bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of ecological enzymes and nutrients mediated by soil microorganisms in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest under nitrogen deposition
Authors: Li Xiaodong , SU Lianbo , Wang Keqin , Song Chenggong , Song Yali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Microorganisms are critical in forest ecosystems, where they secrete soil ecological enzymes and mediate nutrient cycling. These processes are essential in determining how these ecosystems respond to nitrogen (N) deposition inputs. In this study, an N deposition experiment was conducted with three levels of N addition treatments in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in southwest China. The aim was to identify the effects of low (LN: 10 g·m−2·yr−1), medium (MN: 20 g·m−2·yr−1), and high N addition (HN: 25 g·m−2·yr−1) on soil microbial community structure, diversity, ecological enzyme activities, and nutrient content, and to explore whether and how soil microorganisms influence ecological enzyme activity and nutrient cycling. Our observations indicated that surface soil exhibited the highest microbial diversity, ecological enzyme activities, and nutrient contents. N deposition led to a reduction in soil bacterial and fungal diversity, with bacterial diversity consistently higher than fungal diversity. Moreover, bacterial community structures were generally more diverse and complex compared to fungal communities. The study emphasized that bacteria were relatively enriched under LN treatment, while fungi exhibited higher relative abundance under control conditions. Different soil microbial groups exhibited distinct responses to N deposition, with an inhibitory effect on enzyme activities such as invertase (Inv), urease (Ure), and acid phosphatase (ACP), and an enhancement of catalase (CAT) activity. With increasing N deposition levels, soil organic carbon (SOC), total N (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents decreased, whereas total potassium (TK), nitrate N (NO3—-N), and ammonium N (NH4+-N) exhibited the opposite trend. Co-linearity network analysis revealed stronger interactions among soil bacteria compared to fungi. The dominant bacterial phyla Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia showed stronger correlations with Ure and ACP, respectively, while Acidobacteria exhibited a higher correlation with TP. Among the dominant fungal phyla, Basidiomycota had stronger correlations with CAT, NO3—-N, and NH4+-N, while Ascomycota was notably associated with Inv. These results suggest that soil bacteria have stronger correlations with ecological enzymes, whereas soil fungi are more closely related to nutrient dynamics. This implies that bacteria and fungi have distinct advantages in enzyme secretion and nutrient mediation, leading to a trend of nutritional complementarity.
Transcriptome-wide N6-methyladenosine modification profiling of long non-coding RNAs in patients with recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Lili , Gao Wenxin , Liu Yidan , Yue Feng , Ma Xiaoling , Liu Lin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in most biological processes and actively participates in the regulation of reproduction. According to recently research, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their m6A modifications are involved in reproductive diseases. In the present study, using m6A modified RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m6A-seq), the m6A methylation transcription profiles in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) were established for the first time. 1443 significantly up-regulated m6A peaks and 425 significantly down-regulated m6A peaks were identified in RIF. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that genes associated differentially methylated lncRNAs were involved in classical p53 signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism. Then, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network revealed a regulatory relationship between lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs. The m6A methylation abundances of lncRNAs were verified by m6A-RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR in this study. This study will lay a foundation for further exploration of the potential role of m6A modification in the pathogenesis of RIF.
A deletion in a photosynthesis-related gene (PpPSAK) determines the anthocyanin accumulation in the mesocarp of French blood-flesh peaches
Authors: HEURTEVIN Laure , CONFOLENT Carole , LAMBERT Patrick , BUREAU Sylvie , PASCAL Thierry , SHEN Zhijun , QUILOT Bénédicte 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Accumulation of anthocyanin pigments is a primary determinant of fruit quality in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). The recessive blood-flesh trait (bf), identified in French cultivars has been first mapped on chromosome 4. However, the underlying gene has yet been identified. In this study, the genetic, molecular and transcriptional bases of the bf trait were investigated. Blood-flesh cultivars showed high levels of cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside in the fruit mesocarp about 45–60 days after anthesis. A fine mapping coupled to a positional cloning strategy mapped the bf locus to a 80-kb interval on peach linkage group (LG) 4. The sequence polymorphism analysis of genes present in this interval allowed the identification of only one candidate gene for bf as being a deletion of 21-bp in exon 3 of a PSAK-like gene. A specific marker of the deletion was developed and validated in various genetic backgrounds. An expression study of PpPSAK as well as structural, regulatory and photosynthesis related genes was performed on a kinetic from 60 days after blooming up to fruit maturity. Overexpression of PpPSAK in flesh and midrib of bf fruit was correlated with expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis structural genes. Interactions between proteins were observed and open discussion on functional pathways.
Predicting Maximum Amplitude and Rise Time of Solar Cycle 25 Using Modified Geomagnetic Precursor Technique
Authors: Rajwanshi Anushree , Kumar Sachin , Das Rupesh M. , Srivast Nandita , Sharma Kavita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The sun is rapidly approaching towards the pinnacle of its activity in ongoing cycle 25. Solar activity variations cause changes in interplanetary and near-Earth space environment and may deteriorate the operation of space-borne and ground based technological systems (space flights, navigation, radars, high-frequency radio communications, ground power lines, etc.). Scientists predict the exact duration and intensity of each solar cycle based on a variety of methods ranging from purely statistical models using observations of previous cycles to complex simulations of solar physics. In the present study, we utilized the planetary magnetic activity ‘Ap’ index in relation to sunspot activity and sunspot area for the period 1932–2019, covering Solar Cycles 17 to 24, as geomagnetic precursor pair for predicting the maximum amplitude and its time of occurrence for ongoing Cycle 25. The monthly average sunspot data and disturbed days are processed through regression analysis and the obtained analytical results further validated by the observed sunspots of cycle 17 to 24. Hind casting results show close agreement between predicted and observed maximum amplitudes of cycles 17 to 24 to about 10 percent. A multivariate fit using the two best DI indices in variate block 9 also gives the similar correlation to about 0.94 with standard error of estimation (±14). This study divulges that the maximum sunspot number for Solar Cycle 25 is expected to be ≈ 112 ± 18. The probable peak time of cycle 25, after analysis, is found to be 48 ± 3 months. The peak might appear in between October 2023 – April 2024. The obtained results suggest that ongoing cycle akin to the previous Solar Cycle 24 in terms of predicted maximum sunspot numbers.
Association of Early Perioperative Stroke After Cardiothoracic Surgery with Intraoperative Regional Cerebral Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Comparing Affected Versus Non-Affected Hemispheres
Authors: Pierik Ramon , Scheeren Thomas W.L. , Erasmus Michiel E. , Bergh Walter M. van den 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery are at risk of developing perioperative stroke, but residual effects of anaesthesia may hamper timely detection. This study aims to determine if there is an association between intraoperative regional cerebral oxygenation (ScO2) monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the occurrence of early perioperative stroke within three days after cardiothoracic surgery.
Methods
We performed a single-center retrospective observational cohort study including all consecutive cardiothoracic surgery patients with routinely perioperative ScO2 monitoring admitted postoperatively to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between 2008 and 2017. Patients with a confirmed stroke in the anterior cerebral circulation on brain imaging were included in the analysis. Intraoperative area under the curve (AUC), duration, and total ScO2 excursions below predefined thresholds (50% ScO2 or a reduction of 20% below baseline ScO2) were calculated for each hemisphere. Stroke-affected and non-affected hemispheres were compared using logistic regression analyses to evaluate if there is an association between ScO2 values and stroke.
Results
Of the 2454 cardiothoracic surgery patients with perioperative ScO2 monitoring, 39 had a anterior stroke on brain imaging. ScO2 readings of 44 affected hemispheres were compared to 34 non-affected hemispheres. The AUC ScO2 <50% or 20% from baseline (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.97-1.01), duration (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.98-1.00), and number (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.79-1.23) of ScO2 excursions below predefined thresholds were not significantly different in affected hemispheres compared to non-affected hemispheres.
Conclusion
Low ScO2 levels during cardiothoracic surgery were not associated with the occurrence of an early perioperative stroke within three days after surgery.
Optimal intracorporeal anastomosis for colectomy: A comparative experimental evaluation through 3D anastomosis models
Authors: Fujii Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Seiya , Kimura Sho , Suzuki Shogo , Miyai Hirotaka , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Kobayashi Kenji , Takiguchi Shuji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) is gradually becoming widespread; however, there are no detailed reports on its configuration. The aim of this study was to create three-dimensional IA models and compare their configurations in detail. Three types of IA models were used: overlap anastomosis (OLA), delta-shaped anastomosis (DSA), and functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA). In experiment 1, three-dimensional images of each anastomosis model were created. Additionally, the length of each staple line comprising the anastomotic site was measured. In experiment 2, the length of intestinal mobilization required for anastomosis was compared. The circumference of the anastomosis in OLA (141.5 ± 3.3 mm) was significantly greater than those in DSA (87.9 ± 0.9 mm; p < 0.001) and FEEA (89.6 ± 10 mm; p < 0.0001). The length of the intestinal tract after the anastomosis in DSA (33 ± 6.9 mm) was significantly shorter than that in FEEA (76 ± 2 mm; p < 0.0001) and OLA (60 ± 5 mm; p < 0.002). In this study, we successfully constructed three-dimensional images of IA models. OLA may be the least likely cause of stricture, and DSA may contribute to minimizing bowel mobilization required for anastomosis.
Heart Language Model: Training and Fine-tuning Transformer-Based Foundation Models With Electrocardiogram Annotations
Authors: Gushev Marjan , Tudjarski Stojancho , Kanoulas Evangelos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of transformer-based foundation models to detect Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) in electrocardiogram (ECG) processing, an arrhythmia specified as an irregular heart rhythm without patterns. We construct a language with tokens from heartbeat locations to detect irregular heart rhythms by applying a transformers-based neural network architecture previously used only for building natural language models. Specifically, our experiments include 41, 128, 256, and 512 tokens, representing parts of ECG recordings after tokenization. The method consists of training the foundation model with annotated benchmark databases, then fine-tuning on a much smaller dataset and evaluating different ECG datasets from those used in the fine-tuning. The best-performing model achieved an F1 score of 93,33 % to detect AFIB in an ECG segment composed of 41 heartbeats by evaluating different training and testing ECG benchmark datasets. The results showed that a foundation model trained with a large data corpus could be fine-tuned with a much smaller annotated dataset to detect and classify arrhythmia from ECGs. This work paves the way for the transformation of foundation models into invaluable cardiologist assistants soon, opening the possibility of training foundation models with even more data to achieve even better performance scores.
Multi-scale Recurrent Network for Video Defocus Deblurring
Authors: Chen Jing , Qiu Zhao , Yu Jiale 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Video stands as the paramount medium for humans to perceive the world, and within this realm, video defocus deblurring (VDD) emerges as a distinct blurring phenomenon, distinct from both single image defocus deblurring (SIDD) and motion-induced video blurring. Despite its significance, VDD remains an underexplored territory in academic research. In this study, we introduce a novel neural network architecture, grounded in a multi-scale recurrent framework, tailored for VDD. This architecture meticulously propagates information features through a recurrent neural structure, employing a cascaded approach. With a view to minimize computational overhead, we incorporate prior feature fusion techniques within the latent space. Additionally, we introduce a novel metric to quantitatively evaluate the clarity of defocused blur. Our model emerges as the preeminent performer on the synthesized, customized Defocus Video dataset.
Evaluation of criterion-based audit in improving quality of neonatal birth asphyxia care at Balaka district hospital in Malawi
Authors: Mwalweni Chank , Chirwa Ellen Mbweza , Chimala Eveles Banda , Shaba Mirriam Window , Lowole Leone , Kasawala Lucia , Mwakhundi Christina Kalawa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Birth asphyxia remains one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths worldwide with a higher incidence in resource limited countries such as Malawi. At Balaka district hospital, Birth asphyxia is the primary cause of neonatal mortality accounting for 37.3% of the district’s neonatal deaths. Although various quality improvement initiatives on birth asphyxia such as Helping Babies Breathe have been documented in Malawi, there is limited information on use of criterion based audit (CBA) to enhance the care of neonates with birth asphyxia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of criterion-based audit in improving quality of neonatal birth asphyxia care at Balaka district hospital in Malawi.
Methods
A CBA on the care of babies born with birth asphyxia was conducted at Balaka district hospital in Malawi. The care practices were assessed through a retrospective review of 110 cases notes and compared with a locally established standards, by a multidisciplinary team, based on the Malawi guidelines on care of the infant and newborn and World Health Organization manuals. The gaps in current practice were identified, reasons discussed, and recommendations made and implemented. A re-audit was conducted on 110 case notes six months after the initial audit.
Results
The re-audit showed significant improvements in many of the set criteria for quality care: Checking of vital signs (80% vs. 98.2%; p = 0.000), appropriate investigations check (0.9% vs. 74%; p = 0.000), Thermal support (82.7% vs. 91.8%; p = 0.041), Correct diagnosis (60% vs. 81%; p = 0.001), Correct treatment (18.7% vs. 81%; p = 0.000), Correct Feeding (12.7% vs. 56.4%; p = 0.000), Clinicians’ ward rounds (0% vs. 72%; p = 0.000), and Daily weight check (49.1% vs. 93%; p = 0.000). Additionally, neonatal death decreased from 11% in initial audit to 5% in the re-audit.
Conclusion
CBA is a low-cost tool that can significantly improve the care of neonates with birth asphyxia in resource-limited countries.
Long-term combined “new sports” and resistance exercise improves the physical and mental health of elderly people with stroke-associated hemiplegia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Akimoto Takayuki , Chang Ji-Suk , Lee Ho-Seong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Hemiplegia, a common consequence of stroke, significantly impacts daily life by causing muscle weakness, impaired balance, and reduced mobility, often leading to mental health issues such as depression. The combined new sports and resistance exercise program aims to enhance both physical fitness and social interaction. We hypothesized that the combined exercise program would improve the participants’ physical and mental health better than resistance exercise alone.
Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of 24 weeks of a combined new sports and resistance exercise program on the physical and mental health of elderly people with hemiplegia. Thirty elderly people aged 65–74 years with hemiplegia were randomly divided into combined new sports and resistance exercise (NS+RE), resistance exercise (RE), and control groups. Indicators of physical health (range of motion [ROM], Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Functional Gait Assessment, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and mental health (Grooved Pegboard Test [GPT], Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES], and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life [SS-QOL]) were measured before and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks of exercise training.
Results: Compared with the RE and control groups, the NS+RE group showed significant improvements in ROM, RSES, and SS-QOL starting at 8 weeks, GPT starting at 16 weeks, and BBS and GDS at 24 weeks.
Conclusions: We conclude that combined new sports and resistance exercise was more effective than resistance exercise alone in terms of improving the physical and mental health of elderly people with hemiplegia. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating new sports into rehabilitation strategies and sustaining long-term exercise for lasting benefits.
Trial registration: We retrospectively registered the study with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of the Republic of Korea, an entity approved by the World Health Organization (registration number KCT0008524, registration date 15/06/2023).
Clustering Explanation based on Multi-Hyperrectangle
Authors: Zeng Tao , Zhong Caiming , Pan Tiejun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Clustering plays a crucial role in data mining and pattern recognition, but the interpretation of clustering results is often challenging. Existing interpretation methods usually lack an intuitive and accurate description of irregular shapes and high-dimensional data. This paper proposes a clustering explanation method based on a Multi-HyperRectangle (MHR), for extracting post hoc explanations of clustering results. MHR first generates initial hyperrectangles to cover a cluster, and then gradually merges these hyperrectangles to obtain the optimal shape that fits the cluster. Furthermore, we propose a refinement method to improve the tightness of the hyperrectangles to make the interpretation results more precise and easier to understand. Experimental results show that MHR has significant advantages in terms of tightness and accuracy of cluster interpretation.
On a partially degenerate West Nile virus model in closed advective environments
Authors: Xing Jie , Nie Hua , Wu Jianhua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To gain deeper insights into the impact of bird dispersal and advection on the spread of the West Nile virus, this study focuses on a partially degenerate reaction-diffusion model of the virus within closed advective environments with spatial heterogeneity. Initially, we define the basic reproduction number for this model and establish a threshold-type result based on it. Furthermore, we explore properties of the basic reproduction number concerning diffusion and advection rates by analyzing an eigenvalue problem involving weight and potential. The detailed dynamical classifications of such a model are delineated as the diffusion and advection rates vary. Theoretical and numerical results indicate that spatial heterogeneity, diffusion rate, advection rate and recovery rate of birds all significantly impact the survival or extinction of species.
2020MR Subject Classification: 35K55, 35B35, 92B05.
Analysis of ecological vulnerability and driving factors in the context of global climate change: A case study of Himalayan transboundary landscape
Authors: Zhu Kun , Zhu Yiwei , Zhao Zhenyu , Du Yuxiao , Wang Yu , Guo Xin , Fu Jin , Gao Jun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Under the dual influence of global climate change and human activities, the carrying capacity and buffering capacity of the Himalayan transboundary alpine ecosystem are being severely tested. This study focused on the transboundary nature reserves and national parks located in the Himalayas, which include Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, Manaslu Conservation Area, Langtang National Park, Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, Makalu Barun National Park and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Specifically, based on the analysis of land use changes and landscape pattern characteristics during 2000, 2010, and 2020, the main influencing factors of the landscape pattern changes were explored. Additionally, the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram (VSD) model was further utilized to construct the ecological vulnerability assessment system. The results indicated that: 1) The land use types in the study area have undergone changed, with notable changes observed in bare land and construction land. Glacier to bare land (512.00 km2), bare land to glacial or water area (127.49km2, 114.33 km2), shrub to construction land (72.91 km2), and water area to bare land (69.89 km2) were the main types of land transformation in this area. 2) The fragmentation level of ecological landscape types showed a trend of initial increase followed by decrease. The patch dominance of bare land was much higher than that of other land types, and the fragmentation degree was lower on the north slope than on the south slope. 3) From a temporal perspective, the regional ecological vulnerability was decreased. From a spatial perspective, the ecological vulnerability of the southern slope was generally lower than that of the northern slope, indicating a better ecological environment on the south slope. 4) The annual mean temperature, population density, and annual precipitation are the main factors affecting PD; annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are the main factors affecting LPI; annual precipitation, NDVI, and slope are the main factors affecting LSI; annual precipitation and slope are the main factors affecting CONTAG; annual precipitation, NDVI, and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) are the main factors affecting SHEI. This study focused on the landscape pattern and ecological vulnerability around the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. Providing a typical sample for transboundary cooperation in ecological conservation areas in the Himalayan region and better promoting sustainable development in transboundary areas.