bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Trees in Urban Vegetation Islands: A Case Study
Authors: Dadhich Pragya , Malav Anita , Jaiswal Poonam 
Published: November 2023

Aim: Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other “greenhouse” gases contribute to an increase in atmospheric temperature. Trees act as a sink for CO2 by fixing carbon during photosynthesis and storing excess carbon as biomass. The current study focuses on the contribution of vegetation within Janki Devi Bajaj Government Girls College, Kota towards carbon sequestration potential and climate regulation.
Study Design: Non-destructive method of biomass estimation was used to measure the GBH of individual trees on the campus.
Place and Duration: The study was conducted in Janki Devi Bajaj Government Girls College, Kota in Rajasthan, India from July 2022 to June 2023.
Methodology: Above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) were calculated with the help of field measures of diameter at breast height (DBH) of the trees using allometric equations and Carbon equivalent was calculated with scientifically verified formula.
Results: The present study enumerated a total of 849 trees belonging to 43 tree species on the campus. The most dominant species was Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels with a total of 163 trees followed by Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb (121 trees) and Eucalyptus obliqua L'Her (97 trees). The above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) of all the trees on the campus are equivalent to 373937 kg and 56090.54 kg, respectively. The total biomass accumulated is 430027.5 kg and the total carbon content of the campus trees is equal to 215013.75 kg. The total carbon sequestered by all the trees in a year is 788.38 tons. In other words, on average carbon sequestered by an individual tree on the campus is 928.60 kg/year or 0.93 tons/year.
Conclusion: Urban green islands are likely to have a wider impact on biomass accumulation in turn carbon storage and sequestration in comparison to other structural parameters like species richness or density. Thus, in urban areas, the amount of potential carbon storage is positively influenced by increasing biomass.
Assessment of Diagnostic Value of 4D Ultrasound in Evaluation of Congenital Fetal Abdominal and Genitourinary Anomalies
Authors: Samadony Amira El Agamy El , Arabawy Reda Abd El Samie El , Younes Rasha Lotfy , Mokhtar Hwaida M. 
Published: November 2023

Background: The utilization of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound technology offers supplementary capabilities, such as multiplanar mode, tomographic mode, and surface rendering mode. These additional functionalities contribute to the precise identification and diagnosis of fetal congenital abnormalities. The aim of this was to determine the accuracy of 4D sonography in assessing the congenital fetal abdominal and genito-urinary anomalies of second and third trimesters in high-risk females, compared to the two-dimensional (2D) sonography.
Methods: The study was carried out on 50 high-risk pregnant women from 20 to 36 weeks with suspected congenital abdominal and genito-urinary anomalies by 2D US and then by 4D US. Data collected from both modalities were evaluated separately using a four-point “Likert scale”. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal follow-up.
Results: 4D US reported a statistically significant difference in the accuracy/diagnostic confidence in the detection of abdominal & genito-urinary anomalies and in detection of associated fetal congenital anomalies in other body systems as compared to 2D US.
Conclusions: 4D US is a valuable adjunct to 2D US owing to its ability to improve the diagnostic capability of fetal congenital anomalies by offering additional anatomical information through its different display modes.
Assessment of Camel Owners’ Knowledge and Practical Behaviors and its Implication on Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Hussien Ismail Ahmed Ismail , Elrasheed Mutasim Mekki , Al-Ekna Marzook , Seliaman Mohammed Elhassan 
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to assess camel owners’ knowledge and practical behavior (KPB) in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and their implications on environmental sustainability. The study depended mainly on primary data. An online questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 267 respondents, in 2022. Descriptive and analytical techniques were used to achieve the stated objectives. Results revealed that, the majority of camels’ owners (91.7%) have low cumulative KPB, which was evident in their traditional practice and non-commercial methods in herd management. Moreover, large numbers of breeders do not sell their milk production due to their traditions, thus, about 23% of them gained no profits. Results also showed that, about 85% of owners were located in the lower level of using cost items (modern technology and labor training), accordingly, 96.6% fall within the low level of profit category. Likewise, about 75% of camels’ owners’ grazing behavior were located in the lower and medium level groups. Furthermore, the cumulative (KPB) effect of age, educational level, main job, training levels, cost of production and grazing behavior were found to be statistically significant in explaining CKPB variations of camels’ owners in KSA. The R-2 indicated that 59% of the variations in the dependent variable was explained by the variations of the independent variables. The also revealed the presence of high degree of positive association between camels’ owners’ CKPB and environmental sustainability. This study stresses on the importance of execution of sound agricultural extension programs and veterinary campaigns to improve camels’ owners’ CKPB.
Key words: Camel Raising, Environmental Sustainability, Grazing Behavior, Knowledge and Practical Behavior, KSA.
Wheat plant response to zinc enrichment: results from a big plot assay
Authors: Rodrigo Sara , J. Lidon Fernando , H. Reboredo Fernando , Silva M. Manuela , Simões María M. , Costa A. Rita 
Published: November 2023

One third of the global population suffers Zn deficiency, which directly affects their health and the health-bill of all world countries. In this study, the application of Zn sulphate at the latest developing stages (anthesis and milk-dough stages) of bread wheat in Mediterranean conditions were tested for grain and leaves enrichment capacity and antioxidant activities prompting. Variety effects were found to be significant to success in enriching leaves and grains with Zn. While Almansor and Roxo varieties increased more than 50% and close to 40% respectively their amount in grain Zn, no significant differences were found for Paiva variety with or without Zn treatment. Regarding the leaves, Zn amount increases of 110, 230 and 300 ppm of Zn were figured out in Almansor, Roxo and Paiva varieties respectively. Antioxidant compounds in leaves showed to be higher when zinc treatment was applied in Almansor variety. Quality traits of the grain wheat were barely affected by the increase of the Zn amount; Roxo variety grains increased the protein and the dry gluten concentration, while Almansor grains were heavier and Almansor flour showed higher tenacity. It can be concluded that Zn enrichment in wheat plants caused variation in both grain and leaves mineral profile, and antioxidants in leaves.
Keywords: Antioxidants, Rainfed conditions, RXF, Winter cereals, Zinc
Limited Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Routine Radiographs in Newly Presenting Arthritis Suspected of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ulijn Evy , den Broeder Nathan , Ten Cate David , van Overdijk Kim , Demirel Hatice , Landewé Robert , van Herwaarden Noortje , den Broeder Alfons 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveCurrent recommendations suggest that patients with newly presenting arthritis suspected of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should undergo routine radiographs of hands and feet (X‐HF) as the presence of RA‐associated erosions might be of diagnostic and prognostic value. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence, diagnostic, and prognostic value of RA‐associated erosions seen on routine X‐HF in a large, recent cohort of patients with newly presenting arthritis.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed between 2016 and 2019 in patients with newly presenting arthritis suspected of RA. Patients were included if arthritis was present at diagnosis, rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies were measured, RA was noted in the differential diagnosis, and routine X‐HF were conducted. Outcomes were the prevalence of one or more RA‐associated erosion(s), and whether diagnostic or prognostic classification were changed by erosivity. Seronegative patients, patients without acute phase reactants, and patients with longer symptom duration were analyzed as subgroups.ResultsRA‐associated erosions were found in 32 of 724 patients (4.4%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.1–6.2). Erosions led to a change of diagnostic classification in two patients (0.3%, 95% CI 0.01–1.1) and changed prognostic classification in three patients (0.4%, 95% CI 0.1–1.3). Seronegative patients and patients without elevated acute phase reactants had significantly lower prevalence of erosions (χ2 9.4, P = 0.002, χ2 6.5, P = 0.01). Longer symptom duration was not associated with a different prevalence of erosions (χ2 0.4, P = 0.81).ConclusionThe recommendation of conducting routine X‐HF in patients with newly presenting arthritis suspected of RA might be reconsidered due to low prevalence of early erosive disease and lack of diagnostic and prognostic value.image
Reinforcement learning‐based adaptive predefined‐time optimal tracking control for strict‐feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Chen Yilin , Pan Yingnan , Lu Qing 
Published: November 2023

SummaryIn this paper, an adaptive predefined‐time optimal tracking control method is presented for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems. Different from the existing optimal control results, these reinforcement learning methods only ensure the system is semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded or finite‐time stable, which cannot achieve the precise control of the convergence time and accuracy. The designed predefined‐time optimal control strategy can guarantee that the convergence time and error accuracy can be predefined by users, while optimizing the performance index function by constructing the identifier‐actor‐critic neural networks. Meanwhile, an improved piecewise continuous function is devised to solve the problem of containing the sign function in the controller under the predefined‐time stability framework, which can both decrease the chattering phenomenon and avoid the possible singularity problem. Moreover, it can be demonstrated that all signals within the closed‐loop systems are predefined‐time stable. Finally, some simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Local Injection of Rapamycin‐Loaded Pcl‐Peg Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tendon Healing in Rotator Cuff Tears via Simultaneously Reducing Fatty Infiltration and Drug Toxicity
Authors: Ye Jichao , Wang Yongbo , Zeng Weike , Li Yuxiang , Yao Bin , Wang Siheng , Wu Jun , Hou Jingyi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs a common cause of shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are difficult to treat clinically because of their unsatisfactory prognosis due to the fatty infiltration caused by muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs). Previous studies have found that rapamycin (RAPA) can inhibit fatty infiltration. However, systemic administration of RAPA may cause complications such as infection and nausea, while local administration of RAPA may lead to the cytotoxicity of tendon cells, affecting the healing of rotator cuffs. In this study, biocompatible and clinically approved polycaprolactone‐polyethylene glycol (PCL‐PEG) is formulated into an injectable nanoparticle for the sustained release of RAPA. The results indicate that the RAPA/PCL‐PEG nanoparticles (NPs) can efficiently prolong the release of RAPA and significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of tendon cells caused by RAPA. The study of the fatty infiltration model in rats with delayed rotator cuff repair shows that weekly intraarticular injection of RAPA/PCL‐PEG NPs can more effectively reduce the fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of rat rotator cuffs and leads to better mechanical properties and gait improvements than a daily intraarticular injection of RAPA. These findings imply that local injection of RAPA/PCL‐PEG NPs in the shoulder joints can be a potential clinical option for RCTs patients with fatty infiltration.
Structure Engineered High Piezo‐Photoelectronic Performance for Boosted Sono‐Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Dan , Zang Pengyu , He Fei , Gai Shili , Kuang Ye , Yang Guixin , Yang Piaoping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSono‐photodynamic therapy is hindered by the limited tissue penetration depth of the external light source and the quick recombination of electron–hole owing to the random movement of charge carriers. In this study, orthorhombic ZnSnO3 quantum dots (QDs) with piezo‐photoelectronic effects are successfully encapsulated in hexagonal upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) using a one‐pot thermal decomposition method to form an all‐in‐one watermelon‐like structured sono‐photosensitizer (ZnSnO3@UCNPs). The excited near‐infrared light has high penetration depth, and the watermelon‐like structure allows for full contact between the UCNPs and ZnSnO3 QDs, achieving ultrahigh Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency of up to 80.30%. Upon ultrasonic and near‐infrared laser co‐activation, the high temperature and pressure generated lead to the deformation of the UCNPs, thereby driving the deformation of all ZnSnO3 QDs inside the UCNPs, forming many small internal electric fields similar to isotropic electric domains. This piezoelectric effect not only increases the internal electric field intensity of the entire material but also prevents random movement and rapid recombination of charge carriers, thereby achieving satisfactory piezocatalytic performance. By combining the photodynamic effect arising from the energy transfer from UCNPs to ZnSnO3, synergistic efficacy is realized. This study proposes a novel strategy for designing highly efficient sono‐photosensitizers through structural design.
Associations of the Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet with brain structural markers and their changes
Authors: Chen Hui , Dunk Michelle M. , Wang Binghan , Zhao Mengjia , Shen Jie , Zong Geng , Pan Yuesong , Tong Lusha , Xu Weili , Yuan Changzheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThe associations of the Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet with brain structural changes are unclear.METHODSAmong 26,466 UK Biobank participants, a 15‐point MIND score was calculated from 24‐hour diet recalls from 2009 to 2012. We assessed its associations with 17 magnetic‐resonance‐derived brain volumetric markers and their longitudinal changes and explored whether genetic factors modify the associations.RESULTSHigher MIND adherence was associated with larger volumes of thalamus, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, and accumbens (beta per 3‐unit increment ranging from 0.024 to 0.033) and lower white matter hyperintensities (P‐trends < 0.05), regardless of genetic predispositions of Alzheimer's disease. MIND score was not associated with their longitudinal changes (P > 0.05) over a median of 2.2 years among participants with repeated imaging assessments (N = 2963), but was associated with slower atrophy in putamen (beta: 0.026, P‐trend = 0.044) and pallidum (beta: 0.030, P‐trend = 0.033) among APOE ε4 non‐carriers (N = 654).DISCUSSIONThe MIND diet showed beneficial associations with certain brain imaging markers, and its associations with long‐term brain structural changes warrants future investigation.Highlights
Adherence to the Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet was significantly associated with higher volumes and larger gray matter volumes in certain brain regions in UK adults, and the associations were not modified by genetic factors.
No significant associations were observed between MIND diet and longitudinal changes in the investigated brain structural markers over a median of 2.2 years.
Higher MIND score was significantly associated with slower atrophy in the putamen and pallidum among APOE ε4 non‐carriers.
Vascular risk, gait, behavioral, and plasma indicators of VCID
Authors: Raghavan Sheelakumari , Przybelski Scott A. , Lesnick Timothy G. , Fought Angela J. , Reid Robert I. , Gebre Robel K. , Windham B. Gwen , Algeciras‐Schimnich Alicia , Machulda Mary M. , Vassilaki Maria , Knopman David S. , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Vemuri Prashanthi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONCost‐effective screening tools for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) has significant implications. We evaluated non‐imaging indicators of VCID using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐measured white matter (WM) damage and hypothesized that these indicators differ based on age.METHODSIn 745 participants from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (≥50 years of age) with serial WM assessments from diffusion MRI and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)‐MRI, we examined associations between baseline non‐imaging indicators (demographics, vascular risk factors [VRFs], gait, behavioral, plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], and plasma neurofilament light chain [NfL]) and WM damage across three age tertiles.RESULTSVRFs and gait were associated with diffusion changes even in low age strata. All measures (VRFs, gait, behavioral, plasma GFAP, plasma NfL) were associated with white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) but mainly in intermediate and high age strata.DISCUSSIONNon‐imaging indicators of VCID were related to WM damage and may aid in screening participants and assessing outcomes for VCID.Highlights
Non‐imaging indicators of VCID can aid in prediction of MRI‐measured WM damage but their importance differed by age.
Vascular risk and gait measures were associated with early VCID changes measured using diffusion MRI.
Plasma markers explained variability in WMH across age strata.
Most non‐imaging measures explained variability in WMH and vascular WM scores in intermediate and older age groups.
The framework developed here can be used to evaluate new non‐imaging VCID indicators proposed in the future.
Scalable Total Synthesis of Acremolactone B
Authors: Ba Mengyu , He Fengqi , Ren Lu , Whittingham William G. , Yang Peng , Li Ang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAcremolactone B is a pyridine‐containing azaphilone‐type polyketide. The first total synthesis of this molecule was achieved on a gram scale, based on an aza‐6π electrocyclization–aromatization strategy for construction of the tetra‐substituted pyridine ring. A bicyclic intermediate was expeditiously prepared by using [2+2] photocycloaddition and chemoselective Baeyer–Villiger oxidation, which was further elaborated to a densely substituted aza‐triene. An electrocyclization–aromatization cascade was utilized to forge the tetracyclic core of this natural product, and the side chain was introduced through diastereoselective acylation and reduction.
Unlocking a Dual‐Channel Pathway in CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over Single‐Site Zirconium on Amorphous Silica
Authors: Yang Meng , Yu Jiafeng , Zimina Anna , Sarma Bidyut Bikash , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Zada Habib , Wang Linkai , Sun Jian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConverting CO2 into methanol on a large scale is of great significance in the sustainable methanol economy. Zirconia species are considered to be an essential support in Cu‐based catalysts due to their excellent properties for CO2 adsorption and activation. However, the evolution of Zr species during the reaction and the effect of their structure on the reaction pathways remain unclear. Herein, single‐site Zr species in an amorphous SiO2 matrix are created by enhancing the Zr−Si interaction in Cu/ZrO2‐SiO2 catalysts. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that the coordination environment of single‐site Zr is sensitive to the atmosphere and reaction conditions. We demonstrate that the CO2 adsorption occurs preferably on the interface of Cu and single‐site Zr rather than on ZrO2 nanoparticles. Methanol synthesis in reverse water‐gas‐shift (RWGS)+CO‐hydro pathway is verified only over single‐dispersed Zr sites, whereas the ordinary formate pathway occurs on ZrO2 nanoparticles. Thus, it expands a non‐competitive parallel pathway as a supplement to the dominant formate pathway, resulting in the enhancement of Cu activity sixfold and twofold based on Cu/SiO2 and Cu/ZrO2 catalysts, respectively. The establishment of this dual‐channel pathway by single‐site Zr species in this work opens new horizons for understanding the role of atomically dispersed oxides in catalysis science.
Late‐Stage Halogenation of Peptides, Drugs and (Hetero)aromatic Compounds with a Nucleophilic Hydrazide Catalyst
Authors: Mondal Haripriyo , Patra Subimal , Saha Shuvendu , Nayak Tarak , Sengupta Uddalak , Sudan Maji Modhu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUnlike its other halogen atom siblings, chlorination of a bioactive compound can change its physiological characteristics, improve its pharmacological profile, and function as a point of diversification through cross‐coupling reactions. As a result, it has been a crucial strategy for drug discovery and development. However, functional groups such as amines, amides, hydroxy groups, or carboxylic acids trap the Cl+, severely limiting the reactivity and making direct chlorination far too difficult to be practical. Herein, we introduce a nucleophilic sulfonohydrazide catalyst for late‐stage halogenation of peptides and drugs. This direct, mild and metal‐free protocol shows high functional‐group tolerance and is compatible with a range of structurally diverse peptides, drugs and aromatic compounds. Furthermore, DFT studies indicate that the reaction most likely proceeds via a cationic transition state. The gram‐scale synthesis, high stability and efficiency of the catalyst provide a facile route for late‐stage functionalization and intermediates for further derivatization.
Spatial Distribution of Nitrogen Binding Sites in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Selective Ethane Adsorption and One‐Step Ethylene Purification
Authors: Song Changhua , Zheng Fang , Liu Ying , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe one‐step purification of ethylene (C2H4) from mixtures containing ethane (C2H6) and acetylene (C2H2) is an industrially important yet challenging process. In this work, we present a site‐engineering strategy aimed at manipulating the spatial distribution of binding sites within a confined pore space. We realized successfully by incorporating nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, such as indole‐5‐carboxylic acid (Ind), benzimidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (Bzz), and indazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (Izo), into the robust MOF‐808 platform via post‐synthetic modification. The resulting functionalized materials, namely MOF‐808‐Ind, MOF‐808‐Bzz, and MOF‐808‐Izo, demonstrated significantly improved selectivity for C2H2 and C2H6 over C2H4. MOF‐808‐Bzz with two uniformly distributed nitrogen binding sites gave the optimal geometry for selective ethane trapping through multiple strong C−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds, leading to the highest C2H2/C2H4 and C2H6/C2H4 combined selectivities among known MOFs. Column breakthrough experiments validated its ability to purify C2H4 from ternary C2H2/C2H4/C2H6 mixtures in a single step.