bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safe subdural administration and retention of a neurotrophin-3-delivering hydrogel in a rat model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Meissner Svenja , Lopez Salvador , Rees Shaun , O’Carroll Simon , Barker David , Harland Bruce , Raos Brad , Svirskis Darren 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Neurotrophic growth factor (GF) loaded hydrogels have shown promise as a treatment approach for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, SCI presents complex challenges for the direct administration of treatment due to the spinal cord’s intricate anatomy and highly sensitive environment. Many current hydrogel administration approaches overlook this complexity, limiting their translational potential. To address this, we propose a novel intrathecal administration method using an in situ gelling, hyaluronic acid-modified heparin-poloxamer hydrogel loaded with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for the direct delivery of NT-3 to the spinal cord. We injected a NT-3 loaded hydrogel into the intrathecal space immediately after contusion SCI in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Our results indicate that injecting the NT-3 loaded hydrogel into the intrathecal space was safe and that the gel was retained alongside the cord for at least one week. Additionally, no adverse effects were observed on rat behaviour. While functional improvement trends were noted, statistical significance was not reached, and immunohistochemistry results showed no significant difference between treatment groups. Overall, our findings suggest the feasibility, safety, and potential of the developed intrathecal administration technique for delivering diverse therapeutic molecules for SCI recovery.
Quasi-Real-Time Hypocenter Relocation and Monitoring in the Northeastern Noto Peninsula
Authors: Matsumoto Ryuta , Yoshida Keisuke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The seismicity rate markedly increased in the northeastern Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture around the end of 2020, with an Mw6.2 event on 5 May, 2023, followed by many aftershocks. Previous earthquake relocation studies have detected upward migration of microearthquakes via multiple faults and clusters, suggesting the involvement of crustal fluids in this sequence. Since some active faults exist near the source region, there was concern that the sequence could lead to a larger earthquake; this became a reality with the Mw7.5 earthquake on 1 January 2024. The objective of this study is to develop an algorithm to precisely relocate the microearthquake hypocenters in quasi-real time for better monitoring. A fine view of seismicity requires relative relocation methods such as the Double-Difference (DD) method with numerous and accurate arrival time difference data derived from the waveform correlation analysis. However, the standard DD method has the disadvantage of huge computational costs when data increases, making it unsuitable for real-time monitoring in such situations. We developed a quasi-real-time algorithm that divides earthquake data into multiple time windows and performs the DD relocation each time new time window data is added. The major improvement is that our method incorporates a traditional simple relative relocation method and preserves constraints between different time windows; the relative locations of new events are constrained from reference events that were already relocated in the previous time windows. We tested a daily relocation algorithm on 11,546 events from 19 June, 2022, to 31 May, 2023, in the Noto Peninsula earthquake sequence. We found that our modification substantially reduced artificial hypocenter offsets between different time windows and succeeded in resolving the fine fault structures from the cloud-like distribution of initial hypocenters. If we do not impose constraints between different windows, the relocated hypocenters are scattered and do not show fine planar structures. Moreover, our algorithm greatly reduces the computational cost, allowing for quasi-real-time earthquake relocation and monitoring. We hope this algorithm will help monitor the spatio-temporal distribution of future earthquake sequences.
Enzymatic modification of cellulose nanofibers to enhance thermal resistance and hydrophobicity
Authors: Hideno Akihiro , Nouta Junpei , Yokota Daiki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), which is crystalline cellulosic fibers of 3-100 nm in width, are promising advanced materials. CNFs have attractive considerable attention due to their light weight, high strength, and large surface area. However, increasing thermal stability is a challenge in the application of CNFs. Generally, CNFs contain trace substances such as hemicellulose, which has a lower thermal degradation temperature than cellulose. Therefore, hemicellulose may decrease the thermal degradation temperature of CNFs. To increase the thermal stability of CNFs by removing hemicellulose, commercial CNFs were subjected to several cellulases and hemicellulases, and evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Our results showed that xylanase treatment for 1 h increased the pyrolysis temperature of the CNFs. Next, the basic sheet properties of enzyme-treated CNFs were investigated. The tensile strength of the CNF sheets decreased after enzymatic treatment, however, the contact angles of their sheets increased. These results indicate that the hydrophobicity of the surfaces of the CNFs was slightly increased by biomass-degrading enzymatic treatment.
Thermocouple-Integrated Resonant Microcantilever for On-chip Thermogravimetric (TG) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) Dual Characterization Applications
Authors: Li Xinxin , Yang Yuhang , Jia Hao , Li Zechun , Cao Zhi , Xu Pengcheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This work presents an integrated microsensor that combines the dual characterization capabilities of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). We integrated two pairs of thermocouples, heating resistors, and resonant drive/detection resistors into one microcantilever to achieve programmable temperature control, temperature change, and mass detection in a single chip. Our chip can achieve heating and cooling rates above 600°C/min, which is significantly faster than commercial instruments with satisfactory measurement accuracy. The integrated polysilicon thermocouples bring high power responsivity of 6V/W, making them suitable for highly sensitive DTA measurements on a chip. Moreover, the cantilever offers picogram (10-12g) level mass resolution, reducing sample consumption from milligrams to nanogram levels. Additionally, the on-chip sample heating allows for easy observation of sample morphological evolution during heating under an optical microscope. We validated the dual functionality by conducting TGA measurements on a standard sample of calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4∙H2O) and DTA measurements on high-purity indium (In) and tin (Sn). The results indicate consistent measurements with the true values of the standard sample and high measurement efficiency. Our integrated cantilever chip is anticipated to have broad applications in high-performance and efficient TGA and DTA characterization.
Enhancing Critical Care Training through Simulation-Based Education: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ma Xinyue , Zhang Weiting , Kang Kai , Yu Kaijiang , Zhao Mingyan , Yang Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the role of clinical scenario simulation teaching, anchored in a robust clinical case knowledge base, in augmenting the training of critical care medicine specialists.
Methods A total of 60 resident physicians from the Department of Critical Care Medicine participated in this randomized controlled trial from July 2021 to December 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to either the traditional teaching group, which received lectures and standard clinical practice, or the scenario simulation group, which engaged in simulation-based learning derived from a detailed clinical case knowledge base. The effectiveness of these educational strategies was measured using the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and comprehensive survey questionnaires addressing aspects such as learning interest and clinical skills.
Results Data analysis revealed that the scenario simulation group significantly outperformed the traditional teaching group in the OSCE, indicating enhanced clinical judgment and operational skills (P<0.05). Additionally, surveys reflected higher satisfaction rates in the simulation group, with marked improvements in learning engagement and practical skills application.
Discussion The findings align with existing research suggesting that scenario-based simulations offer a more effective training modality in critical care settings (Johnson et al., 2021). Such methods provide immersive, hands-on experiences that are critical for developing the quick decision-making and adaptability required in high-stakes environments.
Conclusion Clinical scenario simulation teaching, based on a comprehensive clinical case knowledge base, significantly enhances the training outcomes for critical care specialists. It proves to be a superior method in fostering the necessary skills for managing critical patient care effectively.
Disclosure of productive and stable sugarcane genotypes for cane yield and quality traits using various stability statistics
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Meena Minturam , Dhansu Pooja , Chhabra Manoharlal , Appunu Chinnaswami , Sreeniv V , Durai A. Anna , Mahadevswamy HK , . Amaresh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Sugarcane an important agro-industrial crop, is cultivated under varied environmental regimes of the world. Development of stable performer better yielding varieties across multi environments is major concern to the breeders. The present study was planned to identify most stable sugarcane genotypes combining better cane yield and juice quality among the 52 genotypes developed over the years. Different stability statistics viz., AMMI, GGE and various others were executed on the experimental data recorded during six crop seasons (2015-16 to 2019-20) under subtropical India. The ranking of stable genotypes differed with different stability models. To draw a common consensus of stability, cumulative tend (CT) rank was calculated for each genotype based on the nine stability coefficients of different stability models. Combining cane yield and sucrose% Co 15023 (G48), Co 0238 (G8), Co 06037 (G21), Co 0331 (G12), G 0118 (G4) and Co 06034 (G18) were identified stable performer genotypes. Among them Co 0118, Co 0238, Co 06034 and Co 15023 are already gazette notified for commercial cultivation under NWZ of India. Cultivation of these varieties will sustain the sugarcane and sugar production in India and serves as valuable genetic resources for breeding programme utilizing them as one of the parent in developing cultivars for future sustainable global sugar production.
Cinnamon and clove aqueous extracts promote in vitro and postharvest control of Alternaria alternata in tomato fruit
Authors: Carmello Camila Rodrigues , Magri Márcia Maria Rosa , Cardoso Jean Carlos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Post-harvest fungal diseases result in great environmental, economic, and social impacts due to the loss and disposal of food. In tomato cultivation, alternaria spot stands out, caused by different species of Alternaria sp., with losses in the pre- and post-harvest of fruits. Control is made by spraying synthetic fungicides but essential oils and plant extracts with antifungal activity can be an alternative in controlling post-harvest diseases, especially in fruits and vegetables, with increased safety in the consumption of fresh food by reducing the use of synthetic fungicides. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and mode of action of aqueous extracts of cinnamon and cloves and their active ingredients in the in vitro and in vivo control of Alternaria alternata in post-harvest tomato fruit. The extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit and/or alter mycelial growth, inhibit spore germination in vitro, and control the disease in tomato fruit. Total inhibition of mycelial growth in vitro of A. alternata was achieved by 5% clove aqueous extract and the combination of cinnamon and clove, at concentrations of 2.5 and 5%. In addition, inhibition of spore germination and control of the fungus in tomato fruit post-harvest were also observed. The antifungal activity of these extracts was attributed to the active ingredient eugenol, contained in higher concentrations in clove extract, and the clove and cinnamon mixture, which resulted in morphological changes in the mycelial growth of the fungus and inhibition of spore germination.
Effect of a concurrent stimulus on timing depends on level of schizotypy: Evidence from a visual and an auditory temporal bisection task
Authors: Hopkins Matthew , Reed Phil , Reppa Irene 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The ability to perceive time is central to cognition. However, the ability to judge durations accurately is impaired in schizophrenia and schizotypy. Conclusions about similar aetiology of both, are constrained by sparse empirical evidence. Two experiments – using the temporal bisection task – examined the impact of schizotypy on judgements for visual and auditory stimuli. A click train manipulation, known to influence durations was also included. The following findings emerged. First clicker increased the percentage of long responses irrespective of schizotypy level, but only for visual and not for auditory stimuli. Second, auditory durations were overestimated compared to visual durations. Third, high schizotypy showed a pattern consistent with a lengthening memory for the anchors. The results suggest there are differences in perception of durations among low and high schizotypy –low schizotypals overestimate durations, indicative of the pacemaker component. The pattern of duration judgments of high schizotypals is compatible with a lengthening distortion in memory for standard durations of auditory stimuli – the auditory anchors seem to be lengthened compared to the visual anchors, for high schizotypals. Results from high schizotypals accord with previous evidence from those suffering from schizophrenia suggesting a similar pattern of distortion in time perception in schizophrenia and schizotypy.
Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) in the Conventional Robusta Coffee plantation In Wayanad region of Western Ghats.
Authors: Sreepadmanab Remya Venugopal , R Swaran P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The diversity of ants in the conventional Robusta coffee plantation of the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats is discussed in detail for the first time. We investigated ant diversity in the Conventional Robusta Coffee plantation. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps, honey baits, litter sifting, soil core extraction, and hand-picking methods. We found six subfamilies and 51 species of ants belonging to 26 genera during the study period. Many ant species belonged to Formicinae, followed by Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, Pseudomyrmicinea, and Dorylinae. Subfamily Myrmicinae exhibits dominance in Genus diversity followed by Formicinae and Ponerinae. Most of the ant species found in this study have been reported as generalized foragers and predators. Anoplolepis racillipe and Paratrechina longicornis are the two invasive ant species reported in this study.
Dynamic mesh simulation flow field and micro-filling experiment analysis of viscous medium transported by two- lobe rotary pump
Authors: Enlong Zhu , Runqi Wang , Bowen Sun , li Li , Hongzheng Zhao , Hao Qi , Qian Wu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the conveyance properties exhibited by the rotary lobe pump.To simulate the flow field of a two-lobe rotary pump, the K-ε turbulence model was employed in conjunction with the dynamic mesh technique, and the micro-filling accuracy of pure water and syrup with different viscosity were tested by servo control technique. 3D model of the two-lobe rotary pump was established by CREO, 2D model was meshed by ICEM, and the area near the rotor was meshed encrypted. The effects of medium viscosity on outlet flow characteristics, volumetric efficiency and medium viscosity on pump efficiency and micro-filling accuracy at low rotating speed were discussed. The results show that when the rotor speed is at 25.58 rpm, the flow pulsation is minimal; And the outlet flow rate is increased by 0.533kg/s when the rotor speed increased by 10 rpm. For fluids with low viscosity (ranging from 1 to 100cP), there is a notable increase in volumetric efficiency as the rotational speed rises. Conversely, the volumetric efficiency of medium-viscosity and high-viscosity fluids (spanning 250 to 850cP) is relatively insensitive to changes in rotor speed; When the inlet pressure is increased by 1kPa, the flow rate is increased by 0.127kg/s. In the viscosity range of 1cP-250cP, the flow non-uniformity coefficient decreases continuously, and when the viscosity reaches 450cP, the flow non-uniformity coefficient is almost not affected by the medium viscosity. According to the numerical simulation results, rotor lobe pump is used to carry out the micro-filling accuracy experiment. When filling 25g syrup, the optimal precision could be controlled within 0.6g, and when filling 500ml pure water, the precision could be controlled within 1.2ml. Therefore, the rotor lobe pump driven by servo motor is suitable for the micro-filling requirements of the milk tea industry.
The multiple effects of the wasp Cotesia congregata, a parasitic manipulator, on the brain of its host, the caterpillar Manduca sexta.
Authors: McMillan LEM , Herbison RH , Biron DG , Barkhouse A , Miller DM , Raun N , Adamo SA 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The parasitic wasp, Cotesia congregata, manipulates the behaviour of its host, the caterpillar Manduca sexta. The female wasp injects her eggs and a symbiotic virus (i.e. bracovirus, CcBV) into the body of its host. The host’s behaviour remains unchanged until the wasps exit the caterpillar, and then the caterpillar becomes a non-feeding bodyguard for the wasp cocoons. Using proteomic, transcriptomic and qPCR studies, we discovered an increase in antimicrobial peptide gene expression and protein abundance in the host central nervous system at the time of wasp emergence, correlating with the change in host behaviour. These results support the hypothesis that the wasps hyperactivate an immune-neural connection to help create the bodyguard behaviour. At the time of wasp emergence, there was also an increase in bracoviral gene expression and proteins in the host brain, suggesting that the bracovirus may also be involved in altering host behaviour. Other changes in gene expression and protein abundance suggest that synaptic transmission is altered after wasp emergence, and this was supported by a reduction in descending neural activity from the host’s brain. We discuss how a reduction in synaptic transmission could produce bodyguard behaviour.
Exploring Behavioral Diversity in Robot Swarms: A Comparative Study of Evolutionary Strategies for Aggregation Tasks
Authors: Pagliuca Paolo , Vitanza Alessandra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Collective decision-making is widely observed in natural organisms, especially insects and animals. In this regard, aggregation represents one of the paramount behaviors, as it can be useful for protecting groups against predators or speeding up the foraging process. In the field of autonomous robotics, aggregation is modeled through a series of alternative paradigms, among which evolutionary algorithms are considered a convenient tool. In this work, we compared three modern evolutionary strategies --- CMA-ES, xNES and OpenAI-ES --- for their ability to evolve an aggregation behavior in a swarm of robots. Specifically, we systematically varied the number of agents in the group, the environmental conditions (i.e., the number of target nests) and the parameters tuning the fitness function. Our aim is to verify whether and how the selected methods are effective at addressing the problem. The results we obtained indicate how the OpenAI-ES achieves better performance in all the considered scenarios. Furthermore, it displays qualitatively more interesting strategies than the other two methods.
A model for suppressing stray light in astronomical images based on deep learning
Authors: Chen Mo , Zhao Yan , Yang Wenbo , Qian Jiahui , Li Shanwei , Zheng Yulong , Ma Jiaqian , Wang Shigang , Chen Jian , Wei Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wide-Field Small Aperture Telescopes (WFSAT) are widely used for surveilling space objects. Due to their wide-field of view (FOV) characteristics, these telescopes can cover a large areas of the sky at once, improving observation efficiency. However, a wide-field optical telescope is highly sensitive to external stray light (such as moonlight and thin clouds), which can significantly reduce the quality of observation data. In severe cases, it can cause the telescope to malfunction and inaccurately position the object. In response to this problem, this paper proposes a model for suppressing stray light in astronomical images based on deep learning: the Pyramid Deformable Large Kernel Attention (PD-LKA) Model. This model expands the receptive field through a pyramid structure, captures multi-scale features, and improves the model’s robustness to various scales of stray light interference. Meanwhile, through the Deformable Large Kernel Attention (D-LKA), the model can more accurately locate and enhance the feature extraction ability in areas affected by stray light interference, thereby better suppressing stray light.Using simulated astronomical image pairs to train the model, the tests achieved a PSNR of up to 32.540 and an SSIM of up to 0.938. Finally, the model is applied to a image sequence with real stray light interference. The restored images undergo astronomical positioning and orbital association processing. The results show that the positioning accuracy of the object is better than 5 arcseconds. This indicates that the model proposed in this paper not only recovers the object and background stars but also effectively preserves their gray values, shapes, and positional information.
Genus Paxillus: A new record for Pakistan based ITS-nrDNA marker and phylogenetic studies
Authors: Hanif Sana , Razaq Abdul , Majeed Muhammad Bilal Bin , Kiran Munazza , Ishaq Aamna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this work, we introduced a new report, Paxillus ammoniavirescens, a new genus for Pakistan. The studied sample was collected during the monsoon season growing on soil mixed with leaf litter. This taxon was identified through morphological (macro- and micromorphology) techniques and molecular (ITS-region) markers. Results showed that the world-wide collection's macro- and micro-morphological characters match the type specimen of Paxillus ammoniavirescens. In the phylogenetic tree, sequences of our collections fall within section P. ammoniavirescens and are clustered with sequences of P. ammoniavirescenswith strong statistical support. The genus Paxillushas been reported from Europe and South Asia (India) previously and is described here for the first time from Pakistan. This paper provides a detailed morphological and molecular analysis of this species to differentiate it from closely related taxa.