bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal exposure risk in different life stages of Chinook salmon in the Nechako River system, British Columbia
Authors: Oyinlola Muhammed Alolade , Khorsandi Mostafa , Mayer Noa , Butler Natalie , Wert Jacey C. Van , Eliason Erika J. , Arsenault Richard , Brauner Colin J. , Hinch Scott G. , St-Hilaire Andre 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Climate change is affecting freshwater systems, leading to increased water temperatures, which is posing a threat to freshwater ecological communities. In the Nechako River, a water management program has been in place since the 1980s to maintain water temperatures at 20°C during the migration of Sockeye salmon. However, the program's effectiveness in mitigating the impacts of climate change on resident species like Chinook salmon's thermal exposure is uncertain. In this study, we utilised the CEQUEAU hydrological model and life stage-specific physiological data to evaluate the consequences of the current program on Chinook salmon's thermal exposure under two contrasting climate change and socio-economic scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The results indicate that the thermal exposure risk is projected to be above the optimal threshold for parr and adult life stages under both scenarios relative to the 1980s. These life stages could face an increase in thermal exposure ranging from up to 2 and 5 times by 2090s relative to the 1980s during the months they occurred under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, including when the program is active (July 20th to August 20th). Additionally, our study shows that climate change will result in a substantial rise in cumulative heat degree days, ranging from 1.9 to 5.8 times (2050s) and 2.9 to 12.9 times (2090s) in comparison to the 1980s under SSP5-8.5. Our study highlights the need for a holistic approach to review the current Nechako management plan and consider all species in the Nechako River system in the face of climate change.
Genome-wide association study of subfoveal choroidal thickness in a longitudinal cohort of older adults
Authors: Kim Hyeong Min , Joo Kwangsic , Kim Minji , Park Young Joo , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong , Lee Sejoon , Woo Se Joon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To identify genetic influences on subfoveal choroidal thickness using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Methods
We recruited 300 participants from the population-based Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) and Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia (KLOSCAD) cohort studies and 500 participants from the Bundang age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cohort study dataset. We conducted a GWAS on older adult populations in the KLoSHA and KLOSCAD cohorts. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with choroidal thickness were identified with P values < 1.0 × 10− 4 in both the right and left eyes, followed by validation using the Bundang AMD cohort dataset. This association was further confirmed by a functional in vitro study using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Results
The ages of the cohort participants in the discovery and validation datasets were 73.5 ± 3.3 and 71.3 ± 7.9 years, respectively. In the discovery dataset, three SNPs (rs1916762, rs7587019, and rs13320098) were significantly associated with choroidal thickness in both eyes. This association was confirmed for rs1916762 (genotypes GG, GA, and AA) and rs7587019 (genotypes GG, GA, and AA), but not for rs13320098. The mean choroidal thickness decreased by 56.7 µm (AA, 73.8%) and 31.1 µm (GA, 85.6%) compared with that of the GG genotype of rs1916762, and by 55.4 µm (AA, 74.2%) and 28.2 µm (GA, 86.7%) compared with that of the GG genotype of rs7587019. The SNPs rs1916762 and rs7587019 were located close to the FAM124B gene near its cis-regulatory region. Moreover, FAM124B was highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. In vitro HUVEC experiments showed that the inhibition of FAM124B was associated with decreased vascular endothelial proliferation, suggesting a potential mechanism of choroidal thinning.
Conclusions
FAM124B was identified as a susceptibility gene affecting subfoveal choroidal thickness in older adults. This gene may be involved in mechanisms underlying retinal diseases associated with altered choroidal thickness, such as age-related macular degeneration.
Impacts of Corrosion Inhibiting Admixture and Supplementary Cementitious Material on Early Strength Concrete
Authors: Reddy Panga Narasimha , Vijay Kunamineni , Kavyatheja Bode Venkata , Reddy G. Gautham Kishore , Reddy Avuthu Narender , Kumar A. Uday 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of alccofine on a mineral admixture and sodium nitrite as a corrosion inhibitor on the properties of concrete. To achieve these aims, an experimental investigation was carried out on a set of composite samples comprising five distinct concrete formulations. Five different mixes for the concrete were used as the overlay materials such as NC as a reference concrete, alccofine concrete (i.e. 25% cement replaced with alccofine), and alccofine concrete with varying dosages of sodium nitrite (i.e. 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5%). Corrosion properties of the concrete samples were examined using open circuit potentials and linear polarization resistance of various concrete mixes after being immersed in 1M H2SO4 and 3% NaCl environment. The findings indicated a notable improvement in the corrosion resistance, water absorption test, thermal conductivity, strength properties, and microstructural properties of concrete with the incorporation of SN in combination with alccofine. The application of the response surface method allowed for the prediction, validation, and optimization of experimental data using a regression equation.
The Effect of Psychedelics on Individuals with a Personality Disorder: Results from two Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Gordon Alexandra R. , Carrithers Brennan M. , Pagni Broc A. , Kettner Hannes , Marrocu Alessia , Nayak Sandeep , Weiss Brandon J. , Carhart-Harris Robin L. , Roberts Daniel E. , Zeifman Richard J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Personality disorders (PDs) are characterized by impairments in psychological functioning for which pharmacologic treatments have demonstrated limited efficacy. Psychedelics may offer a potential PD treatment, given support for their potential enduring positive effects on psychological functioning. However, little is known about the safety or therapeutic effects of psychedelics among individuals with a PD. Therefore, we examined the effects of psychedelic use on mental health among individuals with a PD.
Methods: Study 1 included three prospective observational studies where 21 individuals with a PD diagnosis completed mental health measures (depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal ideation [SI]) before, 2 weeks (except SI), and 4 weeks after psychedelic use. Study 2 was a prospective observational study in which 55 individuals with a PD diagnosis completed mental health measures (anxiety, depressive symptoms, cognitive flexibility, expressive suppression, and cognitive reappraisal) before, 2-4 weeks, and 2-3 months after psychedelic use.
Results: In Study 1, elevations in SI were rare (6.67%) with no elevations to high risk of suicidal behavior post-psychedelic use. All participants with high baseline risk of suicidal behavior (6.67%) were at low-risk post-psychedelic use. SI reduced at 4 weeks (Hedges’ g=0.52). There were several cases of increased anxiety (Study 1: 13.6%-25.0%; Study 2: 16.3%-11.5%) and clinically significant worsening of depression symptoms (Study 1: 14.3%-14.2%; Study 2: 10.0%-8.0%). Across both studies, psychedelic use was associated with reductions in anxiety (Study 1: g=-.46–-.57; Study 2 g=-.52–-.89) and depression (Study 1 g=-.54–-0.59; Study 2 rs= .52–.57) . In Study 2, there were transient increases in cognitive flexibility at 2-4 weeks (g=.26) and sustained increases in cognitive reappraisal up to 2-3 months (g=.36). Increases in cognitive reappraisal were associated with reductions in anxiety (r=.33) and depression (rs=.37).
Conclusion: For individuals with PD, psychedelic use was associated with improvements in psychological functioning. There were no clinically significant elevations in SI and several cases of elevations in anxiety and depression severity. The studies are limited by a small sample size, self-reported data, and lack of differentiation between PDs. Further research should explore the safety and potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics among individuals with PD.
The application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer affected maize yield by regulating soil microbial diversity
Authors: Meng tiantian , Shi Jingjing , Zhang Xiangqian , Zhao Xiaoqing , Zhang Dejian , Chen Liyu , Lu Zhanyuan , Cheng Yuchen , Hao Yonghe , Wang Yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In agro-pastoral interleaved zones, determining the appropriate rate of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application is crucial in understanding the interplay in soil microbial community structure, network complexity, crop yield, as well as regional ecological security. Building upon a positioning experiment conducted previously, this study investigates six different gradients (N0, N8, N12, N16, N20 and N24) of nitrogen fertilizers, The results revealed that ALPT, NO3−-N and pH were the primary factors influencing the composition of bacterial communities.MBC, ALPT, and HR played a significant role in shaping fungal community composition. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Myxomycota were identified as the dominant bacterial phyla affecting yield, while Basidiomycota and Glomeromycota were the key fungal phyla involved. Application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer led to an increase in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota abundance in both rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota relative abundances exhibited spatial variations. Nitrogen improved soil physical and chemical properties ss and regulated microbial community composition, which effectively enhanced maize yield. Nitrogen fertilizer reduced bacterial network complexity but enhanced fungal network complexity and stability. It not only simplified the bacterial network but also enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria. This led to increased microbial activity, resulting in enhanced crop yields.
Whispers in the snow: unveiling the spatio-temporal snow leopard (Panthera uncia) territorial marking and cub observations for conservation in Baltistan
Authors: Zaman Muhammad , Jackson Rodney , Hussain Shafqat 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Breeding and intraspecific communication are crucial for the behavioral ecology of solitary carnivores. studying communication behaviors and observing cubs in their natural habitat pose challenges. During a seven-year research project (2015–2022) in northern Pakistan, thirty-two motion-triggered cameras were strategically placed to capture leopard behaviors. The study documented a total of 103 leopard events, with 40 occurrences in snowy conditions and 63 in snow-free areas. Nine unique communication behaviors were identified and the cameras recorded ten videos showing leopard cubs with their mother.The study revealed that snow leopards were more active in marking behaviors in snow-free areas at night and less active when snow was present. Crepuscular activities had the highest frequency with snow, while daytime, nocturnal activities had lower values. Snow leopards exhibited more marking activities in open areas and less in mixed herbaceous and shrub habitats. Daytime marking peaked in the evening with snow and at midnight without snow. Olfaction and scraping were more common in open land, while fecal deposition was frequently seen in mixed herbaceous and shrub habitats. Scraping and urine spraying were associated with cliffs and rock outcrops/boulders in open areas. Snow leopards tended to avoid scrape marks in snowy conditions, preferring urine spraying or olfaction behaviors. However, in snowless areas, leopards preferred scraping and urine marking. The study also documented ten videos of a female with cubs across various study sites. These behaviors, similar to those of other solitary felids, help understand communication behaviors among different species of solitary felids in different environmental conditions
Efficacy of rituximab, tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy and its influencing factors: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jin Yan , Jiang Jun , Lan Lei , Ren Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Backround To investigate the efficacy of rituximab, tacrolimus, and cyclophosphamide on idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and the related factors for efficacy.
Methods A total of 117 patients diagnosed with IMN by renal biopsy or positive anti-phospholipase antibody from January 2018 to December 2022, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab were selected as initial immunotherapy. The remission of proteinuria and infection were followed up. Survival analysis was used to explore the difference in the remission rate of proteinuria among the three groups, and Cox regression model was used to explore the risk factors of IMN treatment effect, and the difference in infection among the three groups was compared.
ResultsAmong the 117 IMN patients, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide and rituximab were selected for initial immunotherapy in 32, 63, and 22 patients, respectively.In the tacrolimus group, the total response rate of proteinuria at 6 months was 84.4%, the median response time was 3 months, and the complete response rate of proteinuria was 44.4%. The total remission rate of proteinuria was 82.5%, the median remission time was 5 months, and the complete remission rate of proteinuria was 40.9% in the cyclophosphamide group. The total remission rate of proteinuria at 6 months in the rituximab group was 72.7%, the median response time was 6 months, and the complete response rate of proteinuria was 42.9%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that: In the first 6 months of initial treatment, the regimen affected on total renal response(HR=0.67, 95%CI 0.48-0.93, P= 0.02), and TAC had a better effect than RTX (HR=2.14, 95%CI 1.01-4.19, P=0.03). There was no difference between CTX and RTX. Serum albumin level at immunotherapy had a statistical effect on total renal response (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.00-1.09, P = 0.04), and patients with serum albumin > 20g/L at immunotherapy had a better overall renal response rate.
Conclusion The therapeutic effect of IMN was affected by the treatment regimen and the onset of serum albumin. Tacrolimus had a better effect than rituximab, and there was no difference between tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide. There was no difference in infection among the three groups.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 mediated Caspase-8 Affects Cognitive Impairment in Mice with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang XinYi , Chen Li , Wang Ke , Chen Yue , He Zhi , Cheng XianWu , Jiang Haiying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To investigate the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the present study used seven-week-old male C57BL/6J and DPP4 knockout mice. The AD model was induced by microinjection of Aβ25−35 into the lateral ventricle. Morris water maze test showed that DPP4 knockout significantly improved the spatial learning and memory abilitoes of AD mice. Western blot results showed that DPP4 knockout increased the expression levels of BDNF, CREB and Bcl-2 in the hippocampus of AD mice while the expression levels of Caspase-8, pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, 1L-18, 1L-1β and apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Bax were decreased. Similar results were observed after HT22 neurons were treated with Aβ25−35 and DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Sit). Moreover, the treatment with Caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-LETD-FMK) showed that the inhibition of Caspase-8 inhibited the expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the AD model cells, but had no further inhibitory effect under the treatment of Sit. Our results suggests that DPP4 knockout may ameliorate learning and memory dysfunction in AD model mice by regulating pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways through Caspase-8.
Engaging Latinx students in scientific inquiry and metacognition through an interdisciplinary summer program
Authors: Chapman Angela , Ganesan Uma , Almanza Mario , Garcia Lluvia , Gomez Yailen , Amaro Isabel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Informal learning experiences can provide PK-12 students with the opportunity to enhance their learning of, attitudes toward, and interest in STEM. This study explored the impact of informal STEM learning experiences on Latinx high school students. Through an authentic STEM program, we investigated how students' science and engineering skills, practices, and knowledge were influenced, as well as their attitudes and interest in STEM. Additionally, we examined the transferability of their learning from informal to formal educational settings. Our findings indicated that this innovative approach enhanced student learning of science and engineering practices, positively shaped their attitudes toward STEM, and facilitated metacognitive transfer to formal learning environments.
Comparison of safety of general anesthesia and intravenous sedation during third-molar extraction surgery: a retrospective study of 1,260 cases
Authors: Park Se-Ung , Kim Taewoo , Do Jiwon , Cho Mincheul , An Jung-Sub , Karm Myong-Hwan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study compared the safety of general anesthesia (GA) and intravenous sedation (IVS) in patients who underwent extraction of one or more third molars. Data from 1,260 patients (GA group, n = 1,043; IVS group, n = 217) were retrospectively analyzed, including demographics, preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation level), and medications administered intraoperatively and postoperatively. The incidence of intraoperative circulatory variations, surgery and anesthesia durations, postoperative complications, and medication use were assessed and compared. The GA group had longer anesthesia and surgery durations, a higher incidence of hypotension, and a higher frequency of postoperative analgesic use than the IVS group. Dexmedetomidine was the most frequently used sedative agent. The IVS group had a lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension but they had a higher need for vasopressors in the recovery room. Both anesthesia methods maintained satisfactory oxygen saturation levels and sufficient anesthesia throughout the procedure, but they showed different characteristics regarding the duration of surgery and anesthesia duration, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative analgesic needs. IVS may be preferable for patients at risk of cardiovascular complications such as hypotension or tachycardia during surgery.
A parsimonious model explaining patterns in the Covid-19 event
Authors: Krall Peter , Krall Christoph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A model is presented that brings together two apparently conflicting observations: There were transitions from peaks of activity to prolonged periods of fluctuation in relatively narrow bands, indicating strong constraints for possible transmission paths; yet, mutant strains could replace wild-types rapidly, indicating that there were enough transmission paths from the mutant index cases to the nodes in the contact chains from active wild-type cases to block the transmission. It is shown that this is explainable if the spread was driven and modulated by spread in open reservoirs, such as hospitals, where prevalence could persist because there was continuous admission of susceptible individuals while the duration of stay was sufficient to support transmission chains, and where strains competed for the resource of susceptible admissions. Furthermore, strong segmentation of the general community allowed multiplication of the nosocomial cases without supporting long transmission chains outside hospitals which would have kept the wild type in the population.
Two-layer Optimization of Distribution Network with Distributed Power Supply and Energy Storage Based on Improved Whale Algorithm
Authors: MA Xiping , LI Yaxin , DONG Xiaoyang , XU Rui , WEI Kai , CAI Juanjuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The integration of distributed generator (DG) causes the change of the topology and power flow distribution of the distribution network, which leads to the change of line loss. Moreover, the existing methods of line loss optimization in distribution network have some problems, such as high computational complexity, low efficiency, and local optimality༎Therefore, a two-layer optimal configuration model of distribution network is constructed. The upper model determines the installation location and capacity of distributed power supply and energy storage by using the lowest economic cost of the system. The lower model establishes the optimal configuration model of wind-solar and storage integration by taking the active power network loss and voltage deviation as the objective function. Besides, the Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) was used to solve the optimization result in the upper and lower layers’ model. Based on the IEEE-33 node power distribution system, a simulation is conducted and the effectiveness and superiority of the model and algorithm are verified.
Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst: a rare case report
Authors: Fan Yufeng , Zhu Xiaogang , Wang Rongjin , Yang Weigang , Ji Xiaoliang , Zhuang Mingdong , Jiang Ming , Hu Yun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Although abdominal cysts are frequently observed, retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts (RBCs) are rare. We encountered a patient with RBC who underwent a series of examinations and surgical resections and was followed up for 5 years.
Case presentation
A 31-year-old woman presented to our center with abdominal trauma. Transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) inadvertently revealed a cystic lesion in the left upper quadrant, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large homogeneous fluid-density lesion, which was tentatively diagnosed as a cystic teratoma. Neither ultrasound nor CT showed signs of abdominal organ damage. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection, and the lesion was removed entirely. The histopathology diagnosis was RBC.
Conclusions
Retroperitoneal bronchial cysts are rare and usually clinically asymptomatic. Although rare, retroperitoneal bronchial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with abdominal cystic masses. Imaging examinations, such as ultrasound and CT, are the main ways to detect the disease. Laparoscopyis a feasible and safe treatment for RBCs.