bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of BDNF, SPARC, FGF-21, and GDF-15 circulating levels after 1 year of anti-obesity treatments and their association with 1-year weight loss
Authors: Chaiyasoot Kusuma , Khumkhana Nanta , Deekum Wanjan , Chaichana Chartchai , Taweerutchana Voraboot , Srisuworanan Nicha , Pramyothin Pornpoj 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Emerging evidence revealed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are involved in energy metabolism and body weight regulation. Our study aimed at examining their association with BMI, their alterations after anti-obesity treatments, and their association with 1-year weight loss.

Methods
A prospective observational study of 171 participants with overweight and obesity and 46 lean controls was established. All participants received lifestyle educational intervention (LEI) with or without anti-obesity treatments (LEI + bariatric/metabolic surgery, n = 41; LEI + topiramate, n = 46; LEI + liraglutide, n = 31; LEI + orlistat, n = 12; and LEI alone, n = 41). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting plasma levels of BDNF, SPARC, GDF-15, and FGF-21 were measured at baseline and 1 year.

Results
Multiple linear regression showed that fasting levels of SPARC, FGF-21, and GDF-15 were significantly associated with baseline BMI after adjustment for age and sex. At 1 year, the average weight loss was 4.8% in the entire cohort with a significant improvement in glycemia, insulin sensitivity, and CRP. Multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, baseline BMI, type of treatment, and presence of T2DM revealed that the decrease in log10FGF-21 and log10GDF-15 at 1 year from baseline was significantly associated with a greater percentage of weight loss at 1 year.

Conclusions
This study highlights the association of SPARC, FGF-21, and GDF-15 levels with BMI. Decreased circulating levels of GDF-15 and FGF-21 were associated with greater weight loss at 1 year, regardless of the types of anti-obesity modalities.
An analysis tool for boundary layer and correlation-based transition onset assessment on generic geometries
Authors: Hoffmann J. Paul , Van den Eynde Jeroen , Steelant Johan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractToday’s CFD simulations tools and the related computational resources provide engineers an enormously high-fidelity design tool to generate an enormous aerodynamic and aerothermal database, for both the laminar and turbulent state, in a short time span. However, transitional flow simulation is still in its infancy that one still needs to rely on practical engineering correlations composed of typical boundary-layer parameters. This work describes the methodology to extract necessary parameters and profile information of the local boundary layer from any vast simulation dataset in an automatic fashion, allowing to apply a huge variety of best-practise correlations for transition prediction relying on local quantities on any type of 3D geometric body. The validation on a simple test case of a flat plate and application to a representative and complex use cases with the geometry of the HEXAFLY-INT hypersonic glider demonstrate the potential of this engineering methodology.
The Design of Citizen-Centric Green IS in Sustainable Smart Districts
Authors: Graf-Drasch Valerie , Keller Robert , Meindl Oliver , Röhrich Felix 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGreen information systems are often praised for their potential to foster sustainability in citizens’ daily lives and meet their needs. With this focus on citizens, districts that use smart technologies provide a litmus test, the results of which will indicate how to design smart green information systems that better meet the needs and desires of citizens. To date, however, guidelines on how to design such green information systems in urban areas or actively involve citizens in this process are few and far between. In recognition and remedy of this shortage, the study draws on the design science research paradigm to develop seven design principles for citizen-centric green information systems that can be used in sustainable smart districts. These principles are evaluated in 15 semi-structured interviews and a prototype of a mobile district app for a citizen-centric green information system is instantiated. By taking this citizen-centric perspective, the paper fosters the active involvement of humans in the design of sustainable urban environments.
Assessing Nutrient Assimilation by Wetland Impoundments Across Environmental Gradients
Authors: Wood Rachel L. , Baker Michelle A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWetland impoundments are constructed for recreational and conservational purposes. Here, the water level can be carefully controlled, producing ideal conditions for aquatic plant growth to support migratory birds or other management goals. These wetlands also perform a critical function of nutrient assimilation, with the capability to protect downstream waters from eutrophication. Understanding how the structural characteristics of wetlands are related to this functional capacity within shallow impoundments will help inform management practices to improve overall wetland function. We characterized 18 waterfowl impoundments surrounding the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. Wetland assimilation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was estimated at each wetland by controlled nutrient addition within mesocosms. In addition, wetland condition was assessed using a multimetric index (MMI), an indicator of the biological quality of the wetlands. We found that N assimilation was inversely correlated with water depth and positively correlated with soil % clay and total iron. Phosphorus assimilation was related to dissolved oxygen, aluminum, and N and P concentrations within the water column and soil. Nutrient assimilation did not differ among wetlands rated as poor, fair, and good by the MMI.
MIB2 promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating cell cycle control pathways
Authors: Kong Yiru , Li Jing , Liang Xiaohua , Zhou Xinli 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Although numerous measures have been used to improve the outcome of lung cancer patients, lung cancer, as the second most common diagnosed cancer, is still the main cause of cancer death. It becomes increasingly urgent for us to deeply deplore the molecular mechanism of lung cancer and to discover the potential therapeutic targets. In our study, we are dedicated to discovering the role of MIB2 in lung cancer development.

Methods
The public databases were used to compare the expression level of MIB2 in cancer and non-cancer tissue. We analyzed the expression of MIB2 in lung cancer samples by performing Rt-PCR and western blot. We carried out CCK8 and clone assays to study the influence of MIB2 in lung cancer proliferation. The transwell assays and wound healing assays were implemented to study the function of MIB2 in metastasis and invasion. Proteins of cell cycle control pathways are detected to verify the potential mechanism of MIB2 in lung cancer progression.

Results
MIB2 is up regulated in lung cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal lung tissue according to both public databases and our clinical lung cancer samples. Knockdown of MIB2 inhibits proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of lung cancer cell lines. Cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) including CDK2, CDK4, and cyclinB1 were down regulated in MIB2 knockdown cells.

Conclusion
Our results prove that MIB2 acts as a driver in NSCLC tumorigenesis by regulating cell cycle control pathways.
Facile Synthesis and Biophysical Characterization of Novel Zinc Oxide/Fe3O4 Hybrid Nanocomposite as a Potentially Active Agent in Sunscreens
Authors: Elbrolesy Aya , Elhussiny F. A. , Abdou Y. , Morsy Reda 
Published: July 2023

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are attractive sunscreens for UV protection, but they still face some challenges due to their white color and skin whitening, and the extent of UV blocking is still limited to UV-B. Therefore, the present work aimed to develop novel sunscreen agents based on ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites. ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites were prepared using a facile one-step combustion method and characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance techniques. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant activity of the prepared samples were carried out by spectrophotometric methods. The biocompatibility potential was tested on the normal (Human lung fibroblast: WI38) and cancerous (Hepatocellular carcinoma: HEPG-2) cell lines and the antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Bare ZnO NPs and ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites had pure structures with average particle sizes on a scale below 100 nm. The samples had antibacterial and antioxidant activity as well as the potential for biocompatibility and anticancer activity (cell viability was 80% for all nanocomposites up to 6.25 μg/mL indicating non-toxicity). The nanocomposite presented good UV absorption and SPF values (SPF = 12.2–14) not too far from those of bare ZnO (SPF = 15.4) and achieved extended protection over the UV and visible range. ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites are colored compounds that can match a desired tanned skin tone and have biophysical properties that make them a promising future as a cosmetic UV protectant.
Water extracts of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris enhance tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) tolerance against saline water irrigation
Authors: Mostafa Maryam M. , Hammad Doaa M. , Reda Marwa M. , El-Sayed Abo El-Khair B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe research aimed to examine the enhancement effect of Spirulina platensis (blue–green microalga or Cyanobacterium) and Chlorella vulgaris (green microalga) water extracts as biological stimulant in improving growth parameters, chlorophyll content, yield, and fruit quality of tomato plants under salinity stress. Tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum L of cv. Agyad) were soaked in three microalgae water extracts at a 10% concentration (Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina platensis, and Chlorella: Spirulina at a ratio of 1:1). Chemical and biochemical analyses for the used materials and products were achieved. After germination, tomato transplants were irrigated with saline water at three levels of saline water (2, 4, and 7 dS/m) using sea salt. Successive grown tomato transplant at 7.0 dS/cm were infused in clayey soil. The grown plants were prayed by algal extract and irrigated by the same solution. Vegetative growth, yield, shelf life, and chlorophylls (a and b) were determined. It was found that the highest vegetative growth, yield, and chlorophyll content were measured in tomato transplants with the Spirulina: Chlorella mixture, followed by Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris water extracts, all of these measurements increased significantly in response to microalgae treatments. Experimental tomato fruits of Chlorella and mixture treatments can stay for 45 days at room temperature. Both algal extracts and their mixture enhanced the bioaccumulation of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) compared with the control, while Chlorella extract surpassed Spirulina and mixture extracts. Concerning the used dried algae and their water extract, Spirulina platensis surpasses Chlorella vulgaris for protein and ash content.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the Stribeck curve: Boundary lubrication, mixed lubrication, and hydrodynamic lubrication on the atomistic level
Authors: Stephan Simon , Schmitt Sebastian , Hasse Hans , Urbassek Herbert M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLubricated contact processes are studied using classical molecular dynamics simulations for determining the entire range of the Stribeck curve. Therefore, the lateral movement of two solid bodies at different gap height are studied. In each simulation, a rigid asperity is moved at constant height above a flat iron surface in a lubricating fluid. Both methane and decane are considered as lubricants. The three main lubrication regimes of the Stribeck curve and their transition regions are covered by the study: Boundary lubrication (significant elastic and plastic deformation of the substrate), mixed lubrication (adsorbed fluid layer dominates the process), and hydrodynamic lubrication (shear flow is set up between the surface and the asperity). We find the formation of a tribofilm in which lubricant molecules are immersed into the metal surface—not only in the case of scratching, but also for boundary lubrication and mixed lubrication. The formation of a tribofilm is found to have important consequences for the contact process. Moreover, the two fluids are found to show distinctly different behavior in the three lubrication regimes: For hydrodynamic lubrication (large gap height), decane yields a better tribological performance; for boundary lubrication (small gap height), decane shows a larger friction coefficient than methane, which is due to the different mechanisms observed for the formation of the tribofilm; the mixed lubrication regime can be considered as a transition regime between the two other regimes. Moreover, it is found that the nature of the tribofilm depends on the lubricant: While methane particles substitute substrate atoms sustaining mostly the crystalline structure, the decane molecules distort the substrate surface and an amorphous tribofilm is formed.
Loneliness Among Black/African American Adults Living with HIV: Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates and Implications for Adherence
Authors: Malika Nipher , Bogart Laura M. , Mutchler Matt G. , Goggin Kathy , Klein David J. , Lawrence Sean J. , Wagner Glenn J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLoneliness, an emerging public health problem, is higher among people living with HIV and is associated with negative health outcomes. Black/African Americans have a high burden of HIV, and little is known about the characteristics of loneliness among Black adults living with HIV; therefore, this study sought to understand the sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of Black adults living with HIV who are lonely and the implications of loneliness for their health outcomes. A sample of 304 Black adults living with HIV (73.8% sexual minority men) in Los Angeles County, CA, USA, completed the survey items assessing sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, social determinants of health, health outcomes, and loneliness. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was assessed electronically with the medication event monitoring system. Bivariate linear regressions analysis showed higher loneliness scores among those with higher levels of internalized HIV stigma, depression, unmet needs, and discrimination related to HIV serostatus, race, and sexual orientation. In addition, participants who were married or living with a partner, had stable housing, and reported receiving more social support had lower levels of loneliness. In multivariable regression models controlling for correlates of loneliness, loneliness was found to be a significant independent predictor of worse general physical health, worse general mental health, and greater depression. Loneliness was marginally associated with lower ART adherence. Findings suggest that Black adults living with HIV, who experience multiple intersectional stigmas, require targeted interventions and resources.
A new algorithm and a discussion about visualization for logistic reduced rank regression
Authors: de Rooij Mark 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLogistic reduced rank regression is a useful data analysis tool when we have multiple binary response variables and a set of predictors. In this paper, we describe logistic reduced rank regression and present a new majorization minimization algorithm for the estimation of model parameters. Furthermore, we discuss Type I and Type D triplots for visualizing the results of a logistic reduced rank regression model, compare them, and then develop a hybrid triplot using elements of both types. Two empirical data sets are analyzed. This analysis is used to (1) compare the new algorithm to an existing one in terms of speed; and (2) to show the hybrid triplot and its interpretation.
Robotic check of a subassembly, and its simulation
Authors: Rónai László 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper discusses a quality inspection process of a subassembly of a battery cover, which is performed with an industrial robot equipped with an intelligent end-effector. The subassembly has a plastic pin and a torsion spring part. During intended use of the unit, the necessary force to actuate the pin is determined with measurements and simulations. In the measurement a self-devised intelligent end-effector is equipped with a microcontroller and a beam type load cell in order to measure the spring force. The main aim is to make an automatic decision without operator intervention at the quality check process, which is related to the quality of the subassembly. In the simulation deformation of the spring part is modeled with geometrically nonlinear 2D beam finite elements in the course of assembly and intended use. Co-rotational approach is used to consider the large displacements and rotations with small strains. Penalty method is applied to treat the contact between the spring and pin parts.
Choose Local: Dung Addition from Native Herbivores Can Produce Substantial Positive Effects on the Growth of Native Grasses Compared to Livestock Dung
Authors: Guevara-Torres Diego R. , Facelli José M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLivestock grazing and dung deposition can increase soil nutrients, contributing to the dominance of exotic species. Recent research suggests that native herbivore grazing has positive effects on native vegetation and soil health. However, little is known about the effects of native herbivore dung on plant growth and its potential implications for the restoration of degraded grasslands. This study examined the effects of dung addition from a native herbivore, kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), and ruminant livestock, sheep (Ovis aries), on biomass production and nutrient uptake of the native perennial wallaby grass (Rytidosperma auriculatum) and the annual exotic wild oat (Avena barbata), two of the most abundant grasses from the temperate grasslands of southern Australia. We conducted a glasshouse experiment, adding each type of dung to each plant species grown without competition in pots containing soil with a nutrient composition similar to that of old fields. Kangaroo dung produced higher wallaby grass aboveground biomass than other treatments and less wild oat aboveground biomass than the control. Kangaroo dung affected nutrient uptake but not nutrient concentration. Sheep dung had no effect. We demonstrated that native herbivores and livestock dung can have different effects on the biomass of native and invasive grasses. The higher nutrient uptake in wallaby grass appeared to be a consequence of the higher biomass production, suggesting that the effects produced by kangaroo dung could be related to its chemical and biological characteristics rather than its nutrient composition. Incorporating native herbivores’ dung or facilitating their presence can improve restoration outcomes in degraded grasslands.
Expanding the application range of the κ‑carrageenase OUC-FaKC16A when preparing oligosaccharides from κ-carrageenan and furcellaran
Authors: Jiang Chengcheng , Secundo Francesco , Mao Xiangzhao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCarrageenan oligosaccharides are important products that have demonstrated numerous bioactivities useful in the food, medicine, and cosmetics industries. However, the specific structure–function relationships of carrageenan oligosaccharides are not clearly described due to the deficiency of high specific carrageenases. Here, a truncated mutant OUC-FaKC16Q based on the reportedκ-neocarratetrose (Nκ4)-producingκ-carrageenase OUC-FaKC16A fromFlavobacterium algicolawas constructed and further studied. After truncating the C-terminal Por_Secre_tail (PorS) domain (responsible for substrate binding), the catalytic efficiency and temperature stability decreased to a certain extent. Surprisingly, this truncation also enabled OUC-FaKC16Q to hydrolyze Nκ4 intoκ-neocarrabiose (Nκ2). The offset of Arg265residue in OUC-FaKC16Q may explain this change. Moreover, the high catalytic abilities, the main products, and the degradation modes of OUC-FaKC16A and OUC-FaKC16Q toward furcellaran were also demonstrated. Data suggested OUC-FaKC16A and OUC-FaKC16Q could hydrolyze furcellaran to produce mainly the desulfated oligosaccharides DA-G-(DA-G4S)2and DA-G-DA-G4S, respectively. As a result, the spectrum of products ofκ-carrageenase OUC-FaKC16A has been fully expanded in this study, indicating its promising potential for application in the biomanufacturing of carrageenan oligosaccharides with specific structures.
Delineation of clinical target volume in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Quxia , Huang Shaohui , Lin Shaojun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRadiotherapy is the mainstay treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), as the standard technique, achieves the purpose of improving target coverage and better sparing of normal tissue. Increased attention has been given to explore various strategies for deescalating treatment intensity. The optimization of clinical target volume (CTV) is one of the most active research areas being widely discussed. Although the International Guidelines for the delineating of CTV in NPC had provided important references for clinicians, there are marked variations in practice among different institutions. This article reviews the development of CTV delineation in non-metastatic NPC patients among centers, and compares the similarities and differences in CTV delineation of various current guidelines in the hope of providing insights for future investigation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the development and evolution of CTV delineation on primary tumor and lymph nodes for definitive radiotherapy in non-metastatic NPC through historical lens. We also compare the differences of CTV delineation ways. In addition, we look into the clinical and practical challenges of CTV delineation, hoping to provide direction for future research.