bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive Enzyme‐free Sensor Based on a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Binary Zinc Oxide/Polyaniline Nanocomposites for Dopamine, Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid Sensing
Authors: Kadri Yasmine , Bekri‐Abbess Imen , Herrasti Pilar 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHybrid composites ZnO/PANI were facily synthesized by a sonication process at room temperature. This procedure is non‐expensive, time/energy saving and environmentally safe. The as‐prepared ZnO/PANI were characterized by FTIR, UV‐vis spectroscopies and SEM in order to investigate the structure and morphology of the studied composites. The samples were used to modify carbon paste electrode (CPE) in order to develop electrochemical biosensors (ZnO/PANI/CPE). The sensing properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated for dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid non‐enzymatic detection. The effect of percentage of polyaniline in the composites and the effect of calcination on the biosensor's response were also examined in the present study. It was revealed that the existence of PANI in ZnO/PANI/CPE largely enhanced the electroactive surface area and therefore the sensitivity for electrochemical sensing. A good electrochemical behavior was noted for ZnO/40 wt% PANI‐cal/CPE modified electrode toward DA, AA and UA oxidation. The electroactive surface area of the previously mentioned modified electrode (0.235 cm2) was two times higher than that of the bare electrode (0.117 cm2). The liner relationships between current intensities and concentrations were found to be 0.01–1.4 mM, 0.1–1.3 mM and 0.01–0.12 mM, with detection limit of 0.029 mM, 0.063 mM and 0.007 mM, for DA, AA and UA respectively. In the mixtures of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) uric acid (UA) and glucose (Glu) the sensor showed high selectivity of DA with low interference of ascorbic acid by a current change of 14 %. The as‐prepared ZnO/PANI/CPE biosensor displayed a good reproducibility and stability.
Assessing stream temperature response and recovery for different harvesting systems in northern hardwood forests using 40 years of spot measurements
Authors: Leach Jason A. , Hudson Danielle T. , Moore R. Dan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractStream temperature is a critical control on aquatic habitat and a key forest management concern in many jurisdictions. Most research on stream temperature response to forest harvesting is from coniferous forests in rain‐dominated watersheds and focused on the first few years following harvesting. In contrast, we know less about the harvesting impacts on stream temperature for silviculture approaches typically used in northern hardwood forests that are influenced by snow. We addressed this knowledge gap by using four decades (1980 to 2020) of spot water temperature measurements recorded at three treatment and two reference catchments (areas 4.5 to 69 ha) as part of a long‐term water quality monitoring programme at the Turkey Lakes Watershed study near the eastern shores of Lake Superior. We were able to control for diel and seasonal biases in the spot temperature measurements and found that clearcut harvesting showed a summer temperature increase that persisted for 5 to 7 years after harvesting. Shelterwood and selection harvest did not exhibit a detectable change in stream temperature. These responses are consistent with observed changes in forest canopy through time and between harvesting approaches. In addition, the stream temperature responses were likely muted due to the streams being short and characterized by intermittent flow conditions, as well as the potential moderating influence of increased subsurface runoff following harvesting. Our results highlight how insights can be extracted from routine water quality programmes that were hitherto unrecognized.
MicroRNAs: Small molecules with big impacts in liver injury
Authors: Abdel Halim Alyaa S. , Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Ali Mohamed A. M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA type of small noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) fine‐tune gene expression posttranscriptionally by binding to certain messenger RNA targets. Numerous physiological processes in the liver, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, are regulated by miRNAs. Additionally, there is growing evidence that miRNAs contribute to liver pathology. Extracellular vesicles like exosomes, which contain secreted miRNAs, may facilitate paracrine and endocrine communication between various tissues by changing the gene expression and function of distal cells. The use of stable miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers was made possible by the discovery of these molecules in body fluids. Circulating miRNAs reflect the conditions of the liver that are abnormal and may serve as new biomarkers for the early detection, prognosis, and evaluation of liver pathological states. miRNAs are appealing therapeutic targets for a range of liver disease states because altered miRNA expression is associated with deregulation of the liver's metabolism, liver damage, liver fibrosis, and tumor formation. This review provides a comprehensive review and update on miRNAs biogenesis pathways and mechanisms of miRNA‐mediated gene silencing. It also outlines how miRNAs affect hepatic cell proliferation, death, and regeneration as well as hepatic detoxification. Additionally, it highlights the diverse functions that miRNAs play in the onset and progression of various liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, hepatitis C virus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, it summarizes the diverse liver‐specific miRNAs, illustrating the potential merits and possible caveats of their utilization as noninvasive biomarkers and appealing therapeutic targets for liver illnesses.
Age‐related SUMOylation of PLK1 is essential to meiosis progression in mouse oocytes
Authors: Mo Xiao‐Long , Liu Feng , Xing Chun‐Hua , Shan Meng‐Meng , Yao Bo , Sun Qi‐Qi , Zou Yuan‐Jing , Zhang Kun‐Huan , Tan Jun , Sun Shao‐Chen , Ren Yan‐Ping 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPolo like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a protein kinase involved in regulating the spindle assembly and cell cycle control in mammalian oocytes. SUMOylation, one way of post‐translational modification, regulates oocyte meiosis by controlling several substrates. However, the relation between PLK1 and SUMOylation in oocytes is still unknown. In this study, we investigated that whether PLK1 was modified by SUMOylation in oocytes and its potential relationship with age‐related meiotic abnormalities. We showed that PLK1 had colocalization and protein interaction with Small Ubiquitin‐Like Modifier (SUMO)‐1 and SUMO‐2/3 in mouse oocytes, indicating that PLK1 could be modified by SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐2/3. Overexpression of PLK1 SUMOylation site mutants PLK1K178R and PLK1K191R caused the increase of the abnormal spindle rate of oocytes and the decline of the first polar body extrusion rate with the abnormal localization of PLK1, suggesting that the SUMOylation modification of PLK1 is essential for normal meiosis in oocytes. Compared with young mice, the expression of PLK1 protein increased and the expression of SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐2/3 protein decreased in the oocytes of aged mice, indicating that the SUMOylation of PLK1 might be related to the mouse aging. Therefore, our data suggested that PLK1 could be SUMOylated by SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐2/3 in mouse oocytes and SUMOylation of PLK1 regulated the meiosis progression of oocytes which was related with aging.
The hierarchical basis of serial homology and evolutionary novelty
Authors: DiFrisco James , Love Alan C. , Wagner Günter P. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGiven the pervasiveness of gene sharing in evolution and the extent of homology across the tree of life, why is everything not homologous with everything else? The continuity and overlapping genetic contributions to diverse traits across lineages seem to imply that no discrete determination of homology is possible. Although some argue that the widespread overlap in parts and processes should be acknowledged as “partial” homology, this threatens a broad base of presumed comparative morphological knowledge accepted by most biologists. Following a long scientific tradition, we advocate a strategy of “theoretical articulation” that introduces further distinctions to existing concepts to produce increased contrastive resolution among the labels used to represent biological phenomena. We pursue this strategy by drawing on successful patterns of reasoning from serial homology at the level of gene sequences to generate an enriched characterization of serial homology as a hierarchical, phylogenetic concept. Specifically, we propose that the concept of serial homology should be applied primarily to repeated but developmentally individualized body parts, such as cell types, differentiated body segments, or epidermal appendages. For these characters, a phylogenetic history can be reconstructed, similar to families of paralogous genes, endowing the notion of serial homology with a hierarchical, phylogenetic interpretation. On this basis, we propose a five‐fold theoretical classification that permits a more fine‐grained mapping of diverse trait‐types. This facilitates answering the question of why everything is not homologous with everything else, as well as how novelty is possible given that any new character possesses evolutionary precursors. We illustrate the fecundity of our account by reference to debates over insect wing serial homologs and vertebrate paired appendages.
A phenome‐wide investigation of risk factors for severe COVID‐19
Authors: Baranova Ancha , Cao Hongbao , Teng Shaolei , Zhang Fuquan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWith the continued spread of COVID‐19 globally, it is crucial to identify the potential risk or protective factors associated with COVID‐19. Here, we performed genetic correlation analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis to examine genetic relationships between COVID‐19 hospitalization and 405 health conditions and lifestyle factors in 456 422 participants from the UK Biobank. The genetic correlation analysis revealed 134 positive and 65 negative correlations, including those with intakes of a variety of dietary components. The MR analysis indicates that a set of body fat‐related traits, maternal smoking around birth, basal metabolic rate, lymphocyte count, peripheral enthesopathies and allied syndromes, blood clots in the leg, and arthropathy are causal risk factors for severe COVID‐19, while higher education attainment, physical activity, asthma, and never smoking status protect against the illness. Our findings have implications for risk stratification in patients with COVID‐19 and the prevention of its severe outcomes.
Novel strategies for extraction, purification, processing, and stability improvement of bioactive molecules
Authors: Shakoor Rafia , Hussain Nazim , Younas Saima , Bilal Muhammad 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBioactive molecules gain significance in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for showcasing various beneficial biological properties including but not limited to anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic. However, the practice of using traditional approaches to produce bioactive molecules is gradually declining due to various limitations such as low product quality, high toxicity, low product yield, low efficiency, and product degradation. Thus, with the escalating demand for these bioactive molecules and active agents in food and other food‐related industries, it has become a dire need for the scientific world to come up with novel approaches and strategies that cannot just improve the quality of these bioactives but also prepare them in a comparatively shorter time span. This review includes the latest approaches and techniques used either independently or in combinations for the extraction, purification, processing, and stability improvement of general bioactive molecules. Different parameters of these versatile techniques have been discussed with their effectiveness and work principles.
Characterization of lipopeptide produced by Bacillus altitudinis Q7 and inhibitory effect on Alternaria alternata
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Yang Fengrui , Ye Shuhong , Li Jing , Shen Fengjun , Ding Yan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study identified the antifungal metabolites produced by Bacillus altitudinis Q7 against Alternaria alternata and investigated the antifungal activity and antifungal action. Lipopeptide, the important secondary metabolites were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry as lichenysin. The antifungal activity of lipopeptide on A. alternata was determined by microdilution technique, and its minimum inhibitory concentration was 1.2 mg/ml. Stability test showed that lipopeptide had excellent temperature and pH resistance. To investigate whether lichenysin acted on the cell membrane and changed its permeability, the ultra‐violet absorption of protein and nucleic acid were measured using a colorimetric method. The antifungal metabolites produced by B. altitudinis Q7 was lichenysin, which showed stable antifungal activity in the extreme environments. Lichenysin could inhibit A. alternata by altering the permeability of cell membrane, leading to the outflow of proteins and nucleic acids from the cytoplasm. This research suggests the lipopeptide from B. altitudinis Q7 is a potential biological control agent against A. alternata.
Retracted: Two main temperature periodicities related to planetary and solar activity oscillations
Authors: Ollila Antero , Timonen Mauri 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe mechanism and even the existence of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) have remained under debate among climate researchers, and the same applies to general temperature oscillations of a 60–90‐year period. The objective of this study is to show that these temperature oscillations are real and not artifacts and that these oscillations have different external cosmic origins. The authors have studied how well the variations of astronomical harmonic resonances (AHR) could explain the 60‐year temperature variations, which are based on instrumental records and on the tree‐ring data of the supra‐long Scots pine tree‐ring record for northern Finnish Lapland (subsequently called the Finnish timberline pine chronology [FTPC]), stretching to the year 5634 BC. Powerful volcanic eruptions have significant temperature‐decreasing impacts, and they are the major disturbances to eliminate in analysis. The similarities between the temperatures of the tree‐ring trend and the AHR trend are easy to observe even by the naked eye. The statistical analysis shows that these two signals are statistically related. The analyses also show that the well‐known Gleissberg cycle of 88 years is the dominating cycle caused by the Suns' activity changes but the observed 60‐year cycle can be connected to the AHR cyclicity.
Why we Support some Original Ideas but Reject Others: An Application of Signaling Theory
Authors: Hunter Samuel T. , Blocker Lily D. , Gutworth Melissa B. , Allen Julian 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTAlthough organizations say new ideas are desirable, investing in original products rather than the “tried and true” can be unsettling for decision‐makers. This discomfort may be due, in part, to uncertainty surrounding whether a new idea will prove successful. As such, the originality of a creative idea can be paradoxically viewed both as an asset, driving up appeal, as well as a detrimental risk. To help unpack these relationships, we propose that how an original idea is proposed (i.e., pitched) plays a central role in the support it receives. Guided by signaling theory we examined how pitch quality relates to funding for ideas with varying degrees of originality. In a field sample of 245 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns, pitch quality for ideas high in originality predicted investment in such ideas. In a follow‐up experimental study, we created high‐ and low‐quality pitches for two products, also varying product originality and product quality. Results highlight the importance of high‐quality pitches for highly original ideas that are associated with reductions in uncertainty. Supplemental analyses suggest that high‐quality pitches improve enthusiasm for a product as well, highlighting a potential second path of support influence.
Habitat management to reduce competitive interactions: case study of native and invading cottontails
Authors: Eline Drew V. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Whipps Christopher M. , Cheeseman Amanda E. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHabitat management recommendations are often based on best available science determined through retroductive and inductive hypotheses. Such recommendations are not frequently tested, potentially resulting in the implementation of unreliable practices for management of imperiled species. The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is an imperiled shrubland‐obligate species whose recovery efforts include habitat management and restoration. Researchers suggest former best management practices for the species may result in ecological traps and new recommendations have been developed. We evaluated these newly revised best management practices designed to retain higher tree canopy closure to promote New England cottontails without encouraging eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus). We compared New England and eastern cottontail density between management plots (tree canopy thinned with all downed trees left on the ground, with or without invasive shrub treatment) and control plots (unmanaged) and examined the influence of management on resource selection and survival. Management strategies retaining higher canopy closure promoted stronger selection by New England cottontails than by eastern cottontails. Catch per unit effort of New England cottontails was greater than for eastern cottontails in management plots (P = 0.002). For both species, the proportion of the 95% home range overlapping managed areas was greater than the proportion of managed area in the habitat patch; however, for the 50% core area of the home range, this was only true for New England cottontails. When post‐treatment canopy cover was >75%, New England cottontails selected canopy‐thinning treatments without invasive shrub removal over unmanaged areas, but selection by eastern cottontails was unaffected by management treatment or canopy cover. Survival probability of both species was high and uncorrelated with time spent in management areas. Survival probability decreased as the average distance a rabbit moved in a 7‐day period increased. Our results illustrate the need to revise management strategies that emphasize eliminating canopy cover when improving New England cottontail habitat is an objective, particularly where they are sympatric with eastern cottontails.
Identification Accuracy of Safety‐Relevant Environmental Sounds in Adult Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Luzum Nathan R. , Hamel Benjamin L. , Shafiro Valeriy , Harris Michael S. 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveExamine cochlear implant (CI) users' ability to identify safety‐relevant environmental sounds, imperative for safety, independence, and personal well‐being.MethodsTwenty‐one experienced adult CI users completed an Environmental Sound Identification (ESI) test consisting of 42 common environmental sounds, 28 of which were relevant to personal safety, along with 14 control sounds. Prior to sound identification, participants were shown sound names and asked to rate the familiarity and, separately, relevance to safety of each corresponding sound on a 1–5 scale.ResultsOverall ESI accuracy was 57% correct for the safety‐relevant sounds and 55% correct for control sounds. Participants rated safety‐relevant sounds as more important to safety and more familiar than the non‐safety sounds. ESI accuracy significantly correlated with familiarity ratings.ConclusionThe present findings suggest mediocre ESI accuracy in postlingual adult CI users for safety‐relevant and other environmental sounds. Deficits in the identification of these sounds may put CI listeners at increased risk of accidents or injuries and may require a specific rehabilitation program to improve CI outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2388–2393, 2023
A synthesis of floodplain aquatic ecosystem metabolism and carbon flux using causal criteria analysis
Authors: McInerney Paul J. , Giling Darren P. , Wolfenden Ben , Sengupta Ashmita 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe transformation of solar energy into organic matter by autotrophs (gross primary production [GPP]) and the use of that energy by autotrophs and heterotrophs (ecosystem respiration [ER]) describe the total energy available to support food webs. Rates of GPP and ER vary with temperature, light, hydrology, nutrients, and organic matter supply and quality yet despite their obvious importance, spatiotemporal variation of metabolic patterns among floodplain habitats, and their relationship to inundation dynamics remain unclear. We set out to review the peer‐reviewed literature surrounding the influence of the magnitude, frequency, and duration of floodplain inundation on aquatic ecosystem metabolism and carbon flux by rigorously testing a suite of cause–effect hypotheses using a causal criteria analysis. Causal criteria analysis is a literature synthesis approach developed to address a lack of experimental data and subsequent weak inference of causal relationships. We found support for 3 of the 14 hypotheses we tested relating to putative causal relationships: (1) large floods transfer more carbon from floodplains to the river channel than small floods via the increase in inundation area leading to more overall leaching of floodplain litter, (2) in high turbidity floodplain habitats rates of GPP are reduced by restrictions to photic depth, and (3) a positive correlation between nutrients and GPP—generally GPP in floodplain wetlands increases with nutrient levels. We obtained inconsistent evidence for a causal relationship between macrophytes and aquatic GPP, with studies reporting both a negative influence from decreased light caused by macrophyte shading and a positive influence from structural support provided by macrophytes for periphyton growth. For the remaining 10 hypotheses, there was insufficient evidence to support causal relationships, including for any hypotheses relating to frequency or duration of floodplain inundation. Our results emphasize that despite an apparent wealth of metabolic studies in riverine ecosystems, floodplain metabolic dynamics remain poorly studied, likely due to less investment and increased difficulty compared to lotic waters. The review also highlighted aspects of floodplain aquatic ecosystem metabolism for which there are significant knowledge gaps in the literature, in particular metabolic responses to inundation frequency and duration. Our results call attention to the importance of site specificity and temporal changes when predicting putative cause–effect relationships between floodplain inundation and metabolic patterns.