bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on sewage characteristics in rural China and pollutants removal performance of biologically enhanced internal circulation treatment system
Authors: Rong Yi , Tang Hongjun , Zhang Yang , Sun Yingying , Liu Zhe 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
With rapid economic development and urbanization in China, rural wastewater treatment has become an important issue. This study investigated 63 rural sewage treatment stations in northern, central and southern Shaanxi, China for a one-year period, 2021 to 2022. The main purpose of the research was to investigate the quality and discharge characteristics of rural sewage, along with current problems in rural wastewater treatment, in order to provide evidence for the optimal construction and operation of rural sewage treatment stations. We found that, the biodegradability of rural wastewater is adequate, and BOD5/COD ratio in sewage was 0.4, which is suitable for biological treatment. However, it has obvious intermittent flow cut-off characteristics, and the range of cut-off duration of sewage was 6 ~ 16 h/d, which leads to poor pollutant removal efficiency (COD: 50.0 ± 29.2%, NH4+-N: 46.0 ± 26.1%, TN: 38.5 ± 24.9% and TP: 38.3 ± 23.8%) in sewage treatment stations. In response to the above characteristics, this study makes recommendations concerning biologically enhanced internal circulation treatment system (BEICT) for rural sewage. After 97 days of operation, the system has a stable removal effect on TN and TP with an average removal rate of 77.42% and 89.69%, respectively, under the condition of influent interruption for 12 h per day. In addition, the activated sludge of system maintained good activity and stable sedimentation performance during the whole experiment, with MLVSS/MLSS and SVI of 0.72 and 128 mL/g, respectively.
BRCA1 inhibits MYC:MAX heterodimerization by modulating the availability of transient MAX monomers
Authors: Kurzbach Dennis , Epasto Ludovica , Pötzl Christopher , Peterlik Herwig , Khalil Mahdi , Saint-Pierre Christine , Gasparutto Didier , Sicoli Giuseppe 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The breast cancer susceptibility protein 1 (BRCA1) plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the transcriptional activity of the proto-oncogenic intrinsically disordered protein MYC. By direct binding to MYC, BRCA1 blocks its activation by the MYC-associated factor X (MAX) and the formation of the vital MYC:MAX complex. In contrast, BRCA1 is not associated with binding to the MAX. In this study, we demonstrate a previously undisclosed influence of BRCA1 on MYC:MAX activity. By employing simultaneously time- and residue-resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, integrated with MD simulations and EPR spectroscopy, we provide evidence for two subtle regulatory mechanisms: 1. BRCA1 competes with MAX:MAX dimers for DNA ligands, which leads to a destabilization of the native DNA-bound form of the homodimer. 2. BRCA1 binds not only MYC to impede its heterodimerization and transcriptional activity, but it also occupies MAX, when dissociated into its uncommon monomeric form. This conformation is an intermediate that occurs transiently before heterodimerization with MYC. We demonstrate that the MAX monomer, much like MYC, forms highly dynamic complexes with BRCA1, which efficiently block both interaction partners. This discovery is rationalized by the fact that MYC and MAX monomers both lack a stable secondary and tertiary structure (so-called intrinsically disordered proteins) but display high sequence similarity. Both the abovementioned mechanisms balance each other. While the competition for DNA ligands (mechanism 1) promotes MYC:MAX formation, occupation of MAX (and MYC) by BRCA1 (mechanism 2) impedes it. Under the in-vitro conditions probed herein, i.e., an excess of BRCA1, the latter yet dominates, slowing down the MYC:MAX dimerization event and, thus, providing a potential mechanism for downregulation of its transcriptional efficacy. Since the deregulation of BRCA1 activity is directly linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, our findings might open unconventional routes toward novel prevention strategies.
Decreased expression of thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) indicates a poor prognostic factor for liver cancer
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wang Weijie , Liang Ruopeng , Zhu Rongtao , Cao Jiahui , Sun Chenguang , Sun Yuling 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: The reduced expression of Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) which are encoded by two genes, THRA and THRB, is found in many human malignancies; however, the clinical prognostic value of TRs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.
Methods: The Kaplan-Meier analysis of TRs based on TCGA profile was performed. TRs expression in HCC tumors was evaluated in GEO and TCGA databases by R software. The correlation between the expression of THRB with immune cell infiltration was analyzed on TIMER 2.0 database.
Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that low THRB in tumors was significantly associated with worsened overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival in HCC patients (P < 0.05), not THRA. Subgroup analysis showed that low expression of THRB was associated with reduced 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS (all P < 0.05). In addition, the clinical prognostic values of THRB downregulation for OS were more significant in HCC with hepatitis-virus (P = 0.0012), Asian race (P= 0.0038) and male (P = 0.002), and both in with- and without-alcohol-consumption (P = 0.0234 and P = 0.0199, respectively). We found that THRB was significantly down-regulated in tumors compared with nontumor tissues in 3 GEO series (GSE14520, GSE77314, GSE84005) and TCGA profile, but the other 2 GEO series (GSE45436, GSE60502) had no significant down-regulation in tumors. We further calculated the proportion of THRB down-regulated patients with paired samples based on the 4 GEO series and found 56.93% HCC patients with reduced expression of THRB. Immune cell infiltration analysis resulted that neutrophils were the top tumor immune infiltrating cell type associated with THRB.
Conclusions: The reduced expression of THRB rather than THRA correlated with worse OS in HCC patients.
Study on near-infrared diffused reflectance imaging for early caries detection
Authors: Wang Cheng , yang changxing , zhang haoying , Lai Guangyun , Xiang Huazhong , Wang Jun , Han Yu , Zhang Dawei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world. Early detection can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes and lessen the need for intrusive procedures. This research mainly focuses on the viability of near-infrared diffuse reflectance imaging for early caries detection.
Methods: According to the theory of diffuse reflection imaging in tissue optics, a near-infrared diffuse reflectance imagery named new-NIR was established. In order to confirm the performance of the new-NIR, 54 areas of interest in 18 teeth were investigated simultaneously by the new-NIR, DIAGNOcam, which is a comparative diagnostic technique and visual inspection by a skilled dentist as the gold standard. The performance of the new-NIR was assessed using the Spearman grade correlation coefficient.
Results:Compared with the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the new-NIR were 0.806, 0.870 and 0.833, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the DIAGNOcam were 0.871, 0.913, and 0.889, respectively.
Conclusion: This technology is simple to use, non-contact, and feasible in the early stages of suggesting tooth enamel caries. Future studies will combine near-infrared diffuse reflectance imaging with an automatic classification algorithm to provide family-based oral health monitoring tools to prevent caries.
Characteristics of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection based on circumferential localization
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Osawa Satoshi , Sugiura Kiichi , Takahashi Kenichi , Asai Yusuke , Miyazu Takahiro , Higuchi Tomohiro , Tamura Satoshi , Tani Shinya , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Sugimoto Ken 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Regarding longitudinal location, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) frequently develops in the middle esophagus. However, few studies have focused on the circumferential location. We examined the frequency and characteristics of ESCC lesions resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) regarding both longitudinal and circumferential locations. We retrospectively evaluated 193 ESD-resected ESCC lesions. The ESCC development frequency and histopathological invasion degrees were compared for each circumferential and longitudinal location. Characteristics of the lesions based on location were analyzed, focusing on the proportion of small lesions in the early stages in each location. Twenty-seven lesions were on the anterior wall, 62 on the left, 66 on the posterior, and 38 on the right. Of the four circumferential locations, the median tumor size was the smallest in the anterior wall. The proportions of lesions with an invasion depth of EP and size < 10 mm were the highest in the anterior wall (44.4% and 25.9%, respectively). There was a significant difference between the four circumferential locations for the proportion of ESCC lesions satisfying both criteria, wherein the highest proportion was in the anterior wall (P = 0.049). ESCC of the anterior wall is less frequent and may present as small lesions with shallow depths of invasion.
Seed treatment, leaf spraying or soil fertilization? Integration of Ni application methods increases the efficiency of biological N2-fixation, N metabolism and soybean yield
Authors: Rodak Bruna Wurr , Freitas Douglas Siqueira , Rossi Monica Lanzoni , Linhares Francisco Scaglia , Moro Edemar , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Reis André Rodrigues dos , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Lavres José 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims
In soybean production systems, increasing the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is essential to ensure sustainability, which can be achieved through nutritional management. Fertilization with nickel (Ni) can positively affect BNF due to the role of this micronutrient in nitrogen (N) metabolism – urease and NiFe-hydrogenase. However, studies on Ni application methods are incipient. Our study aimed to investigate which Ni application method is most appropriate to promote soybean plant development, with an emphasis on BNF and N metabolism.
Methods
The isolated and combined effects of Ni application methods – seed treatment, leaf spraying and/or soil fertilization – were investigated in soybean plants grown under different edaphoclimatic conditions (field and greenhouse).
Results
Positive effects of the treatments Soil, Soil + Leaf and Seed + Leaf were observed, with gains of 7 to 20% in BNF, 1.5-fold in ureide, 14% in shoot dry weight and yield increases of up to 1,161 kg ha− 1. All Ni application methods increased the SPAD index, photosynthesis, nitrogenase and urease activity. The edaphoclimatic conditions, especially the soil classes, influenced the response of soybean to the Ni application methods.
Conclusion
The integrated Ni application methods, i.e., leaf spraying combined with soil or seed fertilization, as well as soil application alone, were more suitable to promote productivity in soybean cropping systems. The definition of the method is essential to ensure absorption and ideal use of this micronutrient, representing a viable and sustainable management technology. More studies are needed to elucidate an official recommendation for Ni in agriculture.
Risk and protective factors for health behaviour in adolescence in Europe
Authors: Zsakai Annamaria , Ratz-Sulyok Fanny Zselyke , Koronczai Beatrix , Varro Petra , Toth Erika , Szarvas Szilvia , Tauber Tamas , Karkus Zsolt , Molnar Kinga 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The purpose of the analysis was to identify the risk and protective factors for health behaviour in European adolescents from population health status and expenditure, mental health status, sexual life, social life and education indices and the existence of national strategies, programmes.
National and international databases providing information on the presumed health behaviour predictors were used in the analysis. Furthermore, the age and sexual differences in the main information sources on health issues, sexual life, health-risk behaviour, digital awareness, environmental awareness accessed by Hungarian adolescents were analysed.
The existence of national health strategies, the level of health expenditure, the socioeconomic conditions, the level of education and literacy had significant influence on the health-risk behaviour of adolescents in the European societies. Hungarian children in early adolescence sought information from family members and experts more frequently, while children preferred to get information from their friends and from the media in middle-adolescence. Sexual dimorphism also appeared in their preferred information sources, a bigger proportion of boys chose media as information source than girls. A significantly smaller proportion of adolescents sought information from the studied sources of sexual life topics than in the other health issues.
Individual health decisions of adolescents are influenced by their interaction with family members and experts in early adolescence, and with a bigger influence of friends and media in middle-adolescence. National health strategies combined with governmental support for health prevention and action plans have the most effective impact on the health-risk behaviour of adolescents.
High-Throughput Digital Imaging Analysis Of Historical Wheat Cultivars From Pakistan
Authors: Tahir Tehreem , Rasheed Awais , Kayani Sadaf , Shahzad Asim 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Wheat is the most significant cultivated crop in Pakistan, ranking first in terms of acreage and production among all cereals. Wheat grain morphology has been harvested and manipulated since the dawn of agriculture, and it remains a major breeding focus today. To establish, genetic basis of phenotypic variation in wheat grain morphology, the current research was conducted to develop a phenotyping method based on digital imaging to capture the grain morphology in bread wheat cultivars of Pakistan and to characterize variation in grain morphology in Pakistani wheat cultivars and their association with TaCWi genes. In this research 64 wheat cultivars were analysed by digital imaging approach. The images were captured using a flatbed scanner with a transparency adapter, and the imaging software image J 1.27 was used for analysis. The cultivars used in this study showed larger variation in grain morphology in more than fifteen descriptors. Measured dimensions included grain area, perimeters, height, width, circularity and solidity. Minimum grain area was showed by the T9 and maximum grain area was shown by the Pirsabak-2013, minimum grain perimeter was showed by the T9 and maximum grain perimeter was showed by the Barsat. Similarly, maximum grain area was exhibited by the Markaz-2019 and minimum grain area was shown by the C-271. Maximum grain perimeter was showed by the PARI-73 and minimum grain perimeter was showed by the C-271 respectively, under well-watered (WW) conditions. The coefficient of determination was also higher indicating the reliability and consistency of digital imaging method. Digital imaging allowed many aspects of development, functions, traits and health to be monitored and traced in ways previously unattainable. Our results are encouraging that large image data sets of grains can be processed by high throughput and accurate manner.
Neutron Reflectometry under High Shear in Narrow Gap for Tribology Study
Authors: Yamashita Naoki , Hirayama Tomoko , Hino Masahiro , Yamada Norifumi L. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A parallel-face narrow gap viscometer was installed in the energy-resolved neutron reflectometer to investigate the change in interfacial structure under high shear. The viscometer was designed to operate with high shear rate while maintaining a µm-order constant gap between two parallel faces. When the base oil without any additives was sandwiched in the gap of viscometer, the neutron reflectivity profiles without and with the rotation of viscometer was the same. This result shows that correct measurements were performed regardless of whether the upper specimen was rotated or not. On the other hand, when the base oil containing polymethacrylate-type additive was sandwiched in the gap, both the thickness and density of adsorbed additive layer in shear field became lower than that in stay condition. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to analyse the structural changes in the adsorbed layer formed by the additive on the surface. Such approaches with the combination of neutron reflectometer and narrow gap viscometer are promising for near-future tribology studies.
People of Clay and Stone: Indexing Other-than-human Animacy and Collective Identity in Coastal Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Brzezinski Jeffrey 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This paper analyzes the unique assemblages of humans and other-than-humans animated the sacred landscape of Cerro de la Virgen, a hilltop site occupied during the Formative period (1800 BCE – 250 CE) in the lower Río Verde Valley of coastal Oaxaca, Mexico. Commensalism in the region increased markedly in scope and complexity throughout the Formative period, culminating in the region’s first polity at 100 CE. Feasting practices became relatively standardized, but the placement of objects and bodies in public architecture—a set of collective practices associated with the vital forces that animated the cosmos—varied considerably from site to site during the late Terminal Formative period (150 BC—250 CE). Lower Verde scholars have argued that these idiosyncrasies reflect the myriad collective identities of the region’s hinterland communities—a pattern rooted in local affiliations that may have conflicted with an expanding regional identity centered at the urban center of Río Viejo. I augment this discussion by highlighting the role that the materiality of the landscape, present before humans even occupied the region, played in the construction of collective identity. I develop an interpretive approach that pays special attention to Indigenous concepts of ontology, particularly those related to animacy and its transference, and utilizes the semiosis of American philosopher, Charles Sanders Peirce, to elucidate meaning from deposits of cached objects. I argue that animate qualities assembled through fired clay and chiseled stone at Cerro de la Virgen afforded a ritual pattern that was unique in coastal Oaxaca at the end of the Formative.
Time-series analysis of transcriptomic changes due to permethrin exposure: Aedes aegypti undergoes detoxification metabolism over 24 hours
Authors: Mack Lindsey K. , Attardo Geoffrey M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Insecticide resistance is a multifaceted response and an issue across taxa. Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that vectors Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, demonstrates high levels of pyrethroid resistance across the globe, presenting a challenge to public health officials. To examine the transcriptomic shifts across time after exposure to permethrin, a 3’tag-seq analysis was employed on samples 6, 10, and 24 hours after exposure along with controls. Differential expression analysis revealed significant shifts in detoxifying enzymes and various energy-producing metabolic processes. Among the upregulated detoxifying enzymes are cytochrome P450s, glutathione s-transferases and peroxidases, and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Additionally, eight heat shock genes or genes with heat shock domains exhibit the highest degree of fold change across time. Twenty-four hours after exposure, samples indicate a global downregulation of these processes, though principal component analysis suggests lasting signatures of the response. Understanding the recovery response to insecticide exposure provides information on possible new genetic and synergist targets to explore.
Establishment and Application of a Multiplex PCR Method for the Simultaneous Detection of PRV, PCV2, PRRSV, CSFV, and SIV Associated with Porcine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Mao Yinming , Tang Deyuan , Zeng Zhiyong , Wang Bin , Huang Tao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Based on gene sequences in GenBank, five pairs of specific primers were designed to PCR amplify partial fragments of the genes encoding Pseudorabies virus (PRV) gB, Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) ORF2, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV) ORF6, Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) C, and Swine influenza virus (SIV) M. The fragments amplified were 192 bp (PRV), 255 bp (PCV2), 364 bp (PRRSV), 530 bp (CSFV), and 981bp (SIV). The results of sensitivity and specificity tests showed that the minimum amounts of nucleic acid required for the mPCR were 18 pg (PRV), 22 pg (PCV2), 26 pg (PRRSV), 48 pg (CSFV), and 32 pg (SIV). The amplification results for Porcine parvovirus and Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus were both negative. The results for 48 clinical samples collected in Guizhou Province revealed that the five viruses are common on pig farms in Guizhou Province, with an incidence rate of 54%, and often as mixed infection. This five-plex PCR method can rapidly detect and differentiate these five viruses.
Can mobilising specialists be relieved by a robotic system for the early mobilisation of intensive-care patients? A quantitative longitudinal study at three data collection points at a German university hospital
Authors: Mehler-Klamt Amrei , Koestler Natascha , Huber Jana , Warmbein Angelika , Rathgeber Ivanka , Gutmann Marcus , Biebl Johanna Theresia , Hübner Lucas , Schroeder Ines , Scharf Christina , Ohneberg Christoph , Kraft Eduard , Zoller Michael , Fischer Uli , Eberl Inge 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background:
Immobility in intensive-care patients can lead to significant health risks and costs for the health system. Reasons for this include the shortage of specialist staff from nursing and physiotherapy who usually take over mobilisation activities for intensive-care patients. Use of robotic systems is to facilitate early mobilisation and thus counteract too-long immobility. Whether this can also relieve staff has not yet been sufficiently investigated.
Methods:
To investigate the psychological stress and behaviour of mobilising specialist during conventional and robot-assisted mobilisations of intensive-care patients and to draw conclusions regarding the burden and relief for the mobilising staff caused by the robotic system, a quantitative longitudinal study was conducted with three data collection points (T1, T2, T3). Aspects of body postures, stress perception of mobilising staff as well as the time and personnel mobilisation effort were collected in non-participatory standardised observations. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis of the observations of 35 conventional mobilisations (T1), 55 robot-assisted mobilisations (T2) by non-routine users, and 9 robot-assisted mobilisations by routine users (T3).
Results:
The duration of robot-assisted mobilisation had significantly longer process times in preparation, follow-up and execution phases than conventional mobilisation (median of total duration: T1: 16 minutes, T2/3: 46 minutes).
Trial registration:
clinicaltrials.org TRN: NCT05071248, Date: 2021/10/21 URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05071248