bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of gamma irradiation of seeds on the development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants
Authors: Kotsyubinskaya O. A. , Bondarenko E. V. , Kazydub N. G. , Blinova Ya. A. 
Published: January 2025

Relevance. The modern direction of bean breeding is focused on increasing the protein content in seeds and green beans, as well as vitamins, folic acid, biologically active substances and antioxidants, improving organoleptic properties and reducing the content of anti-nutritional substances. When creating the initial material for breeding, the following traits are important: resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, stable high yield, technological effectiveness, bush type and upright form, high symbiotic activity. An effective approach to increasing the genetic diversity of the initial material is radiation mutagenesis.Purpose of research. To study the effect of γ-irradiation of seeds on germination, morphometric parameters and duration of phenophases of Russian bean varieties and to determine the optimal dose of γ-radiation for the radiation mutagenesis protocol.Materials and Methods. Objects of the study – 3 bean varieties bred by Omsk State Agrarian University. The seeds were γ-irradiated (source – 60Co) at doses of 50–200 Gy (dose rate 60 Gy/hour). The seeds were germinated under controlled conditions; germination energy and germination were assessed. The hypocotyl length, number and length of roots were measured in seedlings. The duration of development phases and productivity of plants were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed in R (ver. 4.3.3) and MS Office Excel 2019.Results. Hormesis effect was noted for 50 Gy γ-irradiation dose, which was manifested in higher values of germination energy and seed germination (variety Pamyati Ryzhkova), hypocotyl length (variety Marusya and Pamyati Ryzhkova) and in a decrease in the phenophases duration (variety Omskiy Rubin). Gamma irradiation at all applicable doses statistically significantly inhibited root development. Root length, as the most sensitive parameter to radiation, was chosen to calculate the dose causing a 50% growth reduction (RD50). For the Marusya variety, RD50 was 40 Gy, for the Pamyati Ryzhkova and Omsky Rubin varieties - 60 Gy.Conclusion. Variety specificity was established in the reaction to seed irradiation. Doses of 50 Gy or less (10-50 Gy) can be used to study the hormetic effects of γ-irradiation of bean seeds. Doses of 100 and 200 Gy turned out to be lethal. Starting doses of 40-60 Gy are recommended for the radiation mutagenesis protocols of Russian bean varieties.
Use of molecular markers associated with resistance to biotic and abiotic environmental factors in developing breeding material for tomato and pepper in Belarus
Authors: Babak O. G. , Drozd E. V. , Nekrashevich N. A. , Anisimova N. V. , Yatsevich K. K. , Shesteren P. V. , Bayeva I. Е. , Nevestenko N. A. , Puhachova I. G. , Dobrodzkin M. M. , Kilchevsky A. V. 
Published: January 2025

Relevance. The development of a system of molecular markers that allows identifying the genetic determinants of resistance to pathogens, as well as the typing of alleles involved in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation, is the most important condition for increasing the efficiency of the breeding process aimed at enhancing the resistance of cultivated crops to biotic and abiotic stresses.Methodology. The work involved molecular genetic methods of DNA isolation, PCR analysis, restriction, and evaluation of amplification and restriction products in agarose or polyacrylamide gels. The material used included the diverse collections of Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum, as well as the specimens of closely related wild species.Results. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of 25 molecular markers presented in the literature associated with resistance to tomato and pepper diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens, as well as nematodes. Markers to the alleles of MYB transcription factor genes associated with the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in tomato (SlMyb12, Anthocyanin1, Anthocyanin2, An-2-like and Atroviolacium) and pepper (Myb113-like1, Myb113-like2 and ETC3-2), recommended for the breeding process aimed at increasing resistance to stressful biotic and abiotic environmental factors, are presented.
Applying behavioural frameworks to contextualise reported influences on clinical trial recruitment and retention: A secondary analysis of three qualitative evidence syntheses
Authors: Doidge-Harrison Lya-Solange , Coffey Taylor , Gillies Katie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Recruitment and retention to clinical trials are key processes underlying their success. Methodological work in this area has identified a number of influences, from both participant and trial staff perspectives, on what drives recruitment and retention. Collation of this evidence is crucial for these findings to be translated into actionable changes in how trials are conducted. Initial efforts to do so have resulted in qualitative evidence syntheses that summarise recurrent themes in recruitment and retention. However, many of these primary studies, and the evidence syntheses themselves, lack a theoretical basis to understand the reported influences. The objective of this paper was to apply theoretical frameworks to these evidence syntheses and assess whether they captured reported influences in their theoretical domains.
Methods
Two behavioural theoretical frameworks were used to code reported influences on recruitment and retention from three qualitative evidence syntheses. The syntheses summarised participant and trial staff-reported influences on recruitment and participant-reported influences on retention. These influences were coded into the relevant behavioural domains of the two frameworks. Each behavioural domains’ relative coverage of influences across the papers were calculated. The most and least often coded domains were identified, with potential interventions targeting the most frequent domains suggested.
Results
Both frameworks were able to categorise influences from all three papers. The most-often coded domains were “reflective motivation” and “beliefs about consequences”. The least-often coded were “physical capability” and “behavioural regulation”. These findings are largely consistent with other work using behavioural frameworks to categorise influences on recruitment and retention.
Conclusions
The selected frameworks demonstrated their utility in contextualising reported influences on recruitment and retention. These frameworks offer advantages in collation of evidence and for their integration in intervention development to target problem areas. Future work could continue their application, producing a significant and accessible evidence base on what drives recruitment and retention to trials.
The complexity and power of urban floristic diversity in the arid zone (in Central Asia)
Authors: Gulamov Mukhamad I. , Gafarova Saida M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This work explores the biodiversity of urban flora in the arid zone of Bukhara city, Republic of Uzbekistan. The research is based on novel methods proposed by the authors – the study of complexity and power of biodiversity. The research also relies on established biodiversity indices: species abundance equalization (probability of species occurrence frequency) and Shannon index. The values of complexity and power of biodiversity indicators for real ecological systems are calculated for the first time. The results of the study show the following: The biodiversity of Bukhara’s urban flora is characterized by uneven abundance of species. A significant dominance of a few species (5) of trees, (3) of shrubs, and (16) of herbs was established. A high level of complexity in biodiversity structure was identified, indicating a robust association between species, accompanied by low biodiversity power. This reflects low stability, adaptation, and recovery capabilities of the flora. These findings lead to the conclusion that the general principle of biodiversity transformation in nature (absence of identity, unified logic, harmony, purpose, and order) is disrupted in urban ecosystems, as they introduce subjective logic, harmony, purpose, and order.
A Tungsten Polyoxometalate Mediated Aqueous Redox Flow Battery with High Voltage of 2 V
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Weipeng , Xu Weizhuo , Sun Zhaopeng , Tang Linning , Xu Guohao , He Xinyue , Deng Yulin , Sun Wei , Zhou Bingjie , Song Jianfei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

As a promising stationary energy storage device, aqueous redox flow battery (ARFB) still faces the challenge of low voltage output, due to the limitation of the potential of water splitting (1.23 V theoretically). Herein, we present an ultra-low potential anolyte design by using Na substituted phosphotungstic acid (3Na-PW12) for an aqueous redox flow battery with the voltage output as high as 2.0 V. The 3Na-PW12 can store 5 electrons in the charging process and simultaneously capture Na+ or protons from the dissociation of water, resulting in the increase of electrolyte pH to 11. Because of the high pH value, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly suppressed and the 3Na-PW12 is partially degraded into a lacunary structured PW11 with extremely low potential down to -1.1V (vs. SHE). After discharging, the captured protons are re-released into the solution, therefore, pH and the structure of 3Na-PW12 are recovered. Based on the cyclic pH change and self-regulation process of 3Na-PW12 in the charge and discharge process, the aqueous flow battery offered a high-power density of 200 mW cm-1 and 160 mW cm-1 coupled with Br2/Br- and I2/I- catholyte respectively.
Anomalous CO Saturation at 26% on Cu(111) Governed by Long-range Collective Quantum Compression
Authors: Yao Nan , Chen Pengcheng , Fan Dingxin , Selloni Annabella , Fan Jianqing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

CO adsorption on transition metal surfaces has been extensively studied for over a century. However, the challenge known as the CO puzzle persists due to the failure of density functional theory and a lack of extensive high-quality experimental data. This study investigates CO adsorption on Cu(111) using statistical analysis of atomic-resolution images. We observe a counterintuitive conservation of surface CO coverage, which remains constant at 26%, significantly lower than the theoretical maximum, regardless of patterns and temperature. We attribute this anomaly to surface-mediated collective quantum compression, which refers to enhanced localization of surface electrons as CO coverage increases, weakening the Cu-CO binding strength. We determine the effective radius of these long-range interactions as 5.3 nm, far exceeding the spatial range of direct C-Cu interactions. Our work provides new insights into the CO puzzle, advancing the understanding of adsorption phenomena and offering implications for surface chemistry and interfacial science.
An automated pipeline to generate initial estimates for population pharmacokinetic models
Authors: Huang Zhonghui , Fidler Matthew , Lan Minshi , Cheng lek L , Kloprogge Frank , Standing Joseph F 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Nonlinear mixed-effects models rely on adequate initial parameter estimates for efficient parameter optimization. Poor initial estimates can result in failed model convergence or termination with incorrect parameter estimates. Non-compartmental analysis (NCA) and other manual methods have typically been used to derive initial estimates for pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. However, NCA struggles with sparse data and recent advances in automated modeling increasingly emphasize the need for initial estimates that require no user input. This study aimed to develop an integrated pipeline for the computation of initial estimates applicable to various data types and model structures. Multiple methods were involved in this pipeline: the adaptive single-point method using individual-level data, graphic methods, and NCA performed after naïve pooling, as well as parameter sweeping on model-specific parameters. The relative root mean square error (rRMSE) was used as a metric to select the most appropriate initial estimates from candidates generated by the pipeline. The pipeline’s performance was evaluated across twenty-one simulated datasets and thirteen real-life datasets. The results suggested that this pipeline performed well in all test cases. Initial estimates recommended by the pipeline resulted in final parameter estimates closely aligned with pre-set original values in simulated datasets or aligned with literature references in the case of real-life data. This study provides an efficient and reliable tool for delivering PK initial estimates for population pharmacokinetic modeling in both rich and sparse data scenarios, and an open-source R package has been created.
Comparison of early periprosthetic femoral complications following cementless total hip arthroplasty between fit-and-fill stems and tapered-wedge stems: a propensity score matching study from a single center
Authors: Ikemura Satoshi , Shiomoto Kyohei , Motomura Goro , Hamai Satoshi , Fujii Masanori , Kawahara Shinya , Sato Taishi , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Hara Daisuke , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Nakashima Yasuharu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Few reports have focused on major perioperative complications, including periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) and stem subsidence in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), after standardizing the patient’s background and comparing different femoral component design at a single center. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the incidence of PFF and stem subsidence in patients undergoing THA between two types of cementless femoral component.
Methods: Between January 2013 and June 2020, 753 primary cementless THAs using a fit-and-fill stem and 526 using a tapered-wedge stem were performed at our institution. The patient’s background characteristics, radiographic findings, and perioperative complications were compared using univariate, multivariate, and propensity score analyses, matching sex, age, body mass index, and femoral morphology (Dorr type) between the two groups.
Results: In the univariate analyses, the rates of perioperative PFF and ≥ 2-mm stem subsidence were significantly higher in the fit-and-fill stem group than in the tapered-wedge group (P = 0.290 and P = 0.0001, respectively). The mean age and proportion of female in the fit-and-fill stemgroup were also significantly higher than those in the tapered-wedge group (P = 0.0274 and 0.0009, respectively). Four hundred and seventy-eight THAs were extracted from both groups on the basis of propensity score matching. After matching, the rates of perioperative PFF and ≥2-mm stem subsidence in the fit-and-fill stem and tapered-wedge stem groups were 2.3% and 0.6%, and 7.2% and 1.5%, respectively. The rate of PFF was significantly lower in the tapered-wedge stem group than in the fit-and-fill stem group (P = 0.0264; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–13.5, odds ratio [OR]: 3.7), and the same results was observed for ≥2-mm stem subsidence (P = 0.0001; 95% CI: 2.2–11.7, OR: 5.2).
Conclusion: Tapered-wedge stem is more suitable for any age, gender, and type of physique or femoral morphology than the fit-and-fill stem to avoid early perioperative complications, such as a PFF and stem subsidence in cementless THA.
Deep Learning for Automated Dental Plaque Index Assessment: Validation Against Expert Evaluations
Authors: Jeong Jin-Sun , Kim Kyeong-Seop , Gu Yu , Yoon Da-Hyun , Zhang Meng , Wang Ling , Kim Jeong-Hwan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has led to promising advancements in clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy. In dentistry, automated methods to evaluate oral hygiene measures, such as dental plaque detection, could improve patient care and streamline remote assessments.
Objective
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning (DL)-based system that automatically detects and quantifies dental plaque, using a standardized plaque index, from intraoral images.
Methods
Seventy participants were assessed using the Quigley-Hein plaque index, a clinical measure of plaque accumulation, following the application of a plaque-disclosing agent. Images were captured before and after dye application. Each tooth was labeled using the LabelMe software, indicating both tooth number and plaque presence for training and validation of the DL model. The performance of the DL-based system was statistically compared to the assessments of a highly experienced dentist (10 years) and a dental hygienist (1 year).
Results
After data augmentation, the DL model achieved a micro-average accuracy of 73.67% and a macro-average accuracy of 65.15%, with a precision of 76.34%, recall of 65.15%, and an F1 score of 66.15%. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the DL model’s performance and that of the experienced dentist (P > 0.05), supporting its clinical reliability.
Conclusion
The DL-based system successfully automated the evaluation of dental plaque from images, performing comparably to an experienced clinician. These findings underscore the potential for AI-driven plaque assessment tools to enhance digital dentistry, support tele-dentistry services, and improve oral healthcare delivery.
Evaluating and mapping the temporal and spatial distribution of radon gas utilizing geological and geospatial methods: implications for environmental impact assessment in Dessie town, Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Gebeyaw , Zeleke Hailu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

As a primordial radioactive element, radon can be released from the earth's geological formations. Dessie town's geological formations contain minerals that contain radon gas, which is the second cause of lung cancer next to smoking. So far, there were no investigations of geological-based radon health risks in the study area. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and map the temporal and spatial distribution of radon gas concentrations within Dessie town. The evaluation and mapping were done by using advanced geological and geospatial techniques, employing Quantum Geographic information systems (QGIS), and remote sensing techniques to integrate the research area's weather conditions, and geological data. We understood that the geological formations of Dessie town comprise basaltic rocks as we identified from the geological map of Dessie town obtained from Ethiopian geological institute, based on the geological information, we had got the radon gas activity concentrations in basaltic rock in two different ranges from 3581.5 Bqm-3 to 10,744.5 Bqm-3 for emanation coefficient 0.3 and from 35.815 Bqm-3 to 107.445 Bqm-3 for emanation coefficient 0.1 for the study area. Radon gas distribution map shows that the distributions of radon gas in Dessie town in two ranges which have their own potential hot spots as circled with different color on the map. These result indicates that there will exists health related problems due to prolonged exposure of radon gas at each station and for further investigation of radon gas activity concentrations and its health impact we recommended that using experimental measurement will provide more accurate result.
Microglia regulate nucleus accumbens synaptic development and circuit function underlying threat avoidance behaviors
Authors: De Biase Lindsay , Gongwer Michael , Etienne Fanny , Moca Eric , Chappell Megan , Blagburn-Blanco Sara , Riley Jack , Enos Alexander , Haratian Melody , Qi Alex , Rojo Rocio , Wilke Scott , Pridans Clare , DeNardo Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

While CNS microglia have well-established roles in synapse pruning during neurodevelopment, only a few studies have identified roles for microglia in synapse formation. These studies focused on the cortex and primary sensory circuits during restricted developmental time periods, leaving substantial gaps in our understanding of the early developmental functions of microglia. Here we investigated how the absence of microglia impacts synaptic development in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region critical for emotional regulation and motivated behaviors and where dysfunction is implicated in psychiatric disorders that arise early in life. Using a genetically modified mouse that lacks microglia (Csf1rΔFIRE/ΔFIRE), we found blunted excitatory synapse formation in the NAc. This effect was most prominent during the second and third postnatal weeks, when we previously found microglia to be overproduced, and was accompanied by an increase in presynaptic release probability and alterations in postsynaptic kinetics. Tissue-level NAc proteomics confirmed that microglial absence impacted numerous proteins involved in synapse structure, trans-synaptic signaling, and pre-synaptic function. However, microglial absence did not perturb levels of astrocyte-derived cues and adhesive proteins that promote synaptogenesis, suggesting that reduced synapse number may be caused by absence of a microglial-derived synaptogenic cue. Although observed electrophysiological synaptic changes were largely normalized by adulthood, we identified lasting effects of microglial absence on threat avoidance behavior, and these behavioral effects were directly associated with alterations of NAc neuronal activity. Together, these results indicate a critical role for microglia in regulating the synaptic landscape of the developing NAc and in establishing functional circuits underlying adult behavioral repertoires.
Gravity Model applied on Trade Flows between Portugal and the OECD
Authors: Sandambi Nerhum 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The study analyses foreign trade between Portugal and the OECD countries in the period 1980-2020. The objective, of course, is to analyse foreign trade and understand the main factors that influence foreign trade. The analysis is estimated using a gravity model, analysed using ordinary least squares, random effects, fixed effects and the Hausman Taylor estimator. According to the results, there is a negative impact of the real GDP of the country of origin, Portugal being in the sample, and a positive impact on the economies of the destination countries, thus being relevant for explaining trade. These results are related to the fact that most OECD countries have a significantly larger economic size than Portugal. Physical distance produced results that show a negative impact on the volume of trade transacted, so when trade is made with the countries furthest away from Portugal (with Australia, for example), the volume of trade drops to -5.60 ‘coeteris paribus’. On the other hand, the real effective exchange rate (reer) has a positive impact of 1.6. We also used some binary variables to analyse whether trade is made with a country that belongs to an economic integration zone itself, so trade made with a country in the European Union produces negative impacts, unlike the results of the binary variable MERCOSSUR, which characterises whether countries belong to this economic bloc, where there are positive impacts on trade volume when trade is made with Brazil or Argentina, for example.
JEL classification: F00; F1; F14;