bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential role of habitat on intestinal helminths of mountain hares, Lepus timidus
Authors: Hulbert I.A.R. , Boag B.
Published: April 2024

Over the last century in the uplands of Scotland, the extent of heather moorland which supports high densities of mountain hares Lepus timidus has diminished and has gradually been replaced by large-scale commercial forestry plantations or expanding natural woodlands. The potential impact of such a change in land use on host–parasite interactions was investigated by comparing the intensity and prevalence of infection of hares by parasites in two separate habitats: a large hare-fenced young forestry plantation and the adjacent open moorland. Carcasses were collected in November 1990 from within both habitats and after the woodland had been enclosed for nine months. Age, sex, fatness (kidney fat index) and degree of infection of hares were noted. Two parasites were recorded: the nematode Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and the cestode Mosgovoyia pectinata. Clear differences in the intensity of infection of adults occupying the different habitats had occurred in the nine months since woodland enclosure. Adult mountain hares in the woodland had levels of infections approaching four times that observed in hares occupying the open moorland and although not significant, the prevalence of infection was greater in hosts inhabiting the woodland than the open moorland. It is suggested that the parasite–host relationship differs between the two habitats and as heather-dominated moorland landscapes become more fragmented with the increasing establishment of woodlands, the impact of parasites on the life history strategies of mountain hares needs to be reconsidered.
Strategies for nematode transmission: selective migration of Trichostrongylus tenuis infective larvae
Authors: Saunders L.M. , Tompkins D.M. , Hudson P.J.
Published: April 2024

Successful transmission of macroparasites is dependent on exposure of susceptible hosts to free-living infective stages. When these hosts are herbivores that feed mostly on a single food plant then natural selection should favour those infective larvae that selectively ascend this main food plant. Red grouse feed predominantly on heather, Calluna vulgaris, so we predict that the infective larvae (L3) of the caecal nematode Trichostrongylus tenuis selectively locate and ascend heather plants. To determine whether the presence of heather influences the horizontal dispersal of T. tenuis L3 across soil, the movement of L3 across trays of soil with and without heather was investigated in the laboratory. More T. tenuis L3 were recovered from soil when heather was present, implying that larval migration may be influenced by chemical cues produced by heather plants. This was investigated in a second experiment, in which the horizontal dispersal of T. tenuis larvae was examined in the presence of heather and grass vegetation. This trial was repeated with larvae of a second species, Haemonchus contortus, a nematode whose hosts feed on a wide range of grass and shrub species. Significantly more larvae of both nematode species were recovered in the region of the heather than the grass or controls. This implies that T. tenuis and H. contortus L3 exhibit selective migration towards heather, perhaps reflecting a general response to plant cues which may be stronger for heather than for grass.
The future of replication in applied linguistics: Toward a standard for replication studies
Authors: McManus Kevin
Published: April 2024

High-quality replication studies are widely understood to be critical to the growth and credibility of our discipline, as shown in commentaries and discussion since the 1970s, at least. Nevertheless, misunderstandings and limitations in the aims, designs, and reporting of replication research remain, thus reducing the usefulness and impact of replications. To address this issue and improve the rigor, quality, and conduct of replication studies in applied linguistics, a new standard for reporting replication studies that captures several critical features of replication research not discussed in current reporting guidelines is proposed. Importantly, this standard applies basic expectations in replication reporting so that outcomes can be better understood and evaluated. By applying this standard, replication studies will better meet their aims to confirm, consolidate, and advance knowledge and understanding within applied linguistics and second language research. In addition, readers will more easily understand how the replication study was carried out and be able to better evaluate the claims being made.
Promises and perils of positionality statements
Authors: King Kendall A.
Published: April 2024

Positionality statements have increasingly become the norm in many strands of social science research, including applied linguistics. With reference to current research, theory, and the author’s own work, this paper reviews some of the promises and perils of such statements, including their performativity and lack of reflexivity. The author concludes by arguing that positionality statements need to offer both more and less, to be better targeted, and be more effectively and widely utilized within the field of applied linguistics.
Interviewing young offenders about child-on-child sexual abuse
Authors: Hershkowitz Irit , Lamb Michael E.
Published: April 2024

This study compared two versions of the NICHD Protocol for interviewing young suspected sexual offenders: the Revised Suspect Protocol (RSP) and the Standard Suspect Protocol (SSP). The RSP incorporated relevant evidence-based practices informed by research on the value of (a) effectively explaining the suspects’ rights, (b) rapport building and support, and (c) appropriate questioning strategies. Interviewers using the RSP communicated the children’s rights more effectively (reading them more often, checking, verifying, and correcting understanding) and provided more support. In the substantive phase, they remained supportive while recall prompts dominated the questioning. Compared to children in the SSP group, children in the RSP condition understood their rights better, were more responsive during rapport-building, and reacted to interviewer support in the substantive phase with increased responsiveness, which in turn, predicted reduced reluctance, increased emotional expression, and greater informativeness. They were also more likely to make full rather than partial confessions than children in the SSP group. Full confessions were positively predicted by the appropriate communication of legal rights, interviewer support, and reliance on open-ended prompts, thereby confirming the superiority of the RSP relative to the SSP.
The impact of data-driven learning form-focused tasks on learners’ task engagement: An intervention study
Authors: Zare Javad , Azari Noughabi Mostafa , Al-Issa Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Data-driven learning (DDL) form-focused tasks are a relatively new concept. These tasks involve using concordance lines to teach language in a way that integrates discovery learning, authentic language use, consciousness-raising, and the communicative use of language. Given their novelty, there haven’t been many studies on how they impact learners’ engagement. Therefore, this study sought to study whether DDL form-focused tasks influence English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ task engagement. A total of 114 Iranian EFL learners were randomly divided between comparison and intervention groups in a study that utilized an experimental (comparison group, pretest, and post-test) design within a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The comparison group completed 10 non-DDL form-focused tasks, whereas the intervention group completed 10 DDL form-focused tasks. The results of t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that incorporating DDL form-focused tasks into English classes enhanced EFL learners’ task engagement in the short run. However, the impact of DDL form-focused tasks on EFL learners’ task engagement was not durable. Moreover, analyzing semi-structured interview data suggested that using DDL-enhanced tasks with a form-focused approach increases EFL learners’ task engagement by triggering their curiosity, improving their autonomy, enhancing their concentration and interest, and facilitating their discovery learning. The present study lends more credence to the application of such tasks. The paper ends with implications for English language teaching and materials development.
Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo: A Forgotten Protagonist of Spain's Transition to Democracy, 1964–1978
Authors: Goizueta Alfaro Alfonso
Published: April 2024

Historians have traditionally studied Spain's transition to democracy (1975–8) through the point of view of its protagonists, especially King Juan Carlos I and Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez. The figure of Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo (1934–2018), who despite being José Antonio's nephew and Franco's protégé defended the Political Reform Act which restored democracy, is one that however has barely received attention from historians. This is mainly due to the lack of sources on him, apart from his memoirs, published in 2002. The unprecedented access to his personal archive reveals that Primo de Rivera had a crucial role in the transition: although apparently an outright Francoist, he dedicated all of his efforts to accomplishing the succession of Juan Carlos and the eventual restoration of democracy. This paper rediscovers his figure, revealing him to be a convinced democrat and a crucial member of the strategy that brought down Francoism.
Factors that mediate change in creatinine and acute kidney injury after the Norwood operation: insights from high-fidelity haemodynamic monitoring data
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Mansukhani Sheena , Wong Joshua
Published: April 2024

Background:

Acute kidney injury is a common postoperative complication of paediatric cardiac surgery associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to characterise associations between haemodynamic parameters, clinical parameters, and medical interventions, on acute kidney injury.

Methods:

Nine patients with univentricular physiology undergoing the Norwood procedure from a single-centre tertiary care paediatric cardiac ICU were included (September 2022 to March 2023). Patients were monitored with the T3 software. Data were analysed using a Fisher exact test, Mann–Whitney-U test, LASSO-based machine learning techniques, and receiver operator curve analyses.

Results:

Over 27,000 datapoints were included. Acute kidney injury occurred in 2 patients (22%) during this period. Net fluid balance and renal oxygen extraction were independently associated with acute kidney injury, while commonly used metrics of pressure (systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial blood pressure) were not. The resulting acute kidney injury risk score was (4.1 × fluid balance) + (1.9 × renal oxygen extraction). The risk score was significantly higher in acute kidney injury with a score of 32.9 compared to 7.9 (p < 0.01). Optimal cut-offs for fluid balance (7 mL/hr) and renal oxygen extraction (29%) were identified. Higher serum creatinine:baseline creatinine ratio was associated with a higher mean airway pressure, higher renal oxygen extraction, higher mean arterial blood pressure, higher vasoactive inotropic score, and fluid balance.

Conclusion:

Among patients with univentricular physiology undergoing the Norwood procedure, renal oxygen extraction and a higher net fluid balance are independently associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury. Renal perfusion pressure is not significantly associated with acute kidney injury.
Surface Air‐Pressure Measurements From Space Using Differential Absorption Radar on the Right Wing of the 60 GHz Oxygen Band
Authors: Battaglia A. , Rumi E. , Reeves R. , Sikaneta I. , D’Addio S.
Published: April 2024

Surface air pressure is one of the most important parameters used in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Although it has been measured using weather stations on the ground for many decades, the numbers of measurements are sparse and concentrated on land. Few measurements from buoys and ships are available over ocean. Global measurements can only be achieved by using remote sensing from Space, which is challenging; however, a novel design using Differential Absorption Radar (DAR) can provide a potential solution. The technique relies on two facts: first the electromagnetic fields are absorbed mainly by oxygen and water vapor, and second that oxygen is well mixed. In this work we discuss a space‐borne concept, which aims at providing, over the ocean, consistent, and regular observations for determining surface air pressure from space by a design of a multi‐tone radar operating on the upper wing of the O2 absorption band with tones from 64 to 70 GHz. Simulations of radar vertical profiles based on the output of a state of‐the‐art microphysical retrievals applied to the A‐Train suite of sensors are exploited to establish the performance of such a system for surface pressure determination. In particular the identification and quantification of errors introduced by the presence of water vapor, cloud liquid water and rain water and the potential of a correction via the three‐tone method is discussed. Errors introduced by surface measurement noise and temperature profile uncertainties are discussed as well. Results show that accuracy between 2 and 5 hPa is at reach.
ERA5‐Based Significant Tornado Environments in Canada Between 1980 and 2020
Authors: Hanesiak John , Taszarek Mateusz , Walker David , Wang Chun‐Chih , Betancourt Daniel
Published: April 2024

This study uses ERA5 close‐proximity soundings and associated convective parameters to characterize significant tornadic storm (F/EF2+) environments between 1980 and 2020 in parts of Canada. It is shown that ERA5 convective parameters are suitable to represent observed parameters, based on radiosonde comparisons. Results indicate that the eastern Canadian Prairies have nearly double the lifted condensation level with higher level of free convection compared to eastern Canada (southern Ontario/Quebec). Eastern Canada has more a humid boundary layer and free troposphere that can lead to warmer cold pools, favoring tornadogenesis. Central Canada (Manitoba) has the largest mixed‐layer (ML) convective available potential energy (CAPE) mainly due to a combination of regional differences in low level moisture and steeper mid‐level lapse rates in western Canada. Central continental U.S. and Canadian regions appear to have the highest (most negative) convective inhibition, leading to more explosive initiation. Mean bulk wind shear and storm relative helicity (SRH) increases from west to east, with eastern regions being significantly larger. The supercell composite and significant tornado parameters are generally less than U.S. magnitudes, particularly in western Canada, and would require recalibration for more practical use in Canada. Overall, western Canada significant tornadic storms are associated with more low‐level looping hodographs and dominated by thermodynamic influences compared to larger wind influences in eastern regions. This is likely due to more spring, late summer, and autumn events that typically have well‐developed synoptic systems (stronger wind shear) with overall less buoyant energy in eastern regions.
Topography‐Based Particle Image Velocimetry of Braided Channel Initiation
Authors: Wang Youwei , Limaye Ajay B. , Chadwick Austin J.
Published: April 2024

River channels shape landscapes through gradual migration and abrupt avulsion. Measuring the motion of braided rivers, which have multiple channel threads, is particularly challenging, limiting predictions for landscape evolution and fluvial architecture. To address this challenge, we extended the capabilities of image‐based particle image velocimetry (PIV)—a technique for tracking channel threads in images of the surface—by adapting it to analyze topographic change. We applied this method in a laboratory experiment where a straight channel set in non‐cohesive sediment evolved into a braided channel under constant water and sediment fluxes. Topography‐based PIV successfully tracked the motion of channel threads if displacements between observations were less than the channel‐thread width, consistent with earlier results from image‐based PIV. We filtered spurious migration vectors with magnitudes less than the elevation grid spacing, or with high uncertainties in magnitude and/or direction. During braided channel initiation, migration rates varied with the channel planform development, showing an increase as incipient meanders developed, a decrease during the transitional braiding phase, and consistently low values during the established braiding phase. In this experimental setup, migration rates varied quasi‐periodically along stream at the half scale of initial meander bends. Lateral migration with respect to the mean flow direction was much more pronounced than streamwise migration, accounting for approximately 80% of all detected motion. Results demonstrate that topography‐based PIV has the potential to advance predictions for bank erosion and landscape evolution in natural braided rivers as well as bar preservation and stratigraphic architecture in geological records.
How to Choose Suitable Physics‐Based Models Without Tuning and System Identification for Model‐Predictive Control of Open Water Channels?
Authors: Horváth K. , van Esch B. , Pothof I.
Published: April 2024

Model predictive control (MPC) is used to manage water systems, and its performance depends on the (internal or control‐oriented) model it is based on. Several models for the hydraulics of open water systems are presented in literature and used in applications, but their performance has not yet been investigated systematically, and no guideline exists on which model to select for a certain channel. The aim of this research is to present a guideline for model choice based on the geometry of the channel and the flow conditions. The guideline is developed by first categorizing the channels into four types, followed by performing time‐domain, frequency domain, and closed‐loop tests for all models and channel types. The evaluation of the tests shows that for short and wave‐dominated channels, the Muskingum, Integrator Delay, and Integrator Delay Zero models perform the best, while for longer channels the linear inertial model is the most suitable. Finally, a decision‐tree is presented how to choose the model. Lastly, a decision‐tree is introduced to aid in the selection of the most appropriate model.
Forecasters Expect Slow Start to U.S. Wildfire Season
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: April 2024

A wet spring in the United States will dampen early fires, but some regions will see elevated risk this summer.
Entangling entanglement: coupling frequency and polarization of biphotons on demand
Authors: Riazi Arash , Zhu Eric Y. , Xu Dan , Qian Li
Published: April 2024

Quantum information is often carried in the frequency and polarization degrees of freedom (DoFs) in single photons and entangled photons. We demonstrate an approach to couple and decouple the frequency and polarization DoFs of broadband biphotons. Our approach is based on a nonlinear interferometer consisting of a linear dispersive medium and a polarization controller in between the two biphoton sources (nonlinear media). When the two DoFs are decoupled, maximally polarization-entangled biphotons are observed in the polarization DoF, while interference fringes are observed in the spectrum of the biphotons. When the two DoFs are coupled, by adjusting the polarization controller, interference fringes disappear from the spectrum and instead appear in the degree of polarization entanglement, varying between 0 and 1, depending on the signal and idler frequencies. Our approach offers a convenient means of tuning the polarization entanglement and can be employed for arbitrary biphoton polarization state generation.
Radiopharmaceutical transport in solid tumors via a 3-dimensional image-based spatiotemporal model
Authors: Piranfar Anahita , Moradi Kashkooli Farshad , Zhan Wenbo , Bhandari Ajay , Saboury Babak , Rahmim Arman , Soltani M.
Published: April 2024

Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (177Lu-PSMA)-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy is a clinically approved treatment for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Even though common practice reluctantly follows “one size fits all” approach, medical community believes there is significant room for deeper understanding and personalization of radiopharmaceutical therapies. To pursue this aim, we present a 3-dimensional spatiotemporal radiopharmaceutical delivery model based on clinical imaging data to simulate pharmacokinetic of 177Lu-PSMA within the prostate tumors. The model includes interstitial flow, radiopharmaceutical transport in tissues, receptor cycles, association/dissociation with ligands, synthesis of PSMA receptors, receptor recycling, internalization of radiopharmaceuticals, and degradation of receptors and drugs. The model was studied for a range of values for injection amount (100–1000 nmol), receptor density (10–500 nmol•l–1), and recycling rate of receptors (10–4 to 10–1 min–1). Furthermore, injection type, different convection-diffusion-reaction mechanisms, characteristic time scales, and length scales are discussed. The study found that increasing receptor density, ligand amount, and labeled ligands improved radiopharmaceutical uptake in the tumor. A high receptor recycling rate (0.1 min–1) increased radiopharmaceutical concentration by promoting repeated binding to tumor cell receptors. Continuous infusion results in higher radiopharmaceutical concentrations within tumors compared to bolus administration. These insights are crucial for advancing targeted therapy for prostate cancer by understanding the mechanism of radiopharmaceutical distribution in tumors. Furthermore, measures of characteristic length and advection time scale were computed. The presented spatiotemporal tumor transport model can analyze different physiological parameters affecting 177Lu-PSMA delivery.
The Plegma dataset: Domestic appliance-level and aggregate electricity demand with metadata from Greece
Authors: Athanasoulias Sotirios , Guasselli Fernanda , Doulamis Nikolaos , Doulamis Anastasios , Ipiotis Nikolaos , Katsari Athina , Stankovic Lina , Stankovic Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The growing availability of smart meter data has facilitated the development of energy-saving services like demand response, personalized energy feedback, and non-intrusive-load-monitoring applications, all of which heavily rely on advanced machine learning algorithms trained on energy consumption datasets. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of these services, real-world smart meter data collection is crucial. The Plegma dataset described in this paper addresses this need bfy providing whole- house aggregate loads and appliance-level consumption measurements at 10-second intervals from 13 different households over a period of one year. It also includes environmental data such as humidity and temperature, building characteristics, demographic information, and user practice routines to enable quantitative as well as qualitative analysis. Plegma is the first high-frequency electricity measurements dataset in Greece, capturing the consumption behavior of people in the Mediterranean area who use devices not commonly included in other datasets, such as AC and electric-water boilers. The dataset comprises 218 million readings from 88 installed meters and sensors. The collected data are available in CSV format.
Whole genome sequencing identifies associations for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis with the intergenic region of BMP2 and noncoding RNA gene LINC01428
Authors: Musolf Anthony M. , Justice Cristina M. , Erdogan-Yildirim Zeynep , Goovaerts Seppe , Cuellar Araceli , Shaffer John R. , Marazita Mary L. , Claes Peter , Weinberg Seth M. , Li Jae , Senders Craig , Zwienenberg Marike , Simeonov Emil , Kaneva Radka , Roscioli Tony , Di Pietro Lorena , Barba Marta , Lattanzi Wanda , Cunningham Michael L. , Romitti Paul A. , Boyadjiev Simeon A.
Published: April 2024

Craniosynostosis (CS) is a major birth defect resulting from premature fusion of cranial sutures. Nonsyndromic CS occurs more frequently than syndromic CS, with sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (sNCS) presenting as the most common CS phenotype. Previous genome-wide association and targeted sequencing analyses of sNCS have identified multiple associated loci, with the strongest association on chromosome 20. Herein, we report the first whole-genome sequencing study of sNCS using 63 proband-parent trios. Sequencing data for these trios were analyzed using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and rare variant TDT (rvTDT) to identify high-risk rare gene variants. Sequencing data were also examined for copy number variants (CNVs) and de novo variants. TDT analysis identified a highly significant locus at 20p12.3, localized to the intergenic region between BMP2 and the noncoding RNA gene LINC01428. Three variants (rs6054763, rs6054764, rs932517) were identified as potential causal variants due to their probability of being transcription factor binding sites, deleterious combined annotation dependent depletion scores, and high minor allele enrichment in probands. Morphometric analysis of cranial vault shape in an unaffected cohort validated the effect of these three single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on dolichocephaly. No genome-wide significant rare variants, de novo loci, or CNVs were identified. Future efforts to identify risk variants for sNCS should include sequencing of larger and more diverse population samples and increased omics analyses, such as RNA-seq and ATAC-seq.
Quantitative measurement of internal quality of carrots using hyperspectral imaging and multivariate analysis
Authors: Mulowayi Arcel Mutombo , Shen Zhen Hui , Nyimbo Witness Joseph , Di Zhi Feng , Fallah Nyumah , Zheng Shu He
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to measure the carotenoid (Car) and pH contents of carrots using hyperspectral imaging. A total of 300 images were collected using a hyperspectral imaging system, covering 472 wavebands from 400 to 1000 nm. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined to extract average spectra from the hyperspectral images (HIS). We developed two models: least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to establish a quantitative analysis between the pigment amounts and spectra. The spectra and pigment contents were predicted and correlated using these models. The selection of EWs for modeling was done using the Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), regression coefficients (RC) from PLSR models, and LS-SVM. The results demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging could effectively evaluate the internal attributes of carrot cortex and xylem. Moreover, these models accurately predicted the Car and pH contents of the carrot parts. This study provides a valuable approach for variable selection and modeling in hyperspectral imaging studies of carrots.
Effect of internal phase particle size on properties of site mixed emulsion explosive at plateau environment
Authors: Xie S. D. , Cai X. Y. , Wu H. B. , Wang Q. , Guo Z. R. , Chen Z. Y. , Ma C. S.
Published: April 2024

To study the effect of internal particle size on the microstructure properties and thermal decomposition characteristics of site mixed emulsion explosive at different altitudes. Site mixed emulsion explosive was prepared with different shear rate. The particle size, viscosity, sensitized bubbles, detonation velocity and peak pressure of the emulsion explosive were tested after stored at different simulated altitudes. The thermal decomposition characteristics of emulsion matrix prepared at three different rotational speeds were measured by thermogravimetric analyzer and kinetic analysis was performed by non-isothermal model Kissinger–Akah–Sunose (KAS) method. The results show that with the increase in altitude, the internal phase size showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the number of sensitized bubbles within the emulsion explosive decreases. At an altitude of 0 m, the detonation velocity and peak overpressure of the emulsion explosive prepared by 1600 r min−1 increased 4.78% and 29.09%, respectively compared with 1200 r min−1, and at an altitude of 4500 m, the detonation velocity increased 11.87%, the peak overpressure increased 43.98%. The thermal decomposition activation energy of the emulsion matrix at 1600 r min−1 increased 13.14% compared to 1200 r min−1. It shows that in the production of site mixed emulsion explosive at high altitude, reducing the particle size of the internal phase of emulsion explosives in a certain range can effectively improve the performance of emulsion explosives.
Parenting style and young children's executive function mediate the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality in two-child families
Authors: Qian Guoying , Li Bingbing , Xu Lu , Ai Siqi , Li Xin , Lei Xueqing , Dou Gang
Published: April 2024

This study explored the relationship between parenting stress, parenting style, parenting quality, and young children's executive function. In total, 243 firstborns aged 2–9 years old (SD = 3.82) and their parents from two-child families in Beijing participated in the study, which used executive function tasks and parenting questionnaires. The results found that (1) parenting stress negatively predicted parenting quality; (2) parenting style partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; (3) children's executive function partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; and (4) the spoiled, democratic, permissive, and authoritarian parenting styles each play a chain mediating role with young children's executive function between parenting stress and parenting quality. Taken together, these findings provide implications for scientific parenting of children with different psychological characteristics (such as executive function) in multiple-child families under Parenting stress.
Enhanced crystalline cellulose degradation by a novel metagenome-derived cellulase enzyme
Authors: Kholousi Adab Faezeh , Mehdi Yaghoobi Mohammad , Gharechahi Javad
Published: April 2024

Metagenomics has revolutionized access to genomic information of microorganisms inhabiting the gut of herbivorous animals, circumventing the need for their isolation and cultivation. Exploring these microorganisms for novel hydrolytic enzymes becomes unattainable without utilizing metagenome sequencing. In this study, we harnessed a suite of bioinformatic analyses to discover a novel cellulase-degrading enzyme from the camel rumen metagenome. Among the protein-coding sequences containing cellulase-encoding domains, we identified and subsequently cloned and purified a promising candidate cellulase enzyme, Celcm05-2, to a state of homogeneity. The enzyme belonged to GH5 subfamily 4 and exhibited robust enzymatic activity under acidic pH conditions. It maintained hydrolytic activity under various environmental conditions, including the presence of metal ions, non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100, organic solvents, and varying temperatures. With an optimal temperature of 40 °C, Celcm05-2 showcased remarkable efficiency when deployed on crystalline cellulose (> 3.6 IU/mL), specifically Avicel, thereby positioning it as an attractive candidate for a myriad of biotechnological applications spanning biofuel production, paper and pulp processing, and textile manufacturing. Efficient biodegradation of waste paper pulp residues and the evidence of biopolishing suggested that Celcm05-2 can be used in the bioprocessing of cellulosic craft fabrics in the textile industry. Our findings suggest that the camel rumen microbiome can be mined for novel cellulase enzymes that can find potential applications across diverse biotechnological processes.
Nimble vs. torpid responders to hydration pulse duration among soil microbes
Authors: Kut Patrick , Garcia-Pichel Ferran
Published: April 2024

Environmental parameters vary in time, and variability is inherent in soils, where microbial activity follows precipitation pulses. The expanded pulse-reserve paradigm (EPRP) contends that arid soil microorganisms have adaptively diversified in response to pulse regimes differing in frequency and duration. To test this, we incubate Chihuahuan Desert soil microbiomes under separate treatments in which 60 h of hydration was reached with pulses of different pulse duration (PD), punctuated by intervening periods of desiccation. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon data, we measure treatment effects on microbiome net growth, growth efficiency, diversity, and species composition, tracking the fate of 370 phylotypes (23% of those detected). Consistent with predictions, microbial diversity is a direct, saturating function of PD. Increasingly larger shifts in community composition are detected with decreasing PD, as specialist phylotypes become more prominent. One in five phylotypes whose fate was tracked responds consistently to PD, some preferring short pulses (nimble responders; NIRs) and some longer pulses (torpid responders; TORs). For pulses shorter than a day, microbiome growth efficiency is an inverse function of PD, as predicted. We conclude that PD in pulsed soil environments constitutes a major driver of microbial community assembly and function, largely consistent with the EPRP predictions.
Predicting permeation of compounds across the outer membrane of P. aeruginosa using molecular descriptors
Authors: Manrique Pedro D. , Leus Inga V. , López César A. , Mehla Jitender , Malloci Giuliano , Gervasoni Silvia , Vargiu Attilio V. , Kinthada Rama K. , Herndon Liam , Hengartner Nicolas W. , Walker John K. , Rybenkov Valentin V. , Ruggerone Paolo , Zgurskaya Helen I. , Gnanakaran S.
Published: April 2024

The ability Gram-negative pathogens have at adapting and protecting themselves against antibiotics has increasingly become a public health threat. Data-driven models identifying molecular properties that correlate with outer membrane (OM) permeation and growth inhibition while avoiding efflux could guide the discovery of novel classes of antibiotics. Here we evaluate 174 molecular descriptors in 1260 antimicrobial compounds and study their correlations with antibacterial activity in Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The descriptors are derived from traditional approaches quantifying the compounds’ intrinsic physicochemical properties, together with, bacterium-specific from ensemble docking of compounds targeting specific MexB binding pockets, and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in different subregions of the OM model. Using these descriptors and the measured inhibitory concentrations, we design a statistical protocol to identify predictors of OM permeation/inhibition. We find consistent rules across most of our data highlighting the role of the interaction between the compounds and the OM. An implementation of the rules uncovered in our study is shown, and it demonstrates the accuracy of our approach in a set of previously unseen compounds. Our analysis sheds new light on the key properties drug candidates need to effectively permeate/inhibit P. aeruginosa, and opens the gate to similar data-driven studies in other Gram-negative pathogens.
Tofacitinib and peficitinib inhibitors of Janus kinase for autoimmune disease treatment: a quantum biochemistry approach
Authors: Amaral Jackson L. , Lucredi Naiara C. , França Victor L. B. , Santos Samuel J. M. , Maia Francisco F. , Morais Pablo A. , Souza Pedro F. N. , Comar Jurandir F. , Freire Valder N.
Published: April 2024

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ulcerative colitis, are associated with an uncontrolled production of cytokines leading to the pronounced inflammatory response of these disorders.
SERS in 3D cell models: a powerful tool in cancer research
Authors: Troncoso-Afonso Lara , Vinnacombe-Willson Gail A. , García-Astrain Clara , Liz-Márzan Luis M.
Published: April 2024

3D cancer models recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and serve as a platform to study cancer cell behavior, drug discovery and early diagnosis, which can be monitored chemically with subcellular resolution in real time, via SERS.
PVDF/ZnO piezoelectric nanofibers designed for monitoring of internal micro-pressure
Authors: Chang Geng , Pan Xuchao , Hao Yu , Du Wei , Wang Siwei , Zhou Yu , Yang Jie , He Yong
Published: April 2024

Organic piezoelectric materials are emerging as integral components in the development of advanced implantable self-powered sensors for the next generation.
g-C3N4@TiO2 photoanodes for high-efficiency QDSSCs: improved electron transfer and photochemical stability
Authors: Li Quanhang , Zhang Tingting , Cui Donghui , Li Fengyan
Published: April 2024

The g-C3N4@TiO2 composite photoanode corresponding to the cell shows the best photoelectric performance, with PCE=8.2%. Tg-C3N4@TiO2 can inhibit “electron-hole” recombination, and high stability can prolong the service life of cell.
A paper-based dual functional biosensor for safe and user-friendly point-of-care urine analysis
Authors: Li Yujia , Kong Yingqi , Hu Yubing , Li Yixuan , Asrosa Rica , Zhang Wenyu , Deka Boruah Buddha , Yetisen Ali K. , Davenport Andrew , Lee Tung-Chun , Li Bing
Published: April 2024

A safe, accurate, and reliable sensing platform for urinary biomarkers analysis of urinary biomarkers is clinically important for the early detection and monitoring of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it has become one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases.
Projection-based 3D printing of multichannel poly(caprolactone) methacrylate nerve guidance conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Li Haibing , Yao Ke , Chen Yuewei , Ye Wensong , Shu Qiang
Published: April 2024

NGCs with 1-, 4-, and 7-channels were fabricated by projection-based 3D printing with PCLMA. The 4- and 7-channel NGCs exhibited considerably better nerve repair efficiency than the 1-channel NGCs.
An integrated design strategy coupling additive manufacturing and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) towards the development of a new concept 3D scaffold with improved properties for tissue regeneration
Authors: Russo Teresa , Peluso Valentina , Gloria Antonio , Gargiulo Valentina , Alfe Michela , Ausanio Giovanni
Published: April 2024

New concept 3D scaffolds coated with a biocompatible graphene material (GL) obtained by combining additive manufacturing (AM) and matrix-assisted and pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) deposition are potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Efficient removal of uranium from the kidneys by a picolinate-based pentadentate chelator
Authors: Cao Dehan , Chen Bin , Xu Yigong , Li Zongyi , Sun Tingfeng , Hong Sheng , Zhu Tianen , Chen Lei , Li Ximeng , Wang Longxiang , Liu Jiakai , Jin Yaqi , Wang Shuao , Diwu Juan
Published: April 2024

The planar pentadentate ligand H2dpa matches the coordination geometry of uranyl, demonstrating a remarkable removal preference for uranyl in the kidneys.
Yellow-emissive organic copper(i) halide single crystals with [Cu4I4] cubane unit as efficient X-ray scintillators
Authors: Kong Qingzheng , Jiang Xiaomei , Sun Ying , Zhu Jianguo , Tao Xutang
Published: April 2024

The (4-bzpy)4Cu4I4 compound exhibits excellent X-ray scintillation properties with a high light yield and great potential in X-ray imaging applications.
Synthesis of oxindole fused 1,3-oxazepanes via hydride transfer initiated ring expansion of pyrrolidine
Authors: He Peng , Wang Zongkang , Kang Qiongwen , Fei Nana , Wang Chengyu , Li Yanzhong
Published: April 2024

An efficient B(C6F5)3 catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of oxindole fused 1,3-oxazepanes from pyrrolidine substituted aryl alkynones has been developed.
Modeling and optimization of transesterification of Jatropha oil to fatty acid methyl ester: application of response surface methodology (CCD) and Taguchi orthogonal method
Authors: Aseibichin Cyrus , Ulakpa Wisdom Chukwuemeke , Omenogor Ikoko , Doyah Emmanuel , Olaseinde Ayodeji Arnold , Anakpoha Oghenekome Cyril , Keke Mabel , Karuppannan Shankar
Published: April 2024

The study effectively optimized the transesterification process of Jatropha oil to fatty acid methyl ester using response surface methodology (CCD) and Taguchi orthogonal method, leading to enhanced efficiency and product quality.
Recent advances in the transformation reactions of the Betti base derivatives
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Sadeghpour Mahdieh
Published: April 2024

This review article highlights the use of Betti base derivatives in transformation reactions for synthesizing organic compounds, particularly heterocyclic molecules, and investigation into their pharmacological properties.
Efficient removal of dibutyl phthalate from aqueous solutions: recent advances in adsorption and oxidation approaches
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Wu Jiawei , Zhang Wenju , Zhong Linyun , Zhang Dan , Yan Siqi , Shi Junyou
Published: April 2024

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a recognized endocrine-disrupting contaminant, poses substantial environmental challenges due to its persistence, resistance to degradation, and potential for bioaccumulation.
Structural interactions in polymer-stabilized magnetic nanocomposites
Authors: Nabar Gauri M. , Dehankar Abhilasha V. , Jergens Elizabeth , Hansen Benworth B. , Johnston-Halperin Ezekiel , Sheffield Matthew , Sangoro Joshua , Wyslouzil Barbara E. , Winter Jessica O.
Published: April 2024

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can align in polymer-stabilized aggregates, changing their properties.
The sweetest polymer nanoparticles: opportunities ahead for glycogen in nanomedicine
Authors: Besford Quinn A.
Published: April 2024

Glycogen is a biomaterial nanoparticle composed of sugar. In this perspective, the opportunities of glycogen in nanomedicine going forward is discussed.
DHRCA: A Design of Security Architecture Based on Dynamic Heterogeneous Redundant for System on Wafer
Authors: Mei Bo , Zhu Zhengbin , Li Peijie , Zhao Bo
Published: April 2024

System on Wafer (SoW) based on chiplets may be implanted with hardware Trojans (HTs) by untrustworthy third‐party chiplet vendors. However, traditional HTs protection techniques cannot guarantee complete protection against HTs, which poses a great challenge to the hardware security of SoW. In this paper, we propose a computing architecture based on endogenous security theory—dynamic heterogeneous redundant computing architecture (DHRCA) that can tolerate and detect HTs at runtime. The security of our approach is analyzed by building a generalized stochastic coloring petri net (GSCPN) model of DHRCA. The simulation results based on the GSCPN model show that our method can improve the system security probability to 0.8690 and the system availability probability to 0.9750 in the steady state compared with typical triple‐mode redundancy and runtime monitoring methods. Furthermore, the impact of different attack and defense strategies on system security of different methods is simulated and analyzed in this paper.
Construction of a cable yarding track by mathematical and software methods
Authors: Svojkin F.V. , Korolko N.S. , Korolko A.S. , Borozna A.A. , Sorokin K.E.
Published: April 2024

Constraining factors for the development of traditional solutions for the development of hard-to-reach logging areas are given. Mathematical and software methods are proposed to calculate the construction of routes for rope-trailer installations. Methods of solving the problem of laying an acceptable optimal route using discrete programming methods under conditions of risk and uncertainty are proposed. On a practical example in typical natural and industrial conditions of the North-West Federal District of the Russian Federation (sq.4 v.39 of the Primorsky district forestry of the Kurortny forestry of St. Petersburg) the construction of a mathematical model for solving the stochastic problem with quantile indices is carried out.
Preparation of effective nanomodified polymer-bitumen adhesives for asphalt concrete
Authors: Guvalov (Kapanakchi) Abbas , Mammadov Anar
Published: April 2024

The possibilities of modification of BNB 50/70 oil road bitumen, which belongs to the category of viscous bitumen and is used in road works in the hot season, at an average temperature not lower than +5°C have been studied. Copolymers of butadiene and styrene and vinyl acetate and ethylene were used as polymer materials for polymer-bitumen adhesives (PBA). A copolymer of butadiene and styrene (SBS) is a synthetic rubber in which solid styrene blocks are linked by butadiene “springs”. When mixed with bitumen, they create a highly elastic structure. The inclusion of 2.5 - 6.0% SBS in bitumen as a polymer additive increases the softening point and frost resistance of bitumen, gives high flexibility to the organic adhesive, which increases the heat resistance and shear resistance of asphalt concrete. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer forms a rigid network in modified bitumen and resists deformation. It dissolves very quickly in thermoplastic bitumen at a temperature of 155-180°C, which facilitates the process of preparing PBY for asphalt-concrete. The optimal concentration of polymers for obtaining high heat-resistant and flexible PBY has been determined. Carbon nanotubes act as a functional additive for bitumen. Modified bitumen adhesives and physical-mechanical indicators of asphalt-concrete mixtures made on their basis were studied. It was found that by introducing a small amount of nanocarbon tubes into asphalt-concrete, its shear resistance and strength are significantly increased at different temperatures (from 0 to 50°C).
Specific features of improving automobile road complex of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors: Khalmukhamedov Aziz , Anvarjonov Akhmadjon
Published: April 2024

Automobile and Road Complex (ARC) is a complex technical and economic system, including means of transport (automobile transport) and communications (automobile roads), united by a single goal - to provide constant safe transport of goods and people with maximum efficiency. The term “ARC” [1, 2] more objectively reflects the essence of the efficient transport process carried out by vehicles on roads. It emphasises the equivalence of the contribution of vehicles and roads to a single transport process. The problem of the efficiency of the ARC function is not only of terminological significance, but also touches on the issues of improving the efficiency of the road and motorway economy as a whole.
Investigation of the feasibility of using aluminum honeycomb cores in the design of the fin of the aircraft
Authors: Shavelkin Denis
Published: April 2024

The issues related to the use of a honeycomb cores in the design, the weight ratio of the empennage units are considered on the example of the fin of an aircraft. The article provides a comparative qualitative assessment of the weight efficiency, manufacturability of the design and design features of the fin with the use of honeycomb panels, compared with the classical frame construction of fin units. In addition, the article discusses the problems associated with the operation and repair of honeycomb core constructions. In the article the calculations of mass determination of honeycomb panel and transverse set for cases the thickness of the profile C=13%, C=8%, C=4% were carried out. Using he method of sequential calculations of each structural part of the honeycomb panel or the frame construction, the resulting masses of units were obtained. Based on the results, we can conclude that the use of three-layer panels in the construction of the fin with a given area and construction height is not justified, since the difference in weight is negligible, and honeycomb panels have several disadvantages.