bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of xylan on the biosynthesis and structure of extracellular lignin produced by a Norway spruce tissue culture
Authors: Sapouna Ioanna , Kärkönen Anna , McKee Lauren Sara 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn order to develop more economic uses of lignin, greater knowledge regarding its native structure is required. This can inform the development of optimized extraction methods that preserve desired structural properties. Current extraction methods alter the polymeric structure of lignin, leading to a loss of valuable structural groups or the formation of new non‐native ones. In this study, Norway spruce (Picea abies) tissue‐cultured cells that produce lignin extracellularly in a suspension medium were employed. This system enables the investigation of unaltered native lignin, as no physicochemical extraction steps are required. For the first time, this culture was used to investigate the interactions between lignin and xylan, a secondary cell wall hemicellulose, and to study the importance of lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) on the polymerization and final structure of extracellular lignin (ECL). This has enabled us to study the impact of xylan on monolignol composition and structure of the final lignin polymer. We find that the addition of xylan to the solid culture medium accelerates cell growth and impacts the ratio of monolignols in the lignin. However, the presence of xylan in the lignin polymerization environment does not significantly alter the structural properties of lignin as analyzed by two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Nevertheless, our data indicate that xylan can act as a nucleation point, leading to more rapid lignin polymerization, an important insight into biopolymer interactions during cell wall synthesis in wood. Lignin structure and interactions with a secondary cell wall hemicellulose were investigated in a model cell culture: we found that the polymerization and final structure of lignin are altered when the hemicellulose is present during cell growth and monolignol production. The physicochemical interactions between lignin and xylan partly define the extractability and utility of native lignin in high value applications, so this work has implications for lignin extraction as well as fundamental plant biology.
On energetics of proton and electron transfer of selected phenol derivatives: Theoretical investigation of radical and oxonium cations
Authors: Kováčová Andrea , Michalík Martin , Lukeš Vladimír 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the systematic theoretical study of phenol and 36 compounds representing various ortho, meta and para‐substituted (R‐PhOH) phenols is presented. The hydroxyl group acidity is a characteristic feature of phenol which can be modified using substitution of phenyl ring. The proton‐coupled electron transfer was investigated for parent neutral phenols, R‐PhOH, their cation radicals, R‐PhOH+•, and oxonium cations, R‐PhOH2+. Density functional theory calculations were combined with solvent continuum model for water and dimethyl sulfoxide environment. For aqueous solution, the Pourbaix diagrams (electrochemical potential vs. pH) were constructed from the theoretically predicted acidity constants and electrochemical standard potentials. From the thermodynamic point of view, the obtained theoretical results allow the estimation of the thermodynamically preferred process and alternative reaction pathways of phenolic derivatives in very acidic media.
Host genetic determinants of COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eshetie Setegn , Jullian Pastor , Benyamin Beben , Lee S. Hong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGenome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with susceptibility and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, identified SNPs are inconsistent across studies, and there is no compelling consensus that COVID‐19 status is determined by genetic factors. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the effect of genetic factors on COVID‐19. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was performed to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) of SNP effects, and SNP‐based heritability (SNP‐h2) of COVID‐19. The analyses were performed using meta‐R package, and Stata version 17. The meta‐analysis included a total of 96,817 COVID‐19 cases and 6,414,916 negative controls. The meta‐analysis showed that a cluster of highly correlated 9 SNPs (R2 > 0.9) at 3p21.31 gene locus covering LZTFL1 and SLC6A20 genes was significantly associated with COVID‐19 severity, with a pooled OR of 1.8 [1.5–2.0]. Meanwhile, another 3 SNPs (rs2531743‐G, rs2271616‐T, and rs73062389‐A) within the locus was associated with COVID‐19 susceptibility, with pooled estimates of 0.95 [0.93–0.96], 1.23 [1.19–1.27] and 1.15 [1.13–1.17], respectively. Interestingly, SNPs associated with susceptibility and SNPs associated with severity in this locus are in linkage equilibrium (R2 < 0.026). The SNP‐h2 on the liability scale for severity and susceptibility was estimated at 7.6% (Se = 3.2%) and 4.6% (Se = 1.5%), respectively. Genetic factors contribute to COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity. In the 3p21.31 locus, SNPs that are associated with susceptibility are not in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with SNPs that are associated with severity, indicating within‐locus heterogeneity.
Tourism development model ecosystem settings based on support system for Dudhsagar waterfall, Goa, India
Authors: Joglekar Sanjeev , Manjare Sampatrao D. , Sathyaseelan Vignesh , Dongre Sujeet , Girap Mohan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTourism is an important economic sector and an enabler for a country's growth. The Dudhsagar waterfall located within the Mollem National Park, Goa, India is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Goa, India, with 35,000–50,000 domestic and international tourists visiting the waterfall annually. This study attempts to quantify the resource availability to support sustainable tourism of Dudhsagar waterfall for recreational use with consideration for its specific physical/natural, economic, and cultural settings. The study employs various principles, which include Boullon formula, Congestion/overcrowding principle, and ratio of local population to hosts to carry out the carrying capacity analysis. Further, this study presents a modified approach to carrying capacity analysis, where air quality, noise level, and the water quality is also considered to prescribe the optimal number of visitors the area can accommodate while maintaining visitors satisfaction and preventing negative impacts on the natural resources. Additionally, the impact indicators assessment was performed using the view and opinion of the stakeholders. The data used in this study are an outcome of a broad survey conducted among the people associated in both direct and indirect with the tourism sector at Dudhsagar fall.
Multisensory Experiences in Archaeological Landscapes—Sound, Vision, and Movement in GIS and Virtual Reality
Authors: Richards-Rissetto Heather , Primeau Kristy E. , Witt David E. , Goodwin Graham 
Published: June 2023

AbstractArchaeologists are employing a variety of digital tools to develop new methodological frameworks that combine computational and experiential approaches which is leading to new multisensory research. In this article, we explore vision, sound, and movement at the ancient Maya city of Copan from a multisensory and multiscalar perspective bridging concepts and approaches from different archaeological paradigms. Our methods and interpretations employ theory-inspired variables from proxemics and semiotics to develop a methodological framework that combines computation with sensory perception. Using GIS, 3D, and acoustic tools we create multisensory experiences in VR with spatial sound using an immersive headset (Oculus Rift) and touch controllers (for movement). The case study simulates the late eighth and early ninth-century landscape of the ancient Maya city of Copan to investigate the role of landscape in facilitate movement, send messages, influence social interaction, and structure cultural events. We perform two simulations to begin to study the impact of vegetation on viewsheds and soundsheds of a stela at ancient Copan. Our objectives are twofold: (1) design and test steps towards developing a GIS computational approach to analyse the impact of vegetation within urban agrarian landscapes on viewsheds and soundsheds and (2) explore cultural significance of Stela 12, and more generally the role of synesthetic experience in ancient Maya society using a multisensory approach that incorporates GIS and VR.
Conclusions
Authors: Hirschfeld Katherine , de Beurs Kirsten , Brayfield Brad , Melkonyan-Gottschalk Ani 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis chapter summarizes the key lessons learned from this work. We conclude that Mary Kaldor’s concept of “New Wars” is useful for understanding the unique environmental and human impacts of contemporary armed conflicts. Combining qualitative historical research with remote sensing data provides insights into these dynamics. Specifically our research leads us to conclude that the Karabakh conflict and the Soviet collapse led to a prolonged period of violence and territorial uncertainty for the Karabakh region. Forced migration left thousands of Armenians and Azeris crowded in makeshift camps and improvised housing at a time when public health prevention measures were largely absent. The war itself generated “ecological insults” to the land creating conditions favorable for mosquito habitat. We conclude by presenting Valery Tishkov’s concept of “demodernization” and argue that New Wars have the potential to rapidly shift mortality from non-infectious to infectious and vector borne diseases in societies that have achieved a “modern” health profile.
Introduction: Power of Articulation
Authors: Kortesoja Matti 
Published: June 2023

AbstractI begin with a chapter that lays out the main lines of the work by discussing the uses of the concept of articulation and its travels from one realm of academic discussion to another. Previous studies have not considered the concept of articulation for its role as a conceptual metaphor in relation to the discursive turn in the imagery for social structure and social change. However, the concept of articulation holds vast potential for those hoping to make sense of its appropriations and adaptations in connection with relational views of how social structure and social change are portrayed. This chapter also outlines key discussions reflecting upon and applying the idea of articulation via a brief history of the concept that serves as a rough guide for the reader. In addition, it highlights the double meaning of ‘articulation’ and how an anatomicalmetaphor of articulation has given way to reference to an expressive act or a discursive practice, a reference that attests to fundamental divergence from the spatially oriented portrayal of social structure as an articulated whole.
Discussion: Reflections on Reductionism
Authors: Kortesoja Matti 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn classical sociology, society was portrayed at first by means of the anatomical or biological metaphors of the natural sciences. It was amid more sweeping social changes that the concept of articulation shifted from the ‘limbs of the social system’ metaphor toward a discursive practice that brings forth and organises signifying elements with emphasis on human action. One larger motion showcased by the waning of the idea of an articulated whole, which Marx’s notion of Gliederung described decades ago, is an integral shift from social structure to social and political actors and their networks. More recently, ‘articulation’ has been conceptualised as a discursive practice in line with the discursive turn whereby social scientists have come to view the identity of discrete elements as contingent on individuals’ actions and specific changes wrought by means of articulatory practices in an open discursive field of action. On the one hand, the concept of articulation is a sign of a break that can lead to reductionism wherein society becomes a discussion about society. On the other hand, it expands a discursive field wherein struggles for hegemony hinge on political articulations.
Teaching communication skills in medical education
Authors: Schmalz Claudia , Rogge Annette , Dunst Jürgen , Krug David , Liethmann Katrin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Communication with patients is challenging, especially in radiation oncology. Therefore, radiation oncology is particularly suited to sensitize medical students for this topic and to train them competently. We report on experiences with an innovative teaching project for fourth- and fifth-year medical students.

Materials and methods
The course, funded as an innovative teaching project by the medical faculty, was offered as an optional course for medical students in 2019 and again in 2022 after a pandemic-related break. The curriculum and evaluation form were developed through a two-stage Delphi process. The course consisted of, first, participation during counselling of patients prior to radiotherapy, mainly on topics with shared decision-making, and, second, a 1-week interdisciplinary block seminar with practical exercises. The topics covered a broad spectrum of the competence areas defined in the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Medicine (NKLM). The number of participants was limited to approximately 15 students because of the practical components.

Results
So far, 30 students (all at least in the seventh semester or higher) have participated in the teaching project. The most frequent reasons for participation were the desire to acquire competence in breaking bad news and confidence in talking to patients. The overall evaluation of the course was very positive, with a grade of 1.08 + 0.28 (on a scale of 1 = totally agree to 5 = totally disagree) plus German grade 1 (very good) to 6 (very bad). Notably, participants’ expectations regarding specific competencies (e.g., breaking bad news) were also met.

Conclusion
Although the evaluation results cannot be generalized to the entirety of medical students due to the limited number of voluntary participants, the very positive evaluation shows the need for such projects among students and can also be seen as an indication that radiation oncology as a patient-centered discipline is particularly well suited to teach medical communication.
Adaptive intelligent vision-based control of a flexible-link manipulator
Authors: Sahu Umesh Kumar , Patra Dipti , Subudhi Bidyadhar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPresent space robots such as planetary robots and flexible robots have structural flexibility in their arms and joints that leads to an error in the tip positioning owing to tip deflection. The flexible-link manipulator (FLM) is a non-collocated system that has unstable and inaccurate system performance. Thus, tip-tracking of FLM possesses difficult control challenges. The purpose of this study is to design adaptive intelligent tip-tracking control strategy for FLMs to deal with this control challenges of FLM. A vision sensor is utilized in conjunction with a traditional mechanical sensor to directly measure tip-position in order to address the aforementioned problem. Image-based visual servoing (IBVS), one of several visual servoing control techniques, is more efficient. However, the IBVS scheme faces numerous difficulties that impair the system’s performance in real-time applications, including singularities in the interaction matrix, local minima in trajectory, visibility issues. To address the issues with the IBVS scheme, a novel adaptive intelligent IBVS (AI-IBVS) controller for tip-tracking control of a two-link flexible manipulator (TLFM) is designed in this study. In particular, this paper addresses the IBVS issues along-with retention of visual features in the field-of-view (FOV). First, in order to retain object within the camera FOV, an intelligent controller with off-policy reinforcement learning (RL) is proposed. Second, a composite controller for TLFM is developed to combine RL controller and IBVS controller. The simulation has been conducted to examine the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller. The obtained results show that the AI-IBVS controller developed here possesses the capabilities of self-learning and decision-making for robust tip-tracking control of TLFM. Further, a comparison with other similar approach is presented.
Identification and characterization of an abundant lipoprotein from Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV
Authors: Liu Changqing , Angius Federica , Pol Arjan , Mesman Rob A. , Versantvoort Wouter , Op den Camp Huub J. M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBacterial lipoproteins are characterized by the presence of a conserved N-terminal lipid-modified cysteine residue that allows the hydrophilic protein to anchor into bacterial cell membranes. These lipoproteins play essential roles in a wide variety of physiological processes. Based on transcriptome analysis of the verrucomicrobial methanotroph Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV, we identified a highly expressed lipoprotein, WP_009060351 (139 amino acids), in its genome. The first 86 amino acids are specific for the methanotrophic genera Methylacidiphilum and Methylacidmicrobium, while the last 53 amino acids are present only in lipoproteins of members from the phylum Verrucomicrobiota (Hedlund). Heterologous expression of WP_009060351 in Escherichia coli revealed a 25-kDa dimeric protein and a 60-kDa tetrameric protein. Immunoblotting showed that WP_009060351 was present in the total membrane protein and peptidoglycan fractions of M. fumariolicum SolV. The results suggest an involvement of lipoprotein WP_009060351 in the linkage between the outer membrane and the peptidoglycan.
Effect of alpha-lipoic acid and caffeine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on obesity and its complications in liver and kidney in rats
Authors: Sawie Hussein G. , Khadrawy Yasser A. , El-Gizawy Mayada M. , Mourad Hagar H. , Omara Enayat A. , Hosny Eman N. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe present work investigated the effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) and caffeine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CAF-CS NPs) on obesity and its hepatic and renal complications in rats. Rats were divided into control, rat model of obesity induced by high fat diet (HFD), and obese rats treated with ALA and/or CAF-CS NPs. At the end of the experiment, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the levels of urea, creatinine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined in the sera of animals. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in hepatic and renal tissues. Renal Na+, K+-ATPase was assessed. The histopathological changes were examined in the hepatic and renal tissues. Obese rats showed a significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine. This was associated with a significant increase in IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, and NO. A significant decrease in hepatic and renal GSH and renal Na+, K+-ATPase activity was recorded in obese rats. Obese rats also showed histopathological alterations in hepatic and renal tissues. Treatment with ALA and/or CAF-CS NPs reduced the weight of obese rats and ameliorated almost all the hepatic and renal biochemical and histopathological changes induced in obese rats. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that ALA and/or CAF-CS NPs offered an effective therapy against obesity induced by HFD and its hepatic and renal complications. The therapeutic effect of ALA and CAF-CS NPs could be mediated through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zero-Inflated Time Series Clustering Via Ensemble Thick-Pen Transform
Authors: Kim Minji , Oh Hee-Seok , Lim Yaeji 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study develops a new clustering method for high-dimensional zero-inflated time series data. The proposed method is based on thick-pen transform (TPT), in which the basic idea is to draw along the data with a pen of a given thickness. Since TPT is a multi-scale visualization technique, it provides some information on the temporal tendency of neighborhood values. We introduce a modified TPT, termed ‘ensemble TPT (e-TPT)’, to enhance the temporal resolution of zero-inflated time series data that is crucial for clustering them efficiently. Furthermore, this study defines a modified similarity measure for zero-inflated time series data considering e-TPT and proposes an efficient iterative clustering algorithm suitable for the proposed measure. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation experiments and two real datasets: step count data and newly confirmed COVID-19 case data.
Canonical circuit computations for computer vision
Authors: Schmid Daniel , Jarvers Christian , Neumann Heiko 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAdvanced computer vision mechanisms have been inspired by neuroscientific findings. However, with the focus on improving benchmark achievements, technical solutions have been shaped by application and engineering constraints. This includes the training of neural networks which led to the development of feature detectors optimally suited to the application domain. However, the limitations of such approaches motivate the need to identify computational principles, or motifs, in biological vision that can enable further foundational advances in machine vision. We propose to utilize structural and functional principles of neural systems that have been largely overlooked. They potentially provide new inspirations for computer vision mechanisms and models. Recurrent feedforward, lateral, and feedback interactions characterize general principles underlying processing in mammals. We derive a formal specification of core computational motifs that utilize these principles. These are combined to define model mechanisms for visual shape and motion processing. We demonstrate how such a framework can be adopted to run on neuromorphic brain-inspired hardware platforms and can be extended to automatically adapt to environment statistics. We argue that the identified principles and their formalization inspires sophisticated computational mechanisms with improved explanatory scope. These and other elaborated, biologically inspired models can be employed to design computer vision solutions for different tasks and they can be used to advance neural network architectures of learning.
Expression of pyroptosis-related genes are correlated with immune microenvironment and predict prognosis in ESCA
Authors: Shi Youmeng , Yang Qiuxing , Tai Guomei , Chen Xudong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) are abnormally expressed in a variety of gastrointestinal tumors, this study aimed to investigate the role of pyroptosis genes in assessing the prognosis of esophageal cancer (ESCA).

Methods
Through consensus clustering, we identified two subtypes associated with PRGs. After Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, a polygenic signature based on six prognostic PRGS was constructed. Afterwards, we combined the risk score with clinical predictors to construct and validate a PRGs-associated ESCA prognostic model.

Results
Through analysis, we Successfully constructed and validated a PRGs-associated ESCA prognostic model that predicts ESCA survival and correlates with the tumor immune microenvironment.

Conclusion
Based on PRGs features, we established a new ESCA hierarchical model. This model has important clinical implications for ESCA patients, both in terms of assessing prognosis and in terms of targeted and immunotherapy.