bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tillandsia recurvata microbiome from trees and fences
Authors: Siqueira Josiane Soares , Carvalho Lucas Amoroso Lopes , Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , Pinheiro Daniel Guariz , Nicodemo Daniel , Desoignies Nicolas , Rigobelo Everlon Cid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Tillandsia recurvata is an epiphytic plant commonly found in tropical regions and colonizes tree trunks, fences, and power wires. This plant plays an important role in interacting with trees, sharing microorganisms, and performing specific functions in the process of tree colonization. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the microbiomes of T. recurvata collected from two different locations (trees and fences) and two plant tissues (leaves and roots). The hypothesis of this study was that the microbiome of plants on the fence is composed of microorganisms that would provide nutritional support to compensate for the lack of nutrients in a particular area. The results showed significant differences in microbial diversity between trees and fences, with trees exhibiting higher richness and more complex microbial networks. Proteobacteria was the most prevalent bacterial phylum, with Actinobacteria and Sphingomonas also playing key roles in nitrogen fixation and plant growth. Fungal communities were similar across locations, with Ascomycota and Basidiomycota being predominant, but Paraconiothyrium and Nigrospora showed significant differences in abundance between trees and fences. Functional analysis indicated similar metabolic profiles across leaf and root samples, with key functions including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, stress control, and biofertilization.
Risk Factors and Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Umbilical Artery Thrombosis: A Comparison with Single Umbilical Artery
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhang Jitai , Yin Fengli , Chen Wenyao , Xiang Huiqiu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite relative abundant data on SUA, information on UAT is limited. Both conditions, though pathologically different, can result in similar clinical outcomes. Herein, we evaluated the risk factors and their effects on pregnancy outcomes for single umbilical artery (SUA) and umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT), and assess the consistency of these factors with adverse outcomes to explore the applicability of SUA prevention and management strategies to UAT.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study investigated pregnancies diagnosed with SUA and UAT between 2017 and 2021 at a tertiary hospital. Data on medical history, birth details, and diagnoses were collected from medical records. The potential causes of SUA and UAT were explored through comparative analyses with control groups and further regression analysis. Logistic regression models evaluated the adverse pregnancy outcomes potentially caused by SUA and UAT, with a comparative analysis of the adverse outcomes associated with both conditions.
Results
Prior cesarean section and in vitro fertilization were identified as independent risk factors for SUA, while nulliparity, prior cesarean section, and IVF were identified for UAT. SUA was associated with low birth weight, preterm labor, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), congenital heart defects (CHD) and urinary system malformations (USM). UAT was linked to LBW, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, fetal distress, NRDS, and CHD. Compared to SUA, fetuses with UAT had significantly lower birth weights and greater incidences of LBW, FGR, preterm labor, and fetal distress.
Conclusions
The UAT encompasses the risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with SUA, suggesting that similar prenatal and postnatal care strategies may be applicable. However, due to the heightened risk profile and severity of outcomes in UAT, future research should focus on developing more specialized care protocols to address these challenges.
New global minimum conformers for the Pt19 and Pt20 clusters. Low symmetric species featuring different active sites
Authors: Guevara-Vela José Manuel , Gallegos Miguel , Rocha-Rinza Tomás , Muñoz-Castro Álvaro , Rodríguez-Kessler Peter L. , Pendás Ángel Martín 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The study of Pt clusters and nanoparticles is a prominent area of research due to their ex- tensive range of potential technological applications, particularly in the field of catalysis. The electronic properties of Pt clusters that result in optimal catalytic performance at the nanoscale are significantly influenced by their size and structure. In this report, we sought to evaluate the lowest-energy candidates for Pt18−20 species via Density Functional Theory, identifying more favorable conformers than those previously documented in the literature. New low-symmetry conformers for the Pt19 and Pt20 systems were identified, which are 3.0 and 1.0 kcal/mol more stable, respectively, than previously reported structures (Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter Mater. Phys., 2008, 77, 205418). Furthermore, we examined the impact of diverse DFT ap- proximations, including GGA (PBE), meta-GGA (TPSS, M06-L), hybrid (PBE0 and PBEh), meta-GGA hybrid (TPSSh), and range-separated hybrid (ωB97x) functionals. Additionally, we evaluated the quality of the employed basis sets in determining the relative energies and structures of the investigated clusters. Our findings indicate that a correct energy ordering for the different isomers examined can only be achieved by employing density functional approximations that incorporate moderate levels of exact Hartree-Fock exchange, in conjunction with the utilization of basis sets of at least quadruple-zeta quality. The resulting structures are asymmetric, with different active sites as evidenced by the analysis of the sigma holes on the electrostatic potential surface. This observation suggests a potential correlation between the electronic structure and the catalytic properties of these Pt clusters, which merits further investigation. We expect that this work will prove to be a valuable reference point for future electronic structure reports dealing with the precise ordering of structures in the determination of global minima of metallic clusters.
Fabrication and Fluorescence Analysis of Rhodamine Dyes in Polycarbonate Serpentine Microfluidic System
Authors: Al-Jarwany Q. A. , Habeeb Salih Abbas , Bakly Ali A.K. , Walton Chris D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This work investigates the emission of polycarbonate substrates (PC) by UV-visible. Erotic nano-stage and 193 nm laser ablation are used to measure the ablation threshold (16mj.sec-1) of PC at 193nm wavelength after that ablation process continued to produce microfluidic serpentine channels on PC by using G-Code. The fluorescence characteristics of Rhodamine 6G and Rhodamine 101 are investigated. To conduct a more quantitative analysis of the absorption and emission spectrum, plot the integrated signal strength of absorption and emission at the peak wavelength against the concentrations of R6G and R101. Furthermore, the refractive indices of both R6G and R1010 vis concentrations are investigated; at low concentrations, there was overlapping, and at high concentrations, there was the least amount of overlapping. We observed that the two dyes differed greatly from one another; R101 showed better photostability and a more consistent diffusion, whereas R6G had a faster diffusion and stronger fluorescence intensity. These differences were caused by the different molecular structures of the dyes and their interactions with the PC micro-channel. The present research illustrates the varied behaviors of two fluorescent dyes in such environments and highlights the importance of precise microfabrication techniques in the development of microfluidic devices. This article presents experimental results for two dyes, R6G and R101. These are standard dyes with high Quantum Yields (QY), QY efficiencies depend on several factors one of which includes solvent concentrations, which are typically 97% and 100% respectively. These dyes will be used as standards when we measure QY for other non-standard materials. Other dyes are currently being synthesized within the chemistry department at the University of Hull. The dyes will be integrated on-board the LOC systems in reservoirs and cavities suitably positioned on the substrate architecture. Routing light around the small foot-print of LOC devices and spatially controlling how the light is confined to a waveguide is highly important in this work.
Silver nanoparticles reduce ACE2 expression via changing mitochondrial function in human fibroblast-like lung cell and periodontal ligament fibroblast cells
Authors: Takahashi Shosei , Tomita Kazuo , Igarashi Kento , Kuwahara Yoshikazu , Kitanaka Junichi , Kitanaka Nobue , Tanaka Koh-ichi , Kurimasa Akihiro , Kamikawa Yoshiaki , Sato Tomoaki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated antibacterial properties and are widely recognized as one of the most prominent types of nanoparticles. Recent studies have highlighted their effectiveness against coronaviruses. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the action of AgNPs on viruses and their impacts on the human body remain to be fully elucidated. Thus, we attempt to delineate the preventive effects of AgNPs against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings indicate that treatment with AgNPs reduces ACE2 expression, a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 particularly in normal oral and lung cells. Additionally, we observed a decrease in the binding affinity of the spike protein to the cell after AgNP treatment. Through western blot analysis, we identified the involvement of the AKT and/or mTOR signaling pathway in this process. Since AKT and mTOR signaling have been reported to affect mitochondrial function, we investigated the effects of AgNP treatment on mitochondria. As a result, we found the localization of AgNPs within mitochondria. Furthermore, it was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial Fe2+ and reactive oxygen species levels, ultimately resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results underscore the remarkable efficacy of AgNP treatment in preventing coronavirus infections.
Assessment of the State of Pharmacovigilance in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, using WHO Pharmacovigilance Indicators
Authors: Ezeodimegwu Augustus Chukwuebuka , Iloabuchi Francis Chibuike , Onyia Ifunanya Mary-Ann , Eze Cynthia Chidubem , Ezenri Gabriel , Onyekwuo Princess Chidimma , Ihemegbulam Chukwuebuka Vincent , Isah Abdulmuminu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The importance of pharmacovigilance (PV) in ensuring drug safety, especially in the detection and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is critical. However, PV activities in Nigeria still face many challenges, such as very low spontaneous reporting rates, and inadequate training and funding. This study assessed the state of pharmacovigilance in the federal capital territory of Nigeria (FCT), using WHO pharmacovigilance indicators.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out among secondary healthcare facilities in the FCT. The WHO Pharmacovigilance Indicators Questionnaire, which consists of the structural, process and outcome measures, was used to collect data from the focal person for pharmacovigilance at all the consenting facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize all variables. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of the FCT development authority.
Results
Of the 14 secondary healthcare facilities in the FCT, 11 agreed to the study (response rate = 84.6%). Among the respondents, 4 (36.4%) were females, and 2 (18.2%) had 9 years of experience in pharmacovigilance. For the core structural indicators, 7 (63.6%) of the facilities had a pharmacovigilance center while only 4 (36.4%) had a copy of the Nigerian pharmacovigilance policy. Regarding financial provisions, 10 (90.9%) hospitals reported that there was no regular financial provision for the center while 10 (90.9%) centers had a standard adverse drug reaction reporting form. For the core process indicators, the mean ± SD of the nine core process indicators ranged from 0.9 ± 3.0 to 75.6 ± 38.6 and the total number of reports in the local database, therapeutic ineffectiveness, and medication error were limited.
Conclusion
The assessment of pharmacovigilance activities in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria revealed significant gaps in infrastructure, financial support, and process implementation. Despite the presence of pharmacovigilance centers in the majority of facilities, the lack of consistent financial support and limited adherence to core process indicators highlight the need for enhanced training, resources, and policy enforcement to improve ADR reporting and overall drug safety monitoring. Strengthening these areas is crucial for advancing pharmacovigilance practices and ensuring patient safety in Nigeria.
Nasal microbial diversity is associated with survival in piglets infected by a highly virulent PRRSV-1 strain
Authors: Obregon-Gutierrez Pau , Cortey Martí , Martín-Valls Gerard E. , Clilverd Hepzibar , Correa-Fiz Florencia , Aragón Virginia , Mateu Enric 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a major threat to swine industry worldwide, especially virulent variants arising during the last years, such as Spanish PRRSV-1 Rosalia strain. The role of the nasal microbiota in respiratory viral infections is still to be unveiled, but may be promisingly related with the health status of the animals and thus, their susceptibility. The goal of this project was to study the nasal microbiota composition of piglets during a highly virulent PRRSV-1 outbreak comparing animals that died due to the infection with animals that survived it. The microbiota composition was inferred by V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. To deepen the analysis, we added samples taken from piglets before the outbreak as well as from the sows giving birth to piglets under study.
Results
Piglets that survived the PRRSV-1 outbreak reported a more diverse and different nasal microbiota at three weeks of age compared to piglets dying, which was highly related with the litter of origin and the sow of the piglets. In addition, the high abundance of classical swine nasal colonizers belonging to genera such as Bergeyella, Glaesserella, Neisseria and Moraxella (among others), was related with good outcome. On the other hand, a dysbiotic community dominated by Escherichiaand a different clade of Moraxella was found in piglets with bad outcome. Moreover, samples taken before the outbreak showed similar dynamics prior to virulent PRRSV-1 arrival, suggesting that microbiota-related susceptibility was already occurring in the animals and that the increase in mortality seen was related to the new highly virulent strain.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that the susceptibility to an infection such as PRRSV could be related to the nasal microbiota composition at the moment of infection and may serve as starting point to explore animal resilience. Since the dysbiosis detected as an initial response to infection may be not specific for this virus, further investigations should explore this phenomenon in the context of other viral infections.
GIMIC - Smoothed Graph-Image representationof Microbiome Samples induce an optimal distance
Authors: Shtossel Oshrit , Louzoun Yoram 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

An essential tool in microbiome is the distance between samples. This serves to detect groups of similar samples. However, current methods lack interpretability. We have recently shown that combining the cladogram with the abundance of each microbe into a sorted normalized abundance tree can improve the accuracy of Machine Learning and Differential Analysis. We show that smoothing these tree-based images to produce GIMIC (Smoothed Graph IMages of the MICrobiome) leads to an interpretable visualization of microbiome sets and that the difference between the smoothed tree-based images is a better metric than the current state-of-the-art in a wide array of tasks.
Microencapsulated essential oils in the diet of the Amazonian fish Colossoma macropomum: growth, loin eye, hematology and osmoregulation
Authors: Mota-Silva Jhonatan , Amanajás Renan Diego , de Melo Thayana Taveira , Silva Ricardo Cézar Alves da , Pereira Luiz André Lima , Paula-Silva Maria de Nazaré , Val Adalberto Luis 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the phytoadditive Digestarom® on the growth, osmoregulation and hematology and plasma metabolites of Colossoma macropomum. The phytogenic was added to the feed at concentrations of 0 (control), 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg kg− 1 and the animals were fed for 60 days. The results revealed that the fish fed with 400 and 500 mg kg− 1 of the phytogenic additive presented greater weight gain, higher specific growth rate, lower feed conversion rate and a higher condition factor compared to those fed with the control feed. The final length, feed intake, hepatosomatic index and survival rate did not vary between the groups throughout the experiment. The loin eye area was higher in fish fed 400 mg kg− 1 when compared to the control groups, 200 mg kg− 1 and 300 mg kg− 1. Hematological and biochemical parameters did not vary between the groups, except for cholesterol, which decreased in the 400 mg kg− 1 and 500 mg kg− 1 groups when compared to the control group. Glucose, triglycerides and total protein levels remained constant throughout the experiment. Plasma sodium and potassium levels showed an inverse relationship, with a reduction in sodium and an increase in potassium in the 400 mg kg− 1 and 500 mg kg− 1 groups when compared to the control. The enzyme Na+K+ATPase was elevated in the 400 mg kg− 1 group and H+-ATPase was elevated in the 400 mg kg− 1 and 500 mg kg− 1 groups in relation to the control. Thus, our data support that, at 400 mg kg− 1, this phytoadditive, which is based on microencapsulated essential oils, improved tambaqui growth without affecting hematological or physiological parameters. However, ion regulation enzymes indicated osmoregulatory impacts, with increases in potassium and decreases in sodium.
Quantum Task Impact Learning (QTIL)Algorithm on Quantum Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Palanivel R. , Muthulakshmi P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Quantum reinforcement learning (QRL) can change computational paradigms through quantum parallelism. A novel algorithm called Quantum Task Impact Learning (QTIL) is coined in this paper, specially designed for the Cart-Pole environment. QTIL combines neural networks with quantum circuits to improve decision-making in dynamic environments. By manipulating quantum states iteratively (ψ) via a policy circuit (P) and computing temporal differences (δ) to update priorities depending on task importance, efficient adaptation to Cart-Pole dynamics is ensured by QTIL. Its prioritized experience replays mechanism guides quantum circuit parameter updates across minibatches thus enabling focused learning. As such, convergence can be achieved faster, and performance enhanced due to the role played by quantum states in Cart-Pole reinforcement learning. The fusion of quantum and artificial intelligence methods into QTIL opens possibilities for advances in quantum-enhanced machine learning especially in complicated issues like Cart-Pole. Potential exploration and optimization of QTIL may greatly enhance synergy between these two quantum computing paradigms leading to breakthroughs in reinforcement learning that are nothing short of transformative.
Quantum qubit-optical cavity node: Effects of the temperature and coupling strengths on the cavity Fock-state distribution occupation probability and entropy of the subsystems using Dicke model
Authors: Barhoumi Mohamed , Bassoli Riccardo , Fitzek Frank H.P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

One of the most attractive systems for scalable quantum processing is the trapped atom in the optical cavity, which is easily manipulable with lasers. The qubit-cavity system represents an attractive structure for quantum optics, with possibilities for applications in quantum detecting, quantum computation, and quantum communication. Also, the investigation of the cavity-atom system under temperature is a fundamental concept in quantum optics and quantum information science. Here we continue in this quantum way, investigating different qubit(s)-cavity systems (where we increase the numbers of the qubit inside the optical cavity from one to four). Employing the Dicke model, we calculate the cavity ground state occupation probability ⟨â † ˆ a⟩ and the expectation values ⟨Jz⟩ for each system. We find that these probabilities increase when the coupling 1 strength Cs increases. This leads to reaching the ultra-strong coupling regime, which depends on the numbers of the qubits. To describe the quantum state, we examine the cavity Wigner function WF as a function of the coupling strength Cs. Under the same parameters (e.g., Cs and the dissipation rates), we obtain that the separation of the quantum state in the WFs representation is different from one system to another. Furthermore, since understanding these kinds of systems is very important in order to improve the quantum network system, we study the entropy S of the subsystems (like S of qubit) in each system. Also, we move beyond by studying the effect of the temperature on the Fock-state distribution occupation probability and entropy of the subsystems. Our outcomes present another step to understanding the qubit(s)-cavity interaction to improve the performance of the future quantum networks based on this system.
The local Gaussian correlation networks among return tails in the Chinese stock market
Authors: Liu Peng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The financial networks based on Pearson's correlation are intensively studied. However, the previous studies may lead to misleading and catastrophic results because of several critical shortcomings of Pearson's correlation. The Local Gaussian correlation coefficient, a new measurement of statistical dependence between variables, has some new features that can capture the nonlinear correlation and are suitable for heavy-tailed variables. This paper constructs local Gaussian correlation networks using the local Gaussian correlation coefficients among both negative tails and positive tails of returns of stocks traded in the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Compared with the local Gaussian correlation network among positive tails and the network based on Pearson's correlation, the results show that the local Gaussian correlation network among negative tails better reflects the stock market risks. This finding suggests that we must pay more attention to the local Gaussian correlation network among negative tails rather than Pearson's network. In the future, it is worth reexamining the related studies using the local Gaussian correlation.
WITHDRAWN: Surface hydrophobization of pulp paper and nanofibrillated cellulose(CNF) films using blocked diisocyanates
Authors: de Souza Gustavo , de Carvalho Antonio José Felix , Kramer Ricardo Klaus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.