bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GW4 is regulated by GS2 to controls grain width in rice
Authors: Wu Kaixiong , Wang Yueying , Deng Xuemei , Liu Jialong , Wen Yi , Wang Junge , Cai Bingze , Wu Yue , Hu Peng , Wu Hao , Zhu Lixin , Wang Huisen , Gan Shuxian , Zhang Guangheng , Zhu Li , Ren Deyong , Zhang Qiang , Rao Yuchun , Qian Qian , Hu Jiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Grain width is one of the important factors determining grain yield and appearance quality. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling grain width remain not be largely elucidated. In this study, we characterized a grain width mutant gw4 (grain width on chromosome 4), which showed reduced grain width but did not affect grain length. Sequence analysis revealed that a single base substitution (G to A) of LOC_Os04g01590 in gw4 resulted in the conversion of original encoded glycine to aspartate. The Gene encodes an arginase that is localized on the mitochondrial and is highly expressed in panicles. RNA-seq and expression analysis showed that gw4 can control glume width by regulating the expression of cell cycle and cell expansion genes. Additionally, we also found that GS2 acts upstream of GW4 and regulates its expression by directly binding to GW4 promoter. In conclusion, we revealed that GW4 plays an important role in maintaining rice grain development. These results provide new insight into the genetic mechanism of arginase in the control of grain width and provide a potential target for molecular breeding of grain size.
Multi-grained Graph Convolutional Network with Time-step Attention for Traffic Forecasting
Authors: Chen Xiaojian , Zhao Yangyang , Tang Qiusheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Traffic forecasting is crucial for intelligent transport systems (ITS). Existing methods typically model spatial correlation at the node level, neglecting the spatial correlation at the regional level (such as residential areas to commercial areas). In addition, most studies capture temporal dependencies unidirectionally, ignoring the contextual information of the time step. This article proposes a traffic prediction model called Multi-grained Graph Convolutional Network with Time-step Attention (MGCN-TSA) to address these two types of issues. The model is mainly composed of three modules. The Graph Construction module builds graphs from both the node and regional levels; The Multi-grained Graph Convolutional Fusion module (MGCF) uses a 3D CNN approach to indicate the importance of graphs at different levels. High-level spatial information is obtained by fusing the results of multi-grained graph convolution. The Time-step Attention module (TSA) accomplishes time-step contextual information extraction through time-step self-attention. To achieve sufficiently accurate long-term predictions, we adopt a multi-model recursive prediction strategy to complete the multi-step prediction task. Experiments on two large-scale public datasets demonstrate that the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) is reduced by 1.69%-3.10% and 8.98%-13.53%, respectively, compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Multi-Scale Dual-Source Fusion Network for Long-Term Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Liao Chenyu , Hong Chaoqun , Du Jialin , Huang Yuhang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This research addresses the limitations present in existing models for long-term time series forecasting, particularly in relation to the management of nonlinear and periodic data. Traditional methodologies, such as the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Exponential Smoothing, have been extensively utilized for time series predictions. However, these linear models frequently struggle to capture complex nonlinear patterns and may exhibit suboptimal performance when applied to datasets characterized by intricate seasonal variations. In contrast, Transformer-based models, including Autoformer and PatchTST, demonstrate proficiency in capturing temporal features and long-term dependencies. Nonetheless, they faced considerable challenges associated with noise, outliers, and computational complexity, which can diminish their effectiveness in practice. To address these challenges, we propose the Multi Scale Dual Source Fusion Network (MSDSFN), which is an optimized model that integrates frequency domain and time domain features. The model dynamically adjusts various features using gating mechanisms to fuse time domain and frequency domain features, enhancing robustness and prediction accuracy. In addition, it combines an efficient multi-scale attention (EMA) module that can proficiently capture short-term and long-term dependencies while maintaining channel dimensions, thus preserving basic feature details. Experimental results on multiple time series datasets demonstrate a significant improvement in performance, confirming the effectiveness and generalization ability of the model.
Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical Clostridioides difficile isolates collected from private and public health settings in South Africa
Authors: Shirinda Hlambani , Smith Anthony M. , Prinsloo Ben , Kock Marleen M. , Moodley Mishalan , Said Mohamed , Ehlers Marthie M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is important in the pathogenesis and spread of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). However, very little is known about the association of AMR and C. difficile in South Africa. The present study aimed to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial profiles of clinical C. difficile isolates.
Methods: Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were used to characterize the isolates.
Results: The AST showed that 43 isolates were susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin, standard CDI treatments. The WGS revealed a PnimB promoter mutation associated with reduced metronidazole susceptibility in all sequence type (ST) 1 strains (42%, 18/43). No vancomycin resistance determinants were found. Distinct lineages displayed specific resistance traits, such as fluoroquinolone resistance in ST1 strains due to a DNA gyrase mutation (Thr82Ile) and multidrug resistance (MDR) in ST37 strains, which contained resistance determinants for five antimicrobial classes. Overall, 95% of strains harboured resistance genes, mutations, mobile genetic elements and efflux pumps, classified as MDR. A qacG efflux pump gene, conferring resistance to disinfectants, was found in all strains.
Conclusion: Although AMR to therapeutic antimicrobials used for CDI treatment remains rare the high MDR prevalence particularly among ST1 and ST37 strains, suggests a risk of AMR gene transmission to other pathogens. The high rate of MDR C. difficile may reflect extensive antimicrobial use driven by comorbidities in immunocompromised individuals, contributing to AMR. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing AMR surveillance, effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection control to manage CDI and mitigate AMR spread.
Thermo-hygroscopic characterization of Arthrospira Platensis by DVS
Authors: GHNIMI Thouraya , HASSINI Lamine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The objective of this work was to examine the thermo-hygroscopic behavior of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) system. This thermo-hygroscopic analysis focused on three parameters: desorption isotherms, the net isosteric heat of water desorption and moisture diffusivity. Desorption isotherms were performed at temperatures of 25°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 80°C across a relative humidity range of 10 to 80%. The desorption isotherm data were fitted to five semi-empirical models: GAB; Oswin; Smith; Henderson and Peleg. The results indicated that the GAB model provided the best fit for the desorption isotherm data. The net isosteric heat of desorption decreased from from 21.3 to 4.29 KJ/mol as the moisture content increased from 0.02 to 0.1 Kg/Kg (dry basis). Additionally, the moisture diffusivity of Arthrospira platensis moisture diffusivity ranged from 1.04 10− 8 m2/s to 1.46 10− 7 m2/s for average moisture contents varying from 0.003 Kg /Kg to 0.191 Kg /Kg (dry basis).
Impact of Varying Durations of One-Week Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Fatigue Recovery After Endurance Exercise in Rats
Authors: Qu Chaoyi , Xu Minxiao , Lorenzo Santiago , Huang Peng , Rao Zhijian , Geng Xue , Zhao Jiexiu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Fatigue is a common physiological phenomenon in sports. There are reports describing the beneficial effects of exposure to Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MHOT) on metabolic diseases. However, the effects of MHOT on exercise-induced fatigue have not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of different MHOT intervention time protocols (30 min and 60 min) on one week of endurance exercise-induced fatigue in rats.
Methods
A total of 32 male Wistar rats (aged 6 weeks) were randomly assigned into to control group (C), exercise group (E), MHOT for 30min after exercise group (EMHOT30min) and MHOT for 60min after exercise group (EMHOT60min), with 8 rats in each group. In the exercise group, rats underwent treadmill exercise sessions lasting 90 minutes each day, conducted six times a week, once a day for one week. These exercise sessions were tailored based on the measurement range of maximum oxygen uptake. After each exercise session, the E group underwent a routine quiet rest (1 ATA, 20.9% oxygen). Conversely, the EMHOT30min and EMHOT60min groups were exposed to an MHOT environment for 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively (1.25ATA, 26%-28% oxygen concentration). Baseline measurements and aerobic exercise capacity tests were conducted before and after the one-week intervention period. At the end of the intervention, a complete blood count and biochemical analyses of enzyme activity were also performed.
Results
The results show that the MHOT intervention groups significantly increased aerobic exercise capacity and promoted the recovery of blood oxygen content. Moreover, the EMHOT60min group was better than the EMHOT30min group (P < .05). Muscle damage and metabolite levels induced by one week of endurance exercise were significantly reduced in the MHOT intervention groups, with no significant difference observed between the two MHOT groups (P > .05). The MHOT intervention also significantly enhanced antioxidant levels, compared with EMHOT30min group, the effect of EMHOT60min group is more obvious (P < .05).
Conclusions
These data suggest that both the 30-minute and 60-minute MHOT interventions effectively facilitated the reduction of fatigue in rats after one week endurance exercise. Moreover, the 60-minute MHOT intervention demonstrated a superior effect on aerobic exercise capacity and antioxidant capacity. This enhanced effect of the 60-minute protocol might be attributed to the cumulative time-response relationship inherent in MHOT intervention time protocol.
Impact of Advanced Lithotripter Technology on SWL Success: Insights from Modulith SLK Inline Outcomes
Authors: ERDOĞAN¹ Erhan , ŞİMŞEK¹ Gamze , AŞIK Alper , SARICA Göksu , SARICA Kemal 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the success rate of Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) in treating kidney stones using the Modulith SLK Inline lithotripter, with a focus on the importance of device efficacy as emphasized in EAU guidelines. Patients and methods: This retrospective single-center study includes 208 patients who underwent SWL treatment for kidney stones between June 2023 and June 2024. Treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed in detail, considering patients' demographic characteristics (age, gender) and stone parameters (size, location, and hardness [Hounsfield Unit, HU]). The success of SWL was defined as achieving complete stone clearance or the presence of clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF) (< 4 mm). This sample of 208 patients was specifically selected to evaluate the performance of the Modulith SLK Inline lithotripter in treating stones smaller than 15 mm, aiming to examine SWL’s potential as a non-invasive yet effective treatment option for smaller, more manageable stones. This study seeks to provide detailed insights into the optimal use cases of SWL. Results: The mean age of the 208 patients was 42.2 ± 12.7 years (18–75), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1. The overall success rate of SWL was 78.8%, with 164 patients achieving a complete stone-free status. With the inclusion of the cases with CIRF the overall success rate was assessed as 92.3%. While the mean stone size in successful cases was 10.3 mm, this value was 12.5 mm, in cases with residual fragments or treatment failure. A statistically significant relationship was found between stone size and treatment success rates (p < 0.001). The mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value for all patients was 874.0 ± 283.2, with significantly lower HU values in patients who achieved a completely stone-free status (p = 0.049). Stone localization did not significantly affect the success rates after SWL (p = 0.377). Conclusions: SWL has demonstrated its effectiveness in kidney stone treatment with a 78.8% complete stone-free rate using the Modulith SLK Inline lithotripter. Higher success rates were achieved with smaller stones (< 15 mm) and lower HU values. These findings support the significance of advanced lithotripter technology in establishing SWL as a valuable non-invasive option for stones under 15 mm.
Wage Bargaining and Capital Accumulation: A Dynamic Version of the Monopoly Union Model
Authors: Guerrazzi Marco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the relationship between wage bargaining and capital accumulation by developing a differential game in which a monopolistic union sets the wage of its members by taking as given the optimal employment strategy of a representative firm and the way in which capital is evaluated over time. Under the assumption that investment amounts to a constant share of produced output, I show that a meaningful open-loop Stackelberg equilibrium requires the union to be more patient than the firm. Moreover, relying on some numerical simulations, I show that although adjustments towards the steady-state equilibrium occur through damped oscillations, after an initial period of decline, the model predicts a stable union wage premium.
JEL Classification: J31; J51; J52.
Feasibility of using eucalyptus wood and castor oil adhesive to produce OSB panels
Authors: Sugahara Estefani S. , Dias Andre M. A. , Botelho Edson C. , Campos Cristiane I. , Dias Alfredo M. P. G. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Among the products that help in the industrialization of construction with technological and sustainable characteristics, wood panels stand out, which are related to a possible lower environmental impact associated with carbon fixation and replacement of non-renewable materials. Worldwide consumption of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) panels has increased, proving the relevance and consolidation of the use of this product. Therefore, it is necessary to study viable alternatives for traditionally used raw materials so that the composites produced present final properties compatible with regulatory specifications and meet the required technological requirements so that they can be safely applied as a construction component. In this context, OSB panels were produced with eucalyptus wood and castor-based polyurethane adhesive. Eucalyptus wood is a reforestation hardwood, with fast-growing and diverse species. Considering that traditional adhesives are among the main environmental hotspots in OSB production, castor oil-based adhesive is a potential alternative, as it is not produced using formaldehyde and comes from renewable sources. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of the panels were evaluated (density, moisture content, swelling in thickness − 24h, water absorption, modulus of elasticity and strength in bending, internal bond, and resistance to axial withdrawal of screws). The average results were compared with the use classes indicated by Standard EN 300:2006, demonstrating that the panels produced are compatible with the classification as OSB/4 according to EN 300:2006 (Heavy-duty load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions), confirming the viability of production and presenting excellent structural performance.
The Relationship Between CRP to Albumin Ratio and Non Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: ARSLAN Ayca , ILIS Dogan , ARTAC Inanç , KARAKAYALI Muammer , OMAR Timor , GUZEL Ezgi , YAGCIBULUT Ozcan , KARABAG Yavuz , RENCUZOGULLARI Ibrahim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives
Heart failure(HF) poses a significant threat to morbidity, mortality, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis in patients with atrial fibrillation(AFib) is crucial in managing this condition. While previous studies have demonstrated the association between HF, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and decreased serum albumin (SA) levels, there is a lack of investigation into the predictive capacity of the CRP to SA ratio(CAR) for diagnosing HF in patients with AFib.This study aims to elucidate the prognostic value of CAR in the diagnosis of HF patients with AFib.
Methods
This retrospective study comprised 279 patients with permanent AFib attending our outpatient clinic.The study population was categorized into two groups based on left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF):patients with LVEF < 40% and those with LVEF ≥ 40%.
Results
In the study cohort,75 patients(26.9%) were identified with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Patients with HFrEF exhibited elevated levels of neutrophils, CRP and CAR, along with increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left atrial volume index (LAVI).Multivariate analyses demonstrated that LVEDD, LAVI, and CAR(OR:0.5, 95% CI: 0.38–0.67; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HFrEF in patients with AFib.
Conclusion
CAR may be an easily accessible marker for diagnosing HF in AFib patients.
Understanding your biases in collecting organismal VOCs
Authors: Seybert Lucas , Duplais Christophe 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a fundamental role in organismal interactions, facilitating intra- and interspecific communication. Accurate collection and analysis of VOCs are essential for understanding these interactions, but the choice of collection method and adsorbent material can introduce biases. This study investigates the variability and recovery yield in VOC collection using various adsorbents and thin-film solid-phase microextraction (TF-SPME). We compared the performance of nine adsorbents and TF-SPME in capturing a standard VOC mixture and VOCs from rosemary plants. Results show significant differences in efficiency among adsorbents, with Porapak® P generally providing the best recovery for most compounds. TF-SPME exhibited higher sensitivity and detected a broader range of volatiles compared to adsorbents, though qualitative profiles varied. Our findings underscore the importance of empirical testing in adsorbent selection and highlight the inherent biases in VOC collection methods. These insights aim to guide and empower researchers in making informed decisions regarding experimental design and data interpretation to achieve more accurate and reliable VOC results in chemical ecology studies.
Cone Mosaic in Eyes with Varied Axial Length Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Zhou Wen-Da , Dong Li , Shi Han-Xu , Zhang Rui-Heng , Yang Yu-hang , Zhao Han-qing , Li Yi-Tong , Yu Chu-Yao , Li He-Yan , Wu Hao-Tian , Shao Lei , Wei Wen-Bin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Abnormalities in cone photoreceptors are closely associated with the occurrence of many ocular diseases. Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) allows visualization of the living human retina with exquisite single-cell resolution.
Methods
This study aimed to found the potential relationship between cone cells and and axial myopia using a commercial AOSLO system in cone moasic. 74 patients (148 eyes; 30 (40.5%) men) with a mean age of 31.8 ± 10.4 years were icluded in this study. Cone mosic was obtained from the 3° and 5° eccentricities of macular. The relationship between cone cell indexes (linear cone density, cone spacing, cone dispersion and cone regularity) and axial length were analyzed.
Results
The linear cone density significantly declined with increasing axial length at both 3° and 5° eccentricities (all P<0.001). The cone spacing was significantly increasing with the increasing of axial length and the reduce of cone density. After adjusting for axial length, cone spacing was significantly associated only with linear cone density, both at 3° and 5° eccentricities (all P<0.001). The cone dispersion was significantly increasing with the increasing of axial length and the reduce of cone density. After adjusting for axial length, cone dispersion remained significantly associated with linear cone density only at the inferior 3° (β=-0.43, P = 0.014) and inferior 5° eccentricities (β=-0.4, P = 0.003). Cone regularity significantly increasing with increasing linear cone density and after adjusting for axial length, cone dispersion remained significantly associated with linear cone density only at the nasal 3° (β = 0.71, P < 0.001) and temporal 3° eccentricities (β = 0.25, P < 0.001). Cone regularity significantly decreased with increasing axial length and after adjusting for linear cone density, cone dispersion remained significantly associated with axial length at temporal 5° eccentricity (β=-0.57, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Cone cell density was significantly decreased in axial myopia. The uniformity of cone distribution was decreased in axial myopia, which may be the indirected caused by a decrease in cone density due to axial elongation. The cone morphology regularity was significantly decreased in axial myopia, which may result directly from the axial elongation or indirectly from the cone density decrease it causes.
Modeling Factors Influencing Elderly Citizens’ Intention to Use High-Speed Railway Services in Thailand: A Correlated Grouped Random Parameters Approach
Authors: Champahom Thanapong , Se Chamroeun , Dangbut Adisorn , Watcharamaisakul Fareeda , Jomnonkwao Sajjakaj , Ratanavaraha Vatanavongs 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

As Thailand rapidly transitions into an aging society while developing its high-speed rail (HSR) infrastructure, understanding elderly citizens' intentions to use HSR services becomes crucial. This study employs a correlated grouped random parameter ordered probit model to examine elderly citizens' HSR adoption intentions using data from 3,201 respondents across Thailand's four major regions. Results reveal significant heterogeneity across age groups, with those aged 70-79 and 80+ showing respectively 3.97% and 7.17% lower probabilities of high adoption intention compared to the 60-69 group. Social influence emerges as a crucial factor, with family influence and peer recommendations increasing high intention probability by 4.01% and 2.57% respectively. The model identified three significant random parameters: age group 70-79 (27.9% above-zero variances), leisure trip purpose (61.3%), and family-assisted access mode, with strong correlations between these factors (-0.945 between age 70-79 and family-assisted access). The study contributes by providing a comprehensive framework integrating demographic and perspective factors, demonstrating the effectiveness of the correlated grouped random parameters approach in capturing complex decision-making patterns, and offering evidence-based recommendations for developing age-friendly HSR services. These findings inform targeted strategies for enhancing elderly HSR adoption, suggesting age-specific support systems, enhanced infrastructure design, social support networks, and simplified technological solutions.