bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory mapping of ecosystem services of coastal wetlands in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Wen , Dodd Adrienne 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThere is a lack of knowledge and understanding about what ecosystem services are and how to utilize them in a sustainable way. Ecosystem services are thus often underrecognized by the decision makers in charge of creating wetland management plans. Due to this, ecosystem services, which have been used by communities for a long time, are often left out of wetland's wise‐use plans. Inclusion of local communities and promotion of local knowledge are vital aspects of creating sustainable, equitable and resilient wetland management plans that are truly ‘wise’. In this research, we utilize participatory mapping methods to engage communities and create a database of the ecosystem services being used in Chigu Salt Pan Wetland and Chigu Lagoon, located along the coast of Southwestern Taiwan. We look at who are using the ecosystem services, to what degree they are being used and where exactly in the wetland system they are being extracted/utilized. This will pave the way for future researchers to better understand the value of Chigu Salt Pan Wetland and the ecosystem services they provide and promote the use of participatory methods in other locations.
Novel Diagnostic Approach for Acute Pharyngitis: Combining Machine Learning With Thermal Imaging
Authors: Hoffer Oshrit , Cohen Moriya , Gerstein Maya , Shkalim Zemer Vered , Reichenberg Yael , Bykhovsky Dima , Hoshen Moshe , Cohen Herman Avner 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the effect of infrared thermography (IRT) on the clinical assessment of bacterial and viral pharyngitis and its impact on the predictive value of the McIsaac score algorithm for streptococcal pharyngitis in children. We also investigated if IRT could distinguish between bacterial and viral pharyngitis. The study included children aged 2–17 years presenting with sore throat and fever over 38°C from November 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. Of the 76 assessed children, 16 were excluded due to missing data or technical issues, leaving 60 children (32 males, 28 females) divided into three groups: Group A with streptococcal pharyngitis (N = 30), viral pharyngitis (N = 16), and healthy controls (N = 14). McIsaac score and IRT imaging showed a 90% positive predictive value for streptococcal pharyngitis. While IRT alone could not distinguish between bacterial and viral infections, it significantly increased the predictive value when combined with the McIsaac score.
Raman Microspectroscopy of Hair: Low‐Frequency Markers of Protein Secondary Structure
Authors: Travkina E. I. , Chikishev A. Yu. , Brandt N. N. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTLow‐frequency intervals that can be used to study the secondary structure of proteins are determined. Compared are Raman spectra of keratins from unpigmented human hair, measured in two experimental configurations: with excitation radiation coaxial with the hair and perpendicular to it. Based on the polarization sensitivity, the bands peaked at 150 and 221 cm−1 are assigned to vibrations of α‐helical structures. The comparison of Raman spectra of hair fragments with different contents of secondary structure elements shows that the vibrations of β‐structure are manifested in a spectral interval of 270–340 cm−1. The results obtained for a particular object (hair keratin) can be used in the study of the secondary structure of proteins.
Veterans’ perceptions of counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder: A focus on Black men
Authors: Kirby Larence 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this conceptual article is to explore the perceptions of Black male veterans regarding counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder. This will build upon previous research about this population by referencing the invisibility syndrome theory. A case illustration will integrate the theory with a composite of Black veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. Implications and limitations for working with veteran Black men will be proposed.
Endomysial antibodies or anti‐tissue transglutaminase type 2 IgA antibodies as a confirmatory test in children with celiac disease
Authors: Ben‐Tov Amir , Achler Tomer , Fayngor Rochelle , Shamir Raanan , Supino Lia , Weintraub Yael , Yerushalmy‐Feler Anat , Cohen Shlomi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe no‐biopsy approach to diagnose celiac disease (CD), introduced in the 2012 European Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines, requires an anti‐endomysial antibody (EMA) confirmatory serology test following a high‐positive immunoglobulin A anti‐tissue transglutaminase‐2 (anti‐TG2) antibody ≥10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). The aim of this retrospective study is to compare EMA positivity and high‐positive anti‐TG2 in patients who had their confirmatory test within 2 months of their first high‐positive anti‐TG2 test. Among 933 patients who had high‐positive anti‐TG2 serology more than 10 times the ULN in their first sample, all had both high‐positive anti‐TG2 and positive EMA, most of them with very high EMA titers (99.6%) in their confirmatory test. In conclusion, we suggest that a repeated anti‐TG2 test can replace the EMA test as the confirmatory serology test for the confirmation of the diagnosis of CD in the no‐biopsy approach.
Multi‐omics analysis of chemical composition variation among different muscle types in Hu lamb
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Wang Zhongyu , Liu Chongyang , Li Wenqiao , Yuan Zehu , Li Fadi , Yue Xiangpeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDConsumers' preferences for lamb meat vary greatly depending on the specific cut. Variations in the chemical composition across different muscle types play a crucial role in determining meat quality, particularly with regard to flavor. Therefore, it is essential to study the variations in chemical composition among different muscle types in lamb, as well as the mechanisms behind their formation, aiming to understand the flavor variation across the muscle types.RESULTSFlank muscles showed significantly higher intramuscular fat content and muscle fiber diameter compared to triceps brachii and biceps femoris (BF), at the same time as displaying a significantly lower percentage of type I muscle fibers. Forty‐three differentially abundant volatile compounds (DAVC) were identified across five muscles, with the majority of DAVCs being more abundant in the BF. In total, 161 differentially abundant lipids were identified across five muscles, with triglycerides (TG), phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylmethanol (PMeOH) showing a strong correlation with DAVCs. A lipid‐gene regulatory network was established, encompassing 664 lipids and 11 107 genes, leading to the identification of pathways and genes that regulate the metabolism of PEs, PMeOH, PCs and TGs.CONCLUSIONThe present study showed the significant variation in flavor compounds among the five edible muscles, as well as the potential reasons for their formation. The results potentially provide a theoretical foundation for improving the meat quality of lamb. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Touristic Learning Behaviors and Outcomes in Theme Parks: The Role of Activity and Affectional Contexts
Authors: Zhao Ying , Liu Fangyu , Wang Jiaming , Zhang Yu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTExisting studies have highlighted the significance of touristic learning; however, few have explored the effectiveness of different learning contexts. This study employs a combination of spatial–temporal behavior analysis and survey research to investigate how activity context (static vs. interactive) and affectional context (positive vs. negative) influence visitors' spatial–temporal behaviors and learning outcomes in zoological theme parks. The results indicated that interactive contexts are more effective than static contexts in extending visitors' duration of stay, increasing the diversity of venues explored, and enhancing both emotion and learning outcomes of visitors. The moderating effect of affectional context is significant, with the positive context notably enhancing emotion and learning outcomes of visitors associated with the interactive context. Additionally, visitors' emotion played a mediating role in the relationship between activity contexts and learning outcomes. These empirical findings offer valuable practical implications for the design of educational experiences within theme parks.
Informal Institution and Tourism Development: Insights From Confucian Culture
Authors: Wei Min , Yang Qiaoning , Peng Qian , Li Rui 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAs the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture, Confucian culture significantly shapes personal values and behaviours. This study investigates the impact of Confucian culture on tourism development, from a supply‐side perspective, using a sample of 269 Chinese cities between 2013 and 2019. The baseline results, validated through endogeneity tests and robustness checks, consistently indicate a positive correlation between Confucian culture and regional tourism growth. Utilising a chained multiple mediation model, the study delineates the primary mechanisms, showing that Confucianism bolsters tourism innovation by elevating labour quality and capital investment, thus propelling tourism development. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis demonstrates the synergistic effect of Confucian culture with formal institutions in advancing tourism. However, the positive effects of Confucian culture on tourism are attenuated by the effects of other cultures. These findings significantly contribute to the literature and offer valuable managerial implications.
Control Strategies of Visually Impaired Travelers
Authors: Wan Yim King Penny , Kong Weng Hang , Sou Joey Pek‐U 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study evaluated visually impaired travelers' (VITs) psychological adaptations by identifying the travel constraints they anticipated before the trips and encountered when they arrived at the destinations, and the control strategies they employed to negotiate the constraints at the two travel stages. Semi‐structured qualitative face‐to‐face interviews with 18 VITs and their caregivers were conducted. The findings demonstrated that participants were challenged with structural and intrapersonal constraints in these two travel stages and various control strategies were implemented. Selective primary control and compensatory primary control strategies were used to cope with constraints under the VITs' control by changing the external environment, whereas selective secondary control and compensatory secondary control strategies were used to cope with constraints beyond their control by altering one's inner world. This study comprehends how VITs psychologically adapt to the travel constraints they anticipate before and encounter during their trips. Practical implications were provided.
Comparison of Two‐Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography Between Two Different Instruments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Huang Jiayao , Zhang Xiaoer , Su Liya , Liu Ming , Xu Ming , Zhuang Bowen , Liu Baoxian , Huang Tongyi , Hu Hangtong , Xie Xiaohua , Xie Xiaoyan , Lin Manxia 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate and compare 2‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) measurements and influencing factors among 2 different devices and to evaluate the ability and influencing factors of these measurements to assess liver fibrosis.MethodsFrom October 2022 to September 2023, 290 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and 30 healthy volunteers were prospectively included. The 2D‐SWE measurements were performed using AixPlorer V (SEmean) and APLIO i900 (CEmean). This study compared 2D‐SWE measurements between instruments for evaluating the liver fibrosis stage and analyzed the potential influencing factors.ResultsThe 2D‐SWE measurements obtained by the 2 instruments were significantly different (P < .001), but the differences were significant only for patients with stage F4 liver fibrosis (P < .001) and not for volunteers or patients with stage F0–F3 liver fibrosis (all P > .050). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the factors independently influencing the SEmean were alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = .034) and liver fibrosis stage (P < .001), while fibrosis stage (P = .028) was the only factor influencing the CEmean.ConclusionsAlthough 2D‐SWE from the 2 different instruments was capable of detecting liver fibrosis, it yielded varying results in HCC patients. These discrepancies were predominantly observed in patients with F4 liver fibrosis but not in healthy adults or patients with F0–F3 liver fibrosis. One potential contributing factor to the differences between instruments could be ALT levels.
Chosen Plaintext Attack on Single Pixel Imaging Encryption via Neural Differential Cryptanalysis
Authors: Zeng Hongran , Zhang Chongyang , Li Xiaowei , Liu Shouxin , Guo Junfeng , Xing Yan , Kim Seok‐Tae , Li Dahai , Liu Yiguang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSingle pixel imaging (SPI) shows great potential in encryption by its indirect imaging mechanism. However, there appears to be room for further exploration in the corresponding cryptanalysis. Current studies primarily rely on straightforward end‐to‐end cryptanalysis of plain‐ciphertext pairs, ignoring the fundamental SPI optical path. As a result, the effectiveness of most attacks depends on the training data and the design of network, triggering low certainty and confidence. In this study, an alternative model is proposed to attack multiple SPI encrypting methods based on chosen plaintext attack framework, where arbitrary plaintexts can be encrypted as ciphertexts for cryptanalysis. In terms of the basic SPI setup, it is found that no matter how complicated the patterns are encrypted, the linear relationship between encrypted patterns and intensity always maintain. Thus, specifically, the ciphertext is first differentialized to derive encrypted patterns. By further reconstructing the pixel correlation of these derived patterns, deep learning is employed to correct them. Ultimately, the cracked patterns are used to decrypt plaintexts by conventional correlation. The experiments demonstrate that this method possesses a certain degree of reusability in the SPI encryption with linear propagating characteristic, like pattern‐encrypting class, demonstrating potential for the indirect optical encryption.
Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers for Apmnkq2 Aptamer Transfection in Breast Cancer: An Alternative to Traditional Transfectants.
Authors: Madrid Laura , Pinto‐Díez Celia , Muñoz‐Moreno Laura , García‐Hernández Marta , González Víctor M. , Mata Javier de la , Martin M. Elena , Ortega Paula 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTransfection efficiency is a critical parameter in gene therapy and molecular biology, representing the success rate at which nucleic acids are introduced and expressed in target cells. The combination of aptamers with nanotechnology‐based delivery systems has demonstrated remarkable improvements in the transfection efficiency of therapeutic agents and holds significant potential for advancing gene therapy and the development of targeted treatments for various diseases, including cancer. In this work, cationic carbosilane dendritic systems are presented as an alternative to commercial transfection agents, demonstrating an increase in transfection efficiency when used for the internalization of apMNKQ2, an aptamer selected against a target in cancer. Their potential therapeutic use has been evaluated in breast cancer cell lines, MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231, studying the cytotoxicity of the nanoconjugate, the internalization process, and its effect on cellular migration processes.
Multiple‐Layer Chitosan‐Based Patches Medicated With LTX‐109 Antimicrobial Peptide for Modulated Local Therapy in the Management of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Bernardoni Sara , Ferrazzano Lucia , Palladino Chiara , Artusi Chiara , Bonvicini Francesca , Campodoni Elisabetta , Gentilomi Giovanna Angela , Tolomelli Alessandra , Sandri Monica 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn response to the critical issue of chronic wound management, this research explores the development of a multiple‐layer biomaterial loaded with LTX‐109 a novel broad‐spectrum topical antimicrobial peptide currently investigated for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. The novel patch is conceived to load and preserve the function of LTX‐109, release it on site in a progressive manner, and therefore make available a device for simultaneous wounds disinfection and tissues healing. Chitosan, tannic acid and glycerol along with the solvent casting process are selected for the development of a multilayer structure in which each single layer is designed by choosing a specific composition and stability to tune its behavior and function. On the top, a protective layer to protect the wound from external contaminations, in the middle a medicated layer loaded with LTX‐109 and at the bottom a multifunctional layer to modulate the release of LTX‐109. Extensive characterizations show that the patch meets the essential requirements for creating an effective wound healing environment, such as absorption of exudate, maintenance of good oxygen and moisture permeability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and sustained release of LTX‐109 with fully retained antibacterial activity as demonstrated by MIC values obtained against reference bacteria.
Preparation and Performance Study of Zinc Dibenzyl Dithiocarbamate Self‐Assembled Film on Electrodeposited Cu–Ni Alloy Surface
Authors: Guo Xuyan , Xiong Zhuangzhuang , Wang Guixiang , Ma Fuqiu , Ji Mingbo , Wu Ruizhi 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis study developed a green and efficient surface protection method for Cu–Ni alloys. A zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate film was prepared on the surface of electrodeposited Cu–Ni alloys using the self‐assembly method to improve the material's corrosion resistance in seawater. The influence of zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate concentration and self‐assembly time on the corrosion resistance of the self‐assembled films was investigated through electrochemical testing. The findings revealed that at a zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate concentration of 10 mmol/L and a self‐assembly time of 20 min, the self‐assembled film exhibited the most robust corrosion resistance, achieving a maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 97.70%. The self‐assembly and adsorption mechanism of zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate were explored using molecular dynamics simulations and adsorption isotherms. The protective effect of self‐assembled films was visually observed through salt spray testing. Zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate self‐assembled film technology has high application prospects in the field of marine anti‐corrosion.
Enhanced Antimicrobial and Degradable Properties of Silver Nanoparticles‐Reinforced Chitosan‐Indian Gooseberry Films for Sustainable Food Packaging
Authors: Deb Priya , Sahoo Debsankar , Hasan Md. Imran , Basu Tamal , Bardhan Srishti , Ghosh Alok , Sukul Pradip K. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on creating a biodegradable film composed of chitosan, Indian Gooseberry (IG) extract, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), designed to enhance antimicrobial properties and improve food preservation. The presence of AgNPs and IG extract not only dramatically exhibits 99% efficiency in the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), but also achieves this within a remarkably short time interval of ≈20 min. This potent antimicrobial action is attributed to the synergistic effect between the bioactive compounds in the IG extract and the nanoscale silver particles, which together create a highly hostile environment for microbial growth. Moreover, this synergy contributes to 313.94% water vapor transmittance rate and the complete biodegradability of the composite film (93.42% at the end of the second month), ensuring that it leaves no harmful residues in the environment post‐use. The reinforced film exhibits improved hydrophobicity (55.43%), which is crucial for protecting food products from moisture and extending their shelf life. Specifically, the film has been tested as a packaging material for bread, showing a significant extension in shelf life by effectively preventing mold growth and retaining freshness for an extended period (14 days).
Using a patient‐specific diffusion model to generate CBCT‐based synthetic CTs for CBCT‐guided adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Xiaoqian , Qiu Richard L. J. , Wang Tonghe , Chang Chih‐Wei , Chen Xuxin , Shelton Joseph W. , Kesarwala Aparna H. , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to evaluate the inter‐fraction anatomical changes during the entire course for image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT). However, CBCT artifacts from various sources restrict the full application of CBCT‐guided adaptive radiation therapy (ART).PurposeInter‐fraction anatomical changes during ART, including variations in tumor size and normal tissue anatomy, can affect radiation therapy (RT) efficacy. Acquiring high‐quality CBCT images that accurately capture patient‐ and fraction‐specific (PFS) anatomical changes is crucial for successful IGRT.MethodsTo enhance CBCT image quality, we proposed PFS lung diffusion models (PFS‐LDMs). The proposed PFS models use a pre‐trained general lung diffusion model (GLDM) as a baseline, which is trained on historical deformed CBCT (dCBCT)‐planning CT (pCT) paired data. For a given patient, a new PFS model is fine‐tuned on a CBCT‐deformed pCT (dpCT) pair after each fraction to learn the PFS knowledge for generating personalized synthetic CT (sCT) with quality comparable to pCT or dpCT. The learned PFS knowledge is the specific mapping relationships, including personal inter‐fraction anatomical changes between personalized CBCT‐dpCT pairs. The PFS‐LDMs were evaluated on an institutional lung cancer dataset, quantified by mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), normalized cross‐correlation (NCC), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) metrics. We also compared our PFS‐LDMs with a mainstream GAN‐based model, demonstrating that our PFS fine‐tuning strategy could be applied to existing generative models.ResultsOur models showed remarkable improvements across all four evaluation metrics. The proposed PFS‐LDMs outperformed the GLDM, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed fine‐tuning strategy. The PFS model fine‐tuned with CBCT images from four prior fractions, reduced the MAE from 103.95 to 15.96 Hounsfield units (HU), and increased the mean PSNR, NCC, and SSIM from 25.36 dB to 33.57 dB, 0.77 to 0.98, and 0.75 to 0.97, respectively. Applying our PFS fine‐tuning strategy to a Cycle GAN model also showed improvements, with all four fine‐tuned PFS Cycle GAN (PFS‐CG) models outperforming the general Cycle GAN model. Overall, our proposed PFS fine‐tuning strategy improved CBCT image quality compared to both the pre‐correction and non‐fine‐tuned general models, with our proposed PFS‐LDMs yielding better performance than the GAN‐based model across all metrics.ConclusionsOur proposed PFS‐LDMs significantly improve CBCT image quality with increased HU accuracy and fewer artifacts, thus better capturing inter‐fraction anatomical changes. This lays the groundwork for enabling CBCT‐based ART, which could enhance clinical efficiency and achieve personalized high‐precision treatment by accounting for inter‐fraction anatomical changes.