bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Procedure for Implantation of Opto‐Array in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Azadi Reza , Bohn Simon , Eldridge Mark A. G. , Afraz Arash 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOptogenetics allows precise temporal control of neuronal activity in the brain. Engineered viral vectors are routinely used to transduce neurons with light‐sensitive opsins. However, reliable virus injection and light delivery in animals with large brains, such as nonhuman primates, has proven challenging. The Opto‐Array is a novel yet simple device that is used to deliver light to extended regions of the cortex surface for high‐throughput behavioral optogenetics in large brains. Here we present protocols for surgical delivery of virus (Basic Protocol 1) and implantation of the Opto‐Array (Basic Protocol 2) in two separate surgeries in a rhesus monkey's inferior temporal cortex. As a proof of concept, we measured the behavioral performance of an animal detecting cortical optogenetic stimulations (Basic Protocol 3) with different illumination power and duration using the Opto‐Array. The animal was able to detect the optogenetic stimulation for all tested illumination powers and durations. Regression analysis also showed both power and duration of illumination significantly modulate the detectability of the optogenetic stimulation. The outcome of this approach is superior to the standard practice of injecting and recording through a chamber for large areas of the cortex surface. Moreover, the chronic nature of the Opto‐Array allows perturbation of neuronal activity of the same site across multiple sessions because it is highly stable; thus, data can be pooled over months. The detailed surgical method presented here makes it possible to use optogenetics to modulate neuronal activity across large regions of the cortex surface in the nonhuman primate brain. This method also lays the groundwork for future attempts to use optogenetics to restore vision in humans. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Virus injection surgeryBasic Protocol 2: Opto‐Array implantation surgeryBasic Protocol 3: Cortical Perturbation Detection (CPD) task behavioral training
Sub‐Micro Organosolv Lignin as Bio‐Based Epoxy Polymer Component: A Sustainable Curing Agent and Additive
Authors: Pappa Christina P. , Torofias Stylianos , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSub‐micro organosolv lignin (OBs) isolated from beechwood biomass, comprising of sub‐micro sized particles (570 nm) with low molecular weight and dispersity and relatively high total phenolic −OH content, is utilized for the production of bio‐based epoxy polymer composites. OBs lignin is incorporated into the glassy epoxy system based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and aliphatic polyoxypropylene α,ω‐diamine (Jeffamine D‐230), being utilized both as a curing agent, partially replacing D‐230, and as an additive, substituting part of both petroleum‐derived components. Up to 12 wt % replacement of D‐230 by OBs lignin is achieved, whereas approximately 17 wt % of OBs effectively replaces the conventional epoxy polymer. The incorporation of OBs lignin in the polymeric matrix is achieved without the use of any solvent or previous functionalization. Enhanced properties are obtained, with substantial increases in tensile strength, strain, stiffness, glass transition temperature, antioxidant activity, and resistance to solvents.
A novel bidirectional modular multilevel inverter utilizing diode‐based bidirectional unit
Authors: Seifi Ali , Hosseinpour Majid , Hosseini Seyed Hossein 
Published: March 2023

SummaryMultilevel inverters have many applications, such as the grid integration of photovoltaic cells, FACTSs devices, electric vehicles, variable speed drives, and smart grids. In this paper, a new bidirectional diode‐based unit is proposed for a symmetric single‐phase modular inverter topology that can achieve high output levels by using a small number of switching and circuit devices. The basic structure can generate nine‐level voltage with only nine IGBTs and two diodes. Another advantage of the proposed topology is the utilization of a half‐bridge module to change the voltage polarity and the low number of its voltage sources. Additionally, the proposed topology can be used as the cascaded structure with different approaches to select the value of voltage sources. The power losses are discussed for the proposed basic module. A comparison has been made with some recently presented topologies to compare the proposed multilevel inverter and demonstrate its superiority. The comparison is performed for the basic module and its generalized structure. In this paper, the pulse width modulation technique is utilized to achieve a voltage waveform with low harmonic content. The proposed basic structure has an efficiency of 58.98% in 5KW power. Finally, the operation of the proposed basic module is simulated, and the laboratory prototype results confirm the accuracy of the simulation results.
Exploring effects of vessels on walrus behaviors using telemetry, automatic identification system data and matching
Authors: Taylor Rebecca L. , Jay Chadwick V. , Beatty William S. , Fischbach Anthony S. , Quakenbush Lori T. , Crawford Justin A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractArctic marine mammals have had little exposure to vessel traffic and potential associated disturbance, but sea ice loss has increased accessibility of Arctic waters to vessels. Vessel disturbance could influence marine mammal population dynamics by altering behavioral activity budgets that affect energy balance, which in turn can affect birth and death rates. As an initial step in studying these linkages, we conducted the first comprehensive analysis to evaluate the effects of vessel exposure on Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) behaviors. We obtained >120,000 h of location and behavior (foraging, in‐water not foraging, and hauled out) data from 218 satellite‐tagged walruses and linked them to vessel locations from the marine automatic identification system (AIS). This yielded 206 vessel‐exposed walrus telemetry hours for comparison to unexposed hours, which we used to assess if vessel exposure altered walrus behavior. We developed a filter to account for misclassification of vessel exposure of telemetered walruses. Then we tested for an effect of vessel exposure on walrus behaviors using a combination of exact and propensity score‐based matching to account for confounding covariates, and we conducted statistical power analyses. We did not detect an effect of vessel exposure on walrus behaviors even when statistical power was high (i.e., for foraging walruses), which may have been due to the sample size‐driven need to define vessel presence within a larger than desired distance (15‐km measured radius) around a walrus. Although this study did not determine at what distance vessel exposure affects walrus behaviors, it provided an upper bound on the distance at which the vessels encountered may disturb foraging walruses. When more situation‐specific information is lacking, this distance could be used as a conservative buffer to maintain between vessels and areas of high use by foraging walruses. Studies on behavioral consequences of closer proximities between walruses and vessels are needed, and our assessments of misclassification rates and statistical power can be used for future studies. We demonstrated that analytical approaches such as matching, which are rarely used in wildlife studies, are particularly useful for testing hypotheses with observational data.
Magnetic resonance imaging of organ iron before and after correction of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure
Authors: Gertler Christoph , Jauert Nadja , Freyhardt Patrick , Valentova Miroslava , Aland Sven Christopher , Walter‐Rittel Thula Cannon , Unterberg‐Buchwald Christina , Placzek Marius , Ding‐Reinelt Virginia , Bekfani Tarek , Doehner Wolfram , Hasenfuß Gerd , Hamm Bernd , Sandek Anja 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsIntravenous iron therapy (IVIT) is known to improve functional status in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The exact mechanism is not completely understood. We correlated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of T2* iron signal in various organs to systemic iron and exercise capacity (EC) in CHF before and after IVIT.Methods and resultsWe prospectively analysed 24 patients with systolic CHF for T2* MRI pattern of the left ventricle (LV), small and large intestines, spleen, liver, skeletal muscle, and brain for iron. In 12 patients with iron deficiency (ID), we restored iron deficit by IVIT using ferric carboxymaltose. The effects after 3 months were analysed by spiroergometry and MRI. Patients with vs. without ID showed lower blood ferritin, haemoglobin (76 ± 63 vs. 196 ± 82 μg/L and 12.3 ± 1.1 vs. 14.2 ± 1.1 g/dL, all P < 0.002), and in trend a lower transferrin saturation (TSAT) (19.1 [13.1; 28.2] vs. 25.1 [21.3; 29.1] %, P = 0.05). Spleen and liver iron was lower as expressed by higher T2* value (71.8 [66.4; 93.1] vs. 36.9 [32.9; 51.7] ms, P < 0.002 and 33.5 ± 5.9 vs. 28.8 ± 3.9 ms, and P < 0.03). There was a strong trend for a lower cardiac septal iron content in ID (40.6 [33.0; 57.3] vs. 33.7 [31.3; 40.2] ms, P = 0.07). After IVIT, ferritin, TSAT, and haemoglobin increased (54 [30; 104] vs. 235 [185; 339] μg/L, 19.1 [13.1; 28.2] vs. 25.0 [21.0; 33.7] %, 12.3 ± 1.1 vs. 13.3 ± 1.3 g/L, all P < 0.04). Peak VO2 improved (18.2 ± 4.2 vs. 20.9 ± 3.8 mL/min/kg−1, P = 0.05). Higher peak VO2 at anaerobic threshold was associated with higher blood ferritin, reflecting higher metabolic exercise capacity after therapy (r = 0.9, P = 0.0009). Increase in EC was associated with haemoglobin increase (r = 0.7, P = 0.034). LV iron increased by 25.4% (48.5 [36.2; 64.8] vs. 36.2 [32.9; 41.9] ms, P < 0.04). Spleen and liver iron increased by 46.4 and 18.2%, respectively (71.8 [66.4; 93.1] vs. 38.5 [22.4; 76.9] ms, P < 0.04 and 33.5 ± 5.9 vs. 27.4 ± 8.6 ms, P < 0.007). Iron in skeletal muscle, brain, intestine, and bone marrow remained unchanged (29.6 [28.6; 31.2] vs. 30.4 [29.7; 30.7] ms, P = 0.7, 81.0 ± 6.3 vs. 82.9 ± 9.9 ms, P = 0.6, 34.3 ± 21.4 vs. 25.3 ± 14.1 ms, P = 0.2, 9.4 [7.5; 21.8] vs. 10.3 [6.7; 15.7] ms, P = 0.5 and 9.8 ± 1.5 vs. 13.7 ± 8.9 ms, P = 0.1).ConclusionsCHF patients with ID showed lower spleen, liver, and in trend lower cardiac septal iron. After IVIT, iron signal of the left ventricle as well as spleen and liver increased. Improvement in EC was associated with increase in haemoglobin after IVIT. In ID, liver, spleen, and brain but not heart iron were associated with markers of systemic ID.
WISC‐IV intellectual profiles in Italian children with self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Zanaboni Martina Paola , Pasca Ludovica , Bova Stefania Maria , Chiappedi Matteo Alessio , Filippini Melissa , Giordano Lucio , Grumi Serena , Micheletti Serena , Operto Francesca F. , Pruna Dario , Ragona Francesca , Raviglione Federico , Totaro Martina , Varesio Costanza , Vignoli Aglaia , De Giorgis Valentina ,   The EpilEpsyIt study group
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the intellectual profile based on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 4th edition (WISC‐IV) in children with self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS), with an attempt to define possible predictive epilepsy‐related variables of cognitive performance.MethodsThe WISC‐IV was assessed in 161 children with SeLECTS and their cognitive profiles were compared to a matched sample of healthy control children.ResultsChildren with SeLECTS performed within normal range across all indices, demonstrating particular strength based on the Perceptual Reasoning Index. Compared to healthy control children, we observed a significant difference in performance based on the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient, Verbal Comprehension Index and Processing Speed Index. Regarding epilepsy‐related variables, earlier onset of epilepsy, use of anti‐seizure medications, the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders, a higher frequency of seizures, and a longer treatment duration were associated with an overall lower level of performance.SignificanceChildren with SeLECTS performed within the average range for cognitive assessment based on the WISC‐IV, demonstrating that children had normal levels of global intelligence. However, compared to healthy control children, children with SeLECTS showed a slightly lower level of performance. Reasoning skills represented the relative strengths in children with SeLECTS. Predictors of intellectual performance in patients with SeLECTS include epilepsy‐related variables and neurodevelopmental comorbidities.
Hydrogen supply chain: Current status and prospects
Authors: Monteiro Eliseu , Brito Paulo S. D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the current world energy scenario with rising prices and climate emergencies, the renewable energy sources are essential for reducing pollution levels triggered by carbon‐based fuels. Hydrogen rises in the world energy scenario as an important non‐carbon‐based energy able to replace fossil fuels. For this reason, the rapid development of hydrogen‐related technology has been seen in recent years. This review paper covers hydrogen energy systems from fossil fuel‐based hydrogen production, biomass and power from renewable energy sources, to hydrogen storage in compressed gases, liquefied and solid materials, and hydrogen‐based power generation technology. It represents a quiet complete set of references that may be effective in increasing the prospects of hydrogen as a fuel in the coming years. The main conclusions drawn are that natural gas and coal supply nearly all of the current hydrogen. The commercially available technologies for hydrogen production are steam methane reforming, partial oxidation, and alkaline electrolysis. The most economical methods for hydrogen production are partial oxidation, steam methane reforming, coal gasification, and biomass gasification. Metallic cylindrical reservoirs are the most promising alternative to underground storage of compressed hydrogen at large scales. Some metal compounds and composites can store a significant amount of hydrogen while maintaining reasonable adsorption and desorption kinetics. The transportation sector is likely to see widespread use of hydrogen in the future, helping to reduce pollution. Vehicles can be powered by fuel cells, which are much more efficient than internal combustion engines. There are still several obstacles in the way of widespread hydrogen utilization. The first one is that the cost of producing hydrogen from low‐carbon sources is elevated. As the cost of renewable energy declines and hydrogen production is scaled up, it is anticipated that the hydrogen production costs would decrease over the next years. Innovative technologies are expected to increase the interest on thermochemical hydrogen production to massively substitute electrochemical technologies since they are theoretically cost‐effective. More research is needed to fix concerns with some of the thermochemical cycles in order to rise its maturity. Increasing the chemical reaction conversion ratios, which can be resolved utilizing nonequilibrium reactions, is one of them. The transportation sector is likely to see extensive use of hydrogen in the future, helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The power required by vehicles may be supplied by fuel cells, which are more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on lipid profiles and liver enzymes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ardekani Ali , Tabrizi Reza , Maleki Elham , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Moradinazar Mehdi , Akbari Maryam 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs an antioxidant, coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) has been proposed as a possible treatment for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the present meta‐analysis, we aimed to determine the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on lipid profiles and liver enzymes of NAFLD patients. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library on 21 April 2022 to retrieve randomized controlled trials on NAFLD patients in which CoQ10 was utilized as a treatment. Data were pooled using the random‐effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the summary effect size. The analysis of the six included studies indicated an overall non‐significant decrease in the lipid profiles (total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride (TG)), and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT)) of NAFLD patients who received CoQ10. Sensitivity analysis using “leave‐one out” method showed a significant reduction in AST, and GGT after excluding certain studies. Also, subgroup analyses showed significant difference based on CoQ10 dose for TC, AST, and GGT, and also a significant decrease in AST based on the duration of the intervention. No publication bias was found between the studies. Although an overall non‐significant decrease was observed in lipid profiles and liver enzymes of NAFLD patients, the results of sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed significant effects of CoQ10 in certain conditions. Further RCTs should be done in light of our findings.
An economic impact of incorrect referrals for MRI and CT scans: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Baiguissova Dinara , Laghi Andrea , Rakhimbekova Assel , Fakhradiyev Ildar , Mukhamejanova Aigerim , Battalova Galina , Tanabayeva Shynar , Zharmenov Samat , Saliev Timur , Kausova Galina 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsUp to date, no research on the economic efficacy of diagnostic modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT), has been done in Central Asia. The aim of this study was to analyse the inappropriate appointments of MRI and CT scanning procedures in Kazakhstan.MethodsWe used the imaging diagnostic reports and medical records from 9725 planned outpatient CT and MRI exams performed in two major hospitals in Almaty. The study period was for the period 2014–2019. The independent experts‐radiologists evaluated the MRI and CT exams for validity using the ACR® compliance standards and RCR recommendations.ResultsThe results showed that the combined costs of MRI and CT scans increased by $17.982 between 2014 ($22.537) and 2019 ($40.519), p = 0.002. The highest rate of MRI examinations was observed in 2019, with a rate of 6.9 per 10,000 people. It was determined that in 2019 the highest rate for men who undertook CT was equal to 12.4 per 10,000 people, while for women it was equivalent to 5.7 per 10,000 patients. The majority of non‐corresponding imaging examinations (n = 1304) were referred for MRI and CT scans by general practitioners. We detected the irrational referrals for head and neck radiological examinations in n = 178 (13.7%) cases, and the abdominal cavity checks in n = 249 (19.1%) cases (p = 0.001). The main portion of erroneously unreasonable referrals for examination of the abdominal organs was made by surgeons in n = 43 (3.3%) cases.ConclusionThe findings indicated an increase in the number of referrals for unnecessary CT and MRI tests over the research period (2014–2019). It had a substantial impact on the rise in healthcare system expenses. The results demonstrate the need for the education of GPs and improving the approaches for diagnostics.
Higenamine Promotes Osteogenesis Via IQGAP1/SMAD4 Signaling Pathway and Prevents Age- and Estrogen-Dependent Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Dong Hui , Liu Ronghan , Zou Ke , Jin Zhengxin , Kang Jianning , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiaodi , Sun Zhengfang , Yu Guilian , Huang Nana , Bretches Morgan , Yang Shang-You , Ning Bin 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease caused by an imbalance of bone resorption and formation that results in a loss of total bone density. SMAD2/3 signal transduction is known to play a crucial role in osteogenic differentiation through transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). By screening a library of small-molecule compounds, the current study identifies higenamine (HG) as an active osteogenic agent that could be a therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis. In vitro data demonstrated that HG effectively induced expressions of osteogenic markers in mouse bone marrow stromal cell (BMSCs) and preosteoblastic cell cultures. Further, HG treatment resulted in enhanced bone formation and prevented accelerated bone loss on two animal models that mimic spontaneous senile osteoporosis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) was confirmed as a novel target of HG, where HG appears to bind to the Glu-1019 site of IQGAP1 to exert its osteogenic effects. Data subsequently suggested that HG promoted phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and regulated the SMAD2/3 pathway by inhibiting SMAD4 ubiquitination. Overall, the findings highlight HG as a new small-molecule drug to promote bone formation through SMAD2/3 pathway in osteoporosis. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Abstract
Higenamine is elucidated to upregulate SMAD2/3 signaling through binding IQGAP1, which leads to the inhibition of SMAD4 ubiquitination and thereby promotion of the expression of key osteogenesis genes.
Brokerage, power and gender equity: How empowerment‐focused civil society organisations bolster women's influence in rural Indonesia
Authors: Diprose Rachael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis article explores how empowerment‐focused Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) traverse scales and perform brokerage functions in helping rural women from marginal groups to connect to and influence powerholders in Indonesia. It identifies three brokerage mechanisms activated by these CSOs: brokering marginal groups' power bases through strengthening organising structures and sources of knowledge/resources; brokering spaces for women's influence on powerholders; and brokering networks with other women and authoritative actors to build supporting coalitions. The article also illustrates that contexts shape how CSO interventions affect change: heavy, resource‐intensive ‘thick’ brokerage strategies were important in deeply patriarchal contexts, whereas ‘thin’ brokerage strategies had some effects in places already more conducive to improving gender equity.