bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of δ-phase precipitation behavior in hot compression deformation of inconel 718 superalloy
Authors: Kong Xiangwei , Jin Zhibo , Liu Gongyu , Zhou Fenglu , Ma Liang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A model for δ-phase precipitation in Inconel 718 superalloy during hot working, grounded in experimental data, was developed. A Cellular Automata (CA) simulation platform was designed to simulate the precipitation of second-phase particles in the alloy. The δ-phase precipitation behavior of Inconel 718 alloy during hot aging and hot compression was simulated. The results revealed that during hot aging, δ-phase initially precipitated on grain boundaries as particles and short rods, followed by the formation of long needle-like δ-phase with similar growth direction within grains. During hot compression deformation, flat needle-like δ-phase gradually dissolved and transformed into short rods and granular forms dispersed around grain boundaries as thermal deformation temperature increased. The simulation results for δ-phase content, morphology, and distribution were in good agreement with experimental results, demonstrating the model’s strong predictive potential for second-phase evolution.
A novel fluorescent biosensor for detection of Pb2+ based on Pb2+-specific DNAzyme and carbon dots prepared from watermelon rind
Authors: Zhao Weiqin , Huang Chun , Li Yuangang , Wei Bizhuo , Gao Jie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A novel fluorescent biosensor was constructed to detect Pb2+. Multifunctional magnetic beads modified with substrate sequence and Pb2+-specific DNAzyme were employed as recognition probes. The fluorescence of carbon dots synthesized from watermelon rind (W-CDs) was quenched by hemin. Hemin/W-CDs were employed as fluorescent signals. The presence of Pb2+ could target-trigger the biosensor, and generated G-quadruplex which could restore the fluorescence of hemin/W-CDs. The fluorescence change of the biosensor depended on Pb2+ concentration from 1 to 20 nM.
Inhibitory effect of acetyl-CoA on a visible light–driven NADH regeneration system composed a of water-soluble zinc porphyrin and a rhodium complex
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Amao Yutaka 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Acetyl-CoA was found to act as an inhibitor of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) production by a visible light redox system consisting of a water-soluble zinc porphyrin, Zn tetrakis(4-N,N,N-trimethylaminophenyl)porphyrin, and a rhodium complex [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H2O)]2+ (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl).
Persistently poor, left-behind and chronically disconnected
Authors: Fikri Kenan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article explores the extent to which persistent poverty areas represent a compelling sub-category of left-behind areas. It asks why places collectively tend to have a much harder time climbing out of poverty than people do individually, and it explores three ways in which places struggling with persistent poverty exhibit disconnection from the broader economy: commuting patterns, social networks and job growth. The concept of disconnection can partially explain why the challenges of persistent poverty or being ‘left-behind’ tend not to resolve themselves naturally. The concept also provides direction for a policy agenda centred around restoring social and economic ties that have deteriorated over time.
Effect of microclimatic temperatures on the development period of 3 rice planthopper species (Hemiptera: Delphacidae): a phenology model based on field observations
Authors: Mochizuki Ryota , Yashiro Toshihisa , Sanada-Morimura Sachiyo , Maruyama Atsushi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Most pest phenology models are temperature dependent. Generally, the air temperature at reference height is used to predict pest development, but the air temperature varies between inside and outside the crop canopy, where pests reside. Here, we sampled 3 rice planthopper species—Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), and Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén)—and micrometeorological observations in paddy fields to analyze how thermal environments inside the canopy affect pest development. Seasonal variations in the population density of these species were surveyed in 3 experimental fields with 2 water temperature plots (normal and low-water temperature plots). The development periods of the 3 species were predicted individually based on pest phenology models using temperatures recorded at 6 heights (0.0–2.0 m). We calculated the root mean square error (RMSE) values from the predicted and observed development periods for each rice planthopper. The development prediction using the temperature inside the canopy was more accurate than that utilizing the temperature at the reference height (2.0 m). In the low-water temperature plot, the RMSE value for N. lugens, S. furcifera, and L. striatellus was 6.4, 5.6, and 4.1 when using the temperature at the reference height (2.0 m), respectively, and 2.8, 3.8, and 2.9 when employing the temperature inside the canopy at 0.25 m, respectively. The development prediction utilizing the air temperature at the bottom (0.25 m) of canopy, where N. lugens resides, was most effective for N. lugens among the 3 species. These findings suggest the importance of utilizing microhabitat-based temperatures to predict pest development.
Friend turned foe: selfish behavior of a spontaneously arising mitochondrial deletion in an experimentally evolved Caenorhabditis elegans population
Authors: Sequeira Abigail N , O’Keefe Ian P , Katju Vaishali , Bergthorsson Ulfar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Selfish mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are variants that can proliferate within cells and enjoy a replication or transmission bias without fitness benefits for the host. mtDNA deletions in Caenorhabditis elegans can reach high heteroplasmic frequencies despite significantly reducing fitness, illustrating how new mtDNA variants can give rise to genetic conflict between different levels of selection and between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. During a mutation accumulation experiment in C. elegans, a 1,034-bp deletion originated spontaneously and reached an 81.7% frequency within an experimental evolution line. This heteroplasmic mtDNA deletion, designated as meuDf1, eliminated portions of 2 protein-coding genes (coxIII and nd4) and tRNA-thr in entirety. mtDNA copy number in meuDf1 heteroplasmic individuals was 35% higher than in individuals with wild-type mitochondria. After backcrossing into a common genetic background, the meuDf1 mitotype was associated with reduction in several fitness traits and independent competition experiments found a 40% reduction in composite fitness. Experiments that relaxed individual selection by single individual bottlenecks demonstrated that the deletion-bearing mtDNA possessed a strong transmission bias, thereby qualifying it as a novel selfish mitotype.
Association between low-normal thyroid function and advanced liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Zixuan , Wu Xiaoying , Chen Zebin , Wei Xiuqing , Chen Weiqing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have found that thyroid function may be associated with the occurrence and development of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, the majority of such research has consisted of cross-sectional studies. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of low-normal thyroid function on advanced liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients over a 5-year period.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study enrolled 825 outpatients and inpatients with MAFLD who attended the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between January 2011 and December 2018. Based on plasma thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, these patients were divided into two groups, namely a low-normal thyroid function group and a strict-normal thyroid function group. The fibrosis-4 score was used to assess advanced liver fibrosis. A chi-square test was conducted to compare the occurrence of advanced fibrosis between the groups.

Results
Among the 825 MAFLD patients, 117 and 708 were defined as having low-normal thyroid function and strict-normal thyroid function, respectively. Follow-up data were available for 767 patients (93.0%) during a 5-year period. Eight (7.5%) MAFLD patients with low-normal thyroid function and 26 (3.9%) with strict-normal thyroid function developed advanced liver fibrosis and the cumulative incidence was not significantly different (P = 0.163). Stratification analysis showed that the lean MAFLD patients (body mass index ≤ 23 kg/m2) with low-normal thyroid function had a higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis than the lean MAFLD patients with strict-normal thyroid function (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Low-normal thyroid function is associated with advanced liver fibrosis among lean MAFLD patients.
External technical assistance and its contribution to donor transition and long-term sustainability: experience from China and Georgia
Authors: Huang Aidan , Cao Chunkai , Zhao Yingxi , Soselia Giorgi , Uchaneishvili Maia , Chikovani Ivdity , Gotsadze George , Lyu Mohan , Tang Kun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
External technical assistance has played a vital role in facilitating the transitions of donor-supported health projects/programmes (or their key components) to domestic health systems in China and Georgia. Despite large differences in size and socio-political systems, these two upper-middle-income countries have both undergone similar trajectories of ‘graduating’ from external assistance for health and gradually established strong national ownership in programme financing and policymaking over the recent decades. Although there have been many documented challenges in achieving effective and sustainable technical assistance, the legacy of technical assistance practices in China and Georgia provides many important lessons for improving technical assistance outcomes and achieving more successful donor transitions with long-term sustainability. In this innovation and practice report, we have selected five projects/programmes in China and Georgia supported by the following external health partners: the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development, Gavi Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. These five projects/programmes covered different health focus areas, ranging from rural health system strengthening to opioid substitution therapy. We discuss three innovative practices of technical assistance identified by the cross-country research teams: (1) talent cultivation for key decision-makers and other important stakeholders in the health system; (2) long-term partnerships between external and domestic experts; and (3) evidence-based policy advocacy nurtured by local experiences. However, the main challenge of implementation is insufficient domestic budgets for capacity building during and post-transition. We further identify two enablers for these practices to facilitate donor transition: (1) a project/programme governance structure integrated into the national health system and (2) a donor–recipient dynamic that enabled deep and far-reaching engagements with external and domestic stakeholders. Our findings shed light on the practices of technical assistance that strengthen long-term post-transition sustainability across multiple settings, particularly in middle-income countries.
Should a gamete bank verify the non-medical information provided by a donor?
Authors: Pennings Guido 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Over the years, cases of fraud have been discovered where donors have been lying about their characteristics. The question raised by such cases is what the responsibility of the gamete bank is for the non-medical information provided by the donor. The problem is that extended donor profiles contain a large amount of information about different aspects of the donor’s life and that not all this information can be verified or is worth verifying. Two cases are scrutinized in more detail: education and criminal record. The proposed solution is to split the donor information into a verified and a non-verified part with the non-verified part falling under the responsibility of the donor. The question of what information should be included in the verified part of the donor profile is still open.
Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic patterns of precancerous gastric cardia lesions
Authors: Liao Xiaoqi , Lin Runhua , Zhang Zhihua , Tian Dongping , Liu Zhaohui , Chen Songqin , Xu Guohua , Su Min 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Intestinal metaplasia (IM) and intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) are considered precursors of gastric cardia cancer (GCC). Here, we investigated the histopathologic and molecular profiles of precancerous gastric cardia lesions (PGCLs) and biomarkers for risk stratification of gastric cardia IM.

Methods
We conducted a hospital-based evaluation (n = 4578) for PGCL profiles in high-incidence and non-high-incidence regions for GCC in China. We next performed 850K methylation arrays (n = 42) and RNA-seq (n = 44) in tissues with PGCLs. We then examined the protein expression of candidate biomarker using immunohistochemistry.

Results
Of the 4578 participants, 791 were diagnosed with PGCLs (600 IM, 62 IM with IEN, and 129 IEN). We found that individuals from high-incidence regions (26.7%) were more likely to develop PGCLs than those from non-high-incidence areas (13.5%). DNA methylation and gene expression alterations, indicated by differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), exhibited a progressive increase from type I IM (DMP = 210, DEG = 24), type II IM (DMP = 3402, DEG = 129), to type III IM (DMP = 3735, DEG = 328), peaking in IEN (DMP = 47 373, DEG = 2278). Three DEGs with aberrant promoter methylation were identified, shared exclusively by type III IM and IEN. Of these DEGs, we found that OLFM4 expression appears in IMs and increases remarkably in IENs (P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
We highlight that type III IM and IEN share similar epigenetic and transcriptional features in gastric cardia and propose biomarkers with potential utility in risk prediction.
Relaxing the exclusion restriction in shift-share instrumental variable estimation
Authors: Apfel Nicolas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Many economic studies use shift-share instruments to estimate causal effects. Often, all shares need to fulfil an exclusion restriction, making the identifying assumption strict. This paper proposes to use methods that relax the exclusion restriction by selecting valid shares. I apply the methods to estimate the effect of immigration on wages. The coefficient becomes much lower and often changes sign, which is in line with arguments made in the literature.
Colouterine fistula relating to diverticulitis: a rare clinical entity
Authors: Aslam Anoosha , Lewis David J , Veerasingham Mayooran , Afzal Mohamed Z , Alsaffar Asar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Colouterine fistula is a rare but recognizable complication of diverticulitis. This case illustrates the presence of a colouterine fistula in an elderly patient who had an atypical presentation for diverticulitis. She was initially treated with intravenous antibiotics for diverticulitis with a contained abscess. This gave her an opportunity to avoid surgery. However, her sepsis failed to respond to the initial treatment. Progress computerized tomography imaging demonstrated the presence of a colouterine fistula for which she required source control. Thus she underwent laparotomy, Hartmann’s procedure, and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The diagnosis of colouterine fistula was confirmed intraoperatively and on histopathology. Subsequently, the patient had an uneventful recovery following the operation. This case highlights the rarity but also the veracity of this clinical entity.
Innate programmable DNA binding by CRISPR-Cas12m effectors enable efficient base editing
Authors: Bigelyte Greta , Duchovska Brigita , Zedaveinyte Rimante , Sasnauskas Giedrius , Sinkunas Tomas , Dalgediene Indre , Tamulaitiene Giedre , Silanskas Arunas , Kazlauskas Darius , Valančauskas Lukas , Madariaga-Marcos Julene , Seidel Ralf , Siksnys Virginijus , Karvelis Tautvydas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cas9 and Cas12 nucleases of class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity in prokaryotes through RNA-guided cleavage of foreign DNA. Here we characterize a set of compact CRISPR-Cas12m (subtype V-M) effector proteins and show that they provide protection against bacteriophages and plasmids through the targeted DNA binding rather than DNA cleavage. Biochemical assays suggest that Cas12m effectors can act as roadblocks inhibiting DNA transcription and/or replication, thereby triggering interference against invaders. Cryo-EM structure of Gordonia otitidis (Go) Cas12m ternary complex provided here reveals the structural mechanism of DNA binding ensuring interference. Harnessing GoCas12m innate ability to bind DNA target we fused it with adenine deaminase TadA-8e and showed an efficient A-to-G editing in Escherichia coli and human cells. Overall, this study expands our understanding of the functionally diverse Cas12 protein family, revealing DNA-binding dependent interference mechanism of Cas12m effectors that could be harnessed for engineering of compact base-editing tools.
CMC: Cancer miRNA Census – a list of cancer-related miRNA genes
Authors: Suszynska Malwina , Machowska Magdalena , Fraszczyk Eliza , Michalczyk Maciej , Philips Anna , Galka-Marciniak Paulina , Kozlowski Piotr 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates an important role of miRNAs in cancer; however, there is no definitive, convenient-to-use list of cancer-related miRNAs or miRNA genes that may serve as a reference for analyses of miRNAs in cancer. To this end, we created a list of 165 cancer-related miRNA genes called the Cancer miRNA Census (CMC). The list is based on a score, built on various types of functional and genetic evidence for the role of particular miRNAs in cancer, e.g. miRNA–cancer associations reported in databases, associations of miRNAs with cancer hallmarks, or signals of positive selection of genetic alterations in cancer. The presence of well-recognized cancer-related miRNA genes, such as MIR21, MIR155, MIR15A, MIR17 or MIRLET7s, at the top of the CMC ranking directly confirms the accuracy and robustness of the list. Additionally, to verify and indicate the reliability of CMC, we performed a validation of criteria used to build CMC, comparison of CMC with various cancer data (publications and databases), and enrichment analyses of biological pathways and processes such as Gene Ontology or DisGeNET. All validation steps showed a strong association of CMC with cancer/cancer-related processes confirming its usefulness as a reference list of miRNA genes associated with cancer.
Cooperativity between Cas9 and hyperactive AID establishes broad and diversifying mutational footprints in base editors
Authors: Berríos Kiara N , Barka Aleksia , Gill Jasleen , Serrano Juan C , Bailer Peter F , Parker Jared B , Evitt Niklaus H , Gajula Kiran S , Shi Junwei , Kohli Rahul M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The partnership of DNA deaminase enzymes with CRISPR-Cas nucleases is now a well-established method to enable targeted genomic base editing. However, an understanding of how Cas9 and DNA deaminases collaborate to shape base editor (BE) outcomes has been lacking. Here, we support a novel mechanistic model of base editing by deriving a range of hyperactive activation-induced deaminase (AID) base editors (hBEs) and exploiting their characteristic diversifying activity. Our model involves multiple layers of previously underappreciated cooperativity in BE steps including: (i) Cas9 binding can potentially expose both DNA strands for ‘capture’ by the deaminase, a feature that is enhanced by guide RNA mismatches; (ii) after strand capture, the intrinsic activity of the DNA deaminase can tune window size and base editing efficiency; (iii) Cas9 defines the boundaries of editing on each strand, with deamination blocked by Cas9 binding to either the PAM or the protospacer and (iv) non-canonical edits on the guide RNA bound strand can be further elicited by changing which strand is nicked by Cas9. Leveraging insights from our mechanistic model, we create novel hBEs that can remarkably generate simultaneous C &gt; T and G &gt; A transitions over &gt;65 bp with significant potential for targeted gene diversification.
On-surface synthesis and characterization of polyynic carbon chains
Authors: Gao Wenze , Zheng Wei , Sun Luye , Kang Faming , Zhou Zheng , Xu Wei 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Carbyne, an elusive sp-hybridized linear carbon allotrope, has fascinated chemists and physicists for decades. Due to its high chemical reactivity and extreme instability, carbyne was much less explored in contrast to the sp2-hybridized carbon allotropes such as graphene. Herein, we report the on-surface synthesis of polyynic carbon chains by demetallization of organometallic polyynes on the Au(111) surface; the longest one observed consists of ∼60 alkyne units (120 carbon atoms). The polyynic structure of carbon chains with alternating triple and single bonds was unambiguously revealed by bond-resolved atomic force microscopy. Moreover, an atomically precise polyyne, C14, was successfully produced via tip-induced dehalogenation and ring-opening of the decachloroanthracene molecule (C14Cl10) on a bilayer NaCl/Au(111) surface at 4.7 K, and a band gap of 5.8 eV was measured by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, in a good agreement with the theoretical HOMO–LUMO gap (5.48 eV).
Measuring Afrocentrism: A Review of Existing Instruments
Authors: Lateef Husain , Gale Adrian , Parker Meredith , Frempong Melody Konadu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Measurement of Afrocentrism and investigation of Afrocentricity’s significance in the lives of Black Americans has gained momentum, given the current evidence suggesting that cultural factors matter in the lives of diverse populations. In particular, factors associated with African philosophical constructs may have significant relationships with improved mental health and overall well-being among African and African diaspora populations. However, the prior conceptual literature suggests that Afrocentrism is a heterogenous concept with a multitude of domains associated with its measurement. The present study was envisioned given the relative absence of studies evaluating the availability and psychometric properties of Afrocentric measures within social work. Utilizing systematic analysis methodology and PRISMA guidelines, a search for Afrocentric measures was undertaken using four key databases. Spanning the literature between 1980 and 2021, this review identified a total of seven instruments that fully met the study’s inclusion-specific criteria. In accordance with the call for continued research and practice emphasizing resilience and protective factors within the lives of Black populations, the present study provides accessible knowledge to researchers and practitioners on the currently available instruments to evaluate Afrocentrism in the lives of populations of African descent.