bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for growth, reproductive, and survival traits of Bonga sheep using multi-variate animal model
Authors: Mamiru Metsafe , Melesse Aberra , Haile Aynalem , Getachew Tesfaye
Published: February 2025

The community-based breeding program was introduced to enhance the productivity of Bonga sheep. Data evaluating animals’ potential regarding key traits was gathered from 2009–2021. This study estimated covariance components and genetic parameters for growth (birth, weaning, and six-months weight), reproductive (lambing interval, annual reproductive rate, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning), and survival (0–3, 3–6, and 0–6 months) traits using a multivariate animal model. The Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood method in WOMBAT was used for growth and reproductive traits, while Derivative-free MUltivariate analysis was employed for survival traits. The results revealed that the additive heritability for growth, reproductive, and survival traits ranged from 0.15–0.26, 0.06–0.08, and 0.10–0.17, respectively. The variance ratio of maternal permanent environment for growth traits ranged from 0.07–0.25, while that of animal environment for reproductive traits ranged from 0.33–0.45. Maternal genetic heritability for birth, weaning, and six-months weights were 0.14, 0.19, and 0.19, respectively, while it ranged from 0.01–0.14 for reproductive traits. Additive genetic correlations among growth traits ranged from 0.04–0.79, and from 0.36–0.62 between growth and reproductive traits. Low to high additive genetic correlations (0.002–0.537) were recorded between growth and survival traits. Significant (P<0.001) and positive genetic trends were observed for most reproductive traits, though annual genetic trends were low. Moderate additive heritability for growth traits indicates potential for genetic improvement via selection, while the pronounced environmental impact on reproductive and survival traits suggests the need for improved management practices in addition to selection. The presence of positive genetic correlations of growth traits with reproductive and with survival traits suggests that selecting for improved weaning/six-month weight has the potential to enhance ewe productivity and lamb survival. This highlights the importance of considering both growth and reproductive/survival traits in breeding programs to achieve optimal outcomes in sheep production.
A certificateless aggregate signature scheme for VANETs with privacy protection properties
Authors: Li Huimin , Shen Chucheng , Huang Hui , Wu Chenhuang
Published: February 2025

Aggregate signatures are excellent in simultaneously verifying the validity of multiple signatures, which renders them highly suitable for bandwidth-constrained environments. The certificateless public key system is among the most advanced public key cryptosystems at present. Scholars have combined their advantages to develop certificateless aggregate signature schemes, which are applicable to the secure communication of Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs). Recently, Cahyadi E F et al. put forward a certificateless aggregate signature scheme specifically designed for use in VANETs. Regrettably, through our strict security analysis, we discovered at least two major vulnerabilities in the signature scheme: a public key replacement attack and a malicious KGC (Key Generation Center) attack. To tackle these vulnerabilities, our article not only presents the methods of these attacks but also explores the fundamental reasons for their feasibility. Additionally, we propose specific improvement measures and show that the enhanced scheme retains its security under the random oracle model. The stability of the improved scheme depends on the computational complexity of the Diffie-Hellman problem. Finally, a comprehensive assessment involving security, computational cost, communicational cost, and calculational efficiency overhead highlights the excellent performance of our proposed solution.
Validity and reliability of the Malay version of the PSC-12 scale among healthcare workers in Malaysia
Authors: Abu Bakar Norhasliza , Bulgiba Awang , Isahak Marzuki
Published: February 2025

The prime instrument used to measure Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) at the workplace is the PSC-12 scale questionnaire, which has been widely used by researchers worldwide. We set out to translate the PSC-12 scale into Malay and validate it among Malaysian healthcare workers, the first time this has ever been attempted. We carried out a cross-sectional study among 250 healthcare workers from 3 government health clinics and 15 identified clinical work units in a public hospital in the Klang Valley area, Malaysia. The English version of the PSC-12 scale was translated into the Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) and back into English to check for content accuracy and validity. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed for internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient), temporal stability for test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The translated questionnaire had a persistently high content validity-index (CV-I) of 0.916. The hypothesised four-factor-structure model displayed high goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.081, SRMR = 0.032, GFI = 0.919, AGFI = 0.869, CFI = 0.961, and TLI = 0.946), demonstrating good questionnaire construct validity. Each item subscale in the PSC-12 scale showed satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient between 0.895 to 0.921. There was satisfactory temporal stability and test-retest reliability with ICC (2,1) for scores of 0.954 (total item score), 0.897 (Domain 1 score), 0.910 (Domain 2 score), 0.807 (Domain 3 score) and 0.806 (Domain 4 score) over the two-week interval. The Malay version of the PSC-12 scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use among healthcare workers in Malaysia as evidenced by its satisfactory psychometric measure and construct structure properties.
Formation and maintenance of the organizer among the vertebrates.
Authors: Joubin K , Stern C D
Published: February 2025

The organizer is established at the blastula stage of development, under the influence of a special region of cells known as the Nieuwkoop center in amphibians, where Vg1/activin-like signals overlap with activity of the Wnt-pathway. Despite differences in their mode of early development, a similar region can be identified in other vertebrates. It has widely been assumed that once the organizer property is assigned to cells at this early stage, it is fixed so that by the gastrula stage, no new cells acquire organizer properties. However, when the organizer is ablated, it can regenerate for a limited period during gastrulation, a process regulated by both positive and negative signals emanating from various domains in the embryo. Here we compare the mechanisms that initially establish the organiser in the blastula with those that maintain it during gastrulation in different vertebrate classes, and argue that similar molecular mechanisms may be involved in the two processes. We also suggest that these mechanisms are required to ensure the appropriate location of the organizer property in the gastrula, where cells are continuously moving.
Teratocarcinoma stem cells as a model for differentiation in the mouse embryo.
Authors: Lehtonen E , Laasonen A , Tienari J
Published: February 2025

Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, which are the malignant stem cells of teratocarcinomas, are considered similar to early embryo cells. The EC cells can be grown in vitro, and many of them can be experimentally induced to differentiate; upon differentiation, the cells become benign. Here we review some of the changes that take place in the cellular and molecular characteristics of murine F9 EC cells as they differentiate into endodermal cells. Upon differentiation of F9 cells, distinct changes occur in their cell surface molecules, cytoskeleton-associated proteins and cell adhesion properties. Simultaneously, the rate of cell proliferation decreases due to a dramatic increase in duration of G1 and S phases of the cell cycle. The changes in gene expression and cell behavior occurring during endodermal differentiation of EC cells closely resemble those occurring when the endoderm differentiates in the embryo. Teratocarcinoma stem cell lines may thus be exploited to enhance understanding of both teratoma-type neoplasms and embryonic development.
Growth factors and tooth development.
Authors: Partanen A M , Thesleff I
Published: February 2025

The effects of various growth factors on tooth development were studied in organ cultures of mouse embryonic tooth germs. Transferrin was shown to be a necessary growth factor for early tooth morphogenesis. Transferrin was required for the development of bud- and early cap-staged teeth, and it was shown to be the only serum protein that was needed by early cap-staged teeth in organ culture. Promotion of tooth morphogenesis and dental cell differentiation was shown to be based on the stimulation of cell proliferation. The roles of polypeptide growth factors in tooth development were studied by adding these factors to the transferrin-containing chemically-defined culture medium which supports early tooth morphogenesis and cell differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor or platelet-derived growth factor did not affect cell proliferation or morphogenesis of tooth germs in culture. On the contrary, epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated cell proliferation in tooth explants, but at the same time inhibited tooth morphogenesis and dental cell differentiation. Autoradiographic localization of proliferating cells revealed that dental tissues responded to EGF with different proliferation rates. The responsiveness to EGF was stage-dependent, early cap-staged teeth were sensitive to EGF but late cap-staged and bell-staged teeth developed normally in the presence of EGF in the culture medium. The presence and distribution of receptors for both transferrin and EGF were studied in mouse embryonic teeth at various developmental stages by incubating freshly-separated tooth germs with 125Iodine-labeled transferrin or EGF, and then processing the tissues for autoradiography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tumor necrosis factor in the human fetoplacentary unit.
Authors: Saksela E , Jaattela M
Published: February 2025

In the present paper we review our findings on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in human placental and adrenal tissues and suggest a possible novel biological role for this multi-functional lymphokine. TNF was found in the second and third trimester amniotic fluids in concentrations varying from 1.7 to 2.5 ng/ml on the average. In the amniotic fluid TNF was present in a biologically inactive form but in freshly-prepared supernatants of placental and decidual tissue homogenates corresponding levels were also found with bioassays based on the cytotoxicity of TNF to WEHI cells. In screening other fetal tissues we could detect biologically active TNF also in homogenates of fetal adrenals, and cultured fetal adrenal cells produced TNF upon stimulation with ACTH. A possible biological function for TNF was suggested by the findings that is suppressed the ACTH stimulated cortisol synthesis of fetal adrenal cultures and switched the steroidogenesis towards dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS). These are important precursors for placental steroid synthesis which are mainly provided by the fetal adrenals during normal gestation, and the results thus suggest a role for TNF in the regulation of steroidogenesis in the human fetoplacentary unit.
Effects of maternal antibodies against myostatin on post-hatch chicken growth and muscle mass in Sentul Indonesian indigenous chicken
Authors: Murtini Sri , Gunawan Asep , Khaerunnisa Isyana , Lestari Dwi , Fastawa Rajma , Anggraeni Anneke , Kim Yong Soo , Sumantri Cece
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, and its suppression could enhance muscle mass. This study investigated the effects of maternal immunization against MSTN on post-hatch growth, carcass characteristics, and muscle fiber size in Sentul Indonesian indigenous chickens.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-five Sentul hens were divided into three groups: Control (CON), KLH-immunized (KLH), and MSTN-conjugated KLH immunized (KLH-MSTN). The hens were immunized at 6 months, with boosters at 3 and 6 weeks after initial immunization. Serum and egg yolk antibody titers were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Offspring growth and carcass traits were evaluated at 12 weeks. Histological muscle fiber analysis was performed using ImageJ. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey Honest significant difference tests.

Results: Anti-MSTN antibodies were detected in 60% of KLH-MSTN hens 3 weeks post-immunization but declined to 10–30% in later collections. Male offspring in the KLH-MSTN and KLH groups exhibited significantly higher carcass, thigh, and drumstick weights than the CON group, although muscle weights showed no significant differences. In females, only thigh muscle weight in the KLH-MSTN group was significantly higher than in the CON group. Muscle fiber diameters in all measured muscles were significantly larger in the KLH-MSTN group compared to the CON and KLH groups.

Conclusion: Maternal immunization with KLH-MSTN increased muscle fiber size but did not significantly enhance overall muscle weight in Sentul chicken offspring, except for the thigh muscle in females. This suggests that MSTN immunization may have limited utility in enhancing muscle growth in this chicken breed.

Keywords: carcass traits, maternal immunization, muscle growth, myostatin, Sentul chicken.
Efficacy of avocado seed extract in preventing, inhibiting, and eliminating Prevotella intermedia biofilms: An in vitro study
Authors: Nugrahani Nur Ariska , Nurilyana Maulita Misi , Faizal Imam Agus , Kholifa Mahmud , Hafizi Ikmal
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Prevotella intermedia is a significant contributor to periodontitis, capable of forming biofilms that resist antibiotics and complicate treatment. Avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which exhibit potential antibiofilm activity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of avocado seed ethanol extract in preventing biofilm attachment, inhibiting biofilm formation, and eradicating established biofilms of P. intermedia in vitro.

Materials and Methods: A post-test-only control group design was employed using P. intermedia (ATCC 25611). Ten groups were included: Bacterial and negative controls, a positive control (chlorhexidine), and experimental groups with ethanol extract concentrations (3.25%–9.25%). Biofilm activity was assessed using 96-well microtiter plates, crystal violet staining, and optical density measurements at 595 nm to determine the minimum biofilm prevention (MBPC), inhibition (MBIC), and eradication concentrations (MBEC). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Results: Biofilm assays showed a dose-dependent increase in antibiofilm efficacy. The highest attachment prevention (82.67%), biofilm formation inhibition (84.26%), and biofilm eradication (86.04%) were observed at 9.25%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the extract and negative control groups, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the 8.25%–9.25% extracts and chlorhexidine. The MBPC50, MBIC50, and MBEC50 were identified at a concentration of 6.25%, achieving >50% efficacy in biofilm prevention, inhibition, and eradication.

Conclusion: Avocado seed ethanol extract demonstrated significant antibiofilm properties against P. intermedia, comparable to chlorhexidine at higher concentrations. The bioactive compounds – flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids – likely contributed to these effects through mechanisms such as quorum sensing inhibition, disruption of bacterial adhesion, and destabilization of biofilm structures. These findings highlight avocado seed extract as a promising natural alternative for managing periodontitis-related biofilm infections.

Keywords: avocado seed extract, biofilm, natural agent, periodontitis, Prevotella intermedia.
Detection and phylogenetic analysis of Streptobacillus moniliformis, the causative agent of rat-bite fever and Haverhill fever, in free-living greater bandicoot rats in Northeastern India
Authors: Milton A. A. P. , Momin Aleimo G. , Srinivas K. , Priya G. Bhuvana , Gandhale P. N. , Firake D. M. , Das Samir , Ghatak S. , Sen A.
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Streptobacillus moniliformis is the causative agent of zoonotic diseases such as rat-bite fever (RBF) and Haverhill fever (HF). While human infections are well-documented, limited studies have explored its presence in rodents in India. This study aimed to detect S. moniliformis in free-living bandicoots (Bandicota bengalensis and Bandicota indica) in Northeastern India and perform a phylogenetic analysis to assess its genetic relationship with global isolates.

Materials and Methods: A total of 106 bandicoots (B. bengalensis, n = 76; B. indica, n = 30) were captured from various environments in Meghalaya, India. Fecal and tissue samples were collected and subjected to DNA extraction. Molecular detection of S. moniliformis was conducted using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Positive amplicons were sequenced, analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Results: PCR-based detection revealed a fecal prevalence of 3.3% (1/30) in B. indica and 0% in B. bengalensis. No tissue samples tested positive for S. moniliformis. The detected isolate exhibited 100% sequence identity with previously reported S. moniliformis strains and 99.63% similarity to Streptobacillus notomytis. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the recovered isolate with human and rodent-derived S. moniliformis strains from multiple global regions, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission.

Conclusion: This study presents the first molecular detection of S. moniliformis in bandicoots from India, highlighting its zoonotic potential. Given its transmission risks through rodent bites and excreta contamination, public health surveillance is essential. Clinicians should consider RBF and HF in patients presenting with prolonged fever, particularly in rodent-endemic areas.

Keywords: bandicoots, Haverhill fever, India, rat-bite fever, Streptobacillus moniliformis.
Kemampuan Degradasi Mikroplastik Polycaprolactone oleh Bakteri Asosiasi Karang Keras di Pantai Kartini Jepara
Authors: Azizi Muhammad Faris , Endrawati Hadi , Sabdono Agus
Published: February 2025

Jutaan ton sampah plastik global akan berakhir ke laut setiap tahunnya. Dampak adanya mikroplastik telah menjadi ancaman bagi organisme laut, salah satunya karang keras yang merupakan penyusun ekosistem terumbu karang. Penelitian ini bertujuan memperoleh bakteri asosiasi karang keras yang berpotensi mendegradasi mikroplastik dari dari perairan Pantai Kartini, Jepara. Sampel karang diambil dari tiga macam life form yaitu branching, massive, dan submassive  pada kedalaman 5 – 10 meter. Sampel karang selanjutnya dilakukan pengenceran bertingkat, kemudian diinokulasi pada media agar laut zobell 2216E. Skrining uji potensi degradasi mikroplastik dilakukan menggunakan substrat tributyrin sebagai tahap awal untuk mengetahui aktivitas enzim lipolitik, dilanjutkan dengan uji polycaprolactone untuk mengetahui potensi adanya enzim poliesterase yang dapat memecah partikel mikroplstik. Tahapan analisa molekuler dilakukan meliputi ekstraksi DNA, amplifikasi DNA gen 16S rRNA, elektroforesis, dan analisa filogenetik. Hasil penelitian didapatkan sebanyak 37 isolat bakteri asosiasi karang keras dari berbagai life form. Delapan bakteri diketahui berpotensi memiliki aktivitas enzim lipolitik pada media tributyrin. Dilanjutkan pada uji polycaprolactone dihasilkan satu isolat bakteri dari karang massive degan kode PK-KM-1.1 yang berpotensi mendegradasi polimer polycaprolactone. Analisa molekuler menunjukkan isolat PK-KM-1.1 memiliki kemiripan dengan Bacillus aerius hingga 99,71%. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa bakteri yang berasosiasi dengan karang keras berpotensi mendegradasi senyawa mikroplastik polycaprolactone dan dapat dijadikan sebagai sumber inang di dalam eksplorasi bakteri pendegradasi mikroplastik.
Analisis Vegetasi Mangrove Berdasarkan Faktor Lingkungan Perairan di Kawasan Pesisir Kabupaten Pati
Authors: Rahman Rahman , Bramana Aditya , Suharti Ratna , Irawan Hendra
Published: February 2025

Kabupaten Pati terletak di pesisir utara Pulau Jawa, pantainya berlumpur dan sebagian wilayah ditumbuhi mangrove. Dari tahun ke tahun, hutan mangrove di Kabupaten Pati di beberapa kecamatan mengalami penurunan kuantitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis vegetasi ekosistem mangrove berdasarkan faktor lingkungan perairan di Kabupaten Pati, Jawa Tengah untuk mengetahui kondisi dan struktur komunitas mangrove daerah tersebut. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dari 21 Agustus sampai dengan 12 Oktober. Pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dengan metode observatif. Pengambilan data mangrove menggunakan metode Line Transect Plot. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan lima jenis mangrove yaitu Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Excoecaria agallocha, dan Sonneratia caseolaris. kerapatan jenis pohon dan semai mangrove >1500 tergolong sangat rapat serta pancang tergolong rendah-sangat rapat, frekuensi jenis pohon tertinggi ialah Avicennia marina dengan nilai 1, tutupan jenis pohon berkisar  0,292%/m2-0,623%/m2 dan INP tingkat  pohon terbesar ialah spesies Avicennia marina berkisar 246,1%-300%. Indeks biologi menunjukkan keanekaragaman mangrove stasiun penelitian berkategori rendah, keseragaman rendah-sedang, dan dominansi berkategori tinggi. Kualitas fisika dan kimia yang diukur pada tiap stasiun penelitian dikategorikan normal. Terdapat 6 spesies biota yang ditemukan yang berasosiasi yaitu Boleophthalmus boddarti, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, Scylla serrata, Telescopium telescopium, Cerithidea cingulate dan Ellobium aurisjudae. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut, maka hutan mangrove Kabupaten Pati perlu dijaga dan dilakukan upaya-upaya dalam pelestariannya.
MHC Class I Downregulation, Tumour Escape from Immune Surveillance and Design of Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Bubeník Jan
Published: February 2025

Most of recent human immunotherapy stategies are based on the activation of MHC class I-restricted mechanisms such as CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, malignant conversion of mammalian cells followed by immune selection in tumour cell populations is frequently associated with the loss of function of MHC class I genes which were expressed in malignant cell precursors. The MHC class I downregulation results in decreased sensitivity of the tumour cells to MHC class I-restricted CTLs, the major component of the tumour rejection reaction. Due to cross-priming by MHC class I− donors’ dendritic cells, which can use their own MHC class I molecules for antigen presentation, in the peripheral blood of MHC class I− tumour patients, the CD8+ CTLs can be detected (Offringa et al., 2000). However, these CTLs cannot attack the MHC class I− tumour cells and this can provide the explanation for the paradoxical detection of CTLs in the peripheral blood of vaccinated patients in spite of the absence of any clinical responses. Thus, the MHC class I restriction of the CD8+ T cellmediated immunity can provide the MHC class I− tumours with a possibility to escape from immune surveillance. Therefore, the MHC class I status of the tumour to be treated by immunotherapeutic or immunomodulatory gene therapy strategies should be established prior to the decision which therapeutic protocol is suitable for the respective tumour patient. Unfortunately, this requirement is usually not respected and this may be one reason why in the majority of clinical tumour immunotherapy trials the complete and partial responses have been found to be rather rare.
An Attempt to Reduce Polyspermic Penetration in Lamb Oocytes
Authors: Slavík Tomáš , Libik M. , Wierzchos E. , Fulka J.
Published: February 2025

The incidence of polyspermy in lamb oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro is very high and this results in a reduced developmental potential of embryos arising from them. We have attempted to produce oocytes more resistant to this fertilization anomaly. The oocytes from prepubertal lambs 7–12 weeks old were matured in a medium supplemented with various blood sera and oviductal fluid and fertilized in vitro. Significantly higher monospermic penetration was found in a medium supplemented with BSA – 3 mg/ml (63.9%) and OF – 20% concentration (55.8%). Lower monospermy was recorded in the presence of 10% LS (44.6%) or 10% SS (40.8%), and particularly in a medium with 10% FCS (26.9%). In contrast, high monospermy (78.7%) was observed in oocytes from adult donors matured and fertilized in an identical system. In another set of experiments we estimated whether polyspermy can be reduced by improvement of the cytoplasmic maturation of prepubertal oocytes using a two-step maturation protocol. After artificial arrest of the maturation for 24 h with a specific cdk inhibitor – BL-I, 50 µ µM – more than 80% oocytes from prepubertal and adult donors did not resume meiosis. When incubated thereafter in a drug-free medium for another 24 h, the oocytes of both categories progressed to MII in the rate comparable with control (80% to 90% MII). However, after fertilization no significant differences in the level of monospermic penetration was recorded between the arrested group (59.8%) and control (58.8%), both matured in the presence BSA, and 46.6% and 52.3% after treatment with OF. Also, no significant difference was observed between the arrested and control oocytes from adult donors (72.6% and 84.8%, respectively). These results suggest that high polyspermy in prepubertal oocytes is caused by developmental imperfection and can’t be fully eliminated either by modifying the composition of culture media or by prolongation of the culture interval.
Specification of the Monoclonal Antibody PK1 Reactivity in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Authors: Hašek Jiří , Peřinka L. , Valášek L.
Published: February 2025

eIF3a/Rpg1p/Tif32p is the evolutionarily conserved subunit of yeast eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) that promotes multiple steps of the initiation pathway resulting in formation of the 48S pre-initiation complex at the AUG start codon of mRNA. The monoclonal antibody PK1 (IgG1 kappa) (Jiřincová et al., 1998) against the recombinant protein Rpg1 (Kovarik et al., 1998) has already proved itself as a useful tool for analysing the eIF3 complex in S. cerevisiae (Valášek et al., 1998). It binds either to native or denatured epitopes of Rpg1p and it can be used to efficiently isolate the eIF3 complex by immunoprecipitation (Valášek et al., 1999). This antibody was also used to show by immunofluorescence that yeast eIF3a is a microtubule-interacting protein (Hašek et al., 2000). In order to test whether this characteristic of yeast eIF3a is also conserved in higher eukaryotes, we analysed the immunoreactivity of the anti-Rpg1p monoclonal antibody (PK1) in Chinese hamster CHO, human HeLa and mouse 3T3 cells.
Nickel induced exposure analysis for toxic changes in growth and antioxidative enzymes in sesban eliciting biochemical sensitivity
Authors: Mania S , Mohanty M
Published: February 2025

Nickel (Ni) exposure in plants leads to severe toxicity problems, with effects varying depending on its exposure concentration. The present pot culture investigation assesses the phytotoxic effects of different Nickel (Ni) concentrations on various biochemical parameters of Sesbania. The study involves applying Nickel at 50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm along with a control group at 0 ppm for 30 days. Results revealed retarded growth, reduced pigment content, and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activity as nickel concentration increased. Exposure to Ni (100 ppm) and above severely affects seed germination, plant growth, and biomass production. Furthermore, relative phytotoxicity was evident from a 15% reduced germination rate and a fall in germination index from 10 to 8.5. The seedling vigour index was drastically reduced from 960 (control) to 93.5(300 ppm Ni). In addition to these, plant growth retardation was striking with root length stunted by 70% and shoot length by 50% in response to Ni (300 ppm). Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased by nearly 50% with the 300-ppm nickel treatment. Although protein levels and antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and peroxidase) showed a stimulatory response to 100 and 200 ppm Ni treatments, both suffered a sharp decline due to toxic stress at 300 ppm Ni. This study explicitly highlights the harmful effects of high doses of Ni, highlighting the sensitivity of various morphometric and biochemical parameters to Ni toxicity. These findings highlights the need to mitigate environmental contamination and adopt measures to protect plant health.
Every salami has two ends
Authors: Hua Bobo , Münch Florentin
Published: February 2025

A salami is a connected, locally finite, weighted graph with non-negative Ollivier Ricci curvature and at least two ends of infinite volume.
We show that every salami has exactly two ends and no vertices with positive curvature.
We moreover show that every salami is recurrent and admits harmonic functions with constant gradient.
The proofs are based on extremal Lipschitz extensions, a variational principle and the study of harmonic functions.
Assuming a lower bound on the edge weight, we prove that salamis are quasi-isometric to the line, that the space of all harmonic functions has finite dimension and that the space of subexponentially growing harmonic functions is two-dimensional.
Moreover, we give a Cheng–Yau gradient estimate for harmonic functions on balls.
Approximation of maps between real algebraic varieties
Authors: Banecki Juliusz , Kucharz Wojciech
Published: February 2025

A nonsingular real algebraic variety 𝑌 is said to have the approximation property if, for every nonsingular real algebraic variety 𝑋, the following holds: if

f
:

X
→
Y

f\colon X\rightarrow Y

is a

C
∞

\mathcal{C}^{\infty}

map that is homotopic to a regular map, then 𝑓 can be approximated in the

C
∞

\mathcal{C}^{\infty}

topology by regular maps.
In this paper, we characterize the varieties 𝑌 with the approximation property.
We also characterize the varieties 𝑌 with the approximation property combined with a suitable interpolation condition.
Some of our results have variants concerning the regular approximation of continuous maps defined on (possibly singular) real algebraic varieties.
Synthesis of magnetic ionic liquids and teaching materials: practice in a science fair
Authors: Takagi Yumiko
Published: February 2025

Applications of magnetic ionic liquids have been receiving growing interest recently. The magnetic properties of magnetic ionic liquids have been included in high school science textbooks in Japan as an area of possible future development. In the Science Fair event described here, magnetic ionic liquids synthesized in various ratios were correlated with their thermodynamic properties. This article describes Microscale Chemistry for a science fair with a focus on elementary school students as the target audience. Magnetic ionic liquids can be expected to become a new class of materials with potential for further educational applications in a more sustainable way.
The crystal structure of 1-methyl-3-(N-methylnitrous amide–N-methylene) imidazolidine-2,4,5-trione
Authors: Xiaolin Wei , Jianhui Zhou , Jinjun Geng , Zhiwei Wen , Manyi Qu , Xiaoting Hou , Ruiqin Li , Rui Feng , Lukui Zhao , Pengbao Lian , Jianlong Wang
Published: February 2025

C6H8O4N4, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33), a = 6.5487(4) Å, b = 17.5223(9) Å, c = 7.5728(4) Å, V = 868.97(8) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0740, wR
ref (F
2) = 0.0761, T = 106.0 K.
Structural Measures Against the Risks of Flash Floods in Patara and Consequent Considerations Regarding the Location of the Oracle Sanctuary of Apollo
Authors: Koçak Mustafa , Aktaş Şevket
Published: February 2025

Located in the southwest of the Lycian Xanthos Valley, the harbor city of Patara and its surroundings are surrounded by hills and ravines. Many of these ravines, which are often referred to as streams by the locals, carry water during heavy rainfall, which can sometimes turn into huge torrents. Even today, this poses a threat to the modern village of Gelemiş and the ruins of the ancient city of Patara. It seems that things were not much different in antiquity. Architectural remains that have been uncovered in recent years bear witness to structural measures taken against such risks. These are canals, bridges, or tunnels that form parts of a drainage system. A brief analysis of this drainage system and the topography of the area surrounding the city of Patara provides valuable information that brings us a step closer to locating the oracle sanctuary of Apollo of Patara, which was famous well beyond the region in antiquity. It was probably located north-northeast of today’s marshy harbor bay of Patara.
A FUNCTIONAL PROPERTY OF A DOMESTIC APPLE ISOLATE: PULCHERRIMIN PRODUCTION BY METSCHNIKOWIA PULCHERRIMA ELM-GS-3 VIA WASTE VALORIZATION
Authors: Müjdeci Gamze Nur
Published: February 2025

Metschnikowia pulcherrima ELM-GS-3 was isolated from damaged Granny Smith apples and identified via MALDI-TOF MS and ITS sequencing (97.89% similarity, NCBI database). Pulcherrimin production was confirmed on FeCl3-supplemented media by maroon-red pigment formation and microscopic analysis. Food waste-derived media, including potato peel, onion skin, watermelon rind extracts, and diluted molasses, were evaluated for biomass and pigment production. Onion skin extract yielded the highest biomass (9.78±0.1 g/L) and pulcherrimin (7.63±0.6 g/L), followed by molasses and watermelon rind. FTIR analysis confirmed iron presence, while SEM revealed an amorphous microporous 3D structure. Absorbance peaked at 420 nm in alkali solution, consistent with low solubility except in alkaline conditions. The pigment’s low solubility profile, except in alkali, aligns with its stability characteristics observed in the literature. This study demonstrates the potential of food waste in pulcherrimin production and the biotechnological relevance of M. pulcherrima ELM-GS-3.
The Cunning of Misrecognition: Indigenous Politics and the Five Tribes’ Capitols
Authors: Nolan Ginger
Published: February 2025

This article examines Native American political strategies that were leveraged in the design, construction, and eventual preservation of the mid-nineteenth-century civic architectures of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations. Predating a turn toward the “politics of recognition,” these architectures advanced what could be described as “cultural misrecognition,” as they presented an appearance of assimilation to U.S. cultural and political norms while nonetheless supporting the Five Tribes’ resistance to one of the most fundamental operations of U.S. governance: the treatment of land as a privately owned exploitable resource. In the absence of detailed historical records attesting to the architectural choices made by the Five Tribes’ leaders, this article reads architecture through the political histories of the Five Tribes in order to understand how these buildings served the nations in their struggles to maintain sovereignty.
Samoprocjena znanja budućih odgojitelja i učitelja o socijalno-emocionalnim kompetencijama djece rane, predškolske i mlađe školske dobi
Authors: Atlaga Maša , Valjan Vukić Violeta
Published: February 2025

Iako je ulaganje u kognitivni aspekt razvoja djeteta od iznimne važnosti (škola, dodatne edukativne aktivnosti itd.), dosadašnje istraživačke spoznaje i praksa upućuju na to da životni uspjeh djeteta u značajnoj mjeri ovisi o području socijalno-emocionalnog razvoja. Vještine socijalno- emocionalnog razvoja preduvjet su za razvoj socijalno-emocionalnih kompetencija koje se, prema CASEL konceptualizaciji (engl. Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), odnose na skupinu sposobnosti, vještina i znanja koje su ključne za započinjanje i održavanje uzajamnih i ispunjavajućih odnosa s drugima. S obzirom na to da one predstavljaju jedan od istaknutijih razvojnih zadataka koje bi odgojitelji i učitelji trebali stimulirati u odgoju i obrazovanju djeteta, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi samoprocjene znanja budućih odgojitelja i učitelja o socijalno-emocionalnim kompetencijama u razdoblju djetinjstva. Istraživanja su u ovom području malobrojna, a pokazalo se da socijalno-emocionalne kompetencije predstavljaju zaštitni faktor u razvoju, stoga je za potrebe ovog istraživanja koncipiran Upitnik samoprocjene znanja o socijalno-emocionalnim kompetencijama djece. Rezultati ukazuju na to da studenti izvještavaju o umjerenim razinama procjene vlastitog znanja o socijalno-emocionalnim kompetencijama te su dobivene razlike u samoprocijenjenoj razini znanja s obzirom na godinu studija. Studenti viših godina izvještavaju o većim razinama znanja u usporedbi sa studentima nižih godina. Istraživanje postojeće razine znanja u ovom području od iznimnog je značaja kako bi se, ovisno o dobivenim rezultatima, mogli formulirati visokoškolski obrazovni programi usmjereni na jačanje kompetencija budućih odgojitelja i učitelja o poticanju socijalno-emocionalnih kompetencija djece u svakodnevnoj odgojno-obrazovnoj praksi.
ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ И ЧИСЛЕННОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРОЦЕССОВ ГОРЕНИЯ БОГАТЫХ СМЕСЕЙ МЕТИЛОВОГО СПИРТА И ВОДОРОДА С ВОЗДУХОМ
Authors: БУНЕВ В А.
Published: February 2025

Экспериментально и численными методами исследованы процессы горения богатых смесей метанола и водорода с воздухом. Показано, что отклонение от правила Ле-Шателье для богатых пределов распространения пламени обусловлено двумя факторами: ингибированием метанолом распространения пламени в богатых смесях водорода и наличием сверхадиабатических температур в богатых смесях метанола. Показано, что результат действия добавки водорода в малых количествах в богатые смеси метанола совпадает с результатом действия инертных добавок азота и двуокиси углерода. Численное моделирование показало, что добавление небольших количеств водорода в богатые смеси метанола приводит только к физическому воздействию на значение нормальной скорости распространения пламени. Добавки Н2 действуют на реализацию сверхадиабатических температур в пламени метанола так же, как инертные добавки СО2 и N2.

The combustion of rich mixtures of methanol and hydrogen with air has been studied by experimental and numerical methods. It has been shown that the deviation from the Le Chatelier rule for the rich flammability limits is due to two factors: inhibition of flame propagation by methanol in rich mixtures of hydrogen and the presence of superadiabatic temperatures in rich mixtures of methanol. It has been found that the effect of adding small amounts of hydrogen to rich mixtures of methanol is the same as the effect of adding inert nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Numerical simulation has shown that adding small amounts of hydrogen to rich mixtures methanol leads only to physical effects on the normal flame speed. Additives of H2 affect the implementation of above-adiabatic temperatures in a methanol flame in the same way as Inert additives of CO2 and N2.
Slavų kalbų salos šiaurės rytų aukštaičių (ŠRA) areale: kalbiniai ir kultūriniai kontekstai
Authors: Balčiūnienė Asta , Meiliūnaitė Violeta
Published: February 2025

The Northeastern Aukštaitijan (NEA) sub-dialect area analysed in this paper is traditionally characterised by numerous linguistic and cultural links. For a relatively long time, people of different nationalities (Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish, Russian, Jewish), speaking their own ethnic languages, lived in this area side by side.
After analysing the available data, one can state that, in the early twenty-first century, the Lithuanian language occupies the position of the strongest language variety in all the subdialect areas under discussion. For various socio-cultural reasons, local Slavs adopt the local (but usually not standard) variety of the Lithuanian language and, when speaking Lithuanian, they retain some of the less noticeable characteristics of their native languages.
The loss of language as one of the main indicators of national identity is a gradual process: from the active use by the rural community, it proceeds to the home/family domain, and finally, to the last phase of use: the internal language.
Since Slavic speakers have very limited opportunities to develop social contacts locally in their mother tongues, Russian-speaking members of local communities get intensively integrated into the local Lithuanian-speaking community.
Thus, it can be predicted that the Russian-language islands at Papilỹs and Vabalniñkas subdialect areas may disappear quite quickly. In the early twenty-first century, the Antašavà (Dar̃šiškiai) subdialect area is to be considered linguistically homogeneous: it is dominated by the Lithuanian language regiolect.
Evaluation of the combination of Linear Alkylbezene Sulfonate (LAS) with emerging pollutants: an approach to aquatic ecotoxicity and Electron Beam treatment
Authors: Garcia Vanessa Silva Granadeiro , Kiyoshi Tominaga Flávio , Fonseca Boiani Nathalia , Feher Anselmo , Ivone Borrely Sueli
Published: February 2025

The presence of surfactants and other emerging pollutants in water bodies has become a major environmental concern in several places around the world, since these pollutants cause adverse problems in aquatic ecosystems and compromise public health, regarding the supply of good quality water. These pollutants often originate from various sources, including industrial activities, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. A critical aspect of this issue is that many of these pollutants and their mixtures are difficult to degrade in biological treatment processes, requiring auxiliary treatments. Electron beam technology has been applied in various environmental matrices to degrade these pollutants, helping not only to increase degradability, as also to reduce the toxicity of these compounds. The present work aimed to evaluate LAS surfactant single and combined effects with emerging pollutants (caffeine and ciprofloxacin antibiotic) to aquatic organism Daphnia similis. It was also evaluated the electron beam (EB) treatment for reducing toxicity of single compounds. The organisms were exposed to samples (non-irradiated and irradiated LAS and mixtures) for 48 hours and the observed effect was immobility. The toxicity was evaluated through EC50 (median effective concentration) calculations. The EC50 values showed a high toxicity level for surfactant LAS with EC50s below 9%. Caffeine and Ciprofloxacin EC50 data were higher than 20%. EC50% values ​​of the mixtures were close to the values ​​of the isolated compounds.  After the EB treatment (5 kGy) about 70% acute toxicity reduction was obtained for LAS surfactant. The combined presence of surfactants and emerging pollutants in aquatic matrices requires a comprehensive approach to monitoring and mitigating their impacts to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Coupling Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data and reverse Monte Carlo analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra
Authors: Winterer Markus
Published: February 2025

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra contain information about the local, molecular type structure, whereas (X-ray) diffraction (XRD) data reveal the periodic structure or long-range order (crystal structure) of materials. Variations in local and periodic structure greatly influence materials properties and related applications. However, data analysis often is performed independently for EXAFS spectra and diffraction data even if measured simultaneously. We show that it is possible to couple both Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) analysis of EXAFS spectra and Rietveld refinement of diffraction data by mapping structural parameters consistently and applying a feedback algorithm between both refinement paths. This method is applied to EXAFS and XRD data of nanocrystalline tin dioxide (SnO2) with a crystallite size of 6 nm as model system and compared to independent data analysis of diffraction and EXAFS data as well as a simultaneous analysis using the Debye scattering equation (DSE) for diffraction.

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Explorando la relación entre ansiedad estado, género y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de educación secundaria
Authors: Garcia-Blanc Núria , Gomis Raquel , Ros-Morente Agnès , Filella Gemma
Published: February 2025

Se analiza la relación entre ansiedad estado y rendimiento académico en 344 estudiantes de educación secundaria españoles (M= 13,66; DT= 1,184), explorando el rol moderador del género. La muestra incluyó una proporción equilibrada de chicos (49%) y de chicas (51%), procedentes de dos centros educativos, uno público y otro concertado. Se emplearon pruebas U de Mann-Whitney y análisis de regresión lineal para analizar las diferencias entre géneros y evaluar los efectos directos e interactivos. Para ello, se utilizó la escala de ansiedad estado del STAI y las calificaciones medias. Los resultados mostraron una relación negativa significativa entre la ansiedad estado y el rendimiento académico, así como niveles significativamente más altos de ansiedad estado en las chicas. Además, se observó un efecto directo e interactivo del género y la ansiedad en el rendimiento académico. Estos hallazgos destacan la importancia de abordar la ansiedad en la educación secundaria mediante propuestas centradas en el desarrollo de competencias emocionales.
La hermenéutica del mito y la experiencia religiosa de Luigi Pareyson: su diálogo con Dostoievski acerca del cristianismo trágico y del nihilismo
Authors: Gimenez Constanza
Published: February 2025

El artículo analiza la hermenéutica del mito y la experiencia religiosa desarrollada por Pareyson y su crítica al nihilismo “sofisticado”, tal como es ilustrado por Dostoievski en su personaje Iván Karamázov. Frente a la aceptación fáctica del mundo tal como es por parte de Iván, quien rechaza la “violencia de Dios”, Pareyson contrapone una reflexión sobre el cristianismo caracterizada por lo que denomina “pensamiento trágico”: este establece que el sufrimiento constituye el principio y el fundamento de la solidaridad entre Dios y el ser humano.
Validation of cervical cancer genetic signature in minimally invasive samples
Authors: ANDRADE RAFAELA L.F. DE , RAMOS ANA PAULA A.S. , QUEIROZ FÁBIO R. , MELO NETO ANGELO B. DE , GOMES MATHEUS S. , CUNHA SIDNEIA M. , SALLES PAULO G.O. , MELO CAROLINA P.S. , FERREIRA JORGE G.G. , BRAGA LETÍCIA C.
Published: February 2025

Abstract Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in 36 countries, and high-risk human papillomavirus types are responsible for most cases. Identifying strategies to make treatment more targeted and effective has become a priority. This study aims to validate a set of differentially expressed genes previously identified in cervical cancer stem cells as predictive biomarkers for response to chemoradiotherapy using minimally invasive samples. Additionally, it aims to elucidate the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer patients’ response to treatment. Gene expression for three differentially expressed genes (COPZ1, ILF2, and SNX2) was evaluated from 20 cervical cancer patients’ cervical cytology brushes. Unmapped reads from the same transcriptome were used to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus in tumor tissue through qualitative screening of 13 high-risk human papillomavirus types. Our study did not clarify the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus infection and the treatment response. However, we found downregulation of COPZ1 in patients who responded to treatment compared to non-responders, and ILF2 in patients with more advanced tumor stages. This suggests that COPZ1 and ILF2 expressions are potential cervical cancer prognostic biomarkers that can be assessed using samples commonly used in clinical practice.