bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of spring freeze events on perennial tree fruit crops across the central and eastern USA
Authors: Wang Ting , Andresen Jeffrey , Zhong Shiyuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

An extended period of warm anomalies during late winter or early spring, known as a false spring, can cause plants to exit dormancy prematurely, making them vulnerable to subsequent freeze events. This study investigates the impacts of springtime freeze events on a representative temperate perennial tree fruit crop across the central and eastern USA using a crop growth and yield model driven by daily meteorological data from 1981 to 2020. Results indicate significant regional and phenological variability in freeze damage frequency and severity. Damage was more frequent and severe in the Southern Great Plains, the upper Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains, compared to the central and eastern Great Lakes, the Middle Mississippi Valley, and parts of the mid-Atlantic. Damage frequency generally decreased in later phenological stages, with the first two vegetative stages being most affected. A pattern of decreasing freeze events and false spring frequency, along with increasing bud fraction, was observed from south to north due to the interplay between spring warm-up timing, crop phenological development, and increasing seasonal vulnerability with decreasing sub-freezing temperature frequency and severity. However, sub-regional differences emerged, such as increasing freeze damage frequency in the Southern Great Plains and decreasing frequency in the lower Ohio Valley and Northern Great Plains. These regional differences, despite concurrent warming trends, highlight the complexity of overwintering crops' responses to environmental conditions and seasonal climatic cycles and the need for caution in estimating cold injury impacts on temperate perennial crops, particularly considering future climate change.
Catalytic Study for Linear Olefin Formation from Ethanol over Phosphorus-modified Beta-Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Hadi Ghassan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study, we explore the catalytic performance of phosphorus-modified Beta zeolite catalysts for the selective conversion of ethanol to linear olefins, to understand the effects of phosphorus incorporation on the structural, textural, acidic, and hydrophobic properties of the zeolite catalysts, we employed various characterization techniques, such as XRD, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, and TGA, the phosphorus-modified Beta zeolites demonstrated enhanced selectivity towards C4-C12 linear olefins, with the P/Beta-5 catalyst (containing 5 wt.% phosphorus) achieving an impressive 72% combined selectivity, we attribute this improved catalytic performance to the moderation of acid site strength and density, as well as the increased hydrophobicity induced by phosphorus modification, these properties effectively suppressed undesired side reactions and promoted the formation of linear olefins through the oligomerization-cracking pathway, we systematically investigated the influence of phosphorus loading and modification method on the catalytic activity, revealing important structure-activity relationships. Based on our experimental findings, we propose a reaction mechanism that highlights the basic role of phosphorus in modulating the reaction pathways, the results of this study give us valuable insights into the design and optimization of phosphorus-modified zeolite catalysts for the efficient and desired production of linear olefins from bio-derived ethanol.
Integrated transcriptomic and endogenous hormones analyses revealed the molecular mechanism of light and auxin for the regeneration of callus tissue in seashore paspalum
Authors: Jiang Kai , Hu Xiaochen , Sun Qi , Wang Yuzhu , Wu Xuanyang , Yang Guofeng , Wang Zeng-yu , Wu Xueli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum O. Swartz) is a halophyte known for its exceptional salt tolerance and ecological adaptability. It is an excellent candidate for studying salt tolerance mechanisms and screening salt tolerance genes. However, the difficulties with callus tissue regeneration and the influence of genotype during cultivation provide a significant obstacle to the process of molecular breeding employing genetic transformation and gene editing techniques in seashore paspalum.
Results:
To elucidate the molecular mechanism of callus regeneration in seashore paspalum, this study analyzed the content of endogenous hormones and investigated the effects of light, KT, and genotype on callus regeneration; Through transcriptome analysis between different treatments, the molecular mechanisms were explored. Under light conditions, almost all callus tissues of genotype I could produce regenerated green buds, but genotype II could not regenerate. A total of 106.2 Gb clean readings were obtained from 12 cDNA sample libraries in four regeneration states (CK, KT-D, KT-L, and KT-L-NR). The Pearson correlation coefficients, principal component analysis, and DEG hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis results indicated good intra-group repeatability and reliable data. The specific expression genes induced by different genotypes (KT-L-NR vs KT-L) (3083) were significantly higher than those in other groups by Venn plot analysis. A total of 73 endogenous hormone substances were quantitatively detected in all samples. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that all comparison groups significantly enriched differentially changed hormones (DCHs) in diterpenoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. In KT-L, GA5 and GA51 were significantly higher than those in other groups, while GA20 and GA29 were significantly lower. KT-L-NR showed noticeably higher levels of GA3, GA20, and GA29, which could be a contributing cause to the incapacity of callus regeneration. The expression level of GA2ox (Pavag03G280900. v3.1) was very high, significantly negatively regulating GA51. In KT-L, the content of ABA and JA were the lowest and significantly lower than that in KT-L-NR. The content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in KT-L and KT-L-NR were significantly higher than that in CK and KT-D, indicating that light played an important role in synthesizing of IAA, which was beneficial for the regeneration of callus tissue.
Conclusions:
This is the first report on callus regeneration mechanisms of seashore paspalum by combined transcriptome and endogenous hormone profiling. The results will improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the effects of endogenous hormones, and provide new insights to address the issue of genotype dependence in callus regeneration.
Total Flavonoids of Epimedium improve pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension: network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Chen Riken , Liao Huizhao , Liao Weifeng , Li Huan , Yang Yitian , Huang Zijie , Ye Weilong , Zheng Zhenzhen , Yao Weimin , Chen Wenliang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
Total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE), primarily composed of icariin, serve as Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. The multi-target mechanism of TFE on pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unclear. This study aims to explore the pharmacological outcomes of TFE in treating PH.
Main methods:
The structural information of the main components of TFE and their targets were obtained from the TCMSP, PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. PH-related targets were obtained from the Gene Cards database. Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to construct the target network, followed by PPI network analysis. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were conducted using the R language. A PH rat model was established using monocrotaline (MCT). The effects of TFE on PH were studied in PH rats. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the docking effects of effective monomer drugs and molecules.
Key findings:
A total of 13 monomer components and 140 TFE and PH-related targets are identified. Core genes in the PPI network included p53, TNF, AKT1, EGFR, and RelA. In vitro experiments show that TFE reversed PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration and apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). TFE attenuated the progression of MCT-induced PH in rats. The protective effects of TFE were mediated by promoting the expression of p53-p21. Molecular docking revealed a strong affinity between the bioactive compounds in TFE and its PH target p53.
Awake Surgery for Right Frontal Lobe Glioma: Preserving Emotional Recognition and Facilitating Early Return to Work
Authors: Yamamoto Kosei , Tamura Ryota , Wakahara Sota , Kojima Kazuhiro , Ando Makiko , Yo Masahiro , Kosugi Kenzo , Kitamura Yohei , Ueda Ryo , Ishikawa Aiko , Tsuji Tetsuya , Toda Masahiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Many glioma patients struggle to return to work after surgery because of higher brain dysfunction. Although the right frontal lobe has historically been considered functionally silent, reports of performing awake surgery to evaluate higher brain functions in patients with tumors in this area have increased. We present two patients who underwent awake surgery for malignant glioma in the right frontal lobe to preserve emotional recognition and facilitate an early return to work.
Case Presentation:
Case 1 was a 48-year-old right-handed woman employed as a nursery school teacher and case 2 was a 21-year-old right-handed man employed in sales. Both had contrast-enhancing right frontal lobe tumors exhibiting high signal intensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging and underwent awake surgery. During the operation, cortical mapping was performed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes, calculation, and motor tasks. Resection of sites involved in motor and emotional recognition functions was avoided. In case 1, all regions of high signal intensity were completely resected; in case 2, all regions exhibiting enhancement were resected. Both patients were discharged home without neurological deficits and returned to work within 21 days after surgery.
Conclusion
It may be important to focus not only on overall survival and progression free survival in glioma patients, but also on factors associated with life satisfaction, such as time to return to work after surgery and time until work becomes difficult. Awake surgery aimed at preserving higher brain functions is useful and may also improve life satisfaction.
Transfer Function Characteristic Analysis of Peripheral Ultrasound Signal Stimulated by Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Chen Junjun , Yang Dilang , Yang Yao , Zhong Chubin , Wu Guifu , Zhou Ping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the hemodynamic response of peripheral ultrasound signals in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients using transfer function (TF) characteristic analysis before, during and immediately after enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy. Fifty-eight CAD patients and sixty-two controls (N = 120) all received a single, 45-min EECP session. Blood flow ultrasound signals in the carotid and brachial arteries were acquired and spectrum curves were extracted and used to establish ARX model. TF characteristics (coefficients (A, B); Zeros (zx, zy); Poles (px, py)) were analyzed and compared between CAD and control groups across all phases. Additionally, multiple TF characteristics were integrated by linear combination to construct a CAD indicator. The classification accuracy of TF characteristics during and immediately after EECP are significantly higher than time-domain (p = 0.03) and frequency-domain features (p = 0.004). Immediately after EECP, coefficient features displayed the most significant changes in control groups, while Zero and Pole features were most significant in CAD patients. Multiple TF characteristics exhibited greater differences immediately after EECP compared to before and during EECP. This study demonstrates that both single and multiple TF characteristics provided the most distinct response between groups immediately after EECP. This study highlights the potential of TF analysis of peripheral ultrasound for non-invasive assessment of therapy in CAD patients.
Evaluating the application of a new patented fluorochrome, Fluorescent Brightener 85, for detecting cultured fungi and superficial clinical specimens of fungal infectious disease.
Authors: Han Yang , Wan Zhe , Li Qing , Wang Aiping , Yue Xueping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The fluorescent staining method with Calcofluor White (CFW) has been popularly used for the detection of fungi in clinical settings in recent years. However, seldom have new fluorochromes been invented to detect fungi.
Purpose: To evaluate a new patented fluorochrome, Fluorescent Brightener 85 (FB 85), for detecting fungi in cultured fungi and superficial clinical specimens of fungal infectious disease.
Methods: Initially, several pure fungi from different genera were cultured, stained with 0.1% FB 85, and observed with fluorescent microscopy. Subsequently, different superficial and invasive clinical specimens, including those from skin, nail debris, vaginal secretions, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and sputum, were stained with 0.1% FB 85 combined with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and similarly observed with fluorescent microscopy. Last, Outpatients suspected of having superficial fungal infections were recruited. Samples were examined using both FB 85 fluorescent staining direct microscopy and 10% KOH direct microscopy to confirm diagnosis. Positive rates were compared, and statistical differences were analyzed.
Results: Under fluorescent microscopy, for the cultured fungi, all the hyphae, conidia, conidiophores, septa, or bud scars were stained clearly, exhibiting strong blue fluorescence with high intensity that diminished slowly. Similarly, for both superficial and invasive clinical specimens, the strong, intense blue or blue-green fluorescence of the hyphae, pseudohyphae, budding, and septa was clearly stained, offering high contrast against the light blueish keratinocytes or epithelial cells in the background, and also diminished slowly. Finally, among 100 patients recruited, the positive rate of the FB 85 was 84%, while the KOH was 52%. Moreover, FB 85 method had a higher percentage of positive rate than KOH method, it had statistically significant difference ( χ2=23.53, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: FB 85, the national invention patent by the author Yue, is a new and potentially perfect fluorescent reagent with excellent promise. It could be used for the diagnosis of fungal infections in clinical settings, as well as for observing the growth characteristics of fungi or the changes following antifungal drug therapy. For detecting fungi in superficial fungal infection samples in a clinical setting, the FB 85 method was more convenient, efficient, and accurate than the traditional KOH method.
Advanced Quantification of Trans Fatty Acids in Biscuits Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FT-IR-ATR)
Authors: Mayer Júlia Gonçalves , Palmaª Carolina , Anciens Gustavo Luis Paiva , Domingues Josiane Roberto , Limaª Kátia Gomes 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and applicability of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) techniques, without extraction, with prior extraction of fat and after hydrolysis and methylation, to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) to evaluate the content of trans fatty acids (TFA) in filled biscuits and to compare the results obtained with those obtained when elaidic acid was determined by the GC-MS technique. Eight commercial brands of chocolate filled biscuits and one package of hydrogenated vegetable fat were selected to be used as secondary standards by ATR-FT-IR. The presence of TFA was identified by ATR-FT-IR by visualization of the band at 966 cm-1. No significant differences were found between the concentrations of TFA determined by the three methods tested. The study indicated that the ATR-FT-IR technique, when used to analyze the lipid extract and the samples in the form of FAMEs, is suitable for estimating the TFA content in chocolate filled biscuits.
Comparison of Brain Volume Increase in Patients with Intracranial Hypertension after Decompressive Craniotomy and Augmentative Craniotomy
Authors: Berra Luigi Valentino , Capobianco Mattia , Cedrone Guido , Bassani Andrea , Santoro Antonio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Intracranial hypertension is a critical condition often resulting from traumatic brain injury or malignant middle cerebral artery ischemia, necessitating surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail. This study compares the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy (DC) and augmentative craniotomy (AC) in managing cerebral edema. Sixty-three patients, 52 undergoing DC and 11 undergoing AC, were evaluated for changes in brain volume, midline shift, and other key parameters using pre- and post-operative CT scans. Results indicated that brain volume increased significantly more in the AC group (100 ± 51 cm³) compared to the DC group (72 ± 51 cm³, p < 0.05). Both techniques effectively reduced midline displacement, but AC showed a superior capacity for brain expansion. The findings suggest that AC, which raises the cranial operculum to reduce soft tissue tension and provide hemostatic effects, may offer advantages over DC by allowing greater decompression and reducing the risk of complications such as epidural hematomas. These results support the potential of AC as a promising alternative to DC for treating intracranial hypertension. Future research should investigate long-term outcomes to further validate these findings.
Deformation behavior and formability of AA5052-O aluminum alloy sheet during non-eddy electromagnetic forming
Authors: Liu Wei , Bai Jianghong , Zhang Min , Huang Shangyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Non-eddy electromagnetic forming is a non-traditional electromagnetic forming process by directly imposing the impulse electrical current to the sheet metal instead of inducing the eddy current. The dedicated combinations of specimen and die were designed to represent different strain paths including uniaxial tension, plane strain and equal-biaxial tension. The deformation behaviors of AA5052-O aluminum alloy sheet under different strain paths have been investigated by numerical simulation of coupled electromagnetic-mechanical fields. The limit strains under different strain paths have been experimentally and numerically determined. The Marciniak-Kuczynski theoretical model embedded with the Johnson-Cook strain-rate-dependent hardening model was also to predict the formability. The forming limit curves derived from experiment, simulation, and M-K theoretical model were confirmed to align closely with each other. Compared with quasi-static experiment results, AA5052-O aluminum alloy sheet exhibits improved formability during non-eddy current electromagnetic forming. The limit strains under uniaxial tension, plane strain, and equal-biaxial tension during non-eddy electromagnetic forming increase respectively by about 46%, 42%, and 45%.
Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane
Authors: Kurian Jyothi Anna , Jehani Muljibhai , Mohamed Jabril Mukhtar , Vaja Sonal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Red rot, a devastating disease affecting sugarcane worldwide, is caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum. This menace poses a serious threat to sugarcane production, affecting all parts of the sugarcane plant, including leaves, midribs, and stalks. In our comprehensive study, we investigated the morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability among isolates from midribs and stalks infected with the red rot pathogen. Our research revealed significant variations in mycelium growth among the three isolates from midribs and stalks. These isolates displayed distinct characteristics such as raised fluffy or flat white mycelium growth with light orange pigmentation and a medium to high level of sporulation. The conidia exhibited a falcate shape with an average size of 28.3 µm x 6.75 µm. Pathogenicity was assessed using both the pinprick and plug methods, both of which effectively evaluated disease severity in the CoJ 85 sugarcane variety. An epidemiological investigation highlighted the significant influence of relative humidity on disease development. To combat red rot, we evaluated seven different treatments. Among these, Bavistin, Trichoderma harzianum, and T. viride emerged as the most effective approaches. In addition to fungicides, biocontrol agents have shown promise in managing red rot by targeting C. falcatum and inducing systemic resistance in treated plants.
Formaldehyde dissipation mechanism of active alginate gel and its application in deep air purification
Authors: Lu Zhengxin , Yin Yueran , Gao Zitian , Jiao Quanling , Yang Haorun , Li Gang , Su Yuhong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

It is very important to purify low level formaldehyde pollution in indoor air by an efficient and low-cost material. In this research, an environmentally friendly material (names as ACA) was prepared by fixing the active component in cactus stem with the three-dimensional network structure of calcium alginate gel. It was observed by a scanning electron microscopy that plant active substances were dispersed and embedded in the three-dimensional network structure gaps of calcium alginate. The large surface area and strong hydrophilicity of the calcium alginate gel indicate a strong ability to capture low level formaldehyde in the airflow, while there is a rapid degradation ability of plant active substances to formaldehyde fix by gel. The prepared material was found an efficient and deep removal ability to formaldehyde in airflow. Results showed that removal rate reached to 88.64 ~ 91.57% at the airflow residence time of 0.13 s and the formaldehyde level in unpurified airflow in the range of 0.081 ~ 0.328 mg·m-3, and the formaldehyde level in purified airflow can below 0.02 mg·m-3. After continuously working for 63 hours, the removal rate was still 64.74 ~ 73.56%, and the formaldehyde level in purified airflow was 0.04 ~ 0.08 mg·m-3. The removal efficiency of ACA-cactus to formaldehyde in airflow was up to 1387.66 mg·h-1·kg-1 (dry weight of gel), and the corresponding maximum airflow purification capacity was 6000 m3·h-1·kg-1. Similar to a bioreactor, enzymatic mild oxidation of plant active components plays a dominant role in the removal of formaldehyde by ACA. This research provides a new idea for the deep purification of formaldehyde in the air and has a huge application potential.