bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) species associated with avocado orchards in central Veracruz
Authors: Alarcón-Utrera David , López-Lima Daniel , Cerdán-Cabrera Carlos R. , Alvarado-Castillo Gerardo , Salinas-Castro Alejandro , Carrión Gloria 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Thrips are one of the main agricultural pests of the Hass avocado crop. Because of their herbivory and oviposition, thrips damage buds, flowers and fruits, causing both yield and quality losses. In Veracruz orchards significant damage associated with these insects has been previously detected; however, there are species identification, and their population fluctuation stills unknown. The identification of species and their seasonality is important to design appropriate management strategies. In this study, thrips populations were surveyed during two flowering cycles in two Hass avocado orchards located in the central mountainous area of the state of Veracruz. For 20 months, collections with the spray drag technique with soap solution using a specialized device were made in buds and inflorescences. 27 species of thrips belonging to 16 genera (ten phytophagous and six predatory) were identified. Frankliniella gardeniae was the most abundant species in the two orchards studied with more than 75% of the relative abundance and its population peaks were recorded during the flowering and fruit setting season. It is possible that F. gardeniae is related to fruits damage, as it occurs in avocado crops in South America.
Development of predictive indexes for evaluating UHI adaptation potential of green roof- and wall- based scenarios in the Mediterranean climate
Authors: Susca Tiziana , Iaria Jacopo , Zanghirella Fabio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Urban heat island (UHI) can jeopardize urban inhabitants, but the installation of green roofs (GRs) and walls (GWs) can contribute to mitigating it. The present study provides a novel index to easily predict the spatially median variation in air temperature at pedestrian height related to the application of GR- and GW- -based scenarios on the hottest hours of a typical summer day varying building height (BH), coverage percentage (COP), and leaf area index (LAI). The index is meant to be applied to built areas with 0.3–0.4 urban density in the Mediterranean climate and is derived from a linear regression model fed with the outputs of 269 simulations of three urban areas developed and run in ENVI-met software. The developed models are all highly significant. GR model shows that the mitigation is influenced by all three parameters, and it can estimate the mitigation with a mean standard error of 0.05°C. GW model shows that BH is not influential in decreasing air temperature compared to the other parameters. GF and living wall (LW) index can predict the mitigation with an error of 0.03°C and 0.04°C, respectively. However, for the LW model, further parameters should be considered to improve its reliability.
The Clinical Significance of Inflammatory Mediators in Predicting Obesity and Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Xiao Youchao , Wu Wentao , Liu Fangzheng , Jia Yanfei , Jin Lu , Qiao Ning , Cai Kefan , Ru Siming , Cao Lei , Gui Songbai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare malformational tumor characterized by high rates of recurrence and morbid obesity. However, the role of inflammatory mediators in obesity and the prognosis of patients with CP remains unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze associations of inflammatory mediators with weight-related outcomes and the prognosis of patients with CP.
Methods: A total of 130 consecutive patients with CP were included in this study. The expression levels of seven inflammatory mediators and the plasma leptin concentration were investigated. Clinical parameters, weight changes, new-onset obesity, and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. The relationships between inflammatory mediators, clinicopathologic parameters, weight-related outcomes, and PFS were explored.
Results: Compared with those in normal pituitary tissue, the expressions of inflammatory mediators in tumor tissue were higher. Higher expression levels of CXCL1 and CXCL8 were identified as independent risk factors for significant weight gain, and CXCL1 and TNF were identified as independent risk factors for new-onset postoperative obesity. Poor PFS was associated with higher expression levels of CXCL1, CXCL8, IL1A, IL6, and TNF.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that inflammatory mediators are associated with morbid obesity in patients with CP. Inflammatory mediators may be the critical bridge between elevated leptin and weight-related outcomes. Additionally, PFS was associated with the expression of inflammatory mediators. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of inflammatory mediators and their potential as targets for novel therapies for CP.
On-demand nanoengineering of in-plane ferroelectric topologies
Authors: Checa Marti , Pant Bharat , Puretzky Alexander , Dryzhakov Bogdan , Vasudevan Rama , Kavle Pravin , Dasgupta Arvind , Martin Lane , Cao Ye , Collins Liam , Jesse Stephen , Domingo Neus , Kelley Kyle 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hierarchical assemblies of ferroelectric nanodomains (or superdomains) can exhibit exotic morphologies that lead to distinct behaviors and functionalities. Controlling these superdomains reliably is critical for realizing new states with desired functional properties. Here, using a biased atomic force microscopy tip we reveal a so-called super-switching mechanism of the in-plane superdomains of a model ferroelectric Pb0.6Sr0.4TiO3, demonstrating that the response of this material is dominated by a superdomain nucleation and super-boundary stabilization process. We show that the scanning-probe’s trajectory is key in stabilizing complex defect states, enabling on-demand formation of intricate center-divergent/convergent and flux-closure polar structures. Correlative piezoresponse force microscopy and optical spectroscopy confirm the topological nature and significant tunability of these emergent structures. The stability of the generated structures, validated by phase-field modeling, suggests potential for reliable multi-state nanodevice architectures, offering an alternative route for creating tunable topological structures in neuromorphic circuits, forging a new frontier in nanolithography for ferroics.
Emergence and Transformation of Polar Skyrmion Lattices via Flexoelectricity
Authors: Chen Weijin , Ren Jianhua , Liu Linjie , Sun Fei , He Qian , Wu Mengjun , Zheng Yue 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As analogies to magnetic skyrmions, polar skyrmions in ferroelectric superlattices and multilayers have garnered widespread attention for their non-trivial topology and novel properties like negative capacitance and nonlinear optical effect. So far, they have only been theoretically predicted to be able to assemble ordered hexagonal skyrmion lattices (SkLs) in ferroelectric thin films. Here, based on phase-field simulations, we report the critical roles of flexoelectricity playing in the stabilization and transformation of polar SkLs. Different polar SkL patterns can emerge in the ferroelectric thin films, including tetragonal-SkL, and hexagonal-SkLs with diverse orientations, as summarized by phase diagrams. These emergent SkL states are attributed to the material anisotropy modified by the flexoelectric effect. Interestingly, we further found that the hexagonal-SkLs can be rotated by applying strain gradient or in-plane electric field to the films. Moreover, a nonreciprocal bending response of tetragonal-SkL is also induced by the flexoelectric effect. Our results provide useful guidelines for the implementation of polar skyrmion lattices in experiments.
Comprehensive Analysis of Granzymes and Perforin Family Genes in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Mareboina Manvita , Bakhl Katrina , Agioti Stephanie , Georgakopoulos-Soares Ilias , Zaravinos Apostolos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant global health concern, with immunotherapies emerging as promising treatments. This study explores the role of perforin-1 (PRF1) and granzymes-A, -B and -K (GZMA, GZMB and GZMK) in cancer biology, focusing on their impact on tumor cell death and immune response modulation. Through comprehensive genomic analysis across various cancer types we explored the differential expression, mutation profiles, and methylation patterns of these genes, providing insights into their potential as therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we investigated their association with immune cell infiltration and pathway activation within the tumor microenvironment in each cancer. Our findings reveal distinct expression patterns and prognostic implications of PRF1, GZMA, GZMB and GZMK across different cancers, highlighting their multifaceted roles in tumor immunity. We found increased immune infiltration across all tumor types and significant correlations between the genes of interest and cytotoxic T cells, as well as the greatest significant survival outcomes in breast cancer. We also show that granzymes and perforin-1 are significantly associated with indicators of immunosuppression and T cell dysfunction within patient cohorts. In skin melanoma, glioblastoma, kidney and bladder cancer we found significant correlations between the genes of interest and patient survival after receiving immune-checkpoint inhibition therapy. Additionally, we identified potential associations between the mRNA expression levels of these genes and drug sensitivity. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor immunity and provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic implications of PRF1, GZMA, GZMB and GZMK in cancer treatment.
Deep Learning Based Defect Detection Method for Overhead Transmission Wires
Authors: Yu Zhilong , Lei Yanqiao , Shen Feng , Zhou Shuai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Transmission line is the carrier of power transmission, in order to more accurately detect the transmission conductor is susceptible to the influence of the external environment and cause the conductor to break the strand, loose strand to the cable foreign body hanging and other defects. In this paper, a lightweight transmission conductor defect detection algorithm named HorCM_PAM_YOLOv5 based on YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, in order to increase the algorithm's ability to spatially interact with different features as well as its detection accuracy, this paper designs a lightweight recursive convolution module HorCM with reference to HorNet to enhance the expression of the algorithm's model. Then in order to cope with the problem of complex background and difficult detection of aerial images, this paper proposes a lightweight parallel attention mechanism module (PAM), so that the defective image channel feature extraction and spatial feature extraction can be independent of each other, which reduces the interference of the background and increases the image's characterisation ability. Afterwards, in order to cope with the problem of large differences in the scale of wire defect images taken by aerial photography, this paper proposes for the MPDIOU loss function, using the distance between the prediction frame and the actual frame of the identified points to minimise the processing, to improve the accuracy of the model and convergence speed. Finally, in order to better reflect the actual engineering application scenarios, our dataset uses UAS machine patrol images from Yunnan Power Supply Bureau Company. Experimental simulations show that with a 3.1% increase in detection speed relative to YOLOv5s and a 5% reduction in model volume, the improved algorithm HorCM_PAM_YOLOv5 still manages to increase its overall performance by 9.8% over YOLOv5s, and its accuracy by 7.2% over YOLOv5s.
Financial Regulation and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from the Chinese Capital Market
Authors: Xu Kun , Cheng Zhewei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Financial regulation plays a crucial role in fostering corporate ESG performance, particularly in the context of China’s economy aiming for high-quality development. This paper utilizes the panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2020 to empirically investigate the impact and mechanism of local financial regulation on corporate ESG performance. We find that local financial regulation promotes corporate ESG performance, ‘financing constraints’ and ‘risk-taking’ are two mechanisms through which local financial regulation affects corporate ESG performance, and heterogeneity analysis shows that it has a stronger impact on the ESG performance of private enterprises and non-high-tech enterprises. Further analysis reveals that local financial regulation in the categories of ‘fee violations’ and ‘interbank violations’ has a more significant impact on corporate ESG performance. This paper helps to realize the role of credit market in building corporate ESG performance.
Comparative Analysis of Extensive Form Zero-Sum Games Solving Algorithms: Evaluating Optimal Algorithms in Poker-Like Games
Authors: Keshavarzi Behbod , Navidi Hamidreza 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The solving of extensive form zero-sum games has been accomplished by the implementation of a number of algorithms, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. The selection of an ideal algorithm is one of the most important challenges, and it has been investigated in this paper by applying the categories of famous algorithms that are currently in existence. Initially, the optimal parameters of each algorithm have been chosen, and then evaluation has been carried out by using Poker-like games. The exploitability and the utility average of the algorithms have been compared via the use of two measures. In general, there are two primary stage involved in comparing algorithms. In the first stage, the algorithms are assessed in the order of Kuhn, Leduc, and Royal Poker while playing in the two-player format. The second stage involves evaluating the Kuhn Poker algorithm with three players, four players, and five players, and then analyzing the findings that result from this evaluation. As a consequence of this comparison, the four algorithms that are considered to be the most optimum are DCFR, RCFR, CFR+, and FSP accordingly.
High-Precision Continuous FBG Interrogator based on an AWG
Authors: Yao Kun , Yao Kun , Jiao Yunjing , Jiao Yunjing , Lin Qijing , Lin Qijing , Zhao Na , Zhao Na , XIAN DAN , XIAN DAN , Zhang Fuzheng , Zhang Fuzheng , Meng Qingzhi , Meng Qingzhi , Han Feng , Han Feng , Jiang Zhuangde , Jiang Zhuangde 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Although arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) are widely used in fibre Bragg grating (FBG) demodulation systems, their applications in real environments have been limited due to their narrow dynamic range and inability to continuously demodulate FBGs because of the finite bandwidth of AWG channels. Here, we developed a wide-dynamic-range, high-precision, continuous-demodulation FBG interrogator utilizing a dual-input channel on-chip silicon AWG. The introduction of two input channels in the AWG allowed two spectral peaks in each channel; therefore, staggered spectral peaks were realized. A joint-peak demodulation method based on this spectrum is proposed to improve the dynamic range and demodulation precision. With the proposed structure and method, we achieved continuous interrogation with a demodulation precision of 25.58 pm and a dynamic range of 24.5 nm in the 1537.5-1565.3 nm wavelength region. The relative demodulation accuracy within the full range reaches 0.1%. The dynamic range of adjacent channels is 5.4 nm, which is approximately 4 times greater than the dynamic range of an FBG conventional demodulation system using an AWG, and the relative demodulation accuracy is 0.47%. To our knowledge, the relative demodulation accuracy is currently the highest reported. This developed interrogator, with a core size of 420 µm × 300 µm, theoretically explained and experimentally verified the possibility of the accurate measurement of an arbitrary FBG wavelength with high demodulation accuracy in the measurement range. This work achieved continuous monitoring of external temperature by FBGs and demonstrated their significant potential in expanding the application field of FBGs.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Translation of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale- Revised (PACS-R) in Adults
Authors: Khoury Marie Anne El , Malaeb Diana , Fawaz Mirna , Chammas Nancy , Soufia Michel , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

background
Physical comparison may be a factor in body dissatisfaction and related issues, like eating disorders and depression. The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) is a scale developed to assess the frequency of physical comparison. Because there is no validated scale for body comparison in Arabic, this study aims to address this gap by validating the PACS-R in the Arabic language.
methods
The PACS-R was translated to Arabic following a conventional forward-backward translation procedure, and was administered to a sample of 359 Lebanese adults along with The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) for convergent validity. The factor structure was studied by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and composite reliability was assessed using McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha.
results
Results suggested a one-factor structure of the Arabic PACS-R, with good internal consistency (McDonald’s ω = .97 / Cronbach α = .97). Measurement invariance was established across sex groups, with no significant difference being reported between males and females in terms of PACS-R scores (15.42 ± 10.64 vs 13.16 ± 11.88; t(357) = 1.84; p = .066). Finally, adequate convergent validity was tested and found to be adequate, with PACS-R scores found to be correlated negatively with self-esteem and positively with psychological distress.
conclusion
The present findings preliminarily establish the Arabic PACS-R as an effective instrument for researchers and practitioners aiming to explore the physical comparison among Arabic-speaking populations, thus contributing to research and clinical work in the Arabic community.
Comparison of Assessment by Teacher Standard Patients and Peer Role Play of Medical Students’ History-Taking Skills
Authors: Wei Yingying , Deng Na , Zheng Hongmei , Guo Haijun , Zhang Huiling , Li Bing , Wu Daiqin , si Xiaoyun , Li Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the differences between the teaching models of teacher standardized patient (TSP) and peer role play (pRP) in training students’ history-taking skills and to further analyze the differences between scripted and non-scripted pRP. METHODS From May to June 2023, 630 undergraduate third-year medical students majoring in clinical medicine participated in the study. Students were randomly divided into either the TSP or pRP group (both scripted pRP (spRP) and non-scripted pRP (non-spRP)). All groups participated in the same half-hour theory lecture before practicing history taking. After class, we analyzed students’ course behavior and recorded their writing performance and patient history-taking scores when consulting with real patients. Students’ satisfaction with the course was analyzed through a questionnaire. Pre- and post-course self-assessment forms enabled understanding of students’ cognition and self-perceived confidence in their interview skills. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences in the scores of the TSP, spRP, and non-spRP groups in group-based consultation assessment (p < 0.05), whereas there were no statistically significant differences in the scores of medical record writing (p > 0.05). The mean scores of students' overall attitudinal evaluation of the course had no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The mean scores of students' attitudes toward clinical skills development had no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05); the mean scores of students' attitudes towards teamwork had a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The pre-simulation self-assessment of all three groups was higher than their post-simulation elf-assessment, and the differences were statistically significant (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION RP is more suitable for a history-taking practical course for junior students, which can mobilize the classroom atmosphere, increase students' interest and motivation, and develop students' sense of teamwork; spRP’s performance on the interrogation skills test was higher. Students' self-confidence and attention to the course had an impact on their self-assessment evaluation.
Brain Region-specific Gain Modulation of Place Cells by VIP Neurons
Authors: Vervaeke Koen , Lenkey Nora , Garvert Anna Christina , Neubrandt Mate 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Gain modulation allows neurons to dynamically adjust their responsiveness to sensory inputs without changing selectivity. While this process is well-characterized in sensory areas, its role in higher-order brain regions, like those governing spatial navigation and memory, is unclear. Here, we used all-optical methods in mice performing a spatial task to demonstrate that vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons selectively control the gain of place fields in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) through disinhibition. Optogenetic manipulation revealed that this disinhibition selectively amplifies in-field activity, improving spatial coding accuracy. In contrast, VIP neurons in the hippocampus have minimal impact on place field gain. Notably, simulations indicate that the benefit of gain modulation for RSC place cells is exceptionally large compared to hippocampal place cells due to their much higher out-of-field activity and, therefore, lower signal-to-noise ratio. These findings reveal an area-specific specialization of VIP-mediated gain control, enhancing spatial coding and, potentially, the formation of new spatial memories.
Electropenetrography Study of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Nymphs Feeding on Vegetative Soybean Structures
Authors: Lucini Tiago , Panizzi Antônio Ricardo , Marsaro Alberto , Semeão Altair Arlindo , Stubbins Frankie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the feeding behavior of Neotropical brown stink bug nymphs Euschistus heros (F.) on soybean plants through electropenetrography (EPG) technique. Three distinct phases were identified: non-feeding, pathway, and ingestion. Waveforms representing these phases were consistent across nymphal instars and plant structures, and named Np, Eh1 and Eh2, respectively. Biological interpretations of the waveforms were proposed by integrating visual observations, comparisons with adult waveforms, and histological studies. The waveforms Np, Eh1, and Eh2 were associated with resting/walking, initial stylet-plant contact, and xylem sap ingestion, respectively. Notably, nymphs showed a higher number of Eh1 events and longer durations when feeding on petioles compared to leaves, particularly in younger instars. However, differences between instars diminished in older nymphs. Fifth instars consistently exhibited the highest Eh1 values. Second instars demonstrated increased xylem ingestion events on petioles compared to leaves. Moreover, fifth instars consistently displayed longer xylem ingestion durations compared to other instars. Across plant structures, on petioles, nymphs generally showed longer xylem ingestion durations than on leaf surfaces. Fifth instar consistently had the longest ingestion durations overall. Additionally, statistical differences in xylem ingestion duration were observed between instars within each plant structure, with fifth instars displaying the longest durations. These findings offer valuable insights into the feeding behavior of E. heros nymphs, which could inform the development of more effective pest management strategies for soybean crops.