bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Butterfly Diagram and other properties of plagecareas from Kodaikanal Ca II K Photographs Coveringc1904 – 2007
Authors: Jha Bibhuti Kumar , Chatzistergos Theodosios , Banerjee Dipankar , Ermolli Ilaria , Krivova Natalie A. , Solanki Sami K. , Priyadarshi Aditya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ca II K observations of the Sun have a great potential for probing the Sun's magnetism and activity, as well as for reconstructing solar irradiance. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) in India, houses one of the most prominent \ca archives, spanning from 1904 to 2007, obtained under the same experimental conditions over a century, a feat very few other sites have achieved. However, the KoSO Ca II K archive suffers from several inconsistencies (e.g., missing/incorrect timestamps of observations and orientation of some images) which have limited the use of the archive. This study is a step towards bringing the KoSO archive to its full potential.We did this by developing an automatic method to orient the images more accurately than in previous studies. Furthermore, we included more data than in earlier studies (considering images that could not previously be analyzed by other techniques as well as 2845 newly digitized images), while also accounting for mistakes in the observational date/time. These images were accurately processed to identify plage regions along with their locations, enabling us to construct the butterfly diagram of plage areas from the entire KoSO Ca II K archive covering 1904-–2007.Our butterfly diagram shows significantly fewer data gaps compared to earlier versions due to the larger set of data used in this study. Moreover, our butterfly diagram is consistent with Spörer's law for sunspots, validating our automatic image orientation method. Additionally, we found that the mean latitude of plage areas calculated over the entire period is 20.5%+/-2.0 higher than that of sunspots, irrespective of the phase or the strength of the solar cycle. We also studied the North-South asymmetry showing that the northern hemisphere dominated plage areas during solar cycles 19 and 20, while the southern hemisphere dominated during solar cycles 21--23.
Association between hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET signaling and gestational diabetes (GDM) and GDM complications
Authors: Jung Ye Won , Lee Mina , Ko Young Bok , Song Soo Youn , Yoo Heon Jong , Kang Yea Eun , Kim Ok Soon , Kang Byung Hun , Kim Hyun Jin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) signaling is involved in glucose homeostasis in pancreatic β cells; however, studies on its relationship with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are lacking. This study aimed to investigate HGF and its receptor, c-MET, in pregnant women with GDM and to analyze the correlation between HGF/c-MET signaling and GDM complications.
Methods
In total, 44 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 32 with GDM were studied. Serum levels of HGF and c-MET were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative mRNA expression of HGF and c-MET was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of HGF and c-MET in placental and visceral fat tissues was measured using western blot analysis. Logistic regression and Pearson’s correlation analyses examined the associations of these variables with clinical information.
Results
Serum sc-MET levels were significantly higher (1472.58 vs. 1651.23 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and cord blood HGF levels were significantly lower (370.76 vs. 254.54 ng/mL, p = 0.042) in the GDM group than in the NGT group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for sc-MET was 0.744 (95% confidence interval: 0.632–0.857, p < 0.001). The cut-off serum sc-MET level for predicting GDM was 1455.26 ng/mL. HGF protein expression in the maternal visceral fat tissue was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group (2-fold higher, p < 0.05). Serum HGF significantly correlated with cord arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) base excess (r =-0.390, p = 0.007) and cord ABGA lactic acid (r = 0.469, p = 0.001). Cord blood HGF levels were significantly correlated with cord blood glucose levels (r = 0.439, p = 0.002).
Conclusions
We found an increase in serum sc-MET, a decrease in cord HGF, and an increase in HGF protein expression in the visceral fat tissue of the GDM group, indicating that HGF/c-MET signaling is related to GDM expression. In addition, maternal serum HGF levels correlated with base excess and lactic acid levels in cord ABGA, and cord blood HGF levels correlated with cord blood glucose levels. These outcomes suggest that HGF/c-MET signaling may have potential application in predicting GDM complications.
“No, that is not normal”: Psychosocial lived experiences of Elite Athletes living and performing with Menstrual Dysfunctions
Authors: Verma Ritu , Gupta Sahen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background With the increasing representation of women in sports, addressing menstrual health issues, specifically menstrual dysfunctions (MDs), has gained significance. This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of athletes living with MDs and how they manifest in their sports performance and psychological well-beingMethods Ten female athletes (mean age = 24.5, SD = 5.20), active and retired, living with MDs, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), for a minimum of one year, were engaged in semi-structured interviews. Data analyses utilized Braun and Clarke's (2019) six-phase guide for reflexive thematic analysis, which incorporated a three-step coding process (Moghaddam, 2006) for an in-depth exploration.Results A two-phase thematic analysis highlighted six key themes: medical impact, health impact, psychological impact, socio-cultural impact, social support, and suggestions. These themes illuminate how their physical symptoms led to psychological challenges and underscore the inadequate support received from sporting and medical professionals. In the second phase we identified several barriers and facilitators as illustrated from the lived experience with MDs. These are then synthesised into reccomendations that the athletes suggest themselves which offer insights that can benefit other athletes with MDs and guide coaches and medical practitioners in providing effective support.Conclusions Study findings highlight athletes' daily experiences living with menstrual dysfunctions (MDs) both in and out of sport, including their thoughts on how MDs affect their sports participation, sense of self and personal well-being. Future studies can adopt a more longitudinal approach, delving into various MDs individually for a deeper understanding and conduct focus groups with medical personnel, support staff and athletes for improved support provisions. We recommend an education programme for athletes and coaches in an asynchronous format for access to information and CPD for holistic support for pathway athletes.
OBSCN undergoes extensive alternative splicing during human cardiac and skeletal muscle development
Authors: Oghabian Ali , Jonson Per Harald , Johari Mridul , Andres David Gomez , Munell Francina , Soriano Jessica Camacho , Duran Maria Angeles Sanchez , Sinisalo Juha , Tolppanen Heli , Tolva Johanna , Hackman Peter , Savarese Marco , Udd Bjarne 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Highly expressed in skeletal muscles, the gene Obscurin (i.e. OBSCN) has 121 non-overlapping exons and codes for some of the largest known mRNAs in human genome. Furthermore, it is known to play an essential role in muscle development and function. Mutations within OBSCN are known to cause several hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and muscular disorders. OBSCN undergoes extensive and complex alternative splicing, which is the main reason that its splicing regulation associated with skeletal and cardiac muscle development has not previously been thoroughly studied.
Methods
We analyzed RNA-Seq data from skeletal and cardiac muscles extracted from 41 postnatal individuals and 6 fetuses. We applied the intron/exon level splicing analysis software IntEREst to study the splicing of OBSCN in the studied samples. The differential splicing analysis was adjusted for batch effects. Our comparisons reveal the splicing variations in OBSCN, between the human skeletal and cardiac muscle, as well as between post-natal muscle (skeletal and cardiac) and the pre-natal equivalent muscle.
Results
We detected several splicing regulations located in 5’end, 3’ end, and the middle of OBSCN that are associated with human cardiac or skeletal muscle development. Many of these alternative splicing events have not previously been reported.
Conclusions
We conclude that the splicing of OBSCN is extensively regulated during the human skeletal/cardiac muscle development. We developed an interactive visualization tool that can be used by clinicians and researchers to study the inclusion of specific OBSCN exons in pre- and postnatal cardiac and skeletal muscles (as well as their differential splicing statistics). The human skeletal/cardiac muscle development OBSCN exon inclusion map is available at https://gacatag.shinyapps.io/OBSCN_PSIVIS/. These findings are essential for an accurate pre- and postnatal diagnosis and prognosis of OBSCN exonic variants.
Nutrient rich foreign substrates promote albizia invasion
Authors: Lam Weng Ngai , Png G. Kenny , Hung Sherry , Loo Jo Lyn , Koeniger Madeleine , Kok Jerome 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Albizia (Falcataria falcata) is an invasive legume species in many tropical countries. In Southeast Asia, albizia often forms monodominant canopies in urban forests, with other non-native tree species in the subcanopy. Such invasive species-dominated forests (IFs) are commonly found in urban areas, and represent an alternate stable state and successional trajectory to natural secondary forests in the region, such as Adinandra belukar (AB). Some authors have proposed that foreign substrates (e.g., construction rubble) promote albizia invasion, but the complex land use histories of most urban sites prevent the evaluation of this hypothesis. We identified an IF patch that occurs adjacent to an AB patch in Singapore. Historical satellite imagery showed that the IF patch regenerated on a road embankment that was constructed and abandoned in 2009. Soil cores revealed elevated P, N and pH in the IF patch. We further compared leaf economics spectrum (LES) traits of IF- and AB-associated tree species from the TRY global trait database, and showed that the IF-associated species exhibit traits associated with nutrient acquisitive strategies, while the AB-associated species, with nutrient conservative strategies. These results strongly suggest that the introduction of foreign substrates (by backfilling during site development) increases the pH and nutrients of soils and enables albizia and other fast-growing invasive species to establish a unique forest type and alternative stable state to natural secondary forests in Singapore. The introduction of nutrient-rich foreign substrates likely promotes albizia invasion in Southeast Asia as well as many other nutrient-impoverished tropical ecosystems globally.
Mxene Grating Based Highly Sensitive Refractive Index Sensor Operating For Infrared and Visible Spectrum
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Dwivedi R. P. , Sbeah Zen A. , Sorathiya Vishal , Alwabli Abdullah , Alghamdi Ahmad , Faragallah Osama S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a plasmonic metamaterial sensor utilizing gold resonator gratings with different radius for the cylindrical gratings. The sensor is simulated using the finite element method (FEM) in the infrared wavelength range of 0.7 µm to 2.5 µm. The sensor structure consists of six layers, with the gold resonator on the top, beneath it a Ge-Sb-Te (GST) substrate sandwiched between a two silicon (Si) substrates and then a MXene substrate sandwiched between two SiO2 substrates. The design exhibits distinct reflectance characteristics across the proposed range, suitable for different sensing applications. A comparison is made between the two states of GST (Amorphous and Crystlline) to investigate the sensitivity of the device. Geometrical parameters, including height of GST and Si, are optimized, also changing the oblique incident of light, and three types of comparisons are conducted. Firstly, a sensitivity comparison is made between this work and previously published research. Secondly, a Quality factor and Figure of Merit comparison is performed. Lastly, a sensitivity comparison is made between different sensing techniques and the technique employed in this work. After optimizing the design parameters, the device demonstrates the highest detection sensitivity yielding results of With giving a sensitivity equal to 800 nm /RIU. The proposed design-based metamaterial exhibits the potential to be utilized as a lab-on-chip sensor.
Implementation and Performance Analysis of Homomorphic Signature Schemes
Authors: Carnemolla Davide , Catalano Dario , Raimondo Mario Di , Savasta Federico 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Homomorphic signatures allow to validate computation on signed data. Alice, holding a dataset $\{m_1 , \ldots , m_t \}$ uses her secret key $\sk$ to sign these data and stores the authenticated dataset on a remote server. \sloppy{The server can later (publicly) compute $m = f(m_1,...,m_t)$} together with a signature $\sigma$ certifying that $m$ is indeed the correct output of the computation $f$. Over the last fifteen years, the problem of realizing homomorphic signatures has been the focus of numerous research works, with constructions now ranging from very efficient ones supporting linear functions to very expressive ones supporting (up to) arbitrary circuits. In this work we tackle the question of assessing the practicality of schemes belonging to this latter class. Specifically, we implement the GVW lattice based scheme for circuits from STOC 2015 and two, recently proposed, pairings based constructions building from functional commitments. Our experiments show that (both) pairings based schemes outperform GVW on all fronts.
Gender-specific antibiotic-resistance patterns and characterization of bacterial flora of undergraduate students’ mobile phones and associated factors at a Nigerian University
Authors: Olaitan Morufat Oluwatosin , Rabiu Akeem Ganiyu , Umara Zara Babagana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Technological development has led to the wide use of mobile phones. However, the role of the hand-held device in the possible spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens considering gender variation, especially among Nigerian undergraduates is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess bacterial isolates recovered from male and female mobile phones for antibiotic resistance and determine possible factors that could facilitate their spread.
Methods Forty (40) undergraduates were included in the study with gender parity. Swabs of the undergraduates' mobile phones were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiology methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of the isolates was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and the results were interpreted by the Clinical Standards and Laboratory Institute (CLSI) guideline. Bacterial isolates (n=6/21) that resisted antibiotics belonging to ≥ 3 different classes regarded as multidrug resistant (MDR) were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and identified using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm.
Results The total bacterial count of male (9.2 x 106) CFU/mL and female (9.7 x 106) CFU/mL were high though comparable. Of the 25 isolates recovered, 10 and 15 were respectively from male and female mobile phones. Staphylococcus aureus (n=11) was the most occurring isolate followed by Escherichia coli (n=5), and Salmonella sp. (n=3); the rest occurred less frequently. Staphylococcus aureus obtained from male phones (n=7) is higher than in females (n=4) but the species diversity is greater in females (n=7) than in males (n=3) phones. Isolates were resistant to ampiclox and zinnacef (85.71%), erythromycin (78.57%), amoxil and augmentin (72.73%), septrim (72%), rifampicin (71.43%) while >80% were MDR. Low levels of handwashing and non-use of hand sanitizer could be linked with phone bacterial contamination.
Conclusion Regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers should be prioritized among undergraduates to curtail the spread of difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
MRI signatures of cortical microstructure in human development align with oligodendrocyte cell-type expression
Authors: Genc Sila , Ball Gareth , Chamberland Maxime , Raven Erika , Tax Chantal , Ward Isobel , Yang Joseph , Palombo Marco , Jones Derek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Neuroanatomical changes to the cortex during adolescence have been well documented using MRI, revealing ongoing cortical thinning and volume loss with age. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain elusive with conventional neuroimaging. Recent advances in MRI hardware and new biophysical models of tissue informed by diffusion MRI data hold promise for identifying the cellular changes driving these morphological observations. This study used ultra-strong gradient MRI to obtain high-resolution, in vivo estimates of cortical neurite and soma microstructure in sample of typically developing children and adolescents. Cortical neurite signal fraction, attributed to neuronal and glial processes, increased with age (mean R2fneurite=.53, p<3.3e-11, 11.91% increase over age), while apparent soma radius decreased (mean R2Rsoma=.48, p<4.4e-10, 1% decrease over age) across domain-specific networks. To complement these findings, developmental patterns of cortical gene expression in two independent post-mortem databases were analysed. This revealed increased expression of genes expressed in oligodendrocytes, and excitatory neurons, alongside a relative decrease in expression of genes expressed in astrocyte, microglia and endothelial cell-types. Age-related genes were significantly enriched in cortical oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte progenitors and Layer 5-6 neurons (pFDR<.001) and prominently expressed in adolescence and young adulthood. The spatial and temporal alignment of oligodendrocyte cell-type gene expression with neurite and soma microstructural changes suggest that ongoing cortical myelination processes contribute to adolescent cortical development. These findings highlight the role of intra-cortical myelination in cortical maturation during adolescence and into adulthood.
Minocycline reduces proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the spinal cord and morphology changes in sciatic nerve of Type 2 diabetic neuropathy rat model
Authors: Hamid Norhamidar Ab , Omar Nor Suhana , Ismail Che Aishah Nazariah , Long Idris 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a consequence of prolonged hyperglycemia due to inflammation process in nerve. Minocycline has been shown to act as anti-inflammatory agent but their effects on Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) neuropathy rats’ model are still unclear. This study investigated the effects of minocycline on proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve morphology in T2DM neuropathy rats.
Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=14 per groups): Control (C), T2DM control (STZ), T2DM treated with minocycline 40 mg/kg (STZ+ M40) and 80 mg/kg (STZ + M80), T2DM treated with gabapentin (STZ + G10) and non-painful T2DM neuropathy (NPDN). T2DM was induced in obese rats using a combination of high fat diet (HFD) and low dose streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg) injection. Then, the neuropathic pain behaviour, body weight and blood biochemical analysis were performed. Rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were collected for ELISA and histology examination.
Results: After 6 weeks treatment with HFD diet, all T2DM rat groups were significantly increased body weight but significantly reduced from 8 until 9 weeks after STZ were injected compared to control group (p<0.05). The fasting blood glucose (FBG) level in all T2DM groups were significantly higher on day 3, day 14, and day 22 of the study compared to control group (p<0.05) consistent with HbA1c levels. T2DM groups also significantly increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) but decreased SOD and Catalase levels in the spinal cord compared to control group (p<0.05). T2DM groups also showed significant abnormal histopathological changes in the sciatic nerve compared to control group (p<0.05). Administration of minocycline dependent on doses and gabapentin in T2DM rat significantly alleviated all these effects.
Conclusion: Dependent on dose, minocycline was found to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers level in the spinal cord and recovery sciatic nerve morphology changes of T2DM neuropathy rats. These findings suggest the neuroprotective effects of minocycline on T2DM neuropathy.
Exploring agricultural sustainability amid climate change: Trends and perspectives through in-depth bibliometric analysis based on the Publish or Perish platform
Authors: Chimi Pierre Marie , Nkoué Baruch Batamack , Elodie Michèle , Pokam Eusebe Ydelphonse Nyonce , Ngamsou Karimou Abdel , Yonga Guillaine , Osso Danielle Bertille , Mala William Armand 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigates agricultural sustainability, integrating environmental considerations into farming practices. Amid growing ecological awareness and global sustainability initiatives, agriculture has gained significant prominence. The research analyzes publication trends related to agricultural sustainability, examining aspects like publication types and international dissemination. Objectives include assessing bibliometric indicators, analyzing publication fluctuations from 1984 to July 2024, identifying influential factors, exploring citation trends, mapping distribution, recognizing key authors’ contributions, and uncovering prevalent themes. Employing bibliometric analysis via Crossref tools (using Publish or Perish and VOSviewer), the results reveal a substantial increase in publications on agricultural sustainability, reflecting heightened interest and robust research activity. Frequent citations suggest significant influence within the scientific community. Notably, high h and g indices highlight impactful articles. These findings underscore progress in understanding and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices, informing future directions for scholars and policymakers. The surge in interest over the past two decades likely mirrors the urgency of finding sustainable solutions amid climate change challenges. Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners can leverage this information to maximize impact. Research on agricultural sustainability predominantly appears in journal articles and books, reflecting their significance as primary dissemination channels. Policymakers and researchers can capitalize on this trend to inform their knowledge-sharing efforts. The study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive analysis of the agricultural sustainability landscape, shedding light on its development, global impact, and influential factors. Armed with this valuable information, stakeholders can advance sustainable agriculture practices. Moreover, the findings underscore the ongoing imperative for research to address global environmental challenges through sustainable agricultural approaches. Through analyzing trends, pinpointing critical areas, and promoting international cooperation, strategies can be developed for farming systems that are economically viable, socially equitable, and ecologically sustainable.