bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feeling Nature: Measuring perceptions of biophilia across global biomes using visual AI
Authors: Duarte Fabio , Lefosse Deborah , Sanatani Rohit , Kang Yuhao , Timmeren Arjan , Ratti Carlo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

An increasing number of studies suggest that biophilia encompasses benefits resulting from human-nature interactions. However, quantifying these effects remains challenging. Since natural features vary worldwide, this study explores whether people perceive biophilia universally or if it is influenced by local or geographical conditions. To this end, we quantify, qualify, and map biophilic perceptions (BP) across terrestrial biomes. We first surveyed 400 people in eight cities to identify urban features evoking more positive feelings via Google Street View imagery. Thereafter, survey outcomes were used to calculate specific metrics (coverage, diversity, distribution, intensity, specificity) aimed at measuring BP using a machine learning model to detect 25 visual biophilic classes (BC). We found that people yield greater benefits from eye contact with nature-based elements within the cityscape unanimously, regardless of biome or gender. We provide AI-driven measurement tools applicable to any city globally to foster understanding and the enhancement of biophilic experiences.
Physiological, Morphological and Root System Architecture Acclimation Responses to Drought in the African Orphan Millet White Fonio (Digitaria exilis)
Authors: Pudasaini Roshan , Amyotte Joy , Brettingham Dylan J.L. , Raizada Manish N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
White fonio is an ancient West African orphan millet crop. As one of the world's fastest-maturing cereals, it helps smallholders mitigate mid-season hunger. There are no reported studies on drought acclimation responses in fonio to identify traits that can enable breeding for climate change adaptation.
Methods
Here, two white fonio accessions from wetter (Guinea) and dryer (Mali) environments were grown indoors under three moisture levels in replicated trials. Physiological, morphological and metabolomic phenotyping was undertaken, including root system architecture analysis, culminating in measuring ~ 27,000 root hairs.
Results
Fonio responded to drought by dramatically upregulating glycine- and alanine-betaine leaf concentrations. Both accessions exhibited increased root:shoot ratio and leaf angle, but reduced shoot branching, leaf width, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Grain yield most positively correlated with SPAD chlorophyll. Lower grain fill was observed in the Guinea accession, while the Mali accession showed a surprising increase in the harvest index when exposed to extreme drought. In the Mali accession, drought resulted in fewer but longer crown roots, increased lateral root branching, and a greater density and lengthening of root hairs. In particular, leaf width, angle and SPAD were identified as cost- and time effective selection traits.
Conclusions
This paper has identified above- and below-ground drought acclimation traits in white fonio. These results build a foundation for future efforts to breed this crop to tolerate accelerating climate change, ultimately to assist vulnerable West African farmers.
Template-Based Fabrication of Copper Oxide for Persulfate Activation: Investigating Non-Radical Mechanisms in Efficient Bisphenol A Degradation
Authors: Liu Jiayun , Lai Zhiyi , Wang Kaiyong , Wu Jianning , Yang Shengchao , Liu Zhiyong , Meng Guihua , Guo Xuhong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Presently, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) emerge as highly effective methods for breaking down organic environmental pollutants. The current investigation involves the synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) catalysts utilizing a mesoporous silica (SiO2) template for activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), thereby targeting the elimination of bisphenol A (BPA). Characterized by their ideal pore volume and nanopore dimensions, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, serve as excellent templates for catalyst preparation. The CuO catalysts were meticulously synthesized through blending and calcination, guided by the use of mesoporous silica as a structure-directing template. This method aimed to induce significant changes in the conventional morphological characteristics of CuO. This alteration led to an increase in specific surface area and active sites of CuO, thereby enhancing PMS activation for the breakdown of organic contaminants. The work essentially demonstrates a BPA degradation rate of 89.57% within 5 minutes, incrementing to a remarkable 97.8% at the 60-minute mark, effectively achieving complete degradation. A comprehensive investigation of the CuO/PMS system's reaction mechanism for degradation of BPA involved an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy-based analysis along with a series of radical quenching tests. The findings suggest that non-free radicals play a predominant role in the degradation of BPA. Furthermore, the efficiency of BPA degradation remained at 72% following five reuses over 60 minutes, demonstrating consistent and effective degradation. This research emphasizes the pivotal role of non-radicals as the key driving force behind BPA degradation, providing compelling proof for their key role in the breakdown of organic pollutants.
Building bridges to operationalize One Health — A longitudinal two years’ AMR study in England using clinical and wastewater-based surveillance
Authors: Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara , Xu Like , Ceolotto Nicola , Jagadeesan Kishore , Standerwick Richard , Robertson Megan , Barden Ruth , Lambert Helen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinical settings, but evidence is lacking. Considering this, we evaluated community-wide AMR in the shadow of COVID-19, using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). 590 wastewater samples were collected from four contrasting communities in England between April 2020 and March 2022 to test for antibiotics used, their metabolites and persistent antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Catchment wide COVID-19 cases and antibiotic prescription data were triangulated with WBE data to evaluate impact of COVID-19 pandemic on changes in antibiotics use and resulting AMR at fine spatio-temporal resolution. Observed reduction in antibiotic consumption and AMR prevalence during COVID pandemic (especially during lockdowns) is likely due to reduced social interactions rather than due to reduced antibiotic prescribing. This has significant implications for practice and policy that currently focusses on the reduction of antibiotics as the key risk factor in AMR. Better, more holistic strategies encompassing One Health philosophy are needed to understand and act upon the AMR challenge.
Blimp-1 Orchestrates Macrophage Polarization and Metabolic Homeostasis via Purine Biosynthesis in Sepsis
Authors: Zhu Liuluan , Li Rui , Qin Qiushi , Peng Wenjuan , Li Lan , Liu Yujia , Zhang Yue 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Macrophage polarization plays a critical role in pathogenesis of sepsis, and the influence of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) on this polarization is an underexplored yet pivotal aspect. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Blimp-1 in macrophage polarization and metabolism during sepsis. Using a murine cecal ligation and puncture model, we observed elevated Blimp-1 expression in M2 macrophages. Knockdown of Blimp-1 in this model resulted in decreased survival rates, exacerbated tissue damage, and impaired M2 polarization, underscoring its protective role in sepsis. In vitro studies with bone marrow-derived macrophages, RAW264.7, and THP-1 cells further demonstrated Blimp-1 promotes M2 polarization and modulates key metabolic pathways. Metabolomics and dual-luciferase assays revealed Blimp-1 significantly influences purine biosynthesis and the downstream Ornithine cycle, which are essential for M2 macrophage polarization. Our findings unveil a novel mechanism by which Blimp-1 modulates macrophage polarization through metabolic regulation, presenting potential therapeutic targets for sepsis. This study highlights the significance of Blimp-1 in orchestrating macrophage responses and metabolic adaptations in sepsis, offering valuable insights into its role as a critical regulator of immune and metabolic homeostasis.
Targeting mutant p53: Evaluation of novel anti-p53 R175H monoclonal antibodies as diagnostic tools
Authors: Spiegelberg Diana , Hwang Le-Ann , Pua Khian Hong , Kumar Sashwini Chandra , Koh Xin Yu , Koh Xiao Hui , Selvaraju Ram Kumar , Sabapathy Kanaga , Nestor Marika , Lane David P 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

About 50 % of all cancers carry a mutation in p53 that impairs its tumor suppressor function.
The p53 missense mutation p53R175H (p53R172H in mice) is a hotspot mutation in cancer and the germline of Li-Fraumeni syndrome patients. Therefore, monoclonal antibodies selectively targeting clinically relevant mutations like p53R175H could prove immensely value.
We aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo binding properties of two novel anti-p53R175H monoclonal antibodies and to assess their performance as agents for molecular imaging.
In vitro, 125I-4H5 and 125I-7B9 demonstrated long shelf life and antigen-specific binding.
Our in vivo study design allowed head-to-head comparison of the antibodies in a double tumor model using repeated SPECT/CT imaging, followed by biodistribution and autoradiography. Both tracers performed similarly, with marginally faster blood clearance for 125I-7B9. Repeated molecular imaging demonstrated suitable imaging characteristics for both antibodies, with the best contrast images occurring at 48h post-injection. Significantly higher uptake was detected in the mut-p53-expressing tumors, confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography.
We conclude that molecular imaging with an anti-p53R175H tracer could be a promising approach for cancer diagnostics and could be further applied for patient stratification and treatment response monitoring of mutant p53-targeted therapeutics.
New-record efficiency in non-doped ultraviolet OLEDs: Hot-exciton emitters by a crossed long-short axis design boosting EQE up to 8.3% and emission peak close to 380 nm
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Lou Jingli , Guo Xuecheng , Zhang Han , Li Baoxi , He Junwei , He Xin , Huang Yu , Chen Yichao , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) radiating ultraviolet (UV) emission are highly desirable for their unique applications in anti-counterfeit, healthcare, industry, etc. However, high-performance UV-OLEDs using a simplified non-doped process are rarely reported because organic emitters usually face the emission red-shift and quenching problems in aggregates. Herien, two new UV hot-exciton emitters with crossed long-short axis structures, abbreviated p-Cz and m-Cz, are designed by altering the para- and meta- patterns at the long-axis skeleton. Theoretical calculations combined with photophysical measurements indicate that the m-Cz can display a bluer emission because of its shorter π-conjugation and effectively alleviate the negative effects in aggregates. Consequently, a doped UV-OLED is realized based on m-Cz with an electroluminescence peak (λEL) at 382 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 10.6%. What's more, the non-doped UV-OLED based on m-Cz exhibits an λEL at 382 nm and an EQEmax up to 8.3% and maintains an EQE of 7.0% at 1000 cd m− 2, representing a new record of efficiency in the field. Furthermore, the device shows the longest reported operational lifetimes and can be successfully applied to an excitation light source.
Evaluating Ecosystem Health of the Seven Maar Lakes of San Pablo City using the Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity (Phyto-IBI)
Authors: Pleto John Vincent R. , Ligaray Mayzonee , Magbanua Francis 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity (Phyto-IBI) is a multi-metric index designed to simplify extensive datasets into a single dimensionless value that could assess ecosystem health. The Seven lakes provide various ecosystem services from which different stakeholders’ benefit. However, these lakes are continuously experiencing disturbance because of anthropogenic activities. This research aimed to develop a P-IBI and Organic Pollution Index (OPI) for the seven lakes. P-IBI was developed using 21 ecological phytoplankton indices. The cumulative_R2 and correlation index were used to select the determining indices for the final P-IBI. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) was conducted to test the relationship between the metrics and P-IBI and the environmental variables. The results indicated that aquaculture lakes had lower P-IBI and OPI compared to ecotourism lakes. The four aquaculture lakes were categorized as having “moderate” P-IBI and OPI levels. During the dry season, lakes Bunot and Palakpakin were classified as having “low” P-IBI. Lake Yambo, recognized as having the best environmental conditions among the lakes, was classified as “good” P-IBI. Regarding seasonal variation, the P-IBI is generally lower during the dry season for most of the lakes. CCA revealed that several parameters significantly influenced the variation of the indices during the wet and dry seasons. In addition, regression analysis showed a positive correlation between OPI and P-IBI. These findings imply that P-IBI is indeed impacted by water quality. Based on the results, P-IBI and OPI may serve as indicators of the ecological health of the seven lakes of San Pablo. The local government may establish regulations and make informed resource management decisions based on the study results to improve and protect the lake ecosystem.
From bodily numbness to social connection: unveiling the relationship between depersonalization, self-concept, and social touch
Authors: Salamone Paula Celeste , Dowzuk Nadia Alejandra , Gallo Martina Nayla , Boehme Rebecca 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between depersonalization symptoms, social touch seeking and acceptance, self-concept clarity, and psychological factors in a large sample of Argentinian participants (N = 273). In this online study, we assessed participants' acceptance of (or willingness to receive) touch from strangers, friends/family, and intimate partners. Replicating previous studies, we found a higher acceptance of touch from closer social bonds. Touch acceptance from intimate partners showed weak links with self-concept clarity and lower depersonalization symptoms. However, no definitive link between depersonalization symptoms and touch seeking or acceptance was found. Higher depersonalization symptoms were associated with increased social touch avoidance and decreased self-concept clarity. Mediation analyses indicated that social touch avoidance partially mediates the relationship between depersonalization and self-concept clarity. Additionally, depersonalization was associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative affect, and lower levels of positive affect and life satisfaction. Our results underscore the importance of considering touch in creating therapeutic interventions for depersonalization.
Conceiving during the first postoperative year after Bariatric surgery. A retrospective study of pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Kaukonen Sesilia , Pajula Susanna , Gissler Mika , Juuti Anne , Ulander Veli-Matti , Kaijomaa Marja 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
An increasing number of childbearing-agedwomen have undergone bariatric surgery (BS). Although pregnancy outcomes generally improve after BS, concern remains over the impact of rapid weight loss and the catabolic state that occurs soon after BS. At least a 12-monthsurgery-to-conception time (SCT) is recommended, though the reasoning behind this has been questioned. This retrospective study was conducted to compare post-BS pregnancies with SCTs of less (Group 1) or more (Group 2) than 12 months.
Methods
The Hospital Register and Finnish Medical Birth Register were queried for data on BS and subsequent pregnancies. The characteristics of women at surgery and maternal and newborn outcomes in post-BS pregnancies were collected.
Results
Between 2010 and 2022, 113 women gave birthafter BS. This included 17 and 96 patients in Groups 1 and 2. The mean SCTs were 8.0 ± 2.7 and 39.0 ± 24.3 months (p<0.001), respectively. At BS, the characteristics of age (p=0.316), weight (p=0.718), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.114) and surgical technique used(p=0.648) were similar.
During pregnancy, the mean age of Group 1 women was significantly lower (p=0.005). With no difference in weight (p=0.961) or BMI (p=0.567), the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, p=0.039) was higherin Group 2. The mean gestational age at delivery (p=0.206) and incidence ratesof preterm (p=0.645), post-term (p=1.00) and caesarean deliveries (p=1.00) in the groups were similar. A significantly higherincidence of delivery induction (p<0.001) was detected in Group 2.
The mean newborn weight in Group 1 was lower (p=0.038), but the mean birth weight standard deviation (p=0.883) and incidences of low birth weight (< 2500 g, p=0.345) and small-for-gestational-age newborns (p=0.469) were similar. The 1- (p=0.191) and 5-minute (p=0.174) Apgar points in the groups were similar,and no associationsbetween pregnancy outcomes and surgery technique were detected.
Conclusions
The outcome in pregnancies with an SCT < 12 months was favourable. Considering the high incidence of GDM and delivery induction associated with an SCT > 12 months, postponing pregnancy may not always improve pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, all risks should be weighed when counselling women regarding the optimal time of pregnancy after BS.
Transcriptome sequencing and anthocyanin metabolite analysis involved in leaf red color formation of Cinnamomum camphora
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Li Yan , Du Tong , Tang Fang , Pei Baolei , Zhuang Weibing , Kang Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cinnamomum camphora, a key multifunctional tree species, serves primarily landscaping. Leaf color, crucial for its ornamental appeal, undergoes a transformation to red. However, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored in C. camphora. In this study, green leaf (GL), color turning red leaf (RL) and whole red leaf (WRL) were obtained to measure pigment contents, GL and RL were analyzed transcriptomic alterations. A decline in chlorophylls and a rise in anthocyanins were observed during leaf color from green translate to red. Using LC MS/MS, 11 kinds of anthocyanins showed significant accumulative differences, with Cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside exhibiting the greatest disparity. Comparative RNA-seq identified 22,948 genes against reference genes, revealing 544 novel genes. Of these, 4,065 genes were up-regulated and 8,152 were down-regulated. Among them, 22, 4, and 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with chlorophyll biosynthesis, chlorophyll degradation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. Additionally, differential expression was noted in 64 bHLH, 54 MYB, and 21 MYB-like transcription factors. These findings suggest a strong correlation between pigment metabolism and transcriptome data to release the mechanism with the leaf color translated to red of C. camphora.
Effect of Childhood Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs on Visual Evoked Potential Response and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Moussa Amira Ahmed , M.Nasef Ayman , A.Nada Maha , A.Karim Marwa , S.Khater Shaimaa , deen Nahed Salah El 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Epileptic seizures arise from an excessively synchronous and sustained discharge of a group of neurons. The single feature of all epileptic syndromes is a persistent increase of neuronal excitability. Visual affection in epileptic children could be attributed to the disease itself or the use of anti-epileptic drugs, these changes may involve abnormal electro-physiological response. This biphasic study, conducted at the neuro-pediatric clinic at neurology department at Ain Shams University, aimed to investigate effect of idiopathic childhood epilepsy per se on (1) visual evoked potential and (2) optical coherence tomography and effect of selected two antiepileptic medications on them. All subjects were exposed to visual evoked potential and only cooperative subjects exposed to ocular coherence tomography before and after anti-epileptic drugs and were followed up over 2 years.
Results: The study included 50 newly diagnosed epileptic children and 50 healthy controls, the mean P100 latency in the right eyes of the control group was 110.4 ± 3.76ms, while in the patients group was 114.94 ± 12.81ms that showed significant difference between the two groups with p-value (0.020). After 2 years of treatment by levetiracetam and valproate, the mean P100 latency of the right and left eyes in the valproate group was 112.34 ± 7.05 and 112.59 ± 5.2ms respectively and it was 114.85 ± 10.39ms and 116.14 ± 9.84ms respectively in the valproate group, which showed insignificant difference between the two groups. The mean average of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between patients and controls were significant in both right and left eyes with p- value 0.002 and < 0.001 respectively. After 1 year of treatment by levetiracetam in the 1st group and valproate in the 2nd group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups neither regarding retinal nerve fiber layer thickness nor ganglion cell complex in both eyes.
Conclusion: There was prolonged latency in the epileptic children before starting anti-epileptic drugs more than the control group; also there was thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and average part of the ganglion cell complex thickness more in the epileptic children than in the healthy controls.
Research on the bearing performance of HSCA high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundation
Authors: Sun Tao , Wang Fang , Liu Jie , Chen Zhenxun , Tuo Mingmin , Yang Yunan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

With the rapid development of infrastructure construction on oceanic reefs, calcareous sand, as the primary medium of these reefs, exhibits unique physical and mechanical properties such as high void ratio, low strength, and susceptibility to particle breakage. These characteristics reduce the bearing capacity and stability of pile foundations in calcareous sand foundations. This study investigates the bearing characteristics of high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundations, taking into account the influence of HSCA high-performance expansion agent dosage through a series of indoor model tests and in-situ tests. The research delves into the load-settlement curves of expansion piles, the distribution of axial force and pile side friction resistance of piles, and the effects of Calcareous sand compaction and reinforcement around the piles. The results indicate that adding the HSCA high-performance expansion agent results in compaction preloading of the Calcareous sand around the pile, significantly increasing the expansion stress on the pile side, thereby enhancing the resistance on both the pile side and pile tip. When the expansion agent dosage is 20%, the ultimate bearing capacity can be increased by 56%, and the ultimate pile side friction resistance by 63%. The Coulomb strength theory of non-cohesive soil is employed to accurately calibrate the incremental pile side friction resistance of the expansion section. A prediction model for the bearing capacity of the expansion pile is established by combining the pile side friction resistance prediction model with the ultimate pile side friction resistance load-sharing ratio. The research outcomes provide important guidance for the optimization, design, and construction of high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundations.