bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of forest structure on the abundance, biomass, and composition of lianas in tropical forest fragments
Authors: Marinho Nathália de Toledo , Burnham Robyn Jeanette , Maeda Eduardo Eiji , Nunes Matheus Henrique , Laurance William F. , Laurance Susan G. , de Andrade Ana Cristina Segalin , Camargo José Luís Campana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Deforestation in the Amazon creates fragmented landscapes and increases the exposure of forest remnants to altered microclimates, leading to forest structural changes that can alter vegetation density and the forest's vertical profile. Trees are crucial to defining tropical forest structure, but lianas contribute as much as 25% of species and can intercept 10–20% of the total light in forest. While much is known about the effects of forest fragmentation on trees, much less is known about lianas. Our study aimed to understand how the liana structure and composition community respond to forest fragmentation, especially forest-structural changes and distance to forest edge, in Central Amazonia. We used data from 1,336 individuals (diameter-at-breast-height ≥ 2 cm) of 172 liana species recorded in 2 ha of forest. Then, we tested the relationship of abundance, biomass, number of species and species composition as a function of forest structural parameters obtained through Terrestrial LiDAR, a 3D-remote-sensing technique, and distance to forest edge. At sites with a lower density of canopy vegetation, liana abundance and species richness both increased. However, increases in liana biomass and changes in liana species composition occurred only near forest edges. We conclude that unanalyzed factors, such as microclimatic variation and intrinsic characteristics of lianas, may be affecting liana community composition. In the long term, the effect of reduced canopy density on liana abundance and climate change may cause further changes in liana species composition in forest fragments.
Non-Amontons Frictional Behaviors of Grain Boundaries at Layered Material Interfaces
Authors: Hod Oded , Song Yiming , Gao Xiang , Pawlak Rémy , Huang Shuyu , Hinaut Antoine , Glatzel Thilo , Urbakh Michael , Meyer Ernst 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Against conventional wisdom, corrugated grain boundaries in polycrystalline graphene, grown on Pt(111) surfaces, are shown to exhibit negative friction coefficients and non-monotonic velocity dependence. Using combined experimental, simulation, and modeling efforts, the underlying energy dissipation mechanism is found to be dominated by dynamic buckling of grain boundary dislocation protrusions. The revealed mechanism is expected to appear in a wide range of polycrystalline two-dimensional material interfaces, thus supporting the design of large-scale dry superlubric contacts.
Mechanics-activated Fibroblasts orchestrating the plasticity of group 2 innate lymphoid cells propel the progression of silicosis
Authors: Li Chao , He Yangyang , Yuan Haoyang , You Yichuan , Yang Fan , Chen Yinghui , Wu Xiulin , Min Hui , Chen Jie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Exposure to crystalline silica particle leads to silicosis characterized as progressive fibrosis. Fibroblasts are described as vital effector cells in fibrogenesis. Emerging studies identified immune sentinel role of fibroblasts in chronic disease, while their immune-modulatory role in silicosis remained elusive. Herein, we confirmed that a conversion of ILC2 to ILC1 closely involved in silicosis was mediated by activated fibroblast via IL-18. Mechanistically, Notch3 signaling in mechanics-activated fibroblasts modulated IL-18 production. The mice specific knockout Notch3 in fibroblast exerted retardatory progression of pulmonary fibrosis that tightly linked to attenuated conversion of ILCs. Our results indicated that the activated-fibroblast in silicotic lung served as a regulator of ILC2-ILC1 conversion that associated with silicosis progression via Notch3-IL-18 axis. The findings broadened the cognitive boundaries of the immune regulation of silicosis, also provide potential therapeutic targets in treating lung fibrotic diseases.
Isolation, identification, and genome of a Bacillus velezensis JIN4 exhibiting biocontrol activity against kiwifruit bacterial canker
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhai Yang , Tu Jing , Yang Chen , Yang Yuanru , Yi Yongjian , Wang Hongying , Wei Lin , Zeng Liangbin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Kiwifruit bacterial canker is a devastating disease in production. This study aimed to screen antagonistic bacteria that might be used to control this disease. Strain JIN4 showed significant antifungal activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (Psa) and seven other phytopathogenic bacteria isolated from kiwifruit branches. Based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and gyrA sequence analysis, JIN4 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. In field prevention experiments, the control efficiency of strain JIN4 reached 60.22%. Our results indicate that B. velezensis JIN4 has broad-spectrum antifungal resistance, and its genome contains many genes encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of antimicrobial metabolites. In addition, JIN4 has three antibiotic-resistance genes and a cluster of nine genes used in the synthesis of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, B. velezensis JIN4 can be used as a potential biocontrol agent against kiwifruit bacterial canker, but further work is required to improve its efficacy.
Study on Intermetallic Compound (IMC) in Dissimilar Joining of Steel and Aluminum (Fe-Al) – A Review Paper
Authors: Rahman Syahril Azli Abdul , Mamat Sarizam , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Mungkung Narong , Yuji Toshifumi , Tashiro Shinichi , Tanaka Manabu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Dissimilar metal joints, particularly those involving aluminum and iron (Al-Fe), are widely employed in engineering due to their exceptional mechanical properties and unique microstructures. The purpose of this literature review is to assess the extent and depth of research related to dissimilar metal joint research, with a specific focus on microstructure analysis and the reported findings. The review identified three key themes for improving the quality of these joints: welding techniques, parametric optimization, and material treatment. Three themes were identified, namely, the welding techniques (i.e., Friction Stir Welding, TIG-MIG Hybrid welding, etc.), parameter optimization (e.g., Taguchi method, Response Surface Method etc., and Material Treatment) and the material treatment (pre-heating, Backing Plate). This comprehensive review highlights the importance of microstructural analysis in Dissimilar Metal Joint research, providing a foundation for understanding the nuances of different welding methods and their effects on joint quality. Additionally, strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by thick Fe2Al5 formation are discussed, ultimately contributing to advancements in dissimilar material joint technology and joint strength enhancement.
The CLaP System: Chain-based Lattice Printing for Efficient Robotically-Assembled Structures
Authors: Xu Zhe , Dollar Aaron 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Due to the nature of their implementation, nearly all low-level fabrication processes produce solidly filled structures. However, lattice structures are significantly stronger for the same amount of material, resulting in structures that are much lighter and more materially efficient. In this paper we propose an approach for fabricating lattice structures that echoes commercially successful additive manufacturing/3D printing techniques. In it, a modular chain of specially designed links is “extruded” onto a substrate to produce various lattice configurations depending on the chosen assembly algorithm, ranging from one of the strongest known rigid lattices, the octet-truss, to significantly less dense configurations. Like 3D printing, the process allows material to be compactly stored before being deployed into structures of nearly arbitrary geometry, but unlike it, the approach allows for the use of nearly any material or combination of materials. We demonstrate the concept experimentally with a nearly 300-link chain that is fed from a spool and autonomously laid down onto programmed lattice arrangements via a robotic arm modified for the task. In the current prototype implementation, ~300-link structures are fabricated in 27 minutes, and a 3x3x2 lattice structure (287 total links) is shown to support approximately 1000N in compression testing.
Conditioned medium derived from human dental pulp stem cells and photobiomodulation improves lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad Morteza , Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan Alireza , Hosseini Mahmoud , Dalirsani Zohreh , Rajabian Arezoo , Hokmabadi Afsaneh , Darbandi Zahra Kioumarsi , Shafieian Reyhaneh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been introduced as a main player in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies showed a promising anti-inflammatory role for conditioned medium (CM) in the nervous system. However, in order to improve the effects of CM in this study, we investigated the effect of CM and photobiomodulation (PBM) on neuroinflammation and cognitive disorders caused by it. Neuroinflammation model was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in male Wistar rats. Morris water maze (MWM), Passive Avoidance (PA), and probe tests were performed to assess memory and learning function. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) enzyme activity and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in the hippocampus tissue for stress oxidative and inflammation status, respectively. LPS injection induced neuroinflammation and aggrevated cognitive status. Employment of CM and PBM led to a significant increase in time and traveled distance in MWM test, duration of remaining in the dark space in PA test, and duration of presence and traveled distance in the probe test. CM and PBM treatment also improved LPS-induced stress oxidative markers status and attenuated IL-6 level and AchE enzyme activity. Our results propose a potential anti-inflammatory role for PBM, alone or in combination with CM, in LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. The therapeutic capacity of PBM and CM application should be further investigated in treatment of neuroinflammation-induced major neurodegenerative disorders.
Controllable Structure and Superior Mechanical Properties of Metallic Glasses through Atomic Manufacturing
Authors: Ke Haibo , Zhao Hang , Zhou Jing , Shang Baoshuang , Sun Rongce , Yan Yuqiang , Tong Xing , Xian Haijie , Ding Yong , Zhang Bo , Wang Wei-Hua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In structural metallic materials, the arrangement of atoms in an orderly fashion plays a pivotal role in governing crucial properties like strength and plasticity. However, how to effectively manipulate the atomic order within the material to overcome the longstanding strength-plasticity trade-off remains an immense challenge. Atomic manufacturing, a revolutionary approach that starts from the smallest building blocks, exhibits immense promise in creating entirely novel materials with disruptive capabilities, thus overcoming the longstanding challenge of order manipulation. In this study, we introduce an atomic manufacturing approach for fabricating diverse nanostructures with varying degrees of order in a typical Zr50Cu40Al10 alloy composition. It was found that these structures demonstrate a broader range and superior mechanical properties compared to existing Zr-based alloys. Notably, significant advancements have been made in achieving a balance between strength and plasticity through both spinodal glass and dual-phase nanostructures. An exceptional mechanical performance is achieved in a spinodal glass, which retains more than 75% plasticity while achieving an ultrahigh yield strength of 3.89 GPa. The findings show that the novel spinodal structure undergoes dynamic atomic intermixing during plastic deformation, effectively mitigating the occurrence of catastrophic fracture. This work highlights the tremendous potential of atomic manufacturing and structural order modulation in exploring and realizing materials with versatile and optimal performance characteristics.
No Tips Please: Informational Messaging for Water Conservation
Authors: Stitzel Brandli , Rogers Cynthia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

A common practice of water utilities is including informational messages in correspondences with customers. We implement a randomized field experiment to analyze how including tips and technical advice in informational messages impacts residential water use. Using a unique experimental design, we disentangle the influence of technical advice and tips from peer comparisons. Three informational components are used to create four treatment combinations: conservation messages only, conservation message plus peer comparison, conservation message plus tips, and conservation messages plus tips and peer comparison. We estimate conventional panel regression models for 2,163 households in Norman, Oklahoma using detailed customer-level data on monthly consumption, meter route location, and rainfall measures. The biggest estimated conservation responses corresponded to treatments with a conservation message and peer comparison without the inclusion of tips. Our results suggest that the common practice of including tips in informational messages may be counterproductive for inducing conservation.
Increased Blood Draws for Ultrasensitive ctDNA and CTCs Detection in Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Comino-Méndez Iñaki , Alba-Bernal Alfonso , Godoy-Ortiz Ana , Domínguez María , Lopez-Lopez Esperanza , Quiros-Ortega Maria Elena , Jimenez-Rodriguez Begoña , Roldan-Diaz Maria Dunia , Sanchez-Martin Victoria , Bellagarza-Garcia Estefania , Troyano-Ramos Laura , Garrido-Ruiz Guadalupe , Hierro-Martin Maria Isabel , Vicioso Luis , Linares-Valencia Noelia , Velasco-Suelto Jesús , Carbajosa Guillermo , Garrido-Aranda Alicia , Lavado-Valenzuela Rocio , Álvarez-Pérez Martina , Peralta-Linero Jesus , Pascual Javier , Alba Emilio , Gonzalez-Ortiz Alvaro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Early breast cancer patients often experience relapse due to residual disease after treatment. Liquid biopsy is a methodology capable of detecting tumor components in blood, but low concentrations at early stages pose challenges. To detect them, next-generation sequencing has promise but entails complex processes. Exploring larger blood volumes could overcome detection limitations. Herein, a total of 282 high-volume plasma and blood-cell samples were collected for dual ctDNA/CTCs detection using a single droplet-digital PCR assay per patient. ctDNA and/or CTCs were detected in 100% of pre-treatment samples. On the other hand, post-treatment positive samples exhibited a minimum variant allele frequency of 0.003% for ctDNA and minimum cell number of 0.069 CTCs/mL of blood, surpassing previous investigations. Accurate prediction of residual disease before surgery was achieved in patients without a complete pathological response. A model utilizing ctDNA dynamics achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.92 for predicting response. In the relapsed patient, disease recurrence was detected in the first post-surgery blood sample 7.59 months before clinical symptoms appeared. This methodology provides an easily implemented alternative for ultrasensitive residual disease detection in early breast cancer patients.
Exploring community Kangaroo Mother Care practices among NICU graduates: a prospective cohort study in South India
Authors: Jeganathan Sathya , Schwinger Catherine , Strand Tor A , Veerasamy Ravishankar , Kvestad Ingrid 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aim
To describe KMC practice in the community (cKMC) after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in South Indian mother-LBW infants.
Method
A prospective study enrolling 420 dyads at discharge from the NICU with follow-up on cKMC practice two months after discharge. Factors associated with cKMC were explored using logistic regression.
Result
Among the 420 enrolled, 2 (0.5%) infants died, and 12 (2.9%) were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining families, 25% (101) never practiced cKMC, and effective practice was done by 25% (77). Infant birth weight ≥ 1.5 kg (OR: 3.1, 95% CI 1.8, 5.3) was associated with higher odds of practicing cKMC, while infant born at term (OR: 0.5, 95% CI 0.3, 0.8) and mothers’ weight > 45 kg (OR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7) was associated with lower odds of practicing cKMC. Continued KMC practice 48 hours before discharge was associated with higher odds (OR: 3.4, 95% CI 1.8–6.2), while absence of father's support was associated with lower odds (OR: 0.6, 95% CI 0.3, 1.0) of effective cKMC.
Conclusion
The continuum of cKMC after discharge from the NICU was inadequate. Factors associated with cKMC practice should be considered when planning interventions to improve cKMC practices.
Targeted knockdown of PGAM5 in synovial macrophages efficiently alleviates osteoarthritis
Authors: zhang xiaoling , Liu Yuhang , Hao Ruihan , Lv Jia , Yuan Jie , Wang Xuelei , Xu Churong , Ma Ding , Duan Zhouyi , Zhang Bingjun , Dai Liming , Cheng Yiyun , Lu Wei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease worldwide and new therapeutics that target inflammation and the crosstalk between immunocytes and chondrocytes are being developed to prevent and treat OA. These attempts involve repolarizing pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages into the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype in synovium. In this study, we found that phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) significantly increased in macrophages in OA synovium compared to controls based on histology of human samples and single-cell RNA sequencing results of mice models. To address the role of PGAM5 in macrophages in OA, we found conditional knockout of PGAM5 in macrophages greatly alleviated OA symptoms in vivo and promoted anabolic metabolism of chondrocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that PGAM5 enhanced M1 polarization via AKT-mTOR/p38/ERK pathways, whereas inhibited M2 polarization via STAT6-PPARγ pathway in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, we found that PGAM5 directly dephosphorylated Dishevelled Segment Polarity Protein 2 (DVL2) which resulted in the inhibition of β-catenin and repolarization of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages. Conditional knockout of both PGAM5 and β-catenin in macrophages significantly exacerbated osteoarthritis compared to PGAM5-deficient mice. Motivated by these findings, we successfully designed mannose modified fluoropolymers combined with siPGAM5 to inhibit PGAM5 specifically in synovial macrophages via intra-articular injection, which possessed desired targeting abilities of synovial macrophages and greatly attenuated murine osteoarthritis. Collectively, these findings defined a key role for PGAM5 in orchestrating macrophage polarization and provides insights into novel macrophage-targeted strategy for treating OA.
Refinement of a Meaning-Centered Counseling Program for Chinese Patients with Advanced Cancer: Integrating Cultural Adaptation and Implementation Science Approaches
Authors: Lui Florence , Zhang Qingyi , Bao George , Narang Bharat , Chen Ruo Yan , Niu Yunshan , Leng Jennifer , Breitbart William 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: This mixed methods study identified needed refinements to a telehealth-delivered cultural and linguistic adaptation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Chinese patients with advanced cancer (MCP-Ch) to enhance acceptability, comprehensibility, and implementation of the intervention in usual care settings, guided by the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) and the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM).
Methods: 15 purposively sampled mental health professionals who work with Chinese cancer patients completed surveys providing Likert-scale ratings on acceptability and comprehensibility of MCP-Ch content (guided by the EVM) and pre-implementation factors (guided by PRISM), followed by semi-structured interviews. Survey data were descriptively summarized and linked to qualitative interview data. Three analysts independently coded the transcripts according to EVM and PRISM domains; discrepancies were resolved through discussion and consensus.
Results: Quantitative findings showed high appropriateness and relevance of MCP-Ch across five EVM domains of Language, Metaphors/Stories, Goals, Content, and Concepts. Qualitative analysis yielded 23 inductive codes under the seven EVM domains: (1) Language (3 subcodes), (2) Persons (2 subcodes), (3) Metaphors/Stories (2 subcodes), (4) Methods (8 subcodes), (5) Content (2 subcodes), (6) Goals (4 subcodes), and (7) Concepts (2 subcodes). Themes based on PRISM included (1) Intervention characteristics (organizational perspective, 7 subcodes; and patient perspective, 6 subcodes) (2) External environment (2 subcodes), (3) Implementation and sustainability infrastructure (4 subcodes), and (4) Recipients (organizational characteristics, 5 subcodes; and patient characteristics, 4 subcodes).
Conclusion: Recommendations for next steps include increasing the MCP-Ch protocol’s flexibility and adaptability to allow interventionists to flexibly tailor MCP-Ch material to meet patients’ individual needs, simplifying content to improve comprehension and acceptability, providing additional training to Chinese-serving providers to increase adoption and sustainability, and considering interpreter-assisted delivery to increase access. Findings yielded important information to maximize cultural relevance as well as the implementation and sustainability potential of MCP-Ch in real-world settings.
Non-linear causal association of body mass index with serum insulin-like growth factor 1: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Pei Yu-Fang , Song ZiTong , Bu Fan , Li Kuan , Xu Qian , Zhao Qi-Gang , Ma Xin-Ling , Zhang Lei , Li Bin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF-1) is a polypeptide hormone mainly secreted from the liver. The synthesis and secretion of IGF-1 are affected by various factors including unusual body weight. Nonetheless, the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and IGF-1 is still under debate from existing epidemiological studies, implying their complicated regulation pattern. Aiming to investigate their causal association, we conducted a large-scale linear and non-linear Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort with BMI as the exposure and IGF-1 as the outcome.
Methods: After applying a series of exclusion criteria and covariate adjustment, a total of 244 991 participants from the UKB were eligible for analysis. The polygenic risk score (PRS) of BMI was constructed on 96 instrumental variables (IVs). The non-linear observational association between BMI and IGF-1 was examined by a restricted cubic spline test. Non-linear MR analysis was performed with the piecewise linear method and verified by doubly-ranked stratification and log-transformation methods. In addition to combined analysis, stratified analysis was performed by sex and age groups. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of the results.
Results: Restricted cubic spline regression demonstrated an inverted U-shaped association between BMI and IGF-1 (P non-linear<0.001), which was also supported by MR analysis (Quadratic P-value: 4.93×10-6, Cochran Q P-value: 2.94×10-5). Specifically, genetically predicted BMI was significantly positively correlated with IGF-1 levels when BMI was less than 25kg/m2, and genetically predicted BMI was significantly negatively correlated with IGF-1 levels when BMI exceeded around 28kg/m2. Stratified analysis showed no difference against sex and different age groups. Sensitivity analyses gave similar results, demonstrating the robustness of the results.
Conclusions: This study suggested a non-linear causal relationship between BMI and IGF-1 and this effect may not influenced by sex and age.