bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of selective clay minerals and biochar as materials for sewage sludge stabilization
Authors: Balidakis A. , Matsi T. , Ipsilantis I. , Kalderis D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to evaluate sewage sludge’s stabilization with untested until now materials, such as selective clay minerals or biochar in comparison with liming, for enhancing sludge’s fertilization capacity. Dewatered sewage sludge was mixed with bentonite, vermiculite, zeolite, biochar or lime at rates of 0, 15 and 30%, air-dried and analyzed for pathogens and chemical properties. Almost all fecal indicators of treated sludge with 15% bentonite, vermiculite or biochar were reduced by at least one-logarithmic unit (log10) (indicative value of sludge’s stabilization), whereas those of limed sludge were undetectable. Electrical conductivity of all treatments significantly increased, and the highest values were obtained for untreated (6.1 dS m−1) and limed sludge (above 7.0 dS m−1 for both addition rates). The untreated sludge had the significantly highest water-soluble ammonium-nitrogen (2817 mg kg−1) and phosphorus (263 mg kg−1) concentrations followed by sludge treated with bentonite, vermiculite or biochar, whereas limed sludge had the lowest content. Boron concentration of the untreated sludge was similar to the treated sludge. Total concentrations of heavy metals were far below the legislative permissible levels for sludge’s agronomic use. Nutrients’ total content of treated sludge ranged at levels of similar magnitude to the untreated sludge, except for certain cases where they were increased because of the materials’ composition. Consequently, sewage sludge treated with 15% bentonite, vermiculite or biochar seems to be stabilized, retain bioavailable nitrogen and serve as a fertilizer of macro- and micronutrients. However, potential risks of agronomic use, i.e., soil salinization and boron phytotoxicity, should be considered.
Comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genome sequences of four camellia species
Authors: Hao Bingqing , Xia Yingying , Zhang Zhaoyuan , Wang Dongxue , Ye Hang , Ma Jinlin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractResearching the photosynthetic characteristics based on the whole chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia osmantha cv ‘yidan’ is important for improving production. We sequenced and analyzed the chloroplast (cp) genomes of C. osmantha cv ‘yidan’. The total cp genome length was 156,981 bp. The cp genomes included 134 genes encoding 81 proteins, 39 transfer RNAs, 8 ribosomal RNAs, and 6 genes with unknown functions. In total, 50 repeat sequences were identified in C. osmantha cv ‘yidan’ cp genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. osmantha cv ‘yidan’ is more closely related to Camellia vietnamensis cv ‘hongguo’ and Camellia oleifera cv ‘cenruan 3’ than to Camellia semiserrata cv ‘hongyu 1’. Our complete assembly of four Camellia cp genomes may contribute to breeding for high oil content plants and further biological discoveries. The results of this study provide a basis for the assembly of the entire chloroplast genome of C. osmantha cv ‘yidan’.
Insights into the Valorization of Electric Arc Furnace Slags as Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Andersson Anton , Isaksson Jenny , Lennartsson Andreas , Engström Fredrik 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe transition to hydrogen-based reduction processes within the iron and steelmaking industry will generate new types of slag compositions that require valorization routes. Using slags as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) addresses the carbon dioxide emissions of the cement industry since the SCM requires neither calcination nor clinkering. Conventionally, ironmaking slags from the blast furnace (BF) are recycled as SCMs, i.e., ground granulated BF slag (GGBS). Ideally, future slags from electric arc furnaces (EAFs) operating on hydrogen-based direct reduced iron should be valorized analogously. Since the hydrogen-based process route is not yet realized in an industrial scale, the literature lacks data to support this valorization route, and additionally, literature on scrap-based EAF slags is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to offer insights into the utilization of ore-based EAF slags as SCMs based on an industrial slag sample from an EAF operating on hot briquetted iron. The slag was remelted, modified, and water-granulated in laboratory scale, and its performance as an SCM was compared to water-granulated ladle slag and two commercial GGBS. The results showed promising reactivities measured using the R3 isothermal calorimeter-based testing protocol. Based on the comparison to GGBS, the study indicated that generating reactive and appropriate SCMs from EAF slags will partly be a challenge in balancing the crystallization of the MeO-type solid solution rich in magnesia and addressing the iron oxide content in the amorphous phase.
Graphical Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Bullying During Adolescence: A Systematic Literature Review of Two Decades
Authors: Merrin Gabriel J. , Wang Joy Huanhuan , Kiefer Sarah M. , Jackson Jesseca L. , Pascarella Lauren A. , Huckaby Paige L. , Blake Corinne L. , Gomez Michael D. , Smith Nicholas D. W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the emergence of bullying behaviors in adolescence, as well as their subsequent implications for youth well-being. This study systematically reviewed the link between 11 unique ACEs (including the original 10 from the 1998 CDC-Kaiser ACE study plus child welfare involvement) and three specific bullying behaviors (i.e., perpetration, victimization, and bully-victim) over two decades (1999–2019). Five databases (i.e., Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs, and PubMed) were used to identify 51 studies. The findings showed a consistent pattern of positive associations for certain ACEs, specifically cumulative ACEs, maltreatment, family violence, physical abuse, and domestic violence, with bullying perpetration and victimization. However, sexual abuse and divorce and separation were not consistently related to perpetration or victimization. In addition, general abuse was positively associated with perpetration, whereas emotional abuse and children in the welfare system tended to be victims rather than perpetrators of bullying. Notably, several ACEs, including neglect and household dysfunction, remain largely understudied in relation to bullying. The research also predominantly focuses on bullying perpetration and victimization, with bully-victims receiving much less attention. Finally, the research on the impact of bullying behaviors on the well-being of youth with ACEs is too limited to make definitive conclusions regarding the mediating or moderating role of bullying on youth well-being outcomes. The results underscore the importance of understanding and accounting for the simultaneous and cumulative effects of ACEs. This understanding is essential when designing trauma-informed interventions and prevention strategies to combat bullying. Future longitudinal studies should rectify methodological and psychometric shortcomings, investigate potential mediators and moderators, and integrate health outcomes of positive experiences with adverse childhood experiences to capture shared risk and resilience pathways.
Point of view: human development and impact for sustainability—‘A new pipeline theory in academia’
Authors: AlMaadeed Mariam AlAli 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe role of academia in society is due for a comprehensive re-evaluation. Utilising the metaphor of a ‘network of pipelines’, this paper identifies two critical dimensions: a ‘people pipeline’, which includes a diverse range of students from various demographics—be they gender-based, socioeconomic or ethnic—and an ‘experience pipeline’ focused on the quality of teaching and learning. These components must be strategically synchronised to maximise societal and environmental impact. Drawing an analogy with engineered irrigation systems that require optimal operation and maintenance, the paper argues that academia should adopt a similarly meticulous approach. To this end, the article advocates for aligning educational endeavours more closely with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising the need for a multi-layered, context-sensitive strategy.
Comparison of clinical characteristics of a pediatric cohort with combined pituitary hormone deficiency caused by mutation of the PROP1 gene or of other origins
Authors: Zygmunt-Górska Agata , Wójcik Małgorzata , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Starmach Anna , Bik-Multanowski Mirosław , Starzyk Jerzy B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The most commonly identified genetic cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is PROP1 gene mutations. The aim of the study was to compare selected clinical features of patients with CPHD caused by variants of the PROP1 gene (CPHD-PROP1) and patients with inborn CPHD of other etiology (CPHD-nonPROP1).

Material and methods
The retrospective analysis included childhood medical records of 74 patients (32 female) with CPHD, including 43 patients (23 female) with the mutation in the PROP1 gene.

Results
Patients with CPHD-PROP1 compared to the CPHD-nonPROP1 presented with the following: significantly higher median birth weight (0.21 vs. − 0.29 SDS, p = 0.019), lower growth velocity within 3 years preceding growth hormone administration (− 2.7 vs. − 0.8 SDS, p < 0.001), higher mean maximal blood concentration of growth hormone within the stimulation process (1.2 vs. 1.08 ng/mL, p = 0.003), lower TSH (1.8 vs. 2.4 µIU/mL, p < 0.001), significantly lower prolactin concentrations (128 vs. 416.3 µIU/mL, p < 0.001), and less frequent typical signs of hypogonadism at birth in boys (n = 6; 30% vs. n = 12, 54%, p < 0.001). Secondary adrenal insufficiency was less frequent in CPHD-PROP1 (20 vs. 25 cases, p = 0.006) and occurred at a later age (13.4 vs. 10.4 years). MRI of the pituitary gland in CPHD-PROP1 revealed a small pituitary gland (21 cases), pituitary gland enlargement (eight cases), and one pituitary stalk interruption and posterior lobe ectopy, while it was normal in nine cases.

Conclusion
Patients with the PROP1 mutations present a clinical picture significantly different from that of other forms of congenital hypopituitarism. Certain specific clinical results may lead to the successful identification of children requiring diagnostics for the PROP1 gene mutation.
An Overview of Current Statistical Methods for Implementing Quality Tolerance Limits
Authors: Kilaru Rakhi , Amodio Sonia , Li Yasha , Wells Christine , Love Sharon , Zeng Yuling , Ye Jingjing , Jelizarow Monika , Balakumar Abhinav , Fronc Maciej , Osterdal Anne Sofie , Rolfe Tim , Talbot Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
In 2016, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use updated its efficacy guideline for good clinical practice and introduced predefined quality tolerance limits (QTLs) as a quality control in clinical trials. QTLs are complementary to Quality by Design (QbD) principles (ICH-E8) and are one of the components of the risk-based clinical trial quality management system.

Methods
Currently the framework for QTLs process is well established, extensively describing the operational aspects of Defining, Monitoring and Reporting, but a single source of commonly used methods to establish QTLs and secondary limits is lacking. This paper will primarily focus on closing this gap and include applications of statistical process control and Bayesian methods on commonly used study level quality parameters such as premature treatment discontinuation, study discontinuation and significant protocol deviations as examples.

Conclusions
Application of quality tolerance limits to parameters that correspond to critical to quality factors help identify systematic errors. Some situations pose special challenges to implementing QTLs and not all methods are optimal in every scenario. Early warning signals, in addition to QTL, are necessary to trigger actions to further minimize the possibility of an end-of-study excursion.
Coral Reef Carbonate Chemistry Reveals Interannual, Seasonal, and Spatial Impacts on Ocean Acidification Off Florida
Authors: Palacio‐Castro A. M. , Enochs I. C. , Besemer N. , Boyd A. , Jankulak M. , Kolodziej G. , Hirsh H. K. , Webb A. E. , Towle E. K. , Kelble C. , Smith I. , Manzello D. P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOcean acidification (OA) threatens coral reef persistence by decreasing calcification and accelerating the dissolution of reef frameworks. The carbonate chemistry of coastal areas where many reefs exist is strongly influenced by the metabolic activity of the underlying benthic community, contributing to high spatiotemporal variability. While characterizing this variability is difficult, it has important implications for the progression of OA and the persistence of the ecosystems. Here, we characterized the carbonate chemistry at 38 permanent stations located along 10 inshore‐offshore transects spanning 250 km of the Florida Coral Reef (FCR), which encompass four major biogeographic regions (Biscayne Bay, Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys) and four shelf zones (inshore, mid‐channel, offshore, and oceanic). Data have been collected since 2010, with approximately bi‐monthly periodicity starting in 2015. Increasing OA, driven by increasing DIC, was detected in the mid‐channel, offshore, and oceanic zones in every biogeographic region. In the inshore zone, however, increasing TA counteracted any measurable OA trend. Strong seasonal variability occurred at inshore sites and included periods of both exacerbated and mitigated OA. Seasonality was region‐dependent, with greater variability in the Lower and Middle Keys. Elevated pH and aragonite saturation states (ΩAr) were observed in the Upper and Middle Keys, which could favor reef habitat persistence in these regions. Offshore reefs in the FCR could be more susceptible to global OA by experiencing open‐ocean‐like water chemistry conditions. By contrast, higher seasonal variability at inshore reefs could offer a temporary OA refuge during periods of enhanced primary production.
Winds and Meltwater Together Lead to Southern Ocean Surface Cooling and Sea Ice Expansion
Authors: Roach Lettie A. , Mankoff Kenneth D. , Romanou Anastasia , Blanchard‐Wrigglesworth Edward , Haine Thomas W. N. , Schmidt Gavin. A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSouthern Ocean surface cooling and Antarctic sea ice expansion from 1979 through 2015 have been linked both to changing atmospheric circulation and melting of Antarctica's grounded ice and ice shelves. However, climate models have largely been unable to reproduce this behavior. Here we examine the contribution of observed wind variability and Antarctic meltwater to Southern Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) and Antarctic sea ice. The free‐running, CMIP6‐class GISS‐E2.1‐G climate model can simulate regional cooling and neutral sea ice trends due to internal variability, but they are unlikely. Constraining the model to observed winds and meltwater fluxes from 1990 through 2021 gives SST variability and trends consistent with observations. Meltwater and winds contribute a similar amount to the SST trend, and winds contribute more to the sea ice trend than meltwater. However, while the constrained model captures much of the observed sea ice variability, it only partially captures the post‐2015 sea ice reduction.
First Observational Perspectives of “Millipede Clouds” Over the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Fu G. , Wang Z.‐S. , Zhang X.‐Y. , Sun W.‐K. , Li P.‐Y. , Wang R.‐Y. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe fundamental features of one kind of rarely known stratocumulus, which was termed as “Millipede Cloud,” occurred over the Eastern Pacific Ocean in 2017 were first documented by using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery. These clouds had long and meandering “central axes” extending from several hundreds to thousands kilometers, and a number of “radical cloud arms” extending several tens of kilometers in its two sides. Total 59 “Millipede Clouds,” 4 and 55 of them, were formed over the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres, respectively. Their environmental backgrounds were analyzed by using ERA5 reanalysis data and MODIS sensor Level‐2 data. The cloud top pressures of these “Millipede Clouds” were between 850 and 800 hPa, and their top heights were about 1–2 km. There existed “inversion layer” of air temperature near the cloud tops at 800 hPa, which strongly suggested that these clouds were lower stratocumulus in essence.
In search of a pan-coronavirus vaccine: next-generation vaccine design and immune mechanisms
Authors: Cankat S. , Demael M. U. , Swadling L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMembers of the coronaviridae family are endemic to human populations and have caused several epidemics and pandemics in recent history. In this review, we will discuss the feasibility of and progress toward the ultimate goal of creating a pan-coronavirus vaccine that can protect against infection and disease by all members of the coronavirus family. We will detail the unmet clinical need associated with the continued transmission of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and the four seasonal coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43, NL63, HKU1 and 229E) in humans and the potential for future zoonotic coronaviruses. We will highlight how first-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and natural history studies have greatly increased our understanding of effective antiviral immunity to coronaviruses and have informed next-generation vaccine design. We will then consider the ideal properties of a pan-coronavirus vaccine and propose a blueprint for the type of immunity that may offer cross-protection. Finally, we will describe a subset of the diverse technologies and novel approaches being pursued with the goal of developing broadly or universally protective vaccines for coronaviruses.
Design of dual stimuli-responsive gels with physical and chemical properties that vary in response to light and temperature and cell behavior on their surfaces
Authors: Okihara Masaaki , Matsuda Akana , Kawamura Akifumi , Miyata Takashi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCell behaviors are highly sensitive to the surrounding environment. Therefore, in regulating cells, biomaterial substrates should be designed so their properties are similar to the surrounding environments of the cells. For cell regulation, we designed dual stimuli-responsive gels whose physical (elastic modulus) and chemical (hydrophilicity) properties can be changed by varying the UV exposure time and temperature, respectively. A dual stimuli-responsive polymer with photodimerizable groups and temperature-responsive moieties was prepared by copolymerizing 7-methacryloyloxycoumarin (MAC) and methoxyoligoethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA). The resulting polymers (P(MAC-co-OEGMA)) had lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs), which depended on the compositions. A buffer solution containing P(MAC-co-OEGMA) was exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) for gelation, and the elastic modulus increased with increasing exposure time. The cell behavior, including adhesion and spreading, on the surfaces of these gels was investigated. Most of the cells adhered to P(MAC-co-OEGMA) gels with higher elastic moduli, and the cells were spread more effectively at temperatures above the LCST. This was because cell adhesion and spreading were strongly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of the P(MAC-co-OEGMA) gels, which were regulated by varying the UV exposure time and temperature.
ACIDES: on-line monitoring of forward genetic screens for protein engineering
Authors: Nemoto Takahiro , Ocari Tommaso , Planul Arthur , Tekinsoy Muge , Zin Emilia A. , Dalkara Deniz , Ferrari Ulisse 
Published: December 2023

AbstractForward genetic screens of mutated variants are a versatile strategy for protein engineering and investigation, which has been successfully applied to various studies like directed evolution (DE) and deep mutational scanning (DMS). While next-generation sequencing can track millions of variants during the screening rounds, the vast and noisy nature of the sequencing data impedes the estimation of the performance of individual variants. Here, we propose ACIDES that combines statistical inference and in-silico simulations to improve performance estimation in the library selection process by attributing accurate statistical scores to individual variants. We tested ACIDES first on a random-peptide-insertion experiment and then on multiple public datasets from DE and DMS studies. ACIDES allows experimentalists to reliably estimate variant performance on the fly and can aid protein engineering and research pipelines in a range of applications, including gene therapy.
The submarine fault scarp of the 2011 Tohoku-oki Earthquake in the Japan Trench
Authors: Ueda Hayato , Kitazato Hiroshi , Jamieson Alan ,   Pressure Drop Ring of Fire Expedition 2022 Japan Cruise Leg2 science team, Bond Todd , Cardigos Sara , Funaki Masayoshi , Maroni Paige J. , Nanbu Hiroyasu , O’Callaghan Joanne M. , Onishi Takuma , Pedersen Silje W. , Roperez Jaya , Tsuruzono Hiroumi , Watanabe Hiromi K. , Yasuda Tetsuro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRupture of the plate boundary fault during the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake with moment magnitude 9.0 is thought to have propagated to the trench. Surface exposure of the fault has not yet been confirmed because of great depths that are challenging to access and study. Using a manned submersible in the Japan Trench, we explored and visually assessed the seafloor near the epicenter. On the eastern slope of a thrust ridge 59 m high, which appeared after the earthquake, we found a 26 m high subvertical cliff regarded as the fault scarp. Cross-section analysis suggests an 80–120 m slip on the fault when assumed to dip at 45–30°, to build up the observed relief. The estimated larger displacement in the trench than in more proximal parts can be attributed to local enhancement of the slip by extension of the wedge above a subducting graben on the Pacific plate.