bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel toxicity to safflower seed germination and seedling morpho-anatomy
Authors: Baran Uğurcan , Tanık Sude , Vardar Mert Can , Ülger Güray , Aksoy Ahmet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The safflowers (Carthamus tinctorius L. cv Olas) grown hydroponically under nickel (Ni) conditions have been studied in this work. The effects of 0, 0.75, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0-, and 15.0-mM Ni on seed germination rate, protein, and pigment content of germinating seeds were investigated. Also, the toxicity of 0.75 mM Ni on plant growth, malondialdehyde (MDA) amount, and anatomy of 21-day-old safflower seedlings’ roots, stems, and leaves were determined. While Ni (especially higher than 3.0 mM) adversely affected the germination rate, radicle length, protein, and pigment content of safflower seeds, it also negatively affected the biomass production, plant length, leaf number, MDA amount, as well as some cell size/structure of roots (endodermis, phloem, trachea), stems (trachea and tracheid), and leaves (epidermis and sponge parenchyma) of safflower seedlings. Our results revealed that seedling growth was more sensitive to Ni exposure than germination. Although severe toxic effects were observed in 0.75 mM Ni treatment for plant growth parameters, seed germination only started to be highly affected at concentrations higher than 3.0 mM Ni.
Investigation and drug sensitivity analysis of reproductive tract infection in 7073 infertile patients
Authors: Wang Hong , AL-AMEER WAIL HUSSEIN AHMED , Zhou Lina , Huang Wen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives To research the pathogen distribution and Mycoplasma resistance of reproductive tract infection in infertile women in Wenzhou in recent years, and to provide experimental basis for clinical medication.
Methods Infertility patients diagnosed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected. Cervical secretions were collected for pathogen detection and mycoplasma drug sensitivity test.
Results 4154 cases of reproductive tract infection were detected in 7073patients, with an infection rate of 58.73%. Mycoplasma infection(49.88%) was the most common, the main mode of CT infection was CT+UU with a positive rate of 1.40%. 595 cases were infected with two or more pathogens, and the mixed infection rate was 8.41%.The infection rates of UU, CT, UU+MH, UU+CT, UU+MH+CT (67.21%, 0.59%, 7.83%, 2.26%, 0.95%) in women with tubal infertility were higher than those in women with non-tubal infertility (P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of MH and NG between the two groups (P>0.05). The drug sensitivity test showed that there were many sensitive drugs to UU, including minocycline (98.57%), doxycycline (98.50%), josamycin (94.51%), azithromycin (78.82%) and erythromycin (70.69%). However, UU+MH mixed infection was severely resistant sensitive to azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin and rohong, only sensitive to minocycline (98.05%), doxycycline (98.70%) and josamycin (88.50%).
Conclusion Common venereal pathogens genital tract infection is closely related to infertility, UU infection is the most common, multiple pathogens mixed infection is very common and serious drug resistant. It is suggested to select sensitive antibiotics to reduce the generation of drug-resistance strains according to the results of drug sensitivity test.
The Impact of the Polysidpersed Fuel Distribution on the Ignition Characteristic
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Nave OPhir , Gol'dshtein Vladimir 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Determining the thermal profile of the ignition is an important goal, as the desired ignition behavior varies with the objective. For example, extended ignition helps prolong the time that the engine run. On the other hand, fast ignition offers higher power gain. Another important aspect is the pollution caused by an undesirable chemical reaction determined by the ignition profile. Based on a procedure developed in an earlier article, we examined the impact of different theoretical PSD distributions on the thermal ignition profile. We have compared different particle size distributions (PSD) of polydispersed fuel spray with normal distribution with various means, each with the same amount of fuel volume. Our results reveal a significant dependency of thermal ignition on the PSD distribution. Systems that consist of only low radii droplets do not reach ignition, while systems with only high radii take a long time to establish ignition. Moreover, the change in droplet means radius shows an unexpected result of a double hump in the maximums temperature of the combustion process.
Microbiological desymmetrization of difficult-to- reduce bulky-bulky ketones
Authors: Kołodziejska Renata , Pawluk Hanna , Tafelska-Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Studzińska Renata , Baumgart Szymon , Kwit Marcin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This report presents the desymmetrization of prochiral bulky-bulky pyrimidine bases in the presence of commercial or home-made enzyme preparations as biocatalysts. Based on the experiments carried out, it was shown that commonly used baker’s yeast is a catalyst for 1N- and 3N-phenacyl derivatives of trimethyleneuracils. The substrate concentration and pH of the reaction medium were important for the selectivity and efficiency of the process. 1N derivatives were reduced with the highest degree of enantiomeric purity and a moderate degree of conversion for a substrate concentration of 5×10-4 mol/dm3, in a solution with pH 7.0 and 5.0. In the case of 3N-phenacyl derivatives for a concentration of 1×10-3 mol/dm3 in a solution with pH 6.0 and 7.0. Biotransformations catalyzed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided the corresponding (R)- or (S)-products with high optical purity (up to 99% ee).
Assessment of Tanzania Magnesite’s Suitability for the Struvite Recovery and Other Industrial Applications
Authors: Illakwahhi Daniel Tsingay , Vegi Maheswara Rao , Srivast Bajarang Bali Lal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Magnesite (MgCO3) is a valuable mineral with wide industrial applications; thus, geochemical familiarity and deposit quality are critical for making the best use of these resources. Tanzania is reported to have magnesite deposits in at least 12 different locations; however, four of these were chosen at random for study. This study aimed to examine the mineralogical and elemental composition of rock samples from Chambogo (KL), Muriatata (AR), Lobolosoiti (MN), and Chikaza (DM) using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and powder x-ray diffraction (XRD). XRF examination revealed that sample KL, AR, MN, and DM, respectively, contain 45.21%, 46.06%, 43.21%, and 43.21% of magnesium oxide. Besides MgO, all samples contained SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, CaO and several trace elements as impurities, with only calcium oxide, iron, arsenic and chromium identified as impurities of concern. However, XRD analysis indicated magnesite as the major mineral phase in samples KL, AR, MN, and DM, with percentage concentrations of 65.2, 68.14, 63.87, and 68, respectively. In all samples, strong peaks at 2θ~ 33o, 43o, 54o and 55o, confirmed the crystalline nature of magnesite. Calcination of these samples however, resulted in peak shift and phase change, with main diffraction peaks generated at 2θ~ 36.9o, 42.9o and 62.3o, confirming the formation of crystalline MgO. Despite considerable contamination levels of CaO, iron, chromium, and arsenic in the samples, all samples had enough magnesite to be mined for industrial use.
Effect of Soft Chain Types on Polycarbonate Diol-based Polyurethane Elastomers
Authors: Pang Jiahong , Zhang Xingfei , Zhong Jiachun , Wang Qi , Yang Yuhao , Yang Kaijie , Yue Mengjie , Pu Zejun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) have been synthesized with polycarbonate diol synthesized from 1, 4-butanediol (C4PCDL) and 1, 6-butanediol (C6PCDL), polycaprolactone diol (PCL) as well as polytetrahydrofuran ether diol (PTMG) as soft segments respectively, with Isopharone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1, 4-butanediol as hard segments. The PUEs composed of four different soft chains are called PUE1, PUE2, PUE3 and PUE4, whose structure, mechanical and thermal properties and light transmittance have been tested with the aim to analyze the effect of the structure of the soft chain on the properties. The experimental results indicate that PUEs successfully be synthesized with the prepolymer method. The stronger the polarity of the soft chains is, the greater the tensile strength, hardness and heat-resistant quality of the PUEs is. With the increase of the flexibility of the soft chain of the PUEs, its elongation at break will increase and Tg will decrease and the light transmittance of it is affected by the degree of phase separation. Specifically, the greater the degree of phase separation is, the lower the transmittance is. The tensile strength of PUE1 reaches 39.82 MPa, the hardness reaches 93.9 Shore A, and the Td5% reaches 308.9 ℃. Without this, its transmittance also reached 92.31%.
Blockchain-based decentralized storage scheme with verifiable fair payment for smart cities
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang YaLing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) technology can enable intelligence in various fields such as urban transportation, energy, environment, and security. While a large number of terminals collect data to bring efficiency and convenience, the problem of data security is becoming increasingly severe. Although existing centralized cloud services can provide powerful computing and storage resources, they also present risks such as data congestion, single points of failure, and privacy leakage. In order to address the above challenges, this paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized storage management scheme for IoT data in smart cities scenario to improve data storage security. The scheme uses a non-interactive verification mechanism, combined with smart contracts, to realize automatic data verification. Set rewards and penalties to ensure fairness in IoT data storage transactions. The security analysis shows that the data verification mechanism proposed in this paper can effectively mitigate multiple attacks. We deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum platform and conduct experimental evaluations, then write smart contracts on the chain and test the Gas consumption of the contracts. We also evaluate the time efficiency of the algorithms off the chain, and the experimental results prove the practicality of the proposed scheme.
Effects of attention on the asymmetric serial dependences between form and motion patterns and their computational processes
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Si-Yu , Sun Meng-Ying , You Fan-Huan , Ran Ping , Sun Qian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that serial dependences are asymmetric in the estimation of the focus of expansion (FoE) in the global static form and dynamic optic flow displays. Here, we conducted two experiments to examine whether and how attention affected the serial dependences between the two displays. We found that when all attentional resources are allocated to the FoE estimation task, the serial dependence of the form FoE estimation on the previous flow FoE (SDEflow_form) still existed even as the flow FoE was 40°, while the serial dependence of the flow FoE estimation on the previous form FoE (SDEform_flow) disappeared as the form FoE was beyond 30°. When attentional resources are distributed by other tasks, the SDEflow_form tended to be stronger than the SDEform_flow. Therefore, the SDEflow_form and SDEform_flow are asymmetric regardless of observers’ attentional states. Lastly, we developed two Bayesian models based on the proposal that attention modulated the certainty of sensory representations of currently presented features. Besides, one model took the effects of working memory on previously presented features in consideration. We found that the model with working memory predicted participants’ performances better than the model without considering working memory. In summary, the current study demonstrated attention and working memory affected the serial dependences between form and flow displays and the effects could be quantitatively predicted by Bayesian inference models.
A hierarchical model system of biomass and carbon storage for all forest types in China
Authors: Zeng Weisheng , Zou WenTao , Chen XinYun , Yang XueYun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Forest biomass and carbon storage models are crucial for inventorying, monitoring, and assessing forest resources. This study develops models specific to China's diverse forests, offering a methodological foundation for national carbon storage estimation and a reference for regional and global carbon sequestration projections. Utilizing data from 52,700 permanent plots obtained during China's 9th national forest inventory, we calculated biomass and carbon storage per hectare for 35 tree species groups using respective biomass models and carbon factors. We then constructed a hierarchical volume-based model system for forest biomass and carbon storage, applying weighted regression, dummy variable modeling, and simultaneous equations with error-in-variables. This system encompasses a single population, three forest categories (level I), 20 forest types (level II), and 74 forest sub-types (level III). Finally, assessment of these models was carried out with six evaluation indices, and comparative analyses with previously established biomass models were conducted. Determination coefficients (R²) for the population average, level I, II, and III dummy models exceed 0.78, 0.85, 0.92, and 0.95, respectively, with corresponding mean percent standard errors (MPSE) of approximately 22%, 21%, 15%, and 12%. Furthermore, mean prediction errors (MPE) have consistently lessened to below 0.5%, and total relative errors (TRE) approximate zero. Models for 20 forest types and 74 sub-types yield R² values above 0.87 and 0.85, with MPE values below 3% and 5%, respectively. Notably, the estimates of previous biomass models demonstrated considerable uncertainty, with TRE ranging from − 20–74%. However, accuracy has improved with larger sample sizes. In total biomass and carbon storage estimations, the R² values of dummy models for levels I, II, and III progressively increase and MPSE values decrease, whereas MPE and TRE remain relatively stable. The tiered model system of simultaneous equations developed herein offer a quantitative framework for precise evaluations of biomass and carbon storage across China's forests. For enhanced accuracy in such estimations, applying level III models is recommended whenever feasible.
Novel GNAI3 mutation in a Chinese auriculocondylar syndrome family and treatment of severe dentofacial deformities: A 5-years follow-up case report
Authors: Shi Yulin , Rong Liang , Liu Siying , Liu Yiwen , Zong Chunlin , Lu Jinbiao , Shang Hongtao , Xue Yang , Tian Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant or recessive condition and the typical triad manifestations of ARCND are question mark ears (QMEs), mandibular condyle hypoplasia, and micrognathia. This severe dental and maxillofacial malformations have caused great trouble to patient’s life and clinical treatment. Now only a few ARCND cases are reported in the world, but most of them are about genetic mutations, clinical symptoms, and ear correction, reports concerning treatment of dentofacial deformity are few.
Case presentation
We here present a rare Chinese family case with ARCND. A novel insertional mutation in guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-inhibiting activity polypeptide 3 (GNAI3) was identified in the patient and the patient’s brother by whole-exome sequencing. After multidisciplinary consultation and examination, sequential orthodontic treatment and craniofacial surgery including distraction osteogenesis (DO) and orthognathic surgery were performed with the aid of three-dimensional (3D) digital technology to treat the patient’s dentofacial deformity. A good prognosis was achieved in 5-years follow-up, and the patient returned to normal life.
Conclusion
ARCND is a monogenic and rare condition, it could be diagnosed by its clinical triad core features. Molecular diagnosis plays a crucial role in patients who has unconspicuous clinical features. We present a novel insertion variation of GNAI3 which was identified in exon 2 of chromosome 110116384 in a Chinese family. The sequential therapy of preoperative orthodontic treatment combined with DO and orthognathic surgery guided by 3D digital technology could be a practical and effective method to treat ACSND.
Freeze-dried fecal microorganisms as an effective biomaterial for the treatment of calves suffering from diarrhea
Authors: Nochi Tomonori , Islam Jahidul , Ohtani Natsuki , Shimizu Yu , Tanimizu Masae , Goto Yoshiaki , Sato Masumi , Makino Eiji , Shimada Toru , Ueda Chise , Matsuo Ayumi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Sakai Yoshihisa , Karrow Niel , Yoneyama Hiroshi , Hirakawa Ryota , Furukawa Mutsumi , Tanaka Hidekazu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a therapeutic modality for treating neonatal calf diarrhea. Several practical barriers, including donor selection, fecal collection, and a limited timeframe for FMT, are the main constraints to using fresh feces for implementing on-farm FMT. We report the utility of FMT with pretreated ready-to-use frozen (F) or freeze-dried (FD) microorganisms for treating calf diarrhea. In total, 19 FMT (F-FMT, n = 10 and FD-FMT, n = 9) treatments were conducted. Both FMT treatments were 100% clinically effective; however, multi-omics analysis showed that FD-FMT was superior to F-FMT. Machine learning analysis with SourceTracker confirmed that donor microbiota was retained four times better in the recipient calves treated with FD-FMT than F-FMT. A predictive model based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and area under the curve showed that FD-FMT was more discriminative than F-FMT of the observed changes in microbiota and metabolites during disease recovery. These results provide new insights into establishing methods for preparing fecal microorganisms to increase the quality of FMT in animals and may contribute to FMT in humans.
AAV vectors trigger DNA damage responses and STING-dependent inflammation in human CNS cells
Authors: Costa-Verdera Helena , Meneghini Vasco , Fitzpatrick Zachary , Alezz Monah Abou , Fabyanic Emily , Huang Xin , Dzhashiashvili Yulia , Ahiya Avantika , Mangiameli Elisabeth , Valeri Erika , Crivicich Giovanni , Cuccovillo Ivan , Caccia Roberta , Bertin Berangere , Ronzitti Giuseppe , Engel Esteban , Merelli Ivan , Mingozzi Federico , Gritti Angela , Kuranda Klaudia , Kajaste-Rudnitski Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-based gene therapy is gaining foothold as a treatment option for a variety of genetic neurological diseases with encouraging clinical results. Nonetheless, dose-dependent toxicities and severe adverse events have emerged in recent clinical trials through mechanisms that remain unclear. We have modelled here the impact of AAV transduction in the context of cell models of the human central nervous system (CNS), taking advantage of induced pluripotent stem cell-based technologies. Our work uncovers vector-induced cell-intrinsic innate immune mechanisms that contribute to apoptosis in 2D and 3D models. While empty AAV capsids were well tolerated, the AAV genome triggered p53-dependent DNA damage responses across CNS cell types followed by induction of IL-1R- and STING-dependent inflammatory responses. In addition, transgene expression led to MAVS-dependent signaling and activation of type I interferon (IFN) responses. Cell-intrinsic and paracrine apoptosis onset could be prevented by inhibiting p53 or acting downstream of STING- and IL-1R-mediated responses. Activation of DNA damage, type I IFN and CNS inflammation were confirmed in vivo, in a mouse model. Together, our work identifies the cell-autonomous innate immune mechanisms of vector DNA sensing that can potentially contribute to AAV-associated neurotoxicity.
Experimental Investigation on Anisotropic Shear Properties of Artificial Columnar Jointed Rock Mass Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Method
Authors: tao zhang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The anisotropic shear mechanical characteristics of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) were studied. Specimens were taken from the geometric structure of the CJRM of the dam foundation at the Baihetan hydropower station. A water-soluble material was used by three-dimensional printing technology to establish a columnar jointed network structure with different joint dip angles. The CJRM specimens were prepared with rock-like materials. The anisotropy characteristics of CJRM specimens with positive and negative joint dip angles under shear stress were analyzed by direct shear tests, and observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the anisotropy of CJRM specimens depends on the joint dip angle. The anisotropy degree of the characteristic stresses and peak friction angle of CJRM specimens with positive joint dip angles is greater than that of negative joint dip angles. Four failure modes are observed, depending on the joint dip angle. The research results provide a reference for the anisotropic shear mechanical properties of CJRM in geotechnical engineering.
The detection of absence seizures using cross-frequency coupling analysis with a deep learning network
Authors: Medvedev Andrei V. , Lehmann Bar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

High frequency oscillations are important novel biomarkers of epileptogenic tissue. The interaction of oscillations across different time scales is revealed as cross-frequency coupling (CFC) representing a high-order structure in the functional organization of brain rhythms. New artificial intelligence methods such as deep learning neural networks can provide powerful tools for automated analysis of EEG. Here we present a Stacked Sparse Autoencoder (SSAE) trained to recognize absence seizure activity based on the cross-frequency patterns within scalp EEG. We used EEG records from the Temple University Hospital database. Absence seizures (n = 94) from 12 patients were taken into analysis along with segments of background activity. Half of the records were selected randomly for network training and the second half were used for testing. Power-to-power coupling was calculated between all frequencies 2-120 Hz pairwise using the EEGLAB toolbox. The resulting CFC matrices were used as training or testing inputs to the autoencoder. The trained network was able to recognize background and seizure segments (not used in training) with a sensitivity of 96.3%, specificity of 99.8% and overall accuracy of 98.5%. Our results provide evidence that the SSAE neural networks can be used for automated detection of absence seizures within scalp EEG.