bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defensive Behavior and Integumentary Morphology of the Hairy Dwarf Porcupine Coendou spinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae)
Authors: Bessa Isabela Tanuri , Cancela Thais Marques , Ruiz‐Miranda Carlos Ramón , Nascimento Ana Lúcia Rosa do , de Carvalho Jorge José , Giné Gastón Andrés Fernandez , Rocha Vinicius Novaes 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTNew World porcupines (Erethizontidae) exhibit behaviors and possess integumentary structures, including the quills, that are used for self‐defense. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) has been well studied regarding these features; however, information is lacking for the South American Coendou species. We describe the defensive behavior and integumentary morphology of Coendou spinosus to understand the defensive strategies of this species and to compare with those reported for other species. We assessed the behaviors related to warning, defense, and escape of eight porcupines, as well as the characteristics of their pelage and quills. Furthermore, we microscopically analyzed skin samples of a roadkill adult male specimen. Similar to E. dorsatum, C. spinosus exhibited omnidirectional quill erection, revealing an aposematic color and, with their backs toward the perceived human threat, they performed quick tail and body movements to strike the hands of the human trying to capture them by the tail. Furthermore, C. spinosus presented an integumentary structure similar to that of E. dorsatum, and mechanisms to facilitate quill release when touched, penetration, and fixation in the opponent. The most distinct warning behavior noted was the vibration of the quills, which has not been reported for Erethizon. Our study confirms that, like other erethizontids, C. spinosus does not attack but exhibits warning, defense, and escape mechanisms and behaviors when threatened or touched. The dissemination of such information helps to counter the negative stigma associated with porcupines, as they can be the victims of attacks by dogs and humans, and to promote their conservation.
Hydrologic Responses to Climate Change and Implications for Reservoirs in the Source Region of the Yangtze River
Authors: Qin Pengcheng , Xu Hongmei , Xia Zhihong , Liu Lüliu , Lu Bo , Wang Qiuling , Xiao Chan , Xu Zexuan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the hydrological impacts of climate change is essential for robust and sustainable water management. This study assessed the hydrologic conditions under changing climate in the Jinshajiang River basin, the source region of the Yangtze River, using the hydrological model SWAT with the historical observations and the future climate simulations under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5). For the historical period, with an increasing trend of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and snowmelt, streamflow increases in upstream region but keeps decreasing in the downstream catchment. For future scenarios, a warmer and wetter climate is projected for the basin throughout the 21st century, leading to an overall increase in mean and extreme streamflow. The streamflow magnitude increases more significantly in the far future than in the near future, and more significant under SSP5‐8.5 than SSP2‐4.5. The projected remarkable increase in precipitation causes the transition in changing trend of streamflow compared with the historical period. The projected warming leads to a continuing decline in snowfall and snow water equivalent, followed by an earlier snowmelt and higher peak streamflow, especially at the upstream catchment. Ultimately, reservoirs in the basin are expected to gain more inflows, however, with greater variability including higher likelihoods of flood and drought events, which impose potential challenges on reservoir operations. These outcomes indicate the importance of adaptive water resources management in the melting water contributed basin to sustain and enhance its services under global warming.
Interannual Covariation of the North American and African Summer Monsoons
Authors: Luo Weijian , Weng Jinwen , Luo Jianzhou , Wang Lei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe North American summer monsoon (NASM) and the North African summer monsoon (NAFSM) are two vital subsystems of the global monsoon. To date, the potential inter‐monsoon relationship between the NASM and NAFSM has not been fully understood. To fill this gap, we investigate the NASM–NAFSM relationship on the interannual timescale during the period of 1979–2022. Based on statistical methods (including correlation, empirical orthogonal function and cross wavelet analyses), we identify a noteworthy interannual covariation of the NASM and NAFSM. This observed NASM–NAFSM covariation can be explained by atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical central‐eastern Pacific and tropical Atlantic, suggesting the critical roles of tropical Pacific–Atlantic SST anomalies in shaping the NASM–NAFSM covariation. The results of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models indicate that a model's ability to simulate the NASM–NAFSM covariation tends to be related to its ability to reproduce the modulating effects of the tropical Pacific–Atlantic SST anomalies. These results have potential implications for seasonal forecasts of the NASM and NAFSM variations, suggesting that the NASM and NAFSM can be considered simultaneously in climate predictions.
Is HLA‐DQ typing useful in screening for celiac disease among Arabs with type 1 diabetes? A case–control study
Authors: Al‐Hussaini Abdulrahman , Alsaheel Abdulhameed , AlMalki Mussa , Troncone Riccardo , Alharthi Hanan , Eltayeb‐Elsheikh Nezar , Alshammari Ghadeer , Allah Shawana Zaheer , Aldossari Ghadeer , AlRajhi Norah , Abdulkareem Fatimah , Alzahrani Ahmed , AlNemer Ola , AlMazrou Lulwa , Bashir Muhammed Salman 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe data on the usefulness of DQ‐typing in screening for celiac disease (CD) among type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients came from the West. We conducted this study among T1D patients to: (1) determine the frequency of DQ‐genotypes, (2) assess the risk associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ genotypes, and (3) identify the cost‐effective screening strategy.MethodsHLA‐DQ genotyping was performed on 67 T1D patients with CD (cases) (mean age 15 years) and 224 T1D patients without CD (controls) (mean age 18.29 years) (2021–2023). The entry criterion for the control group was duration of T1D ≥5 years and negative annual celiac serology assay.ResultsOn comparison of the cases versus controls, T1D patients carrying homozygous DQ2.5 genotype (30% vs. 13.8%) or DR3‐DQ2.5 haplotype (81.3% vs. 65.7%) showed significantly “higher risk” (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64, p = 0.002; OR = 2.3, p = 0.008, respectively) to develop CD. Only 4% do not harbor any of the CD‐at risk genotypes (DQ2.5, DQ8, or DQ2.2) and none developed CD. Heterozygous DQ8 was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing CD with OR of 0.123 (1.5% in cases vs. 10.3% in controls, p = 0.022).ConclusionOnly 4% of Saudi patients with T1D carry DQ‐genotypes at no risk to develop CD, which supports the European guidelines that recommend celiac serology test as the most cost‐effective screening method. We identified the risk gradient associated with DQ‐genotypes to develop CD in our population which could help in counseling patients for the risk to develop CD and planning follow‐up serology tests.
Protective effect of the branched short‐chain fatty acid isobutyrate on intestinal damage in weaned piglets through intestinal microbiota remodeling
Authors: Fang Xiuyu , Wang Zhengyi , Chen Qinrui , Du Yongqing , Sun Haowen , Liu Haiyang , Feng Ye , Li Zhongyu , Teng Teng , Shi Baoming 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPostweaning intestinal damage in piglets is a challenging issue in the livestock industry. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are important metabolic products of the gut microbiota and are widely recognized for their role in maintaining normal colonic function and regulating the intestinal immune system. However, the effects of branched short‐chain fatty acid (BSCFA) isobutyrate on intestinal health remain largely unknown. This study aims to explore the potential of isobutyrate for alleviating postweaning intestinal damage.RESULTSThis study indicates that isobutyrate can alleviate diarrhea in weaned piglets, enhance their growth performance, and optimize the gut microbiota. This is mainly achieved through increasing the relative abundance of probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, and Prevotellaceae_UCG‐003, while concurrently reducing the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto‐1 and Escherichia‐Shigella. It promotes the production of SCFAs, including acetate, isobutyrate, and butyrate. Furthermore, it activates G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPR43/109A), inhibits the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, strengthens the intestinal barrier function, and regulates the expression of related cytokines.CONCLUSIONIn summary, exogenous isobutyrate can be considered a promising feed additive for improving the intestinal microbiota and regulating intestinal health in piglets. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spatial‐Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Linear Heritage Hiking Tourism Based on GPS Data Analysis: A Case Study of the Great Wall in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Zhe , Wang Tianlian , Zhang Mengdi 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHiking plays a significant role in experiencing linear heritage, and gaining insights into the spatiotemporal distribution of hikers' behavior is imperative for effectively utilizing heritage resources. This study employed GPS trajectory data to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of hiking behavior on the Great Wall in Beijing and investigate the utilization patterns of heritage resources in hiking tourism. The results revealed that: there were notable variations in trajectory quantity among different months with extended activity durations, early finishing times, and an absence of nighttime activities. Spatially, the trajectories exhibited dispersion and uneven distribution, leading to the underutilization of numerous heritage resources. The distribution of starting and ending points of trajectories demonstrated a substantial correlation with neighboring natural villages. Consequently, this study offers valuable insights for informing decision‐making processes related to the development, construction, and optimization of the scenic area along the Great Wall and the planning and design of tourist routes.
How dependent are quantitative volcanic ash concentration and along‐flight dosage forecasts to model structural choices?
Authors: James Lauren A. , Dacre Helen F. , Harvey Natalie J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractProducing quantitative volcanic ash forecasts is challenging due to multiple sources of uncertainty. Careful consideration of this uncertainty is required to produce timely and robust hazard warnings. Structural uncertainty occurs when a model fails to produce accurate forecasts, despite good knowledge of the eruption source parameters, meteorological conditions and suitable parameterizations of transport and deposition processes. This uncertainty is frequently overlooked in forecasting practices. Using a Lagrangian particle dispersion model, simulations with varied output spatial resolution, temporal averaging period and particle release rate are performed to quantify the impact of these structural choices. This experiment reveals that, for the 2019 Raikoke eruption, structural choices give measurements of peak ash concentration spanning an order of magnitude, significantly impacting decision‐relevant thresholds used in aviation flight planning. Conversely, along‐flight dosage estimates exhibit less sensitivity to structural choices, suggesting it is a more robust metric to use in flight planning. Uncertainty can be reduced by eliminating structural choices that do not result in a favourable level of agreement with a high‐resolution reference simulation. Reliable forecasts require output spatial resolution 80 km, temporal averaging periods 3 h and particle release rates 5000 particles/h. This suggests that simulations with relatively small numbers of particles could be used to produce a large ensemble of simulations without significant loss of accuracy. Comparison with previous Raikoke simulations indicates that the uncertainty associated with these constrained structural choices is smaller than those associated with satellite constrained eruption source parameter and internal model parameter uncertainties. Thus, given suitable structural choices, other epistemic sources of uncertainty are likely to dominate. This insight is useful for the design of ensemble methodologies which are required to enable a shift from deterministic to probabilistic forecasting. The results are applicable to other long‐range dispersion problems and to Eulerian dispersion models.
Diffusion probabilistic priors for zero‐shot low‐dose CT image denoising
Authors: Liu Xuan , Xie Yaoqin , Liu Chenbin , Cheng Jun , Diao Songhui , Tan Shan , Liang Xiaokun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDenoising low‐dose computed tomography (CT) images is a critical task in medical image computing. Supervised deep learning‐based approaches have made significant advancements in this area in recent years. However, these methods typically require pairs of low‐dose and normal‐dose CT images for training, which are challenging to obtain in clinical settings. Existing unsupervised deep learning‐based methods often require training with a large number of low‐dose CT images or rely on specially designed data acquisition processes to obtain training data.PurposeTo address these limitations, we propose a novel unsupervised method that only utilizes normal‐dose CT images during training, enabling zero‐shot denoising of low‐dose CT images.MethodsOur method leverages the diffusion model, a powerful generative model. We begin by training a cascaded unconditional diffusion model capable of generating high‐quality normal‐dose CT images from low‐resolution to high‐resolution. The cascaded architecture makes the training of high‐resolution diffusion models more feasible. Subsequently, we introduce low‐dose CT images into the reverse process of the diffusion model as likelihood, combined with the priors provided by the diffusion model and iteratively solve multiple maximum a posteriori (MAP) problems to achieve denoising. Additionally, we propose methods to adaptively adjust the coefficients that balance the likelihood and prior in MAP estimations, allowing for adaptation to different noise levels in low‐dose CT images.ResultsWe test our method on low‐dose CT datasets of different regions with varying dose levels. The results demonstrate that our method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art unsupervised method and surpasses several supervised deep learning‐based methods. Our method achieves PSNR of 45.02 and 35.35 dB on the abdomen CT dataset and the chest CT dataset, respectively, surpassing the best unsupervised algorithm Noise2Sim in the comparative methods by 0.39 and 0.85 dB, respectively.ConclusionsWe propose a novel low‐dose CT image denoising method based on diffusion model. Our proposed method only requires normal‐dose CT images as training data, greatly alleviating the data scarcity issue faced by most deep learning‐based methods. At the same time, as an unsupervised algorithm, our method achieves very good qualitative and quantitative results. The Codes are available in https://github.com/DeepXuan/Dn‐Dp.
Is severe carbohydrate restriction necessary for appetite suppression? The ASKED randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roekenes Jessica A. , Aukan Marthe I. , Bomo Ola Jakob , Brechan Ingeborg , Knudsen Katarina A. , Hansen Jonas G. , Coutinho Sílvia R. , Rehfeld Jens F. , Truby Helen , Sainsbury Amanda , Svendsen Mette , Martins Catia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis trial aimed to compare three low‐energy diets (LEDs) with different amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) on ketosis and changes in hunger feelings in adults with obesity.MethodsA total of 101 adults (51 female) with obesity (BMI, mean [SEM], 34.7 [0.4] kg/m2) were randomized to follow three isocaloric LEDs (1000 kcal/day) for 8 weeks, containing either low, medium, or high CHO (70, 100, and 130 g/day, respectively), and 4 weeks of refeeding and weight stabilization. Body weight (BW) and composition, hunger and other appetite ratings, concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and appetite‐related hormones were measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 8 and 12.ResultsAt week 8, weight loss and βHB concentrations were significantly different among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (BW: 2.32 [0.95] kg, 95% CI: 0.44 to 4.21, p = 0.016; βHB: −0.40 [0.09] mM, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.09, p < 0.001); Low CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: 2.29 [0.96] kg, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.19, p = 0.016; βHB: −0.644 [0.10] mM, 95% CI: −0.84 to −0.44, p < 0.001); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: −0.03 [0.94] kg, 95% CI: −1.89 to 1.84, p = 0.977; βHB: −0.15 [0.08] mM, 95% CI: −0.30 to 0.002, p = 0.054). No significant differences in hunger were found among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (−10.87 [5.92] mm, 95% CI: −0.82 to 22.57, p = 0.068); Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (7.74 [7.36] mm, 95% CI: −6.77 to 22.26, p = 0.294); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (−3.13 [7.48] mm, 95% CI: −17.89 to 11.63, p = 0.676).ConclusionsAlthough the findings of this trial are not definitive, changes in hunger ratings with weight loss did not differ among groups. Additional studies with CHO intake of up to 130 g in 1000‐kcal/day LEDs are warranted to replicate these findings.
Comprehensive Optimization of PID Controller Parameters for DC Motor Speed Management Using a Modified Jellyfish Search Algorithm
Authors: Güven Aykut Fatih , Mengi Onur Özdal , Elseify Mohamed A. , Kamel Salah 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe proportional integral derivative (PID) controller plays a crucial role in various industrial applications. However, conventional methods often fail to provide optimal parameter values. Therefore, this study proposes a novel version of the jellyfish search (JS) algorithm, the modified jellyfish search (mJS) algorithm, for optimally tuning PID controllers to regulate the speed of a direct current (DC) motor. The original JS algorithm is known for its nature‐inspired approach; however, it has limitations in terms of exploitation power. To address these issues, the proposed mJS incorporates quasi‐dynamic opposed‐based learning and a Weibull probability distribution. The objective function minimizes the integral of the time‐weighted absolute error (ITAE). The effectiveness of mJS was validated by solving the 23rd classical benchmark function, followed by a comparative analysis with contemporary optimization algorithms using stringent statistical criteria. Then mJS is then applied to optimize the PID parameters of three different DC motor models. Results show that the mJS outperforms the standard JS, gray wolf optimization (GWO), JAYA, and golden jackal optimization (GJO) for various performance indicators. Specifically, the best ITAE values were 3.274e6 for DC motor 1 using the JS algorithm, 0.002737 for DC motor 2 using the GJO algorithm, and 0.02785 for DC motor 3 using the mJS algorithm. Additionally, the mJS and JS algorithms reduced the settling time to 0.005 s for DC motor 1, whereas the best settling time of 0.325 s for DC motor 2 was achieved by the mJS algorithm, and a settling time of 1.19 s was recorded for DC motor 3 using both the mJS and JS algorithms. These findings underscore the practical importance of the developed optimizer in engineering applications and its significant contribution to the literature.
Availability and Pricing of Drugs Prescribed by Otolaryngologists Through a Direct‐to‐Consumer Pharmacy: Medicare Savings Implications
Authors: Erickson Taylor S. , Pletcher Steven D. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Workman Alan D. , Rathi Vinay K. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHigh prescription drug prices can financially strain patients and insurers, with substantial clinical repercussions. In recent years, direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) pharmacies have emerged as potentially lower‐cost alternatives for patients to fill prescriptions. We evaluated whether drugs commonly prescribed by otolaryngologists were available at a national DTC pharmacy (Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company [MCCPDC]) and estimated potential Medicare savings from DTC pricing. We identified drugs and prices paid by Medicare Part D plans using the 2021 Drug Spending Dashboard. Our analysis included 16 generic drugs within the MCCPDC formulary, which offered lower prices for 14 (87.5%) drugs. If plans had secured MCCPDC pricing for all 16 drugs, Medicare patients and plans would have saved $2.9 billion (relative reduction: 62.3%) in 2021. Estimated total savings were greatest for budesonide‐formoterol ($1.9 billion), dexlansoprazole ($464.6 million), and levothyroxine ($327.4 million). Otolaryngologists and insurers may consider utilizing DTC pharmacies with lower drug prices, though patients may face challenges projecting out‐of‐pocket costs across pharmacies, medications, benefit phases, and formulary tiers.
Allelic interactions defining Raphanus raphanistrumAHAS resistance level: strong vs weak target‐site AHAS resistance alleles
Authors: Gil Mercedes , Garcia Federico , Breccia Gabriela , Ochogavía Ana C. , Nestares Graciela , Gundel Pedro E. , Han Heping , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B. , Vila‐Aiub Martin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChlorsulfuron resistance and genetic dominance was evaluated in Raphanus raphanistrum genotypes homozygous (122‐RR, 376‐RR), heterozygous (122‐RS, 376‐RS) and compound heterozygous (122‐R/376‐R) for the target‐site resistance mutations Ala‐122‐Tyr and Asp‐376‐Glu in the AHAS (acetohydroxyacid synthase) gene.RESULTSAt the AHAS level, 122‐RR and 122‐RS plants exhibited significantly higher I50 values than 376‐RR and 376‐RS plants, respectively. However, plants of the compound heterozygous genotype (122‐R/376‐R), showed no difference in AHAS activity compared to the 122‐RS genotype but lower activity than the 122‐RR genotype, and showed a nearly 400‐fold greater I50 value than both genotypes (376‐RR and 376‐RS) carrying the 376‐Glu allele. At the whole‐plant level, 100% survival was observed for 122‐RR plants at the highest chlorsulfuron dose of 640 g ha−1, yet 376‐RR plants showed no survival at 380 g ha−1. Thus, this survival difference resulted in different median lethal dose (LD50) estimates [>640 (122‐RR) versus 330 g ha−1(376‐RR)]. The effect of chlorsulfuron in reducing aboveground growth of surviving plants also was markedly lower for the homozygous 122‐RR (GR50 = 566 g ha−1) than for 376‐RR plants (GR50 = 66). Heterozygous plants carrying the 122‐Tyr allele (122‐RS) exhibited two‐ and five‐fold higher LD50 values than both homozygous and heterozygous plants carrying the 376‐Glu allele (376‐RR, 376‐RS), respectively. Along the difference in plant survival, 122‐RS plants also showed four‐fold higher GR50 than both 376‐RR and 376‐RS plants. Survival of plants with the compound heterozygous genotype (122‐R/376‐R) under increasing chlorsulfuron doses was similar to 122‐RR or 122‐RS genotypes. However, this compound heterozygous genotype showed two‐ and six‐fold higher LD50 values than 376‐RR or 376‐RS genotypes, respectively. However, both resistance 122‐Tyr and 376‐Glu alleles were dominant or nearly dominant over the wild‐type susceptible alleles (ALA‐122 and ASP‐376), and the resistance 122‐Tyr allele was dominant over the 376‐Glu allele.CONCLUSIONSThese results broaden our understanding of AHAS target‐site resistance in R. raphanistrum and strengthens the hypothesis that the AHAS 122‐Tyr allele corresponds to a stronger target‐site resistance allele than the 376‐Glu allele. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.