bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The implications of superposed effect of cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy on weak Forbush Events at Apatity and Moscow Neutron Monitors
Authors: Menteso F. M. , Chukwude A. E. , Okike O. , Alhassan J. A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Low-magnitude (FD(%) ≤ 3) Forbush decreases (FDs) and their space weather linkages is recently becoming popular in the literature. Accurate timing and correct magnitude measurement of weak FDs is a desideratum. It demands disentangling the effects of the ever present cosmic ray (CR) diurnal wave that exert undesirable influence on CR data. An enhanced version of a recently developed algorithm has been deployed to decompose raw CR data at Apatity (APTY) and Moscow (MOSC) neutron monitor (NM) stations into low and high frequency signals. A sub-routine in the Fast Fourier transform software simultaneously calculated the magnitude and the epoch time of the events from the transformed data. The software selected 335 and 359 low magnitude FDs respectively for APTY and MOSC observatories. The large catalogues of low-amplitude FDs selected compared to that in literature may be attributed to the efficiency of the present algorithm. We carried out a regression analysis on the magnitude of these events and the corresponding solar wind disturbance agents. The analysis shows that for APTY NM station, the correlation coefficient results r for FD-interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and FD-planetary geomagnetic activity index (ap) relations are statistically significant at 95% confidence level. At the MOSC station, we find r ∼-0.41 which is statistically significant at 95% confidence level for FD-SWS relation. Analyzing all (low-and high-amplitude) FDs, r is relatively strong and statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions elucidate the taxonomy of Indian Dipcadi Medik. (Asparagaceae) and reveal a new species from the bank of Hiranyakeshi River, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shelke P.E. , Tamboli A.S. , Surveswaran S. , Yadav S.R. , Choo Y-S. , Pak J , Lekhak Manoj 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Dipcadi (Scilloideae: Asparagaceae) is a genus of bulbous monocots with approximately 40 species, of which 13 occur in India. Species delimitation within the genus has been troublesome hindering a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. The most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Ornithogaloideae included six species of Dipcadi only from Africa. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Ornithogaloideae including 23 accessions of Indian Dipcadi. The phylogenetic analyses were based on nucleotide sequences of three plastid regions (rbcL, matK and trnL-F spacer) and one nuclear region (ITS). Pseudogaltonia clavata exhibited sister relationship to Dipcadi. Our combined nuclear + plastid dataset analyses revealed monophyletic Dipcadi with four clades, Clade I-IV. Clade I, II and III included mainly Indian species whereas Clade IV were mostly African species. Clade I included nine taxa including our newly described species D. mukaianum. The new species was phylogenetically placed along with D. erythraeum, D. saxorum and D. ursulae. Morphologically, the species resembled D. montanum and D. ursulae but differed in characters such as tepal cohesion, number of ovules per locule and foul-smelling flowers. Clade II and III included 11 and six taxa, respectively. D. erythraeum which has a native range from Egypt to western India was found in Clades I and IV. The widespread Dipcadi species, viz. D. erythraeum and D. serotinum showed polyphyly however, the monophyly of Dipcadi is established. Further work on the historical biogeography of Dipcadi on the subfamily Ornithogaloideae with more genetic data will yield insights how aridification of the landscape has shaped the evolution of the geographical clades.
Therapeutic efficacy of bovine serum albumin-riboflavin-retinoic acid formulated hydrogel on corneal wound healing and progenitor cell remodeling: An ex vivo study
Authors: samivel Ramachandran , AliKhan Adnan , Masmali Ali , ALANAZI SAUD , Almubrad Turki , Akhtar Saeed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The recovery of injured corneas requires both epithelial regeneration and stromal repair, and the formulated biomaterials established to repair damaged corneas can be utilized in regenerative medicine. The challenge is incorporating biomaterials with host tissue and cellular delivery, preventing rapid material degradation and maintaining corneal transparency.
Methods Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-riboflavin-retinoic acid (BHG) hydrogel was prepared by dissolving riboflavin, retinoic acid and 2.5% glutaraldehyde. The camel corneoscleral ring with a wound (8 mm diameter and 250 µm deep) was put on dome-shaped agarose, which was placed into 6-well plates containing BHG + serum-free Medium 199. The plateswere incubated at 37°C for 0, 24, 48 or 72 hours. The corneoscleral rings were processed and processedfor histopathology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
Results Histology and electron microscopy revealed that the development of all epithelial layers, basement membrane and anterior stroma was faster in the BHG-treated wounds than in thenontreated wounded corneas at 72 hours. Fibronectin expression was greaterand α-smooth muscle actin expression was lower in the BHG-treated corneas than inthe nontreated wounded corneas. The BHG-treated wounds healed faster than the nontreated wounds did.
Conclusion According to the present findings, we believe that BHG treatment upregulates the transglutaminase-2 (TG2) enzyme, leading to the regeneration of epithelial cells, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling, which promotes stromal cells. Hence, BHG is a promising therapeutic hydrogel for healing wounded corneas, and further studies on corneal wound healing and progenitor cellremodeling in an in vivo modelare needed.
Brain region specific regulation of anandamide (down) and sphingosine-1- phosphate (up) in association with anxiety (AEA) and resilience (S1P) in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Fischer Caroline , Thomas Dominique , Gurke Robert , Tegeder Irmgard 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Chronic unpredictable and unavoidable stress is associated with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, whereas cycles of stress and stress relief strengthen resilience. It has been suggested that increased breakdown of brain endocannabinoids (eCB) promotes a feeling of adversity. To assess the impact of stress on bioactive lipid homeostasis we analyzed eCB, sphingolipids and ceramides in seven brain regions and plasma in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress. CUMS was associated with low levels of anandamide in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in association with indicators of anxiety (elevated plus maze). Oppositely, CUMS caused elevated levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:1) and sphinganine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:0) in midbrain and thalamus, which was associated with readouts of increased stress resilience, i.e., marble burying and struggling in the tail suspension tests. In the periphery, elevated plasma levels of ceramides revealed similarities with human major depression and suggested unfavorable effects of stress on metabolism, but plasma lipids were not associated with body weight, sucrose consumption or behavioral features of depression or anxiety. The observed brain site specific lipid changes suggest that the forebrain succumbs to adverse stress effects while the midbrain takes up defensive adjustments.
Safety and Efficacy of Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (mini PCNL) in Pediatric Patients with Staghorn Stone: A Single Center Study in Pakistan
Authors: Tahir Ruqia , Bakar Abu , Khan Ubaid Ullah , Imran Mishal , khan Ansar Ullah , Ullah Hizb 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) in pediatric patients with staghorn stones in Pakistan.
Methods
The study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from December 1, 2022, to June 1, 2023. A total of 140 participants were included in the study using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Inclusion criteria included male and female patients aged 3 months to 18 years with sterile urine cultures, while exclusion criteria included malrotation or ectopic pelvic kidneys, uncontrolled urinary tract infections, and comorbidities that contraindicated surgery. The study followed ethical approval and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data collection involved recording patient demographics, surgical parameters, and postoperative outcomes. The procedures were performed using the Karl Storz Nagele minimally invasive PCNL system, and the Swiss Lithoclast Master was used to fragment the stones.
Results
The study found that mini-PCNL is a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric patients with staghorn stones, with a stone-free rate of 82.1% and a complication rate of 9.3%.
Conclusion
The study recommends mini-PCNL as a preferred treatment option for pediatric patients with staghorn stones due to its minimally invasive nature and lower complication rate compared to traditional PCNL. Overall, this study showed that mini-PCNL is a safe and effective therapeutic option for kidney stones in pediatric patients. Future research should be conducted using a wider population to generalize the results.
Effect of the regulation of quinine in Cinchona Base derived primary amine on the addition reaction of nitrostyrene with 2-methylpropionaldehyde
Authors: Haiyang Jiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Michael addition of nitrostyrene and 2-methylpropionaldehyde catalyzed via cinchona alkaloid-based primary amines (9-epi-QDA-R'') with the aid of benzoic acid have been carried out at the PCM(toluene)/B3LYP/6-311 + + G(2df,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The calculations showed that the whole reaction consisted of four consecutive steps: ⑴ the production of an imine ion intermediate, ⑵ an addition reaction between the imine ion and nitrostyrene, ⑶ the second proton transfer stage, and ⑷ hydrolysis and regeneration stage of the catalyst. The rate-determining step of the whole reaction is the addition process between the imine ion and nitrostyrene. The correlation calculations determined that 9-epi-QDA-R'' containing -NH electron-absorbing group in the quinine ring exhibit stronger activation than that containing -CH2 electron-donating group, while 9-epi-QDA-R'' with -NCONHPh electron-absorbing group in the quinine ring exhibit weaker activation than that containing -CH2 electron-donating group. Natural Bond Orbital analysis of atomic charges of the tertiary amine nitrogen in the quinine ring determined that the electron-absorbing group slightly reduce the negative charges on the nitrogen atom of the tertiary amine, which is favorable for the addition reaction of the imine ion to nitrostyrene. However, the negative charge on tertiary amine nitrogen is much reduced by the electron-absorbing substituents, which is not conducive to the addition reaction of nitrostyrene with the imine ion. Accordingly, the calculations exhibit that the charge distribution of the nitrogen atom of the tertiary amine influences the catalytic efficiency of the whole system.
Subjective and inter-subjective meanings associated with peer caregiving amongst male and female peer support workers in two US state prisons
Authors: Stewart Warren , Prost Stephanie Grace , Novisky Meghan , Arculeta Adrian , Golder Seana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the increasing number of older, frail, disabled and dying persons in US prisons and other Western nations, awareness of the need and value of high-quality peer care is growing. This paper provides a qualitative analysis of the perceptions and experiences of male and female peer carers in two US prisons regarding their roles. The data in this paper were collected via two focus groups (n = 15) and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings were organised using Bronfenbrenner’s (2000) ecological systems framework and emphasize the issues that hold meaning for the male and female peer caregivers, and the factors that motivated and sustained them in their roles, often in the face of complex inter-personal and environmental stressors. Three thematic areas emerged: ‘motivation and benefits’, ‘challenges and costs’, and ‘learning’ associated with caregiving. The findings reveal there are several differences and similarities between male and female caregiver experiences. However, both groups enjoyed intrinsic and extrinsic rewards associated with their roles. Male peer caregivers appear to be motivated by issues related to identity, masculinity, and religious beliefs, while women were driven by the value of meaningful relationships. To our knowledge this is the first paper to describe and contrast the views and experiences of male and female peer caregivers in prisons.
Tackling the role of rare functional variation in inflammatory bowel disease through application of GenePy2 as a potential DNA biomarker
Authors: Ennis Sarah , Cheng Guo , Ashton James , Beattie R.Mark , Collins Andrew 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Rare and common variants often converge in the pathogenic pathway of in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a heterogenous autoimmune condition with genomic and environmental influences. We identified 794 functionally-targeted-genes/linkage-disequilibrium-mapped blocks (LDBs) implicated by genome-wide-association-studies (GWAS), then developed GenePy2, a burden score that integrates functional impacts of rare variants for each gene/LDB, using exome data of UK-Biobank phase2 IBD cohort. Through case/control 2-way Man-Whitney-U test tuning on subpopulations with extreme GenePy2 scores, 34 genes/LDBs in Crohn’s disease (CD) and 25 in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) survived significance test, confirming roles for rare functional variants. The optimal threshold of GenePy2 were then pinpointed for each gene/LDB based on tests’ maximum effect size. Further itemset association mining of the binarised GenePy2 scores detected an intriguing cooccurrence of extreme scores of the risk NOD2 and protective IL23R in controls, which are mutually exclusive in CD patients, implicating a ‘rescue’ of disease by protective rare variants.
On the Asymptotic Persistence of Langmuir Modes in Kinematically Complex Plasma Flows
Authors: Arabuli Ketevan , Rogava Andria , Poedts Stefaan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The dynamics of Langmuir modes, waves (LW), and shear Langmuir vortices (SLV) are studied in kinematically complex astrophysical plasma flows. It is found that they exhibit several peculiar, velocity shear-induced, {\it asymptotically persistent} phenomena, including efficient energy exchange with the background flow and various kinds of instabilities, leading to their exponential growth and echoing solutions with persistent wave-vortex-wave conversions. There is a remarkable similarity between these phenomena and those happening with compressible acoustic modes. These phenomena' relevance and possible importance for different types of astrophysical plasma flow patterns with kinematic complexity are discussed. In particular, we argue that these physical processes may account for the persistent appearance of plasma oscillations in the heliosphere and interstellar plasma flows. In particular, we believe that the kinematically complex motion of plasma may naturally lead to the asymptotically persistent appearance of Langmuir modes that are born, grown, fed, sustained and maintained by these flows.
Phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomic studies of Thermus strains isolated from Tengchong and Tibet hot springs, China
Authors: Khan Inam Ullah , Saqib Muhammad , Amin Arshia , Manzoor Sadia , Ahmed Iftikhar , Liu Rui-Rui , Jiao Jian-Yu , Zhi Xiao-Yang , Li Wen-Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Genus Thermus is the main focus of researcher among the thermophiles. Members of this genus are the inhabitants of both natural and artificial thermal environments. We performed phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomic studies to unravel the genomic diversity among the strains belonging to the genus Thermus as well their strategiesto adapt in geographically different thermal springs. Sixteen Thermus strains were isolated and sequenced from two geographically different hot springs, Qucai hot springs in Tibet and Tengchong hot springs in Yunnan, China. 16S rRNA gene based phylogeny and phylogenomic analyses based on concatenated set of conserved proteins 971 (supermatrix and gene content methods) revealed a mixed distribution of the Thermus strains. The phylogenomic analyses results suggest fundamentally similar trends of adaptabilityof genus Thermus at high-temperature environments. Whole genome based phylogenetic analysis showed, all 16 Thermus strains belong to five species; T. oshimai (YIM QC-2-109, YIM 1640, YIM 1627, 77359, 77923, 77838), T.antranikianii (YIM 73052, 77412, 77311, 71206), T. brokianus (YIM 73518, 71318, 72351), T. hydrothermalis (YIM 730264 and 77927) and T. thalpophilus (77420). Although the genomes of different strains of Thermus of same species were highly similar, but subtle differences were found.CRISPR loci were detected through genome-widescreening, which showed that Thermus isolates from two different thermal locations had well developed defense system against viruses and adopt similar strategy for survival. Additionally, comparative genome analysis screened competence loci across all the Thermus genomes which reveal that they acquire DNA from environment very efficiently. In the present study it was found that Thermusstrains from two different geothermal springs use two mechanism of incomplete denitrification pathway, some Thermusstrains produces nitric oxide while others nitrious oxide (dinitrogen oxide), which show the heterotrophic lifestyle of Thermus genus. All isolated organisms encoded complete pathways for glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and pentose phosphate. Calvin Benson Bassham cycle genes were identified in genomes of T. oshimai and T. antranikianii strains, while genomes of all T. brokianus strains and organism 77420 were lacking. Arsenic, cadmium and cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistant genes were detected in genomes of all sequenced Thermusstrains. Strains 77420, 77311, 73518, 77412 and 72351 genomes were found harboring genes for siderophores production. Sox gene clusters were identified in all sequenced genomes, except strain YIM 730264, suggesting a mode of chemolithotrophy.
Impact of Relative Humidity on the Formation of Low-Frictional Interface and its Continuity in Tribological Systems with Hydrogenated Carbon Nitride Coatings
Authors: Kuriyagawa Kazuya , Tamagawa Tatsuki , Adachi Koshi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The impact of relative humidity on the formation of low-frictional interface in hydrogenated carbon nitride (CNx:H) coatings sliding against Si3N4 balls and the formation continuity was elucidated through friction tests conducted in both air and nitrogen atmospheres with controlled relative humidity levels. In air atmosphere, a carbonaceous tribolayer with a transformed structure from the initial CNx:H was formed on Si3N4 at less than 3.0% RH, resulting in low friction (µ < 0.05) and a low specific wear rate of the balls (< 2×10− 9 mm3/Nžm). In contrast, this tribolayer failed to form at > 3.0% RH. In nitrogen atmosphere, within the 0.25–1.0% RH range, the tribolayer continued to form concurrently with wear progression, maintaining low friction for over 50,000 cycles. However, in less than this humidity range, the lifetime of low friction decreased owing to the tribolayer’s structural transformation. Thus, relative humidity influences not only the formation of the low-frictional interface but also the formation continuity. On the CNx:H friction surface, hydrogen, hydroxyl, and oxygen groups from environmental water and oxygen molecules continued to chemisorb owing to tribochemical reactions on the uppermost few nanometers during continuous low friction in a nitrogen atmosphere, while hydrogen content of CNx:H desorbed. This study experimentally confirmed the critical role of controlling relative humidity in tribological systems using CNx:H coatings to achieve low friction and improve its durability of low friction through the continuous formation of the low-frictional interface.
Ultrastructure of EGC and expression of GDNF, GFAP and their mRNA in small intestine of broiler chickens at different days of age
Authors: Tian Xingxing , Han Ruoyu , Ali Adnan , Chen Jie , Yang Kuan , Qi Fenghua , Xu Chunsheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the small intestine and the expression of their secretions, GDNF and GFAP, in broilers of different ages. Yellow-feathered broilers aged 7, 20, 40, 55, and 70 days were selected. Ultrathin sections and paraffin sections of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were obtained after slaughter to observe the ultrastructure of EGCs and the expression of GDNF and GFAP in the small intestinal tissues using transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, changes in the mRNA content of GDNF and GFAP were detected using qRT-PCR.The experimental results revealed that the cell membrane structure of 7-day-old EGCs was unclear, and the intracellular cells contained more mitochondria, lysosomes, and other organelles. As the age increased, the boundaries between EGCs became clearer, the cell spacing increased, and the intracellular glial fibers increased. Immunohistochemistry results showed that GDNF and GFAP proteins increased and then decreased from 7 to 70 days of age, peaking at 40 days of age. The mRNA expression of GFAP was consistent with the protein expression level at different ages, while the mRNA expression of GDNF was opposite to that of the protein, with the lowest mRNA expression observed at 40 days. In conclusion, with increasing age, the structure of EGCs tended to stabilize, with cells maturing at 40 days of age. The expression of GDNF and GFAP gradually increased and peaked at 40 days of age before declining. The mRNA expression of GFAP correlated with the protein expression pattern, whereas the expression of GDNF mRNA was opposite to that of the protein expression. These results provide a morphological reference for studying the physiological function of broiler EGCs.