bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognosis algorithms for acute decompensation of cirrhosis and ACLF
Authors: Valainathan Shantha R. , Xie Qing , Arroyo Vicente , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccurate prediction of survival in patients with cirrhosis is crucial, as patients who are unlikely to survive in the short‐term need to be oriented to liver transplantation and to novel therapeutic approaches. Patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis without or with organ dysfunction/failure, the so‐called acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), have a particularly high short‐term mortality. Recognizing the specificity of this clinical situation, dedicated classifications and scores have been developed over the last 15 years, including variables (e.g. organ failures and systemic inflammation) not part of the formerly available cirrhosis severity scores, namely Child‐Pugh score or MELD. For patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis, it led to the development of a dedicated score, the Clif‐C‐AD score, independently validated. For more severe patients, three different scoring systems have been proposed, by European, Asian and North American societies namely Clif‐C‐ACLF, AARC score and NASCELD‐ACLF respectively. These scores have been validated, and are widely used across the world. The differences and similarities between these scores, as well as their validation and limitations are discussed here. Even if these scores and classifications have been a step forward in favouring homogeneity between studies, and in helping making decisions for individual patients, their predictive value for mortality can still be improved as their area under the ROC curve does not exceed .8. Novel scores including biomarkers reflecting the pathophysiology of acute decompensation of cirrhosis might help reach that goal.
Libertarianism without alternative possibilities
Authors: Dolbeault Joël 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the contemporary debate on free will, most philosophers assume that the defense of libertarianism implies the defense of the notion of alternative possibilities. This article discusses this presupposition by showing that it is possible to build a libertarianism without alternative possibilities, apparently more robust than libertarianism with alternative possibilities. Inspired by Bergson, this nonclassical libertarianism challenges the idea that all causation implies the actualization of a predetermined possibility (an idea shared by determinism and classical libertarianism). Moreover, it challenges the idea that free will is a mere choice between prefixed possibilities: for this libertarianism, free will is the result of a creative process of the mind—an entirely causal process whose outcome is not, however, predetermined. This nonclassical libertarianism describes the process of forming a will in a more realistic way than classical libertarianism does. Furthermore, it is not threatened by the problem of chance.
Genetic dissection of the tissue‐specific roles of type III effectors and phytotoxins in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae to cherry
Authors: Vadillo‐Dieguez Andrea , Zeng Ziyue , Mansfield John W. , Grinberg Nastasiya F. , Lynn Samantha C. , Gregg Adam , Connell John , Harrison Richard J. , Jackson Robert W. , Hulin Michelle T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhen compared with other phylogroups (PGs) of the Pseudomonas syringae species complex, P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss) strains within PG2 have a reduced repertoire of type III effectors (T3Es) but produce several phytotoxins. Effectors within the cherry pathogen Pss 9644 were grouped based on their frequency in strains from Prunus as the conserved effector locus (CEL) common to most P. syringae pathogens; a core of effectors common to PG2; a set of PRUNUS effectors common to cherry pathogens; and a FLEXIBLE set of T3Es. Pss 9644 also contains gene clusters for biosynthesis of toxins syringomycin, syringopeptin and syringolin A. After confirmation of virulence gene expression, mutants with a sequential series of T3E and toxin deletions were pathogenicity tested on wood, leaves and fruits of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and leaves of ornamental cherry (Prunus incisa). The toxins had a key role in disease development in fruits but were less important in leaves and wood. An effectorless mutant retained some pathogenicity to fruit but not wood or leaves. Striking redundancy was observed amongst effector groups. The CEL effectors have important roles during the early stages of leaf infection and possibly acted synergistically with toxins in all tissues. Deletion of separate groups of T3Es had more effect in P. incisa than in P. avium. Mixed inocula were used to complement the toxin mutations in trans and indicated that strain mixtures may be important in the field. Our results highlight the niche‐specific role of toxins in P. avium tissues and the complexity of effector redundancy in the pathogen Pss 9644.
Adipose‐derived miRNAs as potential biomarkers for predicting adulthood obesity and its complications: A systematic review and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liu Xiyan , Sun Huayi , Zheng Lixia , Zhang Jian , Su Han , Li Bingjie , Wu Qianhui , Liu Yunchan , Xu Yingxi , Song Xiaoyu , Yu Yang 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAdipose tissue is the first and primary target organ of obesity and the main source of circulating miRNAs in patients with obesity. This systematic review aimed to analyze and summarize the generation and mechanisms of adipose‐derived miRNAs and their role as early predictors of various obesity‐related complications. Literature searches in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using terms related to miRNAs, obesity, and adipose tissue. Pre‐miRNAs from the Human MicroRNA Disease Database, known to regulate obesity‐related metabolic disorders, were combined for intersection processing. Validated miRNA targets were sorted through literature review, and enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes via the KOBAS online tool, disease analysis, and miRNA transcription factor prediction using the TransmiR v. 2.0 database were also performed. Thirty miRNAs were identified using both obesity and adipose secretion as criteria. Seventy‐nine functionally validated targets associated with 30 comorbidities of these miRNAs were identified, implicating pathways such as autophagy, p53 pathways, and inflammation. The miRNA precursors were analyzed to predict their transcription factors and explore their biosynthesis mechanisms. Our findings offer potential insights into the epigenetic changes related to adipose‐driven obesity‐related comorbidities.
Detoxifying bacterial genes for deoxynivalenol epimerization confer durable resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat
Authors: He Wei‐Jie , Yang Peng , Huang Tao , Liu Yu‐Fan , Zhang Yu‐Wei , Zhang Wen‐Min , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Zheng Meng‐Ru , Ma Ling , Zhao Chang‐Xing , Li He‐Ping , Liao Yu‐Cai , Wu Ai‐Bo , Zhang Jing‐Bo 
Published: April 2024

SummaryFusarium head blight (FHB) and the presence of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) pose serious threats to wheat production and food safety worldwide. DON, as a virulence factor, is crucial for the spread of FHB pathogens on plants. However, germplasm resources that are naturally resistant to DON and DON‐producing FHB pathogens are inadequate in plants. Here, detoxifying bacteria genes responsible for DON epimerization were used to enhance the resistance of wheat to mycotoxin DON and FHB pathogens. We characterized the complete pathway and molecular basis leading to the thorough detoxification of DON via epimerization through two sequential reactions in the detoxifying bacterium Devosia sp. D6‐9. Epimerization efficiently eliminates the phytotoxicity of DON and neutralizes the effects of DON as a virulence factor. Notably, co‐expressing of the genes encoding quinoprotein dehydrogenase (QDDH) for DON oxidation in the first reaction step, and aldo‐keto reductase AKR13B2 for 3‐keto‐DON reduction in the second reaction step significantly reduced the accumulation of DON as virulence factor in wheat after the infection of pathogenic Fusarium, and accordingly conferred increased disease resistance to FHB by restricting the spread of pathogenic Fusarium in the transgenic plants. Stable and improved resistance was observed in greenhouse and field conditions over multiple generations. This successful approach presents a promising avenue for enhancing FHB resistance in crops and reducing mycotoxin contents in grains through detoxification of the virulence factor DON by exogenous resistance genes from microbes.
Governance by artifacts: Theory and evidence on materiality of administrative burdens
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Azfar , Masood Ayesha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAdministrative burden research has contributed to improved understanding of citizens' experiences while accessing state services. However, the significance of the material infrastructure within which citizen–administrator interactions take place remains largely absent from this line of research. To help address this research gap, this article uses ethnographic data to discuss the influence of material and virtual artifacts in bureaucratic offices on the administrative burden faced by citizens accessing social services. This significance of artifacts is further unpacked along their material, symbolic, and aesthetic dimensions. Our findings suggest that the instrumentality of certain artifacts (or lack thereof) can disproportionately decrease accessibility and usability of bureaucratic spaces for certain social groups thereby augmenting their administrative burden. Moreover, artifacts symbolizing power, prestige, and administrative easing are reserved for spaces occupied by the social elite while the underprivileged groups are relegated to bureaucratic spaces characterized by a general neglect of aesthetics and symbolism of decay.
Nitrogen cycling process and application in different prawn culture modes
Authors: Chen Zhao , Li Jian , Zhai Qianqian , Chang Zhiqiang , Li Jitao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNitrogenous waste is a global concern in aquatic ecosystems. In the shrimp farming system, feeding is the main input of nitrogen, which leads to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste, such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Nitrogen cycling is crucial for nitrogenous waste removal and for the stability of the aquaculture system. Under the action of different functional microorganisms, a variety of nitrogen cycling pathways can be used for the transformation and removal of nitrogenous waste. Understanding the complexity of the nitrogen cycle is necessary for improving the aquaculture environment. This review examines the many components and mechanisms involved in the nitrogen cycle in shrimp farming system, including nitrification, denitrification, anammox, heterotrophic assimilation, and autotrophic assimilation. Because of the difference in aquaculture characteristics, nitrogen cycling pathways in different shrimp culture modes are diverse. The current application of the nitrogen cycle in shrimp farming system, including the outdoor pond mode and indoor industrialized mode, was presented in combination with the requirements for dissolved oxygen (DO), organic matter, carbon–nitrogen ratio, light, and other environmental factors. Overall, nitrification, heterotrophic assimilation, autotrophic assimilation, and heterotrophic denitrification are the main nitrogen cycle processes in the shrimp culture system. According to the characteristics of aquaculture modes and microorganisms, utilizing different nitrogen cycle processes can enhance the efficiency of the nitrogen cycle, facilitate the elimination of nitrogenous waste, optimize the aquaculture water environment, and improve overall aquaculture benefits.
Test–retest reliability of transfer function analysis metrics for assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation to spontaneous blood pressure oscillations
Authors: Olsen Markus Harboe , Riberholt Christian , Capion Tenna , Plovsing Ronni R. , Møller Kirsten , Berg Ronan M. G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTransfer function analysis (TFA) is a widely used method for assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation in humans. In the present study, we assessed the test–retest reliability of established TFA metrics derived from spontaneous blood pressure oscillations and based on 5 min recordings. The TFA‐based gain, phase and coherence in the low‐frequency range (0.07–0.20 Hz) from 19 healthy volunteers, 37 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and 19 patients with sepsis were included. Reliability assessments included the smallest real difference (SRD) and the coefficient of variance for comparing consecutive 5 min recordings, temporally separated 5 min recordings and consecutive recordings with a minimal length of 10 min. In healthy volunteers, temporally separating the 5 min recordings led to a 0.38 (0.01–0.79) cm s−1 mmHg−1 higher SRD for gain (P = 0.032), and extending the duration of recordings did not affect the reliability. In subarachnoid haemorrhage, temporal separation led to a 0.85 (−0.13 to 1.93) cm s−1 mmHg−1 higher SRD (P = 0.047) and a 20 (−2 to 41)% higher coefficient of variance (P = 0.038) for gain, but neither metric was affected by extending the recording duration. In sepsis, temporal separation increased the SRD for phase by 94 (23–160)° (P = 0.006) but was unaffected by extending the recording. A recording duration of 8 min was required to achieve stable gain and normalized gain measures in healthy individuals, and even longer recordings were required in patients. In conclusion, a recording duration of 5 min appears insufficient for obtaining stable and reliable TFA metrics when based on spontaneous blood pressure oscillations, particularly in critically ill patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and sepsis.
Asynchronous Multi-Information Source Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Khatamsaz Danial , Arroyave Raymundo , Allaire Douglas L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractResource management in engineering design seeks to optimally allocate while maximizing the performance metrics of the final design. Bayesian optimization (BO) is an efficient design framework that judiciously allocates resources through heuristic-based searches, aiming to identify the optimal design region with minimal experiments. Upon recommending a series of experiments or tasks, the framework anticipates their completion to augment its knowledge repository, subsequently guiding its decisions toward the most favorable next steps. However, when confronted with time constraints or other resource challenges, bottlenecks can hinder the traditional BO’s ability to assimilate knowledge and allocate resources with efficiency. In this work, we introduce an asynchronous learning framework designed to utilize idle periods between experiments. This model adeptly allocates resources, capitalizing on lower fidelity experiments to gather comprehensive insights about the target objective function. Such an approach ensures that the system progresses uninhibited by the outcomes of prior experiments, as it provisionally relies on anticipated results as stand-ins for actual outcomes. We initiate our exploration by addressing a basic problem, contrasting the efficacy of asynchronous learning against traditional synchronous multi-fidelity BO. We then employ this method to a practical challenge: optimizing a specific mechanical characteristic of a dual-phase steel.
Heterosis of endophytic microbiomes in hybrid rice varieties improves seed germination
Authors: Liu Yuanhui , Zhao Kankan , Stirling Erinne , Wang Xiaolin , Gao Zhenyu , Ma Bin , Xu Chunmei , Chen Song , Chu Guang , Zhang Xiufu , Wang Danying 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Seed endophytic microbiomes are shaped by host and environmental factors and play a crucial role in their host growth and health. Studies have demonstrated that host genotype, including hybridization, affects seed microbiomes. Heterosis features are also observed in root-associated microbiomes. It remains unclear, however, whether heterosis exists in seed endophytic microbiomes and whether hybrid microbiota provide noticeable advantages to host plant growth, especially to seed germination. Here, we investigated the structure of seed endophytic bacterial and fungal communities from three hybrid rice varieties and their respective parents using amplicon sequencing targeting 16S rRNA and ITS2 genes. Heterosis was found in diversity and composition of seed endophytic microbiomes in hybrids, which hosted more diverse communities and significantly higher abundances of plant growth-promoting taxa, such as
Pseudomonas
and
Rhizobium
genera compared with their parental lines. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that there are potentially tighter microbial interactions in the hybrid seeds compared with their parent seeds. Finally, inoculation of seed-cultivable endophytes, isolated from hybrids, resulted in a greater promotion of seed germination compared with those isolated from parent lines. These findings suggest that heterosis exists not only in plant traits but also in seed endophytic microbiota, the latter in turn promotes seed germination, which offers valuable guidance for microbiome-assisted rice breeding.

IMPORTANCE
Genetic and physiological changes associated with plant hybridization have been studied for many crop species. Still, little is known about the impact of hybridization on the seed microbiota. In this study, we indicate that hybridization has a significant impact on the endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in rice seeds. The seed endophytic microbiomes of hybrids displayed distinct characteristics from those of their parental lines and exhibited potential heterosis features. Furthermore, the inoculation of seed-cultivable endophytes isolated from hybrids exhibited a greater promotion effect on seed germination compared with those isolated from the parents. Our findings make a valuable contribution to the emerging field of microbiome-assisted plant breeding, highlighting the potential for a targeted approach that aims to achieve not only desired plant traits but also plant-beneficial microbial communities on the seeds.
Diagnostic criteria of anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography to detect gonioscopic angle closure
Authors: Guo Philip Yawen , Zhang Xiulan , Li Fei , Lin Chen , Nguyen Anwell , Sakata Rei , Higashita Risa , Okamoto Keiichiro , Yu Marco , Aihara Makoto , Aung Tin , Lin Shan , Leung Christopher Kai-Shun 
Published: April 2024

AimsTo compare the diagnostic performance of 360° anterior segment optical coherence tomography assessment by applying normative percentile cut-offs versus iris trabecular contact (ITC) for detecting gonioscopic angle closure.MethodsIn this multicentre study, 394 healthy individuals were included in the normative dataset to derive the age-specific and angle location-specific normative percentiles of angle open distance (AOD500) and trabecular iris space area (TISA500) which were measured every 10° for 360°. 119 healthy participants and 170 patients with angle closure by gonioscopy were included in the test dataset to investigate the diagnostic performance of three sets of criteria for detection of gonioscopic angle closure: (1) the 10th and (2) the 5th percentiles of AOD500/TISA500, and (3) ITC (ie, AOD500/TISA500=0 mm/mm2). The number of angle locations with angle closure defined by each set of the criteria for each eye was used to generate the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the discrimination between gonioscopic angle closure and open angle.ResultsOf the three sets of diagnostic criteria examined, the area under the ROC curve was greatest for the 10th percentile of AOD500 (0.933), whereas the ITC criterion AOD500=0 mm showed the smallest area under the ROC (0.852) and the difference was statistically significant with or without adjusting for age and axial length (p<0.001). The criterion ≥90° of AOD500 below the 10th percentile attained the best sensitivity 87.6% and specificity 84.9% combination for detecting gonioscopic angle closure.ConclusionsApplying the normative percentiles of angle measurements yielded a higher diagnostic performance than ITC for detecting angle closure on gonioscopy.
Powerful Analytical Platform for Diazepam Determination in Pharmaceuticals and Alcoholic Drinks Based on Batch Injection Analysis Coupled with Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Haššo Marek , Kekeľáková Adela , Hanko Michal , Švorc Ľubomír 
Published: April 2024

The presented study focuses on the development and optimization of a powerful electroanalytical platform for the direct quantification of diazepam (DZP). This innovative approach integrates a batch injection analysis (BIA) system with a screen-printed electrode arrangement employing square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV). The BIA-SWAdSV method underwent a comprehensive evaluation, wherein various experimental and instrumental parameters were systematically examined in detail. Beneficial analytical performance for detecting DZP was attained in Britton-Robinson buffer with pH 6.0, with an amplitude of 75 mV, a frequency of 10 Hz, a deposition potential of –1.2 V, a deposition time of 150 s, an injection volume of 75 μl, a dispensing rate of 7 μl s−1 and without stirring during the deposition step. Under these conditions, the proposed BIA-SWAdSV method demonstrated an adequately broad linear concentration range from 5 μM to 40 μM (R
2 = 0.997) with a micromolar limit of detection (2.0 μM) and a satisfactory precision (RSD = 5.0%). The practical applicability of the newly established and powerful analytical protocol was confirmed through the analysis of pharmaceuticals and a fortified samples of an alcoholic drink (rum) associated with potential criminal activities involving DZP abuse.