bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser-Induced Axotomy of Human iPSC-Derived and Murine Primary Neurons Decreases Somatic Tau and AT8 Tau Phosphorylation: A Single-Cell Approach to Study Effects of Acute Axonal Damage
Authors: Bell-Simons M. , Buchholz S. , Klimek J. , Zempel H. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe microtubule-associated protein Tau is highly enriched in axons of brain neurons where it regulates axonal outgrowth, plasticity, and transport. Efficient axonal Tau sorting is critical since somatodendritic Tau missorting is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. However, the molecular mechanisms of axonal Tau sorting are still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to unravel to which extent anterograde protein transport contributes to axonal Tau sorting. We developed a laser-based axotomy approach with single-cell resolution and combined it with spinning disk confocal microscopy enabling multi live-cell monitoring. We cultivated human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and mouse primary forebrain neurons in specialized chambers allowing reliable post-fixation identification and Tau analysis. Using this approach, we achieved high post-axotomy survival rates and observed axonal regrowth in a subset of neurons. When we assessed somatic missorting and phosphorylation levels of endogenous human or murine Tau at different time points after axotomy, we surprisingly did not observe somatic Tau accumulation or hyperphosphorylation, regardless of their regrowing activity, consistent for both models. These results indicate that impairment of anterograde transit of Tau protein and acute axonal damage may not play a role for the development of somatic Tau pathology. In sum, we developed a laser-based axotomy model suitable for studying the impact of different Tau sorting mechanisms in a highly controllable and reproducible setting, and we provide evidence that acute axon loss does not induce somatic Tau accumulation and AT8 Tau phosphorylation.
Graphical Abstract
UV laser-induced axotomy of human iPSC-derived and mouse primary neurons results in decreased somatic levels of endogenous Tau and AT8 Tau phosphorylation.
Adaptive query compilation in graph databases
Authors: Baumstark Alexander , Jibril Muhammad Attahir , Sattler Kai-Uwe 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCompiling database queries into compact and efficient machine code has proven to be a great technique to improve query performance and exploit characteristics of modern hardware. Particularly for graph database queries, which often execute the exact instructions for processing, this technique can lead to an improvement. Furthermore, compilation frameworks like LLVM provide powerful optimization techniques and support different backends. However, the time for generating and optimizing machine code becomes an issue for short-running queries or queries which could produce early results quickly. In this work, we present an adaptive approach integrating graph query interpretation and compilation. While query compilation and code generation are running in the background, the query execution starts using the interpreter. When the code generation is finished, the execution switches to the compiled code. Our evaluation of the approach using short-running and complex queries show that autonomously switching execution modes helps to improve the runtime of all types of queries and additionally to hide compilation times and the additional latencies of the underlying storage.
‘Lessons from Blur’
Authors: Martina Giulia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper is a contribution to the philosophical debate on visual blur from a relationalist perspective. At the same time, it offers a methodological reflection on the adequacy of explanations of phenomenal similarities and differences among perceptual experiences. The debate on seeing blurrily has been shaped by two implicit assumptions concerning our explanations of differences and similarities between experiences of seeing blurrily and other experiences. I call those assumptions into question, and argue that we do not need to provide a unified explanation of the character of blurry experiences for our account to be adequate. The diversity of blurry experiences supports a different, pluralist approach to explanations of how things appear to subjects.
Comparison of durum with ancient tetraploid wheats from an agronomical, chemical, nutritional, and genetic standpoints: a review
Authors: Cabas-Lühmann Patricia , Arriagada Osvin , Matus Iván , Marcotuli Ilaria , Gadaleta Agata , Schwember Andrés R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnder intense breeding, modern wheats, such as durum (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum), are believed to have lost nutritional quality and protein content while increasing productivity. Emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum Thell) and wild emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) are alternative resources for breeding programs by offering favorable alleles to be introgressed into modern materials and thus broadening their genetic diversity. Studies conducted so far have shown that durum wheat has better performance in agronomical qualities and protein quality than T. dicoccum and T. dicoccoides. However, its grain protein content (GPC) and Fe/Zn concentrations are lower. Several QTL for yield, GPC, and nutrient content in T. dicoccoides have been described, demonstrating its potential for transfer of important genes such as Gpc-B1 into modern cultivars. The Gpc-B1 gene increased the grain protein and Fe and Zn contents, but the agronomic performance of some of the modern recipients was reduced. Understanding the correlations and relationships between agronomic, chemical, and nutritional qualities would simplify selection through breeding for a single trait. Combining this knowledge with conventional breeding, MAS, and new breeding techniques would facilitate the QTL studies in these ancestral wheats and the development of new durum cultivars while retaining the agronomic qualities. In this review, we compare some grain parameters of T. durum, T. dicoccum, and T. dicoccoides wheats, including Fe and Zn content and their genetic aspects, and the existing information is analyzed and integrated for the future prospects of durum wheat improvement.
The Lorentz Transformation in a Fishbowl: A Comment on Cheng and Read’s “Why Not a Sound Postulate?”
Authors: Shanahan Daniel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn support of their contention that it is the absence of a subsisting medium that imbues the speed of light with fundamentality, Bryan Cheng and James Read discuss certain “fishbowl universes” in which physical influences evolve, not at the speed of light, but that of sound. The Lorentz transformation simulated in these sonic universes, which the authors cite from the literature of analogue gravity, is not that of Einstein, for whom an aether was “superfluous”, but that of the earlier relativity of Lorentz and Poincaré, which did suppose such a medium. The authors’ intention is not to argue analogically, but simply to contrast the situation of light with that of sound. However, I argue that these universes are too successful as analogues to support the authors’ case. By reducing Lorentzian relativity to its bare essentials, they provide a compelling demonstration of the viability and explanatory strengths of the earlier theory. They show how a thoroughly wave-theoretic treatment of the elementary particles would explain why all aspects of matter transform in like manner, thereby avoiding a difficulty that was a significant reason for the demise of Lorentzian relativity after 1905. Importantly, these sonic universes suggest a unifying explanation, not only of the Lorentz transformation and de Broglie wave, but of the principle of relativity, which was merely postulated, rather than explained, by Einstein in 1905.
Development of reproductive barriers in sympatry
Authors: Jezkova Ivana , Montero-Pau Javier , Ortells Raquel , Serra Manuel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFreshwater zooplankter Brachionus plicatilis is able to inhabit different habitats and locally adapt to their environmental conditions. It also shows a high degree of population structuring in small geographical regions. Here we try to shed light on the evolution of reproductive isolation in populations of B. plicatilis with presumptive gene flow among locally adapted populations. We have conducted laboratory experiments on admixed pairwise populations that differ in predictability of the water regime. We have assessed the potential for within-population reproductive preferences as a deviation of genotypes from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in diapausing eggs, a product of sexual reproduction. We expected heterozygote deficit to increase with environmental distance. We have found signs for incipient reproductive isolation in one third of our admixed populations, however no correlation with environmental distance was found, nor with genetic or geographic predictor variables. The overall inbreeding coefficient showed a tendency for within-population crosses preferences to decrease over time.
Camptothecin Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Sorafenib- Induced Ferroptosis Via Suppression of Nrf2
Authors: Elkateb Ahmed S. , Nofal Shahira , Ali Sahar A. , Atya Hanaa B. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSorafenib is a potent inducer of ferroptosis used to manage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ferroptosis induced by sorafenib activates the p62–Keap1–Nrf2 pathway. Abnormal activation of Nrf2 reduces sorafenib’s efficiency and ferroptosis action and induces sorafenib’s resistance. Consequently, our study tried to study the effect of a novel combination of sorafenib and Camptothecin (CPT, Nrf2 inhibitor) to improve sorafenib’s ferroptosis action and reduce sorafenib resistance in the treatment of HCC. We evaluated the efficacy of sorafenib and/or CPT using HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. MTT assay evaluated the anti-proliferation effects. The combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) were calculated using Isobologram analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), iron concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity assays were used to determine the ferroptosis action of drugs. Western blot was used to investigate the expression of the implicated proteins. Bioinformatics tools were used to determine the correlation between these proteins. Finally, the HPLC technique is used to measure cellular drug uptake. Our results revealed a strong synergism between sorafenib and CPT. The synergetic combination significantly increases lipid peroxidation and iron concentration, decreases TAC, GPX4 and GR activity, and reduces the expression of both Nrf2 and SLC7A11. The downregulation of Nrf2 expression has a vital role in the reduction of resistance mediators to sorafenib against HCC cells like (p62, MT1G, and ABCG2) and improves the cellular uptake of sorafenib. The current study provided evidence that Nrf2 inhibition by CPT improves sorafenib’s sensitivity and reduces sorafenib’s resistance via the augmentation of sorafenib’s ferroptosis action.
Gambling-like Features in fan Tokens
Authors: Lopez-Gonzalez Hibai , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFan tokens are a form of cryptocurrency that allow owners to participate in various fan-related experiences such as voting on the music to be played during half-time breaks in sporting events. Since 2020, many elite sport teams have issued fan tokens, allegedly as a way to engage with fans and hear their voice. However, fan tokens also raise some concerns. They are largely gamified digital items that intend to keep fans within the providers’ app. Also, they can be traded in exchange platforms, which arguably transform them into collectibles, whose value can vary over time. Here, we explore fan tokens through a case study from a football (soccer) club (i.e., an F.C. Barcelona fan token). Drawing on literature from situational and structural characteristics of gambling, we analyse the gambling-like features that fan tokens include in their product design. Such features are discussed from a public health perspective, comparing what they mean in gambling contexts and how potentially harmful they could be for fan token holders.
Improvement of Optical Properties of Functionalized Polyvinyl Alcohol-Zinc Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposites for Wide UV Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Abd-Elnaiem Alaa M. , Rashad M. , Hanafy T. A. , Shaalan N. M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe functionalized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based nanocomposites thick films of 80 μm containing 1–3 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy were utilized for studying the structural parameters and formed chemical bonds of the synthesized PVA-ZnO films. In addition, extensive characterization has been done on their linear and nonlinear optical properties. The structural analysis of the PVA-ZnO nanocomposites revealed the formation of a wurtzite hexagonal ZnO phase embedded inside the monoclinic PVA phase. The interaction between Zn–O, and functional groups of the PVA as well as the molecular vibration exhibited in the PVA-ZnO nanocomposites were confirmed by the Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and revealed that the PVA-ZnO is a hybrid nanocomposite. The incorporated ZnO NPs ratios slightly affect the PVA films' structure, meanwhile, exhibited a detectable change in the linear/nonlinear optical properties of PVA. For example, as ZnO concentration increased from 1 wt% to 3 wt%, the direct/indirect optical band gap of PVA slightly decreased from 5.1/4.93 eV to 4.45/4.89 eV, respectively. Other optical characteristics, such as optical conductivity, dielectric constants, absorption coefficient, refractive index, etc., were evaluated. All observed optical properties versus energy/wavelength display a distinct pulse at 1.4 eV/850 nm which corresponds to the difference between the direct and indirect optical band gaps. It is expected that PVA-ZnO hybrid nanocomposites have become appropriate for implementation in numerous electronic applications due to their improved optical characteristics.
Non-conforming Interface Conditions for the Second-Order Wave Equation
Authors: Eriksson Gustav 
Published: May 2023

AbstractImposition methods of interface conditions for the second-order wave equation with non-conforming grids is considered. The spatial discretization is based on high order finite differences with summation-by-parts properties. Previously presented solution methods for this problem, based on the simultaneous approximation term (SAT) method, have shown to introduce significant stiffness. This can lead to highly inefficient schemes. Here, two new methods of imposing the interface conditions to avoid the stiffness problems are presented: (1) a projection method and (2) a hybrid between the projection method and the SAT method. Numerical experiments are performed using traditional and order-preserving interpolation operators. Both of the novel methods retain the accuracy and convergence behavior of the previously developed SAT method but are significantly less stiff.
Non-Destructive Evaluation and Damage Determination of Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Hliva V. , Szebényi G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe trend in recent years shows that fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are steadily replacing traditional engineering materials in the aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries, where the safety and reliability of structures are of crucial importance. The increasing popularity of FRPCs is explained by their favorable mechanical properties. However, a serious problem of FRPCs is their catastrophic failure under overload and lack of ductile behavior. This issue makes it necessary to develop a non-destructive examination method that can estimate the structural integrity and predict the remaining properties of a composite structure even after its partial damage. In this paper, we propose a Digital Image Correlation (DIC)-based new method, which is able to meet all the requirements of Industry 4.0, thus this method can be automated, is fast, accurate, and excludes the human factor. To prove the efficiency of the proposed, Non-Destructive (NDT)-DIC method, we created specimens with known impact damage, and tested them firstly by infrared thermography to get a basic reference to compare the subsequent results. Then we performed the NDT-DIC tests, where through the practical example, we presented the steps and the logical deduction of the method. Firstly, the test load limit is determined, proven by AE testing to be in the non-destructive range for the examined composite system. In the case of a simple tensile test setup, the obtained result is the principal strain field from which we calculate our indicator, the X value. The X value can indicate the existence of damage by itself, furthermore, a correlation can be established that defines the X value’s relationship with the reduction of strength, based on preliminary experiments. The use of the correlation enables a higher level of health monitoring than the use of the DIC method without this information because the effect of a random impact damage is predictable for the given composite. In our case, the correlation is already strong with a 0.1% strain/elongation test load, but when the test load is increased to 0.15%, the coefficient of determination (R2) slightly increases from 0.979 to 0.997.
Inhibition of Coliforms and Escherichia coli Bacterial Strains in Water by 3D Printed CS/GO/AgNP Filtration Membranes
Authors: Ogazi Anthony C. , Osifo Peter O. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe effect of 3D printed modified Chitosan membranes on bacterial strains by water filtration system was explored in this study. Specifically, it focused on the characterisation of 3D printed Chitosan–graphene oxide–silver nanoparticles (CS–GO–AgNP) composite membranes and the effects of Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) used as co-solvent on the performance of the CS–GO–AgNP nanocomposites. It also examined the impact of GO–AgNP on the CS matrix for inhibition of Fecal Coliforms, Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains in contaminated surface water. The increase in DMAc concentration and subsequent reduction in CS mole fraction within the ink formulation resulted to wider distribution of AgNP across membrane surface, improvement in mechanical strength and surface hydrophilicity of the modified CS membranes. Similarly, increase in GO–AgNP concentration effectively reduced the spread of the identified microorganisms. Sample B-12 with 79% CS, 21% DMAc and 1.2 ml of GO–AgNP exhibited the highest inhibition of the bacterial strains, with more than 95% of Fecal and Total Coliforms suppressed or inactivated, while 99.9% of the E. coli bacterial cells were completely prevented, indicating that our 3D printed modified CS membranes can effectively be used for water treatment.
A possible novel method in nuclear forensics: positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Tóbi Csaba , Homonnay Zoltán , Süvegh Károly 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPositron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) is a non-destructive technique used mostly in material science for studying open spaces/free volumes in materials. In this work, several different nuclear materials originating from the nuclear fuel cycle or round-robin exercises are analyzed by PAS. Our goal was, as for a first test of applicability, to check whether the technique is potentially suitable in a nuclear forensic examination for origin assessment of nuclear materials in order to support investigation. The results, presented below are promising and can certainly be further improved by analyzing larger sets of samples.
The influence of product digital visual presentation on purchase willingness: effects of roundedness axes and degree
Authors: Michalski Rafał 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe research examines the influence of digital visual product package presentations on perceived purchase willingness. Subjects pairwise compared the graphical stimuli displayed on a computer monitor. Gathered purchase willingness preference weights were calculated by means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique. Two studies focused on the package edge roundedness effect applied along different axes are reported. The first one included the following factors: Roundedness axis defined on three levels (X, Y, Z) and Roundedness degree also specified on three levels (Small, Medium, Large). The second involved Roundedness type (two levels: All edges rounded, Only sides rounded – along one axis) and Roundedness degree (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large). Both package Roundedness axis and Roundedness degree influenced perception and purchase willingness. This research extends existing knowledge by presenting empirical evidence on how a variety of product digital forms influences visual perception and purchase willingness. The results deliver useful and detailed information for practitioners and the outcomes may be applied as guidelines for computer graphics designers preparing visual appearance for articles in electronic shops, websites, banners, or advertisements displayed in networked screens.
Assessing the role of REM13, REM34 and REM46 during the transition to the reproductive phase in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Manrique Silvia , Caselli Francesca , Matías-Hernández Luis , Franks Robert G. , Colombo Lucia , Gregis Veronica 
Published: May 2023

AbstractREM (reproductive meristem) transcription factors have been proposed as regulators of plant reproductive development mainly based on their specific expression patterns in reproductive structures, but their roles are still largely unknown probably because of their redundancy. We selected threeREMgenes (REM13,REM34andREM46) for functional analysis, based on their genome position and/or co-expression data.Our results suggest that these genes have a role in flowering time regulation and may modulate cell cycle progression. In addition, protein interaction experiments revealed thatREM34andREM46interact with each other, suggesting that they might work cooperatively to regulate cell division during inflorescence meristem commitment.Previous attempts of using co-expression data as a guide for functional analysis of REMs were limited by the transcriptomic data available at the time. Our results uncover previously unknown functions of three members of theREMfamily ofArabidopsis thalianaand open the door to more comprehensive studies of the REM family, where the combination of co-expression analysis followed by functional studies might contribute to uncovering the biological roles of these proteins and the relationship among them.
Predicting variation in word decoding development in deaf and hard-of-hearing children
Authors: Couvee Sascha , Wauters Loes , Knoors Harry , Verhoeven Ludo , Segers Eliane 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground: Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children may experience difficulties in word decoding development. Aims: We aimed to compare and predict the incremental word decoding development in first grade in Dutch DHH and hearing children, as a function of kindergarten reading precursors. Methods and procedures: In this study, 25 DHH, and 41 hearing children participated. Kindergarten measures were phonological awareness (PA), letter knowledge (LK), rapid naming (RAN), and verbal short-term memory (VSTM). Word decoding (WD) was assessed at three consecutive time points (WD1, 2, 3) during reading instruction in first grade. Outcomes and results: The hearing children scored higher than the DHH children on PA and VSTM only, although the distribution of WD scores differed between the groups. At WD1, PA and RAN predicted WD efficiency in both groups; but PA was a stronger predictor for hearing children. At WD2, LK, RAN, and the autoregressor were predictors for both groups. While at WD3, only the autoregressor was a significant predictor. Conclusions and implications: WD development in DHH children on average shows similar levels as in hearing children, though within the DHH group more variation was observed. WD development in DHH children is not as much driven by PA; they may use other skills to compensate.