bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contact zone of slow worms Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840) in Poland
Authors: Skórzewski Grzegorz , Borczyk Bartosz , Bury Stanisław , Kulik Daniel , Kotusz Jan 
Published: January 2025

Background
Legless lizards, the slow worms of the genus Anguis, are forming secondary contact zones within their Europe-wide distribution.

Methods
We examined 35 populations of A. fragilis and A. colchica to identify the level of morphological and genetic divergence in Poland. We applied a conventional study approach using metric, meristic, and categorial (coloration) features for a phenotype analysis, and two standard molecular markers, a mitochondrial (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 2; ND2) and a nuclear (V(D)J recombination-activating protein 1; RAG1) one.

Results
We found clear differences between A. fragilis and A. colchica in molecular markers and phenotype—in meristic features, e.g., ear opening, number of scales rows around the body, and higher than so far known diversity in ND2 and RAG1 haplotypes. The presence of five hybrids was detected in three populations in the Polish part of the European contact zone. In all hybrids, homozygous alleles of RAG1 were detected, which suggests a back-crossing within the genus.

Conclusions
The ability to produce fertile offspring by A. fragilis x A. colchica hybrids shows inefficient mechanisms of reproductive isolation of the two legless lizards. The hybrids were indistinguishable from parental species in head proportions (principal components and discriminant analyses) but more resembling A. colchica in meristic traits.
A novel nomogram based on the patient’s clinical data and CT signs to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients
Authors: Yang Jingyao , Deng Fangfang , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhuyin , Luo Qinghua , Xiao Yeyu 
Published: January 2025

Background
The 2019 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines strongly advise using non-contrast CT (NCCT) of the head as a mandatory test for all patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to CT’s advantages of affordability and speed of imaging. Therefore, our objective was to combine patient clinical data with head CT signs to create a nomogram to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 161 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at the Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine from January 2019 to June 2023. All patients were randomly assigned to either the training cohort (n = 113) or the validation cohort (n = 48) at a 7:3 ratio. According to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 7 days after mechanical thrombectomy, the patients were divided into the good outcome group (<15) and the poor outcome group (≥15). Predictive factors were selected through univariate analyses, LASSO regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by the construction of a nomogram predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model, and bootstrapped ROC area under the curve (AUC) estimates were calculated to provide a more stable evaluation of the model’s accuracy. The model’s calibration performance was evaluated through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plot, and the clinical effectiveness of the model was analyzed through decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) (OR 9.113; 95% CI [1.945–42.708]; P = 0.005), the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) > 6 (OR 7.707; 95% CI [2.201–26.991]; P = 0.001), NIHSS score (OR 1.085; 95% CI [1.009–1.166]; P = 0.027), age (OR 1.077; 95% CI [1.020–1.138]; P = 0.008) and white blood cell count (WBC) (OR 1.200; 95% CI [1.008–1.428]; P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for early poor outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy. The nomogram model was constructed based on the above factors. The training set achieved an AUC of 0.894, while the validation set had an AUC of 0.848. The bootstrapped ROC AUC estimates were 0.905 (95% CI [0.842–0.960]) for the training set and 0.848 (95% CI [0.689–0.972]) for the validation set. Results from the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plot indicated consistent performance of the prediction model across both training and validation cohorts. Furthermore, the DCA curve demonstrated the model’s favorable clinical practicality.

Conclusion
This study introduces a novel practical nomogram based on HMCAS, ASPECTS > 6, NIHSS score, age, and WBC that can well predict the probability of poor outcomes after MT in patients with AIS.
Comparative analysis of volume growth processes of Masson pine and Chinese fir forests in different regions of southern China
Authors: Chen YuHui , Chai Zongzheng 
Published: January 2025

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) are important coniferous species commonly found in southern China and play crucial ecological and economic roles. Understanding how regionally variable conditions influence their growth patterns can support effective forest management strategies and conservation efforts. Here, we used the Richards growth equation to comprehensively analyze their volumetric growth processes through multiple diverse regions in southern China, representing a pioneering large-scale application of unified modeling techniques. This work provides theoretical and technical knowledge to support the sustainable stewardship of these vital forest ecosystems. We found that: (1) The highest per-hectare volume accumulation occurs in southwestern China, at 97.455 m3 hm−2 for P. massoniana and 85.288 m3 hm−2 for C. lanceolata. These values are higher than in the southeastern (71.424 m3 hm−2 and 79.520 m3 hm−2, respectively) or south-central regions (70.697 m3 hm−2 and 65.647 m3 hm−2), predominantly due to varying stand maturity across these regions. (2) Both species exhibit age-dependent growth patterns in the first 100 years of forest development, characterized by rapid early growth and transitioning into slower, stable phases. The highest total volume growth for P. massoniana occurred in the southwest, followed by the southeast and south-central regions. Conversely, C. lanceolata growth is highest in the southeast, followed by south-central and the southwest. (3) Quantitative maturity for P. massoniana ranges from 27 to 29 years (average: 30 years) whereas C. lanceolata matures earlier, between 16 to 19 years (average: 20 years). Climate and soil factors significantly influence their growth dynamics, with precipitation, temperature variation, and soil characteristics driving differences in suitability and growth potential across distinct regions in southern China. Tailored management practices that align with local climatic and environmental conditions are recommended to optimize growth and ensure sustainable management and development of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata forests.
Role of Agricultural Policies in Promoting Digital Co-innovation in Benin’s Agricultural Sector
Authors: Gouthon Morrisson , Gouroubera Mori W. , Tama-Imorou Clarisse , Moumouni-Moussa Ismail 
Published: January 2025

Aims: Agricultural policies play a pivotal role in shaping innovation processes within the agricultural sector. This paper analyzes how these policies actively foster digital co-innovation in Benin agriculture.
Methodology: We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic review based on the PRISMA-RR method—which involved screening over 100 documents to retrieve relevant data—with 48 key informant interviews and case studies involving 32 participants.
Results: The results indicate that agricultural policies not only promote stakeholder inclusion but also facilitate collaboration and enhance the complementarity of their contributions towards developing digital innovations. Moreover, the inclusion of young holders of digital startups is found to be fundamental for driving these innovations, as they bring fresh perspectives and technological expertise.
Conclusion: Therefore, effective agricultural policies must prioritize inclusion, collaboration, complementarity, and coordination to induce impactful digital innovations. This research is original in its integration of a systematic review with a case study to illustrate how public policies can effectively foster the development of digital innovations in agriculture, which is now recognized as current agricultural revolution.
Standardization of Micropropagation Protocol in Rose (Rosa spp.) var. Divine
Authors: Riya  , Raval Lata J. , Mehta D. R. , Kumar Rajiv , Chaudhari S. B. , Patel Jaimin K. 
Published: January 2025

The present investigation was carried out to establish a standardized sterilization protocol for explants and regenerate shoots from nodal explants. Results showed that sodium hypochlorite (1%) for 4 min., cefotaxime (0.10%) for 15 min., streptomycin (0.10%) for 15 min., carbendazim (0.20%) for 15 min. and mercuric chloride (0.10%) for 4 min were the most efficient treatment with the least contamination and highest survival rates and media containing 0.50 mg/L TDZ and 3.0 mg/L BAP favored the maximum percentage of shoot initiation (100%) with an average of 4.60 shoots per node within 8.38 days of the culture period resulting longest shoot with 1.88 cm and an average of 4.53 shoots per node within 9.00 days of the culture period resulting longest shoot with 1.86 cm after 30 days of inoculation, respectively. After first sub-culture, it was found that MS medium supplemented with TDZ (0.50 mg/L) and BAP (3.0 mg/L) achieved 100% success rate for shoot multiplication.
Maternal flower color, ultraviolet protection, and germination in Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae)
Authors: DiBiase Charlotte , Godtfredsen Elsa , Dahl Julian , Shapiro Alex , Brown Keirsten , Martin Amanda , Wermuth Anna , Heschel M. Shane 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTransgenerational interactions between flower color, seed quality, and seedling performance have rarely been investigated. The ecological model, Ipomopsis aggregata, is a great candidate for examining the maternal effects of flower color because it is a mostly scarlet‐flowering plant which shows color polymorphism within natural populations. Anthocyanin, the red flavonoid pigment which gives these flowers color, has been shown to act as an ultraviolet (UV) protectant by shielding chloroplasts and acting as an antioxidant. This study was conducted on scarlet‐ and fuchsia‐flowering maternal plants and their seeds from natural populations in Colorado. Dark‐flowering (scarlet) maternal plants from these populations had consistently higher foliar anthocyanin content, photosystem efficiency, and chlorophyll content than light‐flowering (fuchsia) plants over a 3‐year period in the field. Seeds from a subset of these maternal plants were counted, weighed, and germinated in a growth chamber. Photosystem efficiency, vegetative anthocyanin content, chlorophyll content, and biomass were measured on germinated seedlings after the germination census was completed. Dark‐flowering maternal plants yielded seeds and seedlings with higher biomass than light‐flowering ones. Seeds from dark‐flowering maternal plants also germinated faster than those from light‐flowering maternal plants and seedlings had higher vegetative anthocyanin content. The hereditary nature of anthocyanin content thus suggests that higher anthocyanin levels (both floral and vegetative) are potentially linked to measures of fitness such as increased seed weight, germination rate, and seedling biomass. These data suggest that UV protection provided by anthocyanins potentially increases the realized fitness of maternal plants, thereby influencing life history.
Finite‐time adaptive control for port‐controlled Hamiltonian systems with parametric perturbations
Authors: Wei Airong , Wang Zi‐Ming , Mu Rui , Zhang Xianfu 
Published: January 2022

SummaryIn this article, finite‐time boundedness (FTB) and control are addressed for a class of port‐controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) systems with parametric perturbations. Based on adaptive state feedback control strategies, sufficient conditions are obtained for FTB of the PCH systems with parametric perturbation and external disturbances. Furthermore, another adaptive state feedback controller is applied to compensate the parameter perturbation and attenuate the external disturbances, and finite‐time control conditions are acquired for the PCH systems with parametric perturbation and external disturbances. In addition, the FTB and finite‐time control conditions are also given for uncertain nonlinear systems via the Hamiltonian realization method. Finally, the numerical simulations are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed results.
Evictions and tenant‐landlord relationships during the 2020–2021 eviction moratorium in the US
Authors: Tsai Jack , Huang Minda , Blosnich John R. , Elbogen Eric B. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study provisionally examined the effects of the US eviction moratorium instituted in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Three waves of data collected May 2020–April 2021 from a nationally representative sample of middle‐ and low‐income US tenants (n = 3393 in Wave 1, n = 1311 in Wave 2, and 814 in Wave 3) were analyzed. Across three waves, 4.3% of tenants reported experiencing an eviction during the moratorium and 6%–23% of tenants reported delaying paying rent because of the moratorium. Multivariable analyses found that tenants who delayed paying their rent, were female, or had a history of mental illness or substance use disorder were more likely to report the eviction moratorium had a negative effect on their landlord relationship. COVID‐19 infection was not predictive of eviction but tenants with a history of homelessness were more than nine times as likely to report an eviction than those without such a history. Together, these findings suggest the eviction moratorium may have had some unintended consequences on rent payments and tenant‐landlord relationships that need to be considered with the end of the federal eviction moratorium.
Metal‐free and One‐pot for the Synthesis of Indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline Aldehyde via a Free Radical Cascade Pathway followed by Direct Hydrolyzation
Authors: Pan Youlu , Gong Xiaomeng , Hao Rongrong , Zeng Shenxin , Xu Jinghao , Shen Zhengrong , Huang Wenhai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAs one of the most versatile intermediate group in synthetic chemistry, the introduction of an aldehyde group into a specific moiety is important for the transformation of molecular structures. Herein, we provided a metal‐free, regioselective and one‐pot formylation of the indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline moiety. This strategy features an oxidative coupling process using commercially available 1,3‐dioxolane as a formylated reagent followed by direct hydrolyzation without a separation process. This reaction can be carried out under common reaction conditions and displays broad functional group tolerance.
Technical note: Mapping of trabecular bone anisotropy and volume fraction in 3D using μCT images of the human calcaneus
Authors: Reznikov Natalie , Liang Huilin , McKee Marc D. , Piché Nicolas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTrabecular bone anisotropy, describing preferential trabecular co‐alignment, is a proxy for its long‐term loading history. Trabecular anisotropy varies locally, thus rendering averaged calculations across an entire bone inutile. Here we present a 3D trabecular anisotropy mapping method using vector fields where each vector reflects the extent of local co‐alignment of the elementary units of surface. 3D anisotropy maps of hundreds of thousands of vectors were visualized by their magnitude and direction. Similarly, volume fraction was mapped as 3D scalar fields. We constructed anisotropy and volume fraction maps using micro‐computed tomography of four presumably nonpathologic human calcanei and compared their anisotropy signature with pathologically loaded calcanei in club foot and calcaneonavicular ankylosis. In the nonpathologic calcaneus, a pattern of four anisotropy trajectories (bands) was consistently identified as dorsal, plantar, Achilles', and peroneal bands. Both pathologic specimens deviated from the nonpathologic maps. The calcaneus in the congenitally disused club foot showed very low local anisotropy values, no co‐oriented bands, and low volume fraction. The ankylosed calcaneus showed lower anisotropy than the nonpathologic calcaneus, but not to the same extent as the club foot, and showed patchy high volume fraction. The directionality of co‐oriented bands was barely discernable in the ankylosed calcaneus as compared to nonpathologic calcaneus. The anisotropy signature of the nonpathologic calcaneus is consistent with a kinetic loading pattern attributable to walking. The loss of this kinetic loading results in an absent/vanishing anisotropy signature. Such 3D mapping adds new dimensions to quantitative bioimaging of bone and the understanding of skeletal adaptation.
Activatable Persistent Luminescence from Porphyrin Derivatives and Supramolecular Probes with Imaging‐Modality Transformable Characteristics for Improved Biological Applications**
Authors: Duan Xingchen , Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Ji Shenglu , Zhang Yiming , Li Jun , Ou Hanlin , Gao Zhiyuan , Feng Guangxue , Ding Dan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPersistent luminescence without excitation light and tissue autofluorescence interference holds great promise for biological applications, but is limited by available materials with long‐wavelength emission and excellent clinical potential. Here, we report that porphyrin derivatives can emit near‐infrared persistent luminescence over 60 min after cessation of excitation light or on interaction with peroxynitrite. A plausible mechanism of the successive oxidation of vinylene bonds was demonstrated. A supramolecular probe with a β‐sheet structure was constructed to enhance the tumor targeting ability and the photoacoustic and persistent luminescence signals. Such probes featuring light‐triggered function transformation from photoacoustic imaging to persistent luminescence imaging permit advanced image‐guided cancer surgery. Furthermore, peroxynitrite‐activated persistent luminescence of the supramolecular probe also enables rapid and precise screening of immunogenic cell death drugs.
Dynamics of luminescence characteristics ofHaematococcus lacustriscultures in different cultivation conditions
Authors: Erokhin Vladislav E. , Minyuk Galina S. , Gordienko Alla P. , Kapranov Sergey V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLuminescence of microalgae cultures is a valuable property for the fast diagnostics of their physiological state; however, it has been rarely used in algaculture practice. In this work, luminescence spectrum characteristics of two‐stage batch cultures of the green carotenogenic microalga Haematococcus lacustris (Girod‐Chantrans) Rostafinski 1875 (Chlorophyceae, Chlamydomonadales) under conditions of autotrophic and mixotrophic growth were investigated. The dynamics of the heterotrophy indices in cultures at different stages of their development in different growth media was determined. The transition of H. lacustris cultures from the initially autotrophic to mixotrophic growth regime was registered during the induction of the astaxanthin biosynthesis by complex physicochemical stressing, including nutritional deficiencies, exposure to high concentrations of sodium acetate and chloride and increased illuminance and temperature. The applicability of luminescence spectrometry in vivo for a rapid assessment of the state of H. lacustris cultures in various growth media and with different methods of secondary carotenogenesis induction was shown. The results obtained can be used in experimental studies on optimizing cultivation methods for this species, as well as for the express control of the physiological state of its industrial cultures.
Continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation to the visual cortex do not alter GABA and glutamate concentrations measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Stoby Karlene S. , Rafique Sara A. , Oeltzschner Georg , Steeves Jennifer K. E. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundTheta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), uses repeated high‐frequency bursts to non‐invasively modulate neural processes in the brain. An intermittent TBS (iTBS) protocol is generally considered “excitatory,” while continuous TBS (cTBS) is considered “inhibitory.” However, the majority of work that has led to these effects being associated with the respective protocols has been done in the motor cortex, and it is well established that TMS can have variable effects across the brain.Objectives and methodWe investigated the effects of iTBS and cTBS to the primary visual cortex (V1) on composite levels of gamma‐aminobutyric acid + co‐edited macromolecules (GABA+) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) since these are key inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, respectively. Participants received a single session of cTBS, iTBS, or sham TBS to V1. GABA+ and Glx were quantified in vivo at the stimulation site using spectral‐edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) at 3T. Baseline pre‐TBS GABA+ and Glx levels were compared to immediate post‐TBS and 1 h post‐TBS levels.ResultsThere were no significant changes in GABA+ or Glx following either of the TBS conditions. Visual cortical excitability, measured using phosphene thresholds, remained unchanged following both cTBS and iTBS conditions. There was no relationship between excitability thresholds and GABA+ or Glx levels. However, TBS did alter the relationship between GABA+ and Glx for up to 1 h following stimulation.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that a single session of TBS to the visual cortex can be used without significant effects on the tonic levels of these key neurotransmitters; and add to our understanding that TBS has differential effects at visual, motor, and frontal cortices.
Construction of a competition practice system for robotics engineering based on a competency model
Authors: Zhang Ziqiang , Ning Meng , Wu Zhi , Liu Chunqi , Li Jun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCompetition practice is of great significance for improving the engineering ability of undergraduates majoring in robotics engineering, and it occupies an important position in practical teaching systems. However, most existing competitions are spontaneously participated by students, and problems, such as poor systemicity, unclear ability‐training goals, and lack of an effective evaluation system, occur, resulting in limited improvement in students' ability. In this paper, a competency model for robotics engineering was proposed. It includes four dimensions: knowledge, skills, dispositions, and evaluation. The first three dimensions comprise multiple secondary and tertiary indices. On this basis, a competition practice system was established. The system includes four practical course groups and a final competition, and the competency model runs through before, during, and after practice. The competition practice system based on the competency model was applied to two groups of students. The analysis results show that students have a clear understanding of their own ability, and their comprehensive ability has been improved. This finding provides a reference for the construction of practice systems for other engineering majors.