bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil Temperature Controls the Month‐To‐Month Lead‐Lag Correlations of Near‐Surface Air Temperatures in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Song Yaoming , Chen Haishan , Wang Lin , Huang Anning , Gu Wei , Ma Yutong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe relationships between the variables at different times are crucial in climate prediction. This study explores the lead‐lag correlations between monthly near‐surface air temperatures, and analyzes the associated influencing factors and processes using mathematical physics equations and statistical methods, based on monthly observations and ERA5 reanalysis data spanning from 1979 to 2013. The results reveal high lead‐lag correlations of near‐surface air temperatures in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, characterized by high frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The lead‐lag correlations between near‐surface temperatures are mainly due to the lead‐lag relationships between soil temperatures (STs). Current and accumulated net solar radiation, current latent heat flux and antecedent ST of several or many months ago are the main factors affecting the lead‐lag relationships between STs. The processes associated with lead‐lag correlations between STs are triggered by antecedent ST, concurrent and accumulated influence factors, respectively. The anomalies of antecedent ST can lead to the anomalies of current one by the persistence of anomaly signals in soil. The effects of accumulated or concurrent influential variables on the lead‐lag correlations between STs are attributed to the signals similar to antecedent STs in these influential variables, and the signals may arise from the response of atmosphere to land or ocean forcing. Moreover, the use of reanalysis data increases the uncertainty of the results. The study reveals influential factors and possible physical processes associated with lead‐lag correlations between near‐surface temperatures, which is helpful for understanding lead‐lag relationship between land surface and the atmosphere.
Conditions under which faithful cultural transmission through teaching promotes cumulative cultural evolution
Authors: Nakata Seiya , Takezawa Masanori 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt has been argued that teaching promotes the accurate transmission of cultural traits and eventually leads to cumulative cultural evolution (CCE). However, previous studies have questioned this argument. In this study, we modified the action sequences model into a network exploring model with reinforcement learning to examine the conditions under which teaching promotes CCE. Our model incorporates a time trade-off between innovation and teaching. Simulations revealed that the positive influence of teaching on CCE depends on task difficulty. When the task was too difficult and advanced, such that it could not be accomplished through individual learning within a limited time, spending more time on teaching—even at the expense of time for innovation—contributed to CCE. On the contrary, the easier the task, the more time was spent on innovation than on teaching, which contributed to the improvement of performance. These findings suggest that teaching becomes more valuable as cultures become more complex. Therefore, humanity must have co-evolved a complex cumulative culture and teaching that supports cultural fidelity.
Study on characters associations and path coefficient analysis for quantitative traits of amaranth genotypes from Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshitila Mekonnen , Gedebo Andargachew , Degu Hewan Demissie , Olango Temesgen Magule , Tesfaye Bizuayehu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSelection based on yield alone may not be effective for yield improvement in plant breeding programs. Thus, in order to progress the genetic gains during selection, yield should be considered along with potential yield contributing traits. The objective of this study was to improve the genotype of amaranth and increase the effectiveness of selection in the program by identifying the correlation and path coefficients between yield and its relevant attributes. On 120 genotypes of amaranth planted during two growing seasons in 2020 and 2021, the study was carried out using an alpha lattice design with two replications. The results revealed significant positive phenotypic and genotypic associations on leaf yield, with leaf area, leaf breadth, branch number, leaf number, plant height at flowering, and grain yield all having positive direct effects. Similar strong positive phenotypic and genotypic relationships were found for grain yield and grain sink filling rates. Using path coefficient analysis, the direct and indirect effects of yield-related traits on yield were also determined. In addition to having a strong direct impact on grain output, the grain sink filling rates showed both phenotypic and genotypic evidence of substantial positive relationships with grain yield. It was further suggested that leaf yield in amaranth genotypes may increase through the indirect selection of plant height at maturity, leaf length, and terminal inflorescence lateral length, which showed such significant indirect influences, mostly through leaf area, days to maturity, and days to emergence, which displayed such strong indirect effects, primarily through plant height at flowering. This study consequently shows the need for traits with significant positive indirect impacts via leaf area to be considered indirect selection criteria for improving leaf yield in amaranth genotypes. The grain sink filling rate also significantly improved grain yield indirectly at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels, mainly via days to flowering and leaf yield. This demonstrated that selection that mainly targeted days to flowering, leaf yield, and grain sink filling rate would ultimately boost the grain yield in amaranth genotypes.
Proteomics and metabolomics analyses of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from human and animal sources
Authors: Enany Shymaa , Tartor Yasmine H. , Kishk Rania M. , Gadallah Ahmed M. , Ahmed Eman , Magdeldin Sameh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStreptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), group B Streptococcus (GBS), a major cause of infection in a wide variety of diseases, have been compared in different human and animal sources. We aimed to compare the bacterial proteome and metabolome profiles of human and animal S. agalactiae strains to delineate biological interactions relevant to infection. With the innovative advancement in mass spectrometry, a comparative result between both strains provided a solid impression of different responses to the host. For instance, stress-related proteins (Asp23/Gls24 family envelope stress response protein and heat shock protein 70), which play a role in the survival of GBS under extreme environmental conditions or during treatment, are highly expressed in human and animal strains. One human strain contains ꞵ-lactamase (serine hydrolase) and biofilm regulatory protein (lytR), which are important virulence regulators and potential targets for the design of novel antimicrobials. Another human strain contains the aminoglycosides-resistance bifunctional AAC/APH (A0A0U2QMQ5) protein, which confers resistance to almost all clinically used aminoglycosides. Fifteen different metabolites were annotated between the two groups. L-aspartic acid, ureidopropionic acid, adenosine monophosphate, L-tryptophan, and guanosine monophosphate were annotated at higher levels in human strains. Butyric acid, fumaric acid, isoleucine, leucine, and hippuric acid have been found in both human and animal strains. Certain metabolites were uniquely expressed in animal strains, with fold changes greater than 2. For example, putrescine modulates biofilm formation. Overall, this study provides biological insights into the substantial possible bacterial response reflected in its macromolecular production, either at the proteomic or metabolomic level.
Ovarian recurrence risk assessment using machine learning, clinical information, and serum protein levels to predict survival in high grade ovarian cancer
Authors: Mysona David P. , Purohit Sharad , Richardson Katherine P. , Suhner Jessa , Brzezinska Bogna , Rungruang Bunja , Hopkins Diane , Bearden Gregory , Higgins Robert , Johnson Marian , Bin Satter Khaled , McIndoe Richard , Ghamande Sharad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn ovarian cancer, there is no current method to accurately predict recurrence after a complete response to chemotherapy. Here, we develop a machine learning risk score using serum proteomics for the prediction of early recurrence of ovarian cancer after initial treatment. The developed risk score was validated in an independent cohort with serum collected prospectively during the remission period. In the discovery cohort, patients scored as low-risk had a median time to recurrence (TTR) that was not reached at 10 years compared to 10.5 months (HR 4.66, p < 0.001) in high-risk patients. In the validation cohort, low-risk patients had a median TTR which was not reached compared to 4.7 months in high-risk patients (HR 4.67, p = 0.009). In advanced-stage patients with a CA125 < 10, low-risk patients had a median TTR of 68 months compared to 6 months in high-risk patients (HR 2.91, p = 0.02). The developed risk score was capable of distinguishing the duration of remission in ovarian cancer patients. This score may help guide maintenance therapy and develop innovative treatments in patients at risk at high-risk of recurrence.
Synecology of Lagoecia cuminoides L. in Italy and evaluation of functional compounds presence in its water or hydroalcoholic extracts
Authors: Perrino Enrico V. , Mahmoud Zuhair N. A. , Valerio Francesca , Tomaselli Valeria , Wagensommer Robert P. , Trani Antonio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLagoecia cuminoides L. is a very rare and threatened taxon in Italy, never studied before for its ecology and potential use for human consumption. Furthermore, few data are available on the biological activities of its metabolites. A phytosociological study was carried out in the only two Italian sites, and its state of conservation was also evaluated according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) protocol. The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The presence of functional compounds in the extracts were investigated by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques. Ten non volatiles compounds were identified in the extracts, most of which derivatives of quercetin. Thirty-five volatiles compounds were also identified in the plant aerial part and extracts belonging to the chemical class of terpenoids, and among them β-farnesene, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The species is characterized by compounds known for their health effects and for its potential applications for human consumption, being this species already used as decoction in some countries of Middle East. Thanks to its characteristic behaviour to grow in limiting pedoclimatic conditions this species can be potentially used in organic farms situated in rural marginal areas.
Fabrication and biological properties of artificial tendon composite from medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek , Panaksri Anuchan , Hemstapat Ruedee , Praenet Passavee , Rattanapinyopituk Kasem , Boonyagul Sani , Tanadchangsaeng Nuttapol 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMedium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA), a biodegradable and biocompatible material, has a mechanical characteristic of hyper-elasticity, comparable to elastomeric material with similar properties to human tendon flexibility. These MCL-PHA properties gave rise to applying this material as an artificial tendon or ligament implant. In this study, the material was solution-casted in cylinder and rectangular shapes in the molds with the designated small holes. A portion of the torn human tendon was threaded into the holes as a suture to generate a composite tendon graft. The tensile testing of the three types of MCL-PHA/tendon composite shows that the cylinder material shape with the zigzag threaded three holes has the highest value of maximum tensile strength at 56 MPa, closing to the ultimate tendon tensile stress (50–100 MPa). Fibroblast cells collected from patients were employed as primary tendon cells for growing to attach to the surface of the MCL-PHA material to prove the concept of the composite tendon graft. The cells could attach and proliferate with substantial viability and generate collagen, leading to chondrogenic induction of tendon cells. An in vivo biocompatibility was also conducted in a rat subcutaneous model in comparison with medical-grade silicone. The MCL-PHA material was found to be biocompatible with the surrounding tissues. For surgical application, after the MCL-PHA material is decomposed, tendon cells should develop into an attached tendon and co-generated as a tendon graft.
Rhythmic profile of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence
Authors: Brito-de-Sousa Joaquim Pedro , Lima-Silva Maria Luiza , Costa-Rocha Ismael Artur da , Júnior Luiz Roberto Alves de Oliveira , Campi-Azevedo Ana Carolina , Peruhype-Magalhães Vanessa , Quetz Josiane da Silva , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Grazziela Alves , Costa-Pereira Christiane , Garcia Cristiana Couto , Antonelli Lis Ribeiro do Vale , Fonseca Cristina Toscano , Lemos Jandira Aparecida Campos , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Faria Ana Maria de Caetano , Gomes Angelica Oliveira , Torres Karen Cecília de Lima , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractImmunobiography describes the life-long effects of exogenous or endogenous stimuli on remodeling of immune cell biology, including the development of memory T and B-cells. The present study aimed at investigating the rhythms of changes in phenotypic features of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence. A descriptive-observational investigation was conducted including 812 healthy volunteers, clustered into six consecutive age groups (9Mths–1Yr; 2Yrs; 3–4Yrs; 5–7Yrs; 8–10Yrs; 11–18Yrs). Immunophenotypic analysis of memory T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) and B-cell subsets were performed by flow cytometry. The results pointed out that memory-related biomarkers of T and B-cells displayed a bimodal profile along healthy childhood and adolescence, regardless of sex. The first stage of changes occurs around 2Yrs, with predominance of naive cells, while the second and more prominent wave occurs around the age 8–10Yrs, with the prevalence of memory phenotypes. The neighborhood connectivity profile analysis demonstrated that the number of correlations reaches a peak at 11–18Yrs and lower values along the childhood. Males presented higher and conserved number of correlations when compared to females. Altogether, our results provide new insights into immunobiography and a better understanding of interactions among the cellular subsets studied here during childhood and adolescence.
Enhanced production of a recombinant xylanase (XT6): optimization of production and purification, and scaled-up batch fermentation in a stirred tank bioreactor
Authors: Dhaver Priyashini , Sithole Tariro , Pletschke Brett , Sithole Bruce , Govinden Roshini 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe endoxylanase XT6 produced by Geobacillus stearothermophilus is a desirable candidate for industrial applications. In this study, the gene encoding XT6 was cloned using the pET-28a expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Recombinant XT6 production was improved by optimizing cell lysis (sonication, chemical, and enzymatic lysis) and expression conditions. Sonication in a 0.05 M sodium phosphate (pH 6.0) buffer resulted in the highest xylanase activity (16.48 U/ml). Screening and optimization of induction conditions using the Plackett–Burman Design and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) approaches revealed that cell density pre-induction (OD600 nm), post-induction incubation time, and IPTG concentration significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the expression levels of XT6 (16.48 U/ml to 40.06 U/ml) representing a 3.60-fold increase. BBD resulted in a further 8.74-fold increase in activity to 144.02 U/ml. Batch fermentation in a 5-l stirred tank bioreactor at 1 vvm aeration boosted recombinant xylanase production levels to 165 U/ml suggesting that heterologous expression of the XT6 enzyme is suitable for scaled-up production. The pure enzyme with a molecular weight of 43 kDa and a 15.69-fold increase in purity was obtained using affinity chromatography and a cobalt column. Future studies will include application of the purified recombinant xylanase to animal feed.
Comparative analyses of the faecal resistome against β-lactam and quinolone antibiotics in humans and livestock using metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Kim Jieun , Cho Youna , Lim Suk-Kyung , Seo Mi-Ran , Sohn Jang Won , Kim Bongyoung , Rho Mina , Pai Hyunjoo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTo assess the prevalence and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in human and livestock gut microbiomes, 87 humans (healthy individuals and patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)) and 108 livestock (swine, cattle, and chickens) were enrolled. Gut microbiomes and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates were sequenced, and mobile genetic elements adjacent to the β-lactamase (bla) and transferable quinolone resistance (qnr) genes were compared using metagenomic contigs. Each group of humans and livestock exhibited distinctive microbiota and resistome compositions in the gut. Concerning the resistome of bla and qnr, the prevalence rates between chickens and patients with CDI were the most similar (R2 = 0.46); blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, and qnrS were highly prevalent in both groups. According to genomic and phylogenetic analyses, blaCTX-M and blaOXA expressed lineage specificity to either humans or livestock, while qnrS and blaTEM displayed a shared lineage between humans and livestock. A qnrS1 mobilome comprising five genes, including two recombinases, a transposase, and a plasmid gene, is commonly found in human and chicken gut microbiomes. Humans and chickens showed the most similar gut resistomes to β-lactams and quinolones. QnrS and blaTEM displayed especially strong co-occurrence between the guts of humans and livestock.
Covid-19 vaccination among migrants in Rome, Italy
Authors: Cacciani Laura , Cesaroni Giulia , Calandrini Enrico , Davoli Marina , Agabiti Nera 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMigrants may be susceptible to vaccine barriers and hesitancy. We evaluated the association between migrant status, as measured by the citizenship from a High Migratory Pressure Country (HMPC), and COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the resident population in Rome, Italy. We also investigated sex differences. We followed participants for vaccination against COVID-19 in 2021. We calculated crude- and adjusted-vaccination rates and Cox hazard ratios of vaccination for migrants compared to Italians. Among migrants from HMPCs, we estimated HRs for females compared to males, stratifying by geographical area of origin. Models were adjusted for age and deprivation index and stratified by infection history. In 2021, among 1,731,832 18–64-year-olds, migrants were 55% less likely to uptake at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose than their Italian counterpart. Past SARS-CoV-2 infection reduced the difference between migrants and Italians to 27%. Among migrants from HMPCs, we observed a slight excess of vaccination uptake among females compared to males. Focusing on geographical areas, we observed that only females from central-western Asia were 9% less likely to uptake vaccination than males. Health communication strategies oriented to migrants and considering their different languages, cultures, and health literacy should be adopted for prevention before emergencies.
Effective gestational weight gain advice to optimize infant birth weight in Japan based on quantile regression analysis
Authors: Sato Noriko , Haruyama Rei , Miyasaka Naoyuki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe optimal range of gestational weight gain (GWG) was recently raised in Japan. This may help reduce small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, but may also increase large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. This study performed hypothetical experiments to determine effective GWG advice based on quantile regression analysis. In a total of 354,401 singleton pregnancies registered in the perinatal database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2013–2017), the proportions of SGA and LGA were 9.33% and 11.13%, respectively. Using regression coefficients of GWG across the birth weight-for-gestational-age quantile distribution, we analyzed changes in their proportions by simulating a uniform 3-kg extra increase in GWG or an increase or decrease based on GWG adequacy. A hypothetical experiment of a uniform increase in GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 7.26% (95% confidence interval 7.15–7.36) and 14.51% (14.37–14.66), respectively. By contrast, assuming a 3-kg increase in women with inadequate GWG and a 3-kg decrease in women with excessive GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 8.42% (8.31–8.54) and 11.50% (11.37–11.62), respectively. Our real-world data analysis suggests that careful adjustment of GWG based on GWG adequacy will be effective in optimizing infant birth weight in Japan
Educational innovation: the architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher training
Authors: Flores-Chacón Erick , Pacheco Alex , Gonzales-Ortiz Yvett , Moreno-Vega Lenin , del-Castillo-Palacios Fiorella , Perez-Rojas Even 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe aim of this research was to determine the impact of the architecture of digital technologies in university teacher training as a catalyst for change and educational innovation. Methodologically, it is framed in a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design and an explanatory level, with a sample of 269 teachers out of a total population of 450 at the university. The results show a significant impact of the architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher training, with an increase of 22.88% from pre-test to post-test. The statistical significance of the results is supported by a P-value of 0.000, which means that it is less than the established significance level (α = 0.05), leading to the acceptance of hypothesis H1: The architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher education has an impact. In conclusion, the architecture of digital technologies, consisting of the two academic pillar systems: the academic management system and the virtual learning system, contribute to the development of digital skills in key areas such as digital literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation and problem solving in virtual environments.