bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, genomic localization, and functional validation of salt-stress-related lncRNAs in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Tribhuvan Kishor U. , Shivakumaraswamy M , Mishra Twinkle , Kaur Simardeep , Sarkar Biplab , Pattanayak A. , Singh Binay K.
Published: August 2024

Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is a globally cultivated winter oilseed crop of the rapeseed-mustard group. In India, it is mainly grown in the semi-arid northwest agroclimatic zone, known for high soil salinity. In this regard, enhancing salt stress tolerance in B. juncea is critical for sustaining its production in the region. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in coordinating gene expression under various abiotic stresses, including salt stress, but their involvement in salt stress response in B. juncea remains largely unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis on control, salt-stressed, and salt-shocked young leaves of the salt-tolerant B. juncea var. CS-52. We identified 3,602 differentially expressed transcripts between stress versus control and shock versus control samples. Among these, 61 were identified as potential lncRNAs, with 21 specific to salt stress and 40 specific to salt shock. Out of the 21 lncRNAs specific to salt stress, 15 were upregulated and six were downregulated, while all 40 lncRNAs unique to salt shock were downregulated. The chromosomal distribution analysis of lncRNAs revealed their uneven placement across 18 chromosomes in B. juncea. RNA-RNA interaction analysis identified 26 interactions between 10 lncRNAs and 23 miRNAs and predicted 13 interactions between six miRNAs and 13 mRNAs. Finally, six lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were established, involving five lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs, and 23 mRNAs. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the upregulation of four out of five lncRNAs along with their target mRNAs, supporting their involvement in the salt stress response in B. juncea.
When Multiple Instance Learning Meets Foundation Models: Advancing Histological Whole Slide Image Analysis
Authors: Lu Cheng , Xu Hongming , Wang Mingkang , Shi Duanbo , Qin Hua-Min , Madabhushi Anant , Gao Peng , Cong Fengyu
Published: August 2024

Deep multiple instance learning (MIL) pipelines are the mainstream weakly supervised learning methodologies for whole slide image (WSI) classification. However, it remains unclear how these widely-used approaches compare to each other, given the recent proliferation of foundation models for patch-level embedding and the diversity of slide-level aggregations. This paper implemented and systematically compared six foundation models and six recent MIL methods by organizing different feature extractions and aggregations across five clinically relevant end-to-end prediction tasks using WSIs from 3277 patients with two different cancer types. We tested state-of-the-art (SOTA) foundation models in computational pathology, including CTransPath, PathoDuet, PLIP, CONCH, and UNI, as patch-level feature extractors. Feature aggregators, such as attention-based pooling, transformers, and dynamic graphs were thoroughly tested. Our experiments on Breast cancer grading, biomarker status prediction, and Glioma grading suggest that foundation models trained with more diverse histological images provide better patch-level feature embeddings, significantly enhancing slide-level MIL classification performance. Feature re-embedding online for slide-level aggregations can often further improve WSI classification performance. These findings motivate the development of advanced domain-relevant foundation models for various downstream classification tasks and the design of appropriate slide-level aggregators for task-specific diagnoses in clinical practice.
Clinical characteristics of patients with hidradenoma and hidradenocarcinoma: A multicenter retrospective review
Authors: Saberi Shahin A. , Hazen TJ , Malik Rhea , Sanchez-Melendez Stephanie N. , Salazar Carlos E. , Nambudiri Vinod E.
Published: August 2024

Hidradenoma is an uncommon benign neoplasm of sweat gland origin, and its malignant counterpart, hidradenocarcinoma, presents with similar morphology and histology and can behave aggressively with metastasis and recurrence. These adnexal tumors represent a diagnostic challenge, and to provide a more robust clinical context of hidradenoma and hidradenocarcinoma, we performed a natural-language query for corresponding medical records from January 2000 through April 2023 in our center. 64 cases met the criteria for analysis with diagnoses of hidradenoma (n = 39), hidradenocarcinoma (n = 20), or malignant transformation from hidradenoma to hidradenocarcinoma (n = 5). Information on patient demographics, tumor location, treatment modalities, and disease outcomes were collected. Overall, this review highlights the real-life clinical context of hidradenoma/hidradenocarcinoma in a medical center. Tumors were identified on every major body surface; wide local excision is the standard of care, while chemotherapy and radiation were used sparingly, and recurrence, malignant transformation, and disease-associated morbidity are rare.
Characterization of PuGa (1at%. Ga) Oxidation under Dry Oxygen Atmosphere Exposure
Authors: Favart N. , Ravat B. , Jolly L. , Zacharie-Aubrun I. , Martin P. , Menut D. , Popa I. , Oudot B.
Published: August 2024

The oxidation of δ−stabilized plutonium alloy has been studied under dry oxygen exposures for temperatures varying from 100°C up to 300°C and oxygen partial pressures varying from 10− 4 up to 500 mbar. The coupling of X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and FIB-SEM has allowed to show that the oxide scale is composed of an outer layer of PuO2 and an inner mixed layer of α+β−Pu2O3 platelets propagating into a metallic zone corresponding to the stable phase of unalloyed Pu. Furthermore, the analysis of Pu oxidation kinetics has displayed first a parabolic growth governed by the diffusion of interstitial oxygen. This step consists in the thickening of the Pu2O3 layer with a decrease in α−Pu2O3 ratio in favour of β−Pu2O3. Then, a second step occurs consisting in a linear growth of the PuO2−layer with the formation of thick nodules which tend to cover the whole oxide surface. Based on the results of this work, a general oxidation mechanism for δ−Pu alloy is provided.
High-Performance Energy Harvesting and Continuous Output Using nylon-11/BaTiO₃-PVDF Triboelectric Nanogenerators with Strong Dielectric Properties
Authors: Xiong Dien , Yang Zhuanqing , Nurulazlina Binti Ramli , Gilbert Thio Tzer Hwai , Yuan Jiang , Zhang Lin , Qin Qichu
Published: August 2024

Among various emerging energy technologies, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered significant attention due to their ability to convert environmental mechanical energy into electrical energy through triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. The energy converted by TENGs can power microelectronic devices. This paper proposes a high-performance TENG enhanced with BaTiO₃nanowires(BTONWs). Using electrospinning technology, BTONWs were mixed with PVDF to fabricate a TENG with high flexibility and efficient energy conversion in a porous structure. BaTiO₃ and PVDF all exhibited piezoelectric and triboelectric properties, maximizing the conversion of pressure into electrical energy output. This integration effectively enhanced conversion power and provides continuous energy supply. Experimental results show that the fabricated TENG achieved a current and voltage of 11 µA and 175 V, respectively, with a maximum power density of 0.648 mW at a load resistance of 90 MΩ. Additionally, the performance of the TENG was tested using a calculator, a timer, and LED lights. By connecting to a simple external circuit and continuously tapping the TENG, the devices functioned normally, demonstrating that the TENG can continuously and stably output electrical energy by continuously collecting mechanical energy to power micro-generators. This makes a significant contribution to the development of energy harvesting, wearable devices, and micro-power sources.
NaCl Induced High Temperature Corrosion of Alloy 625 Fabricated by Laser Metal Deposition – Powder
Authors: Curnis Agathe , Popa Ioana , Prillieux Aurélien , Brossard Jean-Michel , Chevalier Sébastien
Published: August 2024

The present study describes the corrosion behavior of alloy 625 fabricated by Laser Metal Deposition-powder in the presence of a solid NaCl deposit in laboratory air at 650 and 800°C. The results showed that at both temperatures, the presence of the deposit had a catastrophic effect on the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The active corrosion mechanism resulted in a very thick and non-protective oxide scale and in a highly damaged metal zone beneath the oxide scale. Although the mechanism involved was the active corrosion mechanism at both 650 and 800°C, differences were observed between these two temperatures. At 800°C, the corrosion products were thicker, and the substrate was significantly more damaged, especially due to the formation of an interconnected network of voids. At 650°C, the thick and continuous Cr2O3 layer, predominantly observed at 800°C, was not present. The use of thermodynamic data helped to suggest possible explanations for the observed differences. Overall, the increase of temperature accelerated the degradation of the alloy and it was enhanced by a radical change of the main reactions of the active corrosion mechanism between 650 and 800°C.
Sustainable synthesis of MFI zeolite and derived metal-acid bifunctional catalysts for hydroisomerization of n-heptane
Authors: Zhu Mengxuan , Xu Wenqi , Wang Longyang , Wang Rui , Jiang Heng , Jin Changzi
Published: August 2024

Developing sustainable synthesis method of versatile zeolites to overcome the shortcoming of traditional process is of significant for development of green chemistry and environmentally friendly techniques. In this work, MFI zeolite (ZSM-5) was synthesized through organotemplate-, solvent- and seed-free quasi-solid state transformation with commercial silica gel or Stöber colloidal SiO2 as silica source. The key influencing factors to this sustainable synthesis process, such as starting material composition, crystallization temperature and time, had been unambiguously investigated by combining a series of characterization techniques and the optimized synthesis conditions had been obtained. In addition, this green synthesis method can be extended into the fabrication of encapsulated metal-zeolite bifunctional catalyst, which is effective in hydroisomerization of n-heptane. These results are instructive for development of sustainable synthesis of aluminosilicate zeolites and derived heterogeneous catalysts.
Investigation of effective parameters the performance of attached sunspace in reducing energy consumption in a residential building: A study in Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Abedini Mohammad Hassan , Sarkardehi Elham , sabzevar Hadi Bagheri
Published: August 2024

The global energy crisis necessitates enhancing energy independence for regions and countries by advancing the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar energy, in particular, offers a sustainable approach to reducing energy consumption in buildings. Solar greenhouses, also known as sunspaces, are crucial passive solar systems in construction that significantly lower the energy demand for air conditioning. This study aims to thermally analyze the performance of a solar greenhouse attached to a residential building. Using DesignBuilder (version 6.1) for simulation, a comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate various factors, including depth, glass type, thermal mass, and form, to determine their impact on the overall performance of the integrated solar greenhouse. The findings reveal that a residential building without a solar greenhouse consumes 2968.6 kWh annually for heating and 1809.6 kWh for cooling. Incorporating a basic solar greenhouse (2 m depth, double-glazing glass with argon gas, and 20 cm of thermal mass) results in energy savings of 22.9% for heating and 15.6% for cooling. Furthermore, by simulating various influential parameters, the optimal configuration for the solar greenhouse was identified.
Predicted Net Effects of Drug-Gene Interactions on Levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol
Authors: Wright Jessica A. , Huang Linda , Katamesh Basant E. , Yadav Siddhant , Singla Abhinav , Vincent Ann
Published: August 2024

Background:
Circulating levels of THC and CBD may be altered when administered with medications that strongly or moderately inhibit or induce CYP450 enzymes responsible for metabolizing both substances. THC and CBD levels can also theoretically be altered in individuals who carry germline genetic variants or atypical phenotypes of CYP450 enzymes. In individuals where drug and gene interactions occur together, there could be a heightened impact on the circulating levels of THC and CBD.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review using a database of participants who previously completed pharmacogenomic testing and reported oral cannabis use in a medical encounter. Two pharmacogenomic-trained pharmacists reviewed medications and atypical variants in each participant to characterize the predicted effect of cannabis-drug, cannabis-gene, and cannabis-drug-gene interactions on circulating levels of THC and CBD.
Results:
Oral cannabis use was confirmed in 71 participants, with an average age of 68.5 years and primarily White women. Regarding THC metabolism, drug-only interactions were noted in 1 participant; both drug and gene interactions were noted in 4 participants; single- or combination-gene-only interactions were noted in 38 participants; and 28 participants had no interactions. Concerning CBD metabolism, drug-only interactions were noted in 4 participants; both drug and gene interactions were noted in 4 participants; single- or combination-gene-only interactions were noted in 36 participants; and 27 participants had no interactions.
Conclusion:
This study is the first, to our knowledge, to conceptualize the potential impact of drugs and atypical phenotypes on altering circulating levels of THC and CBD in a clinical sample. The absence of published clinical outcomes in this field renders it challenging to estimate clinical significance of these findings. Until such data become available, leveraging the theoretical insights into drug interactions and atypical cannabis metabolism described in our study may serve as a tool to guide clinical care.
Effect of Magnetic treatment technology on the (workability and compressive strength) of High- Strength Concrete
Authors: Al-mashhadie Samer A , Raheem Hind
Published: August 2024

The magnetic technique is considered one of the methods that improve the mechanical properties of concrete, either by using magnetic water to mix concrete mixture or by magnetizing mix itself. In this research, the effect of a magnetic field on features of high-strength concrete (workability and compressive strength) was studied. Two mixes were used, both with 70MPa but one with ordinary lab water and the other with magnetic water. Both of these mixes were exposed to the magnetic field bay passing them through three devices that had different magnetic units three, four, and five, each unit with 3000 Gauss intensity. When the magnetic water was used instead of ordinary water, the slump test value was raised to 19% from the reference mix. When the mixes are exposed to a magnetic field, there is no increment in a slump. Compressive strength was raised to 7% when using the tube with five magnetic units to mix without magnetic water.
Investigating the Molecular Profile of Thyroid Cancer: COL13A1 and COL23A1 as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Islam Md. Wahidul , Rahman Md. Minhajur , Naznin Homaira , Akter Tahmina , Shatabde Zayeda Akter , Hossain Md. Jubayer , Hossain Md. Shohel
Published: August 2024

Thyroid cancer, the most prevalent endocrine malignancy globally, poses challenges owing to the limited understanding of its molecular drivers. Previous research has highlighted collagen genes, such as COL13A1 and COL23A1 as key players in thyroid cancer. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate gene expression, genetic alterations, DNA methylation, and prognostic significance of COL13A1 and COL23A1. This study utilized a multi-omics strategy using TCGA database, including TIMER 2.0, GEPIA2, UALCAN, HPA, cBioPortal, STRING, Enrichr, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Our results showed distinct expression patterns for COL13A1 and COL23A1. COL13A1 was significantly upregulated, while COL23A1 was downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Expression levels vary according to sample type, tumor stage, and histology, with higher COL13A1 staining intensity and moderate COL23A1 staining in tumors. Both increased COL13A1 and decreased COL23A1 expression have been linked to poor prognosis. Promoter methylation levels also differ, showing higher COL13A1 and lower COL23A1 methylation in tumors. SGIP1 and SLC26A4 were identified as the most co-expressed genes. In consolidations, COL13A1 and COL23A1 have emerged as diagnostic and prognostic markers of thyroid cancer. Co-expression analysis suggests interactions between SGIP1 and SLC26A4, implicating diverse pathways in thyroid carcinogenesis and informing precision medicine strategies.
Within-Project and Cross-Project Defect Prediction Based on Model Averaging
Authors: li tong , wang zhong , shi peibei
Published: August 2024

Software defect prediction has an important impact on the national economy and financial service industry. Discovering defective modules in the early stage of software development has great significance. This paper proposes a within-project and cross-project defect prediction technology based on model averaging, which uses XGBoost and LightGBM algorithms in machine learning as candidate models and introduces model averaging theory to improve performance. First, two candidate models are used for probability prediction, and then each group is used as a test dataset to evaluate the model by the cross-validation method. Then, the model weight is determined by minimizing the sum of the squared prediction errors of all groups, and finally, the predicted probability of model averaging is obtained. Four typical public software defect datasets (NASA, AEEEM, ReLink, SoftLab) are used as test datasets, and the four indicators, precision, recall, F1 and AUC are used as evaluation criteria. For within-project defect prediction, compared with the XGBoost and LightGBM algorithms, the prediction results of the model averaging method on the four datasets are slightly better than the XGBoost and LightGBM algorithms, which also corresponds with the ensemble learning idea of model averaging theory. Compared with the six traditional machine learning algorithms, the model average prediction method performed best on most of the data. For cross-project defect prediction, compared with the four benchmark methods, the model averaging method performs better overall. The experimental results show that the model averaging prediction method achieves good prediction results in both the within-project and cross-project defect scenarios.
A Viscoelastic-Plastic Model for the Core of Various Close- Packings of Multifilament Polyamide-6 Yarns
Authors: Razbin Milad , Salehian Mortaza , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar
Published: August 2024

The number of fibers in the cross-section of a yarn determines its physical and mechanical properties. Among the parameters that affect fiber placement (packing) in the yarn core structure, the number of fibers, the number of twists, and variations in fiber length in various layers of yarn during the fabrication process are of prime importance. Theoretically, yarn formation is associated with two different packings: open-packing and close-packing with a single fiber in the core. The packing of fibers has been modeled using various approaches, including analytical, finite element, and experimental methods. In this study, an analytical approach combining theoretical methods and artificial neural networks (ANNs) is proposed to predict the tensile behavior of yarns with different numbers of fibers in the core regions (ranging from 2 to 5 fibers). The novelty of this method lies in its ability to predict the time-dependent stress-strain curve of multifilament yarns composed of monofilaments with circular cross-sections. The proposed method extends beyond the linear region, incorporating both structural and material properties. It leverages the strong mapping capabilities of ANNs rather than relying solely on elastic models. Validation of the method showed excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical values. Numerical simulation indicated results consistent with the theoretical ones, proving the model's precision in predicting the tensile behavior of multifilament yarns. This modeling procedure has the potential to revolutionize the approach to modeling textile structures.
Assessing the Impact of Backpack Design on Hikers Lumbar Extension and Centre of Pressure
Authors: Grigg Timothy , Kabaliuk Natalia , Walter Sibi
Published: August 2024

Background:Heavy backpacks are carried by hikers for prolonged walking periods. Backpack designs impact a hiker’s biomechanics.
Methods:We assessed the impact of different backpacks on lumbar extension (LE) and centre of pressure (COP) among hikers. Regular hikers (n=8; age = 23.4±1.9, years; weight = 85.1±7.9, kgs; height = 185.3±3.8, cm) who met the eligibility criteria attended testing sessions to test a traditional backpack (TBP) and a balance backpack (BBP), against a no backpack control (NBP) on three different gradient conditions (flat, 0°; incline, 12°; decline, -12°). Walking tests (1.1m/s) were performed on a force plate-embedded treadmill with a surrounding marker-based motion capture system. Multiple separate two-way ANOVA tests assessed the backpack effect on LE and COP.
Results: Dunnett’s multiple comparison Post Hoc test revealed significant variance (p < 0.05) for TBP and an insignificant variance for BBP for LE values. A consistent degree of forward trunk lean across all conditions was observed, with a pronounced LE observed when using the TBP. Insignificant variance in the hiker’s COP between the NBP and BBP across all gradients was observed.
Conclusions: This suggests that hikers using a BBP might find their walking posture quite like their normal gait kinematics in comparison to using a TBP.
Occlusion-aware Multi-scale Attention Consistency Network for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Xia Haiying , Li Fengwei , Tan Yumei , Song Shuxiang
Published: August 2024

Facial expression recognition (FER) faces difficult challenges in real-world scenarios, especially with occlusion and pose changes. Previous approaches typically utilize face key points to improve FER performance. However, face key point detection can be inaccurate, especially in the presence of occlusions and pose variations, and manually labeling face key points is a complex and time-consuming task. To address this issue, we introduce a simple and efficient Occlusion-aware Multi-scale Attention Consistency Network (OMAC-Net), which can capture global and local fine-grained facial expression representations. The proposed OMAC-Net consists of a Low-level Feature Random Destruction (LFRD) module and a Multi-scale Attention Consistency Constraint (MACC). Specifically, LFRD is used to obtain rich local fine-grained information and retain important patch edge information and correlation information between patches. Then MACC further constrains the model's attention, enabling the model to focus on discriminative features. The experimental results on three in-the-wild FER convincingly demonstrate the superiority of OMAC-Net compared to state-of-the-art methods. Our code and models will be available at this https https://github.com/lfw147/OMC.
Cryo-EM structure of native honey bee vitellogenin
Authors: Luecke Hartmut , Montserrat-Canals Mateu , Schnelle Kilian , Moeller Arne , Amdam Gro , Halskau Øyvind , Leipart Vilde , Cunha Eva S.
Published: August 2024

Vitellogenin (Vg) is the main yolk precursor lipoprotein in almost all egg-laying animals. In addition, along its evolutionary history, Vg has developed a range of new functions in different taxa. In the honey bee, Vg has functions related to immunity, antioxidant protection, social behavior and longevity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Vg functionalities are still poorly understood. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of full-length honey bee Vg, onestep purified directly from hemolymph. The structure provides structural insights into the overall domain architecture, including the lipid binding cavity and the previously uncharacterized von Willebrand factor type D domain. A domain of unknown function has been identified as a C-terminal cystine knot domain based on structural homology. Information about post-translational modifications, cleavage products, metal and lipid binding allow an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying the range of Vg functionalities. The findings have numerous implications for the structure-function relationship of vitellogenins of other species as well as members of the same protein superfamily, which share the same structural elements.
Probing the Subtle Differences between Promethium and Curium
Authors: White Frankie , Vogt Trenton , Simms Megan , Parker Connor , Miller April , Delmau Laetitia , Mayes Richard , Schrell Samantha , Gaiser Alyssa , Celis-Barros Cristian
Published: August 2024

Curium (244Cm) from the plutonium (238Pu) waste stream at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is coextracted with promethium (147Pm) because of similar chemical and physical properties. To gain insight for improving this separation, their fundamental properties are experimentally and computationally probed in a 2,2’:6’,2”-terpyridine crystal system. Analysis of the isostructural compounds via single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) revealed that although promethium (147Pm) and 244Cm share the same predicted VI-coordinate ionic radius, they have minute structural differences. Although the differences between Pm and Cm are subtle in this crystal system, insights for potentially optimizing the separation between 147Pm and 244Cm are gained. Furthermore, this study develops the chemistries of two rare elements in the solid state and experimentally portrays promethium’s often omitted position within the lanthanide series.
Interpretable single-cell factor decomposition using sciRED
Authors: Bader Gary , Pouyabahar Delaram , Andrews Tallulah
Published: August 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) maps gene expression heterogeneity within a tissue. However, identifying biological signals in this data is challenging due to confounding technical factors, sparsity, and high dimensionality. Data factorization methods address this by separating and identifying signals in the data, such as gene expression programs, but the resulting factors must be manually interpreted. We developed Single-Cell Interpretable Residual Decomposition (sciRED) to improve the interpretation of scRNA-seq factor analysis. sciRED removes known confounding effects, uses rotations to improve factor interpretability, maps factors to known covariates, identifies unexplained factors that may capture hidden biological phenomena, and determines the genes and biological processes represented by the resulting factors. We apply sciRED to multiple scRNA-seq datasets and identify sex-specific variation in a kidney map, discern strong and weak immune stimulation signals in a PBMC dataset, reduce ambient RNA contamination in a rat liver atlas to help identify strain variation, and reveal rare cell type signatures and anatomical zonation gene programs in a healthy human liver map. These demonstrate that sciRED is useful in characterizing diverse biological signals within scRNA-seq data.
The ROS-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase/RBOH is a Ca2+ channel regulated by protons in the eukaryotic kingdom
Authors: Liu Liangyu , Yang Zijian , Chen Yangbo , Song Chunhui , Feng Changxin , Li Changyuan , Liu Shuo , Yu Enjie , Tian Hao , Liu Zebin , Ye Zhangli , Guo Wei , Gao Lei , Sun Yujia , Kong Dongdong , Hou Congcong , Li Legong
Published: August 2024

NADPH oxidase (NOX) is crucial for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during developmental processes and stress responses across plants, animals and fungi. The interdependence of ROS and Ca2+ signals in various cellular signaling pathways is well-established, but the specific calcium channel that collaborates with NADPH oxidase to generate Ca2+-ROS co-coupling signals remains unidentified. In this study, we demonstrate that eukaryotic NOXs, such as Arabidopsis RBOHD/C/F, human NOX2 and yeast YNO1, function as calcium channels that directly mediate Ca2+ influx. Additionally, we reveal that these eukaryotic NOX family members act as non-selective cation channels, similar to human TRP family channels, capable of transporting monovalent and bivalent cations. Furthermore, RBOHD's calcium channel activity is activated by protons, and mutation of RBOHD results in significantly reduced physiological responses to low pH in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Overall, we have identified for the first time the conserved calcium channel activity of NADPH oxidases, such as plant RBOHs, and human and yeast NOXs across eukaryotic species. This discovery introduces a new paradigm for NADPH oxidase research.
Osteoporosis and Stroke: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: He Miao , Yong Haochuan , Li Jie
Published: August 2024

Objective: Numerous observational studies have identified a link between osteoporosis and stroke. However, the causal genetic relationship between these conditions remains unclear. This study employs a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to ascertain the causal relationship between osteoporosis and stroke.
Design: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the potential causal relationship between osteoporosis and stroke, including its subtypes. Genetic data for osteoporosis and stroke, along with their subtypes, were sourced from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrating genome-wide significance (p < 5×10^−8) and independence (r^2 < 0.001) were selected for further analysis, provided they had an F-statistic ≥10. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed to evaluate causality, with results reported as odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test, while pleiotropy was tested using the MR-Egger intercept test. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the robustness of the results.
Results: Employing the IVW method, MR Egger method, and median-weighted method, we found no significant bidirectional causal relationship between osteoporosis and stroke or its subtypes, irrespective of the inclusion of potential pleiotropic SNPs. Sensitivity analyses affirmed the reliability and stability of these findings.
Conclusion: This study indicates that there is no bidirectional causal relationship between osteoporosis and stroke or its subtypes. Nevertheless, these conditions share similar pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways.
Cannabidiol Interactions with Outer Membrane Proteins in Salmonella Typhimurium LT2
Authors: Ibrahim Iddrisu , Ndezure Emmanuel , Xu Junhuan , Boakai Robertson K. , Ajayi Olufemi S. , Ayariga Joseph Atia
Published: August 2024

Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant has tremendous potential as a novel antimicrobial agent. This study aimed at understanding the interactions between CBD and the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2. Employing in silico techniques, we analyzed the binding affinities, interaction dynamics, and drug-likeness of CBD with key OMPs such as OmpA, OmpC, OmpD, OmpF, OmpX, and NompC. The molecular docking results showed that CBD exhibits varying binding affinities across the OMPs, with OmpX and NompC showing the highest binding affinity of -6.6 kcal/mol and − 6.4 kcal/mol respectively, indicating strong and stable interactions. The results also revealed several key interactions such as hydrogen bonds, Pi-stacking, and hydrophobic interactions, playing crucial roles in the stability and specificity of these protein-ligand complexes. Notable interactions were identified in OmpA with a binding affinity of -5.9 kcal/mol involving hydrogen bonds at 3.2 Å and Pi-Sigma interactions at 3.4 Å. We included phylogenetic analysis of fifty different strains of Salmonella Typhimurium, and we observed high conservation levels among the OMPs, with a sequence similarity threshold of 90%. This high conservation underscores the potential of CBD to act as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, our comparative structural analysis revealed both conserved and variable regions within the OMPs, highlighting the significance of targeting these regions to mitigate resistance development. Using KEGG Pathway analysis, we analyzed OmpC and OmpF, given their roles in nutrient transport and permeability. The disruption of these pathways by CBD binding could impair the bacteria’s ability to manage environmental stresses and evade host immune responses. Beta-lactam resistance pathway analysis was also considered, we observed that CBD could potentially disrupt resistance mechanisms by binding to OMPs, enhancing the efficacy of existing antimicrobial treatments. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CBD, through its interaction with critical OMPs, has the potential to serve as a potent antimicrobial agent against Salmonella Typhimurium LT2. These findings lay the foundation for further studies of CBD as a novel therapeutic agent in combating bacterial infections and addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Three-dimensional electromagnetic inversion of transfer function data from controlled sources
Authors: Rulff Paula , Kalscheuer Thomas , Bastani Mehrdad , Zbinden Dominik
Published: August 2024

We develop a three-dimensional inversion code capable of imaging the resistivity distribution of the subsurface from frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic data. Controlled-source electromagnetic investigations have, besides other geophysical methods, an important role to play for geophysical prospecting purposes. To analyse controlled-source electromagnetic data collected with complex measurement setups on land, advanced three-dimensional modelling and inversion tools are required.
Therefore, we adopt a preconditioned non-linear conjugate gradient algorithm to be able to invert impedance tensor and vertical magnetic transfer function data produced by multiple sets of two independent active sources. Forward simulations are performed with a finite-element solver. Increased sensitivity at source locations can optionally be counteracted with a weighting function in the regularisation term. We investigate the capabilities of the inversion code using one synthetic and one field example. The results demonstrate, that we can produce reliable subsurface models, although data sets from single pairs of independent sources remain challenging to evaluate due to a nonsymmetric illumination of the target area.
Effect of talent development on organizational performance
Authors: Nyongesa Wesonga Justus , Van Der Westhuizen Johan
Published: August 2024

The proliferation of public universities has intensified competition for talent acquisition, accentuating talent development's significance as a pivotal determinant of organizational efficacy. Concurrently, fiscal constraints, imposed by the Kenyan government, have imposed financial strains on public universities, potentially diverting attention away from talent development imperatives. Against this backdrop, this study aims to scrutinize the influence of talent development initiatives on the performance of Maasai Mara University. A total of 86 respondents were engaged in structured interviews, facilitated by standardized questionnaires to gather data pertinent to the research objectives. Participants were selected to ensure representativeness across various organizational hierarchies and departments using a stratified simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation calculations, were employed to summarize the data, while inferential analyses, such as Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression, were conducted to ascertain the relationship between talent development and organizational performance. The findings of the study underscore the salience of talent development endeavors in bolstering organizational performance. Notably, the statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between talent development and organizational performance, as evidenced by an R2 change of 0.204, signifying that talent development accounted for 20.4 % of the variance in organizational performance. Consequently, the study advocates for implementing robust talent development strategies within public universities, positing them as catalysts for enhancing organizational effectiveness. This study's implications extend beyond academia's confines, offering actionable insights for policymakers and organizational leaders, tasked with charting talent management strategies. By informing policy formulation and strategic planning processes, the findings of this study are poised to contribute to the enhancement of talent management practices within the higher education sector, thereby fostering institutional resilience and efficacy
Rethinking openness for learning in open distance learning institutions
Authors: Akintolu Morakinyo , Letseka Moeketsi
Published: August 2024

The trends in open distance learning over the years and its evolution to higher education are interesting phenomena that continue to gain acceptance. While open distance learning serves as an intervening solution, initiated by most African higher institutions for students that missed out on the opportunity of studying in mainstream institutions, there is a need for her tertiary institutions to confront the challenge of making the Institutions open to meet the needs of upwardly enrolling higher education of adult students. However, this study argues that not only is this practice pedagogically unsound, but also clearly contradictory to the policy for open distance learning, for which the institutions were established in the specific context of the University of South Africa. It further highlights the rethink of the pedagogical approach by all stakeholders focusing more closely on the quality of openness in teaching and learning. It seeks guidelines for designing teaching and learning, particularly for Open Distance Learning (ODL) institutions, which only have a policy for distance and online learning and in contrast to the institutions’ agenda by creating opportunities through open distance e-learning nationally and on the African continent. The Transactional Distance Theory was adopted to underpin the study. Also, it highlights the openness in ODL and recommends different innovative ways to take the agenda of Open Distance Learning forward for optimal impact.
Response of broiler chickens to raw, heat-treated and heat-treated dehulled sweet lupin seed (Lupins angustifolius) meals on feed intake, growth and carcass performances
Authors: Dida Alem , Melesse Aberra
Published: August 2024

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the partial substitution of soybean meal with raw and processed lupin seed (Lupinus angustifolius) meals on growth and carcass performances of Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Two hundred unsexed day-old chicks with similar body weight were randomly assigned to four treatment diets in completely randomized design with 5 replicates. The four dietary treatments diets were 0 % lupin seed meal (T1), 15 % raw lupin seed meal (RLS, T2), 15 % heat-treated dehulled lupin seed meal (HDLS, T3) and 15 % heat-treated lupin seed meal (HLS, T4). The CP content of RLS, HDLS, and HLS were 33.5, 37.1, and 35.4 %, respectively. The highest total and daily feed intake was observed in chickens reared in control diet (T1) while the lowest from T2 and T4 diets and differed (p<0.05) with the T1 diet. However, no significance effect was observed in feed conversion ratio among the treatment diets. Chickens fed with T1 diet had higher (p<0.05) final body weight, total and daily weight gains than those reared in T2 and T4 diets while these values were comparable to those fed on T3 diet. Similarly, higher (p<0.05) values were observed for slaughter weight, dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, keel bone meat, wings, neck and back and thorax in chickens fed with T1 diet than those of T2 and T4 diets; but these values did not differ with chickens fed on the T3 diet. The gizzard weight was similar between chickens fed with T1 and T3 diets while those on T2 and T4 diets had lower (p<0.05) values than those of T1 diet. The highest liver weight was observed in T1 diet while the lowest in T2 and differed (p<0.05). In conclusion it would be economically beneficial to replace 15 % of the soybean meal with heat-treated dehulled blue lupin seed meal in broilers ration under tropical environment
Study of the quality indicators of the osmotic solution obtained after dehydration of apricot fruits
Authors: Samilyk Maryna , Tkachuk Mykhaylo
Published: August 2024

This study is designed to determine the feasibility of using osmotic solutions formed after dehydration of apricot fruits for sugar fortification. The purpose of the study is to analyze the quality indicators of osmotic solutions obtained as a result of osmotic dehydration of apricot fruits and to develop a rational direction for their further use. The subject of the study was apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca) of the Aurora variety and enriched sugar. It is proposed to enrich sugar with a derivative product formed during the production of candied fruits using the method of osmotic dehydration and drying from apricot fruits. The results of the study showed that, according to organoleptic indicators, the osmotic solution formed after the production of candied apricot fruits corresponded to the raw material. The mass fraction of dry substances in the osmotic solution is reduced by 25,24 %, and sucrose by 20,3 % due to dilution with cell juice of apricot fruits. The osmotic solution had a fairly high color, probably due to saturation with carotenoids, the concentration of which is 15,87 mg/100 ml. Due to the addition of osmotic solutions, the color of sugar increases by 87.3 units. ICUMSA, however, the sugar solution is transparent, without insoluble sediment, mechanical and other impurities. In addition, sugar is enriched with carotenoids, the mass concentration of which is 1.13 mg/100 g. The analysis showed that the addition of osmotic solutions to sugar does not entail a deterioration in their microbiological composition. A model has been developed for the rational processing of apricot fruits and the use of waste osmotic solutions, which can become the basis for sugar enrichment technology
Hydrogen in the Deep Earth
Authors: Mosenfelder Jed L. , Bureau Hélène , Withers Anthony C.
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen is one of the most difficult elements to characterize in geological materials. Even at trace levels, hydrogen has a major impact on the properties of minerals, silicate melts, and fluids, and thus on the physical state of the mantle and crust. The investigation of H-bearing species in deep minerals, melts, and fluids is challenging because these phases can be strongly modified during transport to Earth’s surface. Furthermore, interpretation of experimental studies can be clouded by kinetic inhibitions and other artifacts. Nevertheless, recent improvements in analytical, experimental, and modeling methodologies have enabled advances in our understanding of how hydrogen is incorporated in the deep Earth, which is essential for constraining hydrogen cycling and storage through geologic time.
Reducing bovine leukemia virus prevalence on a large midwestern dairy farm by using lymphocyte counts, ELISA antibody testing, and proviral load
Authors: Taxis Tasia M. , DeJong Tawnie N. , Swenson Cheryl L. , Sporer Kelly R. B. , Droscha Casey , Niles Don , Bartlett Paul C.
Published: August 2024

Cattle infected with BLV have disrupted immune systems, associated with reduced milk production, shortened lifespan, and predisposition to lymphoma. The objective of this exploratory case study was to develop a disease control testing and management protocol to reduce the prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) within a large commercial dairy herd. Three diagnostic tests were available: lymphocyte count (LC), ELISA for BLV antibodies, and proviral load (PVL) as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both testing and management protocols evolved over time as the BLV prevalence decreased and we learned how to reduce labor and unnecessary or redundant diagnostic testing. Test results were used to inform culling and pen assignments for cows most likely to transmit BLV or develop disease. Significant decreases in the percentage of cows with LC≥10.0x103/μL (4.22% to 1.04%) and PVL>0.5 were observed for all lactations during the 4 quarters of intervention. By October 30, 2020, 6 of ~3,000 cows remained with a detectable PVL. Additionally, it was found that LC and PVL were associated with clinical lameness, but not with clinical mastitis.
The impact of future technological advancements on current bovine respiratory disease management practices
Authors: Nickell Jason S. , Bryant Lonty K. , Lavan Robert P. , Rodríguez Fernandez Pedro
Published: August 2024

New technologies have aided the animal-based food and fiber industries to efficiently produce safe and valuable products for the human population. We strongly support appropriate use of currently available technologies designed to prevent, control, and treat BRD (e.g. vaccines, antimicrobials) as well as the ongoing implementation of management practices designed to reduce BRD risk (e.g. preconditioning strategies). However, we look forward to the application of new developments that optimize BRD prediction and diagnostic accuracy. These new tools may provide opportunities to maximize the efficacy of current prevention, control, and treatment modalities while also fostering in new opportunities to leverage non-antimicrobial options. The overall objectives being to maximize the producer’s bottom line and the animal’s wellbeing while satisfying consumer demand.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 45, No. 2 (2011 Summer). Front matter
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practioners
Published: August 2024

Cover, masthead, table of contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 53, No. 2 (2019 Summer). Front matter
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: August 2024

Cover, Masthead, Table of Contents, and other editorial information.
Addison Biological Laboratories Maxi Guard
Authors: Gingrich II K. Fred
Published: August 2024

Addison Biological Laboratories Maxi Guard advertisement
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 42, No. 1 (Spring 2008). Front matter
Authors: Of Bovine Practitioners American Association
Published: August 2024

Cover, Masthead, Table of Contents, and other editorial information.