bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone Char: Synthesis, Characterization, and Agronomic Application as an Alternative Source of Phosphorus
Authors: de Castro Gustavo Franco , Duarte Valber Georgio de Oliveira , Ballotin Fabiane Carvalho , Rocha Brunno Cesar Pereira , Rezende Igor Franco , Mattiello Edson Marcio , Vale Lucas Pereira Ribeiro do , de Oliveira Gustavo Soares , Tronto Jairo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Alternative materials can be used to reduce reliance on mining for P-based fertilizers. In this sense, the pyrolysis process of bovine bones can produce a product called “bone char”, which can be used as a source of P. The present work aims to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the solubility of fertilizers extractants using bone char, Bayóvar, and triple superphosphate; to evaluate the ‘‘in vitro’’ release of P; to investigate the availability of P from the fertilizers in consecutive cultivations of maize and black-oat. The characterization of the bone char was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive (SEM-EDS). The XRD analyses have shown the presence of hydroxyapatite in the bone char, bands assigned to P-O stretching from phosphate have been observed in ATR-FTIR, and Ca, P, C, and O elements were identified in the materials by EDS analyses. The solubility from fertilizers extractants was higher for bone char compared to Bayóvar and both sources showed lower solubility compared to triple superphosphate. The cumulative amount of P released from bone char was higher compared to Bayóvar and lower than triple superphosphate. The quantities of total dry matter, total shoot P uptake, and total shoot Ca uptake were higher for triple superphosphate compared to bone char and Bayóvar. The release profile of P from bone char strongly suggests that this material can be used as a slow-release P source, with intermediate solubility between the soluble and non-soluble commercialized sources.
From Experiential Reflections on Truth to Post-colonial: Unpacking Postcolonial theory, African Philosophy using storytelling as Alterity of African Reason in Education.
Authors: Ofosu-Asare Yaw 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This paper examines a postcolonial theoretical framework for educating graphic design students in Ghana, by engaging storytelling as a way of holding to African ways of knowing. The paper begins by discussing debates in philosophy on ontology and epistemology, particularly in relation to colonialism and western rationality. Drawing on postcolonial theory and African storytelling, the paper argues that assertions should be interpreted outside the conventional framework of western reason, and that a postcolonial problem-space is created when non-western cultures can pose and address specific questions about their continuing colonial circumstances. The paper explores the use of qualitative interviews, connecting with oneself in relation to others, and constructing story as method for gathering and analysing data. Ultimately, the authors suggest that by considering alternative perspectives and methods, Ghanaian educators can better understand the experiences of students and work towards decolonising the classroom space.
Aluminum-induced changes in the net carbon fixation and carbon decomposition of a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum
Authors: Zhou Linbin , Liu Fengjie , Tan Yehui , Fortin Claude , Huang Liangmin , Campbell Peter G.C. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Recent studies suggest aluminum (Al) likely plays a role in the ocean carbon cycle by altering the biological carbon fixation and carbon decomposition of marine diatoms. However, it remains speculative whether Al has similar effects on other ecologically important phytoplankton groups such as the globally important nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium,Trichodesmium. Here we report the influence of Al on carbon fixation and decomposition in non-axenic cultures ofTrichodesmium erythraeumIMS101 (CCMP 1985). By using radiocarbon, and adding oceanic relevant amounts of dissolved Al (yielding concentrations of 40 and 200 nM) along with non-Al-amended controls, we investigated the changes in particulate organic carbon (POC) ofTrichodesmium(> 2 µm,TrichodesmiumPOC), and free-living bacteria (0.2–2 µm, bacterial POC), and dissolved organic carbon (< 0.2 µm, DOC) over a 116-day growth period. The results showed that the rates of increase of POC in the declining growth phase ofT. erythraeumwere significantly higher (by 11–14%) in the Al-enriched treatments than in the control, and this Al-enhanced carbon fixation is consistent with previous observations on marine diatoms. On the other hand, unlike diatoms, the POC fromT. erythraeumdecomposed faster in the Al-enriched treatments during the first decay phase when bacterial POC and DOC increased along with the decomposition ofTrichodesmiumPOC. Further addition of the same amounts of Al (again calculated to increase the Al concentration by 40 and 200 nM) was performed on day 71. This treatment was designed to mimic Al supply from sediment after the settling ofTrichodesmiumcolonies to the ocean bottom. Following this second addition, the decomposition rate of bothTrichodesmiumPOC and DOC slowed down by 20–27% and 31–62%, respectively, during the second decay phase, when DOC and bacterial POC decreased. The study suggests that Al fertilization in the surface ocean via dust deposition may increase the net carbon fixation and nitrogen fixation byTrichodesmium, and thus the supply of new nitrogen to the euphotic zone, whereas Al from sediment may decrease the decomposition rate of decayingTrichodesmiumsettled to the ocean bottom.
Prognostic value and immunological role of Adenylate Kinase 2 in human glioma
Authors: Lu Hanwen , Zhang Bingchang , Zhao Wenpeng , Wang Zhanxiang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Adenylate Kinase 2 (AK2) is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the exchange of nucleotide phosphate groups in cells, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism and transfer. Recent reports have suggested an association between AK2 and immune response in certain tumors. However, the biological function of AK2 in gliomas remains unknown. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential role of AK2 in gliomas by analyzing the relationship between AK2 gene expression and survival outcomes in glioma patients using data from the CGGA and TCGA databases and clinical samples. In addition, we assessed the correlation between AK2 expression and tumor immune score in gliomas utilizing the TIMER 2.0 tool. Furthermore, we investigated the possible biological function of AK2 in gliomas by performing GO annotation and KEGG signal pathway enrichment analyses. Our research indicates that: (1) AK2 is significantly overexpressed in gliomas and associated with poor prognosis in low-grade gliomas (LGGs); (2) AK2 expression is positively correlated with glioma grade; (3) AK2 gene knockdown induces cell apoptosis via the Caspase10/Caspase3 pathway; (4) Gene annotation and enrichment analyses reveal that AK2 function is mainly related to energy metabolism, energy transfer, and antigen presentation of glioma; (5) AK2 expression is positively correlated with the infiltration of certain immune cells. These results suggest that AK2 may serve as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic marker for LGGs.
Body composition, physical function, and dietary patterns in people from 20 to over 80 years old: the INSPIRE-T cohort
Authors: Lengelé Laetitia , de França Natasha A. Grande , Rolland Yves , Guyonnet Sophie , Barreto Philipe de Souto , Vellas Bruno 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Nutrition is a modifiable factor that may influence biochemical pathways associated with age-related body composition and physical function changes. This study aimed to describe dietary patterns and their relationships with body composition, physical performance, and grip strength according to age and sex.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: The data were collected in either the Clinical Research Center (CRC) of the Gérontopôle of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) of Toulouse or in participant’s home for those who were unable to come to the research facilities.
Participants: 470 (63% female) participants of the INSPIRE-T cohort, from 20 to 93 years old.
Measurements: The “Mediterranean-like” (i.e., plant-based foods, dairy), “Animal products” (i.e., meat, processed meat, butter, refined starch), and “Sugar and fast food” (i.e., ultra-processed and sugary foods) dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis. Total and trunk fat mass indexes (FMI, kg/m²), and total and appendicular lean mass indexes (LMI, kg/m²) were assessed by DXA. Physical performance comprised gait speed (m/sec), chair rise (sec), the Short Physical Performance Battery test (/12 points), and handgrip strength (kg) was assessed. The associations were explored through multivariate linear regressions by sex and age groups: ≥20 to <50, ≥50 to <65, and ≥65 years.
Results: In middle-aged women, greater adherence to the “Animal products” diet was associated with higher total and appendicular LMI, whether higher intake of “Sugar and fast food” resulted in worse physical performance. In middle-aged men, the “Mediterranean-like” diet was associated with lower total and trunk FMI, and total and appendicular LMI. Greater compliance with the “Animal products” diet was related to lower strength. Higher “Sugar and fast food” diet intake was associated with greater total and trunk FMI, and slower gait speed. Body composition did not mediate these relationships.
Conclusion: Men were more prone to have less healthy food intake in all age groups. Diets composed of sugary foods, fast foods, and processed meat were associated with higher fat mass and poorer physical performance and strength.
NarL contributes to virulence of Salmonella Typhimurium in nitrate rich anaerobic condition
Authors: M Pashupathi , Priyadarsini Swagatika , C Nikhil K , Sahoo Pravas Ranjan , Singh Rohit , Saxena Meeta , Upmanyu Vikramaditya , Agarwal Ravikant , Singh Praveen , Saini Mohini , KUMAR AJAY 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) is a facultative anaerobe of zoonotic importance and one of the causative agents of non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS). During infection, STM must adapt to the changes in oxygen concentration encountered in the crucial niches of host like gut lumen and intramacrophage environments. But being a chemo-organoheterotroph, STM is capable of obtaining its energy from organic sources via redox reactions. NarL, a transcription factor and the response regulator of the two-component regulatory system NarX/L, gets activated under nitrate rich anaerobic condition. Upon activation, it upregulates the nitrate reduction during anaerobic respiration. However, in this study, we observed a significant attenuation of virulence in the narL-knockout strain of STM, while the respective morphotypes got rescued upon genetic complementation. Along with motility and biofilm forming ability, the mutant strain displayed reduced intracellular replication in either intestinal epithelial cells or monocyte-derived macrophages of poultry origin. Further, in vivo competitive assay in the murine model showed that wild type STM significantly outcompeted its isogenic narL null mutant.
Nonstandard finite difference treatment of a differential game problem
Authors: Alabdullah Maan T. Alabdullah Maan T. , Hasan Muner Mustafa , Siedyb  
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This paper presents and analyses some Mean Field Games (MFGs) models that depict interactions between two groups where the number of participants tends to +infinity.Solutions to differential game problems, systems of partial differential equations. MFGtheory equations have been developed to approximate the static and evolutionary versions of such models. We present numerical methods and simulations. To solve the problem in the resulting system of equations, we propose nonstandard finite difference schemes for the optimal planning problem, which has an optimal control formulation. We also conduct numerical tests.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 65M06, 33F05.
Geographic distribution of laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies in domestic and wild animals based on passive surveillance records in Uganda: 2015-2022
Authors: Omodo Michael , Gardela Jaume , Namatovu Alice , Nakanjako Maria Flavia , Okurut Ademun Rose , Sekamatte Musa , Charity Mutesi , Gonzalez Jean Paul 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In Uganda, data regarding rabies outbreaks are acquired through passive surveillance. However, this surveillance system is associated with challenges such as limited case reporting and logistical gaps, leading to reduced sample submission for the positive diagnostic to the national reference veterinary laboratory. Although the dog is a main transmitter of rabies virus in low- and medium-income countries, wildlife reservoirs (e.g., mongoose, jackals, foxes) can potentially spread the virus to livestock and human populations in Uganda. The present study aims to evaluate rabies virus circulation in livestock, domestic dogs, and wild carnivores, and to identify the distribution of positive cases following rabies outbreaks from 2015-2022 in Uganda.
Methods
Seventy-three (73) brain specimens from suspected rabies cases in livestock, domestic animals, and wild carnivores from different districts of Uganda were submitted to the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center for testing and analysis. Samples were subjected to two tests: the rapid rabies antigen detection test and the direct fluorescent antibody test, which is the gold standard for rabies diagnosis.
Results
Out of 73 samples, 50 tested positive (68.5%). Dogs were the species displaying the globally highest positivity (42%), followed by cattle (24%), goats (20%), and wild carnivores (10%). Of the 21 dogs tested, 15 were stray dogs (30%). Most of the cases were found in the Busia district (14%), followed by Arua district (10%) and Mukono district (10%). Our data demonstrated that the rabies virus is actively circulating in domestic and wild animal populations in several regions of Uganda and remains a high risk to human and animal health.
Conclusions
The correlation found between the number of samples submitted and the number of positive results shows the accuracy (more than one in two cases) of the diagnosis of suspected rabies in the animals sampled.
Robust and widely implementable One Health surveillance systems are required to detect and control the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. Encouragement of the concerned actors to use efficient diagnostic technology coupled with a rapid field response is needed to improve the surveillance of deadly zoonosis such as rabies.
Numerical study of the effect of orthogonal cutting parameters on the shear plane angle in 4340 steel
Authors: Zohourkari Iman , Zarei Ramin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In an orthogonal cutting process, the shear plane has a significant force resulting from chip removal action, since in the chip removal process, most of the force applied to the workpiece is used to change the shape of the material in the form of heat and it is dissipated by the chip, tool and the workpiece. It can be seen that the shear zone takes the highest temperature during the chip removal process. Therefore, increasing or decreasing the area of the shear plane and its angle has a direct effect on reducing the temperature and force resulting from chip removal and accordingly, improving the cutting conditions. In this research, the effect of machining parameters including cutting velocity, depth of cut, rake angle, and tool radius on temperature, force, and angle of cutting plane in AISI 4340 alloy is studied. The two-dimensional finite element model of orthogonal cutting is simulated as a couple of dynamic-thermal loads. The results obtained from the simulation in DEFORM software show that the depth of cut has the greatest effect on the changes in the angle of the shear plane in such a way that increasing the depth of cut decreases the angle of the shear plane and vice versa, also, the radius of the tool has the least effect on the changes in the angle. The results obtained from the numerical simulation are in good agreement with metal-cutting theories.
Metabolic capacity is maintained despite shifts in microbial diversity in estuary sediments
Authors: Baker Brett , Langwig Marguerite , De Anda Valerie , Sneed Sunny , Seitz Kiley , Rasmussen Anna , Lee Jessica , Anantharaman Karthik , Francis Christopher 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems where sediment microbes mediate carbon and nutrient cycling. Our understanding of estuarine microbial communities is limited by a lack of system level characterizations. Here we obtained 639 novel metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from four seasons across San Francisco Bay (SFB), the largest estuary on the West Coast of the United States. In shallow sediments, we observed a broad diversity of uncultured prokaryotes with distinct pathways for nitrogen and sulfur cycling. This includes 12 Nitrospira capable of complete nitrification (comammox) and 5 Bacteroidota and Gammaproteobacteria with pathways for complete denitrification. We also identified abundant sulfur oxidizing and reducing organisms, including rdsr-encoding Spirochaetota. We observe phylum-level shifts in community composition across sites, yet key nitrogen and sulfur metabolisms are maintained throughout the estuary. This functional redundancy is important to consider for understanding microbial community responses to climate change and human activity in estuarine ecosystems.
Future projections of storm surges and associated coastal inundation along the east coast of India
Authors: PLN Murty , Kolukula Siva Srinivas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study aims to analyze several aspects of storm surges and associated coastal inundation along the east coast of India. The current study utilizes historical cyclone tracks over the past five decades and, synthetic tracks are projected for the next 100 years to develop a comprehensive analysis of the storm surges in India. The impact of climate change on cyclone path and intensity is also considered. The ADCIRC model is used to compute storm surge heights and associated coastal inundation for historical and future cyclone tracks. An in-depth analysis is carried out using composite maps explaining the storm surge characteristics at various coastal locations. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive analysis of potential storm surges and associated coastal flooding related to exaggerated cyclones that are expected in a changing climate scenario. The outcome of the study is beneficial to storm surge operational centers and disaster management applications.
Development of aerobic granular sludge for real industrial/municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Sanchez-Sanchez Celina , Moreno-Rodríguez Ernestina , Ortiz-Cruz J. Alejandro , Moeller-Chávez Gabriela Eleonora 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The formation and evolution of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) developed in a sequential batch reactor (SBR) were evaluated to understand the effect of influential operating parameters on its morphology, stability, and removal performance while treating industrial/municipal wastewater. After 18 days of operation (stage I), mature granules were identified in the reactor, and in 25 days, the AGS system reached a stable operation. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were affected by the applied operating variations (from stages II to VII). Until day 48 (stage III), the aerobic granules did not show relevant changes in shape and stability. During this stage, the AGS system achieved high removal efficiencies of COD (97.7%) and TKN (86.2%) and a sludge volume index (SVI) of 65 ± 6.7 mL/g-total suspended solids. From stage IV until the end of the reactor operation, partial disintegration and rupture occurred in the system, but granules did not completely disintegrate. Specifically, a volumetric exchange ratio (VER) of &gt;67% and an aeration rate (AR) of &lt;2.5 L/min promoted the compactness and the structural integrity of AGS. The principal component analysis corroborated that the rise in the VER is an effective strategy for improving AGS stability and organic pollutant removal.
Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions Involving Antiretroviral Agents: An Update
Authors: Yu Xin , Zhao Lifeng , Yuan Zheng , Li Yingfei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Antiretroviral therapy is the recognized treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
involving several antiviral agents. Even though highly active antiretroviral therapy has been proven to be very effective
in suppressing HIV replication, the antiretroviral drugs, belonging to different pharmacological classes, present
quite complex pharmacokinetic properties such as extensive drug metabolism and transport by membrane-associated
drug carriers. Moreover, due to uncomplications or complications in HIV-infected populations, an antiretroviralbased
multiple-drug coadministration therapy strategy is usually applied for treatment effect, thus raising the possibility
of drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral drugs and common drugs such as opioids, stains, and hormonal
contraceptives. Herein, thirteen classical antiretroviral drugs approved by US Food and Drug Administration were
summarized. Besides, relative drug metabolism enzymes and transporters known to interact with those antiretroviral
drugs were detailed and described. Furthermore, one after the summarized antiretroviral drugs, the drug-drug interactions
between two antiretroviral drugs or antiretroviral drug - conventional medical drugs of the past decade were
discussed and summarized. This review is intended to deepen the pharmacological understanding of antiretroviral
drugs and promote more secure clinical applications for antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV.
Novel Leflunomide Analog, UTLOH-4e, Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis
Induced by Monosodium Urate Via NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Tianmin , Chen Shilong , Yin Yifeng , Shaw Jiajiu , Zeng Jin , Li Li , Song Lei , Zhang Yiguan , Yin Zhujun , Zhao Junning 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Gouty arthritis (GA) is a common form of inflammatory arthritis caused
by intra-articular deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals; however, there is a tremendous
lack of safe and effective therapy in the clinic.

Objective:
The goal of this work was to investigate a novel leflunomide analogue, N-(2,4-
dihydroxyphenyl)-5-methyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxamide (UTLOH-4e), for its potential to prevent/
treat gouty arthritis.

Methods:
In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of UTLOH-4e was evaluated by MSUinduced
GA model in vivo and in vitro, and the molecular docking test was applied to estimate the
affinity of UTLOH-4e/UTL-5g/b for MAPKs, NF-κB, and NLRP3.

Results:
In vitro, UTLOH-4e (1~100 μM) treatment inhibited the inflammatory reaction with no
obvious cytotoxicity in PMA-induced THP-1 macrophages exposed to MSU crystals for 24 h,
involving the prominent decreased production and gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6.
Western blot analyses demonstrated that UTLOH-4e (1~100 μM) significantly suppressed the
activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, the data from
the experiment on gouty rats induced by intra-articular injection of MSU crystal confirmed that
UTLOH-4e markedly ameliorated rat paw swelling, articular synovium inflammation and reduced
the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum through down-regulating NLRP3 protein expression.

Conclusion:
These results manifested that UTLOH-4e ameliorates GA induced by MSU crystals,
which contributes to the modulation of NF-κB/ NLRP3 signaling pathway, suggesting that UTLOH-
4e is a promising and potent drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.