bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainability Index Analysis using ARIMA &amp; TBATS Approach
Authors: Rajesh Shreeja , R Shalini Justin , Shankaranarayana Rajesh , Jetty Gajendra Naidu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Traditionally it was thought that a robust equity market and bond market are essential for a stable financial system of a country. But in the rapidly evolving and emerging Indian economy, sustainable investing is also equally important as the investors are becoming socially conscious on their choice of investments. The Indian corporate world is witnessing a growing awareness of sustainability and responsible business practices. Linking the environmental performance with financial performance is of paramount importance to Indian corporate sector. Though the stress is on Innovation, Infrastructure and Investment, companies are expected to be equipped with mitigating and adapting to the climate change to perform better. This study highlights the emerging need for investment in sustainability index along with equity and bond indices. Equity market is represented by NIFTY 50 index and bond market is represented by NIFTY G sec index and Money market index, while sustainability index is represented by NIFTY 100 ESG index. This study aims to compare the market returns of equity, bond and sustainability indices using correlation analysis. Another objective is to check if equity market index is influenced by bond market index and sustainability index using Regression analysis. Further, it forecasts the movements of selected indices using ARIMA and TBATS using R software. The time horizon chosen for this study is a 5-year daily data from 1st Oct 2018 to 31st Oct 2023. The findings of the study shows that there is a correlation amongst equity returns, G-Sec returns and ESG Sustainability index returns, it is also found that only sustainability index has a positive and significant influence on equity returns. Equity returns can be predicted using Auto Arima and G-Sec returns can be predicted using TBATS forecasting technique. Money market returns can be predicted using both Auto Arima and TBATS forecasting techniques. But, both Auto Arima and TBATS do not help in prediction of returns for ESG Sustainability index returns. The findings of the study are imperative to the companies to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving market and investors to earn better returns.
JEL code: G17, G10
Responses of Soil Water Potential and Plant Physiological Status to Pulsed Rainfall Events in Arid Northwestern China: Implications for Disclosing the Water-use Strategies of Desert Plants
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Hu , Zhao Wenzhi , Guo Li , Yang Qiyue , Li Yulong , Liu Jintao , Yetemen Omer 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Soil water potential (SWP) strongly influences plant productivity and ecosystem functioning, particularly in arid regions characterized by sporadic and pulsed rainfall. This work aims to improve understanding of the response of SWP to varied rainfall pulses, and of the water-use strategies of a typical desert plant (Haloxylon ammodendron, HA) in arid northwestern China. Rainfall manipulation experiments and field measurements on HA were undertaken to explore the response features of SWP and plant physiological status to pulsed rainfall events of varied magnitudes and durations. The response value of SWP increased with rainfall magnitude, and was most affected by three vital factors (antecedent SWP, total rainfall, and rainfall intensity). Low antecedent SWP amplifies SWP's sensitivity to subsequent events, accelerating its response to smaller rainfalls (< 5 mm) compared to larger ones (> 15 mm). Small rainfall can increase SWP by 0.5-2 MPa in the 20-cm layer, sustaining plant physiological activities under high antecedent SWP conditions (> 3.5 MPa), and thus improving the water use efficiency and drought resistance of HA. Therefore, small events play a vital role in maintaining SWP and promoting water use of desert plants. Given the nature of plants' utilization of small rainfall events, re-examining ecologically valid SWP thresholds of HA and other similar desert plants is critical.
A Size-determining Supergene Hampers a Vulnerable Population Recovery
Authors: Lesturgie Pierre , Denton John , Yang Lei , Corrigan Shannon , Kneebone Jeff , Laso-Jadart Romuald , Lynghammar Arve , Fedrigo Olivier , Mona Stefano , Naylor Gavin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between census size, recent demography and genetic diversity is central for effective conservation and management of threatened species. Thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) biomass in the northwest Atlantic has declined significantly in the past 50 years, prompting strict conservation measures . Curiously, population recovery has not occurred in the Gulf of Maine. We conducted whole genome sequencing of thorny skate samples collected from across its range. Genetic diversity was similar in all sampled locations, but we discovered a ~31 megabase supergene bi-allelic locus associated with a discrete size polymorphism occurring in the northwest Atlantic. Historical demographic modelling reveals that the allele associated with larger size originally introgressed into the ancestral thorny skate population ~160,000 years ago. Off Newfoundland (Canada), where population recovered, supergene genotypes are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In contrast, the Gulf of Maine population, exhibiting the most acute non-recovery, displays a significant deficit of heterozygotes. This strongly implies sub-regional fitness effects associated with the supergene, hindering recovery efforts in the Gulf of Maine. At the same time, regional migration sustains genetic variability in the recombining genome component, preventing speciation between morphs. This study highlights a rarely considered significance of context-dependent genetic compatibilities in the conservation of threatened populations and reconcile census size trajectory with genetic diversity estimates through accurate evolutionary modelling.
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Ovine Herpesvirus-2 in Subclinical Infections of Cattle and Sheep
Authors: Kumar Sai , KASHOO ZAHID AMIN , Rasool Aarif , Nabi Mansoor , farooq shaheen , qureshi sabia , bhat m.a , Hussain M.I , Badroo Gulzar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the causative agent of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a serious and often fatal disease that affects cattle and other ruminants.This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in sheep and cattle populations in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. Screening of 150 sheep and 57 cattle blood samples revealed the presence of the OvHV-2 polymerase (pol) gene in 8.6% of sheep, 10% of apparently healthy cattle, and 29.7% of cattle exhibiting MCF-like symptoms. The full-length glycoprotein B (gB) gene (2800 bp) and an 875 bp internal fragment were successfully amplified, cloned, and sequenced from pol-positive samples. Comparative sequence analysis of the deduced gB amino acid sequences identified seven substitutions at positions 278, 341, 390, 440, 468, 539, and 566 compared to reference strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the gB nucleotide sequences clustered the OvHV-2 strains from this study within the Indian clade, distinct from strains reported in the UK and US. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in Jammu and Kashmir, with the identified mutations potentially influencing virus-host interactions. Further investigations into the functional implications of these mutations are warranted to understand their role in viral pathogenesis and tropism.
DNA methylation signatures in the prefrontal cortex of alcohol-naïve nonhuman primates predict risk for future ethanol drinking.
Authors: Juanes Rita Cervera , Zimmerman Kip , Wilhelm Larry , Lowe Clara , Gonzales Steve , Carlson Timothy , Ferguson Betsy , Grant Kathleen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent, complex, multifactorial and heterogeneous disorder, with 11% and 30% of adults meeting criteria for past-year and lifetime AUD, respectively. Early and accurate identification of individuals at risk of developing an AUD would facilitate effective deployment of personalized interventions. Studies using rhesus monkeys1,2 and rats3, have demonstrated that individuals with low cognitive flexibility and a predisposition towards habitual behaviors show an increased risk for future heavy drinking. Further, low cognitive flexibility is associated with reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) function in rhesus monkeys2. To explore the underlying unique molecular signatures that may predict risk for chronic heavy drinking, a genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) analysis of the alcohol-naïve dlPFC-A46 biopsy prior to chronic alcohol self-administration was conducted. The DNAm profile provides a molecular snapshot of the alcohol-naïve dlPFC, with mapped genes and associated signaling pathways that vary across individuals. The analysis identified ten DMRs that were strongly predictive of average ethanol intake consumed over 6 months of voluntary self-administration. Importantly, the same set of DMRs was able to predict drinking levels with moderate success in an independent cohort of macaques. These findings translate behavioral phenotypes into neural markers of risk for AUD, and hold promise for parallel discoveries in risk for other disorders involving impaired cognitive flexibility.
Development and testing of auxetic shoulder straps for sport backpacks
Authors: Parisi Mariafederica , Colombo Daniel , Fauci Giuseppe La , Bianca Eleonora , Dotti Francesca , Ferri Ada , Colonna Martino 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Auxetic foams and lattices are a promising class of materials characterised by a negative Poisson's ratio that can be used for the development of next-generation sports equipment due to their outstanding properties (e.g., multi- impact behaviour and flexibility). We present an application of these materials in backpacks as a viable alternative to current systems with improved comfort. auxetic designs have been used to create ergonomic shoulder straps for trekking backpacks to improve their thermal comfort by exploiting the expansion of the auxetic cells under tensile load. Further optimisation of the proposed application can be achieved in the future by using the collected data in analytical models to predict the behaviour of these systems.
Magnetic response of sampling depth to heavy metal pollution in urban topsoil in China
Authors: Hao Yanfang , Liu Liang , Tong Fan , Li Chenhui , Ma Fan , Zhao Xiaofang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates, the issue of heavy metal contamination in urban topsoil has garnered significant attention. To investigate the soil layer where magnetic and heavy metal characteristics peak, this study analyzes the magnetic signatures of urban topsoil heavy metal pollution across various Chinese regions using literature data. It assesses the relationship between magnetic susceptibility (MS) and heavy metal concentrations at different sampling depths. Findings reveal diverse heavy metal pollution levels in urban topsoils, with pronounced spatial variability in contamination severity. The magnetic signatures of heavy metal pollution fluctuate with sampling depth. Specifically, the 0–5 cm layer typically reflects peak magnetic values. Heavy metal concentrations initially rise then fall with increasing depth, reaching peak levels at slightly varying depths for different metals. Pb, Zn, Cr, and Mn tend to concentrate within the top 5 cm, while Cu, Ni, and Fe show enrichment up to 10 cm. Mass magnetic susceptibility (χlf) demonstrates the strongest correlation with heavy metals at 0–5 cm, suggesting this as the optimal sampling depth for studying magnetic responses to soil heavy metal pollution, unless specific requirements dictate otherwise. Moreover, χlf is a reliable indicator of urban topsoil heavy metal pollution. These insights are crucial for determining sampling depths in related studies, thereby improving urban soil quality research and assessment methodologies.
A low-rank algorithm for computing Lyapunov operator phi-functions within matrix-valued exponential integrators
Authors: Li Dongping , Zhang Xiuying , Tian Hongjiong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work we introduce a low-rank algorithm designed to compute low-rank approximations of large-scale Lyapunov operator φ-functions. These computations are crucial for the implementation of matrix-valued exponential integrators tailored for large-scale stiff matrix differential equations, where the (approximate) solutions are of low rank. The method is developed using a scaling and recursive procedure, supplemented by a quasi-backward error analysis to determine the optimal parameters. The computational cost of the method primarily arises from the products of sparse matrix and block vectors.Numerical experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method as a foundational tool for matrix-valued exponential integrators in addressing large-scale differential Lyapunov equations and Riccati equations.
MSC Classification: 65L05 , 65F10 , 65F30
Zingiberensis New Saponin Inhibits LncRNA TCONS-00026762/AKR1C1 Pathway, Revealing Unique Insights into Cellular Processes and Drug Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Liang , He Keqing , Zhou Pingsheng , Liu Xing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are often involved in regulating various cellular processes during cancer progression. This study aimed to investigate the role of Zingiberensis new saponin (ZnS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through the lncRNA TCONS-00026762/AKR1C1 pathway.
Methods
Bioinformatics analysis was initially used to assess the prognostic significance of AKR1C1 in TCGA liver cancer data. Huh7 and Huh7-SR cells were either transfected with sh-TCONS-0026762 and oe-AKR1C1 or treated with ZnS and oe-TCONS-00026762. The expression of TCONS-00026762 and AKR1C1 was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. The effects of either TCONS-00026762 knockdown or ZnS treatment on autophagy, ferroptosis, and drug sensitivity were investigated using a combination of immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and CCK-8 assays.
Results
Bioinformatics analysis revealed that AKR1C1 is a prognostic marker for HCC and is association with autophagy, ferroptosis, and immune evasion. Knockdown of TCONS-00026762 suppressed autophagy, promoted ferroptosis, and enhanced sensitivity to sorafenib in HCC cells, as evidenced by the decrease in levels of the autophagy marker LC3, as well as ferroptosis markers GPX4 and SLC7A11, and an increase in Huh7-SR cell viability. However, these changes were reversed by overexpression of AKR1C1. Moreover, ZnS treatment significantly downregulated the expression of TCONS-00026762 and AKR1C1, leading to inhibition of autophagy, induction of ferroptosis, and increased susceptibility of HCC cells to sorafenib. Notably, these effects were reversible upon the overexpression of TCONS-00026762.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that ZnS inhibits autophagy, promotes ferroptosis, and enhances sensitivity to sorafenib in HCC cells through the lncRNA TCONS-00026762/AKR1C1 pathway.
VEGFB ameliorates insulin resistance in NAFLD via the PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Li Yuqi , Li Wenhao , Zhu Xiaonan , Xu Nuo , Meng Qinyu , Jiang Wenguo , Zhang Lei , Yang Meizi , Xu Fang , Li yana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most universal liver diseases with complicated pathogenesis throughout the world. Insulin resistance is a leading risk factor that contributes to the development of NAFLD. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) was described by researchers as contributing to regulating lipid metabolic disorders. Here, we investigated VEGFB as a main target to regulate insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Methods: In this study, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, morphological experiments, and molecular biology were used to explore the role of VEGFB in regulating insulin resistance in NAFLD and its molecular mechanism based on human samples, animal models, and cell models. RNA-seq was performed to analyze the signal pathways associated with VEGFB and NAFLD; Palmitic acid and High-fat diet (HFD) were used to induce insulin-resistant HepG2 cells model and NAFLD animal model. Intracellular glucolipid contents, glucose uptake, hepatic and serum glucose and lipid levels were examined by Microassay and Elisa. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Oil Red O staining, and Periodic acid-schiff staining were used to analyze the hepatic steatosis, lipid droplet, and glycogen content in the liver. Western blot and quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR were used to verify VEGFB and insulin resistance-related signaling pathway PI3K/AKT signals expression levels.
Results: We observed that VEGFB is genetically associated with NAFLD and the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. After VEGFB knockout, glucolipids levels were increased, and glucose uptake ability was decreased in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, body weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, and hepatic glucose of NAFLD mice were increased, and hepatic glycogen, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were decreased. Moreover, VEGFB overexpression reduced glucolipids and insulin resistance levels in HepG2 cells. Specifically, VEGFB/VEGFR1 activates the PI3K/AKT signals by activating p-IRS1Ser307 expression, inhibiting p-FOXO1pS256 and p-GSK3Ser9 expressions to reduce gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis in the liver. Moreover, VEGFB could also enhance the expression level of GLUT2 to accelerate glucose transport and reduce blood glucose levels, maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Conclusions: Our studies suggest that VEGFB could present a novel strategy for treating NAFLD as a positive factor.
High rate acidogenic fermentation in an up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor at extremely low pH
Authors: Zheng Mingyue , Wu Yuanyuan , Zheng Mingxia , Yu Jingwen , Wang Kaijun , Xin Xiulan , Zhang Xiaohui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Volatile fatty acid (VFA) platform has drawn much attention and it has been confirmed that VFA production by mixed-culture acidogenic fermentation at low pH has several advantages. The metabolic mechanisms and stability of acidogenic fermentation at low pH was investigated by a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) fed with glucose with pH controlled at 4.0 (day 1–28), 5.0 (day 29–42) and 4.0(day 43–62). Results indicated lactate fermentation and ethanol fermentation coexist when pH was controlled at 4.0. Lactobacillus was the dominant bacteria. However, when pH in CSTR reactor was increased and controlled at 5.0, the fermentative type changed. In order to improve the efficiency of acidogenic fermentation at low pH, a up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor was operated with glucose as feeding material and the organic loading rate (OLR) of UASB gradually increased and eventually was high up to 42 g/(L.d). When operated at OLR of 42 g/(L.d) and HRT of 4 h, the UASB reactor was found with a higher VFAs yields of 16.4 gCOD/(L.d), which was much higher than CSTR reactor. In addition, acidogenic granular sludge successfully appeared in UASB reactor at extremely low pH of 3.2~4.0. Lactobacillus was also predominant in the acidogenic granular sludge of UASB reactor, which was similar with CSTR reactor, however, biohydrogen-producing bacteria also took large proportion.
Comparing voids in three root canal obturation techniques: a Micro-CT study
Authors: Gharib Iad , Wong Ferranti , Davis Graham 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is an invaluable tool in measuring residual voids after filling root canals as an indicator of the quality of root canal treatment. This study compares void volumes in root canals filled using the cold lateral condensation (CLC) continuous wave (CWC), or single cone (SC) techniques.
METHODS:
99 maxillary premolars allocated according to internal anatomy into three matching groups. The root canals were shaped and cleaned and filled with Gutta‑percha and TubliSeal® EWT sealer using cold lateral condensation (CLC), continuous wave condensation (CWC) or single cone (SC) technique. Void volumes were calculated using a novel software at 30 µm isotropic voxel size resolution. The total void volumes (TVVs) for each technique were statistically compared using Mann-Whitney non-parametric test.
RESULTS:
The mean percentage of the TVVs (%TVVs) found in SC (1.86±1.64%) group was statistically higher than that in CLC (0.75±0.45%) group, which in turn had statistically significantly more %TVVs than CWC (0.55±0.52%) group.
CONCLUSION:
The results of this study show that, in maxillary premolars, the SC obturation method resulted in significantly larger %TVVs than both CLC and CWC. The CWC technique resulted in significantly less %TVVs compared to CLC and SC methods.
Reconstruction and enhancement techniques for overcoming occlusion in face recognition
Authors: Pleško Filip , Goldmann Tomáš , Malinka Kamil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Face occlusions on CCTV cameras obscure important key facial features, preventing face recognition (FR) systems from recognizing people. This work mainly focuses on reconstructing these missing facial parts using Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (GANs) to improve FR accuracy while maintaining a low False Acceptance Rate (FAR). In addition, we are trying to improve the generated images further by using different image enhancement methods to test whether they can be used to improve the FR accuracy. To test the results, we perform experiments using state-of-the-art FR methods such as QMagFace and ArcFace to see whether image reconstruction and image enhancement help to improve FR accuracy.
Fatty acid synthesis promoted by PA1895-1897 operon delays quorum sensing activation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Han Lei , Ren Jie , Xue Yishu , Gao Jianwei , Fu Qiang , Shao Ping , Zhu Hui , Zhang Min , Ding Fengming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

PA1895-1897 is a quorum sensing (QS) operon regulated by the anti-activator LuxR homologue QscR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We aimed to investigate its impact on bacterial metabolism, and whether it contributes to the delayed QS activation. We performed liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer–based metabolomics using wildtype PAO1, PA1895-1897-knockout mutant, and mutant with pJN105.PA1895-1897 overexpression vector at the OD600nm of 1.8. The impact of metabolites on QS signal molecule (3OC12-HSL and C4-HSL) concentrations, pyocyanin production, and QS gene (lasR, lasI, rhlR, and rhlI) expression was examined. Metabolomics analysis found that fatty acid biosynthesis had the highest fold enrichment among all metabolic pathways. Medium- and long-chain fatty acids including palmitoleic acid, 2,2-Dimethyladipic acid, undecanoic acid, methylglutaric acid, myristoleic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, and some short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid, acetic acid, and caproic acid) were down-regulated by PA1895-1897 knockout, and up-regulated by PA1895-1897 overexpression. Among these fatty acids, palmitoleic acid and acetic acid were the predominantly abundant fatty acids affected by PA1895-1897 operon. When different doses of exogenous palmitoleic acid or acetic acid were added to the cultures of PA1895-1897 knockout mutants, their levels of 3OC12-HSL, C4-HSL, and pyocyanin were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. High doses of palmitoleic acid and acetic acid suppressed the mRNA expression of lasR, rhlR, and rhlI. Inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis increased the production of 3OC12-HSL, C4-HSL, and pyocyanin in PA1895-1897-overexpressed culture. Our data suggest that fatty acid synthesis is promoted by PA1895-1897 operon, and contributes the delayed expression of QS phenotypes, furthering the understanding about the regulation of bacterial QS activation.