bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol for fungal DNA extraction: Insights from multilocus gene amplification
Authors: Dar Gulam Jeelani , Nazir Ruqeya , Wani Shakil A. , Farooq Saleem , Aziz Tariq , Albekairi Thamer H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction is an important step in many molecular studies of fungal biology, and it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy of different extraction methods to ensure successful amplification of the target gene and minimize deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) degradation. The modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method was found to be effective in releasing high molecular weight gDNA with minimal protein contamination. Based on anticipated gDNA yield and quality, extraction time, cost effectiveness, successful amplification, and waste management, our findings serve as a guide for selecting techniques of gDNA extraction from fungal species. This study presents a modified CTAB method for extracting DNA from a variety of fungal species including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Dothiorella, and Fusarium. Comparison of three cell crushing methods reveals similar gDNA yields, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness. Furthermore, the modified CTAB method is cost-effective and safe, eliminating the need for grinding with liquid nitrogen or bead beating. The method has a potential use for nucleic-based fungal disease diagnosis such as fish fungal diseases, plant pathogens, fruit rot associated pathogens, and human fungal diseases as we were successful in PCR amplifying several gene loci from varied fungal pathogens.
Enhanced cryogenic distillation column identification for methane separation: a hybrid artificial neural network approach
Authors: Pullanikkattil Suhailam , Yerolla Raju , Besta Chandra Shekar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Modelling the dynamics of cryogenic distillation columns is challenging due to their complex, nonlinear behaviour. This study introduces a novel identification approach using a hybrid Artificial Neural Network (ANN) optimized with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), applied to cryogenic distillation as a case study. The NARX-PSO-ANN model effectively captures the nonlinear dynamics of the distillation process by optimizing model parameters and avoiding local optima. The novelty of this work lies in integrating the NARX (Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Inputs) architecture with PSO, which enhances robustness and performance. To validate the model’s efficacy, realistic simulations of the cryogenic distillation column were conducted using Aspen Plus Dynamics, generated 2,000 data samples-1,400 training and 600 for validation. The NARX-PSO-ANN model was evaluated against established methods like BP-ANN and NARX-based BP-ANN, consistently outperforming them in identifying cryogenic distillation column dynamics and demonstrating superior effectiveness for complex separation processes. A user-friendly Python-based graphical user interface (GUI) was developed for real-time methane composition prediction, making the model accessible for practical applications. This innovative approach offers a reliable solution for optimizing complex, nonlinear systems in the process industry.
Sensitivity analysis and optimization of the whole process of continuous catalytic reforming for Persian gulf star oil company using an optimized data-driven model with tuned parameters
Authors: Atarianshandiz Mahmud , Shahsavand Akbar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper applies an existing advanced model to improve key outputs in the continuous catalytic reforming (CCR) process for Persian Gulf Star Oil Company. Using tools like Aspen Custom Modeler and Aspen Plus, we focus on optimizing two main results: Research Octane Number (RON) and yield. A design of experiments was conducted to examine the effects of key input variables, including reactor temperatures and the hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon (H₂/HC) ratio, through 256 simulations. Various data fitting methods, including Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Radial Basis Function Network (RNLOOCV), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), were applied to describe process behavior. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC)-optimized ANN model demonstrated the best performance, offering a balanced approach between accuracy and complexity. A sensitivity analysis revealed that increasing reactor temperatures improves RON but reduces yield due to enhanced cracking reactions. The H₂/HC ratio had a minimal impact on RON and yield, primarily serving to limit catalyst coke formation. Optimization using a genetic algorithm confirmed that optimal RON and yield can be achieved within specific temperature ranges. The results provide insights for enhancing CCR efficiency and refinery profitability.
The emergence of last I checked fragments: a story of shifting allegiance
Authors: Mustafa Ozan , Kaltenböck Gunther 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper traces the formal and functional development of evidential extra-clausal fragments of the form (the) last I/we + VERB in American English. Using data from the Corpus of Historical American English and the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the study shows that these fragments are first attested in the late 19th century as a truncation of specificational structures (e.g. The last thing I remember is…). In the course of the 20th century, however, they exhibit a shift in allegiance by becoming increasingly associated with a temporal adjuncts template (e.g. The last time I checked…). Functionally, these evidential fragments are used as downtoners with additional functions being added in the course of the 20th century, viz. booster function and ironic use. The processes identified for their development are cooptation and subsequent grammaticalization, together with semantic specialization and constructional contamination. More generally, the fragmentary form (the) last I/we + VERB is shown to specialize in evidential use, with non-evidential verbs becoming increasingly rare in this string, while the full form remains firmly non-evidential. Fragmentary form thus has become an important marker for evidential (and, by extension, epistemic) function.
The use of radar-optical remote sensing data and geographic information system–analytical hierarchy process–multicriteria decision analysis techniques for revealing groundwater recharge prospective zones in arid-semi arid lands
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Han Yanzhong , Guo Yujiao , Wang Jingwei , Wang Nana , Abdelkareem Mohamed 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Arid/semi-arid regions face water challenges much like the Arabian Peninsula, which is primarily caused by continuing shortages and growing activities of reclaimed land, as well as industrial and domestic activities. Consequently, identifying groundwater prospective zones (GWPZs) has become essential for securing water resources. The study aims to delineate and predict the best areas of groundwater prospection and abstraction by implementing the analytical hierarchy process-geographic information system (GIS) techniques in a rough terrain that occupies ∼70% of fractured hard rocks including ∼34% of the basaltic flow sheet of Wadi Marawani, Saudi Arabia. To investigate the combined impact of the model, 13 input thematic maps, including elevation, slope, curvature, depression, drainage density, Topographic Wetness Index, distance to river, Stream Power Index, Terrain Roughness Index, geology, lineaments, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and rainfall factors, were created, and employed in the model, which was subsequently merged through GIS techniques to reveal prospective zones. These maps are mainly derived from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Sentinel-1, Landsat, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. The output map is categorized as very low, low, moderate, high, or very high, and excellent occupying ∼7%. This promising zone is the result of the intersection of several criteria that control groundwater occurrences. The results were enhanced by implementing optical and radar remote sensing data, and thus, suitable recharge places for the future governance and abstraction of groundwater have been identified using GIS–AHP–multicriteria decision analysis methods. For validation, large numbers of well/spring locations that reached 415 are used in total. The efficiency of the model is estimated at 79.90% (area under curve) based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Moreover, the Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar coherence change detection image validated the predicted model and revealed areas of no-coherence areas marked in brown matched to vegetated areas and excellent zones of GWPZs. The applied methodologies and findings of this study present significant insights for water resources planning and management to develop groundwater resources in similar regions worldwide.
Improving the weathering properties of heat-treated wood by acetylation
Authors: Xing Dong , Li Yao , Kamdem D. Pascal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Heat-treated wood is widely used for outdoor furniture manufacturing. However, it is susceptible to against physical degradation such as cracking and discoloration. This study involved heat-treated wood at three different temperatures of 180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C was acetylated using vacuum-pressure impregnation methods to enhance photostability, dimensional and thermal stability. The laboratory chromaticity data indicated a substantial enhancement of the photostability of the acetylated heat-treated wood. The color difference was reduced from 11.89 to 10.08 for the 180 °C treatment, then from 10.24 to 9.02 for the 200 °C treatment, and from 8.31 to 8.11 for the 220 °C treatment compared to unmodified wood at the same temperature. The microstructure analysis and chemical composition study suggested that the hydroxyl groups were greatly reduced, rendering the microstructure and chemical composition of wood relatively stable. In addition, the results of water contact angle, water absorption, swelling and shrinking data show that acetylated wood exhibits lower hydrophilicity and greater dimensional stability. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals that acetylated wood maintained better thermal stability, as evidenced by the greater maximum temperature for thermal degradation. The weathering resistance of heat-treated wood was significantly improved by acetylation treatment.
Bayesian covariance regression in functional data analysis with applications to functional brain imaging
Authors: Shamshoian John , Marco Nicholas , Şentürk Damla , Jeste Shafali , Telesca Donatello 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Function on scalar regression models relate functional outcomes to scalar predictors through the conditional mean function. With few and limited exceptions, many functional regression frameworks operate under the assumption that covariate information does not affect patterns of covariation. In this manuscript, we address this disparity by developing a Bayesian functional regression model, providing joint inference for both the conditional mean and covariance functions. Our work hinges on basis expansions of both the functional evaluation domain and covariate space, to define flexible non-parametric forms of dependence. To aid interpretation, we develop novel low-dimensional summaries, which indicate the degree of covariate-dependent heteroskedasticity. The proposed modeling framework is motivated and applied to a case study in functional brain imaging through electroencephalography, aiming to elucidate potential differentiation in the neural development of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Making Sense of Responsibility in Rural Sustainability Work
Authors: Ärleskog Caroline 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aims to deepen our knowledge of how employees make themselves into responsible subjects when involved in sustainability initiatives in rural welfare services. The analysis was guided by the question of how employees make sense of themselves as responsible actors, capable of addressing managerial aspirations for enhanced sustainability in the public services they deliver. Data were collected through ethnographic field studies following sustainability work in a public housing company in a rural municipality in southern Sweden. The analysis draws on sensemaking theory and a Foucault-inspired conceptualization of how actors define themselves as subjects. The results identify two main modes of responding to management aspirations, linking to the emergence of two types of subjects; the habitual selves and the struggling selves. In total, the results depict four different responses as the main modes contain varieties, illustrating a wide range to make sense of responsibility. Furthermore, the analysis depicts an interplay between rural practices and the relational dimensions of responsibility (relations to management), diverging from established rural discourses as well as from a conventional Foucauldian conceptualization of managerial power as urging discipline at a distance.
Association between statin administration and outcome in patients with sepsis: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Jianzhu , Feng Zeying , Qiu Hui , Li Tong , Huang Xin , Ye Ling , Huang Longjian , Guo Chengjun , Guo Chengxian , He Li 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background & aims
There was considerable debate regarding the effect of statins administration on the outcome of septic patients. This retrospective study aimed to assess the association between statins administration and mortality in sepsis patients and investigate whether this association differed according to the types of statins.

Methods
We performed a retrospective study based on the electronic ICU Collaborative Research Database, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database, and the Amsterdam University Medical Centers Database. The participants with sepsis were divided as two groups, statins group and non-statins group. The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality. We utilized logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and sub-analysis to assess the association between statins administration and outcome in patients with sepsis.

Results
A total of 19,327 sepsis patients were enrolled. Among these, 3,721 patients were prescribed statins. Pooled analyses of three databases showed that statin users had a decreased risk of mortality in sepsis as compared with nonusers (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66–0.80, P < 0.001). Sub-analysis of statin showed that atorvastatin had the most distinct effectiveness in decreasing mortality (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59–0.76, P = 0.035), whereas pravastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin were not. PSM analysis confirmed these findings for statins (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.84, P < 0.001) and atorvastatin (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59–0.82, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The use of statins could decrease the risk of mortality in patients with sepsis during the hospital period. Among different types of statins, atorvastatin showed the most significant trend to reduce the risk of mortality in patients with sepsis.
On the chronology of the Vinča culture chronology: Vasić’s legacy of the Vinča-Belo Brdo datings
Authors: Burić Marcel 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Vinča ist nicht nur der Name eines bedeutenden Fundortes auf einem Tell an der Donau nahe Belgrad, sondern wurde auch zum Synonym für eine archäologische Kultur, deren Charakteristika und Chronologie Gegenstand einer langanhaltenden wissenschaftlichen Debatte waren. Die erste systematische Ausgrabung des Fundortes wurde von Miloje M. Vasić geleitet, der auch den ersten, kontroversen und grundlegend fehlerhaften chronologischen Rahmen vorschlug. Diese Studie untersucht das komplexe Zusammenspiel wissenschaftlicher und politischer Faktoren, die vermutlich Vasićs Entwicklung der Chronologie der Vinča-Kultur beeinflussten. Dabei wird der breitere Kontext der prähistorischen Archäologie an der Wende vom 19. zum 20. Jahrhundert und darüber hinaus berücksichtigt sowie der Einfluss zeitgenössischer intellektueller Strömungen auf die Interpretation prähistorischer Gesellschaften, ihrer Identitäten und übergeordneter theoretischer Ansätze.
The onset of Type 3C diabetes mellitus in a young female due to distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm
Authors: Harada Ayaka , Anno Takatoshi , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki 
Published: February 2025

SummarySolid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is classified as an epithelial tumor identified from benign to low-grade malignant tumor. It is a relatively rare tumor among various pancreatic tumors and is generally observed in young women. Therefore, the identification of an SPN should be considered in cases where a solid/cystic mass is detected in the pancreas of a young woman. Distal pancreatectomy is performed for a large size of SPN located in the tail of the pancreas. Here, we report a 15-year-old Japanese female who brought about Type 3C diabetes mellitus (T3C-DM) after a distal pancreatectomy due to SPN. This case highlights the importance of management after pancreatectomy to detect early T3C-DM and prevent its development even in young patients. Although it is not surprising that a massive pancreatic tumor or pancreatectomy can lead to pancreatic diabetes at any age, we believe that it is important for clinicians to know this subject for educational purposes.Learning pointsSPN is a relatively rare tumor that accounts for 1–3% of all pancreatic tumors and is predominantly located in the tail of the pancreas.Since SPN is generally observed in young women, the presence of an SPN should be considered in cases where a solid/cystic mass is detected in the pancreas of a young woman.Pancreatic DM after pancreatectomy is classified as T3C-DM in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) classification.This case indicates that even in young individuals, it is important to consider the possibility of impaired glucose tolerance after distal pancreatectomy.
Predicting Childhood and Adolescence Hypertension: Analysis of Predictors Using Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Hengyan , Kou Weibin , Wu Yik-Chung , Hing Chau Pui , Chung Thomas Wai Hung , Fong Daniel Yee Tak 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
There has been a substantial burden of hypertension in children and adolescents. Given the availability of primary prevention strategies, it is important to determine predictors for early identification of children and adolescents at risk of hypertension. This study aims to attempt and validate machine learning (ML) algorithms for accurately predicting blood pressure (BP) status (normal, prehypertension, and hypertension) over 1- and 3-year periods, identifying key predictors without compromising model performance.

METHODS
We included a population-based cohort of primary 1 to secondary 6 students (typically aged 6 to 18 years) during the academic years of 1995 to 1996 and 2019 to 2020 in Hong Kong. Thirty-six easy-assessed predictors were initially model childhood BP status. Multiple ML algorithms, decision tree, random forest, k-nearest neighbor, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and multinomial logistic regression (MLR), were used. Model evaluation was performed by various accuracy metrics. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) was used to identify key features for both predictions.

RESULTS
A total of 923 301 and 602 179 visit pairs were used for the 1- and 3-year predictions, respectively. XGBoost demonstrated the highest prediction accuracies for 1-year (macro–area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.92, micro-AUROC = 0.91) and 3-year (macro-AUROC = 0.91, micro-AUROC = 0.90) periods. The traditional MLR approach had the lowest accuracies for 1- (macro-AUROC = 0.70, micro-AUROC = 0.68) and 3-year (macro-AUROC = 0.70, micro-AUROC = 0.68) predictions. The SHAP values identified 17 key predictors without the need for direct BP measurements or laboratory tests.

CONCLUSION
ML prediction models can accurately predict childhood prehypertension and hypertension at 1 and 3 years, independent of BP and laboratory measurements. The identified key predictors may inform areas for personalized prevention in hypertension.
ВПЛИВ ПРОЦЕСУ СУШІННЯ ТОПІНАМБУРА КРІОСУБЛІМАЦІЙНИМ ФРАКЦІОНУВАННЯМ НА ВМІСТ ІНУЛІНУ
Authors: Євлаш Вікторія В. , Потапов Володимир О. , Пілюгина Інна С. , Петренко Олена В. , Білий Дмитро В. , Осецький Oлександр I. , Севаст’янов Станіслав С. 
Published: February 2025

Розглянуті основні методи промислового сушіння рослинної сировини, описані їх переваги та недоліки. Запропоновано новий спосіб сушіння топінамбура із застосуванням кріосублімаційного фракціонування, особливістю якого є можливість виділення не тільки сухої фракції продукту, а й переведення пари, що випаровується з продукту, у вигляд рідкої фракції. Проведене експериментальне дослідження процесу сушіння подрібненого топінамбура. Проаналізовано технологічні особливості процесу сушіння кріосублімаційним фракціонуванням. Встановлено, що отриманий порошок топінамбура має високі органолептичні показники, вміст вологи у ньому становить не більше 4.0 ± 0.1 %. Визначено, що 0.9 % від початкової кількості інуліну у бульбах топінамбура переходить до рідинної фракції. Показано, що сублімація з фракціонуванням дає можливість отримати біологічноактивні речовини або суміші речовин більшої чистоти.
ЕЛЕКТРОВІДНОВЛЕННЯ АКВАКОМПЛЕКСІВ КОБАЛЬТУ (ІІ) В ПРИСУТНОСТІ АКРИЛОВОЇ КИСЛОТИ
Authors: Борщевич Лариса В. , Варгалюк Віктор Ф. , Бут Тімур О. , Стець Надія В. , Плясовська Катерина А. 
Published: February 2025

Представлена стаття є логічним продовженням досліджень особливостей процесу електровідновлення комплексних сполук 3d-металів. У роботі досліджено кінетику електровідновлення аквакомплексів Со2+ з перхлоратних розчинів. На основі аналізу хроновольтамперометричних вимірювань у сукупності з квантово-хімічним моделюванням ймовірних механізмів катодного процесу показано, що реакція [Со(Н2О)6]2+ + 2ē = Со +6Н2О супроводжується не лише реакцією 2Н2О + 2ē = 2ОН- + Н2 за потенціалів негативніше –1.0 В, а й більш електропозитивним процесом виділення водню за рахунок електровідновлення поляризованих центральним атомом внутрішньосферних молекул води [Co(H2O)6]2+ + ē = [Co(OH)(H2O)5]+ + ½H2. Для гальмування гідроксидоутворення пропонується використовувати замість однорідних аквакомплексів кобальту монозаміщені акрилатні. Було встановлено, що введення акрилат-йону у внутрішню координаційну сферу аквакомплексу кобальту(ІІ) приводить до того, що весь негативний заряд, який послідовно вводиться у комплекс зосереджується тільки на атомі металу. З акрилатних електролітів в інтервалі робочих густин струму від 2 до 8 мА/см2 виділяються блискучі однорідні плівки металевого кобальту.
Raman spectroscopy study of the influence of additives (Cr-, Cr/Al-, and Gd) on UO2 dissolution behavior
Authors: Milena-Pérez A. , Bonales L. J. , Rodríguez-Villagra N. , Cobos J. , Galán H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this work, Raman spectroscopy (RS) has been used to study the behavior of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) under disposal conditions. In particular, evolutionary Accident-Tolerant Fuels (ATFs) consisting in UO2 doped with Cr and Cr/Al; as well as neutron absorbers (UO2 doped with Gd), has been manufactured and studied. The prepared pellets have been exposed to three different pH leachants (inert media, carbonated media, and young cement water with calcium) for distinct times. RS analyses have been conducted in both the leached and the unleached pellets. The results show that the addition of Cr, and Cr/Al does not lead to a noteworthy change of the pellet surface under the three media considered. Gd doping induces a higher intensity of the so-called “defects band,” which is not dramatically affected after leaching. No secondary phases have been observed. These results are in good agreement with previous studies by XRD and SEM, thus validating RS as an accurate analytical technique.

Graphical abstract