bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the scaling of river network biogeochemical function
Authors: Bertuzzo Enrico 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRiver networks play a fundamental biogeochemical role in the Earth system by transporting and processing materials from terrestrial to ocean ecosystems. The cumulative biogeochemical function of a watershed of area can broadly be referred to as the total processing rate of material performed by its river network. An important recent research, conducted through network simulations, has revealed that the biogeochemical function of rivers can scale superlinearly with the area under certain scenarios. This finding has significant implications for the role of river networks in regional and global biogeochemical cycles. Here, we demonstrate how such scaling can be derived analytically by combining the power law distribution of drainage area, the universal fractal signature of river networks and the scaling of channel hydraulic geometry, utilising the theory of finite‐size scaling. The results enable the discrimination between linear and superlinear behaviours, as well as the calculation of the exact exponent based on parameters that define how the biogeochemical function and the river width change with river drainage area. Furthermore, we investigate the difference between the scaling of the biogeochemical function with the area of the watershed and with the area of a region drained by multiple river networks, emphasising the implications for upscaling efforts.
The sunflower sea star reduces grazing rates of purple sea urchins dependent upon urchin starvation state
Authors: Whippo Ross , Gravem Sarah , Porter‐Hughes Ethan , Galloway Aaron W. E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEcosystem function is maintained in part by direct species interactions, but indirect interactions and non‐consumptive effects may be of equal ecological importance. Along the west coast of North America, the recent population collapse of the predatory sunflower sea star Pycnopodia helianthoides has been implicated in the proliferation of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and a concurrent decline in kelp canopy cover in several locales. Recent work began to quantify the predation rates effects (i.e., direct consumptive effects) of Pycnopodia on sea urchins that may lead to density‐mediated indirect effects on kelp. However, the importance of non‐consumptive effects on urchin behavior and the possible trait‐mediated indirect effects of Pycnopodia on kelp are not well understood. This leaves a critical gap in our knowledge about how these predators may be controlling grazer populations and, indirectly, primary production by macroalgae in nearshore habitats. We measured the non‐consumptive behavioral effects of Pycnopodia on S. purpuratus in the laboratory including grazing rates, feeding behavior, and movement of starved versus fed urchins, the latter simulating urchin metabolic conditions within urchin barrens. We found that the presence of a waterborne Pycnopodia cue reduced the grazing rate of fed urchins by 50% over short (~24 h) time scales. In contrast, starved urchins consumed kelp and did not exhibit an escape response in the presence of a Pycnopodia cue. This study highlights a trait‐mediated indirect interaction between Pycnopodia, S. purpuratus, and kelp, showing how the urchin response to a predator cue may differ based on urchin metabolic conditions or ecosystem state, and helps clarify the positive role of Pycnopodia on kelp forest health.
Invasive shrubs differentially alter autumnal activity for three common small‐mammal species
Authors: Connolly Brian , Zirbel Chad R. , Keller Carson , Fuka Mark , Orrock John L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSeasonal variation in animal activity influences fitness and the intensity of ecological interactions (e.g., competition, predation), yet aspects of global change in the Anthropocene may catalyze shifts in seasonal activity. Invasive plants are components of global change and can modify animal daily activity, but their influence on animal seasonal activity is less understood. We examined how invasive woody shrubs (Autumn olive [Elaeagnus umbellata] and Amur honeysuckle [Lonicera maackii]) affect seasonal activity of three common small‐mammal species by coupling experimental shrub removal with autumnal camera trapping for two consecutive years at six paired forest sites (total 12 plots). Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) foraged more, and foraging was observed at least 20 days longer, in shrub‐invaded forests. White‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) foraged more in invaded than cleared plots in one study year, but P. leucopus autumn activity timing did not differ between shrub‐removal treatments. Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) activity displayed year‐specific responses to shrub removal suggesting intraannual cues (e.g., temperature) structure S. niger autumnal activity. Our work highlights how plant invasions can have species‐specific effects on seasonal animal activity, may modify the timing of physiological processes (e.g., torpor), and could generate variation in animal‐mediated interactions such as seed dispersal or granivory.
Performance of dual‐chamber oscillating water column device under irregular incident waves using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes model
Authors: Koley Santanu , Krishnan Parothidil Anjusree , Ray Amya Ranjan , Krasovsky Artem 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to analyze the hydrodynamic performance and efficiency of a dual‐chamber oscillating water column (OWC) device. For the Joint North Sea Wave Project (JONSWAP) incident waves spectrum, a two dimensional numerical wave tank is employed with nonlinear Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations model along with the standard turbulence model. The free surface elevation is measured using the volume of fluid method. The numerical simulation demonstrates the streamline and velocity vector profiles throughout an entire pressure fluctuation cycle inside the chambers of the given OWC device. Further, investigation is carried out to analyze the impact of pressure drop and air flow rate through the orifice of the dual‐chamber OWC device on the power generation. Moreover, the power spectral density analysis of the free surface elevation is provided to know the variation of the parameters in the frequency domain. These results demonstrate that the effectiveness of the dual‐chamber OWC device is more near the significant wave height m.
The inhibition activity on tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase, and lipase of Musa balbisiana parts grown in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Thi Ngoc Nhon , Ho Le Bao Ngoc , Nguyen Kim Nhat Nguyet , Dong Thi Anh Dao , Le Thi Hong Anh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMusa balbisiana Colla plant belongs to the Musaceae family, which is well‐known for its nutritional and pharmacological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the anti‐xanthine oxidase, anti‐lipase, and anti‐tyrosinase activities of samples of corm, pseudostem, inflorescence, fruit, peel, and seed of M. balbisiana. The results show that seed performed the highest capacity in the inhibition of three investigated enzymes, with IC50 values of 290.25 μg/mL (anti‐tyrosinase), 141.51 μg/mL (anti‐xanthine oxidase), and 25.66 μg/mL (anti‐lipase). In addition, while fruit showed better performance in anti‐lipase inhibition (IC50: 32.72 μg/mL), corm pointed out higher capability on anti‐xanthine oxidase (IC50: 160.67 μg/mL) and anti‐tyrosinase (IC50: 334.43 μg/mL). The data show the high potential of the application of M. balbisiana parts in medical aesthetics, dietary supplements, or medicine. This is the first report to systematically present the biological activities of all parts of M. balbisiana grown in Vietnam.
Non‐destructively characterizing sandstones, orthoquartzites, agates, and petrified wood for provenance research: Perspectives from the Southeastern Coastal Plain, United States
Authors: Sherman Simon P. , Parish Ryan M. , Kwon Youngsang , Meredith Steven , Johnson David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSiliceous sandstone (including quartzites), petrified wood, and agates located in Alabama and Mississippi were utilized as a toolstone resource during every recognized cultural period in the Lower Mississippi Valley region of the Southeastern United States. Regrettably, these materials have not been the focus of many provenance‐related investigations. Recent analyses of quartzite and sandstone from other regions in North America and from the Pyrenees were successful in discriminating sources using petrographic techniques. The current study examines the application of visible/near‐infrared reflectance and Fourier transform infrared reflectance (FTIR) spectroscopy on sourcing siliceous materials besides chert, particularly sandstones, orthoquartzites (quartz sandstone), petrified woods, and agates. This source characterization investigation focuses on a case study involving materials gathered from eight distinct collection sites, encompassing nine different siliceous resources collected in Alabama and Mississippi. These materials were sourced from two distinct geological formations: the Hattiesburg and Tallahatta. Results demonstrate the ability of non‐destructive reflectance spectroscopy and introduces a new outlier modeling method that detects, clusters, and separately models outliers with their own set of basis vectors. Principal component analyses, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, linear discriminant function analysis (LDA), and random forest classification are used in this paper to better identify outlier elements as well as discriminate for stone materials accurately (between 67% and 100%). Although this is the first reflectance spectroscopy investigation used to characterize these materials for provenance applications, the preliminary results compare favorably with other provenance techniques whose aim is to quantify between‐formation (inter) and within‐formation (intra) outcrop variation. The quantified and differentiated sources, based on the hyperspectral signatures of the material, will provide a better understanding of prehistoric reliance on these lithic resources and produces a proxy to determine mobility, social interaction, and other past behavior.
Multisensory integration of speech and gestures in a naturalistic paradigm
Authors: Matyjek Magdalena , Kita Sotaro , Torralba Cuello Mireia , Soto Faraco Salvador 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSpeech comprehension is crucial for human social interaction, relying on the integration of auditory and visual cues across various levels of representation. While research has extensively studied multisensory integration (MSI) using idealised, well‐controlled stimuli, there is a need to understand this process in response to complex, naturalistic stimuli encountered in everyday life. This study investigated behavioural and neural MSI in neurotypical adults experiencing audio‐visual speech within a naturalistic, social context. Our novel paradigm incorporated a broader social situational context, complete words, and speech‐supporting iconic gestures, allowing for context‐based pragmatics and semantic priors. We investigated MSI in the presence of unimodal (auditory or visual) or complementary, bimodal speech signals. During audio‐visual speech trials, compared to unimodal trials, participants more accurately recognised spoken words and showed a more pronounced suppression of alpha power—an indicator of heightened integration load. Importantly, on the neural level, these effects surpassed mere summation of unimodal responses, suggesting non‐linear MSI mechanisms. Overall, our findings demonstrate that typically developing adults integrate audio‐visual speech and gesture information to facilitate speech comprehension in noisy environments, highlighting the importance of studying MSI in ecologically valid contexts.
Using patient feedback to predict effects of quality improvement initiatives
Authors: Han Sirou , Liang Zhanming 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundInternationally, continuous efforts have been put into developing patient complaint channels to understand patients' experience and expectation of care, which can guide the improvement of health service quality. Despite agreement among the value of patient feedback, limited attention has been paid to using patient feedback to predict and promote the actual quality improvement initiatives.ObjectiveTo determine whether patient feedback collected from a public feedback hotline can be used to predict the effect of hospital quality service improvement initiatives.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patient complaint data of a tertiary hospital from 2018 to 2021 was performed. Patient complaints were first coded by the standard classification method of the Australian Hospital Patient Experience Question Set. The characteristics of patients' complaints were then analysed by frequency and contingency table analysis. Finally, through Nonparametric Mann‐Kendall test and Joinpoint regression model, the trends of each complaint characteristics were tested.ResultsAmongst the 771 complaints received against clinicians, approximately 75% of them were concerning doctors. ‘Harm and distress’ was the key reason of complaints, followed by ‘not cared for’, ‘lack of confidence’, ‘needs unmet’ and ‘not informed’. In 2021, the number of complaints received in relation to moderate ‘harm and distress’ caused by doctors increased by 667% from 2020. The categories of ‘not informed’, ‘not cared for’ and ‘harm and distress’ were also on the rise with statistical significance. In addition, complaints related to the lack of respect, bad attitude and unprofessional behaviour demonstrated by nurses (n = 83) and doctors (n = 121) were also recorded.ConclusionPatient feedbacks collected via a public feedback hotline provides a useful platform to gain insight into patient experience of care which are valuable to guide quality care improvement. To improve the care quality, clinicians need to participate in quality improvement strategies development at an early stage. Efforts in improving communication and interaction between doctors and patients are needed to improve patients' experience of care and developing patients' trust in both of the clinicians and the medical services. The study highlights the value of using public feedback hotline to generate evidence that can guide hospital service improvement.
Novel ectopic expression of zona pellucida 3 glycoprotein in lung cancer promotes tumor growth
Authors: Pulawska‐Moon Kamila , Ponikwicka‐Tyszko Donata , Lebiedzinska Weronika , Pilaszewicz‐Puza Agata , Bernaczyk Piotr , Koda Mariusz , Lupu Oana , Milewska Gabriela , Huang Chen‐Che Jeff , Zheng Huifei , Schiele Phillip , Na Il‐Kang , Frentsch Marco , Li Xiangdong , Toppari Jorma , Wolczynski Slawomir , Coelingh Bennink Herjan J. T. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Rahman Nafis A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractZona pellucida 3 (ZP3) expression is classically found in the ZP‐layer of the oocytes, lately shown in ovarian and prostate cancer. A successful ZP3 ovarian cancer immunotherapy in transgenic mice suggested its use as an attractive therapeutic target. The biological role of ZP3 in cancer growth and progression is still unknown. We found that ~88% of the analyzed adenocarcinoma, squamous and small cell lung carcinomas to express ZP3. Knockout of ZP3 in a ZP3‐expressing lung adenocarcinoma cell line, significantly decreased cell viability, proliferation, and migration rates in vitro. Zona pellucida 3 knock out (ZP3‐KO) cell tumors inoculated in vivo in immunodeficient non‐obese diabetic, severe combined immunodeficient mice showed significant inhibition of tumor growth and mitigation of the malignant phenotype. RNA sequencing revealed the deregulation of cell migration/adhesion signaling pathways in ZP3‐KO cells. This novel functional relevance of ZP3 in lung cancer emphasized the suitability of ZP3 as a target in cancer immunotherapy and as a potential cancer biomarker.
Design, construction, and validation of obstetric risk classification systems to predict intensive care unit admission
Authors: Soares Fabiano Miguel , da Rocha Carvalho Rosa Lívia Ohana , Cecatti José Guilherme , Luz Adriana Gomes , Awe Oluwafunmilola Deborah , Laureano Estevão Esmi , de Carvalho Pacagnella Rodolfo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo develop and validate a support tool for healthcare providers, enabling them to make precise and critical decisions regarding intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for high‐risk pregnant women, thus enhancing maternal outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study involves secondary data analysis of information gathered from 9550 pregnant women, who had severe maternal morbidity (any unexpected complication during labor and delivery that leads to substantial short‐term or long‐term health issues for the mother), collected between 2009 and 2010 from the Brazilian Network for Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity, encompassing 27 obstetric reference centers in Brazil. Machine‐learning models, including decision trees, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were employed to create a risk prediction tool for ICU admission. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis was conducted to compare the accuracy, predictive power, sensitivity, and specificity of these models, with differences analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.ResultsThe XGBoost algorithm demonstrated superior efficiency, achieving an accuracy rate of 85%, sensitivity of 42%, specificity of 97%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 86.7%. Notably, the estimated prevalence of ICU utilization by the model (11.6%) differed from the prevalence of ICU use from the study (21.52%).ConclusionThe developed risk engine yielded positive results, emphasizing the need to optimize intensive care bed utilization and objectively identify high‐risk pregnant women requiring these services. This approach promises to enhance the effective and efficient management of pregnant women, particularly in resource‐constrained regions worldwide. By streamlining ICU admissions for high‐risk cases, healthcare providers can better allocate critical resources, ultimately contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.
Etiology and diagnostic approach of recurrent miscarriage at a reference center in Bucaramanga, Colombia
Authors: Corrales Dalia M. , Sepúlveda Janer , Contreras Gustavo A. , Barajas Silvia , Silva María P. , Jaimes Hermes 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the etiologies of recurrent miscarriage in our hospital and whether its diagnostic approach followed the recommendations of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines published in 2012 and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in 2011.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. The medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage between 2013 and 2018 at Santander University Hospital were reviewed. The Institutional Review Board of HUS approved the study in May 2020.ResultsThe most common etiologies identified were protein S deficiency, thrombophilia, and cervical insufficiency, with incidence rates of 25.9%, 10.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, the most frequently requested diagnostic tests were for protein S, protein C, and anti‐phospholipid IgG. Abnormal results for protein S were obtained in 49% of the patients, whereas lupus anticoagulant was abnormal in 12.8%, and Factor V Leiden gene mutations in 8.5% of the patients. Three substantial deviations from the recommended diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage by international guidelines were identified in our population: the lack of request for cytogenetic analysis of pregnancy tissue, request for cytogenetic analysis for the parents in only 0.6% of the study sample, and the request for imaging tests to assess uterine anatomy in only 6.3% of the studied population. Both the ASRM and NICE guidelines were only partially followed with a combined adherence rate of 66.5%.ConclusionThe diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage poses important clinical challenges when compared to the recommendations of international guidelines. Therefore, the development of a local recurrent miscarriage assessment protocol is proposed in our institution.
Extraction of genomic DNA from wild boar (Sus scrofa) muscle tissue using hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvents
Authors: He Xingchen , Ma Yihan , Wang Hongyu , Ma Yani , Li Qian , Tang Xin , Mo Xiaoyang , Ding Xueqin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExtraction of high‐quality genomic DNA from wild boar tissue is of great significance for the study of its genetic information, population quantity, and distribution. In this work, a hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvent (HMDES) was synthesized. Based on the HMDES, a HMDES‐based vortexed extraction method was developed for extracting genomic DNA from wild boar muscle tissue. Compared to the traditional high salt‐extraction method, this approach is faster and embraces higher DNA extraction efficiency. Different pretreatment methods before extraction were evaluated. Single‐factor experiments were used to optimize the extraction condition, for example, extraction time, temperature, and HMDES volume. After extraction, the DNA can be quickly and easily recovered from the HMDES phase, and the HMDES can be reused. This work provides a simple and environmental‐friendly extraction method for DNA extraction from wild boar tissue.
Social inflation and health care risk management
Authors: Boisvert Sue , Lynch Jim , Moore David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the concept of social inflation as it affects medical malpractice insurance claims, a phenomenon that warrants monitoring by risk managers in health care. The authors define social inflation as the growth in the cost of insurance claims that exceeds general inflation. The authors use data aggregated from insurance company Annual Statements and from a national database of malpractice reports to estimate that social inflation added $2.4 billion to $3.5 billion to booked losses over the 10 years ending in 2021, which is between 8% and 11% of total losses. The authors’ approach is to show growth in loss development factors, a metric that property/casualty actuaries use to estimate claim costs. This approach is explained in detail. The paper concludes with commentary on how risk managers can incorporate consideration of social inflation in their overall assessment of risk.