bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The identity of the Silurian retiolitine genera Paraplectograptus and Sagenograptoides (Graptoloidea, Retiolitinae)
Authors: Maletz Jörg 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe genus Paraplectograptus includes a small number of retiolitine species with an identical development of the main thecal and ancora sleeve lists. A complete virgella-virga-nema development with connecting lists is formed on the obverse side of the tubarium, while the only thecal lists on the reverse side are the lateral apertural lists, connected through the pleural lists of the ancora sleeve. Obverse and reverse sides of the tubarium are connected by the thecal lips on the ventral sides. The characteristic zigzag thecal lists of the reverse side of many early retiolitines are not present in the genus. The development and extent of the reticular ancora sleeve lists on the obverse and reverse sides of the tubarium are quite variable and range from lacking entirely to dense. The genus Pseudoplectograptus is regarded as a junior synonym of Paraplectograptus. Pseudoplectograptus sagenus is transferred to the genus Sagenograptoides. Its type species ‘Sagenograptoides arctos’ was known only from small, immature or fragmentary specimens of the associated Sagenograptoides sagenus. This species bears a characteristic reticulum on the ventral thecal walls, not found in the genus Paraplectograptus, but which is present in other Cyrtograptus lundgreni Biozone retiolitines.
Genomic Analysis of Bacteriocin-Producing Staphylococci: High Prevalence of Lanthipeptides and the Micrococcin P1 Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Elsherbini Ahmed M. A. , Lozano Carmen , Martínez Agustí , de Toro María , Zarazaga Myriam , Peschel Andreas , Krismer Bernhard , Torres Carmen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria. This study aimed to in silico analyze the presence of bacteriocin gene clusters (BGCs) among the genomes of 22 commensal Staphylococcus isolates from different origins (environment/human/food/pet/wild animals) previously identified as bacteriocin producers. The resistome and plasmidome were studied in all isolates. Five types of BGC were detected in 18 genomes of the 22 bacteriocin-producing staphylococci included in this study: class I (Lanthipeptides), class II, circular bacteriocins, the non-ribosomal-peptide lugdunin and the thiopeptide micrococcin P1 (MP1). A high frequency of lanthipeptides was detected in this collection: BGC variants of BSA, bacCH91, and epilancin15X were identified in two Staphylococcus aureus and one Staphylococcus warneri isolates from food and wild animals. Moreover, two potentially new lanthipeptide-like BGCs with no identity to database entries were found in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus simulans from food and wild animal, respectively. Interestingly, four isolates (one S. aureus and one Staphylococcus hominis, environmental origin; two Staphylococcus sciuri, food) carried the MP1 BGC with differences to those previously described. On the other hand, seven of the 22 genomes (~32%) lacked known genes related with antibiotic or disinfectant-acquired resistance mechanisms. Moreover, the potential carriage of plasmids was evaluated, and several Rep-proteins were identified (~73% of strains). In conclusion, a wide variety of BGCs has been observed among the 22 genomes, and an interesting relationship between related Staphylococcus species and the type of bacteriocin has been revealed. Therefore, bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus and especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) can be considered good candidates as a source of novel bacteriocins.
Genetic services survey—experience of people with rare diseases and their families accessing genetic services in the Irish Republic
Authors: Ward AJ , Lambert DM , Butterly D , O’Byrne JJ , McGrath V , Lynch SA 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIrish Health Service objectives state that patients with rare diseases should have timely access to genomic diagnostics with appropriate pre and post-test counselling. However, waiting times for clinical genetics outpatient appointments, during the study period, were up to two years as staffing levels remain low. A targeted public online survey was conducted in January 2022 to capture the experiences of Rare Disease families trying to access genetic testing and clinical genetic clinics in the Irish Republic. Irish patients experience significant waiting times to access clinical genetic services and self-report anxiety and stress, related to delayed access to diagnosis, clarity around recurrence risk and follow-up management. This negatively impacts personal decisions around family planning, education and employment and has a significant impact on family members seeking clarity on their own risk. Mainstream genetic testing activity is significant. Families report concern over the competency of health care professionals arranging and delivering genetic results and delays in accessing clinical genetics expertise to take them through the clinical implications. Timely access to clinical genetics expertise is important to ensure families with rare diseases have an appropriate understanding of the medical and reproductive implications of a genetic diagnosis and access to relevant care pathways. A national framework to develop competency in genomic literacy for health-care professionals including a national genetic test directory may be beneficial. Clinical genetics teams require ongoing support and investment to ensure the delivery of a safe and effective service for Irish families with rare diseases.
Framing the Windows of Prostitution: Unfolding Histories in Amsterdam’s Redesign of Its Famous Red-Light District
Authors: Fijen Sarah , van Bohemen Samira 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionThis research is about the power of documents as recorders of history and preservers of institutional memory. Specifically, the study examines Project 1012, a municipal reform project in Amsterdam’s famous Red-Light District.MethodsWe performed a critical discourse analysis on 10 policy briefs leading up to and following the implementation of Project 1012 between 2007 and 2020.ResultsOur study reveals that the documents actively evoke certain narratives about sex work, its historical connections to the city, and its social problems to support the reduction of the industry. The documents omit other information about the history and origins of the problems experienced in Amsterdam’s Red-Light District, including policymakers’ own roles in the creation of these issues.ConclusionsThe research concludes that policy documents have deontic powers and can be considered “folded objects” that consistently present certain narratives as truthful by omitting or downplaying the historical context of social issues. By folding these narratives in themselves, they have the power to shape the futures of the city and its citizens, executing a myriad of changes that have significantly impacted the lives and work conditions of local sex workers.Policy ImplicationsThis research highlights the importance of being aware of the power and potential biases inherent in policy documents. Policymakers should strive to create policies that are based on accurate and comprehensive information and consider the voices of marginalized groups, such as sex workers, who are disproportionately affected by the policies.
Effect of resveratrol and combination of resveratrol and donepezil on the expression of microglial cells and astrocytes in Wistar albino rats of colchicine-induced Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rao Y. Lakshmisha , Ganaraja B. , Suresh Pooja K. , Joy Teresa , Ullal Sheetal D. , Manjrekar Poornima A. , Murlimanju B. V. , Sharma B. Gaurav 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Aim
The goal was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol (RS) and combination therapy of RS and donepezil (DPZ), on the numerical expression of microglial cells and astrocytes, in the frontal cortex, regions of the hippocampus in colchicine-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model.

Methods
The study involved male albino Wistar rats of three months, age and consisted of 6 groups, with six animals each. The immunohistochemical staining with mouse monoclonal anti-human CD 68 and mouse monoclonal anti-GFAP was performed to assess the number of microglial cells and astrocytes, respectively.

Results
AD group showed an increase in the number of microglia, and the numbers declined in the treatment groups, RS 10, RS 20, RS10/10 and DPZ + RS (p < 0.001). Astrocyte count was increased in the treatment groups in contrast to the AD group (p < 0.05). The DPZ + RS combination group revealed substantial elevation in the number of astrocytes and decreased microglial number among all the groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
RS administration has diminished the microglial number and elevated the number of astrocytes. The elevated reactive astrocytes have decreased the microglial population. However, the limitation of our study is utilizing the colchicine for the induction of neurodegeneration. Using the transgenic models of AD may give a better insight into the pathogenesis and effect of RS. Another limitation of this study is the administration of RS and DPZ through different routes. The prospects of this research include studying the probiotic nature of RS and the effect of RS in other neurodegenerative disorders.
Clustered and Unclustered Group Testing for Biosecurity
Authors: Clark Robert Graham , Barnes Belinda , Parsa Mahdi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGroup testing is an important element of biosecurity operations, designed to efficiently reduce the risk of introducing exotic pests and pathogens with imported agricultural products. Groups of units, such as seeds, are selected from a consignment and tested for contamination, with a positive or negative test returned for each group. These schemes are usually designed such that the probability of detecting contamination is high assuming random mixing and a somewhat arbitrary design prevalence. We propose supplementing this approach with an assessment of the distribution of the number of contaminated units conditional on testing results. We develop beta-binomial models that allow for between-consignment variability in contamination levels, as well as including beta random effects to allow for possible clustering within the groups for testing. The latent beta distributions can be considered as priors and chosen based on expert judgement, or estimated from historical test results. We show that the parameter representing within-group clustering is, unsurprisingly, effectively non-identifiable. Sensitivity analysis can be conducted by investigating the consequences of assuming different values of this parameter. We also demonstrate theoretically and empirically that the estimated probability of a consignment containing contamination and evading detection is almost perfectly robust to mis-specification of the clustering parameter. We apply the new models to large cucurbit seed lots imported into Australia where they provide important new insights on the level of undetected contamination. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
Connected domination in graphs and v-numbers of binomial edge ideals
Authors: Jaramillo-Velez Delio , Seccia Lisa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe v-number of a graded ideal is an algebraic invariant introduced by Cooper et al., and originally motivated by problems in algebraic coding theory. In this paper we study the case of binomial edge ideals and we establish a significant connection between their v-numbers and the concept of connected domination in graphs. More specifically, we prove that the localization of the v-number at one of the minimal primes of the binomial edge ideal $$J_G$$

J
G

of a graph G coincides with the connected domination number of the defining graph, providing a first algebraic description of the connected domination number. As an immediate corollary, we obtain a sharp combinatorial upper bound for the v-number of binomial edge ideals of graphs. Lastly, building on some known results on edge ideals, we analyse how the v-number of $$J_G$$

J
G

behaves under Gröbner degeneration when G is a closed graph.
Targeting PUF60 prevents tumor progression by retarding mRNA decay of oxidative phosphorylation in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Cancan , Ni Xiaoge , Tao Chunlin , Zhou Ziyang , Wang Fengmian , Gu Fei , Cui Xiaoxiao , Jiang Shuheng , Li Qing , Lu Huan , Li Dongxue , Wu Zhiyong , Zhang Rong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies, and its etiology and pathogenesis are currently unclear. Recent studies have found that PUF60 overexpressed in various cancers. However, the exact function of PUF60 in global RNA processing and its role in OC has been unclear.

Methods
The expression of PUF60 and its relationship with clinical characteristics were analyzed by multiple database analysis and immunohistochemistry. Phenotypic effects of PUF60 on ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis were examined by in vitro cell proliferation assay, migration assay, and in vivo xenograft models and lung metastasis models. RNA immunoprecipitation, seahorse analyses, RNA stability assay were used to study the effect of PUF60 on the stability of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-related genes in OC.

Results
We report PUF60 is highly expressed in OC with frequent amplification of up to 33.9% and its upregulation predicts a poor prognosis. PUF60 promotes the proliferation and migration of OC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that silencing of PUF60 enhanced the stability of mRNA transcripts involved in OXPHOS and decreased the formation of processing bodies (P-bodies), ultimately elevating the OXPHOS level.

Conclusion
Our study unveils a novel function of PUF60 in OC energy metabolism. Thus, PUF60 may serve as a novel target for the treatment of patients with OC.
Cross-Linguistic Influence in Hong Kong ESL Learners’ Acquisition of Conjunctions
Authors: Kong Ming Sum , Carr Mary , Chong Sin Wang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLanguage transfer is one of the most significant aspects of cross-linguistic influence. It can be divided into two types: positive and negative, the beneficial and detrimental use of one language’s acquired characteristics in another. This study aims to investigate the L1 (Chinese) influence on Hong Kong ESL learners’ acquisition of conjunctions and whether the use of L1 has an impact on this influence. An online questionnaire combining questions about students’ English learning experience and a grammatical judgement task was sent to a government-funded secondary school in Hong Kong and completed by 79 students. Evidence of both positive and negative transfer from Chinese to English was found by testing six conjunctions or conjunction pairs: although…but, because…so, not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, and despite. The results suggest that Chinese is likely to have an impact on students’ acquisition of conjunctions, and the use of Chinese in English classes can worsen negative transfer and boost positive transfer. The degree of transfer might increase when more Chinese is used in class. To alleviate the impact of Chinese transfer and to provide more effective L2 teaching, monitoring the use of L1 and regular evaluation might be useful. Teachers can also adjust the amount of Chinese used according to the students’ English proficiency level.
The edge segmentation of grains in thin-section petrographic images utilising extinction consistency perception network
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhou Jiazhou , Zhao Wen , Li Xuyang , Pu Liu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe first step in petrographic image analysis is to segment the mineral grains in the thin section petrographic image, allowing the petrographer to identify the rock based on the grain size and composition. The purpose of this research is to present an automated computer vision solution for obtaining accurate and efficient edge segmentation maps. The proposed model, termed the extinction consistency perception network, is made up of three sections. The multi-angle extinction consistency block, which is based on the extinction consistency of mineral grains, uses consecutive petrographic images to generate edge-enhanced features. Then they are processed by the multi-scale edge perception network to obtain rich expression of edge features at different levels. Afterward, a distance-map penalized compound loss function is introduced to guide the model to pay more attention to grains’ edges. The generated cross-polarized petrographic image dataset (CPPID) with meticulous annotations has been shared with the community. Experimental findings show that the proposed model is effective, which is evaluated on CPPID and scores 0.940 ODS and 0.941 OIS, outperforming seven classic edge detection models by a large margin.
The Trivers-Willard Effect for Educational Investment: Evidence from an African Sample
Authors: Borgstede Matthias , Scheunpflug Annette 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) states that individuals in good condition favor offspring of the sex that has a higher variance in reproductive value. Empirical studies with historical human populations suggest that the TWH might explain biased birth-ratios as well as biased parental investment in male or female offspring. However, empirical tests of the TWH in modern human populations are less conclusive.In this study, we investigate whether parental investment in education might be skewed according to the TWH in an African sample (N = 314) that includes students from 8 different countries. The data show that male students who rate their family’s wealth high tend to report more parental involvement in their own education, whereas the opposite is true for female students. This pattern is in accordance with the TWH for parental investment. The results support the validity of evolutionary explanations of behavioral bias in the context of parental investment in offspring education.
Modeling the Duration of the Impact of Unplanned Disruptions on Passenger Trips Using Smartcard Data in Urban Rail Systems
Authors: Liu Tianyou , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Ma Zhenliang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMany urban rail systems operate near capacity given the rapid increase in passenger demand, and unplanned disruptions are unavoidable. From a passenger perspective, the duration of trip delays is a major concern, and passenger trip delays may be longer than the train delays. Several studies have focused on predicting train delays, but the research on the duration of the disruption impacts on passenger trips is limited given that the duration is not observed directly. This paper proposes a probabilistic method to estimate the disruption impact duration using smartcard data, explores statistical and machine learning models to predict the duration of impacts on passengers, and identifies influencing factors including incident characteristics, operating conditions, infrastructure, external factors, and demand. The results highlight that prediction accuracies are acceptable for multiple linear regression, accelerated failure time, and random forest models. Disruptions caused by power failures have longer impact durations than other causes, followed by platform screen doors. The fixed block signaling system leads to a larger disruption duration than the moving block system. The study provides, for the first time, a data-driven approach to understanding the duration of the impact of disruptions on passenger trips using smartcard data which can facilitate timely and informed decision-making under unplanned disruptions.
A micromechanical investigation of diagenetically-induced changes to the anisotropic elastic properties of calcareous mudstones
Authors: Graham Samuel P. , Aplin Andrew C. , Rouainia Mohamed , Ireland Mark T. , Armitage Peter J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMicroscale diagenetic changes that occur during burial exert a profound influence on the elastic and mechanical properties of sediments—but are poorly quantified. The focus here is on how diagenesis influences the elastic properties of carbonate-rich mudstones, which are subject to a wide range of physical and chemical changes. Nanoindentation data for gas-window (180 $$^\circ$$

∘

C) Eagle Ford formation samples give intrinsic indentation moduli of the clay-sized calcite matrix of $$M =$$

M
=

40–50 GPa, which contrasts with $$M =$$

M
=

60–77 GPa for diagenetic calcite fills of foraminifera tests, closer to values for highly crystalline calcite. The matrix calcite is weakly anisotropic. Inverse analysis of immature (< 70 $$^\circ$$

∘

C) organic-rich chalks gives much lower intrinsic indentation moduli for biogenic calcite, between 17 and 30 GPa; the calcite is also more anisotropic, with values of $$M_1/M_3 \sim$$

M
1

/

M
3

∼

1.3. Diagenesis, which includes recrystallisation and pore-filling cementation, results in calcite becoming elastically stiffer and behaving in an increasingly isotropic manner, in agreement with grain scale studies using atomic force microscopy. The results demonstrate that nanoindentation can resolve diagenetic contributions to the mechanical response of mudstones, and suggest intrinsic structural changes to calcite, in addition to diagenetic cementation, need to be accounted for in rock-physics models of mud-rich sediments.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Selective Recognition of Microcystins: An African Perspective
Authors: Mbisana Mesha , Zewde Tigist W. , Mogopodi Dikabo , Demissie Taye B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMicrocystins (MCs) are found in aquatic settings and have detrimental effects on both human and animal health. Their occurrence is influenced by the deposition of nutrients in water and further increased by high temperatures which favor the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Climatic conditions in Africa favor the growth of HABs. Therefore, determination of MC contamination of African water sources is of paramount importance. The use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the adsorption of MCs has recently gained increasing interest in the selective and rapid determination of MCs in water. MIPs are ideal adsorbents for this purpose because of their versatility and environmental friendliness and thus have potential to replace conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon and silica composites. This review summarizes the occurrence of MCs in Africa as well as the detection and determination methods used for analysis. Secondly, common methods for the synthesis of MIPs are compared and their application and efficacy towards determination of MCs in water is investigated, with focus on the African continent. An assessment of current challenges and proposed solutions is also presented.