bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Premium effect and compensation mechanism for installing elevators in old residential buildings in China
Authors: Zhou Xianghong , Liu Qiong , Yang Weidong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The installation of elevators in old residential buildings in China has become a pressing issue, with significant implications for property values, resident well-being, and social equity. We provide empirical research on the effects of cost sharing, compensation, and residential building price premiums after elevators are installed in old residential buildings in China. Utilizing data on 2,133 resale properties in Shanghai's Hongkou District from February 25 to March 3, 2020, we find that when the government subsidizes households more than it does elevator service providers, the decision-making strategies of households and elevator service providers are consistent, and the price of the residential building increases significantly after the elevator is installed. Furthermore, our results indicate the third floor is the critical floor for cost-benefit conversion after incorporating various factors that determine premium pricing for different floors into the subsidy policy. Consequently, the households on floors below the third floor should be adequately compensated because they are impacted the least in terms of the convenience and price premiums of installing elevators, and households on floors from the third floor up should share the cost of installation. Grounded in evolutionary game theory, this study highlights the necessity of considering the spatial heterogeneity of quasi-public goods and formulating a scientific and effective compensation mechanism when installing elevators in aging buildings.
Integrated weeds control through seed priming, irrigation and nitrogen in wheat under saline conditions
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Amin Roohul , Shah Wajid Ali , Ahmad Manzoor , Alam Iftikhar , Khan Rahamdad , Rasheed Syed Majid , Sher Ali , Jan Attaullah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Heavy weed infestations are reportedly dependent on flood irrigation and broadcast application of fertilizers. The main objectives of this study were to control weeds and save precious irrigation water by controlled irrigation, placement nitrogen fertilizer and seed priming in wheat. Experiments were conducted at three ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during 2017-19 with Randomized Complete Block design. Three levels of urea (46% N) with broadcast and placement demonstrated against three irrigations (Management Allowed Depletion Technique-MAD). Wheat seed priming was imposed to maintain uniformity of the experiments in terms of emergence and uniform stand establishment. Highest weeds infestations were correlated with broadcast 120 kg urea ha− 1 under 60% MAD irrigation. And lowest weeds were observed for placement 60 kg urea ha− 1 under 70% MAD irrigation. It was concluded that placement 90 kg urea ha− 1 with 70% MAD irrigation alongside with priming technique (hydro priming and osmo-priming with PEG) enhanced yield of wheat and increased water and nitrogen use efficiencies. These finding could be further utilized for developing computer simulated models for irrigation and fertilizers in wheat.
Fungicide use intensity influences the soil microbiome and fungal disease suppressiveness in amenity turfgrass
Authors: Chou Ming-Yi , Patil Apoorva Tarihalkar , Huo Daowen , Lei Qiwei , Kao-Kniffin Jenny , Koch Paul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Understanding the factors that facilitate disease suppressive soils will contribute to more sustainable plant protection practices. Disease suppressive soils have been documented in many economically important crops, but not in turfgrass, one of the most intensively managed plant systems in the United States. Dollar spot, caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii, is the most economically important disease of managed turfgrass and has historically been controlled through intensive use of fungicides. However, previous anecdotal observations of lower dollar spot severity on golf courses with less intensive fungicide histories suggests that intensive fungicide usage may suppress microbial antagonism of pathogen activity. This study explored the suppressive activity of transplanted microbiomes against dollar spot from seven locations in the Midwestern U.S. and seven locations in the Northeastern U.S. with varying fungicide use histories. Creeping bentgrass was established in pots containing homogenized sterile potting mix and field soil and inoculated with C. jacksonii upon maturity. Bacterial and fungal communities of root-associated soil and phyllosphere were profiled with short-amplicon sequencing to investigate the microbial community associated with disease suppression.
Results
The results clearly showed that plants grown in the transplanted soil microbiome collected from sites with lower fungicide intensities exhibited reduced disease severity. Plant growth promoting and pathogen antagonistic microbes may be responsible for disease suppression, but further validation is required. Additional least squares regression analysis of the fungicides used at each location suggested that contact fungicides such as chlorothalonil and fluazinam had greater influence on the microbiome disease suppressiveness than penetrant fungicides. Potential organisms antagonistic to Clarireedia were identified in the subsequent amplicon sequencing analysis but further characterization and validation is required.
Conclusion
Given the current reliance on fungicides for plant disease control, this research provides new insights into potential non-target effects of repeated fungicide usage on disease suppressive soils. It also indicates that intensive fungicide usage can decrease the activity of beneficial soil microbes. The results from this study can be used to identify more sustainable disease management strategies for a variety of economically important and intensively managed pathosystems.
New insight into a simple high-yielding method for the production of fully folded and functional recombinant human CCL5
Authors: Tufail Afzaal , Akkad Saeed , Noble Amanda R. , Fascione Martin A. , Signoret Nathalie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Chemokines are proteins important for a range of biological processes from cell-directed migration (chemotaxis) to cell activation and differentiation. Chemokine C-C ligand 5 (CCL5) is an important pro-inflammatory chemokine attracting immune cells towards inflammatory sites through interaction with its receptors CCR1/3/5. Recombinant production of large quantities of CCL5 in Escherichia coli is challenging due to formation of inclusion bodies which necessitates refolding, often leading to low recovery of biologically active protein. To combat this, we have developed a method for CCL5 production that utilises the purification of SUMO tagged CCL5 from E. coli SHuffle cells avoiding the need to reform disulfide bonds through inclusion body purification and yields high quantities of CCL5 (25.7 mg/L). We demonstrated that the CCL5 produced was fully functional by assessing well-established cellular changes triggered by CCL5 binding to CCR5, including receptor phosphorylation and internalisation, intracellular signalling leading to calcium flux, as well as cell migration. Overall, we demonstrate that the use of solubility tags, SHuffle cells and low pH dialysis constitutes an approach that increases purification yields of active CCL5 with low endotoxin contamination for biological studies.
Management practices can improve yields of carbon-rich cocoa agroforests in Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo Marina Gomes , Rocha-Santos Larissa , Mariano-Neto Eduardo , Schroth Götz , Benchimol Maíra , Morante-Filho José Carlos , Faria Deborah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, along with delivering social and environmental benefits, stand as major challenges in this century. Cocoa, the third most traded commodity worldwide, is primarily cultivated by small-holding producers in biodiversity-rich, conservation-priority tropical regions. This raises questions regarding optimal management practices that maximize agricultural yields, diversify producers' income, and ensure biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem services. We evaluate the main factors affecting cocoa productivity and carbon stock in cocoa agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil, aiming to identify win-win scenarios for both socioeconomic and environmental. We carefully selected and sampled 47 agroforest farms embedded within different landscape contexts, and evaluated the response of cocoa productivity to landscape forest cover, vegetation structure, shade level, carbon stock, and management practices, based on in-situ surveys and interviews. We also assessed the relationship between landscape forest cover, shade levels, and management practices to carbon stock. Our results indicate no significant relationship between productivity and local gradient shading, although the frequency of management practices positively affected cocoa yields. Conversely, shade trees played a key role in overall carbon storage (93% of the total amount), indicating a high potential for the carbon market in addition to safeguarding threatened species. Our study also shows that achieving sustainable intensification in cocoa production involves prioritizing management practices such as weed control, pruning cocoa trees, adjusting the total number of cocoa trees per hectare, and applying mineral or organic fertilizer. We therefore provide guidelines on how to effectively manage trade-offs between cocoa productivity, biodiversity conservation, and the delivery of key ecosystem services in tropical forest landscapes.
First report of the destroyer ant Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) as a pest of red dragon fruit Selenicereus costaricensis (Cactaceae): a case of extrafloral nectaries, evolved for self-defense, ended up becoming a source of harm to the plant
Authors: Akheela P. , Prathapan K. D. , Santhoshkumar T. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The destroyer ant, Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1805) (Formicidae, Myrmicinae), is newly reported as a pest of the red dragon fruit Selenicereus costaricensis (F. A. C. Weber) S. Arias & N. Korotkova ex Hammel (Cactaceae). It feeds on the areoles, scale leaves and surrounding green tissues at the base of spines of S. costaricensis, due to the presence of extrafloral nectaries. The damaged portions turned yellow and then dark brown to black. The extent of infestation on the cladode was 0–50%. Besides cladode, flowers and fruits were also damaged. Up to 90% fruits and/flowers were infested on four clumps. This is a case of direct cost of production of extrafloral nectaries, which are protective in function against herbivores. This is the first report of extrafloral nectaries in S. costaracensis.
Biological aging mediates the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease: Results from a national population study and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqi , Zhao Xingru , Gao Shang , Li An , Deng Ke , Yang Kai , Liu Wei , Du Mi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied, but the role of biological aging in this relationship remains poorly understood. This study is dedicated to investigating the effect of periodontitis on the incidence of CVD and to elucidating the potential mediating role of biological aging. Furthermore, this study will seek to elucidate the causal association between periodontitis, CVD, and biological aging.
Methods
We included 3269 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2014) with diagnostic information on periodontitis and composite CVD events. Biological aging was evaluated by utilizing both the Klemera-Doubal method's calculated biological age (KDMAge) and phenotypic age (PhenoAge). Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and subgroup analysis were used for data analysis. Mediation analysis was employed to explore the mediating role of biological aging. Subsequently, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed using genome-wide association study databases to explore potential causal relationships between periodontitis, CVD, and biological aging.
Results
Periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of CVD. Participants with periodontitis were found to have increased levels of biological aging, and elevated levels of biological aging were associated with increased CVD risk. Mediation analyses showed a partial mediating effect of biological aging (PhenoAge: 44.6%; KDMAge: 22.9%) between periodontitis and CVD risk. MR analysis showed that periodontitis played a causal role in increasing the risk of small vessel stroke, while myocardial infarction was found to increase the risk of periodontitis. In addition, reverse MR analysis showed that phenotypic aging can increase the risk of periodontitis, and there is a two-way causal relationship between CVD and biological aging.
Conclusions
Periodontitis is associated with an increased CVD risk, partially mediated by biological aging, with a complex causal interrelationship. Targeted interventions for periodontal health may slow the biological aging processes and reduce CVD risk.
Haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation improves the survival of older patients with myeloid malignancies under low-dose antithymocyte globin (ATG)/post-cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based regimen for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis
Authors: Song Xianmin , Jia Yannan , Xia Xinxin , jun yang , Cai Yu , Tong Yin , Qiu Huiying , Huang Chongmei , Zhou Kun , Zhang Ying , Shen Chang , Wan Liping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Our study delved into the clinical outcomes of haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT) for older patients, utilizing a novel low-dose antithymocyte globin (ATG)/post-cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based regimen to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We juxtaposed these outcomes with transplants from matched unrelated/sibling donors (MUD/MSD) for elderly patients with myeloid malignancies from 2016 to 2023. The study encompassed 127 patients, with 40 undergoing MUD/MSD-PBSCT and 87 receiving haplo-PBSCT. The incidences of grades Ⅱ-Ⅳ and Ⅲ-Ⅳ acute GVHD were similar between the two groups, the haplo-PBSCT cohort displayed a promising trend toward reduced incidence of moderate to severe chronic GVHD compared to MUD/MSD-PBSCT (8.19% vs 23.40%, P = 0.067). The 2-year disease-free survival (74.11% vs 59.67%, P = 0.231) and overall survival (76.30% vs 64.00%, P = 0.482) rates were comparable, while haplo-PBSCT exhibited higher graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) (68.85% vs 46.61%, P = 0.041) and lower cumulative incidences of relapse (CIR) (11.16% vs 31.98%, P = 0.010) compared to MUD/MSD-PBSCT. Our findings underscore the potential of haploidentical transplants with the low-dose ATG/PTCy-based regimen to yield improved GRFS and lower CIR for older patients with hematologic malignancies. Thus, haploidentical donors, especially when coupled with this specified GVHD prevention strategy, emerge as a viable and appealing graft source for elderly patients requiring allo-SCT.
WITHDRAWN: Optimized Cost Estimation in Software Project Planning using Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Jaiswal Ajay , Raikwal Jagdish , Raikwal Pushpa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Effective software project planning is essential for accurate cost estimation, optimizing resources and ensuring project success. This study integrates Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms (GA) to improve prediction accuracy in software project cost estimation, addressing challenges like computational complexity, diverse project parameters, dynamic requirements handling, and integration into project management frameworks. Using the Desharnais, Maxwell, and Kitchenham datasets, the research employs Word2Vec embeddings for feature extraction and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) for optimal feature selection. The proposed model combines Fuzzy Logic for initial modelling, GA for parameter optimization, and RFE to select key features. Evaluation metrics, including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R-squared (R²), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), illustrate varying levels of accuracy. For the Desharnais dataset, the combination of fuzzy logic and Genetic Algorithm (GA) significantly improves the performance, reducing MAE from 0.621 to 0.419 and RMSE from 0.453 to 0.323. Similarly, on Maxwell, MAE decreases to 0.642 and RMSE to 0.521 from 0.946 and 0.767, while on Kitchenham, MAE improves to 0.304 and RMSE to 0.312 from 0.561 and 0.521 with fuzzy + GA. This study not only enhances software cost estimation but also suggests future improvements in model parameterization and real-time data integration for more precise project planning and management.
FLOATing through stress: Virtual reality reduces anxiety in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Enav Yael , Bahar Naama , Fonar Yuri , Lurie Ido , Mayer Yael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders across the world presents a critical mental health challenge, profoundly affecting overall well-being and elevating risks to both physical and mental health. Virtual Reality (VR) systems, known for creating immersive environments, have gained prominence in technological interventions. This study explores FLOAT, a groundbreaking VR application by Brainswitch Labs Inc., targeting highly anxious young adults. FLOAT's immersive environment, with soothing music and dynamic stimuli, aims to alleviate anxiety while ensuring sustained user engagement. In a randomized controlled trial, FLOAT's efficacy is evaluated alongside a well-established cognitive behavioral therapy distraction technique, recognized for mitigating intense negative emotions. Participants (n = 61) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 31) groups. Anxiety and well-being levels were assessed before and after the intervention. The study demonstrates FLOAT's effectiveness in reducing anxiety during VR sessions, aligning with the distraction strategy's efficacy in the control group. Both groups exhibited improved well-being post-treatment with no significant differences. This research provides valuable insights into VR applications, emphasizing FLOAT's potential for managing anxiety among highly anxious young adults and suggesting broader implications for VR interventions in mental health contexts.
Modeling and Capacity Analysis of UAVs-assisted Three-tier Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Su Zhan , Zhu Xiaorong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a system capacity analysis model for three-tier heterogeneous wireless networks in emergency scenarios. These networks comprise a device access layer, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) relay layer, and a backhaul layer. First, we derive the ergodic capacity of the device access layer using Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) communication, where the distribution of ground heterogeneous devices is modeled as a Poisson Point Process (PPP). Next, we formulate an optimization problem for the throughput rate of the UAV relay layer by analyzing resource allocation, with the maximum value representing the capacity of the UAV relay layer. To address the issue of unfair resource allocation, we introduce a satisfaction function as a new objective for the optimization problem. Then, we use a model based on independent and directional beamforming technology, which supports Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) communication, to calculate the capacity of the backhaul layer. Finally, the overall system capacity is determined as the minimum capacity among the three layers. Analysis and simulation results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model. Additionally, compared to other schemes, the proposed resource allocation scheme for the UAV relay layer performs well in terms of user access fairness.
Green synthesis of carbon nanodots (CNDs) moderated by flavonoid extracts from Moringa oleifera leaves and co-doped sulfur/nitrogen (NS – CNDs – Fla) and their potential for heavy metals sensing application
Authors: Wahyudi Sriati , Rizoputra Ivan , Panatarani Camellia , Faizal Ferry , Bahtiar Ayi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is the “magic tree” which contains many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, especially in its leaves. Natural flavonoids and glycosides with specific components of structure can bind to metal ions. The content of bioactive compounds such as total flavonoids found in Moringa oleiferaleaves is 172.10 mg/g. In addition, carbon (47.34%), nitrogen (51.67%), and sulfur (0.99%) are also the main composition. Then, the carbon nanodots (CNDs) synthesized in this research were moderated by flavonoid extract from Moringa oleifera using the hydrothermal method. The technique is easy, ecologically friendly, and requires neither specialized device or reagents. In practice, the CNDs produced are almost circular, with an average diameter of 3.49 nm. Furthermore, we enhanced synthesis CNDs - Fla with heteroatoms of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). They display a broad excitation-emission spectrum, excitation-dependent emission, and extraordinary fluorescence. Therefore, the synthesis of CNDs using flavonoids from Moringa oleifera as precursors would be a great potential candidate for the development of novel types of heavy metals sensing.
Empagliflozin alleviates renal inflammation in Sprague Dawley diabetic rats by inhibiting TLR4 / NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Wei Jianbin , Zeng Xiaochun , Ji Kuirong , Zhang Lingyi , Fan Mingliang , Hao Lanxiang , Chen Xiaomin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the potential effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on renal inflammatory pathways in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods
Sprague Dawley (SD) diabetic rats model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg) after 4-week high-sugar and high-fat diet intervention. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: normal control (NC), diabetes with normal saline (DM + NS), and diabetes with empagliflozin (DM + EMP). Empagliflozin (10mg/kg/day) or equivalent volume of normal saline was administered to the appropriate group. After 4 weeks intervention, the rats were euthanized, and kidney tissues were obtained. The mRNA transcription levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, caspase-3, and TGF-β1 were assessed using the RT-qPCR. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to determine TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 and IL-18 protein expression levels in the rat kidneys.
Results
Compared to the DM + NS group, the mRNA levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, and IL-18 were significantly decreased in the DM + EMP group, TLR4[1.02 (0.32, 2.66) vs. 0.17(0.06, 0.27), P = 0.022], NF-κB[1.38 (1.12, 2.05) vs. 0.82(0.69, 1.00), P = 0.002], and NLRP3[0.60 (0.13, 0.93) vs. 0.04(0.03, 0.18), P = 0.025], IL-18[1.66(1.50, 1.76) vs. 6.68(2.17, 11.16), P = 0.002], respectively. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, caspase-1, caspase-3, and TGF-β1 were demonstrated a significant decrease, but did not reach statistical significance. Empagliflozin attenuated the protein expression of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 and IL-18, which seem to restore to near normal control levels.
Conclusion
Our research suggests that empagliflozin may exert anti-inflammatory effects in the kidney tissue by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB axis activation and the priming of NLRP3 inflammasome.