bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing growth, quality, and metabolism of nitrogen of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by high red–blue light intensity
Authors: Chen Yanqi , Liu Jiayuan , Liu Wenke 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn countries characterized by limited per capita arable land and grassland, agricultural development is hindered by insufficient forage productivity. The plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) system has emerged as a highly efficient approach to address this challenge by cultivating forage on finite land resources. In the PFAL framework, the regulation of light intensity plays a critical role in determining both the yield and quality of cultivated plants.AimsThis study seeks to delve into the optimal range of light intensity for achieving high efficiency and quality in the production of alfalfa in the PFAL. Additionally, it seeks to explore the effects of light intensity on nitrogen metabolism, as well as the accumulation and metabolism of amino acid in alfalfa.MethodsTo achieve these objectives, alfalfa was sown and subjected to five treatments involving red and blue LED light in a 4:1 ratio. The light intensities used were 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 µmol m–2 s−1, respectively. The alfalfa plants were then harvested at intervals of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 days. The quality and nitrogen metabolisms of alfalfa during this period were assessed by evaluating the plant's growth performance and determining the optimal cutting time.ConclusionIn summary, high‐light intensity (400–600 µmol m−2 s−1) improved alfalfa yield and quality, while also promoting nitrogen and amino acid metabolism. Photon flux density at 400–500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity for a duration of 30 days was identified as the optimal condition for PFAL alfalfa production.
Variability in Minimal Clinically Important Difference Calculation and Reporting in the Otolaryngology Literature
Authors: Tripathi Siddhant H. , Min Susie , Cody Alexander S. , Shukla Geet , Houssein Firas A. , Howard John S. , Hu Alex , Previtera Melissa J. , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveBest practices for calculation of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of outcome measures include the use of complementary methodologies (broadly classified as anchor‐based and distribution‐based) and reporting of the MCID's predictive ability. We sought to determine MCID calculation and reporting patterns within the otolaryngology literature.MethodsA systematic search strategy of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was developed and implemented to identify studies reporting the determination of an MCID for an outcome measure. Studies specifically within the otolaryngology literature (defined as journals classified as “otorhinolaryngology” in the Journal Citation Reports database) were included. All those journals were additionally searched for relevant articles.ResultsThere were 35 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 88.6% reported MCID of a patient‐reported outcome measure and the remainder were for objective outcome measurements. Anchor‐based methods were used by 82.9% of studies and distribution‐based methods were used by 68.6% of studies. Of all studies, 31.4% utilized anchor‐based methods alone, 17.1% utilized distribution‐based methods alone, and 51.4% used both methods. Only 25.7% of studies reported the sensitivity (median: 60.8%, range: 40.5%–86.7%) and specificity (median: 80.4%, range: 63.5%–88.0%) of the MCID to detect patients experiencing clinically important change.ConclusionDeviation from best practices in MCID calculation and reporting exists within the otolaryngology literature, with almost half of all studies only using one method of MCID calculation and almost three‐quarters not reporting the predictive ability (sensitivity/specificity) of the calculated MCID. When predictive ability is reported, however, MCIDs appear to be more specific than sensitive.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:2059–2069, 2024
Progressive Brain Atrophy in Multiple System Atrophy: A Longitudinal, Multicenter, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Krismer Florian , Péran Patrice , Beliveau Vincent , Seppi Klaus , Arribarat Germain , Pavy‐Le Traon Anne , Meissner Wassilios G. , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Fabbri Margherita , Schocke Michael M. , Gordon Mark Forrest , Wenning Gregor K. , Poewe Werner , Rascol Olivier , Scherfler Christoph 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the rates of brain atrophy progression in vivo in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).BackgroundSurrogate biomarkers of disease progression are a major unmet need in MSA. Small‐scale longitudinal studies in patients with MSA using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess progression of brain atrophy have produced inconsistent results. In recent years, novel MRI post‐processing methods have been developed enabling reliable quantification of brain atrophy in an automated fashion.MethodsSerial 3D‐T1‐weighted MRI assessments (baseline and after 1 year of follow‐up) of 43 patients with MSA were analyzed and compared to a cohort of early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy controls (HC). FreeSurfer's longitudinal analysis stream was used to determine the brain atrophy rates in an observer‐independent fashion.ResultsMean ages at baseline were 64.4 ± 8.3, 60.0 ± 7.5, and 59.8 ± 9.2 years in MSA, PD patients and HC, respectively. A mean disease duration at baseline of 4.1 ± 2.5 years in MSA patients and 2.3 ± 1.4 years in PD patients was observed. Brain regions chiefly affected by MSA pathology showed progressive atrophy with annual rates of atrophy for the cerebellar cortex, cerebellar white matter, pons, and putamen of −4.24 ± 6.8%, −8.22 ± 8.8%, −4.67 ± 4.9%, and − 4.25 ± 4.9%, respectively. Similar to HC, atrophy rates in PD patients were minimal with values of −0.41% ± 1.8%, −1.47% ± 4.1%, −0.04% ± 1.8%, and −1.54% ± 2.2% for cerebellar cortex, cerebellar white matter, pons, and putamen, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with MSA show significant brain volume loss over 12 months, and cerebellar, pontine, and putaminal volumes were the most sensitive to change in mid‐stage disease. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Co2FeGe Heusler Alloy Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propyne Hydrogenation and Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Kojima Takayuki , Nakaya Yuki , Tate Souta , Kameoka Satoshi , Furukawa Shinya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeusler alloys (X2YZ) can be a candidate for new catalysts as well as other intermetallic compounds. We previously found good catalytic properties of Co2FeGe for selective hydrogenation of alkynes and developed nanoparticles of Co2FeGe supported on SiO2. However, the average diameter of the nanoparticles was 23 nm, which is not small enough compared to those of state‐of‐the‐art nanoparticle catalysts. In this study, we developed SiO2‐supported Co2FeGe nanoparticles of <10 nm in diameter. A catalytic test for selective hydrogenation of propyne indicated a partial formation of sites with low selectivity including excess Co atoms. For ammonia decomposition, enhancement of turnover frequency was achieved by reducing the particle size.
Glass fiber/epoxy composites with improved interfacial adhesion by using cross‐linking sizing agent
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Zhang Dedong , Han Xiang , Li Xinxin , Huyan Chenxi , Li Junfeng , Liu Dong , Chen Fei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGlass fibers (GFs) are frequently employed as reinforcement fibers for polymer resins such as epoxy and polyester. The mechanical behaviors of GFs polymer composites are nevertheless constrained by weak interfacial adhesion between polymer matrix and GFs. Herein, we invented a cross‐linking modified sizing agent using polyethyleneimine and bisphenol A epoxy emulsion, and studied the effect of cross‐linking extent on GF surface characteristics and GF/epoxy interfacial adhesion. The treatment of GFs with cross‐linking modified sizing agent facilitated the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks in composites for strengthening interface interaction. The results show that the modified GFs have a rough surface and improved interfacial adhesion with epoxy matrix. When sizing agents with cross‐linking extent of the 23.0%, the GF/epoxy composites show advanced interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transverse fiber bundle tension (TFBT) strength. This work demonstrates that the cross‐linking extent of sizing agent could regulate interfacial adhesion, which is a facile and promising strategy in reinforcing glass fiber polymer composites.Highlights
Crosslink the sizing agent to enhance GF mechanical properties was reported.
GF surface energy was enhanced and thickness of GF/epoxy interphase increased.
IFSS and TFBT strength of the GF/resin composites increased by 23.65% and 30.54%, respectively.
Regulation and prediction of the dielectric constant and interfacial binding energy of surface modified hexagonal boron nitride/polyphenylene oxide@cyanate ester resin
Authors: Zhao Xuanzheng , Lan Bijian , Lu Yinxiang , Bai Yu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractParticulate‐filled materials with superior mechanical properties and wave permeability have received extensive research attention in the military industry. To elucidate the role of reinforcement in polymers, γ‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) is used to modify hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanoparticles, which are then filled into polyphenylene oxide@bisphenol A dicyanate ester composite, exhibiting a 1.46‐fold increase in flexural strength and a dielectric constant of 2.66 at 12 GHz. Finite element analysis is employed to design composite material models, successfully predicting the dielectric properties of composites at different frequencies and reinforcement filling levels. The change in the interface energy induced by the silane coupling agent is quantitatively calculated by molecular dynamics simulation, demonstrating that the modified nanoparticles are conducive to improving the flexural strength. Overall, the predicted dielectric and mechanical properties of composites can be utilized to screen for composites that possess excellent dielectric and mechanical properties, thereby greatly improving efficiency.Highlights
A hexagonal boron nitride/polyphenylene oxide@cyanate ester is prepared.
Finite element analysis is employed to predict the dielectric properties.
The interface energy is calculated by molecular dynamics simulation.
The resin has superior mechanical and dielectric properties.
The dynamics of vegetation diversity and biomass under traditional grazing in Ethiopia's Somali rangeland
Authors: Gebremedhn Haftay Hailu , Dejene Sintayehu Werkneh , Tuffa Samuel , Tesfay Yayneshet , Mensah Sylvanus , Devenish Adam John Mears 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTraditional grazing management practices are central to rangeland productivity and biodiversity. However, the degradation of rangelands and loss of ecosystem services have raised concerns about the future of pastoralism as a form of land use. It is imperative to understand how these practices influence vegetation attributes, e.g., herbaceous species diversity and composition, growth forms (grass, forbs), life form (annuals, perennials), tree metrics (density, canopy cover, and biomass). This study evaluates vegetation shifts under three grazing management practices‐enclosures, open grazing, and browsing lands‐in the Somali pastoral ecosystem of Ethiopia. Enclosures exhibited the highest diversity in herbaceous species, with open grazing lands favoring forbs and annuals. Distinct compositional shifts in herbaceous species were observed across regimes, especially in grass and annuals. Enclosures had three times higher herbage biomass of open grazing and double that of browsing management practice. Conversely, browsing management practices presented optimal wood biomass, density, and canopy cover. The results highlight that a transition to combined enclosure and browsing practices can elevate plant production and diversity, benefiting the Somali rangeland economy. Consequently, dryland restoration should incorporate indigenous knowledge to ensure future rangeland sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a valuable source of disease‐related biomarkers: Evidence from comparative proteomics studies
Authors: Alexovič Michal , Uličná Csilla , Sabo Ján , Davalieva Katarina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeThe discovery of specific and sensitive disease‐associated biomarkers for early diagnostic purposes of many diseases is still highly challenging due to various complex molecular mechanisms triggered, high variability of disease‐related interactions, and an overlap of manifestations among diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain protein signatures corresponding to essential immunological interplay. Certain diseases stimulate PBMCs and contribute towards modulation of their proteome which can be effectively identified and evaluated via the comparative proteomics approach.Experimental designIn this review, we made a detailed survey of the PBMCS‐derived protein biomarker candidates for a variety of diseases, published in the last 15 years. Articles were preselected to include only comparative proteomics studies.ResultsPBMC‐derived biomarkers were investigated for cancer, glomerular, neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrinal, infectious, and other diseases. A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers, their immune cell type specificity, and potential clinical application.ConclusionsOverall, PBMCs have shown a solid potential in giving early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. The future of PBMC biomarker research should reveal its full potential through well‐designed comparative studies and extensive testing of the most promising protein biomarkers identified so far.
A Lesson from RττK(*)$R_{\tau \tau }^{K^{(\ast )}}$ and RννK(*)$R_{\nu \nu }^{K^{(\ast )}}$ at Belle II
Authors: de Giorgi Arturo , Piazza Gioacchino 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWithin the assumption of Left‐Handed (LH) New Physics (NP), the relations between and for several Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) scenarios are reviewed, commonly considered to explain the Lepton flavor Universality (LFU) violation observed in charged and neutral‐current semileptonic B decays. The latest world averages that include the recent LHCb measurement and assess the possibility of simultaneously explaining B‐anomalies without spoiling current bounds on di‐neutrino and di‐tau modes are employed. This is particularly relevant in light of the upcoming results by Belle II on neutrinos and the continuing improvement in accuracy and sensitivity achieved in tau modes.
Identification and functional analysis of the female determiner gene in the bean bug, Riptortus pedestris
Authors: Wang Haiqiang , Ying Jinjun , Mao Zeping , Wang Biyun , Ye Zhuangxin , Chen Youyuan , Chen Jianping , Zhang Chuanxi , Li Junmin , Zhuo Jichong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDHoming‐based gene drives targeting sex‐specific lethal genes have been used for genetic control. Additionally, understanding insect sex determination provides new targets for managing insect pests. While sex determination mechanisms in holometabolous insects have been thoroughly studied and employed in pest control, the study of the sex determination pathway in hemimetabolous insects is limited to only a few species. Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius; Hemiptera: Heteroptera), commonly known as the bean bug, is a significant pest for soybeans. Nonetheless, the mechanism of its sex determination and the target gene for genetic control are not well understood.RESULTSWe identified Rpfmd as the female determiner gene in the sex determination pathway of R. pedestris. Rpfmd encodes a female‐specific serine/arginine‐rich protein of 436 amino acids and one non‐sex‐specific short protein of 98 amino acids. Knockdown of Rpfmd in R. pedestris nymphs caused death of molting females with masculinized somatic morphology but did not affect male development. Knockdown of Rpfmd in newly emerged females inhibited ovary development, while maternal‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Rpfmd expression resulted in male‐only offspring. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that Rpfmd regulates X chromosome dosage compensation and influences various biological processes in females but has no significant effect on males. Moreover, RNAi mediated knockdown of Rpfmd‐C had no influence on the development of R. pedestris, suggesting that Rpfmd regulates sex determination through female‐specific splicing isoforms. We also found that Rpfmd pre‐mRNA alternative splicing regulation starts at the 24‐h embryo stage, indicating the activation of sex differentiation.CONCLUSIONOur study confirms that Rpfmd, particularly its female‐specific isoform (Rpfmd‐F), is the female determiner gene that regulates sex differentiation in R. pedestris. Knockdown of Rpfmd results in female‐specific lethality without affecting males, making it a promising target for genetic control of this soybean pest throughout its development stages. Additionally, our findings improve the understanding of the sex‐determination mechanism in hemimetabolous insects. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
MFF‐Net: Multiscale feature fusion semantic segmentation network for intracranial surgical instruments
Authors: Liu Zhenzhong , Zheng Laiwang , Yang Shubin , Zhong Zichen , Zhang Guobin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn robot‐assisted surgery, automatic segmentation of surgical instrument images is crucial for surgical safety. The proposed method addresses challenges in the craniotomy environment, such as occlusion and illumination, through an efficient surgical instrument segmentation network.MethodsThe network uses YOLOv8 as the target detection framework and integrates a semantic segmentation head to achieve detection and segmentation capabilities. A concatenation of multi‐channel feature maps is designed to enhance model generalisation by fusing deep and shallow features. The innovative GBC2f module ensures the lightweight of the network and the ability to capture global information.ResultsExperimental validation of the intracranial glioma surgical instrument dataset shows excellent performance: 94.9% MPA score, 89.9% MIoU value, and 126.6 FPS.ConclusionsAccording to the experimental results, the segmentation model proposed in this study has significant advantages over other state‐of‐the‐art models. This provides a valuable reference for the further development of intelligent surgical robots.
Differentiating Between V‐ and G‐Series Nerve Agent and Simulant Vapours Using Fluorescent Film Responses
Authors: Fan Shengqiang , Loch Alex S. , Vongsanga Kylie , Dennison Genevieve H. , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn‐field rapid and reliable identification of nerve agents is critical for the protection of Defence and National Security personnel as well as communities. Fluorescence‐based detectors can be portable and provide rapid detection of chemical threats. However, most current approaches cannot differentiate between dilute vapors of nerve agent classes and are susceptible to false positives due to the presence of common acids. Here a fluorescence‐based method is shown for rapid differentiation between the V‐series and phosphonofluoridate G‐series nerve agents and avoids false positives due to common acids. Differentiation is achieved through harnessing two different mechanisms. Detection of the V‐series is achieved using photoinduced hole transfer whereby the fluorescence of the sensing material is quenched in the presence of the V‐series agent. The G‐series is detected using a turn‐on mechanism in which a silylated excited state intramolecular proton transfer sensing molecule is selectively deprotected by hydrogen fluoride, which is typically found as a contaminant and/or breakdown product in G‐series agents such as sarin. The strategy provided discrimination between classes, as the sensor for the G‐series agent class is insensitive to the V‐series agent, and vice versa, and neither responded to common acids.
Cognitive decline assessment in speakers of understudied languages
Authors: Hatahet Oula , Roser Florian , Seghier Mohamed L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractProjected trends in population aging have forecasted a massive increase in the number of people with dementia, in particular in sub‐Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Cognitive decline is a significant marker for dementia, typically assessed with standardized neuropsychological tools that have been validated in some well‐researched languages such as English. However, with the existing language diversity, current tools cannot cater to speakers of understudied languages, putting these populations at a disadvantage when it comes to access to early and accurate diagnosis of dementia. Here, we shed light on the detrimental impact of this language gap in the context of the MENA region, highlighting inadequate tools and an unacceptable lack of expertise for a MENA population of a half billion people. Our perspective calls for more research to unravel the exact impact of the language gap on the quality of cognitive decline assessment in speakers of understudied languages.Highlights
Cognitive decline is a marker for dementia, assessed with neuropsychological tests.
There is a lack of culturally valid tests for speakers of understudied languages.
For example, suboptimal cognitive tests are used in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Linguistic diversity should be considered in the development of cognitive tests.
Revealing visual working memory operations with pupillometry: Encoding, maintenance, and prioritization
Authors: Koevoet Damian , Strauch Christoph , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Mathôt Sebastiaan , Naber Marnix 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPupillary dynamics reflect effects of distinct and important operations of visual working memory: encoding, maintenance, and prioritization. Here, we review how pupil size predicts memory performance and how it provides novel insights into the mechanisms of each operation. Visual information must first be encoded into working memory with sufficient precision. The depth of this encoding process couples to arousal‐linked baseline pupil size as well as a pupil constriction response before and after stimulus onset, respectively. Subsequently, the encoded information is maintained over time to ensure it is not lost. Pupil dilation reflects the effortful maintenance of information, wherein storing more items is accompanied by larger dilations. Lastly, the most task‐relevant information is prioritized to guide upcoming behavior, which is reflected in yet another dilatory component. Moreover, activated content in memory can be pupillometrically probed directly by tagging visual information with distinct luminance levels. Through this luminance‐tagging mechanism, pupil light responses reveal whether dark or bright items receive more attention during encoding and prioritization. Together, conceptualizing pupil responses as a sum of distinct components over time reveals insights into operations of visual working memory. From this viewpoint, pupillometry is a promising avenue to study the most vital operations through which visual working memory works.This article is categorized under:
Psychology > Attention
Psychology > Memory
Psychology > Theory and Methods