bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent organic pollutants in sediment of a tropical river: the case of N’djili River in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Tshibanda Joseph B. , Atibu Emmanuel K. , Malumba Augustin M. , Otamonga Jean-Paul , Mulaji Crispin K. , Mpiana Pius T. , Carvalho Fernando P. , Poté John 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSurface sediments collected in several areas along the N’djili River, in the Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and also organophosphorus and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides. High values of POPs were determined in the DIGUE area of the river reaching 710 µg kg−1 for ∑12 PCBs, 397 µg kg−1 for ∑6 DDTs, 1138 µg kg−1 for ∑16 PAHs, and 23 µg kg−1 for ∑6 PBDEs. Regarding toxic effects on aquatic biota, the Total PCBs (∑7 × 4.3) were above the Threshold Effect Level (TEL) value of 34.1 μg kg−1 and above the Probable Effect Level (PEL) value of 277 μg kg−1 in most sampling sites. ∑16 PAHs values were, in general, below the TEL value of 610 μg kg−1, but with exceptions for several sampling sites where values exceeded the TEL value. The ∑6 DDTs in all sampling sites were higher than both TEL and PEL values of 6.15 and 20.03 μg kg−1, respectively. These values above TEL and PEL indicate potential adverse effects on benthic organisms. In general, the ratio values of (DDD + DDE)/DDT were higher than 0.5 reflecting past DDT use mostly, and Fluo/(Fluo + Pyr), IDP/(IDP + BghiP) and BaA/(BaA + Chry) ratios indicated several PAHs origins including petrogenic and pyrolytic sources, petroleum, grass, wood and coal combustion. Globally, the results of this research showed high contamination of N´djili River sediments by a plethora of organic pollutants and at toxic levels to the aquatic biota. Furthermore, the river water quality might be not suitable for human consumption.
Residual Effects of Compost and Manure Fertilizers on Quinoa Production and Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Taaime Nawal , El Mejahed Khalil , Oukarroum Abdallah , Choukr-Allah Redouane , Pittelkow Cameron , Bouabid Rachid , Gharous Mohamed El 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOrganic fertilizers have the potential to improve soil quality and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) yields, but their long-standing benefits are unknown. Therefore, a three-years field experiment (2019–2022) was conducted in Morocco to investigate the residual effects of organic fertilizers on the productivity and mineral status of quinoa. Compost and manure were applied during the first season at 5, 10, and 20 t ha− 1 and 10, 20, and 40 t ha− 1, respectively. Soil organic matter (SOM), plant growth, and quinoa yield were monitored during the year of organic fertilizer applications and two and three years after the applications. 40 t ha− 1 of manure produced the highest SOM, plant height, and chlorophyll content index. Compost at 20 t ha− 1 produced the highest grain yield (4.6 t ha− 1) during the first year, but the residual effect of 40 t ha− 1 of manure exceeded other treatments in the second and third years (3.4 t ha− 1 and 1.4 t ha− 1, respectively). Average quinoa grain yield over the three years was highest with 10 and 20 t ha− 1 of compost and 20 and 40 t ha− 1 of manure and average quinoa nutrient content was 1.8 kg N, 0.3 kg P, 4.1 kg K, 0.5 kg Ca, 0.6 kg Mg, 0.5 g Cu, 1.9 g Zn, 7.9 g Mn, and 7.9 g Fe per 100 kg of total biomass. A single application of manure at 20 t ha− 1 was optimal to increase quinoa productivity for three growing seasons, promoting agricultural sustainability in arid regions.
First Impressions of the Sapphire Rapids Processor with HBM for Scientific Workloads
Authors: Siegmann Eva , Harrison Robert J. , Carlson David , Chheda Smeet , Curtis Anthony , Coskun Firat , Gonzalez Raul , Wood Daniel , Simakov Nikolay A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe landscape of high performance computing (HPC) has witnessed exponential growth in processor diversity, architectural complexity, and performance scalability. With an ever-increasing demand for faster and more efficient computing solutions to address an array of scientific, engineering, and societal challenges, the selection of processors for specific applications becomes paramount. Achieving optimal performance requires a deep understanding of how diverse processors interact with diverse workloads, making benchmarking a fundamental practice in the field of HPC. Here, we present preliminary results observed over such benchmarks and applications and a comparison of Intel Sapphire Rapids and Skylake-X, AMD Milan, and Fujitsu A64FX processors in terms of runtime performance, memory bandwidth utilization, and energy consumption. The examples focus specifically on the Sapphire Rapids processor with and without high-bandwidth memory (HBM). An additional case study reports the performance gains from using Intel’s Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) instructions, and how they along with HBM can be leveraged to accelerate AI workloads. These initial results aim to give a rough comparison of the processors rather than a detailed analysis and should prove timely and relevant for researchers who may be interested in using Sapphire Rapids for their scientific workloads.
Skeletal microstructures of cheilostome bryozoans (phylum Bryozoa, class Gymnolaemata): crystallography and secretion patterns
Authors: Grenier Christian , Griesshaber Erika , Schmahl Wolfgang , Berning Björn , Checa Antonio G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGymnolaemata bryozoans produce CaCO3 skeletons of either calcite, aragonite, or both. Despite extensive research, their crystallography and biomineralization patterns remain unclear. We present a detailed study of the microstructures, mineralogy, and crystallography of eight extant cheilostome species using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and micro-computed tomography. We distinguished five basic microstructures, three calcitic (tabular, irregularly platy, and granular), and two aragonitic (granular-platy and fibrous). The calcitic microstructures consist of crystal aggregates that transition from tabular or irregularly platy to granular assemblies. Fibrous aragonite consists of fibers arranged into spherulites. In all cases, the crystallographic textures are axial, and stronger in aragonite than in calcite, with the c-axis as the fiber axis. We reconstruct the biomineralization sequence in the different species by considering the distribution and morphology of the growth fronts of crystals and the location of the secretory epithelium. In bimineralic species, calcite formation always predates aragonite formation. In interior compound walls, growth proceeds from the cuticle toward the zooecium interior. We conclude that, with the exception of tabular calcite, biomineralization is remote and occurs within a relatively wide extrapallial space, which is consistent with the inorganic-like appearance of the microstructures. This biomineralization mode is rare among invertebrates.
Maturation of the vertebral ring apophysis is delayed in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to the normal population
Authors: Costa Lorenzo , van Lange Agnes , Seevinck Peter R. , Chu Winnie , Vavruch Ludvig , Kruyt Moyo C. , Castelein René M. , Schlosser Tom P. C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The ring apophysis is a secondary ossification center on both sides of each vertebral body, to which the annulus of the intervertebral disc inserts. Recently, its pattern of ossification and fusion to the vertebral body was described for the normal growing spine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ossification and fusion of the ring apophysis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and compare it to the normal growing population.

Methods
Ring apophysis maturation along the entire thoracic and lumbar spine was analyzed on CT scans of 99 female, pre-operative AIS patients and compared to 134 CT scans of non-scoliotic girls, aged 12 to 20.

Results
The ring apophysis maturation in AIS patients was delayed at all spinal levels in AIS patients compared to non-scoliotic controls. Ossification starts at T4–T11 at age 12, followed by T1–T5 and L3–S1 at age 15. The fusion process in AIS patients continues longer in the midthoracic region as compared to the other regions and as compared to non-scoliotic controls, with many incomplete fusions still at age 20.

Conclusion
The ring apophysis maturation in AIS is delayed compared to that in the normal population and lasts longer in the mid/low thoracic spine. Delayed maturation of the spine’s most important stabilizer, while the body’s dimensions continue to increase, could be part of the patho-mechanism of AIS.
Barriers and Facilitators to Co-Creating Interventions with Refugee and Migrant Youth: A Process Evaluation with Implementors
Authors: Maiorano Nicole , McQuillan Katie , Swords Lorraine , Vallières Frédérique , Nixon Elizabeth 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe rise in children experiencing forced displacement and the associated negative mental health effects have led to the proliferation of novel interventions targeting their educational development and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs. To improve the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions for refugee communities, co-creation is often used. However, there is a need to understand the mechanisms that support the co-creation process. This paper explores the process of co-creation within the REFUGE-ED project: an international consortium identifying, co-creating, and implementing educational and MHPSS interventions for refugee youth. The data are drawn from consortium members and site staff who participated in a range of meetings, focus groups, and interviews which occurred before, during, and after the implementation. A qualitative content analysis grounded in the (updated) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was then used to identify barriers to and facilitators of the co-creation process. Although numerous barriers and facilitators were identified only two traversed both categories and every stage of the co-creation process: namely, the quality of interpersonal relationships and the clarity of the implementation plan. We discuss relevance of these two factors to the field of co-creation as a means to adapt health interventions targeting youth refugee populations. Considerations, needs, and recommendations for future co-creation interventions are also outlined.
Air quality monitoring device to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in educational buildings
Authors: Quiroga Diego , Diaz Sergio , Pastrana Homero F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic brought significant consequences on healthcare systems, economy, and politics. Nowadays, we know that the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 is transmitted mainly by aerosol droplets exhaled by infected individuals, which remain suspended in indoor air. There has been widespread interest in monitoring the $$CO_2$$

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levels in indoor spaces since an infected patient exhales $$CO_2$$

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and infectious aerosols when breathing. So, we designed and built an Air Quality Monitoring Device (AQMD) that measures and analyzes the levels of $$CO_2$$

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and particulate matter in the classrooms of a university with the aim of mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We divided the AQMD design into 2 phases: (i) data measurement and (ii) estimation of infection risk. Specifically, we measured the air quality in 3 classrooms of a university during different types of activities. Using these data, we calculated the recommended $$CO_2$$

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threshold for our classroom setting and estimated the probability of COVID-19 infection of a susceptible person. Our research shows that indoor $$CO_2$$

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concentrations and the probability of COVID-19 infection are influenced mainly by the type of activity and the number of windows open; besides, the number of students does not significantly impact the indoor $$CO_2$$

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concentrations levels because the range of students in the test scenario (18 to 31) was relatively small.
Evaluation of geosynthetic encased columns in Zambian heterogenous soils
Authors: Shaba Ada Farai , Masheka Goodson 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe development of Zambia has brought increased large-scale infrastructure construction that has necessitated the need for improved foundation techniques that are both economical and adequate in capacity. Clay and soft soils with low bearing capacities and high compressibility could render structural foundations to perform poorly and shorten the design life of the bridges and structures. This study used a bridge case study in Northern Province, Zambia to investigate the use of geosynthetic encased columns (GECs) to support the bridge embankments to reduce differential settlements. End bearing fully encased columns were compared to floating columns of varying lengths by numerical modelling in PLAXIS 3D. The Hardening Soil and Mohr–Coulomb soil models were used for the column surrounding soil and the GECs in the finite element analysis. The results showed that the end bearing columns had the least differential settlements at the soil surface, whilst the reduction in floating column length increased the punching settlements. Moreover, the shear stress along the interface of the GECs and surrounding soil varied from 20 kN/m2 to 142 kN/m2, where the end bearing GEC had the least shear stress.
Preoperative consultation for determining the appropriate transfusion strategy
Authors: Kang Ka-Won 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSurgical patients are at risk of postoperative complications and mortality, necessitating preoperative patient optimization through the identification and correction of modifiable risk factors. Although preoperative platelet transfusions aim to reduce the risk of bleeding, their efficacy remains uncertain. Similarly, red blood cell transfusion in patients with anemia does not reduce the risk of postoperative mortality and may exacerbate complications. Therefore, developing individualized strategies that focus on correcting preoperative complete blood count abnormalities and minimizing transfusion requirements are essential. This review aimed to examine complete blood count abnormalities and appropriate transfusion strategies to minimize postoperative complications.
Macro‐ and Microphysical Characteristics of Extreme Hourly Precipitation Over the Pearl River Delta on the Monsoon Coast (South China)
Authors: Qiu Juliao , Luo Yali , Wu Chong , Gao Yanyu , Yu Shuting 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, the Extreme Hourly Precipitation Areas (EHPAs) of three extreme levels (i.e., between the 95th and 99th percentiles, between the 99th and 99.9th percentiles, beyond the 99.9th percentile) in the Pearl River Delta over South China are identified; then the related events and associated Convective Cores (CCs) are tracked, and their macro‐and‐microphysical characteristics are analyzed using multi‐year dual‐polarization radar observations. Results show that >90% of EHPAs are smaller than 10 km2, and 65%–75% of EHPA events last only one hour. They tend to be more localized and persist longer with increasing hourly‐precipitation extremity. The EHPAs overlap with the CCs during 50%–64% of the EHPAs' life span. Their occurrence frequencies are nearly quadrupled after the monsoon onset over South China Sea (SCS), with a major (secondary) peak at about 1400 LST (0600 LST) in the diurnal variations. The CCs are non‐linear shaped with about 65% being meso‐γ‐scale and embedded within mostly meso‐β or α‐scale 20 dBZ regions. The CCs generally contain active warm‐rain processes and about 70% possess moderate‐to‐intense mixed‐phase microphysical processes. The ratios of ice water path to liquid water path are about 0.37, and coalescence dominates (about 68%) the liquid‐phase processes. The average size of raindrop is slightly larger than the “maritime‐like” regime and the average concentration is much higher than the “continental‐like” regime. These CCs' characteristics roughly resemble those of the convection producing extreme instantaneous precipitation, except for a larger horizontal scale and less evident variations with the increasing hourly‐precipitation extremity.
Methods of identifying surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bethell George S. , Jones Ian H. , Battersby Cheryl , Knight Marian , Hall Nigel J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Current data suggests potential benefit of earlier surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) however this requires accurate prognostication early in the disease course. This study aims to identify and determine the effectiveness of previously reported methods or tests for the identification of surgical NEC.

Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis with registration on PROSPERO including articles describing a method of identifying surgical NEC. Outcomes of interest were effectiveness and repeatability of index test.

Results
Of the 190 full-text articles screened, 90 studies were included which contained 114 methods of identifying surgical NEC in 9546 infants. Of these methods, 44 were a scoring system, 37 a single biomarker, 24 an imaging method, and 9 an invasive method. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 12.8–100% to 13–100%, respectively. Some methods (9.6%) provided insufficient methods for repeatability within clinical practice or research. Meta-analyses were possible for only 2 methods, the metabolic derangement 7 score and abdominal ultrasound.

Conclusions
A range of methods for identifying surgical NEC have been identified with varying overall performance and uncertainties about reproducibility and superiority of any method. External validation in large multicentre datasets should allow direct comparison of accuracy and prospective study should evaluate impact on clinical outcomes.

Impact

Earlier identification of need for surgery in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has the potential to improve the unfavourable outcomes in this condition. As such, many methods have been developed and reported to allow earlier identification of surgical NEC.

This study is the first synthesis of the literature which identifies previously reported methods and the effectiveness of these.

Many methods, including scoring systems and biomarkers, appear effective for prognostication in NEC and external validation is now required in multicentre datasets prior to clinical utility.
Involvement of Siglec-15 in regulating RAP1/RAC signaling in cytoskeletal remodeling in osteoclasts mediated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor
Authors: Kobayashi Hideyuki , Terkawi M. Alaa , Ota Masahiro , Hasegawa Tomoka , Yamamoto Tomomaya , Shimizu Tomohiro , Sato Dai , Fujita Ryo , Murakami Toshifumi , Amizuka Norio , Iwasaki Norimasa , Takahata Masahiko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
DNAX-associated protein 12 kD size (DAP12) is a dominant immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-signaling adaptor that activates costimulatory signals essential for osteoclastogenesis. Although several DAP12-associated receptors (DARs) have been identified in osteoclasts, including triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), C-type lectin member 5 A (CLEC5A), and sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec)-15, their precise role in the development of osteoclasts and bone remodeling remain poorly understood. In this study, mice deficient in Trem-2, Clec5a, Siglec-15 were generated. In addition, mice double deficient in these DAR genes and FcεRI gamma chain (FcR)γ, an alternative ITAM adaptor to DAP12, were generated. Bone mass analysis was conducted on all mice. Notably, Siglec-15 deficient mice and Siglec-15/FcRγ double deficient mice exhibited mild and severe osteopetrosis respectively. In contrast, other DAR deficient mice showed normal bone phenotype. Likewise, osteoclasts from Siglec-15 deficient mice failed to form an actin ring, suggesting that Siglec-15 promotes bone resorption principally by modulating the cytoskeletal organization of osteoclasts. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed that Sigelc-15 activates macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-induced Ras-associated protein-1 (RAP1)/Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) pathway through formation of a complex with p130CAS and CrkII, leading to cytoskeletal remodeling of osteoclasts. Our data provide genetic and biochemical evidence that Siglec-15 facilitates M-CSF-induced cytoskeletal remodeling of the osteoclasts.
IRGM/Irgm1 increases autophagy to inhibit activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammatory injury induced acute liver failure
Authors: Zhang Xing , Hu Yangyang , Wang Wei , Ji Ru , Li Ziyue , Yu Weiyan , Wu Zhinian , Xiao Ying , Guo Tingyu , Qi Zeqiang , Wang Yadong , Zhao Caiyan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractImmune-related GTPase M (IRGM) induces autophagy and suppresses inflammation, but its putative role and signaling mechanism remain undefined in the pathogenesis of liver failure. This study aimed to address how IRGM attenuates inflammatory injury by regulating autophagy in liver failure. In this study, a total of 10 patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and 10 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Intrahepatic expression of IRGM/Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1), autophagy-related proteins (LC3II, P62), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured. Autophagy was activated by rapamycin (4 mg/kg) in an acute liver failure (ALF) mouse model, which was used to further study the expression of Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome, autophagy-related proteins, and inflammatory cytokines using both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Irgm1 expression was knocked down using Irgm1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AML12 cells to investigate the effects of Irgm1 deletion on autophagy and inflammation. We found that the expression of IRGM and autophagy-related proteins was significantly downregulated while the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in the livers of HBV-ACLF patients and the ALF mouse model (all P < 0.05). Rapamycin-induced autophagy ameliorated intrahepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and decreased inflammation and necrosis in the ALF mice. Irgm1 knockdown decreased autophagy and significantly upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in AML12 cells (all P < 0.05). Rapamycin-induced autophagy also protected against hepatocyte injury following LPS stimulation in vitro by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, IRGM/Irgm1 alleviates inflammation-mediated hepatocyte injury by regulating autophagy. This study provides new insight into potential molecular targets to treat liver failure.