bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative population genomics of island birds reveal contrasting signals of ancient and recent population structure and panmixia
Authors: HA-SHAN Marine , Thébaud Christophe , Tournebize Rémi , Gabrielli Maëva , Arredondo Armando , Mila Borja , Chikhi Lounès
Published: November 2024

The evolutionary history of insular species is linked to the ecology genetic diversity and structure of the founder population as well as the ancestral population that served as a source. Population genetic studies of insular species have focused on single species and their recent post-colonisation history, ignoring the genetic characteristics of ancestral populations. Here we analysed population genomic data from three closely related island birds (Zosterops) with varying levels of structure to investigate their recent history and past population structure. The demographic history of each species was investigated using the Structured Non-Stationary Inferential Framework (SNIF). We inferred a number of demes with high and variable estimates for two of the three species, possibly reflecting structure in the ancestral population before colonisation. To explore this possibility, we simulated genomic data under different colonisation models where an ancestral structured population colonised an island once and formed either a panmictic or a structured population. We tested the influence of the colonisation time and the level of structure in both the ancestral and founding populations on SNIF inference. We observed that SNIF correctly inferred the ancient population structure when the colonisation event was recent. When the colonisation time was old enough, SNIF inferred the recent island structure. Lastly, when the population has always been panmictic, SNIF tended to infer high numbers of demes. Altogether our results suggest that none of the simple scenarios studied here can fully explain the complex signatures of population structure and panmixia which we found in our study species.
Clinical Integration of Germline Findings from a Tumor Testing Precision Medicine Program
Authors: Sanabria-Salas Maria Carolina , Anggala Nina C. , Gillies Brittany , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Hofstedter Renee , Peck Larissa , Purnaghshband Helia , Redondo Laura , Thain Emily , Xu Wei , Sabatini Peter , Bedard Philippe L. , Kim Raymond H.
Published: November 2024

Background:
Integrating germline genetic testing (GGT) recommendations from tumor testing into hereditary cancer clinics and precision oncology trials presents challenges that require multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure. While there have been advancements in standardizing molecular tumor boards, the implementation of tumor profiling for germline-focused assessments has only recently gained momentum. However, this progress remains inconsistent across institutions, largely owing to a lack of systematic approaches for managing these findings. This study outlines the development of a clinical pathway for identifying potential germline variants from an institutional tumor-sequencing research program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Methods:
Between August 2022 and August 2023, a clinical pathway led by a germline Molecular Tumor Board (gMTB) was established to review tumor genetic variants (TGVs) flagged as potential germline findings in patients with advanced cancer via a multigene panel. Eligibility for hereditary cancer syndrome investigation (‘germline criteria’) followed Cancer Care Ontario’s Hereditary Cancer Testing Criteria and clinical judgment. Germline-focused analysis of TGVs followed the European Society of Medical Oncology guidelines and similar published criteria (‘tumor-only criteria’).
Results:
Of 243 tumor profiles, 83 (34.2%) had ≥1 flagged TGV and were referred to the gMTB. Among them, 47 (56.6%) met ‘germline criteria’ for GGT. Of 127 TGVs, 44 (34.6%) were considered germline relevant. Tier I TGVs, interpreted as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) and in most- or standard-actionable genes with high germline conversion rates (GCRs) in any context, were more likely to be considered germline relevant (p-value < 0.05). One confirmed germline variant was identified in nine patients meeting solely ‘tumor-only criteria’. The rate of true germline P/LP variants was 10.8% (9/83), with a GCR of 33% (9/27).
Conclusions:
Incorporating genetic counselors into gMTBs enhanced the integration of research findings into clinical care and improved the detection of disease-causing variants in patients outside traditional testing criteria.
Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index Is Associated With Heart Failure With Recovered Ejection Fraction in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Jiao Siqi , Sun Yihong
Published: November 2024

Background
Due to advances in medical treatments, a substantial proportion of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have experienced partial or complete recovery of ejection fraction (EF), termed Heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF). The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has been regarded as a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance (IR) and an effective predictor of the development and adverse prognosis of heart failure (HF). This study aims to explore the correlation between the TyG index and the recovery of ejection fraction in HF patients with diabetes.
Methods
A total of 245 hospitalized HFrEF patients with diabetes from January 2019 to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured using echocardiography, and patients were divided into the persistent HFrEF group and the HFrecEF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the TyG index and the occurrence of HFrecEF, and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed to determine the predictive value of the TyG index for HFrecEF.
Results
During a median follow-up time of 12 ± 1.6 months, 118 patients (48.1%) belonged to the HFrecEF group, and 127 patients (51.9%) belonged to the persistent HFrEF group. Compared with patients with persistent HFrEF, patients with HFrecEF were younger, less likely to have atrial fibrillation, had higher systolic blood pressure, lower HbA1c, and lower TyG index levels. The TyG index was an independent predictor of the incidence of HFrecEF (OR = 0.573, 95%CI: 0.388–0.867, P = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for predicting the occurrence of HFrecEF using the TyG index was 0.701.
Conclusions
In HFrEF patients with diabetes, an elevated TyG index is associated with a decreased incidence of HFrecEF.
Establishing a Preoperative Predictive Model for Gallbladder Adenoma and Cholesterol Polyps Based on Machine Learning: A Multicentre Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yubing , Qu Chao , Zeng Jiange , Jiang Yumin , Sun Ruitao , Li Changlei , Li Jian , Xing Chengzhi , Tan Bin , Liu Kui , Liu Qing , Zhao Dianpeng , Cao Jingyu , Hu Weiyu
Published: November 2024

Background
With the rising diagnostic rate of gallbladder polypoid lesions (GPLs), differentiating benign cholesterol polyps from gallbladder adenomas with a higher preoperative malignancy risk is crucial. This study aimed to establish a preoperative prediction model capable of accurately distinguishing between gallbladder adenomas and cholesterol polyps using machine learning algorithms.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively analysed the patients' clinical baseline data, serological indicators, and ultrasound imaging data. Using 12 machine learning algorithms, 110 combination predictive models were constructed. The models were evaluated using internal and external cohort validation, receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC) values, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves to determine the best predictive model.
Results
Among the 110 combination predictive models, the Support Vector Machine + Random Forest (SVM + RF) model demonstrated the highest AUC values of 0.972 and 0.922 in the training and internal validation sets, respectively, indicating an optimal predictive performance. The model-selected features included gallbladder wall thickness, polyp size, polyp echo, and pedicle. Evaluation through external cohort validation, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves further confirmed its excellent predictive ability for distinguishing gallbladder adenomas from cholesterol polyps. Additionally, this study identified age, adenosine deaminase level, and metabolic syndrome as potential predictive factors for gallbladder adenomas.
Conclusion
This study employed the latest machine learning combination algorithms and preoperative ultrasound imaging data to construct an SVM + RF predictive model, enabling effective preoperative differentiation of gallbladder adenomas and cholesterol polyps. These findings will assist clinicians in accurately assessing the risk of GPLs and providing personalised treatment strategies.
Ondasetron in Premedication During Unsedated Upper Digestive Endoscopy: Evaluation of Tolerance and Acceptability
Authors: Shindano Tony Akilimali , Murhi Espoir Batumike , Boroto Raissa Iranga , Lembembu Corneille
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The practice of gastroduodenal endoscopy under conscious sedation is still limited in many low-income countries due to additional costs generated as well as concerns related to the management of many constraints and other adverse effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the practice of this act without any sedation but with addition of a potent antinauseant in premedication.
Methodology: This was a prospective single center study conducted from 2020 to 2022 in Bukavu, East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Endoscopies were performed without sedation, but by additionally associating a protocol using a sublingual spray of ondasetron. Clinical data, data related to the endoscopic procedure and those related to patients’ opinions before and after the procedure were respectively analyzed.
Results: The study enrolled 145 patients, of whom 76 (52.4%) were men. Only 12 patients (8.28%) reported a poor tolerance during the procedure. The patients (91.72%) who have well tolerated the procedure were those who followed instructions well and in whom the introduction of the endoscope was easy (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only the easy introduction of the endoscope appeared to be the main determinant of tolerance (adjusted OR 44.34 [2.78; 708.22] , p=0.007).
Conclusion: Unsedated upper digestive endoscopy using ondansetron in premedication seems to be well tolerated but this tolerance also depends on good conditions of patients’ preparation as well as good mastering of first stages of the exploration.
The effect of reducing markers of ageing under Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is weight-indipendent.
Authors: Dudek Alicja , Zapała Barbara , Kawa Ilona , Ciszek Karol , Tylec Piotr , Cyranka Katarzyna , Wysocki Michał , Major Piotr
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Obesity, a chronic disease linked to premature aging, is increasingly managed through metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). This study aims to evaluate whether changes in biological age markers are related to the success of bariatric surgery, as measured by weight loss rates.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, 100 obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery from July 2020 to May 2021 underwent a 24-month postoperative follow-up. The telomere length (TL) using qPCR, DNA damage, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), total oxidant status (TOS) and metabolic age were assessed. The analysis whether percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) correlated with changes in aging markers post-surgery was established.
Results
Forty patients completed follow-up, with 22 achieving optimal (%EWL, %EBMIL ≥ 50%) and 18 suboptimal (%EWL, %EBMIL < 50%) surgical outcomes. Both groups showed significant prolongation of TL and reduction of DNA damage, CRP, IL-6, TNFalpha, TOS, metabolic age, but only metabolic age showed a greater change in the optimal outcome group. The delta of change in other ageing markers did not differ between groups.
Conclusion
Improvements in aging markers such as telomere length, DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress occur independently of weight loss rates after metabolic bariatric surgery, suggesting that weight loss indices alone do not fully capture the therapeutic success of the procedure.
Comparative Effectiveness of Immunotherapies for Untreated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Real-World Clinical Practice: a Japanese Cancer Registry Cohort Study
Authors: Miyazaki Akito , Kunimasa Kei , Morishima Toshitaka , Tamiya Motohiro , Inoue Takako , Kawamura Takahisa , Tanaka Tsunehiro , Komuta Kiyohide , Futamura Shun , Nishino Kazumi , Miyashiro Isao
Published: November 2024

Objectives
No direct comparative study has evaluated first-line immunomonotherapy and immunochemotherapy regimens for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To compare the effectiveness of them, focusing on time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS).
Materials and Methods
This retrospective, multicenter cohort study at 68 hospitals in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, included patients with advanced NSCLC who received immunomonotherapy or immunochemotherapy as initial treatment between January 2019 and December 2021. Data were collected from cancer registry and administrative databases. The median follow-up was 267 days (IQR, 143–247 days). The endpoints were OS and TTF comparisons among regimens, further comparing atezolizumab-chemotherapy (ATZ-chemo), pembrolizumab-chemotherapy (Pembro-chemo), and nivolumab–ipilimumab-chemotherapy (NIV + IPI-chemo) regimens. Baseline characteristics were obtained, and propensity score-matched analyses were performed.
Results
We identified 2,101 patients with Stage IV NSCLC treated with ATZ, Pembro, or NIV + IPI. After propensity score matching, comparing immunomonotherapy and immunochemotherapy showed no significant difference in TTF (median: 247 vs. 233 days; P = 0.74), but immunochemotherapy significantly improved OS (median: 653 vs. 492 days; P < 0.05). Among chemotherapy combinations, the Pembro-chemo group had significantly longer TTF (287 vs. 211 days; P < 0.05) and OS (not reached vs. 609 days; P = 0.03) compared to the ATZ-chemo group. Comparing Pembro-chemo and NIV + IPI-chemo showed no significant difference in TTF (239 vs. 217 days; P = 0.53) or OS (814 days vs. not reached; P = 0.26).
Conclusions
This study suggests that immunochemotherapy regimens and pembrolizumab-containing regimens may contribute more to prolonged survival.
Phenotyping to predict 12-month health outcomes of older general medicine patients
Authors: Woodman Richard John , Bryant Kimberly , Sorich Michael J , Thompson Campbell H , Russell Patrick , Pilotto Alberto , Mangoni Aleksander A
Published: November 2024

Background: A variety of unsupervised learning algorithms have been used to phenotype older patients, enabling directed care and personalised treatment plans. However, the ability of the clusters to accurately discriminate for the risk of older patients, may vary depending on the methods employed.
Aims: To compare seven clustering algorithms in their ability to develop patient phenotypes that accurately predict health outcomes.
Methods: Data was collected for N=737 older medical inpatients for five different types of medical data (ICD-10 codes, ATC drug codes, laboratory, clinic and frailty data). We trialled five unsupervised learning algorithms (K-means, K-modes, hierarchical clustering, latent class analysis (LCA), and DBSCAN) and two graph-based approaches to create separate clusters for each method and datatype. These were used as input for a random forest classifier to predict eleven health outcomes: mortality at one, three, six and 12 months, in-hospital falls and delirium, length-of-stay, outpatient visits, and readmissions at one, three and six months.
Results: The overall area-under-the-curve (AUC) across the eleven outcomes for the seven methods were (from highest to lowest) 0.758 (hierarchical), 0.739 (K-means), 0.722 (KG-Louvain), 0.718 (KNN-Louvain), 0.698 (LCA), 0.694 (DBSCAN) and 0.656 (K-modes). Overall, frailty data was most important data type for predicting mortality, ICD-10 disease codes for predicting readmissions, and laboratory data the most important for predicting falls.
Conclusions: Clusters created using hierarchical, K-means and Louvain community detection algorithms identified well-separated patient phenotypes that were consistently associated with age-related adverse health outcomes. Frailty data was the most valuable data type for predicting most health outcomes.
Application of GIS for Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Land Use Change and Environmental Degradation in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur: A 24-Year Study (1999–2023)
Authors: Mahmud Abdullah al , Sultana Niger , Habib Muhammad Enamul
Published: November 2024

The rapid transformation of land use and land cover (LULC) in Bangladesh, particularly in the central economic hubs of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, poses critical challenges for environmental sustainability. This study examines LULC changes between 1999 and 2023, revealing significant increases in built-up and newly developed areas, while natural environments, including vegetation, wetlands, and barren land, have diminished. Gazipur experienced the most dramatic increase in development (5162.82% for new developments and 1148.89% for built-up areas), followed by Narayanganj and Dhaka. Land Surface Temperature (LST) consistently increased across all districts, with strong correlations between built-up areas and LST (r = 0.91). Additionally, LULC changes were linked to environmental variables, including air quality (PM10, PM2.5) and water quality (pH, BOD, COD), with Gazipur showing the highest number of significant correlations. The findings underscore the environmental impact of rapid urbanization and provide critical data for land management and policy interventions to mitigate further environmental degradation. These results can serve as a baseline for future studies on the environmental vulnerability caused by LULC changes in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens after Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center Real-World Study
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Deng Yaya , Lai Jiahui , Zhang Haibo , Song Tao , Hong Yupeng , Hu Renzhi , Yang Liu
Published: November 2024

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual-drug and multidrug adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, with a focus on key prognostic factors influencing patient outcomes.
Methods: This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from 2017--2022 and involved 97 patients with radical pancreatic cancer treated postoperatively. Patients were classified into dual-drug (86 patients) and multidrug (11 patients) regimen groups. The data collected included preoperative and postoperative blood tests, biochemical parameters, and tumor markers (CEA, CA199, CA125). Statistical analyses were used to assess overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and adverse events (AEs). Kaplan‒Meier survival curves, Lasso‒Cox regression models, and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic factors, with internal validation via the bootstrap method.
Results: 1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, the postoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the choice of adjuvant regimen were significantly associated with survival (p<0.05). Patients over 55.5 years of age or with a PLR >188.3 favored dual-drug regimens.
2. The median DFS was 12.4 months for the dual-drug group and 11.5 months for the multidrug group (p=0.520); the median OS was 22.5 and 18.5 months, respectively (p=0.570). Diarrhea was more common in the multidrug group (p=0.001).
3. Independent DFS factors included preoperative CA125 levels, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The factors associated with OS were abdominal pain, tumor location, number of chemotherapy cycles, CA125, NLR, LDL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and postoperative cholesterol (TC) (p<0.05).
4. In the dual-drug regimens, the significant factors associated with DFS were preoperative HDL, postoperative ALB, postoperative CA125, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The significant OS determinants included tumor location, number of chemotherapy cycles, and postoperative serum ALB concentration (p<0.05).
5. The DFS of patients receiving multidrug regimens was influenced by preoperative CA125, total cholesterol (TC), and postoperative CRP/ALB levels.
6. The initiation timing of adjuvant chemotherapy significantly influences OS, with midterm and very late starts correlating with increased mortality risk.
Conclusions: No significant differences in efficacy or safety were found between dual-drug and multidrug regimens for postoperative pancreatic cancer patients. High adverse event rates and prognostic marker significance highlight the need for personalized strategies and prompt chemotherapy initiation.
Seagrass organic carbon stocks are not correlated with seagrass abundance at local scale, but loss of seagrasses does lead to decrease in surficial sediment organic carbon at the seascape scale in Bermuda
Authors: Fourqurean James , Krause Johannes R. , manuel Sarah A. , Coates Katherine A. , Worboys Philip E , Gonzales-Corredor Juan David , Zuill Treiana , Roden Ana , Campbell Justin E.
Published: November 2024

Seagrass ecosystems are recognized as important carbon sinks that accumulate organic carbon (Corg) in their biomass and underlying soils. In Bermuda, seagrass meadows have declined precipitously over the last two decades, potentially leading to loss of those Corg stocks. This study found 45% lower Corg stocks in Bermuda (ca. 32.3°N) compared to lower-latitude tropical Atlantic seagrass meadows. We also report 2–3 orders of magnitude lower long-term carbon burial rates (0.10 Mg Corgha−1y− 1 over the last 1830 years) compared to global estimates, determined via 14C dating of mangrove peats buried 1m below the modern sediment-water interface. Historical data from 2008, relatively early in the decline of Bermuda’s seagrasses, showed that neither seagrass abundance nor life history strategy (persistent vs. ephemeral) were associated with Corg content of surficial sediments or the relative contribution of seagrass-derived organic matter to the soil Corg. Following the collapse of most of Bermuda’s seagrasses, Corg content of surficial sediments declined by 15% over the period 2008–2024, although this decline was not a function of seagrass loss at the site scale. This suggests that seagrass-derived Corg is deposited across the Bermuda Platform, regardless of seagrass presence or abundance, and that the regional loss in seagrasses has led to a regional-scale decline in Corg content of the surficial soils. We conclude that seagrass loss can have landscape-scale effects on sediment Corg stocks even without site-specific relationships, and that caution should be exercised when applying regional or global literature values for average Corg stocks to estimate carbon market valuations.
Characterizing the oral microbiota of adolescents: results from the Generation R Study
Authors: Veenman Francien , Arredondo Alexandre , Medina-Gomez Carolina , Wolvius Eppo , Rivadeneira Fernando , Àlvarez Gerard , Blanc Vanessa , Kragt Lea
Published: November 2024

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial signature of the oral cavity in caries-free adolescents without orthodontic treatment from the general population. We also aimed to identify lifestyle factors shaping oral microbiota composition and assess the impact of technical covariates related to sample collection and analysis.
Methods
For the cross-sectional analysis, 750 Dutch adolescents without caries or orthodontic treatment (16.1%) were selected from all participants from the Generation R Study with oral microbiota profiling (n = 4,646). Oral microbiota data was obtained from supragingival biofilm swabs using 16S rRNA sequencing (V3-V4 region), and analyzed at four levels; core microbiota, alpha diversity, beta diversity and differential abundance.
Results
Participants (13.6 ± 0.29 years, 56% male) shared a large core microbiota consisting of 23 different genera, with the five most abundant and prevalent—Streptococcus, Rothia, Haemophilus, Gemella, and Neisseria—being well-known early colonizers of the dental biofilm. Among participant characteristics, tooth brushing frequency emerged as the strongest determinant of microbiota composition. Compared to participants who brushed twice or more a day, those who brushed once or less, exhibited higher bacterial richness (Chao1; β:15.04, 95% CI:1.78;28.31) and higher Porphyromonas abundance (LFC:0.63, SD:0.16, q-value:0.002). The sampling time, identified as the most impactful technical covariate, showed a negative association with bacterial richness (early-morning vs late-afternoon: Chao1; β:-57.04, 95% CI:-77.44;-36.64).
Conclusion
This study revealed a high similarity in oral microbiota of adolescents from the general population at the genus level, while highlighting the influence of tooth brushing frequency, sex, and sugar consumption on bacterial composition.
Clinical relevance
The findings provide a valuable reference for future studies exploring the link between adolescents' oral microbiota and both oral and systemic health.
Mapping the primary factors driving spatiotemporal variations of surface soil moisture from multi-dimensional zonality in the Yellow River Basin of China
Authors: Hu Linghua , Xie Yiming , Liu Yinzhe , Chen Siyuan , Yu Haifang , Bie Qianlong , Zhao Fang , Zhao Yilin
Published: November 2024

Spatiotemporal variations of soil moisture are affected by a combination of factors many factors including climate, vegetation, human activities, of which the primary factors vary greatly in different geographical zonal dimension in the Yellow River Basin. To identify and map the dominant factors driving the spatiotemporal variation of surface soil moisture in the Yellow River Basin across different zonality from 2003 to 2018, relationships between spatiotemporal variations of soil moisture and driving factors (precipitation, evaporation, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and land use) were analyzed from two geographical dimensions: longitude and altitude. The results revealed that: (1) The spatial distribution of surface soil moisture in the Yellow River Basin exhibited a pattern of " higher values in the east and west, and lower values in the middle". Temporally, surface soil moisture in the Yellow River Basin showed a noteworthy upward trend from 2003 to 2018, with an average change rate of 0.00066m³/m³·yr-1 over the past 16 years. As altitude ascended, the rate of surface soil moisture initially exhibited an increase from 0.00061 m³/m³·yr⁻¹ to 0.00078 m³/m³·yr⁻¹, followed by a decline to 0.00035 m³/m³·yr⁻¹. However, above altitudes of 4500 meters, the rate once again rose, reaching 0.00084 m³/m³·yr⁻¹. (2) Among the three driving factors, climate, NDVI and land use accounted for 45%, 18% and 8% of the regional surface soil moisture variations, respectively. Climate controlling factors are mainly concentrated in the southwest, south, east and northeast, NDVI controlling factors are mainly concentrated in the central Loess Plateau and the northern Hetao plain, and land use controlling factors are mainly distributed in and around some big cities. Additionally, 29% of the area was controlled by the combined effects of these three factors, with no dominant controlling factor evident with scattered distribution. (3) From the perspective of multi-dimensional zonality, the degree of climate influence is high in the east and west, low in the middle, and increases with the increase of altitude. The influence degree of vegetation increased first and then decreased from west to east. The influence degree was greater in the central area, and the influence increased first and then decreased slightly with the altitude. The peak value appeared in the middle altitude area at 1000m. And the degree of influence of human activity intensity is slightly lower in the central part.
Semi-quantitative Computational Analysis of Plastic Additives in a FLOPP-E and SLOPP-E Database Subset
Authors: Williams Wesley Allen , Aravamudhan Shyam
Published: November 2024

Microplastic (MPL) abundance in the environment and the biosphere is a grave problem that is confounded by many aspects, one vital aspect being the characterization of their heterogeneous matrix. Currently, spectroscopy, chromatography, and soxhelation aid in this matter. However, many of these techniques are time consuming for MPL characterization, which can include a large number of particles. Therefore, we propose a facile “Additive Analysis” algorithm that can provide the top ten matches for additives for an MPL. For our first trial, we used 2 MPL entries, from FLOPP-E (C2. Blue Fiber) and SLOPP-E (Polyester 12. Red Fiber), as a continuation of our previous work. For our second trial, we extended the use of the algorithm to a semi-randomly selected subset of MPL samples from FLOPP-E and SLOPP-E based on choosing 1 sample of each color for each polymer. Both trials’ reference used an in-lab digitization of the Hummel database for Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and an open-source Raman spectroscopy database from Nava. We determined that the “C2. Blue Fiber” contains amounts of a metal-free phthalocyanine, potentially indicating the presence of degradation in context to the controls (t10,.05: .4879, p: .6387). For “Polyester 12. Blue Fiber,” we determined a high likelihood of significant amounts of quinone and azo-family colorants in the sample, negating a previous hypothesis of pyrrole presence (W: 0, p: .036364). For the second trial, 49/56 and 27/40 hits were generated out of the randomly selected samples, with a vast majority possessing hits (matching the color of the sample) within our most scrutinizing tolerance of 5 1/cm (77.6%/74.07%), respectively. For the FTIR portion, the top 3 IDs from tolerances of 5, 10, and 15 1/cm were benzenesulfonohydrazide (1st and 2nd Hit), titanium dioxide (4th Hit), and barium permanganate/barium sulfate (6th Hit). For the Raman portion, the top 3 IDs from tolerances of 5, 10, and 15 1/cm were PR210 (azo derivative – 2nd Hit), PB25 (azo derivative – 2nd Hit), and muscovite (mineral – 1st Hit). Lastly, the distribution for these hits appears to identify organic colorants (FTIR) and azo-derivative colorants (Raman) most dominantly. Our discussion concludes with the potential toxicological impacts of these top 6 IDs.
Loss of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1) upregulates MMP-9 expression and induces degradation of the epidermal basement membrane
Authors: Weiting Liang , Kawaguchi Makiko , Fukushima Tsuyoshi , Sato Yuichiro
Published: November 2024

Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1), which is encoded by the SPINT1 gene, is a membrane-associated serine proteinase inhibitor abundantly expressed in epithelial tissues. We had previously demonstrated that HAI-1 is critical for placental development, epidermal keratinization, and maintenance of keratinocyte morphology by regulating cognate proteases matriptase and prostasin. After performing ultrastructural analysis of Spint-1-deficient skin tissues, our results showed that Spint-1-deficient epidermis exhibited partially disrupted epidermal basement membrane structures. MMP-9 expression levels were upregulated in Spint-1-deficient primary cultured keratinocytes and HAI-1-knockout (KO) HaCaT cells. Furthermore, gelatin zymography of the conditioned medium showed increased MMP activities in keratinocytes with reduced HAI-1 expression. Treating HAI-1-KO HaCaT cells with dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, a small molecule inhibitor of NF-κB, abrogated the upregulation of MMP-9 and the gelatinolytic activity associated with MMP-9. These results suggest that HAI-1 may play a critical role in epidermal basement membrane integrity by regulating NF-κB activation-induced upregulation of MMP-9.
MXene-based mild photothermal therapy synergizes STING activation to enhance the efficacy of cancer vaccines post-cryoablation
Authors: Wang Fuming , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Qianwen , Xie Minghui , He Lei , Guo Jiahao , Li Ang , Yang Qingsong , Yang Jijin , Li Wei
Published: November 2024

Cryoablation (CRA) is a clinical treatment modality for minimally invasive local tumor ablation. Rare clinical reports have shown that CRA can induce a cryoimmune effect and enhance systemic anti-tumor immunity against potential metastases, a phenomenon known as the "abscopal effect". Here, we innovatively propose a sequential treatment strategy to improve the tumor immune microenvironment by activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) before CRA, making this rare but exciting phenomenon more reproducible. Specifically, we designed functional nanosheets (Ti3C2@Au-PEG-DMXAA) based on Ti3C2 MXene, with gold nanoparticles attached to the surface, PEGylated, and loaded with the STING agonist (DMXAA). Due to the attachment of gold nanoparticles, CT-guided visual injection of the functional nanosheets was achieved. The synergistic effect of mPTT and STING pathway activation promoted the immunogenic death of tumor cells, activation of dendritic cells, repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages, and enrichment of cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, sequential CRA eradicated local "hot" tumors, initiating a "cancer vaccine" effect through the in-situ gradual release of tumor-associated antigens, boosting systemic anti-tumor immunity, and generating long-term immune memory, thereby effectively inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis.
The effects of life-events and changes in mobility tool ownership on mode choice behaviour
Authors: Faber Roel , Cranenburgh Sander van , Kroesen Maarten , Molin Eric
Published: November 2024

Mode choice is an essential subject within travel behaviour research. Typically, mode choice has been studied using cross-sectional (discrete choice) models, which assume that all choices are made simultaneously. In this study, we relax this assumption by explicitly incorporating the time when a choice is made within the modeling framework, using a latent transition choice model. This model allows for the identification of the effects of life-events and (changes in) mobility tool ownership on mode choice probabilities over time. To estimate the model, data from the Netherlands Mobility Panel gathered between 2016 and 2022 are used. The model identifies two latent classes, 1) a car-dependent modality style and 2) a multi-modal modality style. The transition probabilities between these classes in-between two consecutive waves are estimated, as well as the effects of life-events and mobility tool ownership on these transition probabilities. We find substantial and statistically significant effects from changes in vehicle ownership on the transition probabilities, indicating that electric bicycle ownership leads to a substitution of the car towards the bicycle on shorter-distance trips even after controlling for lead- and self-selection effects.
Effect of microplastics on the adsorption and desorption characteristics of heavy metal Ni(II) under different aging modes
Authors: Xie Anqi , Chen Su , Liang Xiao , Li Linjing , Song Yuting , Lv Meng , Liang Fangfang , Zhou Wenhui
Published: November 2024

Plastic products have brought great convenience to people's lives, but microplastics are formed when waste plastic products are discharged and undergo weathering and degradation processes. Microplastics can act as carriers of pollutants such as heavy metals through adsorption and desorption, thus threatening the health of living organisms. In this study, typical microplastics Polystyrene (PS) and Polylactic acid (PLA) were targeted to investigate the adsorption and desorption characteristics of heavy metal nickel before and after freeze-thaw cyclic aging, alternating dry and wet aging, and alkali aging. After three kinds of aging, the specific surface area, pore size, and crystallinity of the two microplastics increased, and oxygen-containing functional groups appeared on the surface of the microplastics. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the kinetics of nickel adsorption by microplastics was more compatible with the proposed second-order model and the adsorption isotherms were more consistent with the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity after aging was greater than that of the original microplastics, and the adsorption capacity was alkali aging > alternating wet and dry aging > freeze-thaw cycle aging. The adsorption capacity of PLA was greater than that of PS. Alkali aging resulted in the highest amount and rate of nickel desorption from the microplastics. The results of freeze-thaw cycle aging and alternating wet and dry aging did not differ much. It provides a basis for studying the aging process of microplastics and its potential impact on the adsorption and desorption of heavy metals in the environment.
Electrothermal Properties Characterization of Transition Edge Sensor Bolometers Based on R-T Tests
Authors: Yu Qing , Li Yongping , He Kaiyong , Xu Yu , Cheng Mingjun , Li Zhengwei , Liu Jianshe , Chen Wei , Chen Guodong
Published: November 2024

Understanding the weak thermal links in support legs of transition edge sensors (TES) is essential for developing highly sensitive TES bolometers for cosmic microwave background (CMB) detection. The thermal and electrical properties of the TES are usually characterized by I-V tests with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) in laboratories before being deployed into a telescope system. In this work, a method for testing the electrothermal properties based on R-T tests is proposed to obtain the critical temperature Tc, saturation power Psat and thermal conductance G of a TES. This method relies on that the weak thermal links of a biased TES in a non superfluid state cause the TES temperature (TTES) to be higher than the base temperature (Tb). So the Tb value at the transition edge in Tb drop test relies on the set current. The relationship between the thermal power PTES and the Tb value at the transition edge can be obtained, and parameters can be fitted by thermal conduction equation. Numerical calculations of the superconducting phase transition of the device in R-T tests were conducted, and then experimental results were obtained that reflect the expected results. The I-V testing was also conducted on the same sample, and the comparison results reflected the practicability of this method. This approach provides a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to I-V method for obtaining the electrothermal properties of TES, enriching the characterization methods.
Multi-Sensor Analysis of South Lhonak Glacier Outburst: Sentinel-1 SAR-C Perspectives
Authors: Oza Karnak , Chaturvedi Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi , Anthony Samuel
Published: November 2024

The Himalayan ranges, with their towering peaks and vital ecological significance, are integral to the global climate system. The Sikkim Himalayan region, in particular, is home to numerous glaciers that are crucial for regional hydrology and climate regulation. Understanding the melting patterns and retreat of these glaciers is essential for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The rapid expansion of glacial lakes, such as South Lhonak Lake, highlights the growing urgency of this issue. These glacial lake outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose significant threats to downstream communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, underscoring the need for comprehensive monitoring and robust mitigation strategies. In October 2023, a catastrophic GLOF event from South Lhonak Lake triggered a massive surge in the Teesta River, causing widespread devastation across Sikkim, emphasizing the region's heightened vulnerability.
The use of several mechanical constitutive models in wood components and the evaluation of their effectiveness
Authors: Zhou L. , Hu X. Y. , Zhang C. , Liu H. C. , Hou X. , Xu S. K.
Published: November 2024

This study comprehensively uses finite element analysis techniques to provide insight into the response of wood members under different mechanical behavior models. The study first addresses the forces on wood members in the elastic phase using a linear elastic model for simulation. It verifies its applicability in controlling deflection by the General Specification for Wood Structures requirements. Subsequently, for wood members entering the plastic deformation stage, by comparing the isotropic and anisotropic elastic-plastic models, the anisotropic model is more accurate in simulating wood's stress distribution and deformation behavior. In addition, for the visco-elastic properties of highly loaded or ancient architectural wood members, linear and nonlinear visco-elastic models are introduced in this paper to successfully simulate wood's stress response and relaxation behavior under different loading conditions. The results show that the visco-elastic model can accurately capture the complex mechanical behavior of wood under dynamic loading and long-term loading. The above studies provide crucial theoretical support and technical guidance for timber components' design, performance evaluation, and long-term stability.
Barriers to AI Course Assistant Adoption: Understanding Student Non-Utilization at LAPU
Authors: Hanshaw George
Published: November 2024

This study explores the factors contributing to the non-utilization of the AI course assistant Spark among some students at Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU). Despite the demonstrated benefits of AI in enhancing academic performance, motivation, and learning efficiency, a proportion of students choose not to engage with this technology. Using a mixed-methods exploratory approach, this research identifies key barriers to adoption, including perceptions of unnecessity, lack of interest, and unfamiliarity with AI tools. The study further examines external factors such as technical challenges and a preference for traditional learning methods. By combining sentiment analysis with thematic analysis of student survey responses, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying reasons for non-use. The findings suggest that targeted strategies, such as improving communication about the benefits of AI tools, offering training to increase familiarity, and integrating AI more seamlessly into coursework could enhance the adoption and effectiveness of AI course assistants. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on AI in education and offers practical recommendations for educators and institutions aiming to maximize the impact of AI technologies on student learning outcomes.
Neural Re-Contextualization for Dynamic Semantic Control in Large Language Models
Authors: Hawks Florentine , Falkenberg Gideon , Verbruggen Magnus , Molnar Evander
Published: November 2024

Large-scale computational models have demonstrated impressive capabilities in generating contextually relevant text across a broad array of language tasks; however, maintaining coherence and responsiveness over extended, complex interactions remains a substantial technical challenge. Neural Re-Contextualization (NRC) emerges as an innovative framework, offering a transformative approach to address this challenge through adaptive semantic recalibration within model architectures. NRC integrates probabilistic modeling, adaptive neural nodes, and selective attention mechanisms to facilitate dynamic adjustment of contextually significant elements, ensuring continuity and precision in extended conversational settings. Empirical findings reveal that NRC substantially enhances performance metrics, including semantic precision, contextual coherence, and computational efficiency, compared to traditional LLM frameworks. With a design that prioritizes real-time contextual alignment, NRC demonstrates considerable potential for applications across specialized fields, such as customer service, medical diagnostics, and legal advisory systems, where accuracy and responsiveness are critical. Ultimately, NRC presents a foundational shift toward achieving truly adaptive language models capable of complex, context-aware interaction across diverse conversational landscapes.
The Development and Validation of the Religious Schema Questionnaire (ReSQue)
Authors: Shaban Taregh , Grey Ian , Steel Craig , Bower Jo , Cody Brettjet
Published: November 2024

Background
This study advances the field through the development and validation of the Religious Schema Questionnaire (ReSQue), a tool designed to assess misinterpretations of religious beliefs and associated distressing emotions, conceptualized as neurotogenic religious schemata. The ReSQue is specifically designed for use among religious Muslims. The research was motivated by the suspected influence of misinterpreted religious beliefs on mental health outcomes within conservative Muslim populations.
Methods
The construction of two versions of the 18-item ReSQue underwent a three-phase development and validation process including both exploratory and confirmatory analyses in phases two and three. Other psychometric properties were also examined by correlating ReSQue scores with established psychological measures.
Results
Factor analysis confirmed the structural integrity of the ReSQue, aligned with prior qualitative findings (citation omitted) and established psychological constructs. The ReSQue demonstrated strong internal consistency and robust convergent validity. Moreover, the ReSQue was found to be more sensitive to neurotogenic beliefs than to general negative beliefs, highlighting its utility in identifying distress associated with misinterpreted religious beliefs.
Conclusion
The ReSQue represents a substantial advancement in the study of religion and mental health within certain Muslim contexts. Its development addresses the need for culturally sensitive mental health assessment tools, particularly in light of the high prevalence rates of mental health disorders in Muslim populations. Clinically, the ReSQue facilitates the identification of specific idiosyncratic religious beliefs that can be integrated into psychotherapy for Muslim clients, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes and providing more culturally responsive care.
Transportation in Rural America
Authors: Akinlotan Marvellous , Eboreime Emesomhi , Kolade Fiyinfolu , Udeh Mercy
Published: November 2024

Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) remain a public health threat. Public policies and programs that improve rural road infrastructure, enforce speed limit laws, ensure alternative means of transportation, especially for the intoxicated, and make targeted public education campaigns are critical to reducing MVCs and saving lives. As private and governmental entities work to improve public transportation that will support rural residents' well-being by providing transportation to employment, schools, as well as social and recreational destinations, efforts must be made to encourage ridership. Public transportation systems are critical for those who are historically considered racial/ethnic minorities, those who earn less, and for the elderly. The consequences of poor access to public transit might mean residents forgo economic, educational, recreational, and healthcare opportunities. Maintaining viable community transportation services will involve the input of federal, state, local and not-for-profit organizations. Technological advancements may reduce the need for commuting as more rural residents are able to work and receive healthcare remotely, thus reducing the need for more frequent transportation.
Health Insurance for Rural Americans
Authors: Ukert Benjamin , Chakraborty Susmita , Giannouchos Theodoros
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT