bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biocide triclosan as a potential developmental disruptor in Mytilus early larvae
Authors: Balbi Teresa , Miglioli Angelica , Montagna Michele , Piazza Davide , Risso Beatrice , Dumollard Remi , Canesi Laura 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe broadly utilized biocide triclosan (TCS) is continuously discharged in water compartments worldwide, where it is detected at concentrations of ng-µg/L. Given its lipophilicity and bioaccumulation, TCS is considered potentially harmful to human and environmental health and also as a potential endocrine disruptor (ED) in different species. In aquatic organisms, TCS can induce a variety of effects: however, little information is available on its possible impact on invertebrate development. Early larval stages of the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis have been shown to be sensitive to environmental concentrations of a number of emerging contaminants, including EDs. In this work, the effects of TCS were first evaluated in the 48 h larval assay in a wide concentration range (0.001–1,000 μg/L). TCS significantly affected normal development of D-veligers (LOEC = 0.1 μg/L; EC50 = 236.1 μg/L). At selected concentrations, the mechanism of action of TCS was investigated. TCS modulated transcription of different genes involved in shell mineralization, endocrine signaling, ceramide metabolism, and biotransformation, depending on larval stage (24 and 48 h post-fertilization-hpf) and concentration (1 and 10 μg/L). At 48 hpf and 10 μg/L TCS, calcein staining revealed alterations in CaCO3 deposition, and polarized light microscopy showed the absence of shell birefringence due to the mineralized phase. Observations by scanning electron microscopy highlighted a variety of defects in shell formation from concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/L. The results indicate that TCS, at environmental exposure levels, can act as a developmental disruptor in early mussel larvae mainly by interfering with the processes of biomineralization.
Translocation signatures of major elements in halophytes from hypersaline environments: the case study from Sečovlje Salina (Republic of Slovenia)
Authors: Kovač Nives , Hauptman Žan , Dolenec Matej , Škornik Iztok , Šmuc Nastja Rogan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Hypersaline environments are extremely vulnerable and important ecological niches. Because much knowledge has focused on the distribution of heavy metals in these areas, the detailed behavior of key major elements in hypersaline environments has not been elucidated in detail.
This research aims to define the distribution, translocation pathways, and mobility patterns of the major elements in hypersaline sediments and halophytes.

Materials and methods
Samples of Sarcocornia fruticosa plants were collected from evaporation (ES) and crystallization (CA) sites in the Sečovlje Salina area (Republic of Slovenia). The major element contents were measured by digestion in HNO3 then aqua regia and analyzed by ICP-MS for ultra-low detection limits. Rhizo-sediments from EA and CA were processed using sequential extraction analysis to determine the precise fractionation of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Na. To determine the translocation patterns of individual major elements in S. fruticosa, two indices were calculated: bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). Differences and similarities between samples and elements were highlighted using Statistica VII and Grapher 8 statistical software and Ward’s method, respectively.

Results and discussion
The obtained results confirmed that halophyte plants take up large amounts of the essential micronutrient Na due to high salinity, and that macronutrients (Ca, Mg, P, and S) are intensively translocated from the roots to the upper parts of the plant. The overall trend in translocation signature for major elements, distinguished by BCF and TF factor calculations, emphasizes that root tissues accumulate a significant amount of major elements and that accumulation depends on individual major elements. It also showed that the major elements Ca, Mg, Na, P, and S are highly translocated within plants, while the mobility of Al, Fe, and K is limited.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the major elements are vital macronutrients for halophytes, but their accumulation in the roots and further translocation within the plant depend on individual elements and their dynamics. The translocation pattern of the major elements can be justified as follows: Ca is an essential element for plant growth, maintenance, and membrane integrity; Mg is a specific component of chlorophyll; Na is present because of the hypersaline environment; P is a key component of plant metabolic processes; S represents an important component of enzymes and other key proteins; Al and Fe are preferentially accumulated in roots; and plant leaves are generally undersupplied with K. The presented results are of great importance for the general knowledge and use/application of halophytes in agriculture and biotechnology.
Evaluation of a newly designed deep learning-based algorithm for automated assessment of scapholunate distance in wrist radiography as a surrogate parameter for scapholunate ligament rupture and the correlation with arthroscopy
Authors: Keller Gabriel , Rachunek Katarzyna , Springer Fabian , Kraus Mathias 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Not diagnosed or mistreated scapholunate ligament (SL) tears represent a frequent cause of degenerative wrist arthritis. A newly developed deep learning (DL)-based automated assessment of the SL distance on radiographs may support clinicians in initial image interpretation.

Materials and Methods
A pre-trained DL algorithm was specifically fine-tuned on static and dynamic dorsopalmar wrist radiography (training data set n = 201) for the automated assessment of the SL distance. Afterwards the DL algorithm was evaluated (evaluation data set n = 364 patients with n = 1604 radiographs) and correlated with results of an experienced human reader and with arthroscopic findings.

Results
The evaluation data set comprised arthroscopically diagnosed SL insufficiency according to Geissler’s stages 0–4 (56.5%, 2.5%, 5.5%, 7.5%, 28.0%). Diagnostic accuracy of the DL algorithm on dorsopalmar radiography regarding SL integrity was close to that of the human reader (e.g. differentiation of Geissler’s stages ≤ 2 versus > 2 with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 78% compared to 77% and 80%) with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
A DL algorithm like this might become a valuable tool supporting clinicians’ initial decision making on radiography regarding SL integrity and consequential triage for further patient management.
Secondary diabetes mellitus in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Moustaki Melpomeni , Paschou Stavroula A. , Vakali Elena , Xekouki Paraskevi , Ntali Georgia , Kassi Evanthia , Peppa Melpomeni , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Tzanela Marinella , Vryonidou Andromachi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSecondary diabetes mellitus (DM) in secretory pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is encountered in up to 50% of cases, with its presentation ranging from mild, insulin resistant forms to profound insulin deficiency states, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. PPGLs represent hypermetabolic states, in which adrenaline and noradrenaline induce insulin resistance in target tissues characterized by aerobic glycolysis, excessive lipolysis, altered adipokine expression, subclinical inflammation, as well as enhanced gluconeogenesis and glucogenolysis. These effects are mediated both directly, upon adrenergic receptor stimulation, and indirectly, via increased glucagon secretion. Impaired insulin secretion is the principal pathogenetic mechanism of secondary DM in this setting; yet, this is relevant for tumors with adrenergic phenotype, arising from direct inhibitory actions in beta pancreatic cells and incretin effect impairment. In contrast, insulin secretion might be enhanced in tumors with noradrenergic phenotype. This dimorphic effect might correspond to two distinct glycemic phenotypes, with predominant insulin resistance and insulin deficiency respectively. Secondary DM improves substantially post-surgery, with up to 80% remission rate. The fact that surgical treatment of PPGLs restores insulin sensitivity and secretion at greater extent compared to alpha and beta blockade, implies the existence of further, non-adrenergic mechanisms, possibly involving other hormonal co-secretion by these tumors. DM management in PPGLs is scarcely studied. The efficacy and safety of newer anti-diabetic medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), as well as potential disease-modifying roles of metformin and SGLT2is warrant further investigation in future studies.
Neuronal Stem Cells from Late-Onset Alzheimer Patients Show Altered Regulation of Sirtuin 1 Depending on Apolipoprotein E Indicating Disturbed Stem Cell Plasticity
Authors: Jung Matthias , Jung Juliane-Susanne , Pfeifer Jenny , Hartmann Carla , Ehrhardt Toni , Abid Chaudhry Luqman , Kintzel Jenny , Puls Anne , Navarrete Santos Anne , Hollemann Thomas , Riemann Dagmar , Rujescu Dan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLate-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex multifactorial disease. The greatest known risk factor for late-onset AD is the E4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE), while increasing age is the greatest known non-genetic risk factor. The cell type-specific functions of neural stem cells (NSCs), in particular their stem cell plasticity, remain poorly explored in the context of AD pathology. Here, we describe a new model that employs late-onset AD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate NSCs and to examine the role played by APOE4 in the expression of aging markers such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in comparison to healthy subjects carrying APOE3. The effect of aging was investigated by using iPSC-derived NSCs from old age subjects as healthy matched controls. Transcript and protein analysis revealed that genes were expressed differently in NSCs from late-onset AD patients, e.g., exhibiting reduced autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Since SIRT1 expression differed between APOE3 and APOE4 NSCs, the suppression of APOE function in NSCs also repressed the expression of SIRT1. However, the forced expression of APOE3 by plasmids did not recover differently expressed genes. The altered aging markers indicate decreased plasticity of NSCs. Our study provides a suitable in vitro model to investigate changes in human NSCs associated with aging, APOE4, and late-onset AD.
Intermediate Ricci Curvatures and Gromov’s Betti number bound
Authors: Reiser Philipp , Wraith David J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe consider intermediate Ricci curvatures $$Ric_k$$

R
i

c
k

on a closed Riemannian manifold $$M^n$$

M
n

. These interpolate between the Ricci curvature when $$k=n-1$$

k
=
n
-
1

and the sectional curvature when $$k=1$$

k
=
1

. By establishing a surgery result for Riemannian metrics with $$Ric_k>0$$

R
i

c
k

>
0

, we show that Gromov’s upper Betti number bound for sectional curvature bounded below fails to hold for $$Ric_k>0$$

R
i

c
k

>
0

when $$\lfloor n/2 \rfloor +2 \le k \le n-1.$$

⌊
n
/
2
⌋
+
2
≤
k
≤
n
-
1
.

This was previously known only in the case of positive Ricci curvature (Sha and Yang in J Differ Geom 29(1):95–103, 1989, J Differ Geom 33:127–138, 1991).
When it is ok to give the Robot Less: Children’s Fairness Intuitions Towards Robots
Authors: Ayalon Oshrat , Hok Hannah , Shaw Alex , Gordon Goren 
Published: September 2023

AbstractChildren develop intuitions about fairness relatively early in development. While we know that children believe other humans care about distributional fairness, considerably less is known about whether they believe other agents, such as robots, do as well. In two experiments (N = 273) we investigated 4- to 9-year-old children’s intuitions about whether robots would be upset about unfair treatment as human children. Children were told about a scenario in which resources were being split between a human child and a target recipient: either another child or a robot across two conditions. The target recipient (either child or robot) received less than another child. They were then asked to evaluate how fair the distribution was, and whether the target recipient would be upset. Both Experiment 1 and 2 used the same design, but Experiment 2 also included a video demonstrating the robot’s mechanistic “robotic” movements. Our results show that children thought it was more fair to share unequally when the disadvantaged recipient was a robot rather than a child (Experiment 1 and 2). Furthermore, children thought that the child would be more upset than the robot (Experiment 2). Finally, we found that this tendency to treat these two conditions differently became stronger with age (Experiment 2). These results suggest that young children treat robots and children similarly in resource allocation tasks, but increasingly differentiate them with age. Specifically, children evaluate inequality as less unfair when the target recipient is a robot, and think that robots will be less angry about inequality.
Efficacy of statistical algorithms in imputing missing data of streamflow discharge imparted with variegated variances and seasonalities
Authors: Gao Yongbo , Taie Semiromi Majid , Merz Christoph 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStreamflow missing data rises to a real challenge for calibration and validation of hydrological models as well as for statistically based methods of streamflow prediction. Although several algorithms have been developed thus far to impute missing values of hydro(geo)logical time series, the effectiveness of methods in imputation when the time series are influenced by different seasonalities and variances have remained largely unexplored. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of five different statistical algorithms in imputation of streamflow and groundwater level missing data under variegated periodicities and variances. Our performance evaluation is based on the streamflow data, procured from a hydrological model, and the observed groundwater data from the federal state of Brandenburg in Northeast Germany. Our findings revealed that imputations methods embodying the time series nature of the data (i.e., preceding value, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (ARCH)) resulted in MSEs (Mean Squared Error) that are between 20 and 40 times smaller than the MSEs obtained from the Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, which do not consider this quality. ARCH and ARIMA excelled in imputing missing values for hydrological time series, specifically for the streamflow and groundwater level data. ARCH outperformed ARIMA in both the streamflow and groundwater imputation under various conditions, such as without seasonality, with seasonality, low and high variance, and high variance (white noise) conditions. For the streamflow data, ARCH achieved average MSEs of 0.0000704 and 0.0003487 and average NSEs of 0.9957710 and 0.9965222 under without seasonality and high variance conditions, respectively. Similarly, for the groundwater level data, ARCH demonstrated its capability with average MSEs of 0.000635040 and average NSEs of 0.9971351 under GWBR1 condition. The effectiveness of ARCH, originated from econometric time series methods, should be further assessed by other hydro(geo)logical time series obtained from different climate zones.
Hydroxytyrosol recovery from olive pomace: a simple process using olive mill industrial equipment and membrane technology
Authors: Romeu Maria F. C. , Bernardo Jorge , Daniel Carla I. , Costa Nuno , Crespo João G. , Silva Pinto Luís , Nunes da Ponte Manuel , Nunes Ana V. M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, pilot-scale nanofiltration was used to obtain aqueous solutions rich in hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol from olive oil by-products. A large-scale simple process involving olive mill standard machinery (blender and decanter) was used for the olive pomace pre-treatment with water. The aqueous extract was then directly fed to a nanofiltration unit and concentrated by reverse osmosis. Final concentration factors ranged between 7 and 9 for hydroxytyrosol and between 4 and 7 for tyrosol. The final aqueous solution, obtained as retentate stream of reverse osmosis, was highly concentrated in hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol and their concentrations remained stable over at least 14 months.
Investigation of Surakhani light crude oil compounds as a case study using modern spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Yolchuyeva Ulviyya , Japharova Rena , Khamiyev Matlab , Alimardanova Fakhranda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe complex application of modern analysis methods (FT-IR, NMR, GC–MS and UV/Vis) allowed us to study in detail the composition of the crude Surakhani light oil with a complex composition. An accurate and comprehensive study of the composition of crude oils makes it easier to find the necessary field of application for them. For this purpose, the studied crude oil was separated into two fractions, such as paraffinic–naphthenic and aromatic (groups 1st, 2nd, 3rd and tar), by absorption column chromatography. The results show that Surakhani light oil is a paraffin–naphthene-based oil that contains 74% of paraffin–naphthene, 11.15% of aromatic hydrocarbons and 14.8% of gases. It has been shown that the aromatic group of compounds is mainly composed of mono- and bicyclic compounds and has alkyl chains with different lengths and branches (with the presence of methylene and methine groups). Based on the parameters of the structural group, it was found that the portion of H atoms in the aromatic nucleus and alkyl chain was 4.4–20.1% and 79.9–95.6%, respectively. The degree of aromaticity of the separated aromatic group is approximately 50%, which proves that these compounds are alkylated. The structure of the isolated paraffin–naphthene fraction has also been investigated by spectroscopic techniques, and it has been determined that this fraction is composed of iso- and cycloalkanes with alkyl chains of different lengths. As it is seen from the obtained results, unlike the other oils existing on the Absheron Peninsula, Surakhani light oil consists of one- and two-ring naphthene and isostructured paraffinic hydrocarbons. The composition of this petroleum mainly consists of isosubstituted alkyl cycloalkanes and relict, viz. biologically active hydrocarbons such as sterane and hopane used in medicine. It seems that the methodology developed for the petroleum industry can be used in other fields such as medicine.Graphical abstract
Metaverse and tourism development: issues and opportunities in stakeholders’ perception
Authors: Fazio Gioacchino , Fricano Stefano , Iannolino Salvatore , Pirrone Claudio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn recent years, understanding how the managers of tourism attractors (such as archaeological parks, museums, seaside resorts, nature reserves, etc...) adopt, refuse, integrate, and benefit from the digital transformation has received growing interest. In addition, consistent case-study literature highlights how adopting technologically advanced tools can generate positive externalities for the territories in which such attractors are located. However, it is still unclear how different tourism stakeholders value including Metaverse tools in their strategies. In this paper, we explore stakeholders’ preferences for embedding metaverse tools in their strategy, and we check for the existence of cluster of preferences. The study applies a recent development of Q-methodology which allows substituting classical q-statements formulation with multi-attribute and multi-level formulations. Data are collected by involving stakeholders from Sicilian territories. The results of this exploratory study demonstrate that the use of the Metaverse tool is influenced by the perception of the stakeholders and confirm the existence of heterogeneous preferences among groups of stakeholders, as expected in a diffusion model of innovation. The dominant point of view considers a full awareness of the metaverse tools and perceives them as slightly worse than the social ones. Some stakeholders do not have adequate knowledge of the Metaverse. We can argue that we are still in a moment of transition in the diffusion of the Metaverse between the phase of persuasion and that of evaluation and decision on the basis of the impact effects of the Metaverse on competitiveness within the tourism sector. The critical mass may not have been reached yet in the adoption rate of Metaverse innovation.
Chemical and radiation shielding effectiveness of some heavy metal oxide glasses for immobilizing radioactive wastes
Authors: Hussein E. M. Abou , Madbouly A. M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCe/Sb/Mn different borate glass systems based PbO in concentrations of 50, 35, and 15 mol%, respectively, were prepared by the melting–annealing method. Wide chemical, structural, and radiation shielding characterizations were studied before and after 120 kGy of gamma radiation to test the possible use of glasses for immobilizing radioactive wastes. The results showed suitable density values ranging from 3.34 to 5.30 g/cm3 increased by irradiation. FTIR spectra revealed high structural stability against irradiation correlated to the trigonal BO3, tetrahedral BO4 groups, high polarizable Pb2+ ions, and the doped metal ions. Unexpectedly, the chemical durability after in situ leaching process in H2O, 0.1 N HCl, and 0.1 N NaOH for ~ 3 months revealed clear improving after irradiation e.g., enhanced by ~ 25% for Ce-lead borate glass. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the glass surfaces revealed more smooth and homogenous surfaces after irradiation. Shielding parameters by Monte Carlo code (MCNP5) and Phy-X/PSD software were studied, e.g., mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC and LAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), radiation protection efficiency (RPE%), half and tenth value layers (HVL and TVL), and heaviness%. Comparing the shielding behavior of the three glasses revealed that Ce-lead borate glass has the highest values of LAC, MAC, Zeff, heaviness%, and RPE% and the lowest values of HVL, TVL, and MFP, referring to the best shielding efficiency. The whole study indicates the desired properties of glasses as immobilizers or containers for radioactive wastes, e.g., nuclear medicine units in hospitals, especially lead borate glass doped Ce ions.
Graphical Abstract
Not just in black and white: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian children’s picture books
Authors: Zerafa-Payne Emerson , Kerby Martin , Tualaulelei Eseta , Bedford Alison , Baguley Margaret 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs they are usually chosen by adults, children’s picture books offer important insights into contemporary attitudes and values. They subsequently drive the social and academic development of young children, thereby playing a key role in their ethical socialisation and education. This article will explore the role of children’s literature in this process by analysing a range of Australian children’s picture books that deal with First Nations issues. The books were identified in a survey administered by the State Library of New South Wales’ (NSW) public library service which identified 62 books that explored diversity. Twenty-five of the books were assessed as having Indigenous characters. This article will explore the approach adopted in each of these picture books by using Rudine Sims’ three categories—Social Conscience, Melting Pot, and Culturally Conscious. By doing so, the article will assess the nature of childhood literature’s engagement with Indigenous cultures, contexts, and issues.