bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tensile behavior of sandwich structures using various 3D printed core shapes with polymer matrix composites
Authors: Azeem Muhammad , Nasir Muhammad Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, also referred to as 3D printing, has become a widely used technology in various industries such as automotive and aerospace. Its simplicity of use in producing complex and customized items that have a big impact in the manufacturing industry. The adhesion of 3D printed parts with polymer matrix composites is an important aspect of Manufacturing, especially in the context of engineering and advanced materials. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the tensile properties of various 3D-printed core shapes, including hexagonal, triangular, and tri-hexagonal. The analysis focuses on these shapes with infill densities of 10% and 100%, in conjunction with hollow and epoxy-filled specimens, using polylactic acid (PLA) with polymer matrix composites as woven glass fiber. Adhesive (Epoxy YD-128) is used to make adhesion between PLA and Glass fiber. Experimentation scrutinizes the common weak point typically found at the neck of the samples and evaluates the areas where they break. Furthermore, a numerical analysis employing the finite element analysis (FEA) is executed to pinpoint stress concentration areas in each type of specimen using Abaqus. The results showed strong correlation between experimentation and FEA, that hollow, hexagonal honeycomb composite structure having 10% infill density gave better mechanical strength as compared to 100% infill density. Moreover, in epoxy filled, Tri-hexagonal honeycomb composite structure having 100% infill density gave better mechanical strength as compared to 10% infill density.
Evaluating bioactivity of Trichoderma asperellum against Colletotrichum siamense and its growth-promoting effects on Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.)
Authors: MUKHOPADHYAY ANKUR , Mukherjee Soumik , Dutta Subham , Kanthal Sahely , Mondal Goutam 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Leaf spot disease caused by Colletotrichum siamense is a significant fungal threat to various plants, including Aloe vera. This study explores the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum against C. siamense while simultaneously evaluating the effects on Aloe vera growth parameters. Ten Trichoderma isolates (T1 to T10) were obtained from the rhizosphere of Aloe vera through serial dilution and assessed for their antagonistic activity using a dual culture technique. Among these isolates, five- T1, T3, T4, T5, and T7 demonstrated the greatest suppression of radial growth of C. siamense, along with high sporulation rates. In pot tests, isolate T3 emerged as particularly effective, enhancing plant weight by 144.30%, shoot length by 42.40%, shoot biomass by 144.40%, root length by 200%, root biomass by 146.20%, and leaf number by 20.80%. Additionally, T3 significantly reduced the severity of leaf spot disease, achieving a 77.44% decrease in disease severity. Morphological and molecular characterization confirmed isolate T3 as Trichoderma asperellum, with its internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence submitted to the NCBI GenBank and obtaining an accession number PP565067. These findings underscore the potential of T. asperellum as an effective biocontrol agent, promoting healthier growth in Aloe vera while simultaneously managing leaf spot disease, making it a promising solution for sustainable agriculture practices.
A Carbazole Acrylonitrile Substituted Turn-On Fluorescence Chemosensors for Cyanide Ion and its Application to Real Sample Analysis
Authors: Sengottaiyan Jayapriya , Parvathi K , Ebenazer A.	Franklin , Sampathkumar N , Rajesh Jegathalaprathaban , Rajagopal Gurusamy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

An efficient probe (E)-2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)acrylonitrile (CZ-BTZ) for selective turn-on response with cyanide (CN−) ion sensor was developed by simple Knoevenagel condensation of 9-ethyl-9H carbazole-3-carbaldehyde with 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl) acetonitrile. The sensing ability of probe CZ-BTZ was tested with different inorganic anions through spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods. The UV-vis and fluorescence spectral studies show the formation of a new adduct between CZ-BTZ and CN− by appearing with a new absorbance band at 350 nm and turn-on fluorescence at 535 nm. The absorbance and fluorescence study reveals the formation of 1:1 (CZ-BTZ: CN−) stoichiometry adducts with an estimated association constant of 2.04 ×105 M− 1. The probe CZ-BTZ could detect CN− down to 1.48 nM without much interference, much lower than the WHO limit (1.9 µM) in drinking water. The sensing mechanism of CZ-BTZ with CN− ions was studied using FTIR, ESI mass analysis, and DFT calculation. Further, the probe was applied for the real-time food sample analysis of CN− ions.
Gut bacteria and host metabolism: the keys to sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) quality traits
Authors: Wang Luo , Pei Honglin , Xing Tengyu , Chen Dongsheng , Chen Yuchen , Hao Zhenlin , Tian Ying , Chang Yaqing , Ding Jun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Gut bacteria have a significant impact on modern genetics and contribute to the improvement of aquatic germplasm, which is a key area of focus for breeders. However, the effects of complex interactions between gut bacteria community and phenotypic of aquatic products remain largely unknown.Results Here, we unravel the association between phenotypic, gut microbiota and host metabolic variables of 216 sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) by Metagenome-wide association studies (MWAS) and Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) methods. Our findings reveal that a total of 14 microbial biomarkers and 201 metabolic markers considered being associated with polysaccharide and collagen content. Among them, Desulfobacterota has the capacity to facilitate the synthesis of octopamine within the neuroactive ligand-receptor metabolic pathway, subsequently influencing polysaccharide content. Additionally, the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was shown to enhance collagen content through the facilitation of glycine synthesis.Conclusions In conclusion, we reveal that host metabolism-mediated phenotypic are dependent on the composition of the gut microbiota, indicating that precision microbiome management could be employed as a strategy for engineer high-quality aquatic germplasm.
Observation of surface Fermi arcs in altermagnetic Weyl semimetal CrSb
Authors: Lu Wenlong , Feng Shiyu , Wang Yuzhi , Chen Dong , Lin Zihan , Liang Xin , Liu Siyuan , Feng Wanxiang , Yamagami Kohei , Liu Junwei , Felser Claudia , Wu Quansheng , Ma Junzhang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

As a special type of collinear antiferromagnetism (AFM), altermagnetism has garnered significant research interest recently. Altermagnets exhibit broken parity-time symmetry and zero net magnetization in real space, leading to substantial band splitting in momentum space even in the absence of spin-orbit coupling. Meanwhile, parity-time symmetry breaking always induce nontrivial band topology such as Weyl nodes. While Weyl semimetal states and nodal lines have been theoretically proposed in altermagnets, rare reports of experimental observation have been made up to this point. Using ARPES and first-principles calculations, we systematically studied the electronic structure of the room-temperature altermagnet candidate CrSb. At generic locations in momentum space, we clearly observed band spin splitting. Furthermore, we identified discrete surface Fermi arcs on the (100) cleaved side surface close to the Fermi level originating from bulk band topology. Our results imply that CrSb contains interesting nontrivial topological Weyl physics, in addition to being an excellent room temperature altermagnet.
Scalable analysis of large multi-ancestry biobanks by leveraging sparse ancestry-adjusted sample-relatedness
Authors: Lin Xihong , Dey Rounak , Li Xihao , Li Zilin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) and ridge regression are commonly applied in genetic association studies to control for population structure and sample-relatedness. To control for sample-relatedness, the existing methods use empirical genetic relatedness matrices (GRM) either explicitly or conceptually. This works well with mostly homogeneous populations, however, in multi-ancestry heterogeneous populations, GRMs are confounded with population structure which leads to inflated type I error rates, massively increased computation, and reduced power. Here, we propose FastSparseGRM, a scalable pipeline for multi-ancestry Genome-Wide Association studies (GWAS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) studies. It utilizes a block-diagonal sparse ancestry-adjusted (BDSA) GRM to model sample-relatedness, and ancestry PCs as fixed effects to control for population structure. It is ~ 2540/4100/54 times faster than BOLT-LMM/fast-GWA/REGENIE for fitting the null LMM on 50,000 heterogeneous subjects. Through numerical simulations and both single-variant GWAS and rare variant WGS analyses of five biomarkers (Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, BMI, Total Bilirubin) on the entire UK Biobank data, we demonstrate that our approach scales to nearly half-a-million subjects and provides accurate p-value calibration and improved power compared to the existing methods.
Increased maternal consumption of methionine as its hydroxyl analog improves placental angiogenesis and antioxidative capacity in sows
Authors: Zhou Rui , Lai Shanshan , Yuan Peiqiang , Zhe Li , Yang Lunxiang , Mercier Yves , Hu Liang , Zhang Xiaoling , Hua Lun , Zhuo Yong , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Feng Bin , Che Lianqiang , Wu De , Fang Zhengfeng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous evidence suggests that methionine (Met) consumption can promote placental angiogenesis and improve fetal survival. To investigate the mechanisms by which increased levels of Met as hydroxy-Met analogue (OHMet) improve placental function, forty sows were divided into four groups and fed with either a control diet (CON), 0.15%OHMet, 0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met (n = 10). Placentas were collected immediately after expulsion, and extracted proteins were analyzed by tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantitative proteomic analysis.
Results
Here, we reported that 0.15%OHMet consumption significantly increased the placental vascular density compared with the CON group. Proteomic analysis identified 5136 proteins; of these, 87 differentially expressed proteins were screened (P < 0.05, |fold change| > 1.2). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched in 0.15%OHMet vs. CON and in 0.15%OHMet vs. 0.3%OHMet were glutathione metabolism, and in 0.15%OHMet vs. 0.3%Met were NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and apoptosis. Further analysis revealed that 0.15%OHMet supplementation upregulated the protein expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GSTT1) in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the CON and 0.3%OHMet groups, upregulated the protein expression of thioredoxin (TXN) in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the 0.3%OHMet and 0.3%Met groups, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in trophoblast cells compared with other groups. In contrast, sows fed 0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met diets increased placental interleukin 1β levels compared with the CON group, and upregulated the protein expression of complex I-B9 (NDUFA3) compared with the 0.15%OHMet group. Furthermore, homocysteine, an intermediate in the trans-sulphuration pathway of methionine, was shown to damaged placental function by inhibiting the protein expression of TXN, and leading to apoptosis and ROS production.
Conclusion
In contrast to improved placental angiogenesis and increased antioxidative capacity by dietary 0.15%OHMet supplementation, 0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met supplementation impaired placental function via aggravating inflammation and oxidative stress, which is associated to cumulative homocysteine levels.
Impact of micronutrient status on thyroid function in adolescent Afghan refugees; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shaheen Saima , Shahzad Muhammad , Sher Nabila , Khan Muhammad Shabbir , Iqbal Khalid , Ahmad Habab Ali , Andrews Simon C 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Micronutrients play crucial role in several metabolic processes including thyroid hormone metabolism and functions. The current study aimed to assess the associations between thyroid hormone levels and micronutrient status in a cohort of adolescents Afghan refugees residing in a refugee camp in Pakistan. A randomised, community based, cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 206 adolescent (both male and female) Afghan refugees aged 10–19 years. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric assessments and blood samples were collected using standard methods. Serum vitamins, minerals and thyroid hormones levels were assessed using ELISA, electrochemiluminescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) respectively. Overall results showed the median levels of T3 and TSH were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in younger adolescents (10–14 years) compared to 15–18 years old while T4 significantly higher in boys compared to girls. Correlational analysis between serum micronutrients status (vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin, folate, zinc, copper, selenium) and thyroid hormones revealed significant relationship in different age groups. Overall, vitamin D exhibits a statistically significant positive correlation with T4 (r = 0.279) in the combined, younger (r = 0.277) and older (r = 0.319) age groups. In contrast, a statistically significant but negative correlation was observed when zinc levels were compared with T3 (r=-0.288) in the older age group and with T4 (r=-0.195) in the younger age group. In conclusion, micronutrients status especially vitamin D and zinc have important implications for thyroid health thereby requiring close monitoring of any thyroid deficiency related disorders in vulnerable population such as refugees. Clinical trial number: Not applicable
Investigation on Shape-Properties Integrated Fabrication of MF-WEDM for Hierarchical Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Liang Jingwei , Wang Yan , Lin Kun , Zhao Lihui , Chen Yu , Chen Yizhang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In order to establish a shape- properties integrated digital twin framework for magnetic field assisted electrical discharge machining (MF-WEDM), this study developed a multi-scale wettability simulation model based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), which directly correlates micro-morphological parameters of the surface with performance metrics, thereby enabling the direct simulation of virtual surface properties. Secondly, the influences of the virtual surface roughness and waviness on the antenna of MF-WEDM were studied for the first time by using the constructed multiphase flow model, which provided a foundational basis for optimizing both process and texture parameters. Then the texture surface with orthogonal geometric parameters was designed and its wetting characteristics were simulated. The geometric parameters of the texture were optimized according to the simulation results of contact angle (CA) and wetting state. Finally, a superhydrophobic surface with hierarchical structure was fabricated using MF-WEDM process in one step, and the simulation results were validated. The research results indicate that the unique rough surface formed by MF-WEDM can enhance the CA of TC4 surface from 79° to 113°, while appropriately designed submillimeter micro-grooves can further increase it to 151.3°, accompanied by a sliding angle (SA) of 8.6° as measured using small droplets (5 µL). the wetting states obtained from both LBM simulations and experiments are in complete agreement, with average error of only 1.3° and standard deviation of 4.6° for the CA. The developed all-digital model can directly realize the unique surface function in the cutting and forming process of parts, and has an important reference for the efficient preparation of functional surfaces.
The Helping Relationship Competence of the Family Health Team in Addressing Elderly Malnutrition: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Design Study
Authors: Taveira Adriana Sofia , Macedo Ana Paula , Ribeiro Jaime , Lamego Ana , Ferreira Marlene , Costa Patrício 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition in elderly people is a pressing public health issue, particularly in community settings, with prevalence estimates ranging from 0% to 83%. This variability highlights the complexity of accurately assessing malnutrition, which is influenced by multiple factors, including the socioeconomic and clinical profiles of elderly people. Despite its widespread impact, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding the role of healthcare professionals, particularly the influence of their helping relationship skills, on malnutrition outcomes in ageing populations. The research addresses this by exploring the critical relationship between malnutrition in elderly people and the helping relationship skills of their family health team (FHT), providing valuable insights that can inform clinical practice and improve care strategies in primary health care (PHC) settings.
Methods: A mixed cross-sectional design was used to survey 371 community-dwelling elderly individuals through the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and their FHT viathe Inventory of Helping Relationship Skills (ICRA). Multivariate analyses were performed on the quantitative data. The qualitative approach was considered via the focus group (FG) technique. Thematic content analysis was performed on their discourse.
Results: The study found that 29.2% of elderly people in PHC were malnourished. Significant differences were associated with sex (p=.048), age (p<.001), marital status (p=.023), educational level (p=.020) and diabetes status (p=.007). Logistic regression analysis identified age (OR=1.07), cohabitation (OR=0.372), diabetes (OR=2.85), and, of note, empathic competence of the FHT (OR=0.869) as important predictors of malnutrition. FHT empathy stood out as a significant independent factor, highlighting the essential role of compassionate, person-centred care in determining an elderly person's nutritional status. Despite the critical importance of adequate nutrition for the health of elderly people, FHTs pointed to the lack of validated nutritional screening tools in PHC. These findings highlight the need not only to improve clinical screening tools but also to strengthen the relational and empathic skills of health professionals, both of which are essential to effectively address malnutrition in this vulnerable population.
Conclusions: Malnutritionis frequently underdiagnosed at PHC. Nevertheless, the FHT’s exceptional empathic skills were emphasised as a powerful tool to mitigate this phenomenon.
A Metagenomic Study of Antibiotic Resistance Across Diverse Soil Types and Geographical Locations
Authors: Pillay Stephanie , Tepeli Yasin , Lent Paul van , Abeel Thomas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Soil naturally harbours antibiotic resistant bacteria and is considered to be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The overuse of antibiotics across human, animal, and environmental sectors has intensified this issue leading to an increased acquisition of antibiotic resistant genes by bacteria in soil. Various biogeographical factors, such as soil pH, temperature, and pollutants, play a role in the spread and emergence of antibiotic resistance in soil. In this study, we utilised publicly available metagenomic datasets from four different soil types (rhizosphere, urban, natural, and rural areas) sampled from nine distinct geographic locations to explore the patterns of antibiotic resistance in soils from different regions.
Results: Bradyrhizobiumwas predominant in vegetation soil types regardless of soil pH and temperature. ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa was prevalent in rural soil samples. Antibiotic resistance gene families such as 16s rRNA with mutations conferring resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, OXA β-lactamase, ANT(3''), and the RND and MFS efflux pump gene were identified in all soil types, with their abundances influenced by anthropogenic activities, vegetation, and climate in different geographical locations. Plasmids were more abundant in rural soils and were linked to aminoglycoside resistance. Integrons and integrative elements identified were associated with commonly used and naturally occurring antibiotics, showing similar abundances across different soil types and geographical locations.
Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance in soil may be driven by anthropogenic activities and biogeographical factors, increasing the risk of bacteria developing resistance and leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals.
Details matter: Defining substrate specificity in arogenate versus prephenate dehydratases
Authors: Clayton Emily J. , Smith-Uffen Megan , Duennwald Martin L. , Kohalmi Susanne E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid that can only be synthesized de novo by microorganisms and plants. In microorganisms, phenylalanine is synthesized through the prephenate pathway, requiring the activity of a prephenate dehydratase (PDT). In plants, phenylalanine is synthesized instead mostly through the arogenate pathway, requiring the enzyme arogenate dehydratase (ADT). In Arabidopsis, there is a family of six ADTs that catalyze this final step of phenylalanine biosynthesis. However, two of the AtADTs, AtADT1 and AtADT2, can also act as PDTs. All six AtADTs have a high sequence similarity, making it difficult to determine in silico which amino acids determine substrate specificity. Here we use domain swapping, targeted mutagenesis and pha2 yeast complementation to identify amino acids that confer PDT activity. In addition, we established a novel in vivo test of ADT activity to determine how these amino acid changes affect ADT and PDT activity of the AtADTs. Our results demonstrate that a combination of amino acids in the regulatory ACT domain are responsible for both ADT and PDT activity in the AtADTs.