bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved SSD network for fast concealed object detection and recognition in passive terahertz security images
Authors: Cheng Lu , Ji Yicai , Li Chao , Liu Xiaojun , Fang Guangyou 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWith the strengthening of global anti-terrorist measures, it is increasingly important to conduct security checks in public places to detect concealed objects carried by the human body. Research in recent years has shown that deep learning is helpful for detecting concealed objects in passive terahertz images. However, previous studies have failed to achieve superior accuracy and performance for real-time labeling. Our research aims to propose a novel method for accurate and real-time detection of concealed objects in terahertz images. To reach this goal we trained and tested a promising detector based on deep residual networks using human image data collected by passive terahertz devices. Specifically, we replaced the backbone network of the SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector) algorithm with a more representative residual network to reduce the difficulty of network training. Aiming at the problems of repeated detection and missed detection of small targets, a feature fusion-based terahertz image target detection algorithm was proposed. Furthermore, we introduced a hybrid attention mechanism in SSD to improve the algorithm’s ability to acquire object details and location information. Finally, the Focal Loss function was introduced to improve the robustness of the model. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the SSD algorithm is improved from 95.04 to 99.92%. Compared with other current mainstream models, such as Faster RCNN, YOLO, and RetinaNet, the proposed method can maintain high detection accuracy at a faster speed. This proposed method based on SSD achieves a mean average precision of 99.92%, an F1 score of 0.98, and a prediction speed of 17 FPS on the validation subset. This proposed method based on SSD-ResNet-50 can provide a technical reference for the application and development of deep learning technology in terahertz smart security systems. In the future, it can be widely used in some public scenarios with real-time security inspection requirements.
The effects of probiotics on risk and time preferences
Authors: Dantas Aline M. , Sack Alexander T. , Bruggen Elisabeth , Jiao Peiran , Schuhmann Teresa 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAnimal models, human neuroimaging and lesion studies revealed that the gut microbiota can influence the interaction between the central and the enteric nervous systems via the gut–brain axis (GBA) and can affect brain regions linked to basic emotional and cognitive processes. The role of the gut microbiota in decision-making in healthy humans thus far remains largely unknown. Our study establishes a functional relationship between the gut microbiota and healthy humans’ decisions that involve risk and time. We conducted a between subjects’ placebo-controlled double-blinded design, with two groups and two sessions separated by 28 days, during which participants received daily doses of probiotics or a placebo. We investigated whether the prolonged and controlled intake of probiotics affects risk-taking behavior and intertemporal choices using incentivized economic tasks. We found a significant decrease in risk-taking behavior and an increase in future-oriented choices in the probiotics group as compared to the placebo group. These findings provide the first direct experimental evidence suggesting a potential functional role on the part of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in decision-making, creating a path for potential clinical applications and allowing for a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms of risk-taking behavior and intertemporal choices.
Theoretical studies on RNA recognition by Musashi 1 RNA-binding protein
Authors: Darai Nitchakan , Mahalapbutr Panupong , Wolschann Peter , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Wolfinger Michael T. , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe Musashi (MSI) family of RNA-binding proteins, comprising the two homologs Musashi-1 (MSI1) and Musashi-2 (MSI2), typically regulates translation and is involved in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. MSI proteins contain two ribonucleoprotein-like RNA-binding domains, RBD1 and RBD2, that bind single-stranded RNA motifs with a central UAG trinucleotide with high affinity and specificity. The finding that MSI also promotes the replication of Zika virus, a neurotropic Flavivirus, has triggered further investigations of the biochemical principles behind MSI–RNA interactions. However, a detailed molecular understanding of the specificity of MSI RBD1/2 interaction with RNA is still missing. Here, we performed computational studies of MSI1–RNA association complexes, investigating different RNA pentamer motifs using molecular dynamics simulations with binding free energy calculations based on the solvated interaction energy method. Simulations with Alphafold2 suggest that predicted MSI protein structures are highly similar to experimentally determined structures. The binding free energies show that two out of four RNA pentamers exhibit a considerably higher binding affinity to MSI1 RBD1 and RBD2, respectively. The obtained structural information on MSI1 RBD1 and RBD2 will be useful for a detailed functional and mechanistic understanding of this type of RNA–protein interactions.
Insight into the hierarchical control governing leg stiffness during the stance phase of running
Authors: Garofolini Alessandro , Mickle Karen J. , McLaughlin Patrick , Taylor Simon B. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLeg stiffness plays a key role in the storage and release of elastic energy during stance. However, the extent to which a runner is able to reuse stored energy remains a limiting factor in determining their running effectiveness. In this study, ten habitual rearfoot strikers and ten habitual forefoot strikers were asked to run on a treadmill in three footwear conditions: traditional, neutral, and minimal running shoes. We examined the effect of habitual foot strike pattern and footwear on leg stiffness control within three task-relevant phases of stance (i.e. touch-down, loading, unloading). Control was quantified using stride-to-stride leg stiffness time-series and the coefficient of variability and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). The results are interpreted within a theoretical framework that blends dynamic systems theory and optimal feedback control. Results indicate that leg stiffness control is tightly regulated by an active control process during the loading period of stance. In contrast, the touch-down and unloading phases are driven mostly by passive allometric control mechanisms. The effect of footwear on leg stiffness control was inconclusive due to inconsistent trends across three shoe types. However, stiffness control was affected by landing technique. Habitual rearfoot strike runners have reduced DFA values during the touch-down and unloading phases. These sub-phases are associated with an allometric control process and suggests that rearfoot strike runners express a reduction in system complexity for leg stiffness control and hence, a less adaptable system.
Acute and protracted abstinence from methamphetamine bidirectionally changes intrinsic excitability of indirect pathway spiny projection neurons in the dorsomedial striatum
Authors: Choi Sanghoon , Du Yijuan , Wokosin David L. , Graves Steven M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMethamphetamine (meth) is an addictive psychostimulant and illicit use presents significant personal and socioeconomic harm. Behavioral studies support the involvement of the dorsal striatum in drug-seeking but stimulant induced dysfunction in this region is understudied. The dorsal striatum can be subdivided into the dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral (DLS) striatum with the DMS implicated in goal-directed and DLS in habitual behaviors; both regions are primarily composed of GABAergic direct (dSPNs) and indirect pathway (iSPNs) spiny projection neurons. To examine the effect of repeated meth on SPNs, mice were administered meth (2 mg/kg) for ten consecutive days and intrinsic excitability, dendritic excitability, and spine density were examined. DMS iSPN intrinsic excitability was increased at 1 day but decreased at 21 days of abstinence. In contrast, DMS dSPN intrinsic excitability was unchanged at either timepoint. Dendritic excitability and spine densities were unaltered in DMS iSPNs and dSPNs at 1 and 21 days of abstinence. The effect of repeated meth on iSPN excitability was specific to the DMS; DLS iSPN intrinsic excitability, dendritic excitability, and spine density were unchanged at 1 and 21 days of abstinence. These findings point toward DMS iSPN dysfunction in meth use disorders with differential dysfunction dependent on abstinence duration.
Calotropis gigantea stem bark extracts inhibit liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine
Authors: Sawong Suphunwadee , Pekthong Dumrongsak , Suknoppakit Pennapha , Winitchaikul Thanwarat , Kaewkong Worasak , Somran Julintorn , Intapa Chaidan , Parhira Supawadee , Srisawang Piyarat 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSeveral fractions ofCalotropis giganteaextracts have been proposed to have potential anticancer activity in many cancer models. The present study evaluated the anticancer activity ofC. giganteastem bark extracts in liver cancer HepG2 cells and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary liver cancer in rats. The carcinogenesis model induced by DEN administration has been widely used to study pathophysiological features and responses in rats that are comparable to those seen in cancer patients. The dichloromethane (CGDCM), ethyl acetate, and water fractions obtained from partitioning crude ethanolic extract were quantitatively analyzed for several groups of secondary metabolites and calactin contents. A combination ofC. giganteastem bark extracts with doxorubicin (DOX) was assessed in this study to demonstrate the enhanced cytotoxic effect to cancer compared to the single administration. The combination of DOX and CGDCM, which had the most potential cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cells when compared to the other three fractions, significantly increased cytotoxicity through the apoptotic effect with increased caspase-3 expression. This combination treatment also reduced ATP levels, implying a correlation between ATP and apoptosis induction. In a rat model of DEN-induced liver cancer, treatment with DOX,C. giganteaat low (CGDCM-L) and high (CGDCM-H) doses, and DOX + CGDCM-H for 4 weeks decreased the progression of liver cancer by lowering the liver weight/body weight ratio and the occurrence of liver hyperplastic nodules, fibrosis, and proliferative cells. The therapeutic applications lowered TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and α-SMA inflammatory cytokines in a similar way, implying that CGDCM had a curative effect against the inflammation-induced liver carcinogenesis produced by DEN exposure. Furthermore, CGDCM and DOX therapy decreased ATP and fatty acid synthesis in rat liver cancer, which was correlated with apoptosis inhibition. CGDCM reduced cleaved caspase-3 expression in liver cancer rats when used alone or in combination with DOX, implying that apoptosis-inducing hepatic carcinogenesis was suppressed. Our results also verified the low toxicity of CGDCM injection on the internal organs of rats. Thus, this research clearly demonstrated a promising, novel anticancer approach that could be applied in future clinical studies of CGDCM and combination therapy.
Temporal response characterization across individual multiomics profiles of prediabetic and diabetic subjects
Authors: Zheng Minzhang , Piermarocchi Carlo , Mias George I. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLongitudinal deep multiomics profiling, which combines biomolecular, physiological, environmental and clinical measures data, shows great promise for precision health. However, integrating and understanding the complexity of such data remains a big challenge. Here we utilize an individual-focused bottom-up approach aimed at first assessing single individuals’ multiomics time series, and using the individual-level responses to assess multi-individual grouping based directly on similarity of their longitudinal deep multiomics profiles. We used this individual-focused approach to analyze profiles from a study profiling longitudinal responses in type 2 diabetes mellitus. After generating periodograms for individual subject omics signals, we constructed within-person omics networks and analyzed personal-level immune changes. The results identified both individual-level responses to immune perturbation, and the clusters of individuals that have similar behaviors in immune response and which were associated to measures of their diabetic status.
Coenzyme Q10 in the eye isomerizes by sunlight irradiation
Authors: Mamun Md. Al , Nabi Md. Mahamodun , Sato Tomohito , Aramaki Shuhei , Takanashi Yusuke , Sakamoto Takumi , Hizume Kaito , Mori Chikako , Yasue Maiha , Ozaki Masataka , Islam Ariful , Kahyo Tomoaki , Horikawa Makoto , Takahashi Yutaka , Okazaki Shigetoshi , Ohishi Kentaro , Nagashima Yu , Seno Keiji , Hotta Yoshihiro , Setou Mitsutoshi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPhotoisomerization of lipids has been well studied. As for the eyes, photoisomerization from 11-cis isomer to all-trans-retinal is well-known as the first step of the visual transduction in the photoreceptors. In addition to that, there would be other ocular lipids that undergo photoisomerization, which may be involved in ocular health and function. To explore any photoisomerizable lipids in the eyes, the nonirradiated and sunlight-irradiated eyeball extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, followed by the identification of the decreased lipid species in the irradiated extracts. Surprisingly, more than nine hundred lipid species were decreased in the irradiated extracts. Three lipid species, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), triglyceride(58:4), and coenzyme Q9, were decreased both significantly (p < 0.05) and by more than two-fold, where CoQ10 showed the most significant decrease. Later, photoisomerization was identified as the prominent cause underlying the decrease of CoQ10. Interestingly, CoQ10 in the sunlight-irradiated fresh eyeballs was also isomerized. Both the visible light and ultraviolet radiation were capable of producing CoQ10 isomer, while the latter showed rapid action. This study is believed to enhance our understanding of the biochemistry and photodamage of the eye and can potentially contribute to the advancement of opto-lipidomics.
Towards a data-driven system for personalized cervical cancer risk stratification
Authors: Langberg Geir Severin R. E. , Nygård Jan F. , Gogineni Vinay Chakravarthi , Nygård Mari , Grasmair Markus , Naumova Valeriya 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMass-screening programs for cervical cancer prevention in the Nordic countries have been effective in reducing cancer incidence and mortality at the population level. Women who have been regularly diagnosed with normal screening exams represent a sub-population with a low risk of disease and distinctive screening strategies which avoid over-screening while identifying those with high-grade lesions are needed to improve the existing one-size-fits-all approach. Machine learning methods for more personalized cervical cancer risk estimation may be of great utility to screening programs shifting to more targeted screening. However, deriving personalized risk prediction models is challenging as effective screening has made cervical cancer rare and the exam results are strongly skewed towards normal. Moreover, changes in female lifestyle and screening habits over time can cause a non-stationary data distribution. In this paper, we treat cervical cancer risk prediction as a longitudinal forecasting problem. We define risk estimators by extending existing frameworks developed on cervical cancer screening data to incremental learning for longitudinal risk predictions and compare these estimators to machine learning methods popular in biomedical applications. As input to the prediction models, we utilize all the available data from the individual screening histories.Using data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, we find in numerical experiments that the models are strongly biased towards normal results due to imbalanced data. To identify females at risk of cancer development, we adapt an imbalanced classification strategy to non-stationary data. Using this strategy, we estimate the absolute risk from longitudinal model predictions and a hold-out set of screening data. Comparing absolute risk curves demonstrate that prediction models can closely reflect the absolute risk observed in the hold-out set. Such models have great potential for improving cervical cancer risk stratification for more personalized screening recommendations.
Genetic diversity of microsymbionts nodulating Trifolium pratense in subpolar and temperate climate regions
Authors: Kozieł Marta , Kalita Michał , Janczarek Monika 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRhizobia are soil-borne bacteria forming symbiotic associations with legumes and fixing atmospheric dinitrogen. The nitrogen-fixation potential depends on the type of host plants and microsymbionts as well as environmental factors that affect the distribution of rhizobia. In this study, we compared genetic diversity of bacteria isolated from root nodules of Trifolium pratense grown in two geographical regions (Tromsø, Norway and Lublin, Poland) located in distinct climatic (subpolar and temperate) zones. To characterize these isolates genetically, three PCR-based techniques (ERIC, BOX, and RFLP of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer), 16S rRNA sequencing, and multi-locus sequence analysis of chromosomal house-keeping genes (atpD, recA, rpoB, gyrB, and glnII) were done. Our results indicate that a great majority of the isolates are T. pratense microsymbionts belonging to Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii. A high diversity among these strains was detected. However, a lower diversity within the population derived from the subpolar region in comparison to that of the temperate region was found. Multi-locus sequence analysis showed that a majority of the strains formed distinct clusters characteristic for the individual climatic regions. The subpolar strains belonged to two (A and B) and the temperate strains to three R. leguminosarum genospecies (B, E, and K), respectively.
Behavior of colloidal gels made of thermoresponsive anisotropic nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Long , Thérien-Aubin Héloïse 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAmongst colloidal gels, those designed by the assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles tend to form fibrillar gels and are attracting interest as artificial cell growth environments since they have a structure reminiscent of biological extracellular matrices. Their properties can be tuned by controlling the size, shape, and rigidity of the nanoparticles used during their formation. Herein, the relationship between the physical and mechanical properties of the nanocolloidal building blocks and the properties of the resulting gels is investigated. Thermoresponsive particles with different aspect ratios and controlled rigidity were prepared, and the gelation and the properties of the resulting gels were studied. The results show how the aspect ratio and rigidity of polymer colloids tune the properties of the gels. An increase in the aspect ratio of the nanocolloid used led to a sol–gel transition observed at lower particle concentration, but an increase in the rigidity of the nanocolloids delayed the sol–gel transition to higher concentration. However, at a constant concentration, increases in the anisotropy produced gels with higher modulus and lower yield strain. Similarly, an increase in rigidity of the colloids increased the modulus and reduced the yield strain of the resulting gels.
Paired miRNA- and messenger RNA-sequencing identifies novel miRNA-mRNA interactions in multiple myeloma
Authors: Aass Kristin Roseth , Nedal Tonje Marie Vikene , Tryggestad Synne Stokke , Haukås Einar , Slørdahl Tobias S. , Waage Anders , Standal Therese , Mjelle Robin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer of terminally differentiated plasma cells that proliferate in the bone marrow. miRNAs are promising biomarkers for risk stratification in MM and several miRNAs are shown to have a function in disease pathogenesis. However, to date, surprisingly few miRNA-mRNA interactions have been described for and functionally validated in MM. In this study, we performed miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq on CD138 + cells isolated from bone marrow aspirates of 86 MM patients to identify novel interactions between sRNAs and mRNAs. We detected 9.8% significantly correlated miRNA-mRNA pairs of which 5.17% were positively correlated and 4.65% were negatively correlated. We found that miRNA-mRNA pairs that were predicted by in silico target-prediction algorithms were more negatively correlated than non-target pairs, indicating functional miRNA targeting and that correlation between miRNAs and mRNAs from patients can be used to identify miRNA-targets. mRNAs for negatively correlated miRNA-mRNA target pairs were associated with gene ontology terms such as autophagy, protein degradation and endoplasmic stress response, reflecting important processes in MM. Targets for two specific miRNAs, miR-125b-5p and miR-365b-3p, were functionally validated in MM cell line transfection experiments followed by RNA-sequencing and qPCR. In summary, we identified functional miRNA-mRNA target pairs by correlating miRNA and mRNA data from primary MM cells. We identified several target pairs that are of potential interest for further studies. The data presented here may serve as a hypothesis-generating knowledge base for other researchers in the miRNA/MM field. We also provide an interactive web application that can be used to exploit the miRNA-target interactions as well as clinical parameters associated to these target-pairs.
Transcription-associated DNA DSBs activate p53 during hiPSC-based neurogenesis
Authors: Michel Nadine , Young Heather M. Raimer , Atkin Naomi D. , Arshad Umar , Al-Humadi Reem , Singh Sandeep , Manukyan Arkadi , Gore Lana , Burbulis Ian E. , Wang Yuh-Hwa , McConnell Michael J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNeurons are overproduced during cerebral cortical development. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) divide rapidly and incur frequent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) throughout cortical neurogenesis. Although half of the neurons born during neurodevelopment die, many neurons with inaccurate DNA repair survive leading to brain somatic mosaicism. Recurrent DNA DSBs during neurodevelopment are associated with both gene expression level and gene length. We used imaging flow cytometry and a genome-wide DNA DSB capture approach to quantify and map DNA DSBs during human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based neurogenesis. Reduced p53 signaling was brought about by knockdown (p53KD); p53KDled to elevated DNA DSB burden in neurons that was associated with gene expression level but not gene length in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Furthermore, DNA DSBs incurred from transcriptional, but not replicative, stress lead to p53 activation in neurotypical NPCs. In p53KDNPCs, DNA DSBs accumulate at transcription start sites of genes that are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. These findings add to a growing understanding of how neuronal genome dynamics are engaged by high transcriptional or replicative burden during neurodevelopment.