bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ionic Liquid [emim][OAc] on the Set Recovery Behavior of Densified Wood
Authors: Zhang Shiying , Meinhard Halvar , Collins Steven , Lourencon Tainise V. , Rautkari Lauri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Wood modification techniques, like densification, can improve the mechanical performance of low-density and undervalued wood species, rendering them suitable for high-value engineering applications. Nevertheless, densified wood (DW) commonly manifests a set recovery (SR) phenomenon when exposed to water, negating the enhancements achieved through densification. Our method addresses the SR issue and the non-recyclability associated with conventionally produced DW using chemical techniques in wood densification. To mitigate SR in DW, an ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate was impregnated as a cellulose plasticizing agent prior to wood densification. This method facilitated permanent deformation within the cellulose network, resulting in negligible SR. Moreover, the DW treated with IL (DW_1w) demonstrated an increase in both modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity after water washing and subsequent redrying, in comparison to the untreated control (UC). Notably, spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses indicated that the chemical structure of DW_1w remained akin to that of UC. Additionally, the IL leached out during the DW-water washing step showed potential for recovery. This research contributes to advancing sustainable alternatives for less ecologically friendly (chemical) pretreatment methods to reduce SR related issues in DW.
Coalescence of soil microbial communities: consequences, mechanisms, and influential factors
Authors: Chen Danhong , Wang Zelin , Chen Meiping , Liu Kaifang , Liu Dong , Cui Xiaoyong , Xu Zhihong , Xue Kai , Wang Yanfen , Che Rongxiao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Community coalescence is a major manner of microbial dispersal and a fundamental process of microbial community assembly, yet little is known about its ecological effects, mechanisms, and influential factors. Here, a series of microcosmic experiments including soil mixing, sterilization, as well as microbial extraction and inoculation, were performed to address the knowledge gaps.
Results: We found that most physicochemical and microbial properties of the coalesced soils exhibited intermediate characteristics compared to the original soils. Weighted species additive effect emerged as the primary driver for soil microbial community coalescence, with contributions reaching 58.44% (prokaryotes) and 51.57% (fungi). In contrast, the contributions from environmental selection were only less than 20%. Upon the removal of soil particle barrier effects, the contributions of abiotic and biotic environmental selection to soil microbial community coalescence increased to 34.60% and 23.76%, respectively. However, their interactions substantially offset the main effects of abiotic and biotic environmental selection. Original soil differences, mixing ratios, and priority effects were critical factors affecting the consequences of soil microbial community coalescence. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying microbial community coalescence were similar under different mixing ratios.
Conclusions: Our findings underscore the predictability of soil microbial community coalescence, providing critical insights into comprehending microbial community assembly mechanisms.
Trimodal Therapy for T3 Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer：a retrospective case series study
Authors: Chen Yatong , Luo Fei , Li Jian , Zhang Tingji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bladder sparing therapy not only preserves bladder function and improves quality of life for patients, but also achieves survival rates similar to radical cystectomy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapy of T3 muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) by transurethral photo-selective vaporization of bladder tumors (PVBT) combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and to accumulate evidence for further research.
METHODS: This a retrospective case series study. The T3 bladder cancer patients received PVBT combined with preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy were selected from January 2018 to December 2020. The tumor changes after neoadjuvant radiotherapy, adverse reactions of chemo-radiotherapy, and the incidence of complications were followed up by outpatient and telephone. The expression of CK20, FGFR3, PLEKHG4B, CK6, and Desmin was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the factors affecting the recurrence and survival of bladder cancer were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 48 patients completed PVBT were included. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 0 ~ 6.0 cm after neoadjuvant radiotherapy, with an average of 2.1 cm, which was smaller than that pre-radiotherapy (P< 0.05). The number of tumors decreased by 11 cases (47.83%), the clinical stage of tumors decreased by 13 cases (27.08%) and 42 cases (87.50%) had varying degrees of radiation or chemotherapy toxicity. During the follow-up period, 22 patients (45.83%) experienced recurrence, and 10 patients died of distant organ metastasis or cachexia. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor diversity and FGFR3 gene affect the recurrence of bladder tumor, while age and tumor diameter affect the survival rate of bladder tumors.
CONCLUSIONS: This study is the small-scale case series study ofT3 bladder cancer patients received PVBT combined with preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, which is an effective method to treat T3 MIBC. Meanwhile, monitoring FGFR3 in patients with MIBC is very important for evaluating prognosis.
Are comparable studies really comparable? Suggestions from a problem-solving experiment on urban and rural great tits
Authors: Vincze Ernő , Kačergytė Ineta , Mussoi Juliane Gaviraghi , Urhan Utku , Brodin Anders 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Performance in tests of various cognitive abilities has often been compared, both within and between species. In intraspecific comparisons, habitat effects on cognition has been a popular topic, frequently with an underlying assumption that urban animals should perform better than their rural conspecifics. In this study, we tested problem-solving ability in great tits Parus major, in a string-pulling and a plug-opening test. Our aim was to compare performance between urban and rural great tits, and to compare their performance with previously published problem solving studies. Our great tits perfomed better in string-pulling than their conspecifics in previous studies (solving success: 54%), and better than their close relative, the mountain chickadee Poecile gambeli, in the plug-opening test (solving success: 70%). Solving latency became shorter over four repeated sessions, indicating learning abilities. However, the solving ability did not differ between habitat types in either test, and showed only a weak among-individual correlation between the two tests. Somewhat unexpectedly, we found marked differences between study years even though we tried to keep conditions identical. These were probably due to small changes to the experimental protocol between years, for example the unavoidable changes of observers and changes in the size and material of test devices. This has an important implication: if small changes in an otherwise identical set-up can have strong effects, meaningful comparisons of cognitive performance between different labs must be extremely hard. In a wider perspective this highlights the replicability problem often present in animal behaviour studies.
The Gross-Pitaevskii equation for a infinite square-well with a delta-functionbarrier
Authors: Ragan Robert J. , Sakhel Asaad R. , Mullin William J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by analytic methods for anexternal double-well potential that is an infinite square well plusa δ-function central barrier. We find solutions that havethe symmetry of the non-interacting Hamiltonian as well as asymmetricsolutions that bifurcate from the symmetric solutions for attractive interactions and from the antisymmetric solutions for repulsive interactions. We presenta variational approximation to the asymmetric state as well as anapproximate numerical approach. Stability of the states is briefly considered.
Challenges of Principal Component Analysis in High-Dimensional Settings when n&lt;p
Authors: Weeraratne Nuwan , Hunt Lyn , Kurz Jason 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) aims to reduce the dimensions of datasets by transforming them into uncorrelated Principal Components (PCs), retaining most of the data’s variation with fewer components. However, standard PCA struggles in high-dimensional settings where there are more variables than observations due to limitations in covariance estimation. PCA relies on covariance matrices to measure variable relationships, using eigenvectors to determine data distribution directions and assessing eigenvalues’ significance. This article examines the pros and cons of estimating high-dimensional covariance matrices and emphasizes the importance of well-conditioned covariance estimation for accurate finite sample PCA. Various methods are available for estimating population covariance, among which Ledoit-Wolf estimation is deemed optimal in scenarios where the number of observations is smaller than the number of variables. However, it tends to excessively shrink the sample covariates matrix, resulting in an underestimation of the true eigen spectrum and a dearth of sparsity. Therefore, there’s a need for sparse and well-conditioned covariance matrix estimation to enhance PC estimation accuracy.
Modeling Dynamic Pressure Loss by Absorption in Oleo-Pneumatic Shock Absorbers without Separator
Authors: Willich Felix , Holzapfel Florian , Vrabec Jadran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A model for the dynamic pressure loss in standard oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers without gas-oil separator for avionics applications is introduced. The dynamics of such a device under load variations is primarily determined by the throttle between the oil chamber and the gas chamber. During operation, gas is absorbed by the oil upon compression and desorbed upon expansion, which are processes that extend over time and entail hysteresis. It is found that the assumption of isothermal conditions is sufficient. An excellent alignment is achieved by the model and the measured hysteresis across diverse drop test scenarios, adjusting a single parameter to a value that is physically reasonable. The standard deviation of the error in pressure is σp = 0.49 bar. Moreover, the model rests on thermodynamic considerations and experimental gas solubility data, while it is consistent with other laboratory data from the literature.
From rock collapse to slide movement: a case study of the 2004 Zuojiaying Landslide
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Xu Xueyong , Zhang Haoshan , Xing Aiguo , Zhou Ye , Zhuang Yu , He Junyi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mining process instigates the development of subsurface goaf, resulting in surface deformation and subsidence. The deformation and failure characteristics of the landslides in mining regions present a challenge to the detection and analysis of the initiation and progression mechanisms. There has been a significant focus on comprehending the complex nature and destruction associated with such geohazards, which are becoming more common and typical in the southwestern region of China. The present study showcases a compelling example of the 2004 Zuojiaying landslide in Guizhou, China, where rainfall and long-term mining activity triggered a rock collapse that transformed into a sliding event, causing 44 fatalities. A thorough field and aerial survey are conducted for the rock collapse-transformed sliding mass, further supplemented with a dynamic modeling approach to simulate the runout, entrainment, and accumulation processes of the landslide. Our work presents a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the geological condition, potential triggers, collapse mechanism, erosion characteristics, and the 3D runout evolution of the Zuojiaying landslide. Furthermore, the present study explores the significant influence of entrainment and erosion on landslide volume, mobility, and deposition, particularly in the transition from rock collapse to sliding. We have identified and outlined the stages of runout progression and landslide transformation by analyzing the entrainment over the entire runout. This study aims to highlight the significance of developing a thorough understanding of such landslide hazards in areas with comparable geological characteristics to improve geohazard management.
Association of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography with Acute Cellular Rejection in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Frye Jesse , Tao Michael , Dhaliwal Simrat , Raven Matthew , Price Jordan , Tam Edlira , Goldschmidt Marc , Mann Noelle , Kort Smadar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Myocardial strain imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has demonstrated prognostic utility in several disease states. However, the association of strain measurements with acute cellular rejection (ACR) after cardiac transplantation is not well established. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of myocardial strain measurements with acute cellular rejection in cardiac transplant patients.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies reporting on the association of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS), and circumferential (GCS) strain in cardiac transplant patients with and without acute cellular rejection. Subgroup analysis was performed by ISHLT standardized ACR grading to compare grade 1R versus Grade 2R and higher.
Results: A total of 21 studies with 2502 transplant patients (1465 without ACR versus 1037 with ACR) were included. Patients with ACR had significantly lower GLS compared to patients without ACR on biopsy (MD 2.84, 95% CI 1.5-4.18; p<0.01). Patients with ACR grade ≥2R had significantly lower GLS compared to patients with ACR grade 1R (MD 2.36, 95% CI 1.49-3.23; p<0.01). Patients with ACR had a significantly lower GCS compared to patients without ACR and GCS was significantly lower in patients with ACR grade ≥2R compared to patients with ACR grade 1R (MD 2.29, 95% CI 1.08, 3.51; MD 2.83, 95% CI 0.08-5.59; p=0.04).
Conclusions: Left ventricular GLS and GCS may represent useful markers to identify cardiac transplant patients with ACR.
Effect of Accelerated Extraction and Sonication on the Antioxidant Capacity of Wood and Bark Extracts of Wet-hearted Silver Fir (Abies Alba Mill.)
Authors: Vek Viljem , Hofmann Tamás , Rajczi Eszter Visiné , Osolnik Urša , Poljanšek Ida , Oven Primož 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts of different tissues of wet-hearted silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) logs. Wet heart is a wood defect of silver fir and lowers the value of wood. The exploitation of extractives could increase utilization and financial returns. The bark, sapwood, heartwood and knotwood were investigated by using two green extraction methods: ultrasound assisted extraction (US) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), with aqueous ethanol as solvent. Total extractive content (TEC), total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS) from the extracts were determined and compared. The highest contents of total hydrophilic extractives were measured in knotwood (23.07%, ASE) and bark (10.31%, ASE), and the lowest values were determined for sapwood (2.00%, ASE) and heartwood (3.56%, ASE). The ASE method resulted in significantly higher TPC (0.65-10.58 %) than the US (0.46-9.19 %) method. Nevertheless, the simplicity of instrumentation and costs can make US also a potential candidate for future extraction and utilization. The highest antioxidant capacities were measured in knotwood (FRAP: 159.75 mg AAE/g, ABTS: 316.15 mg TE/g, DPPH: 189.23 mg TE/g) and bark (FRAP: 159.75 mg AAE/g, ABTS: 126.81 mg TE/g, DPPH: 74.52 mg TE/ g) extracts, prepared with ASE, which complements well the existing literature data on silver fir extractives. The knotwood and bark of wet-hearted silver fir is an abundant source of antioxidant polyphenols, whereas sapwood and heartwood are poor in these extractives, making them unlikely candidates for future extractions of natural antioxidants.
Entomological Survey of Sibling Species in the Anopheles funestus Group in Tanzania Confirms the Role of Anopheles parensis as a Secondary Malaria Vector
Authors: Mapua Salum A. , Samb Badara , Nambunga Ismail H. , Mkandawile Gustav , Bwanaly Hamis , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Odero Joel , Paliga John , Kahamba Najat , Hape Emmanuel , Govella Nicodem J. , Okumu Fredros O. , Tripet Frederic 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria transmission in Tanzania is driven by mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestusgroup. The latter includes An. funestus s.s., an anthropophilic vector, which is now strongly resistant to public health insecticides, and several sibling species, which remain largely understudied despite their potential as secondary vectors. This paper provides the initial results of a cross-country study of the species composition, distribution, and malaria transmission potential of members of the Anopheles funestusgroup in Tanzania.
Methods: Mosquitoes were collected inside homes in 12 regions across Tanzania between 2018 and 2022 using CDC light traps and Prokopack aspirators. PCR assays targeting the non-coding internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) were used to identify sibling species in the An. funestus group and presence of Plasmodium infections respectively. Where DNA fragments failed to amplify during PCR, we sequenced the ITS2 region to identify any polymorphisms .
Findings: The following sibling species of the An. funestus group were found across Tanzania: An. funestus s.s. (50.3%), An. parensis (11.4%), An. rivulorum (1.1%), An. leesoni (0.3%). Sequencing of the ITS2 region in the non-amplified samples showed that polymorphisms at the priming sites of standard species-specific primers obstructed PCR amplification, although the ITS2 sequences closely matched those of An. funestus s.s., barring these polymorphisms. Of the 914 samples tested for Plasmodium infections, 11 An. funestus s.s (1.2%), and 2 An. parensis (0.2%) individuals were confirmed positive for P. falciparum. The highest malaria transmission intensities (entomological inoculation rate (EIR)) contributed by the Funestus group were in the north-western region (108.3 infectious bites/person/year (ib/p/y)) and the south-eastern region(72.2 ib/p/y).
Conclusion: Whereas An. funestus s.s. is the dominant malaria vector in Funestus group in Tanzania, this survey confirms the occurrence of Plasmodium-infected An. parensis, an observation previously made in at least two other occasions in the country. The findings indicate the need to better understand the ecology and vectorial capacity of this and other secondary malaria vectors in the region so as to improve malaria control.
RNA Splicing Junction Landscape Reveals Abundant Tumor-Specific Transcripts in Human Cancer
Authors: Li Qin , Li Ziteng , Chen Bing , Zhao Jingjing , Yu Hongwu , Hu Jia , Lai Hongyan , Zhang Hena , Li Yan , Meng Zhiqiang , Hu Zhixiang , Huang Shenglin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
RNA splicing is a critical process governing gene expression and transcriptomic diversity. Despite its importance, a detailed examination of transcript variation at the splicing junction level remains scarce. Here, we perform a thorough analysis of RNA splicing junctions in 34,775 samples across multiple sample types. We identified 29,051 tumor-specific transcripts (TSTs) in pan-cancer, with a majority of these TSTs being unannotated. Our findings show that TSTs are positively correlate with tumor stemness and linked to unfavorable outcomes in cancer patients. Additionally, TSTs display mutual exclusivity with somatic mutations and are overrepresented in transposable element-derived transcripts possessing oncogenic functions. Importantly, TSTs can generate neoepitopes that bind to MHC class I molecules for immunotherapy. Moreover, TSTs can be detected in blood extracellular vesicles from cancer patients. Our results shed light on the intricacies of RNA splicing and offer promising avenues for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
How Working Hours Affect Household Consumption Patterns?
Authors: Jia Nan , Liao Piaoxue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The popularity of the mobile Internet and third-party payments has made online consumption an important alternative to offline consumption, which may have an impact on the equilibrium conditions of the classical consumption-leisure model. This paper introduces two different consumption patterns, online and offline, into the classical consumption-leisure model, and theoretically deduces the relationship between working hours and total consumption and consumption patterns, and empirically tests the impact of working hours on total consumption, consumption patterns and consumption structure using micro data from the China Household Finance Survey. This paper finds that long household working hours have a negative impact on total household consumption for households headed by middle-aged, and change the household consumption patterns and increase the share of household online consumption in total household consumption. This result persists after the introduction of the 2.5-day weekly holiday system as an exogenous shock for identification and extensive robustness checks, mainly because for households the utility elasticity of leisure time is greater than that of offline consumption. Also, long household working hours change the household consumption structure, which is detrimental to household service-related consumption. This paper helps to understand time use and the trade-offs that Chinese households make between labor supply and consumption, and provides a reference for decision-making on public policies to comprehensively promote consumption and to optimize the consumption structure.
JEL：D12 E21 J22
Power supply rationing in an era of e-learning: evidence from the rural university
Authors: Mbaleki Chuma , Elegbeleye Femi Abiodun , Esan Omobayo Ayokunle , Rabotapi Tshepo 
Published: March 2024

In a world, driven by technology, South Africa's battle with power supply rationing, commonly known as load shedding, is sending shockwaves through the education landscape. This study investigates the intricate relationship between load shedding and e-learning, focusing on a rural university in South Africa. It explores how the disruption of the power supply affects the quest for digital education and sheds light on the hidden challenges, faced by both students and lecturers. The energy crisis loomed large, posing a unique threat to the country's academic advancement. This study was carried out at Walter Sisulu University, meticulously dissects the impacts of load shedding on e-learning, providing valuable insights into how these unforeseen challenges are altering the educational landscape. The research blends quantitative data analysis with a qualitative perspective, capturing the real-life experiences of educators and learners navigating a world where power supply can change the course of a digital classroom.
The research elucidated the dominance of e-learning during lockdown regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus and a hybrid learning pedagogy that combines both e-learning and physical classes in the post-covid era. The research revealed that e-learning is significantly affected by Loadshedding.