bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabic gum/chitosan/Zn–NPs composite film maintains the quality of Hass avocado fruit by delaying ripening and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms
Authors: Rashedy Ahmed A. , Abd El-Aziz Mahmoud E. , Abd-Allah Ahmed S. E. , Hamed Hamed H. , Emam Hala E. , Abd El-Moniem Eman A. A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAvocado fruit is a climacteric fruit that has a short life after harvest. Chitosan (Ch) and Arabic gum (AG) have a pronounced effect on the storability of fruits. This investigation aimed to determine the effect of individual or combined use of Ch and AG as well as Ch/AG enriched with 2, 4, 8% Zn–NPs on physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidant capacity of Hass avocado fruit during cold storage (7 °C). The result showed that Ch or AG alone succeeded in maintaining fruit quality of Hass fruit during cold storage. Also, combined application of Ch/AG was more effective than individual application of Ch or AG in reducing fruit weight and polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) as well as increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, Ch/AG coating enriched with 8% Zn–NPs recorded the lowest fruit weight loss, fruit decay %, TSS fruit content, fruit firmness and improved fruit skin and pulp color significantly compared to Ch/AG and control. Coating with Ch/AG/2%Zn NPs recorded the highest peroxidase (POD) activity, while Ch/AG/8% Zn–NPs recorded the highest TAC and the lowest PPO activity. Moreover, enriched Ch/GA with Zn–NPs recorded the highest CAT and POD activity compared to the control. This study shows the efficiency of Ch/AG enriched with Zn–NPs on preserving Hass avocado fruit quality during cold storage by delaying ripening process and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms.
Evolutionary patterns and microscopic mechanisms of strength in mine tailings backfilled with waste glass
Authors: Deng Daiqiang , Gao Yu , Chen Zimin , Wang Ye 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn order to promote the sustainable use of resources and reduce the waste of waste glass and tailings resources. The present study focuses on a fluorite mine as the research subject, utilizing coarse tailings, fine tailings, cement substitute-curing agent, and recycled waste glass as the primary raw materials. It investigates the changes in compressive strength of coarse tailing with varying sand- binder ratios and glass content at 3-day, 7-day, and 28-day intervals when the filling slurry concentration is set at 77% and the ratio of coarse tailings to fine tailings is maintained at 2:1. The findings indicate that there is minimal impact on the compressive strength of test blocks when using a sand binder ratio of 4:1 and a glass sand content below 10%. However, once the glass sand content exceeds 10%, a significant decline in compressive strength occurs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal ettringite crystal formation in test blocks with both 0% and 25% glass sand content due to high levels of Na2O in the glass sand. This leads to internal expansion within test blocks resulting in reduced strength. Notably, when using a sand-binder ratio of 8:1 along with a glass sand content of 25%, early strength characteristics are observed for test blocks. Furthermore, incorporating glass sand has little influence on late-stage strength for backfill when employing either an 8:1 or 12:1 sand-binder ratio. Based on this experiment conducted under conditions including mass concentration of 77%, the optimal waste-glass-to-mine-tailings-filling-sand-binder-ratio is determined as 8:1with a corresponding glass content of 25%.
Spatial inequalities and non-linear association of continuous variables with mortality risk of liver transplantation in Iran: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kazemimajd Somayeh , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Tapak Leili 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLiver transplantation is the second most common solid organ transplant and the best option for liver failure. Of course, patient survival after transplantation depends on many risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and non-linear effects of continuous risk factors on patient survival after liver transplantation. This retrospective cohort study (n = 3148) used data on liver transplantation in Iran (2004–2019). A generalized additive model with spatial effects and non-linear effects of age and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score variables by penalized spline was used. The majority of patients were male (63.3%), with a mean (SD) age of 42.65 (13.31) and a mean (SD) MELD score of 24.43 (6.72). The 1, 5, and 10-year survival rates were 88.2%, 84.6%, and 82.5% respectively. The non-linear effect showed a steeper slope of the age effect on the hazard of death after the age of 50 (p < 0.05), and the MELD score had a direct but non-linear relationship with the hazard of death (p < 0.05). In the spatial pattern, the provinces with a greater distance from the transplant center had significantly fewer old patients than other provinces. Also, more distant provinces with an older transplant age had higher post-transplant mortality rates. Our study showed that it is better to take age and MELD score into account in postoperative care. The spatial pattern of mortality risk reflects inequalities in access to transplantation and public health services after transplantation.
The spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoils (the Silesian Beskids, southern Poland)
Authors: Rahmonov Oimahmad , Sobala Michał , Środek Dorota , Karkosz Dominik , Pytel Sławomir , Rahmonov Małgorzata 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProgressive industrialisation and urbanisation in recent decades have dramatically affected the soil cover and led to significant changes in its properties, which inevitably affect the functioning of other components of the forest ecosystems. The total content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, and Hg was studied in twenty-five plots at different heights in the topsoil (organic and humus horizons) formed from the Carpathian flysch in the area of the Silesian Beskids (Western Carpathians). The aim of this article is to analyse the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoil in different types of plant communities and to determine the relationship between altitude and potentially toxic elements contamination. The soils studied are acidic or very acidic, with an average range of 3.8 (H2O) and 2.9 (KCl). Concentrations of the metals Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg on the plots that were analysed are within the range of permissible standards for forest ecosystems in Poland, while Pb and As exceed the permissible standards for this type of ecosystem. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient showed a high correlation between Fe–Cr (r(32) = 0.879, Pb-Hg r(32) = 0.772, Ni–Cr r(32) = 0.738, Zn-Cd r(32) = 0.734, and Cu-Hg r(32) = 0.743, and a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between Cu-Pb r(32) = 0.667 and As-Pb r(32) = 0.557. No correlation was found between altitude and the occurrence of potentially toxic elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) index, on the other hand, indicates that Pb, As, and Cd have the highest impact on soil contamination in all study plots: it classifies soils from moderately to strongly polluted. The enrichment factor (EF) obtained for As and Hg indicates significant-to-very high enrichment in all areas studied. The potential ecological risk index (PLI) calculated for the sites indicates the existence of pollution in all areas examined. The highest risk categories (considerable to very high) are associated with cadmium and mercury.
Enhancing citrus fruit yield investigations through flight height optimization with UAV imaging
Authors: Kwon Soon-Hwa , Ku Ki Bon , Le Anh Tuan , Han Gyung Deok , Park Yosup , Kim Jaehong , Tuan Thai Thanh , Chung Yong Suk , Mansoor Sheikh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCitrus fruit yield is essential for market stability, as it allows businesses to plan for production and distribution. However, yield estimation is a complex and time-consuming process that often requires a large number of field samples to ensure representativeness. To address this challenge, we investigated the optimal altitude for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging to estimate the yield of Citrus unshiu fruit. We captured images from five different altitudes (30 m, 50 m, 70 m, 90 m, and 110 m), and determined that a resolution of approximately 5 pixels/cm is necessary for reliable estimation of fruit size based on the average diameter of C. unshiu fruit (46.7 mm). Additionally, we found that histogram equalization of the images improved fruit count estimation compared to using untreated images. At the images from 30 m height, the normal image estimates fruit numbers as 73, 55, and 88. However, the histogram equalized image estimates 88, 71, 105. The actual number of fruits is 124, 88, and 141. Using a Vegetation Index such as IPCA showed a similar estimation value to histogram equalization, but I1 estimation represents a gap to actual yields. Our results provide a valuable database for future UAV field investigations of citrus fruit yield. Using flying platforms like UAVs can provide a step towards adopting this sort of model spanning ever greater regions at a cheap cost, with this system generating accurate results in this manner.
Early parental deprivation during primate infancy has a lifelong impact on gene expression in the male marmoset brain
Authors: Shinohara Haruka , Meguro-Horike Makiko , Inoue Takashi , Shimazu Miyuki , Hattori Machiko , Hibino Hitoshi , Fukasawa Kazumasa , Sasaki Erika , Horike Shin-ichi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAdverse early life experiences are well-established risk factors for neurological disorders later in life. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of adverse experiences on neurophysiological systems throughout life remain incompletely understood. Previous studies suggest that social attachment to parents in early development are indispensable for infants to grow into healthy adults. In situations where multiple offspring are born in a single birth in common marmosets, human hand-rearing is employed to ensure the survival of the offspring in captivity. However, hand-reared marmosets often exhibit behavioral abnormalities, including abnormal vocalizations, excessive attachment to the caretaker, and aggressive behavior. In this study, comprehensive transcriptome analyses were conducted on hippocampus tissues, a neuroanatomical region sensitive to social attachment, obtained from human hand-reared (N = 6) and parent-reared male marmosets (N = 5) at distinct developmental stages. Our analyses revealed consistent alterations in a subset of genes, including those related to neurodevelopmental diseases, across different developmental stages, indicating their continuous susceptibility to the effects of early parental deprivation. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of gene expression in response to early life experiences and suggest that the impact of early parental deprivation on gene expression may vary across different stages of development.
Genotype by environment and genotype by yield*trait interactions in sugar beet: analyzing yield stability and determining key traits association
Authors: Hassani Mahdi , Mahmoudi Seyed Bagher , Saremirad Ali , Taleghani Dariush 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe genotype by environment interaction significantly influences plant yield, making it imperative to understand its nature for the creation of breeding programs to enhance crop production. However, this is not the only obstacle in the yield improvement process. Breeders also face the significant challenge of unfavorable and negative correlations among key traits. In this study, the stability of root yield and white sugar yield, and the association between the key traits of root yield, sugar content, nitrogen, sodium, and potassium were examined in 20 sugar beet genotypes. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications over two consecutive years across five locations. The combined analysis of variance results revealed significant main effects of year, location, and genotype on both root yield and white sugar yield. Notably, two-way and three-way interactions between these main effects on root yield and white sugar yield resulted in a significant difference. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed that the first five interaction principal components significantly impacted both the root yield and white sugar yield. The linear mixed model results for root yield and white sugar yield indicated that the genotype effect and the genotype by environment interaction were significant. The weighted average absolute scores of the best linear unbiased predictions biplot demonstrated that genotypes 20, 4, 7, 2, 16, 3, 6, 1, 14, and 15 were superior in terms of root yield. For white sugar yield, genotypes 4, 16, 3, 7, 5, 1, 10, 20, 2, and 6 stood out. These genotypes were not only stable but also had a yield value higher than the total average. All key traits, which include sugar content, sodium, potassium, and alpha amino nitrogen, demonstrated a negative correlation with root yield. Based on the genotype by yield*trait analysis results, genotypes 20, 19, and 16 demonstrated optimal performance when considering the combination of root yield with sugar content, sodium, alpha amino nitrogen, and potassium. The multi-trait stability study, genotype 13 ranked first, and genotypes 10, 8, and 9 were identified as the most ideal stable genotypes across all traits. According to the multi-trait stability index, genotype 13 emerged as the top-ranking genotype. Additionally, genotypes 10, 8, and 9 were recognized as the most stable genotypes.
An attenuation field network for dedicated cone beam breast CT with short scan and offset detector geometry
Authors: Fu Zhiyang , Tseng Hsin Wu , Vedantham Srinivasan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe feasibility of full-scan, offset-detector geometry cone-beam CT has been demonstrated for several clinical applications. For full-scan acquisition with offset-detector geometry, data redundancy from complementary views can be exploited during image reconstruction. Envisioning an upright breast CT system, we propose to acquire short-scan data in conjunction with offset-detector geometry. To tackle the resulting incomplete data, we have developed a self-supervised attenuation field network (AFN). AFN leverages the inherent redundancy of cone-beam CT data through coordinate-based representation and known imaging physics. A trained AFN can query attenuation coefficients using their respective coordinates or synthesize projection data including the missing projections. The AFN was evaluated using clinical cone-beam breast CT datasets (n = 50). While conventional analytical and iterative reconstruction methods failed to reconstruct the incomplete data, AFN reconstruction was not statistically different from the reference reconstruction obtained using full-scan, full-detector data in terms of image noise, image contrast, and the full width at half maximum of calcifications. This study indicates the feasibility of a simultaneous short-scan and offset-detector geometry for dedicated breast CT imaging. The proposed AFN technique can potentially be expanded to other cone-beam CT applications.
ROX index as a predictor of failure of high-flow nasal cannula in infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Nascimento Milena Siciliano , Zólio Bianca Agostini , Vale Luciana Assis Pires Andrade , Silva Patrícia Angelica de Lima , Souza Thereza Silva , Gonçalves Louise Helena Rodrigues , Fascina Linus Pauling , do Prado Cristiane 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a relatively recent therapy that has been used to treat respiratory failure. Until now, the criterion for failure requiring escalation to other forms of ventilatory support has remained unclear. This study evaluated how the ROX index predicts the success or failure of HFNC in infants with bronchiolitis. A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in 2 pediatric ICUs. The data were collected at 7 moments. Patients were categorized into failure and success groups according to HFNC. A total of 102 infants were included, 18(17.6%) of whom failed HFNC therapy. For the ROX index, significant differences were observed between the failure 5.8(95%CI 4.7–7.1) and success 7.7(95%CI 7.2–8.2) groups (p = 0.005) at the 12 h evaluation. According to the analysis of the performance of the ROX index, the AUC at 12 h was 0.716(95%CI 0.591–0.842; p = 0.016). The best cutoff range for the ROX index at 12 h was 6.50–7.18, with a sensitivity of 42% and a specificity of 66% at the cutoff of 6.50, and a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 54% at the cutoff of 7.18. We concluded that the ROX index could be effective at predicting the failure of HFNC therapy in infants with bronchiolitis beginning at 12 h after installation.
Boosting effect of strong western pole of the Indian Ocean Dipole on the decay of El Niño events
Authors: Wu Jia , Fan Hanjie , Lin Shuheng , Zhong Wenxiu , He Shan , Keenlyside Noel , Yang Song 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Indian Ocean Basin (IOB) mode is believed to favor the decay of El Niño via modulating the zonal wind anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific, while the contribution of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mode to the following year’s El Niño remains highly controversial. In this study, we use the evolution of fast and slow decaying El Niño events during 1950–2020 to demonstrate that the positive IOD with a strong western pole prompts the termination of El Niño, whereas a weak western pole has no significant effect. The strong western pole of a positive IOD leads to a strong IOB pattern peaking in the late winter (earlier than normal), enhancing local convection and causing anomalous rising motions over the tropical Indian Ocean and sinking motions over the western tropical Pacific. The surface equatorial easterly wind anomalies on the western flank of the sinking motions stimulate oceanic equatorial upwelling Kelvin waves, which shoal the thermocline in the eastern equatorial Pacific and rapidly terminate the equatorial warming during El Niño. However, a weak western pole of the IOD induces a weak IOB mode that peaks in the late spring, and the above-mentioned cross-basin physical processes do not occur.
X-ray phase contrast reveals soft tissue and shell growth lines in mollusks
Authors: Häggmark Ilian , Hoshino Masato , Uesugi Kentaro , Sasaki Takenori 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHigh-resolution 3D imaging of species with exoskeletons such as shell-bearing mollusks typically involves destructive steps. Nondestructive alternatives are desirable since samples can be rare and valuable, and destructive steps are time-consuming and may distort the tissue. Here, we show for the first time that propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging can significantly increase contrast in mollusks with intact shells. By using the recently upgraded monochromator at the SPring-8 BL20B2 synchrotron beamline, we imaged six species of mollusks, showing that X-ray phase contrast enhances soft-tissue contrast. Features that are almost invisible in conventional attenuation-based micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) are clearly reproduced with phase-contrast imaging under the same scan conditions. Furthermore, this method can reveal features such as growth rings in the shell and differentiate between calcite and aragonite crystal forms. Phase-contrast imaging can thus serve as a compelling alternative when destructive methods are not an option.
Single-cell transcriptomics enable the characterization of local extension in retinoblastoma
Authors: Liu Yaoming , Hu Wei , Xie Yanjie , Tang Junjie , Ma Huan , Li Jinmiao , Nie Jiahe , Wang Yinghao , Gao Yang , Cheng Chao , Li Cheng , Ma Yujun , Su Shicai , Zhang Zhihui , Bao Yuekun , Ren Yi , Wang Xinyue , Sun Fengyu , Li Shengli , Lu Rong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRetinoblastoma (RB) is the most prevalent ocular tumor of childhood, and its extraocular invasion significantly increases the risk of metastasis. Nevertheless, a single-cell characterization of RB local extension has been lacking. Here, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on four RB samples (two from intraocular and two from extraocular RB patients), and integrate public datasets of five normal retina samples, four intraocular samples, and three extraocular RB samples to characterize RB local extension at the single-cell level. A total of 128,454 qualified cells are obtained in nine major cell types. Copy number variation inference reveals chromosome 6p amplification in cells derived from extraocular RB samples. In cellular heterogeneity analysis, we identified 10, 8, and 7 cell subpopulations in cone precursor like cells, retinoma like cells, and MKI67+ photoreceptorness decreased (MKI67+ PhrD) cells, respectively. A high expression level of SOX4 was detected in cells from extraocular samples, especially in MKI67+ PhrD cells, which was verified in additional clinical RB samples. These results suggest that SOX4 might drive RB local extension. Our study presents a single-cell transcriptomic landscape of intraocular and extraocular RB samples, improving our understanding of RB local extension at the single-cell resolution and providing potential therapeutic targets for RB patients.
STAT3 and SOX-5 induce BRG1-mediated chromatin remodeling of RORCE2 in Th17 cells
Authors: Wang Xian , Han Chao , Yang Di , Zhou Jian , Dong Hui , Wei Zhiyuan , Xu Shuai , Xu Chen , Zhang Yiwei , Sun Yi , Ni Bing , Guo Sheng , Zhang Jingbo , Zhao Tingting , Chen Xiangmei , Luo Jie , Wu Yuzhang , Tian Yi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRetinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is the lineage-specific transcription factor for T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Our previous study demonstrated that STAT3 likely participates in the activation of RORCE2 (a novel enhancer of the RORγt gene) in Th17 cells. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that both STAT3 and SOX-5 mediate the enhancer activity of RORCE2 in vitro. Deletion of the STAT3 binding site (STAT3-BS) in RORCE2 impaired RORγt expression and Th17 differentiation, resulting in reduced severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mechanistically, STAT3 and SOX-5 bind the RORCE2 region and recruit the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1 to remodel the nucleosomes positioned at this region. Collectively, our data suggest that STAT3 and SOX-5 mediate the differentiation of Th17 cells through the induction of BRG1-mediated chromatin remodeling of RORCE2 in Th17 cells.
Structural basis and selectivity of sulfatinib binding to FGFR and CSF-1R
Authors: Lin Qianmeng , Dai Shuyan , Qu Lingzhi , Lin Hang , Guo Ming , Wei Hudie , Chen Yongheng , Chen Xiaojuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAcquired drug resistance poses a challenge for single-target FGFR inhibitors, leading to the development of dual- or multi-target FGFR inhibitors. Sulfatinib is a multi-target kinase inhibitor for treating neuroendocrine tumors, selectively targeting FGFR1/CSF-1R. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind its binding and kinase selectivity, we determined the crystal structures of sulfatinib with FGFR1/CSF-1R. The results reveal common structural features and distinct conformational adaptability of sulfatinib in response to FGFR1/CSF-1R binding. Further biochemical and structural analyses disclose sensitivity of sulfatinib to FGFR/CSF-1R gatekeeper mutations. The insensitivity of sulfatinib to FGFR gatekeeper mutations highlights the indispensable interactions with the hydrophobic pocket for FGFR selectivity, whereas the rotatory flexibility may enable sulfatinib to overcome CSF-1RT663I. This study not only sheds light on the structural basis governing sulfatinib’s FGFR/CSF-1R inhibition, but also provides valuable insights into the rational design of dual- or multi-target FGFR inhibitors with selectivity for CSF-1R and sensitivity to gatekeeper mutations.