bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Camellia neriifolia and Camellia ilicifolia (Theaceae) as separate species: Evidence from Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology, Molecular Systematics
Authors: Ran Zhaohui , Li Zhi , xiao Xu , Tang Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: The systematic status of sect. Tuberculata and its taxonomy have recently attracted considerable attention. It is distinguished from other sections of Camellia by the presence of verrucose protuberances in its pericarp. However, the different bases for defining the characteristics of sect. Tuberculata has led to many disagreements among the plants in this group. Camellia neriifolia and Camellia ilicifolia have been the subject of taxonomic controversy and have been treated as different species or varieties of the same species. Therefore, it is important to use multiple methods, i.e., integrative taxonomy, to determine the taxonomic status of C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia. This is the first study to systematically explore the taxonomic position of these two plants on the basis of Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology and Molecular Systematics.
Results : Extensive specimen reviews and field surveys showed that many differences exist in C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia, such as the number of trunk (heavily debarked vs. slightly peeling), leaf type (smooth thin leathery, shiny vs. smooth leathery, obscure or slightly shiny), leaf margin (entire vs. serrate), flower type (subsessile vs. sessile), number of styles (3–4 vs. 3), and sepal (ovate vs. round). Moreover, C. neriifolia has a more distinctive white to faint yellow flower color, and trunk molting was more severe in C. neriifolia than that in C. ilicifolia. In addition, micromorphological analysis of the leaf epidermis showed that the two species differed in the anticlinal wall, stomatal apparatus, and stomatal cluster, and pollen morphology analyses based on pollen size, germination furrow, and polar and equatorial axes showed that they are both distinct from each other. Phylogenetic tree based on the chloroplast genome showed that C. ilicifolia clustered lonely on the branch Clade I (ML= 100, BI= 1.00), separating from C. neriifolia.
Conclusions: The results combine morphology, anatomy, palynology, and molecular systematics to treat both C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia as separate species in the sect. Tuberculata, and the species names continue to be used as they were previously. In conclusion, clarifying the taxonomic status of C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia deepens our understanding of the systematic classification of sect. Tuberculata.
Relationship between malaria vector survival, infectivity and insecticide treated net use in western Kenya
Authors: Abel Lucy , Kimachas Emma , Omollo Evans , Nalianya Erick , Chepkwony Tabitha , Kipkoech Joseph , Amunga Mark , Wekesa Aggrey , Namae Jane , Kahindi Samuel , Mangeni Judith , Lapp Zena , Markwalter Christine , Taylor Steve M. , Obala Andrew , O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Much effort and resources have been invested to control malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it remains a major public health problem. For the disease to be transmitted from one person to another, the female Anopheles vector must survive 10-14 days following an infective bite for the Plasmodiumgametocytes to develop into infectious sporozoites which can be transmitted to the next person during a bloodmeal. The goal of this investigation was to assess factors associated with wild-caught Anopheles survival and infection following host-seeking and indoor resting.
Methods: The study was conducted in a longitudinal cohort of 75 households in 5 villages including a total of 755 household members in Bungoma County, Kenya. Monthly adult mosquito collection was conducted by attenuated aspiration in all the enrolled households, and the mosquitoes were reared in the insectary for 7 days. The daily mortality rate was determined through day 7, and all the mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Female Anopheline mosquitoes were dissected, and species-level members of the Anopheles gambiae complex were resolved by molecular methods. The abdomen for all samples were processed for P. falciparum detection by PCR.
Results: Within a period of 25 months, the total number of culex and Anopheles mosquitoes collected indoors were 12,843 and 712 respectively. Anopheles gambiaeand Anopheles funestus were the major vectors though their population varied between different villages. 61.2% (n=436/712) of the Anopheles species survived up to day 7 with the lowest mortality rate recorded on day 5 of captivity. The survival rate also varied between the different Anophelesspecies. 683 of 712 mosquito abdomens were tested for P. falciparumdetection and 7.8% (53/683) tested positive for P. falciparum with An. funestus having a higher (10%) prevalence than An. gambaie s.s.(6.0%, p=0.095, Pearson Chi square test). The proportion of household members sleeping under a bednet the night before mosquito collection varied across time and village. An. funestus survival times were refractory to household ITN coverage and An. gambaie s.s. survival was reduced only under very high (>95%) ITN coverage.
Conclusion: Despite ITN coverage, mosquitoes still acquired bloodmeals and P. falciparum infections. Survival differed across species and was inversely correlated with high ITN exposure in the household, but not oocyst development.
Dementia Severity Index: A Threshold-Based Approach to Classifying Dementia Level
Authors: Ranjan Shivani , Kumar Lalan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Dementia is marked by a progressive decline in cognitive and emotional capacities, presenting significant challenges to daily functioning. This includes prominent neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Recent advancements in electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors and processing tools, project it as a potential biomarker for detecting neuronal and cognitive changes associated with various dementia types. Investigations related to characterization and differentiation are yet to be explored for range identification and assigning quantitative values to resting state EEGs from different dementia conditions. In this study, two features that capture the band-specific alterations are computed for each subject. These attributes formed the basis of the Dementia Severity Index (DSI), a threshold-based methodology designed to categorize individuals into AD, FTD, and HC from the resting EEG. The introduced thresholding technique underwent validation using machine learning methodologies, specifically the k-nearest neighbors algorithm (kNN) and random forest (RF), achieving accuracies of 81.6% and 81.37%, respectively. The classification outcomes of derived DSI from F1 and F2 are compared. The $DSI$ corresponding to significant feature F1 is validated on two diverse EEG datasets. The study aims to contribute to the field by providing a set of dementia indexes capable of distinguishing between AD and FTD-based dementia and discriminating against HC. Additionally, the ability of significant features to reflect cognitive performance is explored using the Spearman correlation coefficient (r) to quantify the relationship between predicted Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and actual MMSE scores. The study also delves into the variations in sensor and source domain classification using features F1 and F2. The findings of the proposed approach hold promise for capturing a range of values that can effectively classify AD, FTD, and HC, while also offering the advantage of computationally efficient classification when compared with the existing subjective assessment.
Cyclone Intensity Estimation: A Studyof Neural Architecture Search andTransfer Learning in CNNs
Authors: Kancharagunta Kishan Babu , Marapatla AjayDilipKumar , Manchala Harikesh , Pillalamarri Uday Kiran , Kanthala Danush , Musku Sai Ritish Reddy , Kamsani Charan Sai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tropical cyclones (TCs) are severe weather phenomena that can significantly affect human lives. These events can lead to calamities characterized by strong sustainable winds and enormous waves. We proposed an architecture based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to tackle this problem. This method makes use of cyclone infrared images. Using customized FCL architectures, we used transfer learning and fine-tuning on CNN architectures such as VGG16, VGG19, and ResNet50, both with and without data augmentation. Fine-tuning involved 4 layers of VGG16, 8 layers of VGG19, and 12 layers of ResNet50 to capture cyclone features effectively. The CNN models were used to these architectures to extract features, and the resulting feature maps were fed to various combinations of Fully Connected Networks (FCL). The most optimistic results were achieved with the VGG16 + FCL (128 x 64 x 1) architecture through transfer learning, producing a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 7.51 kts, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 9.63 kts, and an R2 Score of 0.92. Consequently, we identified this model as the foundational basis for Neural Architecture Search (NAS) to enhance the FCL architecture. The NAS process generated various architectures, among which the VGG16 + FCL (128 x 128 x 1) architecture stood out with notable performance, featuring a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 6.77 kts, RMSE of 8.88 kts, and an impressive R2-Score of 0.945.
Investigation of the cytotoxic effects of Thymbra spicata polysaccharides on MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro conditions
Authors: Özbey Caner , Aydemir Işıl , Çetindağ Emre , Özkan Oktay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Thymbra spicata species is a widely used plant, especially in the eastern Mediterranean region, and is known to have many health benefits. However, the effects of its polysaccharides on tumor cells have not been searched. We aimed to evaluate the biological effects of Thymbra spicata polysaccharides in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Methods
MTT test was performed to determine the cytotoxicity levels of polysaccharides and doxorubicin in MCF-7 and L929 fibroblast cells. The expression levels of VEGF and GSK-3β were examined immunocytochemically. For the in vitro wound healing assay, the scratch wound model was created in the shape of plus (+), and the closure percentage was calculated.
Results
Thymbra spicata polysaccharides and doxorubicin had a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells depending on the dose increase. The percentage of wound closure also decreased in correlation with the MTT results. In L929 cells, there was no significant difference in VEGF and GSK-3β immunoreactivity after polysaccharides and doxorubicin treatments, but a significant decrease in VEGF and GSK-3β expression was observed in MCF-7 cells. We demonstrated that polysaccharides exert toxic effects by suppressing VEGF and GSK-3β molecules. In addition, the polysaccharides inhibited cell proliferation and migration, so in vitro wound healing was delayed at high concentrations.
The Effect of Glutathione Added Silver Diamine Fluoride on Remineralization and Color Change in Dentin Caries of Primary Teeth: an in Vitro Study
Authors: Cömert Hamide , Olmez Ayşegul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of GSH (reduced glutathione) and KI (potassium iodide) on SDF (silver diamin fluoride) discoloration and dentin remineralization.
Materials and methods: Sixteen primary molars were utilized, yielding four dentin specimens each. Three specimens per tooth were allocated: one as a control and the others to experimental groups. Initial microhardness measurements were taken from one remaining dentin specimen per tooth. Subsequently, all groups underwent exposure to a demineralization solution. Colorimetry assessed specimen color, and post-second microhardness measurements on demineralized specimens, treatments were administered as follows: group 1 (control, n=16): 38% SDF, group 2 (n=16): 38% SDF followed by KI, group 3 (n=16): 38% SDF with 5% GSH added by weight. Following pH cycling across all groups, colorimetry reassessed 48 dentin specimens. Final microhardness measurements ensued, followed by statistical analysis. Normality was checked via Shapiro-Wilk, homogeneity via Levene's test. Independent samples t-test compared normally distributed groups; Mann-Whitney U compared non-normally distributed groups. ANOVA compared means of normally distributed groups; Kruskal-Wallis for non-normally distributed ones. Repeated measures ANOVA compared dependent groups with normal distribution, Friedman test for non-normal. Post-hoc Bonferroni analyses identified significant differences. IBM SPSS 25 conducted analyses.
Results: The mean ΔE* values for SDF and SDF+GSH groups were significantly higher than SDF+KI group (p<0.05). Significant differences in L* values during final color measurement were noted between SDF+KI group and both SDF and SDF+GSH groups (p<0.05). Although mean remineralization microhardness measurements were higher than mean demineralization microhardness measurements in all groups, statistical significance was observed only in SDF and SDF+KI groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The study found that adding 5% GSH by weight to SDF does not significantly affect discoloration. Additionally, the addition of 5% GSH to SDF may impact its remineralization potential. The application of KI after SDF reduces discoloration and does not affect the expected remineralization process.
Clinical relevance: In reducing discoloration, KI can be used following SDF applications. Repeated SDF applications may accelerate the expected remineralization process.
Age- and sex-associated Wnt signaling dysregulation is exacerbated from the early stages of neuropathology in an Alzheimer´s disease model
Authors: Colín-Martínez Elizabeth , Espino-de-la-Fuente César , Arias Clorinda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Emerging studies suggest that Wnt signaling is dysregulated in the brains of AD patients, suggesting that this pathway may also contribute to disease progression. However, it remains to be determined whether alterations in the Wnt pathway are the cause or consequence of this disease and which elements of Wnt signaling mainly contribute to the appearance of AD histopathological markers early in disease compared to what occurs during normal aging. The present study aimed to describe the status of several canonical Wnt pathway components and the expression of the AD marker p-tau in the hippocampi of female and male 3xTg-AD mice during disease progression compared to those during normal aging. We analyzed the levels of the canonical Wnt components Wnt7a, Dkk-1, LRP6 and GSK3β as well as the levels of p-tau and BDNF at 3, 6, 9–12 and 18 months of age. We found a gradual increase in Dkk-1 levels during aging prior to Wnt7a and LRP5/6 depletion, which was strongly exacerbated in 3xTg-AD mice even at young ages and correlated with GSK3β activation and p-tau-S202/T205 expression. Dkk-1 upregulation, as well as the level of p-tau, was significantly greater in females than in males. Our results suggest that Dkk-1 upregulation is involved in the expression of several features of AD at the presymptomatic stage, which supports the possibility of positively modulating the canonical Wnt pathway as a therapeutic tool to delay this disease at early stages.
Establishment of Collection and Protection Methods for Local Germplasm Resources of Tea Trees-- A Case Study of Anhui Province
Authors: Wang Wen-jie , Liu Dan-dan , Wu Qiong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Local germplasm resources are the main component of the germplasm resources of tea trees. However, the protection is limited currently in China for local germplasm resources of tea trees. There is no comprehensive and systematic method for collection and protection. This study has created a new method for collecting and protecting local germplasm resources of tea trees. According to the distribution and area of tea trees planted in each tea-producing area, we planned and arranged sampling points, and one sample from each sampling point was collected and planted in a resource garden for preservation. As a case study of Anhui Province, the first germplasm resource garden of tea trees was established comprehensively with the application of this method, at a systematic provincial level. There are 920 samples collected and preserved, nearly 100,000 individual plants. The proportion of samples is close to the proportion of local tea garden areas in various regions of Anhui Province. By applying this method to establish a resource garden, the genetic diversity of local germplasm resources of tea trees is maximally preserved. The preserved resources are the material basis for the future breeding of new tea varieties, analysis of genetic relationships and population structure of germplasm resources, and gene search.
Current-Sensorless Robust Sliding Mode Control for the DC-DC Buck Converter
Authors: Oucheriah Said 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A current-sensorless PWM-based robust sliding mode Controller for the DC-DC Buck Converter is proposed. An extended state observer is used to estimate a lumped uncertainty that comprises the uncertain load and input voltage and also to estimate the derivative of the output voltage. A linear sliding surface is used to derive the controller that is simple in its design and yet exhibits excellent features in term of external disturbance suppression. Its robustness is validated by computer simulations using converter examples from two recent studies. Future work will be the validation of these results experimentally.
Study of the dynamic properties of chaotic circuits in the presence of memristors
Authors: Kareem Zainab Shiaa , Husseini Hussein B. Al 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper first discusses a memristor model based on a multi-segment linear function with three different circuits. Then, based on the different values of the parameters of the memristors introduced, the dynamic behavior of these circuits is analyzed in terms of bifurcations, coexisting attractors, and complexity. Bifurcation analysis reveals the rich dynamic behavior of these circuits, including period-doubling bifurcations, bursts of chaos, and transients of chaos. The Muthuswamy exhibit dynamic phenomena including coexisting attractors, multistability, and super multistability under different initial conditions. Moreover, circuit simulation is used to confirm the existence and feasibility of the Chua circuit. Coexisting attractor’s generation circuits that can alter the initial values of arbitrary state variables are designed. The advantages of the proposed system are illustrated by comparisons with other chaotic attractors, which include controllable attracter number and direction, straightforward implementation circuits, and rich dynamic behavior. Lastly, the Colpitts circuit, which contains the BTJ transistor and becomes steadier when a memristor is substituted for it, as well as the coexistence of multiple chaotic attractors, end up being more stable. Simulation results indicate that the three proposed circuit schemes in this paper require less time to achieve complete dynamics than other circuit schemes. This feature improves the suggested circuit strategy's effectiveness and usability in practical applications.
Examining the combined effect of antenatal care visits and iron-folic acid supplementation on low birth weight: A pooled analysis of two national data sets from Nepal
Authors: Khanal Vishnu , Bista Sangita , Lee Andy H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) has remained constant at approximately 12% for the past 15 years in Nepal, significantly impacting newborn survival. While antenatal care (ANC) visits and iron-folic acid supplementation are recognized as essential for reducing LBW, there is lack ofevidence regarding their combined effect. This study aimed to explore the potential synergistic impact of ANC and iron-folic acid supplementation on LBW in Nepal by analyzing data pooled from two national surveys.
Methods: The nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys of 2016 and 2022 were used, and the pooled dataset was analyzed. Birth weight and the prevalence of LBW were reported using descriptive statistics. The associations between LBW, ANC visits, and iron-folic acid supplementation were examined using logistic regression analyses.
Results: The mean birth weight was 3011g, with an LBW prevalence of 11.2%. Not attending ANC (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.49; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.15, 1.95) and not consuming iron-folic acid supplement (AOR 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.85) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of LBW. Jointly, mothers who attended less than four ANC visits and consumed iron-folic acid ≤90 days (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.61) had the highest risk of giving birth to LBW infants after controlling for key confounding factors.
Conclusion: Combining ANC visits and iron-folic acid supplementation appeared to have more impact than administering either intervention alone in reducing LBW births in Nepal.
Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Food Substrates on Weed Seed Emergence
Authors: Meyers Stephen L. , Arana Jeanine , Giraldo Luz Cardona , Ingwell Laura , Rodríguez Laura , Vargas Nathaly 
Published: March 2024

Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL) composting is biotechnology used for organic waste management and an alternative to traditional composting. We designed a two-phase experiment to evaluate the effect of BSFL composting on the emergence of the following six weed species: barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), giant foxtail (Setaria faberi), ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti). The first experiment phase was in the laboratory (laboratory composting phase), which consisted of 100 seeds of each weed species subjected to five composting treatments [two controls (nontreated and standard Gainesville diet alone) and three types of substrates (standard Gainesville diet, vegetable waste, food waste) + BSFL]. Live pupa weighed 179 mg with the standard Gainesville diet + BSFL and 205 mg with the food waste diet + BSFL. Dry pupa weighed 68 mg and 70 mg, respectively. The BSFL in the vegetable waste + BSFL treatment did not pupate. During the second experiment phase, the composting treatments were placed in a greenhouse to evaluate weed emergence. Emergence in the nontreated control was 62% for barnyardgrass, 38% for common ragweed, 26% for giant foxtail, 66% for ivyleaf morningglory, 3% for redroot pigweed, and 69% for velvetleaf. Compared with the nontreated control, all treatments with BSFL reduced the emergence of each weed species to ≤1%, except for velvetleaf. This study suggests that BSFL composting may effectively reduce weed seed emergence of many weed species and could be a safe alternative to conventional composting processes to minimize weed pressure in compost. However, efficacy may vary by weed species and may be dependent on seed characteristics, such as an impermeable seedcoat.