bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovering novel genomic regions explaining adaptation of bread wheat to conservation agriculture through GWAS
Authors: Mazumder Amit Kumar , Yadav Rajbir , Kumar Manjeet , Babu Prashanth , Kumar Naresh , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Solanke Amolkumar U. , Wani Shabir H. , Alalawy Adel I. , Alasmari Abdulrahman , Gaikwad Kiran B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo sustainably increase wheat yield to meet the growing world population’s food demand in the face of climate change, Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a promising approach. Still, there is a lack of genomic studies investigating the genetic basis of crop adaptation to CA. To dissect the genetic architecture of 19 morpho-physiological traits that could be involved in the enhanced adaptation and performance of genotypes under CA, we performed GWAS to identify MTAs under four contrasting production regimes viz., conventional tillage timely sown (CTTS), conservation agriculture timely sown (CATS), conventional tillage late sown (CTLS) and conservation agriculture late sown (CALS) using an association panel of 183 advanced wheat breeding lines along with 5 checks. Traits like Phi2 (Quantum yield of photosystem II; CATS:0.37, CALS: 0.31), RC (Relative chlorophyll content; CATS:55.51, CALS: 54.47) and PS1 (Active photosystem I centers; CATS:2.45, CALS: 2.23) have higher mean values in CA compared to CT under both sowing times. GWAS identified 80 MTAs for the studied traits across four production environments. The phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by these QTNs ranged from 2.15 to 40.22%. Gene annotation provided highly informative SNPs associated with Phi2, NPQ (Quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching), PS1, and RC which were linked with genes that play crucial roles in the physiological adaptation under both CA and CT. A highly significant SNP AX94651261 (9.43% PVE) was identified to be associated with Phi2, while two SNP markers AX94730536 (30.90% PVE) and AX94683305 (16.99% PVE) were associated with NPQ. Identified QTNs upon validation can be used in marker-assisted breeding programs to develop CA adaptive genotypes.
Design of a miniaturized dual circularly polarized implantable antenna by using characteristic mode method
Authors: Song Zhiwei , Xu Xiaoming , Wang Yuchao , Shi Youwei , Zheng Xianren , Wang Lu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe characteristic mode method is used to design a miniaturized dual-band dual circularly polarized (CP) implantable antenna operating in ISM bands. The miniaturization and dual-band characteristics are gained by using the slotting method and by inserting a short-circuit probe between the radiation patch and the ground plane. We use the characteristic mode method to study the current distribution of circular radiation patches with T-shaped slots in different modes. After opening a cross-shaped slot at the center of the radiation patch and the ground plane, we obtained two orthogonal modes with equal amplitude and phase difference of 90° in two operating frequency bands, ultimately achieving CP characteristics of the antenna. Its overall size is only $$\pi$$
π
×(0.014 $$\uplambda$$
λ
0)2 × 0.0027 $$\uplambda$$
λ
0, smaller than other CP implantable antennas with similar performances, and it has satisfactory radiation efficiency and gain characteristics. Measurements show that it can operate in the ISM bands of 0.9 and 2.4 GHz with an effective 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth greater than 220 MHz (0.87 to 1.09 GHz, 22.45%) and 230 MHz (2.31 to 2.54 GHz, 9.48%), and its peak gain is − 29.5 dBi and − 19.2 dBi, respectively. And, this design complies with IEEE safety guidelines.
Grain orientation and shape evolution of ferroelectric ceramic thick films simulated by phase-field method
Authors: Zhang Yongmei , Li Qingshu , Yue Qidong , Wang Ping , Liu Zhenyu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe orientation and shape of ceramics grains was always neglected, resulting in a lot of information during sintering has not been excavated. In this study, a modified phase-field model in order to express the anisotropy of grain boundary energy is developed. The effects of the anisotropy of grain boundary energy on the grain orientation and shape evolution are investigated in detail. The ferroelectric ceramic thick films are prepared by tape casting. The comparison of experiment and simulation results shows that the anisotropy of grain boundary energy results in uneven grain orientation and bimodal grain size distribution. The quantitative analysis of grain microstructures helps to establish a relationship with the degree of anisotropy of grain boundary energy. Our findings provide a new way to judge the degree of anisotropy by calculating the relevant parameters in the SEM images of ceramics materials.
Intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and field beans (Vicia faba L.) for forage, increases protein production
Authors: Sowiński Józef 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn 2005–2007, a field study was conducted into intercropping of maize with faba bean at Pawlowice research station, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The main aim of the multi-year field research was an investigation into the reactions of differing maize hybrid earliness to intercropping cultivation with faba bean. The field research evaluated the effect of three maize hybrids—Wilga (early—E), Blask (medium—M) and Iman (late—L)—and the sowing rate of faba bean—18 (Fb1), 27 (Fb2) and 36 (Fb3) seeds per 1 m2—on growth dynamics and yield structure, and biomass, protein, and energy yield. Cultivation of faba bean in maize inter-rows led to significant competition with maize and affected yields, causing a decrease in maize dry matter yield from 14.1 (Fb1) to 20.6% (FB3) compared with maize sown alone. In terms of total biomass yield from maize and faba beans, no significant differences were found, but a slight increase in yield of 1.1–4.2% (repective to Fb1 and Fb3) was noted compared to maize sown alone. The early maize hybrid had a significantly lower yield but was most suitable for intercropping with faba bean. The dry biomass yield of early hybrids increased in intercropping by 25% compared to pure maize cultivation. Total protein yield from both intercropping components was higher than in the pure sowing of maize: from 24 (Fb1) to 39% (Fb3). The increase in protein production resulted in an improvement in the energy–protein ratio. The number of UFL per kg of total protein decreased from 13.2 in pure maize cultivation (M-P) to 9.3 (Fb3). A more balanced forage biomass was produced from intercropping maize with faba bean, especially when an early maize hybrid was sown with faba beans.
Mature adipocytes inhibit differentiation of myogenic cells but stimulate proliferation of fibro-adipogenic precursors derived from trout muscle in vitro
Authors: Goffette Valentine , Sabin Nathalie , Bugeon Jerôme , Jagot Sabrina , Hue Isabelle , Gabillard Jean-Charles 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInteractions between tissues and cell types, mediated by cytokines or direct cell–cell exchanges, regulate growth. To determine whether mature adipocytes influence the in vitro growth of trout mononucleated muscle cells, we developed an indirect coculture system, and showed that adipocytes (5 × 106 cells/well) derived from perivisceral adipose tissue increased the proliferation (BrdU-positive cells) of the mononucleated muscle cells (26% vs. 39%; p < 0.001) while inhibiting myogenic differentiation (myosin+) (25% vs. 15%; p < 0.001). Similar effects were obtained with subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived adipocytes, although requiring more adipocytes (3 × 107 cells/well vs. 5 × 106 cells/well). Conditioned media recapitulated these effects, stimulating proliferation (31% vs. 39%; p < 0.001) and inhibiting myogenic differentiation (32 vs. 23%; p < 0.001). Adipocytes began to reduce differentiation after 24 h, whereas proliferation stimulation was observed after 48 h. While adipocytes did not change pax7+ and myoD1/2+ percentages, they reduced myogenin+ cells showing inhibition from early differentiation stage. Finally, adipocytes increased BrdU+ cells in the Pdgfrα+ population but not in the myoD+ one. Collectively, our results demonstrate that trout adipocytes promote fibro-adipocyte precursor proliferation while inhibiting myogenic cells differentiation in vitro, suggesting the key role of adipose tissue in regulating fish muscle growth.
Blockchain-enabled architecture for lead acid battery circularity
Authors: Choudhary Deepika , Sangwan Kuldip Singh , Singh Arpit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWidespread use of lead acid batteries (LABs) is resulting in the generation of million tons of battery waste, globally. LAB waste contains critical and hazardous materials, which have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. In recent times, recycling of the LABs has become efficient but the collection of batteries in developing countries is not efficient, which led to the non-professional treatment and recycling of these batteries in the informal sector. This paper proposes a blockchain-enabled architecture for LAB circularity, which ensures authentic, traceable and transparent system for collection and treatment of batteries. The stakeholders—battery manufacturers, distributors, retailers, users, and validators (governments, domain experts, third party experts, etc.)—are integrated in the circular loop through a blockchain network. A mobile application user interface is provided to all the stakeholders for the ease of adoption. The batteries manufactured and supplied in a geographical region as well as the recycled materials at the battery end-of-life are traced authentically. This architecture is expected to be useful for the battery manufacturers to improve their extended producer responsibility and support responsible consumption and production.
The effects of organic waste materials on Miscanthus × giganteus yield and Zn and Ni content
Authors: Malinowska Elżbieta , Kania Paweł 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of the experiment was to determine the yield of Miscanthus × giganteus M 19 in the first three years of cultivation and its bioaccumulation of Zn and Ni in aboveground and underground parts in response to different doses of sewage sludge and substrate left after the production of white mushrooms. Miscanthus × giganteus is a grass species that adapts to different environmental conditions and can be grown in various climatic zones of Europe and North America. In April 2018 the experiment was established in a randomized block design and with four replications in central-eastern Poland. Waste organic materials (municipal sewage sludge and mushroom substrate) were applied to the soil in 2018 in the spring before the rhizomes of giant miscanthus were planted. Each year (from 2018 to 2020) biomass was harvested in December. The yield of fresh and dry matter and the total content of Zn and Ni, after wet mineralization of plant samples, were determined by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). After the third year of cultivation, the content of Zn and Ni in rhizomes and in the soil was determined again. In relation to control, an increase in the yield of miscanthus biomass in response to organic waste materials was noted. Plants responded to mushroom substrate (SMS) with the highest average yield (16.89 Mgha−1DM), while on the control plot it was 13.86 Mg ha−1DM. After the third year of cultivation, rhizomes of Miscanthus x giganteus contained higher amounts of Zn (63.3 mg kg−1) and Ni (7.54 mg kg−1) than aboveground parts (40.52 and 2.07 mg kg–1), which indicated that heavy metals were retained in underground parts.
Optimization of iron electrocoagulation parameters for enhanced turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal from laundry greywater
Authors: Tabash Ibrahim , Elnakar Haitham , Khan Muhammad Faizan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study explores the optimization of iron electrocoagulation for treating laundry greywater, which accounts for up to 38% of domestic greywater. Characterized by high concentrations of surfactants, detergents, and suspended solids, laundry greywater presents complex challenges for treatment processes, posing significant environmental and health risks. Utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), this research developed a second-order polynomial regression model focused on key operational parameters such as the area-to-volume ratio (A/V), current density, electrolysis time, and settling time. Optimal treatment conditions were identified: an A/V ratio of 30 m2/m3, a current density of 10 mA/cm2, an electrolysis duration of 50 min, and a settlement period of 12 h. Under these conditions, exceptional treatment outcomes were achieved, with turbidity removal reaching 94.26% and COD removal at 99.64%. The model exhibited high effectiveness for turbidity removal, with an R2 value of 94.16%, and moderate effectiveness for COD removal, with an R2 value of 75.90%. The interaction between the A/V ratio and electrolysis time particularly underscored their critical role in electrocoagulation system design. Moreover, these results highlight the potential for optimizing electrocoagulation parameters to adapt to daily fluctuations in greywater production and meet specific household reuse needs, such as toilet flushing. This tailored approach aims to maximize contaminant separation and coagulant efficiency, balance energy use and operational costs, and contribute to sustainable water management.
Construction of a clinical prediction model for complicated appendicitis based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Wei Wang , Tongping Shen , Jiaming Wang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcute appendicitis is a typical surgical emergency worldwide and one of the common causes of surgical acute abdomen in the elderly. Accurately diagnosing and differentiating acute appendicitis can assist clinicians in formulating a scientific and reasonable treatment plan and providing high-quality medical services for the elderly. In this study, we validated and analyzed the different performances of various machine learning models based on the analysis of clinical data, so as to construct a simple, fast, and accurate estimation method for the diagnosis of early acute appendicitis. The dataset of this paper was obtained from the medical data of elderly patients with acute appendicitis attending the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2012 to January 2022, including 196 males (60.87%) and 126 females (39.13%), including 103 (31.99%) patients with complicated appendicitis and 219 (68.01%) patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. By comparing and analyzing the prediction results of the models implemented by nine different machine learning techniques (LR, CART, RF, SVM, Bayes, KNN, NN, FDA, and GBM), we found that the GBM algorithm gave the optimal results and that sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, precision, recall, F1 and brier are 0.9167, 0.9739, 0.9429, 0.9613, 0.9429, 0.9167, 0.9296, and 0.05649, respectively. The GBM model prediction results are interpreted using the SHAP technology framework. Calibration and Decision curve analysis also show that the machine learning model proposed in this paper has some clinical and economic benefits. Finally, we developed the Shiny application for complicated appendicitis diagnosis to assist clinicians in quickly and effectively recognizing patients with complicated appendicitis (CA) and uncomplicated appendicitis (UA), and to formulate a more reasonable and scientific clinical plan for acute appendicitis patient population promptly.
Physiological audience synchrony in classical concerts linked with listeners’ experiences and attitudes
Authors: Tschacher Wolfgang , Greenwood Steven , Weining Christian , Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie , Ramakrishnan Chandrasekhar , Seibert Christoph , Tröndle Martin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA series of eleven public concerts (staging chamber music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Brett Dean, Johannes Brahms) was organized with the goal to analyze physiological synchronies within the audiences and associations of synchrony with psychological variables. We hypothesized that the music would induce synchronized physiology, which would be linked to participants’ aesthetic experiences, affect, and personality traits. Physiological measures (cardiac, electrodermal, respiration) of 695 participants were recorded during presentations. Before and after concerts, questionnaires provided self-report scales and standardized measures of participants’ affectivity, personality traits, aesthetic experiences and listening modes. Synchrony was computed by a cross-correlational algorithm to obtain, for each participant and physiological variable (heart rate, heart-rate variability, respiration rate, respiration, skin-conductance response), how much each individual participant contributed to overall audience synchrony. In hierarchical models, such synchrony contribution was used as the dependent and the various self-report scales as predictor variables. We found that physiology throughout audiences was significantly synchronized, as expected with the exception of breathing behavior. There were links between synchrony and affectivity. Personality moderated the synchrony levels: Openness was positively associated, Extraversion and Neuroticism negatively. Several factors of experiences and listening modes predicted synchrony. Emotional listening was associated with reduced, whereas both structual and sound-focused listening was associated with increased synchrony. We concluded with an updated, nuanced understanding of synchrony on the timescale of whole concerts, inviting elaboration by synchony studies on shorter timescales of music passages.
Identifying candidate genes and biological pathways in muscle development through multi-tissue transcriptome comparisons between male and female geese
Authors: Yang Yunzhou , Wang Cui , Chen Shufang , Liu Yi , Jia Huiyan , Wang Huiying , He Daqian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMales and females have long shown disparities in body weight and height; yet, the underlying mechanisms influencing growth and development remain unclear. Male and female Zhedong White Geese (ZDW) geese have long been selected for large body size and egg production, respectively. This led to a large difference in body weight between males and females, making them a unique model for studying the effects of sex on growth and development. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by comparing the transcriptomes of muscle and pituitary tissues in male and female ZDW geese to identify the critical genes responsible for the effects of sex on growth performance. Our analysis revealed 1101 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leg musculature (507 upregulated, 594 downregulated), 773 DEGs in breast musculature (311 upregulated, 462 downregulated), and 517 DEGs in the pituitary gland (281 upregulated, 236 downregulated) between male and female geese. These DEGs were significantly enriched in gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with endocrine metabolism (e.g., hormonal activities), muscle formation (e.g., sarcomere and myofibril), and bone formation (e.g., bone morphogenesis and cartilage formation). The upregulated genes in males were enriched in KEGG pathways involving nutrient digestion and absorption (vitamin and protein), as well as the secretion of digestive juices (gastric acid and bile). Through protein–protein interaction analyses, we also observed high-density gene networks related to muscle fiber development, calcium ion metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and bone development. Therefore, our multi-tissue transcriptome analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex and systematic gender-driven effects on growth and development in geese. IGF1, GHRHR, and NCAPG-LCORL and pathways related to myogenesis might play vital roles in gender differences before hormones exert their effect.
Wheat redistribution in Huang-Huai-Hai, China, could reduce groundwater depletion and environmental footprints without compromising production
Authors: Shi Wenjiao , Wang Minglei , Tao Fulu , Xu Xinliang , Deng Xiangzheng , Liu Luo , Kong Xiangbin , Zuo Lijun , Lei Ming , Shi Xiaoli , Wang Xiaoqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Huang-Huai-Hai region accounts for 80% of China’s wheat production, leading to severe groundwater depletion and substantial environmental impacts. Here we present an optimization framework for wheat redistribution to reduce both water requirements and environmental impacts without compromising production. Our results show that environmental footprints can be reduced—blue water by 16%, grey water by 21%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 18%—while enhancing resource use efficiency, with irrigation water productivity improving by 21% and nitrogen use efficiency by 11%. Maintaining current production levels is achievable with these adjustments. Furthermore, allowing a 17–18% decrease in wheat production could result in a groundwater depth increase of 9.03–9.38 m by 2030, ensuring sustainable groundwater use. In regions experiencing groundwater depletion, blue water, grey water and greenhouse gas emissions could decrease by over one third. Our findings offer an alternative strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture in regions facing groundwater depletion worldwide.
Needs assessment for creation of a platform trial network in metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Sena Elena , Tacke Frank , Anstee Quentin M. , Di Prospero Nicholas , Skalshøi- Kjær Mette , Muñoz-Martínez Sergio , Rivera-Esteban Jesús , Jiménez-Masip Alba , Bañales Jesús M. , Martínez-Gómez María , Koenig Franz , Genescà Joan , Ratziu Vlad , Pericàs Juan M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The EU Patient-cEntric clinicAl tRial pLatforms (EU-PEARL) project (IMI2-853966) aimed to develop tools to establish integrated research platforms (IRP) for conducting adaptive-design trials in various diseases, including metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH). One essential component of a successful MASH IRP is a robust and reliable Clinical Research Network (CRN). Herein, we outline the required elements and anticipated steps to set-up such a CRN.

Methods
We identified European clinical research sites that could potentially serve as the foundation for MASH IRP and a CRN. A survey was sent to sites to assess their interest in joining a CRN, their familiarity with platform trials, and their capacity to participate in a future MASH IRP.

Results
A total of 141 investigators were invited to participate in the survey, and 40% responded. More than half of the answers (52%) identify MASH with advanced fibrosis (F3-4) as the subpopulation with the greatest unmet need. Regarding the difficulty in identifying candidates for trials, 65% find it is moderately difficult and 30% very difficult. Most respondents (94%) believe that a platform trial could offer substantial benefits to patients. Nearly all researchers express interest in participating in a platform trial (78%), with 22% indicating their interest would be contingent on initial industry funding.

Conclusion
While preliminary, our findings on responding sites are encouraging for the potential establishment of a CRN for a MASH IRP. However, funding schemes and sustainability strategies to provide proof-of-platform in MASH seem key in the short-term scenario.