bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CAMPUS: A mobile app for construction processes learning and teaching in higher education
Authors: Valbuena‐Bermúdez Carolina , Lozano‐Ramírez Natalia E. , Serrano‐Sierra Alejandro , Granados‐León César 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article presents a descriptive, correlational, and quantitative study investigating the learning processes of undergraduate construction engineering and architecture students. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of an alternative learning method compared to traditional approaches in engineering, architecture and construction education. The study focuses on the use of a mobile application (CAMPUS Javeriana) as a tool for experiential learning by using digital technologies, such as construction videos and photos, infographic images, building information modeling (BIM) models, virtual and augmented reality, among others, within the app. Forty‐six architecture students participated in the study, divided into control and experimental groups within each of three undergraduate courses. Pretest and posttest questionnaires were administered to assess the students' learning outcomes, preferences, and perception of the importance of learning technologies. The test results were analyzed using scatter plots, and statistical analysis was conducted using the Jamovi package in R Studio. The students' perceived importance of the mobile app and their preference to use it in the future were also evaluated. Contextual factors such as student characteristics, available resources, and instructors' teaching style were taken into consideration. The study implemented rubrics based on the Expected Learning Results for each course to measure the overall academic performance. Furthermore, the study explores the concept of learning gain and its relationship with the obtained results, shedding light on experiences, perceptions, and academic performance in the specific context of construction education. Findings suggest a positive impact on learning outcomes and perception as a result of using a series of multi‐media technologies in the mobile application.
BMP7‐induced osteoblast differentiation requires hedgehog signaling and involves nuclear mechanisms of gene expression control
Authors: Feltran Georgia da Silva , de Andrade Amanda Fantini , Fernandes Célio Jr da C. , da Silva Rodrigo A. Foganholi , Zambuzzi Willian F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuring the morphological changes occurring in osteoblast differentiation, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a crucial role. While some progress has been made in understanding this process, the epigenetic mechanisms governing the expression of Hh signaling members in response to bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) signaling in osteoblasts remain poorly understood. To delve deeper into this issue, we treated pre‐osteoblasts (pObs) with 100 ng/mL of BMP7 for up to 21 days. Initially, we validated the osteogenic phenotype by confirming elevated expression of well‐defined gene biomarkers, including Runx2, Osterix, Alkaline Phosphatase (Alp), and bone sialoprotein (Bsp). Simultaneously, Hh signaling‐related members Sonic (Shh), Indian (Ihh), and Desert (Dhh) Hedgehog (Hh) exhibited nuanced modulation over the 21 days in vitro period. Subsequently, we evaluated epigenetic markers, and our data revealed a notable change in the CpG methylation profile, considering the methylation/hydroxymethylation ratio. CpG methylation is a reversible process regulated by DNA methyltransferases and demethylases, including Ten‐eleven translocation (Tets), which also exhibited changes during the acquisition of the osteogenic phenotype. Specifically, we measured the methylation pattern of Shh‐related genes and demonstrated a positive Pearson correlation for GLI Family Zinc Finger 1 (Gli1) and Patched (Ptch1). This data underscores the significance of the epigenetic machinery in modulating the BMP7‐induced osteogenic phenotype by influencing the activity of Shh‐related genes. In conclusion, this study highlights the positive impact of epigenetic control on the expression of genes related to hedgehog signaling during the morphogenetic changes induced by BMP7 signaling in osteoblasts.
Stover removal has minimal impact on pennycress seeded into standing corn
Authors: Cubins Julija A. , Wells Samantha , Johnson Gregg A. , Black Katie L. , Perez Jayleen , Gonch Ariana , Forcella Frank , Gesch Russ W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the Upper Midwest, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are the most prominent agricultural crops, occupying land for only half the year. Their fallow periods are associated with nutrient leaching and soil erosion, but they also represent an opportunity to establish winter‐hardy crops, like pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), that can reduce negative environmental impacts while contributing to farm profitability. A lack of agronomic best management practices remains a barrier to pennycress adoption. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of stover presence on pennycress stand establishment and seed yield after seeding pennycress into R4 corn. This study was conducted over the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 growing seasons with MN106 pennycress at three locations in Minnesota. At maturity, corn plants were removed from plots in 25% increments between 0% and 100% to simulate stover removal scenarios. Pennycress seedlings were unable to compete with corn for available light resources and did not have enough time following corn harvest to establish a dense stand in the autumn with only 5% and 10% green cover in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Despite poor early season emergence, the average seed yield, 1223 kg ha−1, was high relative to other studies using MN106, indicating that challenges of growing pennycress under adverse conditions may not be a barrier to competitive seed yields. Experimentation on the corn–pennycress system should continue in the future to further explore and establish best management practices for this double crop.
Consequences of pollen defense compounds for pollinators and antagonists in a pollen‐rewarding plant
Authors: Rivest Sébastien , Lee Stephen T. , Cook Daniel , Forrest Jessica R. K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlants produce an array of defensive compounds with toxic or deterrent effects on insect herbivores. Pollen can contain relatively high concentrations of such defense compounds, but the causes and consequences of this enigmatic phenomenon remain mostly unknown. These compounds could potentially protect pollen against antagonists but could also reduce flower attractiveness to pollinators. We combined field observations of the pollen‐rewardingLupinus argenteuswith chemical analysis and laboratory assays to test three hypotheses for the presence of pollen defense compounds: (1) these compounds are the result of spillover from adjacent tissues, (2) they protect against pollen thieves, and (3) they act as antimicrobial compounds. We also tested whether pollen defense compounds affect pollinator behavior. We found a positive relationship between alkaloid concentrations in pollen and petals, supporting the idea that pollen defense compounds partly originate from spillover. However, pollen and petals exhibited quantitatively (but not qualitatively) distinct alkaloid profiles, suggesting that plants can adjust pollen alkaloid composition independently from that of adjacent tissues. We found no relationship between pollen alkaloid concentration and the abundance of pollen thieves inLupinusflowers. However, pollen alkaloids were negatively associated with bacterial abundance. Finally, plants with more alkaloids in their pollen received more pollinator visits, but these visits were shorter, resulting in no change in the overall number of flowers visited. We propose that pollen defense compounds are partly the result of spillover from other tissues, while they also play an antimicrobial role. The absence of negative effects of these compounds on pollinator visitation likely allows their maintenance in pollen at relatively high concentrations. Taken together, our results suggest that pollen alkaloids affect and are mediated by the interplay of multiple interactions.
Copper‐Catalyzed Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition of Ethynylethylene Carbonates for the Construction of 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazines
Authors: Hu Xinzhe , Zhu Haihui , Li Xiang , Han Zhengyu , Sun Jianwei , Jin Xiaodong , Huang Hai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA formal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of ethynylethylene carbonates and 2‐aminophenols has been developed for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazines bearing quaternary carbon atoms. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, good functional group compatibility and good yields. Furthermore, when using chiral PyBox ligand, this strategy could also achieve the asymmetric synthesis of 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazines. Application studies indicated that the hydroxymethyl group of final products was an excellent functional group that can be further modified easily.
Optimizing catechin extraction from green tea waste: Comparative analysis of hot water, ultrasound‐assisted, and ethanol methods for enhanced antioxidant recovery
Authors: Athirojthanakij Weerawich , Rashidinejad Ali 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to develop an efficient method for the extraction of bioactive compounds from green tea waste (GTW) toward its potential application in the food industry. GTW, which is generated during the harvesting and processing of green tea products, accounts for a global annual loss of nearly 1 million tonnes. Notably, this waste is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly catechins, which are renowned for their significant health benefits. We assessed the optimization of catechin extraction from GTW employing hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), and ethanol extraction (EthE) techniques at different sample‐to‐solvent ratios (1:100, 1:50, and 1:20 w/v). The extraction temperature was set at 80°C for both HWE and UAE; however, for EthE, the temperature was slightly lower at 70°C, adhering to the boiling point of ethanol. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the extraction efficiency by quantifying various catechins (i.e., catechin, epicatechin [EC], epicatechin gallate [ECG], epigallocatechin [EGC], and epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG]). In terms of the concentration for individual catechins, EC was found to be the highest concentration detected, ranging from 30.58 ± 1.17 to 37.95 ± 0.84 mg/L in all extraction techniques and ratios of solvents, followed by EGCG (9.71 ± 1.40–20.99 ± 1.11 mg/L), EGC + C (7.95 ± 0.66–12.58 ± 0.56 mg/L), and ECG (1.85 ± 0.71–6.05 ± 0.06 mg/L). The findings of DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl) free radical assay illustrated that HWE demonstrated the highest extraction efficiency at all ratios, ranging from 61.41 ± 1.00 to 70.36 ± 1.47 mg/L. The 1:50 ratio exhibited the highest extraction yield (25.98% ± 0.75%) compared to UAE (24.16% ± 0.95%) and EthE (22.59% ± 0.26%). Moreover, this method of extraction (i.e., HWE) produced the highest total catechins and %DPPH reduction. Consequently, HWE was the most efficient method for extracting catechins from GTW, underscoring its potential for valorizing waste within the food manufacturing industry.
Survival outcomes and toxicity profiles among patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus IMRT + carbon‐ion radiotherapy: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Li Yujiao , Guan Xiyin , Xing Xing , Hu Chaosu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo compare survival outcomes and toxic effects among patients with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) when treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus IMRT + carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT).MethodsWe performed a retrospective propensity score matching analysis (1:1) of patients treated with IMRT and IMRT + CIRT. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the baseline characteristics of the patients. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent predictors of survival. We examined the association between risk factors and adverse events (AEs) using chi‐square tests. Cox model and logistic regression were used to analyze AEs.ResultsHundred and nine patients who received IMRT + CIRT were included and the median follow‐up time was 20.6 months (range: 4.6–82 months). There were no statistically significant differences in locoregional failure–free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, disease‐free survival, or overall survival between the two groups, but potentially better in IMRT + CIRT group (p > 0.05, respectively). Nodal boost was the only significant factor associated with LRFS and DFS on multivariable analysis. Thirty‐seven patients (34.0%) developed grade 3 acute OMs and no grade 4 acute OMs were observed in IMRT + CIRT group. All patients in IMRT + CIRT group developed grade 1 dermatitis; while in the match group, 76 patients developed grade 1 dermatitis, 27 patients developed grade 2 dermatitis, 5 patients developed grade 3 dermatitis, 1 patient developed grade 4 dermatitis. IMRT + CIRT treatment was associated with a significant trend of lower grades of OM and dermatitis (p < 0.05, respectively). Any severe (i.e., grade 3) chronic AEs, such as xerostomia, skin fibrosis, temporal lobe necrosis, osteoradionecrosis, or radiation‐induced optic neuropathy, was not observed.ConclusionsIn this study, IMRT + CIRT was associated with significantly reduced acute toxicity burden compared with full course of IMRT, with excellent survival outcomes. Patients with persistent disease after treatment and treated with nodal boost had a worse outcome. More accurate assessments of IMRT + CIRT to primary nonmetastatic NPC patients will be imperative.
Hybrid behaviors of CO2 absorption into blended DEEA‐based solution for the improvement of capture performance
Authors: Wu Dawei , Yin Yihan , Fan Yongchun , Lin Haizhou , Gao Hongxia , Liang Zhiwu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAt present, the chemical absorption method of CO2 capture is considered to be an effective means to reduce carbon emissions. The development of blended amine systems with excellent CO2 capture performance is the focus of research.RESULTThe hybrid behaviors of N,N‐diethylethanolamine (DEEA) with addition of monoethanolamine (MEA), 2‐(methylamino)ethanol(MAE) and 2‐((2‐aminoethyl)amino)‐ethanol(AEEA) as absorbents were investigated and developed to reduce the energy consumption for solvent regeneration in the CO2 capture process. The equilibrium solubility of CO2 for blended DEEA/MEA, DEEA/MAE and DEEA/AEEA with a series of molar ratios (0.0:2.0, 0.5:1.5, 1.0:1.0, 1.5:0.5 and 2.0:0.0) was examined. The experimental results showed that the values of CO2 equilibrium solubility of amine blends exhibited a compromise behavior between each individual amine solution. Additionally, the effects of molar ratios on the relative CO2 absorption rate, regeneration rate and CO2 cyclic capacity for the tested amine blends were studied using an improved rapid absorbent screening method.CONCLUSIONThe experimental data showed that the blended DEEA/MAE solution exhibits much higher CO2 cyclic capacity than that of DEEA/AEEA under the nitrogen atomic conservation. However, the mixing DEEA and AEEA could obviously reduce the CO2 equilibrium solubility and CO2 cyclic capacity compared with that of individual AEEA solution, indicating the DEEA had an inhibiting effect on AEEA. Furthermore, the mass transfer performances of DEEA, DEEA/MAE and DEEA/AEEA were tested in order to validate the accuracy of the improved rapid absorbent screening method. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Differential beta‐coronavirus infection dynamics in human bronchial epithelial organoids
Authors: Park Dongbin , Kim Se‐Mi , Jang Hobin , Kim Kanghee , Ji Ho young , Yang Heedong , Kwon Woohyun , Kang Yeonglim , Hwang Suhee , Kim Hyunjoon , Casel Mark Anthony B. , Choi Issac , Yang Jeong‐Sun , Lee Joo‐Yeon , Choi Young Ki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe lower respiratory system serves as the target and barrier for beta‐coronavirus (beta‐CoV) infections. In this study, we explored beta‐CoV infection dynamics in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) organoids, focusing on HCoV‐OC43, SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2. Utilizing advanced organoid culture techniques, we observed robust replication for all beta‐CoVs, particularly noting that SARS‐CoV‐2 reached peak viral RNA levels at 72 h postinfection. Through comprehensive transcriptomic analysis, we identified significant shifts in cell population dynamics, marked by an increase in goblet cells and a concurrent decrease in ciliated cells. Furthermore, our cell tropism analysis unveiled distinct preferences in viral targeting: HCoV‐OC43 predominantly infected club cells, while SARS‐CoV had a dual tropism for goblet and ciliated cells. In contrast, SARS‐CoV‐2 primarily infected ciliated cells, and MERS‐CoV showed a marked affinity for goblet cells. Host factor analysis revealed the upregulation of genes encoding viral receptors and proteases. Notably, HCoV‐OC43 induced the unfolded protein response pathway, which may facilitate viral replication. Our study also reveals a complex interplay between inflammatory pathways and the suppression of interferon responses during beta‐CoV infections. These findings provide insights into host‐virus interactions and antiviral defense mechanisms, contributing to our understanding of beta‐CoV infections in the respiratory tract.
Rapid and cost‐effective assessment of nutrients in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) leaves through Fourier transform near‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐NIRS)
Authors: Sekerli Yunus Emre , Buyuk Gokhan , Keskin Muharrem , Celiktas Nafiz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPistachio nuts provide many health benefits in human diet. Nutrient levels in plant leaves and fertilizer schedules are determined based on traditional soil and leaf chemical analyses. However, these methods require additional labor, time, and cost, which is why most farmers do not prefer them and cannot detect nutrient deficiencies in time. Fast, easy‐to‐use and low‐cost nutrient level assessment techniques are needed.AimThis study aims to explore the viability of near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a fast, user friendly, and cost effective technique for evluating the major macro‐ and micronutrient contents of dried and ground pistachio leaf sample.MethodsThe feasibility of NIRS for estimating nutrient contents was investigated by analyzing samples from 200 pistachio trees. Dried and ground pistachio leaves were subjected to NIRS analysis. PLSR (Partial least square regression) analyses were performed to develop nutrient content prediction models using spectral information of samples.ResultsIt was found that the NIRS system had a very good potential to estimate the K, Ca, Cu, and Mg contents of the leaf samples (R2 > 0.80). It was also found that Fe and Mn concentrations could also be estimated with good accuracy (R2 = 0.70–0.80). However, the NIRS system did not give good results for the prediction of N, P, and Zn (R2 < 0.40).ConclusionIn conclusion, the NIRS system can be used to quickly, easily, and economically assess the K, Ca, Cu, Mg, Fe, and Mn contents of dried and ground pistachio leaves. This technique has the potential to improve nutrient management practices in pistachio farming within a sustainable and environmentally conscious framework. Fourier transform NIRS (FT‐NIRS) can provide valuable insights by complementing rather than replacing traditional chemical analysis. Laboratory analysis is still required for definitive nutrient content information, but FT‐NIRS can significantly reduce the reliance on such analysis, thereby mitigating the environmental impact caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and minimizing the health risks to laboratory staff. In addition, the rapid information‐gathering capabilities of the FT‐NIRS can be emphasized.
Micellization, aggregation, interaction, and solubilization behaviors of mixed solutions of cationic gemini and nonionic surfactants
Authors: Sarıkaya Yıldız İkbal , Bilgen Selçuk , Akbaş Halide 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe micellization properties of mixed aqueous solutions of a cationic gemini surfactant (CGS) and Triton X‐100, a conventional non‐ionic surfactant, with various mole fractions, were determined by measuring the surface tension at different temperatures. Various theoretical models were used to analyze the behavior of this mixed system. The interactions between CGS and Triton X‐100 were determined to be non‐ideal and synergistic. The calculated interaction parameters (βM) have negative values at all temperatures and for all mole fractions, showing attractive interactions. It was found that increasing the mole fraction of Triton X‐100 significantly increased the synergistic effect (more negative values). Micellar aggregation number (Nagg) values of pure surfactants and their mixtures in different ratios were obtained with the steady‐state fluorescence quenching method. Furthermore, the molar solubilization ratio of Sudan III organic dye in all surfactants aqueous systems was obtained using UV–Visible spectrophotometry. At concentrations above critical micelle concentration, the solubility of Sudan III in water was substantially increased linearly for all systems and it was observed that the enhancement was even more significant for mixed surfactant systems.
Red deer responses to drive hunts are related to habitat and landscape characteristics
Authors: Bojarska Katarzyna , Gerber Nina , Herzog Sven , Isselstein Johannes , Meiβner Marcus , Riesch Friederike , Signer Johannes , van Beeck Calkoen Suzanne , Zetsche Maria , Balkenhol Niko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHunting triggers behavioral responses in wildlife that may have important consequences for conservation and wildlife management. We studied movement and habitat selection in 51 global positioning system‐collared red deer (Cervus elaphus) in response to 63 large‐scale (x̄ = 18.8 km2) drive hunts conducted in 2015‐2022 on a military training area in southern Germany. The drive hunts were characterized by a low density of beaters and dogs to avoid rapid and long‐distance displacement of red deer. We determined if red deer spatial responses to drive hunts differed in various forest covers, between sexes, and in relation to the individual position prior to the hunt. On the hunting days, red deer increased their hourly displacement rates and shifted their preference for forest versus open habitats from early morning to late morning hours. Individuals initially located within the boundaries of the hunted areas exhibited longer maximum net displacements, had a greater probability of leaving their home ranges, and spent longer times outside of their home ranges than individuals outside the hunted areas. All these parameters were greater in the more forested site than in the less forested site. Males displayed shorter net displacements than females. Red deer moved away (i.e., fled) from their initial positions for variable periods, either only during the hunt or until the next day. The probability of prolonged flight was greater in the more forested site and more likely if the individuals were deeper in the forest in the less forested site. The prolonged flight behavior was desired from the hunters' perspective because red deer displaying this type of response were less likely to leave the hunted area during the hunt. Prolonged flight was associated with greater costs for the red deer, such as greater movement distances after the hunt and longer times outside of home ranges. Wildlife managers should consider that drive hunts may cause prolonged behavioral responses in game that occur both inside and outside the hunted areas. These responses depend on habitat characteristics and may be stronger in more forested landscapes.