bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oceanobacter antarcticus sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica
Authors: Zhang Jinzhu , Wang Jianning , Du Yaping , Li Guangyu , Liu Xiupian , Pan Panyi , He Ziyuan , Cheng Ruolin , Lai Qiliang , Shao Zongze , Dong Chunming 
Published: February 2025

The poles of the Earth harbour many novel micro-organisms that have not yet been isolated and identified. Here, a Gram-stain-negative, motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as wDCs-4T, was isolated from surface seawater collected from the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. It grows at 4–40 °C (optimum 10–15 °C), pH 4–8 (optimum 7) and in the presence of 0–4% NaCl (w/v, optimum 0.5–1%). The complete 16S rRNA gene of strain wDCs-4T had maximum sequence identity with Oceanobacter mangrovi SM2-42T (97.2%), followed by Thalassolituus oleivorans MIL-1T (96.5%) and Oceanobacter kriegii 197T (96.2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences showed that strain wDCs-4T was closely clustered with the members of the genus Oceanobacter and formed an independent clade, which could be considered a monophyletic taxon. The average nucleotide identity values between strain wDCs-4T and the members of the genera Oceanobacter and Thalassolituus were 77.7–78.1 and 77.4–80.5%, respectively. The corresponding digital DNA‒DNA hybridization values are 19.5–20.1 and 20.5–22.4%, respectively. The major fatty acids (>5%) of strain wDCs-4T comprised summed feature 5 (C18:0 ante/C18:2
ω6,9c or C18:2
ω6,9c/C18:0 ante) and C16:0. The predominant respiratory was Q-8. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminolipids and unknown polar lipids. The draft genome size was 4.58 Mbp, with a DNA G+C content of 53.4 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic analyses, strain wDCs-4T represented a novel species in the genus Oceanobacter, for which the name Oceanobacter antarcticus sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain was wDCs-4T (=MCCC 1A20726T=KCTC 8314T).
Causal associations of COVID-19 with health and disease outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Lidong , Yan Junwei , Ye Mengfei , Yang Xiaopeng , Yao Yiying , Xia Jiajia , Jin Haonan , Ru Shanshan , Zhang Mengdi , Liu Zheng , Zhang Yingzhe 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed a substantial threat to global health. Despite numerous clinical observations and causality investigations, understanding of the disease’s progression and recovery process following infection remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the causal connections between COVID-19 and various diseases using Mendelian randomization studies to provide robust theoretical underpinnings for the development of effective rehabilitation and intervention strategies.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies on Mendelian randomization related to COVID-19 published up to October 21, 2024. We used an extensive search strategy with the keywords “Mendelian randomization” and “COVID-19”. Two pairs of coauthors independently extracted data on study characteristics, exposure, and outcomes, resolving discrepancies through discussion. We included studies that considered susceptibility to COVID-19, hospitalization, or severe infection as the exposure and disease-related effects or impacts on human health as outcomes. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the MR-STROBE criteria and extracted the relative risk (odds ratio [OR]) using a random-effects model for meta-analysis. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42025615426.ResultsOf the 1654 studies identified, 87 met the inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis. The primary outcome suggests that COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. Subgroup analyses identified an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, including optic nerve disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder, stroke, myocardial infarction with COVID-19. There is also a notable association between COVID-19 and the immune system, particularly neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and myasthenia gravis.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that COVID-19 infection has direct causal effects on human health or certain diseases at the genetic level, which may manifest as increased or decreased susceptibility to disease and changes in disease severity.
Global Pan-cancer serum miRNA classifier across 13 cancer types: Analysis of 46,349 clinical samples
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Pandikannan , Parthasarathy Madhavan , Das Nilanjana , Raj Athira S , Kumar Ashok , Gupta Vikas , Das Saikat , Kumar Himanshu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLiquid biopsy offers the minimally-invasive way of early cancer diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that show promising diagnostic potential due to their stability and their dysregulation upon different physiological conditions. However, existing cancer classifiers often rely on cohort-based comparisons, limiting their clinical utility. Extensive analyses in this study present a pan-cancer miRNA-based single-sample classifier, trained on 16,190 samples, tested across 9 independent datasets, and further validated on 8 distinct disease cohorts. The classifier leverages miRNA expression signatures to classify cancer and non_cancer samples including healthy, other diseases with high sensitivity and specificity, enabling personalized predictions. The classifier identifies cancer by evaluating the relative expression patterns of specific miRNAs, capturing neoplasm-specific dysregulation patterns independent of cohort effects. This study highlights the potential of miRNAs in robust cancer classification, offering a minimally invasive, scalable, and clinically adaptable miRNA serum resource for early cancer detection across diverse populations and malignancies.
Neonatal deep medullary venous thrombosis radiographic severity is associated with neurodevelopmental impairment
Authors: Pal Ria , Barsh Gabrielle Russo , Luo Ingrid , Dahmoush Hisham , Lee Sarah , Mayne Elizabeth 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDeep medullary vein thrombosis (DMVT) is an increasingly recognized etiology of neonatal brain injury, but remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to assess the association between MRI severity and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in neonates with DMVT, and develop a novel MRI grading system that might inform clinical outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed relevant charts from infants admitted to our tertiary care hospital between January 1990 to March 2023, and evaluated clinical characteristics, MRI features, and neurodevelopmental assessments of this cohort. We developed and validated a simple MRI grading system based on injury severity, categorizing lesions into mild, moderate, or severe groups. Of the 63 neonates with a diagnosis of DMVT, 41 had moderate or severe MRI lesions; those patients were 24-fold more likely to experience NDI compared to those with mild injury (adjusted OR 24.3, 95% CI 4.7-180.2, p<0.001). Of the 52 infants with follow-up data, 40.4% developed NDI; MRI severity was the strongest predictor of impaired outcomes, independent of clinical factors including gestational age, Apgar score and seizures at presentation. Our findings suggest that this pragmatic MRI grading scheme may offer clinicians and researchers a valuable classification and prognostication tool.
Molecular basis of vitamin K-dependent protein γ-glutamyl carboxylation
Authors: Zhong Qihang , Chen Dandan , Xu Jinkun , Li Yao , Meng Yan , Wen Qi , Ye Qiwei , Wang Guopeng , Pan Kexin , Tao Lin , Qiao Jie , Hang Jing 
Published: February 2025

AbstractGamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) in human is the sole enzyme responsible for catalyzing the carboxylation of glutamate (Glu) to γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla), a process that relies on the deprotonation of reduced vitamin K. This post-translational modification of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes. Mutations in GGCX are responsible for multiple clinical phenotypes; however, the molecular mechanisms of GGCX activity and its pathology remain poorly understood. In this study, we reported the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of GGCX bound with the either FIX or FX, two VKDPs and vitamin K, and employed the biochemical and cellular assays as well as molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate its dual-catalytic properties. The enzyme comprises a transmembrane domain that anchors the vitamin K-binding site, along with an ER luminal domain that facilitates binding of coagulation factor IX (FIX) at the exosite. The catalytic center orchestrates the oxidation of vitamin K and the carboxylation of Glu residues through a Cap-H2 coupling mechanism, along where disease-associated mutations in GGCX are predominantly clustered. These findings offer a comprehensive molecular framework for understanding the allosteric regulation of GGCX’s dual enzymatic activities and provide valuable insights for developing strategies to monitor and therapeutically target vitamin K metabolism in related diseases.
Programmable viscoelastic hydrogels uncover mechano-sensing timescales and direct cell polarity
Authors: Hsiao Syuan-Ku , Mukenhirn Markus , Werner Carsten , Honigmann Alf , Krieg Elisha 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMechanical interactions between cells and their three-dimensional environment govern fundamental processes in tissue development and disease. Yet, how cells interrogate and respond to mechanical cues remains incompletely understood. Reproducing the mechanical properties of natural tissuesin vitrois a key challenge, as these tissues exhibit complex viscoelastic behaviors and undergo continuous remodeling throughout an organism’s development. Here, we leverage principles of dynamic DNA nanotechnology to introduce programmable mechanical cues into a synthetic hydrogel matrix that guides and interrogates the development of embedded cells. By systematically modulating matrix stress relaxation and stiffness, we uncovertwo distinct timescalesof mechano-sensitive processes controlling apical–basal polarity in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells: the fast timescale (1–3 min) is linked to rapid integrin-mediated signaling, while the slower process (3–9 h) is associated with cytoskeletal reinforcements. Our analysis highlights that the commonly reported matrix “stiffness” value, often measured as the storage modulus at ∼1 Hz, has limited physiological relevance. These findings prompted us to develop a novelswitchable DNA crosslinkerthat enables dynamic changes in viscoelasticity during ongoing cell culture. This controlled matrix reconfiguration induces reversible cell polarity inversions and guides the morphogenesis of complex multicellular structures. The material platform therefore offers unprecedented control over the mechanical microenvironment, opening new avenues for advanced applications in biophysics, tissue engineering, and disease modeling.
The xenacoelomorph gonopore is homologous to the bilaterian anus
Authors: Andrikou Carmen , Pang Kevin , Børve Aina , Lu Tsai-Ming , Hejnol Andreas 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe bilaterian through gut with an anal opening is a key invention in animals, since it facilitates effective food processing, which allows animals to grow to a larger body size. However, because non-bilaterian animals lack a through gut, the evolution of anus is still debated. The formation of bilaterian hindgut is governed by the spatial expression of several transcription factors (e.g. Caudal and Brachyury) under the control of Wnt signaling. This conserved pattern has been used to support the homology of the anus of protostomes (insects, snails) and deuterostomes (sea urchins, humans). Here we show, that these bilaterian “hindgut” marker genes are expressed around the male gonopore of several xenacoelomorphs, which have a blind gut without an anal opening. These findings suggest a deep evolutionary relationship between the xenacoelomorph male gonopore and the bilaterian anus. Since xenacoelomorphs are the potential sister group to all remaining Bilateria, our results suggest that the bilaterian anus evolved from a male gonopore that came in contact with the digestive endoderm to form the posterior opening.
Exploring consumer perceptions and purchasing behaviors towards organic food: an empirical investigation
Authors: Sarangi Sonalika , Moharana Rajesh , Gayathri J.S. 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the influence of various factors on consumer purchasing actions within the realm of organic food. Specifically, it aims to understand how hedonic value, trust, utilitarian value, purchasing experience and consumer intention affect purchasing behavior, with accessibility acting as a mediating factor.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a quantitative methodology, utilizing a meticulously crafted questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive analysis is conducted using the statistical package SPSS. For hypothesis validation, the study applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings reveal that all independent factors (hedonic value, trust, utilitarian value, purchasing experience and consumer intention) significantly impact purchasing behavior either directly or indirectly through accessibility. Trust and consumer intention are identified as the most potent predictors of purchasing behavior, highlighting their crucial role in influencing consumer choices.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights for marketing professionals and policymakers aiming to encourage the consumption of organic food. It emphasizes the importance of improving accessibility and leveraging key determinants such as trust and consumer intention to shape consumer purchasing behavior. The comprehensive analysis of these factors offers a novel perspective on promoting organic food consumption.
Algorithmic computation of the bishop frame of the rational Bezier curves with augmented reality applications
Authors: Kuşak Samancı Hatice 
Published: February 2025

PurposeBezier curves are widely used in computer-aided geometric design (CAGD) for modeling objects such as aircraft, cars and ships. Augmented reality applications are an important type of new-generation technology that is increasingly being used in simulations in education, military fields and gaming fields. Our study aims to provide a different approach with Augmented reality applications, one of the new generation technologies, by examining some geometric properties of Bezier curves, which have an important place in the design world. In our study, the Bishop frame, curvatures, derivative formulas and the Darboux vector of the Bishop frame have been computed by the algorithm method for the whole points of the rational Bezier curves. In the last part, some numerical examples and augmented reality applications have been given for the rational and polynomial Bezier curves in the GeoGebra program. Firstly, geometric computations related to rational Bezier curves were made in the GeoGebra program, and then drawing algorithms of rational Bezier curves were demonstrated with videos in the GeoGebra Ar program.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the theoretical method used is the algorithmic computation of the Bishop frame of Rational Bezier curves. The design application involved creating some three-dimensional Bezier curve and their augmented reality application.FindingsUsing the algorithmic method, the Bishop frame of Rational Bezier curves was calculated, the curvatures of the curve's Bishop frame were determined and various properties were computed.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in the algorithmic computation of the Bishop frame of rational Bezier curves, which has not been previously addressed in the literature, as well as the calculation of certain properties related to the curvatures of the Bishop frame. Additionally, a boat design was created using Bezier curves, which are widely used in object design, and an augmented reality application was implemented. Another advantage of this study is that it is expected to help in the more effective use of Bezier curves in the gaming industry.
How much is too much inflation? Classifying inflationary regimes
Authors: de Mier Manuel , Delbianco Fernando 
Published: February 2025

PurposeExisting classifications of inflationary regimes often rely on subjective judgments, hindering objectivity and accuracy. This study proposes a novel, data-driven approach to address this limitation.Design/methodology/approachWe combine unsupervised clustering and classification tree methods to analyze Argentine inflation data from 1943 to 2022. Two smoothing techniques are introduced: a measure of temporal contiguity and a rolling majority rule method. The resulting regimes are compared to existing classifications based on their explanatory power for inflation-relative price variability.FindingsOur method identifies distinct inflationary regimes, demonstrating significant improvement in objectivity and accuracy compared to existing literature. The regimes capture key historical periods and exhibit a strong association with inflation-relative price variability, providing valuable insights into Argentine inflation dynamics.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel methodological framework for constructing objective and accurate inflationary regimes, free from subjective biases. This approach holds potential for application to other contexts and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of inflation dynamics.
The Gokhale Bridge 2.0: a tale of misalignment
Authors: Jain Richa 
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, students will be able to enumerate the unique process of project management, address unforeseen challenges in large-scale projects and develop strategies for mitigating risks. This case gives an opportunity to learners to analyses the time impact of failure of such infrastructure projects using project evaluation technique. The students would be able to discuss the social and financial implications of such mishaps on the overall economy.

Case overview/synopsis
The case tells the story of Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, Mumbai which serves as a vital link between the densely populated suburb’s, eastern and western part. Originally built in 1975, the bridge collapsed in 2018. The 90-m bridge reconstructed in just 15 months was lauded as an “Engineering marvel” by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a civic body responsible for Mumbai’s infrastructure. However, during the grand inauguration on February 26, 2024, a critical misalignment with the adjoining CD Barfiwala Flyover was revealed. This 2-m gap rendered the bridge inaccessible to motorists, undermining its intended purpose and frustrating commuters and residents. The case highlights systemic issues in operations and challenges faced by the BMC. Despite the BMC’s substantial budget and history in managing Mumbai’s infrastructure, the Gokhale Bridge debacle raises serious questions about project management. Amidst public criticism, BMC threw the buck on railways and hired two reputed Engineering colleges to propose solutions to rectify the menace. This situation emphasizes the need for meticulous oversight and risk analysis in civic projects, making the Gokhale Bridge a symbol of both ambition and caution. The case study is intended for Graduate, Postgraduate students in Project management and operations. It is also beneficial for Executive education programs intended government officials, civil servants and project managers.

Complexity academic level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Executive education.

Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Impact of various nanoparticles on mechanical properties and wear resistance in IN625-AISI316 friction stir welded dissimilar joints
Authors: K. Sanu Kailordson , M. Felix Xavier Muthu 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
The increasing demand for advanced materials in structural applications requires components that can withstand diverse load conditions while offering a combination of mechanical properties to improve overall performance. Dissimilar material joints, such as those between IN625 and AISI316, offer promising potential due to their unique properties. However, achieving reliable and high-performing joints between dissimilar materials remains a challenge, particularly in maintaining strength, wear resistance and hardness under varying conditions. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of friction stir welded dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys using nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach
This study examines the mechanical properties of friction stir welded (FSW) dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys, with and without reinforcement by Al2O3 and TiO2 particles. The tensile strength, wear rate, coefficient of friction, microhardness and compressive strength of these joints were evaluated and compared to the base materials.

Findings
Results showed that the FSW process significantly improved the mechanical properties, with the particle-reinforced joints outperforming the non-reinforced ones. In particular, the IN625-AISI316/Al2O3 joint exhibited the highest tensile strength (690 MPa), lowest wear rate (1.92 × 10³ mm³/m) and the lowest friction coefficient (0.32). Microhardness testing revealed that the weld nugget (WN) region displayed the highest hardness (227 HV) due to grain refinement. The compressive strength of the IN625-AISI316/Al2O3 joint reached 1,583 MPa, the highest among all samples tested. These findings demonstrate the potential of using particle-reinforced FSW dissimilar joints for applications requiring superior mechanical performance, durability and wear resistance.

Originality/value
This study explores the enhanced mechanical and wear properties of FSW dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys, with and without Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticle reinforcements. Reinforced joints, particularly IN625-AISI316/Al2O3, showed superior tensile strength, wear resistance, hardness and compressive strength compared to non-reinforced ones. Grain refinement in the WN region contributed to increased hardness. These findings suggest that nanoparticle-reinforced FSW dissimilar joints can significantly improve durability and mechanical performance, making them ideal for demanding structural applications.
Channel selection and pricing optimization in multichannel e-tailing
Authors: Chen Lei , Cheng Lihong , Cheng Yuxing , Xu Xuesong 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis paper considers an e-tailer planning to distribute a product under one direct sales channel and multiple asymmetric agency platforms. Based on the multinomial logit (MNL) choice model, this study optimizes the pricing strategy and channel selection strategy to maximize the e-tailer’s profit.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage channel selection and pricing problem is formulated, where the profit-maximizing e-tailer first optimally selects a specified number of agency platforms from a set of alternatives to distribute the product and then determines the optimal prices in those channels.FindingsAn optimal pricing strategy is proposed to maximize the e-tailer’s total profit on multiple asymmetric channels. The results show that the e-tailer can obtain a higher profit by selling products on more asymmetric agency platforms. Moreover, an effective channel selection algorithm is provided to help the e-tailer optimally select the M agency platforms from N alternatives.Originality/valueThis study enriches the relevant research on multichannel selection and pricing by proposing an optimal pricing strategy and an effective channel selection algorithm. Evaluation results based on real-world industrial data show that the proposed optimal multichannel pricing strategy in this paper can significantly improve the profit of a real-world e-tailer compared to the e-tailer’s actual profit.