bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A theoretical comparison among macroseismic scales used in Italy
Authors: Vannucci Gianfranco , Lolli Barbara , Gasperini Paolo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn a recent work, we evidenced some empirical discrepancies between the macroseismic intensity estimates in Italy in the last decade with respect to those made previously. A possible reason might be the progressive adoption by Italian researchers of the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS) in place of the Mercalli Cancani Sieberg (MCS) scale mostly used up to 2009. In theory, in modern settlements where reinforced concrete (RC) buildings are increasingly replacing those in masonry, EMS should overestimate MCS because the former accounts for the lower vulnerability of RC whereas the latter does not because RC buildings were not considered at all by the MCS scale since they were almost absent at the time (1912–1932) when it was compiled by Sieberg. However, such theoretical inference is contradicted by the empirical evidence that, on average, MCS intensities really estimated in Italy over the past decade slightly overestimate EMS and not vice versa as it should be. A possible explanation is that the EMS scale had not been well calibrated to reproduce the MCS, as its authors intended to do. Another possible reason for the discrepancies between the last decade and the previous ones might be that the MCS scale applied today is not the same as that defined by Sieberg at the beginning of the twentieth century. In order to better understand the possible causes of such discrepancies, we present here a formal comparison between the definitions of the different degrees of such macroseismic scales. After such analysis, we might argue that another possible reason for the observed discrepancy may come from the inaccurate assessment of building vulnerability when assessing the EMS intensity.
The adult plant resistance (APR) genes Yr18, Yr29 and Yr46 in spring wheat showed significant effect against important yellow rust races under North-West European field conditions
Authors: Zelba Ondřej , Wilderspin Sarah , Hubbard Amelia , Nellist Charlotte F. , Mortensen Anders Krogh , Schulz Philipp , Huerta-Espino Julio , Singh Ravi , Sørensen Chris Khadgi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractYellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is one of the most important wheat diseases. Adult plant resistance (APR) genes have gained the attention of breeders and scientists because they show higher durability compared to major race-specific genes. Here, we determined the effect of the APR genes Yr18, Yr29 and Yr46 in North-West European field conditions against three currently important Pst races. We used three pairs of sibling wheat lines developed at CIMMYT, which consisted of a line with the functional resistance gene and a sibling with its non-functional allele. All APR genes showed significant effects against the Pst races Warrior and Warrior (–), and a race of the highly aggressive strain PstS2. The effects of Yr18 and Yr46 were especially substantial in slowing down disease progress. This effect was apparent in both Denmark, where susceptible controls reached 100 percent disease severity, and in United Kingdom where disease pressure was lower. We further validated field results by quantifying fungal biomass in leaf samples and by micro-phenotyping of samples collected during early disease development. Microscopic image analyses using deep learning allowed us to quantify separately the APR effects on leaf colonization and pustule formation. Our results show that the three APR genes can be used in breeding yellow rust resistant varieties of spring wheat to be grown in North-West European conditions, and that deep learning image analysis can be an effective method to quantify effects of APR on colonisation and pustule formation.
Understanding the Normativity of Health Technology Assessment: Ontological, Moral, and Epistemological Commitments
Authors: Bloemen Bart , Oortwijn Wija , van der Wilt Gert Jan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe inherent normativity of HTA can be conceptualized as a result of normative commitments, a concept that we further specify to encompass moral, epistemological and ontological commitments at play in the practice of HTA. Based on examples from literature, and an analysis of the example of assessing Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), we will show that inevitable normative decisions in conducting an assessment commits the HTA practitioner to moral (regarding what makes a health technology desirable), ontological (regarding which effects of health technology are conceivable), and epistemological (regarding how to obtain reliable information about health technology) norms. This highlights and supports the need for integrating normative analysis and stakeholder participation, providing guidance to HTA practitioners when making normative choices. This will foster a shared understanding between those who conduct, use, or are impacted by assessments regarding what are conceivable and desirable outcomes of using health technology, and how to collect reliable information to assess whether these outcomes are (going to be) realized. It also provides more insight into the implications of different normative choices.
Distribution and host range of a highly invasive parasitic copepod
Authors: Ondračková Markéta , Tkachenko Maria Yu. , Vetešník Lukáš , Hronek Jiří , Janáč Michal 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Ergasilidae), native to East Asia, has spread rapidly around the world over the past half-century and now represents a clear example of successful parasitic invader. The species is now found in western Asia, Europe, America and Africa, with aquaculture and fish introductions identified as the primary vectors of dispersal. Regional field investigations have revealed surprisingly high number of affected localities, indicating potentially wider distribution than currently recognised. Neoergasilus japonicus exhibits low host specificity, parasitising a diverse range of freshwater fishes. This study updates the global fish host species list to 132, spanning 27 families across 15 orders, with Cypriniformes identified as the most susceptible host species. Under experimental conditions in this study, however, N. japonicus avoided its natural host, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, suggesting a level of resistance to its native parasite. Piscivorous and demersal fish were less infected by copepods than planktivorous, benthivorous, pelagic and benthopelagic species, reflecting the ecology of both the parasite and its hosts. An ability to re-attach to another host, though limited, was confirmed under experimental conditions. Recognising the ecological impacts and potential consequences associated with the introduction of non-native parasites emphasises the need for continuous monitoring and research globally.
A New Polymorph of tert-Butyl (2-Aminophenyl)Carbamate
Authors: Potter Zoe E. , Hill Max T. , Sellars Jonathan D. , Waddell Paul G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA new polymorph of tert-butyl (2-aminophenyl)carbamate was identified using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallised in the centrosymmetric, monoclinic space group P21/n with an asymmetric unit comprising two crystallographically-independent molecules (Zʹ = 2). This new structure was compared to that of the known polymorph with the differences between the two being attributed to a combination of space group symmetry, conformational variation, hydrogen bonding network dimensionality and crystal packing.
Combined Effect of Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation Using Magnesium Oxide Nano-flowers for Tetracycline Removal
Authors: Bekhit Sammer M. , Zaki Sahar A. , Hassouna Mohamed Salah El-Din , Elkady Marwa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe extensive use of antibiotics, including tetracycline (TC), has several negative impacts on ecosystems that need attention. In the present study, magnesium oxide nano-flowers (MgO NFs) were examined as an adsorbent and as a degradation photocatalyst for TC elimination. MgO NFs were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis, PL, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. Optimization of the removal process included varying the treatment time, initial pH, MgO NFs dosage, and testing with different initial TC concentrations. The highest removal efficiency (77.3%) was achieved for 50 mg/L TC using 0.6 g/L of MgO NFs at pH 9. Adsorption removal contributed to 26.0% of this removal, while 51.3% was attributed to photocatalytic removal. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant impacts of time, initial pH, MgO NFs dose, and initial TC concentrations on TC removal. Although adding different ions showed strong effects on TC adsorption on MgO NFs, those ions inhibited TC removal by about 5% after photocatalytic degradation. Adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, the adsorption process was monolayer on a homogenous surface based on chemical interactions. Based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, t1/2 values ranged from 60.79 to 76.15 min for TC concentrations varying from 10 to 60 mg/L. Bacterial growth inhibition of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25,922) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 33,019) were reduced after TC treatment. The study evidenced that using MgO NFs in photodegradation is an effective approach for TC removal from water bodies.
Characterisation of asbestos-containing wastes by thermal analysis
Authors: Kusiorowski Robert , Gerle Anna , Kujawa Magdalena , Śliwa Andrzej , Adamek Jakub 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe study examined building materials containing asbestos, which have been considered hazardous waste for several years. Samples were taken from various places in Poland. The chemical composition was examined using chemical analysis, the mineralogical phases were identified using X-ray diffraction, and the structure was identified using scanning electron microscopy, taking into account energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal tests of the samples were performed using thermal analysis, thermogravimetric measurements and high-temperature microscopy. Additionally, changes that occurred in the microstructure were determined using mercury porosimetry and infrared spectroscopy. All the above research methods were used to characterise the properties of cement–asbestos materials, which were also subjected to isothermal thermal treatment at a temperature of 1100 °C for 4 h. The results proved that the material after thermal treatment undergoes significant structural changes. The thermal decomposition process of cement–asbestos involves dehydration, dehydroxylation and then recrystallisation to new stable crystalline phases but in the context of asbestos, we are dealing here with the so-called phenomenon of pseudomorphosis. Knowledge about the thermal properties of asbestos materials can provide us with data on how the material undergoes significant structural changes, thanks to which it will be possible to use neutralised cement–asbestos waste as possible safe materials.
The Expansion of Incentive (Performance-Based) Regulation of Electricity Distribution and Transmission in the United States
Authors: Joskow Paul L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractI examine developments in the application of performance-based regulation (PBR) to electricity distribution and transmission in the United States. Applications of comprehensive PBR to electricity distribution had been slow to diffuse in the U.S. prior to roughly 2000. PBR mechanisms are now being applied more frequently to electricity distribution, which reflects the changing structure of the electric power industry and the increasing obligations that are being placed on electric distribution companies. The new obligations are a consequence primarily of aggressive targets for decarbonizing the electricity sector in nearly half the states and the goal of using “clean” electricity to electrify transportation, buildings, and other sectors. PBR should be viewed as a set of “building blocks” that can be adopted in various combinations and should recognize that PBR and traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) are properly viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Recent reforms in the regulation of distribution companies in Great Britain—“RIIO”—have been influential in the U.S. The main reforms contained in RIIO are discussed. There has been essentially no application of PBR by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to owners of transmission assets or to independent transmission operators. FERC has applied targeted incentives to encourage investment in transmission facilities and membership in independent system operator organizations. However, the regulation of transmission rates relies primarily on COSR in the form of formula rates and has poor incentive properties. Regulation of independent system operators is a challenge because they are non-profit organizations with no equity to put at risk. Reforms here are suggested.
Paired metabolomics and volatilomics provides insight into transient high light stress response mechanisms of the coral Montipora mollis
Authors: Bartels Natasha , Matthews Jennifer L. , Lawson Caitlin A. , Possell Malcolm , Hughes David J. , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Suggett David J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe coral holobiont is underpinned by complex metabolic exchanges between different symbiotic partners, which are impacted by environmental stressors. The chemical diversity of the compounds produced by the holobiont is high and includes primary and secondary metabolites, as well as volatiles. However, metabolites and volatiles have only been characterised in isolation so far. Here, we applied a paired metabolomic-volatilomic approach to characterise holistically the chemical response of the holobiont under stress. Montipora mollis fragments were subjected to high-light stress (8-fold higher than the controls) for 30 min. Photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency values were 7-fold higher in control versus treatment corals immediately following high-light exposure, but returned to pre-stress levels after 30 min of recovery. Under high-light stress, we identified an increase in carbohydrates (> 5-fold increase in arabinose and fructose) and saturated fatty acids (7-fold increase in myristic and oleic acid), together with a decrease in fatty acid derivatives in both metabolites and volatiles (e.g., 80% decrease in oleamide and nonanal), and other antioxidants (~ 85% decrease in sorbitol and galactitol). These changes suggest short-term light stress induces oxidative stress. Correlation analysis between volatiles and metabolites identified positive links between sorbitol, galactitol, six other metabolites and 11 volatiles, with four of these compounds previously identified as antioxidants. This suggests that these 19 compounds may be related and share similar functions. Taken together, our findings demonstrate how paired metabolomics-volatilomics may illuminate broader metabolic shifts occurring under stress and identify linkages between uncharacterised compounds to putatively determine their functions.
Enhancement of biomass productivity and biochemical composition of alkaliphilic microalgae by mixotrophic cultivation using cheese whey for biofuel production
Authors: Youssef Ahmed Mohamed , Gomaa Mohamed , Mohamed Abdel Kareem S. H. , El-Shanawany Abdel-Rahim A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe growth of microalgae under alkaline conditions ensures an ample supply of CO2 from the atmosphere, with a low risk of crashing due to contamination and predators. The present study investigated the mixotrophic cultivation of two alkaliphilic microalgae (Tetradesmus obliquus and Cyanothece sp.) using cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The variation in cheese whey concentration (0.5–4.5% (v/v)), culture pH (7–11), and NaNO3 concentrations (0–2 gL−1) was evaluated using central composite design in response to biomass productivity and the contents of lipids, total proteins, and soluble carbohydrates. Both investigated microalgae effectively utilized cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The optimum conditions for simultaneously maximizing biomass and lipid productivity in T. obliquus were 3.5% (v/v) whey, pH 10.0, and 0.5 g L−1 NaNO3. Under these conditions, the biomass, lipid, soluble carbohydrate, and protein productivities were 48.69, 20.64, 7.02, and 10.97 mg L−1 day−1, respectively. Meanwhile, Cyanothece produced 52.78, 11.42, 4.31, and 7.89 mg L−1 day−1 of biomass, lipid, carbohydrate, and protein, respectively, at 4.5% (v/v) whey, pH 9.0, and 1.0 g L−1 NaNO3. The lipids produced under these conditions were rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs) and monounsaturated FAs, with no polyunsaturated FAs in both microalgae. Moreover, several biodiesel characteristics were estimated, and results fell within the ranges specified by international standards. These findings indicate that the mixotrophic cultivation of alkaliphilic microalgae could open new avenues for promoting microalgae productivity through low-cost biofuel production.
The longevity-associated BPIFB4 gene guarantees vascular homeostasis and immune protection through platelets
Authors: Ciaglia Elena , Montella Francesco , Carrizzo Albino , Lopardo Valentina , Esposito Roberta Maria , Basile Cristina , Damato Antonio , De Lucia Massimiliano , Maciag Anna , Spinetti Gaia , Milella Maria Serena , Maselli Davide , Vecchione Carmine , Puca Annibale Alessandro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBeyond their activity in hemostasis and thrombosis, recent advances attribute platelets a pro-youthful role capable to attenuate immune senescence and age-related neuroinflammation. Previous studies from our group associated a polymorphic haplotype variant in the BPIFB4 gene (LAV-BPIFB4) with exceptional longevity. Transfer of the LAV-BPIFB4 in preclinical models has proved strategic to cope with frailty conditions, aging-related events, e.g., cardiovascular ones, and immune dysfunction mainly through a favorable conditioning of the immune system. However, whether platelets participate in LAV-BPIFB4 therapeutic action is currently unknown. Herein, we discovered that platelets were instrumental in boosting the favorable health outcomes of the systemic AAV-LAV-BPIFB4 gene transfer in vivo, as the α-CD42b platelet depletion completely abolished the vascular protective action of LAV-BPIFB4 and suppressed its pro-resolutive CD206 + anti-/CD86 + pro-inflammatory Ly6C + monocyte skewing to LPS stimulation. Of note, this is associated with a huge drop in the protective levels of BPIFB4 in the plasma of AAV-LAV-BPIFB4-injected C57BL/6 mice, indicating that plasma circulating platelets may be a reservoir of the BPIFB4 protein. Indeed, we noticed that BPIFB4 was released by human platelets, a process that is amplified in LAV-allele carrier donors. Accordingly, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of human LAV-BPIFB4 isoform, but not WT-BPIFB4 isoform was able in leading differentiated megakaryocytes to release more platelet-like-particles enriched for BPIFB4. In addition, in vitro, the M2 macrophage polarization increased when releasate from platelets, and even more from LAV pre-stimulated once, was added in monocyte cell culture. Our data suggest that platelet release of BPIFB4 and of yet-to-be-determined unidentified factors mediates the therapeutic efficacy of LAV-BPIFB4 treatment.
Implementing ITS1 metabarcoding for the analysis of soil microeukariotic diversity in the Mountain Cloud Forest
Authors: Rivera-Zizumbo Andrea Aurora , Velez Patricia , Ojeda Margarita , Herrera-Mares Angel , Tapia-Torres Yunuen , Gasca-Pineda Jaime 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In threatened diversity hotspots, such as mountain cloud forests, microbiome studies have focused essentially on bacteria. Unlike prokaryotic microbiomes, the study of the microeukaryotes has largely been restricted to the visual identification of specific groups. Herein, microeukaryotic edaphic diversity from a pristine mountain cloud forest (MCF) of Mexico was analyzed via the metabarcoding of the ITS1 region of ribosomal DNA.

Materials and methods
An exploratory triangular sampling was conducted in the mountain cloud forest located in El Relámpago Mount, Santiago Comaltepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. Each vertex was located adjacent to a dominant plant species in the ecosystem (Oreomunnea mexicana and Alsophila salvinii). After DNA extraction the ITS1 region (rDNA) was amplified. Microeukaryotic sequences were filtered by computational subtraction against the ITS2 Database. Next, alpha and beta diversity indexes were calculated, and the relationship between abiotic variables and diversity patterns were inferred by means of a Canonical Correspondence Analysis.

Results
Overall, 138 inferred sequence variants were identified, including 87 protists, 35 animals (microfauna), and 16 algae. Within the animals, the nematodes were the dominant group, chlorophytes dominated algae, and in Protista, no dominance patterns were observed given the high diversity and equitability of this group. Soil available carbon, carbon degrading enzymes and the pH play a key role in modeling the community structure. Remarkably, high beta diversity levels were obtained, evidencing a strong spatial heterogeneity at the small scale.

Conclusions
The ITS metabarcoding proved to be a useful tool to conduct multi-taxa diversity assessments for microeukaryotes, allowing the identification of alpha and beta diversity patterns and overcoming limitations of sampling and the direct observation of individuals. The results presented in this work evidenced high microeukaryotic diversity levels in the soil of MCF and encourage future studies aiming to explore the taxonomic diversity of individual taxa.
Dimensions of Level-1 Group-Based Phylogenetic Networks
Authors: Gross Elizabeth , Krone Robert , Martin Samuel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPhylogenetic networks represent evolutionary histories of sets of taxa where horizontal evolution or hybridization has occurred. Placing a Markov model of evolution on a phylogenetic network gives a model that is particularly amenable to algebraic study by representing it as an algebraic variety. In this paper, we give a formula for the dimension of the variety corresponding to a triangle-free level-1 phylogenetic network under a group-based evolutionary model. On our way to this, we give a dimension formula for codimension zero toric fiber products. We conclude by illustrating applications to identifiability.
Haplotype Inference Using Long-Read Nanopore Sequencing: Application to GSTA1 Promoter
Authors: Mlakar Vid , Dupanloup Isabelle , Gloor Yvonne , Ansari Marc 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecovering true haplotypes can have important clinical consequences. The laboratory process is difficult and is, therefore, most often done through inference. In this paper, we show that when using the Oxford nanopore sequencing technology, we could recover the true haplotypes of the GSTA1 promoter region. Eight LCL cell lines with potentially ambiguous haplotypes were used to characterize the efficacy of Oxford nanopore sequencing to phase the correct GSTA1 promoter haplotypes. The results were compared to Sanger sequencing and inferred haplotypes in the 1000 genomes project. The average read length was 813 bp out of a total PCR length of 1336 bp. The best coverage of sequencing was in the middle of the PCR product and decreased to 50% at the PCR ends. SNPs separated by less than 200 bp showed > 90% of correct haplotypes, while at the distance of 1089 bp, this proportion still exceeded 58%. The number of cycles influences the generation of hybrid haplotypes but not extension or annealing time. The results demonstrate that this long sequencing reads methodology, can accurately determine the haplotypes without the need for inference. The technology proved to be robust but the success of phasing nonetheless depends on the distances and frequencies of SNPs.