bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic screening for heart failure and optimization of the care pathway for individuals with pacemakers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paton Maria F. , Gierula John , Jamil Haqeel A. , Straw Sam , Lowry Judith E. , Byrom Rowena , Slater Thomas A. , Fellows Alasdair M. , Gillott Richard G. , Chumun Hemant , Smith Paul , Cubbon Richard M. , Stocken Deborah D. , Kearney Mark T. , Witte Klaus K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndividuals with pacemakers are at increased risk of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Whether screening for and optimizing the medical management of LVSD in these individuals can improve clinical outcomes is unknown. In the present study, in a multicenter controlled trial (OPT-PACE), we randomized 1,201 patients (717 men) with a pacemaker to echocardiography screening or usual care. In the screening arm, LVSD was detected in 201 of 600 (34%) patients, who then received management in either primary care or a specialist heart failure (HF) and devices clinic. The primary outcome of the trial was the difference in a composite of time to first HF hospitalization or death. Over 31 months (interquartile range = 30–40 months), the primary outcome occurred in 106 of 600 (18%) patients receiving echocardiography screening, which was not significantly different compared with the occurrence of the primary outcome in 115 of 601 (19%) patients receiving the usual care (hazard ratio = 0.89; 95% confidence interval = 0.69, 1.17). In a prespecified, nonrandomized, exploratory analysis, patients with LVSD managed by the specialist clinic experienced the primary outcome event less frequently than those managed in primary care. The results of this trial indicate that echocardiography screening commonly identifies LVSD in individuals with pacemakers but alone does not alter outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01819662.
Oral SARS-CoV-2 host responses predict the early COVID-19 disease course
Authors: Seaman William T. , Keener Olive , Nanayakkara Dinelka , Mollan Katie R. , Premkumar Lakshmanane , Cuadra Edwing Centeno , Jones Corbin D. , Pettifor Audrey , Bowman Natalie M. ,   UNC OBSc Working Group, Wohl David , Wolfgang Matt , Markmann Alena , Hoffman Erin , Kronk Catherine , Mitchem Olivia , O′Reilly Camille , de Silva Aravinda , Lovell Will , Phillips S. T. , Ramsey Kathy , Blake Jo-Ann , Maile Rob , Wang Frank , Webster-Cyriaque Jennifer 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOral fluids provide ready detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host responses. This study sought to evaluate relationships between oral virus, oral and systemic anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, and symptoms. Oral fluids (saliva/throat wash (saliva/TW)) and serum were collected from asymptomatic and symptomatic, nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR+ human participants (n = 45). SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR and N-antigen detection by immunoblot and lateral flow assay (LFA) were performed. RT-qPCR for subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) was sequence confirmed. SARS-CoV-2-anti-S protein RBD LFA and ELISA assessed IgM and IgG responses. Structural analysis identified host salivary molecules analogous to SARS-CoV-2-N-antigen. At time of enrollment (baseline, BL), LFA-detected N-antigen in 86% of TW and was immunoblot-confirmed. However, only 3/17 were saliva/TW qPCR+ . Sixty percent of saliva and 83% of TW demonstrated persistent N-antigen at 4 weeks. N-antigen LFA signal in three anti-spike sero-negative participants suggested potential cross-detection of 4 structurally analogous salivary RNA binding proteins (alignment 19–29aa, RMSD 1–1.5 Angstroms). At enrollment, symptomatic participants demonstrated replication-associated sgRNA junctions, were IgG+ (94%/100% in saliva/TW), and IgM+ (63%/54%). At 4 weeks, SARS-CoV-2 IgG (100%/83%) and IgM (80%/67%) persisted. Oral and serum IgG correlated 100% with NP+ PCR status. Cough and fatigue severity (p = 0.010 and 0.018 respectively), and presence of weakness, nausea, and composite upper respiratory symptoms (p = 0.037, 0.005, and 0.017, respectively) were negatively associated with saliva IgM but not TW or serum IgM. Throat wash IgM levels were higher in women compared to men, although the association did not reach statistical significance (median: 290 (female) versus 0.697, p = 0.056). Important to transmission and disease course, oral viral replication and persistence showed clear relationships with select symptoms and early oral IgM responses during early infection. N-antigen cross-reactivity may reflect mimicry of structurally analogous host proteins.
Potential negative impacts of climate change outweigh opportunities for the Colombian Pacific Ocean Shrimp Fishery
Authors: Benavides Iván Felipe , Garcés-Vargas José , Selvaraj John Josephraj 
Published: September 2024

AbstractClimate change brings a range of challenges and opportunities to shrimp fisheries globally. The case of the Colombian Pacific Ocean (CPO) is notable due the crucial role of shrimps in the economy, supporting livelihoods for numerous families. However, the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of shrimps loom large, making it urgent to scrutinize the prospective alterations that might unfurl across the CPO. Employing the Species Distribution Modeling approach under Global Circulation Model scenarios, we predicted the current and future potential distributions of five commercially important shrimps (Litopenaeus occidentalis, Xiphopenaeus riveti, Solenocera agassizii, Penaeus brevirostris, and Penaeus californiensis) based on an annual cycle, and considering the decades 2030 and 2050 under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP 2.6, SSP 4.5, SSP 7.0, and SSP 8.5. The Bathymetric Projection Method was utilized to obtain spatiotemporal ocean bottom predictors, giving the models more realism for reliable habitat predictions. Six spatiotemporal attributes were computed to gauge the changes in these distributions: area, depth range, spatial aggregation, percentage suitability change, gain or loss of areas, and seasonality. L. occidentalis and X. riveti exhibited favorable shifts during the initial semester for both decades and all scenarios, but unfavorable changes during the latter half of the year, primarily influenced by projected modifications in bottom salinity and bottom temperature. Conversely, for S. agassizii, P. brevirostris, and P. californiensis, predominantly negative changes surfaced across all months, decades, and scenarios, primarily driven by precipitation. These changes pose both threats and opportunities to shrimp fisheries in the CPO. However, their effects are not uniform across space and time. Instead, they form a mosaic of complex interactions that merit careful consideration when seeking practical solutions. These findings hold potential utility for informed decision-making, climate change mitigation, and adaptive strategies within the context of shrimp fisheries management in the CPO.
Radiation and mechanical performance of cementitious materials containing ecofriendly nano laboratory waste glass
Authors: Elsalamawy Mona , Gouda Mona M. , Abdalmawla Israa G. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , El-Khatib Ahmed M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study helps in managing waste glass and greening the environment by incorporating laboratory waste glass into mortar production to make an eco-friendly shielding material against gamma rays. The efficiency of using waste glass powder as a cement replacement or addition in mortar production was studied by using two waste glass sizes: micro glass (particle size range from 10.09 to 24.73 μm) and nano glass (particle size range from 10.57 to 26.42 nm) to design different mortar specimens with varying percentages of fine glass powder from 0 to 30%. Compressive strength and flexure strength were evaluated to determine mechanical properties. The results indicated that adding WGP to mortar positively affects the characteristics of cementitious composites. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were experimentally determined using a NaI detector and various radioactive sources (Am-241, Ba-133, Eu-152, Cs-137, and Co-60) with gamma energies ranging from 59.53 to 1332 keV. The obtained coefficients were then compared to the theoretical values of the composites using XCOM software to verify their accuracy. Additionally, the half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number were computed. Furthermore, the results revealed that the mortar sample with 30% nano additive glass was the most effective in reducing gamma radiation.
Fire enhances changes in phosphorus (P) dynamics determining potential post-fire soil recovery in Mediterranean woodlands
Authors: Souza-Alonso P. , Prats S. A. , Merino A. , Guiomar N. , Guijarro M. , Madrigal J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSoil phosphorus (P), which is essential for ecosystem functioning, undergoes notable changes after fire. However, the extent to which fire characteristics affect P dynamics remains largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of type of fire (prescribed burning and natural wildfires) of different levels of severity on P dynamics in Mediterranean soils. Soil P concentrations in the organic layers were strongly affected by fire severity but not fire type. Low severity fire did not have any observable effect, while moderate fire increased soil P levels by 62% and high severity decreased soil P concentration by 19%. After one year, the soil P concentration remained unchanged in the low severity fires, while rather complex recovery was observed after moderate and high severity fires. In the mineral layers, P concentration was reduced (by 25%) immediately after the fires and maintained for one year (at 42%). 31P-NMR spectroscopy revealed almost complete post-fire mineralization of organic P forms (mono- and diesters), large increases in inorganic orthophosphate and a decrease in the organic:inorganic P ratio (Po:Pi). After one year, di-esters and orthophosphate recovered to pre-fire levels at all sites, except those where parent material composition (high pH and Fe concentration) had an enduring effect on orthophosphate retention, and thus, on the total soil P. We showed that fire severity and soil pH (and hence, soil mineralogy) played an essential role in soil P dynamics. These findings are important for reliable assessment of the effects of fire on soil P conservation and for improving the understanding the impact of prescribed burning.
The study of plain CT combined with contrast-enhanced CT-based models in predicting malignancy of solitary solid pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Cui Xiaonan , Wang Jing , Cui Sha , Yang Jianghua , Meng Junjie , Zhu Weijie , Li Zhiqi , Niu Jinliang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo compare the diagnostic performance between plain CT-based model and plain plus contrast CT-based modelin the classification of malignancy for solitary solid pulmonary nodules. Between January 2012 and July 2021, 527 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary solid pulmonary nodules were collected at dual centers with similar CT examinations and scanning parameters. Before surgery, all patients underwent both plain and contrast-enhanced chest CT scans. Two clinical characteristics, fifteen plain CT characteristics, and four enhanced characteristics were used to develop two logistic regression models: model 1 (plain CT only) and model 2 (plain + contrast CT). The diagnostic performance of the two models was assessed separately in the development and external validation cohorts using the AUC. 392 patients from Center A were included in the training cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 15.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 55.8 [SD, 9.9] years; male, 53.3%). 135 patients from Center B were included in the external validation cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 16.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 56.4 [SD, 9.6] years; male, 51.9%). Preoperative patients with 201 malignant (adenocarcinoma, 148 [73.6%]; squamous cell carcinoma, 35 [17.4%]; large cell carcinoma,18 [9.0%]) and 326 benign (pulmonary hamartoma, 118 [36.2%]; sclerosing pneumocytoma, 35 [10.7%]; tuberculosis, 104 [31.9%]; inflammatory pseudonodule, 69 [21.2%]) solitary solid pulmonary nodules were gathered from two independent centers. The mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC (95%CI) of model 1 (Plain CT only) were 0.79, 0.78, 0.79, 0.67, 0.87, and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.82–0.93), the model 2 (Plain + Contrast CT) were 0.88, 0.91, 0.90, 0.84, 0.93, 0.93 (95%CI, 0.88–0.98) in external validation cohort, respectively. A logistic regression model based on plain and contrast-enhanced CT characteristics showed exceptional performance in the evaluation of malignancy for solitary solid lung nodules. Utilizing this contrast-enhanced CT model would provide recommendations concerning follow-up or surgical intervention for preoperative patients presenting with solid lung nodules.
Distribution of euptyctimous mite Phthiracarus longulus (Acari: Oribatida) under future climate change in the Palearctic
Authors: Marquardt Tomasz , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Niedbała Wojciech 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to prepare, describe and discuss the models of the current and future distribution of Phthiracarus longulus (Koch, 1841) (Acari: Oribatida: Euptyctima), the oribatid mite species widely distributed within the Palearctic. We used the maximum entropy (MAXENT) method to predict its current and future (until the year 2100) distribution based on macroclimatic bio-variables. To our best knowledge, this is the first-ever prediction of distribution in mite species using environmental niche modelling. The main thermal variables that shape the current distribution of P. longulus are the temperature annual range, mean temperature of the coldest quarter and the annual mean temperature, while for precipitation variables the most important is precipitation of the driest quarter. Regardless of the climatic change scenario (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) our models show generally the northward shift of species range, and in Southern Europe the loss of most habitats with parallel upslope shift. According to our current model, the most of suitable habitats for P. longulus are located in the European part of Palearctic. In general, the species range is mostly affected in Europe. The most stable areas of P. longulus distribution were the Jutland with surrounding southern coasts of Scandinavia, islands of the Danish Straits and the region of Trondheim Fjord.
Hair cortisol concentrations in clipped and combed hair and associations with characteristics, health status and stress in domestic cats
Authors: Rothlin-Zachrisson Ninni , Röcklinsberg Helena , Jettel Emma , Bergqvist Felicia Johansson , Stadig Sarah , Öhlund Malin , Mariti Chiara , Holst Bodil Ström 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are measured to assess long-term HPA-axis activity and may represent a valuable non-invasive tool to evaluate chronic stress in cats. This study investigated combing as a novel, low-stress method for HCC assessment, as well as possible associations between HCC and cat characteristics in 167 owned cats. Hair was sampled at veterinary clinics through clipping and/or combing the cat, or at home by the owner combing the cat. A questionnaire was sent to cat owners, including inquiries about the cat’s sex, health status, and exposure to stress. HCC was quantified using a commercial cortisol assay kit. Despite variations within and between sampling methods, Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman plots revealed a moderate correlation between clipped and combed samples (rs = 0.61, LOA -5.51 ± 22.54). In multiple linear regression, variations in HCC were observed based on sex, health status and cat group size. No associations were found between HCC and stress as assessed by owners. Despite study limitations and remaining uncertainty regarding factors influencing HCC, combing presents a convenient approach for evaluating long-term HPA-axis activity in clinical settings. The association between health and HCC suggests alterations in cortisol levels that are related to disease processes and stress-inducing events associated with the disease.
Astrocyte allocation during brain development is controlled by Tcf4-mediated fate restriction
Authors: Zhang Yandong , Li Dan , Cai Yuqun , Zou Rui , Zhang Yilan , Deng Xin , Wang Yafei , Tang Tianxiang , Ma Yuanyuan , Wu Feizhen , Xie Yunli 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAstrocytes in the brain exhibit regional heterogeneity contributing to regional circuits involved in higher-order brain functions, yet the mechanisms controlling their distribution remain unclear. Here, we show that the precise allocation of astrocytes to specific brain regions during development is achieved through transcription factor 4 (Tcf4)-mediated fate restriction based on their embryonic origin. Loss of Tcf4 in ventral telencephalic neural progenitor cells alters the fate of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to transient intermediate astrocyte precursor cells, resulting in mislocalized astrocytes in the dorsal neocortex. These ectopic astrocytes engage with neocortical neurons and acquire features reminiscent of dorsal neocortical astrocytes. Furthermore, Tcf4 functions as a suppressor of astrocyte fate during the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived from the ventral telencephalon, thereby restricting the fate to the oligodendrocyte lineage in the dorsal neocortex. Together, our findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for Tcf4 in regulating astrocyte allocation, offering additional insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders linked to Tcf4 mutations.
Torque ripple suppression method of high saturation permanent magnet synchronous motor based on current injection method
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Yu Qitao , Li Chengxu , Gao Jian , Liu Kun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTorque ripple is an important factor affecting the smoothness of permanent magnet synchronous motor. However, for high saturation permanent magnet synchronous motor (HSPMSM), the flux linkage of permanent magnet is nonlinear, which leads to poor effect of traditional torque ripple suppression methods. Therefore, by systematically considering the amplitude and phase changes of the permanent magnet flux link‐age for the first time, this paper analyzes the torque ripple mechanism of high saturation motors and establishes a corresponding mathematical model. To minimize the loss caused by harmonic currents, two torque ripple suppression methods are proposed: one based on the NSGA‐II algorithm and the other based on an analytical method. Finally, the effectiveness of the two algorithms is verified by the experimental comparison. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional methods, the two algorithms can effectively suppress the torque ripple under the premise of considering the influence of the motor magnetic saturation on the flux linkage and inductance, and improve the output torque smoothness of HSPMSM.
Design of non‐contact capacitive displacement detection methods for magnetic levitated sphere
Authors: Huang Xing , Hua Guoxiang , Li Weiwei , Yan Jiyuan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo meet the demand for non‐contact displacement detection of magnetic levitation spheres, single‐ended and differential variable electrode distance capacitance displacement detection schemes are designed in this paper. For these two schemes, finite element simulation models are established in COMSOL Multiphysics software to obtain the relationship between the test capacitance and the displacement of the magnetic levitation sphere. In the single‐ended scheme, there is a non‐linear relationship between the test capacitance and the position of the levitated sphere, and this non‐linearity becomes more significant as the sphere moves away from the electrode plate. In contrast, in the differential scheme, the test capacitance and the displacement of the levitated sphere follow a linear relationship, but the test sensitivity decreases with the expansion of the measuring range. The simulation results of the differential scheme have been verified by building a spherical displacement detection simulator, and thanks to the mature development of capacitive detection circuits, the scheme is expected to achieve better than nanoscale displacement detection resolution in the 6.6 mm displacement range of a magnetic levitation sphere in the future.
Le boom du cacao au Liberia, répétition de quatre siècles de migrations. La « déforestation importée » face à l’histoire
Authors: Ruf François , Galo Abelle 
Published: September 2024

Un nouveau boom du cacao a commencé au Liberia. La forêt primaire du pays régresse de jour en jour pour être convertie en cacaoyères alors que le règlement européen interdisant la « déforestation importée » est censé s’appliquer en janvier 2025. L’objectif ici est de comprendre la nature de ce boom. Suit-il le modèle universel des cycles du cacao, à base de migrations massives ? Si c’est le cas, ce règlement européen aura-t-il un effet sur les défrichements de forêts au Liberia ? L’analyse s’appuie sur une première enquête réalisée au Liberia en 2021–2022 auprès de 93 planteurs de cacao, dans des villages proches de la frontière ivoirienne (70 migrants et 23 autochtones), puis d’une rapide enquête complémentaire auprès de 34 planteurs migrants en 2024. Quelques entretiens ouverts réalisés dans des villages ivoiriens complètent la compréhension du processus en cours au Liberia. Le boom cacaoyer du Liberia présente quelques spécificités, notamment l’adoption précoce d’intrants chimiques, mais il suit clairement les règles de quatre siècles d’histoire du cacao. Le boom repose avant tout sur des migrations massives depuis la Côte d’Ivoire, principalement de la communauté des Burkinabé installés en Côte d’Ivoire. Les planteurs et fils de planteurs cherchent désespérément des terres et des forêts, qu’ils trouvent désormais au Liberia. L’histoire nous enseigne qu’un tel boom est inarrêtable. Le fossé entre le règlement européen et les réalités locales ne peut que s’élargir.
Development of a Stereospecific Strategy for the Total Synthesis of Diplodialide C and Formal Synthesis of (–)-Curvularin
Authors: Saha Sumit , Kumar Ravan , Banerjee Amit 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA concise and efficient stereospecific approach for the total synthesis of diplodialide C (R,R and S,S isomers) has been demonstrated using chiral homoglycidol and propylene oxide as a source of starting material. Further oxidized ketolide product derived from diplodialide C (S,S isomer) was applied to the formal synthesis of (–)-curvularin following reported known literature.