bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Will they survive? Sustainability status of the fishery for Tomato Hind (Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)) in Sri Lankan waters: a length based approach
Authors: Dalpathadu K. R. , Haputhantri S. S. K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cephalopholis sonnerati, a grouper species, is primarily targeted for the export market in Sri Lanka. Significant harvesting occurred between 2015 and 2017, driven by the Live Reef Food Fish Trade besides small-scale coastal fisheries. Nevertheless, no scientific studies have assessed the sustainability of the fishery or the status of C. sonnerati populations in Sri Lankan waters. To address this gap, we utilized length based, data-limited approaches to assess the sustainability of the fishery for C. sonnerati in east and west coastal waters in Sri Lanka. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were separately estimated for west and east populations: L∞ = 63.1 and 62.4 cm (TL); K = 0.26 and 0.24/year; mean M = 0.50 and 0.47/year; L50 = 36.0 and 43.5 cm (TL) respectively. Length Based Indictors (LBIs) and Fmax suggest that the fishery for C. sonnerati was operating at MSY levels. Even though, LBIs for the conservation of immature and mature individuals for both populations fell below the expected levels, indicating fishery unsustainability. The length-based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) of the west and east coastal populations was estimated to be 24% and 13% respectively, which were below the expected reference points of LBSPR. Furthermore, the models showed size selectivity estimates at 50% and 95% were lower than the estimated sizes at L50. In conclusion, it is suggested that the C. sonnerati populations in west and east coastal waters presumably at risk of overexploitation by growth and recruitment overfishing, highlighting the need for effective management and conservation plans.
Circadian Clock Regulation in Soybean Senescence: A Transcriptome Analysis of Early and Late Senescence Types
Authors: Basnet Prakash , LEE Sevin , MOON Ka Hee , Park Nam-Il , Lee Gang-Seob , Lee Seongkon , Um Taeyoung , Choi Ik-Young 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Plant senescence is the process of physiological maturation of plants and is important for crop yield and quality. Senescence is controlled by several factors, such as temperature and photoperiod. However, the molecular basis by which these genes promote senescence in soybeans is not well understood. We identified senescence-related genes via transcriptome analysis of early-senescence (ES)- and late-senescence (LS)-type plants to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of senescence in soybeans.
Results
We obtained early-senescence (ES)- and late-senescence (LS)-type F7 plants from a cross between a hybrid (Glycine max × Glycine soja) and the Glycine max cultivar.The ES-type plants presented the reproductive (R2) growth stage at 50 days after sowing (DAS) and the R7 growth stage at 95 DAS, whereas the LS-type plants presented the beginning of the R1 and R6 growth stages at 50 and 95 DAS, respectively. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this senescence, we performed transcriptome analysis of leaves from 50 and 95 DAS of ES- and LS-type plants. A total of 2,414 and 2,471 genes at 50 and 95 DAS, respectively, were differentially expressed between ES-type and LS-type plants. Twenty-three candidate genes associated with the circadian clock, chlorophyll biosynthesis, phytohormones, and protein kinases were identified, and their expression levels were analyzed. In addition, we analyzed the expression patterns of circadian clock-related genes such as CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1), LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), CONSTANS-LIKE 9 (COL9), EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) and pseudo response regulator 5 (PRR5) in ES- and LS-type plants under light and dark conditions. The expression patterns of circadian clock-related genes were similar in the ES- and LS-type plants. However, the transcription levels of these genes were compared between ES- and LS-type plants, and the expression of these genes was greater than that in LS-type plants during the period when expression increased. Therefore, each set of candidate genes regulated senescence in each plant by regulating their expression level.
Conclusions
These findings provide novel insights into the regulation of senescence in soybean plants, which could lead to the development of new strategies to improve agriculture.
Mapping the neural substrate of dual-task gait cost in older adults across the cognitive spectrum
Authors: Ali Pauline , Dinomais Mickaël , Labriffe Matthieu , Pieruccini-Faria Frederico , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Bartha Robert , Annweiler Cédric 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The dual task cost of gait (DTC) is an accessible and cost-effective test that can help identify individuals with cognitive decline and dementia. However, its neural substrate has not been widely described. This study aims to investigate the neural substrate of the DTC in older adults across the spectrum of cognitive decline. A total of 336 individuals from the GAIT study cohort were analyzed, including cognitively healthy (N = 122, 71 ± 3.6 years), those with mild cognitive impairment (N = 168, 71 ± 5.3 years), and those with dementia (N = 46, 80 ± 5.7 years). A DTC of 20% or greater was considered to indicate a high level of slowing down while performing successively two verbal tasks (counting backwards task by ones and naming animals). Voxel-based morphometry was employed to investigate differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between groups, which were dichotomized according to the DTC. A high DTC in the whole population (N = 336) was associated with a smaller GMV in the bilateral temporal lobe across both dual-task conditions. A moderation analysis was employed to compare the neural substrate between cognitive status groups. This revealed that the dementia group exhibited an additional cluster located in the left precentral gyrus with GMV loss associated with a high naming animals DTC, in contrast to the other cognitive groups. These results provide new evidence on why dual-task gait capabilities deteriorate in normal and pathological cognitive aging. A clearer understanding of the neural substrate associated with DTC depending on the cognitive status would be valuable to better elucidate this motor marker of dementia.
Consequences of the perivascular niche remodeling for tumoricidal T-cell trafficking into metastasis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kozbor Danuta , Winkler Marta , Malhotra Nemi , Mistarz Anna , Wang Sophie , Hutson Alan , Gambotto Andrea , Abrams Scott , Singh Prashant , Liu Song , Odunsi Kunle , Wang Jianmin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The treatment-induced activation level within the perivascular tumor microenvironment (TME) that supports T-cell trafficking and optimal T-cell differentiation is unknown. We investigated the mechanisms by which inflammatory responses generated by tumor-specific T cells delivered to ovarian tumor-bearing mice alone or after oncolytic vaccinia virus-driven immunogenic cancer cell death affect antitumor efficacy. Analyses of the perivascular TME by spatially resolved omics technologies revealed reduced immunosuppression and increased tumoricidal T-cell trafficking and function after moderate inflammatory responses driven by a CXCR4 antagonist-armed oncolytic virus. Neither weak nor high inflammation created a permissive TME for T-cell trafficking. Notably, treatment-mediated differences in T-cell effector programs acquired within the perivascular TME contrasted with comparable antigenic priming in the tumor-draining lymph nodes regardless of the activation mode of antigen-presenting cells. These findings provide new insights into combinatorial treatment strategies that enable tumor-specific T cells to overcome multiple barriers for enhanced trafficking and control of tumor growth. .
Comparative Study on Conventional and Virtual Outriggers with Belt Truss Systems in High rise Structures
Authors: Lakshmi Maheswaram Yamini , Rao B. Venkat 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Skyscrapers serve as prominent symbols of human progress, transforming metropolitan horizons and tackling issues related to urban growth. Architects and engineers are driven to continuously push boundaries in their pursuit of larger structures, which leads them to explore new materials, inventive designs, and advanced structural systems. Outrigger girders and belt trusses are crucial elements in the design of tall buildings as they successfully tackle the structural difficulties that arise in skyscrapers. The aim of this study is to identify the outrigger system that achieves the lowest displacement and story drifts, while simultaneously maximising stability, for a 40-story high-rise building. The analysis is conducted using the finite element method with Outriggers equipped with belt truss strategically located at the 1/2 and 2/3 positions with cap truss, RCC shear wall at core and comparing them with virtual outrigger systems which are strategically placed to a framed structure .The result shows that maximum reduction of displacement and maximum storey drift was seen when the outrigger is placed at mid and 2/3rd height of the building (i.e. at 20th and 26stories) along with cap truss (i.e. at 40th storey) with RCC shear wall at core of the structure.
FEPNet: A Feature Extraction-prediction Network for Coal Flotation Froth Image Segmentation
Authors: liao lingzhi , huang xianwu , zhang heng , shang haili , cao zhao , zhang jinshan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Coal flotation represents a flotation technique used to extract valuable mineral components from a coal slurry. The visual information on the coal slurry flotation froth's surface can both provide intuitive feedback on the flotation effect and guide the operator to adjust the flotation process parameters accordingly. However, the image segmentation of the coal flotation froth is challenging due to the problems of high noise, fuzzy boundaries, and strong adhesion. To address these problems, this paper proposes an innovative and effective segmentation model for coal flotation froth images named the Feature Extraction-Prediction Network (FEPNet). The FEPNet is a deep neural network model with an encoder-decoder structure, and it mainly consists of two parts, namely a feature extraction network and a prediction network.The network model is designed using the Stem Convolution Group module (SCG), Global-Local Hybrid Attention module (GLHA), and High-Width Combined Attention module (HWCA) to extract global and local feature information and realize multi-dimensional feature information fusion. The proposed FEPNet model is evaluated on a self-constructed image segmentation dataset of coal slurry flotation foams. Compared to the UNet model, the proposed model can improve the mIoU, DSC, and Acc metrics by 4.86, 2.86, and 3.48%, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed FEPNet model can effectively address the segmentation difficulties of coal slurry flotation froth images. This study lays the foundation for optimizing the flotation process parameters and realizing the intelligence of flotation field parameters. In addition, generalization experiments are conducted on the skin lesion segmentation dataset, and the results show that the proposed FEPNet has excellent segmentation generalization ability.This paper provides a basis and reference for the automatic control of flotation process, and lays a foundation for improving production efficiency and product quality.
Spatiotemporal analysis of sea ice in the Weddell Sea of Antarctic based on GTWR
Authors: Ding Y. R. , Liu X. , Dai X. F. , Yang Y. , Yin G. Y. , Sun H. P. , Guo J. Y. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) method is employed to assess the impact of various environmental factors on sea ice concentration (SIC) in the Weddell Sea. Initially, MODIS-derived SIC was used to evaluate the accuracy of six SIC products derived from different satellite sensors and algorithms. The MWRI/NT2 product demonstrated the highest correlation with the MODIS data, validating its reliability for further analysis. Using the MWRI/NT2 product, along with ERA5 and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis datasets, we investigated the interannual and seasonal trends in SIC and sea ice extent (SIE) from 2011 to 2023. The results indicate a declining trend in SIE at a rate of -6.2 ± 1.9×10³ km²/yr, with the most significant ice loss occurring in autumn. The GTWR analysis highlights significant spatial and temporal variability in the factors influencing SIC in the Weddell Sea. The Latent heat flux (LH) emerged as the most influential factor, with a median standardized regression coefficient of 1.44. The LH primarily promotes sea ice growth by cooling the surface through the condensation of atmospheric water vapor. Zonal winds also played a critical role, particularly by promoting sea ice formation through Ekman transport of cold surface water. However, wind speed had a minimal impact on SIC, likely due to the lack of directional data in the ERA5 dataset. In contrast, the impact of net radiation (NR) varied significantly across the region, complicating its overall influence on sea ice dynamics. Sensible heat flux (SH) generally supported ice growth, except in the central Weddell Sea, where local conditions caused SH to inhibit ice formation. These findings underscore the complex interplay of environmental factors in shaping SIC.
“Some rumors can make you fear to use the methods”: A qualitative analysis of barriers to the utilization of modern family planning services among adolescent girls and young women in rural Northern Uganda
Authors: Ayugi Vella , Kimbugwe Denis , Laker Suzan Vicky , Bongomin Felix 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Modern family planning services are crucial for sexually active Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Objective
To explore the barriers to the utilization of modern family planning services among AGYW in Oyam District, Northern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study involving eight focus group discussions (FGDs) each with ten respondents, who were AGYW, aged 15–24 years residing in Oyam district Northern Uganda. The FGDs lasted 60–90 minutes and they were audio-recorded. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and Open Code software was used to evaluate the data using both an inductive and deductive thematic approach.
Results
Four main themes emerged as barriers to modern family planning services use. First, opposition to family planning including; religious, male and cultural opposition. Secondly, health concerns such as side effects related to family planning use. Thirdly, health systems factors such as low availability of family planning methods and long waiting time at the health facilities and lastly, rumors and misconceptions.
Conclusion
The barriers to the utilization of modern family planning methods among AGYW in Oyam District, Northern Uganda were consistent with those observed in other studies around the world. Interventions to improve access to modern family planning services among this population can be implemented under three broad themes. (1) Alleviating opposition to family planning, (2) Addressing health concerns related to family planning such side effects plus misconceptions/rumors and (3) Improving the quality of family planning services. For these interventions to be effective, they should be directed to the individual, the family/intimate partner, and the community at large.
Techno-economic and Carbon Intensity Analysis of CO2-derived Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Authors: Joshi Jitendra , Shen Qiqing , Garg Sahil , Bhatelia Tejas , Sun Biao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The aviation industry’s pursuit of achieving net zero hinges on large-scale and economical production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This study provides a comparative evaluation of the sustainability implications of SAF production pathways, particularly focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources and the potential for carbon emissions reduction. We investigated a three-step Alcohol-to-Jet pathway that integrates a thermochemical process to produce syngas (a mixture of CO and H2) from CO2 and a biological process to ferment syngas to ethanol, which is then converted to SAF via Alcohol-to-Jet. When compared with the industrially well-known Fischer-Tropsch process, the three-step Alcohol-to-Jet pathway demonstrates 1.6 times higher SAF yield and over 7% higher energy efficiency. Although the three-step Alcohol-to-Jet pathway has higher capital cost due to syngas fermentation, it produces SAF with the levelized cost of supply 14%-25% lower compared to Fischer-Tropsch pathway. Carbon intensity analysis shows that, to achieve comparable emissions as conventional jet fuel, at least 84.6% of the power used in SAF production must come from renewable sources. When renewable power is limited, utilizing methane as a feedstock can reduce overall emissions of SAF. Additionally, our findings on SAF economics highlight the necessity of policy interventions and incentives to advance SAF and renewable energy in the aviation sector.
Immunomodulatory Multifunctional Janus Collagen-based Membrane for Advanced Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Defu , Yang Die , Xu Zhilang , Huang Dou , Luo Qi , Zhang Chunli , Guo Jimin , Tan Lu , Ge Liming , Mu Changdao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a standard therapy for treating bone defects, with collagen-based barrier membranes widely used clinically. However, these membranes face challenges like early bacterial invasion, risking GBR failure. Effective strategies include orchestrating macrophage activation and controlling their M1 or M2 polarization during bone repair. We present a novel Janus collagen-based barrier membrane with immunomodulatory function. The porous layer promotes direct osteogenic differentiation and inward growth of osteoblasts. The dense layer prevents invasion of soft tissue into bone defects and protects bone defects from bacterial infection. The membrane also enhances rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) infiltration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation by regulating the immune microenvironment. Cranial defect experiments show superior bone regeneration compared to the commercially available Bio-Gide® collagen membrane. Overall, the Janus collagen-based membrane reduces tissue inflammation and fosters an osteoimmune environment conducive to new bone formation, offering innovative material design for advanced GBR technology.
Conversion of Streetlights to Light-emitting Diode (LED) Type
Authors: Sankhwar Pravin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Due to the increasing need for energy conservation and improved outdoor experience, current streetlights require an upgrade to light emitting diode (LED) lighting. LEDs are well known for their better operating hours, brighter color temperature, and reduced energy consumption. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, lighting accounts for 17% of the energy consumption of commercial buildings [1]. Approximately 1–3% of the total electricity consumption comes from public street lighting and highway lighting globally [2]. There are several challenges associated with this large-scale transformation from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED) lights, starting with inaccurate or less information on the existing inventory, correct ownership determination, education on the use of LEDs, and financing/funding issues. In this paper, a methodology was presented to overcome the challenges of LED transformation. As a sample case based on the existing profile of high-pressure sodium (HPS), incandescent (INC), fluorescent (FL), metal halide (MH), and mercury vapor (MV) in the District of Columbia, energy conservation from the conversion of HPS to LED type was presented. Total energy savings and GHG reduction from this conversion yielded a positive outcome from large-scale replacements with LEDs. LED drivers are capable of withstand the stresses that streetlights are exposed to. However, additional considerations from a lighting equipment specifier to select drivers with more robust capacitors withstanding high heat and frequencies are needed. A simple evaluation of HPSs vs LEDs showed greater performance for lower-rated LED wattage luminaires.
In-vitro anti-bacterial activity, nutritional, physico-chemical and organoleptic evaluation: Sargassum sps- Tropical Brown Seaweeds
Authors: Chandrasekar Vasanthi , Velluru Appa Rao , Ravindran Narendra Babu , Raman Karunakaran , Subramanian Ezhil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Seaweeds and their metabolites finds application as a medicine, nutraceutical and as a food supplement due its antimicrobial properties and protection from environmental stressors. With this background, the study was conducted to explore the anti-microbial activity of Indian brown seaweed- Sargassum sps viz. S.polycystum, S. tenerrimum and S.cinctum collected from the ocean of Gulf of Mannar (Mandapam coast). S. tenerrimum was observed to have higher anti-microbial activity which was evident from the higher zone of inhibition at a concentration 200 µg/disc against Staphylococcus aureus (12.5mm), Bacillus cereus (11 mm), E coli (14 mm) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (12 mm). S. tenerrimum recorded highest swelling (10.08c ± 0.88), water retention (8.99 ± 1.25) and oil retention capacity (1.01 ± 0.12), besides having high protein (13.42 ± 0.33), low fat (1.30 ± 0.30) and high dietary fibre (64.97 ± 4.71) and ash (30.76 ± 0.38) compared to the other two species. Organoleptic assessment also revealed S.tenerrimum as the choice among the three species of Sargassum. The results reveal the potential scope of utilization of S. tenerrimum as anti-microbial and nutritive enrichment in functional meat products.
Strong immune privileges of MSC and other Nes-GFP+ progenitors in bone marrow of transgenic mice
Authors: Karpenko D.V. , Kapranov N.M. , Bigildeev A.E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Immune privileges have been demonstrated for several types of quiescent stem cells (SCs) in adult mammalian organisms. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) also manifest immune privileges, which is one of the main concerns in cancer therapy. To elucidate the strength of non-pathological SCs immune privileges, we implanted bone marrow of transgenic Nestin-GFP mice under the renal capsule of non-transgenic mice immunized with enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP). We show that Nes-GFP+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other subpopulations of Nes-GFP+ progenitors in mouse bone marrow have strong immune privileges, since they survive for at least six weeks despite targetedly activated against them full immune system. We also demonstrate that MSCs retain their functionality after exposition to such immune pressure by successful retransplantation of the foci into the secondary non-immunized recipients. We suggest that nestin could be a marker for a wide spectrum of quiescent SCs with strong immune privileges, including CSCs.