bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter-row Vegetation Increases Abundances of Ground- and Canopy-dwelling Arthropods in Mediterranean Vineyards
Authors: Blaise Chloé , Mazzia Christophe , Bischoff Armin , Millon Alexandre , Ponel Philippe , Blight Olivier 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The decline of arthropod populations observed in many parts of the world is a major component of the sixth mass extinction with intensive agriculture being one of its main drivers. Biodiversity-friendly farming practices are taking centre stage in the recovery process. In vineyards, vegetation cover is commonly used for production purposes, to reduce soil compaction by machinery use and soil erosion. Here we examined the effects of vegetation cover and soil management on the abundance of ground- (spiders, beetles, Hemiptera and harvestmen) and canopy-dwelling (wild bees, green lacewings, beetles and Hemiptera) arthropods in three categories of vineyards: (i) vineyards with no vegetation, (ii) partially vegetated (every second inter-row is vegetated) and (iii) all inter-rows are vegetated. We recorded a general positive effect of a decrease in soil perturbation intensity and corresponding higher vegetation cover on arthropod abundance. Plant species richness was the most important vegetation parameter, with a positive effect on spiders, harvestmen, hemipterans and beetles (ground and canopy) abundances. Using a path analysis, we also highlighted the central role of inter-row vegetation management in trophic and non-trophic relationships between vegetation and arthropods, and between arthropod groups. Our results demonstrate the benefits of a softer soil management preserving a diverse vegetation cover for the conservation of arthropods in Mediterranean vineyards.
Increased Flooded Area and Exposure in the White Volta River Basin in Western Africa, Identified From Multi-source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Li Chengxiu , Dash Jadunandan , Asamoah Moses , Sheffield Justin , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Gebrechorkos Solomon Hailu , Anghileri Daniela , Wright Jim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Accurate information on flood extent and exposure is critical for disaster management in data-scarce, vulnerable regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, uncertainties in flood extent affect flood exposure estimates. This study developed a framework to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of floods and to assess flood exposure through utilization of satellite images, ground-based participatory mapping of flood extent, and socio-economic data. Drawing on a case study in the White Volta basin in Western Africa, our results showed that synergetic use of multi-temporal radar and optical satellite data improved flood mapping accuracy (77% overall agreement with participatory mapping outputs), in comparison with existing global flood datasets (43% overall agreement for the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) Near Real-Time (NRT) Global Flood Product). Increases in flood extent were observed according to our classified product, as well as two existing global flood products. Flood exposure estimates remain highly uncertain and sensitive to the input dataset used, with the greatest farmland and infrastructure exposure estimated using a composite flood map derived from three products, with lower exposure estimated from each flood product individually. While population exposure varied greatly depending on the population dataset used. The study shows that there is considerable scope to develop an accurate flood mapping system in SSA and thereby improve flood exposure assessment and develop mitigation and intervention plans.
Analytic Solution for Double Optical Metasurface Beam Scanners
Authors: Wang Jingru , Ge Yuehe , Chen Zhizhang (David) , Xu Zhimeng , Zhang Hai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Optical metasurfaces are researched more and more intensively for the possible realization of lightweight and compact optical devices with novel functionalities. In this paper, a new beam-steering system based on double metasurface lenses (metalenses) is proposed and developed. The proposed system is lightweight, small volume, low cost, and easy to integrate. The exact forward and inverse solutions are derived respectively using the generalized Snell’s law of refraction. Given the orientations of the double metalenses, the pointing position can be accurately determined. If the desired pointing position is given, the required metalenses’ orientations can be obtained by applied global optimization algorithms to solve nonlinear equations related to the inverse problem. The relationships of the scan region and blind zone with the system parameters are derived. The method to eliminate the blind zone is given. Comparison with double Risley-prism systems is also conducted. This work provides a new approach to control light beams.
Investigation into the Role of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on the Precision Grinding of RB-SiC Ceramic at Room Temperature
Authors: Xu Jiabin , Rao Xiaoshuang , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Kechong , Guo Bao , Liu Lifei , Li Yingjie , Zhang Feihu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
RB-SiC ceramic is one of the most important and useful material as optical precision elements in many scientific research fields. In this paper, a novel cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), which is based on the precision grinding process in surface technology to modify at room temperature (RT) for grinding with a combination of plasma oxidation surface modification is proposed. To identify the performance of the proposed cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) method on the surface modification of RB-SiC ceramic, precision grinding test was conducted. To reveal the fundamental issue in the grinding of RB-SiC ceramic, numerical calculation and model analysis were conducted to investigate the effect of the composite process on grinding forces and the mechanism of subsurface material removal in the presence of plasma oxidation. As a result of the method included the kept constant during the precision grinding of the composite process self-adaption-grinding process to avoid the deviation caused by second grinding particle entry. As a summary, we provides a significant cold atmospheric plasma-precision grinding compound process toward the establishment of the basic theory by analyzing the mechanism of the simulated design and computation. The process and technical difficulties of RB-SiC ceramic and mechanism of subsurface material removal during precision grinding were be solved.
Mining TCGA to Reveal Immunotherapy-related Genes for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Li Ruixin , Yao Fan , Liu Yijin , Wu Xiaodan , Su Peng , Li Tianran 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: By mining the TCGA database to look for immunotherapy targets of soft tissue sarcoma, and analyzed their biological behavior. Methods: The data of 265 samples were downloaded from the TCGA database to analyze the expression profile of soft tissue sarcomas. Research methods include immune and stromal scores, calculating DEGs, volcano maps and differential gene survival curves, gene enrichment analysis.Results: Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that in the high immune score group, the total survival time was generally higher than that in the low immune score group. Analysis of the top ten terms resulted in the minimum P values for immune and inflammatory responses, plasma membrane, receptor activity, and chemokine activity. By plotting the K-M curves, we obtained 86 survivals related DEGs. Finally, the genes that can be used as independent risk factors for prognosis of soft tissue sarcoma were obtained by multivariate analysis of the DEGs. Conclusion: We believe that these genes are expected to be new targets for sarcoma immunotherapy and key genes for the analysis of prognosis of sarcoma.
Self-oscillating Chemoelectrical Interface of Solution-gated Ion-sensitive Field-effect Transistor Based on Belousov–zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Sakata Toshiya , Nishitani Shoichi , Yasuoka Yusuke , Himori Shogo , Homma Kenta , Masuda Tsukuru , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Sawada Kazuaki , Yoshida Ryo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) self-oscillation reaction is an important chemical model to elucidate nonequilibrium chemistry in an open system. However, there are only a few studies on the electrical behavior of pH oscillation induced by the BZ reaction, although numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the mechanisms by which the BZ reaction interacts with redox reactions, which results in potential changes. Needless to say, the electrical characteristic of a self-oscillating polymer gel driven by the BZ reaction has not been clarified. On the other hand, a solution-gated ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) has a superior ability to detect ionic charges and includes capacitive membranes on the gate electrode. In this study, we carried out the electrical monitoring of self-oscillation behaviors at the chemoelectrical interface based on the BZ reaction using ISFET sensors, focusing on the pH oscillation and the electrical dynamics of the self-oscillating polymer brush. The pH oscillation induced by the BZ reaction is not only electrically observed using the ISFET sensor, the electrical signals of which results from the interfacial potential between the solution and the gate insulator, but also visualized using a large-scale and high-density ISFET sensor. Moreover, the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm)-based self-oscillating polymer brush with Ru(bpy)3 as a catalyst clearly shows a periodic electrical response based on the swelling–deswelling behavior caused by the BZ reaction on the gate insulator of the ISFET sensor. Thus, the elucidation of the electrical self-oscillation behaviors induced by the BZ reaction using the ISFET sensor provides a solution to the problems of nonequilibrium chemistry.
The Prognostic and Predictive Value of ESR1 Fusion Gene Transcripts in Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Vitale Silvia R. , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Timmermans A. Mieke , Foekens Renée , Trapman-Jansen Anita M.A.C. , Beaufort Corine M. , Vigneri Paolo , Sleijfer Stefan , Martens John W.M. , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Jansen Maurice P.H.M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: In breast cancer (BC), recurrent fusion genes of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and AKAP12, ARMT1 and CCDC170 have been reported. In these gene fusions the ligand binding domain of ESR1 has been replaced by the transactivation domain of the fusion partner constitutively activating the receptor. As a result, these gene fusions can drive tumor growth hormone independently as been shown in preclinical models, but the clinical value of these fusions have not been reported. Here, we studied the prognostic and predictive value of different frequently reported ESR1 fusion transcripts in primary BC. Methods: We evaluated 732 patients with primary BC (131 ESR1-negative and 601 ESR1-positive cases), including two ER-positive BC patient cohorts: one cohort of 322 patients with advanced disease who received first-line endocrine therapy (ET) (predictive cohort), and a second cohort of 279 patients with lymph node negative disease (LNN) who received no adjuvant systemic treatment (prognostic cohort). Fusion gene transcript levels were measured by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR. The presence of the different fusion transcripts was associated, in uni- and multivariable Cox regression analysis taking along current clinic-pathological characteristics, to progression free survival (PFS) during first-line endocrine therapy in the predictive cohort, and disease- free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the prognostic cohort.Results: The ESR1-CCDC170 fusion transcript was present in 27.6% of the ESR1-positive BC subjects and in 2.3% of the ESR1-negative cases. In the predictive cohort, none of the fusion transcripts were associated with response to first-line ET. In the prognostic cohort, the median DFS and OS were respectively 37 and 93 months for patients with an ESR1-CCDC170 exon 8 gene fusion transcript and respectively 91 and 212 months for patients without this fusion transcript. In a multivariable analysis, this ESR1-CCDC170 fusion transcript was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8 (1.2–2.8), P=0.005) and OS (HR (95% CI: 1.7 (1.1–2.7), P=0.023). Conclusions: Our study shows that in primary BC only ESR1-CCDC170 exon 8 gene fusion transcript carries prognostic value. None of the ESR1 fusion transcripts, which are considered to have constitutive ER activity, was predictive for outcome in BC with advanced disease treated with endocrine treatment.
Effect of Rare-Earth Doping on the Structural and Optical Properties of the Ag3AsS3 Crystals
Authors: Smitiukh O.V. , Marchuk O.V. , Kogut Y.M. , Yukhymchuk V.O. , Mazur N.V. , Myronchuk G.L. , Ponedelnyk S.M. , Cherniushok O.I. , Parashchuk T.O. , Khyzhun O.Y. , Wojciechowski К.Т. , Fedorchuk A.O. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Non-linear optical (NLO) materials allow the production of the coherent laser beam in the difficult frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. Aiming to explore new classes of the NLO materials with high optical performance in the infrared (IR) region, in this work, we investigated the effect of the rare earth doping (Pr, Eu, Yb) on the crystal structure and optical properties of the Ag3AsS3 crystals. The performed analysis of the XRD patterns indicates that the rare earth elements are located in the Ag sites of the crystal lattice. As a result, the second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity, which determines the effectiveness of the NLO materials, increases with the increase of rare earth dopant content up to 1.0 %. Using the absorption analysis and Raman spectroscopy, we show that the increase in the SHG intensity can be related to the slight decrease of the bandgap, as well as with the increased electron-phonon interaction in rare-earth-doped Ag3AsS3 crystals. Considering the discovered enhancement of the SHG intensity, accompanied by the low melting temperature, this work offers rare-earth-doped Ag3AsS3 crystals as potential candidates for the non-linear optical applications for the infrared frequency range.
Ebselen Prevents Cigarette Smoke-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction In Mice By Preserving Hippocampal Synaptophysin Expression
Authors: De Luca Simone N. , Brassington Kurt , Chan Stanley M. H. , Dobric Aleksandar , Mou Kevin , Seow Huei Jiunn , Vlahos Ross 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Cigarette smoking (CS) is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The “spill-over” of pulmonary inflammation into the systemic circulation may damage the brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction. Cessation of CS can improve pulmonary and neurocognitive outcomes, however, its benefit on the neuroinflammatory profile remains uncertain. Here, we investigate how CS exposure impairs neurocognition and whether this can be reversed with CS cessation or an antioxidant treatment. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were exposed CS (9 cigarettes/day for 8 weeks) followed by 4 weeks of CS cessation. Another cohort of CS-exposed mice were co-administrated with a glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) mimetic, ebselen (10mg/kg) or vehicle (5% CM-cellulose). We assessed pulmonary inflammation, spatial and working memory, and the hippocampal microglial, oxidative and synaptic profiles. Results: CS exposure increased lung inflammation which was reduced following CS cessation. CS caused spatial and working memory impairments which were attributed to hippocampal microglial activation and suppression of synaptophysin. CS cessation did not improve memory deficits or alter microglial activation. Ebselen completely prevented the CS-induced working and spatial memory impairments, which was associated with restored synaptophysin expression without altering microglial activation.Conclusion: We were able to model the CS-induced memory impairment and microglial activation seen in human COPD. The preventative effects of ebselen on memory impairment is likely to be dependent on a preserved synaptogenic profile. Cessation alone also appears to be insufficient in correcting the memory impairment, suggesting the importance of incorporating antioxidant therapy to help maximizing the benefit of cessation.
Elucidating The Thermal Decomposition Mechanism and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Biorefinery-Derived Humins From Sugarcane Bagasse And Rice Husk
Authors: Gariboti Julio César de Jesus , Macedo Marina Gontijo Souza , Macedo Vinícius Matheus Silva , Rueda-Ordóñez Yesid Javier , Lopes Emília Savioli , Vinhal Jonathan Tenorio , Gomes Eliezer Ladeia , Tenório Jorge Alberto Soares , Felisbino Romilda Fernandez , Lopes Melina Savioli , Tovar Laura Plazas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Biomass-derived humins produced in the biorefining of biomass represent an attractive feedstock for thermochemical processes and other carbon-derived platform chemicals. However, in most works, humins are merely a by-product that is not further analyzed. This work presents the purification and characterization of humins derived from sugarcane bagasse and rice husks (H-SCB and H-RH respectively), followed by the kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of its pyrolysis. Pyrolysis was examined via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and a global reaction model was adopted to address pyrolysis kinetics. To understand the pyrolysis process of humins and boost the quality of fit between the kinetic model and thermoanalytical data, the analyses were based on the Vyazovkin isoconversional method. The activation energy of H-SCB increased from 166.09 to 329.76 kJ mol-1. In contrast, the activation energy of H-RH decreased from 163.31 to 84.99 kJ mol-1. According to the results of the generalized master plot approach, the governing reaction mechanism shifted among order-based models, nucleation, and diffusion-controlled particle mechanisms. Derived thermodynamic properties showed that the heat absorbed helps the humins to achieve a more ordered state close to a conversion of 0.50. As far as we know, these findings are the first reported data on the forecast kinetic curves and pyrolysis mechanism of biorefinery-derived humins from sugarcane bagasse and rice husk, and these results will enable process design for the thermochemical conversion of these emerging materials to produce energy and other products.
Indole Acetic Acid Producing And Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Native To Kenyan Soils Promote Growth of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
Authors: Korir Hezekiah , Mungai Nancy W. , Wasike Victor W. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and rhizobia can have a positive effect on the growth of common bean. This study aimed at determining the mechanisms of action of native bacterial strains; and to determine their effect in enhancing growth of common bean. The strains were screened for their ability to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphates and production of indole acetic acid in vitro. A greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate the response of common bean to inoculation with selected bacterial strains. Six of the bacterial isolates tested showed a positive result for IAA production. Rhizobium pusense showed the greatest solubilization efficiency of 648 followed by Bacillus megaterium (322.3) and Rhizobium phaseoli (308.7). Inoculation of common bean with Rhizobia and PSB had a significant effect on the number of nodules per plant. The highest shoot biomass was observed when Rhizobium phaseoli was co-inoculated with P. polymyxa (4.3g plant-1) compared to the single Rhizobium phaseoli inoculation (1.14 g plant-1). The shoot tissue nitrogen and phosphorous concentration was increased as a results of co-inoculation up to 32.5% and 75.4% respectively. Therefore, tested bacterial strains have great potential in being formulated and used as biofertilizers that can be evaluated under varying field conditions.
Computational Modeling and Simulation of Stenosis of Aqueduct of Sylvius Due to Brain Tumor
Authors: Haq Uzair Ul , Ahmed Ali , Mustansar Zartasha , Shaukat Arslan , Cukovic Sasa , Nadeem Faizan , Talay Saadia , Khan Junaid Iqbal , Margetts Lee 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Stenosis of cerebral aqueduct (CA) is featured in many studies related to elevated intracranial cerebral pressures (ICP). It also presents a challenging situation to clinicians. Compressive forces play a lead role in pathological situations like tumor presence and hence can cause obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Due to this barrier, excessive retention of CSF in ventricles can occur. This in turn could contribute to increased pressure gradients inside the cranium. In literature, most of the numerical models are restricted to modeling the CSF flow by considering ventricle walls as rigid material unlike its behavior a deformable character. This paper, therefore, addresses the same from a holistic perspective by taking into consideration the dynamics of the flexible character of the ventricular wall. This adds to the novelty of this work by reconstructing an anatomically realistic ventricular wall behavior. To do this, the authors aim to develop a computational model of stenosis of CA due to brain tumor by invoking a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. The proposed 3D FSI model is simulated under two cases. First, simulation of pre-stenosis case with no interaction of tumor forces and secondly, a stenosis condition together-with dynamic interaction of tumor forces. Results: Comparing the forces with and without tumor reveals a marked obstruction of CSF outflow post third ventricle and the cerebral aqueduct. Not only this but a drastic rise of CSF velocity from 21.2 mm/s in pre-stenosis case to 54.1 mm/s stenosis case is also observed along with a net deformation increase of 0.144 mm on walls of ventricle. Conclusions: This is a significant contribution to brain simulation studies for pressure calculations, wherein the presence of tumors is a major concern.
Geometry of rare regions behind Griffiths singularities in random quantum magnets
Authors: Kovács István , Iglói Ferenc 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In many-body systems with quenched disorder, dynamical observables can be singular not only at the critical point, but in an extended region of the paramagnetic phase as well. These Griffiths singularities are due to rare regions, which are locally in the ordered phase and contribute to a large susceptibility. Here, we study the geometrical properties of rare regions in the transverse Ising model with dilution or with random couplings and transverse fields. In diluted models, the rare regions are percolation clusters, while in random models the ground state consists of a set of spin clusters, which are calculated by the strong disorder renormalization method. We consider the so called energy cluster, which has the smallest excitation energy and calculate its mass and linear extension in one-, two-and three-dimensions. Both average quantities are found to grow logarithmically with the linear size of the sample. Consequently, the energy clusters are not compact: for the diluted model they are isotropic and tree-like, while for the random model they are quasi-one-dimensional.