bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of host-microbiome interactions in nasal diseases using multiomics integration
Authors: Liang Yibo , Chen Zheming , Zhang Chenting , Li Zhili , Liu Jiarui , Sun Wenjuan , Li Jianxin , Zhi Jingtai , Zhang Guimin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
An imbalance in the nasal microbiome is thought to be closely related to the development of nasal diseases. However, nasal microbiome-host interactions have rarely been studied.
Objective
The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the cross-talk between mucosal gene expression and the microbiota in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and nasal inverted papilloma (NIP).
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of 43 patients with CRSwNP, 27 patients with NIP and 34 controls using 5R 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 40 CRSwNP samples, 20 NIP samples and 20 control samples were analyzed according to host transcriptome.
Results
This study describes the microbiome characteristics of the specific nasal mucosal microenvironment in patients with CRSwNP and NIP. In CRSwNP and NIP samples, host gene-bacteria interaction analysis revealed multiple host pathways that were associated with the nasal microbiota, mainly including multiple host pathways such as those related to immunity, metabolism, host defense, and cell proliferation. In addition, in both nasal diseases, the shared host pathways that were associated with the nasal microbiota were mainly immune response-related pathways, such as the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. In CRSwNP, disease-specific pathways that were associated with the nasal microbiota were mainly related to host recognition and the immune response, while in NIP, disease-specific pathways were mainly related to cell proliferation. Based on Bayesian network analysis, we found that the abundance of Geobacillus stearothermophilus in nasal polyps was significantly correlated with the NF-kB pathway activation, and we further proved this correlation.
Conclusion
Our study highlights the complex interplay between the nasal microbiota and host-population patterns, with disease-specific and shared host gene-microbiome associations associated with different features of nasal disease. Our findings may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of nasal diseases and a theoretical basis for future microbiota-based treatment strategies for nasal diseases.
Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Screening Awareness in Syria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alabed Ammer , Samha Raghad , Nahhat Fouad , Droubi Sami , Fawaz Hassan , Latifeh Youssef 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer globally, with rising incidence in developing countries due to lifestyle and dietary shifts. CRC often presents with late-stage symptoms, leading to higher mortality. Early detection through screening significantly improves survival rates. In Syria, CRC is the second most common cancer, but screening rates remain low, especially following the decade-long war. This study aims to assess the knowledge of CRC among Syrians to guide prevention and detection strategies.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from September 27 to October 21, 2023, across six Syrian governorates: Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, and Tartous. A self-administered questionnaire, distributed via social media, assessed socio-demographics, CRC knowledge, and perceptions of screening methods. A total of 772 participants completed the survey. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v28.0, with a Chi-square test to explore differences in knowledge based on socio-demographic factors.
Results:
The study included 772 participants, 42.6% of them aged 30–35 years. The majority were female (64.4%) and married (56.3%). Only 27.8% considered themselves informed about CRC. While 54.8% had heard of colonoscopy, only 15.4% had undergone the procedure. Significant knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding the link between adenocarcinoma polyps and CRC (29.9%), the role of diet (33.2%), and the protective effect of aspirin (17.7%). Older individuals demonstrated higher awareness levels, particularly in recognizing CRC's hereditary nature and the potential for cure. Education and economic status were also strongly associated with better CRC knowledge, and males generally exhibited higher awareness than females.
Conclusion:
This study reveals significant gaps in CRC knowledge among Syrians, influenced by factors such as age, gender, education, and economic status. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health education and accessible screening programs to improve CRC awareness and reduce its incidence and mortality in Syria. Further research should address the study's limitations, including sampling bias and the cross-sectional design, to develop more effective public health interventions.
Irrelevant Region Preserving for Counterfactual Image Manipulation
Authors: Peng Yinuo , Wang Yuxuan , Wang Chenyue , Wang Xin , Pi Jiatian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Image manipulation is one of the most significant and potential research topics in multimodality. Several existing methods based on Contrastive-Language-Image-Pretraining (CLIP) have achieved high-resolution image editing recently, but the challenging problem of complex editing and attribute disentanglement has not been solved yet. In this paper, we propose an image editing method combining the powerful capability of complex editing with the accurate protection of the irrelevant attributes, simultaneously addressing above two challenging issues. To gain a more comprehensive semantic representation, we design a simple but effective structure with the cross-attention mechanism, allowing better fusion between text and image feature. In addition, a mask-controlled method is applied to keep the semantics of irrelevant regions unchanged after editing. We conduct extensive experiments and analysis to evaluate the generative capability of our method. The results demonstrate that our design successfully achieves semantic representation and accurate editing, and outperforms the compared methods in image quality.
Beating the Ramsey limit on sensing with deterministic qubit control
Authors: Levenson-Falk Eli , Hecht Malida , Saurav Kumar , Vlachos Evangelos , Lidar Daniel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Quantum sensors promise revolutionary advances in medical imaging, energy production, mass detection, geodesy, foundational physics research, and a host of other fields. In many sensors, the signal takes the form of a changing qubit frequency, which is detected with a Ramsey interference measurement. Unfortunately, environmental noise decoheres the qubit state, reducing signal. Here we introduce a protocol for enhancing the sensitivity of a measurement of a qubit's frequency in the presence of decoherence. We use a continuous drive to stabilize one component of the qubit's Bloch vector, enhancing the effect of a small static frequency shift. We demonstrate our protocol on a superconducting qubit, enhancing sensitivity per measurement shot by 1.65x and sensitivity per qubit evolution time by 1.09x compared to standard Ramsey interferometry. We explore the protocol theoretically and numerically, finding maximum enhancements of 1.96x and 1.18x, respectively. We also show that the protocol is robust to parameter miscalibrations. Our protocol provides an unconditional enhancement in signal-to-noise ratio compared to standard Ramsey interferometry. It requires no feedback and no extra control or measurement resources, and can be immediately applied in a wide variety of quantum computing and quantum sensor technologies to enhance their sensitivities.
Comparing visual and acoustic detectability of two coastal cetacean species off Sindhudurg, India, to better inform integrated survey protocol.
Authors: Bopardikar Isha , Harris Danielle , Robin V.V , Klinck Holger 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) and the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are resident to the inshore waters of India. Despite urgent conservation concerns facing both species, population assessments, and long-term monitoring efforts face several challenges, particularly due to limitations in conducting conventional visual surveys. Our study explores the use of combined acoustic and visual surveys along a 376 km2 area off the Sindhudurg coast, India, to address these limitations. We begin by examining the two platforms for efficiency in species detection by comparing encounter rates across acoustic and visual methods. Acoustic (0.04 groups/km) and visual (0.03 groups/km) encounter rates for humpback dolphins do not show a stark difference. However, acoustic (0.12 groups/km) and visual (0.03 groups/km) encounter rates for finless porpoises vary greatly. Visual and acoustic group size estimates also vary for both species. We then use generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) to determine factors responsible for variation in detectability between the two platforms. Distance from shore and vessel traffic are variables affecting mixed detections of humpback dolphins. Acoustic detections for finless porpoises are most influenced by distance from shore and depth. Our findings highlight the importance of considering species-specific variations in acoustic and visual detectability when designing surveys for these co-occurring species.
Assessing Facility Capacity to Provide Safe Abortion and Post-abortion Care in Liberia: A 2021 Signal Function Survey
Authors: Koko Victor S , Kung Stephanie , Doe Chelsea R , Candy Neima , Harmon-Gray Wahdea-mai , Mutuku Esther , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Juma Kenneth 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Access to safe abortion is legally restricted in Liberia, forcing women to resolve unintended pregnancies through unsafe methods, leading to severe illnesses and deaths. Liberia’s Government has committed to addressing abortion-related maternal mortalities by availing comprehensive post-abortion care. However, limited information exists on the readiness of health facilities to provide quality abortion-related care. This paper assesses the extent to which health facilities in Liberia are ready to deliver safe abortion and post abortion care services.Methods: Data for this analysis are drawn from a signal function survey conducted across 48 facilities in Liberia from September to November 2021. The signal function survey captures several safe abortion and post-abortion care-related services, including staff training, equipment, commodities, and supplies. Data were collected from health providers knowledgeable about abortion-related care such as safe abortion and post-abortion care across a sampled health facilities using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved summarizing proportions of clinics, health centers, and hospitals with the capacity to provide either basic and/or comprehensive safe-abortion and post-abortion care.Results: Out of the 48 facilities, 63% and 28% were classified as capable of providing basic and comprehensive post-abortion care (PAC) services respectively. Fewer facilities (27%) could provide basic safe-abortion care (SAC) and comprehensive SAC (16%). Differences by facility level were statistically significant for basic and comprehensive PAC. The PAC signal functions fulfilled by the fewest facilities included referral capacity, blood transfusion, and surgical or laparotomy capacity.Conclusion: The study highlights the limitations to the provision of basic SAC and PAC among our sample of public health facilities in Liberia and the poor capacity of these health facilities to provide comprehensive SAC and PAC services in particular. Full implementation of the 2019 National Comprehensive Abortion Care Guidelines could strengthen critical SAC and PAC services by ensuring adequate resources and training of the healthcare workforce.
Ultra-high-frequency Supercapacitors Surpassing Dynamic Limit of Electrical Double Layer Effects
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Li Zhangshanhao , Xu Minghao , Xia Yier , Yan Ziyun , Dai Jianyou , Hu Bingmeng , Feng Haizhao , Xu Sixing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The prosperity of microelectronics has intensified the requirement for miniaturized power systems using capacitors with high capacity and broad frequency ranges. Electrochemical supercapacitors (SCs) stand out with their superior capacitance density, surpassing traditional electrolytic capacitors (ECs) by at least two orders of magnitude. However, the intrinsic slow ion dynamics of electrical double layer effects greatly limit SCs’ characteristic frequency, constraining their applicability in microsystems. This work initially constructs a near-ideal micro electrochemical SC, featuring the monolayer graphene as a working electrode, to reveal the ceiling of electrochemical capacitance characteristic frequency. To address this limitation, we introduce a novel Hybrid Electrochemical Electrolytic Capacitor (HEEC) design, which asymmetrically coupling the electrochemical and dielectric effects. At low frequencies, the HEEC's electrochemical segment provides sufficient capacity, while its electrolytic segment takes over at high frequencies, broadening the frequency range. Consequently, the HEEC boasts considerable capacitance density across a broad frequency range. Employing our developed wafer-scale microfabrication techniques, we showcase a micro HEEC device, achieving a groundbreaking characteristic frequency of 44 kHz and a volume capacitance density of 800 μF/cm³. To demonstrate its practicality in microsystems, the HEEC device is integrated with a power management chip and buck circuit module, respectively, with only 2 % space usage compared to commercial AECs, achieving the same performance.
The Case for Super-Eddington Accretion: Connecting Weak X-ray and UV Line Emission in JWST Broad-Line AGN During the First Gyr of Cosmic Time
Authors: Lambrides Erini , Garofali Kristen , Larson Rebecca , Ptak Andrew , Chiaberge Marco , Long Arianna , Hutchison Taylor , Norman Colin , Akins Hollis , Berg Danielle , Chisholm John , Civano Francesca , Cloonan Aidan , Endsley Ryan , Faisst Andreas , Gilli Roberto , Gillman Steven , Hirschmann Michaela , Kartaltepe Jeyhan , Kocevski Dale , Kokorev Vasily , Pacucci Fabio , Richardson Chris , Whalen Kelly , McKinney Jed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

A multitude of JWST studies reveal a surprising over-abundance of over-massive accreting super-massive black holes (SMBHs) -- leading to a deepening tension between theory and observation in the first billion years of cosmic time. Across X-ray to infrared wavelengths, models built off of pre-JWST predictions fail to easily reproduce observed AGN signatures (or lack thereof), driving uncertainty around the true nature of these sources. Using a sample of JWST AGN identified via their broadened Halpha emission and covered by the deepest X-ray surveys, we find neither any measurable X-ray emission nor any detection of high-ionization emission lines frequently associated with accreting SMBHs. We propose that these sources are accreting at or beyond the Eddington limit, which reduces the need for efficient production of heavy SMBH seeds at cosmic dawn. Using a theoretical model of super-Eddington accretion, we can produce the observed relative dearth of both X-ray and ultraviolet emission, as well as the high Balmer decrements, without the need for significant dust attenuation. This work indicates that super-Eddington accretion is easily achieved through-out the early Universe, and further study is required to determine what environments are required to trigger this mode of black hole growth.
Modelling the long-term potential effects of modern irrigation systems on soil-water and salt balances, and crop-water productivity in semi-arid regions
Authors: Khan Muhammad Hamed , Singh Ranvir , Clothier Brent , Vries Tonny T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Modernization of irrigation systems is considered to improve irrigation efficiency, save water, and increase crop yields in water-scare semi-arid regions. We conducted long-term (10-years) simulations to evaluate the potential effects of three different irrigation scenarios on soil water and salt balances, and crop water productivity of cotton-wheat crops in the Hakra Branch Canal command of Punjab, Pakistan. The physically based agro-hydrological model, Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant (SWAP) was applied to simulate the long-term (2007–2017) effects of three irrigation scenarios; (1) current surface irrigation (baseline reference) based on local farmers observations, (2) improved precision surface irrigation system (PSIS), and (3) a high-efficiency irrigation system (HEIS). The HEIS scenario, defined as using sprinkler irrigation to bring the soil back to the field capacity, resulted in 50% less irrigation needs as compared to the baseline scenario. This reduction in irrigation, however, resulted into a relatively higher soil salt build-up causing a reduction of 18% − 30% in the wheat crop yields. The HEIS scenario (noted as HEIS_LF), with an additional irrigation of 60 mm at the start of crop season followed by an additional 10 mm with each irrigation interval, reduced the salt build up and its adverse effects of the crop yields. However, HEIS_LF scenario resulted in the similar irrigation amounts, soil water and salt balances, crop yields and water productivity values as achieved by the PSIS scenario, defined as a fixed depth of 80 mm surface irrigation at each flexible irrigation intervals maintaining high relative crop transpiration rates. This suggests limited scope for irrigation savings by adopting high-efficiency irrigation systems, such as sprinkler, with marginal quality (> 0.9 dS m− 1) irrigation waters in semi-arid regions of Pakistan. However, there is scope of improving surface irrigation (e.g. PSIS) by reducing irrigation depths (through field levelling) and introducing flexible irrigation scheduling.
Studying the effect of education on women's pap-smear knowledge, attitudes, and behavior
Authors: Rahbar Fateme , Rezapour-Nasrabad Rafat , Alamolhoda Seideh Hanieh , Azimi Hamideh , Ataei Sobhan , Mohamad amirhosein Khan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial factors in the treatment and control of cervical cancer. The present study investigates the relationship between demographic characteristics and the effect of education on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of women who were referred to Varamin health centers and underwent Pop-smear tests.
Methods
This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2021 on 311 women who were selected by a convenience sampling method. Data were collected from the samples from August 15, 2021, to March 15, 2021. First, the level of their knowledge, attitude, and performance was evaluated by a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. Then, the women were given the necessary education regarding the Pop-smear test. After one, the questionnaire was given to them again. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and paired t-test.
Results
Based on the results of one-way analysis of variance, before the education, the level of knowledge and performance increased with increasing age. However, after education, with increasing age, the subjects’ level of knowledge decreased and their performance increased.
Conclusions
It is necessary to provide comprehensive education for women about the Pop-smear test. Educating young, illiterate, or low-educated women, women without financial resources, and unemployed women, women without children, single, or divorced women, and people without underlying diseases should be prioritized.
Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 in Infiltrating Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Does Not Impair Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Female Mice
Authors: Glaser Ethan P. , Kopper Timothy J. , Bailey William M. , Kumari Reena , Kashif Hassan K. , Stewart Andrew N. , Gensel John C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent motor and sensory loss that is exacerbated by intraspinal inflammation that persists months to years after injury. After SCI, monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infiltrate the lesion to aid in myelin-rich debris clearance. During debris clearance, MDMs adopt a proinflammatory phenotype that exacerbates neurodegeneration and hinders recovery. The underlying cause of the lipid-mediated MDM phenotype shift is unclear. Our previous work suggests that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a role in the proinflammatory potentiating effect of myelin on macrophages in vitro. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) frees arachidonic acid from phospholipids, generating eicosanoids that play an important role in inflammation, immunity, and host defense. cPLA2 is expressed in macrophages along with multiple other cell types after SCI, and cPLA2 inhibition has been reported to both reduce and exacerbate secondary injury pathology recovery. The role of cPLA2 in MDMs after SCI is not fully understood. We hypothesize that cPLA2 activation in MDMs after SCI contributes to secondary injury. Here, we report that cPLA2 plays an important role in the myelin-induced inflammatory macrophage phenotype in vitro using macrophages derived from cPLA2 knockout bone marrow. Furthermore, to investigate the role of cPLA2 in MDMs after SCI, we generated female bone marrow chimeras using cPLA2 knock-out donors and assessed locomotor recovery using the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), CatWalk gait analysis system, and horizontal ladder task over six weeks. We also evaluated tissue sparing and intralesional axon density six weeks after injury. cPLA2 KO chimeras did not display altered locomotor recovery or tissue pathology after SCI compared to WT chimera controls. These data suggest that although cPLA2 plays a critical role in myelin-mediated potentiation of proinflammatory macrophage activation in vitro, it may not contribute to secondary injury pathology in vivo after SCI.
Organocatalyzed Skeletal Editing of Unstrained Rings via Wolff-type Rearrangement: Modular Synthesis of BN- Isosteres and [1,2]- Azaborines
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Singh Akansha , kant Ruchir , Grellier Mary 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Herein, we report a rare example of organocatalyzed skeletal editing of unstrained rings (n = 4–8) to ring-expansion via Wolff-type rearrangement and through regioselective fixation of carbon and nitrogen atom. Strategy employed 2-formylarylboronic acid as C-B surrogate and TMSN3 as an exogenous single nitrogen source; allowed the de novo rapid synthesis of BN isosteres by forging C-C, C-N and B-N bonds under single operation. The developed method proved to be compatible with wide substrate scope (50 examples) including cyclic ketones and diverse heterocycles afforded 1C ring expanded [1,2]-azaborines. Reaction was also effective to acyclic ketones to give BN naphthalene isosteres. Control experiments and DFT study dictate the plausible reaction pathways following [1,2]-C-C/C-H shift, analogous to Wolff rearrangement.