bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival and efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes on exposed surfaces
Authors: Ramakrishnan Jayashree , Salame Liora , Nasser Ahmed , Glazer Itamar , Ment Dana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) species differ in their capability to withstand rapid desiccation (RD). Infective juveniles of Steinernema carpocapsae are a better adaptable and tolerant than Steinernema feltiae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as, an optimal RH of > 90% is required by S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora while maintaining RH equivalent to 74% could sustain survival of S. carpocapsae under RD. Our findings from infectivity suggest that following application, shrunk IJs are acquired passively by the larvae, probably rehydrate and resume infection within the insect gut. Water loss rate is a key factor affecting survival of S. carpocapsae on exposed surfaces. The present study provides the foundation for characterizing mechanism of rapid rate of water loss in EPN. ATR-FTIR is a rapid and reliable method for analysis of water loss. Changes in peak intensity was observed at 3100–3600 cm−1 (OH bonds of water), 2854 cm−1 (CH stretching of symmetric CH2, acyl chains), 2924 cm−1 (CH stretching of anti-symmetric CH2, lipid packing heterogeneity), 1634 cm−1 (amide I bonds) indicate major regions for hydration dependent changes in all EPN species. FTIR data also indicates that, S. carpocapsae contains strong water interacting regions in their biochemical profile, which could be an influencing factor in their water holding capacity under RD. ATR-FTIR were correlated to water content determined gravimetrically by using Partial Least square –Regression and FTIR multivariate method, which could be used to screen a formulation’s potential to maintain or delay the rate of water loss in a rapid and efficient manner.
Fully automated platelet differential interference contrast image analysis via deep learning
Authors: Kempster Carly , Butler George , Kuznecova Elina , Taylor Kirk A. , Kriek Neline , Little Gemma , Sowa Marcin A. , Sage Tanya , Johnson Louise J. , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Pollitt Alice Y. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPlatelets mediate arterial thrombosis, a leading cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. During injury, platelets adhere and spread over exposed subendothelial matrix substrates of the damaged blood vessel wall. The mechanisms which govern platelet activation and their interaction with a range of substrates are therefore regularly investigated using platelet spreading assays. These assays often use differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy to assess platelet morphology and analysis performed using manual annotation. Here, a convolutional neural network (CNN) allowed fully automated analysis of platelet spreading assays captured by DIC microscopy. The CNN was trained using 120 generalised training images. Increasing the number of training images increases the mean average precision of the CNN. The CNN performance was compared to six manual annotators. Significant variation was observed between annotators, highlighting bias when manual analysis is performed. The CNN effectively analysed platelet morphology when platelets spread over a range of substrates (CRP-XL, vWF and fibrinogen), in the presence and absence of inhibitors (dasatinib, ibrutinib and PRT-060318) and agonist (thrombin), with results consistent in quantifying spread platelet area which is comparable to published literature. The application of a CNN enables, for the first time, automated analysis of platelet spreading assays captured by DIC microscopy.
Detection of sex in adults and larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata on principle of copy number variation
Authors: Sedláková Vladimíra , Vejl Pavel , Doležal Petr , Vašek Jakub , Čílová Daniela , Melounová Martina , Sedlák Petr 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe identification of sex in larvae of insects is usually challenging or even impossible, while in adults the sexual dimorphism is usually evident. Here, we used copy number analysis to develop a method of sex detection in Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), which has an X0 sex determination system. The X linked geneLdVsscand autosomal geneLdUBE3Bwere identified as appropriate target and reference loci, respectively. The copy numbers (CNV) ofLdVsscin males and females were estimated using standard droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR). With both methods, CNVs were bimodally distributed (BAddPCR = 0.709 and BAqPCR = 0.683) with 100% ability to distinguish females from males. The use of qPCR-based sex detection in a broad collection of 448 random CPB adults showed a perfect association (Phi = 1.0,p < 0.05) with the true sexes of adults, with mean CNV in females of 2.032 (SD = 0.227) and 0.989 in males (SD = 0.147). In the collection of 50 random 4th instar larvae, 27 females and 23 males were identified, consistent with the expected 1:1 sex ratio (p = 0.689). The method is suitable for sexing in all stages of ontogenesis. The optimal cost-effective application of the method in large populations requires the DNA extraction using CTAB, the qPCR assay in one biological replicate and three technical replicates of each marker, and the use of one randomly chosen male per run to calibrate calculation of CNV.
Digit ratios and their asymmetries as risk factors of developmental instability and hospitalization for COVID-19
Authors: Kasielska-Trojan A. , Manning J. T. , Jabłkowski M. , Białkowska-Warzecha J. , Hirschberg A. L. , Antoszewski B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 presents with mild symptoms in the majority of patients but in a minority it progresses to acute illness and hospitalization. Here we consider whether markers for prenatal sex hormones and postnatal stressors on developmental instability, i.e. digit ratios and their directional and unsigned asymmetries, are predictive of hospitalization. We focus on six ratios: 2D:3D; 2D:4D; 2D:5D; 3D:4D; 3D:5D; 4D:5D and compare hospitalized patient and control means for right, and left ratios, directional asymmetries (right–left) and unsigned asymmetries [|(right–left)|]. There were 54 patients and 100 controls. We found (i) patients differed in their digit ratios from controls (patients > controls) in all three ratios that included 5D (2D:5D, 3D:5D and 4D:5D) with small to medium effect sizes (d = 0.3 to 0.64), (ii) they did not differ in their directional asymmetries, and (iii) patients had greater |(right–left)| asymmetry than controls for 2D:4D (d = .74) , and all ratios that included 5D; 2D:5D (d = 0.66), 3D:5D (d = .79), 4D:5D (d = 0.47). The Composite Asymmetry of the two largest effects (2D:4D + 3D:5D) gave a patient and control difference with effect size d = 1.04. All patient versus control differences were independent of sex. We conclude that digit ratio patterns differ between patients and controls and this was most evident in ratios that included 5D. Large |(right–left)| asymmetries in the patients are likely to be a marker for postnatal stressors resulting in developmental perturbations and for potential severity of COVID-19.
Adaptability of different mechanisms and kinetic study of methane combustion in steam diluted environments
Authors: Mohapatra Subhankar , Mohapatro Mani Bhusan Rajguru , Pasha Amjad A. , Alsulami Radi A. , Dash S. K. , Reddy V. Mahendra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe chemical kinetics of methane oxidation in a steam-diluted environment are studied in the present study. Various well-validated mechanisms for methane combustion are adopted and compared with experimental data. Ignition delay, laminar flame speed, and emissions for CH4 combustion with steam dilution are discussed. Cumulative relative error parameter was determined for all mechanisms considered in this study to evaluate the prediction level in quantifiable terms. Reaction pathways under no and steam-diluted environments are analyzed, and key elementary reactions and species are identified in these conditions. The analysis gives a relative idea of the applicability of some of the reduced mechanisms for the diluted steam conditions. This study aims to guide future computational fluid dynamics simulations to accurately predict combustion characteristics in these conditions. Computations of laminar flame speed from GRI-3.0, Aramco3.0, Curran, and San Diego mechanisms were the most precise under diluted steam conditions. Similarly, for the calculation of ignition delay of methane under the steam dilution, the Aramco mechanism and the Curran’s mechanism were able to predict the experimentally observed values most closely. Sensitivity study for the OH concentrations shows that the H-abstraction of methane from OH radicals has an opposing trend with dilution for Aramco and GRI-3.0 mechanism. On the other hand, CO and NO emissions were reduced significantly, with the dilution increased from 0 to 20%. The third-body effect of steam is observed to dominate the deviation observed between the detailed and reduced mechanism. For low operating pressure conditions, the GRI-3.0 mechanism gives an excellent prediction, whereas, for applications like gas turbines and furnaces, Aramco-3.0 and Curran mechanisms can be adopted to give good results. The San Diego mechanism can be chosen for low computational facility purposes as it shows very good predictions for ignition delay and laminar flame speed computations.
Antimicrobial nanocomposite adsorbent based on poly(meta-phenylenediamine) for remediation of lead (II) from water medium
Authors: Kheyrabadi Fatemeh Bandavi , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, poly(m-phenylenediamine)@ZnO (PmPDA@ZnO) nanocomposite was fabricated by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization for the effective lead(II) removal from aqueous solutions. PmPDA@ZnO was characterized by several instrumental methods like FTIR, XRD, EDX, TGA, FESEM, TEM, zeta potential, and BET. The TEM images showed a core–shell-like structure for the PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite. TGA results showed that the thermal stability of the PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite was higher than the PmPDA. The maximum adsorption of lead (II) onto PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite was obtained at pH 6, adsorbent dosage 60 mg, lead(II) ion concentration 90 mg/L, and agitation time 90 min. Langmuir and Freundlich's isotherm models were evaluated to simulate the lead(II) sorption via empirical data. Langmuir's model was in good agreement with empirical data with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 77.51 mg/g. The kinetic data adsorption fitted best the pseudo-second-order model. The values of thermodynamic parameters of ΔS° and ΔH° were obtained 0.272 J/mol K, and 71.35 kJ/mol, respectively. The spontaneous and endothermic behavior of the adsorption process was confirmed by the negative and positive response of ΔG° and ΔH°, respectively. Moreover, the addition of coexisting cations e.g. cobalt (II), nickel (II), calcium (II), and copper (II) had no significant effect on the removal efficiency of lead(II). Adsorption–desorption studies showed that the PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite can be remarkably regenerated and reused after three sequential runs without a significant decline in its adsorption performance. The antimicrobial activities of PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria species. These results confirmed that the PmPDA@ZnO nanocomposite could be a good candidate for water decontamination.
Exploring japonica rice epigenetic diversity in the main production regions of Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Zhang Guifang , Li Nuo , Zhang Dongjie , Li Zhijiang , Zhang Aiwu , Guo Xijuan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs a major epigenetic modification, DNA methylation plays an important role in coordinating plant responses to environmental changes. Methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technology was used in this study to investigate the epigenetic diversity of fifty japonica rice samples from five regions in Heilongjiang Province, China. In addition, the phenotypic indicators of japonica rice samples and the environmental conditions of the sampling sites were investigated and analysed. Based on the MSAP analysis technique, using eight pairs of selective primers, we identified a total of 551 amplified loci, of which 267 (48.5%) were classified as methylation loci. The methylation status and levels of the japonica rice genome in different regions differed significantly (p < 0.05). The results of the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that most of the molecular variation (91%) came from within the groups (regions) and was caused by individual variation within the region. Furthermore, the results of principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), cluster analysis, and population structure analysis indicated that there was no obvious correlation between the epigenetic differences and geographical locations, which may have been due to the limited range of sampling sites. When environmental factors, phenotypic indicators, and epigenetic data analysis are combined, it is easy to conclude that japonica rice grown in the same latitudinal region has increased epigenetic and phenotypic similarities due to similar climatic conditions and production practices.
Active hydrothermal vents in the Woodlark Basin may act as dispersing centres for hydrothermal fauna
Authors: Boulart Cédric , Rouxel Olivier , Scalabrin Carla , Le Meur Pierre , Pelleter Ewan , Poitrimol Camille , Thiébaut Eric , Matabos Marjolaine , Castel Jade , Tran Lu Y Adrien , Michel Loic N. , Cathalot Cécile , Chéron Sandrine , Boissier Audrey , Germain Yoan , Guyader Vivien , Arnaud-Haond Sophie , Bonhomme François , Broquet Thomas , Cueff-Gauchard Valérie , Le Layec Victor , L’Haridon Stéphane , Mary Jean , Le Port Anne-Sophie , Tasiemski Aurélie , Kuama Darren C. , Hourdez Stéphane , Jollivet Didier 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Here we report the discovery of a high-temperature hydrothermal vent field on the Woodlark Ridge, using ship-borne multibeam echosounding and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) exploration. La Scala Vent Field comprises two main active areas and several inactive zones dominated by variably altered basaltic rocks, indicating that an active and stable hydrothermal circulation has been maintained over a long period of time. The Pandora Site, at a depth of 3380 m, is mainly composed of diffuse vents. The Corto site, at a depth of 3360 m, is characterized by vigorous black smokers (temperature above 360 °C). The striking features of this new vent field are the profusion of stalked barnacles Vulcanolepas sp. nov., the absence of mussels and the scarcity of the gastropod symbiotic fauna. We suggest that La Scala Vent Field may act as a dispersing centre for hydrothermal fauna towards the nearby North Fiji, Lau and Manus basins.
Temporary nature-based carbon removal can lower peak warming in a well-below 2 °C scenario
Authors: Matthews H. Damon , Zickfeld Kirsten , Dickau Mitchell , MacIsaac Alexander J. , Mathesius Sabine , Nzotungicimpaye Claude-Michel , Luers Amy 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMeeting the Paris Agreement’s climate objectives will require the world to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions around or before mid-century. Nature-based climate solutions, which aim to preserve and enhance carbon storage in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, could be a potential contributor to net-zero emissions targets. However, there is a risk that successfully stored land carbon could be subsequently lost back to the atmosphere as a result of disturbances such as wildfire or deforestation. Here we quantify the climate effect of nature-based climate solutions in a scenario where land-based carbon storage is enhanced over the next several decades, and then returned to the atmosphere during the second half of this century. We show that temporary carbon sequestration has the potential to decrease the peak temperature increase, but only if implemented alongside an ambitious mitigation scenario where fossil fuel CO2 emissions were also decreased to net-zero. We also show that non-CO2 effects such as surface albedo decreases associated with reforestation could counter almost half of the climate effect of carbon sequestration. Our results suggest that there is climate benefit associated with temporary nature-based carbon storage, but only if implemented as a complement (and not an alternative) to ambitious fossil fuel CO2 emissions reductions.
Early-stage multi-cancer detection using an extracellular vesicle protein-based blood test
Authors: Hinestrosa Juan Pablo , Kurzrock Razelle , Lewis Jean M. , Schork Nicholas J. , Schroeder Gregor , Kamat Ashish M. , Lowy Andrew M. , Eskander Ramez N. , Perrera Orlando , Searson David , Rastegar Kiarash , Hughes Jake R. , Ortiz Victor , Clark Iryna , Balcer Heath I. , Arakelyan Larry , Turner Robert , Billings Paul R. , Adler Mark J. , Lippman Scott M. , Krishnan Rajaram 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Detecting cancer at early stages significantly increases patient survival rates. Because lethal solid tumors often produce few symptoms before progressing to advanced, metastatic disease, diagnosis frequently occurs when surgical resection is no longer curative. One promising approach to detect early-stage, curable cancers uses biomarkers present in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). To explore the feasibility of this approach, we developed an EV-based blood biomarker classifier from EV protein profiles to detect stages I and II pancreatic, ovarian, and bladder cancer.

Methods
Utilizing an alternating current electrokinetics (ACE) platform to purify EVs from plasma, we use multi-marker EV-protein measurements to develop a machine learning algorithm that can discriminate cancer cases from controls. The ACE isolation method requires small sample volumes, and the streamlined process permits integration into high-throughput workflows.

Results
In this case-control pilot study, comparison of 139 pathologically confirmed stage I and II cancer cases representing pancreatic, ovarian, or bladder patients against 184 control subjects yields an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.97), with sensitivity of 71.2% (95% CI: 63.2 to 78.1) at 99.5% (97.0 to 99.9) specificity. Sensitivity is similar at both early stages [stage I: 70.5% (60.2 to 79.0) and stage II: 72.5% (59.1 to 82.9)]. Detection of stage I cancer reaches 95.5% in pancreatic, 74.4% in ovarian (73.1% in Stage IA) and 43.8% in bladder cancer.

Conclusions
This work demonstrates that an EV-based, multi-cancer test has potential clinical value for early cancer detection and warrants future expanded studies involving prospective cohorts with multi-year follow-up.
Near-field spectroscopic imaging of exciton quenching at atomically sharp MoS2/WS2 lateral heterojunctions
Authors: Chou He-Chun , Zhang Xin-Quan , Shiau Shiue-Yuan , Chien Ching-Hang , Tang Po-Wen , Sung Chun-Te , Chang Yia-Chung , Lee Yi-Hsien , Chen Chi 
Published: March 2022

A scanning near-field optical microscope captured a 105 nm wide region of photoluminescence quenching at the atomically sharp WS2/MoS2 heterojunction (HJ), due to exciton dissociation by the strong electrical force that the band offset produces.
Specific interactions of peripheral membrane proteins with lipids: what can molecular simulations show us?
Authors: Larsen Andreas H. , John Laura H. , Sansom Mark S.P. , Corey Robin A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Peripheral membrane proteins (PMPs) can reversibly and specifically bind to biological membranes to carry out functions such as cell signalling, enzymatic activity, or membrane remodelling. Structures of these proteins and of their lipid-binding domains are typically solved in a soluble form, sometimes with a lipid or lipid headgroup at the binding site. To provide a detailed molecular view of PMP interactions with the membrane, computational methods such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be applied. Here, we outline recent attempts to characterise these binding interactions, focusing on both intracellular proteins, such as phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP)-binding domains, and extracellular proteins such as glycolipid-binding bacterial exotoxins. We compare methods used to identify and analyse lipid-binding sites from simulation data and highlight recent work characterising the energetics of these interactions using free energy calculations. We describe how improvements in methodologies and computing power will help MD simulations to continue to contribute to this field in the future.
Distributed fusion cross‐chain model and architecture
Authors: Yang Guozheng , Zang Cheng , Chen Jiajun , Guo Dongsheng , Zhang Jingzhi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCross‐chain is the key technology to achieve interconnectivity and interoperability across various blockchain networks. It surpasses traditional single‐chain architecture in terms of the performance, capacity, privacy, economic and technical scalability. Cross‐chain can break barriers between institutions, industries, and regions. This paper integrates existing blockchain interoperability technologies and proposes a distributed fusion cross‐chain model in financial industry. In order to support large scale computing and high availability requirements in financial industry, the model is built on a decentralized architecture and highly scalable. It supports large‐scale isomorphic or heterogeneous blockchain cross‐chain data and state interaction. And it achieves reliable financial value circulation in various underlying blockchain networks.
Performance enhancement of grid‐connected photovoltaic systems using Ant Lion optimisation and Genetic Algorithm‐based optimisation techniques
Authors: Negi Pankaj , Pal Yash , G Leena 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOne of the most common issues in renewable energy applications is modelling and regulating grid‐connected PV systems. The model reference adaptive control (MRAC) technique has been analysed in this paper. It's difficult to develop an MRAC that performs well in both transient and steady‐state conditions; hence, the primary goal of this paper is to create a modified MRAC that has excellent steady‐state and transient responses. A modified MRAC scheme has been proposed, where an Ant lion optimisation technique and a well‐known algorithm that is Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to optimise the controller gain and compared it with each other and also with the conventional MRAC technique. The optimisation techniques are used to tune the controller parameters so that errors should be minimised. The time response analysis of MRAC, MRAC‐GA, and MRAC‐ALO controllers are shown and evaluated using common control criteria such as rising time, settling time, peak overshoot, steady‐state, and error parameters. The simulation findings reveal that the proposed modified MRAC controller, both MRAC‐ALO and MRAC‐GA, outperforms in relation to transient performance and steady‐state performance compared to conventional MRAC controllers.