bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Stress Resistance of Nitrile Hydratase from Rhodococcus ruber via SpyTag/SpyCatcher-mediated α- and β- subunits ligation
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Yu Huimin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Nitrile Hydratase (NHase) is one of the most important industrial enzyme widely used in the petroleum exploitation field. The enzyme, composed of two unrelated α- and β-subunits, catalyzes the conversion of acrylonitrile to acrylamide, releasing a significant amount of heat and generating the organic solvent product, acrylamide. Both the heat and acrylamide solvent have an impact on the structural stability of NHase and its catalytic activity. To improve the thermostability and acrylamide tolerance of NHase, the two subunits were fused in vivo using SpyTag and SpyCatcher, which were attached to the termini of each subunit in various combinations. Analysis of the engineered strains showed that the C-terminus of β-NHase is a better fusion site than the N-terminus, while the C-terminus of α-NHase is the most suitable site for fusion with a larger protein. Fusion of SpyTag and SpyCatcher to the C-terminus of β-NHase and α-NHase, respectively, led to improved acrylamide tolerance and a slight enhancement in the thermostability of one of the engineered strains, NBSt. These results indicate that in vivo ligation of different subunits using SpyTag/SpyCatcher is a valuable strategy for enhancing subunit interaction and improving stress tolerance.
Comparison of curing methods for bulk electrical conductivity testing on cement pastes
Authors: BERNARD Thomas , Wilson William 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Predicting the service life of concrete is one of the main problems faced by civil engineers. Measuring the electrical conductivity of concrete is a promising method to quickly get a qualitative idea of its durability. However, a drawback of bulk conductivity that prevents a quantitative measurement is the effect of the curing method on the measurement. The main phenomenon that occurs during curing and affects the conductivity is the leaching of alkalis from the pore solution into the curing solution. The gradient of alkali concentration between these two solutions creates a driving force for alkali diffusion. The pore solution is therefore less concentrated in alkalis and the pore solution conductivity and the bulk conductivity is reduced. However, previous work has shown that leaching is not the only possible effect of the curing solution on the bulk conductivity. To avoid these effects, the curing solution must simulate the pore solution at each moment of hydration and for each cementitious mix. For this purpose, different curing solutions based on a sacrificial powder, a reduced volume of curing solution and a simulated pore solution are proposed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of these curing solutions and to determine the most suitable one. The results show that a small volume of curing solution is the most promising solution to prevent leaching without affecting the hydration rate.
Restriction Enzyme-Free Method for Generating PCR Product Sticky Ends in Recombinant Vector Construction for Cloning
Authors: Hashemabadi Mohammad , Amandadi Mojdeh , Shaban Mojtaba , Sasan Hossein Ali 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In biological research, particularly in genetics, one crucial aspect is the transfer of gene fragments or their derivatives into living organisms. These fragments are typically carried by plasmids to ensure stability and observable effects. Conventional cloning methods rely on restriction enzymes to create sticky ends for introducing these fragments into biological vectors. However, due to the limitations of these enzymes in efficiently cutting DNA insert fragments, as well as their associated costs and time-consuming nature, alternative methods for creating sticky ends and transferring DNA into plasmids have been explored. This study proposes a method for conducting cloning processes with minimal reliance on restriction enzymes. The approach involves separately amplifying each Watson and Crick strand in PCR tubes using primers with specific sticky end sequences at their 5' ends. During the high cycles of the PCR process, numerous Watson or Crick single strands are generated in each tube, which are then combined to produce a double-stranded product containing sticky sites for easy insertion into the plasmid. To validate this method, the creation of a plasmid containing the microRNA hsa-miR-21 precursor was examined. Upon its transfer into HEK 293 cells, a significant 12.5-fold increase in microRNA hsa-miR-21 concentration compared to the control was observed using real-time PCR. This novel, cost-effective, and time-saving method holds potential for various applications in genetics, biotechnology, and biology.
A Drop in an Overflowing Bucket: Trauma Training for Preschool Educators; A phenomenological Case Study
Authors: Bond Rachel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological case study examined the State Change trauma training program and how it supported preschool teachers through the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through observational data from a teacher training and three semi-structured interviews (two State Change facilitators and one preschool teacher participant) a variety of categories were created examining: Initial changes in COVID, Continued Absence of Support, Training in the Private Sphere, and Making Trainings Accessible. Overall, the training was concluded to be beneficial for participants in helping them understand what trauma behaviors might look like in their students and discuss some behavioral scenarios they were experiencing. Larger systemic issues (low staff attrition, high burnout rates, etc.) and other concerns (over pathologizing) which influenced the training effectiveness were analyzed. Recommendations for future trainings and research were also discussed.
Real-time defect detection for FDM 3D printing using lightweight model deployment
Authors: Hu WenJing , Chang Chen , Su Shaohui , Zhang Jian , Zhu An 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

FDM 3D printing is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing methods, bringing great convenience to production manufacturing. However, various printing defects may occur during the printing process due to human factors or printer-related issues. Timely detection of defects and halting printing becomes a scenario of significant practical importance. This paper first analyzes the causes of the five most common defects in FDM 3D printing, and a defect dataset is created by deliberately designing defects. Subsequently, a real-time defect detection system for FDM 3D printing, based on an improved YOLOv8 detection head, is developed. By employing an optimization method using Group Convolution to share parameters, the detection head is lightweight, resulting in better model performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the mAP50 of the improved YOLOv8 model reaches 97.5%, with an 18.1% increase in FPS and a 32.9% reduction in GFLOPs. This enhancement maintains comparable detection accuracy to the original model while achieving faster detection speed and lower computational requirements. The improved model is integrated into the detection system as the detection model, and through testing, the real-time detection system promptly and accurately identifies and alerts any occurring defects. The practical significance of this system lies in its ability to enhance production efficiency, reduce resource wastage due to defective printing, and improve product quality and manufacturing safety, thereby providing strong support for the application of visual inspection technology in FDM 3D printing.
Reduction in the Geometric Complexity of the Ground Observed Before the 2011 Mw 9 East Japan Earthquake through Data Mining Assisted by Cellular Automata.
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In our prior research on ground vibration fluctuations (GVF), we discovered precursory signals 1231 days before the Mw9 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) that occurred at 14:46 on March 11, 2011 (Japan Standard Time). The timing of these signals coincides with the changes in the thermodynamic state of the GVF. In this investigation, we employed the "data mining method" consisting of the two-step process that we previously proposed. Firstly, the presence of interesting signals is predicted by cellular automata (CA). Subsequently, these signals are searched for within the measured GVF data. The rationality of correlating the CA predictions with reality has been validated in our prior studies, which demonstrate that GVF detected near the epicenter of GEJE is thermodynamically equivalent to the CA. In this study, the "data mining method" was also applied. The CA predicted a decrease in the fractal dimension of geometric parameters at the timing of the precursory signals. Subsequently, the fractal dimension of the geometric parameters calculated for the measured GVF was evaluated, confirming that this fractal dimension indeed decreased near the precursory signals of GEJE. The decrease in the fractal dimension representing geometric complexity suggests the emergence of a uniform and monotonous geometric state, indicating the possibility of features such as large flat fault planes. In deriving the geometric properties of GVF from GVF as a function of time, we utilized the characteristic of the CA that "geometric information at a certain point in time can be derived from temporal information at a fixed location".
Analysis of Direct Functionalization of Nanosilica with APTES for Application in Cementitious Composites
Authors: Silva Kleymer Henrique Pereira , Serafim Maria José de Souza , Paula Andreia , Fraga Yuri Sotero Bomfim , Rêgo João Henrique da Silva 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Functionalized nanosilica is the product resulting from the surface treatment of nanosilica (NS) through the coupling of various functional groups on its surface, in order to reduce the negative effects related to its dispersion and high reactivity. The application of NSF in cementitious pastes can promote the development of a denser matrix, increasing the gain in strength and durability. This article has the objective of discussing the effects of direct functionalization of NS) with aminosilane from a colloidal NS and reagent 3 -aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), without using any chemical solvent. A first reaction was prepared with the reagents 4 mL of APTES, 100 mL of dichloromethane (H2CCl2) and 60 mL, forming NSF4. An alternative reaction process was developed, removing dichloromethane and without using any other solvent, forming NSF4WD. Some techniques were used to evaluate the efficiency of the reactions: pH, solids content, DLS, Zeta potential, XRD, TGA and FTIR. Portland cement pastes and mortars were produced to evaluate the effect of NS produced by the two different functionalization processes on hydration kinetics, porosity and compressive strength (at 1, 3, 7 and 28 days). The results showed that the use of dichloromethane in the functionalization process does not present significant contributions, since NSF4WD presented similar results to NSF4. It is concluded that the direct alternative method proved to be effective in grafting APTES onto the NS surface, in addition to meet the principles of Green Chemistry by not using toxic solvents, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and optimizing the functionalization process.
Evaluation of excess phase and bending angle data from FengYun-3 radio occultation based on two independent processing chains
Authors: Innerkofler Josef , Liu Congliang , Kirchengast Gottfried , Schwärz Marc , Meng Xiangguan , Bai Weihua , Hu Peng , Sun Yueqiang , Liao Mi , Hu Xiuqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With long-term mission planning extending well into the next decade, the Chinese FengYun-3 (FY-3) meteorological satellite series acts as an important backbone for the provision of radio occultation (RO) data for climate science and numerical weather prediction (NWP). Independent evaluation is an essential part for considerate application of the data. Here we present results of the first cross-evaluation of RO low-level data, obtained by the GNSS occultation sounder (GNOS) onboard of FY-3 satellites, from two independent processing chains (Wegener Center, Graz; National Space Science Center–National Satellite Meteorological Center, Beijing). We analyzed and compared the orbit solutions, atmospheric excess phase, and bending angle profiles, for 3-month evaluation periods of FY-3C and FY-3D data in 2014 (FY-3C only) and 2019. We found the orbit data to be within requirements for high-quality RO data processing. Cross-comparison at excess phase level as well showed high-quality consistency overall, while some differences were revealed in the closed-loop to open-loop transition of FY-3D data. The cross-evaluation of bending angle profiles against European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) forecast data also showed good agreement and adequate quality in general, while some distinct deviations occurred below 26 km altitude in the early FY-3C rising event data in 2014. The results underscore the high basic quality of the GNOS data for applications in climate research and NWP. At the same time they valuably inform subsequent work to resolve remaining biases, improve current processing algorithms, and include data from FY-3E, FY-3F, and FY-3G satellites.
Effect of prior laser assisted in situ keratomileusis on the calibration accuracy of extended depth of focus intraocular lenses: a direct comparative study
Authors: Lin I-Hung , Chao Chen-Cheng , Chang Chao-Kai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is widely used to correct refractive errors in myopia and astigmatism. The choice of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) for post-LASIK cataract surgery is a significant concern. However, few direct comparison studies exist between eyes with and without a history of LASIK. We analyzed the performance of extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL implantation in these two groups.
Methods
This retrospective single-center study included patients with or without previous LASIK who underwent cataract surgery and EDOF Symfony IOL implantation, with \(\ge 1\) follow up. All patients underwent optical biometry using the IOLMaster (IOLMaster 500, Carl Zeiss). IOL power was calculated using the SRK/T formula for non-LASIK patients and the Haigis-L formula for LASIK patients. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), refraction, and corneal tomography were recorded. The prediction error was the absolute difference between the postoperative sphere and the target refraction. The right eyes of patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis.
Results
Among the 331 recruited eyes, 18 underwent previous LASIK. After 1:3 age/sex matching, 17 LASIK and 49 non-LASIK eyes from 66 patients were analyzed. No significant preoperative differences existed in target refraction, spherical equivalent, or best-corrected visual acuity. All surgical procedures were uneventful. Non-inferiority tests showed that LASIK exhibited non-inferiority to non-LASIK for predictive refraction error and UNVA. Age/sex matched regression analysis results suggested that there was no UDVA superiority between the two groups.
Conclusion
Previous LASIK had no discernible effect on the visual performance of presbyopia-correcting EDOF IOLs with respect to the absolute refractive error, UNVA, and UDVA. For further validation, larger-scale or multicenter studies are required to ensure the robustness and generalizability of our results in diverse clinical settings.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06165796. Registered 4 December 2023 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06165796
Preparation of nursing students in nursing informatics competencies for future healthcare practice environment
Authors: Roux Loretta Le , Bimerew Million , Chipps Jennifer-Anne 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Rapid technology advancement highlights the importance for nursing education to prepare competent nurses in informatics. This study examined nursing informatics (NI) integration in an undergraduate curriculum and competency levels at a selected South African university.
Method: A survey measured NI competencies among undergraduate nursing students, followed by curriculum mapping to assess the inclusion of NI content in the undergraduate curriculum. Participants completed the TANIC© nursing informatics questionnaire. Demographics and activities underwent descriptive analysis. Mean scores out of 4 indicated competency levels from novice to proficient. 95% confidence intervals were computed for computer literacy, clinical information management, and information literacy domains. Independent Samples Wilcoxon U Tests compared competency level differences by year per domain. Curriculum mapping assessed technology-related activities across the four-year programme.
Results: Of 222 respondents (79.9% response rate), competence levels increased with year level, with computer literacy scoring highest (mean 3.33, ±0.48), nearing proficient levels, followed by information literacy (mean 2.81, ±0.68), falling within a comfortable competency range, and clinical information management, (mean 2.73, ±0.77) indicating advanced beginner competency. Curriculum mapping revealed the absence of information management.
Conclusion: A need exist to increase NI integration in the curriculum, and better equip nurse educators toprepare students for technologically infused healthcare environments.
A Clustering and Vector Angle-based Adaptive Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-objective Optimization With Irregular Pareto Fronts
Authors: He Maowei , Zheng Hongxia , Chen Hanning , Wang Zhixue , Liu Xingguo , Xia Yelin , Wang Haoyue 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent years, multi-objective optimization evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have been proven to be effective methods for solving multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs). However, most of existing MOEAs that are limited by the shape of the Pareto fronts (PFs) are only suitable for solving a certain type of problem. Therefore, in order to ensure the generality of the algorithm in practical applications and overcome the constraints brought by the shapes of PFs, a new adaptive MOEA (CAVA-MOEA) based on hierarchical clustering and vector angle to solve various MOPs with irregular PFs is proposed in this article. Firstly, a set of adaptive generated clustering centers is used to guide the population to converge quickly in many search directions. Secondly, the vector angle-based selection further exploits the potential of the clustering algorithm, which keeps a good balance between the diversity and convergence. The proposed CAVA-MOEA is tested and analyzed on 24 MOPs with regular PFs and 18 MOPs with irregular PFs. The results show that CAVA-MOEA has certain competitive advantages compared with other six advanced algorithms in solving MOPs with irregular PFs.
On the strong convergence of the forward-backward splitting algorithm for non-Lipschitz continuous convex optimization problems
Authors: guan weibo , Song wen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we investigate strong convergence of the sequences generated by the forward-backward splitting algorithm using a dynamic stepsize method or a regularized method for solving non-Lipschitz continuous minimization problem in Hilbert space. The main advantage of our algorithms is that the gradient of the function does not require Lipschitz continuous and does not use linesearch methods.
AMS Subject 46N10, 47H10, 65K10, 90C25, 90C30.
Alzheimer’s disease risk allele of PICALM causes detrimental lipid droplets in microglia
Authors: Duan Jubao , Kozlova Alena , Zhang Siwei , Sudwards Ari , Zhang Hanwen , Smirnou Stanislau , Sun Xiaotong , Stephenson Kimberly , Zhao Xiaojie , Jamison Brendan , Ponnusamy Moorthi , He Xin , Pang Zhiping , Sanders Alan , Bellen Hugo , Thinakaran Gopal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Despite genome-wide association studies of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) having identified many genetic risk loci 1-6, the underlying disease mechanisms remain largely unknown. Determining causal disease variants and their LOAD-relevant cellular phenotypes has been a challenge. Leveraging our approach for identifying functional GWAS risk variants showing allele-specific open chromatin (ASoC) 7, we systematically identified putative causal LOAD risk variants in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived neurons, astrocytes, and microglia (MG) and linked PICALM risk allele to a previously unappreciated MG-specific role of PICALM in lipid droplet (LD) accumulation. ASoC mapping uncovered functional risk variants for 26 LOAD risk loci, mostly MG-specific. At the MG-specific PICALM locus, the LOAD risk allele of rs10792832 reduced transcription factor (PU.1) binding and PICALM expression, impairing the uptake of amyloid beta (Aβ) and myelin debris. Interestingly, MG with PICALM risk allele showed transcriptional enrichment of pathways for cholesterol synthesis and LD formation. Genetic and pharmacological perturbations of MG further established a causal link between the reduced PICALM expression, LD accumulation, and phagocytosis deficits. Our work elucidates the selective LOAD vulnerability in microglia for the PICALM locus through detrimental LD accumulation, providing a neurobiological basis that can be exploited for developing novel clinical interventions.
Genome-wide analysis of the SWEET gene family in Hemerocallis citrina and functional characterization of HcSWEET4a in response to salt stress
Authors: Cao Lihong , Wang Jinyao , Wang Lixuan , Liu Huili , Wu Wenjing , Hou Feifan , Liu Yuting , Gao Yang , Cheng Xiaojing , Li Sen , Xing Guoming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sugars will be eventually effluxed transporter (SWEET), one of the sugar transporters in plants, plays significant roles in numerous biological processes and responding to abiotic stressors. However, the characteristics and functions of the SWEET genes in Hemerocallis citrina remain unclear and poorly elucidated. In this study, the whole genome of Hemerocallis citrina was utilized to conduct bioinformatics analysis and a total of 19 HcSWEET genes were successfully identified. Analysis of the physicochemical properties indicated dominant differences among these HcSWEETs. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that HcSWEET proteins can be divided into 4 clades ranging from Clade I to IV, where proteins within the same clade exhibited shared conserved motifs and gene structures. Five to six exons were contained in the majority of HcSWEET genes, which were unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. The gene duplication analysis showed the presence of 4 gene pairs. Comparative syntenic maps revealed that the HcSWEET gene family might present more closed homology in monocotyledons than dicotyledons. Cis-acting element analysis of HcSWEET genes indicated key responsiveness to various hormones, light, and stresses. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing analysis suggested that most HcSWEET genes had a relatively higher expression in roots, and HcSWEET4a was significantly up-regulated under salt stress. Overexpression further verified the possibility that HcSWEET4a is involved in response to salt stress, which provides novel insights and facilitates in-depth studies of the functional analysis of HcSWEETs in resistance to abiotic stress.