bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of PLA/ MgAl2O4 Composite Using Slurry Casting Method: A Study on Biomaterial Properties
Authors: Ghodrati Mehran , Rafiaei Seyed Mahdi , Tayebi Lobat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this study, magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) particles were synthesized at 500°C using the combustion method followed by calcination at 800°C. Subsequently, PLA/MgAl2O4 samples were fabricated employing the slurry casting approach. In this research, 4 and 8 Wt% of magnesium aluminate spinel were used for composite production. To analyze the crystal structure, surface chemistry, microstructure, and biodegradability of the produced composites, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and pH meter were employed. The Rietveld refined XRD data revealed that MgAl2O4 particles have been properly dispersed in the slurry casted specimens. FTIR characterization confirmed bonding formation between the MgAl2O4 reinforcement and the PLA matrix. FESEM/EDX results indicated that MgAl2O4 spinel, with the sub-micron-sized particles, significantly accelerated the degradation rate. Also, the produced composite samples were placed in the body simulating solution for 4 weeks and the solution was ICP analyzed every two weeks. ICP analysis validated the bioactivity of the composites by observing a decrease in the calcium and phosphorus elements of simulated body fluid (SBF), while an increase in pH after four weeks indicated the degradation of composites. Meanwhile, the values of pH vary between 7.6 and 7.8, which is close to the pH of the human body.
Three steps for assessing adult lungworm burden in small ruminants
Authors: Gliga Diana , Serrano Emmanuel , Lizana Víctor , López-Ramon Jordi , Estruch Josep , Carrasco-Pleite Carlos Martínez , Cardells Jesús 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lungworm infections, also known as verminous pneumonia, are caused by various nematodes affecting wild and domestic ruminants worldwide. Lung nematodes also decrease reproductive fitness, body weight, and general animal performance. Since lung disease severity is linked to lungworm burden, adult worm collection after lung dissection is the reference method for assessing the intensity of lung nematode infection. The method comprises three steps: pumping the lungs with tape water to collect the parasites in the flushing water, bronchial tree dissection to collect nematodes in the flushing water and dicing the lung to collect adults attached to the parenchyma in water. Each of these three steps recovers an unknown proportion of the nematode burden, but no work has evaluated the contribution of each step to the nematode burden assessment. In this work, we aimed to evaluate this after assessing lung nematode burden in 57 Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica), hunter-harvested in northeast Spain and infected by Protostrongylus sp, Mullerious capillaris, and Cystocaulus sp. The Baermann-Wetzel method was applied to collect larvae from lung dice. Water pumping retrieved the most adult lungworms (89%), predominantly Protostrongylus sp., while the final squeeze had limited effectiveness in nematode recovery. Muellerius sp and Cystocaulus ocreatus were mainly collected by the Baermann-Wetzel method. The lung burden assessed in the lungs does not match the larvae burden in faeces nematode; thus, works investigating lungworm infection pathology should include a lung necropsy. Research describing lung nematode richness, however, should apply both methods. This lung nematode burden assessment method can be used for other small ruminant species and mammals of different size ranges.
An efficient method for fingerprint matching based on the 2D-FRFT domain
Authors: ALAOUI El Mehdi ISMAILI 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fingerprint matching is essential to ensure the robustness of fingerprint identification with respect to the image quality. Usually, fingerprint images are enhanced by one stage in either the spatial domain or the frequency domain. Moreover, fingerprint enhancement needs to be conducted in order to enhance the fingerprint image completely. In recent years, two-dimensional fractional Fourier transform (2D-FRFT) which contains both spatial and frequency information, has been playing a unique and increasingly important role in image processing, the studies on using it for fingerprint image are very rewarding and promising. In this paper, we propose a novel approach which combines the properties of 2D-FRFT and phase correlation technique in order to provide a simple means for estimating the translation and rotation parameters between two fingerprint images in 2D-FRFT domain. Our method relies on 2D-FRFT-based correlation twice: once in the spatial domain based on the average squared difference function (ASDF) to recover the translation and once in the polar domain to estimate the rotation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated on the public FVC2004 set a database. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of estimating the translation and rotation in fingerprint images, and its accuracy is comparable to the 2D-FFT-based method.
Corrosion inhibition threshold effect of 1,2,4-triazole in alkaline chemical mechanical polishing of copper: Investigations using synchrotron radiation microinfrared
Authors: Dai Lei , Yan Zixuan , Zhang Daquan , Li Chunping , Shi Cheng , Gao LiXin , Xin Zhiling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The threshold effect of 1,2,4-triazole (TAZ) on copper corrosion inhibition under alkaline chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is investigated using the synchrotron radiation micro-infrared spectroscopy. The study shows that 15 mM TAZ provides the best corrosion inhibition for copper in CMP slurry. The integrity of the surface film decreases significantly at concentrations above the threshold level. This is mainly due to the agglomeration of Cu-TAZ complexes on copper surface. In addition, the corrosion inhibition mechanism of TAZ for copper in alkaline CMP slurry is discussed in depth.
Can the old-age care service of empty nesters be replaced with land in rural China? A Qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Xuewen , Pan Yueying , Chong Xiaoqin , Wang Min , Yue Yuanlei , Zhang Junxin , Liu Jing , Wang Chunying , Yin Weiran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
With the rapid development of urbanization, the number of empty nesters in rural China is increasing rapidly. Empty-nesters could not receive enough old-age care from their children, which covers economic support, daily care and spiritual comfort. The problem of old-age care for rural empty-nesters is more difficult than that of the urban elderly.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to understand the old-age care problems of empty nesters and the implementation of “land replacement for old-age care” policy in rural China.
Methods
In-depth interview was used to collect data, and then inductive content analysis was used to collect and analyze the data. Thirteen participating empty-nesters were interviewed using semi-structured interview guidelines that were thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by all researchers.
Results
The huge challenge of old-age care is faced by empty nest elderly in rural areas. There are some obstacles in the implementation of “land replacement for old-age care", such as the lack of government guidance and organization, the lack of unified and scientific land management, and the elderly are more dependent on family supporting, and there is a certain resistance to nursing homes. With no adult children to accompany them, empty-nesters are more negative about their old-care problems, and there is a suicide tendency when they cannot take care of themselves.
Conclusions
Rural empty-nest elderly have great difficulty in seeking old-age care services in China. More efforts should be made to accelerate the implementation and guarantee of “land replacement old-age care “for rural empty-nesters.
Depth use of wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts migrating through fjords
Authors: Bjerck Helge B. , Urke Henning A. , Haugen Thrond O. , Alfredsen Jo Arve , Kristensen Torstein 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), known as post-smolt as they enter the sea, undergo an arduous migration from their natal rivers to their feeding grounds in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we present data on the depth use of migrating wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts. Using acoustic telemetry, tagged fish from four rivers in two fjords in western Norway were monitored as they migrated towards the open sea during two consecutive years. We found that post-smolts predominantly migrated in the top three meters of the water column throughout the length of both fjord systems. Among 61 successful migrants, 95% of detections were in the top three meters of the water column. This corresponds well with past findings showing similar depth use in hatchery-reared smolt and in adult Atlantic salmon kelts returning to their feeding grounds after spawning. We found little evidence of a consistent diel pattern in depth use. Our results support assumptions of representative sampling when trawling the upper portion of the water column for post-smolts in order to estimate sea lice infection rates and may improve the precision of efforts to model sea-lice infection risk. The results may also be valuable in evaluating other threats to wild salmon.
Callus Culture System from Lonicera japonica Thunb Anthers : Light Quality Effects on Callus Quality Evaluation
Authors: Cheng Jiali , Guo Fengxia , Zhou Chunyan , Chen Yong , Li Zhigang , Liang Wei , Wang Hongyan , Chen Yuan , Dong Pengbin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lonicera japonica Thunb has significant edible and medicinal value, offering properties like heat clearing, detoxification, antibacterial, and blood pressure reduction. However, its quality is limited by climate, environment, flowering period, and germplasm degradation. This study established the first embryogenic callus culture system for L. japonica anthers. Using abiotic inducers (light quality), the effects on callus morphology, metabolite accumulation, and antioxidant activity were examined. Results showed that adding 1.0 mg·L− 1 6-BA, 1.5 mg·L− 1 NAA, 1.5 mg·L− 1 2,4-D, and 0.2 mg·L− 1 KT to MS medium induced 81% embryogenic callus. Subculturing with 2.0 mg·L− 1 6-BA, 0.5 mg·L− 1 NAA, and 0.2 mg·L− 1 KT yielded uniform callus lines. SEM and paraffin sectioning distinguished callus types. After 15 days of blue light induction, active metabolites and antioxidant activities peaked. This system supports germplasm innovation and suggests abiotic inducers as a method for higher metabolic product yields.
Case report severe postoperative negative pressure pulmonary edema
Authors: Omuro Philipp Kazuo , Sander David , Hart Dominique 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Postoperative negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) can occur in any patient undergoing general anesthesia. There are several risk factors for it, especially postoperative laryngospasm. The disease is usually benign and quickly reversible. In our case the severity and need for advanced critical care therapy was unusual.
Case: We report of severe case of postoperative negative pressure pulmonary edema in a 62-year-old male patient undergoing elective right sided retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. The patient developed a severe case of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after postoperative laryngospasm, possibly in conjunction with a suspected anaphylactic reaction. The patient was consequently treated with a combination of invasive airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and a prone positioning regimen. After drastic improvement of respiratory function, the patient was discharged from intensive care unit after 10 days and from hospital after 14 days.
Conclusion: NPPE is a rare, but relevant complication of anesthesia and laryngospasm. The disease can basically occur in any patient undergoing general anesthesia and therefore should be considered.
Quartzitic Caves with guano at the Serra do Ibitipoca State Park (MG) - Brazil: key nutrient hotspots in the soils and adjacent forests
Authors: Schaefer Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud , Matos Matheus Gonçalves , Sena Luisa Somerlate , Lima Mariana Cassini da Cunha , Ibraimo Anifo Soares Mamudo , Candido Hugo Galvão 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Little is known about the role of guano from quartzite caves in forming biodiverse plant communities in the surrounding areas due to direct or indirect nutrient and energy inputs. This study investigates four caves in the Quartzite Endokarst of Ibitipoca State Park (PEI), Brazil, by analyzing surface soils from the cave interior to surrounding forests. We evaluated the following hypotheses: (i) guano deposits modify the cave floor and influence external plant communities; (ii) there is a nutrient gradient from the cave interior to its surroundings, linked to guano deposition and redistribution; (iii) forest communities near the caves rely on nutrient cycling from guano to achieve greater biomass and structural complexity. Results confirmed a significant incremental effect of macro and micronutrients in the studied caves, with notable variability between interior and exterior environments and between forested areas and more distant soils. This nutrient input profoundly alters soil morphology and physico-chemical properties through long-term cumulative processes. Many trees and shrubs in these forested areas are larger than their counterparts in the adjacent Rupestrian Quartzite Complex. Although both birds and bats are abundant in these caves, the insectivorous diet of these animals complicates the differentiation of their roles in guano deposition. Further studies using precise biogeochemical markers are needed to clarify the distinct contributions of birds and bats and the temporal dynamics of this phenomenon. Ultimately, this biogenic input creates nutrient-rich oases in an otherwise oligotrophic environment.
Evaluating Growth, Biochemical, Physiological and Yield Responses in Maize with Activated Biochar under different moisture conditions: A Field Study
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Bilal , Jahan Summera , Rashid Audil , Shah Anis Ali , Raja Vaseem , El-Sheikh Mohamed A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Amidst depleting water resources, rising crop water needs, changing climates, and soil fertility decline from inorganic modifications of soil, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has been more pressing. The experimental work aimed to inspect the potential of organically activated biochar in improving soil physicochemical and nutrient status as well as improving biochemical and physiological processes, and optimizing yield-related attributes under optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. The field experiment with maize crop was conducted in Hardaas Pur (32°38.37'N, 74°9.00'E), Gujrat, Pakistan, from March to June in consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. The experiment involved the use of DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab maize hybrid seeds, with five moisture levels of evapotranspiration (100% ETC, 80% ETC, 70% ETC, 60% ETC, and 50% ETC) maintained throughout the crop seasons. Furthermore, activated biochar was applied at three levels: 0 tons/ha (no biochar), 5 tons per hectare, and 10 tons per hectare. The study's findings revealed significant improvements in soil organic matter, bulk density, nutrient profile and total porosity with biochar supplementation in soil. Maize plants grown under lower levels of ETC in biochar supplemented soil had enhanced membrane stability index (1.6 times higher) increased protein content (1.4 times higher), reduced malondialdehyde levels (0.7 times lower), improved antioxidant enzyme activity (1.3 times more SOD and POD activity, and 1.2 times more CAT activity), improved relative growth (1.05 times more) and enhanced yield parameters (grain yield 26% more) than control. Additionally, among the two biochar application levels tested, the 5 tons/ha dose demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the 10 tons/ha biochar dose.
Pollution Evaluation in Soils and Health Risk in Vegetables of Heavy Metals in Surrounding Lanzhou City in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Ren Han-ru , Ren Jun , Tao Ling , Ren Xue-chang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Heavy metal (HMs) contamination in soil causes secondary pollution of vegetables and poses a great threat to health. Soil and vegetable samples were collected from eight different districts in the vegetable base of Lanzhou city in Gansu province. The heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb) contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The results suggest that the Cr and Zn contents of soils in the eight plantation bases were much higher than those of the other three metal contents. The metal concentrations showed significant differences among plantation bases and vegetable species, and the mean HM concentrations of vegetable bases exceeded background levels by 1.1~3.0 times. The accumulation of Cu in vegetables was significantly higher than that of other metals. Remarkable differences were found among the vegetables in the uptake abilities of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Cu. From the linear model regression analysis, significant positive relationships were found between the accumulation of HMs in vegetables and soil content. The information found in this work may be used to provide referential strategies and methods to minimize the impact of HMs on human health through the consumption and cultivation of vegetables.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide suppresses cellular senescence and increases aquaporin 5 expression in the submandibular gland of aged mice to ameliorate aging-related dry mouth
Authors: Wakabayashi Jun , Hamaguchi Takahiro , Morifuji Masashi , Nagata Masashi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Dry mouth results from decreased saliva secretion due to aging or drug side effects. Decreased saliva secretion causes dryness in the oral cavity that makes swallowing difficult and increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. There are few fundamental treatments for dry mouth. Here we investigated whether treatment of old mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improved factors associated with dry mouth. Young (16-week-old) and old (113-week-old) mice were treated subcutaneously with saline or NMN (300 mg/kg) once every two days for four weeks and saliva secretion was measured. The amount of NAD + in salivary gland tissues was measured by LC-MS/MS. Gene expression in the intestinal tract and salivary glands was measured by real-time PCR. The population of cells with acetylation in the submandibular gland was quantified by immunohistological staining. SA-β-gal activity in the submandibular gland was measured to assess cell senescence. The submandibular glands from old mice treated with NMN exhibited increased saliva secretion and NAD + levels, which both decrease with aging. In addition, the submandibular glands from NMN-treated old mice had decreased acetylation, numbers of senescent cells, and levels of SASP factors, which all increase with aging, as well as increased AQP5 mRNA expression. NMN administration may improve dry mouth by regulating cellular senescence in the submandibular gland and increasing expression of AQP5, a water channel involved in saliva secretion, to inhibit age-related decreases in saliva secretion.
Effects of Ecological Factors on the Spatial Distribution of Food Plants in Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) Habitat: Conservation and Habitat Restoration Insights
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhang Anan , Zhang Dexu , Chen Yuan , Wang Guangyu , Long Wenxing , Feng Guang , Guan Hongcan , Sun Yanfei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Food resources are crucial for conserving endangered species. Quantifying the distribution of food plants and their driving factors in Hainan gibbon habitats helps to understand food supply characteristics and guide targeted habitat restoration. This study was based on a survey of 122 grid plots (20 × 20 m), categorized as food plants by size (large: diameter at breast height [DBH] ≥ 15 cm; small: 1 cm ≤ DBH < 15 cm) and seasonality (dry season and preferred food plants). The results showed: 1) Significant differences in the ecological factors between high-altitude and low-altitude habitats (t = − 9.04–11.03, P < 0.05). 2) Significantly higher species richness (t = 2.08–5.02, P < 0.05) in high-altitude habitats than low-altitude ones, with a long dry season, and preferred food plants were more abundant in the A and C family groups. 3) Key factors affecting the spatial distribution of food plants included elevation, the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, average temperature, and annual precipitation, with effects varying by food plant type and elevation. These findings indicate that successional low-altitude secondary forests are potential habitats for Hainan gibbons (e.g., family group E) but require further restoration for population growth and spatial expansion. In contrast, high-altitude areas remain ideal. This research underscores the importance of tailored restoration strategies for different food plant groups. Practices, such as thinning, are recommended to enhance food plant diversity and ensure a stable food supply. Future research should focus on human disturbances and plant interactions to fully understand the food plant distribution patterns.
Decoding non-human mammalian adaptive signatures of 2.3.4.4b H5N1 to assess its human adaptive potential
Authors: Kesavardhana Sannula , Nataraj Ranjana , Ashok Avinash , Dey Ayushi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The recent 2.3.4.4b clade highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infected diverse non-human mammalian species globally, gained mammal-to-mammal transmission potential and caused sporadic human infections. However, whether non-human mammals enable the human adaptation of 2.3.4.4b H5N1 to establish human infections is unclear. Gain-of-function research restrictions preclude assessing human adapting mutations of 2.3.4.4b H5N1. Here, we tracked the evolution of 2.3.4.4b H5N1 that infected non-human mammals and evaluated their ability to gain human adaptations. The non-human mammal 2.3.4.4b H5N1 partly acquired classical human adapting mutations, which are identical to the residues of H1N1pdm09 and seasonal human H3N2 viruses while showing a few species-specific adaptations that might be potential barriers for successful human infections. The polymerase complex proteins, PA and PB2, acquired human adaptations in diverse non-human mammals. The human adapting Q591 mutation in PB2 appeared only in the 2.3.4.4b clade but not in previously circulating H5N1 strains. Despite minimal changes in Hemagglutinin (HA), A160T and T199I mutations near the receptor binding site of HA in dairy cattle viruses indicate the rapid HA glycan surface evolution affecting virus entry and immune evasion. The unbiased quantitative assessment of virus adaptations indicated that 2.3.4.4b H5N1 circulating in bears, cattle, dolphins, and foxes show higher human adaptive potential than other hosts. Thus, 2.3.4.4b H5N1 appears to be acquiring human adaptations due to natural selection pressure in non-human mammals. Overall, our study delineates human adaptation and infection risk of specific non-human mammalian circulating 2.3.4.4b H5N1 strains.