bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of maize-cowpea intercropping response to row orientation in diverse agro-ecologies of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Coulibaly Yaya Nadiala , Tondoh Ebagnerin Jérôme , Bonny Béket Séverin , Neya Bouma James , Koffi Kouamé Kevin , Bi Irié Arsène Zoro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe stability of cropping systems in a changing climate context depends on numerous factors, including row orientation, to optimize the use of environmental resources. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of agricultural systems based on the row orientation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) in three different ecological conditions in Côte d’Ivoire, in 2020 and 2021. An experimental design with plots divided into three complete randomized blocks with six subplots per block and three repetitions was set up, varying the row orientation in intercropping and monoculture. Row orientation, cropping system used, and ecological zone significantly influenced crop yield and its components. In intercropping, cowpea (tiligré) showed the best yields when oriented North–South (NS) in the tropical rainforest zone and the sub-Sudanian savannah, while East–West (EW) orientation was optimal in the forest-savannah mosaic zone. In contrast, maize (GMRP18) yielded the best in intercropping when rows were oriented East–West, regardless of the season. In monoculture, cowpea yielded best when oriented EW in the tropical rainforest zone (488.17 kg ha−1) and in the forest-savannah mosaic zone (1262.12 kg ha−1), while NS orientations were preferable (228.6 and 259.54 kg ha−1) in the sub-Sudanian savannah zone. For maize monoculture, EW orientation was also preferable. Throughout the study, for both seasons, the highest yield advantages in maize-cowpea intercropping were obtained in EW orientation, regardless of the ecological zone. Overall, the forest-savannah mosaic zone yielded the best cowpea yields (1262.12 and 663.9 kg ha−1).
Revolutionizing Indian agriculture: the imperative of advanced biofertilizer technologies for sustainability
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Saharan Baljeet Singh , Parshad Jagdish , Gera Rajesh , Choudhary Jairam , Yadav Rajbala 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe continuous growth of the world’s population and the escalating demand for food raise serious concerns about the future of agriculture. According to FAO’s estimates, agricultural product demand is expected to rise by 60% by 2030. However, the increasing use of chemical fertilizers has shown adverse effects on the environment and living organisms. In this context, biofertilizers offer a promising alternative to hazardous chemicals, supporting agricultural sustainability. Biofertilizers are known for their eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective nature, contributing to soil health, structure, and biodiversity preservation. Nevertheless, they face challenges, including poor shelf-life, on-field stability, sensitivity to fluctuating environmental conditions (such as temperature, radiation, and pH), limitations in long-term use, scarcity of beneficial bacterial strains, susceptibility to desiccation, and high required doses for large coverage areas. Commercially available microbe-based biofertilizers have not always met expectations in field conditions due to various reasons. While there have been advancements in biofertilizers to improve efficiency and popularity among farmers, the need to explore next-generation biofertilizers remains essential. This review primarily focuses on advanced and next-generation biofertilizers, such as PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria), fungal biofertilizers, nanobiofertilizers, and biofilm biofertilizers, aiming to address these challenges and propel sustainable agriculture forward.
Graphical Abstract
Enhancing visual and plastic education training: a blended learning and flipped classroom approach
Authors: Chust-Pérez Verónica , Esteve-Faubel Rosa Pilar , Aparicio-Flores María Pilar , Esteve-Faubel José María 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article explores whether the implementation of the B-Learning (BL) and Flipped Classroom (FC) methodologies, using the ICT tool Edpuzzle, in the mandatory subject of Didactics of Plastic Expression in the Early Childhood Education teacher training programme leads to improvements in their education as future teachers. To address this investigation, two different pedagogical interventions were proposed: Unit 1 (U1), implementing BL, and Unit 2 (U2) through traditional lectures. For the analysis, a qualitative methodology using the focus group technique was employed. The results revealed high satisfaction among students regarding U1, implying that the use of ICT through the implementation of BL and FC methodologies has created a more dynamic and enriching educational environment, thereby enhancing their learning.
Selection criteria for osteoid osteomas/osteoblastoma’s treatment by ablation with radiofrequency needles or high intensity focused ultrasound: our experience
Authors: Spano Giulia , Daffinà Julia , Izzo Antonio , Zugaro Luigi , Di Cesare Ernesto , Barile Antonio , Arrigoni Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Osteoid Osteomas (OO) and Osteoblastomas (OB) are relatively rare benign bone lesions necessitating effective treatment to alleviate associated pain and functional limitations. Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation (RFA) and Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) have emerged as minimally invasive techniques for their management. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate and compare the selection criteria for these two treatments.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 102 cases of OO/OB treated between January 2013 and July 2020. Eight potential factors influencing treatment selection were assessed, including lesion characteristics and proximity to critical structures. Statistical regression using the Wilcoxon test was performed to compare treatment outcomes.

Results
Significant differences were observed between the RFA and MRgFUS groups concerning the proximity of vascular-nervous structures to the lesion (p = 0.001), lesion depth (p < 0.001), nidus size (p < 0.001), and the presence of an acoustic window (p < 0.001). Additionally, lesion depth (p < 0.001), sclerosis (p = 0.03), and nidus size (p = 0.02) were significant factors.

Conclusions
Our findings underscore the importance of considering multiple factors when selecting a treatment modality for OO and OB. While both RFA and MRgFUS offer comparable efficacy, careful assessment of patient-specific features, particularly the presence of an acoustic window and sclerosis, should guide treatment decisions.
The Spillover of Tropospheric Ozone Increases Has Hidden the Extent of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion by Halogens
Authors: Prather Michael J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStratospheric ozone depletion from halocarbons is partly countered by pollution‐driven increases in tropospheric ozone, with transport connecting the two. While recognizing this connection, the ozone assessment's evaluation of observations and processes have often split the chapters at the tropopause boundary. Using a chemistry‐transport model we find that air‐pollution ozone enhancements in the troposphere spill over into the stratosphere at significant rates, that is, 13%–34% of the excess tropospheric burden appears in the lowermost extra‐tropical stratosphere. As we track the anticipated recovery of the observed ozone depletion, we should recognize that two tenths of that recovery may come from the transport of increasing tropospheric ozone into the stratosphere.
South Atlantic Anomaly Evolution Seen by the Proton Flux
Authors: Ginisty F. , Wrobel F. , Ecoffet R. , Mandea M. , Michez A. , Balcon N. , Ruffenach M. , Mekki J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe SEM‐2 (Space Environment Monitor‐2) instrument embedded on the NOAA‐15 Low Earth Orbit satellite provides measurements of trapped protons in the Van Allen inner belt from 1998 to nowadays. This continuous set of measurements enables us to study the dynamics of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) over more than two solar cycles, particularly, its temporal evolution. We observe that the area of the SAA is anti‐correlated with the solar activity. Two physical processes explain this anticorrelation. First, the more the Sun is active the more it disables the cosmic rays to reach the Earth's magnetosphere and fill in the inner radiation belt with protons. Then, when the Sun is more active, the upper atmosphere is warmer and therefore absorbs more protons from the radiation belt. Then, we investigate the protons flux centroid of the SAA. The temporal evolution of its position, latitude and, longitude is studied over the same time interval (1998–2022). We notice that the latitude of the centroid is also anti‐correlated with the solar activity whereas the longitude seems absolutely independent. The temporal evolution of the position of the centroid shows a drift of the SAA. Indeed from 1998 to 2022 the SAA drifted of about 7° West. The SEM‐2 instrument measures flux for protons of different energies (16, 36, 70, and, 140 MeV). For each energy, the SAA dynamic has a similar trend but with different values. These differences are investigated and the results are discussed.
Alantolactone attenuates high-fat diet-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Jiong , Jiang Yucheng , Jin Leiming , Qian Chenchen , Zuo Wei , Lin Jianjun , Xie Longteng , Jin Bo , Zhao Yanni , Huang Lijiang , Wang Yi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence, which can further develop into liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at the end stage. Alantolactone (Ala), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Asteraceae, has shown anti-inflammatory effects in different models. However, the therapeutic effect of Ala on NAFLD is not clear.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD. After 16 weeks, Ala was administered by gavage to observe its effect on NAFLD. RNA sequencing of liver tissues was performed to investigate the mechanism. In vitro, mouse cell line AML-12 was pretreated with Ala to resist palmitic acid (PA)-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis.

Results
Ala significantly inhibited inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in HFD-induced mice, as well as PA-induced AML-12 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that the effect of Ala was related to the induction of Nrf2 and the inhibition of NF-κB. Taken together, these findings suggested that Ala exerted a liver protective effect on NAFLD by blocking inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions
The study found that Ala exerted a liver protective effect on NAFLD by blocking inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that Ala is an effective therapy for NAFLD.
High protein intake on later outcomes in preterm children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Das Subhasish , McClintock Thomas , Cormack Barbara E. , Bloomfield Frank H. , Harding Jane E. , Lin Luling 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Appropriate protein intake is crucial for growth and development in children born preterm. We assessed the effects of high (HP) versus low protein (LP) intake on neurodevelopment, growth, and biochemical anomalies in these children.

Methods
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials providing protein to children born preterm (<37 completed weeks of gestation) were searched following PRISMA guideline in three databases and four registers (PROSPERO registration CRD42022325659). Random-effects model was used for assessing the effects of HP (≥3.5 g/kg/d) vs. LP (<3.5 g/kg/d).

Results
Data from forty-four studies (n = 5338) showed HP might slightly reduce the chance of survival without neurodisability at ≥12 months (four studies, 1109 children, relative risk [RR] 0.95 [95% CI 0.90, 1.01]; P = 0.13; low certainty evidence) and might increase risk of cognitive impairment at toddler age (two studies; 436 children; RR 1.36 [0.89, 2.09]; P = 0.16; low certainty evidence). At discharge or 36 weeks, HP intake might result in higher weight and greater head circumference z-scores. HP intake probably increased the risk of hypophosphatemia, hypercalcemia, refeeding syndrome and high blood urea, but reduced risk of hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions
HP intake for children born preterm may be harmful for neonatal metabolism and later neurodisability and has few short-term benefits for growth.

Impact statement

Planned high protein intake after birth for infants born preterm might be harmful for survival, neurodisability and metabolism during infancy and did not improve growth after the neonatal period.

Protein intake ≥3.5 g/kg/d should not be recommended for children born preterm.
Delayed spinal arachnoiditis with syringomyelia following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a case report with patient experience
Authors: Jain Nityanand , Jaunozolina Liga , Putraima Inga , Auslands Kaspars , Millers Andrejs 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background and importance
Syringomyelia, or the formation of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord, associated with delayed spinal arachnoiditis is an uncommon complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. To date, about 18 cases have been reported in medical literature, with just two reported in patients under the age of 35 years.

Clinical presentation
A 27-year-old female patient complained of sudden, severe headaches in the occipital region, nuchal rigidity, and drowsiness when she presented at our institution. A head computed tomography scan revealed intraventricular bleeding in the lateral and fourth ventricles with more extensive haemorrhaging in the frontal horns. A left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm was confirmed via digital subtraction angiogram, and endovascular embolization was done. Two years later, the patient reported intense pain in the lower back along with symptoms suggestive of spinal cord compression. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal adhesions from C1 to L4, syringomyelia with some vasogenic oedema extending from T3 to T9 level, and a cyst in the lumbar region. Consequently, a right hemilaminectomy was performed along with microsurgical release of arachnoid adhesions and placement of a subdural drain. Radiological and symptomatic improvements were observed. Since then, the patient’s clinical condition has remained stable during the past three years of follow-up visits.

Conclusions
Literature on optimal treatment modalities and patient prognosis is scarce and debated. The time for symptom improvement depends on the level and extent of spinal cord involvement. Rehabilitation may be required for most patients, as complete symptomatic recovery may not be attainable.
Oculomics analysis in multiple sclerosis: Current ophthalmic clinical and imaging biomarkers
Authors: Suh Alex , Hampel Gilad , Vinjamuri Aditya , Ong Joshua , Kamran Sharif Amit , Waisberg Ethan , Paladugu Phani , Zaman Nasif , Sarker Prithul , Tavakkoli Alireza , Lee Andrew G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Early recognition and treatment are important for preventing or minimizing the long-term effects of the disease. Current gold standard modalities of diagnosis (e.g., CSF and MRI) are invasive and expensive in nature, warranting alternative methods of detection and screening. Oculomics, the interdisciplinary combination of ophthalmology, genetics, and bioinformatics to study the molecular basis of eye diseases, has seen rapid development through various technologies that detect structural, functional, and visual changes in the eye. Ophthalmic biomarkers (e.g., tear composition, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, saccadic eye movements) are emerging as promising tools for evaluating MS progression. The eye’s structural and embryological similarity to the brain makes it a potentially suitable assessment of neurological and microvascular changes in CNS. In the advent of more powerful machine learning algorithms, oculomics screening modalities such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), eye tracking, and protein analysis become more effective tools aiding in MS diagnosis. Artificial intelligence can analyse larger and more diverse data sets to potentially discover new parameters of pathology for efficiently diagnosing MS before symptom onset. While there is no known cure for MS, the integration of oculomics with current modalities of diagnosis creates a promising future for developing more sensitive, non-invasive, and cost-effective approaches to MS detection and diagnosis.
Retrotransposons in Werner syndrome-derived macrophages trigger type I interferon-dependent inflammation in an atherosclerosis model
Authors: Paul Sudip Kumar , Oshima Motohiko , Patil Ashwini , Sone Masamitsu , Kato Hisaya , Maezawa Yoshiro , Kaneko Hiyori , Fukuyo Masaki , Rahmutulla Bahityar , Ouchi Yasuo , Tsujimura Kyoko , Nakanishi Mahito , Kaneda Atsushi , Iwama Atsushi , Yokote Koutaro , Eto Koji , Takayama Naoya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the second leading cause of death among Werner syndrome (WS) patients, are not fully understood. Here, we establish an in vitro co-culture system using macrophages (iMφs), vascular endothelial cells (iVECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (iVSMCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. In co-culture, WS-iMφs induces endothelial dysfunction in WS-iVECs and characteristics of the synthetic phenotype in WS-iVSMCs. Transcriptomics and open chromatin analysis reveal accelerated activation of type I interferon signaling and reduced chromatin accessibility of several transcriptional binding sites required for cellular homeostasis in WS-iMφs. Furthermore, the H3K9me3 levels show an inverse correlation with retrotransposable elements, and retrotransposable element-derived double-stranded RNA activates the DExH-box helicase 58 (DHX58)-dependent cytoplasmic RNA sensing pathway in WS-iMφs. Conversely, silencing type I interferon signaling in WS-iMφs rescues cell proliferation and suppresses cellular senescence and inflammation. These findings suggest that Mφ-specific inhibition of type I interferon signaling could be targeted to treat atherosclerosis in WS patients.
Revealing principles of autonomous thermal soaring in windy conditions using vulture-inspired deep reinforcement-learning
Authors: Flato Yoav , Harel Roi , Tamar Aviv , Nathan Ran , Beatus Tsevi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThermal soaring, a technique used by birds and gliders to utilize updrafts of hot air, is an appealing model-problem for studying motion control and how it is learned by animals and engineered autonomous systems. Thermal soaring has rich dynamics and nontrivial constraints, yet it uses few control parameters and is becoming experimentally accessible. Following recent developments in applying reinforcement learning methods for training deep neural-network (deep-RL) models to soar autonomously both in simulation and real gliders, here we develop a simulation-based deep-RL system to study the learning process of thermal soaring. We find that this process has learning bottlenecks, we define a new efficiency metric and use it to characterize learning robustness, we compare the learned policy to data from soaring vultures, and find that the neurons of the trained network divide into function clusters that evolve during learning. These results pose thermal soaring as a rich yet tractable model-problem for the learning of motion control.
Sustainable land management enhances ecological and economic multifunctionality under ambient and future climate
Authors: Scherzinger Friedrich , Schädler Martin , Reitz Thomas , Yin Rui , Auge Harald , Merbach Ines , Roscher Christiane , Harpole W Stanley , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Siebert Julia , Ciobanu Marcel , Marder Fabian , Eisenhauer Nico , Quaas Martin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe currently dominant types of land management are threatening the multifunctionality of ecosystems, which is vital for human well-being. Here, we present a novel ecological-economic assessment of how multifunctionality of agroecosystems in Central Germany depends on land-use type and climate. Our analysis includes 14 ecosystem variables in a large-scale field experiment with five different land-use types under two different climate scenarios (ambient and future climate). We consider ecological multifunctionality measures using averaging approaches with different weights, reflecting preferences of four relevant stakeholders based on adapted survey data. Additionally, we propose an economic multifunctionality measure based on the aggregate economic value of ecosystem services. Results show that intensive management and future climate decrease ecological multifunctionality for most scenarios in both grassland and cropland. Only under a weighting based on farmers’ preferences, intensively-managed grassland shows higher multifunctionality than sustainably-managed grassland. The economic multifunctionality measure is about ~1.7 to 1.9 times higher for sustainable, compared to intensive, management for both grassland and cropland. Soil biodiversity correlates positively with ecological multifunctionality and is expected to be one of its drivers. As the currently prevailing land management provides high multifunctionality for farmers, but not for society at large, we suggest to promote and economically incentivise sustainable land management that enhances both ecological and economic multifunctionality, also under future climatic conditions.
Electrical switching of Ising-superconducting nonreciprocity for quantum neuronal transistor
Authors: Xiong Junlin , Xie Jiao , Cheng Bin , Dai Yudi , Cui Xinyu , Wang Lizheng , Liu Zenglin , Zhou Ji , Wang Naizhou , Xu Xianghan , Chen Xianhui , Cheong Sang-Wook , Liang Shi-Jun , Miao Feng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNonreciprocal quantum transport effect is mainly governed by the symmetry breaking of the material systems and is gaining extensive attention in condensed matter physics. Realizing electrical switching of the polarity of the nonreciprocal transport without external magnetic field is essential to the development of nonreciprocal quantum devices. However, electrical switching of superconducting nonreciprocity remains yet to be achieved. Here, we report the observation of field-free electrical switching of nonreciprocal Ising superconductivity in Fe3GeTe2/NbSe2 van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. By taking advantage of this electrically switchable superconducting nonreciprocity, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept nonreciprocal quantum neuronal transistor, which allows for implementing the XOR logic gate and faithfully emulating biological functionality of a cortical neuron in the brain. Our work provides a promising pathway to realize field-free and electrically switchable nonreciprocity of quantum transport and demonstrate its potential in exploring neuromorphic quantum devices with both functionality and performance beyond the traditional devices.