bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing of RDR1 and RDR6 genes by a single RNAi enhances lettuce's capacity to express recombinant proteins in transient assays
Authors: Ramadan Abdelaziz , Oka Kaho , Miura Kenji 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Improved yields of recombinant proteins (RP) are necessary for protein production efficiency and ease of purification. Achieving high yield in non-tobacco plants will enable diverse plants to be used as hosts in transient protein expression systems. With improved protein yield, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) could take the lead as a plant host for RP production. Therefore, this study aimed to improve RP production in lettuce var. Salinas by designing a single RNA interference (RNAi) construct targeting LsRDR1and LsRDR6 using the Tsukuba system vector. Two RNAi constructs, RNAi-1 and RNAi-2, targeting common regions of LsRDR1 and LsRDR6 with 75% and 76% similarity, respectively, were employed to evaluate simultaneous gene silencing. Quantitative transcription analysis demonstrated that both RNAi constructs effectively knocked down LsRDR6 and LsRDR1, but not LsRDR2, at both 3 and 5 days post-infiltration (dpi), with RNAi-1 exhibited slightly higher efficiency. Based on the protein yield, co-expression of RNAi-1 with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) increased EGFP expression by approximately 4.9-fold and 3.7-fold at 3 dpi and 5 dpi, respectively, compared to control. A similar but slightly lower increase (2.4-fold and 2.33-fold) was observed in commercial lettuce at 3 dpi and 5 dpi, respectively. To confirm these results, co-infiltration with Bet V 1, a major allergen from birch pollen, resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in expression in Salinas lettuce at 5 dpi. This study marks a significant advancement in enhancing transient protein production in lettuce, elevating its potential as a host for recombinant protein production.
Exploring the causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and gastrointestinal tumors: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Xinhui , Wu Jiayang , Xu Xi , Zhang Dong , Dong Qiu , Lai Wenqi , Shi Changzheng , Luo Liangping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Autoimmune diseases (AID) may be associated with gastrointestinal cancer. This study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization method to examine the potential correlation between AID and gastrointestinal cancer. AD, such as sarcoidosis, Graves’ disease (GD), multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and celiac disease (CD), were selected. Gastrointestinal tumors include colorectal cancer (CRC), colonic pseudopolyposis, colorectal neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors and sarcomas.
Methods: We used genome-wide association study data from the Finngen R10 database and the IEU study data. We employed the inverse variance-weighted method to explore the causal relationship between the exposure and outcomes.
Results: Sarcoidosis and psoriasis were associated with a reduced risk of CRC, whereas GD was linked to an increased risk. SLE, RA, T1D, and GD are associated with a decreased risk of colonic pseudopolyps, whereas CD, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, and MS are associated with an increased risk.Sarcoidosis, SS, and T1D were associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas, whereas CD and MS were associated with an increased risk. Sarcoidosis, SS, and MS are linked to a reduced risk of developing gastrointestinal stromal tumors and sarcomas, while RA is associated with an increased risk. Additionally, CRC is associated with an increased risk of sarcoidosis.
Conclusion: Autoimmune diseases may be associated with the incidence and development of gastrointestinal tumors, whereas cancer may promote sarcoidosis.
Mapping broad-spectrum virus resistance in Brassica rapa using an advantageous tandem genotyping by sequencing approach
Authors: Bramham Lawrence , Barker Guy , Walsh John 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is an aphid-vectored plant pathogen impacting the cultivation of important crop species. Few robust and even fewer broad-spectrum sources of genetic resistance against TuMV have been identified, reliably mapped then deployed effectively. The chief purpose of work outlined here was to map one such unexploited broad-spectrum resistance identified in Brassica rapa, line BR05058. Due to limited genotypic information existing for this material and high intraspecific variation known to exist across B. rapa, a secondary objective was to explore the use of complementary genotyping strategies for biparental population mapping in a germplasm-specific whilst cost-effective manner.
Results
Valuable TuMV resistance was mapped to an interval of 1.22 or 3.42 Mbp, depending on choice of reference assembly alignment, on B. rapa chromosome A06. This was achieved by first employing reduced-representation genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of purely the parental plants of a first backcross (BC1) mapping population which segregated for resistance to an informative isolate of TuMV (GBR 6). In tandem, cost-effective targeted GBS of 500 loci of interest identified from parental GBS applied to 190 BC1 samples allowed construction of a robust linkage map and subsequent trait mapping. Exploration of the mapped region of interest in silico suggested three notable B. rapa candidate genes; these exhibited characteristic resistance gene-associated motifs, were in proximity and considered likely paralogues.
Conclusions
Due to the selective generation of GBS data from purely BC1 parental samples followed by targeted genotyping of the wider population, the approach employed here is considered to have retained the wider benefits associated with prospective GBS of all 190 BC1 samples, however in a notably more cost-effective strategy. A key benefit is that candidate TuMV resistance-associated genes of interest can be investigated further by using the extant GBS data from parental samples. The lack of a strict need for prior genotypic information of material under investigation may render the approach developed here attractive for similar trait mapping efforts, for example where material under investigation is either uncharacterised or genetically distinct from available genomic resources.
Effects of material properties and dimensions on buckling behavior of thin-walled cylindrical shell under hydrostatic pressure and axial force using an Abaqus developed plugin
Authors: Saedpanah Vahid , Mostafaei Mohammad Ali , Dibajian Seyed Houssain 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Underwater thin-walled shells are widely used for underwater robots and are prone to buckling due to external hydrostatic pressure. These shells are produced by welding two circular plates to a cylinder. Various materials can be selected for shell fabrication in various sizes. The current study aims to study the effect of material properties and design parameters on the buckling behavior of cylindrical thin-walled shells. To this end, a plugin was developed in Abaqus to simulate a cylindrical shell according to defined properties and geometries. In this step, cylindrical shells with various material properties and various cylinder geometries were modeled, and the pressurizing process was simulated using the Riks method. Results showed that the buckling resistance directly increases by yield stress increase, and ultimate stress, yield strain, and plastic strain do not affect the buckling behavior. The study on geometrical parameters showed that the shell length in this case study does not change significantly the critical pressure. However, by adding the shell diameter, the buckling resistance decreases. On the contrary, the higher thickness led to higher resistance. Finally, modeling reliability is validated by an experimental approach. Here, a few cylindrical shells were manufactured and tested. Differences between results were around 5 percent, meaning the model is acceptable and reliable for future design by adding a safety factor.
Overlooked role of heterotrophic prokaryotes in sulfur oxidation makes the sediment of the Bohai Sea as a sufficient sink of H2S
Authors: Chen Zhiyi , Xun Luying , Xia Yongzhen , Gong Xianzhe 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Marine sediments are the active sites for the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur. Sulfate is used as a major terminal electron acceptor for anaerobic oxidation of organic compounds in marine sediments, and the produced sulfide is normally oxidized back to sulfate in upper sediments, mainly considered as a biological process. The low abundance or even absence of autotrophic sulfur oxidizing bacteria in marine sediments challenges this point.
Results:
Here, we used metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and the testing of sulfide, thiosulfate, and sulfite oxidation in sediment samples to figure out how sulfide is oxidized in the Bohai Sea sediments. Surprisingly, sulfur oxidation is wide-spread in the microbial community (> 85.8%) of mostly heterotrophic prokaryotes across 67 phyla, dominated by Proteobacteria. Known chemolithotrophic sulfur oxidizers were absent. The prevalent sulfur oxidizing pathway was sulfide to zerovalent sulfur, sulfite, and then sulfate. Thiosulfate, which was only slowly oxidized, is not a major metabolic intermediate, contradicting with the dominant thiosulfate shunt in sulfur cycling. Genes encoding sulfide oxidation (sqr and fccAB), zerovalent sulfur oxidation (pdo, rdsrAB, and hdrABC), and sulfite oxidation (aprAB/sat) were abundant and upregulated after adding NaHS.
Conclusions:
The findings reveal how sulfur is oxidized, and the common participation in sulfur oxidation by most heterotrophic prokaryotes ensures that sulfide is effectively oxidized in the surface sediment.
Impact of Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass on Locomotive Syndrome and Frailty in an Elderly Japanese Population: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Nakashima Hiroaki , Ito Sadayuki , Segi Naoki , Ouchida Jun , Yamauchi Ippei , Tanaka Satoshi , Takegami Yasuhiko , Ishizuk Shinya , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: The roles of fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in locomotive syndrome (LS) and frailty are not well understood. The current study explored the associations between FMI and FFMI and the prevalence of LS and frailty in an elderly Japanese population.
Methods: This study examined 814 participants who underwent health checkups. Body composition including FMI, FFMI, and bone mineral content was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis. LS was assessed using the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and frailty was evaluated using the Japanese Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex was also performed.
Results: A high FMI was significantly associated with LS, and a low FFMI was significantly associated with frailty. A U-shaped association was observed between FMI and frailty. Hence, both low and high FMI were associated with increased frailty risk. Participants diagnosed with both LS and frailty had a higher FMI and lower FFMI than those diagnosed with only one of the two conditions.
Conclusions: FMI and FFMI have distinct roles in LS and frailty among elderly individuals. Monitoring and managing body composition via targeted interventions can improve musculoskeletal health and quality-of-life in aging populations.
Assessing Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer In Karachi, Pakistan: A Multi-center Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Allana Asad , Inayat Alijaan , Khowaja Mohiba Ali , Shamsi Uzma , Rashid Yasmin , Khan Farhan Raza , Rozi Shafquat 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In Pakistan, women undergoing chemotherapy are usually unaware of the potential impact of the treatment on their oral health quality of life. This study aims to assess the impact of chemotherapy on oral health quality of life.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 breast cancer (BC) patients on chemotherapy coming to Aga Khan Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate medical center. Data collection was performed using a validated questionnaire for sociodemographic variables, types and frequency of oral hygiene measures, oral mucositis (OM) and oral health quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral examination was performed. Data was analyzed using simple linear regression method.
Results
Among these females, 119 were married, with a mean age of 47.64 ± 10.89 years. OM was present in 88, 25 used miswak/dentonic, 33 did not receive care by dentists/nurses, 15 reported moderate to severe gingival inflammation, and 85 were at stage 3 BC. OHRQoL was significantly associated with OM, women’s age, marital status, gingival status, and platelet count.
Conclusion
This multi-center cross-sectional study highlights the significance of OHRQoL among BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive oral health care for these patients to improve their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Assessment of childbirth-related PTSD: Psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of City Birth Trauma Scale
Authors: Chrzan-Dętkoś Magdalena , Murawska Natalia , Krupelnytska Liudmyla , Moreira Helena , Rodríguez-Muño Maria F. , Costa Raquel , Nakić Sandra , García-López Helena S. , Uka Ana , Vavilova Alona , Morozova-Larina Olha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
There is no validated Ukrainian instrument for assessing childbirth-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD) according to DSM-5 criteria.
Objectives
Evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS) and examine its factor structure.
Method
In a cross-sectional study, 320 women completed online questionnaires, including the City BiTS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, and a sociodemographic questionnaire.
Results
The prevalence of CB-PTSD in Ukraine was 6.2%. Confirmatory analyses were conducted to assess the fit of two-factor and four-factor models, as well as a bifactor model. The bifactor model was found to be the best-fitting model. The examination of the bifactor indices supported the computation of a total PTSD score as well as the use of the General Symptoms subscale, which emerged as distinct and well-defined factors. Both subscales (Birth-Related Symptoms subscale and General Symptoms subscale) and the total scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .92). Convergent and divergent validity testing indicated robust validity, particularly for General symptoms score.
Conclusions
The City BiTS emerged as a reliable and valid measure, recommended for use among Ukrainian women in the postpartum period as a screening method.
Trial registration. Clinical trial registration was completed at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05654987 (Date: December 16, 2022)..
Thermal degradation and decomposition of FR4 laminate PCB substrates joined by Friction Riveting
Authors: Rodrigues Camila. F. , Blaga Lucian , Klusemann Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Glass fiber-reinforced epoxy laminates (FR4), widely used in printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, face challenges in joining processes due to their susceptibility to thermal degradation. Friction Riveting, a promising technique for joining FR4 substrates, offers advantages over traditional methods, but might induce thermal damage at elevated temperatures. This study investigates the thermal degradation mechanisms of FR4 laminates joined by Friction Riveting, focusing on the influence of process parameters and copper layer configuration. Microscopic cross-sectional analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed to assess thermal degradation under different joining conditions. The results revealed that higher process temperatures led to increased rivet deformation and charring of FR4, especially in laminates with double copper layers. The presence of copper layers influenced the decomposition behavior, exhibiting a complex interaction between enhanced thermal stability and accelerated degradation due to increased thermal conductivity and friction. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing process parameters to mitigate thermal damage and ensure the reliability of friction-riveted FR4 joints in PCB assemblies.
Artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction and modeling of Fe(II) adsorption from contaminated groundwater using Deccan Hemp stem-derived activated carbon
Authors: Wairokpam Reenarani , Ningthoujam Sudhakar , Kumar Potsangbam Albino 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Iron is a vital element for humans to survive, yet consuming too much of it can be detrimental to one's health. Iron contamination in groundwater is mainly in the form of ferrous iron Fe(II). Adsorption is highly suggested as a commonly utilized, cost-effective, and convenient method for Fe(II) removal. This study uses activated carbon derived from the stem of deccan hemp (ACDH) as adsorbent for removing Fe(II) from the groundwater. Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis were used to characterize the adsorbent. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Temkin isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption process and are best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 10.989 mg/g Fe(II) at a 4.0 g/L ACDH dose. The adsorbent ACDH exhibits second- order adsorption kinetics for the adsorption of Fe(II). The thermodynamic study verified that the adsorption process is both endothermic and spontaneous, leading to an increasing degree of adsorption. The adsorption of Fe(II) was simulated using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique and accurately predicted the batch process through the use of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The comparison between the experimental data and model outputs showed a strong correlation, indicating that the initial information was in close accord with the data predicted by ANN. The high Fe(II) adsorption capacity makes ACDH an efficient and economical adsorbent material for removing Fe(II) from groundwater.
Sustainable Steel Production: A Comprehensive LCA Approach for Reducing Environmental Costs and Impacts
Authors: Baghbadarani Aref Ahmadian , Ashrafi Khosro , Karbassi Abdolreza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The life cycle assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool for evaluating environmental impacts and costs. In this study, LCA was applied to steel production, specifically focusing on the electric arc furnace (EAF) and the Midrex direct reduction of iron ore. The functional unit considered is one tonne of molten steel extracted from the EAF. EAF inputs mainly consist of sponge iron with a 90:10 proportion of sponge iron to scrap. The study employs the ReCiPe (H) 2016 V1.1 method for LCA, and environmental cost calculations utilize the Environmental Prices method. The total environmental costs, normalized midpoint impacts, and normalized endpoint impacts amount to 462.72 euros, 8.11 pt and, 0.13 pt, respectively. The analysis of steel production identifies three principal stages: Sponge Iron Consumption, Electricity Consumption, Other Inputs and Outputs Associated with Steel Production. Notably, electricity consumption and sponge iron usage account for approximately 70% and 75% of the impacts on midpoints and endpoints, respectively, as well as 75% of the total environmental costs. Making specific choices—such as using solar power instead of traditional gas-based electricity and scrap instead of sponge iron—can effectively enhance the sustainability of the steel-making process. The scenario VI, when compared to other scenarios, results in the following reductions: Midpoint Impacts: 5.03 pt, Endpoint Impacts: 0.04 pt, Environmental Costs: 167.69 euros. Regarding the ReCiPe method, it was assessed from various perspectives. The egalitarian perspective consistently demonstrated the highest value at the endpoint level, followed by the hierarchist and individualist viewpoints.
DRR-YOLO: A Multiscale Wood Surface Defect Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: WANG Rijun , CHEN Yesheng , ZHANG Guanghao , LIANG Fulong , WANG Bo , MOU Xiangwei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Wood surface defect detection technology offers the advantages of being non-destructive, rapid, accurate, and economical. It plays a crucial role in wood grade sorting, defect detection, improving the quality of sawn timber, and accelerating the automation of wood processing. Currently, there are challenges in accurately identifying multi-scale wood defects and insufficient overall detection accuracy in the field of wood defect detection. To address these issues, a new wood defect detection model named DRR-YOLO is proposed in this study. This proposed model combines the DWR module and the DRB module to innovatively form the DRRB module, replacing the bottleneck part of the C2f module in the YOLOv8 backbone, thereby constructing the C2f-DRRB module. This module effectively extracts multi-scale feature information. Additionally, by introducing the LSKA attention mechanism, the DRR-YOLO captures a wider range of global information. The neck structure of the DRR-YOLO is reconstructed using BiFPN, further enhancing the integration of feature information. In a series of ablation and comparative experiments, the DRR-YOLO model demonstrates superior performance, with its mean average precision (mAP) improved by 5.2% compared to the original algorithm. This effectively meets the wood industry's demand for accurate detection of wood defects.
Optimizing beam performance: ANSYS simulation and ANN-based analysis of CFRP strengthening with various opening shapes
Authors: - Tahera , Patil Kshitij S , Urs Neethu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In modern construction, pipes and ducts are necessary for computer networking, electrical systems, air conditioning, water distribution, sewage management, and critical services. These conduits, which typically have diameters between a few millimeters and half a meter, can weaken beam strength, increase deflection, encourage cracking, and lessen stiffness, all of which can compromise the structural integrity of buildings. One creative and affordable way to overcome these obstacles is to retrofit concrete structures with CFRP sheets. Many advantages come with this technology, including a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, remarkable fatigue durability, simplicity of installation, and minimum impact on existing structural parts. The current research examines the performance of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beams featuring various openings—rectangular, rounded rectangular, elliptical, and circular—in the shear zone. The study assesses the performance of three different CFRP reinforcement procedures using ANSYS software. It considers three different wrapping methods in comparison to a control beam and an opening without wrapping. The focus of the analysis is on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to observe stress variations under applied loads, enabling comparisons of different beam deflections. According to analytical data, the use of CFRP reinforcement around the apertures—both internally and externally—significantly increases load-carrying capacity, which is nearly identical to the control beam's—especially for circular holes where there is a more equal distribution of stress. Additionally, the study explores the generation of beam deflection data through ANSYS FEA simulations, which is followed by training an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model in MATLAB and Python. The resulting ANN model serves as a rapid and accurate alternative to traditional FEA in structural analysis by effectively predicting beam deflections across various scenarios. This research contributes valuable insights towards improving structural resilience in contemporary construction practices, particularly regarding the integration of essential services.