bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mining thermophiles for biotechnologically relevant enzymes: evaluating the potential of European and Caucasian hot springs
Authors: Burkhardt Christin , Baruth Leon , Neele Meyer-Heydecke  , Klippel Barbara , Margaryan Armine , Paloyan Ani , Panosyan Hovik H. , Antranikian Garabed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe development of sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial processes is becoming very crucial and demanding for the rapid implementation of innovative bio-based technologies. Natural extreme environments harbor the potential for discovering and utilizing highly specific and efficient biocatalysts that are adapted to harsh conditions. This review focuses on extremophilic microorganisms and their enzymes (extremozymes) from various hot springs, shallow marine vents, and other geothermal habitats in Europe and the Caucasus region. These hot environments have been partially investigated and analyzed for microbial diversity and enzymology. Hotspots like Iceland, Italy, and the Azores harbor unique microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. The latest results demonstrate a great potential for the discovery of new microbial species and unique enzymes that can be explored for the development of Circular Bioeconomy.Different screening approaches have been used to discover enzymes that are active at extremes of temperature (up 120 °C), pH (0.1 to 11), high salt concentration (up to 30%) as well as activity in the presence of solvents (up to 99%). The majority of published enzymes were revealed from bacterial or archaeal isolates by traditional activity-based screening techniques. However, the latest developments in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genomics have revolutionized life science technologies. Post-genomic era has contributed to the discovery of millions of sequences coding for a huge number of biocatalysts. Both strategies, activity- and sequence-based screening approaches, are complementary and contribute to the discovery of unique enzymes that have not been extensively utilized so far.
A novel solar disk chamber reactor for agricultural waste recycling and biochar production
Authors: Emran Mohamed , El-Gamal Eman H. , Mokhiamar Ossama , Elsamni Osama , Rashad Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe quality and properties of biochar are generally influenced by the nature of the raw materials and pyrolysis techniques. To assess the quality of sesame biochar production, a disc chamber reactor set on a solar parabolic dish concentrator was proposed as a modified slow pyrolysis technique. To evaluate the physicochemical characterizations of the produced biochar, two pyrolysis settings were used: 470 °C for 1 h (T1) and 440 °C for 2 h (T2) to produce biochar from sesame stalk feedstock (SS) using the proposed solar disk chamber reactor. Ash content, mass fraction of elements (C, H, and O%), pH, surface area, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. The results showed that the mass of T1 biochar decreased by 5% when compared to T2, while ash content, pH, fixed carbon, and volatile gases for both biochars were relatively close. The H/C and O/C molar ratios were below 1.00 and 0.4, respectively, indicating a loss of degradable polar contents and the formation of aromatic compounds. The surface area of T2 biochar was three times the surface area of T1, with the opposite trend in mean pore diameter. Two biochars showed the same FTIR peaks and SEM data, with small differences in their characteristics, demonstrating that pyrolysis time and temperature had a tight relationship. Both biochars showed approximately similar properties. The reactor’s efficiency is mainly affected by solar energy and atmospheric conditions during operation, which influence the average surface temperature. In Egypt, climatic conditions would be more favorable in the summer to improve the efficiency of parabolic solar dish concentrators for producing high-quality biochar.
Graphical abstract
Advancements in Controlled Source Electromagnetic Methods for Prospecting Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources in China
Authors: Yan Liangjun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGlobally, unconventional hydrocarbons, known for the symbiosis of their hydrocarbon source and reservoir, pose significant seismic exploration challenges due to their confined target regions, extensive burial depth, minimal acoustic impedance variation, marked heterogeneity, and strong anisotropy. Over the past decade, electromagnetic (EM) exploration has evolved markedly, improving resolution and reliability, thus becoming indispensable in unconventional hydrocarbon exploration. Focusing on China's application of the controlled source electromagnetic method (CSEM), this review examines the geological and electrical attributes of these reservoirs, notably the low resistivity, high polarization and strong electrical anisotropy of shale gas reservoirs. Despite the demonstrated positive correlation between induced polarization (IP) parameters and reservoir parameters, current methodologies emphasize the IP effect, inadvertently neglecting electrical anisotropy, which affects data precision. Moreover, single-source CSEM methodologies limit the observational components, acquisition density, and exploration area, impacting the accuracy and efficacy of data interpretation. Recently developed CSEM techniques in China, namely wide-frequency electromagnetic method (WFEM), time–frequency electromagnetic method (TFEM), long offset transient electromagnetic method (LOTEM), and wireless electromagnetic method (WEM), harness high-power pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) waveforms, reference observation and processing technology, hybrid inversion, and enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability despite the pressing need for multi-functional software for data acquisition. Case studies detail these methods' applications in shale gas sweet spot detection and continuous hydraulic fracturing monitoring, highlighting the immense potential of EM methods in unconventional hydrocarbon sweet spot detection and total organic content (TOC) predication. However, challenges persist in suppressing EM noise, streamlining 3D inversion processes, and improving the detection and evaluation of sweet spots.
Not so sweet: impacts of a soda tax on producers
Authors: Gonçalves Judite , Merenda Roxanne , Pereira dos Santos João 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPortugal introduced a sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax in 2017. This study uses unique administrative accounting data for all SSB producers/importers in Portugal, and an event study design with bottled water firms as the primary comparison group, to assess the causal impacts of the tax on multiple firm-level outcomes. We find a 6.8% average decrease in domestic SSB sales, relative to bottled water. The soda tax hindered SSB firms’ financial health, namely net income, ability to convert receivables into cash, and liabilities. SSB producers/importers did not decrease wages, cut jobs, or modify their workforce toward higher R&D capacity. Forgone corporate income tax appears negligible compared to the government revenue generated by the tax itself.
A Reinforcement Learning Approach for Continuum Robot Control
Authors: Kargin Turhan Can , Kołota Jakub 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRigid joint manipulators are limited in their movement and degrees of freedom (DOF), while continuum robots possess a continuous backbone that allows for free movement and multiple DOF. Continuum robots move by bending over a section, taking inspiration from biological manipulators such as tentacles and trunks. This paper presents an implementation of a forward kinematics and velocity kinematics model to describe the planar continuum robot, along with the application of reinforcement learning (RL) as a control algorithm. In this paper, we have adopted the planar constant curvature representation for the forward kinematic modeling. This choice was made due to its straightforward implementation and its potential to fill the literature gap in the field RL-based control for planar continuum robots. The intended control mechanism is achieved through the use of Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), a RL algorithm that is suited for learning controls in continuous action spaces. After simulating the algorithm, it was observed that the planar continuum robot can autonomously move from any initial point to any desired goal point within the task space of the robot. By analyzing the results, we wanted to recommend a future direction for research in the field of continuum robot control, specifically in the application of RL algorithms. One potential area of focus could be the integration of sensory feedback, such as vision or force sensing, to improve the robot’s ability to navigate complex environments. Additionally, exploring the use of different RL algorithms, such as Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) or Trust Region Policy Optimization (TRPO), could lead to further advancements in the field. Overall, this paper demonstrates the potential for RL-based control of continuum robots and highlights the importance of continued research in this area.
Vicious Relational Circles and Chronic Couple Conflictuality: An Empirical Study
Authors: Eleonora Fiorenza , Valeria Crisafulli , Renato Carpentieri , De Luca Emma , Di Filippo Clarissa , La Stella Michela , Jessica Leonardi , Camilla Mannocchi , Martina Rodomonti , Laura Rosi , Marianna Santodoro , Francesco Gazzillo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe study aims to empirically assess the control-mastery theory hypothesis that considers chronic couple conflictuality as the repetition of relational vicious circles—that is, interactions where both partners test their pathogenic beliefs and fail their reciprocal tests, confirming their reciprocal pathogenic beliefs. In addition, the study aims to verify if interpersonal guilt is more activated during couple conflicts. Our study involved 11 couples treated by four experienced therapists and nine trained, independent judges who, after reading verbatim transcripts of the couples’ psychotherapy sessions, used the Patient Scale of Couple Testing (PSCT), and the Patient Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale (PIGRS) to rate segments of couple sessions. The results were obtained by applying generalized estimating equations and confirm our hypotheses: we could observe a greater presence of testing activity and confirmation of pathogenic beliefs in segments classified as conflictual for both partners and a stronger presence of interpersonal guilt in conflictual versus nonconflictual interactions. These findings support the idea that conflict interactions can be seen as failed attempts by both partners to disconfirm their pathogenic beliefs.
Romanian Version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS): A Preliminary Validation on a Non-clinical Sample
Authors: Lupuleac Claudia , Sava Florin Alin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLow frustration tolerance is one of the key concepts in rational emotional behavior therapy (REBT). The purpose of this study is to explore the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the Romanian version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS), developed by Harrington (Clin Psychol Psychother 12(5):374–387, 2005b. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.465), within a non-clinical sample (N = 308) of Romanian teachers. For validation purposes, participants also completed several measures such as the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) (Chamberlain and Haaga in J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 19(3):163–176, 2001. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011189416600), Attitudes and Belief Scale 2 (ABS2) (DiGiuseppe et al. J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 36(1):47–79, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-017-0273-3), Teacher Irrational Belief Scale (TIBS) (Bernard Teacher irrationality and teacher stress, 24th international congress of psychology, Sydney, Australia, 1988), and Pupil Control Ideology Scale (PCI) (Willower et al. The school and pupil control, The Pennsylvania State University, 1967). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggests that the initial four-factor solution from the scale development study received similar support to the one-factor solution found in some previous studies. Patterns of correlations linking the FDS total sum score versus the FDS 4-factor scale scores with other variables provide some support for the one-factor solution, mainly because it is a more parsimonious solution. Differentiating between several subcomponents of FDS does not bring discriminant validity in our non-clinical sample. Based on current preliminary validation, the FDS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing frustration discomfort in a Romanian-speaking population as a single-factor construct. Our results do not exclude the possibility that future discriminant validity endeavors could support the utility of treating low frustration tolerance as a multidimensional construct since using a non-clinical sample is likely to impact the factorial structure of the FDS.
Conserved and non-conserved RNA–target modules in plants: lessons for a better understanding of Marchantia development
Authors: Pietrykowska Halina , Alisha Alisha , Aggarwal Bharti , Watanabe Yuichiro , Ohtani Misato , Jarmolowski Artur , Sierocka Izabela , Szweykowska-Kulinska Zofia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA wide variety of functional regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as essential regulators of plant growth and development. Depending on their category, ncRNAs are not only involved in modulating target gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels but also are involved in processes like RNA splicing and RNA-directed DNA methylation. To fulfill their molecular roles properly, ncRNAs must be precisely processed by multiprotein complexes. In the case of small RNAs, DICER-LIKE (DCL) proteins play critical roles in the production of mature molecules. Land plant genomes contain at least four distinct classes of DCL family proteins (DCL1–DCL4), of which DCL1, DCL3 and DCL4 are also present in the genomes of bryophytes, indicating the early divergence of these genes. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has become an attractive model species for investigating the evolutionary history of regulatory ncRNAs and proteins that are responsible for ncRNA biogenesis. Recent studies on Marchantia have started to uncover the similarities and differences in ncRNA production and function between the basal lineage of bryophytes and other land plants. In this review, we summarize findings on the essential role of regulatory ncRNAs in Marchantia development. We provide a comprehensive overview of conserved ncRNA–target modules among M. polymorpha, the moss Physcomitrium patens and the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as Marchantia-specific modules. Based on functional studies and data from the literature, we propose new connections between regulatory pathways involved in Marchantia’s vegetative and reproductive development and emphasize the need for further functional studies to understand the molecular mechanisms that control ncRNA-directed developmental processes.
Implicit assumptions of (prospective) music school teachers about musically gifted students
Authors: Bareiß Laura , Platz Friedrich , Wirzberger Maria 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStereotypical assumptions associating high levels of giftedness and outstanding performance with maladaptive behavioral characteristics and personality traits (cf. disharmony stereotype) are rather prevalent in the school context as well as in the musical domain. Such preconceptions among teachers can influence student assessment and corresponding performance expectations, which might, in turn, impact future lesson planning. In an experiment using a controlled vignette approach, the current study, with N = 211 (prospective) German music school teachers, investigated how background information, combined with a manipulated music recording, affected (prospective) music school teachers’ assessment of a fictive student’s performance, behavioral characteristics, personality traits, and teachers' consequential lesson planning. Experimental variations included the fictive student’s supposed level of giftedness, social interaction, age, and duration of instrumental lessons. Results indicated that music school teachers’ preconceptions of students assumed to be musically gifted were a high level of intellectual and musical abilities with behavioral characteristics and personality traits rated at least equivalent to those of students assumed to have average giftedness. Teachers’ lesson planning was not influenced by any of the manipulated background information. Taken together, the observed pattern of effects contradicts the disharmony stereotype but tends to align more with the harmony stereotype as music school teachers’ prevailing preconceptions about students supposed to be musically gifted.
Visual Ensemble Analysis of Fluid Flow in Porous Media Across Simulation Codes and Experiment
Authors: Bauer Ruben , Ngo Quynh Quang , Reina Guido , Frey Steffen , Flemisch Bernd , Hauser Helwig , Ertl Thomas , Sedlmair Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe study the question of how visual analysis can support the comparison of spatio-temporal ensemble data of liquid and gas flow in porous media. To this end, we focus on a case study, in which nine different research groups concurrently simulated the process of injecting CO$$_2$$

2

into the subsurface. We explore different data aggregation and interactive visualization approaches to compare and analyze these nine simulations. In terms of data aggregation, one key component is the choice of similarity metrics that define the relationship between different simulations. We test different metrics and find that using the machine-learning model “S4” (tailored to the present study) as metric provides the best visualization results. Based on that, we propose different visualization methods. For overviewing the data, we use dimensionality reduction methods that allow us to plot and compare the different simulations in a scatterplot. To show details about the spatio-temporal data of each individual simulation, we employ a space-time cube volume rendering. All views support linking and brushing interaction to allow users to select and highlight subsets of the data simultaneously across multiple views. We use the resulting interactive, multi-view visual analysis tool to explore the nine simulations and also to compare them to data from experimental setups. Our main findings include new insights into ranking of simulation results with respect to experimental data, and the development of gravity fingers in simulations.
Heat inactivation of SARS-CoV 2 enabled the measurement of salivary cortisol during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Voltan Giacomo , Antonelli Giorgia , Mondin Alessandro , Tizianel Irene , Sabbadin Chiara , Barbot Mattia , Basso Daniela , Scaroni Carla , Ceccato Filippo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
Salivary cortisol has become an essential tool in the management of cortisol-related disease. In 2020 the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic caused several concerns about the use of saliva, due to the risk of contamination, and a European consensus further discourage using salivary cortisol. To decrease infectious risk, we handled specimens by applying a heat treatment to inactivate viral particles, further evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of salivary cortisol in clinical practice.

Material and methods
Saliva samples were exposed for 10 min at 70 °C, then cortisol was measured using LC-MS/MS. The number of salivary cortisol examinations from 2013 to 2022 was extracted from the local electronic database: those performed in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were analyzed and compared with the historical data.

Results
During 2020 we observed a decrease of 408 (−20%) examinations (p = 0.05) compared to 2019; especially in salivary cortisol daily rhythm and salivary cortisol/cortisone ratio (respectively reduction of 47% and 88%, p = 0.003 and p = 0.001). Analyzing year 2021 compared with 2020 we reported an increase of 420 examinations (+20%, p = 0.01), with a complete recovery of salivary cortisol measurement (considering 2019: p = 0.71). Major differences were observed between morning salivary cortisol (−20%, p = 0.017), LNSC (−21%, p = 0.012) and salivary cortisol rhythm (−22%, p = 0.056). No Sars-Cov2 infections related to working exposure were reported among laboratory’s employers.

Conclusions
We speculate that the adoption of an appropriate technique to inactivate viral particles in saliva specimens allowed the safety maintenance of salivary collections, also during the Sars-CoV-2 outbreak.
The Potential Role of Thyroid Hormone Therapy in Neural Progenitor Cell Differentiation and Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Salloum-Asfar Salam , Shin Kyung Chul , Taha Rowaida Z. , Khattak Shahryar , Park Yongsoo , Abdulla Sara A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThyroid hormone (T3) plays a vital role in brain development and its dysregulation can impact behavior, nervous system function, and cognitive development. Large case-cohort studies have associated abnormal maternal T3 during early pregnancy to epilepsy, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Recent experimental findings have also shown T3’s influence on the fate of neural precursor cells and raise the question of its convergence with embryonic neural progenitors. Our objective was to investigate how T3 treatment affects neuronal development and functionality at the cellular level. In vitro experiments using neural precursor cells (NPCs) measured cell growth and numbers after exposure to varying T3 concentrations. Time points included week 0 (W0) representing NPCs treated with 100 nM T3 for 5 days, and differentiated cortical neurons assessed at weeks 3 (W3), 6 (W6), and 8 (W8). Techniques such as single-cell calcium imaging and whole-cell patch clamp were utilized to evaluate neuronal activity and function. IHC staining detected mature neuron markers, and RNA sequencing enabled molecular profiling. W6 and W8 neurons exhibited higher action potential frequencies, with W6 showing increased peak amplitudes and shortened inter-spike intervals by 50%, indicating enhanced activity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that W6 T3-treated neurons formed a distinct cluster, suggesting accelerated maturation. Comparison with the whole transcriptome further unveiled a correlation between W6 neurons treated with T3 and neuronal regulatory elements associated with autism and ADHD. These findings provide insights into T3’s impact on neuronal development and potential mechanisms of T3 dysregulation and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Von 3D zu 2D: Organoid-basierte Monolayer als Modell der Darmbarriere
Authors: Krug Susanne M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntestinal barrier studies often employ cell lines having limited cell type representation compared to native tissue. Organoids comprising most intestinal cell types better mimic in vivo conditions. However, 3D organoids pose challenges for barrier analysis. Thus, organoid-derived monolayers were generated that closely resemble donor tissue under optimized conditions, making them suitable for tissue-specific investigation. Further developments will incorporate additional intestinal compartments.
Chloroplasten: kleine Zellorganellen mit großem Potenzial
Authors: Laskowski Josephin , Ruf Stephanie , Bock Ralph , Zoschke Reimo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChloroplast transformation is employed in basic research and green biotechnology. Using chloroplasts as bioreactors provides several advantages such as solar-powered high transgene expression, easy gene-targeting in the plastid genome by homologous recombination, increased biosafety due to tight transgene containment and the potential of engineering metabolic pathways in operon-like arrangements. These and other features make chloroplasts attractive for genetic engineering and biotechnology.