bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive phenology and sexual propagation of the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa Pallas, 1766 for coral restoration
Authors: Egger Christina , Melo Catarina , Marquardt Bailey , Engelen Aschwin H. , Melzer Roland R. , Santos Elsa , Fernandes Margarida , Baylina Núria , Serrao Ester A. , Coelho Márcio A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The widespread decline of coral-dominated ecosystems due to human disturbances has highlighted the urgent need for active habitat restoration. Coral restoration using sexually produced individuals instead of clonal fragments is essential to reduce impacts on donor populations and promote genetic diversity, which is vital for adaptability to environmental changes. However, for most coral species, particularly those in temperate and deep-water (> 50 m), critical knowledge of reproduction and larval ecology for ex situ sexual propagation is lacking. To address this gap, in this study, we provide the first report of spawning of the octocoral Eunicella verrucosa in the North-East Atlantic and describe details on larval development and settlement. The annual reproductive timing in South-West Portugal was determined from samples collected as fisheries bycatch from a single population source and monitored for comparison across distinct durations and conditions. The species exhibited split-spawning over about one month (mid September – mid October), with 3 major events approximately every 2 weeks. Spawning patterns suggest lunar periodicity but shifted between colonies kept in distinct conditions. Oocytes were positively buoyant and developed into swimming larvae after 3 days. Settlement trials using substrates like natural rock, CCA, and gorgonian skeleton, showed larvae behaviour testing the substrates about two weeks post-spawning, and settlement activity continuing over three months. Fully developed recruits were observed after one month, with sclerite production starting before tentacle development. New settlement continued for up to three months, indicating a prolonged competency period. This study provides crucial data for coral restoration efforts using ex situ sexual propagation of this vulnerable species.
Concurrent Warming and Freshening Led to a Record-High Sea Level in the Labrador Sea
Authors: Yashayaev Igor , Zhang Yang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The Labrador Sea plays a pivotal role in the global climate system as a primary source of newly ventilated intermediate-depth water masses and a major carbon sink of the North Atlantic. Since the 1950s, this region has seen significant shifts in heat and freshwater contents, resulting in arguably the largest full-depth deep-ocean temperature and salinity changes ever recorded. However, the contribution of these changes to sea level variability has yet to be thoroughly quantified and investigated. Using satellite altimetry in conjunction with profiling Argo float and ship-based hydrographic measurements, we show that between 2017 and in 2023 the central Labrador Sea experienced an exceptionally fast sea level rise elevating the level to a record high. Six concurrent factors contributed to these rise and, consequently, extreme height – reduced winter surface cooling, increased summer surface warming (i.e., oceanic heat uptake), anomalous freshening, drastically shoaled winter convection, reduced deep-water density, and water-column mass gain. We also claim that the effect of salinity changes on sea level switched from counterbalancing (1948–2015) to reinforcing (2015–onward) the effect of temperature changes in result of Labrador Sea freshening caused by increased Arctic sea ice melt. This mechanism raises possibility of greater environmental impacts of both recent and imminent heat and freshwater regime shifts than predicted.
Cognitive Embodied Learning for Anomaly Active Target Tracking
Authors: Zhou Fuhui , Wu Qihui , Li Jiahao , Ji Jiahuan , Wang Haoyang , Liang Hongtao , Ma Kai-Kuang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The primary challenge in active object tracking (AOT) lies in maintaining robust and accurate tracking performance in the complex physical scenarios. Existing end-to-end frameworks based on deep learning and reinforcement learning often struggle with high computational costs, data dependency, and limited generalization, hindering their performance in practical applications. Although embodied intelligence (EI) is promising to enable agents to learn from physical interactions, it cannot tackle severe anomalies happened in the complex scenarios. In order to address this issue, we propose a novel embodied learning method, called the Cognitive Embodied Learning (CEL), which is inspired by the dual decisionmaking system of the human brain. The CEL can dynamically switch between normal tracking and anomaly handling modes, supported by specialized modules including the anomaly cognition module (ACM), the rule reasoning module (RRM), and the anomaly elimination module (AEM). Moreover, we further introduce the categorical objective function (COF) to address function non-measurability and data confusion caused by severe anomalies. Extensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) anomaly active target tracking experiments in both simulated and real-world scenarios demonstrate the superior performance of our method. Compared to the state-of-the-art methods, the CEL achieves a 361.4% increase in the success rate and a 54.4% improvement of the task completion efficiency, which highlights the potential of CEL to advance the field of AOT and open new avenues for more robust and intelligent tracking systems in the challenging environments.
Alleviating effect on periodontal inflammation through anti-inflammatory and osteogenic differentiation induction of KGC19b in vitro and in vivo experimental model
Authors: Lee Da Eun , Kim Eun-Nam , Trang Nguyen Minh , Kim Jong Han , Koo Gi-Bang , Jung You Hee , Jeong Gil-Saeng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer of the Araliaceae family have various biological activities and pharmacological actions such as anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory. In many studies on ginseng, studies on ginseng fruit are still new, and the effect and potential of ginseng fruit on periodontitis in HPDL cells have been investigated in vitro and in vivo.
Methods
The effects of KGC19b on a Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS)-induced periodontitis model were assessed using cultured HPDL cells and an SD-rats model. HPDL cells were stimulated with Pg-LPS for 12 h and grouped into control, Pg-LPS, and Pg-LPS + KGC19b. Cell viability, pro-inflammatory markers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osteogenesis-related markers were evaluated. In the rat model, periodontitis was induced with ligature and Pg-LPS. KGC19b was administered orally for 6 days. Rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6): control, ligature/Pg-LPS, ligature/Pg-LPS + KGC19b (each dose group). Effects of KGC19b were assessed through micro-CT analysis and H&E staining.
Results
KGC19b significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and pro-inflammatory mediators in HPDL cells stimulated with Pg-LPS. It also restored osteocalcin (ocn) and alkaline phosphatase (alp) levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD, CAT), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the rat model, KGC19b alleviated periodontal inflammation and prevented bone mass loss.
Conclusion
In this study, KGC19b shows the possibility of improving and treating periodontitis through anti-inflammatory, osteogenesis, and antibacterial effects.
How does the digital economy enhance carbon efficiency? A study from the perspective of market distortions
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhang Jinru , Hao Jiayi , Zou Shaohui , Zhang Lei , Fan Xiangbo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

To elucidate the mechanism through which the digital economy enhances carbon efficiency, this paper analyzes it from the perspective of market distortion. It constructed a causal mediation model, a dynamic spatial panel Durbin model, and a quantile regression model, utilizing panel data from 282 prefecture-level cities spanning from 2011 to 2021. The findings indicate that the digital economy significantly enhances carbon efficiency. This conclusion remains robust following endogenous tests and multiple robustness tests. Further mechanism analysis emphasizes the reduction of market distortions in the product market as a crucial factor, acting as a primary pathway through which the digital economy enhances carbon efficiency. Subsequent sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the mediating effect. Regarding the spatial spillover effects of the transmission mechanism, the digital economy has not only significantly enhanced total factor carbon efficiency (tfce) in neighboring cities but has also alleviated product market distortions in these regions. With respect to the heterogeneity of transmission mechanisms, as the carbon efficiency level of a region increases, the impact of the digital economy on improving carbon efficiency becomes more pronounced. Furthermore, as the degree of distortion in the product market rises, the digital economy's effect on mitigating this distortion follows an inverted U-shaped pattern, initially intensifying before gradually weakening. This comprehensive analysis of the transmission mechanism offers a novel perspective for systematically understanding the role of the digital economy in enhancing carbon efficiency and provides valuable pathways and policy insights for advancing carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Paeoniflorin inhibits renal fibrosis in MRL/lpr mice via suppression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling
Authors:   jinmeng0101@126.com, Xin Xingpan , Ma Ke , Wu Shan , Ma Jiawei , Li Hangchao , Dai Qiaoding , Ji Lina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common kidney injury associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and represents the most significant cause of disability and mortality in SLE patients. Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathological process leading to end-stage renal failure in various chronic kidney diseases. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a water-soluble monoterpenoid glycoside extracted from Paeonia lactiflora. Although there is evidence that PF protects against LN, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study found a significant relationship between TGF-β1 and LN and a good binding activity between PF and the core target proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by LncRNA sequencing and molecular docking. After 9 weeks of PF treatment, renal function and structure were significantly improved in MRL/lpr mice, with increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased expression of vimentin and α-SMA. Furthermore, PF further inhibited EMT by increasing E-cadherin expression and reducing the expression of vimentin and α-SMA in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells and co-culture of M2c and HK-2 cells. Additionally, PF inhibited the expression of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, PF may improve renal fibrosis and EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, thereby to slow down the pathological process of LN fibrosis.
A comparative study on the application methods of phosphorus and silicon in finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in the acidic soils of Meghalaya, India
Authors: Choudhary Dinesh , Majumdar Sabyasachi , Thakuria Dwipendra , Dutta Pranab , Thimappa Pallavi , Prakash Nagabovanalli Basavarajappa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the College of Agriculture (CAU), Kyrdemkulai, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, during the Kharif season of 2023 to study the “Comparison of Application Methods of Phosphorus and Silicon in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana).” The experiment was designed in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Factor-A (phosphorus) consisted of three application methods: broadcasting (BC), band placement (BP), and seedling root dip (SRD). Similarly, Factor-B (silicon) also included three application methods: broadcasting, band placement, and seedling root dip. The results revealed that the different application methods of phosphorus and silicon significantly influenced most of the parameters studied. Yield parameters and soil parameters were all affected. Yield parameters, including biological yield, grain yield, and stover yield, were significantly highest in the A2B2 treatment (phosphorus-band placement and silicon-band placement) at 7632, 2967, and 4665 kg ha-1, respectively, and lowest in A3B1 (phosphorus-seedling root dip and silicon-broadcasting) at 4797, 1789, and 3008 kg ha-1, respectively. Soil parameters such as available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable acidity, and exchangeable Al were significantly highest in A3B3 (P-SRD and Si-SRD) at 344 kg ha-1, 25.7 kg ha-1, 1.9 meq 100g-1 soil, and 1.117 meq 100g-1 soil, respectively. Soil available silicon (Si) was significantly highest in A1B2 (P-BC and Si-BP) at 25.63 mg/kg soil. Total phosphorus and silicon nutrient uptake were significantly highest in A2B2 (phosphorus-band placement and silicon-band placement) at 8.14 kg ha-1 and 108.92 kg ha-1, respectively. The results of the experiment indicated that the band placement method for both phosphorus and silicon (P-BP and Si-BP) was superior in terms of yield, while the seedling root dip method (P-SRD and Si-SRD) was more effective for soil fertility in the mid-hills of Meghalaya. This is first time reporting comparison of application methods of phosphorus and silicon in finger millet.
The Impact of serum uric acid Levels on the Cumulative Live Birth Rate in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET)
Authors: Xu Siyue , Zhang Ting , Jia Nan , Li Meng , Tian Lifeng , Zhang Shaodi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To estimate the impact of serum uric acid (SUA) levels on the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
Methods
A retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 2,841 women who had their first IVF-ET treatment at the Reproductive Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital and the Reproductive Center of Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021. The women were divided into four groups based on SUA quartiles. Baseline characteristics and clinical and laboratory indicators were compared across these groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of different SUA levels on CLBR. Correlation analysis identified factors influencing SUA levels and clarified the main factors affecting CLBR in women with PCOS.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, the SUA level did not significantly affect CLBR (P > 0.05). SUA levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), weight, baseline testosterone (T), and fasting insulin (P < 0.05). Curve-fitting analyses showed that SUA levels exhibited an increasing trend with the rise of BMI, weight, fasting insulin, and baseline T. BMI and weight were linearly associated with the CLBR, with rates decreasing as BMI and weight increased. In contrast, SUA, fasting insulin, and baseline T did not correlate significantly with the CLBR.
Conclusion
SUA levels do not have a significant impact on the CLBR in women with PCOS. BMI and weight are negatively correlated with CLBR.
The European Coal Blessing
Authors: Dong Baomin , Li Nan , Xie Bing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of modern European coal mining on technological and scientific innovation. Our city-level empirical results demonstrate that coal extraction had a beneficial impact on the cultivation of science figures, as evidenced by a unique dataset of scientists and engineers in Europe during the 19th century and their proximity to coalfields. The results indicate a positive impact when we employ historical European innovation data as an alternative dependent variable. The potential endogeneity problem is controlled by the time-lagged independent variables and conventional instrumental variables, such as the rock strata of the Carboniferous era. In addition, we show that this positive effect was channeled by the forward linkages of collieries such as the cotton textile industry and manufacturing as a whole. Our cliometric findings shed lights on the mechanisms underlying the Industrial Revolution.
JEL Classification: O13, Q35, N13, I25, O10
Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) Software Versus Radiologists from Multiple Countries: A Comparison of Tuberculosis Detection from Chest X-Rays
Authors: Qin Zhi Zhen , Walt Martie Van der , Moyo Sizulu , Ismail Farzana , Maribe Phaleng , Denkinger Claudia , Zaidi Sarah , Barrett Rachael , Mvusi Lindiwe , Tsibolane Yolisa , Mkhondo Nkateko , Zuma Khangelani , Manda Samuel , Koeppel Lisa , Mthiyane Thuli , Creswell Jacob 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Nearly a third of TB cases go undetected annually. WHO recommends computer-aided detection (CAD) to enhance TB screening, with studies showing comparable performance to local radiologists. Using 774 chest X-rays from the South African National TB Prevalence Survey, we compared 12 CAD software with 11 radiologists from Nigeria, India, the UK, and the US, against a composite microbiological reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity and Cohen’s kappa were calculated and compared. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were developed for CAD and Euclidean distance assessed radiologists’ alignment with the best-performing software. Binomial regression tested the impact of radiologists’ characteristics on accuracy. Radiologist performance varied. On the restricted read, British radiologists had the highest sensitivity (78.7% [73.2–83.5%]) and Indian radiologists the lowest (67.1% [61.0-72.8%]). Specificity ranged from 75.8% (71.8–79.4%, Nigeria) to 84.3% (80.9–87.3%, the US). The top CAD outperformed all except Indian radiologists when matching specificity. CAD with Conformité Européenne (CE) generally matched or surpassed radiologists. British radiologists’ sensitivity was closest to the top CAD, while American radiologists were closest in specificity and overall. Experience, TB reads, and country had no significant impact on accuracy. CAD performed well against radiologists globally, underscoring its potential to enhance access to care.
Indacenodithienothiophene-based A-D-A-type phototheranostics for immuno-phototherapy
Authors: Ye Yangtian , Zhao Shaojing , Pang E , Tang Yuanyu , Zhu Pan , Gao Wenjie , Diao Qingxu , Yu Jie , Zeng Jie , Lan Minhuan , Yi Jianing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The development of phototherapeutics with high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) and strong ability to generate reactive oxygen species under single near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for immuno-phototherapy applications remains a significant challenge. Herein, we optimally selected the molecule IT-4F with an acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structure to prepare water-dispersible nanoparticles (NPs) by assembly with DSPE-PEG-NH2. Such NPs have NIR absorption and fluorescence peaks at 728 and 817 nm, respectively. They can generate singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion (O2-·) under laser irradiation, with a 1O2 generation quantum yield of 31.5%. They can also effectively convert photon-energy into heat with a high PCE of 42.8%. The outstanding properties of IT-4F NPs enable them to be used in NIR fluorescence imaging guided photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Moreover, PDT and PTT triggered immunogenic cell death and PANoptosis in tumor cells, which not only inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in mice model, but also induced a robust immune response, evidenced by increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, and a decreased presence of immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. The efficacy of IT-4F NPs in organoid of human breast cancer was also verified.
Using Agricultural Originated Biochars To Improve Chemical Properties Of An Acid Soil And Wheat Yield
Authors: Mawalla Dennis , Gülser Coşkun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained when organic material underwent pyrolysis. When applied to soil, biochar is claimed to have positive influence on soil quality and productivity could be improved.
Purpose
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biochars generated from various agricultural wastes on soil chemical properties of moderate acidic clayey loam soil and wheat yield.
Methods
Green house pot experiment has been conducted to gain insight on effect of biochars originated from agricultural biomass on soil chemical quality and wheat yield. The four types of biochars used were; rice husk biochar, hazelnut waste biochar, wheat straw biochar, and tea waste biochar. The biochar application rate was 2%.
Results
All the applied biochars altered soil pH signifying liming potential of biochars and their effectiveness on improving the quality of acid soils. Biochar applications showed varied effects on soil properties and wheat yield components.
Conclusion
Hazelnut waste biochar demonstrated higher capacity on improving both soil chemical parameters and wheat yield components. Tea waste biochar improved most of soil chemical parameters but not wheat yield. Observed variation on chemical properties and yields suggesting that composition of biochar has primary effect on influencing the quality of soil and yield.
Surgery for a Low-Grade Thalamic Tumor in a 10-year-old Pediatric Patient
Authors: Cavalheiro Sergio , Quiróz José Antonio Rangel , Dastoli Patricia Alessandra , Kim Isaque Hyung Tong , Suzuki Fernando Seiji , Costa Marcos Devanir Silva da 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Thalamic tumors represent 1–5% of pediatric brain tumors, where according to histopathological and molecular classification of the tumor, we can divide them into low-grade tumors and high-grade tumors. These tumors have a poor prognosis; however, with current advances in medicine, many patients have achieved a survival of more than 5 years, depending on the prognosis of these patients in terms of the resectability of the lesion and the histopathological and molecular classification of the tumor.
In this article, we present a brief review of thalamic tumors with a focus on the surgical approach, exemplifying our case where we demonstrated our surgical technique with favorable results.
We can conclude that good management of this pathology depends on the type of tumor, resectability, and adequate follow-up of these patients by a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neuro-oncologists, neurophysiologists, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists, neuroradiologists, and radiation oncologists.
Ethics committee approval was not required to perform the surgical procedure on the patient.
The patient's parents provided informed consent for the surgery and gave verbal consent for the publication of their images and their surgery.