bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flower opening dynamics, pollen-ovule ratio, stigma receptivity and stigmatic pollen germination (in-vivo) in Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai
Authors: Wan Xianqin , Sun Dongchan , Gao Chao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough Chaenomeles is widely used in horticulture, traditional Chinese medicine and landscape greening, insufficient research has hindered its breeding and seed selection. This study investigated the floral phenology, floral organ characteristics, palynology, and breeding systems of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai. The floral characteristics of C. speciosa were observed both visually and stereoscopically. The microstructures of the flower organs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Pollen stainability was determined using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Stigma receptivity was determined using the benzidine-H2O2 method and the post-artificial pollination pollen germination method. The breeding system was assessed based on the outcrossing index and pollen–ovule ratio. The flowers of C. speciosa were bisexual with a flowering period from March to April. The flowering periods of single flowers ranged from 8 to 19 d, and those of single plants lasted 18–20 d. The anthers were cylindrical, with the base attached to the filament, and were split longitudinally to release pollen. The flower had five styles, with a connate base. The ovaries had five carpels and five compartments. The inverted ovules were arranged in two rows on the placental axis. The stigma of C. speciosa was dry and had many papillary protrusions. In the early flowering stage (1–2 d of flowering), the pollen exhibited high stainability (up to 84.24%), but all stainability was lost at 7 d of flowering. Storage at – 20 °C effectively delayed pollen inactivation. The stigma receptivity of C. speciosa lasted for approximately 7 days, and the breeding system was classified as outcrossing with partial self-compatibility.
PCSK9 plasma concentration is associated with epicardial adipose tissue volume and metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Sardà Helena , Colom Cristina , Benitez Sonia , Carreras Gemma , Amigó Judit , Miñambres Inka , Viladés David , Blanco-Vaca Francisco , Sanchez-Quesada Jose Luís , Pérez Antonio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPatients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Proconvertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (PCSK9) is involved in the atherosclerosis process. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PCSK9 levels and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and cardiometabolic variables in patients with T1D. This was an observational cross-sectional study including 73 patients with T1D. Clinical, biochemical and imaging data were collected. We divided the patients into two groups according to their glycemic control and the EAT index (iEAT) percentile. We performed a correlation analysis between the collected variables and PCSK9 levels; subsequently, we performed a multiple regression analysis with the significant parameters. The mean age was 47.6 ± 8.5 years, 58.9% were men, and the BMI was 26.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2. A total of 31.5%, 49.3% and 34.2% of patients had hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking habit, respectively. The PCSK9 concentration was 0.37 ± 0.12 mg/L, which was greater in patients with worse glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.5%), dyslipidemia and high EAT volume (iEAT > 75th percentile). The PCSK9 concentration was positively correlated with age (r = 0.259; p = 0.027), HbA1c (r = 0.300; p = 0.011), insulin dose (r = 0.275; p = 0.020), VLDL-C level (r = 0.331; p = 0.004), TG level (r = 0.328; p = 0.005), and iEAT (r = 0.438; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that 25% of the PCSK9 variability was explained by iEAT and HbA1c (p < 0.05). The PCSK9 concentration is associated with metabolic syndrome parameters, poor glycemic control and increased EAT volume in patients with T1D.
Cardiac troponin I as predictor for cardiac and other mortality in the German randomized lung cancer screening trial (LUSI)
Authors: Cortés-Ibáñez Francisco O. , Johnson Theron , Mascalchi Mario , Katzke Verena , Delorme Stefan , Kaaks Rudolf 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCardiac Troponin I (cTnI) could be used to identify individuals at elevated risk of cardiac death in lung cancer (LC) screening settings. In a population-based, randomized LC screening trial in Germany (“LUSI” study) serum cTnI was measured by high-sensitivity assay in blood samples collected at baseline, and categorized into unquantifiable/low (< 6 ng/L), intermediate (≥ 6–15 ng/L), and elevated (≥ 16 ng/L). Cox proportional-hazard models were used to estimate risk of all-cause and cardiac mortality with cTnI levels. After exclusion criteria, 3653 participants were included for our analyses, of which 82.4% had low, 12.8% intermediate and 4.8% elevated cTnI, respectively. Over a median follow up of 11.87 years a total of 439 deaths occurred, including 67 caused by cardiac events. Within the first 5 years after cTnI measurement, intermediate or elevated cTnI levels showed approximately 1.7 (HR = 1.69 [95% CI 0.57–5.02) and 4.7-fold (HR = 4.66 [1.73–12.50]) increases in risk of cardiac death relative to individuals with unquantifiable/low cTnI, independently of age, sex, smoking and other risk factors. Within this time interval, a risk model based on age, sex, BMI, smoking history and cTnI showed a combined area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 73.6 (58.1–87.3), as compared to 70.4 (53.3–83.5) for a model without cTnI. Over the time interval of > 5–10 years after blood donation, the relative risk associations with cTnI and were weaker. cTnI showed no association with mortality from any other (non-cardiac) cause. Our findings show that cTnI may be of use for identifying individuals at elevated risk specifically of short-term cardiac mortality in the context of LC screening.
Flexible batch electrodialysis for low-cost solar-powered brackish water desalination
Authors: He Wei , Le Henaff Anne-Claire , Amrose Susan , Buonassisi Tonio , Peters Ian Marius , Winter Amos G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlobally, 1.6 billion people in rural regions face water scarcity. Expanding freshwater access via brackish groundwater desalination can provide additional resources to address this challenge. In this study, we have developed a time-variant electrodialysis reversal (EDR) technology that flexibly uses available solar energy for desalination. Our proposed photovoltaic-powered desalination system can vary pumping and EDR power to match the availability of intermittent solar power, maximizing the desalination rate. Our results show improved system performance with the direct use of 77% of available solar energy—91% more than in conventional systems—and a 92% reduction in battery reliance. In a village-scale desalination case study in India, these system improvements lead to a 22% reduction in water cost, making the technology competitive with the currently used on-grid, village-scale reverse osmosis systems that are mainly powered by fossil fuels. Future advances could further reduce costs, providing an improved, sustainable solution to water scarcity in remote areas.
Digital Regenerative Agriculture
Authors: O’Donoghue Tom , Minasny Budiman , McBratney Alex 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntergovernmental organisations are pushing for ecological renewal with ever-increasing urgency. The trinity of Precision, Digital, and Smart (Ag 4.0) Agriculture encapsulate the tools best positioned to quantify the contributions farmscapes make towards these ends. However, work under these banners to date has rested on productivity and efficiency. Limiting negative environmental outcomes, when acknowledged as an objective, is most often presented as possible through ex-post evaluations. Conversely, Regenerative Agriculture champions environmental renewal as the pathway to more resilient and consistent production systems but currently lacks scientific validation. A synergy of the two will enhance both by (i) developing data on environmentally forward systems, (ii) presenting new challenges for monitoring, and (iii) by laying a foundation for the farmer-led data-driven site-specific refinement of management systems that prioritise outcomes for production through enhanced environmental function. All of which, when passed through a digital supply chain, will contribute substantially to product provenance and, in turn, consumer confidence.
Démarche de qualification de l’utilisation de la méthode MASW sur les digues par mesures en environnement contrôlé et simulations pour évaluer l’influence de la géométrie 3D des ouvrages
Authors: Vautrin Denis , Zentner Irmela , D’Urso Guy , Hachet Géry , Vergniault Christophe , Mercadier Dimitri 
Published: March 2024

Les digues de protection contre les inondations peuvent faire l’objet de campagnes de reconnaissance dans le but d’identifier d’éventuelles zones de faiblesse et de prévenir tout risque de défaillance. La méthode Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), non invasive et à faible coût, offre un complément intéressant aux sondages géotechniques. Elle est notamment utile pour les ouvrages de grand linéaire car elle est employable en mode « grand rendement ». Cependant, la méthode MASW repose sur une hypothèse de milieu 1D stratifié, c’est-à-dire que la surface du sol ainsi que les interfaces entre les différentes couches de sol sont supposées horizontales. Cela n’est a priori pas compatible avec la topographie 3D de l’ouvrage. Nous avons réalisé une étude de sensibilité des résultats de MASW à la géométrie 3D d’une digue en nous appuyant à la fois sur des mesures expérimentales et sur des simulations. L’ouvrage considéré est une maquette de digue à l’échelle 1. Dans un premier temps, nous avons proposé une méthodologie de simulation permettant de reproduire numériquement la propagation d’une onde sismique en 3D pour la configuration de la maquette, et nous avons validé ce modèle par comparaison entre signaux numériques et acquisitions réelles. Dans un second temps, nous avons considéré différentes configurations de simulation dans le but d’évaluer l’influence de la géométrie 3D de l’ouvrage. D’après les résultats obtenus, la géométrie 3D de la digue entraîne une sous-estimation de la profondeur de l’interface entre la digue et le sol. En revanche, son influence sur l’estimation des caractéristiques des couches est négligeable. Ces résultats sont en accord avec le retour d’expérience terrain d’EDF. D’autres limites restent à approfondir par de nouvelles simulations, en considérant des ouvrages de plus grandes dimensions et à géométries plus complexes. De plus, l’exploitation de la maquette de digue se poursuivra avec la mise en œuvre de méthodes électriques, et avec des travaux sur les méthodes de fusion de données.
Barrages en Sol Cimenté : présentation du nouveau Bulletin 195 de la CIGB
Authors: Puiatti Daniel , Lino Michel , Cochet Pierre , Bonelli Stéphane 
Published: March 2024

Dans le Bulletin 195 Barrages en Sol Cimenté, récemment publié par la Commission Internationale des Grands Barrages (CIGB), le terme « Sol Cimenté » désigne tout sol lié, que ce soit suite à un traitement à la chaux, au ciment, ou à la chaux en association avec le ciment, le cas échéant avec addition de composants pouzzolaniques. Le bulletin fait aussi mention des liants hydrauliques routiers. En Europe, où ces produits sont normalisés et contrôlés, ils peuvent avantageusement remplacer les ciments. Le traitement des sols est une technique ancienne et éprouvée qui a connu au cours des soixante dernières années un développement spectaculaire, en particulier dans le domaine des infrastructures de transport. Des exemples d’applications existent également dans le domaine des ouvrages hydrauliques, ce qui a conduit la CIGB à publier le Bulletin 54, Sol-ciment pour barrages en remblai (1986), consacré à l’utilisation de matériaux granulaires traités au ciment pour la protection des talus amont des barrages en terre. Depuis les années 1980, la technique a considérablement évolué grâce aux progrès de la technologie d’une part, et à une utilisation plus rationnelle de la chaux aérienne calcique d’autre part. En outre, d’importants programmes de recherche et des retours d’expériences positifs ont permis de mieux explorer et caractériser les performances des sols traités et d’en tirer un meilleur profit. Le nouveau Bulletin 195 couvre l’utilisation des sols cimentés dans la réalisation d’ouvrages hydrauliques. S’il s’appuie sur le Bulletin 54 exclusivement consacré au ciment, il le complète avec l’utilisation de la chaux aérienne calcique, permettant ainsi d’élargir le champ d’application de la technique au traitement des sols limono-argileux. S’agissant de la valorisation de matériaux naturels, donc non élaborés, il insiste particulièrement sur l’importance des études préalables : reconnaissance des gisements et études en laboratoire. Profitant de l’expérience acquise dans les infrastructures de transport, il étend largement l’utilisation des sols traités à d’autres applications que les protections de talus amont, notamment aux barrages homogènes de hauteur moyenne (jusqu’à 30 m de haut), aux barrages zonés et aux digues. Il fournit des recommandations utiles pour la conception, la construction et la réparation des barrages et des digues faisant usage de sols cimentés.
Unraveling the pathogenic potential of the Pentatrichomonas hominis PHGD strain: impact on IPEC-J2 cell growth, adhesion, and gene expression
Authors: Zhu Yibin , Cai Haiming , Fang Siyun , Shen Hanqin , Yan Zhuanqiang , Wang Dingai , Qi Nanshan , Li Juan , Lv Minna , Lin Xuhui , Hu Junjing , Song Yongle , Chen Xiangjie , Yin Lijun , Zhang Jianfei , Liao Shenquan , Sun Mingfei 
Published: March 2024

Pentatrichomonas hominis, a flagellated parasitic protozoan, predominantly infects the mammalian digestive tract, often causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, studies investigating its pathogenicity are limited, and the mechanisms underlying P. hominis-induced diarrhea remain unclear. Establishing an in vitro cell model for P. hominis infection is imperative. This study investigated the interaction between P. hominis and IPEC-J2 cells and its impact on parasite growth, adhesion, morphology, and cell viability. Co-cultivation of P. hominis with IPEC-J2 cells resulted in exponential growth of the parasite, with peak densities reaching approximately 4.8 × 105 cells/mL and 1.2 × 106 cells/mL at 48 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. The adhesion rate of P. hominis to IPEC-J2 cells reached a maximum of 93.82% and 86.57% at 24 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in IPEC-J2 cells co-cultivated with P. hominis were observed, manifesting as elongated and irregular shapes. The viability of IPEC-J2 cells exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing P. hominis concentration and co-cultivation time. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were upregulated, whereas those of CAT and CuZn-SOD were downregulated. These findings provide quantitative evidence that P. hominis can promote its growth by adhering to IPEC-J2 cells, inducing morphological changes, reducing cell viability, and triggering inflammatory responses. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results and enhance our understanding of P. hominis infection.
Characteristics Associated with Trial of Labor among Patients with Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Cipres Danielle T. , Cowherd Rachael B. , Barry Olivia H. , Chen Liqi , Yee Lynn M. 
Published: March 2024

Objective This study aimed to identify patient and provider factors associated with undergoing trial of labor (TOL) among eligible patients with twin gestations.
Study Design This retrospective cohort study of patients with twin gestations who received care at a large tertiary care center from 2000 to 2016 included individuals with live pregnancies greater than 23 weeks of gestation and cephalic-presenting twin. Patients with a prior uterine scar or contraindication to vaginal delivery were excluded from analyses. Maternal and clinical characteristics were compared among patients who did and did not undergo TOL. Multivariable logistic regression models included characteristics chosen a priori and those with bivariable associations with p < 0.1. Interactions between parity and other significant variables in the primary models were also investigated.
Results Among 1,888 eligible patients, 80.7% (N = 1,524) underwent TOL. Those undergoing TOL were more likely to be younger, multiparous, and have a maternal–fetal medicine physician as the delivering provider (p < 0.01). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were less prevalent among patients undergoing TOL (20.2 vs. 27.8%, p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, advanced maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.74) and nulliparity (aOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.52) conferred a lower odds of TOL, while having a maternal–fetal medicine provider (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.55–4.83) was associated with higher odds. Interaction analyses demonstrated no significant interaction effects between parity and other characteristics. Among those undergoing a TOL, 76.0% (1,158/1,524) had a successful vaginal delivery of both twins, with 48.1% (557/1,158) having breech extraction of the second twin.
Conclusion In this cohort of twin gestations with a high frequency of TOL, patient and provider characteristics are associated with attempting vaginal delivery. Variation in provider practices suggests differing skills and comfort with twin vaginal delivery may influence route of delivery decision-making in patients with twins.
Keypoints
Milestone Operations in Heart Valve and Aortic Replacement: Anniversaries Worth Remembering
Authors: Bortolotti Uberto , Vendramin Igor , Milano Aldo D. , Livi Ugolino 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSeventy years ago, in 1952, Charles A. Hufnagel implanted a caged-ball prosthesis into the descending thoracic aorta, to treat a patient with aortic valve insufficiency. In 1962, 60 years ago, the first aortic homograft was implanted in a subcoronary position by Donald N. Ross and Brian G. Barratt-Boyes. Forty years ago, in 1982, the first anticalcification treatment was introduced in commercially manufactured porcine bioprostheses. All such important or even milestone events should be remembered, since they witness efforts made by those who have significantly influenced the clinical history of aortic and valvular diseases.
The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation During Concurrent Training on the Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Men
Authors: Zahabi Ghadir , Ilic Vladimir , García-Ramos Amador , Cokorilo Nebojsa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Despite extensive research, the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in treating obesity are still unclear and equivocal. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and is marketed as a weight loss supplement. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the efficacy of L-carnitine during concurrent training on the functional capacities and body composition in obese men.
Methods Thirty nonactive, obese males (age = 37.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index = 33.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group 1 (EXP1)—concurrent training with L-carnitine supplementation; experimental group 2 (EXP2)—L-carnitine supplementation without training; and control group—without training or L-carnitine supplementation. Concurrent training was performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. Both experimental groups were supplemented with 35 mg L-carnitine supplement per kilogram body weight. Various functional and body composition variables were collected at three time points (pre-test, mid-test, and post-test).
Results A number of variables were significantly improved in EXP1 after 4 and 8 weeks (systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, weight, body mass index, and one-repetition maximum) and only after 8-weeks (diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, percentage of body fat, and fat-free mass). No significant changes were observed for EXP2 and the control group.
Conclusion L-carnitine supplementation, in conjunction with concurrent training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing body composition and boosting functional capacities in obese adult men. Therefore, it is recommended that overweight male individuals integrate concurrent training into their regimen while taking L-carnitine.
Parenthood wage gaps in multinational enterprises
Authors: van der Straaten Khadija , Pisani Niccolò , Kolk Ans 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile multinational enterprises (MNEs) are widely recognized for providing employment to a significant number of women around the globe, empirical evidence suggests that existing gender inequalities may be aggravated rather than alleviated in their subsidiaries. We build on gender theory to better understand how gender is construed and enacted differently in MNE subsidiaries compared to domestic firms, particularly with regard to the differential effects of parenthood on wage gaps for male versus female employees. Because of the relatively more demanding working conditions in MNE subsidiaries and their gendered policies and practices, we hypothesize that the motherhood penalty and fatherhood bonus are larger in MNE subsidiaries than in domestic firms. Using an extensive database of micro-level data of over 36,500 employees in 57 countries, we find a larger fatherhood bonus in MNE subsidiaries compared to domestic firms, but no significant difference in the motherhood penalty. Our results suggest that shifting entrenched gendered social beliefs and divisions of household labor is not the only pathway to gender equality, and call for a critical examination of gender-related values, perceptions, policies, and practices in MNEs, beyond a focus on supporting women (with children). We discuss managerial, theoretical, and societal implications accordingly.