bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coffee agroforestry system has effects on microclimate and soil chemical and microbial characteristics
Authors: Colombo Murillo Cazelato , Morais Heverly , Santoro Patricia Helena , Andrade Diva Souza 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Understanding the effects of agroforestry systems of coffee plants on microclimate, microbial and chemical soil properties, on coffee bean yields and soil quality is important for decision making regarding tree species choice and crop management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of shading of coffee plants (Coffea arabica) using tree species: Croton floribundus, Moringa oleifera and Senna macranthera compared to full sun cultivation, on the interaction of microclimate, soil microbial and chemical properties. The tree species provided a favorable microclimate for coffee crops, as they reduced the maximum temperatures in the hottest periods and provide high minimum temperatures in the cold dawns, with emphasis on the C. floribundus and S. macranthera species due to the higher shade density. The interaction between microclimate and soil microbial community demonstrates that higher soil moisture rates and lower soil and air thermal amplitudes found under shaded coffee tree agroforestry systems improve soil quality. Coffee agroforestry systems provided positive effects on the soil microbial community due to the effects of shading and the greater amount of phytomass generated by trees, which outcomes greater diversified substrate, improving biological and enzymatic activity and nutrient supply.
The global challenge of reducing mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM): Evaluating solutions using generic theories of change
Authors: Aldous Allison R. , Tear Tim , Fernandez Luis E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) currently accounts for the largest source of global emissions, particularly affecting tropical regions where it is largely unregulated. Ingestion by people and other animals damages the nervous, reproductive, and cognitive systems. Despite the efforts of many organizations and governments to curb mercury releases from ASGM, it is increasing globally. There are many possible interventions, all with significant complexity and cost. Therefore, we recommend taking an established systematic approach to articulate the current situation and construct theories of change (ToC) for different possible interventions for any government or organization trying to solve this problem. Here we present a high-level situation analysis and generic ToC to support a more coordinated approach that explicitly builds upon previous experience to identify organization- and situation-appropriate engagement on this issue. We then illustrate the use of these generic models to construct a specific ToC with a policy-focused entry point. This includes interventions through 1) engagement with the global Minamata Convention on Mercury; 2) support for existing national laws and policies connected to ASGM and mercury contamination; and 3) engagement of indigenous people and local communities with governments to meet the governments’ legal obligations. By methodically articulating assumptions about interventions, connections among actions, and desired outcomes, it is possible to create a more effective approach that will encourage more coordination and cooperation among governments and other practitioners to maximize their investments and support broad environmental and socio-political outcomes necessary to address this pernicious problem.
Predicting renewable energy production outputs from climate factors: A machine learning approach
Authors: Sua Lutfu S. , Wang Haibo , Ortiz Jaime , Huang Jun , Alidaee Bahram 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Predicting the energy output of renewable energy systems is a growing field of research that goes in parallel with advances in machine learning (ML) methods. However, the complexity of those ML methods along with the variety of renewable energy sources used in prediction models requires the development of highly robust approaches. The automated ML framework proposed in this study streamlines the steps involved in model development including data processing, model construction, hyper-parameter optimization and inference deployment. This paper also identifies the factors affecting the performance of ML methods such as sampling, encoding categorical values, feature selection, and hyper-parameter optimization for different algorithms. This paper presents an automated ML approach for a variety of applications in the renewable energy domain. The proposed automated ML framework is used to compare a variety of methods combined with alternative training/test ratios.
Revolutionizing Predictive Maintenance: AI-Driven Wear Life Prediction for Al-SiC-Zinc Stearate Pre-Forms
Authors: Kumaravel Arul Raj , Dheenadhayalan Narmatha , Singh Anix Joel , perumal SundarVettumPerumal , Arunachalam Oviya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this research, investigations were made on abrasive wear characteristics of Al-SiC- C36H70O4Zn (zinc Stearate) powder pre-forms. Al-SiC- Zinc Stearate powder pre-forms of one composition were tested, considering compacting pressure and sintering temperature. At room temperature, the wear tests were carried out in a purpose built pin-on-disc apparatus in opposition to abrasive silicon carbide paper under multi-pass conditions. Abrasive wear studies were performed under several operating conditions which includes varied applied load (0.5 kg to 3 kg), constant sliding velocity (300 rpm), constant time in seconds (180 seconds) and varied abrasive grit sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0 & 4/0). The weight loss indicates the wear. The test results are obtained in terms of weight loss, wear rate and specific wear rate. The relationships between weight loss and load applied with varied abrasive grit size, applied load and specific wear rate, applied and wear rate with grit size of abrasive paper 3/0 were established in the form of tribo graphs. The experimental data were trained and tested using an artificial neural network model. The result displays the actual data and predicted data relation with the correlation coefficient and mean square error value as 0.99951 and 0.0063107 respectively.
Phenotypic and Metabolomic Characteristics of Mouse Models of Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Yang Cian-Ru , Lin Wen-Jen , Shen Pei-Chun , Liao Pei-Yin , Dai Yuan-Chang , Hung Yao-Ching , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Mehmood Shiraz , Cheng Wei-Chung , Ma Wen-Lung 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is metabolic disease that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mouse models of diet-induced NASH, which is characterized by the high levels of fats, sugars, and cholesterol in diets, are commonly used in research. However, mouse models accurately reflecting the progression of NASH in humans remain to be established. Studies have explored the potential use of serological metabolites as biomarkers of NASH severity in relation to human NASH. Methods We performed a comparative analysis of three mouse models of diet-induced NASH in terms of phenotypic and metabolomic characteristics; NASH was induced using different diets: a high-fat diet; a Western diet; and a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed using standard clinical approaches (e.g., METAVIR score, hyaluronan level, and collagen deposition level). Mouse serum samples were subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy–based metabolomic profiling followed by bioinformatic analyses. Metabolomic analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was performed; the corresponding cirrhosis scores were also evaluated. Results Using clinically relevant quantitative diagnostic methods, the severity of NASH was evaluated. Regarding metabolomics, the number of lipoprotein metabolites increased with both diet and NASH progression. Notably, the levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased with fibrosis progression. During the development of diet-induced NASH in mice, the strongest upregulation of expression was noted for VLDL receptor. Metabolomic analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients with cirrhosis indicated lipoproteins (e.g., VLDL and LDL) as predominant biomarkers of cirrhosis. Conclusions Our findings provide insight into the pathophysiology and metabolomics of experimental NASH and its relevance to human NASH. The observed upregulation of lipoprotein expression reveals a feedforward mechanism for NASH development that may be targeted for the development of noninvasive theranostics.
WTAP-mediated m 6 A modification of circSMOC1 accelerates the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating miR-612/CCL28 axis
Authors: Zhu Xun-Xia , Chen Xiao-Yu , Zhao Li-Ting , Zhang Xue-Lin , Li Yi-Ou , Shen Xiao-Yong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:Accumulating evidence reveals that deregulated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are required for the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to uncover the role and underlying mechanism by which WTAP-mediated m6A modification of circRNA contributes to NSCLC.Methods:The differentially-expressed circRNAs were identified by a circRNA profiling microarray. The association of circSMOC1 with clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with NSCLC was estimated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). WTAP-mediated m6A modification of circRNA was validated by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) and RIP assays. The role of circSMOC1 in NSCLC was estimated byin vitrofunctional experiments andin vivotumorigenesis models. CircSMOC1-specific binding with miR-612 was verified by RIP, luciferase gene report and RT-qPCR assays. The effect of circSMOC1 and (or) miR-612 on CCL28 expression was detected by Western blotting analysis.Results:We found that the expression levels of circSMOC1 were elevated in NSCLC and associated with TNM stage and poor survival. Knockdown of circSMOC1 impaired the tumorigenesis of NSCLCin vitroandin vivo, whereas restored expression of circSMOC1 displayed the opposite effect. Furthermore, WTAP was upregulated in NSCLC and mediated m6A modification of circSMOC1; Knockdown of WTAP repressed cell growth and invasion and abolished circSMOC1-caused tumor-promoting effects. Then, circSMOC1 acted as a sponge of miR-612 to upregulate CCL28, and miR-612 inhibitor abrogated circSMOC1 knockdown-caused anti-proliferation effects and CCL28 downregulation in NSCLC cells.Conclusion:Our findings unveil that WTAP-mediated m6A modification of circSMOC1 accelerates the tumorigenesis of NSCLC by regulating miR-612/CCL28 axis.
Ingestion of fungicides reduces net energy gain and microbiome diversity of the solitary mason bee
Authors: Porras Mitzy F. , Raygoza-Garay Juan Antonio , Brought Malachi , Chauta Alexander , Lopez–Londoño Tomas , Crone Makaylee , Rajotte Edwin , Peter Keri , Biddinger David 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Fungicides are frequently used during tree fruit bloom and can threaten insect pollinators. However, little is known about how non-honey bee pollinators such as the solitary bee, Osmia cornifrons, respond to contact and systemic fungicides commonly used in apple production during bloom. This knowledge gap limits regulatory decisions on determining safe concentrations and timing for fungicide spraying. We evaluated the effects of two contact fungicides (captan and mancozeb) and four translaminar/plant systemic fungicides (cyprodinil, myclobutanil, penthiopyrad, and trifloxystrobin) on larval weight gain, survival, sex ratio, and bacterial diversity. This assessment was carried out through chronic oral ingestion bioassays where pollen provisions were treated with three dosages based on the currently recommended field use dose (1X), half dose (0.5X), and low dose (0.1X). We found that mancozeb and penthiopyrad significantly reduced larval weight and survival at all doses. We then sequenced the 16S gene to characterize the larvae bacteriome of mancozeb, the fungicide that caused the highest mortality. We found that larvae fed on mancozeb-treated pollen carried significantly lower bacterial diversity and abundance. Our laboratory results suggest that some of these fungicides can be particularly harmful to the health of O. cornifrons when sprayed during bloom. This information is relevant for future management decisions about the sustainable use of fruit tree crop protection products and informing regulatory processes that aim to protect pollinators.
Four-color ImmunoSpot® assays requiring only 1-3 mL of blood permit precise frequency measurements of antigen-specific B cells secreting immunoglobulins of all four classes and subclasses
Authors: Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Yao Lingling , Becza Noémi , Maul-Pavicic Andrea , Chekpe Jack , Lehmann Paul V. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The B lymphocyte response can encompass four immunoglobulin (Ig) classes and four IgG subclasses, each contributing fundamentally different effector functions. Production of the appropriate Ig class/subclass is critical for both successful host defense and avoidance of immunopathology. The assessment of an antigen-specific B cell response, including its magnitude and Ig class/subclass composition, is most often confined to the antibodies present in serum and other biological fluids, and neglects the monitoring of the memory B cell (Bmem) compartment capable of mounting a faster and more efficient antibody response following antigen reencounter. Here, we describe how the frequency and Ig class and IgG subclass use of an antigen-specific Bmem repertoire can be determined with relatively little labor and cost, requiring only 8 x 105 freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or if additional cryopreservation and polyclonal stimulation is necessary, 3 million PBMC per antigen. To experimentally validate such cell-saving assays, we have documented that frequency measurements of antibody-secreting cells (ASC) yield results indistinguishable from those of enzymatic (ELISPOT) or fluorescent (FluoroSpot) versions of the ImmunoSpot® assay, including when the latter are detected in alternative fluorescent channels. Moreover, we have shown that frequency calculations that are based on linear regression analysis of serial PBMC dilutions using a single well per dilation step are as accurate as those performed using replicate wells. Collectively, our data highlight the capacity of multiplexed B cell FluoroSpot assays in conjunction with serial dilutions to significantly reduce the PBMC requirement for detailed assessment of antigen-specific B cells. The protocols presented here allow GLP-compliant high-throughput measurements which should help to introduce high-dimensional Bmem characterization into the standard immune monitoring repertoire.
Pretreatment HIV Drug Resistance and the Molecular Transmission Network Among HIV-Positive Individuals in China in 2022: Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Chen Hongli , Hao Jingjing , Hu Jing , Song Chang , Zhou Yesheng , Li Miaomiao , Chen Jin , Liu Xiu , Wang Dong , Xu Xiaoshan , Xin Peixian , Zhang Jiaxin , Liao Lingjie , Feng Yi , Li Dan , Pan Stephen W , Shao Yiming , Ruan Yuhua , Xing Hui 
Published: October 2023

Background
Emerging HIV drug resistance caused by increased usage of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) could jeopardize the success of standardized HIV management protocols in resource-limited settings.

Objective
We aimed to characterize pretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) among HIV-positive individuals and risk factors in China in 2022.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted using 2-stage systematic sampling according to the World Health Organization’s surveillance guidelines in 8 provincial-level administrative divisions in 2022. Demographic information and plasma samples were obtained from study participants. PDR was analyzed using the Stanford HIV drug resistance database, and the Tamura-Nei 93 model in HIV-TRACE was used to calculate pairwise matches with a genetic distance of 0.01 substitutions per site. Logistic regression was used to identify and estimate factors associated with PDR.

Results
PDR testing was conducted on 2568 participants in 2022. Of the participants, 34.8% (n=893) were aged 30-49 years, 81.4% (n=2091) were male, and 3.2% (n=81) had prior ARV exposure. The prevalence of PDR to protease and reverse transcriptase regions, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors were 7.4% (n=190), 6.3% (n=163), 1.2% (n=32), and 0.2% (n=5), respectively. Yunnan, Jilin, and Zhejiang had much higher PDR incidence than did Sichuan. The prevalence of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor–related drug resistance was 6.1% (n=157) for efavirenz and 6.3% (n=163) for nevirapine. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that participants who had prior ARV exposure (odds ratio [OR] 7.45, 95% CI 4.50-12.34) and the CRF55_01B HIV subtype (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.41-4.83) were significantly associated with PDR. Among 618 (24.2%) sequences (nodes) associated with 253 molecular transmission clusters (size range 2-13), drug resistance mutation sites included K103, E138, V179, P225, V106, V108, L210, T215, P225, K238, and A98.

Conclusions
The overall prevalence of PDR in China in 2022 was modest. Targeted genotypic PDR testing and medication compliance interventions must be urgently expanded to address PDR among newly diagnosed people living with HIV in China.
Patient Preference Trade-offs for Next-Generation Kidney Replacement Therapies
Authors: Wilson Leslie , Gress Anne F. , Frassetto Lynda , Sarathy Harini , Gress Elizabeth A. , Fissell William H. , Roy Shuvo 
Published: October 2023

Background
Next-generation implantable and wearable KRTs may revolutionize the lives of patients undergoing dialysis by providing more frequent and/or prolonged therapy along with greater mobility compared with in-center hemodialysis. Medical device innovators would benefit from patient input to inform product design and development. Our objective was to determine key risk/benefit considerations for patients with kidney failure and test how these trade-offs could drive patient treatment choices.

Methods
We developed a choice-based conjoint discrete choice instrument and surveyed 498 patients with kidney failure. The choice-based conjoint instrument consisted of nine attributes of risk and benefit pertinent across KRT modalities. Attributes were derived from literature reviews, patient/clinician interviews, and pilot testing. The risk attributes were serious infection, death within 5 years, permanent device failure, surgical requirements, and follow-up requirements. The benefit attributes were fewer diet restrictions, improved mobility, pill burden, and fatigue. We created a random, full-profile, balanced overlap design with 14 choice pairs plus five fixed tasks to test validity. We used a mixed-effects regression model with attribute levels as independent predictor variables and choice decisions as dependent variables.

Results
All variables were significantly important to patient choice preferences, except follow-up requirements. For each 1% higher risk of death within 5 years, preference utility was lower by 2.22 (β=−2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.52 to −1.91), while for each 1% higher risk of serious infection, utility was lower by 1.38 (β=−1.46; 95% CI, −1.77 to −1.00) according to comparisons of the β coefficients. Patients were willing to trade a 1% infection risk and 0.5% risk of death to gain complete mobility and freedom from in-center hemodialysis (β=1.46; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.64).

Conclusions
Despite an aversion to even a 1% higher risk of death within 5 years, serious infection, and permanent device rejection, patients with kidney failure suggested that they would trade these risks for the benefit of complete mobility.
Skull and scalp ultrasound in children: a review
Authors: Kriukova I. A. , Iova A. S. , Kryukov E. Yu. , Kulieva R. S. 
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: An important task of modern pediatrics is to ensure radiation safety of diagnostic examinations, especially in young children. One of the options for reducing radiation exposure at the stages of screening diagnostics and dynamic monitoring is a wider use of ultrasound.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the data of domestic and foreign literature on the possibilities of ultrasound examination of the cranial vault bones, cranial sutures and scalp in children.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was performed in open Russian and English databases Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, RSCI, eLIBRARY using keywords and phrases: «skull ultrasound», «scalp ultrasound», «cranial sutures ultrasound», «point of care ultrasound», «pediatric POCUS» without limitation of retrospective depth.RESULTS: Based on the literature data and our own long-term experience in the use of cranial ultrasonography in clinical practice, the indications and examination technique, as well as the key ultrasound signs of the most frequent types of pathology are described. Prospects of scalp and skull ultrasonography within PoCUS, FAST, including the use of portable sonoscopes based on smartphones and tablets are outlined.CONCLUSION: Ultrasound of the skull and scalp is a quick, simple, affordable, harmless method of screening and monitoring the most frequent types of pathologies of the cranial vault bones, cranial sutures, and soft tissues of the scalp in children (for example, fractures, synostoses, neoplasms).
Криволинейные формы в архитектуре зданий и сооружений до XXI века
Authors: Алборова Лана , Мамиева Ираида 
Published: October 2023

К настоящему времени систематизированы архитектурные стили со своими подвидами и стилевыми течениями применительно к тонким оболочкам и оболочечным структурам. Имеются несколько хронологий развития архитектурных стилей. В статье рассмотрены этапы появления сооружений криволинейной формы в виде поверхностей разных классов. Показано, что первые тонкие оболочки и оболочечные структуры имели форму сферической, цилиндрической поверхностей и некоторых простейших поверхностей вращения. К концу ХХ века из более чем шестисот известных анали-тических поверхностей нашли применение 24. Показано, что пять периодов в развитии архитектуры криволинейных форм совпадают по времени с пятью периодами проектирования и строительства тонких оболочек и оболочечных структур. В анной статье авторы только констатирует реальное положение в архитектуре криволинейных форм ХХ века и отмечают возросший интерес архитекторов и строителей к таким объектам к концу ХХ века.