bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐based comparison between the recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 XBB and its parental lineages
Authors: Scarpa Fabio , Sanna Daria , Azzena Ilenia , Casu Marco , Cossu Piero , Fiori Pier Luigi , Benvenuto Domenico , Imperia Elena , Giovanetti Marta , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Cauda Roberto , Cassone Antonio , Pascarella Stefano , Ciccozzi Massimo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRecombination is the main contributor to RNA virus evolution, and SARS‐CoV‐2 during the pandemic produced several recombinants. The most recent SARS‐CoV‐2 recombinant is the lineage labeled XBB, also known as Gryphon, which arose from BJ.1 and BM.1.1.1. Here we performed a genome‐based survey aimed to compare the new recombinant with its parental lineages that never became dominant. Genetic analyses indicated that the recombinant XBB and its first descendant XBB.1 show an evolutionary condition typical of an evolutionary blind background with no further epidemiologically relevant descendant. Genetic variability and expansion capabilities are slightly higher than parental lineages. Bayesian Skyline Plot indicates that XBB reached its plateau around October 6, 2022 and after an initial rapid growth the viral population size did not further expand, and around November 10, 2022 its levels of genetic variability decreased. Simultaneously with the reduction of the XBB population size, an increase of the genetic variability of its first sub‐lineage XBB.1 occurred, that in turn reached the plateau around November 9, 2022 showing a kind of vicariance with its direct progenitors. Structure analysis indicates that the affinity for ACE2 surface in XBB/XBB.1 RBDs is weaker than for BA.2 RBD. In conclusion, at present XBB and XBB.1 do not show evidence about a particular danger or high expansion capability. Genome‐based monitoring must continue uninterrupted to individuate if further mutations can make XBB more dangerous or generate new subvariants with different expansion capability.
Identification and preparation of selenium‐containing peptides from selenium‐enriched Pleurotus eryngii and their protective effect on lead‐induced oxidative damage in NCTC1469 hepatocytes
Authors: Yu Anqi , Ji Yang , Ma Gaoxing , Xu Juan , Hu Qiuhui 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDLead (Pb) is a highly toxic and persistent substance that easily accumulates in living organisms, eliciting cellular toxicity and oxidative stress. Some selenium‐containing proteins and peptides prepared from plant extracts are beneficial for protecting the body's health and resisting external disturbances. In the present study, selenium‐containing peptide species were prepared from selenium‐enriched Pleurotus eryngii protein hydrolysates and to evaluate the benefits of selenium‐containing peptides on Pb‐induced oxidative stress in NCTC1469 hepatocytes.RESULTSTrypsin was selected as primary enzyme to hydrolyze the selenium‐enriched protein (SPH). The optimal hydrolysis conditions were: hydrolysis time, 1.5 h; initial pH 8.0. The SPH was digested by trypsin and then purified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and reversed‐phase HPLC to obtain the selenium‐containing peptides SPH‐I‐2. Furthermore, SPH‐I‐2 was analyzed and a number of total 12 selenium‐containing peptides were identified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectroscopy. The NCTC1469 cell culture study showed that selenium‐containing peptides were capable of reducing reactive oxygen species levels and regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway by upregulating Nrf2, HO‐1, GCLC, GCLM and NQO1 genes and downregulating Keap1 genes. Moreover, selenium‐containing peptides were also able to suppress Pb‐induced elevated levels of nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), increase antioxidant enzyme activity and alleviate cell apoptosis.CONCLUSIONThe present study indicated that the selenium‐containing peptides could protect cells from Pb2+‐induced oxidative stress. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparison of Ultrasound Examination and Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy for Confirmation of Laryngeal Mask Airway Placement
Authors: Malik Priti , Arora Namita , Kakkar Aanchal , Sharma Anupama Gill , Kaur Mohandeep 
Published: February 2023

Objectives1) To compare ultrasound (US) examination and fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FOL) for confirmation of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) placement. 2) To evaluate the necessity for reinsertion of LMA based on FOL.MethodsThis prospective observational study included 100 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I and II, undergoing elective surgery under General Anesthesia requiring Proseal LMA™ placement as an airway device. LMA placement was first confirmed by clinical tests. Clinically acceptable patients were further assessed by US and categorized as acceptable (US‐A) or unacceptable (US‐U) and again by FOL as (FOL‐A and FOL‐U). Categorical variables presented in number, percentage (%), and continuous variables presented as mean ± SD and median. Inter‐rater kappa agreement was used to find out the strength of agreement of acceptability between FOL and US.ResultsThe LMA placement was clinically acceptable in 82% of patients on first attempt. FOL had 63% (FOL‐A) acceptable LMA placement as compared with US examination which had 56% (US‐A). In 85% of patients, US and FOL findings were in good agreement with each other for LMA placement (κ = 0.690 and P < .05). In all patients of FOL of unacceptable (FOL‐U) category (37%), LMA was replaced with endotracheal tube.ConclusionUS provides a safe, non‐invasive, and real‐time dynamic assessment with 85% diagnostic accuracy for confirmation of LMA placement as compared with FOL.
Genetic characterization of the Berber‐speaking population of Souss (Morocco) based on autosomalSTRs
Authors: Dahbi Noura , Cheffi Khadija , El Khair Abderrazak , Habbibeddine Lamiaa , Talbi Jalal , Hilali Abderraouf , El Ossmani Hicham 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Souss, located in southern Morocco, is one of the oldest areas of human settlement in North Africa. Despite this historical relevance, the Souss has not received sufficient attention in terms of population genetic studies.MethodsIn this study, we utilized the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR amplification system to establish the allelic frequencies and statistical parameters of 15 autosomal STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) in 150 healthy unrelated Berber‐speaking individuals from the Souss. We explored the genetic relationships between Souss and other reference populations based on our dataset as well as previously published population data.ResultsA total of 210 alleles were detected with corresponding allele frequencies ranging from 0.003 to 0.367. The most polymorphic locus was D18S51 with 23 alleles which was also the most discriminating locus as expected. The phylogenetic analysis clustered the Souss closer to the Azrou and southern Moroccan populations. The population comparison showed affinity between the Souss and most North African populations, as well as with Middle Easterners and Europeans.ConclusionHistorical events and geographical proximity have contributed to the affinity between the Souss and surrounding North African, Southern European, and Middle Eastern populations. Overall, this study highlights the reliability of the 15 STRs for identifying individuals and assessing paternity in the Souss population.
A room temperature 9CB‐based chemical sensor
Authors: Ramou Efthymia , Palma Susana I. C. J. , Roque Ana Cecília A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe gas sensing potential of the 9CB (4‐cyano‐4′‐nonylbiphenyl) liquid crystal compound at ambient conditions is investigated. The solid at room temperature 9CB is incorporated in a hybrid gel formulation of ionic liquid/liquid crystal droplets immobilized in a gelatin matrix. Several ionic liquids are tested in order to tackle the crystallization of 9CB and also a 9CB‐based mixture with a different smectogen is considered. The resulting formulation demonstrates great analyte responding capabilities and can be considered an alternative format for artificial olfaction purposes.
MIF inhibition alleviates vitiligo progression by suppressing CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation
Authors: Chen Jianru , Guo Weinan , Du Pengran , Cui Tingting , Yang Yuqi , Wang Yinghan , Kang Pan , Zhang Zhe , Wang Qi , Ye Zhubiao , Liu Ling , Jian Zhe , Gao Tianwen , Bian Huijie , Li Shuli , Li Chunying 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn vitiligo, autoreactive CD8+ T cells have been established as the main culprit considering its pathogenic role in mediating epidermal melanocyte‐specific destruction. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic molecule that plays a central role in various immune processes including the activation and proliferation of T cells; but whether MIF is intertwined in vitiligo development and progression and its involvement in aberrantly activated CD8+ T cells remains ill‐defined. In this study, we found that MIF was overabundant in vitiligo patients and a mouse model for human vitiligo. Additionally, inhibiting MIF ameliorated the disease progression in vitiligo mice, which manifested as less infiltration of CD8+ T cells and more retention of epidermal melanocytes in the tail skin. More importantly, in vitro experiments indicated that MIF‐inhibition suppressed the activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells from the lymph nodes of vitiligo mice, and the effect extended to CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of vitiligo patients. Finally, CD8+ T cells derived from MIF‐inhibited vitiligo mice also exhibited an impaired capacity for activation and proliferation. Taken together, our results show that MIF might be clinically targetable in vitiligo treatment, and its inhibition might ameliorate vitiligo progression by suppressing autoreactive CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Annual redd counts across two decades are indicators of changing migratory bull trout population sizes in two proximate Montana creeks
Authors: Kaeding Lynn R. , Mogen Jim T. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRedd counts are the most widely used method for bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus Suckley) population monitoring. Redd counts are an assumed indicator of population size (N), particularly for female spawners, but previous studies rarely considered the measurement uncertainty of N. The present study of two proximate, migratory bull trout populations across two decades examined statistical correlations between annual redd counts and concurrent N (predominantly fish ages 3–7) that included measurement uncertainty. Results showed that redd counts explained about one‐third of the concurrent N variation and, in one case, portended N 7 years later. But changing spawning distributions across years, as likewise shown here and as a probable effect of ongoing climate change, can confound the use of fixed index reaches for redd counts. Instead, abundance monitoring based on redd counts should be over a bull trout population's or metapopulation's entire spatial extent and have counts in all potential spawning areas. Such total‐annual redd counts may be the most cost‐effective and precise means of bull trout population monitoring.
Biofilm Homeostasis Interference Therapy via 1O2‐Sensitized Hyperthermia and Immune Microenvironment Re‐Rousing for Biofilm‐Associated Infections Elimination
Authors: Li Qianming , Liu Quan , Wang Zhengxi , Zhang Xianzuo , Ma Ruixiang , Hu Xianli , Mei Jiawei , Su Zheng , Zhu Wanbo , Zhu Chen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe recurrence of biofilm‐associated infections (BAIs) remains high after implant‐associated surgery. Biofilms on the implant surface reportedly shelter bacteria from antibiotics and evade innate immune defenses. Moreover, little is currently known about eliminating residual bacteria that can induce biofilm reinfection. Herein, novel “interference‐regulation strategy” based on bovine serum albumin–iridium oxide nanoparticles (BIONPs) as biofilm homeostasis interrupter and immunomodulator via singlet oxygen (1O2)‐sensitized mild hyperthermia for combating BAIs is reported. The catalase‐like BIONPs convert abundant H2O2 inside the biofilm‐microenvironment (BME) to sufficient oxygen gas (O2), which can efficiently enhance the generation of 1O2 under near‐infrared irradiation. The 1O2‐induced biofilm homeostasis disturbance (e.g., sigB, groEL, agr‐A, icaD, eDNA) can disrupt the sophisticated defense system of biofilm, further enhancing the sensitivity of biofilms to mild hyperthermia. Moreover, the mild hyperthermia‐induced bacterial membrane disintegration results in protein leakage and 1O2 penetration to kill bacteria inside the biofilm. Subsequently, BIONPs‐induced immunosuppressive microenvironment re‐rousing successfully re‐polarizes macrophages to pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype in vivo to devour residual biofilm and prevent biofilm reconstruction. Collectively, this 1O2‐sensitized mild hyperthermia can yield great refractory BAIs treatment via biofilm homeostasis interference, mild‐hyperthermia, and immunotherapy, providing a novel and effective anti‐biofilm strategy.
In‐plane stability and shear deformation analysis of the H‐beam hollow arch
Authors: Liu Xuejie , Xiao Tong 
Published: February 2023

SummaryH‐shaped circular arc is a relatively novel type of open‐web steel arch, and currently, no reports have been published concerning its in‐plane stability. In this paper, the elastic and elastic–plastic in‐plane stability of the H‐shaped hollow circular arch is studied by theoretical deduction combined with numerical simulation. First, the overall shear rigidity of the H‐shaped circular arch is calculated, and the elastic buckling load formula of the arch is proposed and verified considering double shear deformation under full‐span radial and uniform loading. The overall elastic buckling load deduced in this paper is reasonable according to the finite element analysis. The results indicate that the influence of shear deformation on the overall elastic buckling load of the arch decreases with the increase of the span length. The arch‐bearing capacity is the largest when the rise‐span ratio is 0.25. Second, the restriction conditions necessary for avoiding local buckling of the chordal web before integral buckling of the H‐shaped steel hollow circular arch are analyzed. Finally, the elastic–plastic failure mechanism of the H‐shaped arch under full‐span radial and uniform loading is examined, and the formula for determining the ultimate bearing capacity that is achievable before failure under full‐span radial and uniform loading is proposed. ANSYS analysis shows that under the radial uniform loading, the chordal bars will yield near 1/4L and 3/4L, and ultimately, the structural failure of the lower chord occurs in the vicinity of 1/4L. The formulas presented in this paper agree well with the results obtained from the finite element analysis and can be used as a reference for engineering applications.
Synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/dextran/Zataria wound dressing with superior antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Mostafavi Esfahani Mahsasadat , Koupaei Narjes , Hassanzadeh‐Tabrizi Seyed Ali 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe aim of the present research was to synthesize and characterize polyvinyl alcohol/dextran/Zataria essential oil hydrogel wound dressings. For this purpose, dressings were made with different concentrations of polymers (PVA and Dex) and ZMO by solvent casting method. By dissolving PVA and Dextran in de‐ionized water, PVA‐Dex gel was made. The polymeric solution was mixed with glycerol. The pH of PVA‐DEX‐Glycerol solution was adjusted to 3 and glutaraldehyde was used as a cross‐linker. ZMO, as the antibacterial and antioxidant agent, was added to the samples in different percentages (2,5,10%). It was found that both Dex and ZMO significantly influenced the hydrophilicity, gel fraction, and water uptake capacity of hydrogel films. The results showed that by the addition of Dex to PVA, the contact angle decreased from 48.54° ± 0.95 to 45.90 ± 0.73°, whereas by the addition of ZMO, the contact angle increased to 71.1 ± 2.43. SEM investigations revealed that the fabricated films had a uniform structure and the surface roughness increased with the addition of ZMO. The results indicated an increased elongation of 11.5% with the incorporation of ZMO into the films. The antimicrobial evaluation of the produced films showed that the loading of 10% v/v ZMO could broaden the microbicidal activity of PVA/Dex/ZMO film. The investigations on the interactions between synthesized wound dressings and fibroblast cells showed that the addition of ZMO into hydrogel films improved cell viability. The findings showed that PVA/Dex/ZMO films could have considerable use as wound dressing.
Conclusion: Challenging Globalizing Technologies
Authors: Hård Mikael 
Published: February 2023

AbstractChapter 10 recaps the argument that people in distinct cultural settings approached, developed, and used technology in regional ways—while maintaining global connections. Illustrating the heterogeneous nature of the world, the microhistories of this book have problematized the notion that the standard global history of technology is one-sided and linear. While “globalization” and “technology transfer” have been important concepts, neither captures the complexities of history. The availability of Western-imported products in the countries of the Global South and East did not necessarily challenge the ways in which people went about their daily lives. Established indigenous skills and techniques often persisted, frequently in fruitful combination with the artifacts of Western “material culture.” Not anonymous forces, but ordinary people have made the world in which we live.
Communicating and Trading in West Africa: Talking Drums and Pack Animals
Authors: Hård Mikael 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn conventional histories of those parts of the world that were colonized, telegraph lines, railroads, and steamships loom large. Scholars of this “tools-of-empire” tradition have often overlooked the technologies of communication and transportation that existed pre-colonization—and played a decisive role also during colonial rule. For example, in West Africa, talking drums, pack animals, and canoes made up the precolonial “technological landscape”—together with techniques for agriculture, hunting, mineral extraction, and manufacturing. Using the case of French-named Côte d’Ivoire, Chap. 3 illustrates the persistence of the indigenous technological landscape. For decades, colonialists relied on—and even expanded—the extant transportation network of footpaths, caravan routes, and rivers. Telegraph lines and railroad tracks did not form a technological landscape; at most, these technologies were superimposed on an existing, self-contained technological world.
Soziale Innovation durch grenzüberschreitenden Austausch: Marginalisierte Quartiere im Blick
Authors: Guhl Jutta , Janett Sandra , Michon Bruno 
Published: February 2023

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag widmet sich dem trinationalen und grenzüberschreitenden Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt „MARGE – Einbindung marginalisierter Quartiere in die Oberrheinregion“ und diskutiert, wie sich die Effekte des grenzüberschreitenden Austauschs von Fachpersonen, die im Bereich der Sozialen Stadtentwicklung tätig sind, auf soziale Innovation in benachteiligten Quartieren auswirken. Dabei zeigt sich, dass MARGE die Voraussetzungen dafür geschaffen hat, soziale Innovation durch grenzüberschreitenden Austausch zu ermöglichen.
Ungleiche Quartiere ungleich behandeln?
Authors: Noack Michael 
Published: February 2023

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag wird die Frage diskutiert, wie durch eine sozialplanerisch fundierte Ressourcensteuerung das „Gießkannenprinzip“ bei der Verteilung finanzieller Mittel für die Integration zugewanderter Menschen durch eine bedarfs- und raumbezogene Ressourcenverteilung ergänzt werden kann. Dabei werden Ergebnisse des interdisziplinären Forschungsprojekts „Quartierspezifische Potenziale der Integration“ (QuartPoint) thematisiert. Einleitend wird die theoretische Rahmung des Forschungsprojekts vorgestellt. Dabei handelt es sich um das Integrationsmodell von Ager und Strang (Journal of Refugee Studies 21:166–191, 2008). Anschließend werden Forschungsergebnisse Bezug nehmend auf dieses Integrationsmodell diskutiert. Der Beitrag endet mit Überlegungen, wie sich quartierspezifische Integrationspotenziale sozialplanerisch fundiert ermitteln und entwickeln lassen.
Einleitung
Authors: Rolffs Matthias 
Published: February 2023

ZusammenfassungIn dieser Arbeit verfolge ich das Ziel, eine weit verbreitete Position in der Philosophie des Geistes gegen einen einflussreichen Einwand zu verteidigen. Die Position, die ich verteidigen möchte, ist der nicht-reduktive Physikalismus. Der Einwand, gegen den ich diese Position verteidigen möchte, ist der Vorwurf des Epiphänomenalismus. Meine Erwiderung auf den Vorwurf des Epiphänomenalismus beruht auf einer eingängigen Beschäftigung mit der Metaphysik der Kausalität. Meines Erachtens liegt der Schlüssel zur Zurückweisung des Vorwurfs des Epiphänomenalismus in einer Unterscheidung zwischen verschiedenen Begriffen der Kausalität.
Seed Quality: Variety Development to Planting—An Overview
Authors: Sundareswaran S. , Ray Choudhury P. , Vanitha C. , Yadava Devendra K. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe importance of availability of quality seed of high-yielding varieties in achieving food security has been recognized globally. The chapter presents an overview of the activities and requirements of seed production system globally, with an emphasis on quality, and highlights the linkages between variety development and seed production programmes. The seed development in angiosperm through the process of fertilization has been briefly touched and understanding the processes underlying pollination, fertilization, seed development, and maturation, which are vital for production of quality seed, has been highlighted. System of variety development and release, maintenance of variety purity during seed multiplication, and their importance have been enumerated to benefit those associated with any seed programme. Seed quality parameters including physical and genetic purity, physiological quality, seed vigour, and health, along with factors determining seed quality, have been presented in a holistic manner. Regulatory mechanism for seed quality assurance including steps in seed certification, seed testing and various field and seed standards has been outlined comparing the Indian system with other major international systems working globally. Procedures for seed health testing and application of advanced molecular marker technologies for varietal identity, genetic purity of seed and detection of seed-borne pathogens, which are becoming increasingly relevant in the present seed scenario, have been discussed. Fundamentals of seed processing for quality upgradation, and improvement of seed quality through enhancement technologies, have been explained. The chapter presents an overview of the importance of seed quality, its indicators, regulations, systems of development of varieties and their maintenance and use of modern tools and techniques for assurance and enhancement of seed quality.