bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic analysis of the gut virome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zhang Pan , Ma Shiyang , Guo Ruochun , Li Lu , Guo Xiaoyan , Chang Danyan , Li Shenghui , Zhang Huan , Fu Cui , Yang Longbao , Zhang Yue , Jiang Jiong , Wang Ting , Wang Jinhai , Shi Haitao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is recognized for its association with alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolome. This study delves into the largely unexplored domain of the gut virome in IBS patients. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fecal metagenomic data set from 277 IBS patients and 84 healthy controls to characterize the gut viral community. Our findings revealed a distinct gut virome in IBS patients compared to healthy individuals, marked by significant variances in between‐sample diversity and altered abundances of 127 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs). Specifically, 111 vOTUs, predominantly belonging to crAss‐like, Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, and Quimbyviridae families, were more abundant in IBS patients, whereas the healthy control group exhibited enrichment of 16 vOTUs from multiple families. We also investigated the interplay between the gut virome and bacteriome, identifying a correlation between IBS‐enriched bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Fusobacterium varium, and Ruminococcus gnavus, and the IBS‐associated vOTUs. Furthermore, we assessed the potential of gut viral signatures in predicting IBS, achieving a notable area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.834. These findings highlight significant shifts in the viral diversity, taxonomic distribution, and functional composition of the gut virome in IBS patients, suggesting the potential role of the gut virome in IBS pathogenesis and opening new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the gut virome in IBS management.
Using gross ecosystem product to harmonize biodiversity conservation and economic development in Southwestern China
Authors: Lin Ziyan , Wu Tong , Rao Enming , Xiao Yi , Ouyang Zhiyun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Gross ecosystem product (GEP) is the aggregate economic value of the final goods and services of the ecosystem produced within a given area, providing a potentially effective means of linking nature protection and restoration to development.

In this study, we calculated the values and distribution of biodiversity, GEP and gross domestic product (GDP) in the 547 counties of Southwestern China, a biodiversity hotspot. We then divided the region into nine types of area based on spatial correlations between the three indicators.

Areas with high biodiversity, GEP per km2 and GDP per capita were mainly found in and around the large cities of Kunming, Chengdu and Guiyang, reflecting a reasonably high degree of coupling coordination between ecosystems and the local economy.

Contrary to our hypotheses, areas with high biodiversity do not necessarily have high GEP, and regions with high GDP do not inherently have low biodiversity. This suggests that synergies exist between biodiversity conservation and economic development, and that increasing the value of material and non‐material services in GEP could improve this alignment.

Based on our findings, we argue that GEP can act as a bridge between biodiversity conservation and economic development. Understanding the interactions between biodiversity, GEP and GDP can inform the design of effective policies. In particular, we suggest that sustainable agricultural intensification and forestry along with ecotourism offer promising pathways for advancing nature‐positive development in this ecologically critical region.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
In Silico Structural and Functional Characterization of the Thaumatin‐Like Gene Family in Phaseolus lunatus Reveals the Potential for Microbial and Antiviral Activity
Authors: Matos Dalton Ferreira , Alves Maria Cidinaria Silva , da Silva Ruana Carolina Cabral , Santana Hortência E. P. , Ruzene Denise Santos , de Aragão Batista Marcus Vinicius , Silva Daniel P. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThaumatin‐like proteins (TLPs) are part of the pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins that are important in host plant defense. TLPs have multiple defense functions against pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and are involved in other biological processes of several living organisms. However, the biological role of TLPs must be elucidated for other species, such as Phaseolus lunatus, popularly known as lima bean. In this study, we propose to investigate the biological activity of TLPs in P. lunatus, which can help develop a detailed functional characterization of the TLP gene in other crop cultures. As a result, a total of 31 PlTPLs genes and 16 highly conserved cysteine residues for each family member were identified in the lima bean genome. Regarding phylogenetic analysis, 128 TLPs from different plant species, including P. lunatus, were used, and the phenetic tree revealed that the TLPs could be divided into six groups. The leading group was Group 4, containing 34 TLPs; the smallest was Group 7, containing only a single TLP. The analysis of antimicrobial and antiviral activity revealed that 27 PlTLPs have antimicrobial activity and 7 PlTLPs have potential antiviral activity. For chromosomal distribution of the PlTLPs, 8 of 11 chromosomes presented at least one PlTLs on one of the chromosomes. Finally, molecular modeling was carried out between two TLPs (PlTLP5 and PlTLP14), which presented antimicrobial and antiviral activity and did not have allergenic activity. The results showed that the two candidates presented ≥90% of their residues in the favorable regions and ∼10% in the permitted regions, demonstrating that the two PlTLPs are considered promising targets for biotechnological applications, especially those related to the genetic improvement of agricultural crops and the development of antimicrobial agents.
Sago‐grain nodules in tubercular pleural effusion
Authors: Madhusudan Manoj , Potti Priyanka , Chandra Tejaswi , Tukaram Srikanta J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 6‐year‐old boy was referred with complaints of chest pain for 2 months with low‐grade fever. A computerized tomography of the chest revealed a loculated pleural effusion on the left side. Medical thoracoscopy was performed that revealed a characteristic sago‐grain follicle over the parietal pleural. Histopathology and microbiological investigations on pleural biopsy samples confirmed tubercular pleural effusion.
PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Sutera Philip , Kim Jongmyung , Kumar Ritesh , Deek Rebecca A. , Stephenson Ryan , Mayer Tina , Saraiya Biren , Ghodoussipour Saum , Jang Thomas , Golombos David , Packiam Vignesh , Ennis Ronald , Hathout Lara , Jabbour Salma K. , Guler Ozan , Onal Cem , Tran Phuoc T. , Deek Matthew P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlterations in the PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway are commonly seen in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), however their role in outcomes is unknown. We aim to evaluate the prognostic significance as well as the genetic landscape of PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alteration in mCSPC.MethodsFourhundred and seventy‐two patients with mCSPC were included who underwent next generation sequencing. PIK3/Akt/mTor pathway alterations were defined as mutations in Akt1, mTOR, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PIK3R1, PTEN, TSC1, and TSC2. Endpoints of interests were radiographic progression‐free survival (rPFS), time to development of castration resistant prostate cancer (tdCRPC), and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed and Cox regression hazard ratios (HR) were calculated.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐two (31.9%) patients harbored a PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alteration. Median rPFS and tdCRPC were 23.7 and 21.0 months in PIK3/Akt/mTOR altered compared to 32.8 (p = 0.08) and 32.1 months (p = 0.002) in wildtype tumors. On multivariable analysis PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations were associated with tdCRPC (HR 1.43, 95% CI, 1.05–1.94, p = 0.02), but not rPFS [Hazard ratio (HR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.90–1.60, p = 0.21].PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations were more likely to be associated with concurrent mutations in TP53 (40% vs. 28%, p = 0.01) and TMPRSS2‐ERG (37% vs. 26%, p = 0.02) than tumors without PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations. Concurrent mutations were typically associated with shorter median times to rPFS and tdCRPC. DAVID analysis showed p53 signaling and angiogenesis pathways were enriched in PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway altered tumors while beta‐catenin binding and altered BRCA pathway were enriched in PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway wildtype tumors.ConclusionsPIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations were common in mCSPC and associated with poorer prognosis. The genetic landscape of PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway altered tumors differed from wildtype tumors. Additional studies are needed to better understand and target the PIK3/Akt/mTOR pathway in mCSPC.
Having any mental health condition before the COVID‐19 pandemic as a risk factor of COVID‐19 contagion during the first year of pandemic: A Spanish adult cohort
Authors: Lopez‐Romeo Sheila , Subira‐Alvarez Susana , Miranda‐Mendizabal Andrea , Piqueras‐Marques Jorge , Leal‐Pujol Raquel , Recoder Silvia , Calbo Esther , Casajuana‐Closas Marc , Forero Carlos G. , Castellvi Pere 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNumerous studies suggest that subjects suffering from a mental health condition before the COVID‐19 pandemic were at higher risk of contagion, but mostly are cross‐sectional or retrospective. The BIOVAL‐D‐COVID‐19 is a longitudinal cohort study design with 922 subjects who full filled two evaluations from an online survey of Spanish residents before and during the pandemic. Mental health conditions assessed were: Major Depressive Episode (MDE), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours (STB) and subthreshold of panic and bipolar disorder (BD). Mental health screening instruments used were: the Spanish version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 3.0 for the evaluation of MDE, the GAD‐7 scale to evaluate GAD; STB was evaluated with four items from the CIDI questionnaire. Panic Disorder and BD were screened from a modified and self‐reported version of the CIDI. A bivariate plus five logistic regression models were developed for each mental health condition adjusted by socio‐demographic variables; employment status; general and physical health; comorbidity; and including all previous variables and the other mental health conditions. We found in bivariate model that MDE; GAD and STB were statistically significant risk factors of contagion of COVID‐19. The logistic regression models developed reveal that having a previous GAD (aOR 3.30 1.31–8.31) or STB (aOR 2.16 CI 95% 1.01–4.62) was statistically significant associated with COVID‐19 contagion, independently of all variables included. MDE was not a risk factor of contagion when it was adjusted by comorbidity (aOR 0.99 CI 95% 0.47–2.09). It is recommended to detect those subjects with previous GAD or STB as vulnerable groups of infection to reduce contagion rates.
Compressive behavior of sustainable rubberized concrete‐filled steel tube columns having various recycled tire rubber aggregate contents and developing a predictive design model
Authors: Güneyisi Esra Mete , İpek Süleyman , Güneyisi Erhan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs a sustainable solution, employing recycled tire rubber aggregates in the production of concrete is of considerable interest. However, the applicability of rubberized concretes in construction is restricted due to their relatively low mechanical performance. Using rubberized concrete as a filling material in a steel tube provides a suitable solution for overcoming this issue and for using it effectively as a load‐bearing element. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the material characteristics of the sustainable rubberized concrete‐filled steel tube (Ru‐CFST) and develop a design model based on ultimate strength prediction for the axially loaded Ru‐CFST stub columns with varying contents of tire rubber aggregate. The model was developed through the gene expression programming (GEP) technique by employing the experimental test results to determine the ultimate compressive strength of Ru‐CFST columns. Based on the principal component analysis, the sectional properties of the load‐bearing element (such as outer diameter, thickness, and length), material strengths (such as rubberized concrete and steel tube strengths), and rubber content were determined as statistically significant parameters affecting the ultimate axial strength of Ru‐CFST stub columns and thus, they were considered in the stage of the model generation. Furthermore, the proposed model's performance was compared to that of available models suggested for traditional CFST columns by commonly employed design codes, namely, ACI, AIJ, AISC, CSA, EC4, and GB. Based on the statistical analysis of the results, it can be concluded that the existing formulations have a relatively acceptable randomness and scatter of observations within the distribution, while the proposed design model gives a more accurate prediction for the ultimate bearing capacity of axially loaded Ru‐CFST columns with the highest R‐squared value of about 0.99 and the comparatively lowest mean absolute percent error of 7.54. It can be stated that the proposed GEP‐based design model will encourage engineers to use such sustainable structural members in their designs and constructions.
The value of supply chain orientation in entrepreneurship: Implications for opportunity evaluation and Lean Startup
Authors: Schwieterman Matthew A. , Welter Chris 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSupply chain management (SCM) research and entrepreneurship research rarely overlap, which is unfortunate because incorporating SCM thinking may be a key element enabling an entrepreneurial firm to succeed at becoming a long‐term, profitable entity. The entrepreneurial process occurs in three distinct, overlapping, and iterative phases: identification, evaluation, and exploitation. Often, SCM is an afterthought for entrepreneurs, occurring only in the final phase of the entrepreneurial process. This article makes the case for an earlier focus on SCM within the entrepreneurship process. Specifically, we outline how an entrepreneur's supply chain orientation (SCO) may be especially important in the opportunity evaluation phase where Lean Startup processes take place. SCO may enable entrepreneurs to make more accurate assessments and more efficient allocation of limited capital. SCO may lead an entrepreneur to be more aware of how planning, sourcing and production, and logistics may impact the attractiveness of a given opportunity and may facilitate a more accurate evaluation of opportunities, as well as value co‐creation with potential supply chain partners. The result would be a more efficient entrepreneurial process with less waste in terms of time and resources and more value from incorporating supply chain partners in evaluation decisions.
A novel design of recurrent neural network to investigate the heat transmission of radiative Casson nanofluid flow consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across a curved stretchable surface
Authors: Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Ilyas Hira , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Shoaib Muhammad 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to develop a supervised learning artificial recurrent neural network algorithm supported by Bayesian regularization called (ARNN‐BR) to analyze the impact of physical parameters, including radius of curvature (), Casson parameter (), heat generation parameter () and radiation parameter () on velocity fʹ(η), and temperature profiles θ(η) in Casson nanofluid consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐CNF) model for single and multiwalled CNTs across a curved stretched surface. The numerical dataset of the proposed model has been constructed by varying various parameters for five scenarios that are used in a Bayesian regularization‐based intelligent computing method to build networks for approximating the numerical solutions of CNTs‐CNF model. It is observed that increment in the dimensionless radius of curvature () causes to rise an increase in the velocity profile fʹ(η) for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. However, a contrasting trend is observed when the Casson parameter () is increased to higher values. The temperature θ(η) of fluid increases as the heat generation parameter () and radiation parameter () increase. However, an opposite behavior is noticed when the dimensionless radius of curvature () varies. The effectiveness and significance of designed Bayesian regularization based artificial recurrent neural networks (ARNN‐BR) is demonstrated through regression index measurements, error histogram studies, auto‐correlation analysis and convergence curves showing a minimal level of mean square error (E‐11 to E‐04) for the comprehensive simulations of CNTs‐CNF model. The designed ARNN‐BR algorithm is employed in many domains such as voice recognition, machine translation, identification of neurological brain illnesses as well as for automated translation of texts across different languages.
Overcoming the Long Shadow of the Past: Defense AI in Japan
Authors: Tsuchiya Motohiro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSince the end of World War II, Japan has not had a full-fledged military, but only Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the sole purpose of “exclusively defensive defense.” Hesitancy exists in society, especially in academia, to research and develop technologies that could be diverted to military use. This has created a long shadow of the past in which public opinion, strategic culture, and the academic-industrial ecosystem mutually reinforce each other not to directly address defense technologies, though Japan is often recognized as one of the most technologically advanced countries. However, with the recent deterioration of the national security environment around Japan, such hesitance is weakening, and research and development of technologies that can be applied to defense purposes is now being conducted, also in cooperation with partners like the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) for defense purposes began in earnest around 2022, with descriptions found in government and defense documents, and budget appropriations beginning to be made. However, the budget size is miniscule and no special organization for defense AI exists. In addition, there is no plan to use defense AI in earnest in defense operations, and it is merely positioned as one of the technologies that are attracting widespread attention. The defense industry is working on AI across the board, but Japan’s defense industry has a large proportion of civilian demand, and there are aspects of the industry that are not necessarily for defense use. If necessary, they will be applied to defense applications, but they are not actively promoted as AI for defense. Attempts to deepen the knowledge of AI among SDF personnel have only just begun.
Reimagining Defense Innovation: Defense AI in Singapore
Authors: Raska Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter explores conceptual, organizational, and technological development of AI in Singapore’s defense and military innovation paths and patterns. It argues that Singapore’s thinking about defense AI is driven through broader technological innovation and defense management imperatives, not only in meeting the Singapore Armed Forces future operational requirements but perhaps more importantly, sustainment of these technologies and capabilities in synergistic applications within Singapore’s civil-military innovation ecosystem. In the process, the development of AI in defense is conditioned by policy imperatives for responsible innovation and AI governance—responsible, reliable, robust, and safe AI in defense innovation and military use. These are embedded in Singapore’s ‘Ops-Tech’ model of defense innovation, which fosters a deep operational understanding, technology expertise, and collaborative culture between the varying actors in Singapore’s defense ecosystem. Equally important are also organizational aspects such as collaborative defense planning that relies on diverse networks within and outside the defense ecosystem– the military, government agencies, and increasingly private tech companies sharing data and best practices to tackle Singapore’s complex security challenges and risks in novel ways. Finally, the chapter highlights Singapore’s implementation of AI-oriented defense and military innovation, focusing on specific examples of SAF’s digitization, robotization, and sensor revolution in the context of the SAF 2040 transformation.
When the Teeth Eat the Tail: Defence AI in Canada
Authors: Engen Robert C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCanada is in trouble when it comes to defence artificial intelligence (AI) and is positioned to become a cautionary tale of the early AI years. Although Canada is well-placed globally for AI research, development, funding, and implementation, the country’s defence force is badly positioned to embrace digital transformation. This is a consequence of the organization’s structure, history, and culture, rather than of technical shortcomings. Without remedy, Canada’s AI systems will be small-scale projects, spread throughout siloes within the military complex, with almost no cross-pollination between them. These AI systems will be focused on hyper-specific operational and tactical uses cases faced by the various commands. Currently, Canada focuses primarily on data analytics, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, mine clearing, targeting and medical services. Defence AI research is supported by significant government funding. However, the Canadian Armed Forces face an uphill struggle in their attempts to both recruit new talent as well as make proper use of the existing talent within the armed forces in defence AI.
Biomarking Life
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBoenink and Molen help us reflect on how biomarkers come to change our conceptions of disease and patient care in the future. However, whether biomarkers make disease more physiological and anticipatory and medicine more person centred may need more research. Clearly, biomarkers can decouple medicine and healthcare from what matters to people (such as pain, dysfunction, and suffering), reducing the moral relevance of medicine. Hence, putting biomarkers at the center of medicine may not mean that we set persons at the center of medicine, as they claim. On the contrary, a biomarkerization of medicine may make us all diseased, as there are no healthy persons left, only persons that have not been sufficiently biomarkerized. Biomarkers may do more than detecting or anticipating disease. They may come to define “the good life” and how we feel and fare.