bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
APOD acts on fibroblast‐like synoviocyte and chondrocyte to alleviate the process of osteoarthritis in vitro
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Gu Shoubin , Zhang Gang , Wang Ren , Lv Songcen , Yan Jinglong , Qin Yong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is still unclear, leading to the lack of targeted treatment. We aimed to probe into the effect of apolipoprotein D (APOD), the key gene from our previous study through bioinformatics analysis, on fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) and chondrocytes in vitro to confirm its potential roles on the delay of OA progression. Primary FLS and chondrocytes were extracted from synovium and cartilage of OA patients and stimulated with interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) in vitro. After APOD intervention, viability and proliferation of FLS and chondrocytes were detected. Subsequently, the inflammatory factors of the two cells were detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot, and the apoptosis and autophagy‐related substances were determined at the same time. Finally, the oxidation level in FLS and chondrocytes were detected. APOD reversed the change of gene expression stimulated by IL‐1β in FLS and chondrocytes. APOD alleviated the proliferation of FLS while promoted proliferation of chondrocytes, and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. Moreover, APOD promoted apoptosis of FLS and autography of chondrocytes, while reduced apoptosis of chondrocytes. Finally, decrease level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both cells were observed after APOD intervention, as well as the increased expression of antioxidant‐related genes. APOD had effects on the proliferation of FLS and chondrocytes through apoptosis and autography as well as the reduction of oxidative stress, delaying the progress of OA.
Development of an express method for measuring soil nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and pH for future in‐field application
Authors: Najdenko Elena , Lorenz Frank , Olfs Hans‐Werner , Dittert Klaus 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn practical farming, there is often a need for short‐term availability of information on the soil nutrient status.AimsTo develop a new express method for the extraction of major plant‐available nutrients and measurement of soil nutrients. In future, this method shall serve for in‐field measurements of soil samples with an ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistor (ISFET).MethodsVarious extraction conditions such as type of extractant, soil‐to‐solution ratio, time, and intensity were investigated on a broad selection of dried soil samples in the laboratory. Based on 83 field‐moist soil samples with varying clay contents, these conditions were compared to standard laboratory methods.ResultsWith increasing extraction time, the nutrient concentrations increased. When the soil‐to‐solution ratio was reduced, a greater share of nutrients was extracted, independent of soil type. H2O and 0.01 M CaCl2 and standard calcium‐acetate‐lactate (CAL) solution proved to be too weak in the short period to reach the ISFET sensor measurement range. Higher concentrated CAL solutions performed much better. Finally, a 5‐min CaCl2 extraction followed by the removal of an aliquot for the determination of soil pH and NO3− was found to be effective. The remaining solution was then mixed with 0.20 M CAL solution for the analysis of H2PO4− and K+ at 10 min of extra extraction time. This extraction method showed very good correlations with the values based on the German laboratory reference methods for pH (R2 = 0.91) and for nitrate (R2 = 0.95). For phosphorus and potassium, we obtained an R2 of 0.70 and 0.81, respectively, for all soils. When soils were grouped according to clay content higher correlations were found.ConclusionsA new express method based on a wet‐chemical approach with a soil preparation procedure was successfully developed and validated. This seems to be a valuable basis for future in‐field measurements via ISFET.
Consumed from within? Social and ecological drivers of internal clearings in Ethiopian Orthodox church forests
Authors: Zebrowski Wesley M. , Reynolds Travis W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn a largely deforested landscape, thousands of small pockets of indigenous forest remain in Ethiopia's northern highlands. These “church forests” are maintained by Ethiopian Orthodox church communities, and they provide valuable reserves of indigenous species diversity and ecosystem services. However, there are important trade‐offs between the different ecosystem services church forests provide: the size of community‐made clearings within church forests used for prayer and other church services have to be balanced with services derived from intact forest cover and dense vegetation. This research uses a spatial, social–ecological model to examine patterns in church forest size and vegetation density across 2743 church forests in the Amhara Region. Results suggest that larger internal clearings correlate with larger forest area, and clearings also scale with population size. We also find that greater elevation and distance to population centers are associated with higher church forest density, while greater community wealth is associated with reduced forest density and area. These trends initially suggest that internal clearings can support conservation efforts, but they are nuanced by prevalent non‐native Eucalyptus planting and increasing internal deforestation for graveyard space for wealthier communities. Additionally, we find that internal clearings are an important source of omitted variable bias in estimating the relationship between density and area in church forests. As a consequence, incorporating church clearings into social–ecological models leads to meaningful differences in church forest density and area estimates. Ultimately, this study suggests that church forests in Ethiopia may be sustained rather than consumed from within.
Biobased Epoxy Eugenol Vitrimers: Influence of Impurities of Technical Grade Monomers on the Network Characteristics
Authors: Tannert Robin , Taubert Andreas , Weber Jens 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe influence of a defined impurity on the network characteristics of vitrimers made from an epoxidized eugenol derivative and various dicarboxylic acids is reported. One major characteristic of the monomer is the fact that it is not “clean” but rather is a mixture of the mono and diepoxidized eugenol derivatives. Mixtures like this could be thought to be representative of many technical grade compounds and the current system therefore serves as a model system to evaluate the effect of epoxide mixtures on the synthesis and the properties of the final vitrimers. The vitrimer preparation is found to be not affected by the different epoxy fractions, but in terms of the properties, there is an effect on the glass transition temperature both with the type of dicarboxylic acid but also with the level of epoxy functionalities present in the system. In spite of this, the ability of the vitrimer to perform the exchange reaction is not affected and all vitrimers can be reshaped or reprocessed showing that the processing is not affected by the changes in epoxy purity.
Effective divisors on projectivized Hodge bundles and modular Forms
Authors: van der Geer Gerard , Kouvidakis Alexis 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe construct vector‐valued modular forms on moduli spaces of curves and abelian varieties using effective divisors in projectivized Hodge bundles over moduli of curves. Cycle relations tell us the weight of these modular forms. In particular, we construct basic modular forms for genus 2 and 3. We also discuss modular forms on the moduli of hyperelliptic curves. In that case, the relative canonical bundle is a pull back of a line bundle on a ‐bundle over the moduli of hyperelliptic curves and we extend that line bundle to a compactification so that its push down is (close to) the Hodge bundle and use this to construct modular forms. In the Appendix, we use our method to calculate divisor classes in the dual projectivized ‐Hodge bundle determined by Gheorghita–Tarasca and by Korotkin–Sauvaget–Zograf.
Analyzing Bioaccessibility of Polyphenols in Six Commercial and Six Traditional Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) during In Vitro and Ex Vivo Oral Digestion
Authors: Kaeswurm Julia Anna Helene , Sempio Rebecca , Manca Federica , Burandt Melanie Regina , Buchweitz Maria 
Published: September 2023

ScopeApples are an important polyphenol (PP) source. To compare the health benefits of traditional and commercial varieties, the phenolic contents and profiles as well as their release from the matrix (bioaccessibility) during oral digestion are determined. Furthermore, based on these data the proposed beneficial effect of PP on the variety specific allergenicity is discussed.Methods and resultsPhenolics are quantified by HPLC‐DAD. Total phenolic contents (TPC) are in the range of 111–645 and 343–1950 mg 100 g−1 dry weight for flesh and peel, respectively. Matrix release during oral digestion is investigated ex vivo, with centrifuged and non‐centrifuged human saliva and in vitro with simulated saliva fluid (SSF). The overall bioaccessibility is similar in all digestion media, ranging between 40–80% and 39–65% of the TPC in flesh and peel, respectively. Analyzing the correlation among Mal‐d 1‐allergen‐content, unoxidized PP, and the allergenic potential for the samples reveals a negligible effect of phenolics.ConclusionDue to higher phenolic contents in combination with a similar release, increased PP concentrations in the oral phase and an improved uptake of PP from traditional varieties are assumed. However, the proposed beneficial effect of phenolics on allergenicity cannot be confirmed.
Dityrosine Aggravates Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Obese Mice by Altering Gut Microbiota and the LPS/TLR4/NF‐κB Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Ding Yin‐Yi , Lan Jinchi , Fang Yumeng , Pan Yuxiang , Gu Zhenyu , Xue Jing , Yang Ying , Jiang Mengqi , Ge Yujun , Shen Qing 
Published: September 2023

ScopeDityrosine is the main product of protein oxidation, which has been proved to be a threat to human health. This study aims to investigate whether dityrosine exacerbates insulin resistance by inducing gut flora disturbance and associated inflammatory responses.Methods and resultsMice fed with normal diet or high‐fat diet (HFD) received daily gavage of dityrosine (320 µg kg−1 BW) or saline for consecutive 13 weeks. The effects of dityrosine on gut microbiota are verified by in vitro fermentation using fecal microbiota from db/m mice and db/db mice. As a result, dityrosine causes the insulin resistance in mice fed normal diet, and aggravates the effects of HFD on insulin sensitivity. Dityrosine increases the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP), toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) but decreases levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in the plasma of CON and HFD‐fed mice. The changes of gut flora composition caused by dityrosine are significantly correlated with the changes of inflammatory biomarkers.ConclusionThe effects of dityrosine on insulin resistance may be attributed to the reshaping of the gut microbiota composition and promoting the activity of the LPS/TLR4/NF‐κB inflammatory pathway in HFD‐induced obese individuals.
Wide stopband QMSIW diplexer with large frequency ratio and flexible specification
Authors: Weng Lin‐Yang , Tu Wen‐Hua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this letter, a wide stopband quarter‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (QMSIW) diplexer is proposed. By using coupling feeding lines and QMSIW cavities, the two passbands of the diplexer can be controlled independently by their respective QMSIW bandpass filters. In comparison to other counterparts, the proposed diplexer provides flexible passband specification, compact size, and high isolation. The design exhibits a wide 20‐dB stopband up to 3.2f0, a frequency ratio of 1.6, and a high isolation level larger than 42.2 dB across the passbands.
Automated segmentation of insect anatomy from micro‐CT images using deep learning
Authors: Toulkeridou Evropi , Gutierrez Carlos Enrique , Baum Daniel , Doya Kenji , Economo Evan P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) imaging, such as microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), is increasingly being used by organismal biologists for precise and comprehensive anatomical characterization. However, the segmentation of anatomical structures remains a bottleneck in research, often requiring tedious manual work. Here, we propose a pipeline for the fully automated segmentation of anatomical structures in micro‐CT images utilizing state‐of‐the‐art deep learning methods, selecting the ant brain as a test case. We implemented the U‐Net architecture for two‐dimensional (2D) image segmentation for our convolutional neural network (CNN), combined with pixel‐island detection. For training and validation of the network, we assembled a data set of semimanually segmented brain images of 76 ant species. The trained network predicted the brain area in ant images fast and accurately; its performance tested on validation sets showed good agreement between the prediction and the target, scoring 80% Intersection over Union (IoU) and 90% Dice Coefficient (F1) accuracy. While manual segmentation usually takes many hours for each brain, the trained network takes only a few minutes. Furthermore, our network is generalizable for segmenting the whole neural system in full‐body scans, and works in tests on distantly related and morphologically divergent insects (e.g., fruit flies). The latter suggests that methods like the one presented here generally apply across diverse taxa. Our method makes the construction of segmented maps and the morphological quantification of different species more efficient and scalable to large data sets, a step toward a big data approach to organismal anatomy.Key points
Development of a deep learning‐based pipeline for the fully automated segmentation of micro‐CT images of insects, using ant brains as a starting point.
Creation of an open access data set of micro‐CT images of ant heads for training and testing.
Generalizable computer vision methodology, extendable across diverse taxa and anatomical features.
Clinical Value of Endoscopic Esophageal Screening in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chih , Wu Ching‐Nung , Wang Yu‐Ming , Chiu Tai‐Jan , Wu Shao‐Chun , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Luo Sheng‐Dean 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the clinical benefit of routine esophageal screening in newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary medical center.MethodsThis retrospective study selected newly diagnosed HNSCC patients from the Chang Gung Research Database between January 2007 and December 2019. Patients who underwent endoscopic esophageal examinations within 2 months of the initial diagnosis of HNSCC were included in the screening group. The clinical outcomes of the screening and nonscreening groups were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 13,627 HNSCC patients were included, comprising 1032 females and 12,640 males (mean age 55.0 years), and the esophageal screening group included 7033 (51.4%) patients. The prevalence rate of esophageal tumors was 4.5%. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients were the most likely to have (13.4%) second primary esophageal tumors. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of the esophageal tumor was lower in the esophageal screening group than in the nonesophageal screening group. The oral, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer patients in the esophageal screening group had better survival outcomes than their counterparts in the nonesophageal screening group.ConclusionEndoscopic esophageal screening of newly diagnosed HNSCC patients can detect esophageal tumors at an early stage and improve overall survival. Esophageal screening could be a routine survey in HNSCC patients, particularly those with lifestyle risk factors and in countries with a high prevalence of esophageal cancer.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Ren Quan‐Wei , Lei Gang , Zhao Yan‐Li , Zhou Li , Luo Xiao‐Li , Peng Shun‐Lin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThere is a link between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and the formation of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs). However, previous studies have mainly focused on LPR suggested by symptoms and signs, rather than objectively diagnosed LPR via pharyngeal pH monitoring. We, therefore, conducted a Meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between pharyngeal pH monitoring diagnosed LPR and the odds of BVFLs.Data SourcesRelevant observational studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.Review MethodsWe evaluated between‐study heterogeneity using the Cochrane Q test and estimated the I2 statistic. Random‐effects models were used when significant heterogeneity was observed; otherwise, fixed‐effects models were used.ResultsThirteen datasets from 9 studies were included. Among them, 493 were diagnosed with LPR and 344 had BVFLs. LPR was related to a higher odds of BVFLs (odds ratio: 3.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.84‐5.76, P < .001) with moderate heterogeneity (P for Cochrane Q test = .006, I2 = 57%). Subgroup analyses showed that the association was similar in studies with only pharyngeal pH monitoring (Restech), with double‐probe or 3‐site pH monitoring, and with 24‐hour multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (P for subgroup difference = .15). In addition, subgroup analysis showed consistent results in studies from Asia and Europe (P for subgroup analysis = .12), and the association seemed to be consistent for vocal Reinke's edema, nodules, and polyps (P for subgroup difference = .09).ConclusionPharyngeal pH monitoring diagnosed LPR is associated with the formation of BVFLs.
On the three‐dimensional numerical analysis of residual stresses on two scales in hot bulk forming parts
Authors: Hellebrand Sonja , Brands Dominik , Schröder Jörg 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCurrent research focuses on the induction of residual stresses in a component during its manufacturing process, which shows a significant impact on the final component's properties. During the manufacturing of a hot bulk forming component, the temperature evolution allows to influence the resulting residual stress state efficiently and purposefully. Following the characterization of residual stresses on different scales, single‐scale finite element simulations are carried out on macro‐ and microscale. In contrast to previous findings for two‐dimensional boundary value problems, the effects of the third dimension are demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that the residual stress distribution is effectively influenced by choosing different cooling routes in targeted manner. Eventually, the importance of microscopic residual stress investigations is discussed.
Above all: Motivation – some parts of our Maths for Engineers teaching concept
Authors: Feldmann Ute , Franz Sebastian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe present some parts of our Maths for Engineers teaching concept: above all, motivation: sometimes mathematics teachers observe that engineering students, for example, perceive the maths concepts as a useless evil for them and therefore learn with little motivation and sustainability. When the maths concepts are later used in other subjects, the students do not know how to apply them and teachers do not value the maths education very highly. We solve the motivation problem by linking the mathematics with the subject education: the maths exercise program contains tasks from the subject education at that moment when the necessary maths concepts are available; examples can be found here: https://tud.link/y33m. In this contribution we will document our experience in achieving this maths‐subject‐link and the success by motivating students.Other parts of our teaching concept are: (1.) making recordings of lecture and tutorial available so that students can decide whether to attend the face‐to‐face lecture or watch the video ‘flipped‐classroom‐style’ at home: 4/5 of our students choose face‐to‐face but use the recordings for review. (2.) Instead of TWO small‐group‐tutorials per week, we offer ONE central‐tutorial and ONE small‐group‐tutorial per week: We are documenting the success of this change based on student views and on changes in exam scores: the pass rate did not change, but we are observing a raised midfield. (3.) by means of our extra credit rules: https://tud.link/6r84 we evoke (a) group work, (b) that students continuously ‘stay on task’ throughout the semester, as well as (c) keep reviewing what they have learned so far.
Manufacturing and mechanical testing of curved sandwich beams with zero‐Poisson's ratio honeycomb cores
Authors: Cao Haiying , Bao Wenyi , Bai Cuiping , Yan Qu , Wang Ben , Yang Yunze , Fan Hualin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this research, free curling property of the over‐expanded honeycomb (OH) with zero Poisson's ratio was utilized to design and manufacture curved carbon fiber‐reinforced composite (CFRC) sandwich beams by hot compression molding technique and co‐curing process. Three‐point bending experiments were conducted to reveal the failure mechanism of these OH‐based curved sandwich beams with various curvatures. The results reveal that in this research no matter what the curvature is, the shearing fracture of the OH core controls the initial failure of the curved structure, which is followed by upper skin fracture, lower skin delamination and fracture. With the increase of curvature, the ultimate bearing capacity and flexural rigidity of the curved beams will increase. No debonding was observed in the experiments.Highlights
Curved sandwich beams with zero‐Poisson's ratio honeycomb‐core was designed.
Deformation process from arc, flattening to anti‐arc was revealed by testing.
Strength of curved sandwich beams depends on shear strength of the honeycomb.
Beams with smaller curvature have greater bearing capacity and stiffness.
Ethical and legal considerations in a Swiss study on the quality of pharmacotherapy in the city of Basel
Authors: Bruppacher Rudolf , Kaeser Yolanda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe describe a study on the quality of pharmacotherapy that included downloading electronic records in pharmacies and obtaining other information from the Public Sickness Fund in Basel, Switzerland. Legal and ethical considerations were discussed with and approved by the Internal Review Board of the university clinics through which the project was organized. Technical procedures were used to assure anonymity of the records during data collection and for the analysis. Completion of the records through links with personal data could be performed using a legally required process for quality assurance of the Public Sickness Fund. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.