargassum fluitans, Eichhornia crassipies and Pistia stratiotes, respectively. Additionally, alcoholic fermentation by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (distiller’s strain) was carried out on aquatic plant hydrolysates and the highest ethanol yields (of over 4 g/L) were obtained from Eichhornia crassipies and Pistia stratiotes. Poor fermentation yields from Laminaria digitata, and Sargassum fluitans hydrolysates were attributed to the predominance of un-fermented rhamnose sugars in these plants. The findings demonstrate the importance of reliance on empirical data for each substrate when designing and operating anaerobic digestion and alcohol fermentation systems. The results show that the same pre-treatment methods can be used for both types of bioenergy production, i.e., biogas and bioethanol, from marine and freshwater plants, thereby enhancing the economic viability of both processes in industry-scale applications.
Pre-sleep Protein Ingestion Increases Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis Rates During Overnight Recovery from Endurance Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Trommelen Jorn , van Lieshout Glenn A. A. , Pabla Pardeep , Nyakayiru Jean , Hendriks Floris K. , Senden Joan M. , Goessens Joy P. B. , van Kranenburg Janneau M. X. , Gijsen Annemie P. , Verdijk Lex B. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , van Loon Luc J. C. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Casein protein ingestion prior to sleep has been shown to increase myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight sleep. It remains to be assessed whether pre-sleep protein ingestion can also increase mitochondrial protein synthesis rates. Though it has been suggested that casein protein may be preferred as a pre-sleep protein source, no study has compared the impact of pre-sleep whey versus casein ingestion on overnight muscle protein synthesis rates.

Objective
We aimed to assess the impact of casein and whey protein ingestion prior to sleep on mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight recovery from a bout of endurance-type exercise.

Methods
Thirty-six healthy young men performed a single bout of endurance-type exercise in the evening (19:45 h). Thirty minutes prior to sleep (23:30 h), participants ingested 45 g of casein protein, 45 g of whey protein, or a non-caloric placebo. Continuous intravenous l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusions were applied, with blood and muscle tissue samples being collected to assess overnight mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates.

Results
Pooled protein ingestion resulted in greater mitochondrial (0.087 ± 0.020 vs 0.067 ± 0.016%·h−1, p = 0.005) and myofibrillar (0.060 ± 0.014 vs 0.047 ± 0.011%·h−1, p = 0.012) protein synthesis rates when compared with placebo. Casein and whey protein ingestion did not differ in their capacity to stimulate mitochondrial (0.082 ± 0.019 vs 0.092 ± 0.020%·h−1, p = 0.690) and myofibrillar (0.056 ± 0.009 vs 0.064 ± 0.018%·h−1, p = 0.440) protein synthesis rates.

Conclusions
Protein ingestion prior to sleep increases both mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight recovery from exercise. The overnight muscle protein synthetic response to whey and casein protein does not differ.

Clinical Trial Registration
NTR7251.
Thin-Film Superelastic Alloys for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Curtis Sabrina M. , Gugat Jascha L. , Bumke Lars , Dengiz Duygu , Seigner Lena , Schmadel Don , Lazarus Nathan S. , Quandt Eckhard 
Published: March 2023

AbstractConductive serpentine interconnects comprise fundamental building blocks (e.g., electrodes, antennas, wires) of many stretchable electronic systems. Here we present the first numerical and experimental studies of freestanding thin-film TiNiCuCo superelastic alloys for stretchable interconnects. The electrical resistivity of the austenite phase of a Ti53.3Ni30.9Cu12.9Co2.9 thin-film at room temperature was measured to be 5.43×10-7 Ω m, which is larger than reported measurements for copper thin-films (1.87×10-8 Ω m). Structuring the superelastic conductor to limit localized strain using a serpentine geometry led to freestanding interconnects that could reach maximum serpentine elongations of up to 153%. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations predicted that superelastic serpentine interconnects can achieve significantly larger (~5X–7X) elastic elongations than copper for the same serpentine geometry. FEA predictions for stress distribution along the TiNiCuCo serpentine interconnect were experimentally verified by infrared imaging and tensile testing experiments. The superior mechanical advantages of TiNiCuCo were paired with the high electronic conductivity of copper, to create Cu/TiNiCuCo/Cu serpentine composites that were demonstrated to serve as freestanding electrical interconnects between two LEDs. The results presented in this manuscript demonstrate that thin-film superelastic alloys are a promising material class to improve the performance of conductors in stretchable and flexible electronics.