bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of microflow at the plasma–liquid interface
Authors: Kuthanová Lucia , Hoder Tomáš 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe study the interaction of microplasma with viscous liquid in a narrow gap. The reduced surface tension and viscosity of the liquid droplet from local plasma-heating induce a radial fingering. The introduced methodology enables spatially and temporally resolved quantification of dissipated power density and of resulting velocity of the advancing plasma–liquid interface. For two plasma power scenarios, we demonstrate how the irregular distribution of the two parameters leads to microflow, interface stretching, and to primary droplet fragmentation via capillary instability and end pinching.
The impact of restoration methods for Solidago-invaded land on soil invertebrates
Authors: Perera Peliyagodage Chathura Dineth , Gruss Iwona , Twardowski Jacek , Chmielowiec Cezary , Szymura Magdalena , Szymura Tomasz H. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe belowground community structure of soil biota depends on plant composition and may be affected by invasive plant species. We hypothesized that the type of land restoration method applied affects the abundance and composition of soil invertebrates. Our field experiment centred on Solidago species control using different seed mixtures and methods of seed introduction (sowing mixtures: grasses, grasses with legumes, seeds from a seminatural meadow, and application of fresh hay) and different frequencies of mowing (one, two, or three times per year). Soil invertebrates were identified to the taxa, using light microscopes. Richness and diversity indices were calculated, and a redundancy analysis was conducted. Generally, mowing intensity negatively influenced soil organisms, although increased mowing frequency positively affected the abundance of some taxa (Symphyla, Hemiptera). Mowing twice per year decreased the abundance of soil invertebrates, but not their diversity. Soil invertebrate taxa had the greatest abundance in the plots sown with a seed mixture containing grasses with legumes. Among the restoration methods studied, mowing once a year and introducing grasses with legumes represented the least harmful strategy with regard to soil invertebrate abundance. Further studies are needed to investigate the dynamics of soil mesofauna exposed to long-term mowing and changes in vegetation characteristics.
Contribution of autofluorescence from intracellular proteins in multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Malak Monika , James Jeemol , Grantham Julie , Ericson Marica B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMultiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (MPM-FLIM) is extensively proposed as a non-invasive optical method to study tissue metabolism. The approach is based on recording changes in the fluorescence lifetime attributed to metabolic co-enzymes, of which nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is of major importance. However, intrinsic tissue fluorescence is complex. Particularly when utilizing two-photon excitation, as conventionally employed in MPM. This increases the possibility for spectral crosstalk and incorrect assignment of the origin of the FLIM signal. Here we demonstrate that in keratinocytes, proteins such as keratin may interfere with the signal usually assigned to NADH in MPM-FLIM by contributing to the lifetime component at 1.5 ns. This is supported by a change in fluorescence lifetime distribution in KRT5- and KRT14-silenced cells. Altogether, our results suggest that the MPM-FLIM data originating from cellular autofluorescence is far more complex than previously suggested and that the contribution from other tissue constituents should not be neglected—changing the paradigm for data interpretation in this context.
Secular trend and risk factors of 30-day COPD-related readmission in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Jiachen , Liang Lirong , Cao Siyu , Rong Hengmo , Feng Lin , Zhang Di , Chu Shuilian , Jing Hang , Tong Zhaohui 
Published: October 2022

AbstractReadmission due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation contributes significantly to disease burden. Trend in readmission rate among COPD patients in China is not well characterized. We described the secular trend and identify risk factors of COPD-related 30-day readmission in Beijing during 2012–2017. In this retrospective cohort study, we used data from a citywide hospital discharge database in Beijing. We included patients ≥ 40 years with a primary diagnosis of COPD from 2012 to 2017. A total of 131 591 index admissions were identified. COPD-related 30-day readmission was defined as the initial admission with a primary diagnosis of COPD that occurs within 30 days from the discharge date of an index admission. Overall and annual 30-day readmission rates were calculated in the total population and subgroups defined by patient characteristics. We used multivariable logistic models to investigate risk factors for readmission and in-hospital mortality within 30 days. The overall 30-day COPD-related readmission rate was 15.8% (n = 20 808). The readmission rate increased from 11.5% in 2012 to 17.2% in 2017, with a multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) for annual change to be 1.08 (1.06–1.09) (P trend < 0.001). The upward trend in readmission rate levelled off at about 17% since 2014. The readmission rate of men was higher and increased faster than women. Comorbid osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and cancer were associated with an increased risk of 30-day COPD-related readmission. The 30-day COPD-related readmission rate in Beijing showed an overall increasing trend from 2012 to 2017. Future efforts should be made to further improve care quality and reduce early readmissions of COPD patients.
Endangered animals and plants are positively or neutrally related to wild boar (Sus scrofa) soil disturbance in urban grasslands
Authors: Cabon Valentin , Bùi Miriam , Kühne Henning , Seitz Birgit , Kowarik Ingo , von der Lippe Moritz , Buchholz Sascha 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWild boar is increasingly establishing populations in the outskirts of European cities, with the largest German urban population occurring in Berlin. Related soil disturbance in grasslands is common and often considered as damage to biodiversity. However, it is unknown how animal and plant species in urban grasslands respond to wild boar activity - an important limitation for conservation management. We sampled plants, grasshoppers and sand lizards in 22 dry grasslands and measured wild boar activity. We show that plant diversity decreased with rooting intensity, but not species richness, endangered or specialist species. Relationships with animals were mostly positive. Grasshopper diversity, total richness and richness of endangered and specialist species were positively related to rooting, as was sand lizard abundance. These relationships contrast to mostly negative effects in the wild boar’s non-native range. This first multi-taxa study in a large city suggests that soil disturbance by wild boars is not necessarily a threat to biodiversity. An implication for conservation is to consider the context-dependence of biodiversity responses to wild boar activity. For dry grasslands, disturbed patches should be accepted in management plans rather than re-vegetated by seeding.
Unravelling the DNA sequences carried by Streptomyces coelicolor membrane vesicles
Authors: Faddetta Teresa , Vassallo Alberto , Del Duca Sara , Gallo Giuseppe , Fani Renato , Puglia Anna Maria 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMembrane vesicles (MVs) are spherical particles with nanoscale dimensions and characterized by the presence of diverse cargos, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and cellular metabolites. Many examples of (micro)organisms producing MVs are reported in literature. Among them, bacterial MVs are of particular interest because they are now considered as the fourth mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Streptomyces bacteria are well-known for their ecological roles and ability to synthesize bioactive compounds, with Streptomyces coelicolor being the model organism. It was previously demonstrated that it can produce distinct populations of MVs characterized by different protein and metabolite cargos. In this work we demonstrated for the first time that MVs of S. coelicolor carry both DNA and RNA and that their DNA content represents the entire chromosome of the bacterium. These findings suggest that MV DNA could have a role in the evolution of Streptomyces genomes and that MVs could be exploited in new strain engineering strategies.
Adaptive neural network control for uncertain dual switching nonlinear systems
Authors: Mu Qianqian , Long Fei , Mo Lipo , Liu Liang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDual switching system is a special hybrid system that contains both deterministic and stochastic switching subsystems. Due to its complex switching mechanism, few studies have been conducted for dual switching systems, especially for systems with uncertainty. Usually, the stochastic subsystems are described as Markov jump systems. Based upon the upstanding identity of RBF neural network on approaching nonlinear data, the tracking models for uncertain subsystems are constructed and the neural network adaptive controller is designed. The global asymptotic stability almost surely (GAS a.s.) and almost surely exponential stability (ES a.s.) of dual switching nonlinear error systems are investigated by using the energy attenuation theory and Lyapunov function method. An uncertain dual switching system with two subsystems, each with two modes, is studied. The uncertain functions of the subsystems are approximated well, and the approximation error is controlled to be below 0.05. Under the control of the designed adaptive controller and switching rules, the error system can obtain a good convergence rate. The tracking error is quite small compared with the original uncertain dual switching system.
Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks
Authors: Walusansa Abdul , Nakavuma Jesca. L. , Asiimwe Savina , Ssenku Jamilu. E. , Aruhomukama Dickson , Sekulima Tahalu , Kafeero Hussein. M. , Anywar Godwin , Katuura Esther , Nabatanzi Alice , Musisi Nathan. L. , Tugume Arthur. K. , Kakudidi Esezah. K. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D'Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had significantly higher mean TVL than liquids. Violation of NDA’s guidelines was significantly associated with high TVL. Fifty-nine bacteria, viz., Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 34; 57.6%), Escherichia. coli (12; 20.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (7; 11.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3; 5.1%), Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (1; 1.7% each), were isolated from 45 (32.1%) samples. These bacteria can cause severe clinical diseases, and promote deterioration of HM potency.
Printability and microstructure of directed energy deposited SS316l-IN718 multi-material: numerical modeling and experimental analysis
Authors: Ghanavati Reza , Naffakh-Moosavy Homam , Moradi Mahmoud , Eshraghi Mohsen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn the present paper, the interrelated aspects of additive manufacturing-microstructure-property in directed energy deposition of SS316L-IN718 multi-material were studied through numerical modeling and experimental evaluation. The printability concept and solidification principles were used for this purpose. The printability analysis showed that the SS316L section is more susceptible to composition change and lack of fusion, respectively due to the high equilibrium vapor pressure of manganese and the more efficient heat loss in the initial layers. However, the IN718 section is more prone to distortion due to the formation of a larger melt pool, with a maximum thermal strain of 3.95 × 10−3 in the last layer. As the process continues, due to heat accumulation and extension of the melt pool, the cooling rate decreases and the undercooling level increases, which respectively result in coarser microstructure and more instability of solidification front in the build direction, as also observed in the experimental results. The difference is that the dendritic microstructure of the IN718 section, due to the eutectic reaction L → γ + Laves, is formed on a smaller scale compared to the cellular microstructure of the SS316L section. Also, the decrease in cooling rate caused the secondary phase fraction in each section (delta ferrite in SS316L and Laves in IN718) to increase almost linearly. However, the hardness calculation and measurement showed similarly, even though with the transition from SS316L to IN718 the hardness is significantly increased due to higher yield strength of the matrix and the presence of Laves intermetallic phase (~ 260 HV0.3), the hardness in each section decreases slightly due to the coarsening of the microstructure from the initial layer to the final.
Folic acid depletion as well as oversupplementation helps in the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Sharma Renuka , Ali Taqveema , Kaur Jyotdeep 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFolate ingestion below and above the physiologic dose has been shown to play a tumorigenic role in certain cancers. Also, excessive folate supplementation after establishment of pre-established lesions led to an advancement in the growth of a few tumors. However, such information has not yet been achieved in the case of HCC. In our study, HepG2 cells were administered with three different concentrations of folic acid i.e. folic acid normal (FN) (2.27 µM), folic acid deficient (FD) (no folic acid), folic acid oversupplementation (FO) (100 µM) for 10 days. Intracellular folate levels were assayed by Elecsys Folate III kit based method. The migratory and invasive abilities were estimated by transwell migration and matrigel invasion methods respectively. FACS was done to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Agarose-coated plates were used to access cancer stem cells (CSCs) number. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting approaches were used for gene and protein expression of certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), respectively. FD cells depicted increased migration, invasion, apoptosis, necrosis and decreased cell viability, CSCs. On the other hand, FO cells showed increased migration, invasion, cell viability and number of CSCs and decreased apoptosis and necrosis. TSGs revealed diminished expression with both FA modulations with respect to FN cells. Thus, FA deficiency as well as abundance enhanced the HCC progression by adapting different mechanisms.
Independent association of Lp(a) with platelet reactivity in subjects without statins or antiplatelet agents
Authors: Liu Huixing , Fu Di , Luo Yonghong , Peng Daoquan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe physiological effect of Lp(a) on platelet activity is unclear. Previous studies explored the relationship between Lp(a) and platelet aggregation in patients taking statins and antiplatelet agents, but few was conducted in individuals without the bias of those drugs that either influence Lp(a) or platelet activity. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Lp(a) levels and platelet aggregation in subjects not taking statins or antiplatelet drugs. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the independent contribution of Lp(a) to platelet activity by controlling the effects of potential confounding factors including lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]. Blood samples were collected from 92 subjects without statins or antiplatelet agents from the Second Xiangya Hospital. The univariate correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between AA-induced average aggregation rate [AAR] and ApoB (r = 0.324, P = 0.002), ApoA1 (r = 0.252, P = 0.015), Lp(a) (r = 0.370, P < 0.001), Lp-PLA2 (r = 0.233, P = 0.025) and platelet counts [PLT] (r = 0.389, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that Lp(a) contributed independently to AA-induced average aggregation rate (β = 0.023, P = 0.027) after controlling for the effects of ApoB, Lp-PLA2 and platelet counts. Lp(a) is positively associated with platelet aggregation independent of Lp-PLA2, which may partly account for the atherothrombotic effect of Lp(a).
Microbiome network in the pelagic and benthic offshore systems of the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Scicchitano Daniel , Lo Martire Marco , Palladino Giorgia , Nanetti Enrico , Fabbrini Marco , Dell’Anno Antonio , Rampelli Simone , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Candela Marco 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBecause of their recognized global importance, there is now the urgent need to map diversity and distribution patterns of marine microbial communities. Even if available studies provided some advances in the understanding the biogeographical patterns of marine microbiomes at the global scale, their degree of plasticity at the local scale it is still underexplored, and functional implications still need to be dissected. In this scenario here we provide a synoptical study on the microbiomes of the water column and surface sediments from 19 sites in a 130 km2 area located 13.5 km afar from the coast in the North-Western Adriatic Sea (Italy), providing the finest-scale mapping of marine microbiomes in the Mediterranean Sea. Pelagic and benthic microbiomes in the study area showed sector specific-patterns and distinct assemblage structures, corresponding to specific variations in the microbiome network structure. While maintaining a balanced structure in terms of potential ecosystem services (e.g., hydrocarbon degradation and nutrient cycling), sector-specific patterns of over-abundant modules—and taxa—were defined, with the South sector (the closest to the coast) characterized by microbial groups of terrestrial origins, both in the pelagic and the benthic realms. By the granular assessment of the marine microbiome changes at the local scale, we have been able to describe, to our knowledge at the first time, the integration of terrestrial microorganisms in the marine microbiome networks, as a possible natural process characterizing eutrophic coastal area. This raises the question about the biological threshold for terrestrial microorganisms to be admitted in the marine microbiome networks, without altering the ecological balance.
Scalable spin Seebeck thermoelectric generation using Fe-oxide nanoparticle assembled film on flexible substrate
Authors: Kurokawa Yuichiro , Tahara Yusuke , Hamada Yuki , Fujimoto Masahiro , Yuasa Hiromi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe fabricated Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP)-assembled films on flexible polyimide sheets with Pt or Ta cap layer using a spin coating method and DC sputtering. The films were elaborated for spin Seebeck thermoelectric generator applications, and their spin Seebeck voltages were observed. We showed that the thermoelectric power of [Pt film/Fe3O4 NP]n multilayered films increases with increasing number of stacking n. Additionally, we prepared spin Seebeck thermopile devices in which the Fe3O4 NP-assembled films capped by Pt and Ta are connected alternately in series. We demonstrated that spin Seebeck voltages of the thermopile devices are larger than those of single [Pt or Ta film/Fe3O4 NP]n piece. Our results indicate that the spin Seebeck thermoelectric power of Fe3O4 NPs can be enhanced using a simple fabrication process without lithography technique.
Malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules according to echotexture and degree of hypoechogenicity: a retrospective multicenter validation study
Authors: Lee Ji Ye , Lee Chang Yoon , Hwang Inpyeong , You Sung-Hye , Park Sun-Won , Lee Boeun , Yoon Ra Gyoung , Yim Younghee , Kim Ji-hoon , Na Dong Gyu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractVarious risk stratification systems show discrepancies in the ultrasound lexicon of nodule echotexture and hypoechogenicity. This study aimed to determine the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules according to their echotexture and degree of hypoechogenicity. From June to September 2015, we retrospectively evaluated 5601 thyroid nodules with final diagnoses from 26 institutions. Nodules were stratified according to the echotexture (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) and degree of hypoechogenicity (mild, moderate, or marked). We calculated the malignancy risk according to composition and suspicious features. Heterogeneous hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher malignancy risk than heterogeneous isoechoic nodules (P ≤ 0.017), except in partially cystic nodules. Malignancy risks were not significantly different between homogeneous versus heterogeneous nodules in both hypoechoic (P ≥ 0.086) and iso- hyperechoic nodules (P ≥ 0.05). Heterogeneous iso-hyperechoic nodules without suspicious features showed a low malignancy risk. The malignancy risks of markedly and moderately hypoechoic nodules were not significantly different in all subgroups (P ≥ 0.48). Marked or moderately hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher risk than mild hypoechoic (P ≤ 0.016) nodules. The predominant echogenicity effectively stratifies the malignancy risk of nodules with heterogeneous echotexture. The degree of hypoechogenicity could be stratified as mild versus moderate to marked hypoechogenicity.
Les relations numériques à la nature : une sociabilité à repenser
Authors: Charvolin Florian , Kohlmann Émilie 
Published: October 2022

Une journée d’études a eu lieu à Grenoble en septembre 2021, organisée dans le cadre du projet de recherche ANR-15-IDEX-02 MIMESIS (Muséum interface de médiation pour l’environnement et les sciences en Isère) et par le laboratoire GRESEC (Groupe de recherches sur les enjeux de la communication). Elle avait pour objet, selon son titre même, de « Penser le(s) lien(s) » à travers une succession de « regards croisés sur les dispositifs numériques de médiation à la nature ». À partir d’éclairages interdisciplinaires nourris, en sociologie, géographie, information et communication ou ingénierie, des chercheurs et des praticiens ont confronté leurs méthodes et les initiatives dans lesquelles ils se sont impliqués. Les échanges partageaient une orientation empirique et des dispositifs aussi variés que les jeux vidéo, la communication numérique dans la viticulture ou l’application Pl@ntNet. Il ressort des débats un intérêt à envisager la reconfiguration des liens entre nature et société, du point de vue du renouvellement des formes de sociabilité issues de la médiation numérique à la nature.