bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental DNA metabarcoding differentiates between micro‐habitats within the rocky intertidal
Authors: Shea Meghan M. , Boehm Alexandria B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhile the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding surveys for biodiversity monitoring continues to be demonstrated, the spatial and temporal variability of eDNA, and thus the limits of the differentiability of an eDNA signal, remains under‐characterized. In this study, we collected eDNA samples from distinct micro‐habitats (~40 m apart) in a rocky intertidal ecosystem over their exposure period in a tidal cycle. During this period, the micro‐habitats transitioned from being interconnected, to physically isolated, to interconnected again. Using a well‐established eukaryotic (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) metabarcoding assay, we detected 415 species across 28 phyla. Across a variety of univariate and multivariate analyses, using exclusively taxonomically assigned data as well as all detected amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), we identified unique eDNA signals from the different micro‐habitats sampled. This differentiability paralleled expected ecological gradients and increased as the sites became more physically disconnected. Our results demonstrate that eDNA biomonitoring can differentiate micro‐habitats in the rocky intertidal only 40 m apart, that these differences reflect known ecology in the area, and that physical connectivity informs the degree of differentiation possible. These findings showcase the potential power of eDNA biomonitoring to increase the spatial and temporal resolution of marine biodiversity data, aiding research, conservation, and management efforts.
Vitamin A‐treated natural killer cells reduce interferon‐gamma production and support regulatory T‐cell differentiation
Authors: Jeong Mingeum , Cortopassi Francesco , See Jia‐Xiang , De La Torre Carolina , Cerwenka Adelheid , Stojanovic Ana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that contribute to immune responses against stressed, transformed, or infected cells. NK cell effector functions are regulated by microenvironmental factors, including cytokines, metabolites, and nutrients. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that plays an indispensable role in embryogenesis and development, but was also reported to regulate immune responses. However, the role of vitamin A in regulating NK cell functions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the most prevalent vitamin A metabolite, all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA), induces transcriptional and functional changes in NK cells leading to altered metabolism and reduced IFN‐γ production in response to a wide range of stimuli. atRA‐exposed NK cells display a reduced ability to support dendritic cell (DC) maturation and to eliminate immature DCs. Moreover, they support the polarization and proliferation of regulatory T cells. These results imply that in vitamin A‐enriched environments, NK cells can acquire functions that might promote tolerogenic immunity and/or immunosuppression.
Modulating the Magnetic Dynamics of Five‐Coordinate DyIII Single‐Molecule Magnets by the Substitution Effect on the Axial Ligand
Authors: Ma Lan , He Yifei , Zeng Zhaopeng , Jiao Yijia , Luo Shuchang , Yu Jipan , Guo Yan , Liu Xiangyu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTwo five‐coordinate mononuclear DyIII single‐molecule magnets [(TrapenTMS)Dy(L)] (Trapen=tris(2‐aminobenzyl) amine; TMS=SiMe3; L=OPMe3 1, OPEt3 2) have been synthesized by the reaction of [(TrapenTMS)Dy(THF)] and OPMe3, OPEt3, respectively. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were fully established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The centre DyIII ions of both complexes exhibit distorted triangular bipyramid geometries, varying with different neutral ligands L on the apex. The TrapenTMS ligand forms the pyramid base of the trigonal bipyramid. Subtle structural modifications of the axial O‐ligand terminal substituent result in different dynamic magnetic behaviors. Magnetic data analysis reveals that 1 and 2 exhibit the characteristic behavior of SMM without a dc field, accompanying an unambiguous quantum tunneling of the magnetization. Field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation was observed for 1 and 2 under an applied bias dc field of 1000 Oe, the relaxation energy barriers are 107 K and 88 K for 1 and 2, respectively. We have investigated the differences in magnetism and magnetic anisotropy between the two complexes by ab initio calculations.
Time trends in opioid use for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery in 1997–2018: A Danish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Melsen I. M. , Szépligeti S. K. , Gundtoft P. H. , Pedersen A. B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough opioids are a mainstay for perioperative pain management in hip fracture patients, no studies have described changes in opioid use over the last two decades. The aim of this study was to describe time trends in opioid use in a population‐based cohort of patients undergoing a first‐time hip fracture surgery during 1997–2018.MethodsOpioid‐naïve hip fracture patients >55 years old were identified in Danish medical databases (n = 115,962). By 2‐year calendar periods, we calculated prevalence rates (PR) of opioid use in the four quarters after surgery (Q1–Q4). Corresponding prevalence rate ratios (PRR) with 1997–1998 as a reference were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Further, we calculated the median morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for each quarter.ResultsFor Q1, the PR of opioid use increased from 29% in 1997–1998 to 78% in 2017–2018 corresponding to a PRR of 2.7 (2.6–2.8). For Q4, the PR was 15% in 1997–1998, peaked in 2003–2004 and then decreased, but stayed high at 13% in 2017–2018. The median MME did not increase when comparing 2017–2018 with 1997–1998, irrespective of the quarter. Tramadol was most frequently used in 1997–1998 shifting to oxycodone in 2017–2018.ConclusionThe PRs of opioid use in Q1 after surgery increased substantially from 1997 to 2018, but this did not translate into increased opioid use up to 1 year after hip fracture surgery or higher dosage. Our findings underline the importance of sustained focus on opioid tapering, dosage and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.Significance StatementOverall, opioid use in Q1 after hip fracture surgery increased 2.7 times from 1997 to 2018, but the doses and opioid use up to 1 year after surgery remained stable. Compared to elderly, younger patients were more likely to use opioid in Q1, while the tendency was opposite in Q2–Q4. The most used opioid type changed from tramadol to oxycodone. Our findings underline the importance of personalized opioid tapering and doses, and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.
Synergistic flame‐retardant effects between silane coupling agents modified expanded graphite and Pt catalyst in silicone rubber composites
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Hai‐Bo , Shang Ke , Zhao Bi , Lin Gui‐De , Wang Jun‐Sheng , Yang Jin‐Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this work, different kinds of silane coupling agents modified expanded graphite (MEG) fillers were successfully prepared and then incorporated into silicon rubber matrix to fabricate flame‐retardant composite materials (SR/MEG). The inserted MEG fillers with siloxane chains exhibited good compatibility with the silicon rubber matrix, which cannot only reduce the negative impact of adding fillers on mechanical properties but also endow the silicon rubber composites with ideal flame retardancy. Subsequently, platinum (Pt) catalyst was incorporated into the SR/MEG composites to prepare SR/MEG/Pt composites, and the synergistic effects of MEG and Pt catalyst on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and combustion behavior of silicon rubber composites were systematically investigated. The target SR/MEG/Pt composite with appropriate addition of MEG and Pt catalyst can obtain relatively high char residue of 41.9% and limiting oxygen index value of 29.6%, as well as achieve V‐0 rating in the vertical combustion test, owing to the formation of expanded and dense silicon–carbon protective layer under the catalysis of Pt catalyst. Moreover, the cone calorimeter test results showed that the peak of heat release rate and total heat release of SR/MEG composites were further reduced after the addition of an appropriate amount of Pt catalyst, manifesting the good synergistic effect of MEG and Pt catalyst on the flame retardancy performance of silicon rubber. The method proposed herein may provide a promising way for fabricating high‐performance flame‐retardant silicone rubber materials.
Evaluation of rhizomania infection on sugar beet quality in multi‐year field assessment
Authors: Fasahat Parviz , Aghaeezadeh Mohsen , Taleghani Dariush , Kakueinezhad Mozhdeh , Hosseinpour Mostafa , Pacheco Rosa Angela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRhizomania is one of the most destructive and damaging sugar beet diseases that has spread in different regions of Iran. In order to evaluate the genotypic, environmental, and genotype by environmental variability of sugar beet genotypes under rhizomania infection, variance components were estimated from the trial series in 7 years. Required data, such as yield and quality parameters, were collected from value for cultivation and use trials. Results of analysis of variance showed that the environment was the source that explained most of the variability, except for amino‐N and alkalinity. Quality traits were also influenced by the environment × cultivar interaction, so that 4.8% (white sugar content) to 46.1% (alkalinity) variance was observed. In contrast, genetic variation was much lower, between 1.2% (potassium) and 27.4% (amino‐N). A strong and negative correlation was found between root yield, sugar yield, and white sugar content with the disease index, which obviously illustrates the negative impact of the rhizomania on root weight and as a consequence on the dependent traits. The cluster analysis of the cultivars based on the quantitative and qualitative traits and the disease index showed that the range of variation in traits, such as the disease index, varied from 6.25 for the susceptible cultivar to 1.25 for the resistant one. This indicates the existence of sufficient genetic diversity among cultivars in terms of this trait. High impurity accumulation was observed in Shiraz region compared with Mashhad. In conclusion, it is observed that rhizomania has a significant effect on the impurity concentration in the root, especially sodium, potassium, and amino‐N. This is very important in the sugar industry because sugar extraction depends on the concentration of these impurities, in addition to the sugar content of each cultivar.
When words are not enough: The combined effects of autism meta‐stereotypes and recruitment practices aimed at attracting autistic job‐seekers
Authors: Goldberg Caren , Willham Evan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBased on research on meta‐stereotypes and signaling theory, we examined the effects of organizational signaling on the attraction of autistic applicants. Our model predicted that meta‐stereotypes and the combination of expressed and evidence‐based autism‐conscious signals would have simple and joint effects on candidates' fit perceptions, which would, in turn, affect their job pursuit intentions. Further, we expected that the effect of signaling on our outcomes would be weaker among candidates with strong negative autism meta‐stereotypes. Prior to testing our hypotheses, we conducted a focus group to determine the supports that autistic job seekers deemed most important. As the ability to work from home (WFH) was overwhelmingly the most cited support, we included this as our evidence‐based signal. Specifically, we examined the combined effect of disability‐conscious (vs. disability‐blind) diversity statements and WFH (vs. retirement benefits) on expected fit and subsequent job pursuit intentions. Both meta‐stereotypes and combined signals significantly influenced fit expectations. Further, the autism‐friendly signals significantly affected the fit of candidates with weak and moderate negative meta‐stereotype, but not the fit of candidates with strong meta‐stereotypes. In addition, our results indicate that the signal x meta‐stereotype interaction had an indirect effect on job pursuit intentions. Findings are discussed vis‐à‐vis the research on signaling theory and practical guidance is offered to employers seeking to attract the growing number of autistic job seekers.
Empowerment of farmers through participatory irrigation management in Bihar, India
Authors: Roy Lal Bahadur , Singh Abhinav Prakash 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPoorly performing irrigation schemes in India require technical, managerial and institutional support on an urgent basis. In recent years, participatory irrigation management (PIM) has gained momentum as a strategy to improve the performance of irrigation systems, increase water use efficiency and promote equitable water distribution. This approach involves the active involvement of farmers and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation and management of irrigation systems. The state of Bihar has primarily an agrarian economy and irrigation is essential for agricultural production. However, Bihar's irrigation potential is being underutilized due to improper management of irrigation systems. In Bihar, the experiment of PIM in the Paliganj distributary of the Sone irrigation scheme was attempted as a local initiative by WALMI Patna, which was funded by USAID, and, thus, the need for an overall state policy and strategic plan was realized. Therefore, PIM has been implemented through the formation of water users' associations (WUAs) and farmers’ organizations (FOs) at different levels under the Bihar Irrigation Act of 1997, and Bihar Irrigation, Flood Management and Drainage Rules, 2003. The Bihar model of PIM is based on the macro‐to‐micro approach because of its geographical conditions and the size of the schemes in the state. This paper examines the implementation of PIM in Bihar and its impacts on farmers.
Irisin influences the in vitro differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells, promoting a tendency toward beiging adipogenesis
Authors: Di Maio Girolamo , Alessio Nicola , Ambrosino Alessia , Al Sammarraie Sura H. A. , Monda Marcellino , Di Bernardo Giovanni 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMammals exhibit two distinct types of adipose depots: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). While WAT primarily functions as a site for energy storage, BAT serves as a thermogenic tissue that utilizes energy and glucose consumption to regulate core body temperature. Under specific stimuli such as exercise, cold exposure, and drug treatment, white adipocytes possess a remarkable ability to undergo transdifferentiation into brown‐like cells known as beige adipocytes. This transformation process, known as the “browning of WAT,” leads to the acquisition of new morphological and physiological characteristics by white adipocytes. We investigated the potential role of Irisin, a 12 kDa myokine that is secreted in mice and humans by skeletal muscle after physical activity, in inducing the browning process in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). A subset of the MSCs possesses the remarkable capability to differentiate into different cell types such as adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Consequently, comprehending the effects of Irisin on MSC biology becomes a crucial factor in investigating antiobesity medications. In our study, the primary objective is to evaluate the impact of Irisin on various cell types engaged in distinct stages of the differentiation process, including stem cells, committed precursors, and preadipocytes. By analyzing the effects of Irisin on these specific cell populations, our aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of its influence throughout the entire differentiation process, rather than solely concentrating on the final differentiated cells. This approach enables us to obtain insights into the broader effects of Irisin on the cellular dynamics and mechanisms involved in adipogenesis.
Obesity‐dependent molecular alterations in fatal COVID‐19: A retrospective postmortem study of metabolomic profile of adipose tissue
Authors: Pilger Bruna I. , Castro Alex , Vasconcellos Franciane F. , Moura Karen F. , Signini Étore De Favari , Marqueze Luis Felipe B. , Fiorenza‐Neto Edson A. , Rocha Mateus T. , Pedroso Giulia S. , Cavaglieri Claudia R. , Ferreira Antonio G. , Figueiredo Caique , Minuzzi Luciele G. , Gatti da Silva Guilherme H. , Castro Gabriela S. , Lira Fábio S. , Seelaender Marilia , Pinho Ricardo A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe investigated the effects of obesity on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in the adipose tissue of patients with fatal COVID‐19. Postmortem biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 unvaccinated inpatients who passed from COVID‐19, stratified as nonobese (N‐OB; body mass index [BMI], 26.5 ± 2.3 kg m−2) or obese (OB BMI 34.2 ± 5.1 kg m−2). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that body composition was responsible for most of the variations detected in the metabolome, with greater dispersion observed in the OB group. Fifteen metabolites were major segregation factors. Results from the OB group showed higher levels of creatinine, myo‐inositol, O‐acetylcholine, and succinate, and lower levels of sarcosine. The N‐OB group showed lower levels of glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as higher content of IL‐6 and adiponectin. We revealed significant changes in the metabolomic profile of the adipose tissue in fatal COVID‐19 cases, with high adiposity playing a key role in these observed variations. These findings highlight the potential involvement of metabolic and inflammatory pathways, possibly dependent on hypoxia, shedding light on the impact of obesity on disease pathogenesis and suggesting avenues for further research and possible therapeutic targets.
circUSP13 facilitates the fast‐to‐slow myofiber shift via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in goat skeletal muscles
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Kang Ziqi , Deng Kaiping , Li Juan , Liu Zhipeng , Huang Xinai , Wang Feng , Fan Yixuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how skeletal muscle fiber proportions are regulated is essential for understanding muscle function and improving the quality of mutton. While circular RNA (circRNA) has a critical function in myofiber type transformation, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Prior evidence indicates that circular ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 13 (circUSP13) can promote myoblast differentiation by acting as a ceRNA, but its potential role in myofiber switching is still unknown. Herein, we found that circUSP13 enhanced slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC‐slow) and suppressed MyHC‐fast expression in goat primary myoblasts (GPMs). Meanwhile, circUSP13 evidently enhanced the remodeling of the mitochondrial network while inhibiting the autophagy of GPMs. We obtained fast‐dominated myofibers, via treatment with rotenone, and further demonstrated the positive role of circUSP13 in the fast‐to‐slow transition. Mechanistically, activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway significantly impaired the slow‐to‐fast shift in fully differentiated myotubes, which was restored by circUSP13 or IGF1 overexpression. In conclusion, circUSP13 promoted the fast‐to‐slow myofiber type transition through MAPK/ERK signaling in goat skeletal muscle. These findings provide novel insights into the role of circUSP13 in myofiber type transition and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying meat quality.
Aluminum zirconate nanoparticles in etch and rinse adhesive to caries affected dentine: An in‐vitro scanning electron microscopy, elemental distribution, antibacterial, degree of conversion and micro‐tensile bond strength assessment
Authors: Niazi Fayez Hussain , Luddin Norhayati , Alghawazi Abdulaziz Marzouq , Al Sebai Leen , Alqerban Ali , Alqahtani Yahya M. , Barakat Ali , Samran Abdulaziz , Noushad Mohammed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo incorporate different concentrations of Al2O9Zr3 (1%, 5%, and 10%) nanoparticles (NP) into the ER adhesive and subsequently assess the impact of this addition on the degree of conversion, μTBS, and antimicrobial efficacy. The current research involved a wide‐ranging examination that merged various investigative techniques, including the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization of NP coupled with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, μTBS testing, and microbial analysis. Teeth were divided into four groups based on the application of modified and unmodified three‐step ER adhesive primer. Group 1 (0% Al2O9Zr3 NPs) Control, Group 2 (1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), Group 3 (5% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), and Group 4 (10% Al2O9Zr3 NPs). EDX analysis of Al2O9Zr3 NPs was performed showing elemental distribution in synthesized NPs. Zirconium (Zr), Aluminum (Al), and Oxides (O2). After primer application, an assessment of the survival rate of Streptococcus mutans was completed. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to observe the characteristic peaks indicating the conversion of double bonds, both before and after the curing process, for the adhesive Etch and rinse containing 1,5,10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs. μTBS and failure mode assessment were performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope respectively. The μTBS and S.mutans survival rates comparison among different groups was performed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc (p = .05). Group 4 (10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans (0.11 ± 0.02 CFU/mL). Nonetheless, Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) displayed the maximum surviving S.mutans (0.52 ± 0.08 CFU/mL). Moreover, Group 2 (1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (21.22 ± 0.73 MPa) samples displayed highest μTBS. However, the bond strength was weakest in Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (14.13 ± 0.32 MPa) study samples. The etch‐and‐rinse adhesive exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and micro‐tensile bond strength (μTBS) when 1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs was incorporated, as opposed to the control group. Nevertheless, the incorporation of Al2O9Zr3 NPs led to a decrease in DC.Research Highlights
10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans.
1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive samples displayed the most strong composite/CAD bond.
The highest DC was observed in Group 1: 0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive.
Convergence analysis of artificial intelligence research capacity: Are the less developed catching up with the developed ones?
Authors: Javed Saima , Rong Yu , Abbasi Babar Nawaz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines whether less developed countries are catching up with developed ones using the log t convergence technique (LCT) and the dynamic spatial ordered probit (DSOP) model. The findings revealed that first, there is no overall convergence in AI research capacity. Second, club clustering analysis showed convergence in four of the five groups of countries on AI research output and in three of the four groups on AI patent grants. Third, the countries are experiencing a slow divergence process in AI research capacity. Fourth, the region, income group and cluster of the countries are influencing the convergence process.