bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
House dust mite immunotherapy: A real‐world, prescription data‐based analysis
Authors: Mösges R. , Richter H. , Sager A. , Weber J. , Müller T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundHouse dust mite (HDM) sensitisation can contribute to the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) or allergic asthma (AA). As treatment, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a promising approach, since it aims building immunotolerance against allergens, therewith establishing long‐term efficacy. The evaluation of AIT has been investigated in many randomised controlled trials, whereas few real‐world evidence studies are available.MethodsWe used data from the longitudinal prescription data base IQVIA™ LRx. Data on initial AIT prescriptions against HDM from January 2009 to December 2013 was analysed regarding treatment (subcutaneous AIT with either depigmented polymerised allergen extract [dSCIT] or other allergens [oSCIT], or sublingual immunotherapy [SLIT]) and treatment duration. Treatment groups were compared with a control group of AR patients not receiving AIT. Data on symptomatic medication was collected until February 2017 and progression of AR and AA was compared.ResultsData of 7260 patients with AIT prescriptions and of 21,780 control patients was analysed. AIT was associated with a significant decrease of AR medication intake compared with control (dSCIT: −34.0%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: −25.7%, p < 0.0001; SLIT: −37.7%, p = 0.0026). In asthmatics, SCIT was associated with a significant decrease of asthma medication compared with control (dSCIT: −45.2%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: −32.9%, p < 0.0001). Further, a significantly reduced likelihood for onset of asthma medication was demonstrated in patients treated with SCIT compared with controls (dSCIT OR: 0.759, p = 0.0476; oSCIT OR: 0.815, p = 0.0339).ConclusionReal‐world data analyses indicate that AIT, particularly given via a subcutaneous route, reduces the need of medication against AR and AA and might delay the onset of asthma medication in patients with AR.
Sexual Dimorphism of Spinal Neural Circuits Controlling the Mouse External Urethral Sphincter With and Without Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Karnup Sergei , Hashimoto Mamoru , Cho Kang Jun , Beckel Jonathan , de Groat William , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTSpinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts coordination between the bladder and the external urinary sphincter (EUS), leading to transient or permanent voiding impairment, which is more severe in males. Male versus female differences in spinal circuits related to the EUS as well as post‐SCI rewiring are essential for understanding of sex‐/gender‐specific impairments and possible recovery mechanisms. To quantitatively assess differences between EUS circuits in males versus females and in spinal intact (SI) versus SCI animals, we retrogradely traced and counted EUS‐related neurons. In transgenic ChAT‐GFP mice, motoneurons (MNs), interneurons (INs), and propriospinal neurons (PPNs) were retrogradely trans‐synaptically traced with PRV614‐red fluorescent protein (RFP) injected into EUS. EUS‐MNs in dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) were separated from other GFP+ MNs by tracing them with FluoroGold (FG). We found two morphologically distinct cell types in DLN: FG+ spindle‐shaped bipolar (SB‐MNs) and FG− rounded multipolar (RM‐MNs) cholinergic cells. Number of MNs of both types in males was twice as large as in females. SCI caused a partial loss of MNs in all spinal nuclei. After SCI, males showed a fourfold rise in the number of RFP‐labeled cells in retro‐DLN (RDLN) innervating hind limbs. This suggests (a) an existence of direct synaptic interactions between spinal nuclei and (b) a post‐SCI increase of non‐specific inputs to EUS‐MNs from other motor nuclei. Number of INs and PPNs deferred between males and females: In SI males, the numbers of INs and PPNs were ∼10 times larger than in SI females. SCI caused a twofold decrease of INs and PPNs in males but not in females.
MBB‐YOLO: A comprehensively improved lightweight algorithm for crowded object detection
Authors: Liao Junguo , Tian Haonan 
Published: July 2024

SummaryObject detection in crowded scenes involves various difficulties, such as small objects, occluded objects, and insufficient features. Existing models for crowded object detection often focus on only one detection difficulty, and they are too large to be applied in practice. To address the diverse challenges of object detection in crowded scenes, we construct a lightweight crowded object detector called MBB‐YOLO, which contains several modules for comprehensive improvement. To improve the network's ability to extract fine‐grained features, we use SPD‐Conv and the proposed MS‐Conv to replace the strided convolution in the network. An bi‐branch multi‐scale convolution attention (BMCA) module is proposed to aggregate multi‐scale contextual information. We also propose boundary‐NMS to better identify proposal boxes from different objects, which reduces suppression errors caused by object occlusion. MBB‐YOLO achieves 87.6% AP and an inference speed of 78.8 FPS on the CrowdHuman dataset, which surpasses other mainstream lightweight object detectors.
Numerical study of sheath formation in multi‐ion species plasmas
Authors: Rintarak Panupong , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kawamura Gakushi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA study of multi‐ion species plasmas in divertor region through kinetic simulation helps us understand particle transports and wall interactions. We analyzed plasma sheath behavior without collisions involving electrons, hydrogen isotopes, and helium ions using a one‐dimensional spatial space and three‐dimensional velocity space (1D3V) Particle‐In‐Cell (PIC) simulation. The PIC simulation model follows Maxwellian velocity distributions with the pre‐sheath acceleration for each particle species in the plasma source, and the plasmas move to the absorption wall with equal and constant flux. This revealed spatial potential variations due to differences in masses and charges of multi‐ion species plasmas, including independent sound velocities of each ion species. Increasing ion masses result in a more negative wall potential. The electrostatic force repels electrons and accelerates multi‐ions to reach the absorption wall. This information is found in the phase spaces of velocity in the sheath.
Four‐element equilateral triangular‐shaped MIMO antenna with connected ground for 5G sub:6 GHz N79 and WiFi‐6E band applications
Authors: Addepalli Tathababu , Nagaraju V. Siva , Medasani Sivasubramanyam , Rao Jetti Chandrasekhar , Badugu Prasanthi , Kumar Ch. Manohar , Uppada Rajyalakshmi , Kumar Bandi Kiran 
Published: July 2024

SummaryThe present communication presents a novel compact microstrip line feed dual‐band four‐element MIMO (multiple input multiple output) antenna for 5G sub‐6GHz N79 and WiFi‐6E bands with a defined size of 48 × 48 × 1.6 mm3. The FR4 substrate used in the construction of the designated antenna has a thickness of 1.6 mm, a relative permittivity of 4.4, and loss tangent values of 0.02. The proposed MIMO architecture consists of four equilateral triangle‐shaped antenna elements on top and ground with inverted L‐shaped stubs on the substrate's bottom layer. The ground structure of the antenna is a connected ground and is formed by defected ground parts which are connected with inverted L‐shaped stubs. The orthogonal structure of the MIMO antenna elements, with four armed square stubs among them, enhanced the isolation between surrounding antennas. The proposed four‐port MIMO antenna is built and tested in to validate design, scattering, and radiation performance, as well as MIMO diversity features. The designed antenna has more than 15 dB isolation and operates at 4.75 GHz from 4.45 to 5.2 GHz (5G sub‐6 GHz N79 band) and 6.3 GHz from 5.95 to 7.15 GHz (WiFi‐6E band). Furthermore, the design provides omnidirectional patterns, high gain (6.5dBi) and efficiency (>95%), a low envelope correlation coefficient (<0.00001) and acceptable diversity gain (10 dB), a good total active refraction coefficient (−10 dB) and low channel capacity loss (0.03 bit/s/Hz), and a considerable mean effective gain (MEG = −3 dB) and MEG ratio (0 dB). Because the simulated and tested results match so well, the antenna is a good candidate for 5G sub‐6 GHz N79 band operations.
The spatial extent and the dispersal strategy of species shape the occupancy frequency distribution of stream insect assemblages
Authors: Szivák I. , Csabai Z. , Schmera D. , Móra A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSeveral theoretical models have been proposed as the underlying mechanisms behind occupancy frequency distribution (OFD) patterns. For instance, the metapopulation dynamic model predicts bimodal OFD pattern indicating the dominance of dispersal processes in structuring the assemblages, while the niche‐based model predicts unimodal right‐skewed OFD pattern, and thus assemblages are driven mostly by niche processes. However, it is well known that the observed OFD pattern reflects the interplay of several other factors (e.g. habitat heterogeneity, species specificity and sampling protocol parameters). It follows that the individual contribution of each factor to the OFD pattern is rather complicated to explore. Our main objective was to examine the role of the spatial extent of the sampling and the dispersal strategies of species in shaping OFD pattern. For this, we collected samples of stream insect assemblages inhabiting near‐natural streams in the Pannon Ecoregion. We formed groups of species representing contrasting dispersal strategies (referred to as dispersal groups). Applying a computer program algorithm, we produced samples with different spatial extent. We found that with increasing spatial extent, the OFD pattern changed from bimodal to unimodal for active dispersers. Insect groups with different dispersal strategies differed in the strength of support for OFD patterns within all spatial extent. Furthermore, the strength of support for OFD patterns varied across dispersal groups differently as the spatial extent increased. Our results reflected underlying changes in mechanisms structuring assemblages along an increasing spatial extent. We also assumed that the stream insect dispersal strategy influences the relative role of dispersal and niche processes particularly as spatial extent increases from stream reaches to the extent of adjacent valleys. We could define spatial extents and dispersal strategies within which unique metacommunity processes could underlie the organisation of assemblages.
Predicting the potential distribution change of the endangered Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) across its entire range in China under climate change
Authors: Wan Yaqiong , Li Luanxin , Zhou Jiang , Ma Yue , Zhang Yanjing , Liu Yan , Li Jiaqi , Liu Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is a rare primate species indicated as endangered and distributed in karst areas in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. However, research limited to specific nature reserves or sites has hampered holistic conservation management. A comprehensive map of the potential distribution for the Francois' langur is essential to advance conservation efforts and ensure coordinated management across regions. Here, we used 82 occurrence records of Francois' langur surveyed in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing from 2017 to 2020, along with 12 environmental variables, to build the potential habitat model under current and future climate (2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090s) using maximum entropy models (MaxEnt). Our results indicated that (1) precipitation‐ and temperature‐associated bioclimatic variables contributed the most to the distribution of Francois' langur. Vegetation, water sources, and anthropogenic variables also affected its distribution; (2) a total of 144,207.44 km2 of potential suitable habitat across the entire range in China was estimated by the current model. Moderate‐ and high‐suitability habitats accounted for only 23.76% (34,265.96 km2) of the predicted suitable habitat and were mainly distributed in southwest Guangxi, east of Chongqing, and the border between Guizhou and Chongqing; (3) the suitable habitats of Francois' langur will contract considerably under future climate change, and the habitat centroid will move in the southeast direction with a shifting distance of approximately 2.84 km/year from current to 2100. The habitat prediction of Francois' langur and the main drivers proposed in this study could provide essential insights for the future conservation of this endangered species. The existing distribution areas should be monitored and protected, but conservation beyond existing habitats should also be a focus of effort, especially in future expansion areas. This would ensure effective and timely protection under climate change and anthropogenic pressures.
The complete chloroplast genome of Marupa (Simarouba amara Aubl., Simaroubaceae)
Authors: Scarcelli Nora , Garcia Davila Carmen , Couderc Marie , Castro Ruiz Diana , Estivals Guillain , Angulo Chavez Carlos Alberto Custodio , Acho Vasquez Hector , Alvarado Reategui Jhon Gregory , Vizcarra Bentos Tony , Mariac Cédric 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMarupa (Simarouba amara Aublet 1775) is a tropical tree of the family Simaroubaceae. It is commonly used for its wood in the Amazonian forest, and it is an important species for restoring degraded environments. Yet, very little genetic resources are available to study this plant. In this paper, we sequenced for the first time the complete chloroplast genome of Marupa, using Oxford Nanopore long‐read technology. The genome is 159,838 bp, includes 131 genes in total and presents a classic quadripartite structure. Its length and structure are similar to those of sister species of the Simaroubaceae family. A maximum likelihood phylogeny of the order Sapindale reveals that Simarouba amara is well positioned in its family. This complete plastome is a first step towards a better analysis of Marupa future evolution.
Selection of den sites and chronology of denning by black bears in the eastern Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin
Authors: Long Morgan E. , Stewart Kelley M. , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Reich Heather , Lackey Carl W. , Beckmann Jon P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUse of dens during winter is an important strategy for American black bears (Ursus americanus) for both energy conservation and reproduction; and occupancy of suitable den sites has implications for reproductive fitness. Denning strategies may change as a result of changing climatic conditions and habitat loss. Black bears occupy arid environments in the eastern Sierra Nevada and the western ranges of the Great Basin Ecosystem. Our objectives were to identify: (1) which physical characteristics of habitat influenced selection of den sites at multiple spatial scales and (2) which environmental factors influenced timing of entrance and exit of dens by females and males. We evaluated selection of den sites by black bears at three spatial scales (300, 1000, and 4000 m) from 2011 to 2022. Terrain ruggedness was important for selection of den sites at all spatial scales. Within a 300‐m buffer from the den, bears selected den sites with rugged terrain, lower horizontal visibility, and greater canopy cover, resulting in more concealment and protection than that of the surrounding environment. Within 1000‐ and 4000‐m buffers around each den, bears selected den sites with rugged terrain, northern aspects, and steep slopes. At the 4000‐m scale, we observed interactions between sex with slope and distance to roads; females selected den sites on steeper slopes and closer to roads than did males. Females remained in the dens longer than males by entering earlier in the autumn and exiting later in the spring. Male bears exited their dens earlier with increasing consecutive days above freezing temperatures, but that relationship was weak for females. Knowing what characteristics are important for selection of den sites, and influence timing of denning, will be important for understanding how shifting climatic patterns will affect bears, particularly in arid environments that may be prone to wider fluctuations in climatic drivers of denning in the future.
Hydraulic analysis for assessing environmental flow selection and ecological model formulation
Authors: Harris Aubrey , Porter Michael , McKay S. Kyle , Mulchandani Anjali , Stone Mark 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEcosystem management depends on transforming qualitative observations (e.g., slow‐moving shallow conditions provide nursery refugia for silvery minnow larvae) into management actions to increase habitat quantity or improve habitat quality. To be effective, decision metrics that are developed for management objectives should be validated with field observations. Model assumptions, precision and parameter importance can be refined by comparing the fidelity of selected parameters computed as habitat quality metrics and the correlation of these metrics to real‐world observations. Validated environmental metrics are more credible for management and can be compatible with ecosystem monitoring and project design processes. In this study, streamflow monitoring data and hydraulic modelling are used to quantify fish habitat extent for 15 years of spring runoff. The spring runoff event coincides with larval maturation to a free‐swimming juvenile phase for the silvery minnow, a critical period in Rio Grande habitat management. Different methods to estimate habitat availability (i.e., hydrology statistics, inundation extents based on hydraulic modelling and areal habitat availability based on different formulations of a habitat suitability index curve) were used to test the efficacy of different metrics relative to species population monitoring. This analysis finds that flow–ecology relationships based on hydraulic modelling or hydrology statistics are both effective and highly correlated to larval production. The investigation shows how seasonal hydrologic characterization and hydraulic discretization have varying levels of correlation with seasonal fish production. This study demonstrates how hydraulic modelling data and hydrologic characterization of riverine environments can be used to validate or develop conceptual ecological models.
Immune response to cold exposure: Role of γδ T cells and TLR2‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Vasek Daniel , Holicek Peter , Galatik Frantisek , Kratochvilova Anna , Porubska Bianka , Somova Veronika , Fikarova Natalie , Hajkova Michaela , Prevorovsky Martin , Zurmanova Jitka M , Krulova Magdalena 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe mammalian body possesses remarkable adaptability to cold exposure, involving intricate adjustments in cellular metabolism, ultimately leading to thermogenesis. However, cold‐induced stress can impact immune response, primarily through noradrenaline‐mediated pathways. In our study, we utilized a rat model subjected to short‐term or long‐term mild cold exposure to investigate systemic immune response during the cold acclimation. To provide human relevance, we included a group of regular cold swimmers in our study. Our research revealed complex relationship between cold exposure, neural signaling, immune response, and thermogenic regulation. One‐day cold exposure triggered stress response, including cytokine production in white adipose tissue, subsequently activating brown adipose tissue, and inducing thermogenesis. We further studied systemic immune response, including the proportion of leukocytes and cytokines production. Interestingly, γδ T cells emerged as possible regulators in the broader systemic response, suggesting their possible contribution in the dynamic process of cold adaptation. We employed RNA‐seq to gain further insights into the mechanisms by which γδ T cells participate in the response to cold. Additionally, we challenged rats exposed to cold with the Toll‐like receptor 2 agonist, showing significant modulation of immune response. These findings significantly contribute to understanding of the physiological acclimation that occur in response to cold exposure.
Electron Transfer Reaction Studies of Usnic Acid and Its Biosynthetic Precursor Methylphloroacetophenone
Authors: Mendes Hacke Ana Carolina , Vu Huynh Ngoc Dieu , Hardy Bruce , Kuss Sabine , Sorensen John L. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to investigate the electrochemical properties of usnic acid (UA), a secondary metabolite commonly biosynthesized by a variety of lichen species, and its biosynthetic precursor methylphloroacetophenone (MPA). During cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, well‐defined anodic peaks were observed for UA and MPA in 0.04 M Britton–Robinson buffer solution (pH 5) containing 20% (v/v) acetonitrile. The absence of cathodic peaks during the reverse voltammetric scans revealed that both oxidation reactions are chemically irreversible. Scan rate studies demonstrate that UA oxidation is an adsorption‐controlled process, whereas the oxidation of MPA molecules occurs as a diffusion‐controlled process. For both molecules, the number of electrons transferred during the oxidation was calculated to be 3. Differential pulse voltammetry results demonstrate that the anodic peak for the two molecules is markedly influenced by the solution pH and the same numbers of protons and electrons are involved in the oxidation process of the molecules. Based on the evidence generated by the electrochemical studies, oxidation mechanisms are proposed for UA and MPA, which involves a two‐step electron loss with a hydration reaction taking place in between. This study provides an understanding of the bioactivity mechanisms of these two natural products.
Technoeconomic assessment of indirect‐contact HDH desalination unit driven by boiler blowdown of steam power plant
Authors: Kahani Mostafa , Zamen Mohammad , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Sadri Somayyeh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHumidification and dehumidification (HDH) desalination units compared with the other thermal desalination systems have relative advantages due to working under ambient pressure and low temperatures and are more attractive. In this research, the application of an HDH desalination unit with indirect‐contact of air and water streams in a steam power plant is investigated. To increase the energy efficiency of the system, a closed air cycle has been considered. Also, by application of the closed water cycle in the humidifier, the recovery rate of the desalination unit increases according to the concentration of discharge flow. The flow rate of boilers blowdown in the studied steam power plant is around 2.2 kg/s and can be used as a unique source of required thermal energy in the desalination system to produce freshwater from power plant chemical effluents. On the basis of the available cooling water (30 m3/day), this stream is considered as the limiting flow in the modeling. The detailed design of different parts of the desalination unit, including the humidification tower, condensers, wet air circulation fans, the required pumps, and the heat exchanger, is presented in this study. The maximum production of freshwater and the minimum energy intensity are obtained for the circulating air flow rate of 4 kg/s. By 14% recovery of lost steam in the power plant, 20.8 m3/h of desalinated water is produced. The gain output ratio and the energy intensity of the system are 1.025 and 2201 kJ/L, respectively. The production cost with the proposed indirect‐constant HDH system is equal to 0.56 $/m3 of freshwater.