bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the spatial risk of wild birds in avian influenza transmission using poly-species risk score
Authors: Wu Hong-Dar Isaac , Chao Day-Yu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Accumulated evidences are in support of the critical role of migratory wild birds in highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HAPIV) spread and evolution. An effective surveillance strategy to study HPAIV dispersal in wild birds and identify critical interfaces between wild birds and poultry on the landscape for potential interspecies transmission and virus evolution will be essential. This study integrates conditional likelihood with epidemiological research designs to investigate the risk of poultry farm outbreaks due to the introduction of HPAIV by migratory birds from the Taiwan citizen scientist dataset. The prediction accuracy of poultry farm outbreaks was evaluated by employing the global risk score (GRS) of multiple species of wild birds under different significant level. Although 11 wild bird species demonstrated significant associations (P < 0.05) with HPAIV poultry farm outbreaks, the bird species with P < 0.1 gave the optimal area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Without prior adjustment of environmental factors, the posterior adjusted likelihood results suggested that the agricultural wetland yields notably strong positive odds ratio estimates for all species. The GRS under adjustment of environmental factors, a linear combination of the 27 migratory species and 27 resident species, was 0.320, yielding a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.77. The framework of GRS developed in this study can be applied to different countries for enhanced surveillance of HPAIV.
Advanced tractography results agree with communication between Global Workspace and Integrated Information consciousness areas
Authors: Lori Nicolas , Machado José 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The study of consciousness is gaining importance in both neuroscience and the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We show here that an advanced White Matter (WM) tractography method, termed gridography, can explore the potential integration of two prominent theories of consciousness: Global Workspace Theory (GWT) and Integrated Information Theory (IIT). Using gridography on high-resolution diffusion MRI data from the Human Connectome Project, we demonstrate that gridography can accurately map WM connections between the anterior brain regions associated with GWT and posterior regions linked to IIT. We evaluate how experimental gridography data aligns with the physiological structures implicated in consciousness by analyzing: i. the current status of consciousness-related brain locations; ii. structures necessary for transmitting consciousness-related information; iii. characteristics necessary for tractography to identify consciousness-related WM connections. Our findings suggest that these connections, particularly those of the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), support a unified model of consciousness integrating aspects of both the primarily epistemic GWT and the primarily ontic IIT. This study proposes a novel framework that could reconcile existing theoretical divisions between GWT and IIT.
A simple liquid culture method provides a novel tool for biotechnology
Authors: AKITA MOTOMU , Matsumoto Kotaro , Higashi Kazuya , Naka Yuki , Ito Kenji 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We propose a simple tool for liquid static culture using a copolymer film with high gas permeability. The film bags were successfully used to culture microorganisms Escherichia coli, Komagataella phaffii (methylotrophic) and Bacillus sp. (biofilm-forming), with cells cultured under physical stress-free conditions with sufficient oxygen supply. Direct oxygen supply from the film surface to the attached cells may be important for successful culturing.
Investigating Empathy and Alexithymia in teenager siblings of ASD people
Authors: Besharati Maral , Gharibzadeh Shahriar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have provided different perspectives on empathy and alexithymia in siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and these abilities are often uniquely challenged. This study was conducted to investigate the levels of empathy and alexithymia and to identify the differences of these psychological constructs in adolescent siblings of ASD patients compared to the control group.
Methods
a quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted on two groups of people between the ages of 12 and 15 years. IRI-short test was used to evaluate empathy and TAS-20 test was used to measure Alexithymia.
Results
This study showed a significant difference in emotional competencies between the two groups. siblings with ASD showed higher levels of alexithymia (P < 0/05, r = 0.56) and lower levels of empathy compared to siblings of typically developing individuals (P < 0/05, r = 0.46). These findings suggest that having a sibling with ASD may negatively affect emotional processing and the development of empathy in siblings.
Conclusions
This study points to the effect of the behavioral characteristics of an autistic person on the level of alexithymia and empathy of siblings, and on the one hand, emphasizes the importance of considering the boarder phenotype of autism while dealing with welfare and well-being interventions.
Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with thrombocytopenia
Authors: peng Yuanhong , Cheng Jirong , Ma Di , He Miao , Li Xing , Wu Qian , Wu Qiurong , Yuan Guohua 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with thrombocytopenia (TP).
Methods:The clinical data of SLE patients with TP were collected. These TP patients were matched with SLE patients without TP in the same period at a 1:1 ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for comparison.
Results: The incidence of leukopenia, anemia, lupus nephritis, and hyper-IgG in the TP group increased significantly. Additionally, the SLEDAI score in the TP group was higher (P<0.05), while the incidence of anti-u1-RNP antibody and anti-SSA antibody was lower than that in the non-TP group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that leukopenia, anemia, and lupus nephritis were independent risk factors for TP (P < 0.05). There were 67 patients with mild and moderate TP (PLT > 20×10^9/L), and 40 patients with severe TP (PLT ≤ 20×10^9/L). The number of bone marrow megakaryocytes (MK) in the mild and moderate TP group [19.5 (8, 41.25)] was lower than that in the severe TP group [55 (13, 142)] (P = 0.007). Platelet MK production in the mild and moderate TP group was significantly higher than that in the severe TP group (P=0.028). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), high-dose glucocorticoids, and tacrolimus were more commonly utilized in the severe TP group, whereas mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was more frequently used in the mild and moderate TP groups (P < 0.05). The effective rate of patients with severe TP was lower than that of patients with mild and moderate TP (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: TP often accompanied with anemia, leukopenia, and a high SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Leukopenia, anemia, and lupus nephritis are independent risk factors for TP. Patients with severe TP tend to use high-dose glucocorticoids and IVIG, and the effective rate of treatment for mild and moderate TP is higher. The recurrence frequency of patients with severe TP after complete remission is significantly higher than that of patients with mild and moderate TP.
Tin contamination in sediments of Lake Zurich: source, spread, history and risk assessment
Authors: Roethlin Remo L. , Meister Aurélia C. E. , Gilli Adrian , Lennartz Sinikka T. , Amsler Helen Eri , Dittrich Maria , Wehrli Bernhard , Schönbächler Maria , Dubois Nathalie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Industrial activities of a silk dyeing factory in Thalwil, on the shore of Lake Zurich, Switzerland, caused extreme Sn contamination of lake sediments. In this study, we determine the contamination's age, source, and spreading using a multiproxy approach. We used X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) core scanning and further geochemical analyses to assess the contamination spreading and thickness in the sedimentary column. We found elevated Sn levels throughout sediments of Lake Zurich, ranging from 177 g/kg in front of the former silk factory to 0.05 g/kg at the southeast end (background: ca. 0.006 g/kg). The rapid concentration drop away from the shore suggests quick precipitation of a sparingly soluble inorganic Sn compound, which is confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope Imaging in tandem with Energy-dispersive XRF spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) data. The Sn XRF profile of a varved core indicates a contamination onset in the early 1890s, a maximum around 1900, and a gradual decrease to low levels in the 1940s. High Sn concentrations in turbidite layers indicate that mass movements physically remobilised Sn. However, in stable conditions, in-situ porewater measurements (conc. < 0.5 μg/L) using dialyse plates show little Sn remobilisation into the lake water (0.05 mg/a/m2). The low remobilisation, reducing conditions, and high sulphide contents in the contaminated layers suggest that Sn is firmly bound to the sediments. Combined with the low toxicity of Sn, we conclude that the Sn contamination poses no threat to lake biota or drinking water production.
Mutations in ErbB2 accumulating in the male germline measured by error-corrected sequencing
Authors: Tiermann-Boege Irene , Yasari Atena , Heinzl Monika , Mair Theresa , Kariminian Tina , Aldawla Shehab Moukbel Ali , Hartl Ingrid , Lanzerstorfer Peter , Betancourt Andrea 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Mutations in the male germline are a driving force behind rare genetic diseases. Driver mutations enjoying a selective advantage expand to mutant clusters within the aged testis, and are thus overrepresented in sperm with age. Other kinds of driver mutations, occurring pre-pubescently, are the focus of recent attention given their high occurrence independent of age. Here, we investigate the gene ErbB2 with error-corrected-sequencing, and find a high rate of missense mutations, including recurrent ones, observed mainly in the tyrosine kinase domain with likely functional consequences, as we verified for a subset with biophysical methods. While these mutations increased with age, we found no evidence that they originate from mutational clusters in the aged-testis, and young donors also showed an accumulation of driver mutations-- suggesting that the mutational enrichment is not exclusive to the sexually mature germline, but can occur earlier during germline development forming evenly distributed micro-mosaics stable in size.
Dynamic analysis of tethered satellites with a payload moving along a flexible tether
Authors: Ahn Yohan , Jang Woojae , Lee Jeonga , Chung Jintai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a three-body tethered satellite system with a flexible tether, focusing on a scenario in which a payload is transported along the tether connecting two satellites. Traditional models use rigid tethers, limiting the analysis of complex dynamics such as tether deformation, slack, and rebound. To address these limitations, we employed the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) to model the flexibility of the tether. We derived nonlinear equations of motion using Lagrange’s equation and solved them using the Newmark time integration method to obtain the dynamic responses of the satellite system. Our findings revealed that the Coriolis effect caused significant deviations in the payload trajectory as its mass and speed increased, leading to greater tether deformation, slack, and potential system destabilization. Additionally, axial force fluctuations in the tether varied notably as the payload moved, transitioning between tensile and compressive states. This study provides a more accurate representation of three-body tethered satellite systems by incorporating tether flexibility, offering valuable insights into the dynamic behavior and stability of the system.
Development and Validation of a questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards hearing loss prevention by using Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Asghari Mehdi , Shamsi Mohsen , Kohansal Behieh , Abbasinia Marzieh , Moradzadeh Rahmatollah , Gorji Rahim , Bahrami Mahdieh , Palangi Hossein Safari 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Improving the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of workers exposed to noise using a suitable tool can be inexpensive and effective method. This requires the consideration of Motivation, threat appraisal and coping appraisal. Therefore, the goal of this study is to create an assessment tool to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices of workers utilizing the Protection Motivation Theory model.
Methods
In this study, a tool was developed based on the Protection Motivation Theory through an analysis of relevant literature and expert opinions. The face validity of the tool was assessed using the Item Impact Score, which was evaluated by fifteen experts with experience in occupational noise. The content validity was determined using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). The reliability of the tool was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and the Intracluster Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.
Results
A Protection Motivation Theory based questionnaire was designed with a total of 70 questions consisting of These constructs include 11 questions for knowledge, perceived sensitivity (11 questions), perceived intensity (6 questions), fear (5 questions), self-efficacy (4 questions), perceived costs (8 questions), perceived response efficiency (3 questions), perceived rewards (5 questions), perceived protection motivation (8 questions) and 9 questions for behavior. The Impact Score results indicated that all questions received high scores above 4, emphasizing their significance within the constructed questionnaire. Additionally, all questions recorded a Content Validity Index (CVI) exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.8. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) for all questions surpassed 0.538. Furthermore, the Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient for all factors exceeded the acceptable value of 0.7. Notably, the intra-cluster correlation index results demonstrated values greater than 0.7 for all factors except perceived sensitivity.
Conclusion
Evaluating knowledge and attitudes towards preventive measures, along with adopting behaviors to mitigate the risk of hearing loss, can be viewed as a cost-effective protective strategy. Consequently, the creation of an appropriate tool for this task holds significant importance. The outcomes of this research underscore the strong validity and reliability of the developed tool, as evidenced by the specified factors.
Digestive physiology of the Amazonian freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon wallacei (Elasmobranchii: Potamotrygonidae): processing capacity for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
Authors: Machado Rubia Neris , Duncan Wallice Paxiúba 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this study, we used digestive enzyme profiles to understand the proteolytic, lipolytic potential and capacity to hydrolyze carbohydrates in the digestive tube of the Amazonian freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon wallacei. The processing capacity for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates was examined using the absolute activities of digestive enzymes. The results of this study showed that the stingray P. wallacei has a high activity of acid proteases such as endoproteases (pepsin and elastase) in the stomach and high proteolytic potential (trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase and leucine amino peptidase) in the spiral intestine. This can be explained by the fact that P. wallacei has a protein-rich diet, preferably based on crab, shrimp, insect larvae and small fish in their natural environment. The activities of non-specific lipases and esterases (both in the cardiac stomach and spiral intestine) suggest a high capacity for lipolysis, possibly to hydrolyze high lipid contents present in insect larvae. Although carbohydrates are not macronutrients that are found in significant levels in the food items of this stingray, in our study, it was observed that the carbohydrates were also upregulated. The SEM-based model suggests the usual pattern showing the common role of endopeptidases (chymotrypsin and elastase) associated with leucine amino peptidase and trypsin in the other parallel pathway to complete the digestion of proteins in the spiral intestine. P. wallacei appears to have no detectable amount of carboxypeptidase A, which is possibly due to the strong action of stomach pepsin. The results of this study may help in the management of this species in captivity, especially related to feeding habits.
Air pollution in New Delhi is more severe than we thought
Authors: Chen Ying 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

New Delhi, India, is suffering from one of the worst air quality in the world, estimated to be responsible for 10,000 premature deaths per year. Although the high pollution level of fine particulate matter (PM1) in New Delhi has attracted global attention, the true level of PM1 pollution could still be underestimated due to the inherent sampling bias associated with particle hygroscopic growth. Here, we compile a comprehensive in-situ observation dataset from a series of recent studies in New Delhi, to quantify this bias for the first time. We found that the more severe pollution the larger underestimation, and report the underestimate can research up to 20% (or 50 µg/m3) of PM1 concentration on average in humid winter morning rush hours. This study fills in the gap of the understanding of PM1 pollution in the most polluted megacity in the world, and provides a calibration approach for future studies to develop better understanding of air quality in New Delhi.
WITHDRAWN: Ethylene-induced postharvest changes in five Chinese bayberry cultivars affecting the fruit shelf life and quality preservation
Authors: Saeed Mostafa , Zhao Lan , Rashwan Ahmed K. , Osman Ahmed I. , Chen Zhuyun , Wang Guoyun , Zhou Chaochao , Tu Ting , Alabd Ahmed , Jiao Yun , Gao Zhongshan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ethylene is an essential indicator of fruit ripening and quality; thus, this study investigated the postharvest behavior of five Chinese bayberry cultivars according to their climacteric or non-climacteric nature. These cultivars represented four different fruit-color groups, including ‘Biqi’, ‘Dongkui’, ‘Fenhong’, ‘Xiazhihong’, and ‘Shuijing’. The fruits have been harvested and stored at both room temperature (25°C) and cold storage conditions (4°C) to investigate the dynamics of ethylene production, firmness, anthocyanin content, and cell wall polysaccharide composition, as well as basic fruit physicochemical characteristics. The results found that Chinese bayberry is a climacteric fruit with ethylene production peaking shortly after harvest, especially at room temperature. Fruit's color also intensified over time due to anthocyanin accumulation, especially in the flesh core. Darker fruit varieties produced more ethylene, which was linked to increased anthocyanin accumulation. Firmness significantly decreases at room temperature due to hemicellulose and insoluble pectin degradation, while cold storage mitigates this effect. Total soluble solids (TSS) increase during storage, enhancing sweetness, especially at room temperature, with ‘Biqi’ TSS rising from 9.2 to 10.9% at 4°C. Titratable acidity (TA) slightly decreases over time, where ‘Biqi's’ TA reduced from 1.2% to 0.95% at room temperature and 1.1% at 4°C. Citric, malic, and tartaric acid generally decline at room temperature but stabilize under cold storage. Sucrose, fructose, and glucose increase or remain stable, with significant varietal differences. These findings emphasize the role of ethylene in affecting the postharvest quality and shelf life of Chinese bayberry fruit by affecting the color, firmness, and consumer appeal.
A microbial-electronic optical communication language for intestinal monitoring and regulation
Authors: Wang Hanjie , Zhang Xinyu , Feng Zhijie , Li Hongxiang , Yang Haoyan , Li Lianyue , Zhang Chao , Dai Pengxiu , Wang Hanxin , Xue Huimin , Wang Yaxin , Sun Dawei , Liu Xinyu , Li Mingshan , Lu Shenjunjie , Liu Jing , Du Taofeng , Liu Duo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Gastrointestinal microbes play roles of biomolecular sensing and healthy intervention in human bodies but cannot be monitored and regulated by human instructions. Here, we establish a bidirectional optical communication language between engineered microbes and designer electronic capsules respectively based on photo sensing and optogenetics to realize remote monitoring and regulating of intestinal health. As a proof of concept, we engineer nitric oxide microbial biosensors to generate bioluminescent output signal for diagnosis of pig colitis, which is processed by electronic capsule and remotely monitored by smartphones. Reversely, smartphones send wireless signals to control LED luminescence in electronic capsule to activate the optogenetics of engineered microbes to relieve pig colitis. This language form of semiconductor synthetic biology enables new opportunities for health monitoring and active intervention.
"Unveiling the Unforeseen: Diclofenac-Triggered Near-Fatal rapid onset Asthma in a Stable Asthmatic Individual Managed by NIV" A Unique Case report.
Authors: NMM Risly , JF Sahana , Weerasinghe Dinesh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This case report details a 35-year-old woman with a history of mild intermittent asthma, who presented with rapid-onset severe respiratory distress shortly after ingesting oral diclofenac sodium for neck pain. Despite being well-controlled with inhalers for over a year, she developed near-fatal asthma, characterized by severe hypoxia, hypercapnia, and altered mental status, requiring immediate, multidisciplinary interventions. The patient was treated with high-flow oxygen, back-to-back nebulizations, and non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP), resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the rare but severe risk of NSAID-induced asthma exacerbations and signifies the importance of prompt recognition and aggressive treatment in managing life-threatening asthma episodes.
Planets Influences on Earthquakes
Authors: Azooz Aasim A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between planetary positions and earthquake activity using statistical analysis of data from the National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) Global Significant Earthquake Database, specifically focusing on NOAA global R5 + earthquake data from 1900 to 2023. The analysis examines correlations between the mean number of earthquakes per day over two-year intervals and the mean heliocentric acceleration of selected planets during the same periods. Results for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune suggest interesting correlations between planetary acceleration and the mean daily number of earthquakes. Due to sample size constraints, this analysis could not be applied to the inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Additionally, the statistical bias resulting from uneven time and earthquake data density prevents a similar analysis for Pluto. Nevertheless, the findings for the four outer planets are intriguing and provide compelling evidence of a possible influence of planetary positions on earthquake activity. * Corresponding Author e-mail aasimazooz1@yahoo.com