bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global economic costs of herpetofauna invasions
Authors: Soto Ismael , Cuthbert Ross N. , Kouba Antonín , Capinha César , Turbelin Anna , Hudgins Emma J. , Diagne Christophe , Courchamp Franck , Haubrock Phillip J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBiological invasions by amphibian and reptile species (i.e. herpetofauna) are numerous and widespread, having caused severe impacts on ecosystems, the economy and human health. However, there remains no synthesised assessment of the economic costs of these invasions. Therefore, using the most comprehensive database on the economic costs of invasive alien species worldwide (InvaCost), we analyse the costs caused by invasive alien herpetofauna according to taxonomic, geographic, sectoral and temporal dimensions, as well as the types of these costs. The cost of invasive herpetofauna totaled at 17.0 billion US$ between 1986 and 2020, divided split into 6.3 billion US$ for amphibians, 10.4 billion US$ for reptiles and 334 million US$ for mixed classes. However, these costs were associated predominantly with only two species (brown tree snake Boiga irregularis and American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus), with 10.3 and 6.0 billion US$ in costs, respectively. Costs for the remaining 19 reported species were relatively minor (< 0.6 billion US$), and they were entirely unavailable for over 94% of known invasive herpetofauna worldwide. Also, costs were positively correlated with research effort, suggesting research biases towards well-known taxa. So far, costs have been dominated by predictions and extrapolations (79%), and thus empirical observations for impact were relatively scarce. The activity sector most affected by amphibians was authorities-stakeholders through management (> 99%), while for reptiles, impacts were reported mostly through damages to mixed sectors (65%). Geographically, Oceania and Pacific Islands recorded 63% of total costs, followed by Europe (35%) and North America (2%). Cost reports have generally increased over time but peaked between 2011 and 2015 for amphibians and 2006 to 2010 for reptiles. A greater effort in studying the costs of invasive herpetofauna is necessary for a more complete understanding of invasion impacts of these species. We emphasise the need for greater control and prevention policies concerning the spread of current and future invasive herpetofauna.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia, a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea, promotes 4T1 breast cancer development through endothelin-1 receptors
Authors: Minoves Mélanie , Kotzki Sylvain , Hazane-Puch Florence , Lemarié Emeline , Bouyon Sophie , Vollaire Julien , Gonthier Brigitte , Pépin Jean-Louis , Josserand Véronique , Briançon-Marjollet Anne , Godin-Ribuot Diane 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cancer is still debated and data are scarce regarding the link between OSA and breast cancer progression. Since conclusive epidemiological studies require large sample sizes and sufficient duration of exposure before incident cancer occurrence, basic science studies represent the most promising approach to appropriately address the topic. Here we assessed the impact of intermittent hypoxia (IH), the major hallmark of OSA, on the development of breast cancer and explored the specific involvement of the endothelin signaling pathway. Original in vitro and in vivo models were used where 3D-spheroids or cultures of murine 4T1 breast cancer cells were submitted to IH cycles, and nude NMRI mice, orthotopically implanted with 4T1 cells, were submitted to chronic IH exposure before and after implantation. The role of the endothelin-1 in promoting cancer cell development was investigated using the dual endothelin receptor antagonist, macitentan. In vitro exposure to IH significantly increased 4T1 cell proliferation and migration. Meta-analysis of 4 independent in vivo experiments showed that chronic IH exposure promoted tumor growth, assessed by caliper measurement (overall standardized mean difference: 1.00 [0.45–1.55], p < 0.001), bioluminescence imaging (1.65 [0.59–2.71]; p < 0.01) and tumor weight (0.86 [0.31–1.41], p < 0.01), and enhanced metastatic pulmonary expansion (0.77 [0.12–1.42]; p = 0.01). Both in vitro and in vivo tumor-promoting effects of IH were reversed by macitentan. Overall, these findings demonstrate that chronic intermittent hypoxia exposure promotes breast cancer growth and malignancy and that dual endothelin receptor blockade prevents intermittent hypoxia-induced tumor development.
Water activated disposable paper battery
Authors: Poulin Alexandre , Aeby Xavier , Nyström Gustav 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe developed a disposable paper battery aiming to reduce the environmental impact of single-use electronics for applications such as point of care diagnosis, smart packaging and environmental sensing. The battery uses Zinc as a biodegradable metal anode, graphite as a nontoxic cathode material and paper as a biodegradable substrate. To facilitate additive manufacturing, we developed electrodes and current collector inks that can be stencil printed on paper to create water-activated batteries of arbitrary shape and size. The battery remains inactive until water is provided and absorbed by the paper substrate, taking advantage of its natural wicking behavior. Once activated, a single cell provides an open circuit potential of 1.2 V and a peak power density of 150 µW/cm2at 0.5 mA. As a proof of concept, we fabricated a two cell battery and used it to power an alarm clock and its liquid crystal display.
Systematic screening and validation of reliable reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Zhang Jing-Rong , Feng Yuan-Yuan , Yang Ma-Jin , Xiao Yu , Liu Yu-Shan , Yuan Yuan , Li Zhen , Zhang Yan , Zhuo Ming , Zhang Jun , Li Cai-Xia 
Published: July 2022

AbstractQuantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a sensitive and widely used technique for quantifying gene expression levels, and its accuracy depends on the reference genes used for data normalization. To date, no reference gene has been reported in the nutritious and functional vegetable okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Herein, 11 candidates of reference genes were selected and evaluated for their expression stability in okra in different tissues at different developmental stages by using three software algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper) and a web-based tool (RefFinder). Among them, eukaryotic initiation factor 4 alpha (eIF4A) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) showed the highest stability, while TUA5 had the lowest stability. The combined usage of these two most stable reference genes was sufficient to normalize gene expression in okra. Then, the above results were further validated by normalizing the expression of the cellulose synthase gene CesA4. This work provides appropriate reference genes for transcript normalization in okra, which will facilitate subsequent functional gene research on this vegetable crop.
The psychophysiological mechanisms of real-world time experience
Authors: Ogden Ruth S. , Dobbins Chelsea , Slade Kate , McIntyre Jason , Fairclough Stephen 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOur sense of time is fallible, often resulting in the sensation of time flying by quickly or dragging slowly. It has been suggested that changes in sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity may influence the perceived passage of time, however this proposition has never been tested during real-world temporal experience. The current study directly tested the relationship between the passage of time and SNS–PNS activity in the real-world. Sixty-seven participants completed a normal day’s activities whilst wearing sensors to capture electrocardiography (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and movement. They also provided hourly rating of the subjective speed at which time was passing. Results revealed that greater SNS activity (e.g., increased heart rate, frequency of phasic skin conductance response) was associated with time passing more quickly. PNS activity was not related to time experience. Whilst the findings support previous suggestions that changes in physiological arousal are associated with distortions to the passage of time, the effects are small and other factors are likely to contribute to real-world temporal experience.
Clinical and neurophysiological effects of central thalamic deep brain stimulation in the minimally conscious state after severe brain injury
Authors: Arnts Hisse , Tewarie Prejaas , van Erp Willemijn S. , Overbeek Berno U. , Stam Cornelis J. , Lavrijsen Jan C. M. , Booij Jan , Vandertop William P. , Schuurman Rick , Hillebrand Arjan , van den Munckhof Pepijn 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the central thalamus is an experimental treatment for restoration of impaired consciousness in patients with severe acquired brain injury. Previous results of experimental DBS are heterogeneous, but significant improvements in consciousness have been reported. However, the mechanism of action of DBS remains unknown. We used magnetoencephalography to study the direct effects of DBS of the central thalamus on oscillatory activity and functional connectivity throughout the brain in a patient with a prolonged minimally conscious state. Different DBS settings were used to improve consciousness, including two different stimulation frequencies (50 Hz and 130 Hz) with different effective volumes of tissue activation within the central thalamus. While both types of DBS resulted in a direct increase in arousal, we found that DBS with a lower frequency (50 Hz) and larger volume of tissue activation was associated with a stronger increase in functional connectivity and neural variability throughout the brain. Moreover, this form of DBS was associated with improvements in visual pursuit, a reduction in spasticity, and improvement of swallowing, eight years after loss of consciousness. However, after DBS, all neurophysiological markers remained significantly lower than in healthy controls and objective increases in consciousness remained limited. Our findings provide new insights on the mechanistic understanding of neuromodulatory effects of DBS of the central thalamus in humans and suggest that DBS can re-activate dormant functional brain networks, but that the severely injured stimulated brain still lacks the ability to serve cognitive demands.
Task-independent metrics of computational hardness predict human cognitive performance
Authors: Franco Juan Pablo , Doroc Karlo , Yadav Nitin , Bossaerts Peter , Murawski Carsten 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe survival of human organisms depends on our ability to solve complex tasks in the face of limited cognitive resources. However, little is known about the factors that drive the complexity of those tasks. Here, building on insights from computational complexity theory, we quantify the computational hardness of cognitive tasks using a set of task-independent metrics related to the computational resource requirements of individual instances of a task. We then examine the relation between those metrics and human behavior and find that they predict both time spent on a task as well as accuracy in three canonical cognitive tasks. Our findings demonstrate that performance in cognitive tasks can be predicted based on generic metrics of their inherent computational hardness.
Sialylated and sulfated N-Glycans in MDCK and engineered MDCK cells for influenza virus studies
Authors: Byrd-Leotis Lauren , Jia Nan , Matsumoto Yasuyuki , Lu Dongli , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Steinhauer David A. , Cummings Richard D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line is an in vitro model for influenza A virus (IAV) infection and propagation. MDCK-SIAT1 (SIAT1) and humanized MDCK (hCK) cell lines are engineered MDCK cells that express N-glycans with elevated levels of sialic acid (Sia) in α2,6-linkage (α2,6-Sia) that are recognized by many human IAVs. To characterize the N-glycan structures in these cells and the potential changes compared to the parental MDCK cell line resulting from engineering, we analyzed the N-glycans from these cells at different passages, using both mass spectrometry and specific lectin and antibody binding. We observed significant differences between the three cell lines in overall complex N-glycans and terminal galactose modifications. MDCK cells express core fucosylated, bisected complex-type N-glycans at all passage stages, in addition to expressing α2,6-Sia on short N-glycans and α2,3-Sia on larger N-glycans. By contrast, SIAT1 cells predominantly express α2,6-Sia glycans and greatly reduced level of α2,3-Sia glycans. Additionally, they express bisected, sialylated N-glycans that are scant in MDCK cells. The hCK cells exclusively express α2,6-Sia glycans. Unexpectedly, hCK glycoproteins bound robustly to the plant lectin MAL-1, indicating α2,3-Sia glycans, but such binding was not Sia-dependent and closely mirrored that of an antibody that recognizes glycans with terminal 3-O-sulfate galactose (3-O-SGal). The 3-O-SGal epitope is highly expressed in N-glycans on multiple hCK glycoproteins. These results indicate vastly different N-glycomes between MDCK cells and the engineered clones that could relate to IAV infectivity.
AutoComBat: a generic method for harmonizing MRI-based radiomic features
Authors: Carré Alexandre , Battistella Enzo , Niyoteka Stephane , Sun Roger , Deutsch Eric , Robert Charlotte 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe use of multicentric data is becoming essential for developing generalizable radiomic signatures. In particular, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data used in brain oncology are often heterogeneous in terms of scanners and acquisitions, which significantly impact quantitative radiomic features. Various methods have been proposed to decrease dependency, including methods acting directly on MR images, i.e., based on the application of several preprocessing steps before feature extraction or the ComBat method, which harmonizes radiomic features themselves. The ComBat method used for radiomics may be misleading and presents some limitations, such as the need to know the labels associated with the “batch effect”. In addition, a statistically representative sample is required and the applicability of a signature whose batch label is not present in the train set is not possible. This work aimed to compare a priori and a posteriori radiomic harmonization methods and propose a code adaptation to be machine learning compatible. Furthermore, we have developed AutoComBat, which aims to automatically determine the batch labels, using either MRI metadata or quality metrics as inputs of the proposed constrained clustering. A heterogeneous dataset consisting of high and low-grade gliomas coming from eight different centers was considered. The different methods were compared based on their ability to decrease relative standard deviation of radiomic features extracted from white matter and on their performance on a classification task using different machine learning models. ComBat and AutoComBat using image-derived quality metrics as inputs for batch assignment and preprocessing methods presented promising results on white matter harmonization, but with no clear consensus for all MR images. Preprocessing showed the best results on the T1w-gd images for the grading task. For T2w-flair, AutoComBat, using either metadata plus quality metrics or metadata alone as inputs, performs better than the conventional ComBat, highlighting its potential for data harmonization. Our results are MRI weighting, feature class and task dependent and require further investigations on other datasets.
Virtual product development process for reducing noise, vibration, and harshness of vehicle based on substructuring and artificial neural network
Authors: Kim Yongdae , Jeong Un-Chang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this study, virtual product development method for reducing vibration and noise is proposed for designing at the concept development stage of a vehicle. To this end, the vibration characteristics of the system are predicted through the Lagrange-multiplier frequency-based substructuring technique. The concepts of contact, blocked and transmitted force, and force transmissibility were used for determining the improvement subsystem or combination of subsystems when using the modular platform. Moreover, after the subsystems to be improved were determined, Artificial Neural Network was used as a method of predicting vibration characteristics according to the change of design variables. To verify this, the prediction of the blocked force was performed by changing the young’s modulus of the simplified substructure. Finally, the reduction in response was confirmed by applying the blocked force of the simplified subframe to the simplified structure, and a vehicle development process using a database at the concept setting stage is proposed.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Optical and structural properties of Sn and Ag-doped PbS/PVA nanocomposites synthesized by chemical bath deposition
Authors: Fatemi Ali , Tohidi Tavakkol , Jamshidi-Galeh Kazem , Rasouli Milad , Ostrikov Kostya 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this work, Sn and Ag doped PbS/PVA nanocomposites, in three different concentrations were successfully prepared using the low-cost and simple method of chemical bath deposition (CBD). X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of the PbS cubic phase in all of the nanocomposites. FE-SEM images showed that PbS NPs are cubic in shape and the doping can alter the shape of grains. DLS analysis applied for solution NPs exhibited a 175 nm size distribution for PbS NPs and decreased by doping Ag and Sn to almost 100 nm and 110 nm, respectively. Optical absorption spectra showed the blue phenomena and the band gaps of Sn: PbS/PVA and Ag: PbS/PVA nanocomposites increased with adding Sn and Ag from 3.08 eV for pure PVA/PbS to 3.33 eV for Sn doped and 3.43 eV for Ag-doped samples. The nonlinear refractive index is decreased from 0.55 m2 W−1 for pure PVA/PbS to 0.11 m2 W−1 and 0.13 m2 W−1 for Sn and Ag-doped samples, respectively. Hence, doping Ag and Sn enhanced the optical sensitivity issue of nanocomposites and raised the optical resistivity. Collectively, our results can be useful in the design of linear and nonlinear optical devices such as sensors and optical switches and limiters.
Staphylococcus aureus increases platelet reactivity in patients with infective endocarditis
Authors: Polzin Amin , Dannenberg Lisa , M’Pembele René , Mourikis Philipp , Naguib David , Zako Saif , Helten Carolin , Petzold Tobias , Levkau Bodo , Hohlfeld Thomas , Barth Mareike , Zeus Tobias , Sixt Stephan , Huhn Ragnar , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Kelm Malte , Hoffmann Till 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThromboembolism is frequent in infective endocarditis (IE). However, the optimal antithrombotic regimen in IE is unknown.Staphylococcus aureus(SA) is the leading cause of IE. First studies emphasize increased platelet reactivity by SA. In this pilot study, we hypothesized that platelet reactivity is increased in patients with SA− IE, which could be abrogated by antiplatelet medication. We conducted a prospective, observatory, single-center cohort study in 114 patients with IE, with four cohorts: (1) SA coagulase positive IE without aspirin (ASA) medication, (2) coagulase negative IE without ASA, (3) SA coagulase positive IE with ASA, (4) coagulase negative IE with ASA. Platelet function was measured by Multiplate electrode aggregometry, blood clotting by ROTEM thromboelastometry. Bleeding events were assessed according to TIMI classification. In ASA-naïve patients, aggregation with ADP was increased with coag. pos. IE (coagulase negative: 39.47 ± 4.13 AUC vs. coagulase positive: 59.46 ± 8.19 AUC, p = 0.0219). This was abrogated with ASA medication (coagulase negative: 42.4 ± 4.67 AUC vs. coagulase positive: 45.11 ± 6.063 AUC p = 0.7824). Aspirin did not increase bleeding in SA positive patients. However, in SA negative patients with aspirin, red blood cell transfusions were enhanced. SA coagulase positive IE is associated with increased platelet reactivity. This could be abrogated by aspirin without increased bleeding risk. The results of this pilot study suggest that ASA might be beneficial in SA coagulase positive IE. This needs to be confirmed in clinical trials.
Synthesis of Candida Antarctica Lipase B (CALB) enzyme-powered magnetite nanomotor based on PCL/Chitosan Janus nanostructure
Authors: Mafakheri Fariba , Khoee Sepideh 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this work, we report the design and synthesis of internal energy-driven Janus nanomotors (JNMs), which are composed of certain reactive materials that are capable of converting chemical energy in the backbone of nanomotors into kinetic energy. For this purpose, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with the anisotropic surface were obtained via a Pickering emulsion. Modified chitosan (as hydrophilic polymer) and functionalized polycaprolactone (as hydrophobic domain) were covalently linked to the surface of bi-functional SPIONs to produce Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). Then, the CALB enzyme was loaded in the PCL hemisphere of JNPs to form the Janus nanomotor. When nanomotors are placed in the phosphate-buffered saline solution, the driving force for motion is provided by the decomposition of polyester into monomers and oligomers on one side of the JNMs. The trajectories of the nanomotors were recorded under different circumstances by a video microscope and analyzed by the mean squared displacement. The results show that the velocity of JNMs increases with an increasing percentage of the loaded enzyme. In addition, the diffusion coefficient enhances up to 87.67% in compared with nanoparticles without enzyme. Controlling the motion direction of JNMs by an external magnetic field is also possible, due to the presence of SPIONs.
Casein-assisted enhancement of the compressive strength of biocemented sand
Authors: Miyake Masato , Kim Daehyun , Hata Toshiro 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAs a soil biomineralization process, casein-assisted enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) yielded biocemented specimens with significantly higher compressive strength than specimens cemented by regular or skim-milk-assisted EICP treatments. The compound concentration and curing strategy of casein-assisted EICP were experimentally optimized to maximize the compressive strength of precipitates with low calcium carbonate content. Under the optimized EICP conditions (0.893 M urea, 0.581 M CaCl2, 2.6 g/L urease enzyme, and 38.87 g/L casein), the unconfined compressive strengths reached 2 MPa. The scanning electron micrographs of selected samples provided microscopic evidence that EICP treatments assisted using skim milk and casein impart distinctive strength-enhancement mechanisms. The ammonium ions released from urea hydrolysis created an alkaline environment that makes casein dissociated into the pore water. As the casein-containing pore water became more viscous, the increased contact area with particles facilitated the precipitation of co-bound CaCO3 minerals and casein in the pore water. Casein was identified as a more efficient assisting agent than skim milk for low-level CaCO3 precipitation by EICP treatment.