bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maltol ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Gong Yuhang , Qiu Jianxing , Jiang Ting , Li Ze , Zhang Weikang , Zheng Xiaohang , He Zixuan , Chen Weifu , Wang Zhangfu , Feng Xingbing , Wang Meizhen , Hong Zhenghua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
As one of the major causes of low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has caused a huge problem for humans. Increasing evidence indicates that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of NP cells displays an important role in the progression of IDD. Maltol (MA) is a flavoring agent extracted from red ginseng. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, MA has been widely considered by researchers. Therefore, we hypothesized that MA may be a potential IVD protective agent by regulating NP cells and their surrounding microenvironment.

Methods
In vitro, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were used to explore the effect of MA on the transcription and protein expression of the anabolic protein (ADAMTS5, MMP3, MMP9) catabolic protein (Aggrecan), and pro-inflammatory factor (iNOS COX-2). Next, the effects of MA on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and pyroptosis pathway were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Molecular docking was used to investigate the relationship between PI3K and MA. Moreover, ELISA was also used to detect the effects of MA on inflammatory factors (TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-18). In vivo, the effects of MA on the vertebral structure of IDD mice were studied by HE and SO staining and the effects of MA on ECM and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and pyroptosis pathway of IDD mice were studied by immunohistochemical staining.

Results
MA can ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, the molecular docking results showed that the binding degree of MA and PI3K was significant. Second, in vitro studies showed that MA inhibited the degradation of ECM and inflammatory response by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and the pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome, which increased the expression of anabolic proteins, decreased the expression of catabolic proteins, and decreased the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as IL-18 and IL-1β. In addition, according to the study results of the mouse lumbar instability model, MA also improved the tissue disorder and degradation of the intervertebral disc, reduced the loss of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan, and inhibited intervertebral disc inflammation, indicating that MA has a protective effect on the intervertebral disc to intervertebral disc in mice.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that MA slowed IDD development through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, indicating that MA appeared to be a viable medication for IDD treatment.
Strategic management of patents on electrochemical conversion fuel cells and batteries in Latin America as a mechanism for moving towards energy sustainability
Authors: Guevara-Ramírez Willmer , Martínez-de-Alegría Itziar , Río-Belver Rosa María , Alvarez-Meaza Izaskun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Electrochemical conversion batteries (ECBs), especially fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), are the focus of attention of the scientific community due to their potential contribution to the decarbonization of the economy. In this context, the objective is to analyze patent publication flows on LIBs in Latin America (LATAM) by proposing a technology adoption matrix, a Patents friendly to sustainable technologies (PFST) indicator, and the use of technology s-curves. Data collection and analysis were carried out using the PatSeer knowledge base, Gephi, VantagePoint, and Loglet Lab software. The results show the leadership of Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, with high dependence on the United States, Japan, and Germany. The PFST indicates that 79.3% of the published patents address climate change mitigation. In general, there is a low rate of publication of ECB patents in LATAM, marked by a technological lag in the evolution of key technologies. Patents on fuel cells are more published than those related to LIB. Under this scenario, it is unlikely that LATAM will achieve the necessary competitiveness to produce complex technologies in this field. In this regard, it follows that to reverse the position of traditional exporters of low value-added commodities, these countries should formulate strategies that allow the development of the innovation ecosystem, promoting open and applied innovation mechanisms, subsidized adoption, greater integration of universities and, at the same time, strengthening technological integration with countries that currently lead the transfer and others with great potential such as China and South Korea.

Graphical abstract
Interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fibre composites with electrospun nanofibrous interleaves of polystyrene and cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Kanari Konstantina , Wisnom Michael R. , Harniman Robert , Eichhorn Stephen J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPolystyrene nanofibres reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals have been produced by electrospinning. Two different orientations of the nanofibres were produced, namely aligned and random, and these nanofibrous interleaves were investigated both as-spun and after thermal treatment. Aligned nanofibres exhibited a 2500% increase in their Young’s modulus compared to the randomly orientated materials, while the ultimate tensile strength increased by up to 300%. It is also demonstrated that crazing occurs in the nanofibres, which is thought to enhance the fracture properties of the materials. Interleaves of both orientations were then included in a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer laminate. The fracture toughness of the laminate was determined under both mode I and mode II testing. No increases in mode I toughness were observed. It was, however, found that the aligned interleaves increased the mode II toughness of the composite laminate (from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 2.7 ± 0.2 kJ m−2). This increase is demonstrated to be due to a combination of nanofibre bridging and the formation of microcracks in the resin under applied tensile and shear load.
Vulnerability, ageism, and health: is it helpful to label older adults as a vulnerable group in health care?
Authors: Langmann Elisabeth 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDespite the diversity of ageing, society and academics often describe and label older persons as a vulnerable group. As the term vulnerability is frequently interchangeably used with frailty, dependence, or loss of autonomy, a connection between older age and deficits is promoted. Concerning this, the question arises to what extent it may be helpful to refer to older persons as vulnerable specifically in the context of health care. After analyzing different notions of vulnerability, I argue that it is illegitimate to conclude that older age is related to increased vulnerability. Much more, identifying older adults as a vulnerable group is closely related to ageism and can be associated with paternalistic benevolence and a tendency to overprotection, especially within health care. Additionally, even though older adults are more often in situations of increased vulnerability due to their potentially higher need for health care, I argue further that older adults mainly become a vulnerable group due to ageism. In this way, it can be concluded that the vulnerability of older adults does not originate in certain attributes of the group, but arises from a characteristic of society and, in turn, health personnel, namely ageism. Labeling older adults as vulnerable therefore is only helpful, when it is used to raise awareness of the widespread ageism in society, in this context, especially in the setting of health care, and the negative consequences thereof for older adults.
On the compounding of higher order monotonic pseudo-Boolean functions
Authors: Ressel Paul 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCompounding submodular monotone (i.e. 2-alternating) set functions on a finite set preserves this property, as shown in 2010. A natural generalization to k-alternating functions was presented in 2018, however hardly readable because of page long formulas. We give an easier proof of a more general result, exploiting known properties of higher order monotonic functions.
Modeling and Representing Conceptual Change in the Learning of Successive Theories
Authors: Zuccarini Giacomo , Malgieri Massimiliano 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMost educational literature on conceptual change concerns the process by which introductory students acquire scientific knowledge. However, with modern developments in science and technology, the social significance of learning successive theories is steadily increasing, thus opening new areas of interest to discipline-based education research, e.g., quantum logic, quantum information, and communication. Here, we present an initial proposal for modeling the transition from the understanding of a theory to the understanding of its successor and explore its generative potential by applying it to a concrete case—the classical-quantum transition in physics. In pursue of such task, we make coordinated use of contributions from research not only on conceptual change in education, but also on the history and philosophy of science, on the teaching and learning of quantum mechanics, and on mathematics education. By means of analytical instruments developed for characterizing conceptual trajectories at different representational levels, we review empirical literature in the search for the connections between theory change and cognitive demands. The analysis shows a rich landscape of changes and new challenges that are absent in the traditionally considered cases of conceptual change. In order to fully disclose the educational potential of the analysis, we visualize categorical changes by means of dynamic frames, identifying recognizable patterns that answer to students’ need of comparability between the older and the new paradigm. Finally, we show how the frame representation can be used to suggest pattern-dependent strategies to promote the understanding of the new content, and may work as a guide to curricular design.
Hydrogen Adsorption on Pd–In Intermetallic Surfaces
Authors: Kauppinen Minttu , Grönbeck Henrik 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIt has recently been shown that $$\hbox {CO}_2$$

CO
2

hydrogenation to methanol over PdIn and $$\hbox {In}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

In
2

O
3

depends critically on the adsorption energy of hydrogen. Here we use density functional theory calculations to investigate hydrogen adsorption over Pd–In intermetallic compound surfaces with different Pd:In ratios. The electronic structure and properties of hydrogen adsorption are investigated for a range of surface facets and compared to the corresponding results for the pure parent metals and Cu. Increased In content is found to shift the Pd(d) density of states away from the Fermi level, making the intermetallic Pd–In compounds to appear “Cu-like”. We find a linear correlation between the hydrogen binding energy and the d-band center of surface Pd atoms. Understanding of how the hydrogen adsorption energy depends on composition and structure provides a possibility to enhance the performance of $$\hbox {CO}_2$$

CO
2

hydrogenation catalysts to methanol.
Causal influences of salience/cerebellar networks on dorsal attention network subserved age-related cognitive slowing
Authors: Wong Clive H. Y. , Liu Jiao , Tao Jing , Chen Li-dian , Yuan Huan-ling , Wong Mabel N. K. , Xu Yan-wen , Lee Tatia M. C. , Chan Chetwyn C. H. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Age-related cognitive slowing is a prominent precursor of cognitive decline. Functional neuroimaging studies found that cognitive processing speed is associated with activation and coupling among frontal, parietal and cerebellar brain networks. However, how the reciprocal influences of inter- and intra-network coupling mediate age-related decline in processing speed remains insufficiently studied. This study examined how inter- and intra-brain network influences mediate age-related slowing. We were interested in the fronto-insular salience network (SN), frontoparietal dorsal attention network (DAN), cerebellar network (CN) and default mode network (DMN). Reaction time (RT) and functional MRI data from 84 participants (aged 18–75) were collected while they were performing the Arrow Task in visual or audial forms. At the subject level, effective connectivities (ECs) were estimated with regression dynamic causal modelling. At the group level, structural equation models (SEMs) were used to model latent speed based on age and the EC mediators. Age was associated with decreased speed and increased inter-network effective connectivity. The CN exerting influence on the DAN (CN → DAN EC) mediated, while the SN → DAN EC suppressed age-related slowing. The DMN and intra-network ECs did not seem to play significant roles in slowing due to ageing. Inter-network connectivity from the CN and SN to the DAN contributes to age-related slowing. The seemingly antagonizing influences of the CN and SN indicate that increased task-related automaticity and decreased effortful control on top-down attention would promote greater speed in older individuals.
Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver with biliary prolapse
Authors: Kozaka Kazuto , Takahashi Hiroaki , Inoue Akitoshi , Graham Rondell P. D. , Boyum James H. , Heiken Jay P. , Takahashi Naoki 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To describe the prevalence, clinical and radiological findings of biliary prolapse in pathologically proven mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L).

Methods
Thirty-four patients, all female with median age 50 years (range, 14–82), with histologically confirmed MCN-L were enrolled. Median tumor size was 9 cm (range, 2–21 cm). Fifty-seven examinations (17 ultrasound, 25 CT, and 15 MR) among 34 MCN-Ls were reviewed. Two radiologists retrospectively assessed images for tumor location, size and other morphological features of the tumor, presence of biliary prolapse and upstream bile duct dilatation. Ultrasound, CT, and MR were assessed separately. Clinical features were evaluated. Clinical and radiological characteristics of MCN-L with and without biliary prolapse were compared.

Results
15% (5/34) of MCN-Ls showed biliary prolapse confirmed at pathology. None of MCN-Ls were associated with invasive carcinoma. Patients with biliary prolapse were significantly younger than those without (median 27 years [22–56] vs. median 51 years [14–82], p = 0.03). MCN-Ls with biliary prolapse were significantly smaller than those without (median 6.4 cm [2.2–7.5] vs. median 9.6 cm [3.1–21], p = 0.01). The upstream bile duct was dilated more frequently in MCN-Ls with biliary prolapse (100% vs. 38%, p = 0.02). Jaundice was significantly more common in MCN-Ls with biliary prolapse (80 vs 3%, p = 0.0005). Other clinical or radiological features were not significantly different between two groups.

Conclusions
Biliary prolapse was found in 15% of MCN-Ls. MCN-Ls with biliary prolapse were significantly smaller and were more commonly associated with upstream bile duct dilation and jaundice than those without biliary prolapse.
Seismotectonics of Southern Calabria Terrane (South Italy)
Authors: Tripodi Vincenzo , Gervasi Anna , La Rocca Mario , Lucà Federica , Muto Francesco 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeismic data of earthquakes recorded during the last 40 years in southern Calabria have been compared with geological data in order to obtain a seismotectonic picture of the area. We sought for any possible correlation between the main regional tectonic structures, the distribution of earthquake hypocentres and the focal mechanism of earthquakes with magnitude (Ml)≥3. Studies of historical and recent seismicity and analysis of geological structures allowed to define the main shear strips on a regional scale. More than 2600 earthquakes with 1.5 ≤ Ml ≤ 4.5 have been considered. The focal mechanisms of earthquakes with Ml≥3 have been compared with the kinematics of known faults and used to give insight on the current active stress field. From the analysis carried out it was possible to expand the cognitive framework regarding the activity of the main tectonic structures present in the area. This study also served to identify areas of high seismicity which do not correspond to any evidence of tectonic structures on the surface, and areas where recognized tectonic structures have not shown any seismicity during the last decades. These cases could be the subject of future investigation in order to correctly assess the seismic hazard in Calabria. This task is important in the context of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation.
Growth trends and environmental drivers of major tree species of the northern hardwood forest of eastern North America
Authors: Stern Rebecca L. , Schaberg Paul G. , Rayback Shelly A. , Hansen Christopher F. , Murakami Paula F. , Hawley Gary J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe future health and productivity of tree species in the northern hardwood forest of eastern North America are uncertain considering changes in climate and pollution loading there. To better understand the trajectory of the northern hardwood forest, we studied the growth of three tree species emblematic of it: sugar maple (Acer saccharumMarsh), American beech (Fagus grandifoliaEhrh.), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensisBritton), plus a fourth species, red maple (Acer rubrumL.), whose abundance has increased in the region. We also analyzed the link between growth and several factors for 690 trees in 45 plots throughout Vermont, USA: tree age and size, site elevation, and climate and acid deposition variables. Throughout their chronologies (1945–2014), all four species exhibited increasing growth followed by plateaued growth indicative of a maturing forest. For all species, summer moisture was positively correlated with growth, summer temperature was negatively associated with growth, and winter moisture or snow were positively correlated with growth. This last association was expected for sugar maple. However, our data suggest that winter snowpack may be more broadly relevant in sustaining tree growth in a region where snow has historically insulated the soil from freezing that can damage roots and lead to reduced aboveground growth. Measures of pollution deposition were also correlated with growth for all species except American beech—a species with documented tolerance to pollutant inputs. Of the four species studied, red maple had the fewest associations with environmental variables, which suggests that it may be less susceptible to growth reductions as the climate changes.
The relationship between Central Nervous System morphometry changes and key symptoms in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Thapaliya Gita , Eldeghaidy Sally , Asghar Michael , McGing Jordan , Radford Shellie , Francis Susan , Moran Gordon William 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAlterations in grey matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients has been previously documented. However, the findings are inconsistent, and not a true representation of CD burden, as only CD patients in remission have been studied thus far. We investigate alterations in brain morphometry in patients with active CD and those in remission, and study relationships between brain structure and key symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM). Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans were collected in 89 participants; 34 CD participants with active disease, 13 CD participants in remission and 42 healthy controls (HCs); Voxel based morphometry (VBM) assessed GMV and white matter volume (WMV), and surface-based analysis assessed cortical thickness (CT). We show a significant reduction in global cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume in CD participants compared with HCs, as well as, a reduction in regional GMV, WMV and CT in the left precentral gyrus (motor cortex), and an increase in GMV in the frontal brain regions in CD compared with HCs. Atrophy of the supplementary motor area (SMA) was associated with greater fatigue in CD. We also show alterations in brain structure in multiple regions in CD associated with abdominal pain and extraintestinal inflammations (EIMs). These brain structural alterations likely reflect neuroplasticity to a chronic systemic inflammatory response, abdominal pain, EIMs and fatigue. These findings will aid our understanding of the cross-linking between chronic inflammation, brain structural changes and key unexplained CD symptomatology like fatigue.
A Literature Review of Taste Change and Zinc Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery: Could There Be a Causal Link?
Authors: Mozaffar Boshra , Idris Iskandar 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In this review, we collated evidence relating to taste change and zinc deficiency in relation to bariatric surgery (BS) and effects of zinc replacement on taste perception and speculate on the possible role of zinc deficiency to induce taste change after BS. A literature search was conducted (33 studies, N = 3264). We showed that taste change and zinc deficiency are frequent complications after BS, which both typically occurred at 6 months post-surgery. Our analysis did not support a causal link between the two, but similar onset of incidences indirectly indicates a link. Supplementation with 45–50 mg of zinc sulphate, higher than current recommendation, was effective in improving taste. Further studies are required to establish the causal link between the two in the context of BS.
Community Patterns and Environmental Associations for the Early Life Stages of Fishes in a Highly Transformed Estuary
Authors: Castillo Gonzalo C. , Tempel Trishelle , Slater Steven B. , Mahardja Brian , Gilbert Morgan D. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEstuaries are important fish nursery areas, yet little is known of how environmental forcing influences estuarine fishes during their early life stages. We analyzed environmental and larval-juvenile fish community data in the upper San Francisco Estuary (SFE) from spring to early summer 1995–2017, to better understand drivers of spatiotemporal community patterns in this highly modified estuary. We evaluated community patterns based on the relative abundance and diversity of native and introduced fish in the SFE and their predominant distribution (pelagic, demersal). The upper SFE experienced a downward trend of freshwater outflow and upward trends of temperature and salinity intrusion. Fish relative abundance only showed long-term downtrends for native and introduced pelagic fish groups. The most influential habitat components for relative abundance and diversity of fish groups were in decreasing order: temperature, salinity, Secchi depth, bottom depth, and zooplankton biomass. Early life stages of native and introduced fishes were generally segregated spatially and temporally, with native fishes more associated with cooler, saltier, and higher turbidity habitats during early to mid-spring compared to introduced fishes during late spring to early summer. Community ordination showed that environmental (temperature, salinity, outflow, Secchi depth, and zooplankton biomass) and spatiotemporal factors (month and depth), explained nearly 40% of the total variance. Our results suggest that the shorter duration of planktonic and nektonic stages of demersal fish groups results in higher resiliency compared to pelagic fishes. The declining abundance of pelagic fishes overall seems to be linked to drought effects and human-induced synergistic interactions intensified by climate change.