bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Free Space Optical System Over Inverse Gaussian Gamma Turbulence Channel
Authors: Rani Rekha , Jayanthi N. , Mandpura Anup K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFree space optical (FSO) communication is a proficient technology with potential applications in the next generation of wireless communication. This article evaluates the performance of the FSO system under inverse Gaussian gamma (IGG) fading. A novel closed‐form equation for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is presented by employing an intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) scheme. The analytical expressions for various performance metrics such as outage probability (OP), amount of fading (AOF), and average bit error probability (ABEP) are derived for various digital modulation schemes based on the system's probability density function (PDF) and CDF. Additionally, this article presents an upper bound on OP and asymptotic analysis for the performance metrics to gain deeper insights. It is revealed that the small‐scale eddy turbulence parameter can affect the diversity order by a factor of β/2. The results demonstrate that atmospheric turbulence considerably reduces the system's performance. Finally, Monte‐Carlo simulation is performed to ascertain the correctness of the derived mathematical expressions.
Converting the unconverted: Narrative and affect in a South African non‐governmental organization
Authors: Reed Amber R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Sonke Gender Justice Network, a South African non‐governmental organization that strives for gender equity and strengthening democratic institutions, was founded in 2006 and has a long history of diverse community programming and advocacy. In this paper, I draw on ethnographic work conducted within the organization's walls to show the ways in which employees’ narratives of becoming part of Sonke mirror the structure and language of religious conversion narratives. Within these narratives, I use the theoretical framework of “economies of affect” to show how affective experiences and displays serve as valuable tools that employees use to reach community participants. I propose that this analysis allows us a unique lens into NGO work around gender equality, as it considers the importance of affect and conversion in the creation of liberal masculine subjects.
Comment on “Singh R, Vadlamani R, Bajpai S, Maurya AS (2024) Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy of Marine Oligocene–Miocene Sedimentary Successions of Kutch Basin, Western India. Geological Journal, 1–20. DOI: 10.1002/gj.4961”
Authors: Saraswati Pratul Kumar , Frijia Gianluca , Less György 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis is a comment on the paper of Singh et al. (Geological Journal, 2024:1–20) on Strontium isotope stratigraphy of marine Oligocene–Miocene sedimentary successions of Kutch Basin, western India. Kutch hosts stratotypes of some lithostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic units of India. In this study, the Sr‐isotope estimated ages of the studied formations deviate significantly from their known ages based on biostratigraphy. The authors have not validated the interpreted ages with biostratigraphy. We believe a scrupulous screening of samples and validation of Sr‐isotope data with biostratigraphy are two essential requirements of Sr‐isotope stratigraphy. Unfortunately, Singh et al. made a new contribution to Kutch stratigraphy that falls short of meeting both conditions, leading to incorrect ages of the regional chronostratigraphic units of India.
Reply to Comment on “Singh R, Vadlamani R, Bajpai S & Maurya AS (2024) Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy of Marine Oligocene–Miocene Sedimentary Successions of Kutch Basin, Western India. Geological Journal, 1–20. DOI: 10.1002/gj.4961”
Authors: Singh Rimjhim , Vadlamani Ravikant , Bajpai Sunil , Maurya Abhayanand Singh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis response addresses the comments made by Saraswati et al. on our recent publication in Geological Journal. In our study, we used a multi‐analytical screening approach, including visual, XRD and trace element analysis, to evaluate diagenetic alteration of carbonate shell samples. Contrary to the claims made by Saraswati et al. our findings are based on well‐preserved samples with minimal alteration. The Sr‐isotope data from the Khari Nadi Formation (23.07–18.09 Ma) are largely consistent with existing biostratigraphic constraints, but suggest a possible extension of the upper age limit into the Burdigalian. Our Sr‐isotope ages for the Chhasra Formation (15.11–12.29 Ma) are younger than those suggested previously, based on larger benthic foraminifers, but largely corroborate recent nannoplankton data. As a result of the new age data from Kutch, we suggest that the sedimentation rates, derived from multiple samples, increased significantly from the Oligocene to Miocene. We assert that ‘established’ ages are also subject to refinements as the rock units become amenable to new dating techniques. We welcome any criticism that is constructive, and remain open to any further data that could refine or challenge our interpretations.
Outbreak investigation of food poisoning attributed to Omphalotus japonicus using polymerase chain reaction‐based sequencing
Authors: Ting Man‐Ju , Lin Cheng‐Lu , Chen Hsiang‐Ling , Chou San Fang , Jaw Fu‐Shan , Tsai Kuang‐ Chau , Hsieh Chien‐Chieh 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to report and analyse an outbreak of Omphalotus japonicus poisoning following mushroom ingestion in Taiwan, and to employ PCR methods for accurate identification of the toxic mushrooms involved.MethodsA descriptive observational study was conducted involving a family of four who ingested the mushrooms in the mountainous rural area of Yilan County, Taiwan. Data were collected through interviews with the affected individuals and a review of their medical records. Due to the destruction of the mushroom samples, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods were utilized for identification. Genomic DNA was extracted from the raw fruiting bodies, and specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were designed for PCR detection.ResultsThree family members (mother, daughter, and son) experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, approximately 30 min after consuming the mushrooms. Upon admission to the emergency room, they were hydrated and monitored, with laboratory results showing slightly elevated alanine transaminase levels. The affected individuals recovered within 12 h and were discharged in good condition on day 2. PCR analysis of the mushroom sample confirmed the identification of Omphalotus japonicus, known to produce Illudin S and Illudin M, which cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms. This case represents the first documentation of using PCR‐based sequencing to diagnose Omphalotus japonicus poisoning in the English literature.
Promising and challenging phytochemicals targeting LC3 mediated autophagy signaling in cancer therapy
Authors: Rajendran Peramaiyan , Renu Kaviyarasi , Ali Enas M. , Genena Marwa Azmy M. , Veeraraghavan Vishnupriya , Sekar Ramya , Sekar Ashok Kumar , Tejavat Sujatha , Barik Parthasarathi , Abdallah Basem M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhytochemicals possess a wide range of anti‐tumor properties, including the modulation of autophagy and regulation of programmed cell death. Autophagy is a critical process in cellular homeostasis and its dysregulation is associated with several pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. In cancer, autophagy plays a dual role by either promoting tumor growth or suppressing it, depending on the cellular context. During autophagy, autophagosomes engulf cytoplasmic components such as proteins and organelles. LC3‐II (microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3‐II) is an established marker of autophagosome formation, making it central to autophagy monitoring in mammals.ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory role of phytochemicals in LC3‐mediated autophagy and their potential therapeutic impact on cancer. The review emphasizes the involvement of autophagy in tumor promotion and suppression, particularly focusing on autophagy‐related signaling pathways like oxidative stress through the NRF2 pathway, and its implications for genomic stability in cancer development.MethodsThe review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of bioactive compounds including Curcumin, Celastrol, Resveratrol, Kaempferol, Naringenin, Carvacrol, Farnesol, and Piperine. Literature on these compounds was examined to assess their influence on autophagy, LC3 expression, and tumor‐related signaling pathways. A systematic literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 2023. Studies were selected from prominent databases, focusing on their roles in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, particularly in relation to LC3‐mediated mechanisms.ResultsPhytochemicals have been shown to modulate autophagy through the regulation of LC3‐II levels and autophagic flux in cancer cells. The interaction between autophagy and other cellular pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modulation highlights the complex role of autophagy in tumor biology. For instance, Curcumin and Resveratrol have been reported to either induce or inhibit autophagy depending on cancer type, influencing tumor progression and therapeutic responses.ConclusionTargeting autophagy through LC3 modulation presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The dual role of autophagy in tumor suppression and promotion, however, necessitates careful consideration of the context in which autophagy is induced or inhibited. Future research should aim to delineate these context‐specific roles and explore how phytochemicals can be optimized for therapeutic efficacy. Novel therapeutic strategies should focus on the use of bioactive compounds to fine‐tune autophagy, thereby maximizing tumor suppression and inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells.
Recognition of Diabetic Retinopathy Grades Based on Data Augmentation and Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Li Xueri , Wen Li , Du Fanyu , Yang Lei , Wu Jianfang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDiabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of vision loss. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent vision loss. Deep learning has been making great strides in the field of medical image processing and can be used as an aid for medical practitioners. However, unbalanced datasets, sparse focal areas, small differences between adjacent disease grades, and varied manifestations of the same grade disease challenge deep learning model training. Generalization performance and robustness are inadequate. To address the problem of unbalanced sample numbers between classes in the dataset, this work proposes using VQ‐VAE for reconstructing affine transformed images to enrich and balance the dataset. Test results show the model's average reconstruction error is 0.0001, and the mean structural similarity between reconstructed and original images is 0.967. This proves reconstructed images differ from originals yet belong to the same category, expanding and diversifying the dataset. Addressing the issues of focal area sparsity and disease grade disparity, this work utilizes ResNeXt50 as the backbone network and constructs diverse attention networks by modifying the network structure and embedding different attention modules. Experiments demonstrate that the convolutional attention network outperforms ResNeXt50 in terms of Precision, Sensitivity, Specificity, F1 Score, Quadratic Weighted Kappa Coefficient, Accuracy, and robustness against Salt and Pepper noise, Gaussian noise, and gradient perturbation. Finally, the heat maps of each model recognizing the fundus image were plotted using the Grad‐CAM method. The heat maps show that the attentional network is more effective than the non‐attentional network ResNeXt50 at attending to the fundus image.
What matters most to the perception of community resilience in Romania?
Authors: Druică Elena , Vâlsan Călin , Aligică Dragoș‐Paul 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe aim to measure and explain the perception of community resilience in Romania. We use survey data from a country‐representative sample of 1500 respondents. We rely on factor‐based partial least squares path modeling to measure five reflective latent constructs from a CCRAM‐type questionnaire. We use these constructs to extract a second‐order formative latent construct representing an overall measure of community resilience. Next, we use three sub‐dimensions of family resilience, along with individual resilience and several control variables to explain community resilience. Among the five sub‐dimensions of the overall measure of community resilience, social trust exerts the highest contribution, followed by place attachment. The predictors of community resilience with the largest effect sizes are the three sub‐dimensions of family resilience. The policies geared towards increasing community resilience might not be able to address the most important factors, at least in the case of Romania, because they pertain to informal group interaction, and lie outside the reach of formal administrative authority.
Soil lead, zinc, and copper in two urban forests as influenced by highway proximity
Authors: Foroughi Maryam , Weil Raymond R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHeavy metals emitted by vehicles have the potential to accumulate in soil near roadways, threatening the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans. This study evaluates Pb, Zn, and Cu levels in forest O‐horizons, mineral soil, and earthworms near busy roadways in the metro‐Washington, DC area. The study sites comprised road‐edge environments within urban parks. Six transects were sampled in each park, collecting mineral soil at 1‐ to 30‐m distances from the road edge and dividing it into eight depth increments (0–30 cm). O‐horizon plant litter and earthworm samples were also collected at these locations. All samples underwent total Pb, Zn, and Cu X‐ray fluorescence analysis. Generally, Pb concentrations (in upper 0–10 cm) were 1–4.8 times higher at 3 m compared to 30 m from the road, with less consistent gradients for Zn and Cu. Concentrations peaked near the soil surface, with lower levels in the O‐horizon above and deeper soil layers. Leaded vehicle fuel was phased out by the early 1980s, but legacy Pb contamination persisted in roadside forests, averaging 365 mg kg−1 in the upper 10 cm within 3 m of the roadway (< EPA action level of 1200 mg kg−1 for non‐play areas). Zinc, often present in vehicle tires, accumulated in earthworms to 192–592 mg kg−1, concentrations exceeding those in the soil, while Pb and Cu were less concentrated in earthworms than in either O‐horizon or mineral soil. Factors such as plant uptake, erosion, wind, soil texture, and metal solubility influence how heavy metals redistribute and bioaccumulate in the O‐horizon, mineral soil, and soil fauna.
The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at Platte River/High Plains Aquifer
Authors: Freidenreich Ariel , Schmer Marty R. , Khorchani Makki , Birru Girma , Jin Virginia L. , Awada Tala , Drijber Rhae A. , Suyker Andrew , Córdova S. Carolina , Smith Tyler , Kettler Tim , Christofferson Sandra , Sun Xiangmin , Li Lidong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Platte River/High Plains Aquifer (PR/HPA) region is characterized by cropland, pastures, and grasslands that are faced with changing climatic conditions and agricultural intensification. The PR/HPA Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site is located in Eastern Nebraska with the goal of improving resilience, sustainability, and profitability of agroecosystems through enhancing ecosystem services and environmental quality, developing strategies for efficient agricultural production, and mitigating and adapting to climate change. To meet this goal, a common experiment and five ancillary experiments have been developed to evaluate prevailing regional practices in grain crop production systems compared to alternative practices in rainfed and irrigated systems. These experiments reflect different geographic regions and cropping systems within PR/HPA. The common experiment is at a plot scale under sub‐drip irrigation. The prevailing practice is a corn–soybean rotation with a fixed N fertilizer rate. The alternative practice is a corn‐winter wheat‐relay cropped soybean rotation with temporally variable N rates using fertigation. There is also an auxiliary alternative practice, a corn–soybean rotation with temporally variable N rates using fertigation with fall manure application after soybean harvest. This document describes the regional characteristics, cropland LTAR experiments, stakeholder engagement, and future plans for the PR/HPA cropland experiments.
Complex Brain Morphology Discovered in the Shark Parasite Nybelinia surmenicola (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha)
Authors: Biserova Natalia M. , Margarit Anna A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe ultrastructure of the nervous system has been studied in sexually mature Nybelinia surmenicola (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) from the intestine of a shark Lamna ditropis. The central nervous system (CNS) reveals a complex organization within cestodes and corresponds to the trypanorhynch pattern of brain architecture. The brain of N. surmenicola is differentiated into nine clearly defined lobes and semicircular, median, and X‐shaped cruciate commissures. A specific feature is the presence of a powerful extracellular capsule that surrounds the brain lobes with the cortical glial cells. Moreover, the architecture of the anterior lobes clearly distinguishes the species of Tentacularioidea. The neurons of the anterior lobes form compact groups looking like frontal horns. There are approximately 120 neurons in the anterior lobes and a preliminary estimate of more than 300 perikarya in the brain. Several ultrastructural types of neurons have been identified, differing in the size and shape of the soma, the density of the cytoplasm, and the ultrastructure of synaptic vesicles. Numerous synapses involving clear and electron‐dense vesicles have been observed in neuropils. Two types of glial cells have been found in the brain that participate in neuronal metabolism and wrap around the giant axons, brain lobes, neuropil compartments, and the main nerve cords. Such a powerful extracellular fibrillar brain capsule has not been observed in the brain of other studied cestodes and has been demonstrated in this study for the first time. The differentiation of the brain lobes reveals the important role of the rhyncheal system in the evolution of cestodes and correlates with their behavior. The anterior nerves arising from the anterior lobes innervate the radial muscles stabilizing the position of the tentacle sheaths and movements of the attachment organs. The nervous system anatomy and the brain architecture may reflect the morphofunctional aspects of the tapeworm evolution.
Assessment of Endoscopic Ultrasound for Predicting Preoperative T Staging in Patients With Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chih , Liao Yi‐Jun , Lin Wan‐Tzu , Liao Szu‐Chia , Chen Yi‐Ju , Wu Cheng‐Chung , Wu Feng‐Hsu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an imaging modality that can be applied to predict preoperative T staging. It is important for the patient to decide whether to receive endoscopic therapy, surgical intervention, or neoadjuvant therapy. The objectives of our study were to (1) identify if EUS could precisely predict T1‐stage tumor, which is suitable for endoscopic treatment and (2) identify if EUS could precisely predict tumors more advanced than T3, which would mandate neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsA retrospective study of patients who received gastrectomy was conducted from March 2017 to December 2021 at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. Those who received preoperative EUS, with final pathology showing gastric adenocarcinoma were included. Consistency of EUS prediction and pathology, accuracy, and parameters impacting accuracy were analyzed.ResultsThe κ value was 0.6 if the T stage was not grouped, indicating moderate agreement. Overall accuracy was 52.8%. Overestimation and underestimation rates were 17.6% and 29.5%, respectively. The accuracy of T stages is highest in T1 (85.23%). The κ value of T1‐stage was 0.67, and those of T2, T3, and T4 were below 0.5. Regarding parameters affecting accuracy, we found longitudinal portion, Borrmann type, ulcer presentation, early gastric cancer, and size of tumor could influence the accuracy.ConclusionsOur study showed that EUS was a good tool for precisely predicting T1‐stage of gastric adenocarcinoma preoperatively. For this situation, endoscopic treatment would be enough. However, for predicting more advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, EUS should be combined with other modalities to achieve better accuracy.
Reference Ranges and Z‐Score Equations for 19 Fetal Cardiac Biometry Structures From 18 to 34 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Vieira Márcio Fragoso , Bravo‐Valenzuela Nathalie Jeanne , Carvalho Francisco Herlânio Costa , da Rocha Amorim Luciane Alves , Araujo Júnior Edward 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo determine equations for calculating the Z‐scores of fetal cardiac structures between 18+0 and 34+6 weeks of gestation, create percentile reference tables and curves for the structures, and assess the intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility of the measurements.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 340 normal fetuses from singleton pregnancies between 18 and 34 weeks of gestational age (GA). Nineteen cardiac structures were evaluated: diameters of the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valve annuli; length, diameter, and area of the left and right ventricles; cardiac area and circumference; and diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic isthmus, main pulmonary artery, right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, and ductus arteriosus. Regression analysis was performed to determine the equations for the mean and standard deviation of all structures using GA, biparietal diameter (BPD), and femur length (FL) as independent variables.ResultsAll equations had high coefficients of determination (R2). The best performance was achieved using the GA (R2 .819–.944), followed by FL (R2 .813–.937) and BPD (R2 .792–.934). The structure that demonstrated the highest R2 was the cardiac circumference and the smallest was the ductus arteriosus. Reference tables of percentiles 1, 5, 10, 50, 90, 95, and 99, and reference curves of Z‐scores were created for all 19 cardiac structures, depending on the GA. All measurements demonstrated good and excellent reproducibility with an inter‐observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.774–0.972 and intra‐observer ICC of 0.938–0.993.ConclusionsEquations were produced to calculate Z‐scores as well as percentile tables and curves for 19 fetal heart structures. All the measurements demonstrated good reproducibility.