bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remarkably improved nonlinearity and thermal stability of CaYNbMnO7 thermosensitive ceramics via the cold‐sintering process
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Qing , Zhang Bo , Chen Huimin , Chang Aimin , Fu Zhilong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe cold‐sintering process (CSP) uses a transient low‐temperature solvent, such as water or water with dissolved solutes consistent with the ceramic composition, to achieve functionalization at lower temperatures via the dissolution and precipitation principle. Here, during the CSP, the use of molten NaOH as a flux solvent promoted the rearrangement and precipitation of CaYNbMnO7 particles. CaYNbMnO7 ceramics were successfully obtained at 350°C and under a uniaxial pressure of 700 MPa. The ceramic was not a single‐phase structure but consisted of a cubic‐phase structure and a layered perovskite structure. To verify the high‐temperature thermal stability of CaYNbMnO7 ceramic prepared at 350°C, a comparative study was conducted with conventional sintering (CS). Results indicate that the ceramics obtained by CSP and CS have negative temperature coefficient characteristics. The cold‐sintered ceramic has a wider temperature range and better aging stability. (The minimum value of the aging coefficient is ∼2.49%.) Simultaneously, CSP is beneficial for promoting the linearization of the relationship between the logarithm in the resistivity (lnρ) and the reciprocal for the absolute temperature (1000/T) in the ceramic. However, the CSP has little effect on the material constant B and thermal activation energy Ea of the ceramic, providing a basis for the low‐temperature synthesis of high melting point thermosensitive ceramics.
Interactions of gadolinium hafnate and zirconate with silicate melts
Authors: Ericks Andrew R. , Holgate Collin S. , Basilyan Nikita , Levi Carlos G. , Zok Frank W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRare earth hafnates and zirconates are candidate materials for thermal and environmental barrier coatings (T/EBC) to protect gas turbine engine components from various environmental threats, including molten silicates derived from ingested mineral debris. This article examines the reactions of Gd2Hf2O7 (GHO) and Gd2Zr2O7 (GZO) to exemplary acidic and basic silicate melts. Exposure experiments at 1400°C reveal that both materials react to form mixed layers of apatite and fluorite. These layers largely hinder melt penetration of grain boundaries in GZO for exposures up to 4 h. However, extensive intergranular melt penetration occurs into GHO below the reaction layer within 1 h for the acidic melt and within 4 h for the basic melt. Shorter exposures (1–5 min) of Gd‐lean versions of the two compounds, viz. Gd0.2Hf0.8O1.9 and Gd0.2Zr0.8O1.9, are used to probe differences in the dissolution and diffusion rates. While both oxides form fluorite, the HfO2‐based one reacts more slowly than that based on ZrO2. Analysis of composition profiles across the solid/melt boundary reveals that Hf4+ diffuses more slowly than Zr4+ and that the hafnate dissolves more slowly than the zirconate; in both cases dissolution is diffusion‐controlled. The implications for the efficacy of reactive crystallization as a silicate mitigation strategy are discussed.
Pre‐class learning analytics in flipped classroom: Focusing on resource management strategy, procrastination and repetitive learning
Authors: Doo Min Young , Park Yeonjeong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the many advantages of flipped learning, it is challenging for educators to ensure that students complete the pre‐class learning assignments before the in‐class session.ObjectivesUsing a learning analytics approach, this study analysed students' pre‐class video‐watching behaviour in flipped learning with a focus on learners' resource management strategies, procrastination, and repeated video‐watching.MethodsFor the empirical study, three types of data (i.e., log data, survey and exam) were obtained from 70 undergraduate students who were enrolled in pre‐service teacher program designed in a flipped classroom including pre‐class videos and in‐class session.Results and conclusionsThe findings showed significant differences between the non‐procrastination group and procrastination group in their video watching time and resource management strategies. Those who watched the pre‐class videos at home/dorm greatly outnumbered those who did not, and they performed better than students who watched the pre‐class videos in other locations.What are the major takeaways from the study?This finding highlights the importance of resource management strategies in terms of the time and study environment to promote success in flipped learning courses. However, the number of times students accessed the pre‐class videos or watched the videos before class was not correlated with learning achievement. The reason for re‐watching pre‐class videos is a suggested future direction so instructors can design effective flipped learning courses.
Stable indoleamines attenuate stress—A novel paradigm in tryptophan metabolism in plants
Authors: Ayyanath Murali‐Mohan , Shukla Mukund R. , Sriskantharajah Karthika , Hezema Yasmine S. , Saxena Praveen K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStability of metabolites in harsh environments such as drought, temperature, and light suggest their untapped potential in processes the plants utilize in mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses. Such metabolites could be nonspecific to microorganisms, plants, or animals. Many of the indoleamines are ubiquitous throughout species and have been shown to mitigate a wide range of stresses. We tested the role of indoleamine metabolites via exogenous application of the precursor tryptophan (TRP) on strawberry due to the short reproductive life cycle and its temperate traits. Seasonal responses appeared to be perturbed with exogenous application of TRP as a combination of foliar (3 mg/L) and ground drench (100 mg/L) or ground drench only (100 mg/L). The treatment yielded growth stimulatory responses besides mitigating stress, that is, short photoperiod and cold temperature. Plants preparing into dormancy reverted to produce green foliage and flowers that set fruit in unfavorable climate in the month of November where the untreated plants senesced. Analyses of the endogenous indoleamines in flowers and fruits of the treated plants indicated that the titers and ratios of the metabolites NAS, 2‐hydroxymelatonin, and N(1)‐acetyl‐N(2)‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine assisted in the stress mitigation. The ASMT and M2H gene regulations emphasized the stability of intermediate metabolites of TRP. The TDC and T5H regulation explained the detection of a rare to find compound, 5‐hydroxytryptophan, in strawberry. This is the first report on detection of eight indoleamines in strawberry alongside the regulatory genes in the indoleamine pathway. Inclining climate crisis demands climate‐resilient plants in quick time and the indoleamine toolkit may offer the opportunity to develop simple and effective practices to manage stress tolerance in plants.
Bulk and single‐cell transcriptome reveal the immuno‐prognostic subtypes and tumour microenvironment heterogeneity in HCC
Authors: Ji Daihan , Lu Shuting , Zhang Huarong , Li Zhenli , Wang Shenglin , Miao Tongjie , Jiang Zhiyu , Ao Lu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsAccumulating evidences suggest tumour microenvironment (TME) profoundly influence clinical outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Existing immune subtypes are susceptible to batch effects, and integrative analysis of bulk and single‐cell transcriptome is helpful to recognize immune subtypes and TME in HCC.MethodsBased on the relative expression ordering (REO) of 1259 immune‐related genes, an immuno‐prognostic signature was developed and validated in 907 HCC samples from five bulk transcriptomic cohorts, including 72 in‐house samples. The machine learning models based on subtype‐specific gene pairs with stable REOs were constructed to jointly predict immuno‐prognostic subtypes in single‐cell RNA‐seq data and validated in another single‐cell data. Then, cancer characteristics, immune landscape, underlying mechanism and therapeutic benefits between subtypes were analysed.ResultsAn immune‐related signature with 29 gene pairs stratified HCC samples individually into two risk subgroups (C1 and C2), which was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. The machine learning models verified the immune subtypes from five bulk cohorts to two single‐cell transcriptomic data. Integrative analysis revealed that C1 had poorer outcomes, higher CNV burden and malignant scores, higher sensitivity to sorafenib, and exhibited an immunosuppressive phenotype with more regulators, e.g., myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Mø_SPP1, while C2 was characterized with better outcomes, higher metabolism, more benefit from immunotherapy, and displayed active immune with more effectors, e.g., tumour infiltrating lymphocyte and dendritic cell. Moreover, both two single‐cell data revealed the crosstalk of SPP1‐related L–R pairs between cancer and immune cells, especially SPP1‐CD44, might lead to immunosuppression in C1.ConclusionsThe REO‐based immuno‐prognostic subtypes were conducive to individualized prognosis prediction and treatment options for HCC. This study paved the way for understanding TME heterogeneity between immuno‐prognostic subtypes of HCC.
Cardiac remodelling in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the general population
Authors: Kostka Frederik , Ittermann Till , Groß Stefan , Laqua Fabian Christopher , Bülow Robin , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus , Kühn Jens Peter , Markus Marcello Ricardo Paulista , Kromrey Marie‐Luise 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Our study investigates the contribution of NAFLD to changes in cardiac structure and function in a general population.MethodsOne thousand ninety‐six adults (49.3% female) from the Study of Health in Pomerania underwent magnetic resonance imaging including cardiac and liver imaging. The presence of NAFLD by proton density fat fraction was related to left cardiac structure and function. Results were adjusted for clinical confounders using multivariable linear regression model.ResultsThe prevalence for NAFLD was 35.9%. In adjusted multivariable linear regression models, NAFLD was positively associated with higher left ventricular mass index (β = 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45; 1.45), left ventricular concentricity (β = 0.043; 95% CI: 0.031; 0.056), left ventricular end‐diastolic wall thickness (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20; 0.38), left atrial end‐diastolic volume index (β = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.01; 1.32) and inversely associated with left ventricular end‐diastolic volume index (β = −0.78; 95% CI: −1.51; −0.05). When stratified by sex, we only found significant positive associations of NAFLD with left ventricular mass index, left atrial end‐diastolic volume index, left ventricular cardiac output and an inverse association with global longitudinal strain in women. In contrast, men had an inverse association with left ventricular end‐diastolic volume index and left ventricular stroke volume. Higher liver fat content was stronger associated with higher left ventricular mass index, left ventricular concentricity and left ventricular end‐diastolic wall thickness.ConclusionNAFLD is associated with cardiac remodelling in the general population showing sex specific patterns in cardiac structure and function.
Impact of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms on the prognosis of patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lavrado Natália Coelho , Salles Gil Fernando , Cardoso Claudia Regina Lopes , de França Paulo Henrique Condeixa , Melo Maria Fernanda Di Guimarães Gonçalves , Leite Nathalie Carvalho , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane Alves 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground/AimsLongitudinal studies assessing the impact of genetic polymorphisms on outcomes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 risk alleles on hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes in T2DM‐MASLD individuals.MethodsPatients' polymorphisms were analysed as follows: PNPLA3 CC, CG and GG; TM6SF2 CC and CT + TT; combined comparing no mutant allele, one allele G or T or ≥2 alleles G or T. Hierarchical models were built to assess associations between polymorphisms and outcomes, independently of confounding factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used for cirrhosis and its complications and extrahepatic cancer, and Cox regression for cardiovascular events (CVEs) and all‐cause mortality.ResultsIn total, 407 T2DM‐MASLD patients (62.1 ± 10.5 years, 67.6% women) were followed for 11 (6–13) years. Having at least one G or T allele independently increased the risk of cirrhosis in the separate analysis of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2. Combined polymorphism analysis demonstrated an even higher risk of cirrhosis if two or more risk alleles were present (OR 18.48; 95% CI 6.15–55.58; p < .001). Regarding cirrhosis complications, the risk was higher in PNPLA3 GG and TM6SF2 CT + TT, also with an even higher risk when two or more risk alleles were present in the combined evaluation (OR 27.20; 95% CI 5.26–140.62; p < .001). There were no associations with CVEs or mortality outcomes.ConclusionIn T2DM, PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms, individually and additively, impact MASLD severity, with an increased risk of cirrhosis and its complications.
Mycoplasma invasion into host cells: An integrated model of infection strategy
Authors: Xiu Feichen , Li Xinru , Liu Lu , Xi Yixuan , Yi Xinchao , Li Yumeng , You Xiaoxing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMycoplasma belong to the genus Mollicutes and are notable for their small genome sizes (500–1300 kb) and limited biosynthetic capabilities. They exhibit pathogenicity by invading various cell types to survive as intracellular pathogens. Adhesion is a crucial prerequisite for successful invasion and is orchestrated by the interplay between mycoplasma surface adhesins and specific receptors on the host cell membrane. Invasion relies heavily on clathrin‐ and caveolae‐mediated internalization, accompanied by multiple activated kinases, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and a myriad of morphological alterations, such as membrane invagination, nuclear hypertrophy and aggregation, cytoplasmic edema, and vacuolization. Once mycoplasma successfully invade host cells, they establish resilient sanctuaries in vesicles, cytoplasm, perinuclear regions, and the nucleus, wherein specific environmental conditions favor long‐term survival. Although lysosomal degradation and autophagy can eliminate most invading mycoplasmas, some viable bacteria can be released into the extracellular environment via exocytosis, a crucial factor in the prolonging infection persistence. This review explores the intricate mechanisms by which mycoplasma invades host cells and perpetuates their elusive survival, with the aim of highlighting the challenge of eradicating this enigmatic bacterium.
iFLAS: positive‐unlabeled learning facilitates full‐length transcriptome‐based identification and functional exploration of alternatively spliced isoforms in maize
Authors: Xu Feng , Liu Songyu , Zhao Anwen , Shang Meiqi , Wang Qian , Jiang Shuqin , Cheng Qian , Chen Xingming , Zhai Xiaoguang , Zhang Jianan , Wang Xiangfeng , Yan Jun 
Published: January 2024

Summary

The advent of full‐length transcriptome sequencing technologies has accelerated the discovery of novel splicing isoforms. However, existing alternative splicing (AS) tools are either tailored for short‐read RNA‐Seq data or designed for human and animal studies. The disparities in AS patterns between plants and animals still pose a challenge to the reliable identification and functional exploration of novel isoforms in plants.

Here, we developed integrated full‐length alternative splicing analysis (iFLAS), a plant‐optimized AS toolkit that introduced a semi‐supervised machine learning method known as positive‐unlabeled (PU) learning to accurately identify novel isoforms. iFLAS also enables the investigation of AS functions from various perspectives, such as differential AS, poly(A) tail length, and allele‐specific AS (ASAS) analyses.

By applying iFLAS to three full‐length transcriptome sequencing datasets, we systematically identified and functionally characterized maize (Zea mays) AS patterns. We found intron retention not only introduces premature termination codons, resulting in lower expression levels of isoforms, but may also regulate the length of 3′UTR and poly(A) tail, thereby affecting the functional differentiation of isoforms. Moreover, we observed distinct ASAS patterns in two genes within heterosis offspring, highlighting their potential value in breeding.

These results underscore the broad applicability of iFLAS in plant full‐length transcriptome‐based AS research.
Pulsed radiofrequency of lumbar dorsal root ganglion for lumbar radicular pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Soyoon , Park Ji‐Hoon , Jang Jae Ni , Choi Su‐il , Song Yumin , Kim Young Uk , Park Sukhee 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been widely used as a method to relieve lumbar radicular pain (LRP). However, the value of PRF application in LRP patients remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of PRF of lumbar DRG and LEI in patients with LRP.MethodsA literature search was performed using well‐known databases for articles published up to May 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PRF compared to LEI with or without steroids. We screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in duplicate. The pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after procedures were obtained. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was applied for outcomes. We evaluated evidence certainty for each outcome using the GRADE scoring system. This review was registered in the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021253628).ResultsA total of 10 RCTs were included and data of 613 patients were retrieved. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence as very low to moderate. PRF showed no difference in pain scores at 1 (mean difference [MD] −0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.59 to 0.00, low certainty) and 6 months (MD –2.37, 95% CI –4.79 to 0.05, very low certainty), and significantly improved pain scores at 3 months (MD –1.31, 95% CI –2.29 to −0.33, low certainty). There was no significant difference in ODI score at any interval (very low to low certainty). In the subgroup who underwent a diagnostic block, did not use steroids, and PRF duration greater than 360 s, PRF significantly reduced pain scores at 3 months after procedures.ConclusionsWe found low quality of the evidence supporting adjuvant PRF to the lumbar DRG has a greater analgesic effect at 3 months after procedures in patients with LRP than LEI. We identified no convincing evidence to show that this treatment improves function. High‐quality evidence is lacking, and data were largely derived from short‐term effects. Given these limitations, high‐quality trials with data on long‐term effects are needed.
The importance of species‐specific and temperature‐sensitive parameterisation of A/Ci models: A case study using cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and the automated ‘OptiFitACi’ R‐package
Authors: Sargent Demi , Amthor Jeffrey S. , Stinziano Joseph R. , Evans John R. , Whitney Spencer M. , Bange Michael P. , Tissue David T. , Conaty Warren C. , Sharwood Robert E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLeaf gas exchange measurements are an important tool for inferring a plant's photosynthetic biochemistry. In most cases, the responses of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation to variable intercellular CO2 concentrations (A/Ci response curves) are used to model the maximum (potential) rate of carboxylation by ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, Vcmax) and the rate of photosynthetic electron transport at a given incident photosynthetically active radiation flux density (PAR; JPAR). The standard Farquhar‐von Caemmerer‐Berry model is often used with default parameters of Rubisco kinetic values and mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm) derived from tobacco that may be inapplicable across species. To study the significance of using such parameters for other species, here we measured the temperature responses of key in vitro Rubisco catalytic properties and gm in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv. Sicot 71) and derived Vcmax and J2000 (JPAR at 2000 µmol m−2 s−1 PAR) from cotton A/Ci curves incrementally measured at 15°C–40°C using cotton and other species‐specific sets of input parameters with our new automated fitting R package ‘OptiFitACi’. Notably, parameterisation by a set of tobacco parameters produced unrealistic J2000:Vcmax ratio of <1 at 25°C, two‐ to three‐fold higher estimates of Vcmax above 15°C, up to 2.3‐fold higher estimates of J2000 and more variable estimates of Vcmax and J2000, for our cotton data compared to model parameterisation with cotton‐derived values. We determined that errors arise when using a gm,25 of 2.3 mol m−2 s−1 MPa−1 or less and Rubisco CO2‐affinities in 21% O2 (KC21%O2) at 25°C outside the range of 46–63 Pa to model A/Ci responses in cotton. We show how the A/Ci modelling capabilities of ‘OptiFitACi’ serves as a robust, user‐friendly, and flexible extension of ‘plantecophys’ by providing simplified temperature‐sensitivity and species‐specificity parameterisation capabilities to reduce variability when modelling Vcmax and J2000.
Periodic Composite Function-Based Approach for Designing Architected Materials With Programable Poisson’s Ratios
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Chen Bifa , Du Yuxuan , Qiao Ye , Wang Cunfu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Advances in additive manufacturing enable fabrication of architected materials composed of microstructures with extreme mechanical properties. In the design of such architected materials, the parameterization of microstructures determines not just the computational cost but also connectivity between adjacent microstructures. In this paper, we propose a periodic composite function (PCF)-based approach for designing microstructures. The shape of the microstructures is characterized by the value of the periodic composite functions. The proposed method can program microstructures with both positive and negative Poisson’s ratios by a small number of parameters. Furthermore, due to its implicit representation, the proposed method allows for continuously tiling of microstructures with different mechanical properties. Explicit geometric features of the PCF-based microstructures are extracted, and the condition to maintain connectivity between adjacent microstructures is derived. Based on the proposed approach, multiple groups of 2D and 3D microstructures with Poisson’s ratios ranging from negative to positive are presented. Combining with a deep neural network (DNN)-based surrogate model to predict macroscopic material properties of the microstructures, the proposed method is applied to the design of architected materials for elastic deformation control. Numerical examples on both microstructure representation and architected materials design are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.