bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and genetic diversity of native rhizobial isolates nodulating cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in Mozambican soils
Authors: Simbine Margarida G. , Mohammed Mustapha , Jaiswal Sanjay K. , Dakora Felix D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIdentification and symbiotic characterization of indigenous rhizobial isolates are the basis for inoculant formulations needed for sustainable grain legume production. This study screened for morpho-genetic diversity of indigenous cowpea nodulating rhizobia in farmers’ fields across two contrasting agroecological zones of Northern Mozambique. The photosynthetic function induced by the isolates in their homologous cowpea was assessed. The results showed high genetic variability among the isolates based on morphology and ERIC-PCR fingerprinting. The trap cowpea genotype did not influence the diversity of isolates collected from the two different agroecologies, suggesting that the cowpea-rhizobia compatibility may be conserved at species level. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene assigned representative rhizobial isolates to species in the Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium genera, with some isolates showing high divergence from the known reference type strains. The isolates from both agroecologies highly varied in the number and biomass of nodules induced in the homologous cowpea, resulting in variable plant growth and photosynthetic activities. A total of 72% and 83% of the isolates collected from the agroecological zones 7 and 8 were respectively classified as highly effective candidates with > 80% relative effectiveness compared to plants fertilized with nitrate, indicating that elite native strains populated the studied soils. Moreover, the top 25% of high N2-fixing isolates from the two agroecologies recorded relative effectiveness ranging from 115 to 154%, values higher than the effectiveness induced by the commercial Bradyrhizobium sp. strain CB756. These strains are considered as having potential for use in inoculant formulations. However, future studies should be done to assess the ecologically adaptive traits and symbiotic performance under field conditions.
Quality of life and therapeutic regimen management in onychomycosis patients and in vitro study of antiseptic solutions
Authors: Silva-Neves Vasco , Hugo Vitor , Alves Paulo , Amado João Costa , Pais-Vieira Carla , Sousa Fátima , Cerqueira Fátima , Pinto Eugénia , Pais-Vieira Miguel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOnychomycosis or tinea unguium (EE12.1) and Onychomycosis due to non-dermatophyte moulds (1F2D.5) (OM) is a fungal infection of the nail plates with a high prevalence that often affects vulnerable people with co-existing health problems. Gold standard pharmacological treatments for onychomycosis have been associated with low success rates and increasing antifungal resistance, suggesting that treatment outcome is dependent on multiple variables. Here, the prevalence of OM and quality of life were characterized in two vulnerable populations—Hospital patients and Homeless people. Comparing both groups, the most prevalent fungal species were identified in Hospital patients. Then, the in vitro fungicidal properties of the antiseptics povidone-iodine, polyhexamethylene biguanide-betaine, octenidine dihydrochloride, and a super-oxidized solution against two ATCC strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) and three clinical fungal isolates from Hospital patients (Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Trichophyton rubrum) were tested. OM prevalence was high in both patient groups studied, who also reported a reduction in quality of life and concerns about the state of their feet. In addition, Hospital patients had a non-negligent therapeutic regimen management style. Antiseptics tested in vitro revealed antifungal properties. As antiseptics are low-cost and easy to apply and have few iatrogenic effects, the demonstration of fungicidal properties of these solutions suggests that they may constitute potential supportive therapeutics for OM.
Global assessment of innovative solutions to tackle marine litter
Authors: Bellou Nikoleta , Gambardella Chiara , Karantzalos Konstantinos , Monteiro João Gama , Canning-Clode João , Kemna Stephanie , Arrieta-Giron Camilo A. , Lemmen Carsten 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMarine litter is one of the most relevant pollution problems that our oceans are facing today. Marine litter in our oceans is a major threat to a sustainable planet. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of cutting-edge solutions developed globally to prevent, monitor and clean marine litter. Prevention in this research includes only innovative solutions to prevent litter entering oceans and seas rather than interventions such as waste reduction and recycling. On the basis of extensive search and data compilation, our analysis reveals that information is dispersed across platforms and is not easily accessible. In total, 177 solutions—the equivalent to <0.9% of the search hits—fulfilled our validation criteria and were evaluated. Most solutions (n = 106, 60%) primarily address monitoring and were developed during the past 3 years, with the scientific community being the key driver. Few solutions reached mature technical readiness and market availability, while none were validated for efficiency and environmental impact. Looking ahead, we elaborate on the limitations of the existing solutions, the challenges of developing new solutions, and provide recommendations for funding schemes and policy instruments to prevent, monitor and clean marine litter globally. In doing so, we encourage researchers, innovators and policy-makers worldwide to act towards achieving and sustaining a cleaner ocean for future generations.
An Oligocene giant rhino provides insights into Paraceratherium evolution
Authors: Deng Tao , Lu Xiaokang , Wang Shiqi , Flynn Lawrence J. , Sun Danhui , He Wen , Chen Shanqin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs one of the largest land mammals, the origin and evolution of the giant rhino Paraceratherium bugtiense in Pakistan have been unclear. We report a new species Paraceratherium linxiaense sp. nov. from northwestern China with an age of 26.5 Ma. Morphology and phylogeny reveal that P. linxiaense is the highly derived species of the genus Paraceratherium, and its clade with P. lepidum has a tight relationship to P. bugtiense. Based on the paleogeographical literature, P. bugtiense represents a range expansion of Paraceratherium from Central Asia via the Tibetan region. By the late Oligocene, P. lepidum and P. linxiaense were found in the north side of the Tibetan Plateau. The Tibetan region likely hosted some areas with low elevation, possibly under 2000 m during Oligocene, and the lineage of giant rhinos could have dispersed freely along the eastern coast of the Tethys Ocean and perhaps through some lowlands of this region.
Building a stem cell-based primate uterus
Authors: Bergmann Sophie , Schindler Magdalena , Munger Clara , Penfold Christopher A. , Boroviak Thorsten E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe uterus is the organ for embryo implantation and fetal development. Most current models of the uterus are centred around capturing its function during later stages of pregnancy to increase the survival in pre-term births. However, in vitro models focusing on the uterine tissue itself would allow modelling of pathologies including endometriosis and uterine cancers, and open new avenues to investigate embryo implantation and human development. Motivated by these key questions, we discuss how stem cell-based uteri may be engineered from constituent cell parts, either as advanced self-organising cultures, or by controlled assembly through microfluidic and print-based technologies.
Normal cells repel WWOX-negative or -dysfunctional cancer cells via WWOX cell surface epitope 286-299
Authors: Chen Yu-An , Sie Yong-Da , Liu Tsung-Yun , Kuo Hsiang-Ling , Chou Pei-Yi , Chen Yu-Jie , Lee Kuan-Ting , Chen Pin-Jun , Chen Shur-Tzu , Chang Nan-Shan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetastatic cancer cells are frequently deficient in WWOX protein or express dysfunctional WWOX (designated WWOXd). Here, we determined that functional WWOX-expressing (WWOXf) cells migrate collectively and expel the individually migrating WWOXd cells. For return, WWOXd cells induces apoptosis of WWOXf cells from a remote distance. Survival of WWOXd from the cell-to-cell encounter is due to activation of the survival IκBα/ERK/WWOX signaling. Mechanistically, cell surface epitope WWOX286-299 (repl) in WWOXf repels the invading WWOXd to undergo retrograde migration. However, when epitope WWOX7-21 (gre) is exposed, WWOXf greets WWOXd to migrate forward for merge. WWOX binds membrane type II TGFβ receptor (TβRII), and TβRII IgG-pretreated WWOXf greet WWOXd to migrate forward and merge with each other. In contrast, TβRII IgG-pretreated WWOXd loses recognition by WWOXf, and WWOXf mediates apoptosis of WWOXd. The observatons suggest that normal cells can be activated to attack metastatic cancer cells. WWOXd cells are less efficient in generating Ca2+ influx and undergo non-apoptotic explosion in response to UV irradiation in room temperature. WWOXf cells exhibit bubbling cell death and Ca2+ influx effectively caused by UV or apoptotic stress. Together, membrane WWOX/TβRII complex is needed for cell-to-cell recognition, maintaining the efficacy of Ca2+ influx, and control of cell invasiveness.
Helarchaeota and co-occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria in subseafloor sediments from the Costa Rica Margin
Authors: Zhao Rui , Biddle Jennifer F 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Deep sediments host many archaeal lineages, including the Asgard superphylum which contains lineages predicted to require syntrophic partnerships. Our knowledge about sedimentary archaeal diversity and their metabolic pathways and syntrophic partners is still very limited. We present here new genomes of Helarchaeota and the co-occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) recovered from organic-rich sediments off Costa Rica Margin. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three new metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) affiliating with Helarchaeota, each of which has three variants of the methyl-CoM reductase-like (MCR-like) complex that may enable them to oxidize short-chain alkanes anaerobically. These Helarchaeota have no multi-heme cytochromes but have Group 3b and Group 3c [NiFe] hydrogenases, and formate dehydrogenase, and therefore have the capacity to transfer the reducing equivalents (in the forms of hydrogen and formate) generated from alkane oxidation to external partners. We also recovered five MAGs of SRB affiliated with the class of Desulfobacteria, two of which showed relative abundances (represented by genome coverages) positively correlated with those of the three Helarchaeota. Genome analysis suggested that these SRB bacteria have the capacity of H2 and formate utilization and could facilitate electron transfers from other organisms by means of these reduced substances. Their co-occurrence and metabolic features suggest that Helarchaeota may metabolize synergistically with some SRB, and together exert an important influence on the carbon cycle by mitigating the hydrocarbon emission from sediments to the overlying ocean.
The Relationship Between Tinnitus Pitch, Audiogram Edge Frequency, and Auditory Stream Segregation Abilities in Individuals With Tinnitus
Authors: Jain Saransh , Cherian Riya , Nataraja Nuggehalli P. , Narne Vijaya Kumar 
Published: June 2021

PurposeAround 80%–93% of the individuals with tinnitus have hearing loss. Researchers have found that tinnitus pitch was related to the frequencies of hearing loss, but unclear about the relationship between tinnitus pitch and audiometry edge frequency. The comorbidity of tinnitus and speech perception in noise problems had also been reported, but the relationship between tinnitus pitch and speech perception in noise had seldom been investigated. This study was designed to estimate the relationship between tinnitus pitch, audiogram edge frequency, and speech perception in noise. The speech perception in noise was measured using auditory stream segregation paradigm.MethodThirteen individuals with bilateral mild-to-severe tonal tinnitus and minimal-to-mild cochlear hearing loss were selected. Thirteen individuals with hearing loss without tinnitus were also selected. The audiogram of each participant with tinnitus was matched with that of the participant without tinnitus. Tinnitus pitch of the participants with tinnitus was measured and compared with audiogram edge frequency. The stream segregation thresholds were calculated at the participants' admitted tinnitus pitch and one octave below the tinnitus pitch. The stream segregation thresholds were estimated at fission and fusion boundary using pure-tone stimuli in ABA paradigm.ResultsHigh correlation between tinnitus pitch and audiogram edge frequency was noted. Overall stream segregation thresholds were higher for individuals with tinnitus. Higher thresholds indicated poorer stream segregation abilities. Within tinnitus participants, the thresholds were significantly lesser at frequency corresponding to admitted tinnitus pitch than at one octave below the tinnitus pitch.ConclusionsThe information from this study may be helpful in educating the patients about the relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus. The findings may also account for speech-perception-in-noise difficulties often reported by the individuals with tinnitus.
CVaR‐based generation expansion planning of cascaded hydro‐photovoltaic‐pumped storage system with uncertain solar power considering flexibility constraints
Authors: Du Mingkun , Huang Yuan , Liu Junyong , Wu Gang , Jawad Shafqat 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe development of a high solar energy penetrated power system requires considerable flexibility to hedge the risk of solar power curtailment and power shortage. This paper explores how the generation portfolio of cascaded hydro‐photovoltaic‐pumped storage (CH‐PV‐PS) generation system will be appropriately designed to balance the overall planning costs and operational flexibility constraints. The proposed study relies on the generation expansion planning (GEP) model of the CH‐PV‐PS system, considering a full set of flexibility constraints. An index designated ramp‐capability reserve shortage (RCRS) based on the conditional value at risk (CVaR) method is introduced to quantify the risk of solar power and load uncertainty. The piecewise linearization method and triangle method are developed to accommodate the non‐linear terms in the proposed model. Finally, the case studies are conducted to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Multistage reaction‐diffusion equation network for image super‐resolution
Authors: Pu Xiaofeng , Wang Zengmao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDeep learning‐based models have progressed considerably in single‐image super‐resolution. A high‐resolution pattern generation task is performed at the end of convolution neural networks (CNNs) with some convolution‐based operations in these models. However, this process may be difficult because all the work is done through the remarkable learning ability of CNN without any specific learning target. Reaction‐diffusion equation (RDE) is a mechanism involved in the pattern generation process that can serve as a guide for super‐resolution. It is proposed to embed RDE into a super‐resolution network by designing a reaction‐diffusion process block (RDPB) in this study. The proposed RDPB uses Euler method for iteratively solving one particular RDE, which is determined by the parameter generated through CNN. Accordingly, this module guides and leads the CNN in generating patterns for image super‐resolution. Moreover, a multistage framework is constructed to guide each network module further. On the basis of these two designs, the multistage reaction‐diffusion equation network is proposed for image super‐resolution. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model can obtain findings consistent with the conclusions of state‐of‐the‐art methods with a relatively shallow structure and small model size.
Vector co‐occurrence morphological edge detection for colour image
Authors: Lu Ying , He Chunming , Yu Yu‐Feng , Xu Guoxia , Zhu Hu , Deng Lizhen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMorphological edge detection is a principal component in pattern recognition and machine vision. Traditional edge detection operators only take pixel mutual into consideration. However, the edges are influenced not only by pixel mutual but also by the boundary characteristics. Here, the vector co‐occurrence morphological edge detection operator is proposed, which takes the pixel and boundary information both into consideration. The vector co‐occurrence algorithm is exploited to resist the influence of the noise points and detect the edges from the colour image rather than the grey image. And, we lead to define a precise definition of the manner of sorting high‐dimensional data for the colour image. The experiment results always illustrate the advancement and practicability of our methods against the baseline method. In terms of experiments, the BSDS500 dataset is introduced to compare and analyse with other algorithms. Based on the standard benchmark index evaluation in the BSDS500 dataset, the ODS and AP of various algorithms are compared and analysed.
QProv: A provenance system for quantum computing
Authors: Weder Benjamin , Barzen Johanna , Leymann Frank , Salm Marie , Wild Karoline 
Published: June 2021

AbstractQuantum computing promises breakthroughs in various application areas, such as machine learning, chemistry, or simulations. However, today’s quantum computers are error‐prone and have limited capabilities. This leads to various challenges when developing and executing quantum algorithms, for example, the mitigation of occurring errors or the selection of a suitable quantum computer to execute a certain quantum circuit. To address these challenges, detailed information about the quantum circuit to be executed as well as past executions, and the up‐to‐date information about the available quantum computers are required. Thus, this data must be continuously collected and stored in the long‐term, which is currently not supported. To overcome this problem, a provenance approach is introduced for quantum computing. Therefore, relevant provenance attributes that should be gathered in the area of quantum computing are identified. Furthermore, QProv, a provenance system that automatically collects the identified provenance attributes and provides them in a uniform manner to the user is introduced. Finally, a case study with the collected provenance data and corresponding use cases that can benefit from this provenance data are presented here.
On the improvement of accommodation to non-individual HRTFs via VR active learning and inclusion of a 3D room response
Authors: Poirier-Quinot David , Katz Brian F.G. 
Published: June 2021

This study examines the efficiency of a training protocol using a virtual reality application designed to accelerate individual’s selection of, and accommodation to, non-individualized HRTF profiles. This training introduces three elements to hasten audio localization performance improvement: an interactive HRTF selection method, a parametric training program based on active learning, and a relatively dry room acoustic simulation designed to increase the quantity of spatial cues presented. Participants rapidly selected an HRTF (≈5 min) followed by training over three sessions of 12 min distributed over 5 days. To study the impact of the room acoustic component on localization performance evolution, participants were divided into two groups: one acting as control reference, training with only anechoic renderings, the other training in reverberant conditions. The efficiency of the training program was assessed across groups and the entire protocol was assessed through direct comparisons with results reported in previous studies. Results indicate that the proposed training program led to improved learning rates compared to that of previous studies, and that the included room response accelerated the learning process.
Nature of a white opaque substance visualized by magnifying endoscopy in colorectal hyperplastic polyps
Authors: Hirano Akikazu , Yao Kenshi , Ishihara Hiroshi , Hisabe Takashi , Imamura Kentaro , Kanemitsu Takao , Ohtsu Kensei , Hasegawa Rino , Ikezono Go , Takeda Kazuhiro , Miyaoka Masaki , Ueki Toshiharu , Tanabe Hiroshi , Haraoka Seiji , Iwashita Akinori 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and study aims A white opaque substance (WOS) has been observed in the epithelia of gastric, duodenal, and colorectal epithelial adenomas and carcinomas, using magnifying endoscopy (ME). The WOS has been reported to be derived from a dense accumulation of minute lipid droplets in the epithelium. This study aimed to investigate whether the WOS in colorectal hyperplastic polyps was derived from lipid droplets accumulated in the epithelium, as observed in the case of gastric, duodenal, and colorectal epithelial neoplasms.
Patients and methods We analyzed 30 consecutive patients who were positive for the WOS, as visualized in colorectal hyperplastic polyps by ME with narrow-band imaging and 30 consecutive patients who were negative for the WOS. Biopsy specimens obtained from the polyps were immunostained with anti-adipophilin antibody to determine the correlation between the presence of the WOS and that of lipid droplets in the epithelium.
Results In all patients, the epithelial cells were histologically positive for adipophilin. However, the area of adipophilin-positive epithelial cells in the WOS-positive group was significantly larger than that in the WOS-negative group (P < 0.001). The density of the WOS was strongly and positively correlated with the area of adipophilin-positive cells.
Conclusions This study reveals that the WOS visualized in the superficial layers of colorectal hyperplastic polyps is produced by a dense accumulation of minute lipid droplets in the epithelia of the polyps.
Skoliose und Thorax im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Heinz von der Höh Nicolas , Schumann Eckehard , Völker Anna 
Published: June 2021

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGIdiopathische Skoliosen im Wachstumsalter sind dreidimensionale Deformitäten mit Auswirkungen auf den gesamten Rumpf. Das Wachstum der Wirbelsäule ist eng mit dem Wachstum des Thorax verbunden. Ausgeprägte Fehlstellungen oder langstreckige Stabilisierungen führen zu Beeinträchtigungen der Entwicklung der Wirbelsäule. Dies führt, insbesondere bei Wachstumsstörungen im Bereich der thorakalen Wirbelsäule, zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Thoraxentwicklung und, im jungen Alter, der Entwicklung der Lunge.Die heute verfügbaren therapeutischen Ansätze zielen daher auf eine dreidimensionale Korrektur der Wirbelsäule unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der regelrechten Entfaltung eines möglichst symmetrischen Thorax. Konservativ stehen dafür spezielle krankengymnastische Programme und die Korsetttherapie zur Verfügung. Operativ kann bei hoher Wachstumsreserve mit wachstumslenkenden Systemen und im Adoleszentenalter mit endgültigen korrigierenden und fusionierenden Eingriffen gearbeitet werden.