bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New tracers for the identification of the salinity contamination in a confined coastal aquifer; the use of the cesium and rubidium concentration to identify the salinization origin in the case of Llobregat Delta in Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Diaz Alfredo , Pérez Isabel , Martin-Alonso Jordi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The Llobregat Aquifer located in the southern of the Barcelona’s Metropolitan Area (Spain) is the most important source of groundwater in Barcelona tap water distribution system, with a production of up to 70.000 m3 of tap water per day.
Since the year 2007, the salinity of this aquifer has been increased to a values higher than European directives for tap water (Na=200 mg/l), where sodium concentration achieved to 300 mg/l in most of groundwater samples analyzed from October 2008 to April 2009. The possible causes of the salinization could be the sea intrusion into the aquifer or otherwise, the breaking and subsequent contamination by the brine collector from salt mines landfills located in the upper course of the River.
All studies performed with ionic ratios of major elements such as Na, Cl, Br; K, Ca did not allow to obtain a definitive probe of the salinity’s source. However the determination of a minority elements such as cesium or rubidium at very low concentration levels showed that the main source of salinization was the Mediterranean Sea intrusion into the aquifer, probably due to the extensive use of the aquifer in the great period of dryness from 2005 to 2007.
The analytical technique for the determination of cesium, rubidium and other heavy metals at traces level (few ng/l) was optimized and validated with high salinity matrixes such as sea water and brines lixiviates by ICP-MS and good quality parameters were obtained (accuracy and variability <25%) with a limit of quantification of only 0.1 µg/l for cesium and rubidium in sea water. Thereby the cesium and rubidium usually present in saline samples at variable concentrations values has been confirmed as a good tracers to identify univocally the origin of the Aquifer salinization.
Estimates of Discrete Riesz Potentials on Discrete Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: Hao Xuebing , Li Baode , Yang Shuai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Let $0<\alpha<1$. We obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of discrete fractional Hardy-Littlewood maximal operators ${\mathcal M}_\alpha$ on discrete weighted Lebesgue spaces. From this and a discrete variant of Whitney decomposition theorem, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the discrete Riesz potentials $I_\alpha$ on discrete weighted Lebesgue spaces are discussed. As applications, the boundedness of $I_\alpha$ on discrete weighted Morrey spaces is further obtained.
An Endogenous Promoter LpSUT2 Discovered in Duckweed: a Promising Transgenic Tool for Plants
Authors: Wei Cuicui , Hu Zhubin , Wang Songhu , Tan Xiao , Jin Yanling , Yi Zhuolin , He Kaize , Zhao Leyi , Chu Ziyue , Fang Yang , Chen Shuang , Liu Penghui , Zhao Hai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Promoters are one of the most critical elements in regulating gene expression. They are considered essential biotechnological tools for heterologous protein production. The one most widely used in plants is the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus. However, our study for the first time discovered the 35Spromoter reduced the expression of exogenous proteins under increased antibiotic stress. We discovered an endogenous strong promoter from duckweed named LpSUT2 that keeps higher priming activity under antibiotic stress. Stable transformation in duckweed showed that the gene expression of eGFP in the LpSUT2:eGFP was 1.76 times that of the 35S:eGFP at 100 mg/L G418 and 6.18 times at 500 mg/L G418. Notably, with the increase of G418 concentration, the gene expression and the fluorescence signal of eGFP in the 35S:eGFPwas weak, while the LpSUT2:eGFP only changed slightly. This is because under high antibiotic stress, the 35S promoter was methylated, leading to the gene silencing of the eGFP gene. Meanwhile, the LpSUT2 promoter was not methylated and maintained high activity. This isa previously unknown mechanism that provides us with new insights into screening more stable promoters that are less affected by environmental stress. These outcomes suggest that the LpSUT2 promoter has a high capacity to initiate the expression of exogenous proteins. In conclusion, our study provides a promoter tool with potential application for plant genetic engineering and also provides new insights into screening promoters.
Effects of high temperature treatment on the stability and biological activity of catechins compounds
Authors: Wang Kui-Wu , Yang Chuang , Wu Si-Tong , Cao Xiao-Ji , He Shan , Wang Hong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The thermal stability and the transformation mechanism of five representative catechins compounds were studied using HPLC-QTOF-MS. The effects of high temperature treatment on the antioxidant, anti-glycation, and enzyme inhibitory activities of catechins compounds were evaluated in vitro. The thermal stability is as follows: ECG > EGCG > Cat > EC > EGC. The increase of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring is not conducive to the stability, while the substitution of Gallic acid is beneficial for the stability of catechins compounds. After heating treatment, the antioxidant activity decreased, while the anti-glycation activity and the inhibitory effects on three enzymes increased significantly. Molecular docking simulation analysis indicated that the degradation product Gallic acid had better binding effect with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase than ECG, which was one of the reasons for the increased inhibitory activity on enzymes of catechins after heating treatment.
Effect of Heat Stress on physiological, behavioural, and production responses in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Sirtori Francesco , Parrini Silvia , Fabbri Maria Chiara , Crovetti Alessandro , Messeri Alessandro , Mancini Marco , Orlandini Simone , Pugliese Carolina , Grifoni Daniele , Bozzi Riccardo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Heat stress is one of the most significant issues occurred in the dairy systems during the last decades with adverse consequences on welfare and production. This study aims to evaluate the effect of heat stress on the main major physiological, behavioural and productive parameters considering two dairy herds located in hill/mountain area. Twenty Friesian cows were checked in two climatic condition periods: no stress, with average diurnal THI < 72 and heat stress with THI > 72. Physiological indices (respiration rate, panting score, skin udder temperature, heat evaporation loss, and heat stress index) as well as milk yield, were during 5 trial consecutive days for each period. Animal behaviours were recorded from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including feeding, dynamic and grooming activities. In the heat stress period, cows presented higher values relative to physiological parameters. In addition, the cows decreased the feeding frequency (from 25.18 to 14.74%) increasing their standing (from 9.73 to 22%) and drinking (from 1.77 to 3.60%) behaviour. Milk yield decreased (-3kg/day/cow), as the climatic conditions worsened. The results of this study confirmed the need of more effective strategies development to mitigate the heat load in dairy cattle also in hill/mountain area.
The Cerebellar Cognitive Affective / Schmahmann Syndrome Scale in Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Authors: Selvadurai Louisa P. , Perlman Susan L. , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Wilmot George R. , Onyike Chiadi U. , Rosenthal Liana S. , Shakkottai Vikram G. , Paulsen Henry L. , Subramony Sub H. , Bushara Khalaf O. , Kuo Sheng-Han , Dietiker Cameron , Geschwind Michael D. , Nelson Alexandra B. , Gomez Christopher M. , Opal Puneet , Zesiewicz Theresa A. , Hawkins Trevor , Yacoubian Talene A. , Nopoulos Peggy C. , Sha Sharon J. , Morrison Peter E. , Figueroa Karla P. , Pulst Stefan M. , Schmahmann Jeremy D. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Cerebellar Cognitive Affective / Schmahmann Syndrome (CCAS) manifests as impaired executive control, linguistic processing, visual spatial function and affect regulation. The CCAS has been described in the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), but its prevalence is unknown. We analyzed results of the CCAS / Schmahmann Scale (CCAS-S), developed to detect and quantify CCAS, in two natural history studies of 309 individuals Symptomatic for SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, or SCA8, 26 individuals Pre-symptomatic for SCA1 or SCA3, and 37 Controls. We compared total raw scores, domain scores and total fail scores between Symptomatic, Pre-symptomatic, and Control cohorts, and between SCA types. We calculated scale sensitivity and selectivity based on CCAS category designation amongst Symptomatic individuals and Controls, and correlated CCAS-S performance against age and education, and in Symptomatic patients, against genetic repeat length, onset age, disease duration, motor ataxia, depression and fatigue. Definite CCAS was identified in 46% of the Symptomatic group. False positive rate amongst Controls was 5.4%. Symptomatic individuals had poorer global CCAS-S performance than Controls, accounting for age and education. The domains of semantic fluency, phonemic fluency, and category switching that tap executive function and linguistic processing consistently separated Symptomatic individuals from Controls. CCAS-S scores correlated most closely with motor ataxia. Controls were similar to Pre-symptomatic individuals whose nearness to symptom onset was unknown. Use of the CCAS-S identifies a high CCAS prevalence in a large cohort of SCA patients, underscoring the utility of the scale and the notion that the CCAS is the third cornerstone of clinical ataxiology.
Precision Pharmacotherapy With Zibotentan in Microvascular Angina: a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.
Authors: Berry Colin , Morrow Andrew , Abraham George , Hoole Stephen , Greenwood John , Arnold Jayanth , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Ferreira Vanessa , Rakhit Roby , Galasko Gavin , Sinha Aish , Perera Divaka , Al-lamee Rasha , Spyridopoulos Ioakim , Kotecha Ashish , Clesham Gerald , Ford Tom , Davenport Anthony , Jolly Lisa , Kellman Peter , Kaski Juan-Carlos , Weir Robin , Sattar Naveed , Welsh Paul , Kennedy Julie , Macfarlane Peter , McConnachie Alex , Shibly Mohamed El 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Microvascular angina, linked to endothelin system dysregulation, was the focus of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, sequential crossover trial (NCT04097314). The trial compared zibotentan, an oral endothelin A receptor selective antagonist, with placebo in 118 patients with microvascular angina. Over 12 weeks, participants received either 10 mg daily zibotentan or placebo, with the primary outcome treadmill exercise duration. The study found no significant difference in exercise duration with zibotentan (-4.26 seconds; 95% CI: -19.60 to 11.06; P=0.5871). However, zibotentan increased plasma big endothelin-1, endothelin-1, and global myocardial blood flow, while reducing hemoglobin, diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (all p<0.001). Adverse events were more common during the zibotentan period (60.2%) compared to placebo (14.4%, p<0.001). In conclusion, daily administration of 10 mg zibotentan for 12 weeks did not enhance exercise duration and was commonly associated with adverse effects related to fluid retention. Further trials exploring lower zibotentan doses in combination with agents to mitigate fluid retention, and longer treatment durations, are warranted.
Estimate leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content in winter-wheat using image texture and vegetation indices derived from multi-temporal RGB images
Authors: Yu Xingjiao , Huo Xuefei , Pi Yingying , Wang Yafei , Fan Kai , Qian Long , Wang Wene , Hu Xiaotao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aims
Investigating the potential of combining data dimensionality reduction methods with various linear regression models and machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content (LCC) estimation in winter wheat based on UAV RGB imagery.
Methods
Constructed and compared the performance of three linear regression techniques: multiple linear regression (MLR), ridge regression (RR), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) and three machine learning algorithms: back-propagation neural networks(BP), random forests (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) with spectral vegetation indices (VIs), texture features (TEs) and their combinations extracted from UAV RGB images. Moreover, different data dimensionality reduction methods include principal component analysis (PCA), and stepwise selection (ST) were used to improve the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation.
Results
The highest correlation between texture features and LAI, LCC was obtained with window size 5 × 5, orientation 45° and displacement 2 pixels. Combining VIs and TEs improved the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation for wheat compared to using VIs or TEs alone. The RF model combined with ST_PCA for fusing VIs and TEs achieved the best estimations, with R2 of 0.86 and 0.91, RMSE of 0.26 and 2.01, and MAE of 0.22 and 1.66 for LAI and LCC, respectively.
Conclusions
The fusing of multiple features improved the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation. ST_PCA, combined with machine learning algorithms, holds promising potential for monitoring crop physiological and biochemical parameters.
Stakeholder Priorities for ART Initiation and Early Retention Interventions in Malawi: A Qualitative Study Comparing International and National Perspectives
Authors: Hariprasad Santhi , Phiri Khumbo , Thorp Marguerite , Holland Katherine , Nyirenda Rose , Gupta Sundeep , Phiri Sam , Sabin Lora , Dovel Kathryn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
New or returning ART clients are often ineligible for differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, though they are at increased risk of treatment interruption and may benefit greatly from flexible care models. Stakeholder support may limit progress on development and scale-up of interventions for this population. We qualitatively explored stakeholder perceptions of and decision-making criteria regarding DSD models for new or returning ART clients in Malawi.
Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews with internationally based stakeholders (from foundations, multilateral organizations, and NGOs) and Malawi-based stakeholders (from the Malawi Ministry of Health and PEPFAR implementing partners). The interviews included two think-aloud scenarios in which participants rated and described their perceptions of 1) the relative importance of five criteria (cost, effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, and equity) in determining which interventions to implement for new or returning ART clients and 2) their relative interest in seven potential interventions (monetary incentives, nonmonetary incentives, community-based care, ongoing peer/mentor support and counseling, eHealth, facility-based interventions, and multimonth dispensing) for the same population. The interviews were completed in English via video conference and were audio-recorded. Transcriptions were coded using ATLAS.ti version 9. We examined the data using thematic content analysis and explored differences between international and national stakeholders.
Results
We interviewed twenty-two stakeholders between October 2021 and March 2022. Thirteen were based internationally, and nine were based in Malawi. Both groups prioritized client acceptability but diverged on other criteria: international stakeholders prioritized effectiveness, and Malawi-based stakeholders prioritized cost, feasibility, and sustainability. Both stakeholder groups were most interested in facility-based DSD models, such as multimonth dispensing and extended facility hours. Nearly all the stakeholders described person-centered care as a critical focus for any DSD model implemented.
Conclusions
National and international stakeholders support DSD models for new or returning ART clients. Client acceptability and long-term sustainability should be prioritized to address the concerns of nationally based stakeholders. Future studies should explore the reasons for differences in national and international stakeholders’ priorities and how to ensure that local perspectives are incorporated into funding and programmatic decisions.
Cr-doped mesoporous M1 phase MoVTeNbOx catalyze selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid
Authors: Qu Haonan , Li Shuangming , Wang Yiwen , Song Jiao , Li Zhe , Yu Sansan , Zhou Yitong , Zhu Ruiqi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this work, we investigated the doping of MoVTeNbOx catalysts with a small amount of Cr using spray drying. The effect of Cr doping on their crystalline phase structure, physicochemical properties, and catalytic propane oxidation to acrylic acid performance was investigated. The results showed that the catalyst samples were prepared by spray drying from rod stacking into unique spherical shapes. In addition, Cr doping induced a change in the mesopore structure formed by rod stacking, reducing the pore radius of the catalysts from 5–10 nm to 2–4 nm. Meanwhile, Cr doping dramatically reduced the average particle size of the motivations, decreasing the rod cross-sectional area of the catalysts from 234.21 nm to 134.96 nm and the rod length from 1.096 µm to 485.71 nm, which significantly increased the number of (001) active crystalline surfaces. Not only that, Cr doping increased the V5+ content on the catalyst surface from 35.8–72.6%. Together with the mesoporous structure, the Cr-doped MoVTeNbOx showed excellent performance in catalyzing the propane-selective acrylic acid production reaction. Among them, the S-3 sample (V: Cr = 1:0.015) increased the selectivity of acrylic acid from 67.5–84.3% and the acrylic acid yield from 26.4–43.2% when the reaction temperature was 380°C.
Variant load of Mitochondrial DNA in single human Mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hipps Daniel , Porter Anna L.R. , Dobson Philip F. , Tuppen Helen , Lawless Conor , Russell Oliver M. , Pyle Angela , Turnbull Doug M. , Deehan David J. , Hudson Gavin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the parent cells to many cells of the musculoskeletal system including osteoblasts. Previous work has shown that in mouse models mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) pathological variants lead to dysfunction of the respiratory chain of these osteoblasts and the premature development of age related osteoporosis. An increased rate of respiratory chain deficiency has also been observed in human osteoblasts.
An experimental pipeline to isolate single MSCs using flow cytometry was developed before performing next generation sequencing to analyse the pathogenic variant load of 13 patients aged 22-88. In all patients, somatic mtDNA variants were detected in individual cells. As per previous studies, increased variants within the mtDNA control region (D-Loop) were detected. However overall, there was no significant difference in the distribution of variants across the rest of the genome in all patients. Although a higher proportion of non-synonymous variants were seen this was not statistically significant.
It is possible to isolate and sequence individual MSCs and detect somatic mtDNA variants. This gives a snapshot in time of the variant load for each patient. Due to low sample numbers when compared to studies investigating the role of pathogenic mtDNA variants in other cell types, it was not possible to observe any age related increase in pathological variants. However, this this study adds further evidence that clonally expanded, somatic mtDNA variants are common and could contribute to age related diseases including osteoporosis.
Infinite Horizon Nash Equilibrium Models of a Limit Order Book
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Wei Hongxu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The paper analyzes some models of a Limit Order Book, determined as a Nash equilibrium among a large number of traders, in infinite time horizon.
We study how the size and shape of the LOB are related to the expected profit rate of traders posting limit orders, and to the random distribution of incoming external buy or sell orders. Formulas are derived which show how the volatility of the stock, and the presence of better informed external agents, determine (i) an increase in the bid-ask spread and (ii) a liquidity reduction, i.e. a decrease in the total amount of stocks posted for purchase or for sale. We also analyze models including ''fast" and ''slow" traders, that can react more or less quickly to changes in the fundamental value of the stock.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 49N90, 91A10, 91B26.
Research on Collaborative Optimization of End Side Mining under the “Dual Carbon” Goal—A Case Study of the Baorixile Open-pit Mine
Authors: LIU Guangwei , ZHANG Jing , BAI Runcai , WANG Dong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Under the “dual carbon” goal, various open-pit mines actively participate in the country's call, and use new technologies and methods to extract as much coal as possible After the coal is mined by the traditional method, so as to achieve the goal of efficient utilization of energy resources. The east end slope of Baorixile open-pit mine has reached the critical value of slope stability due to the previous longitudinal mining to the boundary, but the lower part of the end slope coal seam is still covered with coal seams. Therefore, the method of transverse mining and the inner discharge pressure side tracking is adopted for coal mining. In this paper, by clarifying the end slope landslide mechanism, the combination of AutoCAD and Rhino is used to establish a model, and the influence of the width of the end slope plate and the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side on the stability of the slope is analyzed by using FLAC3D, the width of the end slope plate and the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side have been determined with safety as the premise and production capacity as the goal. The research results show that the greater the width of the end slope plate, the better the slope stability; The greater the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side, but the smaller the production capacity. Therefore, considering factors such as safety and production capacity, it is determined that the width of the end slope plate is 40m, the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side is 200m, and the recoverable coal mining amount is 7.1403 million tons, stripping amount is 3.7962 million m3, making it the safest and the largest production capacity.