bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal community influences niche differences – implications for species coexistence
Authors: Tomiolo Sara , Ferenc Viktoria , Liancourt Pierre , Tielbörger Katja 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Semi-arid ecosystems offer very limited resources to plants, but they are inhabited by incredibly diverse communities of winter annual plants. Ecological theory suggests that a high degree of specialization in resource use and in interactions among plants and soil fungi may explain the coexistence of ecologically similar species in such diverse communities. Species-specific variation in net outcome (positive vs negative) of plant-soil fungi interactions, may lead to variation in mean fitness differences thus increasing opportunities of coexistence. Few studies tested how resources (water and nutrients) in combination with soil fungi affect plants’ fundamental niche across life stages. We experimentally tested germination and fitness differences under different combinations of water, nutrients and soil fungi treatments, using six winter annual species with different degrees of mycorrhizal dependence. Germination success of four out of six species was reduced by the absence of soil fungi, and this response was more severe for obligate mycorrhizal species. Presence of soil fungi ameliorated the production of plant biomass especially under limited water or nutrients, corroborating findings that beneficial interactions with soil fungi alleviate abiotic stress. This response was strong in mycorrhizal dependent species, but highly variable among non-mycorrhizal species, likely due to species-specific outcomes of interactions among plants and pathogenic fungi. We suggest that absence of important symbionts may reduce germination and increase seed dormancy, thus favoring temporal niche partitioning among species, while the net outcomes of plant-soil fungi interactions may reduce mean fitness differences favoring coexistence via equalizing processes.
Application of deep learning reconstruction at prone position chest scanning of early interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zhao Ruijie , Wang Jiaru , Wang Zixing , Xiao Ran , Ming Ying , Piao Sirong , Wang Jinhua , Song Lan , Xu Yinghao , Ma Zhuangfei , Fan Peilin , Wang Yun , Sui Xin , Song Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim
This study was aimed to compare the image quality and radiation dose between images reconstructed with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) at prone position scanning in patients of early-stage interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Methods
This study prospectively enrolled 21 patients with early-stage ILD. All patients underwent high-resolution CT (HRCT) and low-dose CT (LDCT) scans. HRCT images were reconstructed with HIR using standard settings, and LDCT images were reconstructed with DLR (lung/bone kernel) in a mild, standard, or strong setting. Overall image quality, image noise, streak artifacts, and visualization of normal and abnormal ILD features were analysed.
Results
The effective dose of LDCT was 1.22 ± 0.09 mSv, 65.1% less than the HRCT dose. The objective noise of the LDCT DLR images was 33.0–111.8% that of the HRCT HIR images, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0.88 to 3.12 times that of the HRCT HIR images. The LDCT DLR was comparable to the HRCT HIR in terms of overall image quality. LDCT DLR (bone, strong) visualization of bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis was significantly weaker than that of HRCT HIR. The LDCT DLR (all settings) did not significantly differ from the HRCT HIR in the evaluation of other abnormal features, including ground glass opacities (GGOs), architectural distortion, reticulation and honeycombing.
Conclusion
DLR was promising for maintaning image quality under a lower radiation dose in prone scanning for early ILD patients.
Heart Rate Variability in Elite Team Sports: A Systematic Review
Authors: Olmos-Peñarroja Marc , Capdevila Lluis , Pons Antonio Caparrós 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized as a crucial indicator of autonomic nervous system function and is valuable in sports science for monitoring athlete health and performance. This systematic review investigates the use of HRV in elite team sports to monitor training adaptations, athlete status, and overall health. The purpose is to consolidate recent findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of HRV's application in elite team sports.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431208). A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from January 2013 to November 2023. Studies included involved elite team-sport athletes, with HRV measured immediately after waking. Exclusion criteria were underage athletes, injured athletes, and studies using HRV for different purposes. The review process involved screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a final inclusion of 12 studies.
Results:
Out of 277 identified articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving sports such as water polo, rugby, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, futsal, hockey, and rowing. The studies highlighted HRV as a valuable tool for tracking training load adaptations, monitoring athlete readiness, recovery, and mental stress. Daily HRV measurements were commonly used, showing effectiveness in detecting overtraining and ensuring adequate recovery. Various HRV parameters and recording methods were discussed, emphasizing the need for individualized assessment. RMSSD and LnRMSSD were the most commonly used parameters, with variations in recording times and positions.
Conclusions:
HRV is an effective non-invasive marker for optimizing training regimens and improving athlete health, making it a significant tool in sports medicine. This review provides actionable insights for integrating HRV monitoring into daily training practices, ultimately enhancing athletic performance and preventing overtraining. Standardized protocols for HRV measurement are recommended to ensure consistency and reliability in data collection and interpretation. The findings highlight the need for further research to refine HRV applications and establish best practices in elite team sports.
Physiological and biochemical effects elicitors on melon cultivated in area with root rot history
Authors: Figueiredo Francisco Romário Andrade , Freires Afonso Luiz Almeida , Silva Igor Vinícius Pereira da , Silva Jarlan Lucas Santos , de Souza José Janderson Ferreira , de Moura Ana Paula , de Sousa Leonardo Vieira , Júnior Rui Sales , Negreiros Andreia Mitsa Paiva , Ambrósio Márcia Michelle de Queiroz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Rot in the root system is one of the main diseases of melon, which causes significant losses in yield. Therefore, increasing plant resistance levels can be a viable strategy for the management of this disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the physiological and biochemical effects of resistance elicitors on melon cultivated in an area with history of root rot. During the study, three experiments were conducted, one preliminary in masonry beds and two identical under field conditions. In the preliminary experiment, three abiotic elicitors (salicylic acid, Agro Mos® and Bion®) were applied alone and associated with a biotic elicitor (Compost Aid®). The treatments that promoted the lowest disease severity levels were selected (unpublished data), and the field experiments were conducted on a melon-producing farm. In the field experiments, a randomized block design was used, with five treatments and four replicates with eight plants each. The treatments were: standard (Management adopted by the farm), Bion®, Compost Aid®, Bion® + Compost Aid® and absolute control. Epidemiological, biochemical and physiological variables were evaluated. The association Bion® + Compost Aid® reduced the disease severity index by 68.1 and 65.4% compared to the absolute control and the standard, respectively. The elicitors Bion® + Compost Aid® when applied in association activate plant defense through increments in peroxidase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes and positively influence gas exchange and chlorophyll content.
Removal performance and mechanism of cadmium and zinc from aqueous solution by crayfish shell biochar
Authors: Qi Xiran , Sheng Huazeyu , Liu Chenchen , Yue Yuchen , Wang Xuezhi , Chen Nuo , Lu Xintong , Gao Yuci , Chen Haiyan , Ye Wenling , Fan Ting 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Biochar is an efficient and inexpensive material that can be used to remove heavy metal pollutants in water. In this study, crayfish shells were pyrolyzed to produce biochar (CBC) at 800°C, and the CBC effectively removed cadmium and zinc from water. BET and SEM-EDS revealed that CBC was porous and contained a large amount of Ca elements. The mesoporous pore volume accounted for 98.56% of the total pore volume, and the specific surface area was 20.0701 m2/g. After adsorption of Cd2+ and Zn2+, the content of C, O, and Ca elements significantly decreased. The adsorption process of CBC was consistent with quasi-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isothermal model, and the maximum adsorption amounts of Cd2+ and Zn2+ were 1,152.5 mg/g and 1,135.0 mg/g, respectively. In the composite heavy metal system, Zn2+ can promote the adsorption of Cd2+. FTIR and XRD revealed that the main components of CBC were CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2, which mainly comprised hydroxyl radicals, π bonds in phenol hydroxyl groups, and halides. Our findings indicate that CBC is a highly efficient adsorbent for Cd2+ and Zn2+ in water and can be used to remove heavy metals in composite systems.
Fine mapping of QTL and identification of candidate genes responsible for tuberous stem formation in Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md. , Sato Masato , Shimizu Motoki , Shea Daniel John , Fukai Eigo , okazaki Keiichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Tuberous stem is a key determinant of yield and quality in kohlrabi, and it is a prime target of artificial selection for breeding and domestication. To dissect the genetic basis of tuberization, a previously identified major QTL, REnBo2 on chromosome C03 was fine mapped to a 42.8-kb interval using the recombinant populations of three different backcross generations derived from the double haploid lines of kohlrabi and broccoli. Three genes namely Bol012972, Bol012973 and Bol012974 encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase 6 (CIPK6), fatty acid desaturase 6 (FAD6) and WRKY transcription factor 32 (WRKY32), respectively, were annotated in the fine-mapped interval in Brassica oleracea reference genomes. FAD6 is unlikely to be the responsible gene due to its function as a fatty acid desaturase. Based on the gene structure and expression analyses of the remaining two candidates along with our previously conducted transcriptome and endogenous phytohormone profiles, Bol012972 (CIPK6) was identified as a promising candidate for REnBo2. Since the knockdown mutant of CIPK6 was known to exhibits swollen hypocotyls in Arabidopsis, we speculate that CIPK6 may regulate kohlrabi tuber development through regulating the auxin levels. The result will provide a foundation to elucidate the genetic mechanism for tuber formation in kohlrabi and other Brassica crops.
Lamiacea family-Derived Endophytic fungi: Induced Tolerance to drought Stress in Thymus vulgaris plants
Authors: Kamyab Afsoun , Samsampour Davood , Ahmadinasab Navid , Bagheri Abdonnabi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) is a valuable medicinal plant widely cultivated for its aromatic and medicinal properties. However, like many plants, T. vulgaris faces challenges such as drought stress, which significantly affects its growth, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Understanding how endophytic fungi isolated from the Lamiaceae family influence T. vulgarisunder varying watering regimes can enhance its resilience against drought stress. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of individual and co-inoculation of three native endophytic species including Fusarium sp., Cladosporium puyae (C. puyae), and Curvularia australiensis (C. australiensis) on T. vulgaris growth parameters under different irrigation regimes in greenhouse conditions.
Results
It's been discovered that using fungal endophytes as a biological instrument that can benefit T. vulgaris under drought stress. Plants without endophytes exhibited significant reductions in growth, The levels of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids under drought stress conditions. However, plants inoculated with fungal endophytes showed enhanced growth characteristics, elevated chlorophyll levels, and Carotenoid, indicating improved tolerance to drought stress. Additionally, fungal endophyte inoculation led to a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes including Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT) under drought stress situations.
under drought stress conditions, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT).
Conclusions
The findings suggest that the addition of fungal endophytes to the inoculum enhances drought tolerance in T. vulgaris by mitigating the harmful impact of drought stress on plant growth and Physiological functions. The higher activity of antioxidant enzymes and the improved redox state of glutathione are responsible for plants' greater resistance to drought.
Determinants of infertility among married women who attend gynecologic unit at health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A case control study
Authors: Haile Firehiwot , Gebeyehu Selamawit , Abdulkadir Hanan , Gizachew Yordanos , Hailu Mesrach 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Globally, infertility affects 15% of couples in the reproductive age.
Purpose: To identify determinants of infertility among married women who attend care at public health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Patients and Methods: An Institution-based un-matched case-control study was conducted from May 1, 2022-May 30, 2023G.C. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling method after allocating the sample size proportionally to the health facilities. The data was collected by using the Open Data Kit (ODK) app through face-to-face interviews and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify determinants. P value<0.05 is used as statistically significant.
Result: A total of 760 married women (152 cases and 608 controls) in the reproductive age group were included in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 26.5(SD + 5.27) years. In multivariable analysis: age, educational status of the woman, residence, family size, ever use of contraceptives, history of STI, history of abortion, menstrual pattern and current alcohol use were identified as determinants of infertility.
Conclusion: age greater than or equal to 30, educational status of high school, rural residents, family size less than 4, not ever using contraceptives, history of STI, history of abortion, irregular menstrual pattern, and current alcohol use were determinant factors.
Large-scale Tobacco Leaves States Recognition in Flue-curing Houses with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wang Aiguo , Chen Guangqing , Cai Xianjie , Zhou Shuoye , Li Junying , Jin Baofeng , Yan Ding , Liu Jianjun , Huang Jiajie , Chen Zuxiao , Zhang Heng , Wang Jianwei , Guo Weimin , Zhang Yanling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Monitoring the states of tobacco leaves during the flue-curing process is crucial for automating the tobacco industry. While much of the existing research on tobacco leaves state recognition focuses on the temporal state of the leaves, the morphological states are often neglected. Moreover, these studies typically use a limited number of non-industrial images for training, creating a significant disparity with the images encountered in real-world applications. To resolve these issues and investigate the potential of deep learning algorithms in identifying the morphological states of tobacco leaves in real industrial scenarios, this work has first developed a comprehensive, large-scale dataset. This dataset focuses on the states of tobacco leaves in real-world flue-curing houses, specifically recognizing the degrees of yellowing, browning, and drying. Then, a deep learning benchmark for this dataset using multiple deep learning networks is established. Furthermore, an efficient deep learning method is proposed to enhance the predictive performance of the deep backbone network. This is achieved by integrating the spectral characteristics of tobacco leaves images and filtering out color noise. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in this task. The prediction accuracies achieved for the yellowing degree, browning degree, and drying degree are 83%, 90.5%, and 75.6% respectively. The overall average accuracy is 83%, satisfying the requirements of practical application scenarios.
Comparative Analysis of Dual Career Perceptions Among Mexican Divers: A Cross-National Study of University Support Systems in the USA and Mexico
Authors: Medina Daniel Trejo , Fragoso Daniel Trejo , Davila Andres Romo , Guzman Erik Omar Ojeda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research examines the experiences and perceptions of university-level Mexican divers, focusing on those pursuing academic degrees while training competitively in either Mexico or the U.S. This research investigates the nature and impact of academic, athletic, and administrative support on dual careers. Utilizing a structural equation modeling partial least squares (SEM-PLS) approach, this comparative analysis scrutinizes how such support influences academic and athletic performance, contributing to their overall well-being and holistic development. The sample comprises athletes ranging from national competitors to Olympic-level divers, all of whom are engaged in at least bachelor-level academic programs. The primary objective is to delineate and compare the support structures in Mexico and the USA, exploring their efficacy in fostering a balanced and successful dual career path for these student-athletes. The analysis aimed to identify significant disparities in the provision of support across these two countries, assessing its impact on the athletes' educational and professional sports trajectories.
Clinical Prediction Model for Necrosis of Nasal Septum Mucosal Flap After Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Gong Qilin , Li Huaying , Liu Hui , Shi Youyuan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To develop a predictive model assessing risk factors for nasal septal mucosal flap (NSF) necrosis in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing endoscopic tumor resection and flap repair surgery.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with recurrent NPC who underwent endoscopic salvage surgery and NSF repair. Factors analyzed included second-course radiotherapy history, recurrence T stage, recurrence time, and postoperative packing time. Logistic regression identified independent risk factors, and a predictive model was developed.
Results
Second-course radiotherapy, advanced T stage recurrence, longer recurrence time, and shorter postoperative packing time were identified as independent risk factors for NSF necrosis. Patients with second-course radiotherapy had an 8.338 times higher risk of flap necrosis. Advanced T stage and longer recurrence times were also associated with increased risk. Nasal packing for less than 5 days presented a higher risk of flap necrosis compared to packing for 5 days or more. The predictive model demonstrated good predictive ability.
Conclusion
The predictive model effectively identifies high-risk situations for NSF necrosis in recurrent NPC patients undergoing salvage surgery, aiding clinicians in precise surgical planning and targeted interventions to reduce complications, improve success rates, and enhance patient quality of life.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of transcription factors involved in defense responses against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica juncea
Authors: Yang Xu , Jin Hairun , Zhang Jinze , Xiao Lijing , Ouyang Qingjing , Tian Entang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum could cause significant yield losses of up to 70% in rapeseed cultivation. However, the availability of immunological or highly resistant germplasms and mechanisms against S. sclerotiorum, particularly in B. juncea, remains limited. Transcription factors (TFs) are known to play a crucial role in plant defense against S. sclerotiorum. In this study, a total of 4,807 TFs from 48 families were expressed and identified within the time frame of 0 h to 36 h after innovation (HAI) in two B. juncea lines: G21-912, exhibiting higher S. sclerotiorum resistance (HR), and G21-853, displaying lower S. sclerotiorum resistance (LR). The number of differentially expressed TFs (DETs) between the HR and the LR lines peaked at 24 HAI, with 202 upregulated and 105 downregulated TFs. Through expression and subcellular localization analysis, three candidate DETs, namely BjuA037408 (ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR 59, ERF59), BjuB028842 (RELATED TO ABI3/VP1 1, RAV1), and BjuA016484 (WRKY25), were identified as the primary TFs in defense against S. sclerotiorum inoculation. The expression of these three genes was validated through real-time qRT-PCR and BC3 (third backcrossing generation) population from HR×LR. This study presents a valuable case study in B. juncea for the characterization of TFs implicated in defense against the S. sclerotiorum inoculation. The confirmed resistant B. juncea line of HR and the three key DETs are anticipated to play a significant role in the future breeding of Sclerotinia-resistant varieties.
Monotone smoothing cubic spline and spline collocation for restoring the product consumption rate and predicting events (FunctionalSmoothingSpline)
Authors: Korablev Yuriy Aleksandrovich 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Monotonicity implies the function's constant increase or non-negativity of its derivative. This article reviews 3 approaches to provide non-negativity in function recovery. One of them is placing a spline into a power of an exponent, which leads to either the need to linearize the function, or to use numerical methods in optimization. Another approach is to use non-negativity conditions (conditions are added at the spline knots), which leads to a quadratic programming problem. The article describes a method for restoring a function from various functionals: the values ​​themselves, the values ​​of the first and second derivatives, definite integrals. The spline is represented in terms of values and second derivative values. A penalty for the measure of curvature is also used. Examples of the method's application are demonstrated, and a software implementation of the method in Python is provided. Providing monotony with exponential approach uses standard Python scipy package optimization tools. Providing monotonicity using quadratic programming involves either: 1) linear complementarity problem, which solved using the Lemke algorithm, optimized with numba tools; 2) CVXOPT optimization package, which based on inner point method. An example of using collocation based on a monotone spline for forecasting economic events is also presented. Python code available on GitHub: https://github.com/YuAKorablev/FunctionalSmoothingSpline