bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep traits and telomere length: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis based on UK Biobank data
Authors: Wang Zhongtian , You Dongfang , Tang Yingdan , Chen Yina , Chen Xin , Zhou Jiawei , Wu Yaqian , Shen Sipeng , Zhang Ruyang , Chen Feng , Xu Hai , Zhao Yang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that shorter leucocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with aging. Sleep is an important aging-related lifestyle. However, the causal relationship and direction between sleep traits and LTL remain unclear.
(2) Methods: The causal relationship was assessed by bi-directional and non-linear Mendelian randomization in the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort. Further, we combined nap during day and chronotype as circadian rhythm, MR analysis was applied to circadian rhythm as well.
(3) Results: MR analysis with LTL as the outcome showed causal effect of nap during the day (β = -0.073, 95%CI [-0.127, -0.020], FDR-corrected P = 0.045) on LTL. No genetic association of other sleep traits and LTL was observed in MR analysis. Meanwhile, a later circadian rhythm was associated with a shorter telomere length (β = -0.132, 95%CI [-0.185, -0.078], P < 0.001).
(4) Conclusions: In this study, individuals with frequent daytime naps and late circadian rhythm had shorter LTL. However, both bi-directional and non-linear MR failed to reveal any evidence that sleep duration was associated with telomere shortening.
Characteristics of Self-Motion Sensation after Major Earthquake: Internet Survey
Authors: Tsunoda Reiko , Kamo Tomohiko , Dobashi Yumi , Fushiki Hiroaki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
It has been reported that after experiencing a major earthquake, one may feel as though their body is swaying, even when they are not actually moving. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day 2024. To investigate the prognosis of self-motion sensations following an earthquake, we conducted an Internet survey of local residents in the area surrounding the epicenter.
Methods
A cross-sectional Internet monitoring survey was conducted two months after the earthquake and 1,000 responses were received. Of these, 968 were included in the final analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of age, sex, residence, and personal characteristics with the incidence of self-motion sensation after an earthquake, degree of disturbance in daily life, and persistence of symptoms, based on participants' responses to a questionnaire.
Results
Of the 968 participants, 416 (43.0%) experienced a brief self-motion sensation for the first time after the earthquake. More than half the participants were anxious or scared about this sensation. A total of 18.5% of participants experiencing self-motion sensations reported that these sensations were disrupting their daily lives. This disruption was associated with being younger, having a history of dizziness treatment, and experiencing anxiety. More than half of the self-motion sensations resolved within two weeks; however, 24.5% persisted after two months. Proximity to the epicenter and anxiety were associated with prolonged self-motion sensations.
Conclusions
Self-motion sensations are common after a major earthquake and usually resolve spontaneously. However, the findings show that quarter of the participants with self-motion sensation experienced prolongation of symptoms and disrupted the daily lives of nearly 20%. Additionally, having anxiety was associated with a worse prognosis. Focused attention is required for individuals with characteristics associated with vulnerability to self-motion sensations.
The Role of Psychological Capital in Academic Procrastination and Adjustment Among Mothers in Higher Education
Authors: Walter Ofra , Hazan Batel Liran - 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between psychological capital (PsyCap), academic procrastination, and academic adjustment, comparing mothers in higher education to non-mothers. We hypothesized academic procrastination would mediate the relationship between PsyCap and academic adjustment in both groups. Utilizing a sample of 216 students (156 mothers, 60 non-mothers) from various higher education institutions in Israel, we employed a cross-sectional design to analyze the interrelationships among PsyCap, academic procrastination, and academic adjustment. The findings showed significant positive correlations between PsyCap and academic adjustment, and significant negative correlations between PsyCap and procrastination, for both mothers and non-mothers. There were no significant differences in PsyCap, academic adjustment, and procrastination for mothers and non-mothers. The mediation analysis confirmed procrastination mediated the relationship between PsyCap and academic adjustment in both groups. These results suggest higher PsyCap is associated with lower levels of procrastination and better academic adjustment. The study underscores the importance of fostering PsyCap and providing robust social support systems to improve academic outcomes for all students, particularly mothers.
Brevibacterium litoralis sp. nov., isolated from marine surface sediment
Authors: Yang Quan , Zhao Aolin , Liu Haifei , Li Jiawei , Wu Shujing , Huang Ying , Weng Jie , Jiang Yi , Jiang Mingguo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A Gram stain-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile, short-rod actinomyces strain GXQ1321T was isolated from maritime surface sediments in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and a number of categorization studies were performed. Following a period of 72 hours of incubation at a temperature of 30°C within an actinomycetes culture medium, the colony was yellow, circular, smooth, central bulge, convex, opaque, with a 1.8-3.0 mm diameter. Chemotaxonomic studies revealed that the major menaquinone in strain GXQ1321T is MK-8. The most prevalent cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C19:0 (27.28%), anteiso-C15:0 (18.97%), anteiso-C17:0 (15.95%), and iso-C16:0 (12.21%). The whole-cell sugars of the strain GXQ1321T identified were rhamnose, xylose and glucose. Strain GXQ1321T exhibited the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid (m-DAP) as a distinctive cell-wall diamino acid, and the polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), three phosphoglycolipidsone, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unknown phospholipid (UP) and one unknown glycolipid (UG). This strain had 69.6% DNA G + C content. Strain GXQ1321T is classified as Brevibacterium based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence. It is closely related to Brevibacterium samyangense SST-8T (96.77%) and Brevibacterium rongguiense 5221T (96.32%). The results showed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of GXQ1321T and the above two strain tyoes were 73.91–77.14%, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values were 15.3–21.1%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomi and physiologicalc data, strain GXQ1321T was considered to be a new species of the genus Brevibacterium, named Brevibacterium litoralis sp. nov, with the type strain GXQ1321T (= MCCC 1K08964T = KCTC 59167T).
Multi-objective Optimization for Order Assignment in Food Cart Evaluation System
Authors: Tunga Harinandan , Hossain Hasanuj-Jaman , Kar Samarjit , Giri Debasis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The growing trend of busy scheduling in everybody’s lifestyle has evolved the concept of the door-to-door delivery system. So, keeping that in mind and food being an essential commodity of life, we have seen that the food delivery industry has boomed in recent years. However, finding the best quality food at a minimum cost is a problem of interest. It is complicated for any customer to decide where to buy the best food at optimal cost if there is no such rating concept for the food. There is no concrete mechanism to help customers with the recommendation process. In this paper, we have designed a model that would help customers evaluate the various food carts that are serving in different locations and generalize the cost and overall rating based on service and food quality. It would basically work in the concept of minimizing the cost and maximizing the overall rating of the food cart. In order to get food cart evaluations, a multi-objective optimization problem is formulated, which includes mainly three multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithms, namely NSGAII (Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II), SPEA II (Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2) and IBEA (Indicator-Based Evolutionary Algorithm) for the generation of approximated Pareto solutions of our proposed model. The proposed work contributes to an analytics-based approach, mainly based on evolutionary algorithm solutions, to create a multi-objective food cart evaluation system. We used the Zomato dataset to validate the results for comparison and evaluation purposes.
Enhancing dairy cattle sustainability: The Impact of silvopastoral systems and improved pastures on milk carbon footprint and farm economics in Cauca Department, Colombia
Authors: Quintero Ricardo González , García Elver Hernando , Florez Fernando , Burkart Stefan , Arango Jacobo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cattle farming accounts for approximately 15% of Colombia's greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Silvopastoral systems (SPS) and improved pastures (IP) are recognized as effective strategies for transforming dairy systems by enhancing cattle productivity, reducing climate change impact, and increasing farm profitability. This study aims to (i) calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of four small dairy cattle farms in the Cauca Department and (ii) identify improvements in milk yields, reductions in GHGE intensities after implementing SPS and improved pastures (IP), and changes in profitability indicators. GHGE were calculated using the 2019 Refinement to 2006 IPCC guidelines and impact factors from databases. The functional units were one kg of fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) and one kg of live weight gain, using a cradle-to-farm-gate approach. A biophysical allocation method was applied for handling co-products leaving the farm. Baseline milk CFs ranged from 2.4 to 3.2 kgCO2-eq kgFPCM− 1. In the improvement scenario, the area with SPS and IP covered more than 48% of the total farm area on average. SPS and IP increased the availability and quality of forage, leading to higher animal yields and reducing milk CF by up to 40% (ranging from 1.4 to 2.7 kgCO2-eq kgFPCM− 1), and improved farm profitability. These findings provide evidence of the positive impact of adopting IP and SPS on the sustainability of small dairy systems in Colombia by enhancing animal productivity and reducing GHGE intensities.
The Probability Density of the Spectral Correlation Function Estimates
Authors: Tavares Miguel , Gerald José , Goes João 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Since published in 1988, the FFT Accumulation Method (FAM) has been used extensively to compute the Spectral Correlation Function (SCF) and the Spectral Coherence Function (SCoF) to obtain or detect cyclic features of cyclostationary signals. When the input is a Gaussian random variable (r.v.), the SCF (or SCoF) estimates are also random variables with some probability density function (pdf).
Although the FAM is considered the most computationally efficient method, there has been no in-depth statistical analysis of the algorithm.
This paper analyzes the statistics of spectral estimates using the FAM algorithm by obtaining the pdf for the points covering the frequency and cycle frequency (f;α) plane.
Testing copper intrauterine devices to mitigate uterine infections in mares: a pilot study
Authors: Gradil Carlos , Jennette Amelia , Becker Klaus , Haire Teresa , Joone Carolynne , Leibstein Miranda , Minter Lisa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This pilot study in seven mares evaluated the effectiveness of a one-time insertion of a novel hormone/drug-free copper intrauterine device (CuiUPOD with one to three copper-coated magnetic units) in controlling Streptococcus zooepidemicus in intrauterine-inoculated mares. The setting involved: initially inserting one unit into each mare; weekly trans-rectal ultrasound; blood progesterone assay; uterine swabs for cytology and microbial culture; uterine specimens for biopsy; and trans-abdominal detection of the CuiUPOD using a handheld magnetic detector and/or a cell phone compass. The study was complemented with an in vitro experiment.
Infection persisted after a CuiUPOD with one magnetic unit was inserted, but subsided shortly after two additional magnetic units were used. By day 90, at device removal, and after a 30-day exposure to copper, all the mares presented no clinical signs of infection. Endometrial biopsies showed a grade improvement in two mares, but not significant (p >0.05), before and after CuiUPOD placement. The in vitro experiment demonstrated a time (24-96 hours) and dose-dependent response to Cu: three CuiUPODs - OD readings = 0.538; two CuiUPODs - OD = 0.513; and one CuiUPOD - OD = 0.452. As the concentration of copper increased, so did the antimicrobial effect. These findings suggest a promising use for the one-time application of a CuiUPOD with either two or three magnetic units to mitigate uterine infections in mares.
CHIRP-Seq: FoxP2 transcriptional targets in zebra finch brain include numerous speech and language-related genes
Authors: Gedman Gregory L. , Kimball Todd H. , Atkinson Lee L. , Factor Daniella , Vojtova Gabriela , Farias-Virgens Madza , Wright Timothy F. , White Stephanie A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Vocal learning is a rare, convergent trait that is fundamental to both human speech and birdsong. The Forkhead Box P2 (FoxP2) transcription factor appears necessary for both types of learned signals, as human mutations in FoxP2 result in speech deficits, and disrupting its expression in zebra finches impairs male-specific song learning. In juvenile and adult male finches, striatal FoxP2 mRNA and protein decline acutely within song-dedicated neurons during singing, indicating that its transcriptional targets are also behaviorally regulated. The identities of these targets in songbirds, and whether they differ across sex, development and/or behavioral conditions, are largely unknown.
Results
Here we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to identify genomic sites bound by FoxP2 in male and female, juvenile and adult, and singing and non-singing birds. Our results suggest robust FoxP2 binding concentrated in putative promoter regions of genes. The number of genes likely to be bound by FoxP2 varied across conditions, suggesting specialized roles of the candidate targets related to sex, age, and behavioral state. We validated these binding targets both bioinformatically, with comparisons to previous studies and biochemically, with immunohistochemistry using an antibody for a putative target gene. Gene ontology analyses revealed enrichment for human speech- and language-related functions in males only, consistent with the sexual dimorphism of song learning in this species. Fewer such targets were found in juveniles relative to adults, suggesting an expansion of this regulatory network with maturation. The fewest speech-related targets were found in the singing condition, consistent with the well-documented singing-driven down-regulation of FoxP2 in the songbird striatum.
Conclusions
Overall, these data provide an initial catalog of the regulatory landscape of FoxP2 in an avian vocal learner, offering dozens of target genes for future study and providing insight into the molecular underpinnings of vocal learning.
Design and structure of an integrated secondary school course of quantum information science with photon polarization and which-path encoding
Authors: Zuccarini Giacomo , Sutrini Claudio , Bondani Maria , Macchiavello Chiara , Malgieri Massimiliano 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Research and curriculum development on quantum information science is a novel but technologically and socially significant challenge for physics education. While the debate is open on the core content, the approaches, and the strategies for addressing the need of effective instruction on the subject-matter, some indications have begun to emerge. Among them, the importance of an earlier start of education and of helping students develop not only a theoretical knowledge, but also high-level experimental skills including ideal design and conduction of experiments. Such skills are challenging to attain in existing traditional programs and may be considered inaccessible at introductory level because of the difficulties connected with qubit implementations. Here we present the design process and the structure of a course for secondary school that is aimed to promote the building of a basic but integrated understanding of quantum information science, including experimental design and lab activities. The course was developed within the model of educational reconstruction, and embedded into a conceptual change framework in physics and computation. The encoding of polarization and which-path information of a photon is used to engage students in the development of a global model of logical encoding and processing, in ideal experimental design of gates and circuits, and in their implementation on the optical bench. These learning processes are assisted by a coordinated use of multiple representations and by a clarification of the internal structure of quantum algorithms, with special attention to the information processing phase.
Effect of Pain in the Development of Alcohol Use Disorders: Ethanol-evoked Dopamine Release Alterations in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Cuitavi Javier , Riera-Calabuig Ana , Campos-Jurado Yolanda , Lorente Jesús , Polache Ana , Hipólito Lucia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are influenced by factors that can initiate, maintain, or induce relapse. Chronic pain has been linked to AUD as both a risk factor and a consequence of prolonged alcohol exposure. Pain share common neurological pathways with AUDs, and, in fact, alters the functioning of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system suggesting a plausible interaction. This study aims to investigate the effect of inflammatory pain on long-term alcohol intake in rats without prior alcohol consumption and observe changes in mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission.
Methods
Inflammatory pain was induced in eight-week-old Sprague Dawley rats using complete Freund adjuvant (CFA), while controls received saline. Two protocols were followed: one group had continuous access to 20% ethanol for one month (n = 10 per sex), and the second group for three months (n = 8 per sex) in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Mechanical nociception was assessed weekly using the Von Frey test. Dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens core were measured through microdialysis during the final 1.5 months of ethanol exposure in the second cohort.
Results
After a month of alcohol exposure, rats showed no differences in alcohol consumption. However, from the second month until the end, rats exhibited a non-sex-dependent decrease in alcohol intake, significantly lower in CFA-animals. This reduction was accompanied by a blunted ethanol-evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
Conclusion
These findings provide insights into the effect of pain on alcohol-elicited neurochemical responses and drinking behaviour, showing how pain alters dopamine response to alcohol, affecting drinking patterns and prolonging nociception from CFA.
Estimation from Recall-Based Competing Risk Data: A Multilevel Framework
Authors: Panwar M. S. , Tomer Sanjeev K. , Yadav C. P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aims to analyze recall-based data on multiple causes of an event, hypothesizing that the likelihood of recall depends on the elapsed time between monitoring and the time-to-event. The recall probability is modeled using this elapsed time. Addressing the challenge posed by non-recalled observations, which yield interval-censored time-to-event data often with missing causes, the equivalent quantity approach with expectation-maximization and Gibbs sampling are employed. This method handles censored time-to-event data while simultaneously addressing missing causes. Weibull distributions for time-to-event under different causes are considered. In the frequentist approach, parameter estimates are obtained via the expectation-maximization method, with asymptotic confidence intervals calculated using the Fisher information matrix. In the Bayesian setting, a data augmentation algorithm approach is proposed for handling missingness, and nested Gibbs sampling is employed to extract posterior samples. The validation of our methods is conducted through numerical simulations and the analysis of a women's health survey dataset to estimate the age at menopause.
Exploring the mechanisms of Tetrahydrocurcumin in Ameliorating Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis based on Network Pharmacology and Gut Microbiota Analysis in vivo
Authors: Chen Keyu , Wang Jianbo , Luo Shuang , Quan Yunyun , Fu Jiali , Ma Jiali , Yang Yuying , Liu Yunten , Gao Zhichong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing every year, and there are very few approved therapeutic agents globally, making the search for potentially targeted therapeutic agents important.
Aims
To investigate the anti-NASH effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and to further study the biological mechanism of tetrahydrocurcumin anti-NASH from the perspective of intestinal flora.
Methods
Seven-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups: (1) Control group, (2) Model group, (3) Positive control group, (4) THC low-dose group, (5) THC medium-dose group, and (6) THC high-dose group, and the remaining groups except the control group were fed with high-fat chow for 16 weeks. Serum and liver tissues were collected to study the anti-NASH mechanism of THC using network pharmacology, molecular docking, high-throughput sequencing, and RT-qPCR.
Results
The intervention of THC improved the pathology of NASH, ameliorated liver injury, lowered lipid levels, and inhibited hepatic oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis compared with the high-fat feed-induced model group. In network pharmacology and animal experimental validation we found that THC reduced the expression of m RNA of PPARG, which may be the key to the improvement of NASH by THC. Intestinal flora analysis showed that THC altered the composition of the intestinal flora, which was characterized by a decrease in the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that THC exerts anti-NASH effects by improving lipid levels, decreasing oxidative stress, attenuating inflammatory responses, and increasing the anti-apoptotic capacity of liver cells, and its efficacy is importantly associated with decreasing the expression of PPARG and improving the intestinal flora. THC is expected to be a potential therapeutic agent for NASH.