bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where and when to sample: Investigating spatio-temporal variation of community assemblages in kelp forest systems with eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Rossouw Emma Isabelle , Landschoff Jannes , Ndhlovu Andrew , Neef Götz , Miya Masaki , Courtaillac Kira-Lee , Brokensha Rouane , Heyden Sophie von der 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, yet several outstanding questions remain regarding the persistence of eDNA. In this study, we use fine-scale spatial (1 m, 8 m) and temporal sampling (every four hours for 24 hours), in combination with metabarcoding to test the effect of depth and time on community assemblages in a dynamic kelp forest ecosystem, specifically to enhance our understanding of sampling regimes. Using mtDNA COI and 12S rRNA, metabarcoding detected 880 OTUs representing 75 families in the broader eukaryotic community and 44 OTUs representing 24 fish families. Only a few OTUs (COI = 19, 12S = 11) could be assigned to species. No significant depth or time partitioning of OTU assemblages was found, likely reflecting high levels of eDNA transport, with community composition and OTU richness not significantly different across depth over the 24 hour sampling period. Together with incomplete barcoding reference databases, results indicate that understanding the fine-scale spatio-temporal dynamics of eDNA signatures is crucial for informing sampling strategies and interpreting the dynamics of aquatic communities. Finally, our study emphasizes how understudied South African kelp forest systems are, and the potential eDNA metabarcoding holds for documenting their high levels of biodiversity.
Association between dyslipidaemia and the risk of kidney stones in US adults
Authors: Yu Jianpeng , Qin Yingyi , Tu Boxiang , Liu Lulu , Xu Ying , Shi Yuxuan , Chen Wei , Guo Zhiyong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background

Kidney stones are common, frequently occurring worldwide. Some studies have analysed the relationship between dyslipidaemia and kidney stone occurrence but produced inconsistent results due to shortcomings such as small sample sizes, sampling bias, and limited data acquisition. Therefore, correlation studies with sufficient data sources, wide coverage, and strong representation must be carried out.

Methods

Samples used in our study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016 database. Patients were divided into kidney stone and non-kidney stone groups according to an NHANES standardized question: “Have you ever had kidney stones?” Data on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the TC/HDL-C ratio were gathered from the two groups. Weighted Mann‒Whitney U tests, weighted chi-square tests, and weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the relationship between dyslipidaemia and kidney stone occurrence.

Results

In total, 10,753 participants were included. TG, TC/HDL-C, and the percentage of individuals with abnormal TG or HDL-C were significantly higher in the stone group than in the non-stone group, and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in the stone group than in the non-stone group. Univariate and multivariate weighted logistic regression analyses indicated that TG and HDL-C abnormalities and high TC/HDL-C levels might be related to increased kidney stone risk (all P for trend < 0.05). Subgroup analyses after stratifying the overall data by age group, sex, and BMI showed that the effects of TG abnormality and TC/HDL-C level on kidney stone risk varied by age group and BMI, while the effect of HDL-C abnormality on the risk of kidney stones only varied by age group.

Conclusion

TG, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C are related to a history of kidney stones in US adults. Dyslipidaemia may increase kidney stone prevalence. Further prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to verify the causal roles and pathogenesis.
MicroRNA-148a and -152 counteract RIPK1-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis to promote cancer cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Li Jingjing , Ji Yuting , Zhao Cong , Du Yayun , Dou Xiaoyan , Wang Xinhui , Zhang Haoran , Xu Xiangping , Du Shujing , Lu Haohao , Yang Tao , Zhang Wei , Yang Chengkui , He Sudan , Yu Xiaoliang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Evasion of cell death is a hallmark of cancer cells. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a common mediator in cancer cell death signaling pathways of apoptosis and necroptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that are involved in various biological processes such as cell proliferation and death by regulating target genes. Here, we identified miR-148a and miR-152 as suppressors of TNF-induced apoptosis based on the screening of apoptosis-regulating miRNAs. Elevated expression of miR-148a or miR-152 blocks cellular activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 in multiple cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-148a or miR-152 inhibits TNF-induced necroptosis as well as cellular activation of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL. We found that both miR-148a and miR-152 downregulate the expression of RIPK1, an essential regulator of both TNF-induced apoptosis and necroptosis. MiR-148a and miR-152 directly target the 3’UTR of RIPK1 to inhibit RIPK1 expression. Importantly, miR-148a or miR-152 overexpression promotes colony formation in multiple types of cancer cells. Of note, Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis reveals that gastric carcinoma patients with high miR-152 expression are associated with lower overall survival. Overexpression of miR-148a or miR-152 significantly counteracts the chemotherapy drug cisplatin-induced RIPK1-mediated cell death and promotes gastric cancer cell survival and proliferation. These findings demonstrate the miR-148a and miR-152 as a class of oncogenic miRNAs capable of evading apoptosis and necroptosis via the suppression of RIPK1. Our study also suggests the miR-148a and miR-152 as a potential anti-cancer target for overcoming cell death resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin.
Chickpea seed mass influences agronomical performance: a case for seed heteromorphism?
Authors: Villalobos-Olivera Ariel , Campbell Roberto , Martínez-Montero Marcos Edel , Gómez Daviel , Acosta Yanier , Zevallos-Bravo Byron E. , Hajari Elliosha , Lorenzo José Carlos 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Cicer arietinum L. is a major food legume across the globe. However, the yield of legume crops appears to have reached a plateau in developing countries where yield is often impacted by poor crop establishment. Therefore, seed physiological characteristics (specific to the cultivars/landraces adapted to various regions of the world) and their impacts on plantlet establishment and performance should be investigated. This study determined the effect of seed size on germination, plant development and agronomic performance in Cuba. Biochemical parameters were also evaluated for up to 21 d of growth. The results showed that seeds of the largest mass (89 ± 3 mg, group 3) showed more rapid germination, emergence and plant growth than the other tested mass categories. This trend was sustained until plant maturity where group 3 seeds also generated the highest yields. Differences were also noted in the antioxidant profiles in developing plants with the highest levels of SOD and PER found in plants generated from seeds with the smallest mass (55 ± 3 mg per seed, group 1). The above findings raise the questions as to whether seeds of chickpea display heteromorphic behavior, however, further studies are required.
Biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 mortality using the joint modelling approach
Authors: Maso Matteo Di , Delbue Serena , Sampietro Maurizio , Ferraroni Monica , Modenese Annalisa , Dolci Maria , Ambrogi Federico , Ferrante Pasquale 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background Evidence showed the role of biomarkers in predicting severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We evaluated associations between several biomarkers measured throughout the follow-up and COVID-19 mortality using the joint modelling (JM) approach, the candidate tool for this kind of data. Methods Between February and May 2020, a total of 403 COVID-19 patients were admitted. Baseline characteristics included sex and age, whereas biomarkers included lymphocytes, neutrophils, D-dimer, ferritin, C-reactive protein, glucose and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated through JM using a Bayesian approach. We fitted univariable and multivariable JMs including a single biomarker and the set of all biomarkers, respectively. Results In univariable JMs, all biomarkers were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. In the multivariable JM, HRs were 1.78 (95% CI: 1.13–2.87) per doubling of neutrophils levels, 1.49 (95% CI: 1.19–1.95) per doubling of C-reactive protein levels, 2.66 (95% CI: 1.45–4.95) per an increase of 100 mg/dL of glucose, and 1.31 (95% CI: 1.12–1.55) per an increase of 100 U/L of LDH. No evidence of association was observed for ferritin and lymphocytes in the multivariable JM. Men had a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality than women (HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.07–2.80) and age showed the strongest effect with risk starting to rapidly increase from 60 years. Conclusions These findings using JM confirm the usefulness of biomarkers in assessing COVID-19 severity and mortality. Monitoring trend patterns of such biomarkers can provide additional help in tailoring the more appropriate care pathway.
Influence of PAO@PSF microcapsules on the tribological properties of polyvinylidene fluoride matrix recovered from waste membranes
Authors: Liang Lifen , Ma Yalong , Ji Xianbing , Ma Jizhong , Song Laizhou , Yang Yulin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In the study, the waste polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were recovered and the micropowders of this polymer were obtained by solvent recovery method. Moreover, the new direction for applying waste PVDF membranes to the field of tribology were developed. Thus, a novel PVDF-based tribological composite (PAO@PSF/PVDF) was fabricated with recycled PVDF micropowders acted as the matrix polymer and PAO@PSF microcapsules with the configuration of polysulfone (PSF) capsuling lubricant oil (PAO) served as the filler. The self-lubricating and wear properties of PAO@PSF/PVDF composite were tested under dry sliding condition using a ball-on-disc configuration. In particular, this kind of composite with the inclusion of 20 wt% PAO@PSF microcapsules exhibited the best tribological properties, i.e., the lowest friction coefficient (0.077) and the smallest wear rate (2.34×10-15 m3/Nm). The filling of PAO@PSF microcapsules greatly improved the antifriction and wear resistance of PVDF, guaranteeing the self-lubricating feature of this polymer. The tribological properties of PAO@PSF/PVDF composite can reach close to those under the condition of dripping lubricating oil, and the prepared PAO@PSF/PVDF self-lubricating composite can be applied to a large range of friction conditions. Furthermore, without any doubt, it will facilitate the reutilization of waste polymers.
Correction to the article published in 2022: Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis: a single-center retrospective study in the Bronx, New York
Authors: Liaqat Wasla , Palaiodimos Leonidas , Li Weijia , Karamanis Dimitrios , Tahir Arooj , Tzoumas Andreas , Nagraj Sanjana , Tiwari Nidhish , Grushko Michael , Kokkinidis Damianos , Gashi Eleonora , Leider Jason , Coyle Christina , Faillace Robert T. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective

There is paucity of data on the epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of patients admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) in the Bronx, New York.

Patient and methods

We conducted a retrospective study at Jacobi Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital in the Bronx. All adult patients who were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of new-onset IE between January 1st, 2010 and September 30th, 2020 were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A logistic regression model was used to identify baseline variables associated with in-hospital mortality.

Results

182 patients were included in this analysis (female sex: 38.5%, median age: 54 years). 46 patients (25.3%) reported intravenous drug use. 153 patients (84.1%) had positive blood cultures. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was the most common isolated pathogen (45.1% of monomicrobial IE). Nearly half of the cases secondary to S. aureus were methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (34/69). 164 patients (90.1%) were diagnosed with native valve IE. The mitral valve was involved in 32.4% of patients followed by the aortic valve (19.8%). The in-hospital mortality was 18.1%. The mortality was higher in the cohort 2010–2015 compared to the cohort 2016–2020 (22.1% vs 14.6%). MRSA IE was the only variable found to have significant association with in-hospital death.

Conclusion

S. aureus was the most common causative agent and MRSA accounted for about half of the S. aureus IE cases. The incidence of IE in patients with intravenous drug use increased over time, while the median age decreased. The in-hospital death rate was higher in 2010–2015 compared to 2016–2020.
Artificial Intelligence for Prediction of Biological Activities and Generation of molecular hits using Stereochemical Information
Authors: Pereira Tiago O. , Abbasi Maryam , Oliveira Rita I. , Guedes Romina A. , Salvador Jorge A. R. , Arrais Joel P. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, we develop a method for generating targeted hit compounds by applying deep reinforcement learning and attention mechanisms to predict binding affinity against a biological target while considering stereochemical information. The novelty of this work is a deep model Predictor that can establish the relationship between chemical structures and their corresponding pIC50 values. We thoroughly study the effect of different molecular descriptors such as ECFP4, ECFP6, SMILES and RDKFingerprint. Also, we demonstrated the importance of attention mechanisms to capture long-range dependencies in molecular sequences. Due to the importance of stereochemical information for the binding mechanism, this information was employed both in the prediction and generation processes. To identify the most promising hits, we apply the self-adaptive multi-objective optimization strategy. Moreover, to ensure the existence of stereochemical information, we consider all the possible enumerated stereoisomers to provide the most appropriate 3D structures. We evaluated this approach against the Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 7 (USP7) by generating putative inhibitors for this target. The predictor with SMILES notations as descriptor plus bidirectional recurrent neural network using attention mechanism has the best performance. Additionally, our methodology identify the regions of the generated molecules that are important for the interaction with the receptor’s active site. Also, the obtained results demonstrate that it is possible to discover synthesizable molecules with high biological affinity for the target, containing the indication of their optimal stereochemical conformation.
In vitro Production of Double Haploid in Maize (Zea mays L.) Through Pollen Culture
Authors: Muneer Summia , Khan Muhammad Asaf , Naz Ambreen , Waheed Ummara 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) has a distinct genetic system and is recalcitrant to generate haploid and subsequently double haploid plants from pollen grains in aseptic conditions. It is a technique with lot of potential for producing pure lines for crop improvement and introducing the desired variability through modification in biochemical and applied genetics. The experiment was conducted using different doses of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 6-Benzylaminopurine(BAP), Zeatin(ZEA), Kinetin and Naphthalene Acetic Acid(NAA) ranging from 0.5 mg/L to 5 mg/L for the callus induction and plantlet regeneration. The callus was sub-cultured for double haploid induction with doses of 100–500 mg/l colchicine for 7h, 12h and 7 days. Microscopic examination and morphological identification were proposed to check ploidy level. The results exhibited the callus formation at 1, 2 and 3 mg/l concentrations of 2, 4-D and IAA respectively. Based on the time required for the 2, 4-D, callus induction at the concentration of 2mg/l exhibited (47 days) and at the same concentration of IAA exhibited the minimum days of callus induction (34 days). The colchicine treated pollen derived callus regenerated into roots and shoots on IAA and BAP with 3mg/l and 2mg/l respectively. In contrast to pollen derived callus, colchicine treated seed callus gave better results. Double haploid plant produced successfully through in vitro culture of pollen. Current study will be helpful for the achievement of homozygosity in relatively less time and varietal improvement for desired traits.
Si Engine Effect of Air Fuel Ratio on Engine Performance and Emission With Ethanol Blends (Cdi+efi)
Authors: Khan Engr shamsher 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The focus of this research was to see how the air-fuel ratio alters engine performance and emissions while the engine was running on ethanol-gasoline compositions. This study was conducted using a single cylinder four stroke spark ignition engine, a dynamometer, and an emission analyzer. The air-fuel ratio was manually controlled, and then several percentages of ethanol-gasoline blends were utilised in the engine. Torque, braking specific fuel consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) performance and emission tests were done at various air-fuel ratios and engine speeds. Leaning the air fuel ratio reduced CO2 and HC emissions in the same way that pure gasoline did, but unlike pure gasoline, ethanol blends had superior combustion characteristics at lean operating limits and greater engine speeds. Leaning the air-fuel ratio and utilising ethanol-gasoline blends resulted in considerable reductions in CO and HC emissions. The study also explained how to build an analytical model for the given statistical problem. The application of ANOVA to enhance the performance characteristics of a 4-stroke spark ignition engine was investigated in this article.The facilities established for performing experimental work on the test engine experiment were described in this paper. The SI engine was subjected to theoretical, experimental, and statistical evaluations, as well as the prediction of performance characteristics using ANOVA.
Women participation in the informal economy: assessing the pattern of operations and challenges in post-COVID-19
Authors: Adewumi Samson Adeoluwa 
Published: January 2023

The object of research: first, to understand the operational activities of women informal economy operators. Second, to highlight and discuss the challenges of women informal economy operators. Third, to understand the implication of post COVID-19 era for women informal economy operators.
Investigated problem: the dynamics, operations and level of activities of the informal economy and the extent of women involvement, the issues around the challenges women are exposed to as participants of the informal economy, the role and impact of the post COVID-19 on women informal economy operators.
The main scientific results: first, the operational activities of women informal economy operators include street-trading and hawking, casual employment, family business and home-based enterprises. Second, the challenges for women operators in the informal economy include health hazards, gender discrimination and harassment, institutional and social barriers, cultural stereotypes and constrictions to loans. Third, the implications of postCOVID-19 pandemic include liquidation of businesses, increased economic hardship and poverty and little or no State intervention through palliatives.
The area of practical use of the research results: ministry of labour and employment, trade unions, women organization, non-governmental organization (NGO’s), labour research institute, traders association, industrial court, labour professionals and advocates.
The evaluation on performance of narrow- gap welding thick steel plates under the influence of main welding parameters
Authors: Duong Vu 
Published: January 2023

This work presents the experimental results of narrow gap butt welding of steel plates with large thickness by using the Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding method.The typical defects are accompanied with this process such as the infusion in the side wall and the porosity due to the narrow gap which affect on the melting process. Thus, some publications noted the results of welding for the thickness up to 20−30 mm and the chamfer angle about 30° using GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, SMAW and new development such as laser – arc hybrid, laser multi- pass technique, super -TIG welding etc. But the production requires the solution to save the costs by the reduction of time, labour and investment keeping the standard quality. That is the aim of this study. In order to improve the quality of weld joint and increase the productivity of the process, is it suggested to develop the innovative welding process, in which the welding voltage – Uw, the translational velocity of the tip – Vt, and rotational velocity of the tip – Vr, are changing. This helped to increase the thickness of steel plates up to 50 mm and the chamfer angle decreased at 15°, providing the satisfied quality of the weld. The micrography study serve as the preliminary proof of this hypothesis.
The microstructures in 4 regions, such as the weld center zone, heat-affected zone (HAZ), parent metal region, and the boundary between the weld metal and the HAZ were examined. The microstructures of 13 positions from different experiments are investigated using the optical microscope (Axiovert 25).These experiments covered all specific points (node) locating accordingly to three layers from bottom to top of the weld joint . The findings proved the welding quality is similar in case of narrow gap but the chamfer angle is twice lower and the thickness is increased. The result of the study enhances the productivity due to saving the labour cost and the welding materials. It is recommended to consider the effect of other factors (such as cooling conditions, dwell time when the arc approaching the side walls) to optimize the weld quality. There is the huge volume of the heavy steel constructions with the thick steel construction and specific narrow gap in industry. The results of this study with the optimization and more deeper evaluation the influence of main parameters of welding process to eliminate the typical defects will be the valuable reco mmendation for the managers and engineers in the production of metallic constructions