bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant extracts for the removal of copper from contaminated soils: A sustainable soil washing alternative
Authors: Al‐Alam Josephine , Wazne Mahmoud 
Published: January 2025

AbstractExtensive research to date has focused on the remediation of heavy metal‐contaminated soils by various soil washing techniques. Many of the most effective techniques, however, rely on inorganic acids and/or chelating agents that can result in the deterioration of soil quality and other secondary environmental impacts. In this paper, a new environmentally friendly method for heavy metal‐contaminated soil remediation, based on the invasive Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill. is evaluated. The method involves the use of extracts prepared from O. ficus indica cladodes, harvested at phases I (Night) and III (Day) of the plant's photosynthetic cycle, as a soil washing agent. These green extracts were evaluated for the removal of copper (Cu) from three different soils including kaolinite, montmorillonite and a field‐natural soil sample. Results indicated that undiluted night phase extracts yielded the greatest Cu removal rates in all three soils with an optimal washing duration of 24 h. Copper removal rates ranged from 56% to 85% and were significantly impacted by the intrinsic properties of the soils, the leachate dosage, the plant harvest phase, the number of washing cycles and the soil washing duration. The chemical characterization of the leachates indicated that the organic acids present in the O. ficus indica extracts as well as other functional groups are key players in the removal process. The obtained results demonstrated the potential of this plant extract for a sustainable abatement of heavy metal‐contaminated soil.
Unlocking Tribological Performance of Silver-Infused Cu-Al2O3 Self-Lubricating Cermet
Authors: Antony Jose Subin , Kasar Ashish K. , Stanford Malcolm , Menezes Pradeep L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the tribological properties of cold-sprayed (CS) coatings comprising Cu, Cu-Al2O3, and Cu-Al2O3-Ag at room-temperature and under high-temperature sliding conditions. The composite coatings feedstock maintained a constant 50 vol% Al2O3 concentration, while Cu-Al2O3-Ag had Ag infused at 5 and 10 vol%, maintaining an overall 50 vol% of metallic content. Dry sliding tests using Al2O3 pins were carried out at 25 °C and 450 °C to study the tribological performance of the coatings. While the inclusion of Ag notably decreased the coefficient of friction (COF) at elevated temperatures, no distinct trend in COF was observed for the tests conducted at 25 °C. The composite coating containing 5 vol% Ag exhibited superior friction and wear performance at 25 °C and 450 °C. The addition of Al2O3 enhanced the coating hardness. However, incorporating a higher amount of Ag reduced the Al2O3 retention during CS and, subsequently, the hardness of the coating. The study delves into the role of Ag in the retention of ceramic particles during the CS process and the mechanisms underlying the enhanced self-lubrication performance of the cermet coatings.
Fatal interactions: pneumonia in bighorn lambs following experimental exposure to carriers of
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
Authors: Weyand Logan K. , Felts Brandi L. , Cassirer E. Frances , Jenks Jonathan A. , Walsh Daniel P. , Besser Thomas E. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

We hypothesized that bighorn sheep ewes with chronic nasal
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
carriage are the source of infection that results in fatal lamb pneumonia. We tested this hypothesis in captive bighorn ewes at two study facilities over a 5-year period, by identifying carrier ewes and then comparing lamb fates in groups that did (exposed pens) or did not (non-exposed pens) include one or more carrier ewes. Most (23 of 30) lambs born in exposed pens, but none of 11 lambs born in non-exposed pens, contracted fatal pneumonia. In addition, surviving lambs in exposed pens showed obvious signs of respiratory disease while lambs in non-exposed pens did not. In crossover experiments, individual non-carrier ewes had lambs that experienced fatal pneumonia in years when housed in exposed pens, but not in years when housed in non-exposed pens. The results of these studies clearly associate lamb pneumonia to exposure to
M. ovipneumoniae
carrier ewes, consistent with a necessary role for this agent in epizootic pneumonia of bighorn sheep. These data specifically highlight the role of chronic
M. ovipneumoniae
carriage by some bighorn ewes in the epidemiology of this population-limiting wildlife disease.

IMPORTANCE

Bighorn sheep populations, historically important in mountain and canyon ecosystems of western North America, declined precipitously following European settlement of North America and remain depressed today. One factor contributing to these declines and lack of recovery is epizootic pneumonia caused by the bacterium
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
. This pathogen arrived with settlers’ domestic sheep and goats and spilled over to infect bighorn sheep, a process that continues to this day. Bighorn losses from this disease include high rates of mortality (median, approaching 50%) of all ages of bighorn sheep on initial exposure, followed in subsequent years to decades by mortality largely limited to young lambs. The source of infection causing persistent lamb losses is the focus of the research described here. Conducting these studies on groups of captive bighorn sheep enabled demonstration of clear linkage between largely asymptomatic nasal carriage of
M. ovipneumoniae
by ewes and outbreaks of fatal pneumonia in lambs.
The role of M2 proteins of pneumoviruses in transcription regulation, prevention of hypermutation, and activation of the type I interferon pathway
Authors: Ribó-Molina Pau , Groen Kevin , Susma Balasubramanian , van Nieuwkoop Stefan , Funk Mathis , Fouchier Ron A. M. , van den Hoogen Bernadette G. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important causative agent of respiratory tract disease. Fundamental knowledge of the interaction between HMPV and the innate immune system could lead to the design of novel antiviral therapies. Previously, we demonstrated that HMPV M2-2 deletion mutants had hypermutated genomes and contained defective interfering particles (DIs), which are potent inducers of the IFN response. Here, we investigated the role of the HMPV M2-2 protein as IFN antagonist using chimeric HMPV expressing M2 proteins of other pneumoviruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and avian metapneumovirus type C (AMPV/C). Chimeric HMPVs expressing the M2 proteins of RSV or AMPV/C were attenuated in HEp-2 cells but did not activate the IFN response, and their genomes were not hypermutated. In contrast, chimeric HMPVs expressing the M2-2 proteins of RSV and AMPV/C, in combination with HMPV M2-1, did activate the IFN response, and their genomes were hypermutated. Investigation of the role of the pneumovirus M2 proteins in transcription regulation demonstrated that the M2-2 protein, only in concerted action with autologous M2-1 protein, acted as a transcription elongation factor. As a second approach, chimeric RSV in which the IFN antagonists NS1 and NS2 were replaced by the HMPV M2-2 gene failed to suppress an IFN response, indicating that the HMPV M2-2 protein is not a potent IFN antagonist. These data indicate that expression of autologous M2-1 and M2-2 proteins is important for the fidelity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, necessary to prevent the accumulation of mutations, and possibly DIs, thereby preventing activation of the IFN responses.

IMPORTANCE
The M2-2 protein of human metapneumovirus is suggested to function as a type I interferon antagonist, a function so far not assigned to the M2 proteins of other pneumoviruses. Although M2-2 deletion mutants of HMPV activate the type I interferon pathway, these mutants have hypermutated genomes and contain defective interfering RNAs, known to activate the interferon pathway. Here, we show that the M2-2 protein, in concerted action with autologous M2-1 protein, acts as a transcription elongation factor, which could explain the accumulation of DIs in M2-2 deletion mutants. Additionally, chimeric RSV in which the IFN antagonists NS1 and NS2 were replaced by the HMPV M2-2 gene failed to suppress an IFN response. These data indicate that expression of autologous M2-1 and M2-2 proteins is required for the fidelity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to prevent genome hypermutation and activation of the type I IFN pathway.
RNASEK interacting with PEDV structural proteins facilitates virus entry via clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Qin Wenzhen , Kong Ning , Xie Shengsong , Liu Hailong , Yang Xinyu , Wang Yahe , Cao Xinyu , Liu Yuchang , Wang Jiarui , Sun He , Tong Wu , Yu Hai , Zheng Hao , Zhang Wen , Tong Guangzhi , Shan Tongling 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), as a type of Alphacoronavirus causing acute diarrhea and high death rate among sucking piglets, poses great financial damage to the swine industry. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism whereby PEDV enters host cells is unclear, limiting the development of PED vaccines and anti-PEDV agents. The present study found that the host protein ribonuclease kappa (RNASEK) was regulated by USF2, a transcription factor, and facilitated the PEDV replication. RNASEK was identified as a novel binding partner of PEDV, which interacted with a spike (S), envelope (E), and membrane (M) proteins on PEDV virion surfaces to increase the uptake not for attachment of PEDV virions. PEDV enters cells through the endocytosis pathways. RNASEK knockdown or RNASEK knockout assay revealed that through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), RNASEK promoted the internalization of PEDV virions. Clathrin and the adaptor protein EPS15 only interacted with PEDV E protein, demonstrating that the RNASEK could target more virions through interaction with PEDV S, E, and M proteins to clathrin and EPS15 proteins rather than merely interacting with PEDV E protein to mediate the PEDV entry through CME. Moreover, our findings suggest that RNASEK, a newly identified host-entry factor, facilitates PEDV internalization by increasing the interaction of PEDV virions and EPS15-clathrin complex and may also provide a potential target for anti-PEDV therapies.

IMPORTANCE
PEDV is the causative pathogen of porcine diarrhea, which is a highly infectious acute intestinal condition, that poses significant economic damage to the swine industry. However, the existing PED vaccines fail to provide adequate protection for piglets against PEDV infection. Although PEDV replication in cells has been widely described, the mechanisms beneath PEDV entry of the host cells are incompletely understood. In this study, we showed that RNASEK, regulated by the transcription factor USF2, is a new host factor increasing PEDV infection in LLC-PK1 cells. RNASEK can bind to multiple structural proteins of PEDV (S, E, and M proteins), therefore increasing the interaction between PEDV virions, clathrin, and EPS15 to promote PEDV virion entry. Apart from unraveling the entry mechanisms of PEDV, our findings also contributed to facilitating the development of anti-PEDV agents and PED vaccines.
Can carbonated water support weight loss?
Authors: Takahashi Akira 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCarbonated water has been reported to induce satiety, gastric motility and lower serum glucose concentrations, but the mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis report explores the physiological effects of carbonated water, referencing a study published in 2004 on the mechanisms of hypoglycaemia induced by haemodialysis.ResultsUpon consumption of carbonated water, carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed into the bloodstream, and converted into bicarbonate by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in erythrocytes. This process increases intracellular pH, stimulating anaerobic glycolysis in erythrocytes and leading to higher glucose utilisation. A comparison is drawn with haemodialysis, where CO2absorption by the blood similarly enhances glucose metabolism. During haemodialysis, blood glucose levels decrease from an average of 118.3 mg/dL before entering the dialyser to 98.6 mg/dL after passing through, despite the glucose concentration in the dialysate being approximately 105.0 mg/dL.ConclusionCO2in carbonated water may promote weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and metabolism in red blood cells. However, the amount is so small that it is difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the CO2in carbonated water. Drinking carbonated water may also affect blood glucose measurements. Further studies are needed to explore its long-term effects and potential side effects.
Which variables are associated with recruitment failure? A nationwide review on obstetrical and gynaecological multicentre RCTs (2003–2023)
Authors: Rikken Judith , Casteleijn Romee , van der Weide Marijke C , Duijnhoven Ruben , Goddijn Mariëtte , Mol Ben W , van der Veen Fulco , van Wely Madelon 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveWe aim to assess which variables are associated with recruitment failure of obstetrical and gynaecological randomised controlled trials (RCTs), leading to an extension of the study period.DesignNationwide study.SettingA cohort of RCTs supported by the trial centre of the Dutch Consortium of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.PopulationWe included 83 RCTs that recruited patients between 1 March 2003 and 1 December 2023.Main outcome measuresMain outcome was recruitment target not achieved within 6 months after the preplanned recruitment period. Secondary outcomes were recruitment target not achieved within an extension period of at least 12 months and premature termination of the trial. In all RCTs, we collected information on variables with a potential effect on recruitment failure, recorded at five levels; patient, doctor, participating centre, study organisation and study design.ResultsIn total, 46 of 83 RCTs (55%) did not achieve their targeted recruitment within the preplanned study period with a maximal extension period of 6 months. The most relevant variables for recruitment failure in multivariable risk prediction modelling were presence of a no-treatment arm (where treatment is standard clinical practice), a compensation fee of less than €200 per included patient, funding of less than €350 000, while a preceding pilot study lowered this risk.ConclusionsWe identified that the presence of a no-treatment arm, low funding and a low compensation fee per included patient were the most relevant risk factors for recruitment failure within the preplanned period, while a preceding pilot study lowered this risk. Awareness of these variables is important when designing future studies.
Isosorbide mononitrate for preinduction cervical ripening at or post-term pregnancy: randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: El-Naggar Ramy Mohamed , Shaker Ahmed Nagy , Raslan Mohamed Attia , El-Bassyouny Heba Rady 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionEffective labour induction is marked by the onset of uterine contractions, progressive cervical dilation, and effacement, culminating in a vaginal birth without maternal or fetal complications. The success of induction largely depends on cervical ripening. Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN), a nitric oxide donor, has shown potential for cervical ripening, facilitating labour induction by promoting cervical softening, effacement and dilation. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ISMN for cervical ripening before labour induction at term or post-term.MethodsIn this double-blinded randomised controlled trial, 160 primigravidas with an unripe cervix (Bishop score<6) undergoing labour induction at term or post-term were enrolled. The ISMN group received 40 mg of intravaginal ISMN in the posterior fornix every 4 hours, up to four doses. The placebo group received intravaginal pyridoxine placebos on the same schedule. The primary outcome measured was the duration from labour induction to placental delivery. Secondary outcomes included caesarean section rates.ResultsThe ISMN group had a statistically significant shorter induction-to-delivery time compared with the placebo group (20.57±4.64 hours vs 23.15±5.13 hours, p=0.01). Additionally, the time from the first dose to delivery was reduced in the ISMN group. The caesarean section rate was lower in the ISMN group (29% vs 41%, p=0.17), though this difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionISMN is an effective and safe option for cervical ripening, potentially shortening the labour duration.Trial registration numberhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03544606.
On the two-loop BSM corrections to $$h\longrightarrow \gamma \gamma $$ in a triplet extension of the SM
Authors: Degrassi Giuseppe , Slavich Pietro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We compute the two-loop BSM contributions to the

$$h\longrightarrow \gamma \gamma $$

h
⟶
γ
γ

decay width in the SM extended with a real triplet of SU(2). We consider scenarios in which the neutral components of doublet and triplet do not mix, so that the lighter neutral scalar h has (at least approximately) SM-like couplings to fermions and gauge bosons. We focus on the two-loop corrections controlled by the quartic scalar couplings, and obtain explicit and compact formulas for the

$$h \gamma \gamma $$

h
γ
γ

amplitude by means of a low-energy theorem that connects it to the derivative of the photon self-energy w.r.t. the Higgs field. We briefly discuss the numerical impact of the newly-computed contributions, showing that they may be required for a precise determination of

$$\Gamma [h\rightarrow \gamma \gamma ]$$

Γ
[
h
→
γ
γ
]

in scenarios where the quartic scalar couplings are large.
On the Source of Conductivity in Alkaline Zn Anodes: Zn Percolation and ZnO Bridging
Authors: Guida Dominick P. , Chuang Andrew (Chihpin) , Okasinski John , Wendling Matthew T. , Chadderdon Xiaotong H. , Gallaway Joshua W 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alkaline Zn anodes are fundamental to commercial Zn-MnO2 batteries as well as emerging rechargeable designs. In these electrodes, Zn particles are both the active material and source of electronic conduction. However, there are known cases in which electronic connectivity between Zn particles or the current collecting pin is lost even though the battery continues to function. Here we use X-ray computed tomography (CT) of AA batteries to demonstrate several examples of Zn particle-to-particle connectivity breakdown, which is observed even in cases at relatively high discharge rate. This indicates maintenance of the electronic network through the less-conductive ZnO discharge product. We introduce a new equation for electronic conductivity maintained through bridges of ZnO formed between percolating Zn particles. This necessitates discarding the Bruggeman correlation and instead redefining effective electronic conductivity using percolation theory. We demonstrate that such a model for conduction enables prediction of an inverted reaction zone, which is an experimentally observed case in which significant Zn dissolution and ZnO formation occurs heavily near the current collecting pin. Current computational Zn-MnO2 models never predict an inverted reaction zone, and thus the updated conductivity enables models to accurately explain a wider range of experimental conditions.
Armorum iudicium as an Atellan Farce
Authors: Pieczonka Joanna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In his commentary on Statius’ Thebaid, Lactantius Placidus quotes a fragment of a play by Pomponius entitled Armorum iudicium. Nevertheless, some scholars have assigned the passage to the tragic writers Pacuvius or Pomponius Secundus. This article argues that the drama was in fact a mythological parody. Parodistic intent can be seen in the preserved fragment, which begins in a high style involving alliteration and the newly coined adjective ascendibilis but ends with the humourous colloquialism scala. This article demonstrates similarities between the fragment and several passages from Plautine comedies that contain identification motifs and jokes about the construction and meaning of new compound adjectives. All this suggests that Armorum iudicium belongs to the comic genre of Atellana.
Arab Feminist Cyber Activism
Authors: Mahadeen Ebtihal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There is a need to situate current iterations of Arabic feminist cyber activism within the long history of feminist activism in the region and to read them as initiatives in/from the margin that adopt an intersectional approach with an explicit focus on indigenous decolonial knowledge. Some Arab feminist collectives active today are producing and enabling the production of distinctly indigenous articulations of feminism situated in opposition to what can be termed hegemonic feminism, embodied in international and non-governmental women’s organizations. I analyse these collectives’ works on two levels: the level of feminist positioning and the level of mediated activism. This article argues that these collectives’ interventions are authentic and of the region, embody resistance from the margin, as well as the ethos and politics of solidarity, particularly considering their positioning on Palestine, and they resist digital colonialism through abstaining from extractive media practices and adopting a redistributive ethos.
The design principles of a sociolinguistic typological questionnaire for language contact research
Authors: Kashima Eri , Di Garbo Francesca , Singer Ruth , Khanina Olesya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper presents the design rationale and pilot demonstration of the GramAdapt Social Contact questionnaire; a research tool developed for collecting global comparative sociolinguistic data on language contact scenarios. The questionnaire is qualitative with quantitative potential, inviting language community experts to provide best-assessment answers to questions about social contact in their communities of expertise. The main purpose is to compare contact scenarios, however the questionnaire can also be a broad survey of any given contact situation as it was designed to target factors associated with language contact and change phenomena at large. Two experts of small-scale multilingual communities answer an abridged version of the questionnaire to qualitatively demonstrate this proof of concept. The experts of Mawng and Kunbarlang (northern Australia), and Tundra Enets and Nganasan (northern Siberia) were chosen as these communities defy nation-based models of multilingualism. The responses are broadly successful, thus demonstrating the theoretical contribution and methodological potential of this questionnaire.