bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF COCONUT SHELL MIXTURE AS A SUBSTITUTIONAL MATERIAL FOR COARSE AGGREGATE ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE f'c 20 MPa (COCONUT SHELL EX.PASAR KEMAKMURAN)
Authors: Heldita Dina 
Published: October 2023

Coconut shell is a hard layer made up of lignin and cellulose which has a low water content, the hard structure of coconut shell is caused by silicate (SiO2) which is quite high, silicate itself is known to increase the compressive strength of concrete, the shape of coconut shell has a hard layer and a rough surface texture so that the bond with cement paste will be stronger. Therefore, if coconut shell can be technically proven as a material or aggregate for concrete mixes, it is expected to reduce the impact of environmental pollution.
In this research, coconut shells were crushed into pieces with a maximum size of 20 mm x 20 mm and used as a substitute for coarse aggregate mixed with fine aggregate, water and type 1 cement. The percentages of coconut shell used in this study were 0%, 2.5% and 5%. Moulded in the form of a cylinder measuring 15x30 cm. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of f'c 20 MPa concrete with the addition of coconut husk and to obtain effective mix variation through compressive strength tests at 14 and 28 days.
From the research results, it can be shown that the compressive strength of normal concrete at the age of 14 and 28 days is 22.081 Mpa, 18.684 Mpa, 20.948 Mpa, 20.099 Mpa, 19.816 Mpa, 24.912 Mpa, 23.213 Mpa, 21.515 Mpa, 20.099 Mpa and 21.231 Mpa respectively. The compressive strength of concrete with 2.5% of coconut shell at 14 and 28 days is 20.948 Mpa, 19.816 Mpa, 16.985 Mpa, 20.948 Mpa, 19.816 Mpa and 16.985 Mpa, respectively. The compressive strength of concrete with 5% of coconut shell at 14 and 28 days is 18.117 Mpa, 16.419 Mpa, 14.154 Mpa, 18.684 Mpa, 18.117 Mpa, 17.551 Mpa, respectively. Thus, the compressive strength of concrete with 2.5% and 5% coconut shell substitution can reduce the compressive strength of concrete from the targeted compressive strength.
Feasibility and safety of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using exclusive intracardiac echocardiography guidance: a proof-of-concept, observational trial
Authors: Debreceni Dorottya , Janosi Kristof-Ferenc , Turcsan Marton , Toth Daniel , Bocz Botond , Simor Tamas , Kupo Peter 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionCatheter ablation is the preferred treatment for typical atrial flutter (AFl), but it can be challenging due to anatomical abnormalities. The use of 3D electroanatomical mapping systems (EAMS) has reduced fluoroscopy exposure during AFl ablation. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has also shown benefits in reducing radiation exposure during AFl ablation. However, there is a lack of evidence on the feasibility of ICE-guided, zero-fluoroscopy AFl ablation without the use of EAMS.MethodsIn this prospective study, we enrolled 80 patients with CTI-dependent AFl. The first 40 patients underwent standard fluoroscopy + ICE-guided ablation (Standard ICE group), while the other 40 patients underwent zero-fluoroscopy ablation using only ICE (Zero ICE group). Procedure outcomes, including acute success, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and complications, were compared between the groups.ResultsThe acute success rate was 100% in both groups. Out of the 40 cases, the zero-fluoroscopy strategy was successfully implemented in 39 cases (97.5%) in the Zero ICE group. There were no significant differences in procedure time [55.5 (46.5; 66.8) min vs. 51.5 (44.0; 65.5), p = 0.50] and puncture to first ablation time [18 (13.5; 23) min vs. 19 (15; 23.5) min, p = 0.50] between the groups. The Zero ICE group had significantly lower fluoroscopy time [57 (36.3; 90) sec vs. 0 (0; 0) sec, p &lt; 0.001] and dose [3.17 (2.27; 5.63) mGy vs. 0 (0; 0) mGy, p &lt; 0.001] compared to the Standard ICE group. Total ablation time was longer in the Standard ICE group [597 (447; 908) sec vs. 430 (260; 750), p = 0.02], but total ablation energy [22,458 (14,836; 31,116) Ws vs. 17,043 (10,533; 29,302) Ws, p = 0.10] did not differ significantly. First-pass bidirectional conduction block of the CTI and acute reconnection rates were similar between the groups. No complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.ConclusionOur study suggests that zero-fluoroscopy CTI ablation guided solely by ICE for AFl is feasible and safe. Further investigation is warranted for broader validation.
Ultramafic pseudotachylytes in high-pressure metamorphogenic peridotite from Luobusha, Tibet: a record of crustal paleo-earthquakes
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Xu Xiwei , Yang Saihong 
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we report an occurrence of ultramafic pseudotachylytes, providing fault-rock evidence of paleo-earthquakes, from the Luobusha ophiolite complex in the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. The pseudotachylytes form hairline-thin aphanitic veinlets and vein networks bounded by micro-damage zones cutting through the host harzburgite, forming flow banding in some places. The pseudotachylyte veins are dominated by close-knit ultrafine-grained minerals consisting of olivine, orthopyroxene, serpentine, spinel, and magnetite, cemented by an extremely fine matrix. As the primary component of the pseudotachylyte veins, olivine occurs as microphenocryst showing zoning from core to rim and as irregularly shaped microlite immersed in the interstitial material. Zoned crystals of olivine developed with Mg-rich cores and more Fe-rich rims. Microlite diagnosis of crystallization in a quenched melt includes dendritic, skeletal, and poikilitic olivine crystals, which are typical of ultramafic pseudotachylyte. The olivine microlites contain higher amounts of Ca, Al, and Cr but a lower Ni content compared with the host harzburgite olivine. Irregularly shaped chrome-spinel crystals are chemically zoned as well, indicating an Fe-rich rim overgrowth. Ni sulfide droplets interspersing among the matrix imply melt occurrence. The presence of a micro-fibrous and micro-vesicular interstitial matrix also indicates a melting-related origin. Ultracataclastite veins associated with pseudotachylyte transecting serpentine are observed, which convey that heat was generated during rapid comminution and injection. The characteristic petrography, microtextures, and chemical inhomogeneities meet the criteria of ultramafic pseudotachylyte and reveal a mixed genesis via a combination of crushing and melting. The development of extremely tiny globular prograde serpentine inclusions (∼100 nm) in the olivine microlites is ascribed to the dehydration reaction of serpentine to olivine within the pseudotachylyte. The Luobusha metamorphogenic peridotite was subjected to serpentinization after having emplaced in the crust and subsequently to high-pressure metamorphism. The pseudotachylytes were generated in the crust after the high-pressure metamorphism and did not descend to a greater depth. Flash ultra-comminution associated with frictional heating may release fluids via localized heat-driven prograde reactions in the crust.
A question of feedback? Studying effects of academic performance and teacher feedback on primary school students' social acceptance in an experimental setting
Authors: Nicolay Philipp , Huber Christian 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionBeing socially accepted by peers is a fundamental psychological need, and the consequences of social rejection are manifold. Investigating the causes of social rejection, a large body of studies have already established the relationship between social acceptance and individual characteristics (e.g., academic performance). However, the overall contributions of those individual characteristics are rather small, and the cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. In addition, following social referencing theory, studies suggest that the feedback teachers give to students might also influence their social acceptance.MethodsThis experimental study, therefore, examined the influence academic performance, as well as teacher feedback, have on social acceptance. Teacher feedback was operationalized along the following two dimensions: feedback valence (positive/negative) and feedback focus (personal/task). A total of 737 third and fourth-grade primary school students (51% girls) from North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) rated a fictional student's social acceptance on a scale of three sociometric items before and after watching an experimental video that showed a school day of the fictional student. Participants were randomly assigned to one level of academic performance (high/average/low) and one of four feedback conditions, with each being a combination of the two factors, feedback valence and feedback focus. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models.ResultsThe results indicated that both academic performance and the valence of teacher feedback influenced participants' social acceptance of the student in the video. For instance, a high academic performance had a positive effect and a low academic performance had a negative effect on social acceptance. Further, positive teacher feedback influenced social acceptance positively, while negative teacher feedback influenced social acceptance negatively. However, this effect was moderated by the focus of the teacher's feedback. Feedback with a focus on the person had a more substantial effect on social acceptance for both positive and negative feedback than feedback with a focus on the task.DiscussionThese findings illustrate the importance teachers and their feedbacks have on students' peer relationships. They further suggest that it not only matters if teachers give positive or negative feedback but also how they do it.
The interplay between kisspeptin and endocannabinoid systems modulates male hypothalamic and gonadic control of reproduction in vivo
Authors: Marino Marianna , D’Auria Raffaella , Mele Elena , Pastorino Grazia Maria Giovanna , Di Pietro Paola , D’Angelo Stefania , Della Rocca Natalia , Operto Francesca Felicia , Vecchione Carmine , Fasano Silvia , Pierantoni Riccardo , Viggiano Andrea , Meccariello Rosaria , Santoro Antonietta 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMale reproduction is under the control of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the kisspeptin system (KS) are two major signaling systems in the central and peripheral control of reproduction, but their possible interaction has been poorly investigated in mammals. This manuscript analyzes their possible reciprocal modulation in the control of the HPG axis.Materials and methodsAdolescent male rats were treated with kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) and endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the latter alone or in combination with the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The hypothalamic KS system and GnRH expression, circulating sex steroids and kisspeptin (Kiss1) levels, and intratesticular KS and ECS were evaluated by immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Non-coding RNAs (i.e., miR145-5p, miR-132-3p, let7a-5p, let7b-5p) were also considered.ResultsCirculating hormonal values were not significantly affected by Kp10 or AEA; in the hypothalamus, Kp10 significantly increased GnRH mRNA and aromatase Cyp19, Kiss1, and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) proteins. By contrast, AEA treatment affected the hypothalamic KS at the protein levels, with opposite effects on the ligand and receptor, and SR141716A was capable of attenuating the AEA effects. Among the considered non-coding RNA, only the expression of miR145-5p was positively affected by AEA but not by Kp10 treatment. Localization of Kiss1+/Kiss1R+ neurons in the arcuate nucleus revealed an increase of Kiss1R-expressing neurons in Kp10- and AEA-treated animals associated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles in Kp10-treated animals. In the brain and testis, the selected non-coding RNA was differently modulated by Kp10 or AEA. Lastly, in the testis, AEA treatment affected the KS at the protein levels, whereas Kp10 affected the intragonadal levels of CB1 and FAAH, the main modulator of the AEA tone. Changes in pubertal transition-related miRNAs and the intratesticular distribution of Kiss1, Kiss1R, CB1, and CB2 following KP and AEA treatment corroborate the KS-ECS crosstalk also showing that the CB1 receptor is involved in this interplay.ConclusionFor the first time in mammals, we report the modulation of the KS in both the hypothalamus and testis by AEA and revealed the KP-dependent modulation of CB1 and FAAH in the testis. KP involvement in the progression of spermatogenesis is also suggested.
Decoding the host–pathogen interspecies molecular crosstalk during oral candidiasis in humans: an in silico analysis
Authors: Kabir Ali Rejwan , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Aladwani Malak O. , Podder Soumita 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the interaction between Candida albicans and human proteins during oral candidiasis, with the aim of identifying pathways through which the pathogen subverts host cells.Methods: A comprehensive list of interactions between human proteins and C. albicans was obtained from the Human Protein Interaction Database using specific screening criteria. Then, the genes that exhibit differential expression during oral candidiasis in C. albicans were mapped with the list of human–Candida interactions to identify the corresponding host proteins. The identified host proteins were further compared with proteins specific to the tongue, resulting in a final list of 99 host proteins implicated in oral candidiasis. The interactions between host proteins and C. albicans proteins were analyzed using the STRING database, enabling the construction of protein–protein interaction networks. Similarly, the gene regulatory network of Candida proteins was reconstructed using data from the PathoYeastract and STRING databases. Core module proteins within the targeted host protein–protein interaction network were identified using ModuLand, a Cytoscape plugin. The expression levels of the core module proteins under diseased conditions were assessed using data from the GSE169278 dataset. To gain insights into the functional characteristics of both host and pathogen proteins, ontology analysis was conducted using Enrichr and YeastEnrichr, respectively.Result: The analysis revealed that three Candida proteins, HHT21, CYP5, and KAR2, interact with three core host proteins, namely, ING4 (in the DNMT1 module), SGTA, and TOR1A. These interactions potentially impair the immediate immune response of the host against the pathogen. Additionally, differential expression analysis of fungal proteins and their transcription factors in Candida-infected oral cell lines indicated that Rob1p, Tye7p, and Ume6p could be considered candidate transcription factors involved in instigating the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis during host infection.Conclusion: Our study provides a molecular map of the host–pathogen interaction during oral candidiasis, along with potential targets for designing regimens to overcome oral candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Unidirectional alteration of methylation and hydroxymethylation at the promoters and differential gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Weizhi , Zhu Lin , Gong Qian , Ma Suzhen , Xiong Haofeng , Su Tong , Wan Zhengqing , Wang Danling 
Published: October 2023

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Although overall losses of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) have been previously observed, a genome-wide, single-base-resolution, and simultaneous mapping of 5mC and 5hmC in OSCC is still unaccomplished. Similarly, the mechanism of how 5mC and 5hmC collectively lead to abnormal gene expression in OSCC is largely unexplored. Using parallel whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and whole-genome oxidative bisulfite sequencing (oxWGBS), we characterized 5mC- and 5hmC-profiles at single-nucleotide resolution in paired primary OSCC samples and their normal adjacent tissues (NATs). We also analyzed the effect of 5mC- and 5hmC-modifications on differential gene expression in OSCC using multi-omics analysis.Results: An overall reduction of both 5mC and 5hmC in various genomic regions have been observed in OSCC samples. At promoter regions, a total of 6,921 differentially methylated regions and 1,024 differentially hydroxymethylated regions were identified in OSCC. Interestingly, compared to bidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC, unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters is associated with bigger change in the gene expression. Additionally, genes bearing unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters are enriched in signaling pathways like cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that are essential for the tumorigenesis. Finally, the grouped expression signature of top 20 genes bearing promoter-unidirectional-modification with 5mC and 5hmC tends to correlate with the clinical outcome of certain subtypes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Conclusion: Using parallel WGBS and oxWGBS analyses, we observed an overall reduction of 5mC- and 5hmC-modifications at various genomic regions in OSCC. Unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters is associated with enhanced changes in gene expression in OSCC tissues. Furthermore, such differentially expressed genes bearing unidirectional modifications with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters might have clinical relevance to the outcome of OSCC.
Reclassification of variants of tumor suppressor genes based on Sanger RNA sequencing without NMD inhibition
Authors: Ha Changhee , Jang Ja-Hyun , Kim Young-gon , Kim Jong-Won 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: RNA sequence analysis can be effectively used to identify aberrant splicing, and tumor suppressor genes are adequate targets considering their loss-of-function mechanisms. Sanger sequencing is the simplest method for RNA sequence analysis; however, because of its insufficient sensitivity in cases with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), the use of cultured specimens with NMD inhibition has been recommended, hindering its wide adoption.Method: The results of Sanger sequencing of peripheral blood RNA without NMD inhibition performed on potential splicing variants of tumor suppressor genes were retrospectively reviewed. For negative cases, in which no change was identified in the transcript, the possibility of false negativity caused by NMD was assessed through a review of the up-to-date literature.Results: Eleven potential splice variants of various tumor suppressor genes were reviewed. Six variants were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic based on the nullifying effect identified by Sanger RNA sequencing. Four variants remained as variants of uncertain significance because of identified in-frame changes or normal expression of both alleles. The result of one variant was suspected to be a false negative caused by NMD after reviewing a recent study that reported the same variant as causing a nullifying effect on the affected transcript.Conclusion: Although RNA changes found in the majority of cases were expected to undergo NMD by canonical rules, most cases (10/11) were interpretable by Sanger RNA sequencing without NMD inhibition due to incomplete NMD efficiency or allele-specific expression despite highly efficient NMD.
Chinese medicine, Qijudihuang pill, mediates cholesterol metabolism and regulates gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice, implications for age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Cao Yanqun , Ibrahim Khalid S. , Li Xing , Wong Aileen , Wu Yi , Yu Xu-Dong , Zhou Xinzhi , Tan Zhoujin , He Zhiming , Craft John A. , Shu Xinhua 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundTraditional Chinese Medicines have been used for thousands of years but without any sound empirical basis. One such preparation is the Qijudihuang pill (QP), a mixture of eight herbs, that has been used in China for the treatment of various conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in the aged population. In order to explain the mechanism behind the effect of QP, we used an AMD model of high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice to investigate cholesterol homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbiota.MethodsMice were randomly divided into three groups, one group was fed with control diet (CD), the other two groups were fed with high-fat-diet (HFD). One HFD group was treated with QP, both CD and the other HFD groups were treated with vehicles. Tissue samples were collected after the treatment. Cholesterol levels in retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), liver and serum were determined using a commercial kit. The expression of enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress was measured with qRT-PCR. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultsIn the majority of the lipid determinations, analytes were elevated by HFD but this was reversed by QP. Cholesterol metabolism including the enzymes of bile acid (BA) formation was suppressed by HFD but again this was reversed by QP. BAs play a major role in signaling between host and microbiome and this is disrupted by HFD resulting in major changes in the composition of colonic bacterial communities. Associated with these changes are predictions of the metabolic pathway complexity and abundance of individual pathways. These concerned substrate breakdowns, energy production and the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory factors but were changed back to control characteristics by QP.ConclusionWe propose that the ability of QP to reverse these HFD-induced effects is related to mechanisms acting to lower cholesterol level, oxidative stress and inflammation, and to modulate gut microbiota.
Assessing compatibility, tansesterification, and disintegration of PET/PLA fiber blend in composting conditions
Authors: Kheirandish Maryam , Mohaddes Mojtahedi Mohammad Reza , Nazockdast Hsossein 
Published: October 2023

To recycle a blend of PET and PLA, understanding the challenging issues and crucial parameters that affect the properties and morphology of the blend is key to successful recycling. So, the main focus of this study was to investigate the parameters that influence the processability, compatibility, morphology, properties, and disintegration of PET/PLA blend fibers. Using surface tension measurements, acceptable adhesion between the two components was observed. SEM results showed that the PET/PLA blend fibers have a microfibrillar morphology. Based on 1H NMR analysis, the exchange reaction resulted in a block copolymer. The crystallization process in the fibers became more difficult as the PLA content increased due to the formation of copolymers through transesterification. The presence of oriented crystals in the melt-spun fiber blend was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. As the PLA content increased, the tensile strength of the blends decreased gradually. Furthermore, the sample containing 20 wt% PLA exhibited the highest dimensional stability. The disintegration process in composting conditions for PET was improved by PLA.