bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shading contributes to Sphagnum decline in response to warming
Authors: Norby Richard J. , Baxter Taylor , Živković Tatjana , Weston David J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExperimental warming of an ombrotrophic bog in northern Minnesota has caused a rapid decline in the productivity and areal cover of Sphagnum mosses, affecting whole‐ecosystem carbon balance and biogeochemistry. Direct effects of elevated temperature and the attendant drying are most likely the primary cause of the effects on Sphagnum, but there may also be responses to the increased shading from shrubs, which increased with increasing temperature. To evaluate the independent effects of reduction in light availability and deposition of shrub litter on Sphagnum productivity, small plots with shrubs removed were laid out adjacent to the warming experiment on hummocks and hollows in three blocks and with five levels of shading. Four plots were covered with neutral density shade cloth to simulate shading from shrubs of 30%–90% reduction in light; one plot was left open. Growth of Sphagnum angustifolium/fallax and S. divinum declined linearly with increasing shade in hollows, but there was no response to shade on hummocks, where higher irradiance in the open plots may have been inhibitory. Shading caused etiolation of Sphagnum—they were thin and spindly under the deepest shade. A dense mat of shrub litter, corresponding to the amount of shrub litter produced in response to warming, did not inhibit Sphagnum growth or cause increases in potentially toxic base cations. CO2 exchange and chlorophyll‐a fluorescence of S. angustifolium/fallax from the 30% and 90% shade cloth plots were measured in the laboratory. Light response curves indicate that maximal light saturated photosynthesis was 42% greater for S. angustifolium/fallax grown under 30% shade cloth relative to plants grown under 90% shade cloth. The response of Sphagnum growth in response to increasing shade is consistent with the hypothesis that increased shade resulting from shrub expansion in response to experimental warming contributed to reduced Sphagnum growth.
Big data financial transactions and GDP nowcasting: The case of Turkey
Authors: Barlas Ali B. , Mert Seda Guler , Isa Berk Orkun , Ortiz Alvaro , Rodrigo Tomasa , Soybilgen Baris , Yazgan Ege 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe use aggregated information from individual‐to‐firm and firm‐to‐firm transactions from the Garanti BBVA Bank to simulate domestic private demand and estimate aggregate consumption and investment for Turkey's quarterly national accounts in real time. We show that these big data variables successfully nowcast official consumption and investment flows. To further validate the usefulness of these indicators, we include both indicators among others which are generally used in gross domestic product (GDP) nowcasting and evaluate their contribution to nowcasting power of Turkish GDP by combining both linear and nonlinear models. The results are successful and confirm the usefulness of consumption and investment banking transactions for nowcasting purposes. These big data are valuable, especially at the beginning of the nowcasting process, when the traditional hard data are scarce. Accordingly, this information is especially relevant for countries with longer statistical release lags, such as emerging markets.
Saponins from Momordica charantia exert hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice by multiple pathways
Authors: Deng Yuanyuan , Zhang Yan , Liu Guang , Zhou Pengfei , Li Ping , Zhao Zhihao , Zhang Ruifen , Tang Xiaojun , Wang Zhangying , Wei Zhencheng , Zhang Mingwei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe antidiabetic activity of saponins extracted from Momordica charantia (MCS) on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice was investigated in order to elucidate the mechanism of MCS for exerting hypoglycemic effects. Saponins were first extracted from M. charantia L. and their composition was analyzed. The diabetic Kunming mice were fed low‐dose saponins from M. charantia L. and high‐dose MCS, using normal mice and diabetic mice as controls. Body weight, blood glucose level, oral glucose tolerance, serum C‐peptide level, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic glycogen and hexokinase in liver tissues, serum blood lipid level, and alpha‐glucosidase activity in small intestines were measured, and microstructure of pancreatic islet was analyzed. The results showed that the total content of seven triterpenoid compounds in MCS was 18.24 μg/mg, with Momordicoside K having the highest content at 11.66 μg/mg. Diabetic mice treated with MCS at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days showed a maximum glucose reduction (p < .05) of 12.63% and 26.47%, respectively. MCS significantly decreased levels of postprandial hyperglycemia, serum lipid, α‐glucosidase activity, and liver malondialdehyde. Additionally, levels of serum C‐peptide and liver glycogen, as well as hexokinase and antioxidant enzyme activity, were significantly increased compared to the diabetic control groups. Histopathological results showed that MCS markedly reduced degenerative changes in islet β‐cells. It is concluded that MCS exerts antidiabetic effects by improved hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects, increased hexokinase activity and glycogen synthesis, and enhanced reparative effects on the histological architecture and insulin secretion function of the pancreas.
Nonclinical safety assessment of an mRNA Covid‐19 vaccine candidate following repeated administrations and biodistribution
Authors: Broudic Karine , Laurent Sébastien , Perkov Vladimir , Simon Charlene , Garinot Marie , Truchot Nathalie , Latour Julie , Désert Paul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMessenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have demonstrated efficacy against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in humans. mRNA technology holds tremendous potential for rapid control and prevention of emergencies due to its flexibility with respect to production, application, and design for an efficacious and safe use in humans. We assessed the toxicity and biodistribution of MRT5500, an mRNA vaccine encoding for the full‐length of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing a novel ionizable lipid, Lipid‐1 in preclinical animal models. In the repeated dose toxicity study, rabbits received three intramuscular (IM) injections of MRT5500 at 3‐week interval followed by a 4‐week observation period. In an exploratory biodistribution study in mice receiving a single IM injection of an mRNA encoding luciferase encapsulated in an LNP containing Lipid‐1, the expression of the luciferase protein was monitored in vivo and ex vivo at several time points. In the regulatory biodistribution study in rabbits receiving a single IM injection of MRT5500, the quantification of the mRNA and the ionizable Lipid‐1 were monitored in the same organs and time points as in the exploratory biodistribution study. MRT5500 was safe and well‐tolerated with a transient acute phase response/inflammation and an expected vaccine‐related immunological response, typical of those observed following a vaccine administration. The biodistribution data demonstrated that the mRNA and Lipid‐1 components of the vaccine formulations were mainly detected at the injection site and in the draining lymph nodes. These results support the use of MRT5500 and its deployment into clinical trials.
Adaptive, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes in individuals with fragile X syndrome with varying autism severity
Authors: Aishworiya Ramkumar , Tak Ye Eun , Ponzini Matthew Dominic , Biag Hazel Maridith Barlahan , Salcedo‐Arellano Maria Jimena , Kim Kyoungmi , Tassone Flora , Schneider Andrea , Thurman Angela John , Abbeduto Leonard , Hessl David , Randol Jamie Leah , Bolduc Francois V. , Lippe Sarah , Hagerman Paul , Hagerman Randi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the association between severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive, behavioral, and molecular measures in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Study inclusion criteria included individuals with FXS and (1) age 6–40 years, (2) full‐scale IQ < 84, and (3) language ≥3‐word phrases. ASD symptom severity was determined by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐2 (ADOS‐2). Other measures identified non‐verbal IQ, adaptive skills, and aberrant behaviors. Molecular measures included blood FMR1 and CYFIP1 mRNA levels, FMRP and MMP9 levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman's correlations were used to compare ASD severity groups. Data from 54 individuals was included with no/mild (N = 7), moderate (N = 18), and severe (N = 29) ASD. Individuals with high ASD severity had lower adaptive behavior scores (47.48 ± 17.49) than the no/mild group (69.00 ± 20.45, p = 0.0366); they also had more challenging behaviors, lethargy, and stereotypic behaviors. CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels positively correlated with the ADOS‐2 comparison score(r2 = 0.33, p = 0.0349), with no significant correlations with other molecular markers. In conclusion, autism symptom severity is associated with more adverse cognitive and adaptive skills and specific behaviors in FXS, whereas CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels may be a potential biomarker for severity of ASD in FXS.
Unique architecture of microbial snottites from a methane driven biofilm revealed by confocal microscopy
Authors: Neu Thomas R. , Kuhlicke Ute , Karwautz Clemens , Lüders Tillmann 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMicrobial biofilms occur in many shapes and different dimensions. In natural and semi‐artificial caves they are forming pendulous structures of 10 cm and more. In this study a methane driven microbial community of a former medicinal spring was investigated. The habitat was completely covered by massive biofilms and snottites with a wobbly, gelatinous appearance. By using fluorescence techniques in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy the architecture of these so far unknown snottites was examined. The imaging approaches applied comprised reflection of geogenic and cellular origin, possible autofluorescence, nucleic acid staining for bacterial cells, protein staining for bacteria and extracellular fine structures, calcofluor white for β 1 → 3, β 1 → 4 polysaccharide staining for possible fungi as well as lectin staining for the extracellular biofilm matrix glycoconjugates. The results showed a highly complex, intricate structure with voluminous, globular, and tube‐like glycoconjugates of different dimensions and densities. In addition, filamentous bacteria seem to provide additional strength to the snottites. After screening with all commercially available lectins, by means of fluorescence lectin barcoding and subsequent fluorescence lectin binding analysis, the AAL, PNA, LEA, and Ban lectins identified α‐Fuc, β‐Gal, β‐GlcNAc, and α‐Man with α‐Fuc as a major component. Examination of the outer boundary with fluorescent beads revealed a potential outer layer which could not be stained by any of the fluorescent probes applied. Finally, suggestions are made to further elucidate the characteristics of these unusual microbial biofilms in form of snottites.Research Highlights
The gelatinous snottites revealed at the microscale a highly complex structure not seen before.
The extracellular matrix of the snottite biofilm was identified as clusters of different shape and density.
The matrix of snottites was examined by taking advantage of 78 fluorescently‐labeled lectins.
The extracellular matrix glycoconjugates of snottites identified comprised: α‐Fuc, β‐Gal, β‐GlcNAc, and α‐Man.
Probing the snottite outer surface indicated an additional unknown stratum.
Hepatic abscess induced by gastric cancer mimicking differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kishimoto Takuya , Morita Toshihiro , Yazumi Shujiro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA 58‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with right abdominal pain. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed a rim‐enhanced lesion with a fluid collection in the right hepatic lobe. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a Borrmann type 1 tumor on the middle gastric body, identified as an adenocarcinoma on pathology. The patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage and was treated with antibiotics. Two weeks after drainage, CECT revealed shrinkage of the abscess; however, the wall showed contrast enhancement. Needle biopsy was performed for the liver tumor, and it suggested the possibility of highly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient first underwent gastrectomy, and the liver tumor was followed with CECT. Two months after surgery, CECT revealed that the liver tumor had vanished. Liver abscesses and infectious tumors can be difficult to differentiate between; therefore, careful scrutiny is essential before treatment.
Survey of maternal anxiety and perceptions towards foetal MRI and pre‐scan education
Authors: Plunkett Stephanie , Dobeli Karen , Prior Marita , Tusek Xanthe 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionFoetal MRI scans can induce feelings of fear, concern and anxiety in pregnant patients. The aim of this research was to determine if providing patients with an information leaflet reduced maternal anxiety regarding foetal MRI.MethodsA prospective, three‐arm comparative pilot study was performed in the MRI department of a quaternary public hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Three groups of 30 participants (total 90 participants) received differing levels of information about foetal MRI: Group A – no foetal‐MRI specific information (current practice at the site); Group B – a basic information leaflet; Group C – a comprehensive information leaflet. All participants completed a survey that explored their pre‐scan anxiety immediately after their MRI scan.ResultsOver 50% of participants in each group felt anxious before the MRI. Participants expressed anxiety towards the general process of the MRI, the outcome or results of the scan, and the safety of the modality. The basic and comprehensive leaflets were both efficacious in reducing anxiety for the majority of participants.ConclusionsWhilst not all patients express anxiety regarding MRI scans, emotional distress surrounding the entire process is prevalent. Providing patients with comprehensive information about what the MRI scan entails (including the scan environment and duration, positioning, breath‐holding requirements, and foetal safety) reduces anxiety for most patients. These findings can be used to determine ways in which reduction of anxiety improves the patient experience.
Infection with COVID‐19 is no longer a public emergency: But what about degenerative dementia?
Authors: Yulug Burak , Ayyıldız Behçet , Ayyıldız Sevilay , Sayman Dila , Salar Ali Behram , Cankaya Seyda , Ozdemir Oktem Ece , Ozsimsek Ahmet , Kurt Cagla Ceren , Lakadamyalı Hatice , Akturk Aynur , Altay Özlem , Hanoglu Lutfu , Velioglu Halil Aziz , Mardinoglu Adil 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough no longer considered a public health threat, post‐COVID cognitive syndrome continues to impact on a considerable proportion of individuals who were infected with COVID‐19. Recent studies have also suggested that COVID may be represent a critical risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We compared 17 COVID patients with 20 controls and evaluated the effects of COVID‐19 on general cognitive performance, hippocampal volume, and connections using structural and seed‐based connectivity analysis. We showed that COVID patients exhibited considerably worse cognitive functioning and increased hippocampal connectivity supported by the strong correlation between hippocampal connectivity and cognitive scores. Our findings of higher hippocampal connectivity with no observable hippocampal morphological changes even in mild COVID cases may be represent evidence of a prestructural compensatory mechanism for stimulating additional neuronal resources to combat cognitive dysfunction as recently shown for the prodromal stages of degenerative cognitive disorders. Our findings may be also important in light of recent data showing that other viral infections as well as COVID may constitute a critical risk factor for the development of AD. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated network differences in COVID patients, with a particular focus on compensatory hippocampal connectivity.
FOXD2 regulations IQGAP3 mediated Ca2+ signaling pathway to facilitate gastric adenocarcinoma cell promotion
Authors: Fei Ting , Zhou En‐Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs a transcriptional factor, the Forkhead box (FOX) gene family is closely connected with apoptosis, proliferation, and other cellular processes. FOXD2, as one descendant of the FOX gene family, has been mentioned in many articles to show a high expression in several cancers. However, whether FOXD2 has a connection with gastric adenocarcinoma remains an unanswered question. Expression of FOXD2 and IQGAP3 in gastric adenocarcinoma was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis, which was further detected by real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. The downstream target genes of FOXD2 were also mined by bioinformatics analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis was then performed on the target genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were conducted to validate the regulatory relationship between FOXD2 and its downstream target gene IQGAP3. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT), combined with cell colony formation assay, was employed to assess the effect of FOXD2 and IQGAP3 on the proliferation of gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Intracytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration was measured by Fluo‐3 fluorescence staining. FOXD2 showed a high expression in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and cells, and FOXD2 silencing considerably attenuated gastric adenocarcinoma cell proliferation. IQGAP3, a downstream target gene of FOXD2, had a positive connection with the expression of FOXD2. The binding relationship between FOXD2 and the promoter region of IQGAP3 was further verified by ChIP and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. The results of cell function experiments indicated that FOXD2 could promote gastric adenocarcinoma cell proliferation by transcriptionally activating IQGAP3 to induce an increase in intracellular Ca2+ level. This study confirmed that FOXD2 increased intracellular Ca2+ level through transcriptional activation of IQGAP3, which in turn propelled the proliferation of gastric adenocarcinoma cells, revealing the considerable significance of FOXD2 in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Mechanic–electric–circuit coupling analysis of BAW filter based on FDTD method
Authors: Chen Shitao , Li Zheng , Yin Qiupeng , Hong Sicheng , Bao Huaguang , Chen Ming , Wang Wei , Ding Dazhi , Yu Ming 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, mechanic–electric–circuit coupling algorithm based on the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is proposed to analyze a one‐order microwave bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter. FDTD method is used to solve the coupled mechanic–electric–circuit system equations to obtain the voltage and current at port position of the BAW filter in the time domain. Then S parameters of the BAW filter in the frequency domain are calculated using the Fourier transform. In our work, a one‐order BAW filter consists of two film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) by means of series and parallel. These two FBARs in the BAW filter are coupled together through an equivalent electrical connection. Similarly, multiphysical mechanic–electric–circuit analysis of the BAW filter is implemented in the commercial software COMSOL, which is realized by the time‐domain finite element method. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparison with simulation results in COMSOL. In addition, the computational time and memory of the proposed method have obvious advantages over those of COMSOL.
Range shift verification in spot scanning proton therapy using gamma electron vertex imaging
Authors: Kim Sung Hun , Jeong Jong Hwi , Ku Youngmo , Lee Se Byeong , Shin Dongho , Lim Young Kyung , Kim Haksoo , Kim Chan Hyeong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn proton therapy, a highly steep distal dose penumbra can be utilized for dose conformity, given the Bragg peak characteristic of protons. However, the location of the Bragg peak in patients (i.e., the beam range) is very sensitive to range uncertainty. Even a small shift of beam range can produce a significant variation of delivered dose to tumor and normal tissues, thus degrading treatment quality and threatening patient safety. This range uncertainty issue, therefore, is one of the important aspects to be managed in proton therapy.PurposeFor better management of range uncertainty, range verification has been widely studied, and prompt gamma imaging (PGI) is considered one of the promising methods in that effort. In this context, a PGI system named the gamma electron vertex imaging (GEVI) system was developed and recently upgraded for application to pencil‐beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. Here, we report the first experimental results using the therapeutic spot scanning proton beams.MethodsA homogeneous slab phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom were employed. Spherical and cubic planning target volumes (PTVs) were defined. Various range shift scenarios were introduced. Prompt gamma (PG) measurement was synchronized with beam irradiation. The measured PG distributions were aggregated to improve the PG statistics. The range shift was estimated based on the relative change of the centroid in the measured PG distribution. The estimated range shifts were analyzed by range shift mapping, confidence interval (CI) estimation, and statistical hypothesis testing.ResultsThe range shift mapping results showed an obvious measured range shift tendency following the true shift values. However, some fluctuations were found for spots that had still‐low PG statistics after spot aggregation. The 99% CI distributions showed clearly distributed range shift measurement data. The overall accuracy and precision for all investigated scenarios were 0.36 and 0.20 mm, respectively. The results of one‐sample t‐tests confirmed that every shift scenario could be observed up to 1 mm of shift. The ANOVA results proved that the measured range shift data could be discriminated from one another, except for 16 (of 138) comparison cases having 1–2 mm shift differences.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of the GEVI system for measurement of range shift in spot scanning proton therapy. Our experimental results showed that the proton beam can be measured up to 1 mm of range shift with high accuracy and precision. We believe that the GEVI system is one of the most promising PGI systems for in vivo range verification. Further research for application to more various cases and patient treatments is planned.