bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae against Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)
Authors: Perumal Vivekanandhan , Kannan Swathy , Alford Lucy , Pittarate Sarayut , Krutmuang Patcharin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examined the impact of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) conidia on the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of Spodoptera frugiperda. The results showed that eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults exhibited mortality rates that were dependent on the dose. An increased amount of conidia (1.5 × 109 conidia/mL) was found to be toxic to larvae, pupae, and adults after 9 days of treatment, resulting in a 100% mortality rate in eggs, 98% in larvae, 76% in pupae, and 85% in adults. A study using earthworms as bioindicators found that after 3 days of exposure, M. anisopliae conidia did not cause any harmful effects on the earthworms. In contrast, the chemical treatment (positive control) resulted in 100% mortality at a concentration of 40 ppm. Histopathological studies showed that earthworm gut tissues treated with fungal conidia did not show significant differences compared with those of the negative control. The gut tissues of earthworms treated with monocrotophos exhibited significant damage, and notable differences were observed in the chemical treatment. The treatments with 70 and 100 µg/mL solutions of Eudrilus eugeniae epidermal mucus showed no fungal growth. An analysis of the enzymes at a biochemical level revealed a decrease in the levels of acetylcholinesterase, α‐carboxylesterase, and β‐carboxylesterase in S. frugiperda larvae after exposure to fungal conidia. This study found that M. anisopliae is effective against S. frugiperda, highlighting the potential of this entomopathogenic fungus in controlling this agricultural insect pest.
Multiyear variability of cloud genera in Krakow in the context of changes in the thermal state of the North Atlantic
Authors: Marsz Andrzej A. , Matuszko Dorota , Styszyńska Anna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe analysis conducted in this study examines the relationships between changes in cloud cover and the occurrence of cloud genera in Krakow, Poland, and the variations in the thermal state of the North Atlantic (NA) from 1951 to 2020. The existence of areas where annual sea surface temperature (SST) changes exhibit statistically significant correlations with the annual frequency of specific cloud genera was observed. These relationships vary in space: An increase in SST over the NA, particularly in the western and central regions of the subtropical NA, leads to a decrease in the frequency of stratiform clouds at all levels (Cs, As, Ns and St) and an increase in the frequency of convective clouds (Cu, Sc). An attempt to explain this phenomenon demonstrates that there is a correlation between the frequency of specific cloud genera and the variability of meridional SST gradients, as well as changes in the intensity of the thermohaline circulation in the NA (NA THC), which control the variability of mid‐tropospheric circulation (500 hPa). During positive phases of NA THC (the “warm” state of the NA), zonal circulation prevails over Europe, leading to an increase in the height of h500, an increase in the frequency of anticyclonic weather and a decrease in the frequency of cyclonic weather, including a significant proportion of frontal weather systems. Consequently, there is a reduction in frequency of stratiform clouds and an increase in the occurrence of vertically developed convective clouds, thereby increasing the possibility of observing middle‐level (Ac) and high‐level (Ci, Cc) clouds. In negative phases of NA THC (the “cool” state of the NA), the situation is reversed, with meridional circulation dominating over Europe, h500 lowering, an increase in the frequency of cyclonic systems with fronts, and an increase in the frequency of stratiform clouds. This results in decreased sunshine duration and a reduction in the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface.
Effect of ozone sterilization on controlling leaf mildew and gray mold tomato disease in a glasshouse and its influence on other growth parameters
Authors: Li Xinao , Liu Yuanyi , Zhang Ce , Che Hailong , He Qinghao , Wang Lijuan , Yao Bing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to explore the effect of ozone sterilization treatment on tomato disease control and increase fruit setting rate, this study took 906 pink fruit tomato as test material, used a small ozone generator to carry out ozone treatment single‐factor test, and then selected orthogonal table to guide the ozone treatment combination. The effects of different ozone treatment concentration, ozone treatment duration and ozone treatment times on the growth, disease and fruit setting rate of potted tomato were analyzed.RESULTSDifferent ozone treatment had effects on leaf mildew, gray mold and fruit setting rate of tomato. The influence degree of three factors on leaf mildew, gray mold and fruit setting rate was from large to small, a > b > c, a > c > b, b > a > c. A quadratic regression model was established with the control effect of tomato leaf mildew, gray mold and fruit setting rate as response values, and the optimal parameter combination was determined: The ozone treatment concentration was 0.0465 g kg−1, the ozone treatment time was 30 min, and the ozone treatment times were twice a week. In this case, the control efficiency of tomato leaf mildew was 95.02%, the control effect of gray mold was 99.49%, and the fruit setting rate was 76.5%. The test parameters were accurate and reliable.CONCLUSIONThe ozone sterilization method proposed in this article is safe and green, and can provide theoretical support for the recovery and reconstruction of tomato disease in a glasshouse. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Anthocyanins and nucleation seeds are key factors affecting quercetin precipitation in red wines
Authors: Luciano Alessandra , Picariello Luigi , Forino Martino , Moio Luigi , Gambuti Angelita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundClimate changes have been leading to an excessive synthesis of quercetin (Q) and its glycosides (Q‐Gs) in specific red grape varieties, such as Sangiovese. This has resulted in concentrations overcoming the solubility threshold of Q in wines, with the consequent formation of undesirable precipitates. This study aims at assessing the impact of various factors, including anthocyanins, temperature, nucleation seeds and time, on the precipitation of Q in red wine.ResultsThe influence of anthocyanins on Q solubility was examined by adding a grape skin extract rich in anthocyanins to a model solution containing 89 μmol L−1 of Q. The data revealed that the solubility of both Q and Q‐Gs increased as a function of the anthocyanin concentration in the model solution. In a subsequent experiment, red wines were stored at two different temperatures (2 and 20 °C), supplemented with Q nucleation seeds, and monitored over a 10‐day period. Notably, after only 3 days of contact with Q seeds at 2 °C, a reduction of over 75% in Q concentration was observed in the supernatant. Among the considered factors, contact with nucleation seeds emerged as the most significant one (P < 0.0001).ConclusionQ precipitation in red wines is influenced by the presence of anthocyanins in solution, although it is not the sole determinant. The data also suggested that a potential strategy for wineries to mitigate the risk of Q precipitation in bottled wine would be the acceleration of this process by promoting the formation of nucleation seeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect and mechanism of freezing on the quality and structure of soymilk gel induced by different salt ions
Authors: Xia Xiaoyu , Yang Xinxin , Zhu Ying , Sun Ying , Zhu Xiuqing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe increasing attention toward frozen soy‐based foods has sparked interest. Variations exist in the quality and structure of soymilk gels induced by different salt ions, leading to diverse changes post‐freezing. This study compared and analyzed the effects of calcium chloride (CC), magnesium chloride (MC) and calcium sulfate (CS) on the quality characteristics and protein structure changes of soymilk gels (CC‐S, MC‐S and CS‐S) before and after freezing, and clarified the mechanisms of freezing on soymilk gel.RESULTSThe formation rate of soymilk gel is influenced by the type of salt ions. In comparison to CS and MC, soymilk gel induced by CC exhibited the fastest formation rate, highest gel hardness, lowest moisture content, and smaller gel pores. However, freezing treatment deteriorated the quality of soymilk gel induced by different salt ions, leading to a decline in textural properties (hardness and chewiness). Among these, the textual state of CC‐induced soymilk gel remained optimal, exhibiting the least apparent damage and minimal cooking loss. Freezing treatments prompt a transition of soymilk gel secondary structure from β‐turns to β‐sheets, disrupting the protein's tertiary structure. Furthermore, freezing treatments also fostered the crosslinking between soymilk gel protein, increasing the content of disulfide bonds.CONCLUSIONThe quality of frozen soymilk gel is influenced by the rate of gel formation induced by salt ions. After freezing, soymilk gel with faster gelation rates exhibited a greater tendency for the transformation of protein–water interactions into protein–protein interactions. They showed a higher degree of disulfide bond formation, resulting in a more tightly knit and firm frozen gel network structure with denser and more uniformly distributed pores. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
In vitro fermentation characteristics of different types of fiber‐rich ingredients by pig fecal inoculum
Authors: Luo Chengzeng , Duan Jiujun , Zhong Ruqing , Liu Lei , Gao Qingtao , Liu Xuelan , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDietary fibers with varying physicochemical properties have different fermentation characteristics, which may differently impact host health. The present study aimed to determine the fermentation characteristics including gas production kinetics, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production and microbial composition of different fibrous ingredients using in vitro fermentation by fecal microbiota.RESULTSSugar beet pule (SBP), wheat bran (WB), dried corn distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), rice bran (RB) and alfalfa meal (AM) were selected to fermentation in vitro for 36 h. The results showed that SBP had the greatest gas production. SBP had the highest in vitro dry matter fermentability (IVDMF) and production of acetate, propionate and total SCFAs, followed by WB, which were all greater than DDGS, AM and RB. The alpha‐diversity was higher in the DDGS, AM and RB groups than in the WB and SBP groups. Differences in microbial community composition were observed among groups. The relative abundance of Treponema was highest in WB group. RB group showed lower Prevotella abundance than other groups but had higher Succinivibrio abundance. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus reached the highest abundances in the DDGS group. Correlation analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Treponema and Prevotella was positively associated with the gas production, IVDMF and SCFAs, whereas norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Lysinibacillus and Succinivibrio were the opposite.CONCLUSIONCollectively, WB and SBP were fermented rapidly by fecal microbiota compared to DDGS, AM and RB. Different fiber sources have different fiber compositions and fermentation properties that affect the microbial compositins and SCFAs production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Complex Decongestive Therapy on Quality of Life and Physical Parameters in Head and Neck Lymphedema
Authors: Keskin Kavak Songul , Duran Arzubetül , Ünsal Delialioğlu Sibel , Aktekin Lale 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of complex decongestive therapy treatment (CDT) on quality of life, neck disability, cervical range of motion, and facial and neck lymphedema size using specific anatomical landmark points.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in a tertiary cancer center in Turkey. Thirty patients included in the study were treated with CDT for 21 days. The patients were evaluated before and after CDT with MD Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema (MDACC HNC) staging system, The Neck Disability Index, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life 30 (EORTC‐QLOC30), Facial Composite score and Neck Circumferences, cervical range of motion.ResultsMedian follow‐up was 7.2 months. After treatment of 30 patients significant cognitive function, emotional function, and social function (p < 0.001). After CDT treatment, the quality of life sub‐parameters of EORTC QLQ‐C30 showed significant improvement (p < 0.001). The facial composite score and neck circumferences indices showed significant improvement (p < 0.001). A decrease of 2% or more in the facial composite score and neck circumferences was observed in all patients participating in the study.ConclusionThere have been few studies on the effectiveness of CDT on the EORTC QLQ‐C30, facial composite score, and neck circumferences in head and neck lymphedema. In patients with head and neck lymphedema following head and neck cancer, our study demonstrated the positive effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on neck disability, range of motion, quality of life, and facial and neck lymphedema tissue size.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3152–3157, 2024
Watershed, lake, and food web factors influence diazotrophic cyanobacteria in mountain lakes
Authors: Jansen Lara S. , Sobota Daniel , Pan Yangdong , Strecker Angela L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCyanobacterial blooms can occur in freshwater ecosystems largely isolated from development and not experiencing extensive cultural eutrophication. For example, remote mountain lakes can experience intense blooms of diazotrophic (nitrogen‐fixing) cyanobacteria caused by factors acting at different spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we examined how cross‐scale interactions among watershed, lake, and food web characteristics influence diazotrophic cyanobacteria biovolume in mountain lakes. We quantified diazotrophic cyanobacteria biovolume, zooplankton abundance, and physico‐chemical variables for 29 lakes in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, USA, in summer 2019. Watershed characteristics were compiled from historical datasets available for the region. Diazotrophic cyanobacteria biovolume ranged across the lakes from 0 to 1,930,000 μm3 mL−1; Dolichospermum was the most common genus. Random forest models showed that 11 watershed, lake, and food web characteristics explained 76% of the variance in diazotrophic cyanobacteria biovolume among the sampled lakes. Structural equation models suggested that the drainage ratio (i.e., the relative area of the lake to the watershed) was positively related to phosphorus concentrations and, in turn, to diazotroph biovolume. Among lakes, hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen was negatively correlated with diazotroph biovolume, possibly due to the release of nutrients, like phosphate and iron, bound to sediments. In addition, zooplankton grazers were negatively related to diazotrophic cyanobacteria biovolume, potentially reflecting the influence of stocked fish. Thus, lake management must account for bottom‐up factors, such as nutrient loading, which is influenced by lake morphometry and watershed size, as well as top‐down factors, such as fish stocking, to effectively mitigate diazotrophic cyanobacterial blooms.
Light Engineering and Silicon Diffractive Optics Assisted Nonparaxial Terahertz Imaging
Authors: Orlov Sergej , Ivaškevičiūtė‐Povilauskienė Rusnė , Mundrys Karolis , Kizevičius Paulius , Nacius Ernestas , Jokubauskis Domas , Ikamas Kęstutis , Lisauskas Alvydas , Minkevičius Linas , Valušis Gintaras 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe art of light engineering unveils a world of possibilities through the meticulous manipulation of photonic properties such as intensity, phase, and polarization. Precision control over these properties finds application in a variety of fields spanning communications, light–matter interactions, laser direct writing, and imaging. Terahertz (THz) range, nestled between microwaves and infrared light, stands out for its remarkable ability to propagate with minimal losses in numerous dielectric materials and compounds, making THz imaging a powerful tool for noninvasive control and inspection. In this study, a rational framework for the design and optimal assembly of nonparaxial THz imaging systems is established. The research is centered on lensless photonic systems composed solely of high‐resistivity silicon‐based nonparaxial elements such as the Fresnel zone plate, the Fibonacci lens, the Bessel axicon, and the Airy zone plate, all fabricated using laser ablation technology. Through a comprehensive examination through illumination engineering and scattered light collection from raster‐scanned samples in a single‐pixel detector scheme, the imaging systems are evaluated via diverse metrics including contrast, resolution, depth of field, and focus. These findings chart an exciting course toward the development of compact and user‐friendly THz imaging systems where sensors and optical elements seamlessly integrate into a single chip.
Informal employment and corruption: Differences across gender and industry
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper adds to the literature studying the substitution and complementarity between corruption and the shadow economy by focusing on the differential effects of various informal employment categories, by gender (informal employment by men vs. women) and across industries (informal employment in the agriculture vs. non‐agriculture sectors). Using cross‐national data, we find evidence of complementarity between corruption and informal employment, after accounting for possible simultaneity. This complementarity holds across different informal employment categories, with some quantitative differences. These findings have policy relevance for the coordination of anti‐corruption and anti‐underground‐economy policies, and whether such policies should be sector specific.
MV‐based relative electron density estimation (iMREDe) for MR‐LINAC dose calculation
Authors: Myronakis Marios , Hu Yue‐Houng , Jacobson Matthew William , Williams Christopher Leigh , Berbeco Ross Isaac 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMR‐LINAC systems have been increasingly utilized for real‐time imaging in adaptive treatments worldwide. Challenges in MR representation of air cavities and subsequent estimation of electron density maps impede planning efficiency and may lead to dose calculation uncertainties.PurposeTo demonstrate the generation of accurate electron density maps using the primary MV beam with a flat‐panel imager.MethodsThe ViewRay MRIdian MR‐LINAC system was modeled digitally for Monte Carlo simulations. Iron shimming, the magnetic field, and the proposed flat panel detector were included in the model. The effect of the magnetic field on the detector response was investigated. Acquisition of projections over 360 degrees was simulated for digital phantoms of the Catphan 505 phantom and a patient treated for Head and Neck cancer. Shim patterns on the projections were removed and detector noise linearity was assessed. Electron density maps were generated for the digital patient phantom using the flat‐panel detector and compared with actual treatment planning CT generated electron density maps of the same patient.ResultsThe effect of the magnetic field on the detector point‐spread function (PSF) was found to be substantial for field strengths above 50 mT. Shims correction in the projection images using air normalization and in‐painting effectively removed reconstruction artifacts without affecting noise linearity. The relative difference between reconstructed electron density maps from the proposed method and electron density maps generated from the treatment planning CT was 11% on average along all slices included in the iMREDe reconstruction.ConclusionsThe proposed iMREDe technique demonstrated the feasibility of generating accurate electron densities for the ViewRay MRIdian MR‐LINAC system with a flat‐panel imager and the primary MV beam. This work is a step towards reducing the time and effort required for adaptive radiotherapy in the current ViewRay MR‐LINAC systems.
Development of patient and catheter specific error thresholds for high dose rate prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Koprivec Dylan , Belanger Cedric , Beaulieu Luc , Chatigny Philippe Y. , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Cutajar Dean , Petasecca Marco , Howie Andrew , Bucci Joseph , Poder Joel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn‐vivo source tracking has been an active topic of research in the field of high‐dose rate brachytherapy in recent years to verify accuracy in treatment delivery. Although detection systems for source tracking are being developed, the allowable threshold of treatment error is still unknown and is likely patient‐specific due to anatomy and planning variation.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine patient and catheter‐specific shift error thresholds for in‐vivo source tracking during high‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy (HDRPBT).MethodsA module was developed in the previously described graphical processor unit multi‐criteria optimization (gMCO) algorithm. The module generates systematic catheter shift errors retrospectively into HDRPBT treatment plans, performed on 50 patients. The catheter shift model iterates through the number of catheters shifted in the plan (from 1 to all catheters), the direction of shift (superior, inferior, medial, lateral, cranial, and caudal), and the magnitude of catheter shift (1–6 mm). For each combination of these parameters, 200 error plans were generated, randomly selecting the catheters in the plan to shift. After shifts were applied, dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters were re‐calculated. Catheter shift thresholds were then derived based on plans where DVH parameters were clinically unacceptable (prostate V100 < 95%, urethra D0.1cc > 118%, and rectum Dmax > 80%). Catheter thresholds were also Pearson correlated to catheter robustness values.ResultsPatient‐specific thresholds varied between 1 to 6 mm for all organs, in all shift directions. Overall, patient‐specific thresholds typically decrease with an increasing number of catheters shifted. Anterior and inferior directions were less sensitive than other directions. Pearson's correlation test showed a strong correlation between catheter robustness and catheter thresholds for the rectum and urethra, with correlation values of –0.81 and –0.74, respectively (p < 0.01), but no correlation was found for the prostate.ConclusionsIt was possible to determine thresholds for each patient, with thresholds showing dependence on shift direction, and number of catheters shifted. Not every catheter combination is explorable, however, this study shows the feasibility to determine patient‐specific thresholds for clinical application. The correlation of patient‐specific thresholds with the equivalent robustness value indicated the need for robustness consideration during plan optimization and treatment planning.