bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusarium species variations in commercial onion fields in Northeastern Israel
Authors: Degani Ofir , Dimant Elhanan , Margalit Eliyahu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) is a significant limitation to Alliumproduction worldwide. The damage of the disease can be observed throughout the entire crop cycle. The current research aims to understand better the impact of Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR) on the cultivation of onions (Allium cepa) in northeast Israel. It focuses on studying the composition and incidence of Fusarium species involved in the disease outburst in two representative fields, one in the Galilee (Hula Valley) and the second in the Golan Heights, where the disease incidences reached 8%. Using colony morphology, microscopic taxonomic keys, and molecular methods, a new, unreported Fusarium solanispecies was discovered as a wildly spread member of the Fusarium pathobiome community. This species appeared to be more generalist in its nature since it was found in all three onion cultivars' samples. It was also less virulent in seed germination (42-52% higher sprout biomass, p < 0.05) and bulb pathogenicity tests (41-45% less necrotic) than Fusarium acutatum. Whereas the Galilee yellow Orlando onion cultivar bulbs sampled are colonized by F. solani (70%) and two other, less abundant species, F. oxysporum, f. sp. cepae, and F. acutatum (15% each), the Golan Heights field's Fusarium community, show host specificity. In the Golan Heights field, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae inhabited the red H1 onion cultivar bulbs, whereas F. acutatum colonized the yellow H2 cultivar (40% and 50% prevalence along with F. solani). A better understanding of this disease complexity caused by different Fusarium species with a divergence in host susceptibility and virulence is critical for developing disease management strategies. Since each Fusarium species reacts differently to pest control treatments, the changes in the species composition may require specifically adapted pest control solutions.
Interplay between intermodal and higher order dispersion for negative-index nonlinear metamaterials
Authors: Veni S Saravana , S Mani Rajan M , Biswas Anjan , Alshomrani Ali Saleh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We have conducted a study that investigates the complex interactions between different factors in metamaterials, particularly in the context of modulation instability. We have shown the competition between intermodal dispersion, self steepening effect, higher order dispersion and the amplitude of plane waves with variety of modulation instability in metamaterials. The specific behavior of MI bands and their dependence on the self-steepening parameter and amplitude will vary depending on the details of the optical system and the dispersion properties of the medium
Experimental-numerical study on composite concrete shear wall with encased web steel plate
Authors: katrangi Mahmoud , Khanmohammadi Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Composite shear wall isone of the most desirable structural systems in high seismic regions due to high seismic efficiency that encourages structural designers to use this system in high rise buildings. The most of the previous research essentially investigates composite steel plate shear walls reinforced with steel chords at the boundary elements, while little information is available about concrete shear walls with composite (encased) web using steel plate and confined boundary elements conforming with ACI318-19 provisions. In the current study, composite shear walls with web steel plate (encased) (CSW-WSP) confined with dense stirrups at the boundary elements are assessed using experimental and numerical methods. Using different lengths of steel plates, two CSW-WSPs reinforced with confined boundary elements were tested, and a finite element model (FE) was presented and calibrated with the experimental tests. In addition, 45 FE models were analyzed to study the influence of the axial load ratio, reinforcement and steel plate ratios, confinement level, and aspect ratio on the lateral response. Moreover, the lateral shear strength capacity is assessed and a simple relationship has suggested to predict the lateral drift capacity of CSW-WSPs. The results show that the CSW-WSPs with confined boundary element display a stable hysteresis lateral response and high energy dissipation with no strength degradation until 2.5 % drift ratio and can be a candidate for seismic force-resisting systems listed in ASCE7-22 as “Steel and concrete composite special shear walls”.
Smoking-associated Electrocardiographic Abnormalities Predict Cardiovascular Mortality: Insights from NHANES
Authors: Irfan Affan , Riggs Daniel W. , Koromia George , DeFilippis Andrew Paul , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Carll Alex P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background—Smoking is associated with arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, but the biological mechanisms remain unclear. Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) durations of ventricular repolarization (QT interval), atrial depolarization (P wave), and atrioventricular depolarization (PR interval and segment), predict cardiac arrhythmia and mortality.
Objectives—To elucidate how smoking affects cardiac excitation, we assessed in a nationally representative sample (NHANES III) associations between cotinine, abnormalities in P duration, PR interval, PR segment, rate-corrected QT (QTc), QRS duration, and JT interval, and long-term mortality.
Methods—We analyzed data from 5,633 adults using survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression to estimate associations between tobacco use (>15 ng/ml serum cotinine) and short (<5th percentile) or long (>95th percentile) ECG intervals, relative to reference (5 – 95th percentile).
Results—After adjustment for demographics, risk factors, and conduction-altering medications, smoking was associated with a higher odds of short PR interval, PR segment, and QRS, and long JT. Broader ECG effects of smoking were also assessed by survey-weighted linear regression of continuous cotinine and ECG intervals, which revealed cotinine inversely associated with PR segment and QTc. Over a 22-year follow-up, many ECG abnormalities predicted cardiovascular mortality in smokers, including long JT, QRS, and QTc, and short QRS.
Conclusions—Smoking increases likelihood for rapid atrioventricular conduction, rapid ventricular depolarization, and slow ventricular repolarization. The ventricular electrophysiologic abnormalities associated with smoking also predict cardiovascular mortality in smokers; however, traditional ECG measures of cardiac risk like QTc can overlook these ventricular defects and their independent predictive value in smokers.
Construction of China’s food security evaluation index system and spatiotemporal evolution
Authors: Lee Chien-Chiang , Li Jiangnan , Zeng Mingli 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Food security is a vital material foundation for a nation's development and has been a topic of significant concern on the international stage in recent years. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China is not only a major producer but also a substantial consumer of food. Ensuring food security in China is not only a top priority for its socio-economic development but also a driving force in maintaining the stability of the global food supply chain and reducing the number of hungry people worldwide. However, a lack of comprehensive research into the Chinese food security system remains. This study addresses this gap by constructing a comprehensive evaluation framework encompassing four dimensions: food supply, accessibility, production stability, and sustainability. Utilizing the Moran's Index and generating LISA (Local Indicators of Spatial Association) maps, we analyze the spatial correlations of food security. The Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation are applied to assess heterogeneity and spatial disparities. Furthermore, this research employs an ETS model to forecast food security trends. The findings reveal that the overall composite food security score exhibited fluctuations, initially increasing and reaching its peak of 0.407 in 2003, followed by a subsequent sharp decline after 2019. Spatially, food security exhibits correlations, with the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and Northeast regions consistently showing high-high clustering. In contrast, the Western and Southern regions exhibit low-low clustering at specific time periods. The Dagum Gini coefficient indicates that overall food security disparities are relatively small. However, these disparities have gradually expanded in recent years, with inter-group differences becoming predominant after 2005.As indicated by the kernel density estimation, the dynamic distribution of food security initially widens and then narrows, suggesting a shift from dispersed to concentrated data distribution. This phenomenon is accompanied by polarization and convergence trends, particularly evident after 2015. According to the ETS Model, the study forecasts a substantial risk of declining food security in China over the next decade, largely influenced by the ongoing pandemic. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of the changing status of food security in China and offers early warnings through predictive analysis, addressing the existing research gaps in the field of food security.
The landscape of RNA-chromatin interaction reveals essential small non-coding RNAs as essential mediators of leukemia maintenance
Authors: Müller-Tidow Carsten , Yun Haiyang , Zoller Julian , Zhou Fengbiao , Rohde Christian , Liu Yi , Blank Maximilian , Göllner Stefanie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

RNA constitutes a large fraction of chromatin. Spatial distribution and functional relevance of RNA associating with chromatin remain largely elusive. We established a landscape analysis of RNA-chromatin interactions in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In total more than 50 million interactions were captured in an AML cell line. Protein-coding mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exhibited a substantial number of cis-interactions with chromatin suggesting transcriptional activity. In contrast, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) associated with chromatin predominantly in trans indicating chromatin specific functions. Of note, snoRNA-chromatin interaction associates with chromatin modification and is independent of the classical snoRNA-RNP complexes. Two non-canonical C/D box snoRNAs, namely SNORD118 and SNORD3A, displayed high frequency of trans-association with chromatin. The transcription of SNORD118 and SNORD3A was increased upon leukemia transformation and enriched in leukemia stem cells, but decreased during myeloid differentiation. Suppression of SNORD118 and SNORD3A impaired leukemia cell proliferation and colony forming capacity in AML cells, but had minimal impact on healthy CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These findings highlight the functional importance of chromatin-associated RNAs overall and in particular of SNORD118 and SNORD3A in maintaining leukemia propagation.
Exploring the causal relationship between inflatmmatory factors and sensorineural hearing loss:a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qiu Zhaofeng , lin xin , Ye Shengnan , chang wei , Guo Jianzhou , Chu Yanling , zhao yahui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: To investigated the causal link between inflammatory variables and sensorineural hearing loss.
Study Design: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.
Set: FinnGen study and the public genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Methods: Based on the public genome-wide association study and the FinnGen study, we conducted two Mendelian randomization studies using Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) as the main method of Mendelian randomization(MR) analysis, using weighted median (MR Egger), Cochrane’ Q, IVW_radial and leave-one-out (LOO) were used for pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Also, We use the MR-PRESSO to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy and test outliers.
Results: This study used the IVW method to reveal a correlation between elevated levels of VEGF, SDF1a, IL13, IL10, and IL7 and an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss. The IVW method (Estimate ods ratio [OR]=1.04, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.07-1.04, p=0.04, OR=1.10, 95% [CI]: 1.02-1.18, p=0.01, OR=1.04, 95% [CI]: 1.01-1.06, p=0.01, OR=1.06, 95% [CI]: 1.02-1.11, p=0.01, OR=1.05, 95% [CI]: 1.02-1.11 1-1.08, p=0.00), Reverse MR analysis showed that sensorineural hearing loss did not significantly affect the expression of these 41 inflammatory factors. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed in the instrumental variables.
Conclusion: This study reveals a positive correlation between high levels of VEGF, SDF1a, IL13, IL10 and IL7 and sensorineural hearing loss, providing new targets for prediction, treatment and prevention of sensorineural hearing loss.
Correlation of Fatty Acid Chain Length Used in the Biscuit Formulation with the Biscuits Texture Profile
Authors: Kadam Akshay , Mali Suraj , Jogi Arun , PRATAP PROFERSOR (DR.) AMIT P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Vegetable fat plays an important role in determining the texture profile of biscuits and other bakery products. Fat structure and its fatty acid composition have a considerable impact on the mouthfeel, texture, and sensorial properties. Shrewsbury biscuits were made using different fat blends of Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm kernel oil, Palm Oil, Inter-esterified fats and were analyzed for texture profile and extensibility. The fat blends used were analyzed for gas chromatography and solid fat content using NMR and scanning electron microscopy. The TPA result showed that an increase in content of C18 (18 carbon atom chain length) leads to an increase in hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, springiness, and gumminess while decreasing fracturability. An increase in C12 (12-carbon atom chain length) content leads to a decrease in hardness, chewiness, springiness, gumminess, fracturability, and a marginal increase in adhesiveness. A decrease in the content of C16 (16 carbon atom chain length) results in a decrease in hardness, chewiness, springiness, gumminess, fracturability, and a marginal increase in adhesiveness.
Rooting patterns and aucubin content of Plantago lanceolata varieties
Authors: Pol Michal , Potterat Olivier , Tröber Florian , Lewandowska Sylwia , Schmidtke Knut 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the potential of Plantago lanceolata as an alternative plant to mitigate the environmental impacts of agriculture in the face of climate change. Eleven genotypes of ribwort were compared under field conditions in northern Switzerland, focusing on the characteristics of the root system and the aucubin content in the leaves and roots. Aucubin, known to inhibit nitrification process in the soil, varied according to genotype and season. The content of secondary metabolite in leaves was higher than in roots, which may indicate the greater importance of leaves in reducing soil nitrification. Dry matter yield and for the first time root characteristics, such as length density and specific root length, were evaluated at two different depths, and at different positions in the experimental plots. The results showed that ribwort is well adapted in terms of rooting in topsoil. In addition, the plant's ability to root deeply after one year of cultivation under field conditions has been demonstrated, reaching depths of up to 1.88 metres. This allows the plant to effectively absorb water and nutrients from the subsoil layers.
Fibre Bragg gratings with micro-engineered temperature coefficients
Authors: Fells Julian , Song Zipei , Wang Mohan , Salter Patrick , Liu Tongyu , Elston Steve , Booth Martin , Morris Stephen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) are ubiquitous as sensors for a range of parameters and also as optical components in telecommunications systems. However, their temperature dependence of around + 10 pm/°C is a limiting factor, making it challenging for sensors to discriminate strain from temperature, while telecommunications components require additional thermal stabilization. We microfabricate low loss FBGs in standard single-mode fibre, with wide control over their temperature coefficient between + 10 pm/°C and − 55 pm/°C. We also show a temperature insensitive FBG which is stable to ± 12.5 pm over a 17 to 45°C range, which is an order of magnitude reduction in sensitivity. It has only ± 3.5% reflectivity variation over this range and only 1.29 dB transmission loss. The large negative coefficient FBGs would find application in separating strain and temperature effects, as well as for thermally tunable components. Separately, the temperature insensitive FBG would have applications for strain sensing with low temperature cross-sensitivity as well as for low-cost temperature stable optical components. Moreover, the microfabrication process developed has significant potential for new classes of sensor and tunable optical devices.
Modeling the impacts of climate change on the Arctic
Authors: Zhao Pengjun , Li Yunlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study examines the long-term impacts of climate change on Arctic maritime transport, focusing on Polar Class 7 and 1B Ice Class vessels, which are predominantly used in the region. Using IPCC AR6's SSP1-2.4, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the research analyzes sea ice conditions and navigability from 2023 to 2100. The results show that during 2023–2100, the navigability of 1B ships will increase significantly. The navigable days, without the consideration of sea ice motion, for both types of vessels will be similarly year-round by 2100. Under SSP 5-8.5, PC7 ships will be able to sail the Arctic passages throughout all seasons except for the spring from 2070, while the navigable area of 1B ships shows a high possibility of expanding after 2100. The optimal shipping routes of PC7 ships from 2071 to 2100 are more distributed toward the North Pole with the decrease of sea ice extent. Particularly, after 2071, the Northern Sea Route is feasible for PC7 ships transporting to north European and American countries along the Arctic. These could significantly reshape the patterns of global shipping network and international trade among Asia, Europe, and America.
Comparative study of static and dynamic characteristics of non-pneumatic tires with gradient honeycomb structure
Authors: Zhou Haichao , Yang Jian , Zhou Haifeng , Haifeng Zhou , Wang Guolin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The static and dynamic properties of the honeycomb non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) are strongly influenced by the spoke structure. Due to the complexity of the honeycomb structure, an in-depth understanding of the influences of the design parameters related to the honeycomb structure on its mechanical properties is essential, particularly for designing NPT of desired properties. Inspired by the concept of functionally graded structure, this paper aims to design a novel non-pneumatic tire with honeycomb-spoke graded thickness. Firstly, the in-plane mechanical characteristics of the thickness-graded honeycomb structures were investigated theoretically. On this basis, the finite element technique was developed for the NPTs using the corresponding thickness-graded honeycomb structures were established, and their static and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated using simulations and experimental tests. The results show that a reasonable thickness design can effectively enhance the load-bearing capacity of the NPT. The deformation features of the spoke were analyzed under the static state, and the contribution of different honeycomb structure edges deformation on the spokes is also discussed. The stress of the spoke and the tread under the static and dynamic loading conditions were studied, and comparison with the NPT-4 with a uniform thickness honeycomb structure, the results show that the thickness-graded honeycomb structure in NPT-3 significantly amplifies its load-bearing capability while also providing effective cushioning and shock absorption properties. This work would provide a basis for innovative design and performance optimization of NPTs.
Image processing based material removal rate analysis of morphable polishing tools with labyrinth and dimple textures
Authors: Nie Qianqian , Kaiyuan Tang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Morphable polishing tools are capable of finishing diamond turned surfaces with roughness in the nanometre range. The material removal rate of morphable tools polishing is challenging to calculate due to the labyrinth and dimple textures. This paper introduces a multi-scale theoretical model for predicting the material removal rate of morphable polishing tools. The model includes the polishing veslocity, polishing pressure, material removal by an abrasive, and number of effective abrasives. First, polishing velocity is obtained by tool kinematics analysis. Second, polishing pressure is obtained based on image processing. Theoretical polishing pressure is calculated by polishing pressure equations. Morphable tool texture images are binarized and conducted with Boolean product of the theoretical polishing pressure images to get the morphable tool polishing pressure. The morphable tool polishing pressure and twelve-image averaged pressure are conducted with Boolean product of the polishing velocity to obtain the instant and average material removal rate. Then the polishing pressure and material removal rate model are validated through pressure measurement and polishing tests, respectively. It is found that the polishing spot is ellipse shape with long axis (10.6 mm) and short axis (9.6 mm). The material removal rate for smooth tools along the short axis is almost constant while it steadily increased along the negative long axis. For labyrinth tools, the material removal rate along the short axis and the long axis is a trapezoidal shape and scalene triangular shape. For dimple tools, the material removal rate along the long axis and the short axis are similar to isosceles triangular shape. The model results agree well with the experimental data, quantifies how morphable tool texture influences the polishing pressure component and influences the material removal rate, which makes the polishing process more predictive.
Identification of novel QTL for seedling root architectural traits in the D genome of natural and resynthetic allohexaploid wheat
Authors: Wang Huifang , Yang Bangbang , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Hailong , Liu Fei , Ru Yating , Wei Xirui , Fu Xiaofeng , Guo Weiwei , Li Ximei , Golub Nataliia , Zhang Yumei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Root architectural traits at the seedling stage have been demonstrated to be crucial for the efficient uptake of nutrients and drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). To dissect the genetic basis of these traits from the D genome, 182 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the common wheat TAA10 crossed with resynthesized allohexaploid wheat XX329 possessed similar AABB genomes were used for QTL mapping of five root traits in hydroponic-cultured seedlings, including lateral root number (LRN), seminal root number (SRN), root hair length (RHL), root diameter (RD), and total root volume (TRV). A total of seven QTL were identified for the five root traits, with six possible novel QTLs for LRN, RHL, RD and TRV, accounting for 4.98–12.17% of phenotypic variation. One QTL (QLrn.qau-5D.2), controlling lateral root number, was fine mapped an approximate 5.0-Mb interval harboring 80 annotated genes, including five auxin-related genes (TraesCS5D02G286000, TraesCS5D02G286100, TraesCS5D02G288000, TraesCS5D02G291800 and TraesCS5D02G293100). We further validated that QLrn.qau-5D.2 in NILTAA10 significantly enhanced yield-related traits, such as plant height (PH), spike length (SL), spike compactness (SC), tiller number per plant (TN) and grain yield per plant (GYP), in comparison with NILXX329 in the elite NIL pair. Collectively, these results provide vital insights for fine-mapping QTLs associated with LRN, SRN, RHL, RD and TRV and facilitate the root morphologic designs for enhancing yield performance.