bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and molecular characterization of paraventricular thalamic glucokinase‐expressing neuronal circuits in the mouse
Authors: Gaspari Sevasti , Quenneville Simon , Rodriguez Sanchez‐Archidona Ana , Thorens Bernard , Croizier Sophie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT) is a structure highly interconnected with several nuclei ranging from forebrain to hypothalamus and brainstem. Numerous rodent studies have examined afferent and efferent connections of the PVT and their contribution to behavior, revealing its important role in the integration of arousal cues. However, the majority of these studies used a region‐oriented approach, without considering the neuronal subtype diversity of the nucleus. In the present study, we provide the anatomical and transcriptomic characterization of a subpopulation of PVT neurons molecularly defined by the expression of glucokinase (Gck). Combining a genetically modified mouse model with viral tracing approaches, we mapped both the anterograde and the retrograde projections of Gck‐positive neurons of the anterior PVT (GckaPVT). Our results demonstrated that GckaPVT neurons innervate several nuclei throughout the brain axis. The strongest connections are with forebrain areas associated with reward and stress and with hypothalamic structures involved in energy balance and feeding regulation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis of the Gck‐expressing neurons revealed that they are enriched in receptors for hypothalamic‐derived neuropeptides, adhesion molecules, and obesity and diabetes susceptibility transcription factors. Using retrograde labeling combined with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we identify that GckaPVT neurons receive direct inputs from well‐defined hypothalamic populations, including arginine‐vasopressin‐, melanin‐concentrating hormone‐, orexin‐, and proopiomelanocortin‐expressing neurons. This detailed anatomical and transcriptomic characterization of GckaPVT neurons provides a basis for functional studies of the integration of homeostatic and hedonic aspects of energy homeostasis, and for deciphering the potential role of these neurons in obesity and diabetes development.
Bayesian optimisation for efficient parameter inference in a cardiac mechanics model of the left ventricle
Authors: Borowska Agnieszka , Gao Hao , Lazarus Alan , Husmeier Dirk 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe consider parameter inference in cardio‐mechanic models of the left ventricle, in particular the one based on the Holtzapfel‐Ogden (HO) constitutive law, using clinical in vivo data. The equations underlying these models do not admit closed form solutions and hence need to be solved numerically. These numerical procedures are computationally expensive making computational run times associated with numerical optimisation or sampling excessive for the uptake of the models in the clinical practice. To address this issue, we adopt the framework of Bayesian optimisation (BO), which is an efficient statistical technique of global optimisation. BO seeks the optimum of an unknown black‐box function by sequentially training a statistical surrogate‐model and using it to select the next query point by leveraging the associated exploration‐exploitation trade‐off. To guarantee that the estimates based on the in vivo data are realistic also for high‐pressures, unobservable in vivo, we include a penalty term based on a previously published empirical law developed using ex vivo data. Two case studies based on real data demonstrate that the proposed BO procedure outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art inference algorithm for the HO constitutive law.
Do ESG reporting guidelines and verifications enhance firms' information disclosure?
Authors: Darnall Nicole , Ji Hyunjung , Iwata Kazuyuki , Arimura Toshi H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEnvironment, social, and governance (ESG) reporting guidelines are institutional rules that can enhance the credibility of firms' publicly disclosed information related to ESG. Reporting is often voluntary and global ESG reporting guidelines typically rely on process‐focused third party verification. However, in developing its reporting guidelines, the Japanese government gave firms the unusual option of pursuing either process‐ or content‐focused verification. This paper draws on the unique Japanese setting to examine whether firms that use ESG reporting guidelines increase their quantity of disclosed sustainability information. Furthermore, it assesses whether, given the option, (1) firms tend to pursue process‐ or content‐focused verification, and (2) which type of verification leads to greater information disclosure. We show that firms that follow ESG guidelines disclose 39% more sustainability information compared to firms that publish sustainability reports but do not follow ESG reporting guidelines. Content‐focused verification leads to greater information disclosure than process‐focused verification in that firms publish 23% more text in their sustainability reports. Moreover, given the option, firms prefer to use content‐ over process‐focused verification. However, most global ESG reporting guidelines endorse process‐focused verification and this verification is less effective than content‐focused verification at encouraging firms' information disclosure. Our findings raise a timely and relevant question about the movement by global ESG standard developers to promote process‐ rather than content‐focused verification. They also suggest that firms that wish to create sustainability distinction by way of ESG reporting may benefit by advocating for more robust forms of verification.
Shape‐Dependent Performance of Cu/Cu2O for Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2
Authors: Zheng Yuke , Duan Zitao , Liang Ruoxuan , Lv Ruiqi , Wang Chong , Zhang Zhaoxia , Wan Shaolong , Wang Shuai , Xiong Haifeng , Ngaw Chee Keong , Lin Jingdong , Wang Yong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into solar fuels or chemicals is a sustainable approach to relieve the immediate problems related to global warming and the energy crisis. This study concerns the effects of morphological control on a Cu/Cu2O‐based photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. The as‐synthesized spherical Cu/Cu2O photocatalyst exhibits higher activity than the octahedral one under visible light irradiation. The difference in photocatalytic performance between these two catalysts could be attributed to the following two factors: (1) The multifaceted structure of spherical Cu/Cu2O favors charge separation; (2) octahedral Cu/Cu2O only contains more positively charged (111) facets, which are unfavorable for CO2 photoreduction. The results further highlight the importance of utilizing crystal facet engineering to further improve the performance of CO2 reduction photocatalysts.
In situ imaging for tumor microbiome interactions via imaging mass cytometry on single‐cell level
Authors: Feng Zijian , Hu Yuli , Wang Xin , Li Yiyang , Yu Youyi , He Jie , Li Hongxia , Zhang Ting , Zhang Lulu , Shen Guangxia , Ding Xianting 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCo‐detection of multiplex cancer subtypes and bacteria subtypes in situ is crucial for understanding tumor microbiome interactions in tumor microenvironment. Current standard techniques such as immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining are limited for their multiplicity. Simultaneously visualizing detailed cell subtypes and bacteria distribution across the same pathological section remains a major technical challenge. Herein, we developed a rapid semi‐quantitative method for in situ imaging of bacteria and multiplex cell phenotypes on the same solid tumor tissue sections. We designed a panel of antibody probes labeled with mass tags, namely prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell hybrid probes for in situ imaging (PEHPSI). For application demonstration, PEHPSI stained two bacteria subtypes (lipopolysaccharides (LPS) for Gram‐negative bacteria and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) for Gram‐positive bacteria) simultaneously with four types of immune cells (leukocytes, CD8 + T‐cells, B‐cells and macrophages) and four breast cancer subtypes (classified by a panel of 12 human proteins) on the same tissue section. We unveiled that breast cancer cells are commonly enriched with Gram‐negative bacteria and almost absent of Gram‐positive bacteria, regardless of the cancer subtypes (triple‐negative breast cancer [TNBC], HER2+, Luminal A and Luminal B). Further analysis revealed that on the single‐cell level, Gram‐negative bacteria have a significant correlation with CD8 + T‐cells only in HER2+ breast cancer, while PKCD, ER, PR and Ki67 are correlated with Gram‐negative bacteria in the other three subtypes of breast cancers. On the cell population level, in TNBC, CD19 expression intensity is up‐regulated by approximately 25% in bacteria‐enriched cells, while for HER2+, Luminal A and Luminal B breast cancers, the intensity of biomarkers associated with the malignancy, metastasis and proliferation of cancer cells (PKCD, ISG15 and IFI6) is down‐regulated by 29%–38%. The flexible and expandable PEHPSI system permits intuitive multiplex co‐visualization of bacteria and mammalian cells, which facilitates future research on tumor microbiome and tumor pathogenesis.
Association of MRI‐based adrenal gland volume and impaired glucose metabolism in a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Askani Esther , Rospleszcz Susanne , Lorbeer Roberto , Kulka Charlotte , von Krüchten Ricarda , Müller‐Peltzer Katharina , Hasic Dunja , Kellner Elias , Reisert Marco , Rathmann Wolfgang , Peters Annette , Schlett Christopher L. , Bamberg Fabian , Storz Corinna 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess adrenal gland volume by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to study its role as an indirect marker of impaired glucose metabolism and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation in a population‐based cohort.MethodsAsymptomatic participants were enrolled in a nested case–control study and underwent a 3‐T MRI, including T1w‐VIBE‐Dixon sequences. For the assessment of adrenal gland volume, adrenal glands were manually segmented in a blinded fashion. Impaired glucose metabolism was determined using fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance test. Cardiometabolic risk factors were also obtained. Inter‐ and intrareader reliability as well as univariate and multivariate associations were derived.ResultsAmong 375 subjects included in the analysis (58.5% male, 56.1 ± 9.1 years), 25.3% participants had prediabetes and 13.6% had type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Total adrenal gland volume was 11.2 ± 4.2 ml and differed significantly between impaired glucose metabolism and healthy controls with largest total adrenal gland volume in T2DM (healthy controls: 10.0 ± 3.9 ml, prediabetes: 12.5 ± 3.8 ml, T2DM: 13.9 ± 4.6 ml; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, association of T2DM and increased adrenal gland volume was independent of age, sex, hypertension, triglycerides and body mass index (BMI), but was attenuated in subjects with prediabetes after adjustment for BMI.ConclusionsT2DM is significantly associated with increased adrenal gland volume by MRI in an asymptomatic cohort, independent of age, sex, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and BMI. Adrenal gland volume may represent an indirect marker of impaired glucose metabolism and HPA axis dysfunction.
Human abuse liability assessment of e‐cigarettes: Why, what and how?
Authors: Fearon Ian M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCigarette smoking is the world's leading cause of preventable death and disease. Alternative nicotine products such as e‐cigarettes have tobacco harm reduction potential, by providing smokers with an alternative form of nicotine delivery but with either the reduced presence or absence of the numerous harmful chemicals found in combustible cigarette smoke. One aspect of importance in determining the potential of e‐cigarettes to provide a viable alternative to combustible cigarettes for smokers is their ability to cause dependence, also known as their abuse liability. E‐cigarettes with little or no abuse liability would be unlikely to be used as a substitute for cigarettes, whereas at least some degree of abuse liability is acknowledged as supportive both to aiding cigarette substitution or complete cessation and to preventing relapse. Given this link between abuse liability and substitution efficacy, human studies assessing the abuse liability of e‐cigarettes are important to determine their true harm reduction potential. In this review, the concept of tobacco product abuse liability is discussed, along with the primary elements—pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (subjective effects)—that need to be assessed to determine abuse liability. The review also presents a number of human abuse liability study design considerations and discusses what existing studies in the literature tell us about the abuse liability and harm reduction potential of e‐cigarettes.
Feasibility of microvolumetric capillary whole blood collections for usage in Athlete Biological Passport analysis
Authors: Goodrum Jenna M. , Lewis Laura A. , Fedoruk Matthew N. , Eichner Daniel , Miller Geoffrey D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) represents an important tool in the pursuit to detect blood doping in athletes. Currently, collecting blood samples for ABP analysis can be cumbersome, invasive, and expensive, involving a venous blood draw performed by a trained phlebotomist followed by cold‐chain monitored shipping to the analysis laboratory. Developing innovative methods to collect and transport ABP blood samples while adhering to strict preanalytical and analytical requirements has the potential to greatly increase testing frequency and, consequently, the effectiveness of the ABP program globally. The focus of this study was to compare venous blood collections with capillary blood collections to determine if capillary samples could be used for ABP analysis without sacrificing the analytical integrity required for antidoping testing procedures. In this study, capillary blood was collected using the Tasso+ EDTA device (Tasso, Inc.), a novel microvolumetric device that collects liquid, whole blood from skin capillaries on the upper arm. Excellent laboratory agreement was observed between venous and capillary blood samples for the three main ABP parameters: HGB, RET%, and OFF‐Score. Additionally, the stability of capillary samples after storage at 4°C, similar to what would be required during transport, was acceptable for up to 72 h following collection. Finally, we generated individual ABP profiles using the adaptive model for 10 participants and observed excellent agreement between venous and capillary profiles. These results indicate capillary blood collection is a viable alternative to venous blood collections for ABP analysis.
Dietary preference of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in south‐eastern Kenya
Authors: Mutoro Noreen M. , Chira Robert , Gichuki Nathan , Kariuki Edward , Eberle Jonas , Habel Jan Christian , Wykstra Mary 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe conversion of natural ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities has led to the destruction of natural habitats and to the deterioration of habitat quality. Top predators particularly respond sensitively to changes in habitat structures, including the availability of prey. The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus prefers small‐medium‐sized, wild ungulate prey due to the cheetah's morphological adaptations. However, the majority of the species’ population is found beyond protected areas, where habitat structures, species abundances, and community composition are highly influenced by human activities. Only few studies have analyzed the diet preference of cheetahs in relation to prey availability and abundance for rangelands beyond protected areas in Eastern Africa. The study aimed to determine cheetah prey preference in the rangelands of south‐eastern Kenya based on scat analyses. We compared dietary preference of cheetah with prey availability. For this purpose, we conducted standardized game counts. We analyzed 27 cheetah scat samples collected across the same study area where we also conducted game counts. We found that Grant's gazelle Gazella granti contributed the highest portion of cheetah's diet, although Thomson's gazelle Gazella thomsonii was the most abundant medium‐sized ungulate prey in the study areas. We also recorded two primate species, yellow baboon Papio cynocephalus and vervet monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus, as well as the rock hyrax Procavia capensis in the cheetah diet. These species have never been documented as cheetah prey before. Furthermore, our results document livestock as potential prey for cheetahs. These observations underline that cheetah use diverse prey in rangelands outside protected areas, and that the abundance of specific prey does not influence cheetah prey preference.
Late breeding season definitive prebasic molt in males, and late breeding season brood care by females, in central California Wilson’s warblers
Authors: Gilbert William M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractI made observations of a central California population of Wilson's Warbler, Cardellina pusilla, after July 1 over 10 breeding seasons. I sighted males in definitive prebasic molt from July 4 (in 2007) to September 1 (in 1999). Most territorial males molted on their breeding territories, and individual molt lasted up to 46 days. Following prebasic molt, territorial males engaged in subdued “post‐molt singing,” which lasted about 7 days in some males, and which I first heard on August 13 (in 2004) and last heard on September 6 (in 1999). I sighted no female in definitive prebasic molt, or in fresh basic plumage, during the study. Of 13 females sighted ≥ July 21, 11 were in late breeding season uniparental brood care, and I could not rule out late brood care for the other two. Most, and possibly all, females not engaged in late season uniparental brood care apparently vacated their breeding territories before July 21. This departure was much earlier than for resident males, the last of which I sighted on September 10 (in 1999). Early‐departing females presumably underwent prebasic molt after July 21 at locations not known. Remaining late‐nesting females must have molted much later than resident males and likely later than early‐departing females, and at locations unknown. I last sighted two uniparental brood‐tending females, still in worn plumage, on August 26 and 29, respectively. Two unique findings of this study are a male/female difference in location of prebasic molt, and a likely dichotomy of prebasic molt timing between females leaving their breeding territories early and those remaining in uniparental brood care. Another finding, post‐molt singing in most and possible all territorial males, is a largely unrecognized behavior, but one previously reported in several passerine species. Post‐molt singing may reliably indicate completion of prebasic molt.
Reduced genetic diversity associated with the northern expansion of an amphibian species with high habitat specialization, Ascaphus truei, resolved using two types of genetic markers
Authors: Mosher Cherie M. , Johnson Chris J. , Murray Brent W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractReconstruction of historical relationships between geographic regions within a species’ range can indicate dispersal patterns and help predict future responses to shifts in climate. Ascaphus truei (coastal tailed frog) is an indicator species of the health of forests and perennial streams in the Coastal and Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest of North America. We used two genetic techniques—microsatellite and genotype‐by‐sequencing (GBS)—to compare the within‐region genetic diversity of populations near the northern extent of the species’ range (British Columbia, Canada) to two geographic regions in British Columbia and two in Washington, USA, moving toward the core of the range. Allelic richness and heterozygosity declined substantially as latitude increased. The northernmost region had the lowest mean expected heterozygosities for both techniques (microsatellite, M = 0.20, SE = 0.080; GBS, M = 0.025, SE = 0.0010) and the southernmost region had the highest (microsatellite, M = 0.88, SE = 0.054; GBS, M = 0.20, SE = 0.0029). The northernmost regions (NC and MC) clustered together in population structure models for both genetic techniques. Our discovery of reduced diversity may have important conservation and management implications for population connectivity and the response of A. truei to climate change.
Samarium(II)‐Promoted Cyclizations of Nonactivated Indolyl Sulfinyl Imines to Polycyclic Tertiary Carbinamines
Authors: Rao Chintada Nageswara , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSamarium(II)‐promoted cyclizations of N‐acylated indolyl sulfinyl imines without electron‐withdrawing groups at C‐3 furnished tertiary carbinamines in good yield. Screening of the reaction conditions revealed that application of an excess of samarium diiodide in the presence of water and lithium bromide provided the cleanest reactions and the highest yields. The most striking observation during this investigation was the reductive detachment of the sulfur functional group, which most likely precedes the cyclization step. As consequence no enantioselectivity could be observed if enantiopure sulfinyl imines were employed. The mechanisms of the N−S cleavage and of the cyclization of the intermediate imines as well as the role of the additives are discussed. The presented method generates interesting polycyclic indoline derivatives; a cascade reaction involving an ethoxycarbonyl‐substituted side‐chain provided unique tetracyclic spiro‐γ‐lactams.
Study on the development and integration of 3D‐printed optics in small‐scale productions of single‐use cultivation vessels
Authors: Kuhnke Louis Maximilian , Rehfeld Johanna Sophie , Ude Christian , Beutel Sascha 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntegrating optical sensors and 3D‐printed optics into single‐use (SU) cultivation vessels for customized, tailor‐made equipment could be a next big step in the bioreactor and screening platform development enabling online bioprocess monitoring. Many different parameters such as pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide and optical density (OD) can be monitored more easily using online measuring instruments compared to offline sampling. Space‐saving integrated sensors in combination with adapted optics such as prisms open up vastly new possibilities to precisely guide light through SU vessels. This study examines how optical prisms can be 3D‐printed with a 3D‐inkjet printer, modified and then evaluated in a custom made optical bench. The prisms are coated or bonded with thin cover glasses. For the examination of reflectance performance and conformity prisms are compared on the basis of measured characteristics of a conventional glass prism. In addition, the most efficient and reproducible prism geometry and modification technique is applied to a customized 3D‐printed cultivation vessel. The vessel is evaluated on a commercial sensor‐platform, a shake flask reader (SFR) vario, to investigate its sensing‐characteristics while monitoring scattered light with the turbidity standard formazine and a cell suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model organism. It is demonstrated that 3D‐printed prisms can be used in combination with commercial scattered light sensor‐platforms to determine OD of a microbial culture and that a 3D‐printed unibody design with integrated optics in a cultivation vessel is feasible. In the range of OD600 0–1.16 rel.AU a linear correlation between sensor amplitude and offline determined OD can be achieved. Thus, enabling for the first time a measurement of low cell densities with the SFR vario platform. Moreover, sensitivity is also at least three times higher compared to the commonly used method.