bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of Bornavirus Encephalitis cases demonstrates a small time window for Etiological Diagnostics and treatment attempts, a large case series from Germany 1996–2022
Authors: Pörtner Kirsten , Wilking Hendrik , Frank Christina , Stark Klaus , Wunderlich Silke , Tappe Dennis 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The emerging zoonotic Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) and the variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) cause severe and fatal human encephalitis in Germany. We conducted the first systematic clinical analysis of acute, molecularly confirmed fatal bornavirus encephalitis cases comprising 21 BoDV-1 and four VSBV-1 patients to identify options for better diagnosis and timely treatment.

Methods
Analyses were based on medical records and, for BoDV-1, on additional medical interviews with patients’ relatives.

Results
Disease onset was unspecific, often with fever and headache, inconsistently mixed with early fluctuating neurological symptoms, all rapidly leading to severe encephalopathy and progressive vigilance decline. Very shortly after seeking the first medical advice (median time interval 2 and 0 days for BoDV-1 and VSBV-1, respectively), all except one patient were hospitalised upon manifest neurological symptoms (median 10 and 16 days respectively after general symptom onset). Neurological symptoms varied, always progressing to coma and death. BoDV-1 and VSBV-1 patients required ventilation a median of three and five days, and died a median of 32 and 72 days, after hospitalisation. Death occurred mostly after supportive treatment cessation at different points in time based on poor prognosis. Disease duration therefore showed a wide, incomparable range.

Conclusion
The extremely rapid progression is the most obvious clinical characteristic of bornavirus encephalitis and the timeframe for diagnosis and targeted therapy is very short. Therefore, our results demand an early clinical suspicion based on symptomatology, epidemiology, imaging, and laboratory findings, followed by prompt virological testing as a prerequisite for any potentially effective treatment.
Closed-loop Laser Volume Ablation with Adaptive Scan Paths
Authors: Buser Matthias , Menold Tobias , Michalowski Andreas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis research focuses on closed-loop control in laser volume ablation, also known as laser milling. Such process control enables precise ablation results on workpieces with much wider tolerances regarding the initial surface geometry, internal structure, or its response to the incident laser beam, compared to conventional open-loop processing. However, state of the art closed-loop ablation systems incorporate the process control at the cost of increased processing time. The two main causes are the alternating between processing and measuring, and the use of static scan paths that do not adapt continuously to the evolving geometry of the workpiece during processing. This study addresses this issue by proposing a parallelized work flow of processing, measuring the surface topography and adaptive path planning, eliminating interruptions and achieving faster processing through continuously optimized scan paths. The realized machining system achieved a mean reduction in processing time of 29%, 36%, and 52% on three different test geometries compared to the state of the art.
Attention-guided mask learning for self-supervised 3D action recognition
Authors: Zhang Haoyuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMost existing 3D action recognition works rely on the supervised learning paradigm, yet the limited availability of annotated data limits the full potential of encoding networks. As a result, effective self-supervised pre-training strategies have been actively researched. In this paper, we target to explore a self-supervised learning approach for 3D action recognition, and propose the Attention-guided Mask Learning (AML) scheme. Specifically, the dropping mechanism is introduced into contrastive learning to develop Attention-guided Mask (AM) module as well as mask learning strategy, respectively. The AM module leverages the spatial and temporal attention to guide the corresponding features masking, so as to produce the masked contrastive object. The mask learning strategy enables the model to discriminate different actions even with important features masked, which makes action representation learning more discriminative. What’s more, to alleviate the strict positive constraint that would hinder representation learning, the positive-enhanced learning strategy is leveraged in the second-stage training. Extensive experiments on NTU-60, NTU-120, and PKU-MMD datasets show that the proposed AML scheme improves the performance in self-supervised 3D action recognition, achieving state-of-the-art results.
Performance of ACR-TIRADS in assessing thyroid nodules does not vary according to patient age
Authors: Leoncini Andrea , Curti Marco , Ruinelli Lorenzo , Gamarra Elena , Trimboli Pierpaolo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Aims
A few studies have evaluated the performance of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System (ACR-TIRADS) in pediatric and elderly patients and found differences between the latter two age groups and middle adulthood. Thus, the present study was undertaken to explore the possible variation of ACR-TIRADS performance across different ages of patients.

Methods
A retrospective population undergoing thyroidectomy was selected to use histology as the reference standard. Ultrasound images were reviewed, and alignment of ACR-TIRADS with the corresponding histological diagnosis was made afterwards. Results of the age groups were compared. The ACR-TIRADS diagnostic performance was calculated considering the assessment of nodules across risk categories (i.e., from TR1 to TR5), rate of unnecessary FNAC (UN-FNAC), and rate of necessary but non-performed FNAC (NNP-FNAC).

Results
Overall, 114 patients with a total of 220 nodules (46 carcinomas) were included. The rate of UN-FNAC was 66.3%, being 93.1% in TR3, 82.1% in TR4, and 31.4% in TR5. There were 15 NNP-FNACs. No significant difference was observed between age groups in terms of sample size, nodule, cancer, and FNAC. The nodule assessment according to ACR-TIRADS categories did not vary across ages. Sensitivity and specificity recorded in three age tertiles were not significantly different.

Conclusions
The present study shows that the performance of ACR-TIRADS is not significantly influenced by patient age.
Facilitating well-being: an examination of an online trauma-informed faculty/staff training designed to support college student resilience
Authors: Ray Elizabeth C. , Perko Ann , Oehme Karen , Bradley Lyndi , Arpan Laura 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCollege students report high psychological distress, mental health problems and anxiety. Research indicates that faculty and staff can help support these students in crisis, but there is limited trauma-informed training for higher education professionals who are not mental health counselors. This study explored an evidence-based online training program designed to help faculty/staff members facilitate well-being and resilience among college students. To test the training, a systematic program evaluation was conducted. Prior to completing the training, participants (n = 52) took a pretest. Then, after completing the training, they took a posttest. Results indicated a significant difference between pre and posttest. There were more positive attitudes toward trauma-informed approaches and resilience resources; stronger beliefs about prevalence and effects of psychological trauma; greater self-efficacy to perform trauma-informed approaches; and greater confidence in trauma-informed knowledge. Additionally, participants reported they were likely to use tools learned during the training. Thus, indicating that a self-paced, convenient, and culturally sensitive training may be beneficial for faculty and staff as they aid in student success. Practical implications, participant comments and specific suggestions for colleges are also discussed.
The Mantle Transition Zone Structure Beneath the Pamir Plateau and Western Tian Shan and Adjacent Regions
Authors: Wu Yingkai , Bao Xuewei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSystematical investigation of deep mantle structure beneath the Pamir Plateau, western Tian Shan and their surroundings is of great significance to understand dynamics of continental collision, intracontinental orogenesis and deformation in response to the Indo‐Eurasian collision. In this research, we imaged the mantle transition zone (MTZ) structure beneath these regions using 42,560 P‐wave receiver functions obtained from 352 seismic stations and 6,173 teleseismic events. Our results reveal significant 15–20 km depression of the 410‐km discontinuity (d410) mainly beneath the southern Kazakh Shield, which is consistent with the low‐velocity anomaly in tomographic models and thus attributed to the mantle upwelling from the MTZ, providing evidence for the fossil Tian Shan plume responsible for the Late Cretaceous‐Paleocene basaltic magmatism (74–52 Ma) at the western Tian Shan. Considering that the d410 is slightly depressed by ∼8 km beneath the western Tian Shan, deep subduction of the Tarim lithosphere is likely excluded and its subhorizontal indentation into the Tian Shan is preferred. As a result, segments of thickened Tian Shan lithosphere delaminated and accumulated near the 660‐km discontinuity (d660), which induce small‐scale upwelling across the d410 there. The d410 is depressed by ∼10–15 km beneath Tarim, which is interpreted to be caused by the mantle upwelling originating from beneath the d410. The d660 below the central Hindu Kush is extremely depressed by 25–30 km, providing direct evidence for the deep subduction of Indian lithosphere into the bottom of the MTZ and suggesting different mechanisms for continental collision between the Hindu Kush and Pamir Plateau.
Influence of Terrestrial Nitrogen Dynamics on Mesoscale Near‐Surface Meteorological Fields
Authors: Cai Xitian , Cao Yeer , Zhang Guo , Liang Jingjing , Zheng Hui , Li Kai , Zeng Zhenzhong , Dai Yongjiu , Yang Zong‐Liang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe influence of biogeochemical cycles, particularly the nitrogen cycle, on near‐surface meteorological fields is a critical yet understudied aspect of regional climate modeling. Neglecting such interactions may compromise the accurate representation of vegetation growth and hydrological processes in climate models, consequently affecting the simulated regional near‐surface climate conditions. In order to quantify such effects, we coupled the nitrogen‐augmented Noah‐MP land surface model with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model v4.1.2 (hereafter WRF‐CN) for regional climate modeling. Compared to the default WRF simulation without nitrogen dynamics, the WRF‐CN simulated net primary productivity, gross primary productivity (GPP), and leaf area index (LAI) were all higher in the study region. Because WRF underestimated the observed GPP and LAI due to the fixed nitrogen limitation of plant growth, these higher estimations improved WRF‐CN's performance in modeling GPP and LAI, which translated into improved simulations of near‐surface climate. Specifically, for the 2‐m air temperature, compared to WRF, WRF‐CN reduced the mean absolute error and root mean square error by 14.45% and 14.19%, respectively, while increased the Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient by 7.23%, with the most pronounced improvements in the regions dominated by croplands. Our findings shed light on the crucial interactions between biogeochemical processes and near‐surface meteorological conditions, emphasizing the significance of incorporating terrestrial nitrogen dynamics in regional climate models. These insights contribute to advancing our understanding of climate system dynamics and improving the accuracy of climate predictions at the mesoscale.
Causality between six psychiatric disorders and digestive tract cancers risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Qi , Li Linghui , Zhuoma Niyang , Ma Rui , Zhao Zhixi , Quzuo Zhaxi , Wang Zhen , Yangzong Deji , Di Ji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAssociations between psychiatric disorders and digestive tract cancers have been proposed. However, the causal link between these factors remains unclear. This study pioneers Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the genetic link between psychiatric disorders and digestive tract cancers risk. We analysed data on six psychiatric disorders [schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and panic disorder (PD)] and digestive tract cancers [esophagus cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), and colorectal cancer (CRC)] from genome-wide association studies databases. Using instrumental variables identified from significant single nucleotide polymorphism associations, we employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method alongside the weighted median (WM) method and MR-Egger regression. The results revealed no causal link between psychiatric disorders and the risk of EC or GC. Psychiatric disorders were not identified as risk factors for CRC. Notably, PD demonstrated a lower CRC risk (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.93, P = 0.01). This MR analysis underscores the lack of a causal association between psychiatric disorders and digestive tract cancers risk while suggesting a potential protective effect of PD against CRC.
Preparation and characterization of conjugated PVA/PANi blend films doped with functionalized graphene for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Morad M. A. , Abo Ghazala M. S. , El-Shaarawy M. G. , Gouda M. E. , Elrasasi T. Y. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFlexible nanocomposite thick films consisting of PVA0.7PANi0.3 polymer blend doped with different concentrations of nanoplatelets functionalized Graphene (NPFGx) (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) were fabricated using the solution cast technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) were used to study the structure of the samples. The results showed that the ordered structure, its orientation, the PANis' well dispersion, and the electrostatic forces play a significant role in enhancing the interfaces between the polymer blend and the NPFG. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and Thermoelectrical analyses (TE) showed that the PVA-PANi conducts a promised conjugated blend for thermoelectric applications. The introduction of the NPFG contents into the blend increased the TE measurements as the DC electrical conductivity ≈ 0.0114 (S cm−1), power factor ≈ 3.93 × 10–3 (W m−1 K−2), and Z.T. ≈ 8.4 × 10–7, for the 25 wt.% NPFG nanocomposite film. The effect of the polymers’ phonon contribution in the thermal conductivity controlling and enhancing the thermal stability of the prepared nanocomposite films.
Modeling hippocampal spatial cells in rodents navigating in 3D environments
Authors: Aziz Azra , Patil Bharat K. , Lakshmikanth Kailash , Sreeharsha Peesapati S. S. , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractStudies on the neural correlates of navigation in 3D environments are plagued by several issues that need to be solved. For example, experimental studies show markedly different place cell responses in rats and bats, both navigating in 3D environments. In this study, we focus on modelling the spatial cells in rodents in a 3D environment. We propose a deep autoencoder network to model the place and grid cells in a simulated agent navigating in a 3D environment. The input layer to the autoencoder network model is the HD layer, which encodes the agent’s HD in terms of azimuth (θ) and pitch angles (ϕ). The output of this layer is given as input to the Path Integration (PI) layer, which computes displacement in all the preferred directions. The bottleneck layer of the autoencoder model encodes the spatial cell-like responses. Both grid cell and place cell-like responses are observed. The proposed model is verified using two experimental studies with two 3D environments. This model paves the way for a holistic approach using deep neural networks to model spatial cells in 3D navigation.
Geological controls of mineralization occurrences in the Egyptian Eastern Desert using advanced integration of remote sensing and magnetic data
Authors: Eldosouky Ahmed M. , Eleraki M. , Mansour Aya , Saada Saada A. , Zamzam Sara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of mineralization exploration in the Egyptian Eastern Desert (ED), one of the most sought-after areas for those interested in mining industry, by integrating Landsat-9 images and geophysical magnetic data. Employing advanced techniques like Principal Component (PC) analysis, Minimum Noise Fraction (MNf) transform, and Band-Ratio (B-Ratio), the research focuses on mapping lithological units, hydrothermal alteration regions, and structural elements. Composite images derived from specific PC, and MNf bands, and B-Ratio exhibit superior lithological unit identification. The findings emphasize that there are significant variations in the types of rocks extend from the southern to the northern parts of the ED. Hydrothermal alteration mapping, guided by B-Ratio results, aids qualitative lithological discrimination. A novel false color composite image optimizes Landsat-9 B-Ratios, enhancing rock unit discrimination. Correlation analyses reveal associations between mineralization types and major lithological units, while exploration of the magnetic anomaly map highlights its role in correlating mineralization sites. Structural features, analyzed through Center for Exploration-Targeting Grid-Analysis (CET-GA) and Center for Exploration-Targeting Porphyry-Analysis (CET-GA) with Tilt Derivative of RTP (TDR) techniques, contribute to a robust association between regions with medium to high structural density and porphyry intrusions and mineralization. The study significantly supports the advanced exploration geoscience, providing insights into the geological structures and dynamics governing mineralization in the Egyptian ED.
Molecular dynamics-guided optimization of BGM0504 enhances dual-target agonism for combating diabetes and obesity
Authors: Yuan Jiandong , Liu Wenlang , Jiang Xiaohui , Huang Yangqing , Zong Leilei , Ding Haifeng , Shen Xinyi , Sun Yujia , Feng Xiangyang , Li Xionghao , Song Yunsong , Gu Jianing , Wang Yuhuai , Liu Hao , Zheng Zheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe dual activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Tirzepatide, a dual agonist peptide, has exhibited superior clinical efficacy in glycemic and weight control compared to selective GLP-1R agonists. Nevertheless, the structural basis of Tirzepatide's extended half-life, attributed to an acylation side chain on the parent peptide, raises questions regarding its partial agonistic activity. Employing molecular dynamics simulations, we explored the dynamic processes of peptide-receptor interactions. We uncovered a crucial salt bridge between parent peptide and GLP-1R/GIPR at K20, a feature not discernible in cryo-electron microscopy structures. Building upon these insights, we developed an optimization strategy based on the parent peptide which involved repositioning the acylation side chain. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the optimized peptide has twofold to threefold increase in agonistic activity compared to Tirzepatide while maintaining its extended half-life in plasma. This led to the design of BGM0504, which proved to be more effective than its predecessor, Tirzepatide, in both laboratory and animal studies.
Mutations in glioblastoma proteins do not disrupt epitope presentation and recognition, maintaining a specific CD8 T cell immune response potential
Authors: Tarabini Renata Fioravanti , Fioravanti Vieira Gustavo , Rigo Maurício Menegatti , de Souza Ana Paula Duarte 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAntigen-specific cytotoxic CD8 T cells are extremely effective in controlling tumor growth and have been the focus of immunotherapy approaches. We leverage in silico tools to investigate whether the occurrence of mutations in proteins previously described as immunogenic and highly expressed by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN) and Tumor Protein 53 (TP53), may be contributing to the differential presentation of immunogenic epitopes. We recovered Class I MHC binding information from wild-type and mutated proteins using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). After that, we built peptide-MHC (pMHC-I) models in HLA-arena, followed by hierarchical clustering analysis based on electrostatic surface features from each complex. We identified point mutations that are determinants for the presentation of a set of peptides from TP53 protein. We point to structural features in the pMHC-I complexes of wild-type and mutated peptides, which may play a role in the recognition of CD8 T cells. To further explore these features, we performed 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations for the peptide pairs (wt/mut) selected. In pursuit of novel therapeutic targets for GBM treatment, we selected peptides where our predictive results indicated that mutations would not disrupt epitope presentation, thereby maintaining a specific CD8 T cell immune response. These peptides hold potential for future GBM interventions, including peptide-based or mRNA vaccine development applications.
Experimenting to increase the effectiveness of a national campaign on hygiene behavior in Tanzania
Authors: Aunger Robert , Coville Aidan , Kwezi Lukas , Mwakitalima Anyitike , Mwambuli Kaposo , Reichert Arndt , Sansonetti Jérôme 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThrough Tanzania’s National Sanitation Campaign, we study the effectiveness of two common elements of behavior change campaigns: endorsements from celebrities and testimonials. Using four experiments in Tanzania in early 2021 as part of the national campaign, we find that including endorsements and testimonials in text messages sent to individuals significantly increases self-reported hygiene behavior. These results mask important heterogeneity based on the source of endorsement or framing of the testimonial and provide insights into cost-effective approaches for changing behavior at scale.