bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substrate type and CO2 addition significantly influence succinic acid production of Basfia succiniciproducens
Authors: Balázs Márta , Bartos Hunor , Lányi Szabolcs , Bodor Zsolt , Miklóssy Ildikó 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMetabolic engineering has shown that optimizing metabolic pathways’ fluxes for industrial purposes requires a methodical approach. Accordingly, in this study, in silico metabolic modeling was utilized to characterize the lesser-known strain Basfia succiniciproducens under different environmental conditions, followed by the use of industrially relevant substrates for succinic acid synthesis. Based on RT-qPCR carried out in flask experiments, we discovered a relatively large difference in the expression levels of ldhA gene compared to glucose in both xylose and glycerol cultures. In bioreactor-scale fermentations, the impact of different gas phases (CO2, CO2/AIR) on biomass yield, substrate consumption, and metabolite profiles was also investigated. In the case of glycerol, the addition of CO2 increased biomass as well as target product formation, while using CO2/AIR gas phase resulted in higher target product yield (0.184 mM⋅mM−1). In case of xylose, using CO2 alone would result in higher succinic acid production (0.277 mM⋅mM−1). The promising rumen bacteria, B. succiniciproducens, has shown to be suitable for succinic acid production from both xylose and glycerol. As a result, our findings present new opportunities for broadening the range of raw materials used in this significant biochemical process. Our study also sheds light on fermentation parameter optimization for this strain, namely that, CO2/AIR supply has a positive effect on target product formation.
Genomics of founders for conservation breeding: the Jasper caribou case
Authors: Cavedon Maria , Neufeld Lalenia , Finnegan Laura , Hervieux Dave , Michalak Anita , Pelletier Agnes , Polfus Jean , Schwantje Helen , Skinner Geoff , Steenweg Robin , Thacker Caeley , Poissant Jocelyn , Musiani Marco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConservation breeding programs are increasingly used as recovery actions for wild animals; bringing founders into captivity to rear captive populations for future reintroduction into the wild. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recommends that founders should come from genetically close populations and should have sufficient genetic diversity to avoid mating among relatives. Genomic data are highly informative for evaluating founders due to their high resolution and ability to capture adaptive divergence, yet, their application in that context remains limited. Woodland caribou are federally listed as a Species at Risk in Canada, with several populations facing extirpation, such as those in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (BC). To prevent local extirpation, Jasper National Park (JNP) is proposing a conservation breeding program. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms for 144 caribou from 11 populations encompassing a 200,0002 km area surrounding JNP to provide information useful for identifying appropriate founders for this program. We found that this area likely hosts a caribou metapopulation historically characterized by high levels of gene flow, which indicates that multiple sources of founders would be appropriate for initiating a breeding program. However, population structure and adaptive divergence analyses indicate that JNP caribou are closest to populations in the BC Columbia range, which also have suitable genetic diversity for conservation breeding. We suggest that collaboration among jurisdictions would be beneficial to implement the program to promote recovery of JNP caribou and possibly other caribou populations in the surrounding area, which is strategically at the periphery of the distribution of this endangered species.
A multi-year analysis of factors affecting ecosystem metabolism in forested and meadow reaches of a Piedmont stream
Authors: Bott Thomas L. , Newbold J. Denis 
Published: July 2023

AbstractStudies of stream ecosystem metabolism over decades are rare and focused on responses to a single factor, e.g., nutrient reduction or storms. Numerous studies document that light, temperature, allochthonous inputs, nutrients, and flow affect metabolism. We use measurements spanning ~ 40 years to examine the interplay of all these influences on metabolism in forested and meadow reaches of a rural stream in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Measurements made in 1971–1975 used benthic substrata transferred to chambers (Period 1, P1), and ones in 1997–2010 used open system methodology (P2). Metabolism was greater in the Meadow reach both periods. Gross primary productivity (GPP) was driven primarily by light and chlorophyll, and respiration (R) by temperature and inclusion of hyporheic metabolism. Annually, processes were nearly balanced (Forested reach) or dominated by autotrophy (Meadow reach) in P1. Heterotrophy predominated in both reaches in P2, fueled by litter inputs (Forested reach) and fine particulate organic matter from the agricultural watershed (Meadow reach). Storms reduced GPP, R, and chlorophyll in proportion to storm size, but had less influence than other environmental factors. Riparian-zone reforestation of the P1 Meadow reach resulted in incident light and GPP similar to that in the permanent Forested reach within ~ 20 years.
Preparation and characterization of Cu-In-Ga-Se thin films by the electrodeposition technique using different metal salts and substrates
Authors: Ledesma-Juárez Arelis , Fernández A. M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCu(In, Ga)Se2 thin films possess important optoelectronic properties desirable for their application in devices such as solar cells. Solar cells based on this material have reached higher efficiencies than 23%. However, the commercialization of these cells has been restricted due to the use of thin film deposition methods involving costly high vacuum and cost. To reduce costs, it is necessary to use methods that do not use a high vacuum, among which electrodeposition stands out. Unfortunately, solar cells produced with this technique have yet to achieve high conversion efficiencies. Several authors attribute the lower efficiencies in such cells to the use of chemical additives in the preparation, different substrates, different deposition temperatures, etc. Nevertheless, there are very few reports on the influence of other metal salts in electrolytic baths. This work aims to use three different types of metal salts and voltages to produce Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber thin films by co-electrodeposition technique. The effect of nucleation type with two different substrates is studied, also report the studies carried out on the atomic composition and structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization to understand the formation, growth, and morphology of CIGS films and, in this way, to obtain a suitable stoichiometry of thin film solar cells using this absorber.
What motivates and demotivates Estonian mathematics teachers to continue teaching? The roles of self-efficacy, work satisfaction, and work experience
Authors: Täht Karin , Mikkor Kristel , Aaviste Getriin , Rozgonjuk Dmitri 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEstonian students achieved high scores in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment surveys. At the same time, there needs to be more knowledge about the teachers guiding these students, as this could provide insights into effective teaching methods that can be replicated in other educational contexts. According to the Teaching and Learning International Survey, Estonian teachers' average age is among the highest in the world, and the shortage of young, qualified mathematics teachers is well-documented. The present study aimed to map the motivating and demotivating factors for mathematics teachers to continue working in this profession. The effective sample comprised 164 Estonian mathematics teachers who responded to items regarding self-efficacy and job satisfaction and open-ended questions about motivating and demotivating factors regarding their work. The results showed that students, salary and vacation, and job environment are both motivating and demotivating for mathematics teachers. On the one hand, helping the students to succeed (and witnessing the progress), satisfying salaries and a good job climate motivate the teachers. And at the same time, students' low motivation, poor salary, and straining work conditions (e.g., very high workload) serve as demotivating factors. We showed that mathematics teachers' work experience is an essential factor to be considered when thinking about motivating and demotivating factors for teachers, as well as their self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The reasons, possible impact, and potential interventions on an educational policy level are discussed.
Consensus on Alliance Quality in the Psychotherapeutic Dyad and Its Differentiating Effect on Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Adjustment Disorders
Authors: Prusiński Tomasz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe study aimed to analyze patient–therapist convergence in therapeutic alliance ratings. The author also tested if increasing patient–therapist consensus on alliance quality during psychotherapy was related to better treatment outcomes. The study included 20 patients and one psychotherapist, who was a person other than the researcher in this study. The patients, suffering from adjustment disorders, were undergoing individual outpatient treatment in private practice. Three estimations of alliance and two estimations of treatment outcomes were performed. Psychotherapeutic processes, lasting nearly a year and a half, were examined from their commencement to their natural completion. The hypotheses were verified using difference tests. Two-dimensional correlations were computed, and the outcomes of psychotherapy were estimated using a clinical significance index. The results revealed systematic patient–therapist discrepancies in alliance quality ratings at specific time points and the psychotherapist’s tendency to underrate alliance quality. Patient–therapist convergence in therapeutic alliance perceptions increased over the course of psychotherapy. The expected differences in treatment outcomes depending on convergence in alliance quality ratings were not found. Analysis results indicate that, in psychotherapy for patients with adjustment disorders, patient and therapist evaluations of alliance diverge, particularly in the early phases of treatment. Increasing consensus on alliance quality is observed. Similar convergence in alliance ratings was found in adjustment disorder patients with better and worse treatment outcomes.
Thermal stability of systems containing ammonium nitrate and sulfate salts: an experimental study
Authors: Kaniewski Maciej , Biegun Marcin , Hoffmann Józef 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe overall effect of reactants in the form of sulfates of ammonium, calcium, copper(II), iron(III), manganese(II) and zinc on the thermal behavior of ammonium nitrate has been reported. Thermal stability assessment was performed with the use of thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy. Interestingly, sulfate anions present in the system were often not sufficient to properly inhibit the decomposition of ammonium nitrate. Sulfate ion and cation supplied with the selected compound significantly influence the studied process. Studied mixtures with ammonium sulfate and calcium sulfate were concluded to show the highest stability. Manganese and iron sulfate salts caused a significant acceleration of the initial thermal decomposition. The addition of these compounds led to visible changes in the process mechanism, which allowed them to be classified as catalysts of the decomposition of ammonium nitrate. Furthermore, small amounts of substances in the system, even those that are generally considered to be inhibitors, worsened the thermal stability of AN. Zinc and copper sulfates, under studied conditions, created double salts that were characterized by a higher thermal stability than pure ammonium nitrate. This property indicates the possibility of obtaining systems containing ammonium nitrate with significantly higher thermal stability, what could potentially have multiple useful applications.
Dual and Poly Use of Tobacco Products in a Sample of Pregnant Smokers: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bertani André Luís , Tanni Suzana Erico , Godoy Irma 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesOur aim was to assess the use of dual/poly tobacco in a sample of pregnant women. Design: cross-sectional survey.MethodsTwenty prenatal care units in Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. We evaluated 127 high-risk pregnant smokers during prenatal care. Those who were 12–38 weeks pregnant and were currently smoking conventional cigarettes. The study enrollment took place between January 2015 and December 2015. The dual/poly prevalence of tobacco products during pregnancy and the characteristics related to smoking in pregnant smokers through a specific questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, gestational history, smoking history, secondhand smoke exposure, nicotine dependence, motivation stage and use of alternative forms of tobacco.ResultsMean age was 26.9 ± 6.6 years, most had only elementary education and belonged to lower income economic groups. Twenty-five (19.7%) smoked conventional cigarettes only while 102 used conventional and alternative forms of tobacco products. Smoking pack-years was significantly lower in those only smoking conventional cigarettes than in dual/poly users. Proportion of patients with elevated degree of nicotine dependence was higher in conventional cigarettes users. On the other side, alcohol intake was higher in dual/poly smokers when compared to conventional cigarettes group. The alternative forms of smoking were associated with significantly higher occurrences of comorbidities as pulmonary, cardiovascular and cancer.Conclusions for PracticeThe prevalence of alternative forms users of smoking products is high during pregnancy. These data reinforce the importance of a family approach towards smoking in pregnant women and education about the risks of alternative forms of tobacco.
Grounding, necessity, and relevance
Authors: Hirèche Salim 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGrounding necessitarianism (GN) is the view that full grounds necessitate what they ground. Although GN has been rather popular among philosophers, it faces important counterexamples: For instance, A = [Socrates died] fully grounds C = [Xanthippe became a widow]. However, A fails to necessitate C: A could have obtained together with B = [Socrates and Xanthippe were never married], without C obtaining. In many cases, the debate essentially reduces to whether A indeed fully grounds C–as the contingentist claims–or if instead C is fully grounded in A+, namely A plus some supplementary fact S (e.g. [Xanthippe was married to Socrates])–as the necessitarian claims. Both sides typically agree that A+ necessitates C, while A does not; they disagree on whether A or A+ fully grounds C. This paper offers a novel defence of the claim that, in these typical cases, unlike A+, A fails to fully ground C–thereby bringing further support to GN. First and foremost, unlike A+, A fails to fully ground C because it fails to contain just what is relevant to do so, in two distinct senses–explanatory and generative relevance. Second, going for A, rather than A+, as a full ground undermines not just grounding necessitarianism, but modally weaker views which even contingentists may want to preserve.
Improving our understanding of open access: how it relates to funding, internationality of research and scientific leadership
Authors: Bordons María , González-Albo Borja , Moreno-Solano Luz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAs open publication has become a goal in scholarly communication, interest in how it relates to other features of the research process has grown. This paper focuses on the relationship between funding and open access (OA) in the Spanish National Research Council’s Web of Science publications in three scientific fields with different research practices, namely, Biology & Biomedicine (BIOL), Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) and Materials Science (MATE). Firstly, the three fields are characterised in relation to OA practices (OA status and OA routes) and acknowledged funding (funding status and funding origin). Secondly, the relationship between OA and funding is explored, and the role of additional influential factors, such as the internationality of research and national/foreign leadership of papers, is unravelled through logistic regression. BIOL shows a higher OA share (66%) than do the other two fields (around 33%). Funded research shows higher OA rates than unfunded research in the experimental fields, but not in HSS, where it is related to a shift towards more publications with article-processing charges. The internationality of research, measured through international collaboration or foreign funding, increases OA, albeit with differences across fields. Foreign-funded papers are more likely to be led by foreign researchers in all three fields, but a foreign first author increases the chances of OA publication in HSS only, perhaps because Spanish leaders in this field have not internalised the importance of OA. The research’s policy implications are reviewed.
Dissent in the sediment? Lake sediments as archives of short- and long-range impact of anthropogenic activities in northeastern Germany
Authors: Simon Marcel Pierre , Schatz Marlene , Böhm Leonard , Papp István , Grossart Hans-Peter , Andersen Thorbjørn Joest , Bálint Miklós , Düring Rolf-Alexander 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The suitability of lake sediment cores to reconstruct past inputs, regional pollution, and usage patterns of pesticides has been shown previously. Until now, no such data exist for lakes in eastern Germany. Therefore, 10 sediment cores (length 1 m) of 10 lakes in eastern Germany, the territory of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), were collected and cut into 5–10-mm layers. In each layer, concentrations of trace elements (TEs) As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, S, and Zn, as well as of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), i.e., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), were analyzed. A miniaturized solid–liquid extraction technique in conjunction with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for the latter. The progression of TE concentrations over time is uniform. It follows a trans-regional pattern and is indicative of activity and policy making in West Germany before 1990 instead of those in the GDR. Of OCPs, only transformation products of DDT were found. Congener ratios indicate a mainly aerial input. In the lakes’ profiles, several regional features and responses to national policies and measures are visible. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) concentrations reflect the history of DDT use in the GDR. Lake sediments proved to be suitable to archive short- and long-range impacts of anthropogenic activity. Our data can be used to complement and validate other forms of environmental pollution long-term monitoring and to check for the efficiency of pollution countermeasures in the past.
New paths for modelling freshwater nature futures
Authors: Kramer Lilith , Teurlincx Sven , Rashleigh Brenda , Janssen Annette B. G. , Janse Jan H. , Brauman Kate A. , Földesi Csaba , van Wijk Dianneke , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Patil Sopan D. , Rashidi Parinaz , Hamel Perrine , Rising James , Mooij Wolf M. , Kuiper Jan J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems are exceptionally rich in biodiversity and provide essential benefits to people. Yet they are disproportionately threatened compared to terrestrial and marine systems and remain underrepresented in the scenarios and models used for global environmental assessments. The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) has recently been proposed to advance the contribution of scenarios and models for environmental assessments. This framework places the diverse relationships between people and nature at its core, identifying three value perspectives as points of departure: Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture. We explore how the NFF may be implemented for improved assessment of freshwater ecosystems. First, we outline how the NFF and its main value perspectives can be translated to freshwater systems and explore what desirable freshwater futures would look like from each of the above perspectives. Second, we review scenario strategies and current models to examine how freshwater modelling can be linked to the NFF in terms of its aims and outcomes. In doing so, we also identify which aspects of the NFF framework are not yet captured in current freshwater models and suggest possible ways to bridge them. Our analysis provides future directions for a more holistic freshwater model and scenario development and demonstrates how society can benefit from freshwater modelling efforts that are integrated with the value-perspectives of the NFF.
Graphical abstract
Quality of life and symptom burden after rectal cancer surgery: a randomised controlled trial comparing patient-led versus standard follow-up
Authors: Hovdenak Ida , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Bernstein Inge Thomsen , Christensen Peter , Hauberg Ann , Iversen Lene Hjerrild , Johansen Christoffer , Larsen Susie Lindhardt , Laurberg Søren , Madsen Anders Husted , Madsen Mogens Rørbæk , Rasmussen Helle Vindfeldt , Thorlacius-Ussing Ole , Juul Therese 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose
After curatively intended rectal cancer (RC) surgery, new follow-up strategies are warranted, seeking more individualised care and targeting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional outcomes. The FURCA trial aimed to investigate the effect of patient-led follow-up on HRQoL and symptom burden 3 years after surgery.

Methods
RC patients from four Danish centres were randomised 1:1 to intervention (patient-led follow-up with patient education and self-referral to a specialist nurse) or control (standard follow-up with five routine doctor visits). Patients in both groups had a computed tomography (CT) at 1 and 3 years. The primary outcome (HRQoL) was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – colorectal (FACT-C) score (Ward et al. in Qual Life Res. 8(3):181-95, 18). Secondary outcomes were functional measures, patient involvement and satisfaction and cancer recurrence at 3 years.

Results
From Feb 2016 to Aug 2018, 336 patients were included of whom 248 completed 3 years of follow-up. Between-group differences were found neither for the primary endpoint, nor for functional outcomes. The recurrence rate did not differ between the groups. Patient involvement and satisfaction were higher in the intervention group with statistical significance in almost half of the items.

Conclusions
We found no effect on HRQoL and symptom burden from patient-led follow-up, although it may improve patient-perceived involvement and satisfaction.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
The findings in this study suggest that patient-led follow-up is a more tailored approach to meet cancer survivors’ needs and might improve their ability to cope with survivorship.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
R97-A6511-14-S23.