bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric responses of abundance and diversity of N‐cycling genes to altered precipitation in arid grasslands
Authors: Zhao Mengying , Shen Haihua , Zhu Yankun , Xing Aijun , Kang Jie , Liu Lingli , Fang Jingyun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Precipitation changes exert a fundamental effect on the nitrogen (N) cycle in water‐limited grasslands. Soil microbes are essential drivers of N cycle, and the rates and their stabilities of interrelated N‐cycling processes are reflected by the abundance and diversity of N‐cycling genes. Yet, little is known about how altered precipitation affects the genes involved in the entire N‐cycling pathways.

By combining a 6‐year precipitation manipulation experiment (−30%, ambient, +30%, +50%) with metagenomic sequencing, we investigated the responses of N‐cycling gene abundance and diversity to altered precipitation at two soil depths (0–10 and 30–50 cm).

We found that increased precipitation enhanced the abundance of numerous key genes, leading to an acceleration of N turnover, but decreased the diversity of ammonium assimilation genes. Decreased precipitation did not reduce abundance or diversity of N‐cycling genes. Most N‐cycling genes showed generally consistent responses to altered precipitation in the topsoil (0–10 cm) and subsoil (30–50 cm), albeit with clear distinctions in both abundance and diversity by soil depth. These precipitation‐specific responses and depth‐dependent variabilities of functional genes were attributed to the distinct taxonomic composition of each N‐cycling gene. Furthermore, we quantified gross N transformation rates and found that they were well predicted by the abundance of most N‐cycling genes (e.g. genes involved in ammonium assimilation and nitrification).

Our study sheds new light on the soil N cycle under precipitation alterations from the perspective of individual gene abundance and diversity and shows that future increases in precipitation could accelerate soil N turnover in arid and semi‐arid lands.

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Grassland degradation alters the effect of nitrogen enrichment on the multidimensional stability of plant community productivity
Authors: Zhang Hongjin , Wang Wei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) enrichment threatens the ability of grasslands to support sustainable functions. However, we do not know whether grassland degradation can alter the effect of N enrichment on the multidimensional stability of plant community productivity.

Using data from N enrichment experiments at temperate grassland sites (no, moderate and severe degradation) that experienced a flooding event, we tested the impact of N enrichment on multidimensional stability (resistance, resilience, recovery and temporal stability) of plant community productivity.

In non‐degraded and moderately degraded grasslands, N enrichment negatively influenced resistance and temporal stability but positively altered resilience and did not change recovery. Species asynchrony altered all stability dimensions, except for recovery. In severely degraded grasslands, the effects of N enrichment on multidimensional stability shifted. Resilience and recovery were negatively affected by N enrichment, while resistance and temporal stability were not influenced. A decrease in dominant species stability reduced community resilience and recovery in severely degraded grasslands.

Synthesis and application. Grassland degradation regulates the effect of N enrichment on the multidimensional stability of plant community productivity. Thus, our findings highlight the need to consider grassland degradation in future studies for a comprehensive understanding of grassland dynamics.
What is the good life and how do individuals attain it? Meaning of happiness, its assessment, and pathways
Authors: Sarmah Palakshi , Suar Damodar , Patnaik Priyadarshi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis research investigates the contents, antecedents, and mediators of happiness in the Indian state of Assam. The first study examines the content and meanings of happiness in Assamese culture. Posing exploratory questions, a thematic analysis of the narrations of 53 participants revealed 18 themes, grouped into intrinsic or content and extrinsic or context factors of happiness. The content and meanings of happiness embrace a blend of ancient Indian, Eastern, and Western concepts. Based on these results, a culture‐sensitive happiness scale is constructed in the second study. It further tests whether life skills mediate the relationship between character strength and happiness. Data from 503 Assamese participants showed that the one‐factor model of happiness, combining all 14 items of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is acceptable. It has measurement invariance across male and female genders and high‐ and low‐income groups. To ensure criterion‐related validity, the happiness of people is associated with their well‐being profiles. Adjusting the confounding effects of age and sex of participants, it is observed that character strengths do not promote happiness but pass through life skills fully to promote happiness.
Clinical outcomes of hundred large Impella implantations in cardiogenic shock patients based on individual clinical scenarios
Authors: Sugimura Yukiharu , Bauer Sebastian , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Mehdiani Arash , Rellecke Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Horn Patrick , Westenfeld Ralf , Boeken Udo , Aubin Hug , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundLarge Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e., Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) help achieve better clinical outcomes through relevant left ventricular unloading in acute cardiogenic shock (CS). Here, we report our experience with Impella 5+, while focusing on the clinical outcomes depending on individual case scenarios in patients with acute CS.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective observational study included 100 Impella 5+ implantations conducted on patients with acute CS from November 2018 to October 2021. After excluding 10 reimplantation cases, 90 cases were enrolled for further analysis.ResultsIn‐hospital and 30‐day mortality rates were 56.7% (n = 51) and 48.9% (n = 44), respectively. In‐hospital mortality was lower in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than in non‐AMI patients (p = 0.07). Young age and low lactate levels were the independent predictors of successful transition and survival after permanent mechanical circulatory support/heart transplantation (pMCS/HTX) (age, p = 0.03; lactate level, p = 0.04; survived after pMCS/HTX, n = 11; died on Impella, n = 41). During simultaneous utilization of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and Impella 5+, termed ECMELLA therapy, high dose of noradrenaline was a predictive factor for in‐hospital mortality by multivariate analysis (n = 0.02).ConclusionsOur results suggest that enhanced Impella support might have better clinical outcomes among acute CS patients supported with large Impella, those with AMI than those with no AMI. Young age and low lactate levels were predictors of successful bridging to pMCS/HTX and favorable clinical outcomes thereafter. The clinical outcomes of ECMELLA therapy might depend on noradrenaline dose at the time of Impella 5+ implantation.
Artificial intelligence in clinical decision‐making: Rethinking personal moral responsibility
Authors: Smith Helen , Birchley Giles , Ives Jonathan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractArtificially intelligent systems (AISs) are being created by software developing companies (SDCs) to influence clinical decision‐making. Historically, clinicians have led healthcare decision‐making, and the introduction of AISs makes SDCs novel actors in the clinical decision‐making space. Although these AISs are intended to influence a clinician's decision‐making, SDCs have been clear that clinicians are in fact the final decision‐makers in clinical care, and that AISs can only inform their decisions. As such, the default position is that clinicians should hold responsibility for the outcomes of the use of AISs. This is not the case when an AIS has influenced a clinician's judgement and their subsequent decision. In this paper, we argue that this is an imbalanced and unjust position, and that careful thought needs to go into how personal moral responsibility for the use of AISs in clinical decision‐making should be attributed. This paper employs and examines the difference between prospective and retrospective responsibility and considers foreseeability as key in determining how personal moral responsibility can be justly attributed. This leads us to the view that moral responsibility for the outcomes of using AISs in healthcare ought to be shared by the clinical users and SDCs.
The effectiveness of self: A meta‐analysis of using self‐referential encoding techniques in education
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wen Jiahui , Liu Yikang , Hu Chuan‐Peng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐related information is difficult to ignore and forget, which brings valuable implications for educational practice. Self‐referential encoding techniques involve integrating self‐referencing cues during the processing of learning material. However, the evidence base and effective implementation boundaries for these techniques in teaching and learning remain uncertain due to research variability.AimsThe present meta‐analysis aims to quantitatively synthesize the results from studies applying self‐referential encoding techniques in education.MethodsThe analysis was based on data from 20 independent samples, including 1082 students from 13 primary studies identified through a systematic literature search.ResultsResults from random effect models show that incorporating self‐referential encoding techniques improved learning (g = .40, 95% CI [.18, .62]). Subgroup analysis showed that the valence of learning material serves as a significant boundary condition for this strategy. The students' cohorts, types of learning materials, and research context did not moderate the effect sizes.ConclusionsOur results suggest that incorporating self‐referential encoding techniques on negative materials shows an aversive effect. Overall, there is a universal benefit to using self‐referential encoding techniques as an appropriate design guideline in educational contexts. Implications for teaching practice and future directions are discussed. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness in more diverse educational and teaching situations.
Combination therapy with WEE1 inhibition and trifluridine/tipiracil against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Vu Trang H. , Kikuchi Osamu , Ohashi Shinya , Saito Tomoki , Ida Tomomi , Nakai Yukie , Cao Yang , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Kondo Yuki , Mitani Yosuke , Kataoka Shigeki , Kondo Tomohiro , Katada Chikatoshi , Yamada Atsushi , Matsubara Junichi , Muto Manabu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite advanced therapeutics, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains one of the deadliest cancers. Here, we propose a novel therapeutic strategy based on synthetic lethality combining trifluridine/tipiracil and MK1775 (WEE1 inhibitor) as a treatment for ESCC. This study demonstrates that trifluridine induces single‐strand DNA damage in ESCC cells, as evidenced by phosphorylated replication protein 32. The DNA damage response includes cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (Tyr15) phosphorylation as CDK1 inhibition and a decrease of the proportion of phospho‐histone H3 (p‐hH3)‐positive cells, indicating cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase before mitosis entry. The WEE1 inhibitor remarkedly suppressed CDK1 phosphorylation (Try15) and reactivated CDK1, and also increased the proportion of p‐hH3‐positive cells, which indicates an increase of the number of cells into mitosis. Trifluridine combined with a WEE1 inhibitor increased trifluridine‐mediated DNA damage, namely DNA double‐strand breaks, as shown by increased γ‐H2AX expression. Moreover, the combination treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil and a WEE1 inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth of ESCC‐derived xenograft models. Hence, our novel combination treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil and a WEE1 inhibitor is considered a candidate treatment strategy for ESCC.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bai Jiang , Yin Xinyu , Li Jiaqi , Li Jia‐Qi , Niu Yanna , Li Zhenhua , Li Jing , Zhou Yun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundFocal segmental glomerulosclerosis is the most prevalent acquired kidney disease leading to end‐stage renal disease in children and has a propensity for recurring in the transplanted kidney. The recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation in children varies greatly. In addition, the risk factors and outcomes of recurrence of FSGS remain controversial. This study evaluated the recurrence rate, risk factors, and prognosis of FSGS after kidney transplantation in order to provide advice and assistance in clinical decision‐making for pediatric kidney transplantation.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and other databases were searched from the establishment of the repository to March 2022. We extracted data on incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.ResultsThe results showed that the recurrence rate of primary FSGS in children after renal transplantation was 48% (95% CI 36%–59%) and the recurrence rate of FSGS (all forms) was 35% (95% CI 17%–52%). The graft loss rate of primary FSGS in children after kidney transplantation was 29% (95% CI 17%–42%) and the graft loss rate of FSGS (all forms) was 29% (95% CI 4%–62%). 57% (95% CI 42%–73%) of pediatric patients with recurrent primary FSGS showed complete remission. Risk factor analyses showed that age of onset (SMD .69, 95% CI .20–1.19, p = .006) was related to the recurrence of primary FSGS, whereas the living related donor was not a risk factor for recurrent primary FSGS in pediatrics after kidney transplantation (OR 1.22, 95% CI .48–3.10, p = .674).ConclusionsThe recurrence rate and graft loss rate of FSGS in children after kidney transplantation were relatively high. Age at onset was associated with a risk for recurrent primary FSGS, whereas the living related donor was not a risk factor for recurrent FSGS in pediatric kidney recipients.
Expecting to achieve against the odds: Anti‐immigrant sentiment and immigrants' educational and occupational expectations in Europe
Authors: Chykina Volha 
Published: September 2023

AbstractScholars have identified many factors that lead to changes in anti‐immigrant sentiment. Less is known, however, about the effects of anti‐immigrant sentiment on the academic experiences and outcomes of immigrant students. This manuscript examines the relationship between anti‐immigrant sentiment and immigrants’ expectations to achieve a college degree and career success in Europe. Consistent with established literature on immigrant optimism, this study finds that immigrants generally have higher educational and occupational expectations than their nonimmigrant peers. However, these positive associations decrease in countries with higher levels of anti‐immigrant sentiment. These patterns manifest for both first‐ and second‐generation immigrants, indicating that the potential deleterious effects of anti‐immigrant sentiment span generations of immigrants. These findings shed light on the out‐of‐family and out‐of‐school factors that shape the educational trajectories of immigrant youth and show that increases in anti‐immigrant sentiment might bring about long‐term damage to the success of immigrants in their host countries. They also suggest that school administrators and policymakers interested in immigrant success in the host countries should take anti‐immigrant sentiment into account when devising approaches to aid immigrant incorporation.
Serum neurofilament light chain: a promising early diagnostic biomarker for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis?
Authors: Romano Angela , Primiano Guido , Antonini Giovanni , Ceccanti Marco , Fenu Silvia , Forcina Francesca , Gentile Luca , Inghilleri Maurizio , Leonardi Luca , Manganelli Fiore , Obici Laura , Sabino Andrea , Sciarrone Maria Ausilia , Tozza Stefano , Vitali Francesca , Luigetti Marco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a life‐threatening disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR). The recent therapeutic advances have underlined the importance of easily accessible, objective biomarkers of both disease onset and progression. Preliminary evidence suggests a potential role in this respect for neurofilament light chain (NfL). In this study, the aim was to determine serum NfL (sNfL) levels in a late‐onset ATTRv population and evaluate whether it might represent a reliable biomarker of disease onset (i.e., ‘conversion’ from the asymptomatic status to symptomatic disease in TTR mutation carriers).MethodsIn all, 111 individuals harbouring a pathogenic TTR variant (61 symptomatic ATTRv patients and 50 presymptomatic carriers) were consecutively enrolled. Fifty healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Ella™ apparatus was used to assess sNfL levels.ResultsSerum NfL levels were increased in ATTRv patients compared to both presymptomatic carriers and healthy controls, whilst not differing between carriers and healthy controls. An sNfL cut‐off of 37.10 pg/mL could discriminate between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals with high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve 0.958; p < 0.001), sensitivity (81.4%) and specificity (100%).ConclusionsSerum NfL seems to be a promising biomarker of peripheral nerve involvement in ATTRv amyloidosis and might become a reliable, objective measure to detect the transition from the presymptomatic stage to the onset of symptomatic disease. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm such a role and determine whether it could equally represent a biomarker of disease progression and response to therapy.
Altered actin dynamics is possibly implicated in the inhibition of mechanical stimulation‐induced dermal fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts
Authors: Kuroda Kazuya , Kiya Koichiro , Matsuzaki Shinsuke , Takamura Hironori , Otani Naoya , Tomita Koichi , Kawai Kenichiro , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Nakai Kunihiro , Onishi Ayako , Katayama Taiichi , Kubo Tateki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids is strongly associated with mechanical stimulation, and myofibroblasts are known to play a major role in abnormal scar formation. Wounds in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) become inconspicuous and lack the tendency to form abnormal scars. We hypothesized that there would be a unique response to mechanical stimulation and subsequent scar formation in NF1. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of differentiation into myofibroblasts in NF1‐derived fibroblasts and neurofibromin‐depleted fibroblasts and examined actin dynamics, which is involved in fibroblast differentiation, with a focus on the pathway linking LIMK2/cofilin to actin dynamics. In normal fibroblasts, expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), a marker of myofibroblasts, significantly increased after mechanical stimulation, whereas in NF1‐derived and neurofibromin‐depleted fibroblasts, α‐SMA expression did not change. Phosphorylation of cofilin and subsequent actin polymerization did not increase in NF1‐derived and neurofibromin‐depleted fibroblasts after mechanical stimulation. Finally, in normal fibroblasts treated with Jasplakinolide, an actin stabilizer, α‐SMA expression did not change after mechanical stimulation. Therefore, when neurofibromin was dysfunctional or depleted, subsequent actin polymerization did not occur in response to mechanical stimulation, which may have led to the unchanged expression of α‐SMA. We believe this molecular pathway can be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of abnormal scars.
Observation of flaking process in rolling contact fatigue of bearing steel with spheroidal inclusions by laminography using ultrabright synchrotron radiation X‐rays
Authors: Nakai Yoshikazu , Shiozawa Daiki , Kikuchi Shoichi , Nishina Takashi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Kurahashi Masanori , Makino Taizo , Neishi Yutaka 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRolling contact fatigue tests were performed on specimens containing spheroidal inclusions to clarify the effect of the orientation of inclusions, and the results were compared with those of specimens containing stringer‐shaped inclusions. For all types of inclusion, cracks first formed on the rolling surface and then propagated in the depth direction, and an internal crack parallel to the rolling surface formed from the deepest point of the vertical crack, which led to flaking. The flaking life of the specimens with spheroidal inclusions was longer than that of the specimens with stringer‐shaped inclusions, where the initiation and propagation lives of cracks were affected by the inclusion shape and size. The surface crack initiation life was shorter for specimens with longer surface inclusions, whereas the crack propagation life decreased with the depth of surface inclusion. The greater the scatter of the size of inclusions, the greater the scatter of flaking life.
Psychometric properties of the Cultural Intelligence Scale based on item response theory
Authors: Darandari Eqbal , Khayat Shatha 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), based on item response theory (IRT) using the graded response model (GRM). The study calibration sample included 400, while the study sample included 1000, male and female Saudi participants, aged between 18 and 62 years. IRT‐GRM results supported the quality of the psychometric properties of CQS, and its appropriateness to measure cultural intelligence (CQ) for the majority of individuals. CQS well‐distinguished people at different ability levels along the CQ latent trait, particularly with middle and low abilities. However, CQS full scale and subscales had less accurate measurement precision at high levels of CQ, and some subscales had more precision at low level abilities. CQS items had medium ability to differentiate among subjects, and they provided more information in evaluating individuals with medium CQ. Therefore, CQS might be more suitable for identification and development purposes, where low to med‐levels of CQ are expected. Additional assessment procedures need to be added, for selection or promotion purposes to increase the measurement precision. Confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the multidimensional construct of CQS with four specific‐related factors at the first level, and an aggregate factor at the second level. This model provided better model fit using IRT‐GRM approach, and it was supported by classical test theory analysis results. Therefore, it is important to rely on subscale scores, besides the total score to interpret CQ for individuals. The study stressed the importance of examining CQS item parameters and information based on the country it is adapted for, to investigate how they interact with country culture; and to take into account ability level, when selecting optimal measures.