bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond a metabolic endpoint: identification of triacylglycerol remodeling mechanism to synthesize unusual fatty acid oils
Authors: Bates Philip , Bhandari Sajina , Parchuri Prasad , Azeez Abdul , Shockey Jay , Smertenko Andrei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Typical plant membranes and storage lipids are comprised of five common fatty acids yet over 450 unusual fatty acids accumulate in seed oils of various plant species. Plant oils are important human and animal nutrients, while some unusual fatty acids such as hydroxylated fatty acids (HFA) are used within the chemical industry (lubricants, paints, polymers, cosmetics, etc.). Most unusual fatty acids are extracted from non-agronomic crops leading to high production costs. Attempts to engineer HFA into crops are unsuccessful due to bottlenecks in the overlapping pathways of oil and membrane lipid synthesis where HFA are not compatible. Physaria fendleri naturally overcomes these bottlenecks through a novel triacylglycerol (TAG) remodeling mechanism where HFA are incorporated into TAG after initial synthesis. TAG remodeling involves a novel TAG lipase and two diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) that are selective for different stereochemical and acyl-containing species of diacylglycerol within a synthesis, partial degradation, and resynthesis cycle. The TAG lipase interacts with DGAT1, localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (with the DGATs) but also spots around the lipid droplet, likely forming a TAG remodeling metabolon near the lipid droplet ER junction. Each characterized DGAT and TAG lipase can increase HFA accumulation in engineered seed oils.
Association analysis of grain yield and yield components in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) using SSR markers
Authors: laki Ebrahim Souri , Rabiei Babak , Marashi Hassan , Jokarfard Vahid , Börner Andreas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Quinoa is a pseudocereal crop that is considered as a valuable crop to provide food and nutrition security worldwide due to its high nutritional value and resistance to environmental stresses. However, no considerable genetic and especially molecular researches has been done on this plant and the genetic basis of many traits is unknown. In this study, the genetic and molecular diversity of 60 quinoa accessions was assessed using agronomically important traits related to grain yield as well as microsatellite (SSR) markers, and informative markers linked to the studied traits were identified using association mapping. The results showed that most of the studied traits had a relatively high diversity, but grain saponin and protein content showed the highest diversity. High diversity was also observed in all SSR markers, but KAAT023, KAAT027, KAAT036, and KCAA014 showed the highest values for most of the diversity indices and can be introduced as the informative markers to assess genetic diversity in quinoa. Population structure analysis showed that the studied population probably includes two subclusters, so that out of 60 quinoa accessions, 29 (48%) and 23 (38%) accessions were assigned to the first and second subclusters, respectively, and eight (13%) accessions were considered as the mixed genotypes. The results of association mapping using general linear model (GLM) identified 39 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs), while 36 significant MTAs were observed in multiple linear model (MLM). The five markers KAAT030, KCAA022, KGA003, KCAA107, and KAAT023 were significantly associated with more than one trait using both the GLM and MLM models and can therefore be suggested for mapping studies in quinoa populations. The findings of the present study provide useful information about the genetic basis of the studied traits and can be used to breed quinoa populations.
Microplastic abundance and characteristics in seawater and inter-tidal sediments of the Tokin Bay Coast (North Vietnam)
Authors: Phuong Ngoc Nam , Duong Thi Thuy , Pham Quoc Tuan , Ngo Thi Xuan Thinh , Nguyen Thi Minh Diep , Le Thi Phuong Quynh , Duong Thanh Nghi , Dhivert Elie , Zalouk-Vergnoux Aurore , Poirier Laurence , Gasperi Johnny , Phuong Ngoc Anh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs, plastic items from 1 µm to 5 mm in size) are present in all the environmental compartments. The evaluation of their concentration, fate, and spatial distribution is still a challenge for the scientific community. This concern is just debuting in developing countries, i.e. Asia, South America and Africa. This study deals with the MP contamination in the abiotic marine compartments of the Northern of Vietnam: seawater and intertidal sediments. Four sites located in the intertidal zone or near the coastline in the Tonkin bay, Vietnam were studied. A total of 16 samples (8 for each compartment) were collected in July 2020 (rainy season) and January 2021 (dry season). Plastic-like items were found at levels ranging from 3 to 303 items/m3 in seawater and from 63 to 955 items/kg dry weight in sediments. Most of these were fibers less than 300 µm long. Higher levels in seawater were found in the rainy season compared to the drier one. As the river flow was estimated six times higher during the rainy season than during the dry season, these results suggest the river discharge as a potential source of contamination for coastal zone. The temporal variability was lower for the sediments than for the seawater, demonstrating the long-term integration of the plastic-like items in this compartment. While the nature of fibers wasn’t investigated, the plastic-like fragments were analyzed on µFTIR imaging spectrometer. The determination of polymer composition indicated that most of the fragments were made of polypropylene (PP, 82%), followed by polyethylene (PE, 9%) and polystyrene (PS, 9%). The fragment size was similar in two studied compartments but it was depending on polymer types, since PS fragments (140 ± 17 µm) were smaller than those made of PE (622 ± 123 µm) and PP (869 ± 905 µm).
Prevalence, Demographic, Socioeconomic and Disease trends of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in New Zealand (2008-2022) from a large, targeted-screening Study
Authors: Paul Sharad , Chen Yipan , Mohaghegh Mahsa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Skin cancer shows geographic and ethnic variation. Australia and New Zealand—with predominantly fair-skinned populations, high UV indices and outdoor lifestyles—have the highest rates of skin cancer. However, population prevalence data is severely lacking. This study aimed to determine the demographics and socioeconomic disease trends of non-melanoma skin cancer prevalence in New Zealand over the last 15 years. 32839 diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) between 2008 to 2022 were analyzed, including subtypes and body sites. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years; 88.4% patients were aged over 41 years; Higher socioeconomic quintile groups had a higher prevalence. Between 2012 and 2022, prevalence of BCC remained stable while prevalence of SCC increased annually. The mean age of BCC occurrence was 67 years (95% CI 67–68) for males and 65 years (95% CI 65–66) for females; mean age of SCC occurrence was 71 years (95% CI 71–72) for males and 72 years (95% CI 71–72) for females. The age of diagnosis of BCC is lower than for SCC. Our findings confirm that NMSC imposes a significant disease burden on New Zealand, and the probability of developing skin cancer increases with age. More effective skin cancer prevention and treatment is needed.
Children in the US and China Value Unique Skills Even at the Expense of Conformity
Authors: Yang Fan , Dunham Yarrow , Engelmann Jan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Throughout evolution, human cooperation has not only depended on individuals conforming to majority behaviors but has also relied on unique contributions from individuals. Extensive evidence has shown that even young children conform to majority preferences and evaluate non-conformists negatively. But to what extent do children also appreciate individuality in the form of unique skills? We examined this question across four preregistered studies with 6-9-year-old children from US and China (N = 335). We found that children from the two cultures chose partners with unique skills in collaborative contexts (Studies 1–3) and actively sought to develop unique skills themselves (Study 4). Notably, children selectively valued uniqueness in skills but not personal preferences (Studies 1 and 4). These findings suggest that children appreciate unique attributes in themselves and others even when they come at the expense of conformity, shedding light on an essential psychological mechanism for promoting successful cooperation and innovation.
Lp Quasi-norm Minimization: Algorithm and Applications
Authors: Sleem Omar , Ashour Mahmoud , Aybat Necdet , Lagoa Constantino 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Sparsity finds applications in diverse areas such as statistics, machine learning, and signal processing. Computations over sparse structures are less complex compared to their dense counterparts and need less storage. This paper proposes a heuristic method for retrieving sparse approximate solutions of optimization problems via minimizing the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm, where $0<p<1$. An iterative two-block algorithm for minimizing the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm subject to convex constraints is proposed. The proposed algorithm requires solving for the roots of a scalar degree polynomial as opposed to applying a soft thresholding operator in the case of $\ell_{1}$ norm minimization. The algorithm's merit relies on its ability to solve the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm minimization subject to any convex constraints set. For the specific case of constraints defined by differentiable functions with Lipschitz continuous gradient, a second, faster algorithm is proposed. Using a proximal gradient step, we mitigate the convex projection step and hence enhance the algorithm's speed while proving its convergence. We present various applications where the proposed algorithm excels, namely, sparse signal reconstruction, system identification, and matrix completion. The results demonstrate the significant gains obtained by the proposed algorithm compared to other [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm based methods presented in previous literature.
Impact of Temperature and Nutrition on Biomass and Phycobiliprotein of Desertifilum Salkalinema From Hot Water Spring
Authors: Kothari Flory , Patel Priti , Rasheed Abdul , Rao P.L.S , Karande Sucheta , Hasan Zaheer 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cyanobacteria known for their remarkable adaptability in challenging environments serve as a vital form of the study. The exploration focuses on isolation of micro algal cultures from hi-temperature habitats. The hot spring of Tuva, Gujarat through rigorous morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain were identified as Desertifilum Salkalinema. The objective is to optimize the growth rate and conditions for enhancing the efficiency of phycobiliprotein (PBP) production exhibiting its maximal growth rate at 30 ⁰C when cultivated in BG11 medium. Notably, Nitrogen concentration experiments within the original BG11 media by increasing the sodium nitrate concentration exhibit both growth rate and PBP as accumulated in these strains. This finding highlights the nitrogen availability and temperature on both growth dynamics and phycobiliprotein. For enhancing the PBP extraction efficiency, the mechanism identified different extortion methods. Wherein the combined extraction protocol involving freeze- through cycles plus ultrasonication exhibited a marked increase in the efficiency of phycobilin protein extraction. Finally, these observations hold significant implications for the biotechnological application of phycobilin protein, as C-PC are recognized for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties providing valuable potential of these cyanobacteria.
Laser capture microdissection transcriptome (LCM RNA-seq) reveals BcDFR is a key gene in anthocyanin synthesis of Non-heading Chinese cabbage
Authors: Zhou Qian , Xu Xinfeng , Li Mengjie , Yang Xiaoxue , Wang Meiyun , Li Ying , Liu Tongkun , Hou Xilin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Non-heading Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis]is an important leafy vegetable that is mainly grown in Asian. Purple non-heading Chinese cabbage has become popular because of it rich in anthocyanin. However, since anthocyanins only accumulate in the upper epidermis of leaves, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the specific accumulation of anthocyanins in the upper epidermis of leaves.
Results: In this study, we used laser capture frozen section method (LCM) to divide purple (ZBC) and green (LBC) non-heading Chinese cabbage leaves into upper and lower epidermis parts (ZS represents the purple upper epidermis, ZX represents the purple lower epidermis, LS represents the green upper epidermis, LX represents the green lower epidermis). Through transcriptome sequencing, we found that the DIHYDROFLAVONOL 4-REDUCTASE-encoding gene BcDFR, shows highly expressed in ZS but hardly in others (ZX, LS, LX). Further, a deletion and insertion in the promoter of BcDFR in LBC was found, which may interfere BcDFRexpression. Subsequent analysis of gene structure and conserved structural domains showed that BcDFR is highly conserved in Brassica species. Predicted protein-protein interaction network of BcDFR suggests that it interacts with almost all functional proteins in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Finally, the results of the tobacco transient expression also demonstrated that BcDFR promotes the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanin.
Conclusions: BcDFRis specifical highly expressed on the upper epidermis of purple non-heading Chinese cabbage leaves and regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation. Our study provides new insights into the functional analysis and transcriptional regulatory network of anthocyanin-related genes in purple non-heading Chinese cabbage.
Traumatic Events and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in a Treatment-seeking sample of Ukrainian Children During the War
Authors: Pfeiffer Elisa , Garbade Maike , Sachser Cedric 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a dramatic increase of children and adolescents being confronted with war and other traumatic experiences, which could result in an increase of trauma-related mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an entire generation. This study aims at reporting the prevalence of traumatic events, PTSD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in children and adolescents seeking for mental health treatment since the Russian invasion. Additionally, the consistency of child and caregiver reported trauma, PTSD and CPTSD will be examined.
Methods
This study is part of the “TF-CBT Ukraine” project in which Ukrainian therapists were trained in assessing their patients via the “Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen” (CATS-2) before initiating trauma-focused treatment, if indicated. Altogether N = 200 Ukrainian children and adolescents (Mage = 12.01, range 4–21; 62.0% female) were included in the study between October 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed descriptively, via t-tests and bivariate correlations.
Results
The children and adolescents reported on average four different traumatic events, most frequently war (n = 123; 68.7%), bullying threats (n = 71; 39.7%) and domestic violence (n = 68; 38.0%). Almost 70% (n = 123) of the participants fulfilled the DSM-5 PTSD criteria, 31% (n = 56) fulfilled the ICD-11 PTSD criteria and 21% (n = 38) the ICD-11 CPTSD criteria. Rates of PTSD were even higher in preschool children (95%). The comparisons of self-and caregiver reports on traumatic events and PTSD/CPTSD severity scores indicated moderate to high correlations between the patients and their caregivers (r = .710-.767).
Conclusions
This study shows that Ukrainian children and adolescents starting treatment report a high number of traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms, which could have a long-lasting negative impact on their social-emotional development and quality of life. The implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for these children is therefore crucial.
Dynamic accelerated stress test and coupled on-line analysis program to elucidate aging processes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Birkner Lena , Foreta Michael , Rinaldi Ali , Orekhov Anton , Willinger Marc-Georg , Eichelbaum Maik 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The application of hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in greenhouse gas emission free heavy-duty vehicles requires extremely durable PEMFC components with service lives in the range of 30,000 hours. Hence suitable test and analysis methods are required that reflect realistic operation scenarios, but significantly accelerate aging. For this purpose, a dynamic accelerated stress test (AST) was developed, which is coupled with a comprehensive in-depth in-situ and ex-situ analysis program to determine the aging processes of a PEMFC membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The test comprehends dynamic cycling between low, moderate and high load, different temperature and humidity conditions as well as recovery sequences to distinguish between reversible and irreversible failure modes. All phases of the PEMFC system (i.e.solid, liquid and gaseous) are monitored on-line during aging by sophisticated electrochemical, mass spectrometric and ion chromatographic analytical methods. The structural and elemental composition of the MEA before and after the aging program (post-mortem) are investigated by X-ray fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This program was able to age a commercial PEMFC to end-of-life in 1,000 hours, while providing an accurate picture of the aging processes involved.
Development of the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale: validation in Swedish mothers and fathers in community and clinical contexts
Authors: Lindeberg Sara , Tedgård Eva , Kerstis Birgitta , Tedgård Ulf , Taylor Alyx , Jönsson Peter 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Valid measurements are needed to investigate the impact of parental bonding on child health development from a life-course perspective. The aim was to develop and validate a psychometric rating scale, the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale (PIBS) to measure bonding in both mothers and fathers. Internal consistency and construct validity were analysed using data from Swedish parents from both clinical (N = 182), and community (N = 122) population samples. Overall, good internal consistency, convergent validity (against the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, analysed in the clinical sample), and discriminant validity (against the mental health constructs depressive symptoms and anxiety) appeared. The results indicate good psychometric measurement properties of the PIBS for both mothers and fathers in community and clinical populations. Similarities in PIBS measurement properties between the groups suggest its usefulness for comparisons between mothers and fathers, and for investigating unique and interactive impacts of maternal and paternal bonding on child outcomes using community and clinical cohorts.
A middle-aged woman with acute disequilibrium, tinnitus, and unilateral facial palsy
Authors: Bender Tiffany , Amin Nessim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease typically preceeded by an upper respiratory infection or gastrointestinal illness. A hallmark characteristic of the syndrome is the accompanying rapidly ascending distal paralysis. This case describes a 56-year-old woman with an acute presentation of disequilibrium, tinnitus, unilateral facial palsy, and proximal muscle weakness after an upper respiratory infection.
Case presentation:
The patient presented to the emergency department three days after an antibiotic course was prescribed for a URI with symptoms of vestibular disequilibrium and was discharged with reassurance her symptoms would improve. Two days later, she presented again with right facial weakness and significantly impaired gait. After receiving acyclovir and steroid infusions, the patient developed progressive proximal muscle weakness. Further workup with CSF studies revealed cytoalbuminogolic dissociation, confirming a diagnosis of GBS. She made a full recovery with IVIG treatment.
Conclusion:
Guillain-Barré syndrome can have atypical presentations and thus requires differentiation from other diagnoses. Given the increased prevalence of GBS in the US compared to other developed countries, timely diagnosis and treatment before ascending paralysis compromises respiratory function is crucial.
The Precise Detection Technology of Coal and Gangue Based on Natural γ-Ray
Authors: Zhang Ningbo , Liu Changyou , Zhu Chuanqi , Chen Baobao , Wang Zhongbin , Wu Xiaojie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In order to solve the technical bottleneck of automatic detection technology of coal and gangue in the fully mechanized top coal caving mining, the low radiation level radioactivity measurement method is adopted to detect coal gangue mixed degree in coal releasing process, based on the radiation differentiation characteristics of natural γ-rays from coal and gangue. The research team analyzed the distribution characteristics of natural γ-rays in coal and rock layers of thick coal seams and the applicability of this method, introduced the basic principle of coal-gangue detection technology based on natural γ-ray, developed forming the test system about automatic coal-gangue detection, studied the radiation characteristics of coal and gangue, proposed determination model of the coal-gangue mixed degree, combined with the time sequence characteristics of the top coal’s releasing flow and the energy spectrum characteristics of different layers of rock, realized the precise coal-gangue detection technology in complex structure thick coal seam with multiple gangue. Field tests were conducted in Lilou, Xiaoyu and Tashan Coal Mine. The test results were well corroborated with the research results and achieved the expected results, which laid the foundation for the field application of intelligent coal mining.
An antimicrobial peptide expression platform for targeting pathogenic bacterial species
Authors: Barnes Chris , Rutter Jack , Dekker Linda , Clare Chania , McDonald Julie , Nair Sean , Fedorec Alex 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are naturally produced by many bacteria. They hold great potential in the ﬁght against antibiotic resistant bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, they often have low stability in vivo and therefore, may not be eﬀective when administered orally. Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) that secrete bacteriocins can be created to deliver bacteriocins directly at the site of infection. Here we develop a modular bacteriocin secretion platform that can be used to express and secrete multiple bacteriocins from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli host strains. As a proof of concept we create Enterocin A and Enterocin B secreting strains that show strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, and characterise this activity in both solid culture and liquid co-culture. We then develop a Lokta-Volterra model that can be used to capture the interactions of these competitor strains. We show that simultaneous exposure to EntA and EntB can increase the level of Enterococcus killing and delay the development of resistance. Our system has the potential to be used as an eLBP to secrete additional bacteriocins for the targeted killing of other pathogenic bacteria.