bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference Values of Ceruloplasmin across the Adult Age Range in a Large Italian Healthy Population
Authors: Pelucchi Sara , Risca Giulia , Lanzafame Corradina , Scollo Chiara Mariadele , Garofalo Andrea , Martinez Davide , Mariani Raffaella , Botti Mara , Capitoli Giulia , Rossi Fabio , Casati Marco , Piperno Alberto , Galimberti Stefania 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is the most important serum copper transport protein playing a key role in the binding of iron to transferrin. It is a positive acute-phase response protein and the first-level diagnostic marker for Wilson disease and aceruloplasminemia. However, standardization of Cp measurement has not been successful, and assay specific reference levels of Cp are required.

Methods
From May 2019 to July 2022, we enrolled 1706 consecutive healthy Italian blood donors (1285 men and 421 women, 18 to 65 years) to identify the reference intervals of serum Cp through quantile regression and evaluate the relationship of Cp with age, sex, iron, and metabolic status through linear regression.

Results
We found that mean serum Cp was influenced by sex and slightly by age. The lower reference Cp value rose slightly with increasing age in both men and women. The upper reference value increased, reaching a plateau of about 25 mg/dL around 25 years in men, while in women it initially increased to around 45 mg/dL in young adults to fall sharply below 30 mg/dL for adults after their fifties.

Conclusions
We showed that the normal reference curves of serum Cp vary according to sex in a large population of healthy adults. While the lower reference values did not appear to be influenced by age and sex, the upper ones differed according to sex and age showing a particularly high variability in women, possibly reflecting different hormonal status.
Study of infostealers using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Bustos-Tabernero Álvaro , López-Sánchez Daniel , González-Arrieta Angélica , Novais Paulo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCybersecurity technology has the ability to detect malware through a variety of methods, such as signature recognition, logical rules or the identification of known malware stored in a database or public source. However, threat actors continuously try to create new variants of existing malware by obfuscating or altering parts of the code to evade detection by antivirus engines. Infostealers are one of the most common malicious programs aimed at obtaining personal or banking information from an infected system and exfiltrating it. In addition, they are the precursors of potentially high-security incidents because attackers gain a entry into companies’ internal systems and may even access them with administrator permissions. This article demonstrates how a feature vector can be obtained from the assembly code of a Windows binary and how a a Graph Neural Network can be used to determine, with ninety percent accuracy, whether it is an infostealer.
The Gaia ultracool dwarf sample – V: the ultracool dwarf companion catalogue
Authors: Baig Sayan , Smart R L , Jones Hugh R A , Gagné Jonathan , Pinfield D J , Cheng Gemma , Moranta Leslie 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
We present the Ultracool Dwarf Companion Catalogue of 278 multiple systems, 32 of which are newly discovered, each with at least one spectroscopically confirmed Ultracool Dwarf, within a 100 pc volume-limited sample. This catalogue is compiled using the Gaia Catalogue of Nearby Stars for stellar primaries and the Gaia Ultracool Dwarf Sample for low-mass companions and includes 241 doubles, 33 triples, and 4 higher-order systems established from positional, proper motion, and parallax constraints. The catalogue seeks to identify probable benchmark systems within 100 pc to obtain model-independent astrophysical parameters of Ultracool Dwarfs. Chance alignment probabilities are calculated to evaluate the physical nature of each system. Astrometric and photometric data from Gaia Data Release 3 and the Two Micron All Sky Survey are included for all objects. We identify potential unseen companions using a combination of the renormalized unit weight error, image parameter determination statistics, non-single star solutions, and photometric blending as provided by Gaia, identifying hierarchical Ultracool triple systems. Our catalogue includes 17 White Dwarf – Ultracool Dwarf systems, whose ages are determined using cooling models. We also use the Gaia FLAME results and the BANYAN Σ procedures to age 40 and 34 systems, respectively, and derive mass estimates from evolutionary models.
Early stages of gap opening by planets in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Cordwell Amelia J , Rafikov Roman R 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Annular substructures in protoplanetary discs, ubiquitous in sub-mm observations, can be caused by gravitational coupling between a disc and its embedded planets. Planetary density waves inject angular momentum into the disc leading to gap opening only after travelling some distance and steepening into shocks (in the absence of linear damping); no angular momentum is deposited in the planetary co-orbital region, where the wave has not shocked yet. Despite that, simulations show mass evacuation from the co-orbital region even in inviscid discs, leading to smooth double-trough gap profiles. Here, we consider the early time-dependent stages of planetary gap opening in inviscid discs. We find that an often-overlooked contribution to the angular momentum balance caused by the time-variability of the specific angular momentum of the disc fluid (caused, in turn, by the time-variability of the radial pressure support) plays a key role in gap opening. Focusing on the regime of shallow gaps with depths of $\lesssim 20~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, we demonstrate analytically that early gap opening is a self-similar process, with the amplitude of the planet-driven perturbation growing linearly in time and the radial gap profile that can be computed semi-analytically. We show that mass indeed gets evacuated from the co-orbital region even in inviscid discs. This evolution pattern holds even in viscous discs over a limited period of time. These results are found to be in excellent agreement with 2D numerical simulations. Our simple gap evolution solutions can be used in studies of dust dynamics near planets and for interpreting protoplanetary disc observations.
Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard) has been replacing Anas rubripes (American Black Duck) in human-altered landscapes in Ontario, 1996 to 2019
Authors: Roy Christian , Iverson Samuel , Meyer Shawn W , Dyson Matthew E , Cox Amelia R 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Anas rubripes (American Black Duck) has received much attention over the years as a popular game bird species that experienced historical declines on its wintering grounds. Declines may be due to changes in the quality and quantity of breeding habitat, competition with A. platyrhynchos (Mallard), or both. Although the A. rubripes population has stabilized, spatial variation in regional population trends of A. rubripes on their breeding grounds can provide insight into the relative importance of these alternative hypotheses at provincial and local scales. We analyzed indicated breeding pairs count data collected in Ontario between 1996 and 2019 through the Eastern Waterfowl Survey to evaluate the correlation in breeding densities and trends of the 5 most abundant waterfowl species. We also tested whether habitat and anthropogenic disturbance variables could explain the distribution of those species. Overall, A. platyrhynchos breeding pair densities increased across the survey area, whereas A. rubripes breeding pair densities decreased in the southern and northern part of the survey area but remained stable in the central part. Densities of breeding pairs of A. rubripes and A. platyrhynchos were negatively correlated across survey plots but the trends in breeding densities were not correlated. Densities of A. platyrhynchos breeding pairs increased in human altered landscapes, whereas the density of A. rubripes breeding pairs was negatively correlated with agriculture. Our results suggest that A. platyrhynchos did not competitively exclude A. rubripes on the breeding grounds, but instead, A. rubripes were replaced by A. platyrhynchos following encroachment of agriculture into A. rubripes breeding habitat. Habitat management plans focused on breeding A. rubripes should emphasize reduction in the expansion of anthropogenic perturbations and increases in habitat conservation efforts in the central area of the breeding range in Ontario.
From complexity to clarity: How AI enhances perceptions of scientists and the public's understanding of science
Authors: Markowitz David M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article evaluated the effectiveness of using generative AI to simplify science communication and enhance the public's understanding of science. By comparing lay summaries of journal articles from PNAS, yoked to those generated by AI, this work first assessed linguistic simplicity differences across such summaries and public perceptions in follow-up experiments. Specifically, study 1a analyzed simplicity features of PNAS abstracts (scientific summaries) and significance statements (lay summaries), observing that lay summaries were indeed linguistically simpler, but effect size differences were small. Study 1b used a large language model, GPT-4, to create significance statements based on paper abstracts and this more than doubled the average effect size without fine-tuning. Study 2 experimentally demonstrated that simply-written generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) summaries facilitated more favorable perceptions of scientists (they were perceived as more credible and trustworthy, but less intelligent) than more complexly written human PNAS summaries. Crucially, study 3 experimentally demonstrated that participants comprehended scientific writing better after reading simple GPT summaries compared to complex PNAS summaries. In their own words, participants also summarized scientific papers in a more detailed and concrete manner after reading GPT summaries compared to PNAS summaries of the same article. AI has the potential to engage scientific communities and the public via a simple language heuristic, advocating for its integration into scientific dissemination for a more informed society.
Causal linkage of psoriasis with ageing: Mendelian randomization and enrichment analysis towards telomere length and psoriasis
Authors: Cao Ziqin , Li Yajia , Wu Jianhuang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Several studies demonstrated potential associations between the telomere length (TL) in leukocytes and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to investigate whether there was the causal genetic relationship between TL and psoriatic diseases bidirectionally.

Methods
Two-sample univariable MR (UVMR) analysis was applied to explore the bidirectional causal association of TL with overall psoriasis, psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and PsA. Multivariable MR (MVMR) and the mediation effects analysis were applied to test whether the bidirectional associations between TLs and psoriasis were mediated by body mass index (BMI), alcohol, and smoking status.

Results
According to the UVMR results, a negative causal impact of TL on the risk of overall psoriasis was found (OR = 0.775; 95% CI: 0.646–0.931; P = 6.36 × 10−3), and a similar trend was observed in the reversed direction for psoriasis-TL (IVW-β = −0.0097; 95% CI: −0.0170 to −0.0024; P = 9.12 × 10−3). There were also negative genetic associations between TL and PV bidirectionally. The independent association of genetically predicted TL and overall psoriasis persisted in the MVMR results controlled for BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption (ORMVMR = 0.736; 95% CI: 0.597 to 0.907; P = 0.004). An independent significant association of genetic predisposition to PsA with TL was also found (βMVMR = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.012; P = 0.033). The mediation analysis showed that BMI partially mediated the reverse association between PSO and TL.

Conclusion
This MR study revealed an association between genetic indicators of shortened TL and risk of overall psoriasis and PV, and genetic predisposition to PsA was associated with longer TL.
Key message What is already known on this topic? Telomere length (TL) is acknowledged to reflect an individual's biological age but is also associated with dysregulated immune function and immunosenescence. The impact of aging on psoriasis is controversial. Existing evidence suggests that aging may influence pathological changes and clinical course but whether aging is an independent risk factor remains unclear. What this study adds? The current study found an association between genetic indicators of shortened TL and the risk of overall psoriasis and psoriasis vulgaris (PV). There was a bidirectional link between genetically indicated overall psoriasis and shortened TL. A possible positive genetic association between PsA and TL was also found. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? Our study may provide evidence for TL as new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in clinical practices for psoriasis. Greater efforts to psoriasis management may substantially reduce the aging attributable to TL shortening. Future large-scale GWAS and experimental studies are warranted to examine the mechanistic basis for links between TL and psoriasis to improve understanding and illuminate possible therapeutic targets for psoriatic disease.
How Advanced Practice Clinicians Support Education for and Contribute to Education of Graduate Medical Education Trainees: A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Barker Andrea M. , Konopasky Abigail W. , Varpio Lara , Soh Michael , Poole Brian R. , Stalmeijer Renée E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
With the introduction of physician assistants and nurse practitioners (i.e., advanced practice clinicians [APCs]), the landscape of graduate medical education (GME) has fundamentally changed. Whereas APCs’ role in GME settings has been mainly described as substitutes for postgraduate medical trainees, APCs are increasingly considered integrated and collaborative team members. However, APCs’ contributions to trainees’ education and learning remain underexplored. This critical review synthesized the literature available on how APCs contribute to trainees’ workplace learning and how these contributions are enabled.

Method
The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from database inception dates to April 2023 for published articles reporting on educational or guiding behaviors of APCs in GME contexts, resulting in 1,830 articles for possible inclusion. Using a critical review approach, the analysis was informed by a previously published framework describing workplace guidance behaviors and the authors’ clinical and research expertise.

Results
A total of 58 articles were included in the study. Advanced practice clinicians contribute to trainees’ workplace learning through a variety of guidance behaviors, including learning from patient care, demonstrating, support, socialization, feedback, involvement in evaluations, and other unspecified contributions. Thematic analysis indicated that APCs’ contributions were enabled by their close working relationships with trainees, their unique perspective within the workplace, and the extent to which they were formally incorporated within workplace learning.

Conclusions
This critical review offers a concrete description of ways APCs are contributing to trainees’ learning and education in the GME workplace across the literature. These results suggest that APCs could be a potentially untapped source for further optimizing workplace learning. However, unlocking this potential will require a shift in the conceptualization of APCs’ role in the workplace. Opportunities for APC professional development and formalization of APCs’ educational role should be considered.
Comparison of Performance for Cochlear-Implant Listeners Using Audio Processing Strategies Based on Short-Time Fast Fourier Transform or Spectral Feature Extraction
Authors: Zhang Yue , Johannesen Peter T. , Molaee-Ardekani Behnam , Wijetillake Aswin , Attili Chiea Rafael , Hasan Pierre-Yves , Segovia-Martínez Manuel , Lopez-Poveda Enrique A. 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
We compared sound quality and performance for a conventional cochlear-implant (CI) audio processing strategy based on short-time fast-Fourier transform (Crystalis) and an experimental strategy based on spectral feature extraction (SFE). In the latter, the more salient spectral features (acoustic events) were extracted and mapped into the CI stimulation electrodes. We hypothesized that (1) SFE would be superior to Crystalis because it can encode acoustic spectral features without the constraints imposed by the short-time fast-Fourier transform bin width, and (2) the potential benefit of SFE would be greater for CI users who have less neural cross-channel interactions.

Design:
To examine the first hypothesis, 6 users of Oticon Medical Digisonic SP CIs were tested in a double-blind design with the SFE and Crystalis strategies on various aspects: word recognition in quiet, speech-in-noise reception threshold (SRT), consonant discrimination in quiet, listening effort, melody contour identification (MCI), and subjective sound quality. Word recognition and SRTs were measured on the first and last day of testing (4 to 5 days apart) to assess potential learning and/or acclimatization effects. Other tests were run once between the first and last testing day. Listening effort was assessed by measuring pupil dilation. MCI involved identifying a five-tone contour among five possible contours. Sound quality was assessed subjectively using the multiple stimulus with hidden reference and anchor (MUSHRA) paradigm for sentences, music, and ambient sounds. To examine the second hypothesis, cross-channel interaction was assessed behaviorally using forward masking.

Results:
Word recognition was similar for the two strategies on the first day of testing and improved for both strategies on the last day of testing, with Crystalis improving significantly more. SRTs were worse with SFE than Crystalis on the first day of testing but became comparable on the last day of testing. Consonant discrimination scores were higher for Crystalis than for the SFE strategy. MCI scores and listening effort were not substantially different across strategies. Subjective sound quality scores were lower for the SFE than for the Crystalis strategy. The difference in performance with SFE and Crystalis was greater for CI users with higher channel interaction.

Conclusions:
CI-user performance was similar with the SFE and Crystalis strategies. Longer acclimatization times may be required to reveal the full potential of the SFE strategy.
Developing a Framework for Industrial Noise Risk Management Based on Noise Kurtosis and Its Adjustment
Authors: Zhang Meibian , Zeng Anke , Zou Hua , Xin Jiarui , Su Shibiao , Qiu Wei , Sun Xin 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
Noise risk control or management based on noise level has been documented, but noise risk management based on a combination of noise level and noise’s temporal structure is rarely reported. This study aimed to develop a framework for industrial noise risk management based on noise kurtosis (reflecting noise’s temporal structure) and its adjustment for the noise level.

Design:
A total of 2805 Chinese manufacturing workers were investigated using a cross-sectional survey. The noise exposure data of each subject included LEX,8h, cumulative noise exposure (CNE), kurtosis, and kurtosis-adjusted LEX,8h (LEX,8h-K). Noise-induced permanent threshold shifts were estimated at 3, 4, and 6 kHz frequencies (NIPTS346) and 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz frequencies (NIPTS1234). The prevalence of high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss prevalence (HFNIHL%) and noise-induced hearing impairment (NIHI%) were determined. Risk346 or Risk1234 was predicted using the ISO 1999 or NIOSH 1998 model. A noise risk management framework based on kurtosis and its adjustment was developed.

Results:
Kurtosis could identify the noise type; Kurtosis combining noise levels could identify the homogeneous noise exposure group (HNEG) among workers. Noise kurtosis was a risk factor of HFNIHL or NIHI with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.57 or 1.52 (p < 0.01). At a similar CNE level, the NIPTS346, HFNIHL%, NIPTS1234, or NIHI% increased with increasing kurtosis. A nonlinear regression equation (expressed by logistic function) could rebuild a reliable dose–effect relationship between LEX,8h-K and NIPTS346 at the 70 to 95 dB(A) noise level range. After the kurtosis adjustment, the median LEX,8h was increased by 5.45 dB(A); the predicted Risk346 and Risk1234 were increased by 11.2 and 9.5%, respectively; NIPTS346-K of complex noise at exposure level <80, 80 to 85, and 85 to 90 dB(A), determined from the nonlinear regression equation, was almost the same as the Gaussian noise. Risk management measures could be recommended based on the exposure risk rating or the kurtosis-adjusted action levels (e.g., the lower and upper action levels were 80 and 85 dB(A), respectively).

Conclusions:
The kurtosis and its adjustment for noise levels can be used to develop an occupational health risk management framework for industrial noise. More human studies are needed to verify the risk management framework.