bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental research on mechanical performance of grouting plugging material with large amount of fly ash
Authors: Pengshuai Wang , Zhengzheng Cao , Zhenhua Li , Feng Du , Wenqiang Wang , Minglei Zhai , Zijie Hong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn order to achieve the purpose of long-term stable mining of roadway, the strength and stability of rock mass are improved by means of grouting of fractured rock mass. In this paper, orthogonal test and numerical simulation methods were used to study the plugging performance of large amount of fly ash grouting slurry. The fluidity, water separation rate, compressive strength, setting time, stone rate and viscosity of the slurry were analyzed, and the optimal slurry ratio scheme was obtained. Under the optimal ratio scheme, the slurry transport process of the fractured rock mass was simulated, and the dynamic evolution law of the permeability of the slurry in the fractured rock mass was obtained. The study shows that the proportions of fly ash, ordinary Portland cement, loess, accelerant, expansion agent, bentonite water reducer and solidifying agent were 52.65%, 27.70%, 13.85%, 3%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.6% and 0.7% in the slurry ratio scheme, respectively. The slurry migration in the fractured rock mass experienced three stages, namely the filling and diffusion stage, the percolation and deposition stage and the sealing stage. The initial permeability was 971.9 mD and decreased to 45.79 mD after 1800 s, with a decrease of 95.3%. The slurry sealing performance was significantly improved, which has certain guiding significance for the application of underground grouting reinforcement engineering.
A filarial parasite potentially associated with the health burden on domestic chickens in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Naoki , Hosokawa Kumiko , Yamamoto Yu , Kodama Sachiko , Kurokawa Aoi , Nakao Ryo , Nonaka Nariaki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractChickens in free-range environments are at risk of exposure to various pathogens, such as filarioids transmitted via hematophagous vectors. However, the study of filarioids in poultry has been largely neglected compared to the extensive studies focused on viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Here, we performed histological and molecular investigations of the filarioids detected in domestic chickens from two different flocks in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In the first case, adult worms were present in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle, and microfilariae were present in multiple organs of deceased chickens. In the second case, similar filarioids were detected in the organs and blood of one necropsied layer. Phylogenetic analysis using 18S rRNA gene fragments positioned the filarioid in the same clade as that of Onchocercidae sp., previously identified in a deceased chicken from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, that is located 500 km away from Hiroshima Prefecture. Based on 28S rRNA and mitochondrial COI gene fragments, the filarioid was positioned distinctly from previously reported genera of avian filarioids. These results suggest that the filarioids are potentially associated with the health burden on domestic chickens and belong to the genus Paronchocerca. Furthermore, we developed a nested PCR assay targeting mitochondrial COI and detected the parasite DNA from the biting midge Culicoides arakawae captured near the flock, suggesting that it serves as a vector. Our findings fill the knowledge gap regarding avian filarioids, laying the groundwork for future studies examining the epidemiology, life cycle, and species diversity of this neglected parasite group.
Distribution of cionin, a cholecystokinin/gastrin family peptide, and its receptor in the central nervous system of Ciona intestinalis type A
Authors: Taniguchi Shiho , Nakayama Satoshi , Iguchi Rin , Sasakura Yasunori , Satake Honoo , Wada Shuichi , Suzuki Nobuo , Ogasawara Michio , Sekiguchi Toshio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin family peptides are involved in regulation of feeding and digestion in vertebrates. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta), cionin, a CCK/gastrin family peptide, has been identified. Cionin is expressed exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, cionin receptor expression has been detected in the CNS, digestive tract, and ovary. Although cionin has been reported to be involved in ovulation, its physiological function in the CNS remains to be investigated. To elucidate its neural function, in the present study, we analyzed the expression of cionin and cionin receptors in the CNS. Cionin was expressed mainly in neurons residing in the anterior region of the cerebral ganglion. In contrast, the gene expressin of the cionin receptor gene CioR1, was detected in the middle part of the cerebral ganglion and showed a similar expression pattern to that of VACHT, a cholinergic neuron marker gene. Moreover, CioR1 was found to be expressed in cholinergic neurons. Consequently, these results suggest that cionin interacts with cholinergic neurons as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator via CioR1. This study provides insights into a biological role of a CCK/gastrin family peptide in the CNS of ascidians.
Separation of bimodal fMRI responses in mouse somatosensory areas into V1 and non-V1 contributions
Authors: Dinh Thi Ngoc Anh , Moon Hyun Seok , Kim Seong-Gi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMultisensory integration is necessary for the animal to survive in the real world. While conventional methods have been extensively used to investigate the multisensory integration process in various brain areas, its long-range interactions remain less explored. In this study, our goal was to investigate interactions between visual and somatosensory networks on a whole-brain scale using 15.2-T BOLD fMRI. We compared unimodal to bimodal BOLD fMRI responses and dissected potential cross-modal pathways with silencing of primary visual cortex (V1) by optogenetic stimulation of local GABAergic neurons. Our data showed that the influence of visual stimulus on whisker activity is higher than the influence of whisker stimulus on visual activity. Optogenetic silencing of V1 revealed that visual information is conveyed to whisker processing via both V1 and non-V1 pathways. The first-order ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) was functionally affected by non-V1 sources, while the higher-order posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) was predominantly modulated by V1 but not non-V1 inputs. The primary somatosensory barrel field (S1BF) was influenced by both V1 and non-V1 inputs. These observations provide valuable insights for into the integration of whisker and visual sensory information.
Monitoring plant responses in field-grown peanuts exposed to exogenously applied chitosan under full and limited irrigation levels
Authors: Mohammed Kassem A. S. , Hussein Hussein Mohamed , Elshamly Ayman M. S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, numerous studies have examined the effects of climate change on the responses of plants. These studies have primarily examined the effects of solitary stress on plants, neglecting the simultaneous effects of mixed stress, which are anticipated to transpire frequently as a result of the extreme climatic fluctuations. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of applied chitosan on boosting the resistance responses of peanuts to alkali and mixed drought-alkali stresses. Peanuts were grown in mid-alkaline soil and irrigated with full irrigation water requirements (100%IR), represented alkali condition (100% IR × alkali soil) and stress conditions (70% IR × alkali soil—represented mixed drought-alkali conditions). Additionally, the plants were either untreated or treated with foliar chitosan. The study evaluated various plant physio-chemical characteristics, including element contents (leaves and roots), seed yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Plants that experienced solitary alkali stress were found to be more vulnerable. However, chitosan applications were effective for reducing (soil pH and sodium absorption), alongside promoting examined physio-chemical measurements, yield traits, and IWUE. Importantly, when chitosan was applied under alkali conditions, the accumulations of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) in leaves and roots were maximized. Under mixed drought-alkali stresses, the results revealed a reduction in yield, reaching about 5.1 and 5.8% lower than under (100% IR × alkali), in the first and second seasons, respectively. Interestingly, treated plants under mixed drought-alkali stresses with chitosan recorded highest values of relative water content, proline, yield, IWUE, and nutrient uptake of (nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium) as well as the lowest sodium content in leaves and roots. Enhances the accumulation of (N, K, and Mg) instead of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) was the primary plant response to chitosan applications, which averted severe damage caused by mixed drought-alkali conditions, over time. These findings provide a framework of the nutrient homeostasis changes induced by chitosan under mixed stresses. Based on the findings, it is recommended under mixed drought-alkali conditions to treat plants with chitosan. This approach offers a promising perspective for achieving optimal yield with reduced water usage.
Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bersama abyssinica F. seed extracts
Authors: Alemu Belayhun , Molla Meseret Derbew , Tezera Hiwot , Dekebo Aman , Asmamaw Tadesse 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMedicinal plants can be potential sources of therapeutic agents. Traditional healers use a medicinal plant from Ethiopia, Bersama abyssinica Fresen, to treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of B. abyssinica seed extracts (BASE). Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis was used to determine the phytochemical compositions of BASE. The antioxidant activities were assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) assay, ferric chloride reducing assay and hydroxyl scavenging capacity assay. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 30 volatile compounds; α-pinene (23.85%), eucalyptol (20.74%), β-pinene (5.75%), d-limonene (4.05%), and o-cymene (5.02%). DPPH-induced free radical scavenging (IC50 = 8.78), TBARS (IC50 = 0.55 µg/mL), and hydroxyl radicals’ scavenging capacities assays (IC50 = 329.23) demonstrated high antioxidant effects of BASE. Reducing power was determined based on Fe3+–Fe2+ transformation in the presence of extract. BASE was found to show promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa (zone of inhibition 15.7 ± 2.5 mm, 16.0 ± 0.0 mm, and 16.7 ± 1.5 mm, respectively), but excellent antifungal activities against C. albican and M. furfur (zone of inhibition 22.0 ± 2.0 mm and 22.0 ± 4.0 mm, respectively). The seeds of B. abyssinica grown in Ethiopia possess high antioxidant potential, promising antibacterial and superior antifungal activity. Therefore, seeds of B. abyssinica provide a potential source for drug discovery.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Analytical investigations of propagation of ultra-broad nonparaxial pulses in a birefringent optical waveguide by three computational ideas
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Manafian Jalil , Singh Gurpreet , Alkader Naief Alabed , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper mainly concentrates on obtaining solutions and other exact traveling wave solutions using the generalized G-expansion method. Some new exact solutions of the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger system using the mentioned method are extracted. This method is based on the general properties of the nonlinear model of expansion method with the support of the complete discrimination system for polynomial method and computer algebraic system (AS) such as Maple or Mathematica. The nonparaxial solitons with the propagation of ultra-broad nonparaxial pulses in a birefringent optical waveguide is studied. To attain this, an illustrative case of the coupled nonlinear Helmholtz (CNLH) system is given to illustrate the possibility and unwavering quality of the strategy utilized in this research. These solutions can be significant in the use of understanding the behavior of wave guides when studying Kerr medium, optical computing and optical beams in Kerr like nonlinear media. Physical meanings of solutions are simulated by various Figures in 2D and 3D along with density graphs. The constraint conditions of the existence of solutions are also reported in detail. Finally, the modulation instability analysis of the CNLH equation is presented in detail.
Asymmetric metamaterial sandwich structure with NIM characteristics for THz imaging application
Authors: Ramachandran Tayaallen , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Al-mugren K. S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study presented a unique, miniaturised asymmetric interconnected vertical stripe (IVS) design for terahertz (THz) frequency applications. Therefore, this research aimed to achieve a frequency response of 0 to 10 THz using a 5 × 5 µm2 Silicon (Si) substrate material. Meanwhile, various parametric examinations were conducted to investigate variations in the performance. For example, the unit cell selection process was carefully examined by using various design structures and modifying the structure by adding split gaps and connecting bars between vertical stripes. Furthermore, the proposed sandwich structure design was used to compute the absorbance and reflectance properties. All the analytical examinations were executed utilising the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) 2019 software. The introduced IVS metamaterial exhibits negative index behaviour and has a single resonance frequency of 5.23 THz with an acceptable magnitude of − 24.38 dB. Additionally, the quadruple-layer IVS structure exhibits optimised transmission coefficient behaviour between 3 and 6 THz and 7 to 9 THz, respectively. However, the magnitude of the transmission coefficient increased with the number of material layers. Besides that, the absorbance study shows that using a quadruple-layer structure obtains unique and promising results. Overall, the proposed asymmetric IVS metamaterial design achieves the required performance by using a compact structure rather than extending the dimensions of the design.
Detection of prions in matching post-mortem skin and cerebrospinal fluid samples using second-generation real-time quaking-induced conversion assay
Authors: Baranová Soňa , Moško Tibor , Brůžová Magdalena , Haldiman Tracy , Kim Chae , Safar Jiri G. , Matěj Radoslav , Holada Karel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractReal-time quaking-induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) exploits templating activity of pathogenic prion protein for ultrasensitive detection of prions. We have utilized second generation RT-QuIC assay to analyze matching post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid and skin samples of 38 prion disease patients and of 30 deceased neurological controls. The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples led to 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, but some samples had to be diluted before the analysis to alleviate the effect of present RT-QuIC inhibitors. The analysis of the corresponding skin samples provided 89.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The median seeding dose present in the skin was one order of magnitude higher than in the cerebrospinal fluid, despite the overall fluorescent signal of the skin samples was comparatively lower. Our data support the use of post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid for confirmation of prion disease diagnosis and encourage further studies of the potential of skin biopsy samples for intra-vitam prion diseases´ diagnostics.
Diverse adolescents’ transcendent thinking predicts young adult psychosocial outcomes via brain network development
Authors: Gotlieb Rebecca J. M. , Yang Xiao-Fei , Immordino-Yang Mary Helen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDevelopmental scientists have long described mid-adolescents’ emerging capacities to make deep meaning about the social world and self, here called transcendent thinking, as a hallmark developmental stage. In this 5-years longitudinal study, sixty-five 14–18 years-old youths’ proclivities to grapple psychologically with the ethical, systems-level and personal implications of social stories, predicted future increases in the coordination of two key brain networks: the default-mode network, involved in reflective, autobiographical and free-form thinking, and the executive control network, involved in effortful, focused thinking; findings were independent of IQ, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. This neural development predicted late-adolescent identity development, which predicted young-adult self-liking and relationship satisfaction, in a developmental cascade. The findings reveal a novel predictor of mid-adolescents’ neural development, and suggest the importance of attending to adolescents’ proclivities to engage agentically with complex perspectives and emotions on the social and personal relevance of issues, such as through civically minded educational approaches.
The RoxyScan is a novel measurement of red blood cell deformability under oxidative and shear stress
Authors: Larkin Sandra K. , Hernández Carolina , van Beers Eduard J. , van Wijk Richard , Kuypers Frans A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractExposure to both oxidative and shear stress, a condition that the red blood cell (RBC) continuously experiences in the circulation in vivo can be mimicked in a Couette type viscometer and monitored by ektacytometry. RBCs maintain their deformation and orientation under shear stress and oxidative stress until a threshold is reached at which these conditions appear to overwhelm the elaborate and complex pathways that maintain a proper redox environment in the cell. Oxidative stress under shear alters the ability of the cell to deform, changes cell morphology, its orientation in the shear stress field, and appears to alter intracellular and membrane characteristics. The application of the RoxyScan technology allows the comparison of oxidant effects and the role of antioxidant systems. This provides the opportunity to study the ability of RBC to deal with oxidative stress in various conditions, including RBC disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD).
Machine-learning-based global optimization of microwave passives with variable-fidelity EM models and response features
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMaximizing microwave passive component performance demands precise parameter tuning, particularly as modern circuits grow increasingly intricate. Yet, achieving this often requires a comprehensive approach due to their complex geometries and miniaturized structures. However, the computational burden of optimizing these components via full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations is substantial. EM analysis remains crucial for circuit reliability, but the expense of conducting rudimentary EM-driven global optimization by means of popular bio-inspired algorithms is impractical. Similarly, nonlinear system characteristics pose challenges for surrogate-assisted methods. This paper introduces an innovative technique leveraging variable-fidelity EM simulations and response feature technology within a kriging-based machine-learning framework for cost-effective global parameter tuning of microwave passives. The efficiency of this approach stems from performing most operations at the low-fidelity simulation level and regularizing the objective function landscape through the response feature method. The primary prediction tool is a co-kriging surrogate, while a particle swarm optimizer, guided by predicted objective function improvements, handles the search process. Rigorous validation demonstrates the proposed framework's competitive efficacy in design quality and computational cost, typically requiring only sixty high-fidelity EM analyses, juxtaposed with various state-of-the-art benchmark methods. These benchmarks encompass nature-inspired algorithms, gradient search, and machine learning techniques directly interacting with the circuit's frequency characteristics.
Initial non-invasive in vivo sensing of the lung using time domain diffuse optics
Authors: Pifferi Antonio , Miniati Massimo , Farina Andrea , Konugolu Venkata Sekar Sanathana , Lanka Pranav , Dalla Mora Alberto , Maffeis Giulia , Taroni Paola 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disorders (caused for example by emphysema, Covid-19, immature lung tissue in infants) could be effectively supported by the non-invasive sensing of the lung through light. With this purpose, we investigated the feasibility of probing the lung by means of time-resolved diffuse optics, leveraging the increased depth (a few centimeters) attained by photons collected after prolonged propagation time (a few nanoseconds). We present an initial study that includes measurements performed on 5 healthy volunteers during a breathing protocol, using a time-resolved broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy system. Those measurements were carried out across the spectral range of 600–1100 nm at a source-detector distance of 3 cm, and at 820 nm over a longer distance (7–9 cm). The preliminary analysis of the in vivo data with a simplified homogeneous model revealed a maximum probing depth of 2.6–3.9 cm, suitable for reaching the lung. Furthermore, we observed variations in signal associated with respiration, particularly evident at long photon propagation times. However, challenges stemming from both intra- and inter-subject variability, along with inconsistencies potentially arising from conflicting scattering and absorption effects on the collected signal, hindered a clear interpretation. Aspects that require further investigation for a more comprehensive understanding are outlined.
Body mass index and risk of cancer in young women
Authors: Dikaiou Pigi , Edqvist Jon , Lagergren Jesper , Adiels Martin , Björck Lena , Rosengren Annika 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt is unclear how increasing body mass index (BMI) influences risk of cancer in young women. We used data from the Medical Birth, Patient and Cause of Death registers collected between 1982 and 2014 to determine the risk of obesity-related cancer types, breast cancer, all cancer and cancer-related death in relation to BMI in 1,386,725 women, aged between 18 and 45 years, in Sweden. During a median follow-up of 16.3 years (IQR 7.7–23.5), 9808 women developed cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) of endometrial and ovarian cancer increased with higher BMI from 1.08 (95% CI 0.93–1.24) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.96–1.21) among women with BMI 22.5–< 25 to 2.33 (95% CI 1.92–2.83) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.24–1.77), respectively, among women with BMI ≥ 30. There were linear and positive associations between BMI and incident cancer in the ovary, colon, endometrium, pancreas, rectum, gallbladder, esophageal cancer and renal cell carcinoma, as well as death from obesity-related cancer forms. In conclusion, we found that elevated BMI in young women linearly associated with several obesity-related cancer forms, including death from these cancers.